This will be a short post tonight. I do have a lot to share but tonight my heart is heavy for Stephanie.
Three years ago today, I took her beloved Mitzi to the vet and put her down. It was peaceful as well as being the right thing to do. We were all set to have a celebratory time today and remember her when we got the call from Jack's mother that her beloved Carnegie had suffered a massive stroke and was paralyzed from the neck down and was slipping away fast.
The weather here was dreadful when we got the call. There were tornado watches and warnings and heavy blinding rain. We cried with her and held her and she gave in no longer insisting that Jack take her home. Their friends came and got him and made sure he was not suffering. They took him to a vet to be checked and he was already gone.
We did finish the day and celebrate together. Our Easter dinner conversation revolved around how all things happen for a reason and this was no exception. I reminded her that he was now the "Fat Man" (his nickname) watching over us all along side with Mitzi, Billy, and Onyx (her first cat).
God Speed Carnegie. Watch over Stephanie and wait for her as only pets can do. Fat Man you will be missed by all that loved your coat as well as you teddy bear disposition. I will post pictures of you when I can find them this week.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Friday Fill-Ins
1. Anonymous…is a term that not many people can apply to me.
2. Time with SF is a the best part of my week.
3. Let me embrace thee, sour adversity... - Shakespeare was indeed a wise man.
4. The flowers and the outdoor activities like pool parties and golf is what I look forward to most about Spring.
5. Who needs therapy when there is a motorcycle and an open road calling my name.
6. Cadbury eggs, peeps and pectin jelly beans MUST go into the Easter Basket!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to a little special time with SF, tomorrow my plans include finishing up the Easter basket for Zoe and having Stephanie and Zoe over for a visit and Sunday, I be staying inside and packing up items that I don't need before I move.
2. Time with SF is a the best part of my week.
3. Let me embrace thee, sour adversity... - Shakespeare was indeed a wise man.
4. The flowers and the outdoor activities like pool parties and golf is what I look forward to most about Spring.
5. Who needs therapy when there is a motorcycle and an open road calling my name.
6. Cadbury eggs, peeps and pectin jelly beans MUST go into the Easter Basket!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to a little special time with SF, tomorrow my plans include finishing up the Easter basket for Zoe and having Stephanie and Zoe over for a visit and Sunday, I be staying inside and packing up items that I don't need before I move.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Thoughts On Thursday
WOW! So much to share! Last night I got to see and ride on the Blue Flame and SF at the Mucky Duck for dinner and a show. She was so excited because she had swapped out the stock pipes for this set. They give the bike an even deeper "throat" and gives it much more power.
The original stock pipes were too quiet and drivers in cars and trucks did not hear her. Changing out the pipes and re-tuning the engine added the power and sound that allow the bike to perform better and, more importantly to me, make it loud enough for drivers to hear. This will ensure that she is safe when she is on busy roads. That will give me a certain piece of mind about her safety when she is riding.
Yes, when the show was over, we took a little drive around the area so that I could get a feel for the bike and have SF get a feel for how she needs to ride when I am on the back. For those of you that have never been a passenger, there are "rules" that go with being a passenger. I'll go into that later, but for now it is more important that I remembered them and the ride was wonderful. SF did tell me that she was the kind of rider that does not like her passengers holding onto her waist. An occasional shoulder is okay, but the strap and the sissy bar are enough combined with using your thighs to keep you in place and safe as the passenger.
The concert was wonderful and we will try to make the next three Wednesday shows, as Patrice will not be back to the Duck until the fall due to her touring schedule. She played some old favorites with new twists, plus, she and the band played some classics. She was in a wonderful mood and made some funny comments about people talking while they were performing. She is a bold artist and the audience appreciates her for that. She even acknowledged us as we were sitting in the audience when she said that she had to play Rufus or she would never hear the end of it. The version was more "funked" up and the Congo drums and African drum additions were great.
