I raised the white flag

As I think I've mentioned in this blog before, I don't like to stop reading a book. Even if I don't like it. Well, I decided life's too short and there are too many books to be read.

So, I raised the white flag on Barbara Kingsolver's Lacuna. I read just about half (200 pages) and I was just bored with it. It had its interesting historical fiction aspects, but overall? Dull.

So, now I'm onto Cleaving by Julie Powell of Julie & Julia fame. I seem to have gone from one weird book to another. I like the portions of the story that talk about Julie's life, but the sections that go in depth into butchery? Ehh...I'm all set.

We'll see how long it takes before I raise the white flag on this one...

Past season Coach pocketbook, oh how I covet thee...

No further words needed. Well, just some luck is needed...I'm hunting it on eBay!

Well hello there, stranger!

So much for blogging everyday about one letter of the alphabet.

So much for November being National Blog Posting Month and some people posting everyday.

So much for changing the "What I'm Reading Now" everytime I pick up a new book. (Although I am updating it now and am excited to get into The Lacuna, Barbara Kingsolver's new book.)

My life has been pretty stressful lately. School. Work. Holidays. I've been bad with keeping in touch with my friends lately, too. Sorry peeps -- you know who you are and you also know how guilty I'm feeling right about now.

HOWEVER...the light at the end of the tunnel is upon me! I've just completed my last assignment for this semester!!!!! Whoo hoo!!!!

I'm sure I'll find some other excuses why I don't blog more frequently, but I'll try not to... See ya 'round.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer.

Those two words can be so powerful & scary. I remember when my sister-in-law told me she had breast cancer. She was crying. My heart was pounding.

I remember when I learned my Grandma was sick with breast cancer. I was young and didn't know what it really meant. I just knew that she wasn't well enough to play Scrabble with me anymore and kept telling me that we'd play when she got better.

I remember when my Mom told me she had breast cancer. A few months after her diagnosis she told me that she hadn't been surprised...in a way she was expecting it. Either I was expecting it or I was just numb and in denial. I didn't cry, but I was afraid.

Both my sister-in-law and my Grandma lost their battle with breast cancer. For my grandma, it was too late once she was diagnosed. She was afraid of doctors and didn't go when she should have. I never got to play Scrabble with her again, but I think of her everytime I do play. My sister-in-law waged her battle for five years. I remember when we first met and became fast friends. She welcomed me into my husband's family and we considered each other sisters. I miss her a lot.

My mom is the lucky one. She's a survivor. And anyone who knows my mom shouldn't be surprised by this. She's small, but she's STRONG.

So, at some point this month, take a few minutes to remember those who have/had breast cancer. If you haven't had a mammogram -- GET ONE!!

All About "A"

Before I start talking "all about A," I thought I clue you in. In order to try and write more frequently in my blog, I'm going to try to write for 26 days straight, one entry for each letter of the alphabet and how words that begin with it relate to me. OK -- let's get started!

Apples -- I like apples, but I've recently discovered that my favorite kind of apples are Pink Lady ones. I just did a little Wikipedia reading on them (oh...the horrors...don't tell my professors!) and they hail from Australia. Pink Lady is also known as Cripps Pink, which sounds like a female gang to me, so I think I'll still with Pink Lady. Try one -- you'll like it!



Photo courtesy of the Government of Australia.

Aruba -- My FAVORITE Caribbean island. John and I went there on our honeymoon, because we had heard so many good things about it and my parents had gone there on theirs'. It was amazing. I was about to say it's the safest Caribbean island I've ever been to, and it is, although followers of the Natalee Holloway case might disagree. While there, we had amazing food, amazing accommodations, amazing weather, and just an amazing time!



Photo courtesy of the Aruba Tourism Board.

Even after 14 books, Janet Evanovich still makes me LOL

I just finished reading "Fearless Fourteen" by Janet Evanovich. As you might imagine by the title, this is her 14th book. In the same series. And it still makes me laugh. (Which can be bad when one reads in bed and one's husband is already asleep when said laughing takes place.)

Stephanie Plum, the main character of Evanovich's series is hysterical. From her relationship with her hamster Rex to her crazy grandmother who she drives to "viewings" at funeral homes, each book is a laugh-fest.

Admittedly, not exactly brain surgery reading, but good ole fashioned fun. Check it out! Janet Evanovich's site

ABCs of Me!

