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MAXIE CAME BACK!!!

Boy, I wish she could talk and tell us where she has been these past few weeks. She was asleep on Colin's bed all day, though she allowed us to rub her tummy and scratch her ears before falling asleep. She had to have been someplace with food because she's still a hefty cat. And she still has a strong dislike for Blackie, the kitten.

I find it hard to believe that I was so sad and missed her while she was gone and I can't explain why I'm so happy she's back. It's only a cat after all!

I Remember When...

I used to drop my girls off in the morning at Under the Rainbow daycare/preschool in Georgetown, MA. They would cry, "Don't leave me!" even though they absolutely adored Trisha, their teacher. Then after work, at 5:30pm, I would arrive to pick them up and they didn't want to leave!

Three year old girls can be so temperamental! Just a preview to their teenage years! Lately, the little one has been reminding me of what my girls behaved like so long ago. Cute and adorable one minute, then it becomes like Invasion of the Body Snatchers the next! But you still love them.

I got to go. Zee wants my attention and she is pon-gooing big time! PU!

Just Some Stuff

C is filling out her 1st college application tonight. Any guesses as to where? If you guessed, "Worcester State" (where Jimmy is enrolled), you'd be correct! I think UNH is being applied to as well.

Kaya went to her 2nd dance class today. She almost wouldn't go because I tried to put her hair up in a ponytail. "I no want ponytail, so I no go my dance class!" I brought scrunchies with me just in case Miss Paula enforced the dress code. Miss Paula said she wouldn't push any child to do something they didn't want to do. So Kaya wins. She loves dance class and her new friend, Ella.

On the way home, I scored a FREE Step 2 slide and playhouse to add to my outdoor toy collection. I like Step 2 better than Little Tykes for outside toys. A neighbor was getting rid of toys that her kids had outgrown. B doesn't have his truck back yet so C and I strapped it on my car roof for the mile long ride home. A little scrubbing and it will be ready for playing with in their yard and mine for future grand kids.

Dreams

OK, I have vivid dreams once in a while. Some dreams stay with me only for the morning, others... a few days and still others... forever. I had a forever dream I back when C was just born. There was a huge flash of light followed by me not being able to locate T or C. Then later on, I was only able to locate C, in a brick, 3 story building. Another forever dream was a recurring one that always involved a bridge, a waterfall and me going over it, desperately trying to save others as I fell. I was RS president then and figured it symbolized just how fast my life was going out of control because after I was released, the waterfall dreams stopped.

Last nights dream was very vivid so I decided to write down to see if it too will be a recurring theme in my dreams.

I was in Spain. It was extremely cloudy or smoggy. We (in this dream, "WE" was me, a husband and a son. What's up with that, huh?) were trying to go over a bridge to do some sightseeing. The bridge was closed to let the American Airlines airplanes take-off from a nearby airport. There was lots of brown, smelly smoke coming from the front wheel area from each and every plane making the sky even more cloudy. The planes were loud and very close, almost as if one could reach out and touch them. They took off one after the other in a line, up through the clouds. The sky became translucent as the sun tried to pierce the opening in the clouds made by the planes. Looking up into the sky, I remember it looking like a tunnel.

Then the sentries opened up the bridge gates allowing our group to pass on to the other side. As we passed, I saw another bridge next to us with soldiers, 4 across, crossing their bridge to the side we just left. They reminded me of the plastic army guys in Toy Story.

As we got to the other side, the sentry was just opening the solid iron gate. I remember it was so heavy that he needed to lie on his back and use his feet to open the gate.

We came out into a gentle river with giant boulders. There were beautiful meadows and hills all around. Some of our group, including my son, jumped in the water and began swimming.

I noticed a huge commotion behind me on the other side of the bridge. I went to investigate and saw the sentry trying to open a lid to a pump. It reminded me of a cover that one would find on those blue water barrels, but made of metal and silicone. Apparently if he couldn't get this lid off and the pump open, the people on the river side would drown.

