Opening A Can of Worms

Do you find yourself adding more work to your day when you decide to do tackle a quick home spruce up project? That happens to me quite often and today was NO exception! The pictures will most likely speak for themselves! :)

Before

Those dirty rings!

After

As you can probably see, today's light fixture project lead to painting the ceiling. I am a neat freak and had no idea the ceiling was so disgusting up there. We replaced a light fixture in the entry last spring, and the ceiling on the first floor wasn't anything like this. I wonder if the previous owners (smokers) didn't paint that part of the ceiling when the painted the rest of the house before putting it on the market. At least now it is all crisp and clean!

I am very pleased with the results! I can't wait to see how it is once it is dark tonight.

Here's the light fixture we put up last spring. It was one of the pieces we brought back from Bob's great aunt's place in Florida.

Vintage Italian Tole Light Fixture
(complete with the made in Italy metal tag)

I Love Rachel Ashwell!

Most of you know how much I love the shabby chic/cottage style. I have been looking for a different light fixture to replace the one at the top of our stairway. It's a builder basic. I have hated it for the last seven years. The style isn't that bad, but it is just not me. What I hate is the light it gives off -- I should really say lack of light. It only has one bulb and max wattage is 60. I was browsing a Target this afternoon when I discovered the Simply Shabby Chic Metal Rose Chandelier. This will be a perfect replacement. The price was GREAT at just $39.99!

I can't hang it yet because I don't have the right type of bulb or a ceiling plate. This light is plug in that I am going to convert to hardwire. I am going to pick those up tomorrow so I can hang it. I will post before and after pictures for you all to see. It will be nice to be able to see in our linen closet finally!

I think I am going to add some "crystal" beading to dress it up a little bit, but those can be added after I have it up!

My Side Hurts

No, not from running!! From laughing...

Click HERE. Then scroll down to #23 in the "search results"!

hahahahaha!

Thursday Thirteen #16

I saw a couple bloggers using searches that brought visitors to their blogs as their Thursday Thirteen topic. Since I find these searches interesting (and funny at times) I thought I would share mine.

Thirteen Searches Bringing Readers to My Blog

1. Sheryl Crow's cancer bracelet what doesn't kill you makes you stronger

2. video "lindsey adams"

3. milwaukee sausages angels

4. i lost my salivary gland stones

5. fiestaware colors kitchen makeover

6. ashly delgrosso cardio video

7. "everyday minerals" suppliers

8. chipin.com blogspot

9. warholize a photo

10. tony penny blogspot

11. birthday wishes for brother quotes

12. grocery game penny

13. gass + shoes

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

These April Showers Bring

Snow plowers -- UGH! We have about 6 inches of snow on the ground. It began this morning with rain, turned to small snowflakes at about 6:30 AM, then around 9:30 the flakes were GIANT. It was like it was snowing snowballs. The flakes returned to a more normal size and it continued until about 4 this afternoon. Guess what it turned to then. Yep -- RAIN! The rain will turn back to snow overnight and is supposed to leave another 2-3 inches.

Time to shovel what has pretty much turned into six inches of slush!

Today's Tri Training: 40 minutes on bike (inside of course) for 10.2 miles! A light work out on the strength training circuit. 20 minutes in the pool. I didn't keep track of the laps just swam until I needed to rest for a bit and then started again. Did this twice for about 10 minutes each.

The Milwaukee Indians?

The Cleveland Indians have moved their series against the Los Angeles Dodgers to Miller Park. All tickets are $10!

What I really want to know is will the sausages race? LOL!

ETA: I found the answer! The Klement's Racing Sausages will race! Woohoo!

Playin' with Blogger

I spent a little time working on my blog layout today. I have been wanting a three column template for sometime and was finally able to locate one. It just happened to be a modified version of the template I was already using. What are the odds? All it required was a little resize to my banner. I also added a footer -- it's just a band of "paper" from the same kit I used from my banner.

It's SO Quiet Here

Friday morning around 8:30 AM, my mom picked up Olivia, and they headed for Natchez, MS. They will be spending the week down there and expect to be home sometime late Saturday night. I am going to get a lot done around the house this week, but it sure is quiet.

I started triathlon training today, and it felt good! It was supposed to be a 15 minute swim & 20 minute run along with some strength training. The pool was closed for classes while I was a the Y so I didn't get it in. Now that I have the pool schedule and know the open swim hours I can adjust my workout time. Today's scheduled swim will be done on Wednesday. I am looking forward to some warm weather so I don't have to be inside for the run & bike portions.

Day Late Easter Greetings

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter!!

Triathlon Fundraising

My triathlon fundraising is off to a great start!

Anyone interested in donating or reading more about the triathlon may do so at penny.chipin.com/2007-triathlon. Later today I will be adding a link to my sidebar.

I would like to thank those who have already made generous donations. THANK YOU!!

Next week I will be kicking into training mode! I am using some triathlon training information I got online until I attend the training seminar on April 18.

(SIDEBAR: Does anyone else have a hard time typing triathlon? I want to add an extra "a" after the "th". That one is understandable, but I have no clue why my finger automatically goes to type a "g" at the end. Oh yeah, I am participating in a "triathalong"! DOH!!)

