Happy New Year, 2008

Goodness, it looks just as unbelievable in writing
as it does when spoken, 2008. Gad zooks! (where did that phrase come from?)

It's kinda nice knowing that on a yearly basis, a person is given a clean slate, a fresh start . . .
We can make the new year what ever we want.
We can make resolutions, changes.
Our household is going through alot of changes right now.
Enough changes for several new years in fact. We currently have a yard filled with holes and trenches.
No, not in search of treasure, but rather in search of electrical lines and sewer pipes, oh my!

So I guess our big changes this year will be getting through this remodel/addition
without pulling out all our hair and having to hock the cats.

What will all of you do with the the clean slate we
are being given with this new year?
What are your plans if not resolutions?
Any hopes? Big decisions or changes?
Care to share?

What ever you might find, my fondest hope and wish is that
everyone will have a year filled with peace, love, and safety.

Happy New Year Everyone

Longest Night of the Year

This time of the year is known by many names with dozens of different celebrations from a great many different countries and cultures.
The longest night of the year marks many of these celebrations and has its own host of names, Yule, the Winter Solstice, Solar New Year, Midwinter, and Winter Solace
On this night of Winter Solstice, as seen from a northern sky, the three stars in Orion's belt align with the brightest star in the Eastern sky, Sirius to show where the sun will rise in the morning after Winter Solstice. The sun will ceased to decline in the sky as the length of daylight reaches its minimum and after three days, the sun will begin its ascent and the days grow longer. A return to light, a rebirth.




As a nod to my own celtic heritage, on this shortest day and longest night, the 21st of December, the Celts would celebrate at the winter solstice the return of the light and its growing strength. Just as nature lies dormant it is a time for us to pause and reflect, for without darkness we cannot appreciate the return of light and the return of spring.

it all sounds very romantic, as long as you're not out in the cold and snow somewhere freezing on the longest night of the year! So here I sit, on the longest night, on call to the hospital . . . here's hoping I can observe the night here at home.

Happy Yuletide! Merry Midwinter!

Speechless

Well okay, not really, I am Irish after all.
But you have to admit, this can leave you a little breathless.
Dazed in wonderment.
Speechless.
In awe.
Humbled.

As it sits on my desktop it has a three dimensional quality,
really!

I hope to one day be able to see this wonder in real life
not just in video and photographs.

Hope everyone is doing well and nearly finished with
Christmas shopping, etc. (I have 2 left to get)

I will be helping Mielikki do some holiday wrapping this next week
since she has a bum wing.

Work is a zoo, 'tis that time of year!

Ten days til Christmas . . . .
Almost time for a drumroll (the little drummer boy, of course . . . :)

Heard a Christmas song about an Italian donkey, it was a sing a-long.
And, yes, I sang along. It was after I had worked three 12-hour night shifts, what do want!

Am still working diligently on the novel(s). (not really work, more like fun . . .)

Survived yet again, another company dinner at my husband's work.

Boy, am I rambling . . .
Well, just goes to prove, I am not often truly speechless.

So, Which Reindeer/Snowwoman Are You?

Which of Santa's Reindeer are you?





Cupid


Like Cupid you know how to spread love. You have a place in your heart for everyone and are always there with a hug or a kiss


Find out which of Santa's Reindeer you are at Quizopolis.com

Your Snowman Name is


Baby Shiny-Buttons



Get your Snowman Name at Quizopolis.com

The Holidays are Upon Us

Everywhere you look the holidays are upon us. I haven't truly
celebrated Christmas now for quite a few years. We have no room for a tree.
Not even a tiny table top. But hopefully, next year that will all change.
(Did I mention we are doing a little re-modeling and a tiny addition? No? Well, that's for another post.)
Anyhow, it is different when you have no little ones at home, and
none in the wings as it were.
Just us . . .
Every Christmas eve we gather at my parents house for a pot-luck
dinner, a gift exchange, and good company.
This year my daughter will be in Montana with her boyfriend Tim.
She is going to met the rest of his family . . . poor sweetie,
I think she is a bit overwhelmed.
With construction going on and no decorations up, or baking going on it
doesn't feel much like the holidays to me.

The weather isn't even co-operating . . . I am having to settle for
pictures of snow. Ah well, the most important part is still intact,
good friends and family, even though part of my heart will be in Montana.

Happy Thanksgiving

Just a note of thanks for friends I have here in 'Blogland.' I wish you all the best
for the coming holiday and hope that you are all able to be
with your family, friends, and loved ones.

I feel bad for my husband as I will be sleeping through said holiday.
I will have worked the two previous nights, tuesday & wednesday, and of course, thursday night.
It is never a good idea to do a big dinner when you work 12 hr night shifts.
And since a hospital never closes . . .
Thanksgiving will fall on Saturday of Sunday of this year for us.
it is just us two, so no one is really harmed by this change in
the holiday scheme of things except for my husband.
Sigh . . . he often morns the loss of 'Susie Homemaker' but he does
love my paychecks and it is nearly impossible to live on one paycheck in
good, old, California, so I guess susie will be running a little late this year.
Ahh well . . . can't complain really, we both have allot to be thankful for as I am sure all of you do too.

Pass the potatoes and enjoy the pumpkin pie!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Yes, That Was Me, Winking, at the Sun.

Apologies all around for having nearly vanished without notice.
Over the last 2 weeks I have been depressed, gloomy, blue,
in the dumps, downcast, dejected, etc.
I chose not to take anyone with me nor subject
anyone to it, not even Mielikki.
It was/is my problem to deal with.
Good news is, I think the worst has blown over, just a few
glimmers left here and there, mostly sadness.

Anyway, the munchkin in the pic was me at about 6 or 7 (I think), at the beach
in either north or south carolina (don't remember, I was just visiting).
I hated the sun in my eyes, which of course was a necessary evil when
having your picture taken.
I loved the sand fiddler crabs . . . use to scoop them up in the sand and hold them until they
dug down to the palm of my hand, they would tickle . . .

Hope everyone has been well.

Happy, Happy Birthday Baby

October 17, 1985 at 0921 hrs. at 14 lbs and 20 inches long, God gave to us a miracle. We had both given up on ever being able to have children, whether from scratch or adopted, and then she came along. The nurses were great, they let me come into the nursery to feed and hold her as often as I wanted. She was soooo small . . . . I fell hopelessly in love with her the moment I first held her. When she was 2 days old we got to bring her home and our lives were never the same.