I tried to help him and get the pump open, but to no avail. I ran back to warn the people to get out of the water and up to higher ground. I felt like I was speaking French, I think, to my son that he was to get to higher ground and carry any children that he saw to safety. I didn't see my husband. (in this dream my husband wasn't B. That much I knew for sure. I couldn't tell you what this "dream husband" looked like... only that I couldn't find him.)

Then... I WOKE UP!! And no, I don't speak French!

So, does anyone out there have any dream translation abilities?

Trust

I love both of my daughters very much. However, I have different levels of trust in my 2 daughters. One, I know is prone to tell me untruthful things straight away but with enough proper interrogation, or as they may be known, "Guilt trips," the truth usually comes out. The other one I trust more due to her inability to keep a secret or a straight face. I know the majority of what she says will be the truth.

Their behaviors also give me cause to trust them differently. One has never had a grade go below a C and always completes her assignments on time. Her relationships with others, especially the boys, leads me to believe that she makes good choices. The other one? Well, she kept a journal and never cleaned up her room which gave me opportunities to check on her. Otherwise, I may never have known about some of her choices.

One is married now and lives far away. The other is a "legal" adult, but still a high school student living at home.

I'm not sure how I'll react if the circle of trust I've come to know and enjoy about her is broken. I pray and hope I never find out.

Ant Recipe

I'm fortunate to have a husband willing to sacrifice his health each spring and spread insecticide around the perimeter of our home. ANTS haven't been an issue.

HOWEVER, I remember living in places where the kitchen had those pesky crawlers and I was reluctant to use poison spray. I wish I had this recipe back then.

Getting Rid of the Ants (an easy and safe remedy recipe)

Mix some (whatever you feel comfortable with) liquid Original Blue Dawn dish detergent with water and put it into a spray bottle. Need I remind you to be sure it is a clean bottle and NOT one used for other liquids?

Spray the counter-tops, cupboards, area around the sink and windowsills with the solution, then wipe it dry. No need to rinse.

Ants HATE the odor and stay away. Children and pets are safe.

IF an ant becomes brave and ventures back into your kitchen, spritz it in its tracks and it won't be a problem anymore.

The Recipe and Feedback and Maxie

Harvest Stir-Fry (serves 8)

1 pound ground beef (ground poultry or pork would work too)

1 medium chopped onion

6 small, yellow summer squash, chopped

6 medium tomatoes, quartered (I used 1, turned out a little drier than it should be)

1 1/2 cups whole kernel corn

1T fresh oregano OR 1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

In a lg. skillet, cook the meat with the onions until it's no longer pink. Drain well.

Add the remaining ingredients. Cook and stir for 5-10 minutes OR until the veggies are at the tenderness you like.

Enjoy.

Feedback:

I liked it OK, too dry for my tastes. But I used less tomatoes (I dislike cooked tomato chunks, it's a texture thing). I think I'd use garlic along with other veggies such as green beans if I made this again.

C liked it but also found it rather dry. She thought it needed a gravy of some sort which led her to suggest that I use this recipe as a base for my Shepherds Pie (along with a gravy and minus the tomatoes) and top it with a potato mixture. Maybe I'll try that.

B is still out at Scouts. But he'll eat anything. I'll know if he liked it when he requests it for a meal later in the coming weeks.

Maxie, the cat (Gracie's mom and Zee's grandmother) has disappeared. She hasn't been seen since the day they left on vacation last week. I looked for her then and again this week, but nothing. I leave food out on the deck for her. It gets eaten, though I can't be sure that she's the one eating it. I think I'm sadder about this than the kids.

Maxie was an awesome cat. She didn't get along with the kittens. Since the family kept one, maybe she felt like it was time to move on. I like to think that is the case because it hurts my heart to think that she may have passed on to the other side in a violent manner such as getting hit by a car or carried off by a wild animal. Good Luck Maxie, wherever you are!

Look at me, all emotional over A CAT!

