I was filling out a profile today that asked for my blog address and so here I am, checking in. Please don't think for one minute that I have forgotten my favorite room on the internet. I have to much to share and none of it earth shattering.
Well, wait a minute, one announcement is ginormous! My son has been accepted to a big 4 year university! This is big for any kid, but this one, the one who has so-so grades and a mediocre ACT, it is monumental, especially for this particular school.
At the moment it's snowing. We haven't had nearly as much white stuff as we did last year and nothing like the east coast has experienced. That said, this one looks like a doozy, at least for us.
Showing posts with label Snow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Snow. Show all posts
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Significant Snowfall
Last Friday we had a big storm roll through. Like the week before doom and gloom was predicted, however that storm swung south leaving St. Louis cold with a smattering of snow flakes. This storm lived up to its predictions with approximately four inches left to shovel.
Most people here ate the stuff, but me, I love it. I'm not particularly fond of the bitter cold that seems to accompany snow. Saturday morning was not an ass-biting cold day so it was pleasant to be outside clearing my driveway. Unfortunately my son wasn't home to build any snowmen with me. We could have built a whole army! ....hmmm that would be fun!
Since I first saw this house I've wondered how the yard would look in a good layer of snow. According to my smartass brother, "white". And yes it was white. No footprints other than a track from some rabbits sullied my snow. Five days later the white garden is nearly as pristine as the day it arrived. Everything under the trees has melted away but not enough to detract from the rest of the yard.
Most people here ate the stuff, but me, I love it. I'm not particularly fond of the bitter cold that seems to accompany snow. Saturday morning was not an ass-biting cold day so it was pleasant to be outside clearing my driveway. Unfortunately my son wasn't home to build any snowmen with me. We could have built a whole army! ....hmmm that would be fun!
Since I first saw this house I've wondered how the yard would look in a good layer of snow. According to my smartass brother, "white". And yes it was white. No footprints other than a track from some rabbits sullied my snow. Five days later the white garden is nearly as pristine as the day it arrived. Everything under the trees has melted away but not enough to detract from the rest of the yard.
Friday, March 01, 2013
Friday Fragments - March 1, 2013
It's snowing!!!! ...still
I live in St. Louis, Missouri on the eastern edge of the state approximately 300 miles from Kansas City on the western edge. Last week a big snow storm came through, but we didn't have nearly as much snow as KC. The heavy part was centered over Kansas City and when it pushed east it hit Columbia at the center of the state and veered north. If it were a hurricane we only got the outer rings whereas KC and Columbia got the eye.
A second storm came into the state on Monday. The eye veered north again but we also had different temperatures so KC had snow, lots and lots of snow on top of what was still on the ground, and we had rain. Lots and lots of rain. Everyone pondered what our Tuesday morning would have looked like had it been snow. Then the colder temps blew in and what had been drizzle turned into very light snow. Fortunately, nothing stuck. And then another drizzle type snow on Wednesday, actually there was a burst of big fluffy flakes, still nothing significant stuck. I walked out of work yesterday and it was still drizzle type snow. This morning? BIG flakes, sticking. And it's predicted to do this all day with another storm coming in on Monday night. I'm starting to wonder if we'll ever see the sun!
******
Last Friday (after two modified work days due to the snow) a few coworkers gathered for happy hour. The food was so-so and the service was crappy. The neighboring tables were extremely boisterous and then the mariachi band stood next to our table most of the night. It was impossible to talk. BLAH! Definitely not going there again.
******
On Saturday we gathered with friends outside of town at a little brewery for dinner. It was the absolute opposite experience of the night before. The food was exquisite, the service was attentive, and we were able to hold a full conversation! I also ran into my ex's sister-in-law. It was funny since we were both so far away from home. She was there with friends, staying at a B&B for a scrapbooking weekend. After dinner my group moved to the beir garten behind the parking lot. There was a fire pit and more beer. Since we were the only patrons there we hogged the fire and had plenty of laughs.
I've decided that fire pits are incredibly relaxing. The only thing that could ever top that relaxation is sitting on a floaty in the middle of a serene lake.
*******
On Wednesday I took a day off work. Hubby and I attended to some necessary financial business and then finally took advantage of the free movie tickets we got back in December. I don't know if we'll ever participate in the Cans Film Festival again. This was a program collecting cans of food for a local food pantry and for every 10-15 cans you bring in you get a certificate to a local movie theater. We got four tickets. The last time we did this we missed the deadline to use the tickets because of work schedules. Well this time we made a genuine effort, but damn, there are a lot of hoops to jump through. They can only be used Monday - Thursday, before 5pm, not on a holiday, and then we found out not for any movie that was released less than two weeks! Oh, and the expiration date is March 7th. Isn't that insane?
We'll donate our food through the Boy Scouts. Screw the film festival.
We did get to watch one movie, Identity Thief, and we laughed our butts off. There wasn't any toilet humor and it wasn't laden with bad language but it wasn't squeaky clean either, a couple of F bombs. Hubby didn't like the drug lord, feeling it was unnecessary, but he did add to the complications of bringing in the credit card thief. I liked the ending - I won't go on about it so I don't give it away.
I live in St. Louis, Missouri on the eastern edge of the state approximately 300 miles from Kansas City on the western edge. Last week a big snow storm came through, but we didn't have nearly as much snow as KC. The heavy part was centered over Kansas City and when it pushed east it hit Columbia at the center of the state and veered north. If it were a hurricane we only got the outer rings whereas KC and Columbia got the eye.
A second storm came into the state on Monday. The eye veered north again but we also had different temperatures so KC had snow, lots and lots of snow on top of what was still on the ground, and we had rain. Lots and lots of rain. Everyone pondered what our Tuesday morning would have looked like had it been snow. Then the colder temps blew in and what had been drizzle turned into very light snow. Fortunately, nothing stuck. And then another drizzle type snow on Wednesday, actually there was a burst of big fluffy flakes, still nothing significant stuck. I walked out of work yesterday and it was still drizzle type snow. This morning? BIG flakes, sticking. And it's predicted to do this all day with another storm coming in on Monday night. I'm starting to wonder if we'll ever see the sun!
