Robin's Friday 5'er

     

Hi guys!!! 

It's Friday and it is time for what I call "THE 5'er!"     

If you want to play all you do is cut and paste these questions into your journal. (there is no deadline as to when you can do "The 5'er) When you have answered them come back and leave a link in my comment section.  On the following Friday I will have a new set of questions! Have fun!

 

This weeks theme is...CONDIMENTS!  Why? Um...I have no idea..sounded fun.  From Robin at; http://journals.aol.com/robinngabster/Thesearethedaysofourlives/entries/1360

 

LET'S PLAY!!!

 

1.  Do you snag extra condiments to take home when you eat at a fast food joint?  No not usually...Sometimes if I get one of those Arby's roast beef sandwiches, they give me several packs of Arby Sauce and I usually only use one, so those extra's end up in the fridge or in the bottom of the Arby's bag which ends up in the trash.

2.  What is the one condiment you could not live without?

Well, I do ask for the Arby sauce and that's really all.  I like mayo too, but ask them leave it off my Jack in the Box hamburger deluxe, because of the calories. Never ask for ketchup or Taco Bell's hot sauce.

3. Miracle Whip or Mayonaise? 

Mayonaise for sure!   But I use it very sparingly.

4.  What is your idea of the perfect hot dog?

A homemade chili dog is good now & then, with a little grated cheese over the top.  And about twice a year I'll get a hot dog at Costco, with their relish and a little mustard.  I'm not a real hot dog fan.

5. Take a picture of some "stolen" condiments in your house and post it.  (If you can't take a pic...take inventrory of what you have and tell me about it.) I know sometimes they aren't actually "stolen" they just give you a lot and maybe you save them in your fridge for another time.   There's none in there at the moment, sorry.    I guess my entry on this subject is pretty boring.  

Who Says That People in Western Washington Are All "Wet"?

There's a gal here in Western WA, that lives up north of Seattle in Arlington that apparently went to that Seahawks game last Sunday and bought an extra $5.00 hot dog at the Seahawks Stadium.  She came home took some pictures of it, then vacuum sealed it and put it in her freezer....and then she listed it on eBay.   At the time of this writing, this hot dog is up over $7,000.  WHO WOULD PAY SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS for a  hot dog, no matter where it came from?  I admire her creativity  but I hope she gets her money when this auction ends.    

I'm off today, but have so much to do.....and I'm days behind reading my Alerts...maybe tonight, I'll get to them.  Right now the sun is shinning but it rained all night. And for some reason, the power went off during the night.  I don't know what time it was...I was too sleepy to get the flash light and look at the wind-up clock I keep on my nightstand.  Anyway, it was back on this morning when I woke up about 7am. 

Have a good day good dear friends and hopefully I can catch up later.   Here's the link to that famous hot dog;

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5659617304&sspagename=ADME:L:RTQ:US:1

"The Party Stretched Well Into The Morning"

That's what the guy on the local TV news said about the Seattle Seahawks fans.  Don't they have jobs to go to today?  I'm happy they won but my goodness...party all night ???  I don't think so !  One thing that I thought was touching is that the team continues to give credit to the "12th Man" (I guess there are 11 players on the field at one time)....so the 12th Man is the fans...they say they could never have reached this goal (pardon the pun) without the support of their fans.

I thought I'd answer questions in some of the comments left regarding the big game yesterday;

1..no, I won't be buying a Championship T-shirt (I'm really not a sports fan, I only watched the game because it was a local team)

2..yup, I got my ironing done. 

3..and yes the T-shirt people worked all night printing up those Championship shirts.

4..the sun was for one day only, even last night it was raining again.  We did break a record....in 1953 there was measurable rain for 33 days in a row.  Today will be day 35.

 I've got to get ready for work, so have a wonderful Monday and until later.....Linda

How About Those SEATTLE SEAHAWKS ?!?!?

First of all I had a nice weekend entry all ready earlier this afternoon and when I clicked on the "SAVE" button it went to an "error" page and was gone.  Anyway I had a great weekend, had lunch with friend Judy yesterday and today after church went to lunch with my friend Ginny.  After I got home today (in the sunshine) I ran the lawn mower over the front lawn to pick up leaves and other debris from all the wind we've had.  It looks better for now but will look messy again after the next windstorm.  Yes, it was sunny today, all day so far...after 34 days of rain.  I actually had to use my sun visor in the car and sun glasses  going to church this morning.

