Happy Holidays to All...

The night before full moon


Full moonrise



Hi, All-

Wishing you happy days ahead and a great New Year.

The moonrises on the mesa have been amazing the last few days. Makes you forget the -2 degree (F) nights!

L-
-P

AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN AND AGAIN

Wishing Mom/Grammy a wonderful 75th year!!! She has had a birthday celebration that keeps on going like the energizer bunny. First her 'gala' weekend and then this past weekend Mom, Don and Deb went out to dinner on Saturday night and on Sunday we went to brunch and the Philly Pops Holiday Concert in Philadelphia. Friends are treating her to lunch today. So we think that we should just keep on with this. Let's have lots of special moments this coming year. Mom and I will culminate the year with a trip to Disney in December of 2008. The Mouse misses her!!!
Happy Birthday to the greatest Mom in the world. We are all better people for having had your love and guidance throughout our lives. You are our champion and our hero. We are always proud to say "that's our Mom".

I love you, Mom.

Deb

Finally Recuperated...

Michael and I are finally back in the swing of things here in NM. We walked in on Tuesday afternoon at 4pm and realized that Don had awakened us about 13 hours earlier in order to embark on our trip home. Thank goodness we did not stay until Wednesday and encounter the weather in Chicago (we flew home through Midway). What a nightmare that would have been!

Needless to say, we had a great time and loved seeing you all, so it was worth it.

Many of you know about Michael being detained for supposedly having a fake ID on the way in. It may humor you to know that while in NJ, I let Michael carry my knife (which I always keep in my front pocket) because he had left his at home by mistake. It has about a five inch blade on it. I was unpacking the backpack that he had boarded the plane with, and there it was, in the front pocket. I said, "Oh, good, here's my knife..." when the sinking reality hit that he had forgotten about it and run it through security and taken it on the plane. They were too busy giving me a hard time about not taking out my hard drive (which I've never had to do at any other airport) to see the knife right in the front of his backpack! Holy Crow...we would have been dust, especially since they had put his name on a list in Houston and written four big red S marks on his boarding pass. Phew.

So, thank goodness the trip back was uneventful and we are home safe and sound.

Love you all and it was so great seeing you.

-P

My First TURKEY!

So, I worked 3pm - midnight on Wednesday, 7am-midnight on thanksgiving, went shopping at 4am on Friday and was at work by 7am for a 12-hour shift. Needless to say, I came home friday night and passed out. I awoke Saturday to the sound of my housemate and her brother coming back from New York, ready to hit the grocery store to make last minute purchases before we began our all-day prep for Sunday.

Before church on Sunday, I prepped my Turkey and threw her in the oven. When we got back about 3 hours later, the house was filled with nothing but the irresistible scent of a juicy bird. I opened the oven to find that she was a luscious golden brown... God bless Reynolds oven bags!!

We smashed the 'taters, baked the bread, and whipped the cream. Timing was perfect. The table was set just in time for every dish to be set out while still piping hot.
The menu:
Oven-roasted Turkey, amazing (from scratch!) dressing, homemade southern gravy, orange coconut rolls, brussel sprouts w/ caramelized shallots, cranberry cinnamon port sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, whole grain dinnner rolls, sweet potato meringue pie, and pumpkin chiffon pie with homemade whipped cream. I was in charge of the bird, dressing, gravy, and punkin' chiffon with whip. I also put all the ingredients in the breadmaker for the dinner rolls. Basically, we skimped on nothing. Everything was made from scratch or as close to it as humanly possible. There were only 6 at the dinner table and 3 who made it all happen. It was lovely.

AND THE DRINK, you ask?! Well, we realized we hadn't decided on a beverage. So, I suggested a sherbet punch idea I got from... somewhere ;-) It was such a hit, with a little twist. White cranberry punch with orange sherbert... the punch bowl had not a drop left in it! Most of the dishes were bone dry, come to think of it. We were so proud of our first all-on-our-own attempts at a home-cooked feast and the huge success of it all!

I won't update too much regarding the latest happenings with me. I will see y'all shortly and we'll have plenty to talk about, I'm sure. I am freshly showered after a few hours at the studio staying late after my pottery class. I am working really hard to master the art of clay-throwing, but I am pretty much making ashtrays, paper weights, and door stoppers. They say I'll get better... but we'll see.

Can't wait to see y'all! Much love.

Oh, Jetties :(

Mangenius looked like he wanted to crawl in the nearest hole and die. I was hoping the high from beating the Steelers would carry us into victory this week. Sure wish we could have at least taken out TO.

Hope the Pack gives the Boys a run for their money next week.

Hard to believe that the Jetties still won't get the first-round pick as long as Miami is around this year!

Hope you all had a great day...well, besides that awkward middle area between, oh, 2pm and 5pm or so!

It's supposed to snow here tonight. Can't wait.

L-
-P

An American in Paris

While Big Daddy and MGM are touring around California, I am in Paris with 2 Co-Workers on a business trip. We spent the weekend walking around seeing the outside of some amazing old buildings, a few hours at the Musee d'Orsay (an amazing art museum) and testing out various restaurants.

The week is comprised of business meetings with our counterparts here in France and much of the technical stuff is going right over my head.... SHHHHH... don't tell my bosses.

I am sharing the smallest hotel room ever with one of my coworkers to keep costs down. The wonderfully hard twin beds can only be shoved apart about 1 foot at most...

I'll share my stories when I see you all.

California Here We Come

Ken and I are going to be going to San Francisco to visit David and Cathy. Flight time -11:15 AM tomorrow. Returning Thurs 15th.
We're excited, to say the least. There may even be some pictures posted when we return. I'll do my best.
Next comes Thanksgiving and then THE PARTY. An exciting time !
Will have lots to tell you when we return.
Love,
MGM

Update

Hey Everyone - The blog has been pretty quiet lately other than sports news. I figured it was time for some updates from everyone. What is happening around the country?
What is up with us you ask? Well, Pete and I got a much needed vacation last month. It was our first time in over 2 years to get away. We went to Isle of Palms in SC. We had a great time. We relaxed on the beach, and visited Charleston.
Will just turned one at the beginning of October and started walking a couple of days before his birthday. He is high energy and a little love. Nate is almost 3 and is enjoying school and is in a gymnastics class which he calls chia. We are not really sure why but he likes to jump off of things and yell "CHIA." He also out of diapers and in a real bed. He is growing up.
I also have some big news. I saw a plastic surgeon last week and in 6 months I am finally going to have a breast reduction. I can't wait. It is something I have been looking forward to for 20 years.