******
Last Friday (after two modified work days due to the snow) a few coworkers gathered for happy hour. The food was so-so and the service was crappy. The neighboring tables were extremely boisterous and then the mariachi band stood next to our table most of the night. It was impossible to talk. BLAH! Definitely not going there again.
******
On Saturday we gathered with friends outside of town at a little brewery for dinner. It was the absolute opposite experience of the night before. The food was exquisite, the service was attentive, and we were able to hold a full conversation! I also ran into my ex's sister-in-law. It was funny since we were both so far away from home. She was there with friends, staying at a B&B for a scrapbooking weekend. After dinner my group moved to the beir garten behind the parking lot. There was a fire pit and more beer. Since we were the only patrons there we hogged the fire and had plenty of laughs.
I've decided that fire pits are incredibly relaxing. The only thing that could ever top that relaxation is sitting on a floaty in the middle of a serene lake.
*******
On Wednesday I took a day off work. Hubby and I attended to some necessary financial business and then finally took advantage of the free movie tickets we got back in December. I don't know if we'll ever participate in the Cans Film Festival again. This was a program collecting cans of food for a local food pantry and for every 10-15 cans you bring in you get a certificate to a local movie theater. We got four tickets. The last time we did this we missed the deadline to use the tickets because of work schedules. Well this time we made a genuine effort, but damn, there are a lot of hoops to jump through. They can only be used Monday - Thursday, before 5pm, not on a holiday, and then we found out not for any movie that was released less than two weeks! Oh, and the expiration date is March 7th. Isn't that insane?
We'll donate our food through the Boy Scouts. Screw the film festival.
We did get to watch one movie, Identity Thief, and we laughed our butts off. There wasn't any toilet humor and it wasn't laden with bad language but it wasn't squeaky clean either, a couple of F bombs. Hubby didn't like the drug lord, feeling it was unnecessary, but he did add to the complications of bringing in the credit card thief. I liked the ending - I won't go on about it so I don't give it away.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Sunday In My City - Mid February Snow
The big icky snowstorm hit Missouri on Thursday. Of course I thought it was beautiful (and happy my power stayed on). My condolences to friends in Kansas City who really got walloped. Yesterday I took a walk around my local park and snapped pictures of the ice covered snow.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
How to Survive The Big Storm
I posted this on FaceBook yesterday as I was ranting about how the locals go crazy over any report of bad weather, especially snow and ice. I thought I would share my smartass advice....
As somebody who has suffered a week long power outage I have all sorts of insight on this topic (therefore making me an expert, right?) And this happened back when I was not hosting a mini-grocery store in my basement. Yes, the grill is your friend. Also have plenty of ice chests on hand.
-First day, don't touch your freezer and pray really hard that your power comes on. Begin consuming perishable foods and dig out your candles.
-Second day, move everything into ice chests and pray really hard that your power comes on. Also find a source of ice and prepare for daily trips to restock your chests.
-Third day, complete perishable food consumption and start throwing food away. Pray really hard for power to return.
-Fourth day, come to terms that the #$*& power company has forgotten you and realize you are a capable survivalist. By now the TV and internet shakes are starting to wear off and your eyes are adjusting to reading old novels by candlelight... hmmm... this must be how Laura Ingalls felt growing up.
-Fifth day, this is now a routine you've got it down pat. Ice up your cooler, grill your meat, read with candles, and tell the children if they don't stop their bellyaching that they will be the next meal cooked on the grill.
-Day 92 or whenever the lights come back on, shower with hot water, shave, and learn how to re-enter modern society (AKA, catch up on all of your lost TV shows), create cover-stories for any missing children.
As somebody who has suffered a week long power outage I have all sorts of insight on this topic (therefore making me an expert, right?) And this happened back when I was not hosting a mini-grocery store in my basement. Yes, the grill is your friend. Also have plenty of ice chests on hand.
-First day, don't touch your freezer and pray really hard that your power comes on. Begin consuming perishable foods and dig out your candles.
-Second day, move everything into ice chests and pray really hard that your power comes on. Also find a source of ice and prepare for daily trips to restock your chests.
-Third day, complete perishable food consumption and start throwing food away. Pray really hard for power to return.
-Fourth day, come to terms that the #$*& power company has forgotten you and realize you are a capable survivalist. By now the TV and internet shakes are starting to wear off and your eyes are adjusting to reading old novels by candlelight... hmmm... this must be how Laura Ingalls felt growing up.
-Fifth day, this is now a routine you've got it down pat. Ice up your cooler, grill your meat, read with candles, and tell the children if they don't stop their bellyaching that they will be the next meal cooked on the grill.
-Day 92 or whenever the lights come back on, shower with hot water, shave, and learn how to re-enter modern society (AKA, catch up on all of your lost TV shows), create cover-stories for any missing children.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Friday Fragments - Feb 17, 2012
What a week, what a week...
Saturday night I headed out with my friends for a girls night. We went to see One For The Money and all enjoyed it a lot. Afterwards we were going to find a watering hole for a few drinks. I suggested that we go pester my brother who was at a bar across the parking lot trying to meet up with a girl he met the week before. Well, the girl never showed up so we hung out, basically ruining any chance he had with the rest of the women at the bar. That's sisterly love, ain't it?
It's been a while since I drank like that and had to endure a whopper of a hangover the next morning. Aspirin and a tall cup of water fixed me up by noon. It was totally worth it, though. I even got out on the dance floor and flailed without injuring innocent bystanders (I may have a history with that).
Monday our big snowstorm hit, it was so pretty. It was more than a dusting, maybe an inch or so? Other than a few accidents while it was snowing, it really didn't impact the area much and didn't hang around for long. BOO... I never got outside to take a picture of the pretty white stuff.
My daughter spent the week in Las Vegas for work. Anybody else jealous? I know she worked her ass off, but still, what a cool job.
I know everybody is looking for something fun to do this weekend - you should come to St. Louis! We're hosting the second largest Mardi Gras party in the nation. I guess if you're going to travel somewhere for Mardi Gras you should go to New Orleans. But you shouldn't dismiss the party happeneing here. St. Louisans looooooooove an excuse for public intoxication. I doubt I'll make it down to Soulard (old French district) this year. It kind of makes me sad. I've always had a great time when I attended in the past. Lots of milling around in a very old French neighborhood, stopping at all of the bars and various booths, and of course collecting beads. No, I've never had to flash to get my beads, usually batting my eyes is enough to get a few strands. I had an awesome collection for a while. I'm sure they're hiding in a box somewhere in my basement.