The Seattle Seahawks have just won their game with the Carolina Panthers 34-14. Now they will meet the winner of the other playoff game, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in Detroit, in two weeks for the SUPER BOWL.  As I've said before..I'm not a sports lover, but I did have the game on this afternoon (while ironing) and I'm happy for the local team.  The Panthers all look so sad....it's a long trip home when you loose a big and important game like this one.  I do feel sorry for them.     The fireworks are going off, the Seattle fans are going nuts.  The game was in Seattle so the stadium is packed with happy people.      

I bet the T-shirt shops in Seattle are busy, busy right now gearing up to print those championship shirts, they'll probably be working non-stop all night tonight. 

Well, it's back to the ironing board so until next time..................Linda (aka Sophia)

Some Questions For you

From Jeannette at; http://journals.aol.co.uk/jeanno43/JeannettesJottings/entries/1704

I thought I would give you a bit of fun today so I have set some questions for you to answer.  You can give straight answers or comical ones, it is up to you and you can either post your replies under comments or reply on your own journal but do not forget to let me know that you have done so because I would like to come and read your replies.

Are you ready?  Here goes

 

1.   If a film was being made of your life, what actor or actress would you like to see in the lead?  It would have to be Dolly Parton.  She and I share a similarity of a certain body part, and it's not her hair, lips or tiny waist.

2.   If you could choose to live anywhere in the world, where would it be?  I would have to say right where I'm at.  Rarely do we have severe weather, we have few bugs, no poison snakes or spiders and we do enjoy 4 seasons.

3.   If you could meet someone famous (alive or dead) who would you choose and why?  George (& Martha) Washington.  I read a book recently about their lives and was so touched by their love and admiration for each other and the hardships they endured. 

4.   What is your all time favourite film or book?  If I was being sent (or going ) away somewhere and could only take 1 book.. it would be the Bible of course.  I have many favorites in the secular line.  As far as movies...I always liked "Out of Africa"  I bet I've watched it 100 times.  Thankfully I have a copy so don't have to go rent it.

5.  If you could change one thing about your appearance what would it be?  That I could be slimmer,  I try and try and just can't seem to drop the weight like I want to.

6.   If you could appear on a T.V. programme, which one would you choose?  That's a hard one, not a quiz show for sure.  I can answer all or most of the questions from the comfort of my home but if I were there, I'd probably freeze up. There are several I'd like to visit and just be in the audience, however.

7.   If you were going out to dinner, what type of restaurant would you pick?    I usually pick Mexican first.  We have one in the area called "El Toro" and they have wonderful service and food.  If anyone would like to come to Washington for a visit, I'll see to it that you get to El Toro's for their great food.

8.   If you could invent a totally new gadget that would make your life easier, what would you like it to be? Something that would scoop the cat litter for me.  (Sorry about that answer, Jeannette asked it and I had to be honest)

9.   If you could own a racehorse, what would you call it? "Linda's Long Legs"  When I was young, my grandmother always said I looked like a race horse running around our 10 acres, because of my long legs.

10. What is the most memorable event in your life so far? Meeting John Wayne in  March of 1955, when we were on vacation in Southern California.

11. If you could live your life over again is there anything that you would change?  Oh...absolutely !!  There's not enough room here to tell all of that.

12.  What one thing annoys you the most? People who are dishonest and that dishonesty causes pain & hurt for other people.

13.  If you could change your first name, what would you like to be called?  Since there are so many "Linda's" my age, I've always wished my name was Sandra or Judy but...there's a lot of those too.  So, I think I'll change it to "Sophia." Yup that's my new name.

14.  If you were a keeper in a zoo, which animals would you most like to be in charge of?  The baby ones, I think most zoo's have a nursery area and I think that would be a fun place to work.

15.  Is there any actor/actress that you really dislike?  No not really.  I like them in movies but I do get very tired of hearing about some of their smutty lives.  It gets to be a little much.  It would be interesting to see if the press all over the world would quit reporting on  their antics for 6 months.  That would probably send some of them "over the edge."

Well, I get another "birthday" lunch today.  My dear friend Judy (I reported on her marriage back in August) is taking me out for lunch today.  We work for the same medical system but rarely see each other because she works in another building about 1 mile from the hospital.  But we've been friends for about 28 years, meeting when we worked in the same building and were both happily married.  Our divorces happened about the same time and we remained friends, consoling each other and eventually attending the same Adult Singles group at a local church.   In August, she married a dear friend of mine (yes I introduced them) and is living "happily ever after."