A -Age: 37 (Ugh.)
B- Bed Size: Queen. But we need a King.
C- Chore you hate: Washing the hardwood floors
D- Dog's Name: Max (official AKC name: M.S. Maxdam named after the first cruise ship we went on as a family)
E- Essential starts to your day: Alarm clock.
F- Favorite Color: Purple.
G- Gold, Silver, or Platinum: Platinum.
H- Height: 5'2" (allegedly)
I- Instruments you play: ZERO!
J- job: Eh. Hard to explain. Online database related.
K- Kids: Two stepchildren! :)
L-Living Arrangements: Yay for our own home.
M- Mom's name: Sharron (Yes, that Sharron with TWO r's.)
N- Nicknames: KT, Kate, Kater
O- Overnight stay in the hospital other then birth: ZERO!
P- Pet Peeve: People that don't use signals when driving.
Q- Quote from a movie: "Gee, I'm sorry your mom blew up, Ricky." Better Off Dead
R- Right or Left handed: Right
S- Siblings: ZERO! (Of course, if you ask my parents, you might get a different answer...they're counting canines!)
T- Time you wake up: Let's not go there
U- Underwear: Um, yes
V- Vegetable you dislike: Lima beans
W- Ways you run late: Hitting the snooze button
X- X-rays you've had: Hip, knee
Y- Yummy food you make: Again, let's not go there
Z- Zoo Favorite: Panda bears

PS- I'd love to see the ABCs of YOU!

Review of "Eat, Pray, Love"

Let's cut right to the chase. It is perhaps one of THE best books I've read. Ever. I can relate to Elizabeth (Liz; author and subject of the book) on so many levels, yet there are so many differences between us. Everyone deals with their problems in their own way, and Liz deals with hers by going to Italy, India, and Indonesia. She eats until her heart is happy again in Italy, prays and learns the meaning of spirituality in India, and at the end of her journey finds love in Indonesia.

I have to admit, when I saw the "pray" part, I was a bit skeptical about liking the book. Preachy religious writing has never been my thing. Throughout the book, though, the author is very good at sharing her spiritual experience and making it clear that it is just that...hers. She does not try to sell the reader on moving to an ashram or meditating daily. She just shares her experience.

I'll be lucky if I visit ONE of those "I" countries that Liz goes to, but reading the book made me feel like I was on the trip with her.

List to Blog About

Yes, it's come to this. I actually have a few things that I want to blog about, so I'm taking note here and now, so as not to forget them!

1. Review Eat, Pray, Love
2. Review Fearless Fourteen (which I haven't even had time to add to "What I'm Reading!)
3. Go over trip to D.C. (including Arlington National Cemetary visit)
4. Get a NEW background color. (I've called in the experts on this one.) This yellow is just not cutting the mustard. (A little extra added humor for my reader's (readers') benefit.

One and a half thumbs down

(Is that even possible?)

I just finished reading, "How to Buy a Love of Reading" by Tanya Egan Gibson. Pretty bad. It it had a few humorous moments tucked in among the pages or else it would've gotten the full two thumbs down from me.

Quick synopsis: Spoiled, wealthy, and slightly overweight girl is told by her English teacher that she's a moron because she doesn't like reading. As "THE" Sweet Sixteen gift for her, her parents decided to have an author commissioned to write her a book. (Which, they hope the girl takes an interest in.)

Premise is not bad, but way it's written? Oy vay. Wordy, wordy, wordy. It could've been 50-100 pages shorter. It's ironic (?) because while the commissioned author is working on the book, the girl tells her not to waste so much time/space on random details. Apparently, Tanya Egan Gibson doesn't take her character's advice.

Now I'm onto "Eat Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert and I already love it!

Freaky Friday

OK...it's not really freaky, I just couldn't think of a better title. (Although, a Billy Mays commercial just came on the TV and it's turning a bit freaky!)

It is so HOT HUMID MUGGY SOUPY here in New England. I am trying really hard NOT to complain. When I go to complain, I just visualize shoveling off my back stairs and I quiet right down!

I think I've decided that if every month could be like April or May in New England, I love it.

Christmas in August

I was giving my stepdaughter a hard time the other day for listening to Christmas music on her iPod.

Well, now I'm reading Six Geese-a-Slaying by Donna Andrews, a Christmas mystery. I really didn't know it was a Christmas story and if I had, I probably would've held off on reading it.

I guess the title should've been my hint. Hmm.

