I found it!

I sleep in a king size bed and since last Winter have been on a mission to locate a twin size electric blanket. This might sound a little odd, but it actually makes perfect sense. Greg is always "burning up" (year round) and I am always cold. It was mid-Winter last year when I realized the perfect solution. Of course at that time all the native Texans were deep into their 'arctic' season. For me that meant...no electric blanket to be found - ANYWHERE!

I got lucky yesterday when it was 87 degrees and located my new electrified blanket. :o}

Public Restrooms...gross!!

It doesn't matter how "nice" a bathroom is they are still gross. There are a few things that I want to gripe about:

1. That industrial size roll of toilet paper that is so thin you need four yards of it to get anywhere makes me crazy. The paper is so thin that it breaks just from the sheer weight of the mondo sized roll.
2. No matter the layout of the sink there is NEVER a dry clean place to set your personal belongings while you wash up. Shelf above sink + soap dispenser above shelf = wet, soapy shelf.
3. Auto on/off water faucets are a pain. It becomes a battle of skill and patience to get it to come on and then to stay on long enough to wash off the soap lather.
4. How hard is it to empty the trashcans? Honestly, from the appearance of the trashcans it looks as though they haven't been emptied in weeks. What am I supposed to do with my trash when I approach the recepticle and you couldn't sqeeze a toothpick in there? By the spillover on the floor others before me gave up trying, too.
5. I prefer the maze type entrances (sans doors) so there is one less bateria infested object that I am subjected to.

Bike Safety Rodeo

www.SweeTeaShirts.com - SweeTea fan

Things of excitement going on

Since my last post was in June it is evident that Facebook has taken over my posting activities. I have to admit that I miss blogging.

• I've got a new nephew, Keller Vittorio born 08/21.
• I made the www with my favorite SweeTea Shirt.
• Violin lessons still in the works. I finally got my teacher to 'bend' and agree to teach me a 'way too advanced for me' tune. Just because it is a beautiful song and I want the challenge to learn it. Yeah Aline! Thanks!!
• I have survived another annual Financial Services paraprofessional training. This year was hideous!!
• Car shopping. So torn...I like NOT having a car payment!
• Volunteered for the Bike Safety Rodeo - 200+ Kinder thru 2nd graders...whew!
• Actually hiked to an area of our property that I have never been to. Nice.
• Looking forward to the Fall. Greg and I get alot accomplished around the Hill this time of year. Mostly my fault - I am very disagreeable when the weather isn't PERFECT for labor activities.
• Start holiday shopping festivities with girlfriends this weekend, to be followed by sushi (rice & cucumber*) dinner. Heck yeah!
• Gonna take a 'Bite out of crime'. I get to be McGruff for Nat'l Night Out festivities.
• For our 10th anniversary Greg and I will be attending a friend's wedding. Perfect celebration!
• Elective surgery scheduled for my two week break in December. Finally!!
• I have trips scheduled for the upcoming year (AK in February, IL in May).

*my brother Donnie teases me about my "so-called sushi" endeavors

I must say I have lots to be thankful for and tons to look forward to and the possibilities are always endless.

Flying Fish, Fort Worth, TX

Greg and I ate dinner with his mother at a restaurant they go to often. This was my first, of many to come, time to eat there. The food was great.

Something that caught my eye was the decor. The room we were in was the Billy Bass Adoption Center.

I chased a turtle

They are quicker than one might believe. Notice the gait. Believe me he was moving at a pretty good clip.

Whew!

I have been too, busy to post. Admittedly, Facebook has captured most of my free time. Here are a few of the items that have occupied my time:

• Volunteered with the PD at the Red, White & Blue Festival. Great celebration but H-O-T!
• Camping. I had a bat fly at my head while cooking pork chops. D-A-N-G!!
• Volunteered to work with the HV police auxiliary at the 2nd annual charity bike run. Fun but H-O-T, H-O-T, H-O-T! I got to direct traffic. Thank you Cpl Cameron for helping me out.
• Contacting descendants of Greg's grandfather's siblings (31 of them). We found some utilizing the internet (property tax site searches, Facebook, etc.). If you're interested and have hours to waste call me and I'll give you the condensed version.
• Practicing violin for improvement, but mostly to entertain my Eeny-Boo kitten. She LOVES it!!!
• Two day conference (work-related). I don't see the value, I have too, much work at the office. Gimme the online versions any day!!!
• Pedicure with the hubby. It's been awhile for him. He won't admit it but he likes them.
• Found my deacon's bench...oh, happy day!
• Hosting roughneck convention in the NE corner of our property.
• I have mowed twice in six days. I cannot wait for the heat to fry the grass.
  

