DarcsFalcon

Friday Funnies

2010-12-31T22:30:00.000-08:00

It’s Friday! 2010 is almost over! Woo!

Do you have plans for the evening? Parties? Good grief, I can’t believe I’m actually excited about New Years. Usually I am so “bah humbug” about the whole thing, more of a “wake me when it’s over” kind of girl. Of course, I still wouldn’t dream of setting foot outside my door on New Year’s Eve – are you kidding? There are drunk people driving around out there! This is Chicagoland! And I have no cable to watch the ball drop, so I guess we’ll just wait for the people around here to shoot off bottle rockets and honk their horns to know when it’s midnight.

Or we could watch the time change over on our new phones. You know, something really exciting like that. See how boring my life really is? If you only knew the struggle I go through to bring you so many fascinating and interesting blog posts!

Shut up! LOL

So, to end the year on a chuckle, here are a couple of jokes. The first one Darc told me the other day and I laughed out loud.

Have a wonderful, blessed, amazing, and safe New Years! I’ll see you on the other side. *hugs*

***

The priest decided to give his Rabbi friend a hard time. “When are you going to join us for some fine Christmas ham?” he asked.

The old Rabbi winked and replied, “At your wedding, Father, at your wedding.”

***

Headlines

1. Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead

2. Lack of brains hinders research

3. Man Struck By Lightning Faces Battery Charge

4. Two convicts evade noose, jury hung

5. Something went wrong in jet crash, experts say

6. Two Sisters Reunited After 18 Years at Checkout Counter

7. Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers

8. Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half

9. Iraqi Head Seeks Arms

10. Kicking Baby Considered to Be Healthy

11. Never Withhold Herpes Infection from Loved One

12. Stolen Painting Found by Tree

13. Actual Headline: Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft

14. Drunk Gets Nine Months in Violin Case

15. If Strike Isn’t Settled Quickly, It May Last a While

16. Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges

17. Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures

18. New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Funny, Holiday, Joy, Laughing Out Loud Tagged: Funnies, Funny, Jokes, Laughter, New Year's

Thursday Thankfulness

2010-12-30T15:04:00.000-08:00

Thursday Thankfulness: "

It is that time of year, to reflect. On this last Thankfulness post, I have a lot to be thankful for. There was a huge change for me and Darc recently, as most of you know, and that is truly something to be immensely thankful for.

This whole weekly thankfulness exercise has been a good one for me I think. It taught me to take stock of what I had, to realize that where I stand in terms of history is a pretty good place, comparatively. We do live in a great age – technologically, medically, and even just general day-to-day living is vastly better than it was even 50 years ago, let alone a hundred. It’s been good for me to remind myself of that. All too often it’s so easy to fall into that trap of noticing what we lack, rather than what we have.

I am thankful for you, for the friendships I’ve found thanks to blogging and the Internet. You’ve been pretty faithful in joining me here at what I’ve come to think of as my cyber kitchen table, to share of moment of your time with me, and I am thankful for that. It’s been like a little party for me every day, friends stopping over for a little visit and a cuppa.

I am thankful 2010 is over, and that 2011 is beginning – I feel so optimistic I can’t even contain it sometimes. That’s a pretty drastic change for me! I’m not optimistic by nature. I work hard to try to look on the bright side. It’s all a part of my “fake it ‘till I make it” plan.

I don’t know what’s going to become of Thursdays now. Hopefully I’ll think of something. In the meantime, what are you thankful for this week?

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Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Thankfulness Tagged: 2010, Blogging, Friends, Friendship, Internet, Thankfulness "

Wednesday Wombat

2010-12-29T12:45:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Wombat: "

So, the other day we had some errands to run, library, stuff like that. As I was opening the car door for my son, I happened to look down … and saw that he wasn’t wearing any shoes.

“What the … where are your shoes?! It’s 20° out here and you don’t have any shoes on!”

“Uhm … I forgot, I guess.”

“You forgot? You forgot your shoes? How in the world does one forget shoes, especially when one is walking on frozen snowy concrete in 20° weather?!”

At which point his father dragged him back into the house for his shoes. I swear. *eyeroll*

*****

Now that my friend has brought over all her unwanted sewing stuff, it’s brought home to me how desperately I need to do some organizing around here. Did I say 7 bins of fabric? Not little bins either, but the big ones you use to store holiday stuff. The B-I-G bins. 7 of them. Full of fabric. 7 giants bins. The stack is about 6’ high, I’m not kidding. She’s a quilter and has always maintained that if I just tried it, I’d love it. See, I’ve always enjoyed making baby quilts by hand, but just a simple 2 piece kind of affair. My friend makes the kinds of quilts that people will pay several hundred dollars for, really complex kinds of designs with tons of tiny pieces. I just don’t have the patience (nor the space!) for all those little pieces. I think I might be able to make some simple designs though.

But I digress. I have all these bins of fabric now, and while my apartment is a decent one, it’s not big enough to just leave 7 giants bins sitting around, and the bins won’t fit in my little storage closet. I’m going to have to break down and get several smaller bins so I can store them, there’s just no other way. I figure if I’m going to do that, I might as well go the whole route and do the whole place. It’s time. I guess that’s sort of like a New Year’s Resolution, right?

*****

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Family Life, Friends, Personal, Thinking out loud Tagged: Family Life, Friends, Parenting, Sewing, Sons "

Tuesday Tootsies

2010-12-28T10:24:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Tootsies: "

Where in the world will we end up, considering this is the last Tuesday Tootsies post?

Perhaps somewhere in Italy?

Or maybe even somewhere in France.

Perhaps even Paris!

I hear the Taj Mahal is lovely. Or maybe these belong more in the castle of the Empress Elizabeth of Russia.

Florida ought to be nice this time of year.

But New York is supposed to be ultra fun and glamorous too. The Empire State building is cool.

Or who knows, maybe we’ll end up in Vegas, where what happens there, stays there. So I’ve heard.

But no matter where we go, we’ll always find our way back home, where the heart is.

So that’s it for Tuesday Tootsies! As always, click the pics for links, and remember, be sweet to your feet – it’s the only pair you’ve got!

Thanks for playing along with the silliness.

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Shoes Tagged: Shoes, Travel "

Post Christmas Happy

2010-12-27T11:03:00.000-08:00

Post Christmas Happy: "

My son. He tried to put up a brave front, he really did. He grinned for the camera when he opened his presents. He thought he was getting odds and ends type camping kind of stuff. I’d been telling him that Christmas would be small, that we’d do the best we could with what we had, and he cowboy’d up. Then I had him open one smallish gift that I insisted not be opened until close to last. He ripped off the paper and tears sprung to his eyes. He yelled, he “woo’d,” he fist-pumped, and he hugged us, saying it was the best Christmas ever. He got the game he really, really, really wanted for the game system.

Best Christmas ever. Now that’s what parents love to hear.

And my daughter got the Barbie she wanted so bad that she almost cried when she pointed them out to me a couple of months ago at the store, thinking they’d all be gone by whenever we might be able to get it. She spent a good portion of Christmas day playing in the sink, watching Barbie’s hair change color.

It was a wonderful Christmas.

The only down side was Darc getting sick, and then the foot of snow that got dumped on the area, which meant the car needed to be scraped off, and he wouldn’t let me do it. Now his chivalry has caused him to feel even worse, I think, but I’m hoping it’s that low point of sickness that comes just before it starts to break. I’ve kept him supplied with hot tea with honey by the gallon, and lots of homemade chicken stew. Hopefully he’ll wake up Monday morning feeling better.

It has been a great weekend.

So how was yours?

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Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Family Life, Holiday, Joy Tagged: Christmas, Family, Family Life, Fun, Happy, Holiday, Joy "

Happy 1st day of Christmas

2010-12-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

Happy 1st day of Christmas: "

While it is “officially” the 1st day of Christmas like in the famous song, it is also the birthday of someone very dear and beloved to me.

