Touching My Heart

I recently found out about this annual event and I hope it touches your heart as much as it did mine.
Be sure and go to Wreaths Across America to learn more.

The frosting on the cake

Could it be that my daughter just picks the wrong stores to go to or is she really having a bad week of people with attitude.
Last night she stopped at the local WalMart to purchase a small cake. You know the kind, those ready made cakes that you buy for birthdays without any writing on them.
Well, she picks one and ask the lady behind the counter if she can write Happy Birthday on it. Not a problem she says...Then my daughter ask would she be able to put a flower on it..ONE flower....Here comes Miss Attitude..OUR CAKES ARE ALREADY DECORATED WHEN WE PUT THEM OUT..I CAN'T BE PUTTING NO FLOWERS ON THEM..
Now tell me what is the difference between writing and a flower. Sheesh!!
My daughter was good this time..She said ok thanks anyway and takes the cake with the writing on it..

I told her I would have left the cake and told her never mind I will buy one somewhere else..

People are so weird.

Tell Me Please

Will some one please tell me why it is every time we have a full moon the local idiots all shop in my store?
Seriously, I think its a plot. We get more irritating people who just seem to go out of their way to ask a stupid question, or try and get something reduced, make a complaint or just generally annoy...
I need a nice long bubble bath.

Calgon take me away...

Final Post of the year

This will be my final post of 2008. I am working tomorrow and in the evening plan on just relaxing and spending time with my family. Also for anyone who is interested I have a new post over at the paranormal blog (link is in the side bar)
Happy New Year Everyone

Money Soup


This money soup can be made New Years Eve, or any time to attract money during the next year. Remove the silver object before eating the soup.


1 coin or small silver object
2 cups water
1 1/2 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, minced
1 small head green cabbage, shredded
4 cups chicken stock
Salt and Pepper to taste

Boil the sliver object to sterilize it. Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the onion and saute till light brown. Add the cabbage and cook until tender. Toss in the silver object. Add chicken stock to vegetables and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer fifteen minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

(Scott Cunningham)

Recapping the year

Where has this year gone? it is hard to believe that tomorrow is New Years Eve
I've been giving some thought to the photo project I mentioned in my previous post and I think I am just going to mix it up a bit. I am going to do something called "The world around me" At lest once a month (more often if I can)
I will post at lest one photo from somewhere in my town. I will take you on a guided tour of where I live. I'm not sure exactly what I will show you yet, it might be something as simple as where I pump my gas, or simply a shot of the ocean, but I will find something to entertain you. In the meantime I am recapping 2008

January brought a whopping 1 inch of snow (that is all we had all year)



February found me ghost hunting (remember the "lady" my grandson saw in the woods)



March brought Easter and the hope that spring wasn't far behind


April teased us with a beautiful sunny day and the temperature reached 71, what better way to spend a beautiful spring day than at the beach.



In May my grandson had a birthday,and before I blink it will be time for another one



In June we took a vacation and one of the places we visited was bacon's castle in Surry VA




July brought us hot days and summer fun


The August heat brought more summer fun and we went and picked fresh vegetables at a local farm



In September I went to my favorite place...Gettysburg PA.




October found me celebrating my 55th birthday with a little early Halloween fun




November left us with cooler days in which we could enjoy solitude at the beach



December finds us at the end of the year, so please enjoy this little slide show of my Christmas.

What will 2009 bring? Only the fates know for sure but I wanted to take a miniature and thank all of you who come here to read this blog. I am thankful for each of you I am looking forward to meeting new friends and finding new things to share on this blog in the next year May you all have a blessed and Happy New Year.

What do you think?

Ok, I want some imput here. I have been thinking of starting a new photo project for 2009. I am just not sure what I want it to be about. I am looking for ideas.
Do you want to see more of the area I live in? Say something different every month?
Should I photograph the same tree every month to see how it changes?
How about only one house from Williamburg each month, or a photo of the beach?
I am up for suggestions..
Just leave me a comment and let me know what YOU want to see me do

We made it

Thank Goodness we survived Christmas, now to get past all the exchanges that are yet to come (at work).
Did I mention this was my lest favorite holiday..Yes I know I am complainer, but I really am glad it is over. If I wasn't superstious and really don't need the bad luck that is suppose to follow if you take a tree down before the first of the New Year I would have had mine down today. I will hang in there another week, but let me tell you right now. I am ready for spring.

