The best thing today

[diamondlil]

Is waking up to find that Boswellbaxter figured out how to install the software, and we are BACK! :D:D:D

[Leyland]

I second that, Marg!

[michellemoran]

I third that!!!!!!!

[SonjaMarie]

I quadruple that!

SM

[Amanda]

Hooray! Well done!

[Ash]

Yep, that probably counts as the best thing

[pat]

This is fantastic! I didnt realise how much I would miss you all till you were taken away from me!

Mega thanks!

[MLE]

Definitely my best thing today was finding the forum back. And to think that in '07 this forum was my first venture into the world of internet interaction! (email excluded, of course.) My, I missed it when it was gone.
OK, second best thing is the youngest son started his new job today, doing something he loves for not-awful pay. It was a long six months since he was laid off, mostly hanging around our house or his siblings' places being gloomy.

[LCW]

This happened the other day but it's was certainly a "best" thing. I took my dog to a different trainer to *again* get help with her aggression issues towards other dogs. He was AMAZING with her!! Within one session he had her walking along side his dog and at the end of an hour an a half he had her in the yard with five other dogs. First with a leash and muzzle, then just a leash, then off leash with NO muzzle. She acted up a bit but quickly got under control.

This was sooo promising and he said that her issues are not so much that she hates other dogs and wants to kill them but she's basically scared and lacks socialization because I've kept her apart from other dogs for so long. I'm just so amazed at how well she did and it just really goes to show that no dog is too old to learn. She's almost 9 and has had aggression issues since she was 1 1/2 years old. I've taken her to several trainers and behaviorists and she never did as well as with this guy. I'm soo psyched!

He gave me some "homework" to do over the next few weeks and then we're going to board her with him and take her to his doggie day care bootcamp to get her properly socialized. This could open up a whole new world for Lila! I'm sooo thrilled!!

[MLE]

Great you found a good trainer for Lila! Our standard poodle had 'fear biting' issues as well. Most people can't tell the difference between fear-caused aggression and dominance-aggression when other members of the same species are involved.

[Divia]

Misfit lead me to the site! :D

[LCW]

Great you found a good trainer for Lila! Our standard poodle had 'fear biting' issues as well. Most people can't tell the difference between fear-caused aggression and dominance-aggression when other members of the same species are involved.

Thanks, MLE! What's amazing is that he could tell me which behaviors were really dominance behaviors and which were fear or anxiety based. One of the dogs in the yard was a small one, about 20 pounds, and I thought Lila was bullying her but he said she just didn't know how to react to a dog so small. Imagine that! I misinterpreted a lot with my dog!

I'm getting some flack from some people because this trainer is not they "happy go lucky positive praise no matter what" type trainer. I tried that for years with various behaviorists and it works for her obedience training, which she's great at, but not for her aggression issue. He's not harsh at all just firm! Whatever, it works and I'm stickin' with it!

[MLE]

I'm getting some flack from some people because this trainer is not they "happy go lucky positive praise no matter what" type trainer. I tried that for years with various behaviorists and it works for her obedience training, which she's great at, but not for her aggression issue. He's not harsh at all just firm! Whatever, it works and I'm stickin' with it!

So many people just want 'feel good' from their animals and are surprisingly resistant to investing the 'doesn't-feel-so-good' work that is necessary for the animal to thrive and become a good co-worker/friend. Effective trainers follow the example of nature, which means that both pleasure and discomfort are involved in the learning process. LOL, can you imagine a mother dog/wolf/fox using 'positive reinforcement only' as she teaches her cubs how to stay alive in a dangerous world?

[diamondlil]

Last night I went to the Ned Kelly Awards which are the Australian Crime Writers awards. I had such a great time. It was not what I expected at all, and I go to meet a couple of bloggers face to face as well which is cool!

Today, I am off to hear Kate Atkinson speak.

[TerriPray]

The best thing today - getting a new story started as my editor has been asking for more paranormal's from me. This one is flowing, so if I'm lucky it might be one she'll enjoy.

[Perdita]

The best thing for me today was being invited to try out for a new job role at work. I just have to do this 'logic/aptitude' test thing on Monday. The manager even said it was just a formality and practically said I'd get the job even if I don't pass which is good, if a bit strange!
I'm not sure about it yet because it means leaving my old work mates who I love and going into a new office with new people but I'm excited anyway :)

[Judith]

Best thing today is the beautiful weather we are having! :)

[pat]

Finding a crumb that had got stuck under the 'o' key and was causing problems!

LOL!

[Alaric]

I overslept and missed my classes today. :D

This is a good thing because I only ever get one day a week off as I'm either at work or university the other six. It was nice to sleep in for once!

[SonjaMarie]

Finding out that Amazon UK Refferels has mailed me a check after almost exactly 4 years since my last one! It just takes me forever to gain enough to get the money from them, sigh!

7/28/2004 Payment by Cheque -GBP 59.58
8/28/2008 Payment by Cheque -GBP 51.43

SM

[LoveHistory]

First day of school! Wooooooo-hoooooooo! If I had a happy dance, I'd be doing it. Amazing how quiet it gets with just half the kids out of the house.

Oh, and we close on the twelfth so I'll be moving after that.

[pat]

A couple of good things today...firstly we are on the last stages of mums visa! Had a trip to Centerlink for her Assurance of Support paperwork, so it is not long now till her visa is granted!

Also...I am applying to TAFE (college) to do a.....wait for it.....Diploma/Cert IV in Librarian Services! I might need to do the Cert IV, then top it off with the Diploma after, depends on what they say! Fingers crossed for me please!

[boswellbaxter]

Most definitely crossed!

[diamondlil]

A couple of good things today...firstly we are on the last stages of mums visa! Had a trip to Centerlink for her Assurance of Support paperwork, so it is not long now till her visa is granted!

Also...I am applying to TAFE (college) to do a.....wait for it.....Diploma/Cert IV in Librarian Services! I might need to do the Cert IV, then top it off with the Diploma after, depends on what they say! Fingers crossed for me please!


Good luck Pat...with both the visa and with getting into the TAFE course.

[SonjaMarie]

Good luck Pat!

SM

[pat]

Thank you all!

[Vanessa]

Good luck, Pat.

[Leyland]

Got a Bose Wave CD/radio stereo delivered today. Yep ... sounds better than the $50 Sony boombox. ;) Folks, the house is seriously rockin'!

And Pat, way to go on the Librarian Services career plan. Absolute best wishes and thoughts your way.

[Spitfire]

Got my nails filled, and went out for lunch with my husband. :D

[diamondlil]

Went to my son's school concert tonight. Sometimes they can be pretty draining (other than the bit that your child is in obviously) but tonight's wasn't too bad.

[SonjaMarie]

Seller of the books I won yesterday realized she overcharged me for S/H from Eastern Canada and refunded me some money. It's always refreshing when the sellers are honest like that, otherwise I would've had no clue whatsoever!

SM

[Divia]

That's sweet! Yeah that totally rocks when they do that.

I have power on in my house! after 2 days of no power (and water because I'm on a well) I can stop living like those victorian people I always read about. ;)

[SonjaMarie]

Ok, did I miss something? How'd you lose your power?!

I always refund if I overcharge for shipping if it's a few dollars or more.

SM

[Divia]

massive windstorm. I had to shower at my mother's house.

[pat]

Mums Visa has been granted! We went to the dept of Immigration yesterday to pay in a large cheque, and got the parking fine in the process....then this morning in my emails is one saying she is now a permanent visa holder! All the running around and hard work has paid off!

