A little weird a little sad

Tonight the hubster and I went on a "date". Basically we wanted to have dinner without four six tongues and noses trying to steal our food. So we went to one of our favorite places. Andy's Garage. It's a little diner that serves your basic burgers and malts. Among other great diner food. We have two special places in the cities and this is one of them. It's fun, the food is great, and it's pretty reasonable.

So we ordered our meals as well as a chocolate malt to share. About half way through our malt the waitress came to our table:

Waitress: "I have a dilemma to talk to you about."
Hubster: "Ok, what's up?"
Waitress: "Well, our cook just walked out. We don't know why but we have no one to work the grill. We have someone coming in to cover but I would guess you don't want to wait close to an hour for your dinner so would you like to just pay for your malt and leave?"
Newt: (thinking to myself) Ok, this is odd, this is more like something that would happen to Tink
Hubster: "That's fine, we'll just take our check and go."
Waitress: "Ok, I'm really sorry about this."

So we finished our malts and went to the front counter.

I was looking back toward the diner and as soon as we walked away from our table a man went up to it and photographed our now empty table with the malt glasses.

Now I'm really wondering what the hell is going on. Seriously, weird stuff like this only happens to Tink.

And then, came the moment that almost had me in tears. On the counter was a stack of papers that had the following message.

"It is with great sadness that we will be closing Andy's Garage on Saturday December 30th, 2006 for good. We thank you for all your patronage these past 7 years."

My last meal at the greatest diner in the cities and it never happened. The meal that wasn't. The farewell without being able to say Good-bye.

Well, I've heard your taste changes every 7 years. I guess it's time for us to start a new tradition. It will be fun to go out and explore new places to eat. To try to find a new place to have our little "dates"

Holiday Cheer

I recieved many wonderful and thoughtful gifts for Christmas this year. A beautiful handmade scarf that I officially wear as my Happy Scarf, cookies and fudge (which I shared with my brother in law and he thought he died and went to heaven), a clock radio that docks my Ipod, slippers, and more.

But what I want to share with you was one particular gift that was the first of its kind that I have ever received. And it touched me deeply.

You know I am an avid reader. I always have my nose in a book. I have received a few books as gifts, including one that my brother had signed by the author - who also happended to be a great "B" movie actor. But never, have I gotten a book that someone bought and inscribed to me. It was a story the person loved and they wanted to share it with me. It's a story about life long friendships and the joys and sorrows encountered through life.

I've read about half the book, every chance I had this weekend I curled up and read it. It's a wonderful story. But what makes it even better is knowing why I am reading it. And those handwritten words at the beginning of it written just for me from someone I adore.

Just when you thought you got rid of me for the holiday

I am spending this fine Thursday night catching up on blogs. And well, despite my heartfelt hugs and sign off for the holiday I felt the urge to post.

Thanks to Kell:



Cause when you score such that you are 81% MORE nerdy than the rest of the world - hell, that's something to celebrate!

A Heartfelt Hug to All

Newt would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

And I want you all to know how thankful I am that you are in my life. Over the weekend I missed not being able to read everyone's blog. There was a hole in my day that just made me a little sad. I realized how much I look forward to hearing about your days, your thoughts, your meme's, reviews, pictures, and stories. Thank You from the bottom of my heart for the laughter and the tears. May your holidays be everything you dream of and more.

And may you all eat pie and cookies to your hearts content.

Some Regularly Scheduled Nonsense

*Dad called last night to tell me about the “feedback” they were getting from their coffee shop friends. The couple that they spend the most time with told my folks that they need to pack up and move to MN. They told them how much happier my parents seem with me around. They also said that I “lit up the place” with my twinkling eyes and sparkling personality. How my enthusiasm and kindness seemed to make the coffee shop a better place. I didn’t even have to pay them to say that.

*Yesterday I received a package and in it was the olive oil I ordered from Italy for the hubsters birthday. I’m so very excited that it came in time for his big 40 party! Now I just have to find other Italian yummies to add.

*I got another package yesterday from a friend. Inside the box were edible goodies. I didn’t really eat much dinner because I sort of filled up on the yummies. But that’s the advantage to being an adult. I can have dessert first. And I can ruin my appetite.

*I’m reading a very good book called Shadows Fall by Simon R. Green. I love this author and I was holding off reading the book till a special occasion. I figured that the combination of vacation and the holidays was a special enough occasion so I started it last week. This book is wonderful. Green writes a series called the Nightside. And in the books they mention a place called Shadows Fall. It’s a town where legends, hero’s, monsters, and mythical creatures all go to when man stops believing in them. He wrote this story to go more into detail what life is like in this town. Everything I have read by Green stretches the imagination and brings to life all the things we wonder about. He’s an amazing author.

*You know you’ve reached a new level of relationship with your parents when you have this conversation:

Dad (while getting into car) : “Ouch, shit that hurt”
Newt: “You okay dad? What did you do?”
Dad: “Oh, just hurt myself getting into the car.”
Mom looks back at me and says: “He sat on his balls”
Newt: “You can just let me out here.”

I promised dad I wouldn’t blog about that so don’t say anything to him.

*Speaking of stuff – Dad is fascinated by the idea of blogging. He always asks me what I talk about with my internet friends. He also asked me if I ever blog about him. And I told him that I do talk about him on a regular basis. “Good things I hope?” he said to me.
“Of course.” I assured him.

*While I was out of town the hubster built the dogs a potty shelter. Yes, you read that right, a potty shelter. Our little Lily hates the rain so he figured that if he built her a little potty shelter she may be more willing to do her thing outside. I’ll let you know how if it works.

*Well, that’s enough nonsense for now. Have a great day!

She's BAAAAACCCCKKK

Newt sums up the glorious past few days.

Ready --- Set --- Go!

Lily was amazing and fantastic on the plane ride. She got out of her little carrier at security, stayed in my arms and didn’t pee on me. Got back in her carrier with ease and seemed to actually enjoy the plane ride.

We had three seats to ourselves so she sat next to me the whole trip.

Upon arriving at my folks house in San Diego she promptly went outside and after a little confusion over lack of grass she piddled in the rocks. (They have an all rock landscape given the desert climate).

She then fell fast asleep in the kennel – I put her kennel up on the bed with me so she would know that mommy wasn’t going anywhere.

Upon getting up Wednesday she went outside and piddled in the rocks again.

We are now 2 and 0 on the piddling.

I gave dad his very cool James lee Burke character shirt. He put it on immediately and said it was his favorite Christmas present ever.

Dad and I went off to the coffee shop and I met all their friends. And he showed off his shirt. And the guys were a little bit jealous.

We rented some movies and then went to In and Out burger. Yummy!

Then home for a little relaxation.