Let's Say Thanks

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!!



It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.


This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's.
Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

.

Munching

Ok, I am 55 so I know I can't blame it on being premenstrual, so will someone tell me why I bought 2 different kinds of pie fillings today (Chocolate and banana cream) and a jar of orange marmalade, AND a can of mixed nuts, AND a bag of chocolate cover peanuts...AND finished off some chips and dip.....

I'm hiding the bathroom scales.....

The eyes of a child

Several weeks ago the store that I work at "adopted" children from a local women's shelter for the holidays. Each department within the store was given a name, age and sizes and provided with a list of things that they wanted. Well let me tell you the list was pretty high tech for a bunch of underprivileged kids. Things like MP3 players and IPODS. One child even asked for a bike. Of course there was the usual stuff like sweaters and jeans, but all the same I felt a bit tiffed that we were not asked if we wanted to do this, just told you are. I came right out and told my co-worker that I wasn't going to do it because I had my own family to buy for and finances are always tight in my house. Of course in the end I did buy her a blouse and pants and helped pick out some other stuff with money that was collected from those who didn't want to shop for themselves, but I remained ticked off until the last minute. The last minute when I walked into the room where the store had gathered up all the gifts to take to the kids. There in front of me was C H R IS T M A S.....Brightly colored packages of all shapes and sizes. Some elaborately decorated, some in plain cheap paper, but there all the same. I added our things to the pile with our child's name on it...Then I looked around and there in the corner I saw it..The bike.. A little boys bike and in that moment I saw joy on an unknown child's face, and my heart melted...
This was what it is all about. Making someone happy, no matter what little bit you have, it doesn't matter, it is all about the kids...
Like Tiny Tim says..God Bless us everyone

(footnote: I wasn't mad that we were giving to children who were not going to have a Christmas unless our store provided it, I was mad about the way we were TOLD we had to do it without being asked. I felt like it was not handled right and that one person or a group of people should have been responsible for collecting for the children...It should not have been put out there public to each other as to how much we gave and who gave what. It is embarrassing when you can't afford to buy things (like a bike for a child) and yet they expect you too. I hope the store handles it differently if they ever do this again)

Is It Over Yet

Oh my god I am in retail hell. The last two days have been horrid. Long lines, cranky people and one over tired ME. Both mornings at work have been super busy, and I honestly didn't see much that was on sale that I would have stood in line for.
I did manage to find two shirts for my own grandson on a morning special (at our store). One is of Spider man and the other of Wall-E (a robot). That finished up his gifts (I have toys already bought) and almost all of my holiday shopping.
My grand daughter is getting a toys r us gift certificate as I have no idea what she has or likes since her mother will not contact with me. I know what I am getting my niece and my daughter's boyfriend will also receive a gift certificate, since he is a pain in the butt and doesn't have much to do with the family anyway. My son will receive money (unless I find out he wants clothes) and my daughter got her gift early. I bought her a new jacket last week when we ran them on sale. My husband and I probably won't do anything for each other until after the first of the year when we will find something we want for both of us (I am thinking of a romantic night in a bed and breakfast) The rest of the family does not give to each other. As bad as I hate to say it, Christmas is my lest favorite holiday. I am always soooo glad when it is over. There is never enough time or money and I wouldn't bother with it at all if it wasn't for my kids and grandson.
I know, I know, your all shaking your heads thinking oh my gosh, how can she feel that way.
It honestly has nothing to do with the meaning of Christmas or religion or anything like that. I simply just do not like it. I think it all started when I moved from VA to TN in the early 1990's. I was living with the ex back then and I was unhappy living there and never got into the spirit when it came to decorating back then. We put the tree up, but we traveled every year but one out of the 7 I was there back here to VA to visit family. I was always unhappy to leave Va and go back home it put a damper on things..Then when my current husband and I first started living together it was in the month of Dec (our wedding anniversary is coming up on Tues and the anniversary of our living together a few days later) What should have been a happy time was not because the kids were so unhappy that I had left there dad a few months before and I was unhappy that the kids wouldn't come live with me..
It was just never the same after that, Then to top it off my dad passed away four years ago and was buried on Christmas Eve. Since then my mom's heart just hasn't been in it as far as doing gifts and things... So yes call me Scrooge, but really it is a pain and just a day I am glad to see come and go.
Well, that is about it on the home-front..Oh also if you are still reading this post (a bit long winded I know)
I wanted to tell everyone that I did reload what post I had saved back to my paranormal blog and the link is back on the side bar. I will probably post my ghost adventures on both blog, but after thinking about it I decided to redo the blog over there because sometimes people in my "real life" (family or co-workers) ask me about my ghost hunting. I want to have a place to direct them to without them reading this blog which I don't give he address to. Anyway if your interested in that type of stuff you can find the blog again..
Catch up with everyone later...