She has been on her own now for nearly 2 years . . . living in the wilds of Oregon. I miss her . . . but she is happy, and that is what counts. She has grown up to be an independant young woman of whom I am very proud of and of whom I am happy to know.

Wednesday is her 22 nd. birthday . . . unbelievable . . . where does the time go?

Happy Birthday Sweetpea, we love you!

Ferret Cuteness

No time to really write/blog . . .
Starting tomorrow, the next two or so weeks are going to be crazy.
Hope everyone is well . . .

Got my PC Laptop back :0) whoo-hoo!!!
The drive functions beautifully but I still have a minor
communication problem.
Chances are, in the next month or so I will have to save all my
personal files and reformat the hard-drive, sigh, what fun. The boys
at the shop thought they had cleared it up with scanning for spywear and
viruses, nothing shows up, but the problem still exists, so . . .

I refuse to be out maneuvered by a computer. Yes, I know, sounds like a personal issue, and your point would be??

Sigh . . .

Not much to say . . .
It has gotten quite cloudy outside, we are suppose to have some rain tomorrow.
That will be nice, except I must return to work tomorrow too . . .
Sat & Sun it will be my turn at Podunk Memorial. (That would explain my
gloomy mood;)

The computer guys told me that my "part" was in route . . . from far away "back-east."
Okay, have these guys not heard of FedEx?? Back east is not that far!?
The guy on the phone accually tried to make it sound like it was reaaaallllly far away. I am not stupid!!!!!
But they must be!
Plus, I had to call them after seven full business days .. . . . . (you can't see it, but my foot is tapping)
Sigh, I want my PC back. I NEED to play a game where I can take out my frustrations on
monsters, orcs, and other various creatures that are iky and evil. My D & D computer style.
Hmmmmm, funny, I don't recall seeing computer guys on my computer game, but they could be . . .

Clad in black leather CelticRose takes sword and axe in hand. She cuts across the man's chest with her sword, then counters the fiend's parry with her axe. Catching her enemy's blade within the curve of her axe, she follows through bringing the blade away from the man's midsection. Seeing her way clear, she thrusts with her sword into his soft under belly, "Take that you slimy bastard! I want my laptop back and I want it NOW!"

Okay, I feel a little bit better now.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Autumn in Scotland . . . sigh . . . .
Speaking of Scotland, I am afraid I shall be neglecting this blog
for the novel today. I have only today to do any writing and
I really want to make some headway on the book.
So . . .
My best to everyone.

When Are Visiting Hours?

CAPTION HERE: "What the F- are you doing to my computer???"
Sigh . . . Each day as I have gotten up for work (2 to 4 in the afternoon), I have looked at my answering machine to see the friendly little blinking red light to tell me someone left me a messege . . . only to turn away sadly, no message from the computer repair people . . . .
Don't they know I am anxiously waiting for news? "Is it okay?" "Does it miss me?" "Is it warm enough at night?" "Did you remember to leave a light on so that it doesn't get scared?"
Sigh . . . "So, when are your visiting hours?" "What do you mean I have to leave now?" "I wasn't glaring at you . . ." "Are you reallllly grounded?" "Don't you take that tone with my computer!!!"

Hmmmm, work has been busy this week, maybe I haven't had enough sleep, naw!

I miss my PC laptop . . . MAC misses him too . . . .

Monday Rambling

Okay, I still haven't found the stupid camera cord. I give up for now . . .
I go back to work tomorrow night and won't resurface from Podunk Memorial until Friday afternoon, soooooo I thought I would touch base. I don't want to be accused of being deglectful.
The problem is that I don't really have anything to say.

I am looking forward to Fall and leaving Summer behind.I love the Fall. (Okay, that came out of nowhere)

I took the next step and took my PC Laptop into the shop to get the DVD/CD drive replaced. I also asked that they try see if there is a virus on it affecting my e-mail/messenger and on-line functions. Hopefully it won't take too long (yea sure). It was funny, I dropped off my darling computer and told the young man that the drive was broken. I told him that I worked nights and would not hear the phone, so order the new drive, replace it, and call me. If there is anything additional, call me too. He looked worried, "but, but, we always call before we order a part . . ." Again I explain what I want . . . . "Well, how much is too much . . .?"
I told him to call me for anything from $300.00 and up. Boy did his eyes get big, "Oh it won't be that much . . . . "
Cool, maybe, maybe, they will have it all done in 2 weeks. Here's hoping.

Hope everyone has a good week!!

Shit, Hell, and Dammnation!!

No pictures!!! Damn!! I can't find the freaking cord that lets me download my pictures from the camera to my computer . . .
Damn!! I spent a good forty minutes looking for the thing!
Sigh . . . this is getting me nowhere.


Okay . . . sorry that I can't give you a picture of the car show. (sigh) But on the upside, we did meet Mielikki's
gentelman-friend. He was very nice, good sense of humor, nice looking, polite,
and very attentive to Mielikki which was as it should be . . .

He was a nice normal guy . . . pleasant, not too shy, luvs cars (my husband says he can't be all bad in that case!).
Both he and my dear friend appeared to be content and happy . . . very into each other without being all lovey-dovey.

So . . . I am open for any questions you might have . . . .

When Pigs Fly, I Mean, Swim!

Mmmm, squirrels that do laundry and make potato salad??
Sounds like a job for, a bunch o' piggies! Here ya go!! All the help you could possibly need.

You would think from her post that Meilikki doesn't have much faith in me. Silly woman ;)

I think a picture of M. & MM from behind, or maybe from the neck down, or some such with faces hidden could be arranged.
Hmmm, have to remember to pack my blue dot. Gotta remember to charge the camera . . .
"Here, stand by the shiny car, yea, that's it, a little more to the right! Perfect!"

On other fronts, I found out yesterday that I have 2 herniated discs in my back! One in my lower back (lumbar) and one in my neck (cervical). So I guess I can't blame anyone or anything now for my "pain in the neck!" I can still suffer from those "pain-in-the-ass," problems though. Guess I shouldn't have ridden and fallen from that stupid horse years ago . . . . or been in a car, or climbed trees, or roller skated, etc, etc.
Ah well . . .