Jumping for joy!!!

The summer semester is O-V-E-R!!! Gave my presentation and passed in my final paper. One whole glorious month is all mine...before the fall semester starts!

Whoooooo hoooooo!!!!!!

Check back soon...SOTB will have a new look thanks to my talented friend Amanda!

Boston, You're My Home

I've been meaning to blog about this for awhile, but I love Boston. I live about 40 miles north of the city and don't actually go into the city very often. However, since I've started school, I have to drive into Boston at least once or twice per week. During the summer it's especially magnificent.

I love going over the Tobin Bridge and seeing Boston's skyline. (I DO NOT like paying $3 to cross it, however.) This doesn't fully capture it, but you get the gist.



After crossing the Tobin and getting on the loop ramp (or whatever crazy construction project it's referred to as) to get onto Storrow Drive, you see the Garden. Technically, that'd be the Gah-den. Us Bostonians don't care what corporate entity decides to sponsor the building...it will ALWAYS be the Garden to us.



On the way home, I get to see the Zakum Bridge. (I get to see it on the way in, too, but it's much more majestic in the dark, when I'm leaving class.)



So, even though there's a lot of not so good things about Massachusetts, viewing Boston on a summer's evening makes one forget about a lot of them.

Do you force yourself to continue reading a book even if it's bad?

In the past, I have...and people think that's strange. I guess I feel that with each chapter, it will get better. Well, I gave up on the latest book I was reading, "In the Kitchen" by Monica Ali. I didn't like her previous book, "Brick Lane," so I'm not sure why I thought I'd like this one.

I read about 100 pages (basically until I was able to get to the library) and then quit. Next to read? (See to the right.)

Review of "A Wolf at the Table"

So, you may have noticed that to the right, I am now posting "What I'm Reading Now." I hope this will give my readers (as few as there are) some suggestions for what to read and I hope it will spur me to write more reviews.

I just finished reading "A Wolf at the Table" by Augusten Burroughs. I first must say that I have just recently gotten into the biography/autobiography genre and I LOVE Burroughs. There are many reasons for liking him and his writing, but one is the fact that we're both from western Massachusetts. He lived in Amherst and Shutesbury and I grew up in Greenfield, about a 1/2 hour away. I always think it's interesting to read authors who are from one's hometown or who write about it. Burroughs does both in this book. More about that later...

"A Wolf at the Table" chronicles Burroughs' relationship with his father (aka "the wolf.") His father has serious mental health issues and threatens the lives of Augusten, his mother, and their pets on many occasions. Throughout the book, Augusten struggles with the thought of growing up to be like his dad; cold, unfeeling, depressed, homicidal, etc... Augusten shares his earliest memory of his father (from when he was two) to his adult relationship with him. It's well written and captivating. It is a tearjerker, however.

As mentioned, I'm from Greenfield, Massachusetts. Claims to fame: home of Penn Jillette (one half of Penn & Teller), home of Peter Bergeron (major league baseball player), and ummmmmmm.... Yeah, so I thought it was pretty interesting when I read the paragraph that Burroughs wrote about Greenfield,

"Greenfield was about forty minutes from our house. There was something depressing about the town, with so many of its Main Street stores empty, FOR RENT signs taped crookedly in the windows. But I liked Greenfield because its bones were grand. Main Street was wide and elegant. Homes in the town had rolling grass lawns, neoclassical columns, and old fruit trees in front. Greenfield reminded me of a beautiful grandmother that nobody ever visited, but she kept squares of lace on the arms of her sofa anyway."

Augusten...I'm with you all the way.

Forget the Ben & Jerry's on the shelf below...

...go for the Whole Fruit Sorbet. It's soooo good! I've never been a big fan of ice cream, which might make some think I'm crazy. However, being lactose intolerant forces one to find other yummy refreshing treats. Hence, the Whole Fruit Sorbet.

Pomegranate, Blueberry, Acai = pure refreshment on a hot summer day!



Credit: Flickr

I never win anything...

...but I did find out that I was awarded with "The Honest Scrap Award" from my friend Shep.



The award is described as follows:

“The Honest Scrap award is given by other bloggers who consider a blog’s content or design to be brilliant. The awardee must then post ten honest things about him/herself and pass the award on to other bloggers who fit the bill – in other words, whose blog is brilliant.”

Well, it is both an honor and a privilege for me to accept this award. Hmmm.. here goes!