Laissez le bon temps rouler! Yeah, like anyone in St. Louis could say that correctly. That's okay, in a month - exactly from today - we'll all be copping an Irish accent and playing up another chance for public intoxication. Other than the jacked up weather I really do love this town.
If you really do come to St. Louis, make sure you read last Wednesday's post. It was the truths of driving in and around St. Louis - real important stuff. AND if you've ever owned a real piece of crap car, maybe preventing you from taking such a roadtrip, you should check out Tuesday's post and see how many points you can claim. I think I have 35 points.
Saturday night I headed out with my friends for a girls night. We went to see One For The Money and all enjoyed it a lot. Afterwards we were going to find a watering hole for a few drinks. I suggested that we go pester my brother who was at a bar across the parking lot trying to meet up with a girl he met the week before. Well, the girl never showed up so we hung out, basically ruining any chance he had with the rest of the women at the bar. That's sisterly love, ain't it?
It's been a while since I drank like that and had to endure a whopper of a hangover the next morning. Aspirin and a tall cup of water fixed me up by noon. It was totally worth it, though. I even got out on the dance floor and flailed without injuring innocent bystanders (I may have a history with that).
Monday our big snowstorm hit, it was so pretty. It was more than a dusting, maybe an inch or so? Other than a few accidents while it was snowing, it really didn't impact the area much and didn't hang around for long. BOO... I never got outside to take a picture of the pretty white stuff.
My daughter spent the week in Las Vegas for work. Anybody else jealous? I know she worked her ass off, but still, what a cool job.
I know everybody is looking for something fun to do this weekend - you should come to St. Louis! We're hosting the second largest Mardi Gras party in the nation. I guess if you're going to travel somewhere for Mardi Gras you should go to New Orleans. But you shouldn't dismiss the party happeneing here. St. Louisans looooooooove an excuse for public intoxication. I doubt I'll make it down to Soulard (old French district) this year. It kind of makes me sad. I've always had a great time when I attended in the past. Lots of milling around in a very old French neighborhood, stopping at all of the bars and various booths, and of course collecting beads. No, I've never had to flash to get my beads, usually batting my eyes is enough to get a few strands. I had an awesome collection for a while. I'm sure they're hiding in a box somewhere in my basement.
Laissez le bon temps rouler! Yeah, like anyone in St. Louis could say that correctly. That's okay, in a month - exactly from today - we'll all be copping an Irish accent and playing up another chance for public intoxication. Other than the jacked up weather I really do love this town.
If you really do come to St. Louis, make sure you read last Wednesday's post. It was the truths of driving in and around St. Louis - real important stuff. AND if you've ever owned a real piece of crap car, maybe preventing you from taking such a roadtrip, you should check out Tuesday's post and see how many points you can claim. I think I have 35 points.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Friday In My City - January 13, 2012
Happy FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH
Do you know it was only YESTERDAY did I realize a FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH was upon us? And yes, you shoud say "FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH" in ominous tones. Actually, I never have issues with FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH. Now Saturday the Fourteenth is ALWAYS wonky, so I'm really bracing myself for tomorrow.
It looks as though the plague has been put behind us. Hubby and I are both rattling a cough as this disease makes its final exit. Now let's hope Ian doesn't come down with it.
SNOW! It snowed finally! wooooo.... yipppeeeeee.... Of course, in true midwestern fashion, the ass biting cold is so bitter that it's impossible to enjoy the beauty of the scant inch of white stuff unless you're standing inside steaming up the window with a great cup of hot cocoa.
I love typos. Mine are always glorious. I just typed the the above sentance as "unless your standing inside steaming up the WIDOW..." hahahahahahahaha!!!!! Sometimes I send emails to Pirnanha where I proclaim I'm tired of fighting my fingers and she'll just have to decipher my message on her own.
At work I had the craziest project. There were seventeen power-point projects created by a team of people that after they were generated someone pointed out that maybe they should all be on the same template. Cart before horse, anyone? So step one was picking a template that was easy to manipulate with our logo and a few other details. Step two was to get everyone to agree said template was good enough (amazingly, one round of emails with no dessent). It took two days to migrate the modified template into each of the documents and then change some spacing issues in each one. DONE.... whew
Sunday, despite my raging plague, I ventured to join the public and sat as far away from the crowd as possible as my grandson was finally baptized. It was a great family gathering, I just wish I was more fit for human consumption.
Quite the chunk, isn't he?
Friday, December 30, 2011
Friday Fragments - December 30, 2011
Hey all! Did you miss me? I took a vacation - both virtual and real. Hubby and I traveled to North Carolina visiting his sister. That is a TWELVE HOUR drive from St. Louis. Good thing I like driving... a lot... and think roadtrips are awesome. We had a splendid time and I will be posting pictures on Sunday.
Well... okay... here...
Friday night dinner - a fish fry! The last time we visited we were treated to fish, shrimp and chicken deep fried and it was yummy. So this was our big request for this trip. Yeah, we make our own every so often, but not all three at once and we never do shrimp. Quite the treat.
So a few years ago my daughter encouraged me to join Facebook if for no other reason than it was an easy way to exchange pictures. And I did. And she has regretted that suggestion every day since. You would think she would learn. The little idiot (wave hi - she's a frequent lurker) sent me an invitation to Pinterest. At first I was sort of "eh" about it but then several other people started up on it. Again, I'm pretty sure my daughter regrets the suggestion. I've gone full tilt and am always finding more crap to post.
Oh, you're not familiar with Pinterest? It's a website where you post pictures of stuff you like. There are a ton of pins posted by other people that you can grab for your own, like funny sayings you see plastered all over Facebook or all of the elements you like when planning your wedding. You can also grab pictures off the internet or upload your own. It's not "stealing" pictures, just posting that you like it. You could pin that fried shrimp picture above. It will link back to this blog and actually increase traffic here - so yeah, pin it!
