Leaving On A Jet Plane...or Train...........

Well today is the big day of travel....my much anticipated trip to visit my parent's in Salem and to go to Rhinebeck for the first time.  We are traveling by train and it should be quite an adventure.  We do have a 3 hour stay in the Big Apple...just enough time to grab some lunch.  I will blog daily about our daily adventures.....we may never come back..........................................................................................................

Vampires and Knitting

When I saw this book previewed on Amazon, there is no way I couldn't buy it.  Into the shopping cart it went.  Some things are just must haves....no questions, no regrets.  What could be better...Vampirish stuff made with yarn.  It will be released on September 12th.  Hopefully many romantic patterns, just in time for me to make my yarn selectin while attending Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival this year.  Yes that's right....finally we are heading to Rhinebeck to attend this wonderful festival.  I am so excited I can hardly stand it.  Actually the two girlies and I are taking Amtrak to Boston so we can spend the week with my parent's in Salem.  We will all leave for Rhinebeck on friday.  We have an appt. at the Culinary Insititue Of America for Abby to take a tour, since this is her first choice of schools.  Then onward to relish in the wonderful world fiber and food.  Two of my favorite things. 

While we are in New England for the week I plan on spending the day in Boston with the girlies.  Showing them how to ride the subway, having dim sum for breakfast at the Windsor Dim Sum Cafe in Chinatown, hitting the Great Taste Bakery for some dan taat, and hopefully finding some cute asian shops with cute fabric and knick nacks.  We may hit the aquarium and then the North End (which is the the Italian district) for some shopping at the wonderful Itlalian deli's and dinner in a real Italian restaurant.  Sorry for you people that like Olive Garden and Carrabas.  You have no idea.


I want to visit western Mass one day to see WEBS, which is my moms LYS.  Lucky her...and then got the New England Cheesemaking Supply Company for some cheesemaking supplies.  We have tried mozzarella, but would like to try some hard cheese and blue cheese.

Maine is also on our roadmap, along with lobster rolls and clam strips with the bellies.  YUM.  Something that is impossible to find in the Sunshine State.

This is going to be a wonderful memorial adventure and I can't wait to go smell and see fall in New England.  How I miss it so.  Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, scenic roads bursting with fall foliage, here we come!

Temptation

My chaotic life seems slightly calmer at this moment.  The big difference is that I am not working nearly as much as I used to.  I don't miss working but I do miss the supply of extra money for frivolous spending.  For now, I am toning things down a bit and learning to live simpler, not needing the newest in electronics, settling for what I have so to speak.  Sure, I still want the Ipad down deep because of it's shiny self, but my Macbook works perfectly.  Which brings me to another dilema.  They released the Kindle 3.  Smaller, sleeker, way lower in price.  Our house has three Kindles now.  A few weeks ago I couldn't resist clicking the add to cart button, justifying it by saying that all of the kids could have their own.  Ah, but  it was backordered.  Well of course I forgot about it until I got an email yesterday informing me that it was shipping.  I need to cancel, I thought, to many bills due this week.  The timing is bad.  Where is the damn cancel button...great...due to the shipping soon status it wasn't an option.  Go figure...so on September 9th I will have in my hands the new Kindle 3....can I posibbly resist it's shineness?????

Fantastic Two Days, but pass on the buffalo

The past two days were really fun, busy and tiring at the same time.  I had my second visit at Mayo Clinic and had to spend the night due to a procedure I had to have done.  The second day there I met with one of the docters.  I go back on March 19th to meet with the MS neuro and then my internal medicine doctor, who by the way is wonderful.  That's when all of my test results will be discussed and hopefully I'll get some sort of diagnosis and closure on the thing that has been plaguing me all of these years.   The hospital I work at is the pits compared to Mayo Clinic.  They have everything down to an exact science.  Can't stop gushing about how good they are...sorry!

