Gloomy & Chilly

Fall-like weather has returned. It's in the low 60's and raining today! Brr...

School Shopping

I took Olivia school shopping today, and aside from lunch, it didn't cost us one cent! Boy, it's nice to have a teen with a job! ;)

Getting Ready for the Season

I have decided it's time to retire my Favre jersey for now. Like Favre, it will come out of retirement someday (*snicker*), but not while he's playing for the Vikings. I had been planning on getting my favorite Packer, Aaron Kampman, but I have a feeling he won't be in the green & gold much longer. I have decided to go with the another Aaron's jersey in a cute women's style...

Still Sick...

I'm still coughing, but think I am getting a little better. Very slowly...

The new medication helped with the congestion, but nothing is helping with the cough. My doctor wants me to be on it for a least a week before see her again. If I don't see great improvement by Friday, I will call to get in early next week.

Finally...

We were finally able to see Bob's parents today. It was a nice time, and while we with them I was able to let go of the anger. It still frustrates me that they always put Bob last, but life's too short to hold those grudges.

I Feel Naked

Last night I noticed one of the prongs holding the main diamond on my wedding ring was bent. Had to drop it off to be repaired today and being without it feels weird. I don't like it!

Weekends are...

a bit like rainbows; they look good from a distance but disappear when you get up close to them. ~ John Shirley

Two Happy Birthdays

Happy Birthday Dad & Michelle! Hope you both have a wonderful day!!

Going Backwards

I seem to be going backwards with this illness. My sinus headache, stuffiness, sore throat, etc. are back. Call the doctor this morning & she is supposed to call another prescription into my pharmacist.

I plan to hit the hay early tonight.

Anyone, but the Vikings...

I cannot believe Brett Favre is out of "retirement" yet again! Hope my favorite Packer, Aaron Kampman, gives him a welcome back to Lambeau Field he will never forget.

Dinner Canceled

We planned dinner with Bob's parents for tonight, but we had to cancel because Bob is sick. He even had to cancel a work meeting today. That's so not like him. He is already planning on staying home tomorrow.

Lucky for us, Bob's parents said they are willing to "rearrange" their schedule because they "would really like to see us". Where was that wanting to see us the afternoon they arrived when Bob took off work & we were waiting for the phone call that they were in town?

Get well soon, honey!!

Love is...

what makes two people sit in the middle of a bench when there is plenty of room at both ends.

Dear Bob

Happy eleventh anniversary to the man of my dreams! I love you!!

Time to Shop

I'll be logging off in a few minutes to go buy Bob's Anniversary (11 years tomorrow) present. It's so romantic...

New Addiction...

Jeff

Russell (love his shaved head...LOL!! :D)

No, it's not hot men...ROFL!! It's Big Brother -- those are my two favorites! :) I cannot subscribe to the live feeds or I would NEVER get anything done.

$6060 Cell Phone Bill

Thank you, Olivia! I have to cool off before I comment further!!

Junior

Today is Olivia's school registration. I cannot believe she is a junior! Where on earth has that time gone?

Bronchitis...

Never had it before & NEVER want it again! I have some HUGE antibiotics to take and orders for lots of liquids & rest. If I am not starting to feel better by Friday, I am to call my doctor, and she will call in an Rx for a bronchodilator.

My BP was high! I don't like that and she didn't either. She said it was probably because of the bronchitis, but wants me back to check that out after this clears up. I have appts for Sept 16 (lab for yearly blood work) and Sept 23 check bp and follow-up to lab appt.

Oops...

I spent Saturday sleeping off & on. This cough/chest tightness thing is really kicking my butt. It makes my whole body hurt. I missed blogging. Bob was on the computer all day with a work crisis. I missed another day. Back on track today...

Doing a Happy Dance

About three weeks ago, I had a sore throat, chest tightness, cough, runny eyes & nose, and a headache. The sore throat runny eyes, and headache were gone in about three or four days. When I get sick, the cough usually lingers for quite some time after, but it's normally because of that pin or needle feeling in the throat. Here it is two weeks after those other symptoms went away. It was starting to get better earlier this week, but got worse again last evening.