Lilly went outside again and piddled – 3 and 0!

Mom and Dad made one of my favorite dinners: Corn Beef Tacos.

Then dad and I sat in the recliners and read. He listened to my Ipod and I listened to his.

We then watched a very very strange movie: Mirror Mask. I think they described it as drug induced eye candy. Which it was.

Once again my princess girl piddled outside – 4 and 0!

Thursday morning I got up early. Made coffee, read my book and took Lily outside – yep 5 and 0!

Then Dad and I watched another movie: House of Sand. Very good movie. Slow, no action, but still a good movie.

Then we were off to visit my Aunt and Uncle in Ontario.

Poor little Lily got car sick on the way.

But then once at the house she was more than willing to go potty out on the grass. 6 and 0!

Spent a lovely time with my Aunt and Uncle. We took care of some banking issues they wanted to take care of. And ate a fabulous meal – or 2 at their favorite place: The Whole Enchilada.

The entire stay at their house Lily went outside. Such a good girl. And I always put her kennel right by me at night so even though she was at yet another new house she always knew that mommy was around.

She is at this point: 10 and 0!

The folks came back and picked me up and we returned to San Diego Saturday night. Mom and Dad watched some tv and I read a little and went to bed early.

Sunday we got up and headed off for our Weiner Wonderland Parade. Too much fun!
We finished Sunday night with a nice dinner and a couple of movies: The 13th Warrior and Beowulf & Grendel. I enjoyed them both. Funny how we picked out two Viking movies. My parents hadn’t seen 13th Warrior and it’s one of my favorites so we rented that. And then I picked out Beowulf and Grendel pretty much because it has Gerard Butler in it. I can’t tell a lie and say I wanted to see it for any other reason.

At this point Lily is now 13 and 0! How awesome is that?

Unfortunately Monday finally arrived. And after a stop at the coffee shop we headed to the airport. Sigh………………

On the trip home Lily was again a little angel. And we lucked out with three seats to ourselves again. So she spent the trip back cuddling with me on the seat.

So, there you have it. Lily managed to go 14 and 0 for the season. Why oh why can’t she do that at home??????????

Overall it was a nice trip. Nothing spectacular. Just time with family that I love dearly.

Now hop on over to Flickr to see pictures from the trip!

Heartwarming Tuesday and other musings

First Pictures:

And now for the heartwarming and other musings:

When I need to get away from my desk and find my happy place I go across the street to Starbucks. Get an expensive cup of coffee and then sit and read my book for a while. For me this is the best therapy possible.

On my latest excursion I was happily reading my book and a family walked in. The parents were walking a little ahead of their toddler daughter. As she was wandering behind them she removed her coat and dropped it on the ground, and then her hat, and then the mittens followed. So when I leaned over and looked down the length of the store there was a trail of clothes left by our little toddler. I couldn’t see all the way to the end but I did hear: “What the? Ohhhhhhhh” which was then followed by a smiling dad picking up after the trail of toddler. My description doesn’t do justice to the sheer cuteness of the whole thing.

Then upon returning to work the evil whiff of freshly popping popcorn permeated the air. I say evil only because I then had to go over to the popcorn stand and get myself some. And I am SOOOO glad I did. For I got to be witness to another moment that warms the heart. A fellow employee (I don’t know him personally) was leaving the building with his wife and their two small children. As they were heading out into the skyway Santa walked up to them. He said hello to their little girl and bent down to get to her level. He then opened up his big red bag and pulled out a Barbie doll for her. The little girl was frozen in sheer delight and awe. But you could hear the quietest little “Thank You Santa”. I have to confess that at this moment I almost cried. Then Santa asked if the little boy would want a toy too (he was probably about 6 months) but the parents said no, that it was okay. So Santa wished them a Merry Christmas and went about his way. The little girl just stood in the hall staring after Santa with a look of complete wonder on her face.

I don’t know why Santa was there, he wasn’t there on behalf of our company so what he did was completely random and incredibly generous and heart warming.

Speaking of drinking coffee and reading to find my happy place, I am currently reading a book called I Mona Lisa. It’s a marvelous story that takes place during the Renaissance. Not only is it a great read so far but the story brings to life people I would absolutely love to meet. Leonardo daVinci, Michelangelo, Lorenzo de’ Medici. I think it is one of the reasons I love historical fiction so much. For a moment, in my mind, I can almost be with those people. I can almost see, taste, and smell the room they are standing in. And if I really stretch my imagination I can imagine reaching out to feel the fabric of the clothing they are wearing. Is that weird? Be honest.

The hubster emailed the latest trailer for the movie “300” and he commented that the movie “ruins” the story. Have I ever mentioned that the hubster is the worlds most annoying movie goer? He hates 99% of all movies ever made. And one of his biggest beefs is “It’s not realistic, it’s not even close to accurate, no one would do that” blah blah blah blah blah. So of course when he says a movie is ruined I take it with a grain of salt. And I watched the trailer. Now, for all the women out there you will do the same thing I did. You’ll watch this trailer and then say to yourself “There’s a story?” Cause that is certainly what I did. Of course as soon as the trailer ended I also thought to myself: “when I go see that in the theater I’m going to have to bring chocolate and a fan.”
I’m sorry, when you have a film that you know is going to contain 300 mostly naked Roman “gods” who the hell cares what the story is? I mean seriously! SERIOUSLY!

As of 9 pm tonight I will be in the air and on my way to San Diego. So Newt's Muse will be closed till Tuesday. I wish everyone a fabulous rest of the week and weekend.

"So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!"

6 things - 6 weird and quirky things

Jay started this, or at least in this case I am going to blame him. Then he tagged Kell and then she tagged me. So here we go kiddies:

Here’s how the system works: Each player starts with the "6 Weird Things about Me." People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says 'you are tagged' in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1. I don't like tomatoes. I've tried to eat them for 30 some years and I just can't do it. I only like them if they are in sauce or soup form. And even then it has to be quite pulverized. If there are chunks in my sauce I pick them out.

2. I was born without wisdom teeth. And the conversation about it went something like this:
Dentist: Your daughter doesn't have any wisdom teeth. She's sort of an "evolutionary leap" if you will.
Dad: "No wisdom teeth eh? Well, that explains the low grades in school."
Brother: "I told you she wasn't human"
Newt: "I don't suppose I could get lucky enough for the government to take me away from all this and study me somewhere far far away from my family?"

3. I can't sleep if the closet door is open. Sorry but the closet monster is real. And not all of them are as cute as Sully from Monsters Inc.