I saw another movie yesterday..."Match Point."  I wasn't quite sure, because it's a Wood Allen movie and you never really know about his stuff.   I enjoyed the basic premise of the story until the infidelity started..then I was turned off.  I have a problem with "infidelity" being glorified, as I have lived thru it and it's very painful.

That's all for now...I must get ready to get out of here today.  I'm meeting Judy in her new little home town about 15 miles from here, at 12:30p.   Until next time,  Linda

The Friday Morning 5'er

     

Hi guys!!! 

It's Friday and it is time for what I call "THE 5'er!"     

If you want to play all you do is cut and paste these questions into your journal. (there is no deadline as to when you can do "The 5'er) When you have answered them come back and leave a link in my comment section.  On the following Friday I will have a new set of questions! Have fun!

This weeks theme is...Games! I love playing games.  From Robin at; http://journals.aol.com/robinngabster/Thesearethedaysofourlives/entries/1344

LET'S PLAY!!!

1.  Have you ever played Truth or Dare? Either as an adult or a child?  Sure I think every one plays that game, especially as a child....I don't remember ever playing it was an adult. But thanks for the idea...

2. What is your all time favorite game?  When I think "game" ....I think fun and simple (that's why I don't play chess).  So I guess my all time favorite game would have to be UNO.

 

3.  Hormones were rampant as a teenager. Did you ever play spin the bottle? Can you tell us about it?  Yup, just once, after a 6th grade Campfire Girls Christmas party, while the adults were in the other room cleaning up, there was a group of us girls & one boy, playing this game.  I think he kissed all the girls that evening.  It didn't go on too long as we were called to pitch in and haul stuff to the cars.  Yes, I do remember his name, we went all the way thru grade school and high school with him.  Today he's happily married to someone who didn't go to school with us and living in another state. I wonder if she knows about that evening?  I have to admit at a class reunion 10 years ago, that same thought crossed my mind when he introduced her to me. NO...I didn't give away the secret.

4.  When was the last time you played a game? Who were you with? Where did you play it and what game was it?   Wow, it's been awhile...probably was my grandkids.  It seems the last few times they've spent the night, they are watching video's so we don't get a game of UNO into our schedule.

 

5. If "Life" really was a game where would you be on the board?  In Jail? Do not pass go? Bankrupt? Buying out property? Having babies? Boardwalk?  Well, I can tell you all that it wouldn't be having babies!! I guess it would be nearing "Do Not Pass Go."  For at least 1 year until I can retire & then I will be passing "Go" and heading toward "Boardwalk."

That's it. I've had my turn to roll the dice. Now I'll head back to leave Robin  a link to my journal! That was fun! (I hadn't thought about that "Spin the Bottle" part for a long time, that was 52 years ago)

I'm off to get ready for the day.  I've got a million and one things I want to do today, and hopefully I'll have time to get in another movie.  Until next time......Linda

John's Weekend Assignment #95

Weekend Assignment #95: The Best Money You Ever Spent From John at; http://journals.aol.com/johnmscalzi/bytheway/entries/5392   I'd have to say my present car.  I love it...my back doesn't hurt, when I have a long distance to drive and it's fairly easy on gas.   It came from the Los Angeles, CA auto auction; my friend Bob, has a son-in-law in Pasadena, CA that's an auto wholesaler...so when somebody in the family (or in this case me) needs a new-used car,  Bob flies down to California, stays with his daughter & son-in-law and haunts the auto auctions with Jerry until he finds the perfect car.  Then after they are all checked out and minor repairs are taken care of (if needed) Bob drives them back to Washington (approximately 1,200 miles)  Everyone of them, has been a perfect match.  My present car is the second one I've purchased from down there.  I've had my 1997 Toyota Rav 4 for 3 1/2 years, it had 60,000 miles on it when it went thru the auction (about 85,000 now) and I've not had one bit of trouble with it.  It starts every morning and is a comfortable ride. I love it !!  I get the oil changed every 3,000 miles and I'm sure I'll be able to drive it for years to come. So, as far as I'm concerned....this is the best money I've ever spent.    Linda

"Extra Credit: Aside from food, what's the next purchase you plan to make?"

I really don't need anything around the house, so I guess the answer to the Extra Credit would be; the Seattle to Alaska Cruise I'm going on in August.  I'm saving my pennies for gifts, etc for my family, to be purchased in Juneau and/or Skagway.