This morning I made the call to the doctor. I was dreading this call because I thought I was going to have to find a new doctor since I got a letter that mine had left the medical group she was under at the time. Along with the other two doctors I had seen at that clinic. I called the clinic number I had in my phone -- it was forwarded to another clinic -- on I can't stand. I was told that entire clinic is no longer part of the medical group. I find the new name, the new number, and call my doctor is still there & takes all the same insurance she did before! That's why I'm doing the happy dance!

Unfortunately, she isn't in on Fridays and all the other doctors were already booked so I have to wait until Monday at 4:30. It's going to be a long weekend of coughing. No over-the-counter products are working...

So Uninspired...

I have no idea what to make for supper tonight. Meal planning is not my strength. I have come to realize that I don't mind the actual cooking. It's the planning and trying to pick something that everyone likes and/or is in the mood to eat. Blah...

Think I know what I will be working on during the next Thirty Days of Blank!

I'm Going to Say It

I don't use my blog for venting very often. I would rather talk about happy things and good times, but there are times when things that are heavy on my heart must be shared. This is one of those times...

We've known for months that Bob's parents were coming this month. (They live in Arizona, and we have not seen them in TWO years!!) We had been asking them the exact dates for months so we could plan accordingly and Bob take some time off and/or not schedule things for when they are in town. They said don't worry about it; we'll work visits in around your schedule.

Then when he talked to them in late July his dad finally told them when they were going to be here, but had the whole three weeks planned out except for three days. They flew into MKE yesterday and left this morning for Bob's brother's (about an hour north of us) because he has a week of vacation. A couple other overnight stops to see friends. Then they are back in MKE from 15th until they leave. However, the only days they are "free" to do anything with us are the 15, 16 & 17. Well, the 15th is our anniversary, and we already made plans to stay at at downtown hotel. We are not changing our plans. Bob has a case going to trial soon and couldn't hold off on scheduling depositions any longer & as luck would have it, one of those depositions is scheduled for the 17th.

When Bob spoke to them on Monday, he said he would just work a half day Tues so we could see them before they head up by his brother today. They didn't give us the time the flight came in, but a flight number that turned out to be incorrect (or a lie). I checked the arrivals & there were four flights through out the day that could have been theirs. We didn't hear from them until 8:40 last night -- AFTER they were at their hotel. Turns out SIL & the kids met them & the airport and they went out to dinner. The SIL & kids they will be seeing for the next seven days.

When Bob talked to his Dad, his dad wanted to know which of those days they told us before was going to work for us. Bob was very non-committal, and he could tell his dad was getting angry because he wouldn't just pick one. Bob wanted to confront him about the whole thing then, but said he was too angry & would have said something he regretted. He's better about that kind of thing that I!

My in-laws are frustrating! I am tired of trying to justify their actions and making excuses for the differences in the ways they treat their sons! It's always been clear they have a favorite!!

I've read, re-read, and counted to ten twice. I still feel the need to pubish so here it goes out into cyberspace where I can never take it back. ;)

Going Shoppin'

It's time to update Olivia's room. She can't decide if it's too little girl or too old lady...LOL!! She's tired of the pink walls, "granny" floral pattern comforter, valances with little blue bows on them, etc. We are going with a black, grey, and purple pallet.

Cross your fingers the comforter is still in stock at one of the stores near me. It doesn't look like it is available online any longer. Since it is part of the College 09 collection we need to act quickly even though we won't be doing her room until later this year.

This is what she has picked out!



As you can see, it's still a floral, but a more sophisticated floral than the hand me down she has now.

New Recipe

I wanted to make one of my favorite chicken dishes, but did not have feta the ingredient that makes the dish in my opinion. Instead I made Balsamic Tomato Chicken & Pasta. It wasn't my favorite dish, but it was VERY good! You might want to wear a bib if you try it, however, I dribbled the sauce down the front of my shirt like a toddler! LOL!!

Wonderful Day

Today was a glorious weather day! Bob & I took advantage of it. We went to put a fresh flower arrangement on his grandmother & grandfather's grave. August 10 marks three years since his grandma passed away. I can't believe it has been that long already. We miss & love you, Sama. After visiting the cemetery we headed to the park & just hung out for hours. It was nice being together without the blare of a TV or radio! Lots of good people watching & GREAT company! :)

30 Days of...

I have seriously been neglecting my blogs of late! I missed the entire month of July. I did get a lot accomplished, but I seriously missed my blogging.

