Coffee...Tea...Soda Pop...PEETS!

Poverty Party Post #3: Summer vacation

2009-10-09T12:54:00.000-07:00

Travelling to Germany in summer does not help to pay for the new bathroom floor, the need for all new baseboards and interior paint, repair on the heater and a/c or the new roof that we expect we'll need after it starts raining!

But...we had a great time and those memories...priceless!

Always wondering...

2009-09-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

I'm always wondering if I'm doing a good job as a parent. Most of the time I think I'm making "thoughtful" decisions...that I'm not just reacting to situations...that I'm trying to teach them something that in the long run they will remember. I'm trying to give them a few nuggets of wisdom that will last a lifetime...like my dad saying to me over and over and over again "Be a good listener. Think before you talk. Always tell the truth." Of course, those were the messages I took away as an adult...I wonder what he REALLY said?!?!

I wonder what my kids are hearing me say? I'd like to think I am repeating some of what I learned from my parents as well as other things that I wish someone had told me.

I wonder if I do too much for them. In 2009 so many parents do so much for their kids. We are no exception. I drive them to school - they don't walk or take a bus. I make their lunches everyday - they don't. I do 95% of all the household chores, only making them participate when they have time. But what is that teaching them?? Will they know how to do laundry when the move out? Will they know how to pay bills and save money and find apartments on their own???

I suppose I am jumping way ahead...they are only 12 and 14. But still, these last few years at home will fly by and then they will be out on their own - will they be prepared?

I wonder. And I worry! But isn't that just like a mom?!?!

Changes are coming...

2009-06-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

The school year is coming to an end...one kid moving from elementary to middle school...one kids moving from middle school to high school...quit one job...done with the volunteer gig...want to focus on my business plan now...on me..but still have to give so much to everyone else...but...am thinking that I may not be as needed as I think I am...perhaps less is more...but that feels a little bit like neglect to me...am trying to sort it out...need to pull back and take more time...

The Facebook Phenom..

2009-02-17T16:56:00.000-08:00

It seems that suddenly everyone is getting a FACEBOOK account. Does it seem like that to you or is it just me? Or maybe it's just that suddenly I've become more engaged by it...I signed up 3 years ago when my cousin in Canada asked me too, but I never communicated with anyone but her! Then in the last 6 months I have had lots of friend requests and friend suggestions and have had all little slivers of my life show up. It's very weird! Nice, but weird!

So that's all. I was just thinking about that and thought I'd throw it out there. What are your thoughts?

The School of Essential Ingredients

2009-02-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

When I first heard about The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister I KNEW that I would like it. Number 1, I love to read. Number 2, it was a book about a cooking school and I love to cook. But when I got the book and started to read it, it was more than "like" - I LOVED IT! I really just ate it up! (Pun totally intended!)

Each chapter focuses on one of the students in the class and explores how food and cooking has touched their lives. The characters are all different ages, come from different backgrounds and have had unique experiences and yet, the cooking of a meal brings them all together with a common thread. Each of their personal stories are beautifully written and melt together in this book like a warm and gooey brie cheese!

In the very first chapter I felt giddy as her main character described a zester:

"Lillian smiled. She felt about her zester the way some women do about a pair of spiky red shoes-a frivolous splurge, good only for parties, but oh so lovely. The day Lillian had found the little utensil at a garage sale a year before, she had brought it to Abuelita, face shining. She didn't even know what it was for back then, she just knew she loved its slim stainless-steel handle, the fanciful bit of metal at the working end with it's five demure little holes, the edges scalloped around the openings like frills on a petticoat. There were so few occasions for a zester, using it felt like a holiday."

Who among the lovers of cooking don't smile to themselves and feel a tug to the kitchen after reading that paragraph? The way Bauermeister writes is full...and descriptive...and comes together like a really good recipe. It touched me and, like a great recipe, I want to share it with all my friends!

This review was posted happily for MomCentral.com (MotherTalk Reviews)

Jonas Mania

2009-02-11T15:12:00.000-08:00

Well if you haven't heard of the phenomenon that is the Jonas Brothers I just don't know what to tell you! They are just everywhere - even on stage with Stevie Wonder at the Grammy's! My 14 year old daughter is already "over" them, but I think my 11 year old son is secretly singing and doing dance moves in his room!