Who is missing the snow? Evidently there was a little splatter sometime on Monday but I wasn't here to savor it. If you'll all remember, I was NOT among those last year bitching about the white fluffy stuff - I like it. I do find it funny that everyone is bemoaning the lack of winter.
Happy New Year! Stay safe and I'll see you on the flip side!
Well... okay... here...
Friday night dinner - a fish fry! The last time we visited we were treated to fish, shrimp and chicken deep fried and it was yummy. So this was our big request for this trip. Yeah, we make our own every so often, but not all three at once and we never do shrimp. Quite the treat.
******
So a few years ago my daughter encouraged me to join Facebook if for no other reason than it was an easy way to exchange pictures. And I did. And she has regretted that suggestion every day since. You would think she would learn. The little idiot (wave hi - she's a frequent lurker) sent me an invitation to Pinterest. At first I was sort of "eh" about it but then several other people started up on it. Again, I'm pretty sure my daughter regrets the suggestion. I've gone full tilt and am always finding more crap to post.
Oh, you're not familiar with Pinterest? It's a website where you post pictures of stuff you like. There are a ton of pins posted by other people that you can grab for your own, like funny sayings you see plastered all over Facebook or all of the elements you like when planning your wedding. You can also grab pictures off the internet or upload your own. It's not "stealing" pictures, just posting that you like it. You could pin that fried shrimp picture above. It will link back to this blog and actually increase traffic here - so yeah, pin it!
******
Who is missing the snow? Evidently there was a little splatter sometime on Monday but I wasn't here to savor it. If you'll all remember, I was NOT among those last year bitching about the white fluffy stuff - I like it. I do find it funny that everyone is bemoaning the lack of winter.
******
Happy New Year! Stay safe and I'll see you on the flip side!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday In My City - March 27, 2011
This week was an interesting display of weather - several days of 80 degree temps and then snow. This when trees are just beginning to flower. I was trying to get pictures of flowers in the snow when I saw this on my car:
Cool, huh?
So I turned the camera upward and got the pear blossoms. This morning they were covered in a thick layer of snow. Unfortunately, last night's vodka has kept me indoors today. All I can say is that it was absolutely beautiful when I looked out the window.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Friday Fragments - March 25, 2011
Good Morning!
Last week I was in the middle of a mini-vacation. The next three weeks are crunch time as we prepare for the annual dinner auction at work so it was nice to regenerate before the craziness kicks in. I'm in charge of assembling the catalog and powerpoint presentations.
On Friday afternoon Husband and I went to see Hall Pass. It's nice to see a movie in the theater. Since we went on a weekday in the afternoon it only cost $5 to get in. Wasn't that the full price a few years ago? Okay a decade ago? That sounds as unbelievable as my mom remembering getting into the movies for a quarter and popcorn costing a dime.
aaaahhhhhh.... movie popcorn..... mmmmmmm..... The Husband and I agree completely about popcorn - no butter. It makes it soggy and we want the satisfying crunch in every bite.
Movie review? We loved it. It was incredibly funny. If you enjoyed The Hangover, you'll enjoy this. If you don't like scatilogical humor then you might want to pass. The previews don't do this movie justice, but then again, they can't show the funniest parts.
If you saw my Sunday post you'll know that I spent Saturday morning walking around Missouri Botanical Gardens. It was a beautiful day and a delightful walk. I wanted to get out before the trees and bushes bloomed and I nailed my timing perfectly.
By Tuesday the neighborhoods have all burst into bloom. The bradford pear tree in my front yard looks like its covered in popcorn. I really ought to return to the gardens tomorrow to get a follow up shot.
The weather this week has been glorious. We had several days of temps in the 80's, but then yesterday, true to St. Louis style, the temps dropped down to the 30's and this morning we woke up to SNOW! And more is predicted over the next few days.
Head over to Half Past Kissing Time to check out everyone's fragments!
Last week I was in the middle of a mini-vacation. The next three weeks are crunch time as we prepare for the annual dinner auction at work so it was nice to regenerate before the craziness kicks in. I'm in charge of assembling the catalog and powerpoint presentations.
On Friday afternoon Husband and I went to see Hall Pass. It's nice to see a movie in the theater. Since we went on a weekday in the afternoon it only cost $5 to get in. Wasn't that the full price a few years ago? Okay a decade ago? That sounds as unbelievable as my mom remembering getting into the movies for a quarter and popcorn costing a dime.
aaaahhhhhh.... movie popcorn..... mmmmmmm..... The Husband and I agree completely about popcorn - no butter. It makes it soggy and we want the satisfying crunch in every bite.
Movie review? We loved it. It was incredibly funny. If you enjoyed The Hangover, you'll enjoy this. If you don't like scatilogical humor then you might want to pass. The previews don't do this movie justice, but then again, they can't show the funniest parts.
If you saw my Sunday post you'll know that I spent Saturday morning walking around Missouri Botanical Gardens. It was a beautiful day and a delightful walk. I wanted to get out before the trees and bushes bloomed and I nailed my timing perfectly.
By Tuesday the neighborhoods have all burst into bloom. The bradford pear tree in my front yard looks like its covered in popcorn. I really ought to return to the gardens tomorrow to get a follow up shot.
The weather this week has been glorious. We had several days of temps in the 80's, but then yesterday, true to St. Louis style, the temps dropped down to the 30's and this morning we woke up to SNOW! And more is predicted over the next few days.
Head over to Half Past Kissing Time to check out everyone's fragments!
PS - I am sitting at 99 followers... would somebody please push me over the 100 mark even if you never plan on returning to my blog. I would greatly appreciate it.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Friday Fragments - March 18, 2011
Fridays are such fun days! Wednesday was my Friday this week since I took yesterday and today off work. My coworkers could definitely tell I was suffering from Friday-itis. So today, on the real Friday, I get to share all of my bits and pieces of the previous week. Let's all tip a hat to Mrs. 4444's at Half Past Kissing Time for allowing us a chance to share.
Saturday was my son's All-Star game. His team placed 4th out of 5 for the season. In the game the first and fifth place teams were grouped to play against the other 3 teams. My son's group won! This is his fourth year playing floor hockey and he has come such a long way. I think he's finally growing into his body - he no longer runs like Forest Gump.
