I can technically call the kitties that since they are in the windows on either side of one of our bookcases. *G* Midnight is on the left and Patches is on the right. Oreo is wondering which will get out of a window first and Butterscotch is trying to climb the arm on the treadmill so he can see out the window, too. This picture was taken last week when we had cool, but nice weather.

Another semi-busy day. I woke with another headache, but know this one was for sure a sinus headache. I hope I'm not getting the cold Chris had last week. If that stinker gave me his germs I'm going to get him. After lunch (closer to when schools get out here) the kids and I headed to WW to pick up a few things for Thursday. I had totally forgotten to pick up something for dessert and was asked by my family for Chocolate Eclair dessert, so I picked up the ingredients for that. I had to make another stop at another grocery store because WW didn't have my Diet Cherry Dr. Pepper and I am addicted to it. *g* It's my only source of caffeine during the day, no coffee for this girl. The kids and I headed home to put everything away and get things ready for their MA class. Speaking of which, the video that was shot of the class as a promotional for the local Y's classes is up on YouTube. It features Daughter and Son in several shots as well as their classmates. Daughter is featured more than most, probably because she is the most proficient of the MA teachers students.



After class we headed by the library to drop off a couple of books and DVD's of Son's. While there, Daughter ran in and checked to see if Son or I had any holds in. He had another video and I? I had HEAT WAVE by Richard Castle! WOOOOOOOOOOOO! I swear I came close to kissing that book! Guess what I'm going to start reading tonight? Go ahead, guess. *G*
After the library the kids and I headed home. Chris arrived shortly after and then headed back out to look again at the tvs at Sams. He wants a big one and I? Keep telling him that we don't need one. I'm not sure who's going to win this one.
While he was gone I made dinner with a little help from Daughter. She wanted to chop the onion, but made me so nervous I sliced it and then let her chop it. She also chopped up the meat for me as well. She said we let her help whenever she asks, but doesn't get to use a knife often. Hmmm, wonder why? *G* But, she did a good job and dinner was ready for Chris when he arrived home.
We watched DWTS this evening and I'll admit, I knew who was going to win, but still wished Kelly had. She was such a sweetheart and made the most improvement during the show.
It's late and I need to get things ready for bed. I hope y'all had a delightful day. I wish a Wonderful Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 2.02 miles on the treadmill and 20 minutes on weights.

Labels: Books, cats, misc., our day, reading

I don't know whether she's trying to hide, or just liked to have the chair surround her. Pepper sure chooses the funniest places to sleep. Though it's usually near me, for a while at least. Although, right now she's asleep at the foot of our bed. *G*

It's been a long day. It started this morning with a phone call from the hospital where Daughter is going to have her surgery next week. Instead of sending me paperwork to fill out and bring in, they called to ask me questions about insurance and such. And then asked for a $500 deposit. Um, yeah, funny thing about that. Our co-pay for this procedure is WAY less than that. And I told the woman on the phone that. Then she wanted me to know if I wanted to go ahead and pay that today over the phone and she'd email me a receipt. Now, I checked the caller I.D. This actually was the hospital calling, however I do NOT give my financial information over the phone. She said we could pay our co-pay when we brought Daughter in for her surgery. She then informed me I'd be getting a call soon from a nurse who would questions about Daughter. Um, okay. I SO would have liked all this to be done in paperwork sent to me. Then I'd have things on paper. I trust that more than I do answering questions orally. When I went downstairs to pick up get my insurance card, I noticed "whoa, my head hurts". Bad. *sigh* At first I thought it was the worst sinus headache I've ever had in my life. But, no. It hurt when I was sitting or lying down and it was excruciating. I had to lay back down after taking something for it. Unfortunately it was with me for most the day. Add in schoolwork and for some reason Son would not stop talking today and squirming around and I gave up and gave the kids the week off. Our schoolwork is set up for a week at a time, so taking a day off here or there is difficult to work into our lessons. And I know their friends were going to have Wednesday, Thursday and Friday off and I was going to have to give them (at least) Thursday and Friday off anyway, so I went ahead and gave them the week. Besides, I only give them a week at Christmas anyway. *shrugs* There was much celebrating and rejoicing for having the week off. Jeez. You'd think I was a harsh taskmaster or something. *G*
After all that I made dinner ahead of time and my headache started to lessen around 4pm. Thank goodness. Though it's been around a bit all night, just not as bad and bearable.
After dinner was fixed and put away the kids and I left to pick up another prescription from the pharmacy this evening. (It wasn't ready yesterday for some reason.) And then we headed to the Y for yoga. I was very tired at this point but wanted to attend class, thinking it might help. And it did. I felt more myself after class.
The kids and I met Chris at home and reheated dinner, homemade chicken noodle soup. It turned out quite well and perfect for our grey and chilly day.
I was ecstatic this evening to discover that the library had added Heat Wave by Richard Castle to the online catalog and it was available to place holds! YAY! You KNOW I placed it on hold. I've been waiting for a while to read this book. As for reading? I finally finished the first In Death book and am going to pick up the Devon Monk tonight.
Tomorrow is a busy day, with a trip to the grocery store for last minute items and cat food and then to MA for the kids and then back to pick up Neighbor girl and then to the library for their volunteer work.