[SonjaMarie]

Mums Visa has been granted! We went to the dept of Immigration yesterday to pay in a large cheque, and got the parking fine in the process....then this morning in my emails is one saying she is now a permanent visa holder! All the running around and hard work has paid off!

Yeah! Way to go Pat, and yeah mom!

SM

[diamondlil]

Mums Visa has been granted! We went to the dept of Immigration yesterday to pay in a large cheque, and got the parking fine in the process....then this morning in my emails is one saying she is now a permanent visa holder! All the running around and hard work has paid off!


Wooo-hoooo!

My best thing is for tomorrow night really! I am going to go and see the musical Wicked! Yay!

[Vanessa]

Ooooh, enjoy it, Diamondlil. I loved the book and I would absolutely love to see the show.

[pat]

Wooo-hoooo!

My best thing is for tomorrow night really! I am going to go and see the musical Wicked! Yay!



Oooo! Some of my daughters dance school friends have been to see it! They say it was....wicked! Have a great time!

[sweetpotatoboy]

Sunday and Monday were great. We had glorious weather at the weekend, and on Sunday I met some former and current colleagues for a very relaxed lunch in the sunshine near the South Bank, where there was a fun festival going on.

On Monday evening, I met an old university friend and we went to see a gig by a band that we were into back then and who have just re-formed: Scottish band Hue and Cry. We had a wonderful time and then came back and chatted for ages. (and now I have a sore throat!!)

[pat]

Well. Having coffee with mum and the in-laws yesterday we were discussing the book I am reading (EC's The WInter Mantle). I was saying how Judith went to Elstow (we lived in the next village when I was growing up, and my aunt has lived there since marrying as a young girl....she is now in her 90's!). Mum sat there, looked at me and asked if I remember the pageant we did at school. I WAS ABOUT 7!! Bits of it I remember. She asked if I remembered who I played. Nope. SHe made me a lovely gown she said. Nope. I played Judith she said.....

Dont know if this should be on the worst thing board as it may mean I am loosing my marbles!

[diamondlil]

I don't think you are losing your marbles Pat! I can't remember what I did last week, let along years ago!

[Divia]

FRIDAY!!!!!!!

And tomorrow the library is having a book sale! :D

[MLS859]

Is last night okay? We got to see Craig Ferguson in person (comedy show) in nearby Athens (GA). He was great -- very funny!

[Mara]

Sitting outside in the sunshine this afternoon. OK, I was wearing a fleece top but it was so mild that I could easily have sat there in a t-shirt. After the summer that never was this was a welcome change. I was reading the latest book to review and allowed myself an early glass of wine while the OH walked to the supermarket. Oh bliss!

[pat]

Yesterday we got out and weeded the garden and did the 'spring tidy'! My veggie plot gave us the greens for dinner (Lamb chops toad-in-the-hole style)!

[diamondlil]

Mmm...yummy dinner cooked by someone else! Yay!

[Alaric]

I finished this essay I've not been able to get any rhythm into writing earlier, thankfully. Don't think I'm going to do that well on it though.

[pat]

Managed to get the fabric to re-make sons top.

[MLE]

Lovely birthday dinner for the Daughter and son-in-law (she conveniently married someone only three days older than she so we celebrate them together.) Planned the baby shower for the Daughter-in-law and the girls overruled bossy eldest son on color for the baby's room and arranged a painting party. Youngest son got promotion on new job. Actually paid Dad back on an unemployment-time loan.
A wonderful evening, all around.

[pat]

Sounds like you had a productive time MLE!

[princess garnet]

College friend visiting for a few days.

[pat]

Upgraded my phone! Now the fun part of setting it up!


Another thing....Hawks won! Didnt want Geelong to win the cup! (AFL, for those not Australian!)

[diamondlil]

It was an absolutely beautiful day today here, so we went to a friends for barbecue (my sixth barbecue meal in 8 days and it's not even summer yet), watched the AFL Grand Final and then kicked the footy around!

I am tired but happy!

[pat]

It was an absolutely beautiful day today here, so we went to a friends for barbecue (my sixth barbecue meal in 8 days and it's not even summer yet), watched the AFL Grand Final and then kicked the footy around!

I am tired but happy!

Cooking roast pork in the babecue today! Cleaned it up yesterday ready for the season!

[diamondlil]

My barbecue has the facility to do roasts but I haven't yet tried it out. Do you have a rotisserie or do you just do it on the cooktop?

[lama]

Husband made a lovely stir-fry.

Got nearly 1000 words done on the novel.
www.lebutler.net

[pat]

My barbecue has the facility to do roasts but I haven't yet tried it out. Do you have a rotisserie or do you just do it on the cooktop?

We have a prong thing that sits in a meat tray and lifts the joint off the plates.....?? Do you understand that? We got it from Barbecues Galore when we got the barbie! Cooks the meat lovely!

[SonjaMarie]

I was running low on my money on my Go Phone and was only adding $15 to it an ended up with a $15 bonus, so it as a total of $30. Hopefully that should last me for awhile, since I don't use my phone all that much.

SM

[pat]

Went to see a friends daughter in a dance comp today. She is only 12, but taps wonderfully! She came off stage and was not happy with her performance, she was 4th and there was 14 in the catagory. We waited for the results. She didnt get an Honorable Mention, her face fell. Then, they read out the placings, she got third! The whole section were great! The girl that won danced well and just beamed!

There was another reason we went today, my daughter is doing her first comp (and maybe only...) on Tuesday on the same stage, so we supported Georgia and got to see the venue for Bex! (as you know, Bex has confidence issues and her dance teacher thought it might be good for her. She is doing a contemporary dance.)

[Maggie]

I ordered a book from Play. :D

[pat]

Got mums visa put into her passport today!

[diamondlil]

This is from yesterday. We were all feeling decidely unmotivated yesterday, so three of us went bowling at lunchtime! Not something to do every week, but it was fun!

[diamondlil]

It is a gorgeous spring day here so we went to the beach and wandered around the craft market, and then wandered along the waterfront, had some lunch etc.

Very pleasant way to pass a few hours.

[princess garnet]

Went away for a 3 day weekend for homecoming weekend at my graduate school. Got to see campus (lots of construction) and old friends.

[pixiedust]

Got all the laundry done.
Baked two loaves of bread.
Worked on Genealogy.

Packing to go spend a couple days at my Mama's.
I will be back Thursday.

[pat]

Well, for those of you who know how my daughter suffers with nerves before performing, you will be pleased to know that today she was entered into a contemporary dance competition. She did a dance choreographed by our Pilates teacher, also a choreographer, lasting 2.34mins, on her own. She didnt win, her fellow competitors were seasoned pro's at the events. However, she did it. The dance was not the same as she did in rehersal in the morning, but she carried on and finished it! We were so pleased with her!

(she then went on to do her dance lesson for 2 hours this evening! she is well tired!!)

[diamondlil]

That's great Pat!

[boswellbaxter]

Found out that P.D. James has a new mystery out in the UK; coming in November to the US!

[diamondlil]

I learnt how to do a VLOOKUP in MS Excel!

[pat]

I learnt how to do a VLOOKUP in MS Excel!

I'll take your word for it!!!

[diamondlil]

I don't know why you aren't excited Pat! :p

For the last couple of years I have always handed the work off to someone else if I needed to do one of these things. Now, that person doesn't work for us anymore so I had to figure it out for myself!

[pat]

I don't know why you aren't excited Pat! :p

For the last couple of years I have always handed the work off to someone else if I needed to do one of these things. Now, that person doesn't work for us anymore so I had to figure it out for myself!

In that case well done!