Thursday Thirteen #15

In honor of the last day of the Easter parties at McDonald's I have decided to list names of boys & girls along with the meaning of the name. All of these names are boys & girls who attended one of the parties over the past two weeks. I picked these names because I like them, and either they aren't used nearly enough or I had never met any one (in person) with the name.

The meanings of the names listed below are from babynamesworld.com.

Thirteen Names & Their Meanings

1. Cole (coal; dark one)

2. Lola (sorrows)

3. Zoe (life)

4. Chloe (green shoot)

5. Phoebe (bright)

6. Violette (violet, that was obvious, hey? LOL!)

7. Oliver (elf army)

8. Aubriana (elfin king)

9. Adin (slender)

10. Jonah (dove)

11. Edwyn (rich friend) Would you believe my dad AND Bob's brother both have Edwin as a middle name?

12. Elijah (my God is the Lord)

13. Silas (of the forest)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Two Little Words

The two little words ALL CLEAR mean so much! Today I am thankful a dear friend heard those words from her doctor! Praise the Lord for many answered prayers!

This Doesn't Add Up

April + 29 degrees + 45 mph winds = Spring

I don't think so! I could be worse -- we could be getting the 17 inches of snow that fell just a few hours north of here! I want warmer weather!

The real answer: April + 29 degrees + 45 mph winds = YUCK!

Seven Down One to Go

Tomorrow is the last day of the Easter parties for the year. I will be glad when they are over. I am so tired of Easter Bunny Says (Simon Says), the Easter Bunny Pokey (Hokey Pokey), and the Bunny Hop. If I see another Easter Bunny after tomorrow, I swear I will go cRaZy...lol! That is, of course, if I have any sanity left after the party with 39 kids between the ages of 3 and 5! UGH -- 39!

Triathlete? Me?

Not yet, but I am going to be. Today, my friend and I registered for the Danskin Women's Triathlon Series. We will participate in the Chicagoland triathlon on July 7-8, 2007! 100% of the funds I raise will be divided equally between the National Association of TEAM Survivor and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

If you would like to donate, contact me using the link in my profile and I will send you the information to do so!

I am really looking forward to this! :)

Flickr Fun

Bob's parents sent me a beautiful mixed floral bouquet for my birthday! In typical Penny fashion I had to take some pictures of it! After uploading to my flickr account, I found a place to create this clever little mosaic with the images.Notice the little faux butterfly in the bottom left photo? Isn't it sweet!?!

I also Warholized a scanned portrait of Olivia. She was 1 when this picture was taken.

You can Warholize your photo with the Warholizer here!

Thursday Thirteen #14

I have had a few ideas running through my head for topics today. The first: Since this is my fourteenth edition, a list of the topics of my first thirteen editions. (I thought this was a little lame...LOL)! The second: 13 more things about me. (I like this one because I can continue until I have enough to do a 100 (or is it 101) list.) The third (and the winner): A list of some of the songs I want need to purchase from iTunes. I am getting tired of the songs on my playlist. They need a spring makeover!

My Next Thirteen iTunes Songs

1. "Nothing to Lose" Mat Kearney

2. "Read My Mind" The Killers (unless I decide to get Sam's Town)

3. "Tell Me 'Bout It" Joss Stone

4. "Before He Cheats" Carrie Underwood

5. "The Sweet Escape" Gwen Stefani

6. "Colorful" Rocco Deluca and the Burden

7. "The Diary of Jane" Breaking Benjamin

8. "Molly Anna" Incubus

9. "Leave the Pieces" The Wreckers

10. "I'll Stand By You" The Pretenders (Thanks for the reminder American Idol contestant, Gina!)

11. "Steady As She Goes" Raconteurs

12. "Boston" Augustana

13. "Suddenly I See" KT Tunstall

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Thirty-Seven Here We Are...

Yes, Vince Vaughn and I share a birthday! I couldn't believe it when I read we were the same age. I always thought he was SO much older...LOL!

Also celebrating birthdays today are: Reba McEntire, Shanna Moakler, Julia Stiles, my first boyfriend's dad, that kid, Jim, I went to school with from K-12, and my cousin's little boy, Trenton! Happy Birthday everyone! ;)

Another Reminder

Today, we learned White House Press Secretary Tony Snow's cancer has returned. It is another reminder of how vigilant cancer survivors must be when it comes to their health. As well as a reminder to those of us who fight to see a cure, that we must continue that fight!

Back to "Work"

You are probably wondering why an Easter bunny and McDonald's are in the same picture...lol!

The franchisee I worked for almost 9 years ago has a program where preschoolers and other young children come to a restaurant in their area for a little field trip. The children usually range in age from 3-6. They eat either breakfast or lunch, play a couple games, have their picture taken with the Easter bunny (or Santa), do an art project, and have a mini-tour of McDonald's behind the scenes.

I spent a good portion of my McDonald's career doing these parties (and as an assistant manager). I also ran similar parties which were open to the public for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. I can't even count how many of these parties I did in the nearly 10 years I worked for McDonald's. I don't even want to think of what the number would be if I added in all the birthday parties. I think I could do them in my sleep...LOL!

So naturally, when the stores were having trouble staffing the stores for regular business let alone these special parties, I came to mind as a helper. While I have no desire to go back there on a regular basis, it is fun to get out and help for a couple weeks each year.

I won't be around much in morning Monday - Thursday this week or next.