So had to take advantage of staying in Jacksonville.  Alexis came with me for a mom and daughter overnight trip. It was great.  We ate at Teds Montana Grill

that night.  It was really good food...all made fresh and organic.  I got it in my head that I wanted to try bison.  Convinced myself that I would love it.  Well guess what...I didn't.  The waiter told it me it tasted sweeter....what he really met to say was that it tasted gamey!  It was all I could do to choke down half of the meat.  Now I know buffalo is not my thing.

So we headed off to Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie.  Alexis bought some things there and I just drooled all over the place in Anthropologie , but got control of myself before anyone noticed.

I bought a hippy type sweater at Holister....89.00 to 15.98.  (Clap)  Then we went to Lucky and I bought a gypsey skirt, 2 sweaters, hippie guaze top, long sleeved shirt, a Joan Jett onsie for Addy, bracelet and two necklaces for $122.00.  Wholly hell...Alexis and I added it up and it would have been 650.00.  That my friends was a true jackpot!

We finished our shopping excursion with chocolate cupcakes from the Cheesecake Factory and

                                                                Izzy Sparkling juices.

 I had grapefruit and she had pomegranate.  Life was good again:)

Today was a great day.  I was alone.........went window shopping alone.  I am a loner.  I hate shopping with others.....except my kids and mom.  Don't do the girlfriend shopping thing, never did.  It bothers me.  I can do lunch fine, but shopping is my thing.  

First I drove Noah to school to Newberry and then went into the Flour Pot bakery in Tioga for an apple turnover, got that plus an artichoke, brie and gouda croissant.  OMG!!!

I went to the bead store and bought a ball of hemp and some pretty wood and bone beads for the girls to learn to macramé jewelry.  

Went to Hogtownne Music and put my sweet little Luna Ukulele on layaway.  I couldn't resist....she sounds so good and really is so beautiful.  That's why she's $229.99 and not 29.99 like the others they had there:)

Sam and I caught the noon show of Alice.  It was really good.  Johnny Depp played an awesome role as the mad hatter.  He's a little nutty anyways I think.  

Went to TJ Maxx and put some outfits on layaway for our Charleston trip in a few weeks.  I get to see my mom and dad....am counting the days....plus get to try out my mom's lady bug wheel. 

Then went to the Great Outdoors for dinner and listened to the live band that was playing there.  

Today was great, but now I am whipped and ready for bed.

Good Times at the Derby

So the whole fam went to watch the Gainesville Roller Rebels on Sunday night.  Okay first let me say I loved the Derby....and second....I loved the Derby!  Sigh...if only I wasn't the main bread winner in the fam I may have to give it a try.  The girls were great to watch...their names cracked me up.  Pochahotass....get it...Pochahontas.  It was great.  The place was packed.  Alot of people I recognized from around Gville.  It's actually a very small town.  The sport seems to have a certain type of followers.....our kind of people for sure.

The Gainesville Sun took Addy's picture for the paper wanting to know of it was her first Derby.  She seemed to like all of the action and couldn't stop dancing to the music.  ACDC came on and she started banging her head back and forth.  I almost peed my pants!  She was a big hit:)

Ashley went to their new orientation on Wed to become a Derby girl.  They have to practice alot so we'll see what happens there.  As soon as Addy gets walking good we'll throw skates on her feet and get her going!  I am going to plan to go to each home match now that I have their schedule.  The next one is in April.  It was a good time for all:)

Farm To Family - New Site

We're waiting for the new schedule for this years  Farm To Family full moon festivals.  They got a new location finally and are clearing the site from the looks of their website.  It's an all night festival of music and good times.  I really need to buy a tent so we can camp out there.

I love Folk/Americana music. It's relaxing to sit back and chill to. I can remember going with my parent's when I was little to see John Denver, Kris Kirstoferson, etc..... Awesome.
In High School I turned to Punk Rock.  The Sex Pistols, Ramones, etc. spelled anarachy for us. Little rebels we were. A few years later metal mania took hold. ACDC, the Scorpians and all of the pretty hair bands in between. I still like the stuff, but my favorite is the folksy sounding tunes. I guess that's why I love Indie music so much.  Folk music is in the same realm as the grassroots  movement....urban farming.....  It all goes together and I love that kind of stuff.