What is it? Will I ever need it? :confused:

[diamondlil]

Erm..it's an easy way to link a lot of information on one spreadsheet with another field - usually used in spreadsheets that hold a lot of information on them.

[pat]

Erm..it's an easy way to link a lot of information on one spreadsheet with another field - usually used in spreadsheets that hold a lot of information on them.

.....*thinks*....dont think I will need that!

However, if I ever do, I know where to go for distructions! :D

[pat]

Fantastic Pilates session! Worked all muscle groups, had a laugh with friends and really enjoyed it!

Tomorrow may be another story!

[diamondlil]

Made it there and back again safely!

[Alaric]

Ah, I remember learning how to do a v-lookup when I did IT publishing in high school.

[princess garnet]

Saw a retired librarian I knew

[LCW]

I got a call from the vet yesterday and she said that she was able to remove the entire tumor from Lila! I'm so relieved! It had grown into the muscle and she took off all she could be couldn't go any farther. There ended up being just a 2mm margin of healthy tissue around the some of the tumor, so it was pretty close, but we got it just in time. Now we just have to watch to make sure it hasn't metastasized and spread anywhere else but for this tumor she's good! I'm going to an Oncologist just to talk over options but am pretty sure I don't want to do radiation or chemo. I just don't want to put her through that! But it's definitely good news overall! Woohoo!!

[diamondlil]

That's great news Lila!

[SonjaMarie]

Lila: I hope your doggy will be better now and nothing further is wrong!

SM

[pat]

Great news Lila!

[boswellbaxter]

Glad to hear about your pup!

[princess garnet]

Covering the reference desk in my old subject division (History & Biography). :)

[Carine]

So glad to hear about your dog Lila !

[diamondlil]

I woke up this morning to lots of comments on my blog. Turns out that my blog has been named Blog of Note for today! Yay!

[boswellbaxter]

Congrats, Marg!

[pat]

Well done Marg!

My best thing today is that today 22 years ago I walked into church a Miss and exited a Mrs. We have had a lovely family day - shopping and doing normal Saturday stuff! Then went out for meal tonight, just the two of us! Oh bliss!

[diamondlil]

Happy anniversary Pat! Hope you enjoyed your meal!

I had my oldest friend (not oldest - the person I have been friends with over the longest period of time) and his son come around for dinner last night. We always have a laugh.

[sweetpotatoboy]

Got an email from Amazon UK today saying they are reducing the minimum spend for free delivery from £15 to just £5!!

This is very good news as this was one of its downsides for me if I just wanted to order one book.

[diamondlil]

After weeks of cancelling on each other, my friend and I managed to meet up to go swimming. It has been ages and it felt good to be doing some exercise for a change.

[sweetpotatoboy]

Last night we had the very first meeting of the historical fiction book group I'd been trying to set up. It wasn't a complete success as there were only three of us who turned up who'd actually read the book. Two others turned up to say hello but couldn't stay and hadn't completed the book. Others were due to come but had to cancel due to ill health or other reasons.

Also, the book was not liked by any of us - though it still made for some fun discussion.

Anyway, it was a start and everyone seemed keen to continue!

[LCW]

Yesterday my Republican fiance cast his first ever Democratic vote for Barack Obama! I'm so happy and proud of him for really "putting country first" (although the Palin picked helped out big time :D )!

Now, I just want this darned election to be over already!!!!!

[boswellbaxter]

Yesterday my Republican fiance cast his first ever Democratic vote for Barack Obama! I'm so happy and proud of him for really "putting country first" (although the Palin picked helped out big time :D )!

Now, I just want this darned election to be over already!!!!!

I think Election Day would be a great occasion for my Republican husband to get that colonoscopy his doctor's been bugging him to have, which, of course, would keep him from getting to the polls. Unfortunately, I can't get him to see why November 4 would be an ideal day for the procedure. Oh well, at least I've voted early!

[SonjaMarie]

One of the things I hate about elections are all the bloody commercials, we get blocks of 3 or 4 of them in a row! I've been hitting mute a lot!

I want this election over as well, just to get the damn commercials off the air!

SM

[LCW]

I think Election Day would be a great occasion for my Republican husband to get that colonoscopy his doctor's been bugging him to have, which, of course, would keep him from getting to the polls. Unfortunately, I can't get him to see why November 4 would be an ideal day for the procedure. Oh well, at least I've voted early!


Devil on my shoulder says: "A healthy dose of laxative in the morning cup of coffee never hurt anyone...talk about cleaning out the colon!"

Angel on my other shoulder says: "We leave voter suppression efforts to the other guys!"

Devil on my shoulder replies: "But North Carolina is a toss up state!!!!"


:D:p:D:p:D

[LCW]

One of the things I hate about elections are all the bloody commercials, we get blocks of 3 or 4 of them in a row! I've been hitting mute a lot!

I want this election over as well, just to get the damn commercials off the air!



We've been getting non-stop robo calls from the local politicians! Ten times a day! Being here in CA, a very reliable Democratic state, we miss all the hoopla surrounding the Presidential election but the local races are really getting down and dirty!

And then there are the Neo-Con push polls! They start out all fair and with generic questions then they ask you, "If you knew candidate X voted to kill babies would you still vote for candidate X?" or some other really leading awfully loaded questions. I told the polster off and hung up!! I don't mind answering legitimate poll questions but I hate those push poller calls!

[diamondlil]

A couple of my friends and I are going to be going to see Pink in concert next year! Tickets were bought yesterday!

[diamondlil]

We have had cable TV for years, but I never really got to watch much simply because my computer is in the back room, and the TV with the set top box was in the front room. So even though I was paying for it, my son got the benefit of it!

As of today, I now have it in both rooms, and we have upgraded to IQ (similar to TIVO).

The added bonus is that I can now see all the normal TV channels too, whereas before I had either no signal or really bad signals and sound on the TV in the back room!

So far I have watched half a show on The History Channel, and now something on National Geographic.

[Misfit]

One of the things I hate about elections are all the bloody commercials, we get blocks of 3 or 4 of them in a row! I've been hitting mute a lot!

I want this election over as well, just to get the damn commercials off the air!

SM

I'm with you -- they are nasty nasty nasty out here aren't they? And not just the presidential commercials I'm talking about the governor's race and that hotly contested Senate seat.

[SonjaMarie]

I'm with you -- they are nasty nasty nasty out here aren't they? And not just the presidential commercials I'm talking about the governor's race and that hotly contested Senate seat.

Oh I know what you mean and if I don't ever hear some of those names again it'd be too soon!

SM

[chuck]

Yesterday my Republican fiance cast his first ever Democratic vote for Barack Obama! I'm so happy and proud of him for really "putting country first" (although the Palin picked helped out big time :D )!

Now, I just want this darned election to be over already!!!!!

Way to go!!!!!!.....I just hope everybody will vote and of course no more hanging chards......

[pat]

We have had cable TV for years, but I never really got to watch much simply because my computer is in the back room, and the TV with the set top box was in the front room. So even though I was paying for it, my son got the benefit of it!

As of today, I now have it in both rooms, and we have upgraded to IQ (similar to TIVO).

The added bonus is that I can now see all the normal TV channels too, whereas before I had either no signal or really bad signals and sound on the TV in the back room!

So far I have watched half a show on The History Channel, and now something on National Geographic.

We love our IQ!! Shame you only just upgraded, UKTV have been showing Larkrise to Candleford and before that Cranford. They have been really good, wholesome dramas!


My best thing today is:

Becky did her piano exam - we will have to wait and see how she did, but as you know for her to do it was amazing!
Nathan is away at a sleepover!

