Phila

We took a trip to Philadelphia this week. What a fantastic time! I have over 200 pictures to prove it! Well, about 60 of them are baseball game pics, so they don't really count.

My nephew is a teacher in Orlando, FL. He had a student this year whose father is a pitcher for the Phillies. Graham asked if the dad could get him tickets for the Yankees games and he did!

My nephew and niece flew in from FL; my brother's family, Jay, and I went down to meet them. We left on Monday morning and arrived at our hotel in Cherry Hill, NJ early in the afternoon. The girls went to the pool. The boys and I went miniature golfing. Then we headed to the ball park.

On Tuesday we went to Phila and visited the Liberty Bell. That was my "must do". We walked to South St. and had cheese steaks at Jim's Steaks. Fabulous!!! I think we might just drive down there for dinner some night! We went back to the hotel for swimming and naps before the game.

Breakfast on Wednesday was at Dunkin' Donuts. My nieces wanted to go to the mall, so we said good-bye to them and headed to the zoo before taking Graham and Bridget to the airport.

It was so great to see my niece and nephew - haven't seen them since Molly's wedding in October. We had a great time and decided to do something like this every year.

The only bad thing was that my son was supposed to go, but something came up at work and he wasn't able to join us. But, we'll make sure he's with us next time!

35 years............

Today is Jay's and my 35th wedding anniversary. I can't believe it because I think of myself as 35 years old!!

All morning my mind has been playing a video of our life. Thank goodness I am remembering the happy things right now. I don't want to think about the people who have left and start crying.

Jay gave me a huge bouquet of daisies. This has always been my favorite flower. It was the flower for the bridemaids' bouquets at our wedding. Their dresses were pink with tiny daisies on them. I haven't thought about that in so long! And, it struck me that our daughter, Molly, who was married in October had pink dresses with black flocked flowers. So, she is a little like me I guess.

Jay has golf league on Mondays. He wanted to get a sub for tonight, but I told him not to. I know how he loves to play golf. I will meet him after and we'll have dinner at the club house.

Doing something special today isn't that important to me because we are together all day, every day now. We are retired and spend most of our time together. That is the best part of being retired. So far - almost two years - it has gone well. We haven't gotten on each other's nerves yet.

Guess it is true love!

OBX Album

I have finished my OBX album!!! I am so excited. Last summer my family spent a week at the Outer Banks with my two brothers' families. It was the best vacation we've ever had. Everything was perfect. I took a lot of pictures.

For Christmas, I gave my six nieces and nephews each a small album of the trip. That almost burned me out. I had to copy pictures, do a lot of the same layouts, and finish six albums in a short amount of time. The kids loved them because of all the wonderful memories they'll have forever from that vacation.

I went to a retreat two weeks ago and did over 50 pages. While I was there, I realized I was missing some pictures. I found them and finished the album this week. I can't believe I did a whole album in a total of 4 days(2 at the retreat and 2 at home). I am so far behind in my scrapping. I want to work, work, work on albums. For the past two years I have made too many albums as gifts. That is going to stop!! I am going to scrap for ME. It took this retreat to get back my passion for scrapping.

I'm off to put on the page protectors!

The Wishblade

I have a fabulous husband. I've known that for a long time, though.

Last weekend at the scrapping retreat, one of the Canadian girls had brought her wishblade. This is a machine that looks similar to a printer and hooks up to a computer. It has a blade system that cuts what you create on the computer screen. For scrappers, it is a dream. Find a font, type a title, and click "cut"!

DH stopped in to visit and I showed him the wishblade. He told me to get all the information and order it if I wanted it. I was very hesitant - cost, all the sizzix dies I've accumulated... I think those at the retreat thought I'd lost it! They couldn't believe I wasn't jumping for joy that he gave the go-ahead and I wasn't ecstatic.

I really am a frugal person, I guess, and had to convince myself this would be a purchase I could justify. On Thursday, I called Weezie in Canada with at least a thousand questions. She is such a wonderful person - patient, kind, persuasive!! She convinced me I could work the machine and to buy it. I also had a lot of pushing from my friend Sharon who lives in NJ. She was buying one and thought I needed one, too.

Friday night, I did it! I ordered my wishblade. I am calm and fine with this. I am not sure I will be the same when it arrives. I know I will be excited, but will also be a nervous wreck wondering if I will be able to figure out how to use it. I've joined a yahoo group, so maybe they can help. Poor Weezie will dread answering her phone!!

