Tambourine Sandy

Key West . . .

2010-07-05T07:45:00.007-04:00

The second stop on our trip was Key West. Lordy, how I wish I could live there! My idea was to stay and just let the ship pick me up on the way back, but I was the only one who thought that was a good idea . . .

Two minutes off the ship and G-ma picks up a sailor! A captain even!!! Looks like he really has eyes for her! I guess what goes on in Key West stays in Key West. . . oops -- sorry Ma!

We took a conch train tour of the houses and high spots on the island. This little sign caught my eye. . .

B.O.'s -- definately a reason to go back -- we missed this one and I hear it's great!

Of course we had to stop at Sloppy Joe's!

Inside at Sloppy's . . .

Drinkin' Sloppy 'Rita's at Sloppy Joe's!! Cheers!

Next up -- inside the ship and Cozumel!

AT LONG LAST . . .

2010-06-05T15:24:00.008-04:00

. . . some time to update my blog. I can't believe it's been since February that I've taken time to post something. I am still alive, I've just been BUSY!!

Anyway, here I am and I'm all ready to bore you to tears with photos from my vacation! My Mom and I went on a cruise that included stops in Miami, Key West and Cozumel, Mexico. It was a short trip, but my first vacation in 5 years!

Here are some pics from our stay in Miami . . .

This was taken from the balcony of our hotel. We stayed right smack dab in the middle of beautiful, although heavily under construction, downtown Miami. Traffic was unreal but the hotel had a really tasty restaurant and a pool on the roof, so we pretty much just hung out there. In the photo you can see my Mom's favorite thing -- the MetroMover!! We rode it around to see the City and it was actually quite fun!

While we were riding on the MetroMover, we discovered a beautiful park and beach area right along the shoreline. We stopped to check it out . . .

It turned out that our hotel was not far from a beach! It was about lunchtime when we were there, and people were wandering over from their offices and were stretched out in lounge chairs enjoying the sunny day.

I'm telling you this place was gorgeous!! This was when I finally realized I was ON VACATION!! If you look really hard, you can just make out the front point of our ship in between the two big buildings straight ahead. Um, well, maybe you just have to imagine it . . .

Heavenly!! If it wasn't for the terrible traffic (and the kooky cab drivers!!) I would consider moving there! Well, not really . . . I'd miss my fam too much!!

More shoreline pics. The bridge in the background took us from the mainland to our cruise ship and the sidewalk on the left lead to some shops, restaurants and a little marina.

B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. I can still smell the salty water! Isn't this the shot they used on the old Jackie Gleason show?!? OMG I am so OLD!

Anyway . . . enough of Miami! Next up --- our cabin and my favorite stop, Key West!

Ta Da . . .

2010-02-14T19:31:00.004-05:00

An actual finished project!!! This is the cake stand I made from two Goodwill finds -- the bottom is a white ceramic candle holder and the top is a regular dinner plate. I simply used Gorilla Glue and attached them together. Never fear -- this is not my own idea. I bogarted this from someone else's blog. But isn't it cute!!! I LOVE IT!

!Here it is displaying my favorite pretzel buns from Trader Joe's! Doesn't this look like a picture from a magazine!!!!! A little blurry maybe . . .

Now I'm really jazzed to finish up some other projects I have started. Stay tuned!!!

Introducing . . .

2010-02-09T20:55:00.005-05:00

my new granddaugher, Katelyn Elizabeth Steuer!! Baby Katelyn was born February 8th at 5:53 p.m. to my daughter Karen and her husband Matt. She weighs 8lbs. 7ozs. and is 21" long. She is absolutely adorable!!!Proud Nana!

Even prouder Uncle Chris!!

My little family is truly blessed beyond measure!! Children and grandchildren are gifts from God! My children are the joys of my life and my five grandchildren -- Jackson, Amelia, Grant, Liam and Katelyn -- are the icing on the cake!

Welcome to the world, Baby Katelyn!!

Hi, my name is Sandy . . .

2010-02-06T10:44:00.006-05:00

and I'm a "Goodwill-aholic". Oh my great goodness!! I simply cannot drive by a Goodwill and not stop in. My PT automatically turns at the sight of the Goodwill sign. I truly take to heart the old saying "One woman's trash is another woman's treasure." The only problem is, my closets are beginning to burst with other women's trash that I need to "git to gittin'" and turn them into my treasures.

Here's a photo of my latest haul! The quilt piece was in a frame, but I took it out. I think it will make a great pillow! It makes me sad when I find afghans at Goodwill. I mean, these are someone's family pieces that are now being sold for pennies ($3.99)!!! I cannot pass them up! This one is in beautiful shape and is just the right size to use as a throw when I'm working on my computer. In fact, I'm wrapped in it as we speak!! The Santa is a painted canvas piece that was 99 cents. Actually, nothing here cost more than $4.00! I have already used Gorilla Glue and made the plate and candleholder into the cutest cake plate! I will post a pic as soon as it dries! The jars are for buttons, thread, etc. storage.

I'm always on the lookout for toys for my g-kids too.

