Winter Woes

It's really depressing when it's not even Halloween and the forcast is calling for 6-10" or 8-12" of snow. The leaves haven't even made thier way off the trees yet. Inevitably that will add to the distress this early snow will bring. I keep in mind that the ground isn't frozen yet, so it should melt rather quickly in the 40 degree temperatures that are being called for on Sunday.

I've got firewood coming on Thursday while I set aside money to start buying coal for the colder months of December-February. It appears that will be the most cost effective form of heating this winter, even if I have to buy a ton each month. It's cheaper than my electric bills have run over the past 6 winters. In fact tonight I've got the fireplace going just to avoid turning the heat on when the temperature plummets for the next coupld days (and nights). It is cute to see all the pets come out and lay aloof in the living room while the woodstove keeps us all toasty. I guess they see it as comforting as well.

As I plan all of this I realize I will be doing a lot of it alone while Joe works in Virginia. I never imagined having to survive a winter in this Hell Hole without him. It just makes it that much worse to deal with. I know that the seasonal depression will be compounded by missing him, school drama, and work drama. I know Joe will be back and will be here to help when he can, but it's still hard. Casey doesn't shovel snow... I should probably start keeping a $20 in the house to bribe the guys from maintinance to run the plow up the driveway.

Quickie Weekend

Joe was able to come home this past weekend. It was so nice to be able to snuggle with him that first night. I think it threw all the pets off that he was home because they have adjusted to sleeping in his spot in thebed.

His first night home was Friday night and he got in much later than planned due to traffic jams in the great state that doubles as a parking lot... New Jersey! I made him ziti with meatballs for his first official dinner home. What can I say, I have to feel my little meatball some meatballs! Then we just laid on the couch and watched Futurama.

Saturday was like our normal routine had just fallen back into palce. His father came upin the morning to help chop some firewood. About half of it got done because the wood wasn't seasoned. We're going to wait a month or so before trying to chop the rest. We did grocery shopping in the afternoon, had lunch at the Milford Diner followed by  ice cream at the Milford Dairy Bar. It was such a beautiful day out. I couldn't have asked for a nicer weekend. I had to work that night and Joe headed off to watch the UFC fights withthe boys.

Sunday I got home at 8am and he had to leave at 8:30. It was sad to have to say goodbye to him. I felt like I barely saw him. In the time since he left I've had horrible nightmares. Monday night they were so bad I almost called him in the middle of the night to make sure that everything was ok. in the nights since the dreams have subsided. I guess it's just my mind really missing him.

Lost Woobie

I'm lost without Joe right now. He left for Virginia this past Friday morning. He was originally going to leave on Thursay, but that was our 4 year anniversary and I was heartbroken that he might have to leave that day. I'm happy I was able to convince him to stay the extra day.

Our last day was marked by a meeting with the insurance adjuster from Liberty Mutual about my water logged interior in the Eclipse. It's going to get fixed because if we had to pay out of pocket, I would just be dealing with a moldy car. Who knew a car could get so soaked just sitting in a driveway in a hurricane?

After that we had at late lunch at the Gem and Keystone. We both opted to try something new on this visit and the food did not disappoint us! Then it was off to home. I have to admit that I was having a hard time being happy. All I could focus on was that he was leaving the next morning. After moping in the bedroom for a half hour or so, he pulled my into the living room to watch Rocko's Modern Life. Yes, cartoons make it all better.

We headed to bed early because Joe was having lower flank pain. Pretty sure he's got a kidney stone now since the pain hasn't eased. I've got him applying a heating pad, taking ibuprofin every 4 hours and alternating cranberry juice and orange juice with water in between. I know that he is doing ok, plus that's what he tells me, but I still worry. I've had chronic kidney stones since I was 18 and I know how painful they can be, so my heart is aching for him. It's killing me that I can't be there to make him feel better and help him.

9/11 Bud Commercial

On this day each year, I post this commercial somewhere. Only aired once during the Superbowl of the 2001 season, it is, to me, the most beautiful honoring of what happened that day.

We Will Never Forget
2001-2011

Where's My Ark & My Electricity?

I kept a log of what was going on during the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. I finally got around to typing it up on the computer. I originally wrote it with an old fashioned pen and paper. Wow!

Sunday:

Stupid hurricane or tropical storm or whatever Irene was calling herself. We survived the storm only to have the power go out after it was over. Stupid winds. Stupid Poconos. Stupid Met-Ed. It will be at least 1 week until I have power restored! Played a round of scrabble with Joe. I started. 1st word: Insane. Yup, that game started off good. I lost... SOB. 

I'm getting cranky. I'm getting bored. I can't do any homework because the computer is dead.  I knew I shouldn't have been shopping online earlier. I mean, doing my homework and project for school.