Dinner was good too. Sometimes there is just something wonderful about an old fashioned hamburger. My trainer is not happy with me, but she will just have to deal with it. We each had two Magic Hat beers (buy the beer and keep the glass) along with our evening and food. We always have water while we eat, and this was no exception. I added bacon and avocado to mine and SF added cheese and bacon. They were served on an onion bun along with fries and a pickle spear. All in all, the meal was very much worth the lecture from the trainer!
The date also had special meaning. I have been on my journey for ten months now and starting of month eleven. It is also the start of the ninth month that SF an I have been sharing time and doing things together. The combination of the concert, dinner, and sharing the evening together was a fitting way to mark the date. I feel remarkably at peace with my self and my decisions and look forward to each day now with energy. My co-workers tell me that my mood is contagious and that makes me feel so much happier. I can thank my Big Sis for that.
Yes, I will give her full credit! She has been that voice that helps me daily. Even when I am not such a good Lil' Sis, and I don't reply to emails....I am listening and thinking about what she tells me. Floating, soaring, dancing, and crying when I need to have all helped me cope and forge ahead.
I cannot forget about any of my bloggy peeps. You all have been the best friends that I can ever imagine having in my life. You have shared, cared, and even more in this journey and I am honored and humbled by all of it. Some of you have shared recipes. Some of you have sent yarn....special thanks to each of you that did. Some of you have been here for me in person and that has been extra special!
My camera is full of knitting and crochet pictures. You will be overloaded with them after Stephanie and Zoe leave Sunday. They are spending Easter with me and I can't wait! Happy Good Friday! For those of you with the day off, enjoy! The rest of us, well, don't work too hard and enjoy the rest of the last work day. For golf enthusiasts....don't forget about the Masters....I am liking the new sensation...Rory McIlroy. I think I still want to see Tiger do well, but I am also loving the fact that I can see Greg Norman again.
Easter Bunny love to all.....
The original stock pipes were too quiet and drivers in cars and trucks did not hear her. Changing out the pipes and re-tuning the engine added the power and sound that allow the bike to perform better and, more importantly to me, make it loud enough for drivers to hear. This will ensure that she is safe when she is on busy roads. That will give me a certain piece of mind about her safety when she is riding.
Yes, when the show was over, we took a little drive around the area so that I could get a feel for the bike and have SF get a feel for how she needs to ride when I am on the back. For those of you that have never been a passenger, there are "rules" that go with being a passenger. I'll go into that later, but for now it is more important that I remembered them and the ride was wonderful. SF did tell me that she was the kind of rider that does not like her passengers holding onto her waist. An occasional shoulder is okay, but the strap and the sissy bar are enough combined with using your thighs to keep you in place and safe as the passenger.
The concert was wonderful and we will try to make the next three Wednesday shows, as Patrice will not be back to the Duck until the fall due to her touring schedule. She played some old favorites with new twists, plus, she and the band played some classics. She was in a wonderful mood and made some funny comments about people talking while they were performing. She is a bold artist and the audience appreciates her for that. She even acknowledged us as we were sitting in the audience when she said that she had to play Rufus or she would never hear the end of it. The version was more "funked" up and the Congo drums and African drum additions were great.
Dinner was good too. Sometimes there is just something wonderful about an old fashioned hamburger. My trainer is not happy with me, but she will just have to deal with it. We each had two Magic Hat beers (buy the beer and keep the glass) along with our evening and food. We always have water while we eat, and this was no exception. I added bacon and avocado to mine and SF added cheese and bacon. They were served on an onion bun along with fries and a pickle spear. All in all, the meal was very much worth the lecture from the trainer!
The date also had special meaning. I have been on my journey for ten months now and starting of month eleven. It is also the start of the ninth month that SF an I have been sharing time and doing things together. The combination of the concert, dinner, and sharing the evening together was a fitting way to mark the date. I feel remarkably at peace with my self and my decisions and look forward to each day now with energy. My co-workers tell me that my mood is contagious and that makes me feel so much happier. I can thank my Big Sis for that.