[diamondlil]

I have been thinking about upgrading for ages, but it was a case of finding the money. They came to the door offering free upgrade, free installation, a month free, and then agreed to do the second installation for $10 as well, so I couldn't resist. The interesting thing is I was under the impression that I was going to be getting one IQ and one normal Foxtel box but ended up with two IQs.

Well done to Becky.

The other best thing for today is that I finished changing the template over at Historical Tapestry. There is one little glitch still to fix but other than that I am pretty happy with it!

[pat]

I have been thinking about upgrading for ages, but it was a case of finding the money. They came to the door offering free upgrade, free installation, a month free, and then agreed to do the second installation for $10 as well, so I couldn't resist. The interesting thing is I was under the impression that I was going to be getting one IQ and one normal Foxtel box but ended up with two IQs.

Well done to Becky.

The other best thing for today is that I finished changing the template over at Historical Tapestry. There is one little glitch still to fix but other than that I am pretty happy with it!

That was a good deal! We got out IQ when it started and was given the free upgrade and $10 charge, but no extra boxes! One in the family room would be fantastic!

[Spitfire]

This weekend was fantastic! Went to a country and western shin dig last night. They had bales of hay and saddles and western get up to decorate the hall. Was loads of fun to dress up in cowboy boots and stetsons and kick up your heels! Just got back from a princess house party this afternoon at my girlfriends...love their dishes and bakewear. Now, got to go back to work and pay for the stuff I bought! :o

[diamondlil]

I don't have to go to work tomorrow! Yay!

We have a public holiday tomorrow because of the Melbourne Cup. Yes, we get a day off for a horse race!

[pat]

I don't have to go to work tomorrow! Yay!

We have a public holiday tomorrow because of the Melbourne Cup. Yes, we get a day off for a horse race!

Did you win????

[diamondlil]

Pfft!

The horse I got in the sweep is still running!

[pat]

Becky was in the Adelaide Christmas Pageant! And she was on tv strutting her stuff! Close up!!

[Carine]

We just booked up to go on a Nile cruise in March 2009 ! Yippie !!!

[diamondlil]

Oh, very cool! I would love to do that one day!

[Madeleine]

Me too - I'm just worried about getting King Tut's tummy!

[Carine]

I've been dreaming of a Nile cruise for years already and finally the dream comes true.

Madelein, I know what you mean but they tell me you just have to be careful not to drink tap water or vegetables that are rinsed in water. But in any case I'm going to take my precautions and take some medicine from here.
I know a few people that were in Egypt that had tummy trouble but I know more people who have been and didn't have any trouble at all, so I hope I'll be one of the last group !! :)

[michellemoran]

WOW!!!! Congratulations, Carine!! You're going to have an amazing time (yes, just don't drink the water). THe author Tess Gerritsen is in Egypt right now, no doubt having the time of her life.

[pat]

16 years ago I was in Hinchinbrook Hospital, Huntingdon, Cambs, UK, giving birth! My beautiful daughter is 16 today! I cant believe that the time has flown so quick! She has grown into a wonderful headstrong young girl!

[Alaric]

And now you've got driving lessons to look forward to. :p

[pat]

And now you've got driving lessons to look forward to. :p

That is the frightening thing! Shall I warn you when they start? ;)

[Divia]

I'm off and I slept till 11;30 ROCKIN~ :D

[MLE]

Today the daughter went in for her last test for the HIV virus after getting pierced with a dental tool while working on an HIV-positive orphan in Kenya last spring. She is now officially in the clear. The group is scheduling another dental trip (she can't forget the 42 kids with severe cavities they didn't have time to get to) but her husband has put his foot down. Ecuador, fine, but not Kenya.

[Carine]

WOW!!!! Congratulations, Carine!! You're going to have an amazing time (yes, just don't drink the water). THe author Tess Gerritsen is in Egypt right now, no doubt having the time of her life.

Thanks Michelle !! :)
I'm SO looking forward to it !

[SonjaMarie]

Today the daughter went in for her last test for the HIV virus after getting pierced with a dental tool while working on an HIV-positive orphan in Kenya last spring. She is now officially in the clear. The group is scheduling another dental trip (she can't forget the 42 kids with severe cavities they didn't have time to get to) but her husband has put his foot down. Ecuador, fine, but not Kenya.

I'm glad to hear she's clear! And I understand why the husband put his foot down after that scare!

SM

[michellemoran]

Today the daughter went in for her last test for the HIV virus after getting pierced with a dental tool while working on an HIV-positive orphan in Kenya last spring. She is now officially in the clear. The group is scheduling another dental trip (she can't forget the 42 kids with severe cavities they didn't have time to get to) but her husband has put his foot down. Ecuador, fine, but not Kenya.

HUGE sigh of relief for everyone, I'm sure. My husband is from Zimbabwe, and whenever we travel there the HIV/AIDS epidemic seems to be worse. The last time we went, an AIDS worker told us 1 out of every 4 Zimbabweans are HIV positive. I imagine it's similar in Kenya.

[diamondlil]

That must be such a relief for everyone, and I certainly understand her husbands point of view.

[Divia]

Today the daughter went in for her last test for the HIV virus after getting pierced with a dental tool while working on an HIV-positive orphan in Kenya last spring. She is now officially in the clear. The group is scheduling another dental trip (she can't forget the 42 kids with severe cavities they didn't have time to get to) but her husband has put his foot down. Ecuador, fine, but not Kenya.


Thats good that she is in the clear!

[pat]

Today the daughter went in for her last test for the HIV virus after getting pierced with a dental tool while working on an HIV-positive orphan in Kenya last spring. She is now officially in the clear. The group is scheduling another dental trip (she can't forget the 42 kids with severe cavities they didn't have time to get to) but her husband has put his foot down. Ecuador, fine, but not Kenya.


That is a relief!

[Susan]

Today the daughter went in for her last test for the HIV virus after getting pierced with a dental tool while working on an HIV-positive orphan in Kenya last spring. She is now officially in the clear. The group is scheduling another dental trip (she can't forget the 42 kids with severe cavities they didn't have time to get to) but her husband has put his foot down. Ecuador, fine, but not Kenya.

Glad to hear about this. How scary!

[Carine]

Today the daughter went in for her last test for the HIV virus after getting pierced with a dental tool while working on an HIV-positive orphan in Kenya last spring. She is now officially in the clear. The group is scheduling another dental trip (she can't forget the 42 kids with severe cavities they didn't have time to get to) but her husband has put his foot down. Ecuador, fine, but not Kenya.

Gosh MLE, what a relief !! Glad to hear she's OK !

[sweetpotatoboy]

Today the daughter went in for her last test for the HIV virus after getting pierced with a dental tool while working on an HIV-positive orphan in Kenya last spring. She is now officially in the clear. The group is scheduling another dental trip (she can't forget the 42 kids with severe cavities they didn't have time to get to) but her husband has put his foot down. Ecuador, fine, but not Kenya.

I missed this. This is fantastic news. What a relief for everyone!

[sweetpotatoboy]

We had a quiz night at work last night (the first ever) and our team came 2nd out of 20!! We are still on a high. Unfortunately, we missed out on the top prizes of an iPod each, but we still got some nice prizes. (Still kicking ourselves over some of our wrong answers, though!)

[nona]

I've been on vacation for a week, raided the library sale and made out like a theif, not sick anymore. Couldn't complain about this week.

[chuck]

Nona......Way to go!....A couple of weeks I made a killing at my Library book sale....8 great finds for $8.00....unbeleivable....and like new....no mold, food/other leavings....now where to put them?