Now I have to make the effort to try to sell the sizzix dies I have. That would make me feel a lot better, I'm sure.

RETREAT

1. The act or process of withdrawing, especially from something hazardous, formidable, or unpleasant.
2. The process of going backward or receding from a position or condition gained.
3. A place affording peace, quiet, privacy, or security.
4. A period of seclusion, retirement, or solitude.
5. A place of sharing your love of scrapbooking and your friendship where you feel free to laugh, cry, dance, sing, eat whatever you want, wear whatever you want, forget the world and have a good time.

Before August 2004, my first thought when I heard this word would have been #1-2. I guess that would be from history classes.

Now that I'm a scrapper and have found the world of "retreats", my thoughts tend to go with #3-4 when I hear this word.

Actually, I think there needs to be a new definition! Although our scrapping retreats favor #3-4, I think we need to add #5!

This past weekend was spent with a fantastic group of scrapping ladies. The adventure started Thursday night at my house. I live in the town where the CNY Retreat is held. Three ladies from New Jersey and five Canadians arrived on Thursday so they wouldn't miss any of the retreat on Friday. Since they were in town, I thought I'd invite them to get together at my house. I already knew six of them from previous retreats, so knew it would be a good time. My husband was wonderful to help me clean and get ready. There was great anticipation waiting for them to arrive.

What an interesting evening! We started right in yakking away and laughing a lot. It got quite wild when one of the Canadians nonchalantly mentioned the Mexican Mennonites in her area. We who live south of the border had never heard of them and roared. Then she told a story about the Bandito Bikers. It went on from there!! At 12:30 am, they headed to the hotel.

Friday and Saturday were the big scrapping days. 24 women got together to share their love of scrapbooking. There was also a lot of sharing stories, laughter, and love. On Sunday morning after brunch, most packed up and headed home with lots of hugs, tears, and promises of more retreats to attend - even across the border into Canada.

Now when I hear the word 'retreat', I think of a gathering of people who want to have a wonderful time for a few days and just enjoy life.

The Chosen One

My 16 year old niece asked me to be her sponsor for her Confirmation.

First of all, I was shocked. I don't know why she chose me! Then, I was thrilled. It is very hard for me to take compliments or things of that nature, so I try to figure out why someone would pick me over others. But, I am thrilled that she did choose me. I love all my nieces and nephews to pieces and try to do special things for them to let them know they are special to me. [We had an aunt who we thought was great when we were little, but as we/she got older she became nasty. So, it has always been my fear that the kids will like me when they are little, but dislike me as they get older.]

We had rehearsal on Tuesday night. After, Haley asked me if she could drive our car home. Of course I let her. We took the long way. I gave her a few pointers and she had fun.

Last night we had dinner at her house before church. My whole family was there, plus my mom. She was thrilled with the SONIC gift card we gave her. There is one near the house we rent at OBX and the kids love it, especially since there are none in New York state.

The service was very nice. Haley looked beautiful. She did a wonderful job with her reading. The best part was when it was her turn to go up to the Bishop, the huge smile she had on her face when we left our pews to go down the aisle.

I know this whole adventure was more meaningful to me than to Haley just because she picked me to be her sponsor.

Cars

A year and a half ago our Envoy lease was up, so we had to find a car to buy. We couldn't afford an Envoy and the price of gas was beginning to rise at that time. I loved that Envoy. I felt like I owned the world when I drove it - I was up so high!! Guess that's important to short people. It was so roomy and comfortable. Whenever I see an Envoy, I miss ours more.

We bought a Subaru. We had great reports from people who have owned them. My husband researched them and found they rank at the top for safety. And, they get good gas mileage. So, we bought an Outback. At first I was happy with our purchase (but still would have rather had an Envoy!). Then the demons showed up. We could be driving along quietly and the radio would come on! Once we turned it off three times and each time it came back on. The overhead light didn't work, which really annoys me. When I called the dealership service department, they asked what we needed done. I said an exorcism. No response. Makes me think that a lot of Subarus have them!

Now it's the tires. We had about 28,000 miles on the car and the tread was worn was down. We asked about it and got a question back - had we rotated the tires as we should? Gee, I thought the service department would know the answer to that question! A few weeks later, we noticed that the outside edge of one tire was bald. Back we go. They say we have to contact the tire people as there is nothing with the car that caused it.