If you need a formal introduction, there will be a dazzling event held on Thursday February 26th, 12:01am at the historic and beautiful El Capitan Theater and in the center of the dazzle will be the Jonas Brothers! But in 3D!!!! Disney is launching the debut of the Jonas Brothers 3D Concert Experience with exclusive giveaways for everyone who attends the opening weekend event. (The show runs February 27 through March 12.)

I'd tell you to mention it to your teen daughters, but 10 to 1 they already know about and can tell YOU a thing or two about how to order tickets!

Disney never fails to deliver on a spectacular, so if you have the time - go revel in the teenage heart throbs of 2009 like you did David Cassidy back in 1975!

16 things about me...

2009-01-10T09:49:00.000-08:00

Was tagged by association for this little meme. So...

I

love my Peet's coffee...freshly ground by me daily!
am not a morning person.
rely on my women friends for support and inspiration.
love to read.

am grateful that my parents are still alive.
need to schedule my mammogram.
don't listen to enough classical music.
have never tried yoga.

do not have a green thumb.
love when a recipe comes out fantastic!
wish I had been part of a team as a kid.
miss my aunt.

am not a math person.
would not choose that same wedding dress again!
would choose the same man!
want to go sit on Moonstone Beach with him right now.

If you have read this meme - you are now tagged! Leave a comment so we can know 16 things about you too.

Poverty Party Post #2 - A little help here please...

2008-12-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

Well it's been almost 2 months since I've been meal planning. Good news - it is saving us money! To be sure. It is saving me time too because I am not going to the grocery store 5 times in 7 days!

However, Sunday's suck.

Because that's the day I have to come up with a week's worth of menu items and GAH - it is not easy! I actually love to cook, but it is so hard to come up with a meal plan that everyone living here will actually eat. And planning on something that people who live here can eat when they are actually HERE is tough too - during the week eating together is a non-happening.

Mostly I've let myself become a short order cook. Which any mother alive will tell you was THE stupidest move EH-VAH! So what I need from you all is a few links to some amazing meals that will please everyone - we're chicken and meat eaters - kids love the pasta too.

oh - and good news - we're down to ONE brace face in the house now! Where will we spend that extra money?!?! Woot!

Disney Fun

2008-11-17T16:29:00.000-08:00

Looking for a way to get in to the holiday spirit? Well here is the ticket! Disney is putting on a show of only-can-be-done-like-Disney proportions and it's opening this Friday!

It's the premiere of BOLT in Disney Digital 3D at the amazing and beautiful El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood! The movie is already creating a buzz among the mom-family types and the El Capitan show has more than just a movie to make it worth your time - included in the entertainment package is the new Disney Holiday Spectacular - live on stage! And next door to the theater is Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio store where they are introducing a "BOLT Sundae"! How can you go wrong? A live show, a movie AND ice cream?!?!

Get ticket info HERE and start your holiday season off on a very positive note!

Election Day

2008-11-04T10:09:00.001-08:00

No matter your views -

GO VOTE!!!!!!!!!

Rest In Peace

2008-10-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a blathering and possibly sad post. You might want to go read another blog...I'm writing for me today...

My aunt died this morning....though she was not really my aunt. She was my mom's cousin's wife, but I've known her all my life as Tante Ruth.

She was pretty spectacular. She grew up in Wellesley, MA and was the most proper, put together woman I have ever known. She was an impeccable executive secretary and never wore white shoes after Labor Day. Her purse and shoes matched and she wore amazing pieces of jewelry. She had a great Boston/Maine accent and she had a great laugh. She was very generous and kind. She loved boxer dogs and long haired cats (RIP Cupcake).

It's been a hard year for her. My uncle passed away in February - they had been married over 50 years. Her health has been getting worse and worse all year. She's been in the hospital 3 times in the last two months. Finally we told the Dr's no more. No more xrays, no more tests, no more prodding, poking and drugging. She was old and her body wanted to stop, but for medical science it could not. So we moved her back to her care facility and arranged for hospice care just 2 weeks ago today.

They were wonderful and kind. I was able to see her a couple of times. She was too weak to talk, but I got a few yes's and no's to some direct questions. I talked "at" her a lot. She had pictures in her room that I went though with her. And then I brought more pictures and talked to her about the beautiful things she had seen and done since I've known her...Oak Creek, AZ, clam chowder at her favorite restaurant, her love of fine clothes! I remember Bullock's was her favorite department store.

