Today started out as a regular Tuesday. I went to a meeting, did some shoppping on the way back to my office (found some great bargains), saw a dreadful car accident on the boulevard and was so thankful I made it to my office in one piece. With that said, my afternoon was not very productive. I had visitors most of the afternoon, of which I never tire of, did some staffing and at 5:15 headed for home. I now have a 30 minute drive and I'm getting used to it. The traffic can be a pain, but it could be worse!
Tom and I arrived at the house at the same time. He went to the grocery for me which I so appreciate. Anyway, he opens his car door and begins to gather his planner, tote bag and notices the cane is missing. Whoops! this is not the first time he's left his much needed support system at a store. This time it got left in the buggy at Publix in the shopping cart collector. Luckily the lady at the customer service desk said she had it. So as he went back into town to retrieve his cane I decided to make some reindeer snack mix. I made some on Sunday and it didn't taste right. I asked my sister to read the recipe to me again and as usual I had written down the wrong measurement. Now, I've made this mix before and do you think I could find the recipe...nope! Anyway I went to work. After 13 minutes of my snack mix baking in the oven I realized I had forgotten to include the bugles...duh!!!! I'm crossing my fingers and hoping for the best...wish I had forgotten to include the pretzles instead. Oh, Tom just went into the kitchen and asked if I was on the last 15 minutes of baking..."yes" I answered, "oh" he replied..."you forgot to set the timer."
Fa LaLaLa La....La, La,La,Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!
I'm hoping I'll do better next time.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday! Enjoy the time with your loved ones. Let's remember to be thankful everyday and appreciate all that has been given us.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Back from vacation
Hi,
We're back from a fabulous vacation. We had such a great time; the only thing missing was the "kids". Terrible to be so attached to furry four legged children. Thank God they didn't hold a grudge for too long. They've been like cling-ons all weekend long. An empty lap, a cat is in it. Life is wonderful for a Costello siamese.
Okay, here's the skinny on the vacation. We left for St. Simon's around 10:30 am. Yours truely woke up at 2:30 am and could not go back to sleep. At 4:30am Tom said we may as well get up and get going, so we did. Then it hit him...we had forgotten to turn the clocks back...duh.
We got to St. Simon's around 4:00pm...had to make a couple of stops. I was so tired that I really felt sick. All I ate at our favorite restaurant was a cup of crab bisque, white cheddar grits and a ginger ale...I couldn't finish any of it. When we got back to the resort I climbed in bed and slept 9 hours straight. I'm the type that really needs a good 8 hours every night
I can get by on less but 8 is best. Anyway, I was raring to go the next morning. We took all back roads to Dillard, GA. The cotton fields were beautiful. I love cotten fields. They remind me of snow. We saw giant bales of cotten..just makes my day. We got to Dillard around 3:00pm. Checked into the Dillard House, our room was HUGE and had the most magnificent view of the mountains. I love to sit outside and our room had a front porch with 2 rocking chairs. It was perfect! We were able to watch the horses and every afternoon at 4:30 the horses are turned out to go back to the pasture. It was so much fun to watch them on the path...stop for a bite of hay, walk a bit, eat some more...so relaxing. We went to the Foxfire museum, I really enjoyed it. I'm so kicking myself for not buying something from the broom maker. Several years ago I bought a cobweb broom in Tennessee and I just love it. This broom maker had so many beautiful things and was so informatvie about her craft...a good reason to go back. We visited the village weaver, her things were beautiful. Fortunately we had the good sense to buy a scarf for Tom's cousin. The weaver has one loom that takes 4 days to thread...can you imagine? I'm hoping our pictures will turn out well. The weather was awesome and the foliage was beautiful. The Dillard House restaurant is sooooooooooo wonderful. Tom could not believe all the food that was placed on the table. We had fried chicken, baked chicken, country ham, pork, butternut squash souffle, green beans, apple butter, cauliflower, waldorf salad, lima beans, red pepper jelly, biscuits, creamed corn, cole slaw, a whole bunch of other stuff plus cobbler...pass the tums please. I don't eat breakfast, but Tom said it was terrific...right up his alley. After this vacation Weight Watchers might be in the cards.
Coco is helping me type, so I'm signing off for now. Will fill you in on the rest of the vacation later.
Hugs!
We're back from a fabulous vacation. We had such a great time; the only thing missing was the "kids". Terrible to be so attached to furry four legged children. Thank God they didn't hold a grudge for too long. They've been like cling-ons all weekend long. An empty lap, a cat is in it. Life is wonderful for a Costello siamese.
Okay, here's the skinny on the vacation. We left for St. Simon's around 10:30 am. Yours truely woke up at 2:30 am and could not go back to sleep. At 4:30am Tom said we may as well get up and get going, so we did. Then it hit him...we had forgotten to turn the clocks back...duh.
We got to St. Simon's around 4:00pm...had to make a couple of stops. I was so tired that I really felt sick. All I ate at our favorite restaurant was a cup of crab bisque, white cheddar grits and a ginger ale...I couldn't finish any of it. When we got back to the resort I climbed in bed and slept 9 hours straight. I'm the type that really needs a good 8 hours every night
I can get by on less but 8 is best. Anyway, I was raring to go the next morning. We took all back roads to Dillard, GA. The cotton fields were beautiful. I love cotten fields. They remind me of snow. We saw giant bales of cotten..just makes my day. We got to Dillard around 3:00pm. Checked into the Dillard House, our room was HUGE and had the most magnificent view of the mountains. I love to sit outside and our room had a front porch with 2 rocking chairs. It was perfect! We were able to watch the horses and every afternoon at 4:30 the horses are turned out to go back to the pasture. It was so much fun to watch them on the path...stop for a bite of hay, walk a bit, eat some more...so relaxing. We went to the Foxfire museum, I really enjoyed it. I'm so kicking myself for not buying something from the broom maker. Several years ago I bought a cobweb broom in Tennessee and I just love it. This broom maker had so many beautiful things and was so informatvie about her craft...a good reason to go back. We visited the village weaver, her things were beautiful. Fortunately we had the good sense to buy a scarf for Tom's cousin. The weaver has one loom that takes 4 days to thread...can you imagine? I'm hoping our pictures will turn out well. The weather was awesome and the foliage was beautiful. The Dillard House restaurant is sooooooooooo wonderful. Tom could not believe all the food that was placed on the table. We had fried chicken, baked chicken, country ham, pork, butternut squash souffle, green beans, apple butter, cauliflower, waldorf salad, lima beans, red pepper jelly, biscuits, creamed corn, cole slaw, a whole bunch of other stuff plus cobbler...pass the tums please. I don't eat breakfast, but Tom said it was terrific...right up his alley. After this vacation Weight Watchers might be in the cards.