Sigh...

Fucking Red Sox... :(

Thoughts on Torre

I am sorry to see Joe Torre leave the Yankees. Seriously. He is the classiest man in baseball. As a Yankee Hater, you still could never find a negative word to say about Joe. Yankee ownership should be embarrassed and ashamed of themselves. They really gave Joe no choice. One year with a 2 million pay cut and incentives. Guaranteed extensin with WS appearance...what kinda crap is that? So Joe could deal with another year of questions about his future..he is too good for that.

Cashman and Levine should be on the hook for their stupid overayment of the bottle rocket. 20 million for a .500 recod and an era over 6. Not to mention that he was unable to get past three innings in the ALDS. Lets not forget the other stupid contracts given to Giambi, Pavano, and the countless pitchers that didn't last more than a season or had crappy results. I know you can list them; Johnson, Contreras(they should have kept), Jared Wright(damaged goods)..etc..etc. Why is that Cashman has not had to answer for his terrible decisions with pitchers? How is it that the guy who manages to get a team to battle back from 14.5 down to make the playoffs gets squeezed? How do yankee fans root for this team?

Good for Joe. He deserves much better than to put up with the demeaning and belittling management style that comes from the yankee front office. He was only showing up due to his loyalty to players like Jeter, Posada and Rivera. I guess that is over. Sorry yankee fans but this must be a dark day in your history, fankly its a dark day for baseball. They essentially pushed out a hall of fame manager that had 12 straight post season appearances with 6 pennants and 4 WS rings. Find me anyone with a better track record in the post free agency era. Fools. I wish Joe luck in his next move as he has promised to keep managing. Don'

Coyotes and Rabbits and Spiders, Oh My!

Here's a shot of a friendly visitor that arrived this morning. We've seen lots of tarantulas lately. They migrate.

L-
-P

Misery Loves Company

So Sorry Yankee fans. Unfortunately, this looks like the end of an era. Seriously though, I love Joe Torre and for your sake hope he doesn't go. The Yankee Hater in me wants to see him go because I just can't imagine anyone else handling a ball club of superstars in New York.

As far as this post, Kenny, I would have said nothing. But I just can't resist. Ya know, never cut down someone when your team is still in it, Karma has a way of biting you in the ass.

I guess its on to football...oh, another sore point. Well, pitchers and catchers report in 4 months!

YANKEES ARE IN ! ! !

October, here we come !!! We've had Mr. October and still have Mr. November, and we're coming to play.

Who'd to think that the Yank's could come from 14 1/2 games back to make the playoffs. And that's even with all the rookies we've brought up. At least we didn't blow a 7 game lead with 17 to play. Oh, that was 'cross town in Queens.

Hey Pete. need 3 to make a 4some? Hear Pedro and some of his buddies have some free time until February. Maybe next time.

Big "NY" Daddy

Yankees Baby!!!!!!

For the few Mets fans in the family. Please don't miss the playoffs. I can't spend another fall listening to how we are the "Best team money can buy". We will be waiting for you if you don't BLOW IT!!!!! Might even catch the Red Sux just for fun. But I would rather play the Indians. We own THEM.

Patriots Caught Red-Handed!

I'm so glad that the world now knows that the Patriots aren't so squeaky-clean. Cheaters! Who's to say how they got all those Super Bowl rings?

Sad that they beat the Jetties, but glad that they got caught cheating on our home turf.

So, what's the real truth...were you guys cheering Pennington's injury or the backup quarterback running on to the field?

L-
-P

Kelly's Solo?

For any of you that don't tube, Kelly is the soloist half-way through. If I'm incorrect and got the wrong video, let me know. Otherwise, Kelly rocks!

L-
-P

Memories of Holidays Past...

Hi All,

I couldn't resist posting this recipie for Ambrosia Gelatin Mold. I had flashbacks of Deb's green pineapple jello mold and her famous ambrosia, present at every family gathering! This woman put the two together and won $1,000 for the recipie--Deb, you should get royalties :)

Only thing missing is Me-Me's tomato aspic. Those were the days...

L-
-P

He's growing up!

Nate had his first day of preschool today. Things went well, and he liked his teachers. They even played Bob Marley for him. Of course, the first thing he said to me was "I cried ALOT, Mommy". When I asked the teacher she laughed - he cried for about 15 seconds. Talk about laying the guilt on thick. Anyway, I thought I would attach a couple of pictures from his first day a couple of years ago too. My little boy is growing up.

Just Another...

Hi All,

What...is everyone on vacation or something?

Got Cassie's pix from Europe. She looks great.

Also, I know it's been a while, but Kelly's songs rock! Skip Idol and go right to the big time, kiddo :)

L-
-P

Fire on the Mountain

Hey All,

Took this picture of a fire a few miles from us. No danger, as it is on a ridge on the western side across the gorge, but it sure makes for weird visuals. Smells like a BBQ outside.

Mom, I watched "Damages" and I like it! Took me a while to try and figure out what was going on since I missed the first three, but because they jump back and forth in time, I could kind of get it. Glenn Close is really good, and I already hate the wicked little grand-daughter who is after the "unavailable" doctor.

Anyway, things are good here. It is so hot we had to shave off the doggies beautiful coats and they are still pissed. I tried to explain to them that their coats would grow back just in time for winter, but they just look away. Sigh. Oh well, they'll get used to it. I won't include pictures of them because they are too embarrassed!

L-
-P

I hate the Cowboys, but...

Did anyone catch Michael Irvin's acceptance speech at the Hall of Fame induction? I've always hated the damn Cowboys, but Michael and I both love Michael Irvin. That speech was awesome. We'll miss him on Countdown.

Yeah! Pre-Season is here!

L-
-P

Top Chef

OK, is it me or is every contestant on Top Chef that is from NJ/NY a gumba? What is up with that?

I have a hard time defending my home turf when we are represented like that, even on the damn cooking shows!

L-
-P

Remember this one?

Hi, All-

Mom had this picture printed for my birthday. Rumour has it that I pouted all day! I just love this shot.

Thanks, Mom.

L-
-P

Right Back At Ya!!!!!

Happy Birthday Peg!!!!

Happy Birthday, Peggy

All Together Now!
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday, Dear Peggy
Happy Birthday to you!!
I know that you would like to hear me sing,
but this will have to do. LOL
I loved you the day you were born and
I love you still.
Enjoy your year!

L,
Mom

rain and rainbows

Hi All,

Just checking in. This is what the rain looked like coming across the mesa the other day. I hope you can see the hint of a double rainbow in the second one. Just cuz' I'm not posting as much as before I went back to the hellzone, oh, I mean work, doesn't mean you guys can drop the ball and not keep the blog going!