The weather today is mild so far, and I have just finished a lovely hot cup of spiced tea, I have blogged, and with no "have-to's" today, I am going to do some writing on the novel(s). I haven't been able to work on it in at least 2-3 weeks, except for jotting down ideas.

I will post a tid-bit or two about the MM and our Meilikki on Sunday, barring floods, earth-quakes, or tornados.
I hope everyone has a lovely week-end!!

Let Me Explain . . . .

Yes, Blog More!!!! Of course one must keep in mind that . . . .

Firstly, I am not as prolific as Meilikki.
Second, I have just ended a 3 week run of a hellish work schedule and unlike my dear friend M. I do not blog when it is a workday/night. (Okay, there was a rare exception that one night I blogged from work . . . .
Thirdly, I made a long visit to my new chiropractor today, ran errands, and visited the folks (I haven't been there in weeks)
Sigh . . . I am tiring myself out again! But I am free for a few days from all cares and woes . . . yes, that means I shall blog tomorrow.
At least I hope to . . . . gads! What if I can't think of a thing to say!! Never you say???
Well, you would be right!!

Here is some good news . . .
My husband & I shall get to meet the "Mustang Man" of M's this Saturday at the Car Show. I shall practice my writing skills and give all of you an indepth, unbias report on Sunday!!!!! Perhaps even snag a picture of them both . . . now where did I put that camera???


By the way, Mac says, "Thanks for the warm welcome!"

Just Me and My Mac

Firstly, I apologize for my absence . . . you see I have a new computer in my life. I went and did it, I sprang for a new laptop. A lovely, fast, and sleek MacBook Pro. Sigh . . . . it was love at first sight! Mac was my first love with computers you see and well, it was meant to be.
I am going to take in my PC Laptop and have the CD/DVD disc drive replaced (it is soooo broken) and have them de-bug it if possible. I think it got a virus that nearly has all the on-line communication shutdown. If they can't then I will wipe it (the hard-drive) clean and start from scratch. Then I will have 2, PC and MAC, the best of both worlds. that way too I won't have to replace all my games etc.

I am learning the system faster than I thought, it has been about seven years since I last had a Mac. I have to admitt, I have missed it. It is nice not to have to worry about soooo many viruses, spyware, and all the software to prevent it!

Anyhow . . . . I have no excuses now about blogging . . .

Computers, Can't Live Without Them, Can't Smash Them Against the Wall

Yes, I realize that the picture I posted has no bearing what so ever on my post subject (see title), but it is my feeble attempt to remain calm by viewing lovely art work, that's it, deep cleansing breath in . . . .
Several things are converging to spoil my remaining, lovely 2 days off from work. First, it that time of month; Second, my allergies are making me feel nauseated and dizzy; Third, My computer is/has been giving me nothing but grief when I am on-line.
Mielikki thinks it may have a lovely virus (It has never been w/out a firewall or virus protector thingy!!!!), sigh. The disc/CD/DVD drive is also broken, so yes, this means a trip to the computer fix-it shop, sigh. I hate computer withdrawls especially since I am obsessed with writting the novel(s). My mother, being the sweetie that she is offered to loan me her lap-top while mine is incarcerated. So at least I can keep writting although I won't be able to go on-line. I will admitt it,I have been a mean cruel, disloyal PC user, person, and have been brousing the MacBooks, sigh . . . ooooooh, pretty . . . I use to be a MacPerson, many years ago.
So I guess, tomorrow will be the day to take this beastie in and have it looked at knowing full well that it will be a minimum (spelling???) of 2 weeks before I can bring it home. Sigh . . .

Unrelated Topic

This picture has absolutely nothing to do with the picture it is posted with. I just thought the dragon was cute. He does too.
Anyway, this is short and sweet as I am feeling the itch to write on Mielikki and my story but I didn't want to ignore anyone in blogland either. Hope everyone's weekend went well . . .

Starry Starry Night

It won't happen again until 2287!! Mars will be so bright in the night sky (this month) that it will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye especially on Aug. 27 when Mars comes within 34.65M miles of earth. There is also suppose to be a meteor shower later next week on the night of the New Moon, so it should be easier to view. Looking forward to the show . . .

Kilt Lifter, er, Inspector

So here is a present to any woman who enjoys the gift of kilts . . . Allow me please to quote someone who has become a dear friend over this past year:
“God created man and tupping and then to tempt us lasses more, he created the kilted plaid. Now a man will nae wear anything else beneath his plaid save what God gave him. And tupping ye see lass, is what happens when ye take pleasure in what is beneath the kilted plaid."
Ah yes the joys of a stiff er, breeze . . . I think it is time to move the lawn sprinkler, I am sure the water is good and cold! LOL . . . .
Dare I post this??? Ah, why not, it is just our imagination and us girls, right?!

Another Lazy Sunday in Scotland

The cool wind that blows off of the great North Sea is fresh with the tang of salt, musky fish, and seaweed. The mist still clings and nestles atop the rocky crags that line the shore as a pugnant breeze picks up and brings you the taste of the salt sea to your lips . . .
The gentle sound of the waves crashing against the base of the cliffs and rolling into shore soothe and lull your senses.
What's that on the horizon? Are those sails you see . . .
Could it be pirates?

Yes, I am busy writing . . . bet you can't guess where I am, lol :) Okay, so maybe you can, but can you blame me? I am lost in a world of my own making but didn't want to forget to post here as well. Hope everyone is having a lovely Sunday.
CR

Me According to Mielikki

This is me according to my friend Mielikki . . . . isn't she, I mean aren't I cute???

Meme Tagged; Eight Things???

Sigh . . . just read Mielikki's post and saw that I was 'tagged' with Meme (?) and since she did buy me dinner I suppose I must co-operate . . . here goes nothing.

1. When my younger brother P. was just a wee babe and he wouldn't stop crying (he shared my room!)I tried putting him in the toybox and closing it up with him in it.

2. I wanted to grow up and be either a dancer, singer, actress, or a cowboy . . . yes you read right, a cowboy. After all, they got all the cool horses, ie: Trigger vs Buttercup. (Yes, I watched Roy Rodgers)

3. (Mielikki knows this one) My husband and I never had a formal wedding, we stood before a justice of the peace.