This all cost less than $5.oo each! The little boys will love the flip toy in the middle. You push on each piece and the tab pops up and tells what color, number, toy, etc. matches. It's really cute!

This one is obviously for Mia. The pink castle has a little drawer in the front to store all the little characters. They are adorable. Belle, the Beast, Tink, Wendy, Peter Pan, Jasmine, Aladdin, etc. are all there and she loves playing with them. There are, of course, some little people that were just thrown in for good measure -- we can't figure out why Timon and Donald and Daisy Duck are there, but we have lots of fun with them. PLUS -- IT PLAYS MUSIC!!!

This little cabinet with all the Strawberry Shortcake characters inside was just $2.99!! Mia hasn't seen it yet, but I'm sure she will adore it! The dolls even smell like strawberries, lemons, blueberries, etc.!! Cute, cute, cute!!! I just need to figure out the characters names so I can tell her. Her Mom used to have all the dolls when she was growing up. Isn't is amazing how things just seem to keep coming back around?

My greatest find lately was a wheelbarrow! I have wanted one ever since I bought my house, but they are soooooo expensive and I didn't really want one of the new resin ones. I wanted an old, broken-in model. I found one at a new Goodwill store that just opened! My new wheelbarrow is orange and scratched up and ready for me to use this spring. It has wooden handles and everything!!! WooHoo!!

Anyway, I have to drive by Goodwill again today on my way to work, and I'm sure I'll stop.

Do you think there is a twelve-step program for me?!!?

Ten in 2010

2010-01-01T09:48:00.004-05:00

2010. Holy Cow! A new year -- time to wipe the slate clean and start fresh! Time to make resolutions on January 1st that we all usually break by January 5th (if we last that long).

This year, I decided to think of 10 things I would like to set as goals for the new year and mark them off as the year goes along to see how well I do.

Here I go . . .

1. Get Organized -- I hate this one, but it's gotta be done. I have sooooo much crap just oozing out of drawers and closets, out of my garage and my storage shed. It's time to let some of this "wonderful junk" out to spread joy and happiness to the masses!! Time for it to be packed up to Goodwill or listed on Craigslist or just plain set out for the trashman. I feel the urge to purge!

2. Work Less -- Due to the Marion County Real Estate Tax Assessor's need to enjoy the profits of my labors a little more than I can afford, I work one full time and two part time jobs. I love, love, love my full time job and really don't mind the other two, it just doesn't leave much time for family or a social life. I think it's time to tighten the belt and do the best I can with one full time and one part time job. Enough said.

3. Craft More -- I have so many ideas floating around in my head, stashes of fabrics, drawers full of patterns, etc., it's time to let my creative juices flow! I'm going to set up my craft table and go!

4. Get Back in Shape! -- Oh, I was so lovely a few months ago when I could fit into size 8 pants and tuck my shirts in. I've been eating for Christmas since after Halloween. Time to diet and step up my exercise routine...

5. Finish Half-Finished Projects -- Too many of these to count! Gotta get a move on.

6. Take Some Classes -- I've always wanted to take a cake decorating class, learn to make jewelry, speak better Spanish, cook like a French chef and sew like a dream. Time's awastin'. There are plenty of classes out there waiting for me. Again, gotta get a move on.

7. Take More Time for Family and Friends -- I am so blessed to live near my son, my daughter, and my wonderful grandchildren. I want to spend more time with all of them. I have friends, old and new, that I would love to be with. I will do better in 2010!

8. Read More -- I love books! I usually have 2-3 going at a time. I carry one in my purse, one in my car, I keep one on my bedside table. When I was a young girl, I always won the library's summer prize for reading the most books. Books are precious and I will read more in 2010.

9. Spend Less -- I have found, as I get older (eek!), that I just don't need all the stuff I thought I needed. Too much junk floating around (see #1). Gonna budget and keep better track of where my money goes. Getting older, retirement is coming . . . don't want to eat out of a dumpster. . .

10. Worry Less About Things I Cannot Control -- well . . . . you'll have that . . .

Anyway, that's my "bucket list" for 2010, in no particular order. Just some things I want to do to make my life better. Do you have a bucket list? Can we work together to be happy in 2010? I hope to blog more, smile more, laugh more, complain less and appreciate all that I have in the new year.

I wish everyone who reads this a Happy New Year 2010! I hope you add to your blessings and keep your troubles at bay in the new year.

An Evening with C3P0 . . .

2009-12-13T20:13:00.007-05:00

Christopher and I went to Conseco Fieldhouse Saturday night to listen to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and "Star Wars in Concert"! It was fantastic!

Anthony Daniels, who played C3PO in all 6 movies, was there to narrate the movie clips, original artwork and storyboards, and outtakes from the movies.

The music was incredible and a highlight was a laser light show!

After the concert, Christopher and I wandered the halls of Conseco where many of the original costumes and props were displayed. We saw the original Darth Vader costume, Chewbacca's hairy outfit (OMG that guy was big!), a mockup of the Death Star, and a likeness of Yoda.

