Easter '06!

Once again, Easter at Melissa's house was just awesome. All the family together enjoying good conversation and laughter in the setting of her newly (beautifully!) remodeled house. The kids all running around and playing and giggling, high on sugar. And of course there was the food:

Macaroni and cheese, fried cabbage (you know, the really exquisite kind with bacon and sugar? Heck yeh!), deviled eggs, pea salad, green salad, ham bicuits, asparagus with bernaise sauce, green beans-n-taters, glazed carrots...


Is that a pretty salad, or what!!


The Desserts required a whole 'nother buffet table unto themselves!


Let the feasting begin!!


Let the games begin! Easter Egg Hunt 2006!

This picture cracks me up!!!


The Big Kids did all the hiding and tallying of the eggs, this year...


Egg hunting works up quite an appetite--Jack and Q go back for seconds on the mac-n-cheese!


W had a blast with that toy gun! I SO dig that little "I'm gonna get you" smile!


A little tip: when penniless on Easter and in need of gifts for your niece and nephews, a little scrap material wrapped around a few pieces of candy and garnished with fresh flowers will work in a pinch! Ask me how I know this, LOL!


It was a great holiday spent with family and friends!! Thanks again, Melissa and family!!!

The Big Catch-up Post

A power surge during a thunder storm fried my internal modem and it's taken me over TWO WEEKS to locate and install a new external modem.On top of that, I forgot my password to Blogger (DUH!). Hence, the shameful lack 'o blogging!

Mac is a WONDERFUL computer system--until something goes wrong. Then you had better have signed up for their maintenance/repair warranty-service thingy or your up a creek--which I was. But, all is well again and my portal to the rest of the world (internet) is once again open. *happy sigh* I feel that I could write a whole other post expounding upon the joys of the internet...but not today. I've got too much catching up to do.

The last few weeks in a nutshell:

* Race is home!!!!!!!!!! :0D

*Two weddings completed successfully

*Had a great time babysitting Melissa's's kids

----hiking in the National Forest where Jack found many uber cool rocks to add to his collection, Savannah enjoyed watching Elvis/Hilda's antics in the creek and Austin got bruised and battered by a huge stone while climbing up a rocky cliff (I know that last bit sounds bad--and it WAS scary--but Austin is fine and now has this awesome story to tell his friends!!)
----We all went to see the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at the dollar theatre. I cried through practically the whole thing--- excellent and inspirational movie!!
----Had the opportunity to watch Jack doing his thing at baseball practice.The kid is GOOD!!! Got some awesome pics.
--The kids took me down to their creek where we hiked and waded and picked flowers and caught crawdads,etc.
----Thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of seeing the kids welcoming Race back home.


*Attended a lecture by the author of one of my FAVORITE books. Orson Scott Card, author of Ender's Game came to speak at a local college. Very interesting. I stayed afterwards and got my book autographed and had the great joy of telling the author just how much I enjoyed his work. That was cool.

*Attended the bi-annual Mass Meeting of my local political party and listened to our delegate give an update on the year's happening in the state legislature.Very informative. I also decided to be a delegate for the district's upcoming convention.

* A couple of fishing expeditions undertaken with success. A friend invited me to join their family fishing at a private lake and sent the booty home with me (bass,bluegill and crappy--YUM!!). Another friend invited me over to fish with he and his brother at their pond. They caught nothing while I hauled in two 3lb bass and several bluegill.
I tried not to rub it in, heh-heh. I cleaned them and fried them up for us all, so as to aid in the healing of any possible bruised male egos. :0D

*Lots of new flowers and herbs were planted in my flower beds and containers about the front of my house. These join my returning perennials to lend a very pleasing aspect to the front of my house This is my first real flower garden, so please pardon me if I'm bragging just a teeny bit ( *blush*).

* One of the biggest things that has been going on with me, has been the remodeling of my house. All the carpet has been ripped up in the living room and hallway. I rented a vibrating sander, but had NO luck getting the nasty old carpet glue off of the wood. So, with much fear and trembling, I went back to Aztec and rented the Big Sander. I had been cautioned by no less than four people that the Big Sander is a floor eating monster. But, I took the risk and MAN you should see my floors, now!!!! Even unfinished, they're BEAUTIFUL!! The Big Sander did the trick. It WAS big and heavy and I am now possessed of the forearms of Popeye (and quite possibly a small hernia from lifting it in and out of the car), but my floors look GREAT!! I can't wait to get the stain/poly down on them!