4. (Again, Mielikki knows this one too) I am the proud mother of a beautiful young almost 22 y/o but I never gave birth to her. I have never been able to get pregnant.

5. I was in delayed enlistment for the airforce at 18 y/o and was "let-go" because my menstral cycle was irregular (?????!!!!!!!); when given the opportunity to "correct" my answer, I didn't.

6. Saw a pickpocket at work on a bus in L.A. and was approached by a pimp to become one of his 'girls' (again @ 18)

7. I don't like onions on my burgers.

8. I use to think I was born in the wrong century. Sometimes I still do!

90% Hufflepuff vs 80% Gryffindor

The sorting hat says that I belong in Hufflepuff!

Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot, and treat them just the same."

Hufflepuff students are friendly, fair-minded, modest, and hard-working. A well-known member was Cedric Digory, who represented Hogwarts in the most recent Triwizard Tournament.

 

Take the most scientific Harry Potter
Quiz ever created.

Get Sorted Now!

Got myself sorted . . . . not if it wuld only work on my laundry!

S-h-h-h-h-h-h

S-h-h-h-h, I am at work and it is (don't worry, I won't use the "Q" word) nice enough for me to post a wee little note from here. All is well at Podunk Memorial on the West Coast, so far anyway. Mielikki is at home on-call and I assume/hope sound asleep. The painters will be back tomorrow (Acually today!) to continue their torturous harassment of her apartment building by scrapping and painting. She needs to sleep while she can.
I am about 300 pages or so into the 7 th H. Potter book but I left it at home since it is such a big tomb to carry around to work. Instead when my patient doesn't need me I have been writing, the old fashioned way no less with pen and paper. Oh how I miss my word processor.
Oh Bubble Wench! Mielikki and I have been discussing sending you part of the 1st book. I will need your e-mail address and will send some your way once she and I have figured out which part. Maybe something original, like the beginning! LOL! It would be good to get a fresh perspective on it.
Well I should go do something nurse-like . . . .

Til later!

Bird Brained

Okay . . . I haven't posted in nearly a week, I start back to work (Podunk Memorial) tomorrow, and I am feeling extra L-A-Z-Y. Sigh, I hate to feel this way, it is the waste of a good day. So!
I am forcing myself to blog and then I am going to go write on the novel. Even if is is only correcting grammer and spelling, etc. At least I will have accomplished something.

Okay, now for the story behind the picture . . .
My handsome husband and I had been married for about, oh, 3 yrs or so when he asked me to go purchase 12 laying hens. We had a chicken coop, why not fresh eggs?
I don't remember how or were I got the information, but I went with friends to a farm where they were selling all their animals, chickens included. The price was right and I told the farmer that I wanted 12 laying hens. The farmer must have seen "gulible" written on my forehead, (should have washed my face better!) and told me that the birds that weren't taken/sold were going to the butcher. No guilt here?!
I took them all, yeah, that's right, all the birds. It equaled out to 77 chickens,3 of which were Japanese Silkies, 5 ducks, two geese, and a white turkey named Mabel.
The farmer even made his truck and cages available to me!
As some of you will know, my husband and I recently celebrated 26 years of marriage, so you will know that he didn't divorce me . . . I kinda worried about it for awhile when I first saw his face . . .
Nope, he kept me. Me and all the birds. Silly man :)

26 Years Old

Today our marriage is 26 years old. We had a simple ceremony at the courthouse, no fuss, no muss, no $. It all seems like a million years ago, and yet I can't imagine my life without him, nor would I want to. He is responsible for a large part of who I have become, if only because of his love and support. He has always believed in me, and always sided with me, even when I was wrong. Ours was never meant as a 'throw-away' marriage. We did have a really close call in our 4th year, but the idea of seperation scared us both so much that we sat down and talked. If something was/is wrong, we work on it, talk about it, even if we don't agree. We are friends, companions, and lovers.
Time has flown by since our first few dates. It flew even faster after we were married, to the point were it boggles my mind.
I can honestly say that communication and mutual respect in a marriage is key to its health and longevity. Oh and lets not forget trust! Being friends helps a great deal too. That and a sense of humor, even if it is a little twisted.
He brought home pizza tonight and a bunch of flowers mixed with pink roses. He is a good guy and I love him alot. Happy Anniversary Sweet-heart!

Lazy Sunday in Scotland

Okay . . . this is where I wish I was . . . sigh, soaking my wee tootsies in the cool water, ahhhhhh. Of course the fact that this beach is in Scotland makes me want to be there even more!
After having a hectic week of 'I have to's' (you know them . . . all the small, medium sized things that you HAVE to do . . .), I think I deserve a little mindless get-a-way.
Now there are some who will argue the point that I am already mindless and so what is the point, to which I shall smile most sweetly and say, "Bite Me!"
Anyhow, I am going to now pour something cold and maybe sparkly into a pretty glass and go start writing more of the novel, in Scotland of course(!).
I hope everyone else is having a nice lazy Sunday of their choice, cheers!

The Week Long Visit

These pics say it all, "Whew, it's been a long week! But not only did we survive our daughter's visit we also got to meet
the (dramatic music here), "BoyFriend". We liked him . . . he was very softspoken (weird in a young guy (?)),
well mannered and best of all, makes my daughter happy.
This is the first boy she has ever brought home, ever! And might I say he was well worth the wait and all the cleanning!
My daughter will be 22 y/o this fall and has lived on here own in Oregon for over 2 years, her life is her own . . . but (!) being a wise woman and knowing my own limitations, my husband and I rented a hotel room for them at a really nice place in town. Yup . . .
Our house is the size of a shoe-box (no, really!) and we plan on remodeling and putting in an addition (initial plans have been drawn up!), but until the house is a bit bigger, well . . . I'd rather not have her and her boyfriend in the bedroom next door. And with one tiny bathroom and me working nights . . . . you do the math.
But it all worked out well. She had a place to retreat to and I didn't have to be hostess 24/7.
One thing that took us by surprise, was how h-a-p-p-y she was, 90% no 95% of the time. When she lived at home she was almost manic in her moods. And even for a while up in Oregon she would have her days where all was black. Now I know better than to assume that everything is hunky dory all the time, but it was a real treat to she her as she could be. That and the "boyfriend" seemed to help balance her out and help her maintain an even keel. It made my "egg-shell walking" nearly un-necessary. Now don't get me wrong, I love my daughter dearly but she is higher maintaince than some and I don't mean in a material way, more emotionally. Almost always has. In fact it took us (as parents) a long time to find the right combination of parenting to do to make it through her teenage years etc.
Ayhow . . . they left early this morning to head back to Oregon, they both go back to work on Monday. So things can kinda go back to normal and handsome husband and I can relax. I miss her, I always will, but that is apart of life.