Elizabeth Edwards

Yesterday we learned that Elizabeth's breast cancer has returned in bone. The cancer is treatable, but not curable. In the press conference she said she expected to live next week as she lived last week. Her husband, Senator John Edwards, will continue to campaign for President. Those are great examples of their positive outlook. That is so important when facing a cancer diagnosis!

Label Cloud

Yeah, I was finally able to locate a site with instructions and/or links for instructions to tweak my blog! I added a label cloud to the side bar today. I like the way it looks and it makes it easier for readers to find topics they are interested in reading.

Check out BlogU if you want to tweak your blog and make it more you! :)

Thursday Thirteen #13

This week's Thursday Thirteen is in honor of the arrival of spring!

Welcome Spring in Thirteen Languages

1. English: Welcome spring!

2. French: Accueillez le printemps!

3. German: Begrüßen Sie Frühling!

4. Portuguese: Dê as boas-vindas a Primavera!

5. Russian: Приветствуйте весну!

6. Spanish: ¡Dé la bienvenida a primavera!

7. Swedish: Välkomnande språng!

8. Dutch: Welkomstgroet voorjaar!

9. Italian: Benvenuto primavera!

10. Danish: Velkommen affjedre!

11. Welsh: Chroesawa darddu!

12. Polish: Mile widziany skakać!

13. Finnish: Mieluinen alkulähde!

I used tranexp.com for the translations!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Bye Bye

Slave to Target will be removed from my sidebar since it is not going to be around any longer. I enjoyed visiting Slave to Target and sharing Red Cart Romance with my fellow Target lovers. STT you will be missed!

Welcome Home

Our dear friend Scott is home from Afghanistan after a one year deployment. It is SO good to know he is home safe and sound.

Scott & Erin we can't wait to see you and the kids! We love you guys!

The Verdict Is In...

The jury reached a verdict in the Steven Avery trial yesterday afternoon. He was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide and possession of a firearm by a felon. The jurors acquitted him of mutilating a corpse. I find that part mind boggling, but I wasn't in the court room to hear all the evidence. While I wouldn't want to be on a jury for a trial of this nature, I would like to be a fly on the wall to see and hear what goes on. Wouldn't you?

Now the attention turns to his nephew, an alleged accomplice. His trial begins in under way in April.

Carolynn's Crew 2007

Carolynn has announced this year's plans for Carolynn's Crew! You can read all about it in her journal at pinkribbonmiracle.com. Three cheers for "going home"!

Thursday Thirteen #12

Since I chose things about the color red for my Valentine's Day topic, I decided to carry on the tradition and list thirteen things about the color green for St. Patrick's Day.

Thirteen Things About the Color Green

1. Green signifies life & renewal.

2. Going green is used to referred to environmental friendliness.

3. Green is a restful color.

4. To the Egyptians green is a sacred color which represents hope & the joy of spring.

5. Green is said to be the most restful color for the human eye to see.

6. Green man is the God of fertility in Celtic myths.

7. Green around the gills means someone is pale or sickly.

8. Green with envy & the green-eyed monster both refer to jealousy.

9. A green racetrack means rain has washed all the rubber off the track. (This one's for you, Carolynn...rofl -- ducking!)

10. A person with a green thumb is good with plants.

11. A greenback is US currency.

12. Some say the color green has healing powers.

13. A person who is said to be green is a novice or inexperienced.

Red was a much more interesting color...lol! I did my research on the color green at about.com , colormatters.com, and crystallinks.com.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Going to the Jury

The Steven Avery trial I talked about a little over a month ago is going to jury tomorrow. I think it is a complete joke that his defense is claiming evidence was planted on his property. I wasn't in court, but have followed the trial enough to form an opinion that this man should be found guilty.

May Teresa's family find closure & justice from the verdict once it is reached. I cannot even begin imagine what they have gone through!

Visual DNA

In the last couple days, I have run across Visual DNA here & here! I guess it's a sign I need to include it on my blog! :) What's your VisualDNA?

Finally Finished

I think I have finally finished adding all the labels to my blog entries from before I switched to the new blogger. What a job! My favorite no doubt is photos!

I will have to double check, but I need a break from adding and looking for missing labels right now...lol!

ETA: Ooops, I completely missed October, but WILL finish those this week!

Spring Sunlight

I love the spring sunlight that floods through our living room windows this time of year.

We are now having unseasonably warm weather. What is normal anymore? First we were much cooler and now much warmer. This is Wisconsin! Soon we could be shoveling snow again. Good thing about snow storms this time of year is the snow doesn't stick around long.

Tomorrow is going to be another lovely day, and I plan to do a miniature spring clean-up in the yard.

Hopefully, I will find some of my tulips beginning to look through the dirt! The leaves on the rhododendron aren't all curled up like they are when it is so cold. I noticed the leaves fully spread out today sunning themselves in the warm light. They aren't greening up yet, but sunning themselves is the first sign! Heck, I would even be happy to see those hostas that bug me coming up!

The Birdies From I Heart Target

Here are the cute little salt 'n peppa shakers I mentioned in my entry from Tuesday.


Aren't they sweet?