Being at the Concert brought back lots of happy memories including watching the movies at the cottages. Also, when Christopher was young, we went to Florida on vacation. It rained for a few days of the trip and on one of the days, Christopher, his friend Brian, and I spent the entire afternoon at the Pleasure Island movie theatre watching the Star Wars Trilogy, eating popcorn and drinking soda.

It was a wonderful evening of music, reliving old memories and making new ones.

Hope . . .

2009-09-24T07:02:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to share this beautiful, uplifting video! Thanks, Nie!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbsU3b2srQA

Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker . . .

2009-09-12T09:44:00.002-04:00

doctor, lawyer, indian chief. Isn't that how the nursery rhyme goes? I feel like I could write my own nursery rhyme -- Insurance Admin., Bartender, Bell Ringer, Singer, Cashier and now . . .

BARISTA! TaDa!! The Target I work for has a Starbucks inside it and I am now training to work as a Barista. At first I wasn't sure I could do it -- being 55 now, my memory isn't always as sharp as it should be -- or so it seems sometimes. Anyway, I've been at Starbucks for about a week now and I really, really like it! This sounds pretty silly to those who know me well, I'm sure, because since I have high blood pressure, coffee (well, specifically any caffeine product) is something I have to avoid at all costs. AND, before working there, I had only been a customer at any Starbucks probably a total of 5 times in my whole life. But I really enjoy it!

It's really kind of like bartending only with out booze -- lots of recipes to learn, fancy schmancy toppings to add, etc. But once you figure out the general formula, it's pretty easy and lots of fun.

I still cashier part-time and barista part-time -- it's all a part of Target's way of making me a well-rounded employee. Training in every department makes me more "workable" and able to fill in when people call in sick, vacations come up, college kids go back to school and the holiday season starts. And I really like Target -- it's a great place to work. I've made some great friends and joking, laughing and bitching with them makes every day I work there truly enjoyable.

I pretty much bloom where I'm planted, so I'm always willing to learn something new.

Next stop -- Food Avenue!

Mark Your Calendar . . .

2009-07-23T00:55:00.006-04:00

cuz' I'm marking mine for March 5, 2010 . . .

I just watched the trailer and it is FANTASTIC!! I love, love, love the movies!!!!!

Got My Ticket . . .

2009-07-12T16:58:00.002-04:00

and I'm ready to go!!! Wednesday morning, at 12:03 a.m., I will be in my seat at the IMAX 16 ready to watch the next installment of THE MOVIE --- the long awaited "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince"!!!
Everyone who knows me is quite aware that I am a true "Potterhead"! I love the books and the movies. For the past week, I have been furiously rereading THBP to finish it in time for the movie. Today, I don't have to work at Target until 6:30, so I got up early and have been rewatching the movies. I'm just starting "The Goblet of Fire".

I know it probably sounds childish to alot of people to be so hooked on these movies, but I truly enjoy them. It's been fun watching the characters grow and change as well as watching the actual actors grow up and refine their acting craft. Also, the set design, costumes and special effects are truely AMAZING!!!

Anyway, that's where I'll be on Tuesday nite (actually Wednesday morning before the crack of dawn) with a smile on my face and a box of Raisinettes in my hand! THEN, it's only a week until the 3-D version of the movies comes out and I will be back at my local IMAX again. I think I can actually talk Donita into going to that one with me -- as long as it's an earlier showing!

Can't wait!!!

At the Race, Race . . .

2009-05-27T00:05:00.006-04:00

in the month of May -- come to the race! As Bob Kevoian sings, Sunday I went to the race! I took my friend Mike and my Mom -- both Indy 500 "virgins"!! (And ya know ya got a love a good virgin - ha!) We had a great time!

A friend of mine from work gave me FREE tickets and an excellent parking pass (we were one block from the track!!) -- thanks again, Pete and Dianna!!! Our seats were in the Southeast Vista which put us at the entrance to the second turn. So we could see the drivers coming into the first turn, taking the second turn, driving down the back straightaway, and going into the third turn. The pic above is of the pace car leading the pack right before the start of the race.

Looking down the back straightaway into the third turn. This photo was taken right before the start of the race -- there really were people sitting in these seats when the race began!

We were directly across from the snakepit. Unfortunately, this was the calm end of the snakepit, so we didn't see anyone getting really out of control. Just a couple of fat guys without shirts on. I didn't take any pictures of them -- no one wants to see that. You can thank me later!

This was my 7th time going to the 500, but only the third time seeing the entire race. In my earlier life, I went to the race three times -- twice it was rained out. One year I bartended at the track. Didn't see the race, but made lots of $$$$. In 2007, Christopher and I went to the race. It was rain delayed twice but that didn't stop our fun. We sat in the rain in our rain ponchos and garbage bags with our umbrellas up and ate chicken, talked and had a terrific time. Dario Franchitti won that year in a race that was eventually called because of the pouring -- and I do mean pouring -- rain!

This year was sunny, the race (although delayed by accidents I think 9 times) was completed and won by Helio! I've already checked out the date for next year and hope to be able to go again! Love it!!!

Oh Yeah . . .

2009-04-12T16:54:00.001-04:00

Diet and Exercise . . .