So, Happy Birthday my Love!

A more modern rendition.

Filed under: Family Life, My Beloved Tagged: Birthday, Husband "

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2010-12-25T10:32:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS: "

A blessed Christmas to you!

With love,

From Falcon

Friday Christmas Funnies

2010-12-24T13:14:00.000-08:00

Friday Christmas Funnies: "

Saying a Prayer for the Christmas Meal

(an oldie but a goodie )

Lee, A seven-year-old boy, was asked to say thanks for the Christmas dinner. The family members bowed their heads in expectation. Lee began his prayer, thanking God for his Mommy, Daddy, brothers, sister, Grandma, and all his aunts and uncles. Then he began to thank God for the food.

He gave thanks for the turkey, the stuffing, the Christmas pudding, even the cranberry sauce. Then Lee paused, and everyone waited … and waited. After a long silence, the young fellow looked up at his mother and asked, "If I thank God for the Brussels sprouts, won’t He know that I’m lying?"

***

It is my most heartfelt wish that each and every one of you know the joy of the season, that your hearts are full. If I could hug you all, I would. I hope your Christmas is wonderful and full of light and happiness.

Have a blessed Christmas!

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Funny, Holiday, Joy, Just for Fun Tagged: Christmas, Funnies, Holiday, Jokes, Laughing "

Thursday Thankfulness

2010-12-23T12:08:00.000-08:00

Thursday Thankfulness: "

In a totally selfish vein, today I am thankful for being able to get my kids Christmas presents.

This may not sound like that big a deal to you, but for me, it is. You see, this is the 1st time in 4 years that we’ve been able to get our kids a decent Christmas. The last few years have been rough ones for us, and we don’t talk much about that because we don’t want to come across as whiners or complainers. That was our lot and we tried to cowboy up and do the best we could with what we had, even with silly sock-ants.

And by the Grace of God and the skin of our teeth, this year might have been yet another one where my kids didn’t have much, if anything, under the tree. I know Christmas isn’t all about the gifts. Boy howdy, I know that, as do my kids. At the same time, when you’re 8, or 4, or 6 – a Christmas tree without presents is indeed a hard thing to handle. It’s also a hard thing for parents to handle too, knowing their kids aren’t going to get the toys and things they want.

So, this year, I am thankful that I’m able to get my kids presents. Yes, there are lots of kids out there who won’t have much under the tree this year – for all you know, they might be your neighbors and just too proud to reveal their circumstances. Thank goodness there are things like churches, charities, and Toys for Tots.

I am also, most especially, thankful for the true gift of Christmas. For unto us is born this day, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. The real reason for the season, no matter what you want to call it.

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Thankfulness Tagged: Christmas, Thankfulness "

Wednesday Wild

2010-12-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Wild: "

It’s a conspiracy, I swear. I’ve hardly been able to even get online until after 10 pm, and that’s when I’m lucky to get online at all. Oh, I’ll be so happy when these days are over! I try sometimes to see if I can check out my Reader with my phone (wow, I still can’t believe I can even do that!) but it is a terrible drain on my battery, and I’m afraid of running over on my data package. I didn’t get the unlimited one, so I have to be responsible, you know how it is, I’m sure.

My daughter did the letter Z yesterday, and is done with the learning to read part of her schooling program. Woo! Today will be a review day, and then off school until after the new year. That rocks! I am so proud of her. Plus, she’s already into math basics and can do simple addition.

We have done more running around in the last week than we’ve done probably in the last year. This life thing – how do you people do it? I’m exhausted!

Okay, off to my new nightly rituals – coffee, lunch, and ironing. Plus, I think I just broke a nail. Dangit! Oh well. That’s why they make super glue.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Family Life Tagged: Family Life "

Tuesday Tootsies

2010-12-21T21:39:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Tootsies: "

Pretty much a mish-mash today for the Tootsies, things I’ve collected over the past year and not really known which “category” to put them in.

I had to. You know I just had to include the LOLCat I found that had the word “tootsies” in it!

This one also pretty much speaks for itself.

I dunno, these kind of made me chuckle.

Maybe if the “elves” that stood in front of Walmart ringing their bell wore these, they’d get more donations. Just a thought.

These are called “heel condoms.” I kid you not. They’re little sleeve type things you can put on the heels of your shoes to dress them up for special occasions and what-not, without having to buy a new pair of shoes. I’m actually kind of impressed with the idea.

These made me laugh too, I don’t know why.

And for Christmas, real elf shoes!

With bells on, too, for the jingly sort.

Have yourself a Merry Christmas, and remember to be sweet to your feet. They like Christmas too! As always, click the pics for links.

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Shoes Tagged: Shoes "

Monday Mayhem

2010-12-20T21:00:00.000-08:00

Monday Mayhem: "

Goodness, I feel like I haven’t been home all weekend. We were out Friday and Saturday running errands, and Sunday a friend of mine came over for the afternoon. She brought me a sewing machine and tons of fabric stuff she no longer wants. It’s a huge mountain of blessing, and my little place here just isn’t prepared for it. I think I’m going to have to cull back on some of the things she brought, unfortunately, simply for lack of room. But how awesome to be so loved by my friend that she would do that for me.

Darc tried to work on his computer this weekend, and it looks like it’s totally dead. Pray our little Flintstones laptop here holds up under the pressure! Hopefully, we’ll be able to do something about it in the not-too-distant future.

My house! Oh my goodness, my place is a disaster! On top of all the stuff my friend brought over, I wrapped some presents for the kids, so there’s that “mess” too. Guess what I’ll be doing today?

I finished up the 2nd half of the SSRLP I was working on. Now it’s done-done. Fini! Whee! I enjoyed doing it, although it is time consuming. It meant I had to read the stuff I had to read, and not the things I wanted to read, like all your blogs. Please forgive me for not being around the last week – it’s been a bit crazy here and I’m not sure I’ll be able to “catch up.” I might just have to wipe the Reader slate clean, as it were, and start fresh. I hope you understand.

Right now I’m off to iron, get the coffee maker prepped, get lunch ready for Darc, all that kind of stuff. I hope you had a great “last weekend before Christmas” and that you’re getting all set for the holiday.

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Family Life Tagged: Family Life, Weekend "

I pout because

2010-12-19T22:03:00.000-08:00

I pout because: "

Forever I tells you! FOREVER! There is no way but MINE!

Filed under: Funny, LOLz Tagged: Funny, LOLz "

Come get

2010-12-18T20:02:00.000-08:00

Come get: "

Sneaky kitteh, ready to pounce! Life does the same thing sometimes, doesn’t it?

Filed under: Funny, LOLz Tagged: Funny, LOLz "

Friday Funnies

2010-12-17T11:51:00.000-08:00

Friday Funnies: "

Is Sex Work?

A U.S. Marine Colonel was about to start the morning briefing to his staff. While waiting for the coffee machine to finish brewing, the colonel decided to pose a question to all assembled.

He explained that his wife had been a bit frisky the night before and he failed to get his usual amount of sound sleep. He posed the question of just how much of sex was "work” and how much of it was "pleasure"?

A Major chimed in with 75-25% in favor of work.

A Captain said it was 50-50%.

A Lieutenant responded with 25-75% in favor of pleasure, depending upon his state of inebriation at the time.

There being no consensus, the colonel turned to the PFC who was in charge of making the coffee and asked for HIS opinion.

Without any hesitation, the young PFC responded, "Sir, it has to be 100% pleasure."

The colonel was surprised and as you might guess, asked why.

"Well, sir, if there was any work involved, the officers would have me doing it for them."

The room fell silent..

God Bless the enlisted man.