*Small bridal show, a couple of consultations and portrait sessions that all went very well.

* Easter at Melissa's house. A great time with the family and great food and the little ones running all over having a blast. I'll do a separate post with pictures and a detailed description of the food. Hang on, Dy, it's coming!!:0D

A Four Dog Night

I had a couple of incredibly cute visitors mysteriously appear on my back deck one night last week. Is there perhaps a sign in my yard that indicates that cute, unwanted animals should be dropped here, because the chick that lives here is a big, giant succer and will take them in and care for them?
I can't find it, but the sign MUST be here somewhere! This is how I ended up with little Hilda, remember.








They were all cold and wet and shivering and terrified when I found them, so I brought them inside and made a bed for them in the bathroom. After partaking quite voraciously of the offered food, they settled in and went to sleep. It was a LONG night of whimpering and whining and restlesness from the puppies AND my dogs who are NOT used to canine visitors in their home. The next day, I let the little critters roam freely about the house and yard and interact with Elvis and Hilda (which was hilarious!!--Hilda's never encountered a dog smaller than herself before), while I finished the day's printing assignment. Later in the afternoon,
I packed them up and headed over to the local SPCA, where I was assured that they would be adopted very quickly. It was hard to let them go, but I just CAN'T have any more pets.
They were sweethearts, but one 4 Dog Night is all my tiny little household can handle. It was fun to have them visit for the day, though! :0)

If I were a Beer

I found this over at Barefoot Meanderings Bass (66% dark & bitter, 33% working class, 66% genuine)

So the deal with this test is that each taker, based on his or her scores, is assigned a beer that fits their personality (Corona, Bud Select, and so on), and along with the personality description, there's a poster or an ad for that beer. As you can imagine, most of the images feature booty models, sports cars, or, maybe even more depressing, retro kitsch. It's a testament to Bass Ale, and therefore to YOU, that when I went to look for ads for Bass, all I found was this. An ad from 1937. Bass is legit, and if your scores are true, so are you. I tip my glass to that. Personality-wise, you have refined tastes (after all, Bass is kind of expensive), but you know how to savor what you get. Your personality isn't exactly bubbly, but you're well-liked by your close circle of friends. Your sense of humor is rather dark, but that's just another way to say sophisticated, right? Cheers.

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 40% on dark You scored higher than 6% on workingclass You scored higher than 24% on genuine

Link: The If You Were A Beer Test written by gwendolynbooks

General goings-on

Other than the flesh-eating rash that covers 60% of my person, I'm doing well. Supposedly (according to the M.D.) it's an allergic reaction of some sort, but I'll be darned if I can figure out what's causing it. Any tips from you herbal/natural remedy saavy folks, out there, would be much appreciated!

Positively, gorgeous weather here the last few days. I'm about to take the pups out for a workout, clean house and then shower up and head out to pick up Savannah from her dance lesson. Then it's a watch-a-movie-while-trimming-reprints evening for me. 507 reprints, to be exact. Maybe I need to rent two movies? I'm not complaining though, 'cause I get a check for those reprints tomorrow! Woohoo!

Progress on the hardwood floors is slow, but steady. I hope to have all of the carpet ripped up and scraped away by the end of this week. Then the very daunting task of sanding shall begin. (GULP!)

Events of note:
I recieved a call from Q last week, thanking me for sending him the Yoda action figure. It was such a neat surprise to answer the phone and hear Q's little voice on the other end. He described the figurine to me in great detail and seemed very tickled to get it. SOOOO cute!!

A couple of weeks back, I spent a day each with Savannah and Jackson.

Savannah and I stopped by the country store and grabbed some snacks, before heading to my place. There we sampled and then downloaded several songs of her choosing from iTunes ranging from Phantom of the Opera numbers to Celtic flutes.While the music was downloading, we took a long walk in the woods with the dogs. Later, we enjoyed lunch at a Mexican restaurant and an afternoon of shopping. We both have very active imaginations and a huge appreciation for visual beauty and music, which always predisposes us to enjoy one another's company. But even if we didn't have so much in common, I still would have enjoyed our time together. She is just a delightful young lady. It was a great day and I want very much to do it again soon.