2009-04-10T09:50:00.003-04:00

Yuck!! I hate them both. If we can put a man on the moon, we can surely come up with a way to make decent junk food that tastes great and doesn't add to my always expanding hip region, don'cha think ?!?!?

With summer coming up, I've really been trying to watch what I've been eating -- damn you Easter Peeps -- and trying to increase my workout. It's always easier for me to diet once fresh fruits and veggies start appearing in the stores' produce departments. I adore fresh strawberries and bananas for breakfast, salad loaded with lots of fresh carrots, cukes, tomatoes and radishes for lunch, and then my favorite frozen diet meals for dinner.

In addition to providing a wonderful workout facility on-site for all employees to use without charge, my wonderful boss (who doesn't blog by the way or know that I have a blog or probably even know what a blog is -- so I'm not kissing butt here!!) has gifted a personal trainer to anyone at IMG who wants to work out 2 days a week after work FOR FREE!! Did I mention it was FREE?!?!? Anyway, about 30 of my fellow out-of-shape employees have signed up for exercise classes with Rob and Steve (our personal trainers) who come to our work at 5:45 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and KICK OUR BUTTS!! We've had two classes so far and my muscles are crying out in agony!! These guys pull no punches and make us use muscles that have long ago dissolved into flab. We've been learning butt kicks, mountain climber, cherry picker, cat arch, superman, etc. I have been loving every minute of it!!

I've been on Weight Watchers for several years -- having met my goal weight several times during those years -- if ya know what I mean. I found these delicious treats from Weight Watchers that help keep me on the straight and narrow and actually make dieting not quite so hard.

These little beauties are great for breakfast. Only 4 points per sandwich and they actually taste almost like the ones from Mickey D's. The cheese even melts!!! I eat these a couple days a week with some fresh fruit and I am good to go until lunch.

The WW Key Lime Pies are a great touch of sweetness after a salad lunch. They are really smooth and creamy and have lotsa tang from the lime. I love 'em!

SO --- I have been working out everyday on my lunch hour in our workout facility and now working with a Rob and Steve two nights a week for an hour. I've dusted off my trusty bicycle so I can ride as soon as it decides to stop raining in Indy. Hopefully, I will begin to see some changes in my body SOON!! I will keep you posted.

Keep me in your prayers . . .

Time, Time, Time . . .

2009-03-10T07:52:00.002-04:00

It seems the older I get the more I worry about time. I look at what's behind me and hope there is lots more before me. God, that sounds deep for 7 am! Sorry!

This Daylight savings crap is really beating me down. I hate getting up in the dark! It's almost 8 am and it's still *bleeping* dark outside!!! What's up with that!?! I doubt it saves that much energy and it's certainly messing with my brain.

I went to bed early last night (10:30) to try to catch up on some zzzzzzzzs, but one of my smoke alarms went off at 12:30 am. No smoke in the house, so I went to the garage, got a step ladder and changed the battery. Silence, green light, all is well. Or so I thought. 5:30 am. Same damn smoke alarm goes off -- not the constant beep, beep, beep like there is actual smoke. Just an occasional beep beep that is annoying enough I can't turn over and sleep through it. Got the step ladder again, changed the freaking battery again . . . silence, green light, all is well. RIGHT? But no. 1/2 hour later beep beeping starts again. Pulled the flipping thing out of the ceiling. That'll teach it!! Going to buy new batteries tonight and see if that will work. Otherwise it's curtains for that particular alarm.

BEWARE ALL WHO COME IN CONTACT WITH ME TODAY -- lack of sleep makes Sandy JUST A LITTLE CRANKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Must get to work.

It's Been a Long Time Coming . . .

2009-02-21T02:10:00.003-05:00

and it will probably be a little longer, unfortunately. I have been having problems with my computer, specifically the camera part, and I haven't had enough time to sort things out and reload programs that have crashed, etc.

Anyway, I will hopefully be up and running soon!

The Boys At Lunch . . .

2009-01-19T14:00:00.000-05:00

The twins were napping when we were making cookies on Saturday, but when they woke up, they were hungry for lunch!!

The boys play footsie when they are sitting in their chairs.

Baby toes, baby toes!

Same to you, Grant!!

Makin' Cookies . . .

2009-01-18T22:56:00.003-05:00

Mia and Jackson and I made chocolate chip cookies Saturday morning. After we mixed up the dough, the kids used the "windshield wipers" -- cookie scoops to you and me -- to put cookie dough balls on the sheet pans.

They each had their own cookie sheet. Mia made dainty little cookies.

Jackson didn't mess around. He liked to scoop out he-man size dough balls.

In 10 minutes, the big hand will be on the 6 and the little hand will be on the 10 -- right, Nana? Then we can eat them?

Coloring helped pass the time.

At last ---- the end results were yummy!

There's nothing like a warm, fresh from the oven chocolate chip cookie! Especially one you made yourself!!

If You Haven't - You've Gotta . . .

2009-01-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

Read This Book!!

It will change your life! 'Nuf said.

A Little More Christmas!