Should I Be Surprised?

You Are Catwoman

"Life's a bitch. Now so am I."

What Superheroine Are You?

Would you believe I have been called a bitch at work? And I wasn't even there! Mielikki was . . . she nearly killed the foolish man. It was quite a story . . . .she tells it better though.

Then I found out what type of weather I am . . . somehow this one is more accuratly closer to me in my mind than 'catwoman'.

You Are Rain

You can be warm and sexy. Or cold and unwelcoming. Either way, you slowly bring out the beauty around you. You are best known for: your touch Your dominant state: changing

What Type of Weather Are You?

First Impressions

Just a quickie . . .
Well my daughter's boyfriend is nice! He is a little shy & nervous (understandable, we are 'the parents!')
He is polite and easy to talk with. An interesting fact: his mother's maiden name is Maguire! Ha, that is funny, his mother is Irish!
First impression, he is a nice young man who appears to care for our daughter and treat her well. They have been a 'couple' for nearly 6 months.
More later . . . .

Cleaning Frenzy

Okay, I will admitt it, I am a procrastinator. I have known for a month that my daughter is due to come down from Eugene Oregon on Saturday for a visit, and I need to clean.So of course I wait til Thursday. But if I had cleaned earlier, I would just have been cleaning again, right?

The difference with this trip is Tim. Yup, the boyfriend. My darling daughter is going to be 22 in October, she has lived on her own now for 2 & 1/2 years. She is independent and has n-e-v-e-r allowed anyone this close. Tim is the first boyfriend to be acknowledged AND brought home to meet the family!!!
Y-I-K-E-S !!!!!

So, I am cleaning . . . sigh, I hate worrying about first impressions. My daughter assures me that Tim is more nervous than I am . . . we will see. I hope he isn't expecting Suzie Homemaker or Betty Crocker, cause I am neither of those types. You can not and shouldn't eat off of my floors unless you have a death-wish.

They arrive Saturday, then I have to work both Sunday and Monday night (12 hrs shifts) . . . so I won't return to the land of the living until Wednesday. The 4th of July is to be over at my folks house and then we are having Taco, Enchilada, and Margarita Dinner Party on Thursday. By then he shouldn't care about how our house looks, right?
I will take notes and report back about Tim, the boyfriend.
I will keep you posted . . .

For Bubble Wench, From One Wench to Another

Here is just a wee taste of what takes up alot of my spare time. This is from a story that Mielikki and I have been writing over the last year. It is nearly done and the 2nd (yes the story continues) one is well on its way. It is just a small snippet of a romance in scotland in the 15th century. Believe it or not there is "fighting" bits and pieces in the story as well. I have even invested in a book or two about medieval sword fighting, yes, I am a silly woman, and your point??