[nona]

lol, know what you mean, I did a little 'inventory' on all mine and suddenly realized that I might have a poblem when it comes time to move, however I wouldn't give any one of them up for anything.

[LCW]

I found a wonderful new hair stylist! I had been unhappy with my stylist for a while and found myself dreading going to her so I tried like a great big dork to trim my own hair. Not one of my better ideas!!! I messed it up big time! Desperate times called for desperate measures so I called our local swanky spa/salon and begged them for an emergency appt. I ended up with a great stylist! I love her! Her prices are really reasonable and she does cuts and color which is perfect for me!:) She gave me a great cut and saved most of my length which was a near miracle after the way I butchered it :o ! But I got a great new stylist out of it!! Soo happy for that!

[diamondlil]

I really need a hair cut, and to find someone I like to cut my hair.

[diamondlil]

So today I went to and got a hair cut! I hadn't had one since January so it was way past time! The girl was friendly enough, so I might go back there!

[nona]

I had out patient surgery on Tuesday for my left foot, I have horrible ingrown nails on both large toes. Anyhow the Dr did my left one Tues. and I got to take the bandage off last night, my youngest said 'uck! put your band aid back on mommy, your toe might fall off' all I could do was laugh, next Teday is the right sides turn, hopefully it all goes well.

[SonjaMarie]

Oh those are awful! So painful! I used to get them a lot but never needed surgery for them. Hope all goes well!

SM

[diamondlil]

I had out patient surgery on Tuesday for my left foot, I have horrible ingrown nails on both large toes. Anyhow the Dr did my left one Tues. and I got to take the bandage off last night, my youngest said 'uck! put your band aid back on mommy, your toe might fall off' all I could do was laugh, next Teday is the right sides turn, hopefully it all goes well.

I had both my big toes done at the same time, and was in hospital for three days. Unfortunately, this was in the days before cable TV, so there was only a few channels to choose from, but then my choice was made worse because the first Gulf War broke out so they interupted an episode of The Dukes of Hazzard (I never did find out if they found Uncle Jessie who had been kidnapped) to start showing the war, and that was all that was on for the rest of the time I was in hospital!

[pat]

Today I restored my karma! We have a walk in wardrobe that is also the acess route to our en-suite. Last year I had doors and shelves put in as it was always looking a mess! This week, my inner karma has been disturbed by the state of said robes, untidy and overflowing into the 'space'. Today, I got Phil to help me tidy it (it was his mess too!), and I tidied, cleared and sorted! My inner karma is restored!

[MLE]

the best thing today is that it is over! I'm not sure whether to post in 'the best' or 'the worst' but my weekend went like this:
Saturday: prepare for daughter-in-law's baby shower (I'm hosting) and stop in the middle to go to Northern California Re-enactor's Winter Feast. Fantastic feast, I plan to sneak out early and go finish the shower food when a friend sprains/breaks? her ankle dancing. I'm the only one with a car who's sober, so I run her up to the Emergency. At midlnight we are finally out of there, and I have a house guest.

Which is just as well; I put her to work making cucumber sandwiches after church next morning along with another friend who thankfully came early to pitch in. Meanwhile the neighbor has a heart attack, so the dh has to run him to the emergency room.
Things weren't entirely ready by the time the guests arrived, but it didn't matter and a good time was had by all. So that's a best thing.

I'm pooped. think I'll go bury myself in a book. That's a best thing.
Oh, and EC, I'm now on the greatest knight. That's a best thing.

[diamondlil]

Wow. That is a lot to have going on at one time. Hope your neighbour makes a full recovery.

[LCW]

Yesterday was my birthday and my fiance surprised me with a fabulous gift. He gift wrapped a big huge cookbook. I love and collect cookbooks but was a little shocked to get one as a b'day gift...esp. from him. Still he had a look on his face like he expected me to love it so I didn't want to dissapoint him and said thank you and that I love it. It was a really nice cookbook!!!

But then he got out his car keys and told me to go check the back of his SUV! He has dark tinted window so I couldn't see but when I opened it there was a top of the line Kitchen Aid mixer that I've been wanting for ages! I thought I was getting it for Christmas but, surprise, I got it early! Too cool!!! I'm soo thrilled and can't wait to get to baking with it! Woohoo!!! Bonus points for the fiance today!!! :D

[sweetpotatoboy]

Happy birthday for yesterday, LCW! Glad you got some nice pressies.

[Misfit]

Happy birthday Lila.

The boss is off climbing another mountain so he'll be out of our hair for about a month, dependent on weather and climbing conditions.

[MLE]

Yes, LCW, happy b-day from me too!

I'll even write you out our traditional family birthday song (sung to the tune of 'Volga Boatmen's song)

It's your Birthday,
Happy Birthday,
Death destruction and despair,
people dying everywhere,
It's your Birthday,
Happy Birthday.

Repeat as needed.
Did I mention that we have a twisted sense of humor?

[Carine]

Woaw LCW what a great fiance you have !
and Happy Birthday by the way !!

[diamondlil]

Happy Birthday!

[Vanessa]

Many happy returns of the day!

[pat]

Happy birthday Lila!

[LCW]

Thanks, everyone! You are the best! :):D:):D:):D:)

[princess garnet]

Getting hot chocolate with one of the library volunteers

[SonjaMarie]

Glad you had a great birthday LCW.

SM

[boswellbaxter]

Happy birthday!

[michellemoran]

Happy birthday, lila!!!!!!

[Spitfire]

Going to bed early and get to spend the day shopping with my husband tomorrow. Much needed quality time!

[nona]

my work week is almost over, it's hard to go back to work when you've had so much time off. I had forgotten how to do half of the important stuff, lol.

[SonjaMarie]

A book I ordered two days ago from a seller on Amazon who is in Kirkland, WA showed up today. Talk about a fast turn around!

I lived in Kirkland for a year when I was 7.

SM

[SonjaMarie]

I won a 4 Vol Set "The Romance of the Nation: A Stirring Pageant of the British Peoples Through All the Ages" - originally 52 issues out in the 30s with stories about British History. It has 12 and possibly more images of Jane in them. I can't wait to look through them!

SM

[MLE]

The best thing today is my new granddaughter (first grandbaby) Haley Alexis. I'm pooped, I've been my daughter-in-law's labor coach (along with her mother) since the wee hours. Even if I got nothing on my schedule done, it's been a very productive day!:D:):D

[SonjaMarie]

Congrats on the grandbaby!

SM

[Susan]

The best thing today is my new granddaughter (first grandbaby) Haley Alexis. I'm pooped, I've been my daughter-in-law's labor coach (along with her mother) since the wee hours. Even if I got nothing on my schedule done, it's been a very productive day!:D:):D

Super news. Congrats new grandma!

[sweetpotatoboy]

The best thing today is my new granddaughter (first grandbaby) Haley Alexis. I'm pooped, I've been my daughter-in-law's labor coach (along with her mother) since the wee hours. Even if I got nothing on my schedule done, it's been a very productive day!:D:):D

Congratulations!!! Enjoy!

[EC2]

The best thing today is my new granddaughter (first grandbaby) Haley Alexis. I'm pooped, I've been my daughter-in-law's labor coach (along with her mother) since the wee hours. Even if I got nothing on my schedule done, it's been a very productive day!:D:):D

How wonderful MLE! Congratulations to all! :D

[LCW]

I finally got time to take Betsy the Baker, my new KitchenAid mixer, on a test drive! I made vanilla and cheese scones this morning. It was ridiculously easy, took about 10 min to throw them together, and they came out perfectly!! Buttery and flaky yet substantial...just perfect! Yummy! In honor of the occasion I even used 100% white flour! My fiance is in for a treat when he wakes up!