Coco is helping me type, so I'm signing off for now. Will fill you in on the rest of the vacation later.
Hugs!
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Coco Update
One week later and Miss Coco "Puff" Chanel is feeling just fine and dandy. The appetite has returned...not in full force, but close. Tom did an awesome job with the injections. As for the oral medication...lets just say that didn't go as well. I'm sporting a lovely new scratch on my shoulder (amazing what those back feet can do). The girls have finally stopped hissing at one another..what a week!
Today is our 6th wedding anniversary! Tom is cooking us a wonderful dinner, as always, and we are in the midst of getting ready for our vacation. I don't know where the 6 years have gone, but I can say they have been great. I'm so blessed to have found such a wonderful man to call my husband.(Even if he is rooting for the Gators, I much prefer the Bulldogs..much cuter mascot)
Tomorrow we head out for St. Simons Island, GA. From there we will go to Dillard, GA., Asheville, NC., Savannah, GA., and finally home. Good thing we have a couple of days before returning to work. I'll fill you in on our adventures when we get back.
As for work, yesterday was my last day at the Chalet office. I am going to
miss everyone there, especially my buddy, Andi. My office has been moved to downtown Lake Wales and it is truely a back office. I did get my yellow accent wall and I do have new office furniture, one draw back...no window. Good thing I'm mobile and can get out of the office as much as I want. Another good thing about the move is that I will finally have a direct telephone line with voice mail. I can't tell you how many phone calls the Chalet office has answered for me...and I very much appreciate them for being so gracious about it.
Halloween after work was a non event. Tom went to St. Petersburg to meet his step-sister from Oregon. I went to my Mom's and ate a wonderful pizza from Acropolis...no red sauce, just garlic butter with feta and cheddar cheeses, tomatoes and black olives...YUM-O!!! Mom had about 3 trick or treaters and they live in a kid friendly neighborhood...go figure.
Off to finish my laundry...still have to iron a few things before packing...my day is not complete without hauling out the iron and ironing board.
Talk to you soon!
Today is our 6th wedding anniversary! Tom is cooking us a wonderful dinner, as always, and we are in the midst of getting ready for our vacation. I don't know where the 6 years have gone, but I can say they have been great. I'm so blessed to have found such a wonderful man to call my husband.(Even if he is rooting for the Gators, I much prefer the Bulldogs..much cuter mascot)
Tomorrow we head out for St. Simons Island, GA. From there we will go to Dillard, GA., Asheville, NC., Savannah, GA., and finally home. Good thing we have a couple of days before returning to work. I'll fill you in on our adventures when we get back.
As for work, yesterday was my last day at the Chalet office. I am going to
miss everyone there, especially my buddy, Andi. My office has been moved to downtown Lake Wales and it is truely a back office. I did get my yellow accent wall and I do have new office furniture, one draw back...no window. Good thing I'm mobile and can get out of the office as much as I want. Another good thing about the move is that I will finally have a direct telephone line with voice mail. I can't tell you how many phone calls the Chalet office has answered for me...and I very much appreciate them for being so gracious about it.
Halloween after work was a non event. Tom went to St. Petersburg to meet his step-sister from Oregon. I went to my Mom's and ate a wonderful pizza from Acropolis...no red sauce, just garlic butter with feta and cheddar cheeses, tomatoes and black olives...YUM-O!!! Mom had about 3 trick or treaters and they live in a kid friendly neighborhood...go figure.
Off to finish my laundry...still have to iron a few things before packing...my day is not complete without hauling out the iron and ironing board.
Talk to you soon!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
My Sweet Coco "Puff" Chanel
Just a quick update..
The day started with a trip to the vet. A fun time was not had by all! My poor, sweet Coco Chanel has been sooooooooooooooo sick!! We're not sure what she got into or what got in her, but the poor little girl has been down and out. No food and not much water, which means dehydration. Cats have a way of dehydrating very quickly and she didn't waste any time in doing so. This was day 3 of an upset tummy. I'm sure those of you with children know when your child gets sick in the night...it's the same way with cats. We've had two nights of not sleeping. Hopefully the medicine will work.
We went to a new vet today. It was a great experience even if it was expensive. Coco is worth every penny and then some. I have a print out of her blood profile...just like when I go to the doctor. Coco was given two shots and a bag of fluid because of the dehydration. We came home with two syringes with medicine for tomorrow morning. I'm so glad Tom is able to do the injections..I'll take my chances of getting scratched and will hold her while he does the dirty work...what's another scar in the big scheme of things. I think what impressed me most with the new vet is that she gave us her cell phone number and told us to call her if Coco doesn't seem any better. The vet is also treating a cat that comes from the same cattery as our babies...apparently "Ballerina" is a quite the celebrity at the vet's office. In the mean time there is quite a bit of spitting, hissing and growling going on around here. Jasmine is very annoyed with Coco...Rajah is more tolerant, but not much.
Must run and feed my two healthy kids; can't wait until my pig-0-potamus feels like having a snack too.
The day started with a trip to the vet. A fun time was not had by all! My poor, sweet Coco Chanel has been sooooooooooooooo sick!! We're not sure what she got into or what got in her, but the poor little girl has been down and out. No food and not much water, which means dehydration. Cats have a way of dehydrating very quickly and she didn't waste any time in doing so. This was day 3 of an upset tummy. I'm sure those of you with children know when your child gets sick in the night...it's the same way with cats. We've had two nights of not sleeping. Hopefully the medicine will work.
We went to a new vet today. It was a great experience even if it was expensive. Coco is worth every penny and then some. I have a print out of her blood profile...just like when I go to the doctor. Coco was given two shots and a bag of fluid because of the dehydration. We came home with two syringes with medicine for tomorrow morning. I'm so glad Tom is able to do the injections..I'll take my chances of getting scratched and will hold her while he does the dirty work...what's another scar in the big scheme of things. I think what impressed me most with the new vet is that she gave us her cell phone number and told us to call her if Coco doesn't seem any better. The vet is also treating a cat that comes from the same cattery as our babies...apparently "Ballerina" is a quite the celebrity at the vet's office. In the mean time there is quite a bit of spitting, hissing and growling going on around here. Jasmine is very annoyed with Coco...Rajah is more tolerant, but not much.