Over the weekend I was bragging on the work I was doing for the company's website. As I was doing a bit of show and tell I discovered a HUGE problem with how it displays in Internet Explorer. I spent all day Sunday researching the problem and it turns out IE is a royal pain in the ass for web design. Do yourselves a huge favor and move over to a different web browser like Mozilla's firefox so you can properly see web pages the way the designers intended. After a lot of arm wrestling with the code I finally conquered the problem. I'm quite proud of myself.
Sunday was also the day of Patty's living wake. She has been told her cancer is terminal and the doctors have run out of options so she decided to hold her wake before she goes. Like several of her internet friends I was unable to go to Phoenix for the party so we lifted a few glasses of vino in her honor. It sounds like the party was a lot of fun.
I can't stop thinking about Patty. She has fought this disease tooth and nail and I am certain that her fighting spirit is what has kept her here. She posts every morning on Facebook, greeting the day with a smile and words of happiness. The world is a better place with Patty in it.
We woke up on Monday to a fluffy layer of snow. Although it was gone by afternoon everyone was grumpy about it. Personally I thought it was beautiful. I'm a little miffed that I failed to take a picture of it because it really was beautiful.
I am smack dab in the middle of "busy season" at work. Doesn't it sound like I'm a tax accountant or something? There are just a ton of projects coming at me from all directions so I decided to take a tiny break and come up for air since the next 30 days will be go go go go go. It has already affected me in the blogging world as I am skipping several days of posting and have all but stopped visiting all of you. It makes me sad, I miss you. I promise to be back, just give me a little time.
*************
Saturday was my son's All-Star game. His team placed 4th out of 5 for the season. In the game the first and fifth place teams were grouped to play against the other 3 teams. My son's group won! This is his fourth year playing floor hockey and he has come such a long way. I think he's finally growing into his body - he no longer runs like Forest Gump.
*************
Over the weekend I was bragging on the work I was doing for the company's website. As I was doing a bit of show and tell I discovered a HUGE problem with how it displays in Internet Explorer. I spent all day Sunday researching the problem and it turns out IE is a royal pain in the ass for web design. Do yourselves a huge favor and move over to a different web browser like Mozilla's firefox so you can properly see web pages the way the designers intended. After a lot of arm wrestling with the code I finally conquered the problem. I'm quite proud of myself.
*************
Sunday was also the day of Patty's living wake. She has been told her cancer is terminal and the doctors have run out of options so she decided to hold her wake before she goes. Like several of her internet friends I was unable to go to Phoenix for the party so we lifted a few glasses of vino in her honor. It sounds like the party was a lot of fun.
I can't stop thinking about Patty. She has fought this disease tooth and nail and I am certain that her fighting spirit is what has kept her here. She posts every morning on Facebook, greeting the day with a smile and words of happiness. The world is a better place with Patty in it.
*************
We woke up on Monday to a fluffy layer of snow. Although it was gone by afternoon everyone was grumpy about it. Personally I thought it was beautiful. I'm a little miffed that I failed to take a picture of it because it really was beautiful.
*************
I am smack dab in the middle of "busy season" at work. Doesn't it sound like I'm a tax accountant or something? There are just a ton of projects coming at me from all directions so I decided to take a tiny break and come up for air since the next 30 days will be go go go go go. It has already affected me in the blogging world as I am skipping several days of posting and have all but stopped visiting all of you. It makes me sad, I miss you. I promise to be back, just give me a little time.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday In My City - Febrary 20, 2011
Despite the major thaw we're experiencing here in St. Louis, Missouri, I decided to pull out the pictures I took a few weeks ago. They're icy but who cares? Chances are likely we'll see more ice and snow in the next 45 days.
Check out everyone sharing their city:
Check out everyone sharing their city:
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Sunday In My City - Febrary 13, 2011
The sun has come out and the melt is starting. Two weeks worth of ice and snow are giving way to mud and grime.
Welcome to St. Louis
Visit Unknown Mami who delivered a brand new baby last week. Quietly whisper hi and check out everyone else's city
Welcome to St. Louis
Visit Unknown Mami who delivered a brand new baby last week. Quietly whisper hi and check out everyone else's city
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Snowmaggedon Survival Guide - Or How Not To Slaughter Your Children And Use Their Bones To Heat Your Home
I'm an unofficial parenting advice source for my friends and co-workers. Last week I got a frantic email asking how to get a few precious minutes ALONE from her 3 year old. Then yesterday the same person posted on facebook wanting to know how to keep her daughter amused during a snow day. I'm even reading how stay-at-home moms are at their wits end with their cabin fever infected spawn.
First, understand that cabin fever doesn't truly set in until after several weeks. So what we're really dealing with is boredom doubled up with a break in routine and insecurity. And folks, insecurity about the weather comes from YOU. Think about what you're saying, the words you're using, not just with the kids but with your spouse and to the people on the phone. "Hi mom, just checking in to make sure you're doing okay with this dreadful weather. mmmhmmm... yeah, the roads look dangerous and I heard that Mary fractured her hip when she walked outside.... OH I KNOW! ...well you take care and stay warm. Call us if you need anything." Innocent enough conversation, but to little ears? SCARY!
So here you go, a list of activities to keep your kids (and you) from clawing down the walls:
1. Make cookies (I hate making a special day defined by food, but these are desperate times and food soothes. Suck it up). I suggest chocolate chip, but go ahead and make whatever flavor makes your crew happy.
2. Make homemade hot cocoa - I went out and searched for a recipe for you, one that happens to be on the box of baking cocoa in my cabinet
http://www.hersheys.com/recipes/5265/Hot%20Cocoa.aspx
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
dash of salt
1/3 cup hot water
4 cups (1 qt) milk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3. Have a picnic in the middle of your living room (Your house is going to be a disaster zone if you follow my directions, but again desperate times call for desperate actions. Suck it up. Actually, for your own sanity and as an extra activity to keep the munchkins occupied, CLEAN UP after each thing you do). Pull out a blanket and sit your butt on the ground just as if you were at a park in the middle of summer.