4. There is only one thing a person could say to me that would make me slap them: "Motion sickness is all in your head." Trust me, the last thing I want to do while on a whale watching excursion off the oregon coast is to hang my head over the edge of the ship and barf. Feed the whales instead of seeing the whales. Or how about kayaking in the Monterey bay. I could be enjoying the seals and otters that are swimming along my kayak with me. But, no, my brain thinks it is so much more fun to throw up. Yep, you're right, it's all in my head.

5. I can't have anything on my feet when I sleep.

6. The one exception to #5 is when it comes to sleeping bags. If they are nylon - which pretty much all the warm ones are, I can't stand having any part of my body touching the nylon. I have to wrap myself in a sheet, or cover my body from head to toe in clothes before I can get into a sleeping bag. Even if I am the one and only person to ever use it, I'm still grossed out. I think it's the feel of the nylon. But whatever it is. I get the hee-bee-gee-bees.

7. (Hey, I'm on a role, and I hate rules.) I won't eat seafood. Any kind. Between texture and smell I just can't do it.

8. (Ok, last one, I promise) - I don't like chocolate and fruit together.

So there you go. A few weird things about Newt.

Who do I tag?

Let's see,

Miker ZZ
J-Funk
Lone Sophist
Jay (6 more please :-)

See, I break rules again. I won't tag anyone else......Mostly because they already got tagged.

The Happy Friday Dance works and here's why:

When I got home from work Friday night the hubster went and got the mail. And told me that I got some package from Montana. But it wasn't just SOME package, I got THE Christmas present. You know the one. The one that you hope to find every year that is going to make someone very very happy that year.

And so I did another happy dance.

I've mentioned to ya'll that I LOVE the author James Lee Burke. And that I got my dad into reading him. And that now we talk about the books on the phone. And it just seems to be one more thing to make the miles seem less between us. Ok, so I was on the JLB website because I wanted to write down the order of the books for dad and make sure I had them right when I noticed he had a store. And in the store he was selling t-shirts that advertised the business that the main character of his books runs. It's a little bait shop that he has because his home is on the bayou. So he has little fishing boats and people can come out to his place, get some bait, and go fishing for the day.

So I ordered a shirt for each of us. That was back in August. And I never heard anything. Then in October I got a "Form" email from the JLB website apologizing for not keeping up with emails etc. but that a member of the family was very ill and they had been traveling seeking medical assistance. So I sort of wrote off the gift as not going to happen (or at least not for the holidays). But in November I decided it couldn't hurt to just send a little follow-up note just in case. And I got a response. And then in the mail I got the shirts. And so last night I was dancing around my dining room waving the very cool t-shirt. And even better I get to give it to him in person! I will get to see the look on his face. I'm so excited.

TGIF

Do the Happy Friday dance! Come on, get up and dance! You know you want to.

Random Thursday

* My friend Girl J was saying that she hadn't figured out the perfect song for me on her cell phone. So I told her that I wanted my ring to be the theme song from Sesame Street.

* I called her to remind her that Friday was casual jean day and when she answered the phone she was laughing.

*When she calls me my phone sings out Cindy Lauper's "Girls just wanna have fun"

* Dad and I have already figured out when we can go to In & Out Burger during my stay with them.

* On Tuesday when the hubster picked me up he handed me "Pirates of the Caribbean 2" - I just love that man.

* Work has been insanely busy - but the day is over before I know it. So that's a good thing.

* My current project at work had me a little worried that I was in for several days of being yelled and sworn at. But be it because I am a girl in a man's industry, or that I am low grunt on the totem pole they have been incredibly nice to me and not venting their frustrations on me. Most of the time when it is their turn to talk they begin with "I know this wasn't your idea." and they stay calm from there.

*This entire mostly sleepless week makes me wonder why I even care so much about the job I do or how my clients feel about all the changes coming there way. Some days I wish I had thicker skin and less of a conscience.

*5 days till I go west.

Last night on the way to get gas I saw this:







I called my dad yesterday and told him that I wanted to help them decorate for Christmas if they didn’t mind waiting. He was surprised only in the fact that he and my mom had just been talking about that very thing that same morning. As Tink would say, “Not far from the tree”

I got my memory cards in the mail yesterday. Now you guys are REALLY in trouble. I went from 12 picture capacity to 900!

So of course to test it out:
Feeding Frenzy at Newt’s house













Notice that the cat needs to be a part of this.




All the hubster is doing is feeding them their dog food. They love getting it kibble by kibble from him WAY more than eating out of the stupid ol’ bowl.




I spent the morning hanging lights here at work. I attempted to do this while talking to someone on the phone. Not a good idea. I apparently can’t balance on my chair, lean way over my desk and tape up the string whilst setting up a conference call. In fact it proved downright impossible. I thought for sure I could open computer files with my toes.










6 days till I leave for the Left Coast!

Boozehounds and Meme's

My little boozehounds. Actually I was in the kitchen getting a cup of coffee this morning when I turned around and there was Lily happily licking at the cap of our bottle of Irish Cream. And I'm thinking to myself, "this is why I loved that dog." So I ran and got the camera and then just hoped that she might do it some more. Well, she did, and then the other dogs took interest. So basically I have a house full of booze hounds.


Playing with the camera last night I was trying to get a picture of Max. This one cracked me up. You can see Sophie's paw pushing him out of the way so she can be closer to mom.






Caleb and Lily both like to lay on the chair with their little rumps hanging off the front. Of course before I could grab the camera and take a picture Lily jumped off the chair but Caleb hung around so I could at least show you one of the two being cute.





And then he really turned into a ham and started thrashing around on his back for me.





And now for a little Chirstmas Spirit: A holiday Meme:

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate – Swiss Miss came out with Chocolate Sensation – it’s a darker, richer chocolate flavor. I love hot chocolate with butterscotch schnapps and whipped cream on top. Yum.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
I am a very poor wrapper. But I try. The hubster usually runs around Christmas morning grabbing random boxes, bags, and towels to wrap up my gifts then presents them to me.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
I switch back and forth. I find houses with white lights cozy and inviting, but some folks use green and or blue and I seem to find that very inviting too. Colored lights tend toward the more fun and playful feel. I currently have white lights but I just added little snowmen and though they use white lights their mittens are colored glass so I now have color in my yard.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No and since I am married to the original Grinch there really isn’t a point.

5. When do you put up your decorations?
After Thanksgiving. Or, since we are in Minnesota the closest warm weekend to Thanksgiving. If it’s going to be 70 the weekend before, damn straight I’m putting those lights up. I just won’t turn them on till after the holiday.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Ham – I love love love ham.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child:
My first real white Christmas. It was in New Jersey and it was magical.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
What that Santa actually has more than just one night to deliver because the earth is so huge there are multiple time zones? You mean that truth? I think I was in high school when that dawned on me.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Let’s just say the hubster and I give each other a gift under the Christmas tree.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
Colored lights, and eclectic ornaments dating back to my first Christmas 30+ years ago.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Love love love it! Dread driving anywhere in it though.