Must run and feed my two healthy kids; can't wait until my pig-0-potamus feels like having a snack too.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Finally, A post!
Hi,
I'm not even going to apologize for being such a lame blogger. Life has been 0jmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm n sorry about that, Jasmine needed to tell everyone hello. She was sitting on the window sill watching for lizards and butterflies and decided it would be much more fun to type a greeting.
Anyway, life has been busy just like everyone else's. I'll try and do a quick recap.
July...I turned another year older, go figure. Four more years and I can get AARP!! We went to The Peabody for the night. They have the most comfortable beds...it's like sleeping on a little cloud. We saw the ducks march into the fountain in the lobby. Before we left for the day one of the ducks laid an egg on the edge of the fountain, kind of cool. Andi threw a great birthday party for me and our friend Sherri...thank you Andi for sharing the pictures. We finally had our garden planted. So far so good, only lost one Mexican petunia. Since we had a lot of rain this summer we were lucky and didn't have to water very often.
August...I think this must be the longest month of the year. All I can tell you is not a whole lot happened. I worked on a new teller system at the Bank...what a pain. Something that is supposed to be so wonderful for the tellers certainly has a lot of glitches. My step daughter turned 20..that went by fast. I remember the first time I met her; she was a little girl with chocolate smeared on her face.
September...okay this is the longest month of the year...I'm over the heat. Good news is that we have started to have some cooler days. Jasmine just walked over the keyboard again. She was very careful...such a smart girl!
We took our first "family" stay-cation. The story goes like this....my mom and I decided to go to the scrapbook show in Lakeland. This would be a special outing because usually mom says she doesn't want to go. We got to the Lakeland Center and I commented that we must not have to pay for parking today. We also got a fabulous parking spot. We got to the entrance of the Center and there was a sign posted that said the show had been canceled...must have been for one of the hurricanes we didn't get, thank God! From there we went shopping and I didn't buy anything. We had a great lunch at Grillsmith and headed home. I got home around 4:00pm and Tom greeted me at the door and said ..."you might want to go back to your mother's house, the air isn't working." Not a good thing in September in Florida. It was 87 degrees in the house, which is too hot for me. The repair man came to the house at 7:00pm and said we would be without air until the part came in. So, we packed up our things and moved to my aunt's condo. The fun part was moving the kids. You would have thought we were killing them. It took two trips to get them moved 5 miles away. Coco was so scared, she cried and carried on. It was awful! I was afraid the neighbors at the condo would complain, but thankfully they didn't. By 10:00pm we were somewhat settled in and went out for dinner..healthy right? We decided to stay the week at the condo because the kids were settled and having a good time. Jasmine was into everything! We lost a couple of catnip mice while we were there. I guess the girls wanted to leave a thank you gift for my aunt. I'm sure she will appreciate the gesture, especially since she has two yorkies. On Saturday we packed up the cars and moved home...again an adventure with Coco. I now have a lovely scar on the inside of my arm from her back claws. She really hates the cat carrier. It kind of looks like I'm a self mutilator..I'm hoping the scar will fade soon. It's so nice to have a/c again. This is the third time the air has gone out and it is a new unit. Go figure. To say that I was annoyed would be an understatement!
I'm so glad that Fall has arrived. It's my favorite time of the year. Love the pumpkins, fall colors and slightly cooler temperatures. We are looking at busy month ahead.
I will be attending a 3 day convention in Orlando this week. Learning all about the bank secrecy act and anti-money laundering. Should be very interesting. Tom leaves for CT to see his children on Thursday and comes home on Sunday. The following week my sweet husband will turn 62 on Tuesday, we have a fund raiser for the Red Cross on Friday called dinner with the chef. Then on Saturday he will fly to Baltimore to see his cousin's son get his eagle scout award. He'll fly home Monday. With all of this going on my mom has decided that we should drive to St. Simon's, GA for the weekend. I'm debating on staying one night or two. I could use some quiet time at home but I also know that one on one time with my mother is limited. Any suggestions?
Yesterday I went to the Ridge Orchid Society show. It was really cool. I had one of my orchids re potted and learned that they only bloom once a year. I also learned that it's time to cut the stem where all my blooms were. I saw some seedlings and the man at the booth said that it could take up to 6 years for them to get their first bloom. At least I know I'm not killing my plant! I'm now on the lookout for an African Violet show. I've got one that hasn't flowered in 2 years...it did really well at the office in Winter Haven but when I moved to Lake Wales the flowers stopped coming.
It's nap time for my kitties..all except Jasmine. She's jumping around like a Mexican jumping bean. I would like half of her energy. Coco and Rajah are sound asleep on their bed pillows. What a life!
Have a great day!!!
I'm not even going to apologize for being such a lame blogger. Life has been 0jmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm n sorry about that, Jasmine needed to tell everyone hello. She was sitting on the window sill watching for lizards and butterflies and decided it would be much more fun to type a greeting.
Anyway, life has been busy just like everyone else's. I'll try and do a quick recap.
July...I turned another year older, go figure. Four more years and I can get AARP!! We went to The Peabody for the night. They have the most comfortable beds...it's like sleeping on a little cloud. We saw the ducks march into the fountain in the lobby. Before we left for the day one of the ducks laid an egg on the edge of the fountain, kind of cool. Andi threw a great birthday party for me and our friend Sherri...thank you Andi for sharing the pictures. We finally had our garden planted. So far so good, only lost one Mexican petunia. Since we had a lot of rain this summer we were lucky and didn't have to water very often.
August...I think this must be the longest month of the year. All I can tell you is not a whole lot happened. I worked on a new teller system at the Bank...what a pain. Something that is supposed to be so wonderful for the tellers certainly has a lot of glitches. My step daughter turned 20..that went by fast. I remember the first time I met her; she was a little girl with chocolate smeared on her face.
September...okay this is the longest month of the year...I'm over the heat. Good news is that we have started to have some cooler days. Jasmine just walked over the keyboard again. She was very careful...such a smart girl!