The pace of things happening is often difficult to keep up with. As usual I am grateful to have the ability to participate in every bit.

Maximize coupons

You can actually get both bottles of shampoo (example product) for free when the store has a buy-one, get-one free sale. A combination BOGO coupon plus the BOGO sale is all you need. When the first bottle rings up it makes the second one free AND the coupon makes the first bottle free.

If the store insists you purchase an item, buy three bottles. In this case you will pay for one and get two free. Still a DEAL!

Happy couponing...

Ham & Eggs, Lewisville, TX

Heard about this restaurant from an Alaskan surgeon's nurse. Portions would most likely be described as Texas-sized when they should actually be declared Alaskan-sized (only because Alaska is bigger). We took home more food than we ate while at the restaurant. Between Greg and I we ordered A biscuit and gravy (HUGE), a short stack (2) of pancakes and a side of ham. The ham was a little tough, but the pancakes were the best I have ever had. Between the two of us we only managed to eat one pancake and the biscuit and gravy.

We will visit again.

A week of enlightenment

• Both of my brothers and I are really finicky about bananas.
• Punctuality is not a strong Wingate trait.
• The Anchorage International Airport has changed more than Palmer, AK.
• You can get arm muscles without working out. I went for a week to help with Bob after his surgery and just from helping lift him up I got guns.
• When you go home everything does seem smaller.
• I like being "Aunt Keezie".
• First class seating is the way to go.
• Two-year olds have a way of melting your heart.
• Papa's house is a neat place to be.
• The bicycles that my brothers and I rode in elementary school would now be considered antiques. They are locked in a shed at my Mom's and I even got to touch them.
• Bob is the original MacGyver.
• Reminicing with Donnie at Papa's house was fun.
• Shawn can eat an entire roasted chicken from the grocery store as a snack.
• Getting lost in downtown Anchorage at midnight is interesting.
• It's a small world when the chocolates delivered with flowers in Wasilla, AK are from Fort Worth, TX.

Another Chuckle....

This photo was taken today in Fort Worth....hee hee hee!

Swine flu....someone with some humor had fun!

Caught my eye

I rarely notice things like this but for some reason it did catch my eye. I chuckled.

Is 39 too old for prom?

I worked at TMS this weekend. A high school prom...pretty cool. My observations:

Girls don't wear the dresses they used to. It used to be about the hoops. Now its about how little material you can get away with wearing. The dresses were nice but they always make me think of expensive call girls. Of course, this is the one time in all of our lives when we really have the body to get away with it.

Girls still act like girls no matter how 'dressed up' they are. Actually, they act like you would expect any immature teenage girl that is 'dressed down' like that.

There are no comfortable shoes for these events. I even noticed several girls with flip flops and one with tennis shoes (smart one).

I knew most of the music played by the DJ. Some of it was played when I went to prom and its still being played today!! Since when did Vanilla Ice's - Ice, Ice Baby become a classic/oldie.

Girls still cry at proms.

Girls still argue with boys about dancing.

I won the prize for the most unique item found under the table when we cleaned up. A pacifier??

I saw humor in this...

I was conversing with my little sister about my violin lessons. I commented that maybe by my birthday next year I can play Happy Birthday. She chuckles and says, "yeah, and in Spanish."

Well I couldn't resist:

I think I am going to request a Spanish version of my music book

Badda dum bump!

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha

Orange Jumpsuit $17.00

My plans for this weekend include:

wheel alignment and brake job

planting some flowers to brighten up the homestead

hooking up with the FaFa family for some Parker County BBQ

commencement of Spring/Mom-is-coming-to-town cleaning

a movie?

a nap or two!!

definitely some birthday cake...yummo!

FancEy Violin

I got a surprise from my brother today. Aside from the obvious generosity the gesture of taking the time to research and select one just for me means the world to me. Thank you seems like such an insignficant response when my heart is filled with such joy from his kindness.

I received a purple, yes purple, violin. I never knew there was such a thing. He did an awesome job with the selection. Purple is my favorite color. It came with a case, bow, rosin, extra strings and a shoulder rest. I have a lesson this week and will get it tuned.