Yes, I will give her full credit! She has been that voice that helps me daily. Even when I am not such a good Lil' Sis, and I don't reply to emails....I am listening and thinking about what she tells me. Floating, soaring, dancing, and crying when I need to have all helped me cope and forge ahead.
I cannot forget about any of my bloggy peeps. You all have been the best friends that I can ever imagine having in my life. You have shared, cared, and even more in this journey and I am honored and humbled by all of it. Some of you have shared recipes. Some of you have sent yarn....special thanks to each of you that did. Some of you have been here for me in person and that has been extra special!
My camera is full of knitting and crochet pictures. You will be overloaded with them after Stephanie and Zoe leave Sunday. They are spending Easter with me and I can't wait! Happy Good Friday! For those of you with the day off, enjoy! The rest of us, well, don't work too hard and enjoy the rest of the last work day. For golf enthusiasts....don't forget about the Masters....I am liking the new sensation...Rory McIlroy. I think I still want to see Tiger do well, but I am also loving the fact that I can see Greg Norman again.
Easter Bunny love to all.....
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tuesday Temptations
Okay gang, last night my team lost in the Men's NCAA final game. I am rooting for Louisville tonight in the Women's NCAA final game even though I know UConn will win....that's the way it goes. After tonight, we will have to wait for the WNBA to come on and watch the games on TV. That's the way of sports....
Are you ready for Easter? I have been crocheting a few things for Zoe. Thanks to Mel, I have been making these. I looked around on Ravelry and found this too. I want to make these too if I have time left after I make this. I decided that this would be a great way to make use of scraps and make an Easter holiday very special for Zoe. I hope Stephanie and Jack understand and appreciate it....I'm sure they will.
I made reservations today for the hotel in Bryan for the Anniversary trip. The hotel is one off those quaint places you would imagine to see if Route 66 was still as active as it was in it's heyday. It is also VERY close to mom and dad's house. Bryan is one of those quaint towns with downtown centered around a very historic city hall building. Here is another one. Trying to find a good picture of it is almost impossible unless I take one while we are there. I must admit, I am getting excited about the trip and the chance to see the family.
As part of that, I know that there are a few things I need. SO, this week's temptations will be clothing and such. Just bear with me.....I think that a nice bath robe is a good idea, and I like this one. I think I like the English Lavender color best but could live with the Ice Pink one if I had to choose it. I know myself and I think that this one may be more suitable to my body temperature. It also matches this pajama bottom and top. Of course, I could also sleep in this and this, depending on the weather there.
I was also looking around for shirts. I love this shirt, even though it is a man's shirt. Of course I would have it tailored just a bit to make it fit slimmer. It just looks so comfy and perfect for summer. I love three-quartered sleeve shirts and love this in Deep Fuchsia, Mid-Blue, Foliage, and Otter Brown. They are great for evenings out when you travel because you need a light sweater or wind-breaker on top of it and you're set. Of course, we all know that I am hooked on sleeveless shirts, and this one is no exception. I love the China Blue, White, and Crystal Blue solid version. The Blue Multi is my very favorite and will most likely be the first one I get.
Still looking for clothes, I found this dress. It looks so comfortable and I think it will be a great choice to travel with. Still searching for shirts, I came across this one. There are so many colors to choose from. I love White, Spice Brown, Blue, True Blue and White stripes, Surf Green and White strips, and Seaside Pink and White stripes. What a fun shirt! I also found this bathing suit cover-up. The hard choice is the color. I am leaning towards the white, but may go for the black. While I was looking at the cover-ups, I found a few one-piece suits that may be more appropriate for relatives. This is one example. I always love black suits but I would also consider the blackberry or Merlot version. I like this one too except for all the straps on the back. I also took a quick peak at Coldwater Creek and found this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, and this.
Okay...off to watch the final part of the basketball game. Have a great evening and the rest of the week!
Are you ready for Easter? I have been crocheting a few things for Zoe. Thanks to Mel, I have been making these. I looked around on Ravelry and found this too. I want to make these too if I have time left after I make this. I decided that this would be a great way to make use of scraps and make an Easter holiday very special for Zoe. I hope Stephanie and Jack understand and appreciate it....I'm sure they will.