Jack and I stopped by the Rock Shop to purchase a few new pieces for his collection and then ran by the country store to grab some junkfood before heading to my place. First we went for a long walk in the fields and woods to visit the cow graveyard and the old log cabin. The graveyard yielded a very cool piece of skull from which we extracted a cow tooth (Jack informed me that this would make an EXCELLENT necklace). After returning to the house and tanking up on soda and snackfood, we loaded up the dogs and headed over to the National Forest trail. There we hiked into the woods, up and down hills and ravines and scoured the stream for cool rocks. Pockets loaded down, we made the long trek back and piled back into the car, with muddy boots and panting dogs. Back at the house, we watched a pirate movie until it was time to meet his Mom. Jack never so much as slowed down, the whole day through. He was scrambling over hill and dale---up, down, around and over---chattering happily the whole time about this and that and announcing enthusiastically each new found treasure. He must've said three times "This is a GREAT day!!!" He's such an upbeat little guy with a quick eye for details. Really keeps you on your toes. We did have a GREAT day together!

I have yet to spend a day with just Austin, but the big guy (he's taller than me now--very disconcerting!!) stays so busy with baseball and martial arts, I can't catch him! Well, one of these days.

Alrighty, I gotta get back to work here. Have a good day, folks!!

Home Improvement

Guess what I'm doing??? WASHING CLOTHES!!!!!!!!!!! The Lowe's guys just left and I'm basking in the glow of my brand-spanking new, freshy installed washer and dryer! Woohoo!!! Both appliances had to be installed in my bedroom (instead of the bathroom, where I'd originally planned for them to go) and are blocking the door to my tiny junk closet. And I don't even care! I'm just so glad to have them!! Will I ever grow tired of the gentle, melodic thrum of the washer agitating? Or the light, rhythmic beat of the dryer turining? Oh, I think not.

Another bit of good news. I have removed the carpet and scraped the padding/glue off of about two thirds of my living room floor. And to my great surprise and joy, have found that there is beautiful HARDWOOD plank flooring under there! It's gorgeous! I think it's oak---the natural grain is just lovely. Me and Nice Neighbor Boy have been working on it in the evenings this week. It's slow going and tedious---hunched over on hands and knees scraping off the old padding and glue and gunk. But it will be worth it!

Also, I've located a leather futon cover to replace my old ratty cloth one. The dog hair will just slide right off that succer! And dirt can be cleaned off easily with a damp sponge. It's not cheap, but when you combine the lower maintenance issue with the fact that it's going to look AWESOME in my living room---well, 'nuff said.

Right now, I'm working on three different picture orders that are all due tomorrow. So, I guess I'd better get back to work. I have some other things I'd like to post, but I'm just too swamped right now. Later, then!

My pirate name is:

Mad Anne Flint

Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from fidius.org.

Happy Birthday, MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!


It was a great weekend back at the old homestead. Eating and talking and laughing and happy kids running around everywhere. Good stuff!!
The downstairs is all fixed up with new wood floors and freshly painted walls and matching bed clothes for the new futons. VERY comfy sleeping down there!
I, of course, ate and drank WAY too many calories, so I'm back on the wagon today. Ugh.

Twice, over the course of the weekend, me and Jack and Q all piled onto the Gator and took a chilly ride down to the Stream to hunt for cool rocks. We encountered zillions of adorable, frolicking, week-old calves along the way and were fortunate enough to sight a gorgeous red fox, skimming across the field. And of course, the rock selection at the creek never fails to disappoint.
After supper, I took Jack down to my old workshop and fired up some of my lapidary equipment. We cut open and ground and buffed a few rocks, before the cold just got to be too much for my poor, unseasoned hands. We both enjoyed it, though. I was SO wishing that someone would sneak in and take a picture of him, all hunched over the equipment, intense expession on his face, way-too-big protective goggles strapped over his eyes. Very cute!!

W's still talking up a storm and stealing the show


Q relaxing at the Stream


Jack with one of his many new-found treasures

Just a few snow pics

Gosh, I'm busy

It's a good thing. I'm not complaining.

Every day has been filled to the brim with computer work and and printing and trimming and stuffing albums, etc. And then there are consultations and calls and emails and my Little Buddy to deal with, too.