Car flooded horribly. My carpets in there look like the would float away if the doors were left open long enough. I guess I'll call the insurance company tomorrow to see if I should bother filing a claim.

I talked to my folks. Looks like they'll be without power for over a week. Sean's is heading out to get a generator at Tractor Supply Co. when they come in today. Mom mentioned the possibility that a tornado touched down on New Prospect. Freaky.

Going a bit stir crazy... still. I took the dogs on a bunch of walk to expand their little world. I can't take them to the creek or they'll float away. Don't want that now... 

As the sun sets, I'm reminded of living in my first apartment. I wouldn't turn the lights on until the last possible minute to conserve electricity. It's the same to night, minus being able to turn on the electricity. I know Met-Ed is going to jack it to the customers to pay for this. We get a 44% increase in rates every quarter. I do believe now it will be 88% every other month to pay for this clean up. I think I'm going to call out of school tomorrow. If the roads are a mess, I'm not killing myself to get there.

I have to say though, without all the ambient light from the surrounding communities, you really can see all the stars. It looks beautiful when I look up. I felt like I was camping. Of course, peeing in the woods gave me the same feeling.  I wonder where I'm going to shower.

Monday:

Joe left for Virginia this morning with his mother. He's heading down there for an interview. I had to bring him to the community parking lot since all the roads are closed and his mother would get lost trying to get to us. I sent him on the road with chocolate chip muffins and cornbread that I baked during the storm.... when I had power! He called later to tell me that they were detoured through Pocono Ranchlands into Pine Ridge to get to Bushkill Falls Road, which was closed, so they had to go up East Sugar Mountain Road just to get back down to Route 209 in Marshalls Creek. At least his mother got a tour of the upper Poconos.

 

My school had classes, despite the town it's in being flooded badly. I opted not to go since I thought it would be too dangerous. I was right.

Turns out the in-laws had no power either. They're in NJ, they'll get it back before we do, right? Nope. I tried to run my thawing freezer contents over there only to have Joe and his mother call as soon as I got to Montague to tell me there was no power there either. Crap.

Tuesday:
I hit the gym this morning so that I could shower. My 3 hour morning class was only 1 hour. I can't complain about that one. Or that my afternoon class was canclled since the professor lives in an area that will be declared a disater area. Now I just wait for a midnight text about clinicals in the morning. *praying*

Since getting home I spent the afternoon pouring over old magazines. I got a nice pile of them to recycle. I tore out the few little things I liked. Once I figure out how to scan them into the computer, I will have no clutter left. I like the sound of that!

The electric company is right up the road. I'm hoping to have my power back tonight. To fend off the bordem, I've been taking the dogs on 4 or 5 walks a day. That has been making us happy though. I'm exploring the neighborhood that I'm leaving in 6 months. ha ha

I was getting texts from Joe all day. Richmond sounds great.  I'm going to let him fill everyone in on his new job there. Looks like we've got a new place to set up a life.

Wednesday:
Never got that midnight text message from the profressor. I got up at the butt crack of dawn and drove to meet my carpool buddies. We got to clinical this morning to find out it was cancelled. Headed home to be bored. If I had known there wasn't going to be a clinical today, I would have gone to the gym. I've really slacked off this week and last week.

10pm, I'm laying in bed only to hear the voice of George clooney coming from my living room. Scary dream or is my power back?? POWER IS BACK!!! So excited. Now to go back to bed. Hey will you look at that, a text messege at midnight canclling clinical. Whoo! Dreams are coming true tonight!

Thursday:
Joe's home. I missed him so much. He'd going to fill me in about Richmond, but now I know this change is for real. To bribe me, he brought hom vegan cupcakes that were to die for! Once I have an IV bag full of those delectible cupcakes, I'm all for the idea of moving!

Ah, Geeze

It happened again. Another month has slipped right on by. Where the heck have I been???? Oh yeah.... school, work, and curling up in the fetal position while crying over the economy. Enough about that. I had strictly ordered Joe to write about the Great Mouse Rescue in July. Well, bubba, now you have to write about it because I've set up the blog post!

During a span of two days, we heard noises in one of the walls in the house. We had heard the sounds during the winter when we figured some mice were holed up hiding from the snow. This time around, the noises were way worse than any before. When I had to sleep in the guest room one night because of the noise, I decided to do something about it. On a side note, the rock, I mean my wife, slept through all the nightly noises.

We figured out the noise was coming from a wall between the living room and our bedroom. I pressed my ear in the corner to try and pinpoint the spot. I had to use a ladder because the mouse was higher than I anticipated. When I had an idea of where the noise was coming from, I used my keyhole saw and cut a hole in the wall. I used my flashlight to peer up the wall and saw nothing except a spot where some insulation had formed a gap. When I peered down I was pretty surprised at what I saw.