For the next 30 days, I am going to challenge myself to blog every single day. I have Ms. Carolynn to hold me accountable and now the rest of you too!

You can join too! What would you like to start and/or change?

Last Day

Today is the last day we have to walk in the front door to head upstairs & in the garage door to be on the main floor. Thank goodness!!

No Wheels

We have car in for some brake work, and I am without wheels until tomorrow! I don't like being "stuck" at home without my car. I had no plans to go anywhere, but knowing you can't go anywhere that isn't within walking distance kind of makes you want to go somewhere. LOL!!

Happy Birthday...

to my dear brother, Scott!!

Happy Birthday...

Jeannie!!

Happy Birthday...

Linda!!

The Three H's

Boy oh boy, have we been have some hot, hazy, humid weather around her the last few days. Today was supposed to be a bit cooler so I decided to mow the lawn. B.I.G. mistake! It was so humid that I had to take breaks. Some thing I never have to do otherwise.

Dreams

Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night. -- Edgar Allan Poe

Seven

The countdown of how many more days I have to live with the crate in the hall! LOL!!

I Don't Like

Boomer came home Saturday morning, and for ten days, we must keep him calm, from going upstairs, and take him outside on a leash. This dog is impossible to keep calm so he has sedatives to take for most of the ten day "calm time".

We didn't want to put a gate on the stairs for 10 days so his VERY large crate was at the bottom of the stairs. The only problem was every time we wanted to go up or down we had to move the very large cage and move it back. This got old very quickly. I moved it to the hallway still blocks the stairs from boomer (and us), but it isn't right at the bottom of the stairs. Instead of moving the cage use the front door for access to upstairs & the garage door or access to the main floor. Yes, we have to go out of our house to go from one floor to another...LOL!! And I DON'T LIKE!

Only 8 more days until I can go from one floor to the other in my house like a normal person.

Answer!

I called my dad to wish him a happy Father's Day, and he answered the phone! Woohoo!

Blogiversary!

Today is the third anniversary of the creation of my blog! I thoroughly enjoy keep it, going back and reading it, and each of my readers! I thank you all for stopping by!

Cellphone Lit Dinner

We had more storms in the area today & tonight. While out for dinner the power went out three times. The first two were for less than a minute, but the last ended up being much longer. Just before our food arrived the power went out that third time. The restaurant didn't have any candles -- so we just dined by cellphone light! It was quite comical to see people using cellphones as flash lights. An employee later returned with candles, but we had finished eating by that time. Sounds romantic, hey? LOL!!

Oh, Grandmother!

Telling my grandma about Boomer having to be neutered was pretty interesting! She kept saying "tutoring, I don't know what that is". Finally, she figured out the word, but then asks what is that? Good grief! After I explain what it is to her, she says oh so he won't be a boy or a girl! Sometimes I don't know about that woman. She's had a hysterectomy. Does that mean she isn't male or female? UGH!

Here We Go Again

Over the weekend Boomer started licking that spot on his leg -- AGAIN! His system must have adjusted to the meds. So it was back to the vet today. However, this time it is not just for that. Monday afternoon I noticed a few drops of blood here & there on the floor. I knew they were from Boomer, but thought it was from the spot on his leg. Turns out it was not -- this morning when I took him out potty I could tell there was blood in his urine. The vet could tell either his bladder or prostate were enlarged when she felt. An x-rays followed by an ultrasound confirmed it is his prostate. They believe he has BPH -- yep, un-neutered male dogs can get it too. Who knew? So Friday he will be neutered.

Bob can explain why Boomer wasn't already neutered...LOL! I don't lose many battles in the house, but that is one I lost. :D Now Bob is freaking out because "his boy" has to have surgery. GRR -- we should have done this in the first place! Can I say I told you so? LOL!!

Expected Summer Weather

I heard this morning that the weather around here this summer is supposed to be cooler & wetter than a typical summer. So far that is proving to be true!

Done Rockin'

All the stone has been moved from our driveway & placed in the proper places. Now I have to pick up at least 10 bags of mulch. Once that mulch is down, I will share a picture!