2009-01-10T11:11:00.003-05:00

Since I haven't posted for awhile, you'll have to excuse me if I go back in time to Christmas Eve. We all went to Karen's house for Christmas Eve dinner and gift exchange. We had a great night!

Every year, my mom gets me the latest "Wizard of Oz" Christmas ornament. All the kids love pushing the button and listen to the music -- especially Jackson! This year's plays the scene when Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the TinMan and the Lion knock on the door at the Wizard's castle. The sign switches around to say "Bell out of Order -- Please Knock". Magic!

When Jackson and Mia were little, we looked and looked for an old-fashioned top for them and could never find one. This year, I looked on FAO Schwartz' website and lo and behold -- a top! I gave it to Grant and Liam, but everyone enjoyed playing with it.

My Mom gave Mia some magnetic paper dolls. She loved them -- so did her Mama!

Another generation lovin' Grandma's noodles!!

Mia and I reading the Ratatouille book.

Sometimes Christmas just wears a fella out . . . visions of sugarplums, Uncle Chris?

Look What Santa Brought Me . . .

2009-01-02T23:08:00.004-05:00

Soooo sorry I haven't posted in such a long time! It seems that all I have been doing lately is working, working, working. Hopefully with the holidays behind us, I will have a little more free time to do other things like post, clean house, yard work, etc. All the really fun things!! I wanted to share what the big red guy brought me for Christmas. . .

Santa was very, very good to me this year!! I got. . .

Some really great Sock Monkey slippers to match my Nick and Nora Sock Monkey Christmas Jamamas, AND

A New Car!! I decided since Rosie (my old 2000 Pontiac Sunfire) was almost 9 years old and had over 151,000 miles on her that it was time for her to be traded. So . . . I got a new (to me anyway) PT Cruiser!!! I have always wanted a PT Cruiser and I figured since about all I've been doing is working, I deserved a treat! This one is green and I've christened him "Kermie". Hopefully we will have a long and happy relationship!!!

Isn't Santa Great?!?

My Favorite Season . . .

2008-11-10T23:53:00.005-05:00

"Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf is a flower."

- Albert Camus

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever."

- 1 Chronicles 16:34

"I love fall! Fall is exciting.It's apples and cider.It's an airborne spider.It's pumpkins in bins.It's burrs on dog's chins.It's wind blowing leaves.It's chilly red knees.It's nuts on the ground.It's a crisp dry sound.It's green leaves turning and the smell of them burning.It's clouds in the sky.It's fall. That's why...I love fall."- Author Unknown

Craft Project Day . . .

2008-11-09T23:27:00.006-05:00

Jackson and Mia spent Saturday morning at my house. We made chocolate chip pancakes and sausage for breakfast and then decided, since it was a little cold outside, to spend the rest of our time together working on craft projects. I got out the glue sticks, jewels, feathers, paints, markers, macaroni bowties, etc. and we crafted!

Mia put on her workshirt and dove right into the green glitter paint! She also added jewels, macaroni and fruit snacks to her artwork.

Jackson was into gluing feathers, pom poms and paper shapes to his project! He really loved the gluesticks!

Both kids had fun painting, gluing, punching and cutting. Jackson and Mia are quite the little artists!

Work, work, work. . .

2008-11-02T12:45:00.003-05:00

It seems that lately all I do is work, work, work. Besides bartending at Lucas Oil Stadium for Colts games and special events, I have been picking up a few extra $$ working at Target in the evenings and on weekends. So. . .I feel sometimes like I am meeting myself coming and going. I'm sure it's going to get even more hectic the closer it gets to Christmas. Things pretty much settle down with no Colts games after December, so my time should free up a little bit after the first of the year.

In the meantime, we are heading into my favorite season -- FALL!! It is so beautiful here and I hope to post some photos soon. The leaves are turning (and falling) and my little home is beginning to really pick up that fall feeling.

This pic was taken when Karen and I took the kids up to visit Grandma in Winamac earlier this summer. We loved the swing and spent lots of time "just a swingin'!"

Let Me Be The First . . .

2008-10-16T22:41:00.002-04:00

. . . to wish you a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! And the season begins! Happy Fall Y'all!!!

OK, I'm Obsessed . . .

2008-10-11T23:23:00.003-04:00

OK -- I'm obsessed with the Dinos at the Children's Museum. We had a rain and windstorm the other day and Miss Evonne (yep, that's her name) lost her hat.

She reminds me of Maynard G. Krebbs -- anyone, anyone? Hello, is this thing on?!?!?

OK, This is Gross, but . . .

2008-10-10T00:06:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine told me once that occasionally when you see something that makes you smile, you should buy it just for shits and giggles.

I bought this tissue box cover . . .

Makes me feel better about having a cold, OK?

DinoWitches??. . .

2008-10-03T00:26:00.005-04:00

The Indianapolis Children's Museum dinos have their Halloween costumes on!

Trick or Treat!!

Walking the Canal . . .