That's all from me. It's been rather slow today, thank goodness. I hope y'all had a pleasing and nice day. I wish a terrific Tuesday filled with friends and good books. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Yoga.

Labels: Books, cats, headache, misc., reading

Even when sharing means Fireball almost made her fall in the floor. Layla was there first, she kindly let Fireball snuggle and next thing she knew he was angling for the whole bed! Poor Layla. That's okay, she know he loves her. *G*

It's been another semi-busy day here. We managed to get moving on time today and I was able to take care of the ironing before we ate lunch and headed to have the pictures made that MIL insisted on. It took longer to drive to the session than the actual length of the session. And we have to go back in two weeks to look at the proofs. There were a few taken of Chris, Daughter, Son and I. A few more taken of just Chris and I and a few more taken of just the kids together. Which is what I wanted to begin with! *G* MIL met us there and since the deal she arranged was actually a charity fundraiser for their local Fire Department and was where the pictures were being taken. What is hilarious is this is the same Firehouse that Chris volunteered at almost 20 years ago. *G* Son had a blast because one of the Fireman there took him out to the truck bay and let him look at the trucks and even sit in one. Daughter thought it was pretty cool, too.
Afterwards we said our good-byes to MIL and headed by Sam's. I bought the kids a bag of clementines when I went grocery shopping a week or so ago. And they ate every last one of them. So, we bought them more this afternoon. While there we looked at tv's. The one we have is dying. As in it's taking longer and longer for the screen to unscramble each day when we turn it on. This is an expense I am not happy about, but know that if I miss Castle or The Middle or Criminal Minds I will not be happy. Not to mention the kids will NOT be happy if they miss Star Wars: The Clone Wars tv show. We're still looking and hoping the tv waits to fully die for just a bit longer. *knock on wood* If it's not one thing it's another, right? *sigh* Btw, funniest thing ever is to watch Chris and Daughter walking through Sam's and having a blast with all the samples. I admit. I even picked ONE up this time. A chocolate chip cookie. Yum. Who could resist that? *G* But, I swear they tried chicken wings, Chris tried shrimp, there were the cookies and pork loin, also there was cappuccino. *G* Son decided he didn't like the cappuccino, but he liked the cookie. *G* He takes after his Mommy. *G*
After Sam's we went by the pharmacy and picked up one of my prescriptions and I went in and had them change the top for me to an easy open flip top. My hands are so stiff in the morning it's hard for me to open the child safety tops. Not only did they change it off this prescription, they made a note in my file to have it placed on my others as well. It was a nice thing to do and I really appreciate it.
Then, we headed home. Where we took about an hour to just relax and spend together before starting dinner. I made meatloaf. Something we haven't had in a year or so, just to change up those regular recipes. Chris and Daughter LOVED it. Meatloaf is not a favorite of mine, but I made it for them not for me. *G*
No reading as of yet today. It's been a rather busy day and after dinner I cleaned up, so there went that time. *G* Hopefully I will be able to read this evening. Maybe. The weekend never seems to turn out very relaxing for me, or for finding time to read. Tomorrow I may sneak in a few chapters. *G*

I hope y'all have had a peaceful and restful Sunday. I wish a productive, stress-free and lovely Monday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Nope.

Labels: cats, misc., our day

He's waiting for me to put food in the kitties food bowl. Every time their food bowl is empty and they hear the scoop hit the food in their food container I have cats twining around my ankles and meowing at me. Except for Butterscotch. He jumps onto the commode and waits. Patiently, which is SO not how most cats behave. *G* Look at that serious expression. He's just waiting for me to dump the food in, trying to motivate me with those intent eyes.