Happy Thanksgiving

I wish I didn't have to go to work today
I wish I had a job

This house is so small I can't wait until we move into a bigger place
I hope the kids are ok sleeping in the dorm, living in this shelter is so hard..

I just don't know where I am going to store all my shoes, I am out of closet space
These sandals are cold on my feet. I wish I could afford some sneakers


I am tired of cooking I think I will call pizza hut tonight
I wish I had more than these beans to feed the kids

This dog makes me so mad tearing up paper on the floor
I wish Billy had a dog I couldn't help but notice how his eyes lite up when he saw the puppy at the park..Maybe someday we will get out of this shelter and in a real home.

I can't believe I have to get up at 6 am to get all this food cooked for Thanksgiving tomorrow
Oh my goodness look at the long line at the food bank. I hope they don't run out before it is my turn

I wish my husband would turn off that stupid ball game I am so sick of sports

I miss my husband so much...I know he must be lonely so far from home fighting for our country. I wish he could be here today



Hi everyone
.
I was driving down the road complaining to myself about my tiny apartment when I passed a parking lot that had been set up by a local food bank to distribute food for the needy. The line was long and it got me to thinking about just how lucky I am...so I made this up and thought of what the other choice might be...
Here is it
As you sit down tomorrow for your Thanksgiving please remember those who have to do without..
Blessings to all

I wonder

Today at work a man and lady came walking past me. I looked up and did a double take. The guy was wearing a ball cap and dark sunglasses. I swear it was Toby Keith. He kept walking. I looked again and caught the eye of the lady he was with and quickly ask her. Did anyone every tell you he looks like Toby Keith?..All the time she said, and kept walking....
The more I thought of it the more I wondered if I was right.. Why would someone be wearing a ball cap and DARK sunglasses in the middle of a store in a mall..hmmmm
Sooooo, I took a little walk. I looked everywhere but couldn't find them, so I went to the mens department in hopes that he had gone there. When I questioned one of the women (who had no idea who Toby is) she remembered the man I described. Yep he had been there. Cool I thought. I asked her if he spoke and she said Yes, Did he have a southern drawl? Yes,....Did he have a deep voice....Yes..
My heart skipped a beat..I looked high and low..I even went into the mall..I never saw him again.

Sigh...
Of course it was probably just some guy..but..who knows...maybe...

I guess we will never know.

Where were you....Remembering 9-11

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

(Alan Jackson)

Points to Ponder

Two wolves.

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.He said, 'My son, the battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all.One is Evil. - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good. - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.' The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?'The old Cherokee simply replied,
"The one you feed"

Thank You

I wanted to take a mintue to thank some of my blogging friend for some kind thoughts and gifts

First to my buddy PepperLady who sent me a card and something to help fund my trip to Gettysburg in a few weeks. THANK YOU

And second to my buddy Ruth who send me this lovely Bee Totem

From a contest she had on her blog.I love it thank you!

By the light of the moon

Did anyone see the moon tonight? I did and it was gorgeous. It is one of those big fat round moons that is so bright it seems to glow even against the city lights. As my daughter and I were driving home from the store tonight we looked up and noticed it, we both commented about how pretty it was and how much we enjoy the full moon.
Much to my surprise my daughter started talking about how amazed she is and how much in awe she is of the moon.
Mom she said...Do you realize that every single person on the entire earth from the beginning of time has looked at this same moon...
Everyone from the cave men to Kings and Queens have looked at it.
Jesus looked at it, and the witches have danced under it.
Men in the Civil War and battlefields have seen it, and every single person that you and I are related to have looked at it.
That is pretty amazing.
I had never really thought of it that way.