2008-09-30T07:10:00.013-04:00

Saturday Jackson, Mia and I decided to go on a "venture" to the canals. We had a blast! We parked at the White Water parking area, climbed the hill, and this is what we found first:

There were lots of huge wooden animals to climb on and slide down! The kids had a ball climbing up on the cat, sheep, horse, doggie and chicken!
Jackson liked the red dog because he could turn around and slide down his tail!

Mia was IN LOVE with the chicken!!

After that, we walked along the canal. We saw lots of water, waterfalls and flowers. Jackson made friends with Freddie, the NCAA Museum frog!

Next, we went to the Indiana State Museum to get a snack. Unfortunately they were closed for a special event, but the kids got a big kick out of listening to the huge steam clock play "Back Home Again in Indiana" on the hour! Jackson calls it "the hooting clock"!!

Wanna see what we saw next?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

These big boys kept us entertained for about an hour!! The kids loved climbing on the mastedon's trunk and twirling around it's legs.

We ended the day at Arby's eating curley fries and chicken chunks. Since it was Jackson's birthday, the kids got to ring the bell when we left and then it was home to Nana's. We had a great day!

Indy As I See It (Part 1) . . .

2008-09-20T22:30:00.007-04:00

My good friend, Erland P, always told me to keep a camera with me at all times, just in case. I started doing this a few years ago, and take random photos whenever I see something that catches my eye. My one regret is that I didn't start this habit in time to get a photo of the "Ho-made Pies" sign before it was torn down to make way for a new truck stop. I always wondered how many "ho's" it took to make a pie ;0).

Anyway, from time to time, I'll post some random photos of curiodities I see in my travels in and around Indy. I hope you enjoy them.

This is what I see every morning -- a mama dino and her two babies coming out of the side of The Indianapolis Children's Museum. Even though the City of Indianapolis has a different idea, the street signs say these creatures are busting out at the corner of T-Rex Trail and Gorgosaurus Avenue. The Museum is getting ready to start a massive building project in October. Soon there will be another bigger dino looking down at these little ones. I can't wait to watch that build as it takes place! There used to be dino footprints on the street leading to the Museum, but these have long faded. I hope they repaint them when their new project is finished. Fun!

Thanks, Erl!

Stolen from my niece Karla's blog . . .

2008-09-12T21:52:00.004-04:00

i am - writing this in my jamamas!
i think - Cheetos are little, orangie bits of heaven!!
i know - most people think I'm a little nutz.
i want - a new car (hang in their Red - not quite yet)
i have - too many plastic shopping bags under my kitchen sink.
i wish - it didn't snow in Indiana.
i hate - going to the dentist.
i miss - my good friend Connie (17 years November 4th).
i fear - retirement.
i feel - blessed!
i hear - voices in my head sometimes - I just don't always do what they tell me to.
i smell - No I Don't!
i crave - Mexican food, Chinese food, Cajun food, Italian food, State Fair food ;0)
i search - for my cell phone at least once a day (Wonder where it is now?!?!?)
i wonder - what babies are thinking about?
i regret - not moving to Indy sooner.
i ache - in strange places. I'm 54 years - give me a break!
i care - very deeply about my family and friends.
i always - wait too long to buy gas.
i am not - on time for anything, ever.
i believe - that my 4 grandkids are the most gorgeous grandkids on the face of this earth!!!
i dance - whenever 40% Steve has a gig!!
i sing - almost every waking moment of every day -- sometimes aloud, sometimes in my head.
i cry - very rarely.
i don't always - take a shower every day on the weekends . . . sorry!
i fight - going to Kohl's everytime they have "the biggest sale of the season".
i write - my name (on bathroom walls?) kidding!
i never - miss "Project Runway" or "Top Chef" unless it is an emergency.
i stole - post it notes from our office supply cabinet.
i listen - to Q95 all day long at work.
i need - a new fence.
i am happy - about my life. I'm having a BLAST!

Thanks Kar! This was fun! Anyone else?

Cheap Trick and Heart and JOURNEY, oh my . . .

2008-09-12T07:13:00.009-04:00

On Wednesday nite, the 9th, my friends Carolyn, Julie, Robin and Jennifer and I ventured north to Verizon Wireless Music Center to see Cheap Trick, Heart and JOURNEY!!! The place was packed, the weather was great, and the music was FANTASTIC!!

Cheap Trick got us all going and then the gals from Heart took the stage! Ann and Nancy Wilson wowed the crowd and had us all on our feet! I first saw Heart about 30 (YIKES!!) years ago at the Indiana State Fair and have always been in awe of the power of Ann Wilson's voice. The gals didn't disappoint and really got the crowd going!! THEN . . .

J O U R N E Y!!!!! OMG they were marvelous! I know Steve Perry will always be "the voice", but new lead singer Arnel Pinela is fantastic! He is like a little spider monkey racing around the stage and his voice is amazing!! The guys harmony was spot on and I got to see my favorite keyboardist, Jonathan Cain! He is incredible!!! The crowd sang along as they started the show with "Don't Stop Believing"! They sang quite a few songs from their new c/d (which is next on my purchase list) and Arnel stopped the show with "Faithfully". Their part of the show lasted over 1 1/2 hours without a break! Finally, when we all were thoroughly exhausted and our throats were sore from singing at the top of our lungs, the guys ended the show with "Lovin, Touchin', Squeezin'"!!! It was one of the best concerts I have been to in a long time!!! We all went out to our cars singing "Na, na, na, na, na, na. . ." It was an incredible nite!!!