Later today we're having guests over and I'm making bruschetta appetizers, salad, homemade pizza, and a peanut butter banana cake. Betsy's goona be busy today! :D

[EC2]

Later today we're having guests over and I'm making bruschetta appetizers, salad, homemade pizza, and a peanut butter banana cake. Betsy's goona be busy today! :D

How do you make peanut butter banana cake? I quite often have left over bananas and I sometimes make cake with them. I'm making my Christmas cake tomorrow. (better late than never!). I have a Magimix donated by my MIL. Must be 30 years old now and still going strong. Also have an Kenwood Chef mixer, but only use that for egg whites and swiss rolls.

[sweetpotatoboy]

I quite often have left over bananas and I sometimes make cake with them.

This Banana Honey Cake is nice. (I don't bother with the frosting, though.)

http://www.recipe-ideas.co.uk/recipes-3/Banana%20Honey%20Cake.htm

[LCW]

It's basically a banana cake with peanut butter frosting. I've never made it before but I found the recipe in a cookbook I got for my birthday last week. Do you want me to post the recipe? As a child we had banana peanut butter sandwiches all the time so I love the flavor combination. Hopefully everyone else will too.

That banana honey cake looks delish too! I love bananas and honey on my oatmeal in the morning. Another great flavor combination!

[EC2]

It's basically a banana cake with peanut butter frosting. I've never made it before but I found the recipe in a cookbook I got for my birthday last week. Do you want me to post the recipe? As a child we had banana peanut butter sandwiches all the time so I love the flavor combination. Hopefully everyone else will too.

That banana honey cake looks delish too! I love bananas and honey on my oatmeal in the morning. Another great flavor combination!
LCW If you have time I'd love to see the recipe. Sweetpotatoboy, the banana honey cake sounds like one to try as well. I'd never have thought of using oats.
My best banana cake of the one's I've tried so far is the one from Nigella Lawson's How To Be a Domestic Goddess. That one has rum-soaked dried fruit in it (except we don't like rum, so use whisky and it works fine).

[diamondlil]

The best thing today is my new granddaughter (first grandbaby) Haley Alexis. I'm pooped, I've been my daughter-in-law's labor coach (along with her mother) since the wee hours. Even if I got nothing on my schedule done, it's been a very productive day!:D:):D


Congratulations to your family!!


Banana cake with choc chips in it is always good too! I have a mega easy recipe for that!

[pat]

Congrats MLE!!

(On the banana cake hing, I make one with walnuts! Well, it is actually a bread, lovely with butter!)

[LCW]

LCW If you have time I'd love to see the recipe.
My best banana cake of the one's I've tried so far is the one from Nigella Lawson's How To Be a Domestic Goddess. That one has rum-soaked dried fruit in it (except we don't like rum, so use whisky and it works fine).

That sounds delicious! I'll have to try that sometimes...although I think I'd prefer the rum over whisky. The Banana Peanut Butter cake came out delicious. It was so rich that I couldn't even finish a slice...and I can usually put some desert away, lol! It didn't look very pretty though because the frosting came out too thin. I used natural PB, the kind where you stir in the oil, and it was way too thin. I didn't adjust for that and added the amount of milk the recipe called for and the frosting literally made the layers of the cake start sliding off. It was sort of a mess. But at least it tasted good! Here's the recipe (The measurements are American but there are converters easily found all over the net.):

Cake:
3/4 C softened butter
2 C sugar
3 eggs
3 medium banana's, mashed and very ripe (I also added 1/2 tsp banana extract)
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 C all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. Baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 C butter milk (didn't have this so I used 2 tsp vinegar in one cup of milk)

Frosting:
6 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
3 tablesppons softened butter
5 1/2 C confectioners sugar
8-10 tablespoons whole milk
Peanut halves for garnish, optional

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well. In a seperate bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, add eggs one at a time and beat well after each one, beat in banana's, add dry ingredients to wet alternately with buttermilk and mix well

Pour into 3 greased and floured pans, bake at 350 (F) for 25-30 min.

For frosting beat peanut butter and butter until smooth, add sugar 1/2 C at a time and mix well alternating with the milk until you get the right consistency. Garnish with peanuts if desired.

[SonjaMarie]

I hope it's not messing with me, but Amazon emailed me that the book "The Complete X-Files: Behind the Series, the Myths, and the Movies", which is my birthday present from my mom (my birthday was Aug 23), was mailed today. Last week they emailed me the delivery date was changed to sometime in Jan or Feb. Guess I'll find out in a few days if I'm actually get it or not!

SM

[Carine]

The best thing today is my new granddaughter (first grandbaby) Haley Alexis. I'm pooped, I've been my daughter-in-law's labor coach (along with her mother) since the wee hours. Even if I got nothing on my schedule done, it's been a very productive day!:D:):D

Congratulations MLE !!
Beautiful name too !! I love it.

[pat]

Not one thing, just had a good day! Been a bit off colour lately, nothing I can put my finger on and I was about to go to the doctors but I feel so much better today so I will put it off for a while!

[SonjaMarie]

My "X-Files" book came today! After I read it, I'm going to try to sell it on Ebay and use the money towards something on Lady Jane for my collection, since I'm not really sentimental about books unless they're my books with Jane stuff in them, I just don't have the room to keep all the books I get.

SM

[nona]

I know it's not the same Jane but do you know of any good books on Jane Seymour (mispelled maybe), I've seen books on all six wives and L. Gardners books but haven't seen any others on just her.

[donroc]

Celebrated our 44th.

[SonjaMarie]

I know it's not the same Jane but do you know of any good books on Jane Seymour (mispelled maybe), I've seen books on all six wives and L. Gardners books but haven't seen any others on just her.

Nora: Go here and scroll down to the Jane Seymour books, hope you can find something you want:
http://www.bitterwisdom.com/ladyjanegrey/store/wives.html

SM

[pat]

I have air con!!!! Yey!!!!

He came to fix it today, and it was a kink in the water pipe....apparenlty done at installation. Now, this guy has been out no end of times before so why did he not see it before? Never mind, it is now cool in my house!

[diamondlil]

Celebrated our 44th.

Great achievement donroc!

[MLE]

Celebrated our 44th.
Wow! congratulations, Don! Ya got 12 years on us.

[boswellbaxter]

Celebrated our 44th.

Great news!

[EC2]

Happy anniversary Donroc! :D

[donroc]

Thank you, friends, and today I saw my contribution regarding Why I Like Little Known Characters posted on Marg's Tapestry site.

Thank you again, Marg.

[michellemoran]

Double congrats, Don!!!!!!!

[Carine]

Congratulations Donroc !

[SonjaMarie]

Wow, an amazing achivement in this day of divorces! Congrats!

SM

[Carine]

Yesterday a parcel arrived at home and it was a cardigan that Terry's sister knitted for me, she is very good at knitting cables. I love it !!

[pat]

Congrats Don! I thought I was doing well at 22 years!

[diamondlil]

You are doing well at 22 years!

[pat]

You are doing well at 22 years!


*wipes brow* It can be a struggle at times, but as long as he says "yes dear" we get along well! :D

[pat]

Today I went to the doctors with Becky. She has a couple of moles and was concerned about one of them. The doc said it was fine. (She also had a talk with her about her boyfriend! Becky had been crying before she went in, and they discussed the situation!)