Little Buddy Update:
I brought her a copy of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and she agreed to read at least the first chapter and we'll talk about it next week. I took my wedding albums in last week for her to look at and she definitley enjoyed the attention that it drew from the other kids. I guess that's something? She has also broguht up the fact that next year would be her last year to be eligible for the Buddy program. I can tell that it worries her to think about that. She's also mentioned that she would really like for me to take her skating or to Putt-Putt (no out of school contact is allowed in the Buddy program). It's making me consider the possibility of eventually becoming a full fledged Big Sister. It's just a thought, at this point. Gonna need some prayer on that one. It's a huge committment and I see things in this little girl that really worry me---bad attitude, unhealthy craving for attention (bad or good), poor social skills and a number of other things. I feel like I need to talk to a professional counsellor, myself, just to know how best to deal with her! Oh, well, I guess I'll just keep praying and keep showing up for our Buddy time, for now. I can't possibly make things any worse for her, anyway.

In Other News:
Little Hilda is recovering nicely from her operation--stitches come out on Monday.
There's a whopper of a snowstorm headed our way, here, for the weekend. I'm hoping to maybe get in a little sledding and take some purty pictures. We'll see.

I haven't even started on my floors, yet. I just can't find the time.UGH!!

I'm having a great day!

I just booked another wedding, scheduled a wedding consultation and have accomplished a bunch of reprint and proof work, too. I got new tags and county stickers for my car. Steadily marking stuff off the To-do list.

Poor little Hilda is at the vet recovering from her operation and doing just fine (she got fixed). I will pick her up in the morning. Me and Elvis took a nice long walk in the woods, this afternoon. The Big E is now contentedly chewing on a McDonalds burger wrapper, enjoying his day of solitude.

I watched Melissa's boys at their martial arts class last night. They are very impressive! At some point, I am going to HAVE to get my nerve up and join there, myself. The skills they're teaching those boys are something I would love to acquire. I think I would really enjoy it, too, if I could get over my self-consciousness. I suspect that once I got in there and learned a few things, I could really get into it. And there are some really nice folks around there, too.

I go to see my Litte Buddy tomorrow. And I'm dreading it SO much. I know that sounds bad, but it's just so frustrating. We have NOTHING in common and I have a terrible time communicating with her. And this last time I saw her, I was detecting a bit of a bad attitude, too--like she's testing me. I am not good at handling such things. Speaking with my BBBS worker didn't help.
I think once they cut you loose with these kids, then you're just kinda on your own. So, I'm clueless.

She likes rap music and Bratz dolls. Neither of those interests are anything I think I ought to encourage. In an attempt to make a connection, I bought her a disposable camera and told her to take pics of her friends and of things that she likes. She didn't even bring the camera back to school for me to develop the pictures. I've been thinking about maybe buying a book for us to read together. Any suggestions as to a title? She's a 4th grader in an inner city school, FYI.

Alrighty, gotta get back to work here. I'm still on a roll! Have a great day, folks!

Quick funny story...

My landlord arranged for carpet company to come to my house and measure for new carpet
(in case the wood floor doesn't work out). I scheduled for her to come out yesterday evening, so when I saw lights in the driveway, it was no surprise. I opened the front door and made sure the porch light was on and continued working on putting up a curtain rod (for the THIRD time--I am NO good at home repairs!). I realized that it was taking the carpet lady a long time to come in the house, when I hear a slow, shuffling-scooting sound approaching the front door. I walked over and peeked out. There was this little old lady, cane/walker in hand, taking tiny little shuffling steps up the sidewalk. I did a double take and then greeted her politely and helped her up the step into the house. She proceeded to remove her quaint little bonnet and remove from her large , grandmotherly purse a tape measure, pen and paper. That's right---the carpet store sent this elderly little lady out into the middle of nowhere at night to measure for carpet!
I couldn't believe it! It was like something out of a Seinfeld episode. She chatted pleasantly about the weather and the latest Gaither family special on Elvis' life as she ever so slowly hobbled about with her trusty tape measure and made marks on her little tablet. I tried not to seem condescending as I discreetly followed her around, hoping to catch her if her little legs should give out or she stumbled over any of the ever-present clutter in my house. It was such a weird situation. When she was finally finished, I helped her out the door and showed her the best way to get back to the road and off she went. In the process of leaving she accidentally beeped her horn (which sent me scampering back outside, just sure she had fallen or something) and ran over and flattened a piece of my gutter spout. I still don't know what to make of it. Should I feel sorry for her or respect her for having the gumption to do what she's doing?? A little of both, I guess! :0)

The last few days

I'm sitting here cropping portrait proofs and listening to Jack Johnson (he's SO cool).
Life is good.