About five inches below where I cut the hole was what I would call a "mouse deathtrap." I recently deceased mouse and a pile of bones were sitting on a piece of wood in between the studs. And there was the mouse who was still alive, probably scared out of his mind. Now the rescue operation was under way.

I originally tried to use tongs to get a hold of the mouse, but he moved to fast for me to grab. After thinking it over for a moment, I got an idea. We found a cup that fit perfectly in the wall (thank you Dover Business College!), and a sleeve used for a gift card. It took a few attempts, but I was able to entice the mouse into the cup, and closed the top with the sleeve. From there, we brought the cup outside across the street, and let the mouse loose so that he could roam somewhere else.

The mouse was rescued, and after an informal "service" for the other remains that I cleaned out from the wall, I was able to close up the wall. Of course until I can remedy the hole from above that the mice were falling through, the wall is only temporarily closed.

June Breezes By

Holy Malibu Bay Breeze! Where is June going?

Each week I intend to get on here and talk about what has happened the week prior and blah... blah... blah. Now I look at the calendar and another round of bills is coming due which means another month has gone by. Depressing since we have finally rolled into my favorite time of year!

The 3rd brought my x1st birthday. Whoopie! I'm getting closer to my geezer state! I worked the overnight shift into my birthday (yet another sign that I'm getting older) before coming home to crash in my fluffy bed for a few hours. Joe wasn't sure what to do for me or what to get me so the had been leaving all the decisions up to me. I, of course, kept flip flopping on what to do. Once I woke up from my little nappy nap I decided I wanted to go to the COACH store. Why? Because it's my birthday and every woman needs a summer hand bag. I got one. $400 retail... but I didn't even pay $100... because I'm good like that. I tried to post a picture of it but, that wasn't working. Oh well. It's not my normal style of purse, but it will last many, many years to come because of it's remarkably classic design.

I also went to my favorite kitchen supply store and got some cookie cutters. One is shaped like a little piggie (yes, obsession) and the rest were a sea life theme. Joe is getting shark cookies for his birthday next year LOL. All this shopping had made me hungie. We opted to break our cycle of Olive Garden and try a place that Joe had gotten food from at the Pocono Garlic Fest. It's called the Gem and Keystone.

FABULOUSNESS!!!!!!!! We got to sit outside on the deck and soak up some of the fading sun. We read over the seasonal menu while sipping blonde beer. To add to their fabulousness, I note that on the menu they are vegetarian friendly! YaY I can eat somewhere without altering the menu. Everything looked great but we settled on wood fired cheese bread as an appetizer. This has to be eaten with a fork and knife because it was good enough to be a meal! For our entrees Joe had fish and chips, while I had a portabella panini that was one of the most divine things I have ever tasted. The portions are quite large for the price. Joe had a bite of my panini and agreed that we will probably split one on the next visit. With our bellies full we went home where I passed out on the couch until bed time.

Not much else happens all month until this week when I'm on a mini staycation. I've been nagging Joe to come to the gym with me for the past month or so. He finally caved this week. Today was day 2. I was surprised he survived yesterday and was willing to go back today. And he's going back tomorrow. I know, be still your beating hearts! I plan to encourage him to write about it himself. In the mean time I've lost 36 pounds!

Hey there, Joe here to give into Casey's nagging and actually write about going to the gym this week. With Casey being off from school this week, it seemed like a good week to actually accompany her to one of her workouts. I was a little leary because I wasn't sure if I'd be able to do everything she normally does.

The gym was pretty nice, and there was some good equipment too. Usually Casey will stretch out for a warm-up, but I got her into doing my old martial arts stretching that added to what she usually does. We then warmed up on the eliptical machine and used a few others for the legs and upper body. The hardest part of the workout was the "circuit" they have set up. A set of ten machines along with some steps were there and timed to make for a 30-minute routine. For some reason I pushed myself a little by throwing in some martial arts kicks with my stepping routine. I felt good about it but definitely needed to rest for a few minutes afterwards before finishing up with a half-hour on the treadmill. I actually felt very good after having had a real workout for the first time in some years.

I went with Casey again today, and we actually had our friend Lauren meet us there to work out with us. It was nice to see an old friend for a change, and even afterward we got to have lunch with her sister Elissa and her daughter Callie, who were visiting from Florida. Lauren's mom was also there, and we had a nice lunch at the Olive Garden nearby. Casey had a Caprese flatbread and a berry & zabione, while I had lasagna rotano and some zeppolis. It was a good couple of days to actually get out of the house and get some of my sanity back.

A Pet's Ten Commandments

I got this on facebook. I shared it there and I felt compelled to share it on here. It really moved me. Each time I read it, I shed tears. I think about our furry kids and what they mean to us. They are more than pets, they really are children to us. I could not imagine our lives without them.

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS........