Love you,
Peg

Sundae in the Sky

Hi All,

This happened the other morning at sunrise. I think it looks like an ice cream sundae with a cherry on top :) Shows where my mind is.

Michael and I are both working a lot, but Michael is finally working days and has weekends off, so we get to see each other more. My job is totally stressful and hellish at times...always on a deadline. I hate leaving the doggies and kitty all day, but they seem to be adjusting.

My card business is just starting up. Michael's dad works at a little gallery called "Hand Made" in the LA area. He is going to carry them and see how they sell. I'm also making up "intro" packages for the B&Bs in Taos, hoping that they might carry them too. The images are all "totally Taos", but not touristy like most cards are. We'll see.

I'm also starting to tutor Photoshop on an individual basis. Biggest problem I'm running into in Taos is that everyone is running totally outdated versions of Photoshop and most are unwilling to upgrade. If they would just understand how much time is saved with the newer versions...sigh. Oh well...living in Taos-time is lovely when you don't need to get anything done pronto.

Michael's mom and stepdad (Marcia and Harvey) are visiting at the end of next week. Their family is much more "formal" than ours, so "fun" is not the word that comes to mind. Take a deep breath, Peg, and break out the napkin rings!

I'm off for now. Tell me about the party!

L-
-P

New Jobs For Peggy and Michael

Congrats on your new jobs. Hope all is going well.
Tell us more about the card company.
You mentioned once about Harvey having
a connection where you could sell them.
Sounds interesting.
L,

M

Jenni and Brett

There is a Brett and here he is after unwrapping the plastic that you see in the background.

OK Jenni, your Grammy will stick up for you.

Love You,

G

New Email Address

Hi Family.

I just wanted to let everyone know that I have a new email address because I graduated and will be at Columbia instead of Dartmouth now. My email is:

jlw2162@columbia.edu

Love, Jen

Katie and Jen Update

Hi familia-

Just a little life update...Jen and I found an apartment today! She is very nervous because she hasn't yet adjusted to the fact that NYC apartments aren't exactly spacious. However, as she will tell you she can see the Empire State Building from her bed. Here is a snapshot of our view:


In other news, it is out company's Annual Community Service Day on Thursday. We are painting and refurbishing 2 schools, a Sr Center, and a park up in the Bronx. It is pretty much my favorite day of the year. My friend and I got picked to be the captains for the hardest and most detailed mural and we are very excited about that. As the "numbers girl" at the company it will be funny to be telling the people in our creative department what to do. I will be sure to post photos of that day.

Anyway, hope to see you all this weekend! Though, I will warn you in advance, that my graduation party will kick jen's graduation partys butt. Luckily mom put me in charge of the booze, so at least we have that going for us :)

Just checking in.

Hey Everyone - Just wanted to say hi and see how everyone is doing. Nothing new here. I have just been busy doing Mom stuff. We are grateful that the weather has been nice and not too hot. The kids are good - Will is getting a bunch of teeth and is crawling and standing. Nate started "camp" today. Pete is busy at work. I am still nursing Will, but he has started to take a bottle. So that gives me a little more freedom. I got to go on a trip to a farm with Nate's class last week. The picture attached is Nate giving a concert to his class before the trip.

So how is everyone doing?? Any new shows since idol is over? We like Top Chef.

For all of you Fathers...

Happy Father's Day!

L-
-P

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

Wishing all the fathers, grandfathers and god fathers a wonderful Fathers Day. Hallmark has tried for years to capture the message that will tell each and every father what they mean to those who love them. They try and can never quite get it. I don't suspect I could do any better. But it is with great pride and love that I witness the devotion of those who are fathering our family's next generation. You are all great 'Dads'. Have a great day.

BEST FOOT FORWARD

I just wanted to take a minute to congratulate Jenny on her graduation from Dartmouth over the weekend. I understand that everything was great but that the weather committee did not do their job "cum laude". I'm sure we will hear more at her party at the end of the month.
Yesterday she had foot surgery so that both of her feet will match! Karen told MGM that all went well and she is resting comfortably.
Speaking of Jenny...I guess we all know she is going to dental school in NY this fall. It is unfortunate that I could not wait until she completes her degree. Hopefully she would have given me a discount on the braces I am having 'installed". I wanted to hold out for DiVinci Porcelein Veneers but alas this is what the DDS ordered. I hope that I don't get kicked out of my 'adult community'. So the glare in the Christmas pictures this year will be off of my teeth!

Big Boy Bed

So, last week Cole discovered that he could climb out of his crib. Couple this with the fact that he has discovered the "stall tatic" and bed time has become quite an adventure to say the least.

After spending a few nights taking an hour + to put him to sleep with multiple crib escapes, Jess and I decided to see if the excitement of a new "Big Boy Bed" might solve the problem. So we bought this fancy new bed at IKEA.

200 parts later, Daddy made the bed and Cole is very excited. Still took over an hour to get him to sleep, but we don't have to worry about him falling far from the bed to the floor. (The bed flips over and is only a foot or so off the ground, once he is older, we can turn it over and he can have a bunk like shown in the picture). He loves the canopy and we look up at the twinkle twinkle stars as we read books.

I have made to call!!!!!!

I am going to say it now. I AM responsible for that dick Shilling not getting his no-hitter. I turned it on with two out in the ninth, just so he would not get it. When Stewart got a hit a second later I called my mother to state." I am going to say it now. We are going to catch those bean eating butt frackers. So I have made to call. Just wait and see. So Pete don't be blowing saves in the 9th(choke) this upcomming week. A couple more healthy starters and Mike Sweeney at first just might put us back in the Yankee state of mind. So as the all-star break approaches I have made the call. I was ready to give up and sell off our high priced guys to anyone, but I have changed my mind. Lets Go YANKEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And by the way. Bobby Abreu is still a candy ass. Just thought you would like to know.

For Dave...

And many more, you SOB!

Love,
Peggy and Michael

Dark Side of the Rainbow

Hey Peg - Your video is very cool! We watched both last night. You did a great job - the end with the kalidescope look was our favorite part. Part of it actually looked like an Indian blanket. Oh and the black and white was cool too. We also got a good laugh from the wedding video. I forgot how pretty you are ;)! Thanks for sharing. Any job hunting yet?

They screw you in the parking lot....