(Pictures taken from the Farm To Family Website)

Speaking of music....Noah had his electric guitar restrung yesterday...Abby got an awesome Luna acoustic guitar. 

 They are both going to start taking lessons.  While in the music store I fell in

love with a Luna Ukulele.  It was beautiful.  The owner and I got into a long discussion on Ukulele's and now I want to get it and start playing. He actually said they are the hottest instrument right now.  Go figure.  We will be a pickin' family.  Sam even said he thought about playing the guitar.  Hmmmmmm.  This picture gives the little concert ukulele no justice....

City Slicker Critters

A few weeks ago I heard the boys outside barking.  It was a playful bark at night.  I sent Sam out to investigate and he came in and told me they had just killed a big possum in the yard.  WTF....I move out of the country only to see that wildlife exists even in the heart of the city.

The cats brought up the biggest mole I have ever seen.

We chased and caught a mouse in the house a few weeks ago.  I didn't have the heart to kill him because he was so cute and small...so we set him free outside.  He's probably back in here somewhere.  Oh and don't forget the black racer snake from a few months ago.  Like I said  WTF!

Even though I don't celebrate Valentines Day because I believe that
you should show love and appreciation 365 days of the year, instead of
on one specific commercialized day........Sam still got me a big box
of chocolate covered strawberries from Thornebrook Chocolatier. They
are sinful!!

Can Finally See The Light

Before I went to nursing school I wanted to be a midwife.  When I lived in DC I went to doula training with DONA.  I also went to a four day childbirth education training class in Boone, North Carolina with Lamaze International.  I dreamed of delivering babies.  It seemed so long and impossible at the time because I had four very small children and a not so supportive husband (the ex factor now).  After my divorce I put myself through nursing school, while working on an OB floor in administration for 6 years.  So at that time I was submerged in OB related stuff.

After graduation I was fortunate to slide right into labor and delivery.  I was thrilled.  It was magical.  I was living my dream...sort of.  That was the reason I went to school in the first place.  Devouring Ina Mae's Spiritual Midwifery Book and dreaming of baby catching.....after about 3 years into it things sort of got jaded.  I wasn't sure what I wanted anymore.  4 years into it I started suffering from a little burnout.  Working at two hospitals started wearing me thin I think.

I was getting disheartened by people around me saying it wasn't worth it...the crappy pay, the responsibility, the liability....how it was so not worth it.  We can make so much more at the bedside.  Well, I began to look around and realized that bedside nurses are by far getting rich.  I started to read my midwifery books again, started to do some serious soul searching.  Began to feel my dream and aspiration coming back.  Realized that regardless of money, other peoples opinions, call hours, ect. in my heart I have always wanted to deliver babies.

I am happy and excited to say that I am getting my application ready to submit to grad school to start in the fall this year.  I picked Frontier School of Midwifery due to it's stellar reputation and recommendations.  I am hoping to relocate back up North in three years, back to New England, and practice.  One day at a time.

Roller Derby

I have always loved the concept of Roller Derby.  Those chicks are tough and cool.  I have always been a really good skater, but am a little old for the Derby.  However, we are going to watch on February 28th to enjoy the show.

Whip It was an awesome movie.  It got me inspired to skate again.  Not Derby of course, but I love shuffle/jam skating.  Ashley is an awesome skater and I am trying to convince her to try out for the Derby.  She's got the "look" too!  Addy would have herself a Roller Derby Hot Mama!