The portrait session in Richie Town went well this morning. The pictures are great and I know the folks will be very pleased. I did make one incredibly STUPID mistake. I asked the mother when she was due---and she's not pregnant. Just has a pooch. I wanted to crawl under a rock and die! Ugh! Thankfully, she was very nice and not offended and just laughed it off.

Mom&Dad came down for a couple of hours on Friday. We all went out to lunch and then Savannah and Alex (13yo cousin) and I spent Friday afternoon at my house. We went for a long walk in the woods where we discovered a rotting cow carcass and explored an 1800's log cabin. Very exciting! Back at my house, we watched Phantom of the Opera and ate junk food. Melissa then treated us all to supper at the Outback (thanks again, BTW!!). A very enjoyable day with all the girls!

Saturday, it was off to the indoor waterpark with Melissa, where Savannah and 3 of her friends spent the day sliding and splashing and swimming and eating and playing arcade games. I ventured into the water for a couple of rides down the water slides. It was fun, but MY I'm getting old. 2 slides were aplenty for me! The girls went non-stop all day! A good time had by all. I have pictures that I'll give to Melissa to put on her blog.

My bathroom is painted and the fixtures are up, but I still need to do a little organizing and get some decorative stuff to hang on the walls. I have the supplies to start on my floor, but need to accomplish a few other things, workwise, before I begin ripping up the carpet. It's going to be a tremendous job, but should be very worth it!

Things I like in a date

I have been on several dates, now, since joining the online matchmaking service. From the very scary, Mr. Sensitive to the very handsome Big School Teacher Guy, I have really gained some interesting insights. From these insights, I am trying to glean some truths, or at least some generalities, pertaining to my own desires in a date. Here is what I've come up with.


Sense of humor: he should make me laugh and he in turn, should "get" my sense of humor (or at least have the presence of mind to REALIZE that I've made an attempt at a funny and give me the common courtesy of a chuckle).

Good Manners: He doesn't have to lay his jacket over a puddle or anything, but at least open the freakin' door for me---geez! And if he talks with his mouth full, I WILL scowl at him. Yuck.
I mean, who DOES that?

Attention: At least some small part of the conversation should be directed towards myself and my interests, thoughts, etc. If 98% of the chat is going to involve his thoughts/feelings about his Ex, just go ahead and pay the bill so I can leave. I'm not his therapist and he may NOT cry on my shoulder--I don't care HOW many times she cheated on you!

Goodnight Kiss: Not on the first date, big fella. I don't care HOW good looking you are, it ain't gonna happen. Handshake or quick hug--that's IT. If you can't deal with that, you're probably not what I'm looking for, anyway.

That's all I've come up with, so far. I'm sure more will be forthcoming. ;0)

TAGGED!!

2 Names you go by:
1).Thom
2). Aunt Thomasina

2 Parts of your heritage:
1).Southern
2).German

2 Things that scare you:
1).Spiders (shudder)
2).Failure

2 of your everyday essentials:
1).Coffee
2). Outdoor time

2 Things you are wearing right now:
1). My favorite Old Navy "Curvy" jeans (which I am not only able to fit back into, but are actually comfortably loose--YAY!!!)
2). Jane cosmetics Very Berry lipstick--love that shade.

2 favorite bands or musical artists (at the moment):
1).Velvet Revolver
2). Jet

2 favorite songs at the moment:
1)."Slither" by Velvet Revolver
2)."Yer Blues" by Jeff Healy Band

2 things you want in a relationship (other than love):
1).trust
2).communication

2 Truths:
1). I am lazy
2). I love cigars

2 physical things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex):
1). strong, capable hands
2). striking eyes

2 of your favorite hobbies:
1). hunting
2). cooking

2 things you want really badly:
1). financial success in my business
2). a nice, isolated piece of land in the mountains with a big log home containing a customized, in-home photography studio.