Blueberry Muffins, Butterflies and the Water Park. . .

2008-09-05T00:53:00.012-04:00

Saturday morning after we got up, we decided to make blueberry muffins. Jackson and Mia helped stir them together, and after we got them in the pan, they decorated the tops of each muffin with more blueberries.

While the muffins were baking, I made a blueberry yogurt sauce to top the muffins. Jackson was too busy playing "Burger Shop" to pose for a photo, but Princess Mia loved her breakfast!!

After breakfast, we were ready for a "venture". We went to the Indianapolis Zoo, more specifically to the butterfly garden. The kids love seeing the butterflies and having them fly so close to them. Jackson wanted one to land on him so badly, but he giggled everytime one came close and they flew away.

Back at the zoo, we visited the walrus enclosure, saw the polar bears and some really big elephants. We stopped by to check out the carousel, the koala bears, some tree frogs and a couple of snakes. It was hot and lots of the animals were sleeping. After a snack, we decided to GET WET!!!

SOOOOO . . . we went to the Zoo's water park!!

We had fun!

Lots of fun!!!

Friday Nite at Nana's. . .

2008-09-04T23:33:00.009-04:00

I kept two of my gorgeous grandchildren, Jackson and Mia, overnight last Friday night and into Saturday. Friday night, we went to McDonald's for dinner. Jackson loved his cheeseburger and fries.

No photo for Miss Mia. She was too into eating her fries!

When we got to my house, Mia headed straight for the penny bank. I have my Dad's Abraham Lincoln penny bank, and Mia loves to take the pennies out, transfer them to a bowl, and put them back into the bank, one at a time. She can spend all afternoon playing by herself with the pennies.

Jackson is quite the computer guru and loves to play "Burger Shop" whenever he comes over. "Burger Shop" is a game where you pretend you are the manager of several different types of restaurants (a diner, a cowboy watering hole, a surfer shop, etc.) and your job is to wait on customers and fill their orders before the time is up. Jacks is pretty good at this game! He loves the music and making the burgers.

We ended the evening eating nectarine slices and watching "Ratatouille" or "Rat-n-Tooey" as Mia calls it! I love having them sleep over and can't wait til Grant and Liam are old enough to spend the night at Nana's too!!

The Raffle Ticket Queens. . .

2008-09-03T00:35:00.012-04:00

On August 23rd, my good bud Donita and I volunteered on Indy northside at a Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser called "Festivale". This beer and food tasting event is an annual fundraiser for CF. This was our second year selling raffle tickets and my third year volunteering for the event.

The prize for the raffle was the "Instant Bar" and believe me, they weren't kidding!! This is just a portion of the booze, bar tools, glassware, napkins, mixers, etc., etc., etc., that was the prize.

More bar -- coasters, stirrer sticks, pretzels, peanuts, cherries, et al. All of the goodies were donated by merchants and probably totaled around $2,000 in goodies. This is just a terrific idea for raising money!

The winner actually had two sons with cystic fibrosis. He and his wife were planning a party to celebrate!

The Cystic Fibrosis Festivale Committee declared us the Raffle Queens since we sold over $1,500 in raffle tickets. This is a really fun event and we hope to do it again next year!

Catchin' Up

2008-09-02T23:55:00.002-04:00

I can't believe how far behind I've gotten with my posts, so over the next few days, I'm going to try to get caught up. On August 15th, my Mom came down to spend the weekend with me to celebrate my birthday. We spent the afternoon at my darlin' daughter's house playing with my gorgeous grandchildren and then in the evening, we went to Broad Ripple to The Spin to listen to my baby boy's band. We had a great time, but when we were getting ready to leave, my Mom fell and broke her knee in two places!!! After a long session in ER (we were up 27 hours without shut-eye -- it was ugly), I packed her up and took her home to see her regular Dr. and a specialist. Indeed, her knee was broken and on the following Wednesday, she had knee replacement surgery. To make a long story short, she is recovering so well that she left on the 30th for a 9-day cruise to Alaska!! Ain't modern medicine somethin'?!? (No pictures -- this was not an event we wanted to capture for posterity ;0)

Makin' Like the Ant . . . and ?Pumpkin Sex??? . . .

2008-08-17T09:06:00.004-04:00

Like my Granny, my Grandma and my Mom (and I'm sure their Mothers before them . . .ad infinitim), I've been makin like the ant and preparing for winter. I've always loved canning, preserving and freezing, but never was very enthusiastic about it when I was living in an apartment. I wanted to grow my own and can my own.

SO . . . this year I've been putting up for the winter. So far, I've frozen sweet corn and canned homemade salsa, peach bar-b-que sauce, brandied peach compote, strawberry and grape jelly and cherry and peach preserves. I'd still like to make some homemade apple and pumpkin butter to can, but I'm going to wait until the fall fruits are at my local Farmer's Market. There's a great Market just down the road from me that will have lots of fresh apples and cooking pumpkins in just a few weeks. Yum!