12. Can you ice skate?
Haven’t done so since I was a wee lass. But since we have free skating here in the city I plan to do so during lunch as often as possible this winter. It’s just now finally cold enough for the ice to stay frozen.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
I have to say it was my Ipod last year.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Being with my family.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Chocolate Pecan Pie. Though it might be Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies but I haven’t tried those yet. I just hear they are great!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Listening to the Roger Whittaker Christmas Album. It’s just not Christmas without it. My family is so far away that the holidays aren’t as special for me anymore. But when I listen to this album it’s as if they are right there with me and I feel a little less alone.


17. What tops your tree?
An angel I picked up when I worked at Lenox. She holds a single light in her hand. She’s wearing an ivory gown and she has ivory wings. She’s just beautiful.
My parents have a little angel from Israel, his gown is the Israeli flag. When you blend two religions together things tend to get a little “untraditional” so the Christmas tree has always been referred to as the Chanukah bush.

18. Which do you prefer, Giving or Receiving presents?
Giving, I get so excited when I find the really great, perfect gifts for the ones I love.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
Darcy the Dragon. It’s on the Roger Whittaker album. It’s about a dragon that lives near a town. He wants to buy his forest friends presents so he goes shopping. Only when he goes into the store and talks to the shop keepers he tends to start the building on fire. So the town sadly has to ban him from visiting. But then in his anguish he gets so upset that he inhales a lot of winter. And that puts the fire out. So now he can go visit the town again and buy gifts for his friends.

20. Candy Canes Yuck or Yum?
Yum, and they are really good crushed up into chocolate or cookies, or icecream, or, well, the list is long.

Weekend photos

Happy Monday!

If you didn't catch it yet, be sure to read the blog entry after the pictures - "Stranger than Fiction" You don't want to miss it, trust me.

Here's WWC plus a few extra for you.

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I had a craft show this weekend at a nature center, this was the view I had from my booth:

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My booth:

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Here are the little snowman lights I added to my yard:

Stranger than Fiction

You can't make this shit up. We get a local little paper every couple of days. And in it they have the police activities:

I decided this latest batch was worth sharing.

Assaults- A 38-year-old employee was getting into her car after leaving work at the S--------- G-------, 411 Farwell Ave., when she was attacked by a woman. Witnesses said the assailant's daughter and cousin joined in the fray.
The suspect reportedly yelled, "You better stay away from my man" before attacking the victim, according to the report.
A security worker helped break up the assault. The victim suffered a bump to her forehead area.
Later on, the suspects allegedly went to the victim's home and broke a bunch of windows.

Assaults - A 10-year-old boy was assaulted by the aunt of a fellow classmate as he was walking home from Lincoln Center Elementary, on Nov. 17. Earlier that day, the victim got into an argument with a classmate (who is a year older than him) in which some minor pushing and shoving occurred.
After school, the boy's 17 year-old aunt drove up to him as he was walking home, questioned him about the assault and then slapped him in the face. A witness drove the boy back to school to report the incident.

Vandalism - A boy threw a hammer through a sleeping 18-year-old girl's bedroom window at a residence on the 400 block of 5th avenue at 9 a.m. Nov. 25th. The girl reportedly knows the suspect, who agreed to pay damages. No charges were pressed.

And saving the best for last:

Disturbances - Neighbors found a toddler wandering on a parking lot on the 1000 block of 8th ave. S at 1:15 a.m. Nov. 22. Upon returning the boy home, officers discovered a 36-year-old male babysitter asleep on the floor, high on meth. His head was in a bowl of noodles.
Police tracked down the boy's mother at a local bar. They later turned over the boy and a 1-year-old girl.
Neighbors reported a similar disturbance not too long ago, in which the boy wandered into the family's garage and became trapped when a door closed behind him. Neighbors heard him crying loudly and called the police.
A report of the latest incident was forwarded to Child Protective Services.

So which part of that story disturbed you the most? Cause Damn!

The 100 Meme

I stole this from Kell. And as a reward for suffering through all 100 there are pictures at the end of the pups and some random ones. Of course you are more than welcome to skip the 100 ( I wouldn’t be hurt) and go right to the cuteness.

100 things that you may not know about me:

1) Are you in a complicated relationship?
I prefer to think of it as adventurous. A lifetime spent discovering things about the world and each other – together, bravely, boldly, facing whatever life brings you.

2) Do you hate more than 3 people?:
Hate IS a strong world but I guess I do hate more than three people. They would be: child pornographers, child molesters, people who are cruel to animals.

3) How many houses have you lived in?
Let me think, Ontario, Southfield, Flemington, Los Angeles, Gilroy, San Jose, Gilroy again, Gilroy again, Minnesota. I guess it would be 9.

4) Favorite candy bar?
Scotchmellow bar from Sees

5)Do you dream in color?
Yes, I do.

6) Have you ever tripped someone?
Probably my brother.

7) Least favorite school subject?
We had to take an “office” class in high school. So that the “girls” were properly prepared for their gender appropriate job as secretary.

8) How many pairs of shoes do you own?
More than I will admit to.

9) Do you own a Britney Spears CD?:
Good lord no!

10) Have you ever thrown up in public?:
Yes, and the kindly gentleman sitting behind me on the plane sprinkled cologne all over the place and all over me so that I wouldn’t offend him with the smell.

11) Name one thing that is always on your mind:
My husbands very annoying driving and if it’s not that it’s if Lily will pee tonight.

12) Favorite genre of music?:
It’s mood dependant. For house cleaning, working, exercising it’s rock/pop. But for reading and relaxing it’s classical.

13) What is your zodiac sign?:
Leo – hear me roar.

14) What time were you born?:
I think at around 6 a.m.

15) Do you like beer?
Yes, Shiner and Belgian beer.

16) Have you made a prank phone call?:
Probably

17) What is the most embarrassing CD you own?
Meatloaf

18) Are you sarcastic?
Do I breathe?

19) What is your favorite color?
This is also mood related but I always like soft yellows, pinks, - and a blend of all colors in a sunset.

20) How many watches do you own?
“More than I can keep track of, and all of them need a new battery. I have a bit of a watch fetish.” (Kell said it better than I could)

21) Summer or winter?
Actually Spring.

22) Is anyone in love with you?
Yes, and it’s a little embarassing because Gerard Butler and Colin Firth keep fighting over me.

23) Favorite color to wear?
Black – it’s slimming. Pink if I want to feel girly.

24) Pepsi or Sprite?
Squirt.