So as if the NY Jets and the NJSEA (New Jersey Sports and Exhibition Authority) haven't killed our pocket books over the last few years, they do it again. The Jets and Giants have gotten the NFL and probably the tax payers to fork over a bunch of money to build a new stadium. Which we aren't to unhappy about (no longer playing in GIANTS stadium, maybe some neutral colored seats, etc)

But here is the hitch. While the new stadium is being built, obviously there are going to be less parking spots. SO... as season ticket holders we have the wonderful opportunity (read:requirement) to pre pay for parking for all 10 games (yes, we have to buy parking for the 2 preseason games that we already pay for tix for that we NEVER attend). If you don't buy the prepaid parking, you will NOT be allowed into the lot and will have to park at a satellite parking lot and be bus-ed over to the stadium. Also, you only get 1 pass per 4 seats. Therefore we can never go in seperate cars unless we get more passes.

Oh well, only 2-3 more years until the price of the seats is too much anyway......

Did anyone else see this thing?

This is crazy. An 11 year old boy killed a 1000 lb boar in Alabama. The thing is huge, it doesn't seem possible. What would you do if you ran into that thing in the woods?

Just For You, Jay

And a big, juicy "Pink in the Limo" kiss for you...Happy Birthday!

Love,
Peggy and Michael

Happy Birthday, Jay!

Hey Big Bro - Hope you are having a great day. Enjoy your Birthday and I'll call you later!

And Many More...

Happiest of Birthdays to you, Deb!

We love you and miss you,
Peggy and Michael

Will the Real Sanjaya please stand up

OK, I just started reading about this and don't really have the energy to figure it out. What the heck is going on with Sanjaya and Bill Vendall? Google Bill Vendall. There is a video of Sanjaya aka Bill Vendall - it says Sanjaya was a made up personality for an art project at RISD (Rhode Island School of Design). Does anyone have any clue what the heck is going on. And sorry, I thought we were done with Idol, but I couldn't let this one go.

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

Mom, I hope you have the most wonderful Birthday!
You are the greatest and we miss you!
Have a great trip!

Jordin-Blake-Blake-Jordin???

So, Idol watchers...who will it be? I think Jordin blew it out of the box with that last song. And I love her rendition of "With a Broken Wing". Blake went further than I thought he would have gone when the season started. I was sure that the guys would go down 1-2-3 and the competition would be all women. But what do I know? I have a tin ear and liked Constantine. BTW-how about Elliott Yamin's DaVinci Porcelain Veneers? So put it on the line now. I bet a batch of Chex on Jordin.

Kings of New York

I am getting around to this a little late. Notice the beauty of the Empire State building awash in blue and orange. I was at two of three subway series games this weekend at Shea. The first night, where the Mets taught the Yankees a lesson about how to play aggressive baseball. And then the third night, where the Yankees showed the Mets how to hit a high fastball. Frankly, I am glad the series is over for now. It will take a long time to rid the stadium of negative yankee fan energy. Although it was fun to see the worried looks on Yankee fans faces as they saw their beloved team drop to 10.5 out in the division. But alas, these are the Yankees and they look to be surging again just at the right time with the Sox in town. In addition, I thought it was about time somebody posted on something other than idol. I have to say, there has been very little yankee chatter since the beginning of that sox yanks series up in boston....wonder why:)?!?!

Idol Info

I was just looking at the yahoo home page and stumbled across this. It has some interesting info including search stats on Blake, Jordin and Melinda. Searches for Blake outnumbered Melinda. 5 times as many, actually. Make sure twn to get info on Amazon woman Jordin.o scroll do

Anywho, gotta run

http://tv.yahoo.com/american-idol/show/34934/buzzmeter

Good Luck, Peter!

I just wanted to wish Peter good luck. Tomorrow, Peter will be on NBC30 (CT's NBC station) live. He will be talking about college prep and reading. He is a bit nervous about it - as I am sure we would all be. I am sure he'll be great - the guy could shmooze his way through anything. Too bad none of you will be able to see it.

Good Luck!!!!

DOWN TO THREE

Ok , another Idol night looms before us. What will we find to replace Idol Blog? Anyone need to run to the store for Chex makings? I'm really on the fence with Jordin and Melinda. I would feel sorry for whoever doesn't win. Will Blake shock us?

Before I was myself you made me, me
With love and patience, discipline and tears,
Then bit by bit stepped back to set me free,
Allowing me to sail upon my sea,
Though well within the headlands of your fears.
Before I was myself you made me, me

With dreams enough of what I was to be
And hopes that would be sculpted by the years,
Then bit by bit stepped back to set me free,

Relinquishing your powers gradually
To let me shape myself among my peers.
Before I was myself you made me, me

And being good and wise, you gracefully
As dancers when the last sweet cadence nears
Bit by bit stepped back to set me free.

For love inspires learning naturally:
The mind assents to what the heart reveres.
And so it was through love you made me, me
By slowly stepping back to set me free.


Happy Mother's Day.
I love you, Mom.
Peggy

Happy Mother'sDay

Today I celebrate My Family.
Today I say Thank You for all the love we
have and all the love that you give to me.
I'm so proud of all that you are wherever
you may be.
I'm proud to say ,"This is my family".

And so Celebrate Today and know how much
you are loved!!

L,
M

BERMUDA BOONDOGGLE BONANZA?