1. I am an only child and an only grandchild on my dad's side. I hated that everyone always expected me to be spoiled because of this, but I think I turned out pretty OK.

2. This is totally syrupy, but I am completely and totally in love with my husband. I am excited about getting to spend the rest of my life with him.

3. I am extremely shy. It takes me a while to warm up to people and let the "real" me out.

4. I am awful at housecleaning. I hate it and don't do it nearly as much as I should

5. I snore. Loudly. John wears earplugs to bed every night.

6. I don't drink a lot of alcohol. I drank enough in my first two years of college for an entire lifetime, so I'm pretty much all set.

7. I was "Cashier of the Year" at the grocery store I worked at in high school and was teased forever about it.

8. I think my dog is the cutest thing and I've given him a bazillion nicknames.

9. I'm not a fan of football. At all.

10. I love shopping. Too much.

As for other award winners...Shep took all of the ones I read!! :)

Things I Like

- The sun FINALLY coming out after being in hiding for what seems like weeks.

- My stepdaughter coming out of surgery sucessfully.

- Running a hotel for dogs. (Does one canine guest count as a hotel?)

- Roast beef & cheddar melt from D'Angelo's.

- Reading new books by my favorite mystery authors.

- Finding spelling/grammar mistakes on printed items.

- The fact that blogging encourages my stream of consciousness thinking.

Turning Over a New Leaf

I have a brown thumb. Some might even say it's a black thumb. If John and I get a plant from someone, we take bets as to how long it will last. By the time we remember to water it, it's on the brink of disaster.

Now that we own a house, we have to plant some flowers outside. So, I've vowed to read up on gardening (mostly likely "Gardening for Dummies") and I've started taking note of flowers that I might like to plant around the house.

Here are some:

Sweet Pea



Dahlias



Antique Pastel Pansies (these are my faves -- I saw some butter yellow ones that I know would look perfect with the blue we plan to paint the house.)



All images are from Burpee Oh...did I mention I have no idea if we have the right sunlight for these? :)

Hallway decor opinions needed

This is the end of our hallway. We have a mirror and table.



This is the table with a really cute fish candle holder, but...something's not right. Either it just doesn't go or the candles aren't tall enough or something. What should I put on the table and how big should it be?

Favorite New Product

Clinique's Liquid Facial Soap.

Pump and wash. No messy bar of soap that gets cruddy and requires the dish to be cleaned. Why didn't I know about this sooner?

Eva

My former co-worker Eva passed away Tuesday. She fought a hard battle against cancer and was fighting until the very end.

She was originally from Poland, emigrated to Canada, and then finally to the U.S. I remember when she first came to my department, I told her I wanted to learn Polish and hoped she might teach me some words. She very happily told me she would. I wish I had taken her up on that offer. I also told her how I loved Polish food and encouraged her to bring Polish food to our department parties/potlucks. She made some great cucumber salads.

The main memory I have of Eva was from one Friday afternoon when the power went out in the building. I was sitting in my friend Angela's office talking and Eva walked by. We encouraged her to come in, sit down, and chat. I figured she wouldn't, as Eva was the most dedicated, hard working person I know. However, she agreed to sit and chat. She told us of the lives of her three children, all of whom are successful and living in Canada. She was beaming with pride. She also told us of a "cruise" she went on with her husband. Not your commercial huge cruise, but more of a "sail" with less than 50 people. The enthusiasm she exhibited while telling us all about it was amazing.

I remember seeing her some days with her wig on and thinking she was in a treatment cycle. She never once acted "sick" at work. When my mom and my sister-in-law were diagnosed with breast cancer, she came over to talk to me and be supportive.

Thank you for touching my life, Eva.

Mother's Day

I am thankful for ALL of the mothers/motherly figures I've had in my life.

First, and foremost, I am thankful for my mom. There are really no words in the English language that can express how much I value her. She has loved me unconditionally, been there to help me up after I've made mistakes, and been a friend. (Oh, and she's my go-to-gal for decorating, too!) I am truly lucky I was "matched" up with her. Thanks for everything, Mom.

I was lucky to know both of my grandmothers and have great memories from those relationships. I knew my Grandma (Mom's mom) for the least amount of time and wish I'd had her in my life for longer. For the ten or so years that I did know her, we shared many a Scrabble game and watched many episodes of "As Schools Match Wits." Her golobkis were quite supreme. I love you and miss you Grandma.