She would have been 91 on Thursday. I was planning a visit. My sister reminded me that my aunt used to love pistachio ice cream, so I hunted some down and was going to surprise her with it.

When I got home this afternoon I took it out of the freezer and ate it straight from the container. "Here's to you Tante Ruth - rest in peace. I love you and will miss you."

Poverty Party Post #1

2008-10-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

So the Poverty Party idea over at bossy's couldn't be more timely. I could use a little helpful advice because our house economy was in the tank way before Wall Street took a dive.

We went from one kid in braces to two. And the beauty of that is that kid #1 was supposed to be OUT of braces in June but since we're exceeded our 2 year mark, we get to pay an extra $50 a month for her...and kid #2 is $100 for the next 10 months. I am seriously thinking about getting some wire cutters and being done with it myself. So then there's tennis lessons for kid #2 - a new development...and cost. And then there's the swim team Board that I serve on - voted away our free swimmer deal (because the swim team economy is also in the tank...or better - it sank to the bottom of the pool!) and now we have to cough up an additional $90 a month for kid #1 to swim. And I'm betting that $90 monthly dues (actually a bargain for the return she gets)are going to go up in order to get the team budget to balance for next year...and that's because the school district is also searching for revenue and will undoubtedly come around and say, "Hey - swim team - you should pay $80 an hour for the use of that cold water and dirty pool deck and no toilet paper in the bathrooms and for the privilege of dealing with snotty bureaucratic administrative types that hold the power to withdraw your permit on a whim. Don't cha think?"

Yep. Timley. Money is tight.

So here's what I've done so far to be help to my house economy. I've started (last week) making a menu and a list for the grocery store for the entire week. That means I have to know what I'm fixing for dinner every single night and get the ingredients for said meals in advance! Once upon a time, pre-motherhood, I used to do this - it was based on my hatred of the grocery store, not because I was organized or was trying to save money. I just hated going to the store. But when I had a baby, the store became more appealing because I could go ALONE! Thus, weekly menu and shopping - not so much. Ok - so last week it worked out pretty good. I only made 2 extra trips to the store and I think I spent about $50-80 less than a normal week.

So that's option number one for now. Spend less on food. Anyone else have any good saving plans?

Christmas Gifts in October

2008-10-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

EEW! Isn't that obscene???? WHO in their right mind considers Christmas gifts before Trick or Treating?? WHO?

well...

I have to confess...

just this one time...

me.

I'm sorry! I don't usually partake in Christmas thinking until after Thanksgiving. But I just had the perfect opportunity and the perfect idea!

Remember back in August when I was contemplating all 200+ of my camping photos? Well I needed to go to Long's and said to myself "What are you waiting for?!?! There are two sets of very deserving friends who would love to see pictures from a year and a half ago (oops!) and from 6 months ago (double oops!) - why not let them wait just 3 more months and make them the cutest two 5x7 picture booklets they have ever seen?"

So I grabbed my memory stick with 264 pictures on it and went to use the exceptional machine that is the HP Photo Center! I had pictures from two camping trips so I decided to make one booklet for each and order two prints of each.

And I'm here to say, I'm really happy I checked out the whole process back in August and that I had taken the time to look over the HP Photo Booth brochure that I picked up. It was a good thing to know what I was going to do when I got there because it took me about 15-20 minutes to work through the entire process for both books! It was so simple! All you have to do is choose the pictures, choose the project (booklets are just one option - I could have done a hardcover book! Or a poster or a set of cards...), choose the background, add a little text and your off! I turned in my little ticket to the lady and the counter and she said "They'll be done in about an hour." Wow! An hour! Cool! So I went to Kohl's and bought a sweater!

When I got back, the package was ready and waiting - they look really cute! I am very pleased with the whole process and of course, myself for having two Christmas gifts ready to go - even if it is still OCTOBER!

Want to make a photo gift of your own before Halloween? Follow this link to a start your Christmas shopping early too! (*Coupon courtesy of BlueSuitMom.com)

Badge of Intent....II

2008-10-03T23:15:00.001-07:00

I did it.

Today I decided what my Badge of Intent would say and I ordered it.

It says: Kirsten.......I am A Reliable Resource.

I'm excited and thrilled to share the rest, but I still have lots more homework and loose ends to tie up. But honestly, I have NEVER believed more in a statement than I do that one! YAY!