We've returned from the craziest vacation we've ever been on. I'm sure that, having said that, one of our children will remind us of an even crazier one but for now this takes the prize. As most of you know, last Saturday our travel group from Springmill departed by bus, en route to Bayonne, to set sail to Bermuda. Most of the members of our group had never been to Bermuda and some had never cruised before. High spirits reigned as we boarded the bus. At the port, a Bruce Willis look alike boarded the bus, gave us instructions as to where to go etc, and indicated by some secret hand signals known primarily to dock workers and thugs, that he needed a hefty little something to get our luggage safely aboard. Were we worried? Nah, dis was New Joisey after all! As we filed into the terminal it was apparent that all was not right. Celebrity representatives were informing us by groups, that due to some unexpected issues(?) the trip would be delayed by a day. They were currently arranging for hotel rooms and would be refunding us the entire cost of the trip plus giving us $100.00 pp on-board ship credits. They were bringing food in while we waited to be assigned hotels and transportation to get there. Our adventures were just beginning! Our group ended up being bussed to JFK Doubletree Suites, a 1 1/2 hr ride away. The hotel dining room was equipped and staffed to handle 10 not 100 hungry travelers. One cook, one waitress and 3 hours and everyone had something in their stomach. Off we went to bed. Remember, Bruce Willis had our suitcases so 100+ senior citizens were sleeping in the buff that night. You're welcome for the visual!
Day 2:
Having been told that there would be breakfast served at the port terminal we boarded the shuttle back to Bayonne, a bit hungry(you don't think that most of them BOUGHT food at the restaurant if they were getting it for free in Bayonne) all wearing very familiar outfits but still in high spirits. Amazing what the word FREE can do for the attitude. Back in Bayonne, we were informed that we were indeed sailing. Having eaten and gone through the registration process we were shepharded onto the Azamara Journey. Azamara is a Celebrity brand which is to be associated with the three premier ships in the Celebrity fleet. These three ships are to cater to discriminating travelers and will travel to 'exotic' destinations treating their travelers to 5 star service and amenities.
Well, let me tell you....they were not ready for Prime Time!!!!! Apparently, the ship was purchased from the Renaissance fleet and taken to the Bahamas only a month ago, to be completely retrofitted. When they finish it will be a beautiful vessel...but it wasn't finished.
We understand that on Saturday, the 4th, they were still bringing in furniture. Our stateroom had most of the basics but some didn't have shower curtains! No one had glasses or soap. We did have some high end shower gel from a company who is probably a competitor of Lancome. As the week went on most of the stateroom amenities were ultimately delivered to us.
The weather was not on our side and the Journey being a small ship (700 passengers and 358 crew) was tossed mercilessly on the way to Bermuda and many of us were sick. But fortunately we arrived safely in Bermuda and things began to look up. Some people gave up and flew home from Bermuda, some bought more Dramamine and I made an appt with the acupuncturist in the spa.
We spent a wonderful three days in Bermuda (not long enough but is it ever?) and added the island as a 'return to spot' in the future. Our group of friends, approximately 20-25 of the 52 travelers with our group had many memorable moments and one of them is sure she 'bought' the Martini bar. I will do a separate post of my spa experiences. Wherever we went on the ship a few more would gather and soon we would have the makings of a happening. The dinners were memorable, a few being the 5 star quality we had been promised. I have to say that the staff and crew did an admirable job under very trying circumstances. Certainly they were excited about this new ship and their part in the new brand. Most had been pressed into service doing anything from applying the finish coat to the dance floor to hanging shower curtains and pictures. The Celebrity management did not realize the condition of the ship when they purchased it and over rated their ability to finish the retrofit before her Inaugural sailing as the Journey.
All in all, vacations make memories and this one certainly does not fail in that department. Dick and Sue Whitley traveled with us and it is another chapter in our travels with them. There are more parts to the story and I'll go into them I'm sure but for now....I need to unpack!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Yesterday was a freaky day. This rainbow happened directly SOUTH of us. How often does that happen. Every rainbow I've ever seen was in the East. It's not very defined, but the clouds were moving so quickly that it gave the illusion that the rainbow was travelling. Very cool. I'd love to do a book of sunsets and landscapes. I'm shooting with a little Canon Powershot camera. I can't imagine what I could do with some really good equipment. No one can ever believe that I use a little point and shoot. Just goes to show that it's what you are shooting that really counts. However, I can feel my credit card burning a hole in my back pocket! Sigh.

Dave, if you don't post some pix, I'm not going to believe you guys are actually in CA. Is Dave back on the blog yet? Jay, does he need another invite?

Love you guys,
-P

we're baaaaaaack

Ahola everyone. We did in fact make it back from Jamaica alive. It was a very good and relaxing trip, and I think even Kel got a little tan! To the left is a pic of us on the terrace outside after we had dinner at a nice Jamaica restuarant where I think I got a million and a half bug bites. We were the only people between the ages of 5 and 50, so everyone there loved us!

And here is a pic of mom and dad looking nice. I was going to put in the picture of dad giving a gang sign, but i think we will save that for next years Christmas card. It is time for payback of all the years of Christmas card picture pain (remember the year you forgot the film mom and Aunt Deb???)

In other news, I am going to San Francisco next Thursday - hitting Napa on Friday and Saturday. Dave and Cathy, I will call you! My mom just gave me your number. I totally have the travel bug and am currently trying to plan a trip at the end of the year to Thailand/Vietnam/Cambodia/maybe Bali/and Australia. At least the Australia part is definitely happening. My goal (i don't like to call them resolutions) of 2007 was international travel so I suppose I may achieve it after all.

On that note, it is time to head out. It's Thursday night, after all. Love you all lots!

xoxo, Kate

Another Day, Another Great Sunset

This picture is actually one I took looking southeast. The shadow is our house. It was cloudy all day and the sun broke through under the clouds just as it set. It happens around this time of year.

Anyway, what do we think for tonight? I think Blake has had his day. Jordin is great, but she keeps screwing up and doesn't have Melinda's consistency. I still like Lakisha. She is the new "vote for the worst". That may keep her in the competiton. Michael is home tonight, so we'll get to watch together. I'm still working on finals, but will be done after this week.

Love you all,
Peggy

I Am Such A Dork

Good Morning Everyone,
I just composed a post and then hit the wrong button and it's gone into space.I'll try again.
I know you haven't heard much from me lately but I'm on most everyday reading all your interesting comments and wishing I was so clever. But guess I missed out on that gene when I was in the wrong line when they were handing them out.Or maybe they were all gone when I get to the head off the line.
One thing tho',I was the only one in the water class on Thurs that knew who went home on Idol. The instructor wanted to know as she had missed it. So Thanks to all you Idol lovers and Chex , I was "cool".
I did alot of playing this week and the fun continues.
Hey, Kate Hope you get to the Big Hoboken Fair.Sounds like fun.
Guess D&C are moving in to their new place today. Good Luck.
Love to all,

M

Bon Voyage D & D

Just wanted to wish you guys a lovely vacation. I hope the weather is great, the sea is calm, and the food is good (and 0 calories). ENJOY!!!!

LOVE YA!

Aaaah...

Sunset tonight...
Well, maybe I don't mind being a hermit after all!

Love you all,
Peg

WHERE DID THE WEEKEND GO???