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10 On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today to thank GOD for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters. Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

By: Alice Lawson

Neurotic Laptop

I got my laptop on the Monday after it was supposed to be there. Fortunate as I was, I got there just minutes after it arrived (per the associate). I have to say it's nice even though I'm not typing this on it now. Like most new things, I'm paranoid to use it because I don't want to break it. It's a neurosis, I know. Ask Joe how long it took me to use my expensive cookware after I bought it (on sale, I might add). Once I start using it more than twice a week, I'll be less dorky about the whole situation.

I joined a gym this afternoon. I meet with a trainer tomorrow to learn how to use the equipment safely.

Laptop Lollygagging

Last week I had to break down and get a new laptop. It's just not working for Joe & I to share custody of the Toshiba. The two of us being in school is causing some creative computer sharing, but as things get more crazy, we really should each have our own. Since I have such a wonderful husband, he is willing to let me have the new one. I was originally going to get a net-book, but I couldn't find anything in the stores that I liked and I didn't want to order one online. I need to see and feel things before I purchase them. We took a detour to Best Buy where I found a great HP laptop on sale. Too bad there were none left in stock. So I had to order it and have it shipped to the store.

I tried to find out online if the order had been delivered to the store, but the website couldn't locate my order number. Peachy. I called today to see if it was in. 1 hour and 20 minutes later some pimply faced Geek Squad member told me it wasn't in and it was "on its way" She couldn't tell me when it would be there. I guess this weekend I will just have to pop down to the store because it will take me less time to get there and back then to sit on the phone waiting for someone to pick the damn thing up.

Ugh! I just want the new laptop in my hands so I can bring it to work at night so that I can get some school stuff done on my break!

Ummm... Where Have We Been?

Ok, maybe some people who read this have been a little disappointed that we haven't posted in months. I do apologize about that. Things have been keeping us busy around here. Nope, no kids or other news like that on the horizon (much to my mom's dismay). Other positive things have happened to us though.

In February Joe turned 27. Finally after hearing him beg for the past couple birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmases, I got him a Playstation 3. I woke him up as soon as I got home from work to give it to him because I wanted him to start his birthday off on a really high note. He was so happy I thought he would pop! The plan for the rest of the day was to go out to lunch with friends and family. I took him out to Alaska Pete's, a local seafood place, to stuff himself full of crab (that he pretended was caught by one of the boats on the Deadliest Catch). As you can tell by the picture, he did exactly that.

Joe has made Dean's List every semester at his college and is now becoming a member of the National Technical Honor Society. I have no clue what that means, but I think there is a secret handshake and some special fruit punch. Seriously, I think they offer all sorts of grants and scholarships for him to continue on with his education. I made the Dean's List as well this semester. I have to admit that I never checked my grades, so it came as a surprise to me. Heck, the honor was pointed out to me by a classmate. I am proud of myself though. I'm going to try to keep it up this semester, but I'm going to be happy as long as I'm passing my classes.

I took a much needed trip to South Carolina at the end of March. It felt good to be back in the south. I miss it so much. I spent most of the time hanging out with my cousins and their families. I have to say that I'm so proud of my cousins and the families that they have been raising. Tony and Shanna have a wonderful son. TJ and Whitney have a beautiful little baby girl. It will be nice to watch the little girl she will grow to become. I also took a detour on the way home to North Carolina to see my cousin, Leslie. I got to meet her fiancee also. What a wonderful guy! I wish them both the best of luck with their impending nuptials.

It rained just about every day I was in SC. The nicest day of the week I took to go to Charleston with Abuelita. My favorite city did not disappoint me! I found a winery, Lost Dog Wines, that names their wines after different dog and cat breeds. Proceeds from the wine sales goes to animal rescue organizations. Check out the website and support them, because the Lord knows, I did! I got a bottle of Lhasa Apso White Zinfandel and I got Cat Nip Merlot for Joe. The wine really is good too. I'm not a fan of Merlot, but I did like this one.

While I was trapped inside more than I would have liked because of the rain, I finally started to read the Twilight series. I know, I too felt my soul being sucked away by Satan. I read 3 of the 4 books while I was there. I begrudgingly admit the books were good. I see how so many people got caught up in the series. The 4th was predictable, though. I have no desire to watch the movies though. I prefer to stick with the images my imagination created.

To date I've lost 22lbs. I didn't set out on a diet. I got a horrible stomach virus 3 times back in December that helped knock off the first 10. Thank you norovirus. The next 12 came off in March when I gave up fast food for Lent. Joe too got the stomach virus in December . Though he was only sick for about 8 hours. I suffered for almost 2 weeks, with 3 of those days being highly acute. I hope I never have to go through that again. It was awful.

My weight has stabilized for now. Which just means I have to work a little harder to keep shrinking my tooshie. If anyone else is interested, I will do my best to keep you up on my progress. In the mean time, I can't think of much else to say now that I've brought everyone up to speed. Keep an eye out for the next update.