2 places you want to go on vacation:
1). Alaska
2). Ireland/Scotland

2 things you want to do before you die:
1). A bit of world travel, taking advantage of the fishing/hunting/photography opportunities all along the way.
2). achieve the above "2 things you want really badly"

2 ways that you are stereotypically a chick:
1). I squeal and caper about like a ninny when there's a spider in my house
2). I love to get all gussied up

2 things you are thinking about now:
1). My date last night (tee-hee,*blush*)
2). That I need to get off my duff and paint my bathroom

2 stores you shop at:
1). Walmart
2). Food Dog (Lion)

2 people you'd like to see answer these questions
1). Em
2). Anniesue
It's my MEME and I'll add another person if I want to!
3).Blair (for some reason I can't get your blog to load, so if you read this, consider yourself TAGGED! :0)

Mr. Sensitive Guy

Alright. You asked for it. This is the story of the first date I made through the online match-making thingy.


We email back and forth a few times. I have a few 10 minute phone conversations with him. He asks me to lunch. I agree to meet him (after thoroughly researching his personal credentials and confirming for a fact that he is who he says he is, of course). So we schedule to meet in a very public place and I call my sister to tell her where I am and who I am with (see! I'm very careful!).

I arrive, fashionably late, and walk into the restaurant and scan the room for the face of the guy in the pictures. And don't see it. Instead I see some dude with a trying-to-hide-my-receding-hairline-with-a-bad-80's-do beckoning to me. Oh, good. It's him.

I walk over and say hello, smiling politely. He stands up and spreads his arms open, going in for the hug. I deftly grab one of his limp little hands and shake it firmly before the embrace can occur (score one for me!).

We sit down and begin chatting politely about nothing. His eyes are boring into my face with an uncomfortable intensity. He says, "Ok, let me see those green eyes!" (my online image is in B&W) and leans forward to look into my eyes....as if I wasn't uncomfortable enough. So, I look him in the eyes with an unwavering intensity (and probably a scowling face) that cuts short his irritating stare so that he quickly compliments my lovely eyes and looks away. He then, apparently just desperate for a compliment from me, makes a reference to his own eye, asking me what I thought. I told him in a very non-committal voice that he had "nice eyes" (which he didn't). It just seemed impolite not to, I guess, when he was begging for it SO hard.

We ordered and ate and chatted. He told me how he only ever dated one woman at a time and I told him how I was just dating all sorts of guys. Over the main course, he told me how he felt like we had really made a spiritual connection with one another. I just stared at him incredulously and then told him I really was just looking to make some friends. He tried hard to pour out his heart and soul to me and I fought tooth and nail not to let him. Keep it light, make jokes, anything to make him stop thinking he's smitten with me and to make it clear that I was NOT smitten with HIM. I talked about guns and hunting and my affinity for knives and martial arts and my prowess with a handgun (I felt that these things would all be very foreign and frightening to him). No luck. He thought it was "cute", which made my dislike of him grow ten-fold. What a moron.

We ended the meal with him walking me to my car. Apparently I gave off enough of a "back-off, buddy" vibe that even he didn't feel the need to attempt another hug. I reiterated my position that perhaps we could be "friends". He settled for a handshake and we parted ways, me taking a carefully circuitous route home to avoid any possibility of being followed. Can't be too careful.

That evening, I receive an email from him. He feels that we really have so much in common and that our lunch date is the beginning of something life-changing for both of us (WHAT??!!). He implies that I had been thinking about him for a long time before and after our first meeting (GAG!!) and he'd been thinking of me, too (again, GAG!). He says that we should go out again that weekend and to wear something casual because he has planned an adventure for us---a surprise! (AAAAHHHHH!!). He indicates that all of our "dates" should now be referred to as "adventures"(???).

After struggling hard to keep my dinner down, I wrote back with a polite thanks for lunch and an excuse for not going out on an "adventure" with him that weekend. I'm trying to be nice, see? I kind of feel sorry for the guy, just because he's obviously SO clueless. He emailed a few more times over the holidays and my return messages just kept getting shorter and shorter as my patience wore thinner and thinner. I didn't respond to his last email and he hasn't sent anymore. Hopefully, it's starting to sink in---he has NOT found his soul mate in me.

For a self-proclaimed "sensitive" guy, he was certainly insensitive to the aura of "I don't dig you, AT. ALL." emanating in waves from my person and from my emails. Geez.