One thing that I've noticed is that very few of us 'BLOG' on the weekend. If everyone is as busy as we are on the weekend, it is no wonder. It is just the two of us and we don't seem to have enough time (and Don is not working). I don't know how we managed when we had kids at home. We have a cleaning lady, eat out several times a week and Don does the laundry. So...where does the weekend go? We don't even sleep in, either.
If we are at home for the weekend we do spend alot of time with our friends that we have made. We go out to eat OFTEN. With 40 of our nearest and dearest friends! Saturday morning we all met at the local diner for breakfast. Two hours later.....Last weekend we were picking crabs with a smaller group (8). Tonight I have 'Birthday Club' (we have a club for everything and anything) so that's dinner at 6:30. Tomorrow we are celebrating Cinco de Mayo five days early) by going out for Mexican with the 40 nearest and dearest. Wednesday is Book Club and Thursday I will be packing for the cruise we are leaving for on Saturday (with 50 of our nearest and dearest- we let a few extras come.) Friday night we will gather for a bon voyage party at the clubhouse. With all this eating I should LOSE weight on the cruise. What is keeping everyone elso so busy? By the way...passing on info...David and Cathy do close on their house on Friday and David said he is so busy this week he will probably not be blogging.
We'll give him a family pass this time and assume we will get a great post with pictures soon. It has been quiet on the Wilbur front (GKKJ&K) because they were in Jamaica last week. So tell us...did you make Chex when you got home or are you waiting until this week?

Quick Change Artists

Now, this is cool.

L-
-P

ELIMINATION CHEX NIGHT

ok...IS EVERYBODY READY? Chex nite and Idol Gives Back /Elimination Nite all rolled into one. Do I need to get a life? I started watching these kind of shows a couple years ago when Survivor was hot and I was working at MBNA with a bunch of 'kids'. I knew I was too old to be working there because the only cereals they had at the Breakfast Bar in the cafeteria were Captain Crunch, Cocoa Puffs and Trix. No Kashi or Musellix to be found! I needed to have some- thing to talk about with those youngstas. Now I'm hooked. I gave up Survivor when they started eating weird animal parts and slugs and maggots. Sushi is as 'weird' as I go. But I love Idol and my Tivo is worth it if that was the only show I could record. I have it recording on two separate channels in case of technical difficulties.
Jordin ROCKED last night. Her rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" gave me goosebumps and make me cry. I believe Jordin will be giving Melinda a run for her money. Question of the day...who adds pretzels and or nuts to their Chex? Anything else? We know what the Original is but this family never had a recipe they didn't think they could improve on. Are Chex the exception?

Reading Comprehension

So, maybe its the weather change, allergies, or the fact that a kid in Cole's class has strep, but yesterday evening, I started to feel kinda crappy. Took some Tylenol Sore Throat and proceeded to just crash for about an hour after dinner.

FFwd to this morning. Wake up, turn on the shower, swig another shot of Tylenol Sore Throat.... and then look at the bottle. NIGHTTIME!?!?!?!?! I looked at the bottle 3 times last night and never noticed or comprehended that it was knock out juice.

Here I am at work, having driven 45 mins on night time cold medicine. Should be an interesting one (that is if I don't sleep through it)

Meat Puppets

Hey Dave and Cath, in particular-

The Meat Puppets have a new album coming out, but are doing a tour beforehand to kick it off. They'll be in SF on May 16th at the Independent. I wouldn't miss it. We're going up to Boulder to see them. FYI.

http://myspace.com/themeatpuppets

L-
-P&M

The Next Generation of Chex Fanatics

Nate had his first taste of warm homemade chex. He wouldn't move from that bowl for like 10 minutes. I had to chronicle it for the blog.
I think we may need to change the name of the blog to American Chex. Or Chex Idol.

Yankees

Red Soxs s*#&.

IDOL NIGHT COMING UP

What will Sanjaya do tonight? Maybe that's why he is still on. He certainly creates a buzz.
It's Country Western Night.
Oh my, can't you just see Sanjaya in a cowboy hat and spurs? How's that for a visual?

Brokeback Idol?

Birthday Cake

So yesterday was my birthday and of course we had a birthday cake. Without question we have Carvel ice cream cake. It is not a Birthday in our house without it. It has to be carvel, nothing else will do. The crunchies are the best part.

So the question is - What is your favorite cake or what is something you always have or do on your birthday?

I'M RUSTING!!!!!

I feel like the Tin Man. Will we never see spring? I can't say it's as bad as poor Bound Brook and Manville who are under water for the zillionth time. I'm craving sun and flowers. The daffodils are soggy and bent over and the tulips are on strike. I had made a pact with myself that I would start walking again in the morning before work, on April 1st.( I had been walking up until the beginning of Dec but I don't walk in the cold) So far there have only been three decent days. Maybe May 1st. We did go to Longwood Gardens over the weekend for a sniff of spring. Even their outdoor flowers are holding out. The inside displays were beautiful though. Lots of hydraengas in every hue imaginable. Darlene and Grace and Mark were with us and the kids had a booklet that had a plant to find in each area. Once they solved the clue and found the flower/plant they were ready for the next room. Needless to say, we scooted thru much of the conservatory (inside) in record time. All in all though, a shot of spring. We leave in 2 1/2 weeks for a cruise to Bermuda with 50 of our neighbors. I think there are flowers blooming there.

Chex-Chex and more Chex

Hi All,
Sounds like you are drooling for some Chex. And BTW the receipe on the box that claims to be the orginal is not. Whoever heard of bagel chips 50 yrs ago.

Mom's Chex Receipe

1 stick of margarine 1/4 lb.

melt in a large bowl in microwave (about 1 min)

Add 2 tbls worchestershire sauce
2 tsp Lawry's Seasoned Salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder- optional
Stir well

Add 4 heaping cups Rice Chex
4 Heaping cups Corn Chex
3 cups Wheat Chex

I use the largest bowl of the mixing set that Peggy gave me for Xmas years ago.Should just fill the bowl. Add a few more chex if not.

Mircowave on hi for 2 min, stir well, 2 more min ,stir well, 2min ,stir well.

Happy Chex!! No, Pete you can't buy in the bag.

L,
Mom

Happy Birthday, Heather!

...and many more!

L-
-P&M

Chex please, Mom

Hi Mom :)

Remember we were talking about you posting the "real" Chex recipie?

Well, Michael has only had them that one time in NJ and I haven't had them since then, either. We're jonesin'...

L-
-P

P.S.
Sure am glad we can now "blog in Hindi"!! Gee, thanks Google. We'll be sure to learn how to do that...not!

OK, I'll do it!

Hey, you nappy headed ho's!

Geez, have you ever seen anything blown so far out of proportion? People are dying every day in the worst foreign diplomacy disaster EVER, and this is what people pay attention to. Nobody is saying what Imus said is right, but God, the guy has done everything he can to apologize. I remember listening to Imus in the Morning when I was, like, eight. I listened to it on the little red transistor radio that Me-Me bought for me...my first radio of my own.