It was a beautiful cool highland morning kissed with a soft mist and gentle falling rain. All who wandered outside would find in the air the scent of salt from the ocean, mingling with the fresh scent of the forests. Two such wanderers, having broken their fast, ventured out into the inner bailey. Hannu and Fynn looked around at their new surroundings. The tall Finn had to agree with his sister about the Scottish countryside being a better place to live. Hannu was also impressed with Carrick, as the castle seemed to be run better than most businesses he had seen. Everyone seemed to have a share in the efficient running of the keep. And although the final say in most matters was the currently absent Alistair MacLeod’s, everyone had a voice. But Hannu was quick to realize that the day to day running of Carrick belonged to Mistress Minna Sinclair. Finola’s mother was a very organized and a strong willed individual with a strong sense of how things should work. The woman could read, write, and figure sums. She also made sure that all of her daughters could do the same, stating that she found those skills apart of the ‘domestic arts.’
Since the visit of the tinker’s cart the day before Fynn had wanted to try out his sling shot all morning. Hannu had not the heart to take the toy from the boy as he knew it was probably the only ‘toy’ he had ever had. He was sure that Berit had never allowed the boy to be a child. He quickly shied away from such thoughts not wanting to spoil the day. Hannu knew it to be safer for the boy to practice with his new sling shot out of doors. Before the boy could use it on some poor unsuspecting victim Hannu said, "Come, let us see if we can find you a more suitable place to practice." Hannu smiled at the boy’s enthusiastic grin, "If ye can pay attention well enough, I will teach you the proper way to fire that thing, aye?"
The pair wandered out to the outer bailey and walked over toward the smithy which was across from the stables. Hannu saw that the same stone that constructed the keep made up the stable walls. ‘Wise choice,’ thought the Finn, for the stone would protect the horses from fire. He noticed a bale of straw next to the wall of the stable. ‘Surely a stone wall would be a safe place for a boy to practice his sling shot,’ thought Hannu. As he instructed Fynn to gather small stones in a similar shape and size, Hannu moved the straw bale into a better position.
He then started looking around for something to act as Fynn’s target when a soft voice came from behind him, "Ye will be needin’ these for a target, aye?" Both Hannu and Fynn turned to see Finola standing near by holding several old pieces of crockery in her hands. Hannu felt a now familiar shiver in his soul as he looked upon the woman. The dark haired lass was dressed simply in a gown of dark blue, graced with her plaid. Her plaid was woven in rich colors of deep red with shades of green, blue, and white. A flash of a silver penannular was all that held the plaid in place on her left shoulder. With a smile she said, "Here, I will place them atop the straw bale and then ye can place a line in the dirt tae stand behind, aye?" Hannu and Fynn watched as the petite Scotswoman place the pottery, "Tis old pots and pitchers that have become cracked or too old tae use. They have always been saved for target practice." Finola then took the heel of her shoe and made a line in the dirt. She took Fynn gently by the arm and placed him behind the line. "There now, have ye gathered wee stones lad? Make sure they are of like size and rounded as possible."
As Fynn went to load his sling shot, Hannu stepped forward, "Here son, like this . . ." After a few minutes of gentle instruction the boy fired his first shot hitting the straw bale but missing the pottery. Fynn looked up at Hannu with fear in his eyes, "I . . . I missed, but I will do better, I swear."
Hannu did his best to cover his anger at the boy’s fearful display, cursing Berit under his breath. He placed a reassuring hand on his son’s shoulder saying, "Easy pikku apina, that is what practice is for. No one can get it right off. It takes days and days of practice."
"And it is tae be fun lad, nae work at all, aye? Here we can add a funny face tae the pot to give ye something tae aim at," said Finola as she walked over to the smithy. Greeting Hamish with a smile she put her finger in some of the cold ash he had placed in a pile when cleaning out his forge. Approaching the pots, Finola grinned, "So laddie, what shall we draw on the pots, eh? Shall yer villain have a mustache or maybe a wicked scar on his face?" Hannu watched as Fynn giggled at the faces Finola smeared onto the pots with the ash. She swiped her finger on Fynn’s nose and left a small smudge of ash making the boy smile. Laughing she glanced up at Hannu and caught her breath at his intense blue eyed stare. She shivered as she rose to her feet and walked with the boy to stand behind the line.
On a whim, Finola looked up at Hannu and smiling, swiped her finger down his nose and cheek, leaving a smudged trail of ash in its wake, "Ye need tae have a wee bit o’ fun too, aye?"
Hannu quickly reached out and caught her hand in his and taking his thumb, rubbed her index finger removing the soot. "Aye, maybe I do," Hannu said, gently rubbing the left over soot from his fingers down each of Finola’s cheeks, the warmth of his gaze causing another shiver to run down her spine. He smiled, and turned to his son, giving Fynn instructions and telling the boy to relax and focus on his target. The rock flew making a ‘tink’ as it clipped the pottery. Fynn’s face glowed with happiness, "I did it! I hit the target!" As the adults were laughing and praising the boy, Fynn again took up a small rock and let it fly. The face with the scar was hit squarely on the big nose, much to everyone’s delight.
"Of course he takes after his Auntie Tuula, fine aim and all!" said the Finnish maid as she came down the path from the inner bailey toward the little group.
Finola’s eyes twinkled, "Would ye care tae back up that statement lass? I just happen tae have a spare sling shot here, aye?"
Tuula laughed, her dimples showing as she accepted the offer, "So Fynn, shall we have a go at it? Let us add some more pots, aye?" Fynn offered to show Tuula how you could add a face to the pots. Tuula went to pass by Hannu to help herself to the ash in Hamish’s smithy when she noticed her brother’s nose, and Finola’s cheeks. Laughing, she said, "It seems you have all been painting more than pots today! The three of you look like your starting a Pict tribe of your own." Fynn chuckled and when Tuula bent down to scoop up some ash, he dotted her cheeks for her, as well.
As aunt and nephew took turns drawing the scariest and ugliest picture they could on the pots, Hannu and Finola stepped back to sit on another bale of straw watching the pair and their shooting match.
Hannu looked down at the small woman sitting beside him saying, "Mistress, I owe you my thanks." Hannu swallowed as Finola turned, her soft gaze making it difficult for him to think.
She smiled and he thought his heart would stop. "If ye dinnae stop calling me Mistress I shall be forced tae get cross wi’ ye. I am Nola tae my family and friends and would be honored if ye called me by that name, aye? Now as tae thanking me, weel tis I who must thank ye for I have become verra fond of Tuula and would nae wish tae see any of ye leave." With these words she placed her hand on Hannu’s arm and smiled again.
"Mistr . . . Nola, I thank you for your kindness to I and my family. I . . ."
"Look out!" came a cry from Tuula. A stone that had been fired by Fynn had gone rogue and ricocheted off the stone wall flying back at Finola and Hannu. Thinking quickly, the tall Finn wrapped his arms around the Scottish maid holding her tightly to his chest and then let his body fall backwards over the bale taking Finola with him, his large body both shielding the woman and giving her a soft landing.
Hannu felt the woman’s body shaking and thought something had gone wrong until he heard a giggle well up from the petite woman, "That was grand! Do ye think we could do that again?"
She looked at Hannu’s surprised face over hers and dissolved completely into a fit of giggles.
Finola then reached up and wiped the smudge from Hannu’s face, enjoying the feel of his skin beneath her fingers. He hardly dared to breathe as he felt her gentle caress on his face as he held her close. He smiled when he noticed the pulse at her throat quicken. Hannu’s hand of its own accord, reached out and brushed a strand of dark hair from Finola’s face. His hand stilled as he heard her breath catch in her throat. “Are you sure you are not hurt? Is my sword sticking you?”
His only answer was another gurgle of laughter from Finola as she answered most archly, “Surely Master Vasala, I would hae noticed that . . . and I doubt it would cause me pain.”To prove her point she shifted her weight against him.
Hannu eyes widened in surprise at the cheekiness of the woman in his arms. He stifled a groan as he felt his body start to respond to the intimacy and closeness of her body. Swallowing hard, Hannu quickly started reciting math calculations in Finnish.
"Is anyone hurt?" asked Tuula, rushing over to the bale with Fynn. She grinned wickedly as she saw the position her brother was in with Finola draped across his body. Hannu’s sister was quick to note that her brother was now reciting the driest verses from Finnish texts of the Kalevala.
"I am sorry Papa! I did not mean to hurt anyone," the anxious voice of his son roused Hannu from the daze he was in from the maid’s touch.
"It was an accident Fynn, no harm done. Mistress Finola is unharmed, aye?" said the Finn, his eyebrow arched at the woman still lying across him.
"Ach, Aye, I guess that is my prompt to get up," said Finola as she carefully moved off of Hannu. Standing, she reached down her hand and offered him assistance up.
The tall Finn merely looked at her with a look of amusement, "I think I can manage, thank you." Finola smiled and then turned to Fynn to reassure him that no harm had been done, telling him that these sorts of things did happen on occasion and to just be a bit more careful.
The foursome continued with the practice for a while longer when the bell was sounded for the noon meal. Tuula linked arms with her brother as Finola and Fynn walked ahead of them, hand in hand.
“Oh brother mine?” She smiled as she heard her brother sigh. “Why were you reciting the most boring verses of all the Kalevala?”
Hannu felt his face flush in embarrassment. He began in Finnish, “Tuula, your friend, Nola . . . Finola . . Mistress Sinclair is . . . well she is . . .” As Tuula started to chuckle, Hannu turned to his sister, “She is as brazen and cheeky as you!”
Now it was Hannu’s turn to chuckle at the look of surprise on his sister’s face. Both brother and sister dissolved into laughter. Too long had it been since Tuula had seen her brother unbend and laugh heartily. Finola and Fynn stopped and turned to wait for the pair of laughing Finns. Finola smiled as she saw young Fynn take hold of his father’s hand and then the hand of his aunt. But before he would continue up the trail he turned to his father, “Papa, take Mistress Nola’s hand.” Hannu looked askance at Finola who smiled and placed her slim hand in his as they moved forward toward their destination. As they were crossing the bailey going towards the castle a horse entered from the drawbridge entrance. Hannu recognized the large black gelding as it trotted in wearing the Graham colors.
Tuula’s hand instinctively went to the dagger at her belt. Fynn, seeing his aunt’s reaction picked up a stone for his sling. Hannu looked at his sister and son in puzzlement, thinking, ‘Surely this man had helped them on the road saving them many miles of walking to look for Tuula, they should be grateful not defensive.’ Then he noticed Finola who placed her one hand on her dirk and the other on his arm. His puzzlement grew as she inched closer to him as if to shield herself from Graham’s view.
Donnan Graham looked down at the Finns and scowled. He did not like what he saw, his woman next to that foreign interloper. ‘Obviously,’ he thought. ‘I was not clear eno’.’
The meal bell rang again and Finola glanced back at the castle.
"I am here to speak with yer athair child, go and fetch him," said Donnan in an attempt to sound important.
"Ye can bluidy weel go tae the devil and fetch him yer own self, and a bigger fool ye will be tae interrupt his meal. And listen weel Donnan Graham, dinnae let my size fool ye, I am nae a child tae be told what tae do." Standing now out from next to Hannu the small woman challenged the mounted highlander. "Ye had best leave now Graham," she said firmly.
Donnan growled at the small woman and opened his mouth to bring her to heel when Hamish walked over to the group. The huge blacksmith had two hammers in his meaty hands as he addressed Finola, but looked at Donnan, "Mistress Sinclair, the meal bell has rung, is there a problem here that I can help ye with lass?"
"Aye, Master Graham is leaving and has forgotten his way. Would ye be a dear Hamish and show him the drawbridge," said Finola who then turned on her heel and walked quickly to the castle to seek the refuge of her family.
"Come let us away also," said Hannu to Tuula and Fynn.
With his sister and son walking in front of him toward the castle, Hannu glanced at Hamish and Donnan. As he was about to turn and follow his family, Donnan raised his voice to Hannu, "Ye stay awa’ from my woman Finn or ye will live tae regret it! I will take what is mine and hurt anyone in my way.
Hannu’s face darkened with anger, "I owe you a debt for helping me find my sister but that does not entitle you to threaten me Master Graham.” The tall Finn was confused at the animosity between Finola and Graham but sided with the young woman without hesitation. He still had yet to understand just why Graham thought that he had any interest in Graham’s betrothed. As far as Hannu could tell, he had yet to even meet the woman, Finnie. The gaze that held Graham’s was unwavering and stern. “I strongly suggest you leave as Mistress Sinclair asked you to,” the hair on the back of Hannu’s neck suddenly bristled. For some reason he felt that Finola was in danger from this man. “Leave now or I may find that I owe my hosts an apology for staining their grounds with your blood." The tall Finn placed his hand on his sword, his stern eyes giving no doubt to his ability or will to carry out his promise.
“Aye, the Mistress Sinclair told ye tae leave,” said Hamish as he stepped forward to stand off to Hannu’s side, his muscles bunching as he raised his hammers to waist level.
"A curse on all of ye!" snarled Donnan as he wheeled his horse and road back out the way he had come.
Hannu let out the breath he didn’t know he was holding and turned to a grinning Hamish who said, "Weel now laddie, nothin’ like a good fight tae work up yer appetite, aye?"
Hannu laughed as he and Hamish made their way into the castle, thinking, ‘Tis a strange country I have come to.’ Then he thought of the soft and delectable dark haired lass that had been draped across his chest just hours ago and had stirred him. He smiled, ‘Aye.’ He thought, ‘What a country.’