Itinerary Change-Red Dog Here We Come

I got an email from the travel agency lady last week about an itinerary change for the Alaska cruise coming up this August.  In case your new to my journal I'll explain.  It started last August at my 45th class reunion....everyone one was saying "well, we have to decide what we're going to do in 5 years at our 50th."  For several days after I kept thinking, "wow, we're all going to be 67, 68 years old in 5 years."  I didn't want to wait that long so I paid a visit to a local travel agency and along with Lori, we planned out an Alaska group cruise leaving Seattle August 11, 2006.  (Returning August 18th) So I sent out notices, both emails and letters to all in my class.  Lori said it was fine to open this cruise up to family and friends, too....anyone who wanted to take advantage of our group rates.   Pretty soon the reservations started coming in and this trip that I've dreamed about for years and years became a reality.    So back to the itinerary change...originally on Sunday, August 13th we were supposed to cruise thru the Tracy Arm Fjord from 9am-11am and then pull into Juneau at  3pm, staying until 11pm.  The cruise line said that they can't guarantee seeing the glacier while cruising the Tracy Arm Fjord so they are going to eliminate that and go right to Juneau.  While there, they will provide complimentary transportation to the Mendenhall Glacier.  This sounded great to me and the others agree.  What cracked me up was when I sent an email about this to my long time friend, Lynette, who's going to share a cabin with me...her come back was "Great !!!!  I have a younger cousin who lives in Juneau & maybe I can visit her...so I am happy to be in Juneau longer and besides that I want to be sure to go to the RED DOG saloon!"  So my reply to her was "do they serve Dr Pepper in the Red Dog Saloon?"  "We'll find out"...she says. I went into Google and looked up the Red Dog..there's some great pictures and it looks like a real interesting place. So if there's anyone out there that wants to cruise from Seattle to Alaska this August 11th (and get our fantastic group rates) send me an email...we can all go to the Red Dog for a Dr Pepper or whatever.....

I can't remember if in my weekend entries I mentioned seeing the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha."  It was fantasitc and a real eye opener.  On Saturday afternoon, I went nuts and went to another movie.."Last Holiday" with Queen Latifa.  She's so pretty and talented and I think that's the first movie of hers that I've ever seen.  

My Sunday afternoon lunch fell thru, my friend was not feeling well and her car wouldn't start so we're going to try it again for next Sunday. Meanwhile, I finally got the rest of the wallpaper border up in my bathroom.  I put some on one wall a couple years ago and I always thought it just didn't look finished.  Then I couldn't find anymore of the border.  I even looked thru wallpaper websites on line trying to find a match.  Well, here a couple months ago I was in Lowes and I thought "I'll just go wander thru the wallpaper section & see if they have it." And there it was..I was so happy.  (You see I couldn't remember where I'd bought it the 1st time).  So, like I said..yesterday I finished it.  It looks much better. 

Well, that's enough for today...until next time, Linda   

Photo Scavenger Hunt #58

Photo Scavenger Hunt #58   from; Betty at http://journals.aol.com/lv2trnscrb/Ofmini-pawsandmenopause/entries/281

Category: Warm and fuzzy

Entries due by Sunday, January 22, 2006 at 11:00 p.m. EST

This was my first thought...Gabi Lin (aka Smooched Face Cat)

Saturday Night, Congratulations Are In Order...

Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks in their playoff game, beating the Washington Redskins 20-10.  I'm not a football fan or any kind of sports fan, for that matter...... but it is nice when a local big name team wins an important game like this.    I guess this makes them 1 win away from going to the Superbowl.  I had the game on and watched it only off and on.  One thing I did notice is that it was pouring rain most of the day over there in Seattle....a mere 35 miles or so away from where I live and here the sun shone all day.  But since it also rained at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (were all the weather data for the area is gathered) it is counted as the 27th consecutive day of rain. 

I played away a couple hours of my Saturday by going to another movie.  I saw "Last Holiday" with Queen Latifa.  It was really good, it made me laugh & cry and had a happy ending.  So...I guess that made it worth my while.

I just heard on the news that actress Shelley Winters passed away today, at age 85 of heart failure.  I always liked her and will always remember her role in the "Poseidon Adventure." 

Well, I'm  going to get some supper and get the rest of my laundry done and tidy up around here.  I'm meeting a friend at church tomorrow and then we are going out to lunch.  We haven't seen each other for over a year, so that will be fun.

I haven't read any of my alerts for a couple days....so I'm way behind in that area, sorry about that. Maybe later tonight.

Until later........Linda

The 5'er !!

From Robin at; http://journals.aol.com/robinngabster/Thesearethedaysofourlives/entries/1328

This weeks theme is...Birthday's! My (Robin) birthday is just around the corner and those who know me well know I LOVE my birthday...everything about it.