We took our first "family" stay-cation. The story goes like this....my mom and I decided to go to the scrapbook show in Lakeland. This would be a special outing because usually mom says she doesn't want to go. We got to the Lakeland Center and I commented that we must not have to pay for parking today. We also got a fabulous parking spot. We got to the entrance of the Center and there was a sign posted that said the show had been canceled...must have been for one of the hurricanes we didn't get, thank God! From there we went shopping and I didn't buy anything. We had a great lunch at Grillsmith and headed home. I got home around 4:00pm and Tom greeted me at the door and said ..."you might want to go back to your mother's house, the air isn't working." Not a good thing in September in Florida. It was 87 degrees in the house, which is too hot for me. The repair man came to the house at 7:00pm and said we would be without air until the part came in. So, we packed up our things and moved to my aunt's condo. The fun part was moving the kids. You would have thought we were killing them. It took two trips to get them moved 5 miles away. Coco was so scared, she cried and carried on. It was awful! I was afraid the neighbors at the condo would complain, but thankfully they didn't. By 10:00pm we were somewhat settled in and went out for dinner..healthy right? We decided to stay the week at the condo because the kids were settled and having a good time. Jasmine was into everything! We lost a couple of catnip mice while we were there. I guess the girls wanted to leave a thank you gift for my aunt. I'm sure she will appreciate the gesture, especially since she has two yorkies. On Saturday we packed up the cars and moved home...again an adventure with Coco. I now have a lovely scar on the inside of my arm from her back claws. She really hates the cat carrier. It kind of looks like I'm a self mutilator..I'm hoping the scar will fade soon. It's so nice to have a/c again. This is the third time the air has gone out and it is a new unit. Go figure. To say that I was annoyed would be an understatement!
I'm so glad that Fall has arrived. It's my favorite time of the year. Love the pumpkins, fall colors and slightly cooler temperatures. We are looking at busy month ahead.
I will be attending a 3 day convention in Orlando this week. Learning all about the bank secrecy act and anti-money laundering. Should be very interesting. Tom leaves for CT to see his children on Thursday and comes home on Sunday. The following week my sweet husband will turn 62 on Tuesday, we have a fund raiser for the Red Cross on Friday called dinner with the chef. Then on Saturday he will fly to Baltimore to see his cousin's son get his eagle scout award. He'll fly home Monday. With all of this going on my mom has decided that we should drive to St. Simon's, GA for the weekend. I'm debating on staying one night or two. I could use some quiet time at home but I also know that one on one time with my mother is limited. Any suggestions?
Yesterday I went to the Ridge Orchid Society show. It was really cool. I had one of my orchids re potted and learned that they only bloom once a year. I also learned that it's time to cut the stem where all my blooms were. I saw some seedlings and the man at the booth said that it could take up to 6 years for them to get their first bloom. At least I know I'm not killing my plant! I'm now on the lookout for an African Violet show. I've got one that hasn't flowered in 2 years...it did really well at the office in Winter Haven but when I moved to Lake Wales the flowers stopped coming.
It's nap time for my kitties..all except Jasmine. She's jumping around like a Mexican jumping bean. I would like half of her energy. Coco and Rajah are sound asleep on their bed pillows. What a life!
Have a great day!!!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
June Bugs
Okay, okay, okay, I get the hint!!! I'm a dreadful blogger!!! Sorry I missed April and May, but life has been really busy. I have to admit by the time I get home from work, which is usually six o'clock, I really don't feel like getting on the computer. My job has me on the computer all day; usually writing procedures and answering policy questions. Sounds boring to some I'm sure, but I really do enjoy what I do. Every day is a new adventure in the wonderful world of compliance!
So now down to real business. I know you are all just waiting with baited breath as to what my three most darling children have been up to these past couple of months. Now that Rajah is six and Jasmine and Coco Chanel are two life has settled a bit. Rajah is still tormenting the girls only because they annoy him from time to time (frankly I can't blame him, they can be a bit pesky). Jasmine, diva that she is, takes after her mother (me) and LOVES hairspray. Yes, it is true, Kenra #18 (smells like watermelon) is Jasmine's hairspray of choice. Now if only I can get her to stop trying to lick my hair. The hairspray is like a drug to her; go figure. Coco is still a pig-o-potamus...trust me, she is heaven sent, but that little cat can clear a room when she tells you that it is time to eat!
On to the latest adventure. I'm sure I've shared the fact that Tom feels our sweet Jasmine is only half baked...I beg to differ and will gladly share my opinion. Our favorite grocery store, Publix, now has "green" bags. I've only purchased three to date but I have to say that I love them. I can get so many more groceries in one bag rather than all of the plastic bags. Apparently my Jasmine likes the bags too. The night before last Tom and I were in the kitchen preparing dinner( yes, I actually helped) and I looked out into the dining room only to find Jasmine inside of the "green" canvas bag. What a picture it would have been if my camera had batteries in it. It would have been an awesome advertisment for Publix, especially when we called her name and she turned her head in the perfect pose. When she finally decided it was time to get out of the bag I went to fold it up and put it on my antique school desk so I wouldn't forget to put it in my car...what do you think was in the bag????? Her stuffed carrot! My little girl new that produce belonged in the Publix bag!!! Is she smart or what? So much for being half baked!
Now for the rest of the month...currently I'm dealing with an outside auditor at work. I'm facing a deadline for a mandatory procedure that I'm not ready for, my stepson is graduating on the 24th...whoo hoo!!, and there is a rubber stamp convention in Orlando the weekend of the 27th...I can't wait!
Hugs till then...I'll really try not to be such a slouch this month!!
robin
So now down to real business. I know you are all just waiting with baited breath as to what my three most darling children have been up to these past couple of months. Now that Rajah is six and Jasmine and Coco Chanel are two life has settled a bit. Rajah is still tormenting the girls only because they annoy him from time to time (frankly I can't blame him, they can be a bit pesky). Jasmine, diva that she is, takes after her mother (me) and LOVES hairspray. Yes, it is true, Kenra #18 (smells like watermelon) is Jasmine's hairspray of choice. Now if only I can get her to stop trying to lick my hair. The hairspray is like a drug to her; go figure. Coco is still a pig-o-potamus...trust me, she is heaven sent, but that little cat can clear a room when she tells you that it is time to eat!