I made reservations today for the hotel in Bryan for the Anniversary trip. The hotel is one off those quaint places you would imagine to see if Route 66 was still as active as it was in it's heyday. It is also VERY close to mom and dad's house. Bryan is one of those quaint towns with downtown centered around a very historic city hall building. Here is another one. Trying to find a good picture of it is almost impossible unless I take one while we are there. I must admit, I am getting excited about the trip and the chance to see the family.
As part of that, I know that there are a few things I need. SO, this week's temptations will be clothing and such. Just bear with me.....I think that a nice bath robe is a good idea, and I like this one. I think I like the English Lavender color best but could live with the Ice Pink one if I had to choose it. I know myself and I think that this one may be more suitable to my body temperature. It also matches this pajama bottom and top. Of course, I could also sleep in this and this, depending on the weather there.
I was also looking around for shirts. I love this shirt, even though it is a man's shirt. Of course I would have it tailored just a bit to make it fit slimmer. It just looks so comfy and perfect for summer. I love three-quartered sleeve shirts and love this in Deep Fuchsia, Mid-Blue, Foliage, and Otter Brown. They are great for evenings out when you travel because you need a light sweater or wind-breaker on top of it and you're set. Of course, we all know that I am hooked on sleeveless shirts, and this one is no exception. I love the China Blue, White, and Crystal Blue solid version. The Blue Multi is my very favorite and will most likely be the first one I get.
Still looking for clothes, I found this dress. It looks so comfortable and I think it will be a great choice to travel with. Still searching for shirts, I came across this one. There are so many colors to choose from. I love White, Spice Brown, Blue, True Blue and White stripes, Surf Green and White strips, and Seaside Pink and White stripes. What a fun shirt! I also found this bathing suit cover-up. The hard choice is the color. I am leaning towards the white, but may go for the black. While I was looking at the cover-ups, I found a few one-piece suits that may be more appropriate for relatives. This is one example. I always love black suits but I would also consider the blackberry or Merlot version. I like this one too except for all the straps on the back. I also took a quick peak at Coldwater Creek and found this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, and this.
Okay...off to watch the final part of the basketball game. Have a great evening and the rest of the week!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Manic Monday
Super fast post this morning as I drink my coffee....
I am back from the YMCA and drinking my coffee. Great way to start the week! Intense cardio is great for Monday meetings!
First, I miss Jessica! The weekend was a little off kilter, as I was planning to go see her new place and spend the weekend a few hours away from home.....but work had other plans. Had to put in time, so I was unable to drive that distance and see her, the new digs, and go to The Tinsmith's Wife. I will be redeeming the rain check and making the trek out there because it will be SO worth it!
Good things did happen....the weather was fabulous and I was able to enjoy it both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday, SF and I spent the day doing all kinds of things, including watching some sports at Hooters. There is just something fun about an unplanned stop to grab a cold beverage (Fat Tire) and some wings while watching sports on that many TV's. We always have fun watching sports and Hooters lets us watch so many without anyone fighting over a remote....(no fighting would really take place, as I can watch almost anything - or knit if I don't like what's on).
SF has been riding the new bike and loves it! Actually, I did try on helmets and I think that I found one that is right for me. My head is so small that I need an XS. Go figure...all that hair but a peanut head....I also tried on this shirt and LOVE it! They did not have my size, but I will be looking for it over the next couple of weeks. And loving sleeveless shirts for summer, I want this one in white. It will look great with black shorts or a black skort. Now, don't laugh, but SF wants us to get matching shirts. We agreed on this one and this one. It will be an interesting thing, as I like women's shirts and she likes men's, so I may have to have the tailor make some alterations to make it a little more fitted. A girl has to do what is needed to get that perfect fit....