 

LET'S PLAY!!!

 

1.  How many candles will be on your next birthday cake?  I just had a birthday about 9 days ago, so my next birthday won't  be until January 4, 2007.....my 65th.

2. If you get a birthday cake do you prefer butter cream frosting or the whipped?  I prefer the whipped frosting.  However, I didn't get a birthday cake again this year, so I just have to wait until someone else has a birthday and hope it's a kind that I like.

3. What was the best birthday present you ever got?  I've received a lot of very special gifts...but this year having my brother take me to lunch was wonderful.  It's the first time in a long time that we had a couple hours to visit, just the two of us.

4.  Has anyone ever thrown a surprise birthday party for you?  If so did you know about it or were you really surprised. If not, would you like for someone to throw you one? I've never had a surprise party but for my 50th & 60th my daughter & son in law organized parties.  I knew about it but didn't know who would show up.  For both of them, there about 40 people who attended.  Former co-workers, former neighbors, old school friends and family....I tend to keep in touch with lots of special people from my past.  

5. If you could be any age on your next birthday and have that age stick how old would you want to be?  I'd like to be  29 again...back to when I was married, happy and pregnant with my son.  That was the happiest time of my life.

Be sure and visit Robin's journal so you can take part in the week's 5'er.  And here's wishing Robin a very Happy Birthday !!!!

Update On Tacoma Mall Shooting Victim

There's some great news on the fellow that was the most seriously injured at the Tacoma Mall, last November.  He's been released from the Rehab Center....walking.  Yes, he walked out of that center.  What a miracle !!  You can read the story by following the link below.

http://www.komotv.com/stories/41283.htm

It's still raining, here in the Pacific Northwest.  I feel so bad for those people who are having their homes flooded by overflowing creeks and rivers.  I'm blessed to live where I do...I don't have to worry about flooding.

I went to see a great movie today, it was "Memoirs of a Geisha."  Very good....however, if the movie was true to the way things were, it is very sad to think about little girls being sold by their family, into that life.

I'm very tired tonight, I think it's time to take my book and my kitty and go down the hall to bed.  Sleep tight, until next time...Linda

Thursday Night Weather Update

Well, folks I'm happy to report that our weather hasn't changed one little bit.  :)Although....I did see this big ball of fire up in the sky for about 7 minutes this afternoon.  But it was soon covered with big gray clouds.  There was one thing I forgot to report last night...and that is, as I was driving home in the pouring rain, as I turned onto the main road just a few blocks from home....in the east there was a rainbow....God's promise that He would not flood the entire earth.  That was enough to let me know that....this too shall pass. 

I have three days off now and I'm not going to let the weather dampen my spirits.   I may not be out working in the yard but I think I can find something to pass the time, have a little fun and get somethings done around the house too.  Until next time....Linda

http://www.komotv.com/stories/41258.htm

Wednesday Evening

I'm not going to say any more about the rain tonight.  I'm going to let my favorite Seattle TV news station tell you the latest.  I just can't talk or write about it anymore.  My mouth and my fingers are so rusty I can barely even type this entry.  So, I'm going to go to bed with my book and my kitty and let you read it all from the experts. Until next time, I remain cold, windblown and wet.....Linda

http://www.komotv.com/news/story_m.asp?ID=41209

Tuesday Evening

"Rain, rain go away...come again some other day."

"It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring.  He went to bed and bumped his head and couldn't get up in the morning."

It's raining here folks...it hasn't stopped for what seems like days (I think 22 or 23 to be exact) .  Last night it and the wind kept me awake.  I'm so tired and tonight...it's pouring out there again, I can hear it coming down the gutters on the side of the house.  There's land slides all over Western Washington.   The train tracks are blocked, houses are sliding down hills....it's a mess.   The weather guy says there's rain everyday in the forecast for the next week.   Does anybody out there need our rain?  I know this is Washington but this is ridiculous !!

Until next time...this is webbed feet Linda

Sunday Evening

Well, my four days off are over.  No,no,no !!! I don't want to go back to work.   Saturday I didn't leave the property but today I decided to venture out.  First I took Gabi ( my smooched face cat) to Petco to get her "nails" done.  She keeps sticking to to the sofa, rug, etc because her claws are so long.  I called them and they said it was $8.00 to trim them.  I thought that was a good price, since I've never done that and I would be afraid I'd hurt her if I tried.  So I left her with the nice groomer lady and went off to Safeway for a few groceries and to fill up my gas tank ($2.04 a gallon).   When I went back to get her, the lady said she was very co-operative and remarked about how cute she was.  So then I took her home and got her some treats and went to Home Depot.  I wanted to get some of those ornamental cabbage plants that look so nice right now.  But all they had in was a new batch of Primroses.  So I got 8 (79 cents each) in different colors to plant in those dreary, empty hanging baskets and the planters on my porch.  I think I may get some more....I still have some empty pots and they certainly bring a nice touch of color to the dreary landscape. 