On to the latest adventure. I'm sure I've shared the fact that Tom feels our sweet Jasmine is only half baked...I beg to differ and will gladly share my opinion. Our favorite grocery store, Publix, now has "green" bags. I've only purchased three to date but I have to say that I love them. I can get so many more groceries in one bag rather than all of the plastic bags. Apparently my Jasmine likes the bags too. The night before last Tom and I were in the kitchen preparing dinner( yes, I actually helped) and I looked out into the dining room only to find Jasmine inside of the "green" canvas bag. What a picture it would have been if my camera had batteries in it. It would have been an awesome advertisment for Publix, especially when we called her name and she turned her head in the perfect pose. When she finally decided it was time to get out of the bag I went to fold it up and put it on my antique school desk so I wouldn't forget to put it in my car...what do you think was in the bag????? Her stuffed carrot! My little girl new that produce belonged in the Publix bag!!! Is she smart or what? So much for being half baked!
Now for the rest of the month...currently I'm dealing with an outside auditor at work. I'm facing a deadline for a mandatory procedure that I'm not ready for, my stepson is graduating on the 24th...whoo hoo!!, and there is a rubber stamp convention in Orlando the weekend of the 27th...I can't wait!
Hugs till then...I'll really try not to be such a slouch this month!!
robin
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The Ides of March
I can't believe that it is already March 15th...such a special day in the Costello household! Why you might ask????? Eight years ago today I had my first date with my sweet husband, Tom. I am so glad I said "yes" when he asked me to meet him at Tanner's Pub after work. Of course eight years ago I about made myself sick wondering what I was doing...I was determined not to get involved with anyone ever again after my divorce. I am soooooooooooooooooooooo glad that I changed my mind. We have been together ever since our first date and I wouldn't change a moment. It has been a very fast eight years!!
Today is also Miss Coco Chanel's 2nd birthday!!! She has had a wonderful day. Coco loves, loves, loves her catnip mice which are always getting lost under the furniture, stove, wall unit, etc...you get the picture right??? Anyway, as I was cleaning I decided one of the nicest things I could do for the Coco Puff was retrieve some of her mice. I was only able to get six of the little critters out from under the wall unit...don't ask how many more are still under there. Tom likes to give her mice all the time and she has a little army of furry friends. Tonight she will have her most favorite dinner, salmon and rice...sounds yummy (hahaha), but she really loves it. Seems like the more it smells the better all three of the "kids" like it.
More good news! My cousin, Shannon, arrived home yesterday from her six month stay in Kuwait. We are so thankful she is back in the States in one piece...God has answered our prayers, again! The pictures my aunt sent are priceless.
It is 86 degrees in Winter Haven today. Much too hot. Tom says it's tornado weather...isn't he just Mary Sunshine? I think it is all the years with the Red Cross.
Next week I'll be traveling the county visiting my branches. I'm a bit behind in my office visits after being out for a week with the flu. The flu shot is now on my list of things to do this fall; I am a big wimp when it comes to needles. I have seven days to complete my visits and finish up some new procedures and then it is off to Baltimore for the Red Cross National convention! I'm starting to get excited as I've never been to Baltimore. Tom says it is a lot like Mystic, my home town in Connecticut. We'll see and I'll share my adventure for sure.
I have done all of my housework today, the laundry is still going but at least I will have all day tomorrow to play!! Whoo hoo!!!! I love it when Tom says, "why don't you go stamp" he is such a smart man...I mean he really "gets" the stamping and scrapping hobbies and encourages me to have a fun time. ( I think it makes him feel less guilty about watching the television and reading a novel) We are going to have our corned beef and cabbage dinner tomorrow night...too hard to get it ready on Monday night. So on St. Patrick's Day, Tom's favorite holiday, we will dining on lamb...a Costello favorite. Some day we have got to get to Ireland. Tom's grandfather was born there and he would love to see the town where he was from....it's true, Costello really is an Irish name. Most folks think it's Italian and many make it sound Spanish...funny.
I'm off to do the income taxes. I've been so lazy in getting them done and I don't know why...I penciled them in on the forms in early February...how tough is it to put them in ink????? Every year I tell myself that I am going to get them done early and I never do. Next year I'll just wait until April 15th...maybe then I'll do them in February!!!
Have a fun weekend and Happy St. Patrick's Day a few days early!!!!
Today is also Miss Coco Chanel's 2nd birthday!!! She has had a wonderful day. Coco loves, loves, loves her catnip mice which are always getting lost under the furniture, stove, wall unit, etc...you get the picture right??? Anyway, as I was cleaning I decided one of the nicest things I could do for the Coco Puff was retrieve some of her mice. I was only able to get six of the little critters out from under the wall unit...don't ask how many more are still under there. Tom likes to give her mice all the time and she has a little army of furry friends. Tonight she will have her most favorite dinner, salmon and rice...sounds yummy (hahaha), but she really loves it. Seems like the more it smells the better all three of the "kids" like it.
More good news! My cousin, Shannon, arrived home yesterday from her six month stay in Kuwait. We are so thankful she is back in the States in one piece...God has answered our prayers, again! The pictures my aunt sent are priceless.
It is 86 degrees in Winter Haven today. Much too hot. Tom says it's tornado weather...isn't he just Mary Sunshine? I think it is all the years with the Red Cross.
Next week I'll be traveling the county visiting my branches. I'm a bit behind in my office visits after being out for a week with the flu. The flu shot is now on my list of things to do this fall; I am a big wimp when it comes to needles. I have seven days to complete my visits and finish up some new procedures and then it is off to Baltimore for the Red Cross National convention! I'm starting to get excited as I've never been to Baltimore. Tom says it is a lot like Mystic, my home town in Connecticut. We'll see and I'll share my adventure for sure.
I have done all of my housework today, the laundry is still going but at least I will have all day tomorrow to play!! Whoo hoo!!!! I love it when Tom says, "why don't you go stamp" he is such a smart man...I mean he really "gets" the stamping and scrapping hobbies and encourages me to have a fun time. ( I think it makes him feel less guilty about watching the television and reading a novel) We are going to have our corned beef and cabbage dinner tomorrow night...too hard to get it ready on Monday night. So on St. Patrick's Day, Tom's favorite holiday, we will dining on lamb...a Costello favorite. Some day we have got to get to Ireland. Tom's grandfather was born there and he would love to see the town where he was from....it's true, Costello really is an Irish name. Most folks think it's Italian and many make it sound Spanish...funny.