I want these for the bar. I also think that I want a set of these as well. For those of you that don't recognize the skull, it is Willie G.'s skull. He is the grandson of one of the original founders of Harley-Davidson. I am not a big skull lover, but his is unique and that is the appeal. July in Ohio will be fun with all the HD riders in my family - my dad, my youngest brother and his wife, my uncle, and SF. I'm not certain if I will even see her with all the bikes on hand....OY, I'll be in the kitchen with the ladies or on the porch knitting and getting sun....no bike for me until I have the degree.
Speaking of degree, I have the appointment to have the degree audit set now. I will be meeting with the counselor (I forget the politically correct term) on Tuesday, April 14th. I am a bit nervous, but I think it will be okay regardless of the outcome.
My Clapotis is almost done and it looks great! The yarn is delightful to work with and I will have to get more to make some socks. This has been a super fast knit and I am looking forward to making several. I need to whip one up for my baby sister. She lives in NJ and works in NYC, so she is always in search of warm things for her neck....she may even get a cowl too, but we'll see. My Princess Wrap is on skein number two and looks great too. I will be finishing the Clapotis today or tomorrow and then the Princess Wrap before the end of the month. I can't wait to block the Princess Wrap and find the perfect sun dress to go with it.....perfect for a summer dinner date....
Okay gang...off to work....Opening Day for Baseball! GO Astros!
I am back from the YMCA and drinking my coffee. Great way to start the week! Intense cardio is great for Monday meetings!
First, I miss Jessica! The weekend was a little off kilter, as I was planning to go see her new place and spend the weekend a few hours away from home.....but work had other plans. Had to put in time, so I was unable to drive that distance and see her, the new digs, and go to The Tinsmith's Wife. I will be redeeming the rain check and making the trek out there because it will be SO worth it!
Good things did happen....the weather was fabulous and I was able to enjoy it both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday, SF and I spent the day doing all kinds of things, including watching some sports at Hooters. There is just something fun about an unplanned stop to grab a cold beverage (Fat Tire) and some wings while watching sports on that many TV's. We always have fun watching sports and Hooters lets us watch so many without anyone fighting over a remote....(no fighting would really take place, as I can watch almost anything - or knit if I don't like what's on).
SF has been riding the new bike and loves it! Actually, I did try on helmets and I think that I found one that is right for me. My head is so small that I need an XS. Go figure...all that hair but a peanut head....I also tried on this shirt and LOVE it! They did not have my size, but I will be looking for it over the next couple of weeks. And loving sleeveless shirts for summer, I want this one in white. It will look great with black shorts or a black skort. Now, don't laugh, but SF wants us to get matching shirts. We agreed on this one and this one. It will be an interesting thing, as I like women's shirts and she likes men's, so I may have to have the tailor make some alterations to make it a little more fitted. A girl has to do what is needed to get that perfect fit....
I want these for the bar. I also think that I want a set of these as well. For those of you that don't recognize the skull, it is Willie G.'s skull. He is the grandson of one of the original founders of Harley-Davidson. I am not a big skull lover, but his is unique and that is the appeal. July in Ohio will be fun with all the HD riders in my family - my dad, my youngest brother and his wife, my uncle, and SF. I'm not certain if I will even see her with all the bikes on hand....OY, I'll be in the kitchen with the ladies or on the porch knitting and getting sun....no bike for me until I have the degree.
Speaking of degree, I have the appointment to have the degree audit set now. I will be meeting with the counselor (I forget the politically correct term) on Tuesday, April 14th. I am a bit nervous, but I think it will be okay regardless of the outcome.
My Clapotis is almost done and it looks great! The yarn is delightful to work with and I will have to get more to make some socks. This has been a super fast knit and I am looking forward to making several. I need to whip one up for my baby sister. She lives in NJ and works in NYC, so she is always in search of warm things for her neck....she may even get a cowl too, but we'll see. My Princess Wrap is on skein number two and looks great too. I will be finishing the Clapotis today or tomorrow and then the Princess Wrap before the end of the month. I can't wait to block the Princess Wrap and find the perfect sun dress to go with it.....perfect for a summer dinner date....
Okay gang...off to work....Opening Day for Baseball! GO Astros!
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