Slacker

I have been a slacker with my blog lately.  Abby was quick to remind me that I haven't posted since January 8th.  Well there goes my New Year's resolution down the toilet.  Actually the only one that I have upheld so far was not to do any unnecessary shopping.  I have done pretty good with that, even though the peep and I ventured to TJ Maxx today...BUT it was for a birthday present for Abby so it was permitted.  Actually, it was like a crack fix!  I felt so much more relaxed after I left.  This my friends is sad........I am really a shopaholic:(

Actually my slacking as been indicative of some health issues that I have been having.  I am hoping that the wonderful Mayo Clinic can help me figure out what is going on in March so I can be normal once again...well as normal as I possibly can be.

These pictures are enough to warm my heart though!

She likes her rockabilly devil duck!

Alot of plans for this weekend.  Abby turns 15!

Happy 2010!

Well 2009 has come and gone. Hello 2010! I am excited for the new year. So many dreams and aspirations. Many things to do and change. I have good feeling about this. Good mojo thoughts abound.

I am working today on the first day of the new year. No New Years baby born yet. We do have a cute gift basket for the first one. I'm sure it's brewing out there somewhere!

I am starting my first aphgan square today. I have to say when I got the book in the mail for my mom this week I was a bit overwhelmed. Some of the patterns seem so hard. I will work through them though. I have always taught myself how to do the crafty things I do. Except for spinning of course. I will post snippets of my progress in the months to come.

Last night we feasted as kings on crab legs (the ocean's spider), wings and homemade salsa/guacamole to die for. Paula Deen also graced us with her infamous banana pudding. Life was good. Today is the traditional pork roast with sauerkraut cooked by Chef Abby. We need much luck for 2010! This my friends is a Northern Tradition.

I missed the ball dropping last night. Instead I rang in the New Year on the couch snoring according to my daughter. How attractive is that? Well I hope that you follow me down the rabbit hole in 2010 to see what Wonderland has in store this time:) Let the excitement begin:)

Farwell 2009

Well 2009 is about over.  It was not a good year for me in many ways, but some of the wonderful points were that Adalae graced our presence and  my mom and I are talking again (I missed her so).   I have great aspirations for 2010.  I have big resolutions...Sam laughed and said they were to hefty.  I think they are doable.  They are all somewhat of a lifestyle change.  My life needs re-vamping.

1.  Blog and journal everyday.....even if it's a few sentences.

2.   Go on the Clean Eating diet.....eat only whole foods..nothing processed.

3.  Exercise

4.  Avoid shopping and only thrift for 6 months while saving for my 2 1/2 week vacation to New England in August.  This will be by far the hardest thing for me because I am a shopaholic.  Sam laughed and said no yarn.  However, yarn doesn't count.  Like I pointed out to Sam...that is my hobby and I will need something to do during this dark time.  He pointed out that yarn is my hobby, but shopping is my shrink.  I will show him:)

Being Thankful

I have many things to be thankful for this year.

1.  My healthy wonderful kids and granddaughter.
2.  A man that loves me.
3.  A good job
4.  Good friends
5.  Roof over my head and food on the table
6.  My grandmother, who is like my mother, is still alive.

When the basics are listed out, I think it puts life in perspective.  It's not how much money you have or how many material things you have.  It's about being with the ones you love.

It doesn't feel like Thanksgiving down here in the South (I'm a Yankee).  But I am excited to hear that a cold front is moving in...I think on Thanksgiving Day.  Yeah!!!  I'm off work this year.  Finally, I can cook.  Pepper and her family are coming to celebrate (eat)  with us.  Then off to the movies and then off to  wait in line for the Balck Friday deals.  Whew...I'm tired already!

Over the Rainbow

Check out this perfect rainbow while sitting at the stop light at McDonald's.  Taken with the trusty dusty Iphone.   Now where is my pot of gold?????

Piggy Bank Helper

I'm not sure how I found about extreme couponing.  I'm sure it was one of my endless nights of meaninglessly surfing the web.  However it happened, it sucked me quickly into the vortex of a coupon addiction.  I used to scoff when I heard that people would spend 200.00 on groceries and only pay 25.00.  Impossible.  With my family I spend 300.00 per week and could easily spend more if not careful.  There is no way this could be true.