I had my Nana (Dad's mom) in my life longer and enjoyed many things with her, although on my wedding day, I remember thinking I wished she was there. I wished she had been there pre-late stages of Parkinson's. She would've been so happy and proud. I know she was watching and keeping her eye on Granddad. ;)

When my Mom lived far away and I came back to Boston, my aunt Ange was my surrogate mom. She housed me and then took me out to look for apartments when I was ready. She always checked in on me and made sure I was OK. Oh, and took me to the hospital for stitches when I sliced my finger trying to open a hot dog package.

Thanks to you all -- for everything.

UPDATE on "I want this coat" post

Lands End was having a 30% off sale, so I took the plunge and got the coat. The only small change of plan is that I got a different color in the same pattern. After having gone to Sears, which sells Lands End, and trying the coat on, I found that the bright pistachio floral was much more flattering.

KT + The Dead Concert = Horrification

And no, horrification is not a real word. I made it up. Especially for this tale telling. For those who know me, you know I'm a fairly "straight" person shall we say. That's not to say that I've never done anything wrong or "bad", but the extent of my vices is an Appletini every once in a while.

My husband is a HUGE music lover in general and has been a Grateful Dead (now technically called just "The Dead" since Jerry Garcia passed away) fan for a long time. He likes to share his love of music with me and I really appreciate that, although his and my music tastes are not even on the same planet. I like Celtic Woman, Bryan Adams, and Norah Jones. He likes the Allman Brothers, the Dead, and CSNY. So, in an attempt to share this love of music, he's taken me to a few concerts for these bands. Allman Brothers was first about 10ish years ago. It wasn't that bad. I actually liked it. Then, about 5ish year ago, it was CSNY. Again, not bad. A smidge of illegal activities, but it mostly stayed in the background.

Last Saturday night was the Dead Concert. OH.MY.GOD. Let's just say that it was four straight hours of "horrification." From the smokestack that surrounded us to the tie-dye clad whirling dervishes to the woman with the dreadlock ponytails holding an infant, most likely giving it whiplash while dancing. I'm pretty sure my mouth was on the floor the ENTIRE time. I kept thinking I'd go hide in the bathroom, but was afraid that I'd get caught up in the swaying in the aisles or encounter even more hardcore illegal activities in there. Wow. So out of my element it wasn't even funny.

The things you do for love!

The Latest Installment of Goldy Bear...

...is at a bookstore or library near you! I'm only on page 46, but as usual, I'm hooked!

Something I'm awful at...

...being sick. I can admit it. I'm one of THE worst patients. Any hint of pain and I turn into a super mega nightmare. I guess I have the flu now (sore throat, congestion, minor temp, weakness) and I'm miserable.

Everytime I feel a cough coming on, I want to cry. To say I don't "do well" with pain is an understatement. I know there's pretty much nothing that can be done other than take cough syrup/Dayquil/Nyquil, but I HATE it.

Rant over. I must say that I am lucky to have John taking care of me and putting up with me.

I want this coat.

Period. Nothing else to say.

Look What I'm Getting!

Doesn't take much to make me happy!

Service Dogs

Rarely do I use this forum to express my opinion about what anyone might construe as a controversial topic. I did say "rarely." I think this might be one of those rare times.

Recently, I've come across many people with service dogs. In restaurants, at school, walking around town, etc... As soon as I see a service dog I immediately get sad. I think the dog must live such a structured, non-carefree life and that just doesn't seem right to me.

On the other hand, I certainly see the good that service dogs can do for their owners. As a human, one would think that I would take the "human's side" and take this positive approach to service dogs and be in awe of all they can do for humans.

I can't. I want to go up to service dogs and pet them, run around with them, and let them be "free."

Carolyn's Big B-Day Bash

It's Not Nice to Fool Mother Nature

This isn't a post about Chiffon Margarine, although that commercial was a classic (for those of you who remember it).

Here's some pics from Mother Nature's last blast letting us know we shouldn't fool with her.

I've been a scanning fool

I've been posting old pics galore on Facebook, so I'm sharing the wealth with my parents.

This is the only picture I have left of my first dog, Ziggy and it's stuck to the glass of the frame that it was in! He was a biter, though and we were only together for a short time.



My Dad...at a dog track...shocker there. :)

New year...handling one resolution

I didn't make any formal resolutions for 2009, but I really want to eat healthier, lose weight, and exercise.