Anyway, I'm starting it up now, though it's only three and a half hours 'til the show. We think Melinda was great...screw Simon. Phil should have his bags packed.

L-
-P

pics of the house

Hey familia, Sorry I am a blogging delinquent. Every time I think to do it I ended up getting distracted by something else (the tv, a game of free cell, my friends, my cell phone, work, the view from the 42nd floor of the American Express office)...wow, I'm beginning to think that I actually have ADD. Anyway, I am officially a quarter century old. The pic on the left is one from birthday party #1. I am looking a little pasty white, so thank goodness we are going to Jamaica in less than 2 weeks!!!

Other things that are going on in my life....I just switched projects at work and my department moved to a new (and just renovated) floor in our building. It is kind of sad though because as we say "they broke up the band" (peps in the picture on the right) and I am no longer sitting next to my good friends...which is proving to be a much tougher adjustment than I thought. Our corner used to be referred to as "the lounge" and was the place to hang out when you didn't feel like being productive. Nick (the one of the right of the pic - who is basically the older brother I never had) stole me a phone -which we can reprogram with my extension - and is letting me share his desk with him. But it's still not the same.

My new project is moving at a MUCH slower pace than my old one (which was insane), so I'm finding myself having to fill my time with other things. Since the move, I have been named the official co-social chair on our floor so I spent the week making sure everyone was adjusting to our new floor by helping to organize a floor "ice breaker" event, starting a soccer game down the hallway, visiting everyone at their new desks, instigating a few happy hours, and getting people to watch baseball out in the lobby. It is obviously a very tough job, so I definitely deserved the nice raise I just got.

Ok, I'm going to continue being my cool self and watch TV on a Saturday night. I had too much going out for the week. See some of you tomorrow! <3

Bank Robbery

Thursday morning about 11 three would be bank robbers attempted to rob the PNC bank on Rt 22 and just a short distance from County Line Rd. I heard about it on the radio and when my friends picked me up to play Bridge, I said to go the back way to Whitehouse which is where we were playing. We listened to the radio,heard an FBI agent was shot and two men were caught.One man still on the loose. We continued to play. Helicopters flying over head and watching out the sliders to see if anyone was running acrossed. Left about 4 PM. Went home the back way. Checked the house before my friends left . Locked the door. And called my friend who had been stopped and car was searched.
The man was caught the following morning by the Red Mill Motel on the corner.

I guess you can say ,"Nothing stops Mom's Bridge Group from carrying on."

MGM

Happy Easter

I've been thinking of Easters past. Everyone had to have everything new , including socks and underwear. And you had to wear everything regardless of the weather. And you all are probably going to say," We looked like DORKS."
Those were also the days of Easter baskets with all the darn grass getting all over and everyone sure someone "stole" my jellybeans .It was probably me because no one left me any jellybeans.
Eggs were dyed and hidden by the Easter Bunny and some times found long after Easter. The eggs remained on the table until they were eatten
By the way, What is your favorite colored egg? Mine is the dark pink.
Let's have a vote.
1 for dark pink.

L,
M

We found a house!!!

Hey all dorks and dorketts. Cathy and I found a house. Pending inspections we had our bid accepted on a four level(Yeah I said FOUR) level 2 year old house in El Granada(San Juan) Ave. Everything out here is named after some saint. Has views of the ocean and the mountains. Fairly big, level yard for this area. A kitchen that looks like the people were scared to cook in it because it had really never been used. Four bedrooms, and 3 1/2 baths, so I promise no one needs a hotel. Although if any one ventures here, the B & B's look fantastic. We are at the very top of the mountain, so we get to look down at everyone. Must be our NJ upbringing, because we like it that way. As soon as I get some pictures I will e-mail them. I have to go out for the inspections this weekend, so I will get them then. As George Jefferson used to say. "Were moving on up, to the East side(of El Granada), to a delux apartment(house) in the sky.

CONFORMING TO THE WILBUR MADNESS

Fine.

Im done being a rebellious teenager. (even though its so much fun)
HI FAMILY!

noticed the KISS comments
ugh,
not a fan
to uppity for me, the make up was cool though

i mean i have SO much respect for them, they helped revolutionize a new chapter of rock and roll
but come on, give me some REAL b/a material

that is all

OH
PS. for anyone under 50
eh mabye under 45
The band: "Neutral Milk Hotel"
MY NEW OBSESSION <3


dunno if anyone would like it
but the lyrics are like "BAHHH WOAH HOLD WHAT?!"
and i mean that in a good way. . .



peace

Where are the young ones??

So Cas, Kate, Jen, and Kelly - Where are you????? Our 74 year old grandmother is on, but the ones who are supposed to be so technical are not. Come on, pipe up and join the fun! Cas, you were so full of info on the email, but no blogging. What up with that (I'm trying to talk like you young folks..just kidding). and Kate - what about your birthday pictures??

Idol Chat #3

Ok - so what did you all think this week? I need to finish watching it, I feel asleep before it ended.

First Album

OK, the KISS post where we name our first albums has retreated to the "bone orchard" of the "older posts" category. Therefore, I am starting a new one. Any other first album confessions (or triumphs, e.g. in Deb's case!) ?? I think it's funny enough that we are still calling them "albums" (though, yes kids, they actually WERE albums for some of us)...most of us?

L-
-P

Happy Birthday, Ken

And you are how old?

Doesn't matter. You are as old as you feel. OK OK

What do you want for your Birthday?

m

Rutgers Lady Knights

The Championship game is on tonight against Tenn.

You have to watch at 8:30 on ESPN.

Cheer them on. Some of my good friends are there too.

GO RU

Hi Everybody

Hi Everybody,
It's been awhile,I know.But retirement keeps me busy.
Tried to remember my first album. Probably a 78 (after I was married because we didn't have a record player when a was growing up) by Perry Como .
I remember Debbie arguing with Aunt Peg about the Beatles. Aunt Peg said they wouldn't be around 10 years later. Well, guess what.

I had to go buy a can opener today because mine finally bit the dust after 12+ years because it heard me talking about it. Last night I had to open a can of tomato pastewith a beer can opener. Not a pretty sight. Darn near severed a finger. You try making alot of little V cuts close to each other.

All this talk about Kiss and other groups makes me think I wasn't even there. How did that happen??

m

MC Rove-(Scary)

Just click on the arrow. The video will download and play. To stop it, click the button on the bottom left that looks like two bars next to each other. You can resume play with the same button.

I posted directions on how to place a video on the blog in the comments for this post. Too much fun! If you want to upload your own home videos, get a YouTube account and upload them there. (You probably have to convert them into MPEG or Quicktime Movies.) Then paste the HTML code into the blog.