I'm off to do the income taxes. I've been so lazy in getting them done and I don't know why...I penciled them in on the forms in early February...how tough is it to put them in ink????? Every year I tell myself that I am going to get them done early and I never do. Next year I'll just wait until April 15th...maybe then I'll do them in February!!!
Have a fun weekend and Happy St. Patrick's Day a few days early!!!!
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Silly Siamese
Shhhhhhhhhhhhh...don't ever say "silly" in front of a Siamese; it is much too offensive. Siamese are most regal felines; females especially. Jasmine is no exception. She would be most embarassed if she knew that I was sharing her latest escapade. And so the story begins.......
Once upon a cat tale there lived a beautiful Seal Pointe Siamese by the name of Jasmine. It was believed that Jasmine could have been a "show" cat until we discovered her pink polk-a-dot feet! A major flaw in the land of being a show cat, but in her humans eyes she is purrrrrrrfect, pesty, and very inquisitive...which leads us to the true "tail" of the day.
It was Saturday and the bed linens were in the wash, the maid (that would be me) was busy cleaning the bedroom and bath. Because the lady of the house uses an inordinate amount of tissues, the boutique boxes are frequently replenished. Recycling is the newest fad in the land of Winter Haven and the Lord of the Manor takes it very seriously, therefore maid robin placed the empty tissue box on the bed as she was folding some clothes and trying to multi-task...the empty box was to be broken down and placed in the big blue recycle bin. Upon seeing the box on the bed, Jasmine decided it was her duty as a cat to investigate the foreign object. First the sable paws searched the box for anything that might be inside, next the body went into the crouch position...eyes peering into the small cube...no, that was not enough...in a flash Jasmine inserted her head into the boutique tissue box. Very cute...until she could not get her head out of the box, at which time maid robin laughed very hard. Picture the diva with an empty tissue box on her head and the head is going left to right because she can't figure out how to get unstuck. Such a silly Siamese!
Alas, Jasmine was rescued from the dreadful boutique box...and maid robin did not capture the moment on film (what was she thinking?). Jasmine has conveniently forgotten this indiscretion, and really who could blame her...would you want to be caught with a tissue box on your head?
Once upon a cat tale there lived a beautiful Seal Pointe Siamese by the name of Jasmine. It was believed that Jasmine could have been a "show" cat until we discovered her pink polk-a-dot feet! A major flaw in the land of being a show cat, but in her humans eyes she is purrrrrrrfect, pesty, and very inquisitive...which leads us to the true "tail" of the day.
It was Saturday and the bed linens were in the wash, the maid (that would be me) was busy cleaning the bedroom and bath. Because the lady of the house uses an inordinate amount of tissues, the boutique boxes are frequently replenished. Recycling is the newest fad in the land of Winter Haven and the Lord of the Manor takes it very seriously, therefore maid robin placed the empty tissue box on the bed as she was folding some clothes and trying to multi-task...the empty box was to be broken down and placed in the big blue recycle bin. Upon seeing the box on the bed, Jasmine decided it was her duty as a cat to investigate the foreign object. First the sable paws searched the box for anything that might be inside, next the body went into the crouch position...eyes peering into the small cube...no, that was not enough...in a flash Jasmine inserted her head into the boutique tissue box. Very cute...until she could not get her head out of the box, at which time maid robin laughed very hard. Picture the diva with an empty tissue box on her head and the head is going left to right because she can't figure out how to get unstuck. Such a silly Siamese!
Alas, Jasmine was rescued from the dreadful boutique box...and maid robin did not capture the moment on film (what was she thinking?). Jasmine has conveniently forgotten this indiscretion, and really who could blame her...would you want to be caught with a tissue box on your head?
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Lazy Sunday
Today has been the laziest day ever. Tom was up half the night due to an asthma attack, so he feels kind of puny today. I didn't sleep well and have been so pokey; good thing Sunday's are a day of rest...it doesn't make me feel as guilty about not getting stuff done.
My big adventure of the day was going to the nursing home to visit Tom's aunt and return her laundry. Did you know that laundry is my first hobby???? Actually, I think I'm quite the pro. After the nursing home, didn't stay too long as it was feeding time, I headed home and fixed some chili nachos. You just have to have something good to eat after you've been at the home. We watched an episode of What not to Wear and then channel surfed. Finally settled on Steel Magnolias. I've never seen the movie from beginning to end and today was no exception. I have to say I haven't laughed so hard in a good long while. I don't know which one of us was crying/laughing harder, but it felt WONDERFUL!!!
It was my intention to go shopping for clothes this weekend...didn't happen. Why am I never in the mood to shop on Saturday and Sunday but come Monday I'm ready? It must be when reality sets in and I'm looking at the same old work stuff. I'm really bored with suits, I want some separates and I'm not to fond of what is out there. Okay, I'm lazy too and sometimes I don't want to part with the money...but I want clothes that are comfortable and I don't want to see myself in the same outfit as the next person. I will never forget in high school when two girls showed up at an event in the exact same dress. Not good.
My Coco "Puff" Chanel is cold today. She has spent the majority of the day in her fleeced lined cube. We got the cube for Christmas and it has been the best little bed. Both girls can sleep in it at the same time and they can peek out the hole and see what is going on. The cube came with a little ball on a string and a button on the top. Coco loved the ball and string...notice the past tense. Coco has jawsof steel. She gnawed through the string until we had to remove it from the cube. She picked at the button on the top of the cube until one day it too was gone. I was sure that I would find the button somewhere...use your imagination, but lo and behold, the button was under the sofa. I am thankful! At the moment my little pigopotamus is curled up to the dehumidifier...she loves the warm air. She also loves to get in the clothes dryer; I consider cat hairs to be the purrfect accessory.
Off to read Southern Living.
Have a great week!