A Little More Rock

Added another pile of stone to our driveway this afternoon! This time it is fieldstone! You may have noticed in pictures around here that we have an area near the middle of our front yard with three spirea, a maple tree, and two lilac bushes. This area is kind of kidney shaped & mulched. The mulch often ends up in the grass since the only thing keeping it in is black edging which is really intended to keep the grass from growing into an area. So, I decided to add a fieldstone around it to hold the mulch in that area and keep it from going through the lawnmower into the neighbor's house or car. Not that I have done that before...hehe...okay maybe once, but there was no damage.

*sigh*

Love this quote: Life's not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain. ~ Vivian Greene

Woohoo...

Got the rocks down in the area by the mailbox. It looks great!

This Rocks

Last spring when I redid the area by the mailbox, I had no idea what a mistake it would be to take out the stone & replace it with wood mulch. Rain water runs down the driveway and into that bed washing the mulch into the street. I would say about 3/4 of what was down there is gone. I will remove it & replace it with stone that matches what is in other areas of our yard. In other words, what was there to begin with! Doh!

I ordered the stone (1.5 tons) to replace the mulch and to add to what is in other parts of the yard, it has been delivered, and some will be moved into it's new home tomorrow.

to sore muscles...

Today Mirrors A Year Ago

One year ago today, we spent the afternoon in the basement. We did so again today -- tornado warnings -- sirens blaring! Thankfully, there was not a tornado here.

That afternoon one year ago was our last day of rain that left much of southeastern Wisconsin under water & canceled school for Olivia. Thankfully again, this storm caused no flooding.

Getting Close

Olivia had an orthodontist appointment today! They took x-rays this time & she is REALLY close to getting them off. This could be her last adjustment -- if it isn't there will only be one more. So, most likely, she will have them off before school starts or shortly after. As you can imagine, she's pretty excited about that! :)

Playing in Dirt

I spent much of the weekend out in our yard! Saturday was spent purchasing plants to replace the overgrown ugly "ground cover" that had taken over the area in front of the house.

Those overgrown monstrosities were pulled out Sunday with the help of a wonderful neighbor (Thank you again, Jay!). The planting that day was short lived as we had plans to meet friends for dinner, but I did get a good start. I transplanted a couple meadow sage that had been near the stuff we got rid of and also planted three other plants.

Monday morning I was back to planting by mid-morning & it didn't finish until about 7PM. In all, I planted or transplanted nearly 40 plants. In the area I planted most of these plants there is that cloth that prevents weed growth. UGH -- that stuff is nice, but it is a pain when it comes to planting!

Before

After

I am really happy with the way it turned out! Now I am itching to do more planting!

Thank You...

to all those who have and are currently serving in our military!

Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand,

the spines of others are often stiffened.
Billy Graham

Missed It

The semester has come to a close. Today was my first Friday without class, and I missed it! I can't believe I missed it as much work as it was...LOL!!

Happy Birthday Olivia

(and Happy Anniversary Carolynn & Frank!)

Back to Normal & a B

Today was run errands with grandma day! Last time we were out was about three weeks ago. It was nice to see her again. Before our trip I was spending all my spare time working on my semester project for view camera class. That class really kicked my behind. It was a lot of work. The quizzes and tests were TOUGH! This morning before going to pick up grandma, I stopped by school to pick up the photos I dropped off before our trip. I got a B+ on my project & a B for the class. I am VERY happy with that considering there were photo majors who got lower grades and needed the final exam curved to pass the class. :O

Next up will be Introduction to Digital Photography. It's a two hour lecture only class. There will be no photography assignments. I will miss those, but am interested in learning more about the technical aspects of digital.

Lovin' It

Bob took vacation days beyond our trip. He was also off yesterday and today. It was nice to be home and not have to go anywhere other than taking Olivia to and from school. Usually when he has a day off he wants to be running. This was a nice, welcome change from the norm!

Home Sweet Home

Bob & I took a much needed vacation with some friends. We went to St Louis to take in the Brewers/Cardinals series. We had a GREAT time, but it feels good to be home!

Wowzer, What a Night

I went to bed around 11:45 last night! Bob was up finishing a little bit of work, but ended up falling asleep in his chair (not unusual...lol). The dogs, Boomer & Chevy came to bed with me. Chevy was down by my feet & Boomer was next to me in Bob's spot. I fell asleep quickly and was sleeping soundly when I heard a loud bang that startled me out of my sleep. I noticed Boomer hunkered down next to the wall panting heavily. He looked really strange and was making no attempt to get up. I called Bob into the room & Boomer finally moves, but he really didn't have control of his body. For a few minutes he could not hold himself up. He would fall over to the right if he wasn't against a wall or being held up. When he did walk, his front legs were really far in front of him and his rear legs were really far behind him.