Semper Fi!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Filed under: Funny, Laughing Out Loud Tagged: Funnies, Funny, Jokes, Laughing "

Thursday Thankfulness

2010-12-16T11:36:00.000-08:00

Thursday Thankfulness: "

I have so much to be thankful for. Without question, God has been blessing me for a while now. Not necessarily in material ways, although He’s begun doing that too, but blessing me internally. Being near, guiding me, answering prayers, filling my heart with joy – those kinds of things. There’s a … buoyancy to it that can’t be defined or explained, or achieved on my own.

And now I’m being blessed in material ways. We got our phones! I feel like a little kid at Christmas (and that’s my post for next week) and it’s been so very long since I’ve felt this way. I know people get new cell phones all the time and it’s not that big a deal, but it feels like a big deal to us. I’ve heard about all you people who can Twitter and FaceBook from your phones, check your email, download ringtones, hang out with the cool kids. And I’ve sort of envied you in my heart a little. I like cool toys too, you know. And now I have one.

Now, what do I do with it? LOL I feel sort of like a cat with a ball of foil. It’s pretty, and shiny, but what does it do?

I am thankful life seems to be turning around for us finally.

What are you thankful for this week?

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Thankfulness Tagged: Cell Phone, Thankfulness "

Wednesday Wonderful

2010-12-15T12:35:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Wonderful: "

Have you ever had one of those days? The kind where it seems like God’s just smiling down on you from Heaven and things are just clicking into place, you’re getting all your goals accomplished for the day, you even seem to have time to spare. Ever have those?

I believe I just did and I’m feeling oddly out of sorts, LOL. As Darc and I like to say, “Where’s the other shoe?” only there didn’t seem to be one, not really. I don’t really quite know how to deal with that. I’m used to shoes falling. Do people ever learn not to go through life ducking all the time? I suspect I’m going to find out.

There was only one little not so bright spot – we didn’t get our phones. Yeah, bummer, but we’ve gone 4 years, I suppose we can wait one more day, right? Apparently, the delivery company experienced a flight delay. Probably all the snow in the Midwest has messed up airports and stuff. So not the big, not really. Tomorrow. Well, that would be today as you read this.

I’ve been working on the 2nd half of the SSRLP that I was working on a few weeks ago, remember? I have just a few days left to finish and I’d like to get it done early. It’s been a learning experience, to say the least.

Wow, can you believe it’s just 10 days until Christmas? Really, it just dawned on me. The kids have been counting down all week, but it didn’t really register until just now. A week and a half! My son told me what he wants to eat for Christmas dinner. I think I just might be able to accommodate him this year. Joy!

Seriously, joy! It, like, spills out sometimes, and I kinda hope I get some on ya.

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Family Life, Joy Tagged: Family Life, Happy, Joy "

Tuesday Tootsies

2010-12-14T10:21:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Tootsies: "

Before I end the Tuesday Tootsies here, I thought I would do a post that was only filled with shoes I’d buy and wear if I had the money. I love sparkle, I love pretty, feminine, lacy, and practical. Not necessarily all at once, but it helps. So without further ado, these go a long way toward capturing my personal “shoe heart.”

I did say practical, right? How can I resist a 4-in-1 shoe? These are so cool, and they’re even in girly purple too, score!

Boots! I have always been a boot girl. In fact, the very first pair of shoes I got with my first paycheck from my first job, was a pair of black, stiletto heeled boots. I was 16. See? It’s always been a thing for me. These are awesomeness itself, another 4-in-1 ensemble but in boot form. Ahhh, boot heaven!

Sparkly and pink. Me! Love the bow.

A lot like the pink ones above but I think the heel is a bit higher. And that blue! That is like the coolest shade of blue.

When I was in 2nd grade, I conned my parents into getting me a pair of blue suede boots. I’d heard the Elvis song, I’d heard the Nancy Sinatra song, and blue suede boots were a must have from that point on. These fit the bill nicely. Love the little tassel.

Not sure what it is about these. The color is pretty neutral, so maybe it’s the ruffles. What’s more feminine than ruffles?

I love the cascading bead fringe stuff on these. That’s about it but I guess that’s enough.

I love the girl-next-door pinky bow with the vamp in black aspect of these. Sweet but sassy.

Lacy, check. Bow, check. And some shimmery iridescent stuff, check. And there are even tiny little diamond-like gems on them too.

Ruffles and bows and lacy sweetness, mixed with sexy stiletto in black. Cool.

So that’s the essence of me in shoe-speak.

As always, click the pics for links, and be sweet to your feet.

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Shoes Tagged: Shoes "

Monday Madness

2010-12-13T10:03:00.000-08:00

Monday Madness: "

It’s going to be a crazy day for me today! I have a ton of phone calls to make to collect some paperwork we need, I have a “Monday house,” which means the place is a mess and there are piles of housework and laundry that need doing. We did a lot of running around over the weekend. Plus, I have school to do with the kids. Who said homemakers sat around all day eating bon-bons and watching soap operas?

Speaking of school, Darc made this little “map” type of thing for the kids, so they could determine things like plot points, mid-points, set-up, etc. They’re getting so good at it! But it struck me the other night, the MiniNess was reading the story paper that Daddy wrote, and it was Mommy who taught her to read it. The feeling, man! It’s so awesome. There’s just a synchronicity to it. Not to mention that she’s not even fully through the learning to read aspect of the program I use and she’s reading by herself now. She picks out books at the library to read. Is that cool or what?

And it’s colder than a witch’s wart today too. They’re saying the wind-chills will be between –10 and –20. Poor Darc, having to drive our old jalopy in that! At least they have coffee at his job.

Did you hear about the Metrodome up in Minneapolis? Wow!

But, woo for the Patriots! We clinched a play-off berth, so it was a good football day.

Our usual Internet connection decided over the weekend to … um … not share, anymore. So, it’s a struggle finding others who are willing to. We just need to hang on a few more months! I think we got some new neighbors though, so we’ll see how it works out.

And that’s my Monday, how’s yours?

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Family Life Tagged: Family Life, Weekend "

I haz a humff!

2010-12-12T12:17:00.000-08:00

I haz a humff!: "

Just do, today.

Filed under: Funny, LOLz Tagged: Funny, LOLz "

You no put

2010-12-11T10:18:00.000-08:00

You no put: "

This one just made me laugh. When I was little, my sister had a wall poster much like this rug.

Filed under: Funny, LOLz Tagged: Funny, LOLz "

Friday Funnies

2010-12-10T11:53:00.000-08:00

Friday Funnies: "

Advertising

Supposedly, these are actual advertisements that have appeared in papers across the country.

For Sale — Eight puppies from a German Shepherd and an Alaskan Hussy.

Great Dames for sale.

Have several very old dresses from grandmother in beautiful condition.

Tired of cleaning yourself? Let me do it.

Dog for sale: eats anything and is fond of children.

Vacation Special: have your home exterminated.

Stock up and save. Limit: one

The hotel has bowling alleys, tennis courts, comfortable beds, and other athletic facilities.

Dinner Special — Turkey $2.35; Chicken or Beef $2.25; Children $2.00.

For sale: an antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers.

***

Some scientists challenged God to a man making contest.

He accepted.

The scientists began by getting dirt.

God said, "Make your own dirt."

***

View This Poll
Market Research

Have a great weekend! Don’t forget to smile, the world needs more smiles, besides, it’s your turn!

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Funny, Laughing Out Loud Tagged: Funnies, Funny, Jokes, Poll

Thursday Thankfulness

2010-12-09T11:19:00.000-08:00

Thursday Thankfulness: "

I was sitting here procrastinating on ironing a shirt for Darc to wear on his 1st day on the new job, wondering what I could post about for today, when it finally dawned on me.

My iron.

Remember the pictures from way back in olden days when the iron was really just a shape made out of real honest to goodness iron that was heated on a stove? Heck, even the iron I learned how to iron on when I was a kid was pretty old and heavy, compared to today’s models. My mother’s had a cloth-wrapped cord and was huge, and surely came from 1950-something. However did I manage to push that thing around a pair of pants when I was 10?