Badge of Intent

2008-09-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

I've been away for a while...family health emergency...the kind of thing that makes you realize how unimportant most things are in comparison to your health and your family...but since all involved are on the mend, I'm back and have been busy trying to catch up on my life.

I was looking for something to ground me again and it so happened that one of the emails in my inbox was from a long ago childhood friend - a friend that I just loved and that I have such great memories of...(she was so funny and very talented - she could really belt out a song!)- I digress! She contacted me to let me know she has started a new venture with her friend and it's called Badge of Intent.

I immediately went to her site and was smitten. What a terrific idea! It's such a simple idea and aren't those so often the best?! At first it seems silly, but then there was no denying the positive effect of wearing such a badge. It gives you the chance to put your goals out into the light. Goals that perhaps you have been keeping to yourself for fear of failure.

I think Badge of Intent is much like a plant: the badge is your seed, the input of those around you, the sun light, the effort you put in to make it a reality, the water. When your goal is achieved you enjoy the accomplishment like a bouquet and you begin to plant new seeds!

I spent the entire afternoon (and many subsequent hours since) trying to figure out what I would put on such a badge. There are, I found, many things that I would like to achieve, places I'd like to go, things I'd like to experience, but because I spend so much of my time caring for kids, husband, house and family, as well as volunteering, I have not given myself the opportunity to actually do any of them!

So I'm still mulling it over. But my intention is to make a decision by the end of the week. And then I will order my Badge of Intent and wear it proudly! I will even come back here and post a picture to prove it. I think this idea of hers is the perfect way to start a New Year in September! I must go think on it some more...

You should go check out the website...and think "What would I put on MY badge?"

Catching Summer Photos

2008-08-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

Summer is just flying by! And I've been taking my camera everywhere...camping, swim meets, baseball games, swim meets, the beach, birthday parties, a few more swim meets! And all of those fine photos have been downloaded onto my computer. I was pretty proud of myself for getting them off the camera and into separate and organized folders! But then? Um...nothing. I haven't uploaded them anywhere, haven't printed them. No sharing with friends and family. Nothing.

So then I heard about the new HP Photosmart Studios and I went down to the closest Long's to check it out. I even took my 239 camping photos with me! I thought I knew what I was going to do...thought I was prepared. I was going to take those camping photos and make two books for the two families that we went camping with...I had a plan! But the plan changed.

The HP Photosmart Studio is a stand alone, self-serve computer kiosk. It was really easy to use as it had a big touch screen and the directions were very simple. But I stood there for a good 30 minutes just looking at all the options! First you have to decide what project to pick: a calendar, a book, a poster, a photo cd, or greeting cards. Then once you pick the project, you choose the background paper - lots and lots of choices here! And then the photo layout - do you want 1 picture on a page? 2? 3? 4? MORE? Then you have to decide which photos to use. Well, silly me, I brought 239 pictures! Honestly, I was overwhelmed until I realized "Oh..I don't have to do this TODAY!" Which really was a huge relief. I picked up one of the detailed pamphlets on the HP Photosmart Studio and took it home. I have since pared down my 239 photos and am re-thinking the book option. I am thinking I might want to do photo cards now...or maybe a poster, because how often can you give a friend a personal poster?!?! How cool is that?

So stay tuned for my follow up - I'm going back to Long's to use this machine:

And then I'll be back to tell you how the final product turned out!

Fitness in Minutes

2008-05-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

I have been laughing so hard reading Three Kid Circus and all of the exercise exploits of bloggers everywhere! All stories about ridiculous exercise purchases and because I have a sense of humor, and some extra pounds, I can't resist sharing my own list!

Let's start with the big seller: Ab Roller. Yup. 5 minute a day for 30 days people. Nothing to it! Then it became a chair for my one year old. But then we had to get rid of it because she fell over!

The ORIGINAL Step. Not to be confused with the "Un-original Step" on the market. I actually used this for a while and managed to actually lose inches and pounds. BUT, lest you think this is not funny...these are the video's I purchased in order to use my Step:

* Denise Austin Need I say more?
* I purchased Buns of Steel along with ABS of Steel!! Didn't we all want buns of steel? Be honest.
* The ever so popular Jane Fonda Step video. Her hair was so effing PERFECT!
* I had a Karen Voight tape that kicked my ASS. I so wanted to have legs like hers. Except that mine are about 6 inches shorter and no amount of exercise was going to fix that particular problem.
* And worst of all....a Cher step tape!! AAAAKKK Cher in all her black lace glory. And me right along with her. Ouch. That one hurts!