It's been a loooong day. We managed to get out of the house this afternoon earlier than usual so we ran by the library to pick up a CD Son had come in from Hold. Then we headed to the next city over to check out a tile place because we're hoping to tile the landing and hallway sometime early next year. We wanted to look around and see if this store which exclusively sells tile would be any cheaper than Lowes. Funny enough they were about the same. We've decided on slate, as we like the grey color as well as the variances in color among the grey. We'll start buying a little here and there until we have enough to complete our project. After that we headed to Mass where it was WARM inside. I was actually happy to have chilly weather when we stepped out.
Afterwards we ran by Marshall's where we just went to look around, but I found two small gifts for the kids. A Cross pen for Daughter who loves to write in her journals and write fan fiction and a pair of headphones for Son that will blink with the beat of the music he'll be listening to. Then we went to Petsmart (which is located in the same shopping complex) and found a new bird/feather/wand toy for the kitties. It was only $4. Awesome deal! *G* Of course the kids had to look at the kitties being offered for adoption and I swear my heart broke a little to see them in there. I told the kids to say a prayer they find their forever homes soon. I know I did.
We then headed to WW to pick up some eggs and ended up picking up some port wine cheese for me while there as well. So good on crackers for lunch. Yes, yes I am a cheese-a-holic. *G* Then we thankfully headed home where we made a quick dinner. By this time my feet and legs were killing me. Probably because I wore my loafers all day instead of my tennies. *G*
There's been no time for reading today, but I hope to finish up Naked in Death tonight. If I don't fall asleep first. *G*
Tomorrow is the portrait session that MIL arranged. Wish us luck. Chris and I tried to get out of it, suggesting that maybe it could just be of the kids, but MIL said no go. Darnit. The bad thing is the session is right in the middle of the day and will suck up a chunk of time I could be using to get the ironing done, as well as other things around the house.
That said it's time for me to head offline. I hope y'all had a relaxing and pleasant Saturday. I wish a peaceful and restful Sunday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: I walked around in different stores and around the church campus, does that count? *G*

Labels: books.reading.shopping., cats, misc., our day, reading

I would have called this Fuzzy Navel, but that calls to mind orange juice and some kind of alcohol. Since I'm allergic I'm not sure which. Pepper's belly fur is taking a slow time in growing back in. The other kitties had their fur back at this point, but she finally has some fuzz back. Isn't her tummy so cute? *G* And isn't she getting big? She has a lot of nicknames, too. The most popular are 'Miss Magoo' and 'The Baby'.  *g*
This post is late, late, late. Daughter borrowed my computer this evening to research a report on Joan of Arc and too forever! So, bear with me because I am so tired I'm squinting at the computer screen.
It's been a cool and sunny day. The kids were overjoyed their friends were allowed out to play today (they're not allowed out to play during the week). Once schoolwork was done and their friends were outside, I didn't see very much of them. Then later this afternoon the girls wanted to go to the library because they were having a special teen gaming event. (All kinds of games, board games, Wii, etc..) Neighbor Mom took them up there and I picked them up. While they were gone Son played outside with the boys and I cleaned the bathrooms. I know. Exciting, right? By the time I was done with all three it was time to pick up the girls. When we arrived back the girls and the boys played soccer in the back yard for a while and then when it became dark sat on our porch and goofed off for a while before everyone else headed home and ours came inside. While the kids were outside on the porch I decided I was tired of being tired (it was HARD to wake up today, I had to fight just to get up) and I stepped on the treadmill and walked for a while. Chris arrived home a few minutes before I was done and when I finished we spent a few minutes together before he made dinner this evening. Spicy Garlic Chicken, YUM! *G* Don't think I don't cook, though. We take turns. Not only that but for years since he got out of the Military I was the ONLY cook. It's just in this past year and mostly since starting this new job as an instructor with it's pretty stable and normal hours that he's been able to cook again. And he is a good cook, btw. Of course most of the meals/recipes he makes he stole from me! *G* And he doesn't bake. Speaking of which, anyone know where I can find a good recipe for cheesy beer bread? We don't drink, but have had a bottle of hard cider in the fridge for over a year now and I've been trying to think of something to do with it. If you think of one, please let me know.
As for reading today? I picked up the first J.D. Robb book- Naked in Death. For some reason I had the urge to reread it and while I have two books from the library to read, both are new-to-me authors and I am putting off reading them because I am afraid I won't like them. Stupid, eh? *G* Anyway, I am enjoying revisiting Eve and Roarke and watching the two meet and move forward into what I now know  is a great love while Eve tries to find a murderer and Roarke slips past her defenses. Reminds me of why I love this series so much. I can't wait for Fantasy in Death due out next February. *G*