I suppose lots of people don’t iron anymore. I used to have a neighbor years ago who didn’t even own one. She thought I was nuts to iron.

But my husband can’t wear “wash and wear” to work, and while taking them to the cleaners is an option, it’s also a pain because you have to pay for that, and make sure you get there in time to drop off, and Lord help you if you forget to pick up your shirts the next day. So it’s rather a point of pride to me to wash and iron my husband’s shirts, and that no one can tell we don’t take them to the cleaners.

And irons today are pretty cool, with lots of nifty buttons that do all kinds of neat things. Really, it’s a woman’s power tool.

So what’s your thankfulness this week?

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Thankfulness Tagged: Iron, Ironing, Thankfulness "

Wednesday Woe

2010-12-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Woe: "

Well, we used to have 3 computers in the house. I thought that was pretty tame, considering I was married to an IT guy. Darc and I each had our own desktop models – a holdover from our single days. We did meet online you know, so we were used to having our own personal models. Then Darc also picked up a cheap laptop because, well, because he always wanted a laptop and he wanted something he could write on wherever he wanted when the mood struck him. But the laptop ended up being on the poopy end, as computers go, and we gave it to the kids so they could play computer games. Jump Start, Blues Clues, that sort of stuff. It worked out well.

Then, back in May of 09, my computer died. Darc was generous – I thought – to share his with me, let me set up my own profile and such. We learned to share. Not an easy feat for a couple that was used to not sharing a computer for the entire length of their relationship! LOL We managed.

Then in Jan ‘10, we had to forgo our Internet connection, and the only computer in the house that was able to find a stray, unsecured Wi-Fi connection was the little old laptop in the kids’ room. I call it the Flintstones computer. It’s managed to take our abuses well, putting up with all of us, not just the kids. But, it wheezes (metaphorically speaking) when it’s on, the fan has problems and we have to keep it propped up. We have a nice little peanut butter jar rigging system here, LOL. Hey, you work with what you got, right? It works, that’s all I care about.

Now, it appears that the only remaining desktop in the house, Darc’s computer, is dying. The one he writes on, the one with all his stories, all his work. It keeps seizing up and we can’t figure out what’s wrong. He’s been cannibalizing the remaining working parts from my desktop (it’s the motherboard that’s bad on mine, nothing else it seems) to see if he can locate the trouble. He thought it might be his power supply, but the same issue came up again.

So, now we’re at a loss. One dead, one dying, and one just barely breathing. Such are the computers in our home. If you happen to know the winning lottery numbers, we could sure use them!

***

Has anyone else noticed that now comments come with that little “cleared by Akismet” tag? Have you also noticed that now you have more spam than ever to clear out manually? Or is it just me? Akismet used to catch everything, it seemed, and take care of all of it. Now I’m constantly getting spam that I have to empty myself because Akismet didn’t do it, even though it “flagged this comment as spam.” Well if you flagged it, why didn’t you just delete it?! I, for one, don’t like this new way of doing things.

***

I have made an observation. Swiffer hates me. You know those mops, the ones you just stick the little pad on and press the button and it sprays the floor cleaner for you? That one. I picked one up a few years ago, love new gadgets after all. But I’ve noticed that each time I use it, the floor seems more slippery after it’s dried. I don’t know why it’s taken me this long to figure it out. But I almost slipped, again!, and I recalled that I’d just mopped like the day before I went crashing on my knee back in September. The cleaning solution that comes with it is supposed to clean, and it does, but I’m noticing a very thin layer of something – I don’t know what to call it. It leaves a sheen of some sort. Anyway, I’m ditching it and going back to my Mr Clean and bucket and mop. I’m sorry Mr Clean! I was wrong to leave you for the Swiffer charm!

***

I’m off to write a post about cast iron care for my recipes blog, and I’ll cross post it on the At Grandma’s Table blog too. Which reminds me, if you have any recipes you’d like to share, let me know and I’ll make you a contributor! The more the merrier!

***

Oh, for those of you who were asking, here’s a picture of our little tree.

So, that’s how my middle-of-the-week is going. You? Try not to rub it in if you can help it!

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Family Life Tagged: Computers, Family Life, Homemaking "

Tuesday Tootsies

2010-12-07T12:16:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Tootsies: "

This week I have 60’s weird, hiking, and generally weird. Can you believe just 3 more Tootsies posts after this?

If I’d had these boots in high school, I wouldn’t have had to ruin so many pants turning them into bell-bottoms.

Tie-dye. Is there anything more 60’s than that?

Not sure if these are 60’s really, but the garish clown colors kind of reminded me of some music bands from back then. I dunno, I think they’d have fit Jefferson Airplane’s Grace Slick at the time, don’t you? Seriously, Go Ask Alice, when she’s 10’ tall.

This stuck me as a cross between tie-dye and just generally stoned. It’s like a combination shoe/pant thing. And don’t look at it too long or you’ll go blind!

The description said these were pant-boots. I guess they just look like thigh-highs to me. Thoughts?

Hiking? For Manga cartoon characters maybe.

The description said these were silk boots. I ask you, even if you dared to hike in heels like this, who would wear silk? Crazy!

These I actually like. A lot. They look comfy and cozy. I can totally see knocking around a mall in these.

Just for the bizarre element, I thought hiking and guitars went well together.

And for the super weird, you could always make something to match with these, if you couldn’t find something in your closet.

As always, click the pics for links and be sweet to your feet!

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Shoes Tagged: Shoes "

Monday Mayhem

2010-12-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

Monday Mayhem: "

I thought I’d try to write a post, while I’m sitting here waiting for a connection to magically appear. Can’t check email, can’t go through my Reader, it’s as though there is no such thing as the Internet. So I wait.

And wait.

I organize all my Windows Live Writer drafts into folders.

I plan which posts to set up for my weekend posts for 2011.

And wait.

For some reason the connection we try to hop onto has been on the wonky side lately. Hopefully we’ll be in a position to re-establish a connection of our own in the not-too-distant future, but in the meantime, we have to wing it.

***

We’ve been doing a little research into cell phones lately, in the hopes that we’ll also be able to finally get new phones maybe in a few months. Can you believe we’ve had the same ones for over 4 years? I don’t know anyone who’s kept the same cell phone for that long. I wanted do a little research online, find out just what the difference was between 3g and 4g networks, and when exactly is Verizon planning on getting the iPhone, but no such luck for me tonight. I guess it doesn’t really matter since we won’t be able to do anything about it until probably Spring anyway, but sometimes it’s fun to “window shop.”

***

We put up our little tree this weekend. The kids were so happy! We were able to pick up a small string of lights to add and it really boosted the whole effect. We got one of those LED strings – have you seen them? They’re pretty neat. I don’t think I’d want a whole tree done with them but as a supplement, they add a lot of depth to the glow.

***

My son got a some kind of Mario game at the library, and now it’s all Mario all the time. I actually heard him say, “Remember when I used to be into Spiderman?”

*gasp!*

He’s been “into” Spiderman since he was 2! I figured he’d wear a Spiderman suit to his wedding. And now Spiderman is “used to”? He’s been walking around trying to imitate the way Mario talks. He told me, “Mom, I think when it comes to me liking stuff, I don’t just like things, I become obsessed with them.”

Ummm, yeahhhhhh, you could say that.

We’ve gone through pretty much every item of clothing possible with Spidey on it, sheets, hats, gloves, shoes, toys, pillows, pajamas, costumes, you name it we’ve probably had it at some point or other. I’ve been trying to wean him of having so much Spidey stuff, and then he got into ants, then sharks – he’s read every ant and shark book our library has to offer, and ever borrowed all the ant and shark videos. And now he’s into Mario. Lord have mercy, I am NOT getting Mario sheets!

***

We spent a good portion of the weekend running errands and doing stuff, and it felt pretty good. Busy, but in a good way, you know? Christmas has been blooming in our hearts, even my son said he felt like Christmas lived in his heart and not on the calendar, and I thought that was pretty cool. He summed it up well for me.