I have a yoga mat and a set of yoga blocks in the back of my closet somewhere. I think my son used them once for a matchbox car ramp.

And a really cool set of mini-hula hoops for my arms! Oh - I mean, Pilates Body Circles! WHAT was I thinking?

Me and Billy? We're TIGHT. He's always encouraging me. I love that about him. Always reminding me to "Feel the Burn" and "Don't give up". Uh huh. Yeah. Right. Thanks Billy.

I've had a Diamondback 300 Elliptical Machine taking up space in my home for about 4 years now. I try to use it, but it kind of makes a squeaking noise which really just makes me want to scream...so dusting it has become my priority!

So as you can see, I'm dedicated to being fit. I have the receipts to prove it! But I know that I would totally use the Wii Fit - I had so much fun trying it out and isn't that what all the experts say?

You know, that if you're having fun you will stick with it????

Are you Prepared?

2008-05-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

I thought I was. But as it turns out, I wasn't. Not even close.

I've lived in California my whole life and I suppose that has something to do with my very nonchalant attitude about earthquake preparedness. I've had sort of a "Earthquakes happen...we will be fine..." kind of laziness. That sounds so wrong - I live here - shouldn't I be more concerned? You would think so, but I've been fortunate to live here 43 years and never be affected by an earthquake...physically or emotionally. However, I have friends who were devastated by the Northridge quake back in 1994 - so much so they they sought counseling for months after. But for me, for my family...lucky...really lucky.

So when I was asked "Are you Prepared?" I decided I'd better take time for a serious look at my answer. At the California Governor's Conference on Women I was introduced to the "We..." concept. As women, we empower, we honor, we lead, we communicate, we prepare...and we postpone. Well ok, I postponed. Until now.

I downloaded the Family Disaster Plan from the California Volunteers website and got started. The form itself is easy to fill out - you probably know the information my heart if you have any kids! I know I've filled out emergency forms en masse for years now! But I started to scratch my head when I was asked to fill out the section on resources. Resources? Where? Who? I've never had to call anyone for help. Wow. How lucky am I? So a few clicks around the internet and I've located my local Office of Emergency Services and my local Red Cross.

Then I began the task of itemizing emergency supplies. I browsed the list and was dismayed to discover that while I have a lot of these items, they are ALL OVER my house and garage! In an emergency, wouldn't I want to have access to my daughter's daily medication and some fresh water for her to take it with? And wouldn't I want to have a pair of glasses for her to wear instead of contacts? These items only scratch the surface! So I purchased a large plastic container and began to fill it.

One week later I have managed to consolidate all of my supplies and put them in one central location. And I filled a backpack with supply essentials for my car as well. I emailed the Family Disaster Plan to my sister-in-law in Texas and printed one for us. And the key here people: I TOLD my family where they could find all of it. Because as moms we very often assume that we don't need to tell everyone everything. We assume we'll be there to take care of things as we planned. Unfortunately in an emergency you may not have that luxury and you must prepare for that as well.

So I talked to the kids about what to do in an emergency - where to go - who to call. I talked to my hubby about the possibilities of us being separated during an emergency and how we should communicate via our out of state contact. While we take for granted the many sunny beautiful days here in California we often forget the very real possibility of a large and devastating earthquake. I am glad that I can now answer the question "Are you prepared?" with a resounding "YES!"

There are so many resources out there. We need to use them. And while you may not live in California and earthquakes are the last thing on your mind, you should consider where you live and the potential for an emergency of your own. Be smart, be responsible and be prepared!

**Edited to add: Wow. There is a scary irony that I posted my thoughts and experience of earthquake preparedness on the day THIS happened. I have the chills.

Wii Fit Birthday Party

2008-05-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

.

Actually, the fact that it was my birthday has absolutely nothing to do with the Wii Fit Party that I was invited to! But it would be a great idea to throw a 40-something woman a Wii Fit Birthday Party, so you keep it in mind when the Wii Fit system's are available to the public!

Until then, I'll give you the SKiiNNY on the Wii Fit!

Side note: My family does not own a Wii system. Yet. I say yet, because I'm feeling the pull of this gaming system pretty strong! It helps to have friends who own them and rave about them...and let you play them! And a 10 year old son who loves to play Wii anywhere at all is also a motivating factor. The down side...finding one that we can buy! Apparently they sell out the day they arrive at stores, so we're going to have to get more savvy trying to locate one...