4. Pull out the stuffed animals. Oh, you thought they were decoration? Ha! Tell the kids to sit in the bathroom (without touching anything) as you quickly assemble the fake beasts around the house. Then lead your children through the house on a guided safari. Discuss their natural environments. If you don't know where those beasts live or what they eat, have the kids offer suggestions. Or make up facts. Kids love far fetched and whimsical. You might even score cool points. Yes, your big kids should be expected to play along. After much bitching and grumbling about how gay and retarded all of this is, point out no one is watching (Take this opportunity to review why "gay" and "retarded" are politically incorrect and that they are hurtful terms). Their defenses will quickly melt and they'll be giggling along with the younger sibs
5. Hold an Easter Egg hunt. Dig out those plastic eggs and take turns hiding the eggs from the rest of the group. If you by chance don't have plastic eggs (make sure to stop at Walgreens the day after Easter this year and load up on them for the next snowtrastrophy) gather up small trinkets, maybe toys and use them for your egg hunt.
6. Build a tent city. Use kitchen chairs for structure and drape blankets and sheets over them. Bring in the stuffed animals for their mini families. With a sheet draped over the kitchen table, eat lunch under the table. Give each kid a flashlight, load them up with coloring books and crayons and then slip off to read your own book in peace. Tell them they can take their afternoon naps in their tents.
7. Write a letter to Grandma, complete with an envelope for each child and real stamp. And mail them, even if grandma (or whoever) lives next door.
8. Move your tent city into the living room, restructured into a drive in. Pick an old movie from your selection (that would be the Power Rangers Movie at my house - I have that damn "oh oh, we're in trouble" song etched into my head for eternity. I'm going to have alzheimers and hum that stupid tune it's so ingrained in my gray matter). By the way, the movie selection is not decided by any democratic process, totally a surprise. I hope you have real popcorn on hand, not the microwave stuff. If not, make do, but really, next time you're at the store grab a bag of popcorn kernals.
Any of these activities provide HOURS of activity. At some point the kids are going to be sick of the togetherness and will be glad to flee into their bedrooms for hibernation. Let go of your routine and any sense of order. That's a scary place for a lot of moms, but do it and watch those little smiles grow. It's totally worth it. And yes, give them plenty of unstructured time.
OH! And pull out the camera. Record this day, it will be precious.
First, understand that cabin fever doesn't truly set in until after several weeks. So what we're really dealing with is boredom doubled up with a break in routine and insecurity. And folks, insecurity about the weather comes from YOU. Think about what you're saying, the words you're using, not just with the kids but with your spouse and to the people on the phone. "Hi mom, just checking in to make sure you're doing okay with this dreadful weather. mmmhmmm... yeah, the roads look dangerous and I heard that Mary fractured her hip when she walked outside.... OH I KNOW! ...well you take care and stay warm. Call us if you need anything." Innocent enough conversation, but to little ears? SCARY!
So here you go, a list of activities to keep your kids (and you) from clawing down the walls:
1. Make cookies (I hate making a special day defined by food, but these are desperate times and food soothes. Suck it up). I suggest chocolate chip, but go ahead and make whatever flavor makes your crew happy.
2. Make homemade hot cocoa - I went out and searched for a recipe for you, one that happens to be on the box of baking cocoa in my cabinet
http://www.hersheys.com/recipes/5265/Hot%20Cocoa.aspx
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
dash of salt
1/3 cup hot water
4 cups (1 qt) milk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Stir together sugar, cocoa and salt in medium saucepan; stir in water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil and stir 2 minutes. Add milk; stirring constantly, heat to serving temperature. Do Not Boil.
- Remove from heat; add vanilla. Beat with rotary beater or whisk until foamy. Serve topped with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired. Five 8-oz. servings.
3. Have a picnic in the middle of your living room (Your house is going to be a disaster zone if you follow my directions, but again desperate times call for desperate actions. Suck it up. Actually, for your own sanity and as an extra activity to keep the munchkins occupied, CLEAN UP after each thing you do). Pull out a blanket and sit your butt on the ground just as if you were at a park in the middle of summer.
4. Pull out the stuffed animals. Oh, you thought they were decoration? Ha! Tell the kids to sit in the bathroom (without touching anything) as you quickly assemble the fake beasts around the house. Then lead your children through the house on a guided safari. Discuss their natural environments. If you don't know where those beasts live or what they eat, have the kids offer suggestions. Or make up facts. Kids love far fetched and whimsical. You might even score cool points. Yes, your big kids should be expected to play along. After much bitching and grumbling about how gay and retarded all of this is, point out no one is watching (Take this opportunity to review why "gay" and "retarded" are politically incorrect and that they are hurtful terms). Their defenses will quickly melt and they'll be giggling along with the younger sibs
5. Hold an Easter Egg hunt. Dig out those plastic eggs and take turns hiding the eggs from the rest of the group. If you by chance don't have plastic eggs (make sure to stop at Walgreens the day after Easter this year and load up on them for the next snowtrastrophy) gather up small trinkets, maybe toys and use them for your egg hunt.
6. Build a tent city. Use kitchen chairs for structure and drape blankets and sheets over them. Bring in the stuffed animals for their mini families. With a sheet draped over the kitchen table, eat lunch under the table. Give each kid a flashlight, load them up with coloring books and crayons and then slip off to read your own book in peace. Tell them they can take their afternoon naps in their tents.
7. Write a letter to Grandma, complete with an envelope for each child and real stamp. And mail them, even if grandma (or whoever) lives next door.
8. Move your tent city into the living room, restructured into a drive in. Pick an old movie from your selection (that would be the Power Rangers Movie at my house - I have that damn "oh oh, we're in trouble" song etched into my head for eternity. I'm going to have alzheimers and hum that stupid tune it's so ingrained in my gray matter). By the way, the movie selection is not decided by any democratic process, totally a surprise. I hope you have real popcorn on hand, not the microwave stuff. If not, make do, but really, next time you're at the store grab a bag of popcorn kernals.
Any of these activities provide HOURS of activity. At some point the kids are going to be sick of the togetherness and will be glad to flee into their bedrooms for hibernation. Let go of your routine and any sense of order. That's a scary place for a lot of moms, but do it and watch those little smiles grow. It's totally worth it. And yes, give them plenty of unstructured time.