Surprisingly people it is a reality.  After finding Southern Savers  and Coupon Mom  and scouring their blogs and sites I was hooked. I tested the Walgreens and CVS savings.  I am still using the original $7.00 that I spent at Walgreens about a month and a half ago.  I am stockpiling a small drugstore under my bathroom sink. 

I am a novice, but getting the hanG of things quickly.  I buy numerous Sunday papers and All of You Magazine at Wally World. My savings hasn't been as good as some areas because our local stores do not double coupons. However, I did get this good deal..

3 bags fresh express lettuce
2 dozen eggs
4 double packs of Betty Crocker instant microwave cakes
1 loaf of bread
1 gallon OJ
2 bags Chex Mix
1 package BC instant red potatoes
2 packages of Kebbler CC cookies

All for $10.00:) In this economy we need to learn how to stretch our money like silly putty!

Farwell Country

Up until a week ago we lived on 5 acres in the country. I wanted that. The old farmhouse and all. Well I got it. I grew up in a small town in Pa, but in the city. I've lived all over in big cities. Boston, San Fran, San Diego, Seattle, Washington DC, Hartford, Phoenix, etc.
The culture and convenience was awesome, but the grass is always greener.

The country life enthralled me. I am an animal person, so naturally the thought of having a vast amount of space to have all of my critters was intoxicating. 5 years people. I lived my dream for 5 years. Within that 5 years I sadly realized that I am a city girl at heart. I hated all the bugs, the upkeep of the property was a chore, the isolation and quiet sometimes got to me and it was pitch dark at night.

I finally had it with everything and threw in the towel. We moved one block from downtown in a quiet residential neighborhood. Yes, once agin I have neighbors. I can decorate and pass candy out to trick or treaters. I can walk to the quaint restaurants near by. I can see at night.

My new house is an old house, built in 1942. 2 stories with a charming upstairs balcony/porch that reminds me of a Parisian apt. It has a picket fence...yeah...and a little over an acre of property. Just enough for a garden, my beehives(they are city dwellers now), my dogs, bunnies and will house 2-3 chickens when I get my eggloo. I am what you would term an urban farmer.

So my love affair with the country has ended...sniff....it's bittersweet, but my love for the city has been rekindled... with a country flair:)

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

Spiders are indeed amazing spinners. The best...and their webs are very strong for being so fine. I should love them, but I don't. Not even close. They make my skin crawl just thinking about them. I've had close encounters that made me jump and scream like a mad women. Such as the time I put on a sweater and had a huge wolf spider crawl out the neckline..and the time I failed to see the two banana spiders that made their comfy home on my porch doorway and walked smack dab into their web. They are ugly yes, but harmless. But this vixen is not..She's full of poison.  My property(as of today my old property) was a black widow boarding house.  The suckers were everywhere.  So much in fact that you better not pick up anything outside without investigating first.  Including when you went to check the mail and take out the trash.  She loved those spots.  However, they never made it into our house....or so I thought.

I took over some clean clothes to the new house and plunked them down on the floor to sort them into designated rooms, seeing as though there are 6 of us.  While pulling something from the middle, the vixen  rose up from my laundry and brushed my hand with her spindly leg.  Good God, it couldn't be.  I yelled.  My daughter came running.  I grabbed it between two socks and took it outside for a confirming look.

I flipped her over and there on her fat belly was the perfect shape of a scarlet hourglass.  What if she bit me and I didn't realize it???  I was freaking out.  My daughter piped up that she had just studied this yesterday in nursing school and started rattling off symptoms.  I called DH who told me I was being a paranoid freak and to calm down.  During the hoopla we forgot about the vixen.  When she saw us coming, what did she do, but play dead.  They are not only ugly and terrifying, but smart to!  However, she was no match for my flipflop.

So now that we are going to be somewhat citified, hopefully our spider population will decline.  Unless they hitched a ride to the new house.  Needless to say the chicks are now scared to touch the laundry.  How convenient!