I watched a great movie tonight.  It was called "Mrs Brown" and was about Queen Victoria after Prince Albert died.  Judy Dench did a wonderful job playing the role of the Queen. 

I wanted to share a website with you.  Christmas is over but it's still winter and snowflakes are a winter thing.  So check this out and let me know what you think.

http://www.popularfront.com/snowdays/

Well, my alarm is set for 4:45am so I'm going to submit my Avon order and then start thinking about heading down the hall with my book and my kitty.  I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend, until next time....Linda

I'VE BEEN TAGGED

I have been tagged! By Lori at;

http://journals.aol.com/blissfull001/LeaveABrilliantLightBehind/

These are the rules of the game: You must write a journal entry listing the 5 things that drive you CRAZY  ~ as well as the rules of the game... Then, you select five people to tag and link their names/blogs in your entry... Go to their journals and leave a comment informing them they have been tagged by you and to read your journal to see in what way they have been nailed. Those five then MUST write an entry listing What drives them crazy and tag an additional five people...

Like Lori, in no particular order;

1..people with a grocery cart full of groceries trying to sneak thru the "12 items or less" line at the grocery store.

2..those smart alecs that play that horrible "Boom Boom" noise on their car radios.  First of they will be deaf by the time they are 30 yrs old and secondly ............it's rude, crude and socially unacceptable noise pollution.

3..drivers that cut in and out of traffic and then flip you off if you honk at them because they have pulled in directly in front of you, with very little space to spare.

4..co-workers who show up at work but then just pretend to work, leaving the majority of the work for the others.

5..people who say "I'll get back to you on that" and never call back.  Then when you call them again, they act like you're imposing.

In the spirit of the New Year, I'm not going to tag anyone but if anyone reads this and feels the urge to play....be my guest.  Linda

 

I'm Happy To Announce.....

My son, Jim  and his girlfriend, Carrie just stopped by to tell me that THEY ARE ENGAGED !!!!  I am so happy !!! She is such a sweet girl and I was blessed to meet her mom, sisters and grandmother at Thanksgiving.  They are a delightful family and I know they will welcome Jim to their family as we will welcome Carrie to ours.  She was totally surprised when Jim popped the question and I think she was sort of in shock still when they were here, she did say  "I don't want a big huge wedding, just a simple celebration with family and close friends."  Then she decided she better go out tomorrow afternoon and buy a planner.   Both of them just started new jobs this last week and Carrie has two more years of school to get her CPA degree, so they will have a lot on their plate this next year.   This is a happy day .........Linda

Ooooooopppps !!!!!!

Sun's gone...it's raining cats and dogs.  The weather guy was right again !!

I Was Tagged On January 2nd

I was tagged on Monday, January 2nd by Jae at: http://journals.aol.com/yakima127/MyLifeInANutShell/  to do "the 5 weird things about me" assignment.  I started to do it the other day and didn't finish or got interrupted or something.  Anyway, in the spirit of the New Year...I will complete this task. 

1..I like lots of different shower gels, so at this time I have 11 shower gels (all different) hanging from 2  shower caddy's in the shower stall.  (Most of them are Avon, since I'm my own Avon lady) Plus there's 2 bars of soap...one Dove and one Avon's Skin so Soft soap.

2..I don't like to sit with my back to the door in a restaurant.  And I like to sit way in the back row at church and in a theater. 

3..I don't like to drive on the freeway, so I take the side roads everywhere.  In the morning, going to work I travel a road that parallels the freeway and usually I'm going faster than they are anyway.  Occasionally, if the weather is nice, I'll hop on the freeway to come home from work.

4..I like the TV going, whether I'm watching it or not.  And I leave it on all day for Gabi (my cat) on whatever channel she wants.  I don't want her to feel lonely while I'm at work.