***UPDATE: I looked at Mr. S's info on the Matchmaking sight and he has changed his marital status from DIVORCED to WIDOWED! What a decietful slimeball!!! AND he sent me another email this morning asking for me to just be his friend 'cause he needed a friend to help him find "closure". He suggested that we should go out again "as friends". YUCK! I feel like I need a shower just from receiving his email!! I don't know whether to ignore him or call him on the carpet about such deliberate deceit. YUCK.

Christmas 2005!

Christmas Eve Party!


**note the homemade ham biscuits, the literal VAT of cocktail style shrimp and the smiling faces all around!!**




**awesome shot of Q and Pa-paw!**


**W walked up to me with the mask on and said in his adorable little voice
"Aunt To'sina....I a BATman!" It was SOOOO cute!


Christmas Day!


**the boys all anxiously awaiting the handing out of the gifts!"







At The Skating Center the Next Day




"The Girls!



Home Again




**all holiday'd out!**


It was a wonderful holiday filled with family and food and laughter! I have the best fam in the world and I'm SO thankful for it!

Alright, Already!

The Singles Mixer

The main reason I attended was because it was stressed in the email invitation that you should bring business cards to hand out. So I thought, well, it's a Saturday night and I can sit home and work or I can get out and try to meet some people. So, I gussied-up a bit (not too much, mind you) and headed out.

It was a typical bar scene, but with the added awarenesss that everyone there was quite unattached, adding a certain hint of intrigue to the atmosphere. There were mostly women in their 40's-50's with secretary's spread and way too much makeup and men in their 40's-50's with paunches and 80's style facial hair. There were a few younger and a few older folks all sprinkled throughout. I did recognize one person I was accquainted with and spoke with him for a while. I mingled a bit, handed out a few cards, fended off a few advances and then eventually took a seat at the bar and sipped a coke and watched the bar room drama unfold.

Although I arrived only shortly after the event began, there was at least one fellow who'd obviously already quaffed a few. He was 40ish, had pretty-boy hair and was probably the handsomest fellow in the place. He was very aware of that fact. It really tickled me to see that by the end of the evening he was slow dancing with a cigarette-and-whiskey voiced lady in too tight jeans. The pickins were slim, but after a few drinks, I guess he thought she was lookin' good in them tight jeans, leathery face or no! Funny stuff.

And then there was a tall 50ish lady, all dolled up in a silky blouse with a fur lined collar, sipping Cosmopoiltans and loudly whispering derogatory comments about all of the other women, as she minced about in her ultra high heels. She was a hoot!

Of course, there's always something amusing to see on the dance floor. It's amazing how very cool people think they look when they dance. Especially when alcohol is involved. Now, being a wedding photographer, I have become somewhat immune to the inherent humor of drunken dance floor antics. But, I had to smile at the short, rotund fellow swiveling his hips to the beat and spicing it up with the occasional, saucy clap of his hands above his head. Call me mean, but that is just really funny to watch!

Well, I could go on, but my lunch break is over and I must get back to work. I'm pretty swamped.

Tat-ta, all!

Iced In

I've lost 12 lbs!!!

Of course the Fred Flintstonesque hunk of Prime Rib I consumed last night while dining out with the folks probably wasn't within the boundaries of my allowable caorie intake for the day. But it was SOOOO worth it. And I'm comfortably back on the dieting wagon again, now. I feel pretty certain that I can lose another 12lbs by the middle of January. Man it feels good to be working out and slimming down! :0)

I am currently trapped at my folks' house by inclement weather. Driving in the snow holds no special fear for me. ICE, is the problem. I will NOT drive in the ice if I do not HAVE to. So my 2 appointments today were rescheduled and I'm sitting here bored.Thought I would share my boredom with you all, heh-heh.

On the cyber-dating front, things are pretty quiet. I have spoken to several men on the phone and the callers have run the gamut from poor redneck to rich snob; from ultra sensitive man to rough and ready guy. I've encoutered everything from men who are "searching for a lifelong soulmate" to guys "just lookin for a chick to ho around with" (I'm paraphrasing here, but barely). I've been asked out a few times, but declined all offers, so far. You know, I'm not looking for perfect, here, just somewhat normal would be a nice start, though. *sigh*

I hunted on Tuesday, but didn't have any luck. Yesterday, Em brought the boys over and we ate lunch together and then played all afternoon. They are so cute and so adorably funny!!
Q is developing quite a strong artistic bent and we drew a zillion crayon pictures together. W is SUCH a mess! That little personality is just SO fun to watch!