***
And how was your weekend?

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Family Life Tagged: Family Life, Weekend "

What kind of mood

2010-12-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

What kind of mood: "

Kitteh, this is what we call Tinnitus. Trust me when I tell you how I know you feel!

Filed under: Funny, LOLz Tagged: Funny, LOLz "

I VEHEMENTLY PROTEST

2010-12-04T19:33:00.000-08:00

I VEHEMENTLY PROTEST: "

UGH! I feel the same way kitteh! I hate getting wet! Ick!

Filed under: Funny, LOLz Tagged: Funny, LOLz "

Friday Funnies

2010-12-03T22:36:00.000-08:00

Friday Funnies: "

Support a Family

The prospective son-in-law was asked by his girlfriend’s father, "Son, can you support a family?"

"Well, no, sir," he replied. "I was just planning to support your daughter. The rest of you have to fend for yourselves."

*****

The Water Pistol

My five year old son squealed with delight when he opened his birthday present from his grandmother. It was a water pistol. He promptly ran to the sink to fill it.

"Mom," I said, "I’m surprised at you. Don’t you remember how we used to drive you crazy with water pistols?"

My mom smiled and said, "Yes, I remember."

***

Have a great weekend!

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Funny, Laughing Out Loud Tagged: Funnies, Jokes, Laughing "

Thursday Thankfulness

2010-12-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

Thursday Thankfulness: "

I asked my kids what they thought might be something around the house that we use pretty much every day, but don’t really think about, that we could be thankful for. “Chairs!” quipped my son.

Chairs are a good thing, don’t you think? I know from experience that trying to get down on the floor at my age pretty much sucks. I like my creature comforts and a hard floor just isn’t one of them.

The kids sit on the floor when they play their video games. I remember those days from when I was a kid too, stretching out with chin on palm, elbows on the floor, craning my neck to watch The Addams Family and whatever else came on the “kids channel,” after school. I didn’t like it then either, now that I think about it. It was just what we did.

Chairs seem like a “civilized” sort of thing, far removed from the days when people hung out in tents and sat on rugs and pillows on the ground. Chairs can be so comfy. All nice and cushiony. Ahhh. :)

If I had to pick a favorite, I’d probably pick some style of La-Z-Boy. That seems like the perfect chair. Oh how I wish I had one!

Of course, it’s a bit hard to pull up to the table. ;)

What are you thankful for this week?

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Wednesday Wonky

2010-12-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Wonky: "

Do you ever get the mind-blanks? Those moments where you just can’t remember something? Maybe it’s an aging thing. I don’t know. I do know I don’t like it. At. All. I hate those moments where I’m reaching for a thought and … nope, it’s gone. Like the pigeons in Bolt, “I t’ought I knew, but no.” Funniest. Pigeons. EVER. by the way.

Maybe there’re just too many thoughts swirling around up there and I’ve been remiss in not “tapping the keg” as it were. Hey, it could happen. I’m a quiet type, I do a lot of thinking you know, I just don’t often share it.

And that’s part of my conundrum I think. Heh. There is this part of me that really wants to shout some things, shout them out loud from the highest rooftops. Then there’s that part of me that feels like, who needs another voice shouting in the wilderness? I don’t want to get lost in the cacophony. Know what I mean? Who, really, cares about things like “dialogue”? (Sounds more like a script to me than an actual conversation anyway.) Doesn’t everyone pretty much have their mind made up already, about everything? I’m not going to convince anyone of those things I know to be true, those are the kinds of things that people have to come to on their own.

And they often do, eventually.

Still, I often feel like retreating. It’s not my place to convince anyone of anything and hey, no one asked me for my opinions. But I do have them. In SPADES, baby. Believe it or not, there are few more opinionated people than me.

I think I just feel sort of stuck. Tired of the fluffy, but not really in the mood to shout. Like I said, I really am a quiet type.

Oh well.

Did you remember to flip your calendar today? Happy December!

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Personal Tagged: Personal "

Tuesday Tootsies

2010-11-30T13:47:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Tootsies: "

Movies and games and cars, oh my! Staples of American pop culture, right?

These are the official shoe releases for the remake (?) of the movie Tron. I kid you not. They made couture shoes for Tron. You know, I still haven’t seen that movie, but I kinda like those shoes.

We’re OFF to see the Wizard! Follow the Yellow Brick Road! Perhaps the most famous shoes in movie history, those ruby slippers.

Looking to make an investment? These are the original shoes worn by Marty McFly in the 1st Back to the Future movie. I heard they were for sale at auction for 25k. Your mileage may vary.

Like Pacman? Now you can get the shoes to show your love.

Or slippers, if you’re the more relaxed type. :)

Want a Porsche? We all do, right? These even have the official Porsche logo.

These almost look like a face to me, with the way the “headlights” set into the shoe, they look like eyes. I see these and I hear that line (was it Ted Nugent singing it?), “My face is a Mazeratti.” I know these aren’t Mazeratti shoes, but that’s the line that goes through my mind. I can’t drive 55 either.

As always, click the pics for links and be sweet to your feet. :)

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Monday Mishmash

2010-11-29T13:42:00.000-08:00

Monday Mishmash: "

So, did you all have a nice Thanksgiving weekend? Those of you who celebrated at least. For my Canadian friends, I hope your weekend was great even though you didn’t have Thanksgiving.

***

We spent some time re-wrapping-up the SSLRP I was working on, so that was fun.

***

I got the latest Vince Flynn book from the library. That’s like, major woo for me.

***

Had an awful nightmare and when I told Darc about it, he suggested I make some notes in case he might want to use it as a scene in a book later. I swear, when they’re really bad, I wake up from them in that cold sweat and it actually goes through my mind, “Oh that was awful! … I should tell my husband, maybe he could use it in a story.” I wonder if other horror writer’s wives do that.

***

Can you believe it’s almost December? It’s like the year kind of snuck by without much fanfare. I have my idea now for my new Tuesday theme, but I’m still reaching for a Thursday one to replace the Thankfulness posts. Maybe I’ll even *gasp* cut back on blogging. I don’t know yet. I do know I’m going through some things internally and my focus is changing. Maybe I’ll have it figured out by the end of the year. If not, oh well.

***

So, really, how was your weekend?

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Family Life Tagged: Family Life, Personal "

Is that a

2010-11-28T14:33:00.000-08:00

Is that a: "

Ummm … is there an acceptable response to this question?

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Filed under: Funny, LOLz Tagged: Funny, LOLz "

mairee krissmis

2010-11-27T19:53:00.000-08:00

mairee krissmis: "

Ahh, the holidays are upon us now. Kitteh has spoken!

Filed under: Funny, LOLz Tagged: Fynny, LOLz "

Friday Holiday Funnies

2010-11-26T13:20:00.000-08:00

Friday Holiday Funnies: "

Darc got this in an email and sent it on to me. I hope it makes you laugh as much as it did me. And I also hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Dear Family & Friends,

I know that you were eager to accept our family’s invitation to Thanksgiving dinner when you found out that the famous Martha Stewart would be joining us. However, due to scheduling conflicts beyond her control, Ms. Stewart finds that she is unable to grace our table this year. With that in mind, there will be a few minor changes regarding the meal and decor, as outlined below. Please be aware of them, and adjust your appetite and dress appropriately. Thank you.

1) Our driveway will not be lined with homemade, paper bag luminaries. After several trial runs and two visits from the fire department, it was decided that, no matter how cleverly done, rows of flaming lunch sacks do not have the desired welcoming effect.

2) Once inside, please note that the entry space will not be decorated with swags of Indian corn and fall foliage. Instead, we included our dogs in decorating by having them track in colorful autumn leaves from the back yard. The mud was their idea. The cat joined in.