I called the vet, who I know will be closed, to get an emergency number. Called that number and was told to bring him in. Bob was going to try to carry Boomer, who is 80 lbs, down the stairs, but Boomer didn't like that idea and began to growl & show his teeth to Bob. I went downstairs to get his leash so we have some control of how fast & far he can get on the steps since he was starting to walk a tiny bit better by this time. Boomer decided he didn't want to wait for me to come back with the leash, escapes from Bob & goes down the stairs on his own. Instead of walking down, he fell down the entire flight. He was barely phased by the falling and just got up and walked, as best he could, to the kitchen.

We get him in the car, drive him the 40 minutes or so to the vet ER, and we he gets out of the car he is normal again! Of course! The vet did notice his head was still a bit to the right when he examined him, but by the end of the exam that was normal too.

They aren't sure what happened, but think it was a vestibular episode related to idiopathic vestibular syndrome. A disorder in older dogs -- the disorder causes stroke like symptoms. There are other things that could cause this to happen as well, but since it cleared up so quickly they think this is likely what happened. According to the vet, he may never have one again or it could be recurring.

I spoke to our regular vet this morning. She & the vet he saw last don't think any other blood work is necessary at this point since he just had a complete check a few weeks ago. Neither of them thought anything they would be looking for now would change that quickly in such a short period of time. We are just supposed to keep & eye on him and if it happens again we need to bring him in immediately. If it does happen again, then we will go from there.

I am crossing my fingers, hoping, praying, etc. that it never happens again. That was one of the scariest things I have seen in my life.

Often Misattributed Quote

A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have. -- Gerald Ford (during address to Congress on August 12, 1974)

All Better

The garage door opener is all fixed & awesome!! The old one wasn't even this nice when it was brand new. :)

Does it Ever End?

Garage door opener breaks! Can be repaired, but will cost as much as a new one -- so new GDO will be installed tomorrow!

Why is it when you go into "save" mode things always break? GRR!

Got Camera; Will Shoot

This morning I went to check a view camera out of the camera "library" at school. I plan to begin work on my semester project aka thematic series. My series doesn't have a title yet, but I will be taking photographs of the stamp the beer brewing industry left on Milwaukee -- more specifically the one left by Frederick Pabst. I plan photograph his home, his tombstone, the area that was once Pabst Brewing Company. It is currently under construction -- some areas of the old brewery house new businesses and residences, others are still be transformed for the new intended uses. I hope at least two of those new use areas will allow me inside to photograph. I also hope the Pabst Theater will do the same.

I am really excited about this project -- fingers crossed I will be able to pull it off as planned!

MS Walk

On Sunday, May 3, I will be participating in Walk MS 2009 here in Milwaukee. A friend was recently diagnosed with MS & some friends, and I have joined her team (Mindy's Marchers).

If anyone is interested in making a donation, you can do so here.

A big thank you to those of you who have already donated!

School Resumes

Today was Olivia's first day back to school after Spring (I call it Easter) Break. We didn't do much, but it was nice not having to run her & her friends to school & then go back to pic them up everyday. It was a Spring Easter Break for me too. I didn't have class the last two Fridays. I really missed it and can't wait to get back on Friday!

Voting Begins

Photo Contest: SPRING

My entry for Write from Kim's photo contest is posted here: http://prizedpixels.blogspot.com/2009/04/bouquet.html. Voting begins on Saturday and runs through Wednesday, April 22. I will post a link so you can stop by & vote once it is available.

Poor Boomer the Sequel!

You probably remember my post about the sore on Boomer's leg. Well, it never healed completely. It was doing really, really well, but we could not take the "lampshade" off for more than 30 seconds without him starting to lick at it again. He ended up cracking the "lampshade" from the vet when he hit it on something after coming in from outside on a very cold day. I picked up a replacement at a pet supply chain & it just didn't work as well as the one from the vet. He figured out how to move it so he could reach that spot on his leg. We obviously can't watch him 24 hours day, but did the best we could when we were home to keep him distracted from that spot. It was starting to get raw again so I called the vet immediately.