Observations

Today, I observed:

• A Momma and a Poppa out for an afternoon drive in their vintage, red Ford Model T.
• Very muggy, warm air on the first full day of fall.
• Many trees have begun their color change. A few weeks early?
• A house decorated from head to toe with Halloween decor. Also too early?
• To avoid stepping on cats while preparing dinner, I should... FEED THEM DINNER FIRST!
• and tried... a new recipe for dinner tonight. Recipe may follow... if they like it.
• Ooops! No one at home to try it out on.
• That our Fantasy Football team is ranked #1. Undefeated after 2 weeks! Bphlttt! to Brian.
• My mother in-law seems to know when I need a laugh and sends the appropriate junk mail.

Just a few of the things that I observed today. Hi T and C!!!!

No Mommy! Please You No Get Fat!

Ahhh. If only I had a child of 3 yrs to tell me those words when I became pregnant.

Yes, Krista is pregnant, not too pregnant yet, but yes, pregnant nonetheless. As I was leaving tonight the kids were all over her. One asked why her belly felt bigger. She told him it was just her body getting room ready for the new baby and her belly would be fat for a while. This devastated Kaya! She pleaded, "No Mommy! Please you no get fat!"

Baby S. is due in early May, as long as everything goes well. Just as the middle child goes off to kindergarten and I was looking forward to watching just the little prinpess, another little one will enter the picture. More poop diapers! I hope it's a girl.

The Young and the Old.

Today was her 1st day at dance class. This picture was taken with my cell phone so I apologize for the quality. She was sooo excited. When the teacher (Miss Paula) called for them to line up, she went without even looking back. Her older brother kept asking why she wasn't scared or shy like he was on his first day of school. I didn't have an answer for him because I was too busy being so proud of her.

BTW... It was the first time since May that she wore an outfit other than her Sleeping Beauty nightgown!

Later I had to go to Walmart's electronic department to upgrade T's cell phone. Why Walmart? FREE Upgrades of course, with a contract. I already have the contract so why not? AT&T stores have discounted phones with a contract, but no FREE ones. Anyway...

The clerk that helped(?) me must've been the oldest person in the world. Good for him that he can still contribute to society and have a job. Truly, I'm happy for him.

But it was late in the day/evening and I had little patience left. His "one finger" typing was very slow and frustrating. Then just as I thought he was done, he touched the touch screen on his computer which WIPED OUT ALL THE INFO that he had just spent so long inputting.

So he began again. What should have been a 10 minute visit, ended up being almost 90 minutes! He couldn't figure out how to insert the SIM card, then he forgot to hit the print button on his computer. Watching him look for the keys to open the display case to retrieve the new phone was exhausting for me.

So T, your phone will be in the mail tomorrow (insured). Next update cannot occur until 2011.

Family Day

Today was Family Day... literally. Larry and Maryanne (B's uncle and aunt from Hawaii) were visiting the NE area so the Lambert side of the family gathered at Heather and Cathy's newly renovated house for some food and conversation.

I must really be getting old though. I noticed the volume of the younger kids more than I ever did before. I know that my kids weren't any quieter when they were that age, but the volume never fazed me then. It could be that back then there were less kids to start with.

We had a nice time anyway. It was nice to see everyone and to hear of some of their accomplishments. Isaac had his 1st soccer practice, Natalie W is in 9th grade and taking Honors Biology. Gil took Logan, Charles and Robert to a boat show. The twins go to "school" and Avery still doesn't want to talk to me. Larry and Maryanne look tanned and healthy. Heather makes a delicious homemade artisan bread which she assures me is super easy to make, but I'll let that be her thing. My previous bread making experiences have not been successful and I'm scared to try again.

Both cats greeted us at the door and after eating some of their food, they fell asleep on me, well Zee did, not Gracie. She's asleep on the love seat near me. Holding Zee is making me type this blog with only one hand. Not bad, huh?

Rainbows

Whether you believe a rainbow in the sky is a sign from God that He will not flood the earth again or that leprechauns have left a pot of gold at the end of one or even if you think logically/scientifically and can prove that a rainbow is created by the sun shining through raindrops and splits the light spectrum, blah blah, blah... There's no denying, a rainbow is a beautiful sight!

Tonight's ride home had an eerie, almost spooky, feel. I was heading east on 111. The sky was dark and gray. Looking west in my rear view mirror, the opposite appeared. The sun was shining, white puffy clouds, so pretty. As I continued east, the rain began to come down in buckets. Thank goodness I got my wiper motor fixed 2 weeks ago!