I am so excited to have an instrument with personality. I think it would only be that much cooler if I could attach some rhinestones with my initials. You know kinda like Stevie Ray Vaughn and BB King do with their guitar straps. Unfortunately, that would probably affect the sound of the violin. Wait, I know, I can decorate the case. Hang in there for photos of that project to follow.

It won't be long and I will be playing music.

CPR saves lives

Productivity feels GREAT!

My normal work week isn't this busy. Today~

Oil changed
Tires rotated and balanced
These two items require that you rise at the crack of dawn because if you are not there when the places open you will be there all day. No sleeping in for me.

Fruit and veggie shopping
The crowds at my favorite grocery store are RIDICULOUS. I much prefer this task during the week during my lunch hour. It's still busy 'cause everyone else has the same idea I guess. Just not quite as bad.

Hair cut, color and highlights
I am beginning to resent the time and $$$ that my locks leach from me. I was at the salon from 11:30 - 3:00. The small fortune I got to pay would have made a decent car payment for someone - aaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

Changed belt on vacuum cleaner
I managed to suck up a cat toy earlier in the week and not so surprising the vacuum cleaner did not appreciate this. I managed to remove and replace the belt ALL BY MYSELF....yeah me! I then proceeded to vaccum just as I had intended days ago when the encounter with the cat toy occurred.

It is 6:00 and I am just now sitting down to watch a movie before my hubby gets home.

Wish me luck...I am excited!

In three weeks I will have reached the marker of one year left until the big 4-0. In the spirit of finding myself and growing up/growing culturally, yadda, yadda, yadda, I am reaching back (okay way back) to my childhood for inspiration.

In 5th and 6th grade I played the violin and upon graduating to middle school (7th grade) learned my school didn't have an orchestra program. No problem, Mom stepped up to the plate and voila, private lessons were arranged. This worked until I got ill for a period of time and never returned to the lessons.

I have a coworker that received a violin for Christmas from her husband and is currently taking lessons. Today, she dazzled me with her skills. Well, I don't really think they quite yet qualify as a skill, but hey give a 30-something some credit.

I already have a call in to the music academy. I am currently looking for an instrument.

So for those of you asking what you get a 39 year old that has cats and cupcakes as a hobby for her birthday, this may help.

Good News for morality

Prostitution is down because you can't make $$$ like you used to. Seriously, this is the story I heard while getting ready for work this morning. I guess times are hard in all employement industries?!

Can I please add to the conversation

On Tuesday, I got to visit my dentist office for my twice a year cleaning. I love my dentist, and have used the same one for the last sixteen years. She is the only doctor I have ever had that calls in the evening to be sure that everything is fine.

Upon examination it was determined that I had two fillings that needed taken care of before the next six month visit. While I was checking out someone called to cancel their visit, so I was immediately escorted to the room where said fillings would occur.

It killed me to sit there numbed up with many fingers, tools and other apparatuses in my mouth. As many know and to my husband's GREAT displeasure, I have an opinion about everything and feel compelled to share it at every opportunity.

The subject matter covered society, teenagers, Obama and other topics just seeking my input. I did make several one-word comment attempts that the dentist understood without any difficulty. She translated for the hygienist.

To add to my frustration I was making the effort the try and recall what I would have said if I could have been an active participant, however, this has become increasing difficult for me. I can often be mid sentence and find myself lost in the point.

All I have to say is yes I am disappointed in our society, teenagers are no fun and its a matter of time before Obama has fallen short on his promises.

Roughing It in Highland Village

Greg and I enjoyed a fantastic weekend with Layla. As promised here are some photos of Rafael. Rafael found a girlfriend and we are really fond of her.



Friday night was Pei Wei and wine in the RV.
Saturday was a special treat. Greg made banana pancakes and bacon for breakfast.


Saturday night was chicken fajitas...and wine.



We even had smores. With a burn ban in effect open flames weren't allowed outdoors. Greg managed fine with the gas stove and microwave. They were delicious!

I've HAD a secret

Well, for the last several weeks I have been in cahoots with a local framer. I am so pleased with the final results. The photos don't do them justice.

The project involved some items that I personally think my husband should take alot of PRIDE in. I felt there would be no better way to honor his accomplishments than to display them honorably. I know that someday we will proudly display them on his office walls in our new home.

I have one item that is not complete and another that is in the planning stages.

Starting to feel like home

I have added only a few touches of home to the RV trailer. This certainly won't be the bachelor pad that Greg doesn't need or the macho cowboy cottage/man cave he has day dreamt of. It is however, something the he and I both can enjoy together and look forward to.