I had 2 sessions planned while I was in town, but one cancelled and the other, now that it's done, looks like a non-paying affair. I think I do way too many of those, sometimes.

Well, I guess I'd better go and get a workout. Time to start burning off last night's indulgences.

Have a great day!

ICE!!!!!!!!

SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Few Words, a Few Pics

The last couple of days have been very productive. Between work-outs, website rennovations, bridal portrait proofing, house reorganizing, etc., I'm a little drained. It feels good, though.

Yesterday was my first meeting with my Little Buddy. That's how the Big Brothers, Big Sisters people refer to the child with which they match you. I'm not an official "Big Sister", at this point. I'm beginning this at the Buddy level, meaning I spend one hour per week with my Little Buddy during school hours. This poor little girl with whom I've been matched is so in need of someone to spend time with her.She was so closed when we first started talikng. By the end of an hour, and with the help of hand puppets, she was opening up and showing little glimmers of her personality.

Having never done anything like this before, I really felt like a fish out of water. Upon leaving the school, I decided it might be a good idea to study up on child psychology. I'm only there to be a "role model" or "mentor", not a counselor. But I need to know what I'm dealing with and how to approach my time with her to make the most of it. I would appreciate any prayers and advice that anyone might like to offer up for me and my Buddy. ;0)

I've been chowing down on the venison sausage this week. It's very lean and I wrapped it in small (lower calorie *SIGH*) portions for freezing. I've had deer and eggs (well, egg) and cream chipped deer and Mexican deer omelets and the list goes on and on (don't worry, I throw a little roughage in there, too!). It's cheap, it's lean, it's tasty and I'm realizing more and more, VERY versatile. This is my 5th day of dieting and the venison has really helped me stick with it.

And now, to liven up this most desperately boring blog, I offer a bit of eye candy.

Highlights from Q's 5th B-day
















Have a good day, everyone!

A T-day, a B-day and online dating

I'm back!

Thanksgiving was wonderful, as always! Excellent food, prepared by the folks. Wonderful conversation around the table. Hunting prior to the meal and creme de menthe following it. AAAHHHHH!

I must pause here to issue an official statement of apology to Dy. For the first time ever, I didn't capture a single image of the Thanksgiving table, all brimming over with food. No pics! SORRY!! And after you made an official request for pics and toasted my family over your meal, too (hanging my head in shame, here).

As a small consulation I offer for your viewing pleasure our annual family photo( I know, I know , it's not food but it's all I've got, LOL!)





Saturday was Q's big B-day bash. He was SO cute! His little expressions as he was opening his gifts were just priceless. And of course all of the other little kids were gathered tightly around him with the wonderful, unaffected joy and curiosity of preschoolers. It was so fun to watch!!

There was quite a crowd of young'uns there ranging from about 18mos to 14 yrs old. They danced and skated and played in the FunZone and ate pizza and cake and candy (from the really cute bug-themed treat bags that Em had prepared for each little guest). I had a great time playing music and taking pictures! I'll post the images soon.

From Thurs-Monday, I spent chunks of each day in the woods. I didn't kill a single thing, but it felt SO good to get out there and reconnect with nature. I was soooo close to bagging a nice doe, but she just wouldn't come out of the thick underbrush far enough for me to get a clean shot. Wow, does a situation like that send the adrenaline pumping through your veins! It felt good.

Well, here's the other big thing going on with me, right now. I joined an online "match-making" service. That's right! I initially went on it, just messing around. It's free and completely anonymous so I thought, hey why not see what's out there? Then I began receiving ALL of these cyber winks and messages from local single men. Who appear, at least, to be "quality" singles. And I'm ready to make some new friends. So, I may eventually end up doing some dating. This terrifies me, slightly. You see, it's one thing for a someone to see a nice professional portrait of you and think you're attractive. It's quite another to meet them in person---no flattering poses or glamorous lighting!

Therefore. I am dieting for ALL I'm worth! LOL! I know, I know. It's pretty sad that it takes the thought of dating again to really light a fire under me concerning my appearance. But, there it is. If that's what it takes to make me get back into shape, so be it.

Well, I need to get back to work. Lots to do. Trying to stay busy so as not to think about the hunger pains. ;0)