25) Have you ever walked across a frozen lake?
Yes - and I had a panic attack about half way across.

26) Where is your second home?
Barnes and Noble

27) Have you ever slapped someone?
No – oh wait, no, that would be spanked……………..

28) What kind of animal would you be?
A koala or a cheetah

29) How many lamps are in your bedroom?:
Uh, one, why????

30) How many video games do you own?:
Too many that I don’t really play anymore. It’s all about the dogs and reading.

31) What was your first pet?:
A cockapoo named Muffin

32) Ever had braces?
Yes

33) Do looks matter?:
Yes, to say anything else would be lying.

34) Do you use chapstick?:
No, but I do use Neutrogena night lip repair.

35) Name 3 teachers from high school:
Wow, I can’t. Mr. Batz, that’s the only one I can remember.

36) American Eagle or Abercrombie?:
Both are too freak’n loud. – yes, I know, I’m old.

37) Are you too forgiving?:
Probably.

38) How many children do you want?
I have 8 - all have fur and four legs. I don’t want the two legged kind.

39) Do you own something from Hot Topic?:
What the hell is that?

40) Favorite breakfast meal?
Eggs Benedict

41) Do you own a gun?:
Depends, were you planning on breaking into my house?

42) Ever "thought" you were in love?:
Are you trying to say I am not?

43) When was the last time you cried?
Probably when I watched Love Actually the other day.

44) What did you do three nights ago?:
Chatted with friends on line.

45) Olive Garden?
Why would I do that when we have Mama Maria’s?

46) Have you ever called your teacher 'mommy'?
Yes because my mommy was a substitute teacher and she taught my class occasionally.

47) Have you ever been in a castle?:
Yes, in Germany. And Hurst Castle.

48) Nicknames?
Newt, tater-tot

49) Do you know anyone named Bertha?
Can’t says that I do. But my mom new a Hertha Bertha Kline

50) Ever been to Kentucky?:
I might have driven through it.

51) Do you own something from Banana Republic?:
Yes, a nice wool coat.

52) Are you thinking about somebody right now?
Yes, the hubster. And if you twist my arm to admit it, I am picturing in my head a shirtless fight between Gerard and Colin.

53) Ever called somebody 'boo'?
Maybe after watching Monster’s Inc. I might have called Sophie Boo for a while. And I think I told the hubster that if we ever had a little girl that would be her nickname.

54) Do you smoke?
No, I’ve had a few cigars but no regular habits.

55) Do you drink?
Yes, sidecars are my current drink of choice.

56) Are you happy with your life right now?
Of course.

57) Do you like your hair?:
Eh…………..I’m just thankful that I have hair.

58) Does anyone have a crush on you?
Hopefully my hubster. Oh, and as I mentioned before, Gerard Butler and Colin Firth keep fighting over me so I guess they also have a crush on me.

59) What were you doing in May of 1994?
Working at the outlet center in Gilroy, CA

60) Do you roller blade?
Yes - it's very fun. I like to have Max pull me. He's be a great sled dog, this is the closest I can come up with for him.

61) Do you own a Backstreet Boys CD?:
Hell NO!

62) McDonalds or Wendys?
I’m more of a DQ or Culvers girl.

63) Do you find yourself attractive?:
No, but I try to remember something a friend once said:
“If you could only see yourself through the eyes of your friends you would see how truly beautiful you are.”

64) Are you closer to your mother or father?:
I’m very close to both my parents but I think we have the typical Daddy’s little girl and Mommy’s little boy thing going in our family.

65) Favorite physical feature of the preferred sex?:
I like hands. I’m not sure what it is about them but I notice a man’s hands. Maybe because life boils down to finding someone whose hand you want to hold the rest of your life.

66) Are you afraid of the dark?:
Yes, every time I go out to our not yet electrified garage and have to go through the dark garage to lift up the garage door I get all spooked and start imaging horrible things. I think I am more afraid of what I don’t know and can not see than the dark itself. I’m also afraid of bodies of water I can’t see through.

67) Have you ever eaten paste?
No, yuck.

68) Do you own a webcam?:
No.

69) Have you ever stripped?
Not in public. Oh wait, there was that skinny dipping incident in college, so yes.

70) Ever broken a bone?:
Just my nose, does that count?

71) Are you religious?
I worship the power of nature and the universe. But I’m not sure if that means I am religious.

72) Have you ever had a kiss so good you really did see stars and hear music?
Hell yes!

73) Pringles or Lays?:
Pringles.

74) Have you ever broken someone’s heart?:
Yes, but I didn’t expect it. The person kept telling me that our dating was only casual and they planned to see other people. So when I broke it off I was a little surprised that they completely flipped out on me.

75) Do you like to go fishing?
I used to love to go with my Aunt and Uncle.

76) Full House or The Brady Bunch?:
The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie

77) Did you like your high school guidance counselor?
“I had a high school guidance counselor?” – again Kell said it best.

78) Has anyone ever called you a tease?
Flirt yes, tease no.

79) Do you have a birth mark?
On my left side rib cage.

80) Do you work?:
Yes, I work at a job, I work at potty training Lily, I work at rehabilitating Caleb, I work at having a happy marriage, I work at trying to keep the house just clean enough to not have it condemned……………..

81) Can you cook?:
Sort of.

82) Four things that annoy you:
1. Commercials on television
2. commercials in movie theaters
3. drivers that ride the closed lane till the very very end and then swerve into traffic
4. my dogs when they go on a barking spree for no reason.

83) Do you text message often?:
I don’t even know how to.

84) Money or love?
Both, I’m selfish.

85) Do you have any scars?
Yes, they help prove I have lived my life.

86) What do you want more than anything right now?:
A popover. Or maybe a cup of coffee, no, it’s a popover.

87) Do you enjoy scary movies?
I used to as a kid but not so much anymore.

88) Relationships or one night stands?:
They both have their uses in life.

89) Big Red or Juicy Fruit?
Orbits original flavor

90) Do you enjoy greasy food?
More than I should.

91) Have you seen all the Rocky movies?:
I don’t think I even watched 1 all the way through.

92) Do you own a box of crayons?
Yes.

93)What do you like in your sandwich?
There is this hot hoagie with assorted Italian meat, melted cheese and then shredded lettuce is added. Best sandwich ever!

94) Who was the last person you said 'I love you' to?
The hubster about one hour and 13 minutes ago.

95) Who was the last person that made you mad?
I don’t typically get mad. Annoyed, discouraged, but not usually mad.

96) Who was the last person that made you cry?:
Hugh Grant for his opening soliloquy in Love Actually.

97) Who was the last person that made you laugh?:
George Clooney and John Stewart in their interview last night on Daily Show.