Here comes the vent! My husband called the tire people who just can't understand this. Must be they don't look on the internet about their products! DH found many complaints about this tire. He asked to talk to a higher up who put him on a conference call with a tire store in our area. The manager said that there are two different tires with the same product number - one they sell at the store and one that Subaru orders for their cars. The one you can purchase should last for 70,000 miles; the one that comes on the car should last 40,000.

The owner's manual says to contact the tire people.
The tire people say to contact Subaru.
The salesman told us to contact the dealership owner.
The owner says he's surprised and will try to find out something.

I say it's time to contact Eliot Spitzer - our state attorney general.

Something Good On The News!

The other night my mother called to tell me to watch the local news. They had on a great story. Then tonight it was on the national news. They'd played it last night and had so much response that they played it again tonight.

An autistic senior who is the manager for the high school basketball team in a Rochester, NY area school was told he could suit up and sit on the bench for the last game of the season. The coach told him he didn't know if he'd get in the game. Before the game, he talked with the opposing coach and said he had a special needs student he'd like to get into the game if possible and the other team's coach said it was fine.

With 4 minutes left in the game, J-Mac was put in to thunderous cheers from his fellow students. The boys wanted him to score, so passed him the ball. He took a shot which was a huge air ball. His second shot missed. The coach said he was praying the boy would make a basket. Well, he did - and that wasn't all. He made six 3-point shots tieing the school record! He ended up with 20 points. The students stormed the floor and lifted Jason on their shoulders.

To watch the video brought tears to my eyes. It is one of the greatest stories I've seen on the news.

The story has captured world-wide attention. Disney has contacted the family and wants to make the story into a tv movie!

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060224/SPORTS0102/602240373/1007/SPORTS

http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=7B0124C0-7D58-49A3-81EC-EF50A0D8D673

Computer Illiterate

It amazes me when someone asks me for computer help. I can e-mail, do a little in word, search, and a few other things.

I signed up for the new Creative Memories website. I am sure it is a mistake. I have read some threads on SS and have no clue what they are talking about.

I also see people's blogs with all kinds of links, pictures, and other cutesy stuff. I wish I had a clue how to put those things on my page!

My daughter needed a font for something at her work and was walking me through sending it to her from my computer, which wouldn't work. I told her I know there are free fonts sites. She wasn't sure they'd download at work, but did. Then she walked me through loading free fonts. I turned into a maniac and finally had to stop my self.

Maybe I'm only supposed to be able to do what I can do so that I don't overwork this poor machine. But, I really want goodies on my page like all the other kids!!

Happy Birthday

Today is my birthday! I had a great day, despite the fact that I have not felt well the past 5 days. I scrapped all day with three friends. One of them made me a spumante cake - yum!! I got my hair cut and was happy with that. DH, DS, DD, SIL, my mom, and I went out to dinner at a new restaurant run by a local college food service program. It was delicious and we had a wonderful time. I got lots of cards and phone calls from people I love. Also, I had a recruit sign under me as a Creative Memories consultant. That means I get a $100 gift certificate and a new watch! It was just a very nice day.

The Olympics Isn't The Olympics

I am disappointed in a lot of things going on at this Olympics. It just isn't the fun, amateur event it used to be. WADA is raiding the village, team members don't speak, "pros" are not happy because they aren't winning, and there is too much predictability. There is no "color" to these games. I want some excitement! Well, good excitement - not the snowboarder who had to show off and lost the gold and is now a hero for being a rebel.

I do love watching curling, though. Since this isn't one of the more popular sports, it hasn't been tainted yet like the others. I am not an expert on curling, but am able to explain some of the aspects to those who haven't watched before. I like how they have to think about what they want to do and make strategic plans for plays. Maybe I am drawn to this sport because you have to use your brain as well as your body.

I think the USA has embarrassed itself at these games, too. We whine a bit too much, make excuses, ski through the woods, and act ridiculous at times.

Maybe it's that I miss Jim McKay!!!

I Have A Cold

I have a cold and I am nice about it! Wednesday DH, DS, and I headed to DC for the purpose of moving DS's girlfriend to his city. We had a gorgeous day for packing and traveling - 70* when we left DC to head to NYS yesterday.