It has been so exciting getting the old camping gear together. Man have we accumulated the 'stuff'. Greg had gear from BC (before Christine) but trust me when I say we have added to his collection. You may now officially dub it community property.

I managed to get a photograph to hang on the small metal vent-a-hood in the kitchen. Greg has never been impressed with my 'need' to be surrounded by pictures. I will find any space and occupy it with a picture...it's just another gift I possess, and believe me I am gifted.

I purchased a down comforter for the bed in the RV. Yippee, another item to keep me toasty. Greg would prefer to sleep on an iceberg with a jet engined powered fan blowing directly in his face. I did find an oscillating fan that he can clip to his side of the bed. I really think this RV adventure is going to work out just fine.

I found a nick knack of sorts to adorn the mobile campsite. He doesn't take up much space and we have already named him. Stay tuned for photos of Rafael.

Walk down memory lane

My Friday morning started off with a lemon filled donut, thanks to my coworker Teresa. This was the beginning of a few thoughts that I took a moment to recall.

Lemon filled donuts remind me of my Dad. It was my favorite when we made trips to Dunkin Donuts.

Coca~cola and peanuts remind me of my Granddaddy Wingate.

Fighting of which of us would get to lick the Kool-Aide packet reminds me of my cousin Chelle.

Making chocolate pies reminds me of my Granny Wingate.

Red slushies and shucking corn reminds me of my Grandpa Mollohan.

Snapping beans reminds me of my Grandma Mollohan.

Monday...oh no!

I have to admit that Monday is my least favorite day of the week. Once it is over with the rest of the week tends to come and go pretty smooth. As usual I have high hopes for a productive week.

Aside from work I have an interview Tuesday evening for a volunteer opportunity.

Wednesday I have a doctor's appointment and an appointment with Greg to take possession of our newest indentured servitude acquired asset.

Saturday I have new employee orientation for a seasonal employment gig.

I am sure in between all of this there will be the usual household duties accomplished. Just writing it down I already feel sucessful. I hope that you have productive one, too.

Happy Valentines Day

Here are my V-day cupcakes. Greg took them to work for the employee assistance fundraiser. The flavors were chocolate and buttercream with a brownie heart AND orange cake with chocolate frosting.

It's amazing...

what you can accomplish when you wake up at 4 am.

laundry is done
cats have been 'furminated'
kitchen is clean
2008 taxes are done
watched two movies

preparing to:

bake some cupcakes

(~~)n%dl before HVPD

Oh yeah...this one is all about Gregory at Azle PD - enjoy!

"Please put out her Grace's hair."

I must say this quote was the only comedic thing I found in either of them. It occurs when the Duchess is intoxicated and bumps into a chandelier catching her wig on fire.

Two period films in one day. Another good one; although, I did like The Other Boleyn Sister best.

Holy cow! Apparently, in the 16th - 18th centuries daughters of the family were really a bargaining chip for status and wealth. Not that they had anything to do with the decision of marriage. It was all based on greed for status and wealth made by the family. Joy, honor, contentment and true love be damned.

Crap what a miserable existence. Human breeders. Funny that no matter how many children were born the goal of a marriage was the creation of an heir (a son). That is an actual expectation of this 'contract'.

Oh and by the way, the bastard children don't count, only the ones you have with your spouse. Go figure!

OmG!!

EXCELLENT movie!

Sibling rivalry..whew! Historic, literally.

Could you imagine

If Sarah and Obama were to compete on Dancing With the Stars...as partners!?!? Talk about boosting the ratings.

If carbs and sugar were the 'fruit and vegetables' of our diets. Well I have tried to survive off carbs and sugar and boy is it fun for awhile. That is until your body starts screaming for protein.

If life was actually perfect, what exactly would that mean?

If there wasn't a need to have a job. What would you do instead? I personally would would travel, volunteer and sleep in A LOT!

Have I mentioned

how happy I am that Greg has moved to HVPD. The following is a small example of why:

At Greg's request I modified an updated department form in a format that could be filled in on the computer vs. handwriting it. It didn't take much time or effort and as usual I dazzled him with my skills. Apparently, this is something that several officers can utilize.

Today, and I might add to my ASTONISHMENT I personally, received an email from Greg's corporal thanking me. He also mentioned that the department is glad to have Greg on board and what a wonderful contribution he is to the department (nothing the rest of us didn't know).