My turn next, I went in. I have had an upset tummy for a couple of weeks. However, over the weekend it righted itself, but after a cousin lost her fight against bowel cancer a few years ago I was still concerned. All ok. Probably a tummy bug or at worse IBS, maybe brought on by stress! If it persists I am to go back, otherwise all good!

Sorry and all that! Just pleased we are ok!

[princess garnet]

Seeing Union Station with its holiday decorations and having lunch there

[boswellbaxter]

Seeing Union Station with its holiday decorations and having lunch there

That must have been pretty! I miss D.C. sometimes.

[pat]

I am so happy! Today the tickets for the Adelaide leg of The Who Tour went on sale....and I have 3 good seats! We are taking Nathan, as he is a mini rocker! Sooo happy!

[donroc]

My HF novel, Rocamora finally went to the printer.

[boswellbaxter]

Glad to hear it, donroc! Be sure to let us know when it's available.

[donroc]

Glad to hear it, donroc! Be sure to let us know when it's available.

You can bet on that. :D

[michellemoran]

Congratulations, Don!!!

[SonjaMarie]

Completed all mine and mom's Christmas shopping tonight. Phew!

SM

[SonjaMarie]

Today Harm asked if she could have Britney's new album "Circus" (yeah she likes her music, even though she thinks she's a bit of an idiot). I said no because we had already finished the shopping, but then I turned around and ordered a copy. Now she'll have something under the tree she is not expecting to be there.

SM

[Telynor]

About halfway through The Time of Singing, and realizing how much I am enjoying it.

[Maggie]

I got to meet a really nice man who bought one of our planes.

[MLE]

My best thing today (last night) was the annual Christmas dinner for my husband's flying club. Besides being a wonderful evening, the dh announced that he will be leaving the club (we willl still keep in touch with the people, of course).

Not that flying isn't nice, but there are only so many airports within a reasonable range of us, and in 20 years he's flown all the club planes and seen all those airports a gazillion times. Beyond a certain distance, it's more economical to go commercial.

With Aviation gas prices going through the roof (no, they didn't come down when the rest did) there are simply more important ways to use the $$.

[nona]

I love a good christmas party. My husband works for a large company and their company parties are always such fun, good food, live bands, and such nice people to talk with, not to mention door prizes that would make Santa smile.

[SonjaMarie]

I love a good christmas party. My husband works for a large company and their company parties are always such fun, good food, live bands, and such nice people to talk with, not to mention door prizes that would make Santa smile.

Nona: what the heck is your Avatar of?!

SM

[nona]

a lady on a horse and a knight walking beside her, it's a painting that I saw and fell in love with but with a hefty price tag I had to settle.

[LCW]

I got to duck out of my fiance's Christmas party last night!! I can't stand those affairs and his boss's wife is just really awful...add in alcohol and she's even worse! It's a pretty small company so everyone is always in each others faces and there's no PC way to avoid her if I wanted to. Honestly I did feel well enough to go but I decided to milk the fact that I've been sick all week as an excuse to stay home and bake fruitcakes! It worked beautifully! :D

[SonjaMarie]

a lady on a horse and a knight walking beside her, it's a painting that I saw and fell in love with but with a hefty price tag I had to settle.

Oh now I see it, I had to squint even with my glasses on! I thought it was some kind of monster at first, LOL!

SM

[EC2]

It's a painting called La Belle Damme sans Merci by Sir Frank Dicksee, 1903.
Just type it into Google images and see how many times it comes up!

[Madeleine]

Wasn't that a poem by Keats as well? I seem to remember studying this in my A Level days.

[sweetpotatoboy]

This may be a difficult to explain, but bear with me!!

A close friend of mine appeared on the BBC quiz show "The Weakest Link" a few weeks ago. (He didn't do very well but that's beside the point).

Anyway, yesterday evening, he and I and three other friends of his were in the audience for the recording of a radio comedy show.

During the interval, this friend went out to get drinks. While he was out, we decided to play a trick on him (OK, I admit it, it was my idea).
We asked the people sitting in the row in front of us to suddenly turn around to him when he came back in and say: "Weren't you in The Weakest Link a few weeks ago? Didn't you get knocked out in the third round? etc."

Well, this woman in front of us put in an Oscar-winning performance and he fell for it hook, line and sinker -- lapping it all up, fully believing that he was so memorable that she not only remembered him but also what round he made it to. He spent the rest of the evening and journey home revelling in it. (And we could barely maintain our hysterics. Made the whole evening worthwhile.)

I was all ready to take the wind out of his sails by fessing up and bringing the joke to its conclusion, but the other guys are insisting that we keep it up till the new year!! He'll be insufferable till then but it will be worth it for when we tell him!

Cruel, I know, but very funny.

[Carine]

:D:D Good one Sweetpotatoboy !!

[pat]

LOL! That is a good one Sweetpotatoboy!



My best things: Government payout hit my bank today! Yay! Put up the Christmas trees today! And I have just had a phone call saying my new glasses are ready for collection tomorrow! (that means some of my payout will be paid out, but hey, its good for the economy!)

[Divia]

I found my lost book! Yay :D

[SonjaMarie]

I found my lost book! Yay :D

Yay! Where did you find the little bugger?

SM

[SonjaMarie]

Today the mail came a little early and with it was a card from my Dad, and inside the card was a check for.....$600!

Now we have to decide what else to buy for Christmas!

SM

[Divia]

Yay! Where did you find the little bugger?

SM

Um... :o On the Kitchen table under the gifts for the family I adopted!

Oh yay! Money is always sweet!

[SonjaMarie]

Um... :o On the Kitchen table under the gifts for the family I adopted!

Oh yay! Money is always sweet!

Isn't it always in the last place you look? Of course if it was in the first place you looked that would still be the last place you looked! I know I'm silly!

So I ordered 2 more CDs for Harm to get with the 3 I already ordered her, and mom a "Do Not Meddle in the Affairs of Dragons For You Are Crunchy and Taste Good With Ketchup" with an image of a Dragon (some don't have one), and a 8 GB flash drive for me. I also got Jasper (our dog) this: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2751252 A Petmate Le Bistro Waterer.

There's not really a lot I want. I rarely buy a book new unless it's one I know won't be in paperback or is about Jane, and any used book I order might not be here in time for Christmas, so I'll just order those later.

SM

[Carine]

Today the mail came a little early and with it was a card from my Dad, and inside the card was a check for.....$600!

Now we have to decide what else to buy for Christmas!

SM

Woaw, that's great SonjaMarie !!

[sweetpotatoboy]

Not today, but on Tuesday evening we had the second meeting of the HF book group that I started up. There were only five of us, but that's an improvement on the three last time, and was certainly a large enough group for an enjoyable and lively discussion.

(The book, "The Last English King", was received well by all; everyone liked or loved it, though we acknowledged it had some flaws.)

[donroc]

I received the drop-dead gorgeous hard cover proof for my long delayed novel, Rocamora.

I green lighted it, and now more waiting, first the printing and next its appearance on Amazon, B&N, and other on line sites and in Books in Print.

The wait is worth it of course.

[Rowan]

It snowed this morning! LOL

[SonjaMarie]

Got my copy of "The Sisters Who Would Be Queen: The Tragedy of Mary, Katherine, and Lady Jane Grey" with a note from the author, Leanda de Lisle.

I am in the process of reading four books at the moment and won't have time to read it until I get some of these finished. When I do get to read it, I'll try take notes and write a review.

SM

[MLE]

In spite of the rain, the dh and I did our usual 3-mile morning walk up the hill south of us. And on the way back down, a perfect rainbow arced right over the trail. It's the first time I've walked under a rainbow!