OH! And pull out the camera. Record this day, it will be precious.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Winter Flowers
When people discuss winter they use drab descriptions with shades of gray, but nothing could be further from the truth. If anything winter is bright and strong, a fact that struck me as I walked around my favorite park after a recent snow.
The color that pops out the most is a burnt orange seen in trees, tall grasses and dried flowers.
The color that pops out the most is a burnt orange seen in trees, tall grasses and dried flowers.
When you get down and feel pent up by cabin fever, get outside and reconnect with nature, even if it's for a few minutes. There is beauty to be found everywhere, you just have to open your eyes and your heart.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Sunday In My City - January 23, 2011
SNOW!!!! St. Louis style
To see everyone else's cities, visit Unknown Mami
Friday, January 21, 2011
Friday Fragments - January 21, 201
WHEW! What a week!
*I had a friend from Chicago arrive last Friday night to spend a few days away from the chaos of her home. Don't we all need a break every so often? I think I could use a weekend in Chicago... SOON! It was fun to spend a few hours with her catching up and then driving around St. Louis. We didn't stop anywhere to play like real tourists, but we cruised through town and I managed to get some fairly awesome pictures from the backseat - check out last Sunday's post.
*Saturday night we attended our annual Sangria Party. Didn't we just hold a sangria party back in September??? It may be an annual party, but WHEN in the year it happens is a crap shoot. It was a ton of fun. Our adult sized daughters were able to reconnect and while there was a judo demonstration in the middle of the livingroom, no one was hurt, offended or pissed off... at least when I left. My Chicago friend said we were a fun group and wants to come back for Sangria Party 2012 - whenever that may be.
*Monday our office was closed to observe the MLK holiday. I spent the day running errands as the rest of the weekend was consumed with playing with our guest and then recovering from Saturday night. I could use an extra day in my weekend. That was nice.
*Tuesday was HELL. It was the all-staff meeting which is always a stressful day for me with the bagillion requests that roll in with everyone converging on the office at the same time. But it was also the first day of the work week and Mondays for me never fit any known pattern except I usually walk into a shitstorm of someone else's making, frequently multiple shitstorms of multiple people's making. I've learned to not schedule anything or anticipate accomplishing anything on these days. Doing so keeps my stress down at least one notch.
*For several days the weather people have been predicting a doom and gloom snowstorm for the greater St. Louis area. The Husband made the mistake of going to the grocery store Wednesday morning, forgetting that the storm was barreling down on us. He said it was INSANE. A local DJ says days like this the grocery stores open the Panic Aisle, the last two checkouts that are usually stacked with overstock and other miscellaneous crap. Even with every checkout running the lines go all the way to the back of the store with people loading up on french toast supplies (bread, eggs, milk). And salt. Wednesday night the storm arrived and I have a few pictures that are sort of like a time lapse.
*Yesterday was BEAUTIFUL! There is close to seven inches on the ground. Just a few miles north people have close to a foot of snow. School was out and so was my office. I took the opportunity to take a walk, something I haven't done for MONTHS. I managed some really great photographs, but this one excites me the most..
This is the original shot and you can barely see the tiny bird, I think it's a chickadee.
After I attacked the shot in iPhoto, I got this!
Come back next week to find out how my next seven days go. In the meantime check out everyone else's fragments...
*I had a friend from Chicago arrive last Friday night to spend a few days away from the chaos of her home. Don't we all need a break every so often? I think I could use a weekend in Chicago... SOON! It was fun to spend a few hours with her catching up and then driving around St. Louis. We didn't stop anywhere to play like real tourists, but we cruised through town and I managed to get some fairly awesome pictures from the backseat - check out last Sunday's post.
*Saturday night we attended our annual Sangria Party. Didn't we just hold a sangria party back in September??? It may be an annual party, but WHEN in the year it happens is a crap shoot. It was a ton of fun. Our adult sized daughters were able to reconnect and while there was a judo demonstration in the middle of the livingroom, no one was hurt, offended or pissed off... at least when I left. My Chicago friend said we were a fun group and wants to come back for Sangria Party 2012 - whenever that may be.
*Monday our office was closed to observe the MLK holiday. I spent the day running errands as the rest of the weekend was consumed with playing with our guest and then recovering from Saturday night. I could use an extra day in my weekend. That was nice.
*Tuesday was HELL. It was the all-staff meeting which is always a stressful day for me with the bagillion requests that roll in with everyone converging on the office at the same time. But it was also the first day of the work week and Mondays for me never fit any known pattern except I usually walk into a shitstorm of someone else's making, frequently multiple shitstorms of multiple people's making. I've learned to not schedule anything or anticipate accomplishing anything on these days. Doing so keeps my stress down at least one notch.
*For several days the weather people have been predicting a doom and gloom snowstorm for the greater St. Louis area. The Husband made the mistake of going to the grocery store Wednesday morning, forgetting that the storm was barreling down on us. He said it was INSANE. A local DJ says days like this the grocery stores open the Panic Aisle, the last two checkouts that are usually stacked with overstock and other miscellaneous crap. Even with every checkout running the lines go all the way to the back of the store with people loading up on french toast supplies (bread, eggs, milk). And salt. Wednesday night the storm arrived and I have a few pictures that are sort of like a time lapse.
*Yesterday was BEAUTIFUL! There is close to seven inches on the ground. Just a few miles north people have close to a foot of snow. School was out and so was my office. I took the opportunity to take a walk, something I haven't done for MONTHS. I managed some really great photographs, but this one excites me the most..
This is the original shot and you can barely see the tiny bird, I think it's a chickadee.
After I attacked the shot in iPhoto, I got this!
Come back next week to find out how my next seven days go. In the meantime check out everyone else's fragments...
Thursday, January 20, 2011
It's A Hot Cocoa Kind Of Day
Don't you hate when a beautiful cup of hot cocoa burns your mouth? I remember just a few years ago we took Ian out to McDonalds and had a coupon for a free cup of hot cocoa. Before The Husband or I could stop him, he popped a straw into the cup and slurped a scalding gulp of chocolate tainted water down his gullet. It totally ruined the evening for him and he couldn't eat his McNuggets or drink any more cocoa.
DON'T DRINK COCOA WITH STRAWS!
I think the lesson was learned.
He recovered quickly and has returned to drinking steaming mugs of goodness, albeit more cautiously and certainly without straws.