Now, this isn't a horn tootin' blog entry (and so what if it was) but, the alternative to this would be the Azle-way:

• Avoid anyone attempting to make any, however slight, difference at all costs!


• If possible trash them and attempt to degrade their character, preferably in public.

God does work miracles and Greg and I can vouch that they are evident in both large and small doses.

It is a shame

to live a life so full of excess. I have made a commitment to rid our home (mostly our closet) of the over abundance that we have managed to accumulate.

Closet shelves are spilling to the floor, drawers are overflowing and the weight on the closet rod is sure to give at any time.

I am on a mission to give it away or throw it away.

The trick will be to not get back to this point.

Highly Recommended

Last Saturday I saw Gran Torino, the new movie with Clint Eastwood. I must say it was excellent.

CAUTION: If you have jumped on the PC wagon and get qweezy from derogatory racial references this won't be a movie for you. Throw in some not so pleasant language and violence and you have the makings for greatness.

However, to put things in perspective it is completely acceptable to the character in movie. I say this due to the background and age of the character.

I think this is a movie that Greg and I will add to our collection.

No subtlety

I'm gonna be an Aunt...AGAIN!

Uncle Bubba

Sad news today - my Uncle Bubba (Robert) passed away on Saturday. He has suffered a long illness and it is finally over. I don't have any recent memories to share of him, but some great ones from my childhood.

Recalling childhood memories is such a joy as an adult. There are different sensations experienced as an adult than those as a child. For instance, as an adult I no longer play with frogs. I can't stand to touch their skin...it's yucky!

As a youngster I LOVED to play with frogs. My Uncle Bubba and I used to go out in my Granny's yard in the dark and chase them. We would capture as many as we could find and place them in them a wash tub filled with water. We would sit and laugh and watch them swim in the wash tub.

Just two weeks ago I got a voicemail from Uncle Bubba that has more meaning than I could have imagined at the time. He took the time to call me, wish me a Merry Christmas and wish me many blessings. Such a touching gesture from a man that I haven't been in touch with in many years. It is something I will never forget.

There is no doubt that he was a kind, sweet, gentle and caring man. One that took time to care for others when he needed caring for himself.

I wish his children comfort, knowing that he is at peace and no longer suffering.

Wouldn't this be a GREAT headline for Azle News

...vows to train personnel and develop a policy that reflects changes in attitude, service delivery, image and public perception.

Hate to dissapoint, but a girl can always dream can't she.

Kudos to Galveston article here.

Kind of mind blowing the complexity of simply renting a video...

I visited Blockbuster yesterday and it felt like forever since I have been. Greg and I do pretty well with seeing new movies quite frequently; however, apparently, we have missed out on a lot.
I rented seven new releases - well I am confident they are fairly new anyway. Blockbuster has changed how movies are rented (AGAIN). You may now rent new releases for $1.99 for 1 day or $4.99 for 5 days. I opted for the one-day rental on all seven. Not that I expected to watch all seven in 24 hours, but I couldn't decide which ones I would watch first.

This decision is important, because in all likelihood we will complete watching them within two days. I am returning the ones I have already watched tonight before the store closes. The ones that don't get returned tonight will be charged another $1.99 which is a savings as long as they are all returned before close of the second day of rental.

The Women - drama, good
Wanted - action, odd, but good
PS I Love You - drama, excellent, I cried 15 minutes into it and continued pretty much throughout. There were moments of laughing, too. These are my FAVORITE kinds of movies.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall - yuck...don't waste your time or $$$

On deck:
Righteous Kill
Eagle Eye
Burn After Reading

Greg is off tomorrow so I am confident the others will be returned by tomorrow.

Back to WORK

This is the first week back to work for me. I am truly fortunate to have a job that gives me lots of time off. I was lucky to spend Christmas and New Years with my Mom & Bob in Alaska. I enjoyed a white Christmas which is really rare for someone that lives in Texas. I even caught a glimpse of my nephew Carson for about three hours.

The second part of my fortune equation is my hubby and punkin noodle, Gregory. Greg is always agreeable to letting me spend time away to visit with my family. Since none of them live in Texas this does give me great opportunities for travel.

I am grateful for the understanding.

Thanks for sharing

Believe It or Don't

If you have ever been curious if it was possible to experience temperatures ranging from -25F to 72F within one day, ponder no longer.

It is possible...that is if you leave Anchorage, AK and travel to TX in January.

TIP: Change out of your long underwear as soon as humanly possible and pray to God that there is a smidgen of room left in your carry-on luggage to store them.