My Deepest Apologies!

Okay, okay, I am truly sorry!I won't bore you with excuses . . . I have some really good ones, but I won't bore you . . . .
Okay, Mielikki told me to tell you about my "Rat Story" in honor of her wordless wednesday pic, here goes . . .
About twelve years ago or so I took my mother to a city nearby to go shopping. We spent the day going into 2nd hand shops and antique shops that were in the old part of town. (It should be noted that parts of this city were under alot of construction to revitalize the older sections.)
Anyway, after stoping for gasoline and ice cream (of course!) we started back up the road, (a 25 mile drive back up a two lane highway into the foothills). My mom asked for a napkin since her ice cream was melting and as she opened up the glove box of the car, there among the extra napkins from various resturants was a (gulp), rat!
My mother screamed,and ice cream went EVERY where. I screamed and tried to avoid swerving into uncoming traffic. Then I just started laughing . . . my mother was not pleased. Nervous reaction??? yea, that's it . . .
"Pull over, pull over," she screamed as she jabbed it with one of my daughter's toys from the back seat. I couldn't pull over, there wasn't a safe place to do so! So there we went, 40 miles an hour down the road . . . . I am still not sure who was more frightened, my mother or the rat. Finally I was able to pull over, our doors flew open and out flew the rat running for the nearest corn field,(farm country). I could see people pointing and laughing as they drove by . . . my poor mom.
Needless to say, she hates rats and is shy of glove boxes :)

Time is a Premium and Yes I am Blogging as Fast as I can!