5..I'm a calendar and clock freak.  I have a calendar and clock in every room of the house (yes including both bathrooms) and the only time it's a hassle is when Daylight Savings time ends or begins for the clock part.  And then I agonize at the end of each year what calendar to hang where.  Once again this year I have a cat calendar in my kitchen, the Australia calendar (from my friends Harry & Helen in South Austrailia)  is hanging here next to my computer, there's a small lighthouse calendar in the main bathroom (it's in a nauticaltheme anyway), the new Avon calendar is in both bedrooms and in my bathroom there is actually 3 calendars. Yup...a wall calendar from Hawaii, that Bob brought back to me, a Mary Engelbreit calendar where you tear off a page each day, that sits on the counter and a very small American Wildlife calendar hanging down near the counter that a co-worker gives me every year.

So now that everyone knows about my weird quirks...I'm going to go get busy.  And also in the spirit of the New Year....I'm not going to tag anyone.  I will give you the freedom to do this exercise if you choose to. Just be sure I know about it, so I can see if you are more weird than me.......Linda

Saturday Morning-Another Weather Record

Oh brother !!!   The weather guy on the local tube news just informed everyone that this will be the 20th day with measurable rain.  You know, I don't even think about that kind of stuff unless they go and blab it over the air waves.   Of course in July and August then it switches to 20 something days with no measurable rain, just unbearable heat.  So I guess it all evens out.  I know that some people can't take the dark, dismal  days of winter (actually right this moment the sun is shining) but I don't mind them.  Most days I'm at work anyway and we always turn the lights on there.  And when I'm home I turn on all the lights and turn the music up a little louder, then go about my business.   I refuse to let the gloomy days get me down. 

I've had the last two days off.  On Thursday my little brother, Steve (6 ft 5 inches) took me to lunch at Anthony's (the Point Defiance Park location).  It's down on the water front, next to the Vashon Island ferry landing.  I had a delicious shrimp salad.  Then yesterday a girl friend took me to lunch..we went to a place that makes real homemade burgers (not like McD's).  I was thinking about their fries after doing Robin's 5'er last night...the fries at this place yesterday were just crinkle cut frozen ones, fried to make you think they were the real thing.  They were just fair, however.  Nothing to write home about.  We also went Goodwill shopping (I found more books-just what I need), then to Joann's Fabric & Craft  store and then finally K-Marche'.   So it was a fun, girl type afternoon.  Today, I have resolved to stay home and get something constructive done here.  Bob took off yesterday in his truck and camper for Lake Tahoe, NV to ski and visit his aunt & cousins for a couple weeks...so I should  have no interruptions.

My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families of the victims of the mine disaster in West Virginia.  I understand one or two of the funerals will be held today.  I can't even imagine the depth of their grief.  May God be with them and comfort them in their sorrow and in the days to come as theygrapple with the loss of their loved ones.

I hope everyone had a good week and will have restful and relaxing weekend.   Until next time......  Linda

Robin's Friday 5'er

   

It's Friday and it is time for what I call "THE 5'er!"   If you want to play all you do is cut and paste these questions into your journal. When you have answered them come back and leave a link in my comment section.  On the following Friday I will post your links and a new set of questions! Have fun!

From; http://journals.aol.com/robinngabster/Thesearethedaysofourlives/entries/1319

This weeks theme is...potatoes. I don't know why...I am just thinking about them.

1.  When was the last time you had mashed potatoes?  Were they regular mashed potatoes or some kind of fancy version?

I haven't had mashed potatoes in at least a hundred years.  I remember gagging on the instant kind, since I remember them being good...they must have been the real thing.

2.  Do you grow your own veggies? Have a garden? If so are potatoes one of the things you grow?

I have had gardens in the past but have not grown potatoes...I think they grow at the grocery store anyway because that's where I always find them.

3. French fried potatoes...do you like natural cut fries, with skin still on or the McDonald's kind?  

This is a tough one.  I absolutley love those unhealthy McDonald fries the best of any of the other fast food chains.  But....when in Southern California or Reno, there's nothing like those hand cut fries from In-N-Out.  Some resturants have the kind with the skin on them and those are usually good, too.

4.  How about potato salad?  Do you like it? Have a family recipe you have used for  years?

I love potato salad, in fact I made some last week to accompany a beef roast. Who says you can only have potato salad in the summer ?   I have my own recipe (in my head)  and it tastes just a little different each time. I do not like chopped up pickles in mine but I do put a little pickle juice and sliced olives in it.  I have had many compliments on my potato salad over the years, so I guess I'm not the only one who likes it.  I can't stand the stuff from the store deli's....it's got some sort of preservative in it that gives it a icky bitter taste.

5.  Did you have a Mr. Potato head as a kid?  Ever purchased one for someone else's kid?

No...I just had a birthday and I'm older than dirt.  I don't think Mr Potato Head had been invented back then.  But, I know my kids  had one (or two).