When did she get so smart

Cht Chat and other stuff

I haven't posted much lately, so I thought tonight I would just chit chat.
Nothing much going on around here really. As I mentioned the hubby passed the pieces of his kidney stone. Hopefully those three were the only ones. He goes back to the DR. this Friday for a checkup so they should tell him for sure if he can expect more.

The medical bills are starting to come in for the little darling. So far I think I have added up about 15,000 dollars. You may or may not know that we carry no insurance. So laugh along with me if you really think that will ever get paid.
And before you asked why don't I have insurance. It is simple. We can not afford it.
After my hubby pays a little over $500.00 a month in child support together we only clear about 2,100 a month. My rent is 850.00. I won't bore you will all the other bills, but trust me, there is nothing left at the end of the week/month.

I put my FOURTH tire on my car today in as many months. It seems that they all went out about the same time. I had to put this last one on because my car had to be inspected and it would not pass without it.
I am now $104.00 (including the inspection) poorer.

On the bright side, I have managed to save enough to pay for my second night in Gettysburg. I just have to figure out where the gas, food and spending money will come from for our trip up there next month
In spite of the financial hardships I still intend to go. We deserve this trip and come hell of high water I plan on taking it.

Hmm let's see what else is new...
Well, work is ok. About the only thing I can complain about there is I can't help but wonder. Why do women pee on the toilet in public bathrooms. Every time I go into the one at work there is always dribble on the seat. Contrary to popular believe I honestly believe you will be ok if you sit on the toilet. Think about it a minute. When you sit on the seat..the only thing that touches it are your hips. Why do you think your butt is going to get any more germs from touching something than say for example your arm is from leaning on a counter that everyone else has touched.
Yes I know your going to say, but people pee on the seat and that is why you don't sit on it, but do you see what I am getting at here. If everyone would sit..there would be no pee on the seat. Ok point taken, lets move on
Business is slow at work, but I think it is the economy. People are not spending as much. Maybe it will pick up as the holidays approach.

Speaking of can you believe that summer is almost over. We really didn't do much with ours this year. Other than taking my grandson to the beach a few times we have stuck pretty close to home



Our apartment complex did finally get around to putting in a grill and picnic table for our building


But I haven't seen anyone use it yet. Oh by the way for those of you who have a Walmart, Let me recommend the hamburg patties that they sell. It is the great value brand and they come in a while box. We pay about $14.00 for a box of them here (I think it has either 24 or 36 burgers, I can't remember).
Anyway they grill up really good and have a pretty decent flavor for frozen.

I hate to admit it but I am looking forward to fall. It has always been my favorite time of year and I look forward to the crisp air and beautiful fall colors.
I know my dog will appreciate it too, she has had a hard time with fleas this year.

Anyway that is about it for my ramblings

In the Know-My Town

My blog buddy Pepper Lady does something called In The Know where she ask a question on her blog. This week it was What you like and don't like about your town.
I had to give it a bit of thought and first of all I live in a city instead of a town, but we are not a big city. We only have one shopping mall, one Target, and one Walmart and one K-mart. We do however have about a dozen 7-11 convience stores and several strip shops.
I like living here because we are close to bigger cities like Norfolk and Virginia Beach. So we have the bay and the ocean close by. We are also close to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown. With all of that close by there is usually always something to do.
We are about an hour to Richmond Va. Two and a half hours to Washington DC and approximately 4 hours to the mountains. Water and mountains....the best of both worlds

On the downside
We only have one shopping mall, One walmart, one Target and one K-mart. Sometimes it is hard to find what you want because the stuff gets picked over fast.
Speaking of fast, we need more fast food restaurants.
We do have buses but no other means of public transportation (unless you count a taxi)
On the plus, we have a Amtrak Train station and a bus station for either Grey hound or Trails-way. Sorry I can't remember which one because I've never had the need to ride it.
We also have a airport and fare is usually cheaper than the one in Norfolk
There seems to be a good employment record, but I have never paid attention to the statistics. We have the shipyard here and some other industries so I think that employs a lot of people
Anyway life is good

If you do this question on your blog be sure and drop by Pepper Lady's and leave her your link

Dreaming

I have been dreaming of going to Gettysburg Pennsylvania for awhile now, so tonight I map quested it. Did you know I can be there in 4.0 hours 28 minutes It is only 257.60 miles away. I have another vacation coming up in September. My husband says no camping, but It is cheap to camp....
The plot thickens....