Thursday Thirteen #11

We have had unseasonably cold weather for the past couple weeks, and it is making me long for spring even more. A warm up is in the forecast starting tomorrow and heading to near 50 by the middle of next week. While it is still MUCH too early to plant here, I am beginning to draw up planting plans for spring. So my Thirteen today is on 13 flowers/plants I will be planting in a couple months (Yes, months! It is risky to plant anything you can't move inside before Memorial day around here.)

Thirteen Flowers I Plan to Plant Somewhere in My Yard

1. White Boltonia

2. Jupiter's Beard

3. Shasta Daisy

4. Siberian Iris

5. Catmint

6. Morning Light Fountain Grass

7. Dwarf Purple Coneflower

8. Cushion Spurge

9. Creeping Baby's Breath

10. Candy Stripe Creeping Phlox

11. Palace Purple Coralbells

12. Allium (Ornamental Onion)

13. Daylily (not sure of the variety yet)

* Links to other Thursday Thirteens * ctina m.o.m. amy melessa (a must read; alternate names for her blog) christine raggedy jessica

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Never Fear

My Thursday Thirteen will soon be here!

With Bob being off work Friday and Olivia being off school Monday my days are SO confused. I have been thinking it was Wednesday ALL day long!

I Heart Target!

I found the cutest little white bird salt & pepper shakers this afternoon. I cannot find them on the website, but will post a pic tomorrow after I have them in their new home.

These aren't in store, at least not my Target, but check out their version of Wellies at target.com! SO cute! I am thinking of order two pair for myself! How about three?

Don't Cha

Don't cha wish...err...sorry, I broke into Pussycat Doll lingo there. Don't you wish had known you could be the next Pussycat Doll? ROFL! The search is on for the next Doll!

Festival Graphics

I told you I would be rolling out a new look in a very short time. While this one isn't as springy as the last look, I like it a little better. I think the colors of my last look were a little too sweet. If that makes any sense at all...lol!

These are also from shabbyprincess.com.

Time Off, but Back Now

For those who were wondering where I was, Bob took Friday off work. We spent the day getting new tires on my Blazer, looking for floor tiles for our full bath remodel, and just hanging out at our favorite lunch/dinner stop. Even though we were mostly taking care of things that need to be done, it was nice to have Bob along.

We found tile that is a possibility, but want to look around a little more first before making that decision.

Thursday Thirteen #10

Thirteen Things to Do When You Visit Milwaukee, WI
(in no particular order)

1. Tour Miller Brewing Co. & don't forget to pick up a souvenir tee or glass at the Girl in the Moon Gift Shop.

2. Tour the Pabst Mansion.

3. Look for Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture.

4. Visit the Milwaukee Public Museum and stroll the Streets of Old Milwaukee.

5. Eat frozen custard at Leon's.

6. Visit the Mitchell Park Domes.

7. Go to a Friday Fish Fry.

8. Take a boat ride on Lake Michigan.

9. Stroll through Boerner Botanical Gardens.

10. Visit Miller Park for a Brewer game and The Sausage Race.

11. Attend Summerfest, the world's largest music festival.

12. Rollerblade, bike, or jog in Grant Park.

13. Tour a Harley-Davidson factory.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens! karenw amy christine jenny qtpies7 ali

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Late Winter Sunset

Taken February 22, 2007

Spring Breeze Graphics

The graphics I used for my new look are from shabbyprincess.com. Their designers are awesome!! I love visiting their site, but I have now found a set I like a better than this one. I may be rolling out another new look in a VERY short time!

Time for Change

Pardon the "dust" while I work on a "redecorating" my blog!

There is still some tweaking going on! Is the yellow background too hard on the eyes? It doesn't bother me, but I want my friends to be comfortable.

Be an Advocate

This entry is related to my entry from a couple weeks ago.

The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act was signed into law last year (July 27, 2006).

Child predators are living in our neighborhoods and we don't know about them. Repeat offenders are relocating and can't be found. Convicted predators are not receiving just punishment.

Please take a moment of your time to let our government officials know that this is an important issue. You can write your own letter or simply copy and paste the sample letters here. Let your voice be heard. We know there is strength in numbers. Pass this on to everyone you know. PLEASE give five minutes of your time, and help save a child.

To find the email address of your Senator(s), click here

Dear Senator:

As your constituent, I am writing this letter to urge you and your colleagues to act swiftly to fully fund the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. The provisions of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act must be funded now so that law enforcement can protect children and communities from the scourge of convicted sex offenders.

I urge you to fully fund all of the mandates within the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. I am particularly concerned about the following:

1. To implement an effective and comprehensive national registry database and website of sex offenders.
2. To build capacity in the federal law enforcement system to enable law enforcement to track and capture noncompliant sex offenders and bring them to justice.
3. To implement a national DNA database so that law enforcement can accurately and promptly verify DNA evidence.

Citizens must have access to accurate and timely information regarding convicted sex offenders living in their community. The 50 states and the federal government must be afforded adequate resources to build and maintain an effective national sex offender database. A national sex offender database is a critical safeguard to protect America’s children and with each passing day that the provisions of this law are not funded, the danger to children is heightened. When information about the identity and whereabouts of convicted sex offenders is not accessible, accurate and verifiable, our communities are at grave risk.

I strongly urge you to act now to fund the mandates passed in the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act so that our children are kept safe from these dangerous predators and law enforcement has the necessary investigative resources.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent request.