But my point this morning is that St. Louis has been walloped with another fluffy layer of snow and my thoughts instantly go to how perfect it would be to drink hot cocoa today. I wish we had more milk in the fridge because I would love to make cocoa from scratch.
Sorry, I'm not going to share a recipe because that would involve getting my ass off the couch, but it's like looking for a good grilled cheese recipe on the internet. There might be some awesome variations but the basics are the same. If you're looking for grilled cheese you'll need cheese, bread, butter and a hot skillet. Hot cocoa requires milk, baking cocoa powder and sugar gently warmed in a sauce pot.
OMG! I think I will make grilled cheese and hot cocoa for lunch today!!!!! Except that my cocoa won't be from scratch, but from packets and hot water. Eh, who cares. I have marshmallows and that makes everything yummy.
We have enough snow outside to warrant pulling out the sled and giving it the annual trip down a snowy slope. The news reports look like my older kids and my mom got close to TEN INCHES over night! I'm looking at about 3-4 inches outside, but another blue cluster on TV is rumbling up Hwy 44 so tonight we might have 7-8 inches on the ground.
My deepest apologies to my snow hating friends, but I'm loving it!
Happy Hot Cocoa Day!
DON'T DRINK COCOA WITH STRAWS!
I think the lesson was learned.
He recovered quickly and has returned to drinking steaming mugs of goodness, albeit more cautiously and certainly without straws.
But my point this morning is that St. Louis has been walloped with another fluffy layer of snow and my thoughts instantly go to how perfect it would be to drink hot cocoa today. I wish we had more milk in the fridge because I would love to make cocoa from scratch.
Sorry, I'm not going to share a recipe because that would involve getting my ass off the couch, but it's like looking for a good grilled cheese recipe on the internet. There might be some awesome variations but the basics are the same. If you're looking for grilled cheese you'll need cheese, bread, butter and a hot skillet. Hot cocoa requires milk, baking cocoa powder and sugar gently warmed in a sauce pot.
OMG! I think I will make grilled cheese and hot cocoa for lunch today!!!!! Except that my cocoa won't be from scratch, but from packets and hot water. Eh, who cares. I have marshmallows and that makes everything yummy.
We have enough snow outside to warrant pulling out the sled and giving it the annual trip down a snowy slope. The news reports look like my older kids and my mom got close to TEN INCHES over night! I'm looking at about 3-4 inches outside, but another blue cluster on TV is rumbling up Hwy 44 so tonight we might have 7-8 inches on the ground.
My deepest apologies to my snow hating friends, but I'm loving it!
Happy Hot Cocoa Day!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Cold Weather Tirade By An Indignant Thirteen Year Old
"Tirade" might be a stretch as only little girls can pull that off properly, but he was quite indignant just the same. I mean, how dare the school district allow children to attend school in such weather???? I explained that below zero temps are not reason enough to cancel school. School cancellations are reserved for times when the roads are too treacherous for the buses to maneuver.
Well! It's just not right!
He was hopeful yesterday with the billowing snow. He kept constant check on the district website, hoping that a cancellation would be announced. He woke up early this morning to check the TV with the scrolling list of OTHER districts ever so generous in excusing their students. He didn't want to hear that their cancellations were due impassable roads, that plows hadn't reached their remote areas. Nope. Surely those lucky children were enjoying a day in front of the TV because of the extremely low temperatures.
NOT FAIR!
And to top it off, *I* am the world's meanest mother for making him go to school!
Geez Louise.
I didn't bother explain to him all of the times I had to attend school in the bitter, unfair cold. Or all of the times neighboring school districts and any school beginning with "Saint" was called off and I still had to traipse to school. At least these days other county schools, except those beginning with "Saint", usually all take off at the same time.
I also didn't bring up the age old story about walking to school in two feet of snow, uphill, both ways. There is actually quite a bit of truth to this as my elementary school in Oregon was at the top of a hill with roads too narrow for a school bus to maneuver. We were always released from the bus two blocks away from the building, at the bottom of the hill. The sidewalk had a metal rail (probably lead pipe) to guide us during slippery conditions. And when I went home I was released at the bottom of another hill, not quite so far away from the house, but I still had to trek uphill for the second time that day. And the hill where we lived NEVER was plowed meaning I was walking in snow up to my knees.
Suck it up, kid. I had it worse.
Well! It's just not right!
He was hopeful yesterday with the billowing snow. He kept constant check on the district website, hoping that a cancellation would be announced. He woke up early this morning to check the TV with the scrolling list of OTHER districts ever so generous in excusing their students. He didn't want to hear that their cancellations were due impassable roads, that plows hadn't reached their remote areas. Nope. Surely those lucky children were enjoying a day in front of the TV because of the extremely low temperatures.
NOT FAIR!
And to top it off, *I* am the world's meanest mother for making him go to school!
Geez Louise.
I didn't bother explain to him all of the times I had to attend school in the bitter, unfair cold. Or all of the times neighboring school districts and any school beginning with "Saint" was called off and I still had to traipse to school. At least these days other county schools, except those beginning with "Saint", usually all take off at the same time.
I also didn't bring up the age old story about walking to school in two feet of snow, uphill, both ways. There is actually quite a bit of truth to this as my elementary school in Oregon was at the top of a hill with roads too narrow for a school bus to maneuver. We were always released from the bus two blocks away from the building, at the bottom of the hill. The sidewalk had a metal rail (probably lead pipe) to guide us during slippery conditions. And when I went home I was released at the bottom of another hill, not quite so far away from the house, but I still had to trek uphill for the second time that day. And the hill where we lived NEVER was plowed meaning I was walking in snow up to my knees.
Suck it up, kid. I had it worse.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sunday In My City - December 12, 2010
There is nothing like waking up to a snowstorm. Now for some people that is a dreadful thing, but I find it absolutely delightful.
In capturing pictures just for you, my blogging friends, I managed to capture an amazing picture quite by mistake.
Here is the window sill. After downloading the pictures I noticed a lone snowflake.
In capturing pictures just for you, my blogging friends, I managed to capture an amazing picture quite by mistake.
Here is the window sill. After downloading the pictures I noticed a lone snowflake.
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