We saw the vet today. He is back on the antibiotic and ointment, has a new "lampshade", AND will be going on an antidepressant drug. What he has is called a lick granuloma. There is NOTHING physically wrong aside from the infection he has cause from the constant licking. Some dogs respond well to being on this sort of drug for stopping this problem. He has has always been an anxious, nervous dog so I am hopeful that this will help him with more than the lick granuloma. :)

Coming Soon: My Photo Contest Entry

Fingers Crossed

Now that all the vacations and working at parties is behind me I am hopeful that I will return to my regular blogging schedule!

He Is Risen

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter and took a sometime to think about why we celebrate this glorious day!

How Do Working Moms Do It?

I think I say this every year, but I am going to say it again. I will be glad when these bunny parties are over. I enjoy doing them, but I do not like having to be away from the house everyday and having to be there at a certain time. If I had to go back to work, I would, but I LOVE being able to pick what time I need to be somewhere. I need my "normal" routine back -- the house is beginning to suffer!! I used to do it "all" as a single parent so I know I can do it. I must just be spoiled & set in my ways now...LOL!!

Snow -- grr

An overnight storm dumped another 8 inches of snow on us! I'm still waiting for spring.

March 28, 1970!

I think I will hold at 39...LOL!!

I Did It

FINALLY, a 100% on a quiz in view camera! It took 8 quizzes, but I finally got one! Woohoo!

Bob's Turn

Bob is now in Vegas hanging with the boys! :) Hope you have a GREAT time, honey! (As if, he ever reads my blog...LOL!!)

Happy Birthday

Renee!! Hope you have a wonderful day! :)

I Got Chills

Adam was SO good on Idol tonight -- WOW! With it being Motown week, I really thought Lil and Danny would knock it out the house, as Randy would say, but neither one really did it for me last night.

Even Bob who really wants to dislike Adam had to rewind and watch his performance again! I'll have him liking Adam before the season is over! Hehehe!!

Party Time

Today was the first day of my yearly job! Bring on the Easter Bunny Parties! I am doing 15 of them this year. One down, fourteen to go! ;)

Home Sweet Home

I am home! I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Atlanta, but it is always nice to come back home. It was wonderful to finally meet these ladies in person after "talking" for so long online! :)

On the Road...

I will be away for a few days & will update my blogs when I return!

Happy Anniversary...

Dad & Carole!

(They still aren't taking or returning my calls, but I did my part by calling to wish them happy anniversary! Some day they will come to their senses.)

Bad Blogger

I have neglected my blog over the last couple weeks. I am finally getting into the swing of my new schedule with the photography class. It is taking much more time and work than I anticipated, but I do LOVE it. Hopefully, now that I have a routine set my blog won't be neglected!

Cool Hotel Photo Update

I got an email from a member of the marketing team for The Iron Horse hotel, and I will be able to share my picture with you guys. I print it on next Friday, turn it in for grading and will share it with you all once I get it back. Which should be two weeks from today!

Cool Hotel

This afternoon I took pictures at what might be the coolest hotel in Milwaukee -- The Iron Horse Hotel! I loved the look of this place so much. Man, I am speechless...LOL!!

I cannot say enough about how great the manager & the lady working at the front desk. They showed me several rooms and I was able to choose from those. They were even going to show me a "sleeping room". I chose The Library -- what an awesome room. In order to take the pictures, I had to agree not to post those photos online or sell them -- so I will not.

Why Did I Think of That...LOL!!

Done for Another Year

Our tax return is done and ready to be filed -- just need to head to the "tax man" to sign it & fork over $$ for a job that took him less than 10 minutes. How many more years do you think it will take me to convince Bob that our return is easy, peasy and we should be using a tax software program and doing it ourselves?

Flying Solo

I am now taking view camera without my friend. Class is from Fridays from 11AM to 5PM, but on the schedule the class was set up with three time slots. The first portion lecture, the second demonstration and/or lab time, and the third lab time to work on our assignments/projects. My friend did not see the third portion and works during that slot. She thought she could figure out a way to work it out, but could not so she had to drop. I'll miss her, but will do just fine on my own! :)

No Problem Found

We picked Bob's truck up from the garage last night. He hasn't had any trouble with it since picking it up. Hopefully, it was just a fluke.