3) The dining table will not be covered with expensive linens, fancy china, or crystal goblets. If possible, we will use dishes that match and everyone will get a fork. Since this is Thanksgiving, we will refrain from using the paper birthday party dinner plates, the leftover Halloween napkins, and our plastic cup collection.

4) Our centerpiece will not be a tower of fresh fruit and flowers. Instead we will be proudly displaying a hedgehog-like decoration hand-crafted from the finest construction paper and pine cones. The artist assures me it is a turkey, albeit one without wings, legs, or a beak.

5) We will be dining somewhat later than planned. However, our daughter will entertain you while you wait. I’m sure she will be happy to share every choice comment her mother made regarding Thanksgiving, pilgrims, stuffing choices, the turkey hotline, and, especially, her father. Please remember that most of these comments were made at 7:00 AM upon discovering that said father had only remembered to pull the turkey from the freezer at 6:00 AM, and that the thing was still hard enough to cut diamonds.

6) As an accompaniment to our daughter’s recital of these events, I will play a recording of Native American tribal drumming. Curiously, the tribal drumming sounds a great deal like a frozen turkey in a clothes dryer, but that only enhances the holiday appropriateness. If our daughter should mention that we don’t own a recording of Native American tribal drumming, ignore her. She’s only nine; what does she know?

7) A dainty silver bell will not be rung to announce the start of our feast. We have chosen to keep our traditional method of assembling when the smoke alarm goes off.

There will be no formal seating arrangement. When the smoke alarm sounds, please gather around the table and sit where you like. In the spirit of harmony, we will ask all the children to sit at a separate table. In a separate room. Next door. And I would like to take this opportunity to remind our younger diners that "passing the rolls" is neither a football play nor an excuse to bean your cousin in the head with bread.

9) The turkey will not be carved at the table. I know you have seen the Norman Rockwell image of one person carving a turkey in front of a crowd of appreciative onlookers. Such a scene may occur somewhere in America , but it won’t be happening at our dinner table. For safety reasons, the turkey will be carved in the kitchen at a private ceremony. I stress "private", meaning Do not, under any circumstances, enter the kitchen to laugh at me. Do not send small, unsuspecting children, or older, helpful grandparents into the kitchen to check on my progress. I have a very large, very sharp knife. The turkey is unarmed. It stands to reason that I will eventually win the battle. When I do, we will eat.

10) Instead of offering a choice among 12 different scrumptious desserts, we will be serving the traditional pumpkin pie, garnished with whipped cream and dog tongue marks. You still have a choice: take it or leave it. That concludes our list of alterations. Again, I apologize that Martha will not be joining us this year.

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Funny, Laughing Out Loud Tagged: Funny, Laughing "

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving: "

A Blessed

Thanksgiving

to you all!

Filed under: Holiday Tagged: Holiday, Thanksgiving "

Wednesday Unworried

2010-11-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Unworried: "

Darc is done with his SSRLP, and I am done with mine, and now we have nothing to do with our time. I mean, besides housework and cooking and cleaning and raising the children. The timing is perfect for the holiday coming. We have much to be grateful for this season what with the new job coming. Life will be changing for us, in a good way.

*****

Whenever I get some spare cash, I’m buying Bolt. The kids have borrowed it from the library several times now and it’s turned into a family favorite, much like Kung Fu Panda. Bolt is for anyone who has ever loved a pet, lost a pet, found a pet or wanted a pet. And the pigeons are unbelievably real, too.

*****

While I may not be preparing a big meal for the holiday, I am feeling a fullness in my spirit. I wish I could explain it to you, but words defy me. Sometimes I think I must capture this feeling on paper, but no, I can’t. There is too much beauty, too much joy, too much gratitude to be contained or captured on paper. Thanksgiving is so much more than just a day, you know? It’s a state of being.

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Personal Tagged: Gratitude, Thanks "

Tuesday Tootsies

2010-11-23T10:51:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Tootsies: "

Gym shoes! Lots and lots of gym shoes for you this week, the wackier the better.

Remember the old color test patterns they’d put up on old network TV when the stations would go off the air? Now you can wear it on your shoes.

Maybe having a spring in your step isn’t such a good idea afterall.

Okay, the whole “heel-less” thing really creeps me out. It just looks so wrong!

Now that’s a ladies gym shoe!

Is this what they mean when they say, “Putting your feet to the fire”?

Now we’re talking! Cowboy boot / gym shoe combo!

It’s so pretty, so sparkly, so girly, so pink, so flowery!

Look closer. Fooled you! It’s a cake! Hmm, maybe I could use this one on my food blog too.

Wow, just 5 more episodes of Tuesday Tootsies after this. And still no idea what I’m going to do on Tuesdays.

As always, click the pics for links and be sweet to your feet.

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Shoes Tagged: Gym Shoes "

Monday Mayhem

2010-11-22T13:23:00.000-08:00

Monday Mayhem: "

My son surprised me this weekend. While I was working on my own SSRLP, he was in the process of putting in a video game. “I love you, mom!” he said from across the room.

I love you too, baby!” I replied.

“No, I mean I really, really love you, mom. Can I tell you something?”

Why of course he could, this son of mine. He can tell me anything. So, he came over to the desk where I was working, to tell me that he thought our family was … “different.”

I was a little caught off guard by that remark, so I asked him what he meant. My son loves to talk, being my and Darc’s son afterall, and this is what he told me.

“When we go out somewhere, like grocery shopping, and I see other families, they don’t act like us. I watch them, mom. I see other little boys, and they’re loud, a lot louder than I am, I mean they yell, mom! In the store! Like, they don’t just talk, they yell. And their parents don’t tell them not to. And the parents are different too, than you and daddy.”

I asked him to explain.

“Well, I think you and daddy are more loving.

Like, with us (meaning him and his sister) and each other, both. I mean, sure, other parents can be sort of loving with their kids, but not like hugging and kissing like you guys do with us. And not really so much loving to each other either, like I see you and Daddy when you guys hug and stuff, you know? Other parents don’t do that with each other. So, our family’s different I think. And I just like it. I’m glad we’re family.”

There are moments in life. Honestly precious moments. And that was one of them for me. Thank goodness there’s tissue on the desk!

And how was your weekend?

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Family Life, Joy, Personal Tagged: Family, Motherhood, Son "

I will come down

2010-11-21T13:04:00.000-08:00

I will come down: "

Smart kitteh knows how to drive hard bargain! And set boundaries. No speak to kitteh like that!

Filed under: Funny, LOLz Tagged: Funny, LOLz "

Do I really

2010-11-20T11:18:00.000-08:00

Do I really: "

Oh my gosh, this is so me in the morning!

Filed under: Funny, LOLz Tagged: Funny, LOLz "

Friday Funny

2010-11-19T12:18:00.000-08:00

Friday Funny: "

Funeral Remarks

3 friends die in a car accident and they go to an orientation in heaven. They are all asked, "When you are in your casket and friends and family are talking about you, what would you like them to say?

The first guy says, "I would like to hear them say that I was a great doctor of my time, and a great family man."

The second guy says, "I would like to hear that I was a wonderful husband and school teacher which made a huge difference in our children of tomorrow."

The last guy replies, "I would like to hear them say … ‘Look, He’s Moving!’”

***

Yes, those are chocolate caskets. It felt right.

***

Have an awesome weekend!

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Funny, Just for Fun Tagged: Funny, Joke "

Thursday Thankfulness

2010-11-18T10:26:00.000-08:00

Thursday Thankfulness: "

So now you know why I’m in such a good mood the last couple of days, if you’ve seen my husband’s post this morning. :) Thankfulness for that, for sure.

On the mundane side of things, this week I’m grateful for my long kitchen tongs. To set this up a little, you need to know that my kids hate sleeping in the absolute dark. We used to keep the closet light on for them, but told them at some point, “You’re too big for this!” Across from their bedroom is a little closet for the water heater, and it has a louvered door, so I started turning the light on in there for them at night, since it does get pitch black in their room. It’s at the farthest end of the apartment and there are tall privacy shrubs in front of their window, so they don’t get any light in there at night from the lights in the parking lot like we do in our room.