98) Who was the last person to text you?
“Hello! I don’t know how to text. Aren’t you paying attention?” – once more Kell said it best.

99) Who was the last person that called you?
Dad. We talked about taking the puppies to the Weiner Wonderland parade. And some lady named Cindy that wanted product information but she only left me a voice mail. I didn’t hear my phone ring as I have my Ipod going and I’m working on the meme (don’t tell my boss)

100) Who's your cell phone provider?
This is the best question you can come up with for #100? You make people answer 100 questions, not to mention the poor people that are reading through my boring answers and this is the last question? This is the climax? PLEASE

Let’s try this again shall we:

100) Who is your 1 “get out of jail free card” (In other words, who can you have an affair with and it’s forgiven?)
I’m going to have to say Johnny Depp for this one. Though I had to think about it for a while which was kinda fun actually. Running through a long list of beautiful men, imagining them with their head on a pillow next to me. Ahhhhhhhhhh.

Newt on the loose with the camera again

This is the napkin for a local coffee shop chain.
"Feel the Twinkle" ????









These are my matching set of babies waiting anxiously for us to open the door.











How cute are they?








"Can you guess which one is not like the others?"
Of course he's also the best trained, the best behaved, and he's my first love.

Newt being silly- you might see Max down in the bottom left corner.

Stenches, lab coats, and more

*Good news: the stench has not reappeared. So our guess is that it was the combination of chemicals my buddy on the other side of the wall was using. Yippee! Yahoo! SOOOO glad it wasn’t something newly dead in the ceiling or walls or under the floor. Did I mention there is a hole in the floor big enough for a large rat? You’d think an umpteen billion dollar corporation could at least plug the holes in the floor.

*As for the lab coat. It is the signature apparel of our company. All our sales and service techs are supposed to wear them. They don’t, but they are supposed to. I work for a chemical manufacturing company. In a nutshell we clean the world. Funny story that lab coat. The one place we have been asked NEVER to wear them is when we are performing service calls on cruise ships. They are afraid we will be mistaken for coroners.

*I have managed despite constant dog watching, chasing, and pee cleaning to get back into the swing of things with my reading. This morning I just decided to give up on a book that I had been looking forward to. I just don’t think I’m in the mood for it’s subject matter. It’s about inner city life, gangs, mafia, spousal abuse, animal abuse. Just not what I need right now.

*We have been watching the NBC/Sci Fi series Heroes. Last night they ran a marathon. I am impressed with the story, how intriguing the whole idea is. And trying to figure out who the bad guys really are.

*It’s finally gotten cold here. We basically went from sweatshirts outside to down parkas. But my mantra this winter will be: “At least November was warm” We’ll see how long that works for me before I go screaming to the Como Conservatory, rip off all my clothes and dance in the humid tropical heat.

*My dad is excited to have me coming. He wants us to go to the Weiner Wonderland Parade (pull your minds out of the gutter people!) at Balboa Park the day before I leave. I think that will be a blast. I went last year and it’s too funny to see hundreds of little dressed up dachshunds running around. Dad thinks Lily will have fun. I have a reindeer costume/coat that I got for Sophie last year for holiday pictures that was too small for her. It might fit Lily just right. Groan all you want but we’ll feel like the odd ones out if we aren’t in costume. Or perhaps I should make her a weiner dog costume so she will fit in with the rest of the puppies. And besides Balboa park is one of the most beautiful places in San Diego and it has an amazing artist pavilion to shop in.

Sorry but no pictures today. I was thinking I might run around down town and take some pictures today if it warms up at all. The city is just beautiful in winter.

The things that cross my mind

So it’s 3 am and I wake from a pretty nice dead sleep. And a joke pops into my head.

Unknown person: “So, pretty good on the puppy progress.”
Newt: “Thanks, we’re trying pretty hard.”
Unknown person: “Yeah, I tried so hard my puppy progressed into a cat.”

So this is what wakes me up. I dream a bad joke.

And now I am pretty much wide awake. And I also realize that the hubster is not in bed. He must have fallen asleep on the couch with the cat. As happens quite often. Plus he hasn’t been feeling good so he may have stayed downstairs due to the sneezing and stuffiness.

So now I REALLY can’t sleep. I turn on the light to read. BIG mistake. Huge! Too bright. Eye’s aren’t as awake as the rest of me. Not to mention that Sophie is squinting at me with looks of pure annoyance. Ok, let’s try reading with a book light under the covers.

Too stuffy………….

Well hell, now what do I do? If I get up and move at all the pups will hear and start barking. Which will wake up hubster.

Awwww crap. I guess I will just lay here.

3:17
3:24
3:30
3:41

At 4:15 the hubster comes up to bed. As I thought he didn’t want to keep me up since he was hacking and stuffy.

But apparently hacking and stuffy is okay at 4:15. I’m getting up in two hours anyway right?

4:21
4:47
5:01
5:14
5:34

Oh goody, it’s almost time to get up.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Radio: “It’s a breezy 17 degrees in the Twin Cities. Lot’s of sunshine but wind chill temp’s around 6 degrees…………”

Thank all that is good in this world that there is coffee.

Nuff said.

In Search of: The Stench

I shower daily, I swear, so I know it’s not me. But let me tell you, something stinks in the Bat Cave. Damn! And I mean DAMN! It’s not a constant stench. For that I would be more grateful. It would allow me to zoom in and find le’ stench. It’s more like the faint waftings of dead mouse. VERY dead mouse. Soon to stench worse dead mouse. The annoying part is the faint and wispyness of the smell. It’s not remotely constant. And I smell it in a few different directions. So, here was me, crawling around under my cube smelling this that and the other thing hoping to find the source.

It’s not in the file cabinet
Not the sneakers I keep here for my walks
Not the duck shoes I wore today into work
Nor the new fuzzy cute shoes I wore for the actual work day
Nor the other file cabinets.
It’s not under the desk
It’s not my clothes
I didn’t step in anything
It’s not on my desk surfaces
Not the fake plant in the corner
Not the other fake plant on the shelf
It’s not the holiday decorations I brought in this morning
Nor is it in any of the computer bags I have
It’s not my jacket
Or my sweater
Or my lab coat

I have scrubbed down all surfaces on my desk.I canned air cleaned the keyboards.

I might go insane…………………..

The guy on the opposite side of the wall is playing around with a bunch of chemicals. I am PRAYING that maybe it is him causing this smell. He has assured me his little project is finished tomorrow at the latest.

If not, then either I have a dead animal problem or my cube mate has an odor problem.

Speaking of the bat cave, here ya go:

Just so you can see how we are located in a room on the floor













If you look past the cubes in front you'll see the glass topped walls with white corner polls, yep, that's the Bat Cave. The picture below is looking into the batcave.
