-P

Count down

Just think ..... and be happy ...... 'cause in 40 hours, the official announcement by Bob Sheppard will ring those all important and joyous words ....


"Ladies and Gentlemen .............. Welcome to Yankee Stadium ........... Home of your 26 time World Champions .............. Your New York Yankees."

I hate taxes

Ahh - what an attention getter.

Heard on Friday that, in New Jersey, Tax Free Day (the day which you have to work thru from Jan 1) is May 10th.

I'm free, I'm free ........ I am retired from the tax preparation business for the year. Two weeks ahead of schedule. Just in time.

See ya.
BD

First Meal

Will had his first meal of rice cereal today. It went ok, but he was gagging by the 5 or 6th bite. Like father, like son. I also think he is going to follow in his cousin Cole's footsteps and be a puker. Keep your fingers crossed for us that this helps him sleep a bit better at night.

Attn: Jay--Video Bar?

Jason,

Since you created the blog, I think you may be the only one that can do this. Do you have a Template option in the "Manage" part of your dashboard? If you do, would you please add the "Video Bar" option to the blog? There are instructions on the Dashboard. Thanks, Sweetie.

-P

Dancing Bush

Check out this link, you guys. It's pretty funny.

http://www.dancingbush.com/

I won't put the monkey sex video link on the blog since we have some at a tender age, but if you haven't seen it and want to, e-mail me...but only if you are over 18! Sorry, Kel, I guess that's all of us old folks but you. And tell me no one watched the Ross the Intern and the Crocodile Hunter video I sent a link for. It is so funny. It is so, so funny. I'll give it to you one more time, and if no one replys about it, then, well, use your imagination!

http://www.youtube.com/v/pa_7P5AbUww

L-
-P

Hmm, I know there is a use HTML somewhere, but I'll have to find it. For now, you'll just have to copy and paste the links until I figure out how to post a link you can just click and go. Oh, I just read on the dashboard that there is a new way to put youtube videos right onto the blog. I'm gonna try it.

Happy Birthday, Kate

Today is your day to celebrate !

If we were together we would sing.

But since we aren't,We wish you well

and a great year ahead !!

Much love,
Grammy

The Family Jewels!

KISS! Sunday night at 9:00 at 9:30 Eastern on A&E.












Couldn't resist this one :)

-P

Idol Post

So, what did everyone think? It was a good show last night. Once again, I think Melinda and Blake were the best. Lakisha and Gina were good too. Chris was awful - his voice is good but he just doesn't have it. Plus, rumor has it he goes to Bob Jones University. Yikkes!

And the hair, need I say more.

Jets to make Turkeys of Cowboys...

So we knew that it would happen at some time in our lives. The J E T S Jets Jets Jets are going to play in Dallas on Thanksgiving.

This means one of 2 things. Thanksgiving at the Abel's (Sorry MGM, that 19 in TV just won't cut it for the Jets/Boys) OR.... Dave, Kenny, and I will be eating Tofurkey with Danny in the parking lot of Texas Stadium. OR (ooh, ooh, this is a good one) Let's all just show up at Danny's like he always does to us! I think Moe would love to throw together dinner for 20 on short notice.....

Party in San Francisco

I notice that Dave and Danny and Moe haven't "had the time" to get on the blog. Hmm...I wonder what they've been doing this weekend that would keep them from hanging out in cyberspace with a bunch of dorks!
-P

So Excited

OK, so you all know my life isn't all that exciting right now. So you have to bear with me through this post.

Something most of you, if not all of you, don't know about me is my weird facination with documentaries. The stranger the better. Drugs, transgendered youths, interventions, ect. Pete once brought home a dvd about a retarded, alcholic, pedophile and said he thought it was "right up my alley." and it was.

So another thing I love is the radio show on NPR called "This American Life." It is basically a themed radio documentary. They tell two or three stories that follow a theme. It is great. Peter and I usually download a couple to our ipod for long car rides.

So the exciting news is, Showtime has made "This American Life" into a tv show and we got Showtime today!!!! Yay!!!!

I can't wait to watch it, I will let you know how it is.

BTW - this post shows how stupid a post may be, don't worry about excitement or creative writing...just share.

I know this post also completely earns me the label ...BIG FAT DORK.

Friday is PIZZA NIGHT!

After a long week, Cole, Jess and I just love to celebrate the coming of the weekend with a DELICIOUS, HOT, CHEESY, GOOEY PIZZA. Man, I don't know what I would do with out it..... Who knows what warped stuff I would be forced to do if I couldn't get my fill of WONDERFUL JERSEY PIZZA....

Debbie and Mom in Disney World

OK I'm trying to post a picture and there is only an image to check.

Finally!!

Debbie got taller and thinner than me.

Ode to Bigga Rigga

The best birthday gift I ever got, my big, black, best friend. He's been my friend when I had few, my protector when I was scared, and my first born son. We spent hours every day at the dog park, playing ball and swimming.

When I brought Nate home I was worried. He thought he was a big chewy toy, but he soon got used to him. From the beginning he could always get a smile, even during the worst fits. He soon learned how to clean up spit up and when Nate graduated to cheerios he was thrilled. If Nate is eating, Theo is right under him - eyes locked on the floor, ready to clean up anything that hit the floor. Nate looks for him in the morning before he looks for me. Nate loves to run around with treats and fall on top of them so Theo can dig them out with his nose and tickle him with his whiskers. Soon Nate will be able to play ball with Theo and I will lose my best friend.

Simple Lesson in Picture Posting

All you have to do to add a picture is hit "New Post" and then hit the little picture icon on the top bar. This will take you to a window that allows you to choose one from your own computer or one from the internet. Hit "Choose File" and it will take you to your own computer where you can find the picture in your files (or enter the URL for your internet photo). Make sure it is a jpg, .gif, .bmp or .png image, 8 MB maximum size. Click on the picture file, hit "Choose", pick a layout and a size (I've been using medium) and hit "Upload Image". Wait while the image uploads. The window will let you know when that has been done successfully. Hit "Done" to go back to your post and you will see the image represented as code. You can hit "Preview" to see how it will look in the message. Hit "Hide Preview" to get back to the post for editing or if you want to write more. If you want to move the picture around, just copy and paste the code where you would like it to go, and hit "Publish". The picture below is "small" and "center", just so you can see the size differences.

I find it really easy to put the pictures I want to use on my desktop. That makes them easy to find after you hit "Choose File" so you can find them on your computer.

L-
-P