The light in that little closet burned out a couple of weeks ago. I knew it was a pain to change since Darc had done it some time last year. The light is on the ceiling, which is 9’, and not lower down on the wall. The water heater butts up practically right to the door so there’s no place to put a ladder closer to the light, and with the header above the door, it’s hard to reach up there. We were pretty much of the mind to just let it be. But when I went to tuck in the babies, it’s so dark in there I can’t even see where I’m going. So I decided to change the bulb in the water heater closet.

I got the ladder, I got a new bulb, I was set to go. Except when I got up there, I couldn’t reach it. My arms aren’t that long and my shoulder was jammed against the top of the door jamb. So I got the bright idea to get my long kitchen tongs, like I use for the high shelves in the kitchen. But changing a bulb is a much more delicate process. I got the old one out just fine, but almost dropped the new one going in. I muttered a curse word and my kids started talking about that.

*gasp* “Mommy said a swear word!” exclaimed my son. This is good that it’s so shocking, right?
My daughter quipped, “She does that sometimes, but she says kid words way more than swear words.”

I continued struggling with the bulb-tongs combo effort, and finally managed to twist it in there. I had to do it backwards, because I’m right handed and the way the water heater is set up, you can only really use your left hand to reach stuff if you’re on the ladder.

But I was pleased to hear that I use more kid words than swear words – I really have been trying to work on that. And I did manage to get that doggone bulb changed and now it works again. :)

What are you thankful for this week?

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Wednesday Wonderful

2010-11-17T11:28:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Wonderful: "

I much prefer sunlight and blessing. :) Just sayin’.

***

So, I’ve been keeping busy during the day while Darc’s gone. Housework. Yeah, I’ve been doing housework. I really hate doing housework when my husband is around. I don’t know why, I guess I’m lame but that’s why you love me.

At least he comes home to a clean place and I feel like I’ve accomplished something. So, win-win. :)

I am in a mood today – a good one – so this won’t be a wordy post. I just need to quietly bask in the sun for a while. And think about what I’m thankful for this week. :)

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Tuesday Tootsies

2010-11-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Tootsies: "

My friend Sherri sent me this link. :) Thanks love! Which is why I have a post dedicated to comics+shoes. :)

Just in Case Reading Comic Books and Dressing Up Like a Storm Trooper Wasn’t Enough to Make You Happy…

The 3 following shoes come from the above link. These are just a taste, why don’t you check out the whole page?

***

Iron Man! Yay! I wonder if Robert Downey Jr has a pair of these?

If you’re ever stuck in line at the DMV, you could always read your shoes!

Can’t quite tell who this is but I think I detect the Spiderman there on the toe.

***

Hmm, do we know any Batman fans around here?

Remember Wonder Woman from the 70s? She was awesome! A hero figure for girls to emulate. And who didn’t want her boots? Those boots were kick-a$ cool. :)

The modern version of Wonder Woman’s boots. Ooh-la-la! Thigh-high now!

I don’t know if these are for Captain America, or what Wonder Woman wears for her workout. I don’t care! I want some!

Not sure what the comic strip is, but clearly it is one, and it’s on a rockin’ shoe. :)

Ahhh, Peanuts + Converse! Together at last. :D

It’s a shoe, it’s an Autobot! It’s a shoe, it’s an Autobot! Transformers!

And then there’s Hello Kitty, for the girly sorts. :) Aww, these are even fuzzy!

As always, click the pics for links and be sweet to your feet. One day they might even make you smile! ;)

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Monday Madness

2010-11-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

Monday Madness: "

What am I supposed to do all day now that Darc is gone?

*****

My son said he had a great birthday. That always makes a mommy’s heart swell.

*****

I’m kicking around the idea of doing a series for my political blog.

*****

I’m looking into learning about technical editing. Wow, huh?

*****

I actually subscribed to a writerly blog, (on my Reader) so as to learn more about aspects of writing for a project that’s been brewing in the back of my mind for some weeks now. (Not related to the technical editing stuff.)

*****

Gone into “documentary mode” it seems with the stuff I’ve been picking out at the library lately, to watch. Haven’t really grabbed a movie in a few weeks.

*****

Did, however, get a notice that Dexter Season 3 was available for me to pick-up so I got that one.

*****

My son seems to have finally grown out of “ant” phase (whew!) and is now into “shark” phase. On the plus side, he’ll never ask if he can have a pet one, or collect one in a jar to bring inside and study.

*****

Now I’m off to iron some shirts for Darc so he has something to wear for his new job.

*****

And how was your weekend?

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Family Life Tagged: Family Life, Miscellany "

Prolly his birthday

2010-11-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

Prolly his birthday: "

No “justifiCATion” needed today! It really is someone’s birthday! The KnytLite turns 9!

Happy Birthday Beautiful Boy! *hugsandkisses*

(and he picked out this picture )

Filed under: Family Life, LOLz Tagged: Birthday, Son "

Hello

2010-11-13T17:10:00.000-08:00

Hello: "

You didn’t think you could sneak up on me, did you? Mwuhahahahaha!

Filed under: Funny, LOLz Tagged: Funny, LOLz "

Friday Funnies

2010-11-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

Friday Funnies: "

Innocence is Priceless

One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of the church staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names and small American flags mounted on either side of it. The six-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, ‘Good morning Alex.’

‘Good morning Pastor,’ he replied, still focused on the plaque. ‘Pastor, what is this?’

The pastor said, ‘Well son, it’s a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.’

Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque. Finally, little Alex’s voice, barely audible and trembling with fear asked, ‘Which service, the 8:30 or the 10:30?’

*****

The Wild Kid

As a crowded airliner is about to take off, the peace is shattered by a 5-year-old boy who picks that moment to throw a wild temper tantrum. No matter what his frustrated, embarrassed mother does to try to calm him down, the boy continues to scream furiously and kick the seats around him.

Suddenly, from the rear of the plane, an elderly man in the uniform of an Air Force General is seen slowly walking forward up the aisle. Stopping the flustered mother with an upraised hand, the white-haired, courtly, soft-spoken General leans down and, motioning toward his chest, whispers something into the boy’s ear.

Instantly, the boy calms down, gently takes his mother’s hand, and quietly fastens his seat belt. All the other passengers burst into spontaneous applause.

As the General slowly makes his way back to his seat, one of the cabin attendants touches his sleeve. "Excuse me, General," she asks quietly, "but could I ask you what magic words you used on that little boy?"

The old man smiles serenely and gently confides, "I showed him my pilot’s wings, service stars, and battle ribbons, and explained that they entitle me to throw one passenger out the plane door on any flight I choose."

*****

Have a wonderful weekend!

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Funny, Laughing Out Loud Tagged: Funnies, Humor, Jokes, Laughing, Military "

Thursday Thankfulness

2010-11-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

Thursday Thankfulness: "

It is quite fitting that Veteran’s Day falls on Thursday this year, so that I can use my Thursday Thankfulness to say thank you to all who have served. Without veterans, I probably would not be an American, might not even be here at all, living in this free and amazing country I call home. I might not be a Christian, since freedom of religion is one of the freedoms I enjoy as an American. Without veterans, there wouldn’t even be an America.

So I am thankful today for all the men and women who are serving, and have served, in all branches of our military.

Thank you, Veterans, for all you have done for our nation.

You answered your country’s call when she needed you.

You were there, you did what needed to be done.

I salute you, and thank you.

Filed under: Holiday, Thankfulness Tagged: Holiday, Military, Thankfulness, Veteran's Day, Veterans "

Wednesday Weird

2010-11-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Weird: "

I am on the verge of something. I don’t know what it is. I’ve been having these strange dreams lately. First I dreamt – 4 times the same night! – that I had an appt at 1:30. That was a couple of weeks ago. I really didn’t expect anything to happen that day at 1:30, but I have learned that numbers in my dreams don’t always mean what one would think they do. This might mean months, or days, or weeks, or even something like Jan 30th. Or any combination, like in 1 week and 30 days.