My lab coat:




















My life's motto:



















My babies cuddling:




















It's blurry because she moved at the last second but it's still a funny pic of Lily:

Newt on the Loose

Getting up at 4:45 to shop on Friday morning was totally worth it. It allowed me to bring you this:

Yes, that's right kids, Newt has gone digital. So, this will be a "Photo" blog if you will.

First of all, the weekend word challenge:

Thanks: (for always making my day a little brighter and full of a lot more laughter)












I couldn't fit everyone's blog header on the screen but you get the idea.
Also please note the sleeping Pretty Pretty Princess Puppy off to the left. I give thanks for her too.

Grateful:












I am grateful to have a roof over my head. According to statistics I found on the web:
Over a five-year period, about 2–3 percent of the U.S. population (5–8 million people) will experience at least one night of homelessness.
Worldwide: Over one billion people on the planet lack adequate housing, he said, while around 100 million have no housing whatsoever.













I am also grateful that I can read. Statistics I found on the web:
UNESCO estimates that 771 million adults worldwide are illiterate 2/3rds of which are women. In the US, nearly 1/2 of the population struggles at some level with illiteracy.

Self Portraits:
































Random Photos:











Hubster and Soc's watching T.V.












Lights I put up at the house.









Caleb being cute










Close-up Caleb.

Giving Thanks

I am thankful for:

Hubster - for being my best friend. For never ceasing to amaze me. For thinking the exact same thing I do at the exact same time. For letting me get Caleb and Lily. For telling me I'm his beautiful baby. For making me feel like the luckiest woman in the world.

Dad - For calling me because you are thinking of me. And for seeing me as a person that understands life the same way you do. And for saying so when you call. You share your day with me, your happiness and your troubles because you know I will understand. And sometimes you ask me for advice. I'm not just your little girl, I'm your friend. And I cherish that. I'm a very luck girl to have you as a dad.

Mom - for being endlessly giving and thoughtful. You inspire me to be a better person to others. For being more selfless.

Boy J and R - for being friends that feel right at home.

Heather - Thank you for continuing to be my creative muse.

Mike - for being a cherished friend for so many years. And for still being my friend even after I invade your home. For the movies you recommend. For your encouragement and support. I wouldn't know what to do without you.

Jay and Scott - for being the amazing and inspiring couple that you are. For taking in amazing animals and giving them a home. Scott thank you for your amazing photographs. They take my breath away, sometimes literally. And Jay, thank you for painting my happy place. I look at it every day. And every day it makes me smile.

Tink - for making me laugh every day. And for being the beautiful person that you are. For your amazing look on life. You are an inspiration.

Cynical Bastard - For your creativity. For your humorous look at all of life. Through you I also got to know your mom and your sister. Two amazing people.

Kell - Thank you for being the book buddy I always wanted to have. For your strength. And for the beautiful stories that you tell.

Betty - Thank You for your stories. You have a way of describing Americana like know one else. Your stories are vivid, full of sight and sound and smell. And I love every single one of them.

Chelle - for your beautiful look on life and how precious this earth is. For your love of animals. Your amazing photography. And for being the beautiful person that you are.

Graymama - for sharing your amazing little boy with us. And the love that you have in your life. For showing me just how amazing motherhood can be.

Susan - Thank you for your slice of life. I enjoy reading about your family. And you always put a smile on my face.

To many other bloggers - Thank You for sharing your life. Thank you for all the things you make me think about. All the ideas that I get from each of you. All of the splendid stories that you share.

To Sophie, Max, Caleb, Lily, Socs, Tink, Hobbes, Cassy, and little Max - Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my house a home. And for making my time on this earth a life worth living.

I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving full of love. And pie..............

Half Days

The hubster and I took a half day off yesterday and we are doing so again today. We made the most of yesterday and the still “warm” weather we are enjoying here in MN. We hit up Target and bought way too much crap. Then he went and got his hair cut and I picked up a good 20 lb’s of puppy poop. We followed this up with some couple type activities (sorry TMI). Then we headed off to Ikea. Not to shop but for dinner – I was craving meatballs. It was a fun and tasty dinner. We go every so often, it’s cheap and it’s good. Then we curled up with the zoo and we watched Aeon Flux. I actually enjoyed this movie. I like Charlize Theron. It’s actually a film I wouldn’t mind adding to my collection. This isn’t a deep movie, it’s not thought provoking or anything, but I found it entertaining. When I make my beaded jewelry I like to either listen to the Ipod or put on a movie that I don’t need to pay much attention to. I just want to have something relatively entertaining going on in the background. Thus why I will watch Pirates, or Italian Job, 13th Warrior, MIB, or a variety of chick flicks over and over again while I make jewelry. For me it’s a complete relaxation package.

Today after we cut out of work we are going over to Bills Imported foods. This little greek grocery store is another good reason to live in MN. I’m hoping they have some of their herb flat bread. Can you say YUMMY! And of course we have to pick up some desserts baklava and such. Cheese, olives, the usual.

I also found out from my sister-in-law that she is baking not one but TWO of her chocolate pecan pies. It’s an orgasmic experience. And one that we look forward to all year. She is also making her baked cauliflower dish that it out of this world. The hubster and I will be bringing assorted cheese and crackers. We will get Feta from Bills and then probably pick up some other cheeses at Byerlys.

Byerly’s is an interesting shopping experience. They are the epitome of yuppiedom. Carpeted grocery stores that charge an arm and a leg for everything. Pretty much the only reason we go there is for their deli items. Their pasta salads and other deli items really are second to none. And they have an extensive selection of fine cheese. So when push comes to shove we put on our big kid panties and we go inside. If we get out without killing some yuppie parent whose child the world is supposed to worship than it’s been a good shopping day. You know the type I’m talking about. They have an SUV or three, they barely make their mortgage payment on their overly huge and ostentatious McMansion, and they had children strictly for appearances. They define the expression “keeping up with the Jones’s.

Aside from Bill’s I’m not sure what other kinds of trouble we will get into today. It’s supposed to be upwards of 60 degrees so we should probably take the pups for a walk or something noble like that.

Which brings me to my last and final thought for today. Please remind me in February when I am getting pissy and cranky about the long long winter that November was simply gorgeous and we got very very lucky with our weather.

The Hubster

The hubster knows I blog. He knows that I talk about our daily chaos and the like. He has never read my blog. I don’t think he really has any interest in doing so. But if we have a bizarre discussion he tends to start referring to himself in the third person as the hubster. He knows that the bizarre will get put into cyber space.