Sincerely,
(your name here)

To find the email address of your Governor, click here

Dear Governor:

As your constituent, I am writing this letter to urge you and your appropriate state agencies to act swiftly to implement the state requirements under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. Although the Adam Walsh Act provided that states have three years to comply with the requirements, delay in implementing these changes will jeopardize the safety of children and the community. Law enforcement needs the resources to protect children and communities from the scourge of convicted sex offenders.

I urge you to fully implement all the state mandates within the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. I am particularly concerned about the following:

1. To implement an effective and comprehensive mechanism to verify the residence of the most high risk sex offenders at least once every three months.
2. To collect DNA samples from sex offenders who have not already provided them to local law enforcement.
3. To complete fingerprint-based background checks on all foster and adoptive placements to ensure that foster children are placed in safe homes.

Citizens need access to accurate and timely information regarding convicted sex offenders living in their community. The 50 states and the federal government are responsible for building and maintaining an effective national sex offender database. A national sex offender database is a critical safeguard to protect America’s children and with each passing day that the provisions of this law are not implemented, the danger to children is heightened. The states are at the forefront to provide reliable information about the identity and whereabouts of convicted sex offenders. That information needs to be accessible, accurate and verifiable, or our communities are at grave risk.

I strongly urge you to act now to implement the state-directed mandates passed in the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act so that our children are kept safe from these dangerous predators and law enforcement has the necessary investigative resources.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent request.

Sincerely,
(your name here)

Thank you, Carolynn! I knew the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act had been signed into law, but wasn't aware that it has not been fully funded or implemented.

Now Those Are Some Flakes

The snowflakes are nearly the size of 50 cent pieces! The thundersnow is falling right now. We got about 4 inches Friday night! New forecast for tonight through Monday afternoon is for an additional 16-20!

Church has been cancelled! So we are in the house (other than going out for clean up) for the foreseeable future. While I was (am) SO ready for spring, a storm like this is a little fun when you don't have to be anywhere!

The watch was indeed upgraded to a Blizzard Warning! Along with all that snow we have winds of 35-40 mph! Do know you what snowflakes the size of 50 cent pieces feel like when a 35mph wind whips them into your face? Hint: not good...rofl!

Weather Watch Update

I'm kind of a weather geek! When I was in junior high, I wanted to be a meteorologist! So I am giving you this update...lol! :)

How about 11-19 inches of snow? Yep, that's how much we are supposed to get now. A system that was just supposed to bring us flurries tonight has developed into a decent storm that is supposed to leave 3-5 inches. The storm that was supposed to hit tomorrow afternoon is moving a little slower than expected. It will hit sometime tomorrow evening bringing another 6-10 inches Saturday night, and the remaining 2-4 Sunday morning. At least it isn't the 100+ parts of New York got not too long ago!

Still want to come on up, Carolynn?

Woohoo!

from thursdaythirteen.com:

T T Under New Ownership

Stay tuned for more details!

One Sign of Spring -- GONE

The melting snow! I should know by now to not start thinking spring until May or June in this part of Wisconsin. Want to see why?

from themilwaukeechannel.com:

Milwaukee County
Winter Storm Watch:Issued at 3:42 AM CST 2/23/07, expires at: 11:45 AM CST 2/23/07

A winter storm watch remains in effect from Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon.

Heavy snowfall with accumulations of 8 to 12 inches is possible across south central and southeast Wisconsin Saturday evening through Sunday. In addition, strong easterly winds may result in significant blowing and drifting snow and near blizzard conditions.

Some accumulating light snow may precede the heavier snow Friday night and Saturday.

A winter storm watch is issued when heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain is expected to accumulate to levels that will cause major impacts to commerce and society. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts for updates and possible warnings.

It is expected to be upgraded from a Watch to a Winter Storm or Blizzard Warning sometime this afternoon.

Off to workout, pick up Bob's suit from the dry cleaner, stop at the store for milk, and fill the gas can for the SNOW BLOWER! UGH!

Say It Isn't So

From thursdaythirteen.com:

Welcome to Edition #81 for Thursday, February 22, 2007. This is the official retirement and final edition of the Thursday Thirteen.

There will be no fowarding address, and no change of hands in the Thursday Thirteen management. As the founder and creator, I get the heartwrenching decision of finalizing and closing the door to this baby of mine that I’ve nurtured for the last 81 weeks of my life.

Please do leave the link to your final Thursday Thirteen, I would like to thank each of you for participating.

I wish you all the very best in your blogging endeavors.

Regarding the questions about continuing the Thursday Thirteen, no interested parties have approached me to discuss purchasing the rights to it. If that should occur, an announcement would certainly be made.

Update from thursdaythirteen.com:

There have been a few parties inquiring about purchasing the rights. I will update with more information when it becomes available.

For all interested parties - thank you for contacting me. I am in the process of putting together some information for you so please be patient as it may take a day or two to work through the details.

Thursday Thirteen #9

Thirteen things that make me THINK SPRING and WANT IT TO BE HERE

The last few days we had some very nice weather the last few days that really got me longing for spring.

1. March is QUICKLY approaching!

2. The sun is setting a little later each evening.

3. The snow is melting.

4. The Shamrock shakes have made their appearance at the McDonald's in our area. (I can't stand them, but
it's a sure sign spring is on the way!)