Then, just the other night, I dreamt, also 4 times again, that company was coming. It was different people in each of the dreams, sometimes it was one person, other times it was more like a little party, but always “Company’s coming!”

So … any of you planning on a visit or something?

Honestly, it could mean anything. I have no idea. I have learned over the years though to pay attention and be alert when things like this happen to me. So my eyes are open!

What about you? Do weird things like that happen to you? Little “future foretells” that come in out of the blue, and turn out to come true?

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Personal Tagged: Dreams, Weird "

Tuesday Tootsies

2010-11-09T11:56:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Tootsies: "

This week I put together collections of rain boots and slippers. They seemed to go together now that these colder nights are upon us and a cup of hot chocolate sounds like something we could dive in to. It’s all about keeping those tootsies warm and dry.

Okay, so maybe these aren’t rainboots. But the clear plastic thing reminded me of a raincoat. I kind of like them, in a weird sort of naked way.

What time is it? Time to come in out of the rain!

Could not resist the colorful! So cute, there’s a little ruler on the leg part, to see how many inches of rain puddle you’ve stepped in.

Mrs Gorton’s Fisherman wears these on Saturday nights, you know.

And these give bunny slippers a whole new meaning!

Thought of you, WIGSF, when I saw these. Maybe I’ll get you a pair for Christmas.

And Sparkling Red, these made me think of you. I know you take extra care to keep your toes nice and toes-ty warm. Just plug these into your computer’s USB port to heat your feet.

And for those folks who just want to lounge around, we have these. If it was warm out, these could even go poolside, lol.

As always, click the pics for links and be sweet to your feet.

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Shoes Tagged: Rain Boots, Shoes, Slippers "

Monday Marriage

2010-11-08T11:38:00.000-08:00

Monday Marriage: "

And so we begin the next chapter of our life together, Darc and I. As WIGSF put it, we have made it through “another year of holding back the urge to smother someone in their sleep.” No idea what the future holds, but I do know that whatever it is, Darc and I will surely be able to face it together. We’ve gone through some things that probably should have destroyed our marriage, but we found those things seemed to refine us, reshape us, and unite us in ways we’d not thought possible before. Fire and pressure change the nature of things – like coal into diamonds or purifying gold and silver – not the least of which is our marriage and ourselves. So here’s to the next step of the journey.

Darc has been a busy bee, trying to finish up this latest “slurp,” as it has come to be called. Nothing like a deadline to motivate someone. I do what little I can to help, as a research assistant, but the work is all on his shoulders.

And this is our last week together all day every day. At least for awhile. The new job starts next week and while that’s a good thing, we are going to miss each other. You get kind of used to a person, hanging out 24/7.

So how was your weekend?

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Family Life, My Beloved, Personal Tagged: Anniversary, Family, Husband, Marriage, Writing "

Happy Anniversary

2010-11-07T12:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary: "

Anniversary | Forward this Picture

Happy Anniversary, My Beloved.

I’d do it all over again.

Filed under: Family Life, Joy, My Beloved, Personal Tagged: Anniversary "

rise my army!

2010-11-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

rise my army!: "

Minions! Where are my minions?!?!

Filed under: Funny, LOLz Tagged: Funny, LOLz "

Friday Fragments

2010-11-05T23:33:00.000-07:00

Friday Fragments: "

Seraphic Secret recently received a Kindle, and realizing he needed to travel with it and had no travel case, he came up with a terrific inexpensive idea. I don’t want to spoil the secret, so why don’t you pop on over to his site and check it out? Seraphic Secret: Dressing the Kindle

When I checked the internet for cases, I judged most way too expensive and over-engineered.

[…]

Instead, from stuff in my office, I improvised a simple but functional travel case that has an unpretentious, arts and crafts feel.

*****

Can the Parrot Talk?

(an oldie but a goodie)

One day a man went to an auction. While there, he bid on a parrot. He really wanted this bird, so he got caught up in the bidding. He kept on bidding, but kept getting outbid, so he bid higher and higher and higher.

Finally, after he bid way more than he intended, he won the bid. The parrot was his at last!

As he was paying for the parrot, he said to the auctioneer, "I sure hope this parrot can talk. I would hate to have paid this much for it, only to find out that he can’t talk!"

"Don’t worry," said the auctioneer, "he can talk. Who do you think kept bidding against you?"

*****

It’s a special weekend for me. I hope yours is awesome too!

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Funny Tagged: Funnies, Joke "

Thursday Thankfulness

2010-11-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

Thursday Thankfulness: "

Not sure if you read my husband‘s blog yesterday, but if you did, then you know he’s picked up a job. Believe me, that is good news here in the Darc House. Sure, it comes with some drawbacks, like the crazy commute, but you do what you have to, right? We have always maintained that we didn’t get married to spend all our time apart, so this time spent together has had its blessings as well as its hardships. But work is good and this year should be a nice Christmas.

So I’m sad my husband will be gone all day, but I’m thankful for the work.

And how about you? What are you grateful for this week?

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Thankfulness Tagged: Employment, Thankfulness, Work "

Wednesday Weird

2010-11-03T10:45:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Weird: "

I swear, this is exactly how my kids were the other day. I sent them to play outside, and one of them apparently picked up a stick that had fallen off the tree by our corner, and then they proceeded to fight over it like it was some kind of prize! I was about ready to burn the doggone thing when my son threw it into the parking lot, so neither of them could get it. That kind of made me chuckle, in a way. Neither of them was willing to disobey the parental edict of “Don’t you dare run into that parking lot or you will get a spanking you won’t soon forget!” One or the other could have easily charged the 15’ into the parking lot to get it, but no. That tells me their “mama’s voice” thing is working. Heheheh. I know it’s working because they didn’t see me watching them from the patio door. The long-term effects are kicking in! I just hope it lasts through their teen years. Yeah, I know, but I like to be optimistic. Sometimes.

Get your copy of my husband’s books!

Buy J Dane Tyler’s Fiction now!

Filed under: Family Life Tagged: Family Life, Parenting "

Monday Madness

2010-11-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

Monday Madness: "

Did you have a nice Halloween? The weather for us was so nice this year. The air was crisp, no big winds to speak of, sunny with just a few clouds. They don’t let the kids go at night anymore so trick-or-treating means a fun afternoon now. My little Spiderman and Little Mermaid had fun and got some decent stuff. One guy, must have been a dentist, gave them pretzels and toothpaste and toothbrushes! LOL He was standing on his porch with a table and all his stuff nice and organized on it. You could tell he was on a mission and was quite happy about it by the smile on his face.

*****

I’ve been doing a little work on a new blog. Don’t roll your eyes at me! This one is a joint effort thing, and you can be a contributor. SamHenry, MountainRepublic, and myself have put together a recipes blog, called At Grandma’s Table. It’s a nostalgia recipes kind of thing, so if you have some favorite recipes from your childhood that you’d like to share, let me know and we can make you a contributor. And if you don’t, stop by for a taste, you might find something you like. Be sure to add it to your Reader!

*****

Believe it or not, I actually got a poem up on my poetry blog, PoeticalNess. It’s been close to a year since I’ve posted anything there, so it felt nice to get something up there again.

*****

Found out last night that my beloved Patriots are currently #1 in the league at 6–1. Woo! That made for one happy Falcon! Figures it happens when I’ve temporarily stopped posting on my football blog.

And how was your weekend?

Filed under: Family Life Tagged: Family Life, Halloween, Weekend "

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T12:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!: "

Have a frightfully great time today!

Stay safe

And bring back lots of candy!

Filed under: Holiday Tagged: Fun, Halloween "