Bonus question just cause I think potatoes are cool...did you ever put a potato in a glass jar with water and watch the roots grow in school. Like a science experiment?  And does anyone know what the purpose of that experiment is?

Yes, I have done that.  And I just did it for the fun of it. Kind of like an avocado pit...have done the same thing there.

January 4, 2006

Well, today was a horrible day at work....very busy and I was by myself all day because everyone else  either had a day off or was sick.  Oh well ...it's over and now I'm off until next Monday.  But the worst part was that it was my birthday.  Why did I work on my birthday ??      Believe me, it won't happen again !! 

About 3pm, my friend Bob called me from the ski slopes and said he was heading back to town and did I want to go to the Red Lobster for dinner tonight ?  Silly question...of course I did.  So we had a nice dinner there.  I got several phone calls in the last few days from out of town friends, cards from cousins and friends, gifts and beautiful cards from both my kids and a couple co-workers.  And Bob gave me another gift card to my favorite store, Gottschalks.   My brother called my cell phone as I was driving home from work and asked me to lunch tomorrow.  I am thrilled...can you believe I've never gone to lunch with him.  I guess we both have busy lives and it's something that's never happened.  And a gal friend of mine is taking me to lunch Friday.  It's going to be a wonderful birthday.....even if I am now half of 128.  I've included a few pictures from my past. Sorry some of them are so small, I haven't figured out the scanner part of my new printer yet.  And of course I can't find the instruction book for the life of me.   Until next time......Linda

John's Monday Morning Photo Shoot on Tuesday

Your Monday Photo Shoot: First Photo of 2006

From John at: http://journals.aol.com/johnmscalzi/bytheway/entries/5299

Keeping in the tradition of keeping the holiday photo shoots simple, here's an easy one for you:

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Display the first picture you took in 2006. Couldn't be easier (unless the first picture you shot was, you know, one that would violate AOL terms of service. In which case, show off the first one that doesn't).

Here's my entry....the FTP function is not working so had to enter the picture in the box.  This picture is much better if you make it larger.  That was an easy one, John.  Thanks  and Happy New Year !

A New Years Day Adventure

Bob and I decided this morning to head over to the coast (about 1 1/2 hour drive) and see what was going on in our favorite little towns of Westport and Grayland.  I had heard on the early morning news that the ocean tide was going to be extremely high today and that they were expecting rain and wind with gusts up to 60 miles per hour. In other words...a storm at the ocean beach. We got there about 1:30pm and were shocked at the height of the water.  We've been there hundreds of times and never seen it like it was today.  We got into Westport, a sweet little fishing & crabbing town and we could see the surf pounding up and over the breakwater (sea wall) that protects the town from flooding.  The fire dept and other emergency vehicles were blocking off the roads in some areas, but we managed to get to a parking lot behind some shops and walk over to a paved walkway just a few feet from the rock jetty.  The wind was blowing so hard it was actually hard to stand up and not fall.  But it was such an amazing sight, we had to get out and take some pictures.  There is a viewing tower there but we did not go up in it today, as it was so cold and wet, we just wanted to get some pictures and get back into the car.  Then we drove about 8 miles  south to Washaway Beach, named that because that's what it's been doing over the last 40 years.  There are roads there that used to go to farms, cabins and homes....but now are dead ended at the ocean's edge.  The sea was particularly angry in this area today. Going in every direction and dirty with debris and sand.  I understand from a co-worker who has a cabin near there that Saturday an old vacation trailer was washed off the bank there...gone forever.   After some picture taking we went to visit our dear friends Ruth & George who live in the little town of Grayland in their  comfy A-Frame house.  We visited with them for a couple hours and then headed home.  It was a great day, even if the weather was foul...well I guess that's what made it a great day.  I absolutely love the ocean and to see it like that was a thrill !!    Hope you enjoy the pictures. You may have to enlarge them to see them clearly.    Until next time.....Linda

January 1, 2006

Good Sunday Morning and welcome to 2006,  I got my trusty little digital camera out and took my pictures off the TV of the fireworks show at the Space Needle in Seattle at midnight.  Now, I know they are not as good as if I had been there, but this will just give you an idea of the show they put on each year.  Meanwhile, outside here where I live, I can hear all kinds of firecrackers, bottle rockets and what ever they can find to blow up, going off.  Once again, Happy New Year from Linda in the great state of Washington.  And to my long time friend, Sharon (who's 3 days older than me).....Happy Birthday !