5. The groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, said to expect an early spring.

6. The buds on the rhododendron, even though they form long before spring, remind me each morning of the beauty that is to come.

7. The cute little sandals and tennis shoes in the stores.

8. The clearance sales on warm coats, sweaters, boots, etc.

9. The potted tulips, lilies, hyacinth, etc showing up in the grocery store floral departments.

10. The appointment with our tax preparer has been made.

11. The birds chirping.

12. The fly I spotted yesterday (Yuck, but that's a sure sign of warmer weather.)

13.Did I mention the snow melting? LOL! (I just won't listen to the weather forecast for Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. Rain, freezing rain, & SNOW! Boohoo!)

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Dancing with the Stars Season 4

Season 4 of Dancing with the Stars contestants have been announced:

• LAILA ALI (professional partner MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY)
• BILLY RAY CYRUS (professional partner KARINA SMIRNOFF)
• CLYDE DREXLER (professional partner ELENA GRINENKO)
• JOEY FATONE (professional partner KYM JOHNSON)
• SHANDI FINNESSEY (professional partner BRIAN FORTUNA)
• LEEZA GIBBONS (professional partner TONY DOVOLANI)
• HEATHER MILLS (professional partner JONATHAN ROBERTS)
• APOLO ANTON OHNO (professional partner JULIANNE HOUGH)
• VINCENT PASTORE (professional partner EDYTA SLIWINSKA)
• PAULINA PORIZKOVA (professional partner ALEC MAZO)
• IAN ZIERING (professional partner CHERYL BURKE)

Woohoo -- Tony, Max, Edyta and Cheryl are back! I am look forward to seeing Apolo & Billy Ray! ;)

Green Thumb or Just Luck?

I'm thinking luck...LOL!!

I have never had a poinsettia survive this long. I got two of them this year. One barely made it until New Year's Day. The other (pictured below) is still going strong.

Vera Bradley Pink Elephants

I discovered a really, really cute Vera Bradley print today while reading here!

From verabradley.com: Pink Elephants with trunks raised for good luck and hope, these whimsical pachyderms symbolize our passionate efforts to find a cure for breast cancer.

I have been tempted to take the plunge into Vera for quite sometime now. The elephants might just be enough to push me over the edge.

Wisconsin Badgers #1

For the first time in the history of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the men's basketball team is ranked #1.

They are #2 in the ESPN poll, but honestly why should a team with two more losses and one of them to the Badgers be ahead? Gotta love those polls...LOL!

Sunday's game will be interesting! It is #1 Wisconsin at #2 Ohio State!

UGH! Facing the facts!

I was just checking my FitLinxx stats on the web this after. I decided to click on visits, and honestly, it depressed me. I know it shouldn't because the time I missed was for valid reasons. I don't think a single one was just a I don't feel like working out today. Here are my visits by month:

Aug: 13 (good)
Sept: 12 (good)
Oct: 1 (BAD)
Nov: 1 (VERY BAD)
Dec: 0 (VERY, VERY, BAD)
Jan: 2 (improving)
Feb: 6 (getting back on track)

This month would be better if we hadn't had those day with wind chills of 35 below zero. I wasn't going out in that if I didn't have to. Then Tuesday we had snow leaving the roads treacherous. I took that day off and just used our treadmill in the basement. (I hated every minute of that...LOL.)

Thursday Thirteen #8

Thirteen things I feel make my house my HOME!

This topic is probably a little silly. We are coming up on the 7 year anniversary of moving into our home. I guess I am feeling a little nostalgic...LOL!

1. The brass door knocker with our name and established 2000 engraved on it.

2. The Italian Tole mini-chandelier my husband's great aunt & great uncle brought back from Italy in the 50s hanging in the entry.

3. The grandfather clock in the living room. Love that chiming! (note to self: call clock shop to have clock worked on. The chiming is sounding a bit off.)

4. The two chairs and over-sized ottoman "coffee" table in the living room.

5. The way the sunlight the floods the family room and kitchen on a sunny day.

6. The fireplace in the family room.

7. The quilts, blankets, and pillows we use to cuddle up while watching TV (and to hide the mess the dogs have made of the furniture in there...lol.)

8. The very used braided rug under the kitchen table. It is beaten up nothing some strong thread and a needle won't fix. The colors are perfect for the room, and it is so soft.

9. The collections of items arranged above the kitchen cabinets and some counter tops. Some are pieces that belonged to family members who are no longer with us.

10. The colors of the walls in the rooms we have repainted since we moved in are so soothing.

11. The pictures of family.

12. The Yankee candles! I have them burning all the time and change scents to match the seasons. Right now I am using Good Morning!

13. The GE Reveal light bulbs combined with the dimmer switches the previous owner installed in almost every room. I love the color light the GE Reveal casts -- none of that "yellowish" hue you get with regular soft whites.

I could go on and on, but this is Thursday Thirteen not Thursday Three-Hundred! There are a few things I want to change, but I love my home!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens! bubba cat julia an ordinary mom topchamp rose alisonwonderland jennymcb

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

NASCAR "Cheaters"

The crew chiefs on five NASCAR Nextel Cup teams have been suspended. One of them indefinitely. The suspensions are for infractions discovered on the cars after Sunday's qualifying. Until NASCAR takes this seriously and suspends the ENTIRE team from competition it will continue. It is always the same teams. When will NASCAR listen to it's fans and penalize these teams so it really hurts? Are we becoming the WWE?