Speaking of pumpkins, I have the largest crop of pumpkin vines and flowers in midwest Indiana. I don't, however, have any pumpkins or even the beginnings of pumpkins. I talked to an agronomist friend who told me that the reason is that I don't have bees to pollinate the plants. He explained that the bees travel from the male pumpkin flower to the female pumpkin flower to pollinate and since I don't have any (bees that is), that hasn't been happening. He told me how to replicate that process by removing a stamen from the male pumpkin blossom, putting that stamen in the female pumpkin blossom and, viola, that would make a "baby" pumpkin. Soooooo, I guess that's what my life has come to -- pumpkin sex!!! Does that make me a pimp?!?!? I'm beginning to think my Dad had the right idea --- just pick the blossoms, batter and deep fry the little suckers, and EAT THEM!!

They Say It's Your Birthday . . .

2008-08-15T02:52:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was my birthday. I'm 54 years . . . So far it's been a pretty great experience. I've graduated from college; been married and divorced; had two terrific kids who are intelligent, independent, and adored by their Mother; owned two homes on my own; been to NYC and Disney World; seen more concerts than I can remember.

At 50, I sold almost everything I owned, moved to a city where I knew no one, and started my life over again. I own a cute little home, live within driving distance of both of my children and my four beautiful grandchildren, and I have met many amazing people that I am proud to call my friends.

I have been kissed by my grandson while cuddling in his fire truck bed. I've taken a walk with my granddaughter's little hand holding my finger. I've had one of my twin grandsons climb up and wrap his arms around my neck for a hug and the other smile shyly at me from around the corner of the doorway.

I'm proud of my life and proud of myself for having the courage to live it. I have been showered with blessings too many to count.

I've made it through difficult times. I've lost my Father, a Sister, all four of my Grandparents and several of my high school classmates. I helped my Mother through breast cancer. I lost my best friend to suicide.

AND, I'm not done yet. I haven't been skydiving. I haven't mastered Spanish. I don't have my culinary degree. I haven't been to Paris.

I'm just getting started. I have many, many miles to go before I sleep.

Pre-Birthday Party . . .

2008-08-13T23:31:00.003-04:00

Monday, my sister called to say she was going to be in Indy on Tuesday/Wednesday and wondered if I wanted to go to dinner to celebrate my birthday. Of course I did! SO -- my sister, my niece and her husband and my baby boy went to La Piedad in Broad Ripple for some Mexican cuisine. We ate outside on the patio and the food, bubbly and conversation were all sweet delish!! Sorry, no photos of the fam. My sis gave me great gifts, including an antique 78 rpm record of "Over the Rainbow" and We're Off to See the Wizard", which I have already framed and added to my "Wizard" collection.

Thanks for a great evening!

Workin' at "The Luc" . . .

2008-08-13T23:11:00.006-04:00

I spent most of Sunday at the new Lucas Oil Stadium -- home of the 2008 Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts. I've been hired on as a bartender for the Colts games/concerts schedule/monster truck shows, etc. for 2008/09. I'm really excited! It'll be fun meeting new people while earning a little extra "beer money". What's not to like?!?

After the orientation session, we toured the new stadium. What an incredible place!

The first home game is August 28th. Kenny Chesney is in concert on September 13th. I think this will be an exciting season!

Mexican Food, Comedy and Music! What more could anyone ask for?!?

2008-08-10T21:37:00.009-04:00

Whew! Everyone who knows me, knows that I more than pack a weekend with fun stuff to do! After work on Friday, my good bud Donita and I went out for Mexican food. The food was great and it was good to spend some time with Donita and get caught up on all the stuff worth catching up on. Donita wasn't too thrilled with the photo session, however; ya think?!?

Oooooo! I think I'm going to have to pay for this one! Yikes!!

Afterwards, my friend John and I caught the 10:30 show at Crackers Comedy Club in Broad Ripple. Greg Proops was the headliner and he had everyone laughing! Then it was on to OPT's for some tasty libations before calling it a day!

Saturday, I headed to the Indiana State Fair with my daughter and her family and my son-in-law's parents. What a perfect day for the Fair! I love it and look forward to it all year. We enjoyed lots of fair foods, looked at the animals, and the kids had a go at the Midway rides!

Farmer Jackson!

Mia milked a "cow"!

In the evening, I took in some local culture at "Drifty's" in Greenwood. My son's band, "40% Steve", played there and I'm their biggest fan!

My baby boy doing what he loves best!!

The band had the crowd rocking til the wee hours!!

The Band and me!!

A good time was had by all! Fantastic music, tasty drinks, good friends and loving family! Lucky, lucky, lucky me!!

In the Beginning . . .

2008-08-08T06:49:00.000-04:00

OK. So -- I'm new to this blog thing and this is my first post. I want to share the things I love (my fam, peeps, etc.), the places I visit, and the things I do. I hope to make new blogpals along the way and have some fun! Here I go!!