Rachel, a friend of mine, recommended Cooking Light for easy healthy recipes.

So, I threw caution to the wind and made a recipe from the December issue. John enjoyed, I enjoyed it, AND it was easy.

Try it...you'll like it!

Chicken & Basil Calzones

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 1 calzone)

Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground chicken breast
3/4 cup prepared pizza sauce
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 (13.8-ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 425°.

2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add garlic and chicken to pan; sauté 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink, stirring to crumble. Stir in pizza sauce and pepper. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in basil. Let stand 10 minutes.

3. Unroll dough onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; cut dough into quarters. Pat each portion into an 8 x 6–inch rectangle. Divide chicken mixture evenly among rectangles; top each serving with 2 tablespoons cheese. Working with one rectangle at a time, fold dough in half over filling, pinching edges to seal. Repeat procedure with remaining rectangles. Bake at 425° for 12 minutes or until golden.

Checking in

Not much new here, although it's ridiculously cold. Good thing I bought that nice warm down coat from EB!

My right knee is really acting up and I'm afraid to say that I think I have a torn meniscus. I had my left knee operated on about 10 years ago for one and the right is feeling the same way. I see the orthopedist on Monday, so we shall see. I imagine I'll have to get an MRI, which is always a pleasant experience. Nothing like hearing jackhammering (even with earplugs in) and being half in/half out of a small tube. Claustrophobia much?

Oh, and did I neglect to mention that I'm living the Money Pit??? Yes, that's right. John is Tom Hanks and I'm Shelley Long. Our roof? It's winning an Oscar for its performance as a crappy leaky roof. All the front rooms in our house have ceiling stains and the vents in the ceilings have turned into funnels. I've used more towels and pans over the past few days than in my entire time here. Luckily, as most of you know, John is very domestically talented and spent a whole day with a sledgehammer getting the ice off of the roof and then putting soffit (sp?) vents in. Luckily we've been drip-free for a day or so. That new roof that we were going to put off for a while? Yeah...not anymore.

Chandelier for the entryway

And to add to the uncertainty...

We bought this rug for the dining room tonight.





Thoughts NOW???

Window Treatment Help

Please, please, please give your opinion re: window treatments for our dining room/kitchen. It's one large room, so the dining room is not formal. The walls are painted Sagey by Behr. I'm going for black as the other accent color. John and I seem to have fundamental differences on what should be hanging on these windows.

WARNING: Ignore the "stuff" on the table, counters, the orange countertops, the dark wood cabinets, the yellow sink, etc...

Here's the double window in the dining room. The only potential issue with this is that the bottom curtains hang to the top of the windowsill. Is this right? Should they hang lower? I love these curtains and John likes them, too, so other than the length issue, I think we're OK on these.



Also in the dining room "section" we have a large window that slides to open. I thought the valance, bottom tiers might look silly on this because the window is not naturally divided across the middle, so I went with some off-white linen tab tops. What are your thoughts on these?



Then we have the door that is in between the dining room and the kitchen. We both feel that there should be something over the window on the door, but we're not sure what.



Then, last by not least, we have the window over the sink in the kitchen. I thought we'd just do the striped valance, tier similar to the dining room windows, but John feels that will block out too much light. Would just the valance work?

What I bought with my Christmas money!

Aside from the groovy pocketbook showcased in a previous post, I used my Christmas money (thanks Mom, Dad & Mary) to buy this amazing down coat from Eddie Bauer. It comes a little below my waist, has a faux fur(yes, I confirmed this before buying) lined hood, fleece-lined pockets, and is very warm. I tried to get a shot straight from , but couldn't. So, excuse the messy bed as the backdrop!



I also got these somewhat unattractive, but very warm/waterproof boots from EB. It's time to retire the Bean Duck boots.

Craigy's B-day Bash

Thanks to Angela, we had a lovely b-day celebration for the Man from Down Under (yup, I specifically said that to annoy you, Craig). We had beer, wine, excellent food and even better company. Here are some shots from the shindig.

Jim & Craig


Carolyn & Ben


Zoe & Craig (I think he's praying to the New Zealand Foodie God)


Teri, Annette, Ben & Craig (Can't keep his eyes open at a party, since he's so old now.)


Me, Carolyn, Thomas & Jim


Jim & Craig getting weirder as the night goes on


Annette, Angela, Katie & Carolyn


Is there a fireman in the house?