My big adventure of the day was going to the nursing home to visit Tom's aunt and return her laundry. Did you know that laundry is my first hobby???? Actually, I think I'm quite the pro. After the nursing home, didn't stay too long as it was feeding time, I headed home and fixed some chili nachos. You just have to have something good to eat after you've been at the home. We watched an episode of What not to Wear and then channel surfed. Finally settled on Steel Magnolias. I've never seen the movie from beginning to end and today was no exception. I have to say I haven't laughed so hard in a good long while. I don't know which one of us was crying/laughing harder, but it felt WONDERFUL!!!
It was my intention to go shopping for clothes this weekend...didn't happen. Why am I never in the mood to shop on Saturday and Sunday but come Monday I'm ready? It must be when reality sets in and I'm looking at the same old work stuff. I'm really bored with suits, I want some separates and I'm not to fond of what is out there. Okay, I'm lazy too and sometimes I don't want to part with the money...but I want clothes that are comfortable and I don't want to see myself in the same outfit as the next person. I will never forget in high school when two girls showed up at an event in the exact same dress. Not good.
My Coco "Puff" Chanel is cold today. She has spent the majority of the day in her fleeced lined cube. We got the cube for Christmas and it has been the best little bed. Both girls can sleep in it at the same time and they can peek out the hole and see what is going on. The cube came with a little ball on a string and a button on the top. Coco loved the ball and string...notice the past tense. Coco has jawsof steel. She gnawed through the string until we had to remove it from the cube. She picked at the button on the top of the cube until one day it too was gone. I was sure that I would find the button somewhere...use your imagination, but lo and behold, the button was under the sofa. I am thankful! At the moment my little pigopotamus is curled up to the dehumidifier...she loves the warm air. She also loves to get in the clothes dryer; I consider cat hairs to be the purrfect accessory.
Off to read Southern Living.
Have a great week!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Saturday
It's a chilly, gray, Saturday afternoon and it has been a great day! This has been one busy month and I so appreciate the stillness of the house. All three siamese are sound asleep on the pillows in the front bedroom. They love to be with me when I finally get on the computer. I guess after staring at the computer all day at the bank I really don't feel like looking at mine...go figure, I look at work and avoid the fun stuff...I really need to get my priorities straight! Anyway, Jasmine has decided she needs cologne. Her signature fragrance is eau de arm & hammer dryer sheets. The girl just can't get enough of them. I'll throw a used one away in the trash and before you know it she's stealing it...at least she doesn't have static cling. I really need to talk to her about being a thief...she stole my mother-in-laws gold watch. Jasi really goes for jewelry and the watch is kind of old...like from 1940...my mother in law received it as a gift when she graduated college...maybe Jasi is in to antiques. The watch is now safely stored in Tom's dresser. So why do we have the watch you might ask??? The story is.....................
Tom's mother is currently having a companion service 24/7 and being a banker for as long as I have been you learn never to leave anything of value in the home. I think it is pretty lame that people steal from the elderly. The ladies that have been staying with my mother in law seem very nice; at the moment I would say they have been heaven sent. My mother in law enjoys their company, Tom gets to sleep at home and we have had time together. It amazes me how much I really do need and enjoy my space.
In two weeks we will be going to the Gaylord Palms for a Red Cross event. It's black tie and I haven't quite decided what to wear. I'm kind of leaning towards the black cocktail dress rather than one of my gowns. Gowns can be a pain to transport. I'm finally getting my hair colored next week...how dare those pesky little gray ones want to be on my head! I've got to get the eyebrows waxed. Think I'll try the place my friend Carol goes to. The last time my hairdresser waxed them I was red for three days..I think the wax was too hot because it really looked like I got burned. I've got sensitive skin and it seemed to take forever before the brows really looked right.
I am in a crafting funk. Haven't stamped all month, haven't scrapped in ages and I have a ton of paper to organize. I love paper...it's an addiction. I need to take a class to get re-energized. So, off to check out the calendar at Violettes..maybe I'll see a class that I need to go to.
Have a fun weekend!
Tom's mother is currently having a companion service 24/7 and being a banker for as long as I have been you learn never to leave anything of value in the home. I think it is pretty lame that people steal from the elderly. The ladies that have been staying with my mother in law seem very nice; at the moment I would say they have been heaven sent. My mother in law enjoys their company, Tom gets to sleep at home and we have had time together. It amazes me how much I really do need and enjoy my space.
In two weeks we will be going to the Gaylord Palms for a Red Cross event. It's black tie and I haven't quite decided what to wear. I'm kind of leaning towards the black cocktail dress rather than one of my gowns. Gowns can be a pain to transport. I'm finally getting my hair colored next week...how dare those pesky little gray ones want to be on my head! I've got to get the eyebrows waxed. Think I'll try the place my friend Carol goes to. The last time my hairdresser waxed them I was red for three days..I think the wax was too hot because it really looked like I got burned. I've got sensitive skin and it seemed to take forever before the brows really looked right.
I am in a crafting funk. Haven't stamped all month, haven't scrapped in ages and I have a ton of paper to organize. I love paper...it's an addiction. I need to take a class to get re-energized. So, off to check out the calendar at Violettes..maybe I'll see a class that I need to go to.
Have a fun weekend!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Weekend
I was so ready for the weekend. I love four day weeks, but all the hustle and bustle of the holidays really took its toll on us. I slept 10 hours last night and it felt sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo wonderful. Of course my sweet Coco Chanel was cuddled up very close and sometimes under the blankets plastered next to me. I love it when she does that...I'll reach down and pet her and she purrs and purrs. She is sound asleep next to the dehumidifier getting toasty warm. She has had a very relaxing Sunday. Jasmine is sleeping on a pillow in the front bedroom. She is taking a break from pestering me every 5 minutes. Her latest trick is to assist in the make-up process. I use Bare Minerals and there are quite a few pots that you have to open. She has decided that when I'm pouring the minerals into the lid of the pot she should bump my arm...not a good thing. When you spill minerals they kind of make a mess, especially the blush. (Trust me, I'm very familiar with that one) Jasmine has also discovered the hand mirror. I like to check out the back of my head before I leave the house every day...I don't want to have a bald spot showing; not a good thing when you have short fine hair. Anyway, when I use the hand mirror she stands on her hind legs and puts her front legs on my shoulder and gazes at herself in the mirror I'm holding. I think it is pretty darn cute and it seems to make her happy. Of all three cats she is the only one that doesn't mind hairspray...is she a girly girl or what???