I have worn my winter coat every day, even on the days here when it's been in the high 30s and 40s. (We can have -30 in a bad winter!) Of course I didn't wear it in DC. And now I am paying for it. I was up a lot in the night - sneezing. I have been sneezing all morning. I don't want to be a grouch, but can't stop myself! I may also be getting paid back for telling someone the other day that for the past 3 years I have not been sick. I had no wood to knock on, so knocked on vinyl - it doesn't work!! While I was teaching, it seemed I'd get sick every year with a week's disease of some sort. It's been wonderful not having that happen. Guess my luck has run out.

Off to get more kleenex and a cup of hot tea. Drip, drip, drip - blow!!!

Special Olympics

DH and I were volunteers at the New York State Special Olympics this weekend. The whole experience has been overwhelming. Right now I am wondering and worrying about the groups from NYC way - I can't imagine they would have gone back today with the snowstorm that has dumped almost 2' of snow in the city; I can imagine how upset they all will be if they don't follow the schedule!

On Friday, we checked in teams. A representative from each group had to confirm the list of names, show proof of a medical release for each athlete, and get name bracelets. Some teams were the athlete and his/her parents.

The first athlete we met was a young man who was very friendly. I asked him where he was from - Queens. Then I asked what event he did - floor hockey. "I did it nine years ago, but got banned because I was wild." He went on to tell us that he has a degree - an AA degree from Queens Community College and works at the Flushing Library. I looked for him all day Saturday, but never found him! What a character he was.

Two other guys from the NYC group became the official luggage porters - some of the groups stayed in the hotel we were at. They found the luggage cart and took charge of getting all the luggage from the buses to the rooms. Every trip was speedier than the last! Finally, they announced they were taking the bus driver to his room.

On Saturday, we were assigned to the Olympic Village. This was an area where people could find fun or educational things to do when not involved with competition. Our building was the floor hockey events. The hockey they played was different than anything I'd ever seen. They use a dowel-pole about 3' long. The puck is a flat rubber circle with a hole in the middle. This is moved by placing the stick in the center hole and pushing it. This way, no one is swinging a stick!

Dental students from Buffalo checked teeth, the Lions Club had vision people there, an ear test was available, and a group was showing how they could do things to help them physically - basically exercise. There were games to play, a magician, a juggler, a balloon guy, a local radio station, the Syracuse University soccer team, and the local zoo had a display. We had several characters in those hot costumes; one being the Little Caesar guy.

Our job was at the hockey shooting. The Syracuse Crunch have a blow up cage with a goalie imprinted on a flap. There are five holes in the flap and the player tries to get the puck in a hole. We had to retrieve the pucks and make sure there was control!! We were busy most of the time as they loved using a real hockey stick. We had many repeat customers, so got to know a few of them.

One group of guys play ice hockey on Sunday nights. They play in a league with other handicapped people and even go to Canada. They told us how the Special Olympics pays for their rooms and everything. After each game, they'd come back to report they'd won. The semi-final game was rough and they almost had a fight. There was swearing, too. We heard it all - even the swearing that had gone on!!

Soldiers from Fort Drum Mountain Division were assigned to help later in the afternoon. I think they were to tear down the place. They enjoyed our hockey game and the miniature golf. The athletes gravitated to these people. One athlete walked up to a soldier and said, "I know what MP means - you are military police." Then he saluted.

I had a difficult time when the soldiers were talking with our buddies. The soldiers looked like they were barely out of high school. I told DH that they could be heading to Iraq. He told me they know what they're doing when they sign to join. I said no kid that age knows what they are doing! The guys were telling a group of the soldiers about their rough game. I don't remember how it evolved, but one of the athletes said, "Just go out and have a drink!" The soldier's face turned bright red. "We can't," he said. "We aren't old enough." He knew as well as I did that he was younger than the hockey team.

My mind has been boggled by this. Babies heading off to war, people who need so much care, people who are so dependent on others, the families who deal with some very difficult situations every day. Then I flip channels to the horrid politicians running our country (lumped as a group), the bazillions of dollars professional atheles, movie stars, and singers make and none of it makes any sense to me.

As we were leaving, DH thanked me for signing us up to volunteer. He said he had a great time. He is an amazing person, anyway. He was so good with the people. (I can't say kids as most of them were adults. I think the youngest age I saw was 11 and the oldest was 49.) He helped them hold the stick correctly, gave them several chances to shoot, and encouraged them. He'd high-five them or knock fists when they finished.

I got to watch the end of the championship game our buddies played. They won! We went to the medal ceremony. They shook our hands, high- fived, and thanked us for cheering for them. When we were leaving they yelled, "See you next year."