On the Mend!

I think I am finally beginning to feel like myself again. Not 100%, but I am hopeful I am near the end of this cold.

It was not fun!!

Here We Go Again...

This time it's Bob's truck...

At an intersection not far from home, Bob's truck stalled. He was able to get it restarted after a couple tries. Since he wasn't far from the garage we use he decided to take it there instead of driving on to work. It stalled again in the blocks between where he was & the garage. This time it did start again on the first attempt.

It has been at the garage all day now and they cannot find anything wrong with it. They are going to keep it overnight & drive it again a bit tomorrow to see if anything happens. I'm crossing fingers it was just a fluke & we won't have to sink money into another car repair.

Happy Valentine's Day

Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction. ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Under the Cover of Darkness...

Today was our first time in the darkroom for developing! We developed one of the shots we took last week (that's one of the advantages of sheet film -- you can process one at a time instead of the whole roll). Wow, was it strange to be in complete darkness like that. The only light was the "glowing" of the numbers on the dial of the time. We looked at them so long they began to look like blobs instead of numbers...lol!!

After 8 minutes in the developer, one minute in water, and three minutes in fixer, we are able to turn on the light to inspect our photos. WOW -- that was cool!!

I didn't get to inspect closely, but other than one tiny spot at the top corner I think the negative is good. I suspect, however, that this spot is from someone who wasn't careful at the drying cabinet. She knocked one of the rods down while film was in there drying which may have splashed the photos in the cabinet & caused it. I do not recall seeing that spot when I hung it in the cabinet. This is an ungraded "practice" assignment so we want to get our goof up out here.

Next week we will be printing! Woohoo!

To Dos

Why is it that the days you feel your worst are the same days your to do list is a mile long? I have a lot to do to get ready for my view camera class tomorrow. I know I will get it done, but it is going to take a bit longer than usual with this cold. Deep breaths...I will get it all done!!

The Bug has Arrived

Until today, we had not been hit by one of the cold & flu season bugs. I. am. getting. sick. UGH!!

Sneak Peak at Spring

The temps soared to 59 degrees today giving us a sneak peak of spring. The weather over the weekend was similar, and I was finally able to get the Christmas lights taken off the house. Don't worry we weren't turning them on anymore...lol!!

The snow is completely gone from our yard! I know some will be back shortly, but it will be nice while it lasts. This is the point in the year where I start to get spring fever.

Bummer!

My brother-in-law, sister-in-law, two nephews, and niece were in town Saturday to the spend the night before their Sunday flight to Florida. We had plans to hang out with them for a bit, but one of my nephews ended up sick and they had to cancel. The moved about 1.5 hours north of us a few years ago & we don't see them as often as we should. I miss them, and those kids are getting so big. Last time we saw Nick (their youngest) he was just learning to walk -- he's going to be THREE next month!

Jody & I should learn not to rely on the guys setting up a time for us to get together and just plan our own visits like we did when they lived here.

Tackling the Beast!

I actually used the view camera today, and totally love it! It's certainly a different beast! It is really strange to see the subject upside down and reversed. It will take some time to get used to that & which way to move the camera to adjust the crop in the frame. Yes, I moved it the wrong direction & lost my subject a couple times...LOL!!

On Book Reports

Sometimes a scream is better than a thesis. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

LOL!! :D

Now That's Service!

Yesterday a little after 9AM, I ordered some supplies I need for view camera class. I had an email with tracking information by about 4PM, and had the products in my hands before 2 this afternoon. I will definitely be ordering from Calumet Photographic again!!

American Idol

Go Danny!!
He's from the area and several of my friends know him well.

Nice Day

Bob took a vacation day & we spent it hanging out at home, going out to lunch and spending money on stuff I need for my view camera class. This class is enough to send a person to the poor house. I have already spent $650 NOT including tuition & have more to purchase. I purchased a bunch of things from someone on Craigslist. Some of it I do not need and should be able to sell those items to cover some of the cost of my supplies. The rest of the items I need to purchase aren't needed until the end of the semester when we start work on our semester project.

Super Bowl XLIII

Pittsburgh Steelers 27
Arizona Cardinals 23

Good game and even better time with great friends!