My sweet Rajah has been a bit clingy this weekend. He loves to sit on our laps and cuddle. He is very musical and I do believe he should record an album of all the songs that he sings.
January started out a bit on the cool side in sunny Florida and I must say it was a welcome change. It felt wonderful to be able to wear sweaters and wool blazers. I covered my croton so the freeze wouldn't kill it, thankfully it survived as the sheet I covered it with blew off in the night...I used clothes pins but I guess I didn't secure them correctly. The poinsettias didn't make it (okay, I didn't water them faithfully), one spider plant looks kind of puny (it really needs to find the dumpster) and all of the other potted plants look great. The house has finally warmed up enough that we can wear short sleeves again. Our house is old and when it gets cold outside the house holds it in. It usually takes a couple of warmer days outside before the heat keeps kicking in. Although I've enjoyed todays warmer temperatures I have to admit that I'm looking forward to our next cold snap...maybe it will happen before 2009!
My sweet Rajah has been a bit clingy this weekend. He loves to sit on our laps and cuddle. He is very musical and I do believe he should record an album of all the songs that he sings.
January started out a bit on the cool side in sunny Florida and I must say it was a welcome change. It felt wonderful to be able to wear sweaters and wool blazers. I covered my croton so the freeze wouldn't kill it, thankfully it survived as the sheet I covered it with blew off in the night...I used clothes pins but I guess I didn't secure them correctly. The poinsettias didn't make it (okay, I didn't water them faithfully), one spider plant looks kind of puny (it really needs to find the dumpster) and all of the other potted plants look great. The house has finally warmed up enough that we can wear short sleeves again. Our house is old and when it gets cold outside the house holds it in. It usually takes a couple of warmer days outside before the heat keeps kicking in. Although I've enjoyed todays warmer temperatures I have to admit that I'm looking forward to our next cold snap...maybe it will happen before 2009!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year
It's here!!! One of my favorite days of the year!!!! I love the New Year; it is such a great time to start fresh.
Tom and I didn't stay awake to see the New Year in, which was fine with me. I was sound asleep by 10:00pm with two of the three "kids" snuggled up close. Tom cooked us a fabulous dinner last night. His brother gave me a stove top smoker box for Christmas. Let me tell you, it is wonderful!! He smoked a chicken on Sunday night and prime rib last night. Honestly the prime rib was big enough for four adults with left overs. The flavor was awesome. Tom's fixing pork tonight...not sure if he will smoke it or not, but I know it will be great. I'm very fortunate to have a personal chef!
The neighborhood was fairly quiet last night. A few firecrackers, but nothing over the top. The girls do not like firecrackers...too loud...it hurts their tender ears. They have been fairly well behaved today. Coco and Jasmine are curled up together on a pillow in the bedroom. They are partial to the embroidered pillowcase with the lace edges (not too spoiled are they?) Rajah has just joined me and is sitting on my lap; he is singing the most beautiful song (he should be the next American Idol). I guess I should confess that their is a four legged thief in our house again. I think it might be Coco but it could be Jasmine. We made the most awesome cornbread on Saturday afternoon. We were supposed to take it to the party that we didn't go to on Saturday night. Anyway one of the girls decided to help themselves to the bread...they ate a whole hunk of bread through the seran wrap! Such naughty kitties...we'll work on manners this year.
I've been thinking about the resolutions for 2008...ready??
1. Learn how to post pictures on my blog...I'll try harder this year, I promise.
2. Exercise...I have got to get on the treadmill and bike, oh and use the hand weights I got for my birthday.
3 Update my blog more regularly
4. Re-read Simple Abundance
5. Get more organized. The "stuff" has got to go!!!
6. Spend more time with family
7. Scrapbook regularly...I might need to schedule this in my planner. I have a friend who did and she completed a lot of pages in a year.
8. Take more time for Tom and I...life gets too busy for us and we tend to cheat ourselves
9. Go back to Church...we really miss going and have gotten way too lazy on Sundays
10. Make the most of everyday.
With all that said, I need to go iron some clothes for tomorrow...I'm going to try very hard not to always have to iron in the morning. I want more time to myself in the morning and ironing takes up a big chunk of my time.
Hugs to all!
Tom and I didn't stay awake to see the New Year in, which was fine with me. I was sound asleep by 10:00pm with two of the three "kids" snuggled up close. Tom cooked us a fabulous dinner last night. His brother gave me a stove top smoker box for Christmas. Let me tell you, it is wonderful!! He smoked a chicken on Sunday night and prime rib last night. Honestly the prime rib was big enough for four adults with left overs. The flavor was awesome. Tom's fixing pork tonight...not sure if he will smoke it or not, but I know it will be great. I'm very fortunate to have a personal chef!
The neighborhood was fairly quiet last night. A few firecrackers, but nothing over the top. The girls do not like firecrackers...too loud...it hurts their tender ears. They have been fairly well behaved today. Coco and Jasmine are curled up together on a pillow in the bedroom. They are partial to the embroidered pillowcase with the lace edges (not too spoiled are they?) Rajah has just joined me and is sitting on my lap; he is singing the most beautiful song (he should be the next American Idol). I guess I should confess that their is a four legged thief in our house again. I think it might be Coco but it could be Jasmine. We made the most awesome cornbread on Saturday afternoon. We were supposed to take it to the party that we didn't go to on Saturday night. Anyway one of the girls decided to help themselves to the bread...they ate a whole hunk of bread through the seran wrap! Such naughty kitties...we'll work on manners this year.
I've been thinking about the resolutions for 2008...ready??
1. Learn how to post pictures on my blog...I'll try harder this year, I promise.
2. Exercise...I have got to get on the treadmill and bike, oh and use the hand weights I got for my birthday.
3 Update my blog more regularly
4. Re-read Simple Abundance
5. Get more organized. The "stuff" has got to go!!!
6. Spend more time with family
7. Scrapbook regularly...I might need to schedule this in my planner. I have a friend who did and she completed a lot of pages in a year.
8. Take more time for Tom and I...life gets too busy for us and we tend to cheat ourselves
9. Go back to Church...we really miss going and have gotten way too lazy on Sundays
10. Make the most of everyday.
With all that said, I need to go iron some clothes for tomorrow...I'm going to try very hard not to always have to iron in the morning. I want more time to myself in the morning and ironing takes up a big chunk of my time.
Hugs to all!
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