The points penalties are so small the teams aren't phased. The $25,000-$50,000 fines mean nothing to the multimillion dollar teams. The suspended crew chief can work on the cars all week long. He can have contact with the team during the race. He just cannot be at the track during the race weekend. In my opinion, NASCAR's "punishments" are jokes.

I am pretty sure when NASCAR tells a team their car AND driver will not take the track, the message will be heard.

PS...Carolynn, I know you don't watch! *snicker*

I Applaud My City

They don't always get things right, but I think they should be praised for proposing this new law!!

From: themilwaukeechannel.com

South Milwaukee Considers Law To Restrict Where Sex Offenders Can Live

South Milwaukee, WI -- A proposed new law could mean fewer places for sex offenders to live in one Milwaukee suburb. South Milwaukee is considering an ordinance that would prevent felons who are convicted of sexual crimes from living within 2,000 feet of facilities designed for children. That would include schools, day-care centers, playgrounds, athletic fields and parks.The law would leave just a few isolated areas in the city where they could live. The proposal is similar to legislation recently put in place in Franklin.

Happy Valentine's Day

Thursday Thirteen Blogroll

If you are interested in checking out what topics other thirteeners are using for their weekly lists, I have added the Thursday Thirteen Blogroll to the sidebar of my blog. (My blog is now listed on it!)

Last week's Meet 'n Greet certainly brought a lot of traffic to my blog! Thank you everyone who visited and keeps coming back...lol!

Avery Trial Begins

I will be watching developments in the Steven Avery trial. He & his nephew are accused of killing a freelance photograher on Halloween 2005. This is probably the biggest trial in our area since the Dahmer trial.

Are You Ready?

Go Tony Go!

May this season bring MANY opportunities to climb the fence!!

2007 Speedweeks Schedule of Events (from daytonainternationalspeedway.com)

Thursday, February 8
Noon - 5 pm		ARCA RE/MAX Series Practice
7pm		Budweiser Shootout drawing at the SPEED Stage outside of Turn 4
Friday, February 9
Noon		ARCA Qualifying (Two laps, all positions)
4:15 - 5 pm		NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Budweiser Shootout At Daytona Practice
5:10 - 6:15 pm		ARCA RE/MAX Series Final Practice
6:30 - 7:30 pm		NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Budweiser Shootout At Daytona Final Practice
Saturday, February 10
10:30 am - 12:30 pm		NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Practice
1:30 - 3 pm		NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Practice
3:30 pm		ARCA RE/MAX Series Driver Introductions
4:15 pm		Daytona ARCA 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series (80 Laps, 200 Miles)
8 pm		NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Budweiser Shootout At Daytona
		Driver Introductions
8:30 pm		Budweiser Shootout At Daytona NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Race
		(70 Laps, 175 Miles)
Sunday, February 11
2:10 pm		NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Qualifying for the Daytona 500
		(Two Laps, Two Positions)
Wednesday, February 14
Noon - 12:55 pm		NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Practice
2:05 - 2:55 pm		NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Practice
		(Final Practice Before the Gatorade Duel At Daytona)
3 - 4:20 pm		NASCAR Busch Series Practice
4:30 - 5:30 pm		NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Practice
Thursday, February 15
9 - 9:30 am		NASCAR Busch Series Rookie Practice
9:30 - 10:55 am		NASCAR Busch Series Final Practice
11 - 11:30 am		NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rookie Practice
11:45 am - 1:15 pm		NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Final Practice
1:30 pm		NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Driver Introductions
2 pm		Gatorade Duel At Daytona
		Daytona 500 Qualifying Races (60 Laps, 150 Miles, Each)
7 pm		NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying
		(Two Laps, All Positions)
Friday, February 16
1:40 - 2:40 pm		NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Practice
3:05 pm		NASCAR Busch Series Qualifying (Two Laps, All Positions)
7:30 pm		NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver Introductions
8 pm		Chevy Silverado HD 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race
		(100 Laps, 250 Miles)
Saturday, February 17
10:35 - 11:55 am		NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Final Practice for the Daytona 500
12:45 pm		NASCAR Busch Series Driver Introductions
1:15 pm		Daytona 300 NASCAR Busch Series Race (120 Laps, 300 Miles)
Sunday, February 18
2:30 pm		NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Driver Introductions
3:15 pm		Daytona 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Race
		(200 Laps, 500 Miles)

Thursday Thirteen #7

Thirteen things about the color RED!
Red is one of my favorite colors, and lately I have really been drawn to it. So with Valentine's Day coming soon I thought I would use the color red as the topic for this week's thirteen.

1. Red is a strong color that conjures up a range of conflicting emotions from love to violence.

2. Red can increase the rate of respiration and raise blood pressure.

3. Red is power -- think of "the power tie" worn by business people and VIPs.

4. Red is the color of happiness and prosperity in China and may be used to attract good luck.

5. Red is the color of mourning in South Africa.

6. Red Ruby is the traditional 40th wedding anniversary gift.

7. Red letter day - a day of special significance.

8. Red carpet treatment - make someone feel special.

9. Paint the town red - celebrate, go out partying.

10. Red sky in the morning, sailor's warning; red sky at night, sailor's delight - good and bad warning signs when at sea.