Then, as I turned north onto 107, the rain stopped and I saw a large, colorful arch reaching towards the sunlight in the western horizon. It was breathtaking. I smiled the rest of the way home. By the time I got home, only 10 minutes later, the sun had dipped too low in the sky to allow me to see the rainbow anymore.

Still... it was a nice start to what I hope to be a wonderful weekend.

Is It Christmas Morning?

Finally sitting down after watching kids until 9 tonight. I guess the cats missed me. They are currently romping around the house at full speed. There has been thuds, crashes, things being knocked over, meows from the little one when the big one gets too aggressive and through it all, B and C are asleep.

It sounds like a thunderstorm or Christmas morning where tiny little feet make such a racket as they come scurrying down the stairs to see what Santa left. B could sleep through that too!

Now Gracie is trying to get through the screen to the moths outside. So noisy! Thank goodness for old metal screens. If we had the new stuff, she would've been through the window on the first try.

Hope everyone had a good day!

Zee and Gracie's Vet Info

Zee just came from her 3rd vet appointment, her last one before her "operation". She currently weighs 3.7 lbs and is normal. She's a SOLID cat, very strong, but she's extremely vocal! The vet says she should weigh about 6 lbs for her operation.

Her operation appointment is in November, one week before Thanksgiving. Once that's done, she won't need another appointment until early August 2010 for her rabies booster.

Gracie is up to date until 2012 for all her shots. She will need yearly wellness visits during that time. Both get Frontline treatments monthly from March through December.

I need to bring our own treats when we visit the vet. Our cats are "treat snobs". They will not touch the vet's treats at all.

More Memories.

I am in both of these pictures. One is obvious. The other one... well, let's just say I was too busy growing to be seen yet! Thanks again B for helping get these photos on my computer.

We Won!

We may not win another fantasy football match-up this year, so I'm savoring this victory over Brian's team for now. Ahhh.

And what about those Pats?!?!?!

I got home in time to see the game with just over 2 minutes to go. The Pats were behind and were NOT in possession of the ball. I thought all was lost!

Then as I was taking my pills... THE BILLS FUMBLE! PATS RECOVER! That's where Tommy boy really came through for us Pats fans! He threw a bullet pass to Ben Watson (my least favorite tight-end) who made a catch in the end-zone! YEAH PATS!

Then our defense stood strong in the last 50 seconds, surviving a lateral pass flurry from the Bills and WON!!

I guess Tom Brady's knee is fine and marriage to a super-model hasn't knocked him off his game. GO PATRIOTS!

Another Memory

Thanks to B for scanning some old photos to me so I can have them on my computer. This is the last family portrait taken shortly before my mother died in 1968. T and C, can you pick me out?

Just Say NO... Yeah, right!

I was sooo looking forward to this week. B is working, C is in school and the kids are in Maine on vacation. I was going to be able to putter, with no one around! It was going to be AWESOME!

Then I learned that Krista's neighbor (C worked for him this summer) hired a nanny that was allergic to cats and had to quit. This guy can't seem to catch a break! Which is why, I suppose, I can't say, "NO" when he asks for my help.

So, instead of having a 2nd week of vacation, I'll be picking up his kids from school at 2, watching them until 6 (or 9 if he needs to go to a support group for his impending divorce and custody battle). It doesn't sound too bad hour wise, but it's right smack dab in the middle of the most productive time of my day and I don't get another vacation until next summer (and that might be a working one in Ireland).

So I need to find the silver lining... I'll be bringing more money home so we'll be able to get the repairs done on the house faster. UGH! Now I'm depressed again because I mentioned those repairs. I'll shut up now.

Games and B

I like playing games, most any kind of game. Unless I'm playing a game against B. He needs to know and enforce every rule, in every game, to the point where it's not enjoyable to play. He takes the simple joy of counting each space aloud because he has memorized how many spaces there are on the board, goes there and tells you where you will land on your roll. ARGH!