[KingEricCantona7]

I just received my copy of Worldwide Soccer Manager 09 and all of my free time is now reserved for the foreseeable future.

[princess garnet]

Holiday pot luck luncheon for us subject librarians! :)

[Tanzanite]

I'm puppy sitting for my daughters boyfriend's new puppy (I actually think he bought it for her though - but it's staying at his house). It is so cute - barely 8 weeks old with a fat little tummy and wobbly little short legs. A fuzzy litttle black mutt adopted from the local shelter. it keeps nibbling on my fingers and toes. Needless to say, I am getting very little done today. But there's not much that's cuter than a puppy. Tanzy's not very happy about the intruder however.

[EC2]

I received the drop-dead gorgeous hard cover proof for my long delayed novel, Rocamora.

I green lighted it, and now more waiting, first the printing and next its appearance on Amazon, B&N, and other on line sites and in Books in Print.

The wait is worth it of course.

Sorry, missed this earlier Donroc. Congratulations - very exciting.:D

[SonjaMarie]

Harm getting home safe and sound from school. I don't think there'll be school tomorrow, it's still bad out and a lot of snow and tonight freezing temps.

SM

[SonjaMarie]

We didn't lose power over night! YEA! But keeping fingers crossed and knocking on wood just in case cause we still have a few days before Christmas.

Now we just need to be able to get to the store, sigh!

SM

[nona]

"The Sisters Who Would Be Queen: The Tragedy of Mary, Katherine, and Lady Jane Grey"

I've almost bought this book twice, now regretting I didn't, let me know what you think of it.

[MLE]

Today I sent four puppies off to their new homes. Christmas Eve four more families will be picking up theirs, and then I have two to care for into January. Niffler is almost as pleased as I am. (She counts parenting chores in Dog Years.) Sorry about no pictures, I haven't had the time to fuss with the camera.
Also picked up the llamas and the donkey from the drive-through nativity (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/PspNmTUJSAzfMABjX0MGbQ/m&imgrefurl=http://www.yelp.com/biz/trinity-baptist-church-livermore&usg=__Kqz9n-QnvIK5MAaX95qAKCbV_5U=&h=75&w=100&sz=8&hl=en&start=3&tbnid=QtaA37RrCzt8WM:&tbnh=61&tbnw=82&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtrinity%2Blivermore%2Bnativity%26gbv% 3D2%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DG) and got them back in their various pens at the ranch. (if you click the link, the last picture shows my llamas at the far left with the wise men, they are being camels. The humps are rather in the dark, though.

[Divia]

Two words: SNOW DAY!

Rockin! Its about time. I'm watching the subzero weather from outside my window. The snow is blowing, the roads aren't plowed and I dont have to be in it. Nice. :D

[michellemoran]

A cozy day sitting by the fire, editing, reading, sipping hot chocolate, and watching the snow fall over pretty Swiss village where my sister-in-law lives.

[SonjaMarie]

Today started out a bit sh*tty cause our Access Van cancelled our rides yet again and we were runnning out of milk and food and didn't have most of our Christmas dinner.

Then our neighbour across the street said she'd be able to take us up at 2:30, and a woman from Harm's school came by with a bunch of gifts for all of us.

So now we have all our essentials and treats and hopefully will be all set till New Year!

SM

[Misfit]

Today started out a bit sh*tty cause our Access Van cancelled our rides yet again and we were runnning out of milk and food and didn't have most of our Christmas dinner.

Then our neighbour across the street said she'd be able to take us up at 2:30, and a woman from Harm's school came by with a bunch of gifts for all of us.

So now we have all our essentials and treats and hopefully will be all set till New Year!

SM

Good news. I was glad I ordered groceries delivered from Safeway yesterday and not today. I originally scheduled the delivery for Tuesday instead of Monday as I had a maybe doctor appointment (canceled, no ride) and I went to try to bring the delivery in today and the delivery schedule is now booked solid well towards Christmas day. Whew. First delivery was free too.

[SonjaMarie]

Good news. I was glad I ordered groceries delivered from Safeway yesterday and not today. I originally scheduled the delivery for Tuesday instead of Monday as I had a maybe doctor appointment (canceled, no ride) and I went to try to bring the delivery in today and the delivery schedule is now booked solid well towards Christmas day. Whew. First delivery was free too.

Oh lucky! Our neighbour actually told us a few days ago that if we couldn't get up that she'd take us up before Christmas Eve. But when Access cancelled our rides today I was just so frustrated I cried for a little bit even though I knew we had a back up but it was just all this weather is making me a bit depressed, which is bad for me. It was packed up town but there was still a lot of food and other stuff. I got me a new hat, some fuzzy socks, something called Sinus Mask (http://www.amazon.com/Thermalon-Microwave-Activated-Heat-Cold-Headaches/dp/B000E57CWA/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1229994650&sr=8-1) and some Zicam melts so I can counter act any cold that I might get.

SM

[LCW]

Yesterday my brother flew in from Japan to spend the holidays with us. I drove my fiance's SUV to pick him up from the airport thinking it's a bigger more comfortable car and he'd be tired after such a long flight. Big mistake! Right as I pulled into LAX it starts to overheat! I hate car trouble and to top it off it was rainy, cold, and miserable out!! So I picked him up and was wondering what the heck to do and I figured I'd try to see if it'd make it home. It started to overheat again outside the airport but right as it was smoking we luckily happened to stumble upon a car repair shop. We had no choice but to pull in and the owner was kind enough to take us right away.

While waiting we talked to other customers who said this guy was very honest and they wouldn't take their cars anywhere else. How lucky is that! We could've ended up getting really ripped off but it turns out the hoses and water intake pipe needed replacing and an hour and $200 later we were good to go! Whew! What could've been a really bad situation turned out great after all! :)

[SonjaMarie]

Our neighbour, the same one who took us to the store yesterday, went to the food bank for us tonight. She has been so good to us this winter!

SM

[nona]

it took me twelve months and twenty four days but I finally got my day shift I've been wanting.

I was sick for a week and the Dr said that it was only going to get worse if I continued with all the stress I was under so I told my boss when I got back that they were going to put me on days or I was leaving. They told me today that starting Jan 2 I'll be on days since they couldn't afford to lose one of their top people. It was nice to hear that.

[princess garnet]

Library closing early!! :)

[nona]

We had a wonderful Christmas with almost the entire side of my husbands family there, it is a small family compared to mine though. The Childern laughed and played while the parents conversed and played cards which was exciting since we're all over dramatic players. The girls got way to many toys and enough clothes that it will give our pocket book a break, my husband of course got restaurant gift cards and clothes while I got B&N gift cards and since they are having there 50% off sale today I decided we needed a date tonight with a bit of book shopping

Hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas!

[nona]

A storm rolled in early this morning, I love the sound of thunder, rain and so forth. predicting I will be sitting watching movies with hubby and girls or curled up with a good book.

[diamondlil]

Went for a walk along the beach tonight. It was windy but very nice.

[pat]

I was sitting having my coffee this morning and I decided to make a bag! Soon, South Australia will not allow shops to give out plastic bags so instead we have 'green' bags made from recyled stuff. These bags can be a pain to carry, and TBPH, can look naff! I decided to make a bag, that can carry the naff bags, and look nice! It has a pocket for the bags, one for my Gloria Jeans thermal mug and space for my book and shopping!

[Amanda]

Nice one Pat! Good thinking there. Thats a nice design.

[alice]

Installing anti-virus software on my computer. I've never done it before - I got my son-in-law to do it for me last time - so I feel like I've achieved something. Every little helps :D.