11. Seeing red - to be angry.

12. Red herring - something that deceives or distracts attention from the truth.

13. In the red - losing money or overdrawn in a back account.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens! gentle jen rashenbo qtpies7 sweetkitty angela giles klocke mom's secret life stacie elizabeth rose crygibb queen of wands jane miranda artemis ms_teacher susan helene gottfried janie hickok siess, esq raggedy amy mrs lifecruiser jill john985 crystal alisonwonderland ancsweetnsassygal Leanne sanni ann topchamp

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

A Reminder for Me

Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why. ~ Eddie Cantor

Another Snow Day

Today was another day off of school for Olivia. I am so glad this really cold snap is over! We were up to 7 degrees (windchill -5) this afternoon with snow falling. It is done now, and we got about 1.5 inches. It's strange to get snow when it is so cold. Usually, when we get snow around here it is around 25 or 30.

Tomorrow will be back to school, and let me tell you I am glad. Olivia just doesn't know what to do with herself and is driving me nuts! Grrr...LOL! Thank goodness the school year doesn't end in say December and start up again in March. Think of how stir crazy the kids living in cold climates would be. I shudder to think of it...lol!!

Snow ...err... Cold Day

Olivia's school and many in the area were closed today due to the cold. We had windchills of 38 below zero this morning. Yesterday's high was -2 with windchills around 30 below! Brrrrrrr!! Tomorrow will be down right balmy if we hit 8 like they are predicting! LOL!

I did not go to the Y today because I didn't want to leave the house in this weather since I didn't have to. I did go downstairs and use our treadmill for 30 minutes. It's better than nothing!

I used this day to do one of those things that always gets pushed aside because I HATE it. The laundry closet -- removing the bi-fold doors, pulling out the washer/dryer, cleaning the vent, sweeping and washing the floor. Boy, was there the dog hair there. It nearly filled a plastic grocery bag. YUCKY! It was hard to believe it has only been about three months since it was done last.

Did Jeffrey Dahmer Kill Adam Walsh?

This isn't the kind of thing I normally post. I realize it is controversial, but I followed the Dahmer story closely. The arrest, the fallout after his arrest, the trial, and his murder by a fellow inmate in 1994. It was all so horrific that it was like something out of a book or movie.

I remember that summer like it was yesterday. The stories of missing young men. I remember the flier of one in particular -- a deaf man named Tony Hughes. It hung for weeks on the door of McDonald's (I worked there at the time).

Did Jeffrey Dahmer confess to all his crimes?
There's a call to reopen the investigation into Milwaukee's most notorious killer.

There are new questions about Dahmer's criminal history before he returned to Milwaukee and never-reported details that some believe link Dahmer to one of the United States' most notorious cold cases.

The boy at the center of that cold case is now a household name. Who can forget the toothless grin of 6-year-old Adam Walsh, the Florida boy abducted, dismembered and dumped in a drainage canal in 1981.

A Miami author is making the case that Dahmer may be responsible for the Walsh slaying.

If interested in the rest of the story, you can read it on themilwaukeechannel.com or see the video here.

Thursday Thirteen #6 (on Friday)

The last thirteen CDs we purchased
Yes, we still purchase CDs! We buy CDs when we are pretty sure we will like more than one song. When there's a catchy tune by someone we don't want a whole CD of, we purchase & download that song.

1. Frank Sinatra Romance Songs from the Heart(Bob's)

2. Christina Aguilera Back to Basics (Shared)

3. Guns 'n Roses Greatest Hits (Bob's -- I kept asking what he was thinking, but after listening to it a little I found out there are more songs on there I like than I cared to admit...lol!)

4. Point of Grace Winter Wonderland (Mine)

5. Daughtry Daughtry (Mine -- BY FAR THE BEST!!!)

6. U2 18 Singles (Shared)

7. Sugarland Enjoy the Ride (Mine)

8. Keith Urban Love, Pain, and the Whole Crazy Thing (Mine)

9. Rascal Flatts Me and My Gang (Shared)

10. Panic! at the Disco A Fever You Can't Sweat Out (Mine)

11. Nickelback All the Right Reasons (Mine)

12. Bruce Springsteen Devils & Dust (Bob's -- I don't even want to hear Springsteen when we are in the truck together...lol)

13. Mariah Carey The Emanicpation of Mimi (Mine -- I can't believe it, but YES I bought this CD. I loved her when she first hit the music scene. I have her first three or four CDs. Then she had a few duds. This one was kind of back to what made her popular. It is pretty good. Not one of my favorites, but still good.)

Links to other Thursday Thirteens! alisonwonderland jo

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Thank You Brett!

"TractorWatch" is over!! Al Jones, sports writer for the The Sun Herald and friend of Brett Favre, writes Favre to play in 2007!

I am SO glad to hear he will be back! He is an amazing player!

I do find it funny that it is first reported in a Mississippi paper...lol!!

Bracing for the CCCCold

Look what's coming our way!



Check out Sunday -- windchills to 30 below! brrrrrr!

Thursday Thirteen #6

I haven't forgotten about Today's Thirteen. I was hoping to have time to post it this afternoon, but that just didn't happen. I have a topic picked out, but not enough time to type it up right now. It was just one of those days were everything takes twice as long to do than you were expecting!