Mielikki and I started writting a book over a year ago. We started it as a lark and discovered we loved it. It is a work of fiction and a wonderful way to blow off steam, get rid of old boyfriends, and express ourselves. I have discovered a creative outlet that I can sink my teeth into. I have also found that I am happiest when I am writing. That said . . . Mielikki then discovered blog-land and has been hooked ever since. She feels that in writing every day whether the story or blogging is good for the soul and for sharpening our skills. But! I have been writing on the book of late and neglecting blogland so here I am . . . now where was that point? I know I had it here only a momment ago . . . bloody hell . . . sigh, lost it, evasive little bugger.
So today I have every intention of immersing myself into the book and ignoring all phone calls, Sorry Mom! But I wanted to quickly visit here and say, Hello!
Anyhow I do enjoy reading many of your blogs and sharing a glimpse of other lives. It is kind of refreshing in a way.
I apologize for loosing my point, I will find it eventually, until then . . .

Rain!

It is absolutely glorious! It is raining at nearly one o'clock in the morning and I am amazingily wide awake (well, I am a noc-shift nurse after all! Which equals night-owl + crazy + twisted sense of funny. Is there a day-owl vs. a night owl, what other owl is there???)
Anyhow, it is a lovely soft, drippy, wet sort of rain . . . you know I will go out there and stand in the rain before I go to bed tonight, poor husband (!).
The rain is an unexpected pleasure!!
Just thought I'd share . . .

In Loving Memory

It has been awhile since I have posted anything, or read anyone else's postings. I could claim that I have been busy, I have, but that is not the reason. I have recently lost a pet, the "son" I never had, Murray. He suffered a series of small strokes and we had to have him "put-down." He was ten. And thus, my heart has not been in writing . . .
Murray was a Welsh Pembrook Corgi. A breed that was made to herd sheep and cattle. Their little bodies were close to the ground (seven inch legs!) so that they could "tuck & roll" should a pissy cow kick out at them. When they (Murray) would run the white fluffy fur at their butt and hind quarters (looked like a furry skirt) would flash, making them appear rather comical. Murray loved to herd socker-balls and referee my five cats. He made sure that they played fair and didn't fight.
His little trails that he would make along the fence line and up our little wooded hill are starting to fade, but his memory won't. He was loving, loyal, and funny. His love was unconditional. I could share all sorts of "Murray" moments but I don't wish to abuse anyone who is reading and it wouldn't do for me to weep on my laptop. I thank eveyone that has had a kind word and gesture while I have been trying to manage through my grief. I know in my heart that it was for the best and that my "little-man" is no longer suffering.

So What Mythical Creature Are You

You Are a Centaur

In general, you are a very cautious and reserved person. However, you are also warm hearted, and you enjoy helping others in practical ways. You are a great teacher, and you are really good at helping people get their lives in order. You are very intuitive, and you go with your gut. You make good decisions easily.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

Yo-Ho, Yo-Ho, The Priate Life For Me

My pirate name is:
Iron Morgan Rackham

A pirate's life isn't easy; it takes a tough person. That's okay with you, though, since you a tough person. You have the good fortune of having a good name, since Rackham (pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham) is one of the coolest sounding surnames for a pirate. Arr!

Thanks to Mielikki for the site, it was/is great fun . . .
Should I change it to Morgana? Naw . . . . .

http://www.piratequiz.com/

Here be a Dragon

As promised to Bubblewench, here is one of my Dragons. This one is rather, well, let's just say he has a healthy ego. He would like to think that he keeps the fairies in order . . .

If Old Habits Die Hard, Are New Ones Difficult to Start?

I am desperately trying to start a new habit . . . walking. I walked one mile yesterday in 15-20 minutes. Surprisingly I was more sore yesterday afternoon than I am today. Today my biggest concern is getting myself in gear to walk again. Sigh . . . . there are soooo many things I wish to accomplish today and they are all vying for my time. I did start dinner though (I love my crock-pot)
I know . . . I need to walk.
See, if I share this with all of you then I will be held accountable, right?
This afternoon (early part) though I want to write, perhaps a nice brisk walk a little later . . . .

My On Call Fairy

Her she is, in all her glory! My On-Call Farie! Pooka's and Wee People Beware . . . . Or I will down load my Dragon!

Of Nursing and Fairies

As I mentioned on Mielikki's blog . . . On-Call Fairies areworth their weight in gold.Were we work the wee people, fairies, or the "fae" can be found when least expected. You know how when ever you wash and dry socks, there is always one (or more)sock(s) missing? Even when you know you put them in the drier!? Well, those same mischievious wee people will go into a patient's room and tangle them up in the cardiac monitor lines, oxygen tubing, and IV lines/tubing. The poor patient is laying there, minding their own business (some are unconcious or sedated and can't move!), and you go back in after seeing to their needs and you guessed it, all tangled up.
There are moments though were they redeem themselves, that odd hinky feeling you get when something is wrong and you find yourself moved to double check your medications or check on the patient just one last time . . . always, always, trust your gut (and the fairies) no matter how odd or crazy your co-workers may think you are.
At the moment I am trying to post her picture . . . . but being in "Blog-land" the powers that be are not letting me add the picture . . . but I intend to prevail! (Pooka's, Wee People, and Fairies permitting.)

You Think I Should Do What?

By way of following the advice of a trusted friend I am venturing out into the land of the "B-L-O-G." I have been encouraged to start a blog because it is, "a good way to write everyday," and the ever popular, "self-expression," especially with the trials and tribulations at work. (Yes I too am one of those crazy people, a nurse.)So, following the advice of my close friend and stalwart companion, (and co-worker, Mielikki) I write as the Mischief to her Mayhem . . . . (story for another time).So this is my first foray . . . here goes nothing . . . .

The Blog Formerly Known As "Around the Bend"

Okay . . . Welcome to Blog-land where you too can be driven daft. Sigh . . . I created this blog at the kind suggestion of a dear (misguided?) friend. All the ususal reasons were listed, some logical, creative, and others practical. Well, that is all well and good but I spent a bloody stinkin day trying to re-access the blog after I created it.
In this world where everything requires a "password" and "username" I have reached my limit (at least for this weekend). I must have forgotten my password from the seemingly thousands that I must remember. My work alone requires 4 while my on-line banking requires 2. Then there are the myriad of websites, e-mail addresses, and software that all require some means of "password" for access. Like a chatelaine with too many keys I wander about weighted down with all the passwords until my memory is found wanting.
Anyhow . . . . I now have a 2 blog-sites. One I can not access, and this one, which I hope to be able to access tomorrow and the next day as well.
Sorry for all the blathering . . . I will try and quit my complaining, really I will!