ANYWAY.

My dear friend and Nintendo Ambassador, Tracey, asked me if I'd be interested in attending a Wii Fit Party at her house on the evening of my birthday. I was lucky enough to attend the Wii Party back in 2006 at Tracey's, so I knew this would be a party I didn't want to miss. The hubby and I spent my birthday day together, shared some cake with the kids after school, drove one kid to swim practice and then I headed to Tracey's to find out what Wii Fit was all about!

In a nutshell? It was SO MUCH FUN! MUST HAVE ONE!

Details? Nintendo has thought of everything. BMI index, Wii Fit Age, tracking, balancing, aerobics, yoga and strength training. I tried it all...well, ok, I didn't venture into the yoga section, but I did sit and focus on my balance and posture for 3 minutes - my candle didn't even waver - I am EXPERT!

I tried ski-jumping and had some beginner's luck - my two jumps totalled 384 feet (meters?) which gave me first place! I stunk it up on the downhill skiing. I tried over and over again to figure out how get the speed right without crashing into the gates, but always, my head hung low. The boxing was tricky even on the beginner level, but it didn't take too long to get the hang of it.

The balancing games were good and I was so-so at the table top, the penguin on the iceberg and floating down the river in a bubble. I loved the hula-hoop exercise, but I sure hope Tracey didn't take a picture of me doing that! The tight rope was hysterical - the Mii Person I was using was actually created for one of the cute, young, SLIM and FIT girls who were showing us how to use the system...so when I took a few tiny steps on the tight rope, it sent the Mii person flying up in the air! After re-booting and trying again with the same results, we realized that OH - I weigh MORE than the cute Mii girl! My tiny little steps were shooting her small body into the sky! It was really funny. Good thing I had a sense of humor on my birthday isn't it? It was a little hard to take when my Mii body expanded like a balloon when I did the BMI test, but that was also pretty funny!!!

The hostesses were gracious and helpful and provided yummy treats for the 10 of us: fruit smoothie shots, ka-bobs, hummus and pita. Tracey even brought in one piece of very UN-fit chocolate cake with a candle and the ladies sang Happy Birthday to me! Thank you Tracey! It was a great time and I look forward to getting a Wii for the family and getting Wii Fit with them!

Art of a 4 year old

2008-04-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

Well. She's not 4 anymore, she's 13...but I found this piece of art that I saved from pre-school and wanted to share.

The owner of her pre-school, Linda Juranek of KidWorks, has just retired after 25 years. Linda created the most outstanding pre-school EVER.

It was a haven for fun learning and exploring and nothing Linda ever did was textbook. It was always creative and enriching: Art Faire, washing shirts "down by the river", fish printing, Thanksgiving Feast...they were all wonderful experiences for the kids.

I look back on those years with my daughter and later, my son, and I see how Linda was able to even teach ME! She taught me that it was ok to color outside the lines-something that was so hard for me. I am inherently orderly and precise. I love that now I have the ability to relax and enjoy things for what they are right now in the moment; that everything does not have to be just so. (I confess to not always being able to reach this calm state of mind!!)

So thank you Linda, for the art of my 4 year old - both of them! And for giving us the memories of a lifetime! We will treasure them always.

HELP

2008-04-07T21:42:00.001-07:00

SOMEONE SAVE ME FROM SCIENCE PROJECT HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spring Flowers

2008-03-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

This kind of pretty speaks for itself.

bossy's excellent road trip

2008-03-04T21:11:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late to the party - but I've been following along since the beginning! Bossy's comin' to California and we're gonna have a Bloggy Love Fest somewhere way the f*@$ up in Calabasas! OY!

What's left for Best Shot Monday?

2008-02-25T14:10:00.000-08:00

After a week of sick children, sick parents, a swim meet in the rain and a funeral for an uncle, I'm left with a nasty head cold and THIS to do:

Talk about Rainy Days and Mondays! Somebody send me some fuzzy slippers and a vat of tea!

iPlay

2008-01-21T13:45:00.000-08:00

And so must you! Go to Mdme. Jozet's.

Here is 1972's Album of the Year:

The sweet sounds of Ms. O'Neal's vocal stylings on this album are without compare and her talent on the Palm Frond is exquisite! Critics rave that this is an album for the enlightened New Age!