He surprised me last week with a very special gift. While I was out with the girls he took all the computers and hard drives we had in the house and went in search of something that went missing/lost 7 years ago. It was a copy of our wedding vows. The judge had liked them so much that he kept the copy we gave him at the ceremony. Apparently we weren’t smart enough to print off more. And then we forgot to print them off. And then we replaced the computer. So basically they got forgotten about. But it’s one of those things that has bugged me. And every once in a while we say that we will go in search of them. But then we get lazy and the vicious cycle begins again. But for whatever reason last week in went in search of them. And then emailed them to me. So that when I got into work on Friday I would have a very special surprise. And boy was I surprised. And then I read them, and then I cried. So here ya go folks. Our wedding vows:

[Introduction and greeting to guests]

We are gathered together to unite Hubster and Newt in marriage. This is but the outward sign of an inward union of hearts and, as such, marriage is the most tender of all relationships in life. What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined….to strengthen each other….to be at one with each other in silent unspeakable memories.

Each of you here has given something of yourself into their lives. Your love, guidance, and encouragement will forever be appreciated. Hubster and Newt are both thankful that you are here today in this celebration of their commitment to each other to live their lives as one.

[To the parents of bride:]

To Newt’s mother Hubster would like to say Thank you. Thank you for giving her life, for giving her beauty, for giving her the sweetness he adores, and for giving her the good sense to say Yes. And to you, her father, he promises to honor and protect her, though he will never replace you in her life or in her heart. And he shall love her for as long as they both shall live.

[To the parents of the groom:]

To Hubster’s mother Newt would like to promise you that she will love and protect him, this son, who is always a part of your heart, whose life is a part of your life. She will give him joy and trust, laughter and solace, compassion and strength. To you, his father, she would like to say thank you, for his wit, for his knowledge, and for teaching him the good sense to wait until the best came along.

[To the couple:]
Dear Hubster and Newt:
In being here today, you are performing an act of faith in each other, a faith which will grow, mature, and endure. Cherish and build on the hopes and dreams you now hold. Stand fast together in hope and confidence, believing in yourselves and in each other. You will create a union that will radiate between you, giving new hope, happiness, and strength to you and those around you. It is in the union of marriage that the little things are the big things. It is never being to old to hold hands. It is remembering to say “I LOVE YOU”. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted.

The union of marriage is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and a demonstration of gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding, and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful in life.

And it is in this spirit that I ask you to turn and face each other.

Hubster, do you take Newt to be your wedded wife, to share your life with her, and do you promise to love, honor, and cherish her for as long as you both shall live?
If yes say, “I Do”

Newt, do you take Hubster to be your wedded husband, to share your life with him, and do you promise to love, honor, and cherish him for as long as you both shall live?
If yes say, “I Do”

Repeat after me:

I, Hubster take you Newt to be my wife / and I commit my life to you / including all sorrows and joys / all hardships and triumphs / all the experiences of life / a commitment made in love / kept in faith / and lived in hope.

I, Newt take you Hubster to be my husband / and I commit my life to you / including all sorrows and joys / all hardships and triumphs / all the experiences of life / a commitment made in love / kept in faith / and lived in hope.

Now the exchange of rings:

Hubster, repeat after me:
This ring I give you / in token of my devotion and love / and with my heart / I pledge to you / all that I am. / With this ring I marry you / and join my life to yours.
Newt, repeat after me:
This ring I give you / in token of my devotion and love / and with my heart / I pledge to you / all that I am. / With this ring I marry you / and join my life to yours.

In view of the exchange of vows and rings by Hubster and Newt, in the presence of witnesses – and family and friends – I pronounce you Hubster and Newt to be husband and wife.

[Kiss and Applause]


Until tomorrow,
So Long and Thanks for all the Fish!

Weekend Recap

So, who out in blog land remembers when watches had to be wound? I thought of this Saturday night when I was putting mine on. And I wondered how many people remember it and then how many people didn’t know that at one time you would wind up your watch?

Of the 3 options for Saturday night I opted for the museum. The exhibit, “Passion for Paintings” is located in their new wing which is incredibly beautiful. Among other exhibits open for the evening was a photography one. What they put on display was two images from the same negative. Each developed slightly differently or at a different time.
The purpose being to show how much art is involved in developing the images on film.
It was fascinating.

Then this morning on MPR they were talking about the fact that film cameras are going the way of the dodo. Or that only the very high end cameras will still be produced. Yes this was inevitable in today’s instant gratification society but also it was a little sad to hear. I like film cameras. And I still feel that they take better pictures. But I know that digital has come a long long way. It’s just a little sad…………….Of course it took a few years but the phonograph made a come back when people finally figured out that music just sounds better off a record. I wax nostalgic.

Back to the museum. Surprisingly even the hubster enjoyed the exhibit. He thought the paintings were beautiful. It was also nice to be entirely among adults. Dressed up adults no less.

Which brings me to another thought. When the invitation – mailed, not emailed. Says “Cocktail attire” what would you wear? I did the little black dress and the hubster did suit and tie in muted fall colors. We were dressed appropriately. Suits, LBD’s, sequence covered tops, pant suits and even a few full length gowns were worn. But also present were jeans and sweaters – dressed up mind you, but jeans. The other interesting choice were the “hippy artists” for lack of a better description that dressed in the cargo/baggy cords, with grungy shirts. Of course the most interesting attire for the evening was the security guard in a dark suit with the Mohawk.

The only downer for the evening came when we ordered wine. Served in little plastic cups mind you. We got our wine and watched a $20 go across the counter with no change coming back. Most expensive glass of wine I have ever had. And it didn’t even dance with me. Or take me to dinner for that matter. The whole time we were drinking out little glasses of wine we thought “We are supporting the arts, we are supporting the arts………..”

All in all it was a wonderful evening. We got to dress up, spend an evening around adults with like interests, beautiful music filled the air as we walked around, and we got to see an amazing display of artwork.

Sunday was a quiet day. I put on a pot of coffee and then settled in to switch my blog to the new beta version. It went smashingly. It was easy. And I love some of the new features. It took me a bit to figure out where in the html code I could stick my personalized banner but several tries later I finally got it. I don’t understand html in the slightest so it is all done with a wing and a prayer.

I also worked on some bracelets that may get sold to a local jeweler. He asked me to bring in my work. He will either put it in his store or take it to a boutique at a casino. I was surprised and flattered by his offer. He noticed the bracelet on my wrist when I was in there on Friday and when he found out I made it the conversation just took off from there.

We watched a new Midsomer Murders last night and I must say I had a hard time following the story. Or, I should say, I had a hard time following who was related to whom. It was a great show as usual just a little more confusing than normal. Of course it probably didn’t help that I was embellishing a bracelet at the same time. Mysteries are not a good thing to only have half your attention on. Oh well.