So, WHY then, if I know how he gets playing games, am I partnering with him for Fantasy Football this year? Well... I do like to win once in a while, so it's BECAUSE of the way he plays games that I'm putting myself through this! Go figure! Go Virginians!

(In case you're wondering, our team name is VIRGINIANS because we are Fantasy Football "virgins" and not because T lives in VA. Sorry T!)

BTW... we may need to rethink Ken Orton as our backup QB choice. I knew there was a QB controversy in Denver and now I hear that many teams have dropped him from their roster. Also, Brian says..."Bring it on!"

Fantasy Football

This picture of C is in the lead. Thanks for your emails, comments and for checking out her Facebook page.

NO, we didn't get to go on our canoe trip this weekend for too many reasons to list. But we did get much accomplished. Lawn was edged, branches were trimmed, mulch and housework were worked on and the discovery of some major wood rot near the foundation of the house (where the previous owners attached the deck) which will need to be dealt with in the near future.

We've joined a Fantasy Football League. Brian (husband of Krista, father of the 3 kids) is a manager of a league and needed a few more teams. Since he's paying for it... why not? B and I are fans of the Pats. We don't know much about other players, but it sounds like fun and will be a welcome distraction from the house repairs we face. (Note to T... how's the job searches coming? We could use the $ we pay on your loan for structure repairs)

B will be the one doing most of the research on the players and possible trades. I'll contribute when I feel I know enough about the players. Otherwise, I'm more of the silent partner.

I know... unless you like football, this activity sounds boring.

Which of these pictures of C are YOUR favorite? These have yet to be "retouched," but you get the idea. Enjoy the view! The first 3 pictures you will view are "bloopers" and cannot be chosen! In the next few days there will be more pictures to view, so stay tuned!Brrr, it's cold! blooper
Number 11
Number 10
Number 9
Number 8
Number 7
Number 6
Number 5
Number 4
Number 3
Number 2
Number 1
Number C-1
BTW, these pictures have been placed in random order as not to sway the vote for any particular photo that I may like best. Have fun and I look forward to your comments and results.

And now it begins... or ends?

C is out with Krista this evening. She's taking (FREE) photos of C at various places in and around the Newburyport/Plum Island area in hopes that one of the pics will be C's yearbook photo as well as one for me to blow-up to 16x20 for display on my wall, next to T's senior pic.

C is also busy filling out her universal college application to send to various places of higher education. SAT registration is this month and I hope B is staying on top of this so C doesn't fall through the cracks as teenagers tend to do.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!!

New Recipe... for me anyway

This is a quick recipe to help use apples, which are just about "in-season" in New England.

Apple Pan Betty (serves 2)

1 medium apple, peeled and cubed

3T butter (don't be cheap or healthy, use REAL butter! Though you can use a bit less, it's up to you.)

1 cup bread, cubed (older bread instead of fresh works best)

3T sugar ( yes, one can use a little less sugar, but why would you want to?)

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

In a small skillet, melt the butter and saute the apple cubes for about 2-3 minutes or until the cubes are tender.

Add bread cubes. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Toss to coat. Saute until bread is warm.

Serve immediately.

Optional: Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

In a Galaxy Far, Far Away...

I know, that's how the movie, Star Wars, begins, but it felt right using it as my title today.

I accidentally heard from the galaxy of T this afternoon.

Accidentally?

The child she watches 3 days a week (yea! A steady, part-time, paying job!), pushed the speed dial on her phone and got me. Thinking something was wrong because she doesn't call anymore, I kept calling her back until she answered.

She says she's doing well and we talked about cell phones for a bit. Since she has more of a job than before (which was none) we have decided to keep her on our family plan. Hopefully she'll use this as a hint to call us more. We know her too well so, probably not.

She didn't say how Michael's job search is going, but I hope all is well. He's too old to be working full-time in the low wage, fast food industry unless he's the owner of the franchise. Just my opinion.

Back to School

Connor started first grade today. Long day for him now, but he loved it. I must admit, I did too until about 2pm. That's when his siblings noticed he still wasn't home and began to worry. That shouldn't last too long though. He's very nervous as one can tell by the position of his hands, but boy! What a smile!

And here's a quick video of Zee with a paper bag.