That's all from me. It's been a pretty quiet day and evening and I've enjoyed it. Though I didn't enjoy much on tv tonight, until I found the Criminal Minds back to back to back episodes on A&E this evening. *G* I hope y'all had a fun and enjoyable Friday. I wish a happy and carefree Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: 2.52 miles on the treadmill @ 6 incline.

Labels: Books, cats, exercise, misc., our day, reading

Here's Pepper attacking and biting my shower curtain. We have no idea why she loves to attack it, but she has a blast pretending it's out to get her. *G* And why is it we have almost every cat toy known to man and her favorite is the piece of plastic you peel from around the milk jug?

It's been a rather nice day. The weather decided to play nice and we had sunshine and it was warmer than yesterday-somewhere around 65 degrees. For the middle of November that seems a bit warm. My rose bush out back still has a few flowers/blooms on it. Just odd.
The kids were good about their schoolwork today and Son in particular surprised me when he he wanted to go ahead and take his Vocabulary and Spelling tests. I went ahead and let him. He made good grades on both and has been telling me since Monday, when we started his current Spelling Lesson, how to spell xylophone. *G* Chris called at lunch time, Son's sports glasses had come in and he ran out on his lunch hour and picked them up. He asked me not to tell Son, to let him surprise him, so I didn't say a word. I made the kids chocolate chip cookies after they were done and they went out to look at the leaves. Daughters science book had details on the inside of a stem of a leaf and she was curious, shared her lesson with Son and they both went to collect a few to study. While they were outside I swept, mopped and picked up around the house. I've also been doing laundry like crazy today. Other than that, I became tired and decided to take it easy this evening.
I did finish the Iris Johansen book and liked it, but am not sure I'd read another by the author. I'm not sure which book I'll read next. I know I have two others from the library, but I'm not sure which I'll pick to read next. I kind of want to go back and read the first J.D. Robb book. *G* I guess reading the latest last week put me in the mood.
Funny and weird thing. On our local news this evening we noticed that the newscasters background is now a table of poinsettias. Really? NOW? It's not even Thanksgiving yet. I am getting cranky over the fact that every year it seems the retailers are pushing Christmas earlier and earlier every year. WW and Target had decorations out before Halloween!
Other than all that, it's been a rather peaceful day. I hope y'all have had a bit of the same. I wish a fun and enjoyable Friday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: Um, does cleaning count? No? Oh, well. Hopefully back at it tomorrow.

Labels: Books, cats, misc., reading

This? This is my most favorite chocolate EVER. I LURVE the See's Bordeaux Bar. I can only get them once a year during the holiday season, so Chris has been known to by me four of them and give them to me for Christmas. *G* They last about 2 months and then they look like this. *G* Was it worth it? Every. Single. Bite. *G* And Chris had best (please, pretty please!) pick be up at least one more before they leave.

It was a particularly grey and wet day here. It's not even that it rained so much as it was just hanging in the air all day. It reminded me of when we lived in Mississippi. Only cooler. *G* I actually love days like this. I can stay in and really enjoy the warmth of my home, or I can go out and stand in it. I find it refreshing, though my hair tends to sproing every where afterwards. *G* Unfortunately, I had to drive in it this evening. My least favorite activity. And had to deal with snarled and slow traffic as the kids and I headed to their RE classes. Chris met us there and after picking up Daughter's Confirmation picture we headed out to pick my vehicle up some fuel. Unlike some people I could name (Chris) I panic when my gas gauge reads below a quarter of a tank.(Is it some kind of weird challenge for them, or what?) And if the light comes on? ACK! I almost hyperventilate. Yes, I know I am weird. We headed back and the kids rode home with me and we met Chris at home. We had a small and simple meal, mexican-Yum! And then watched a little tv and read. (I'm still reading Storm Cycle by Iris Johansen. It's taking me a bit because I have to fit it in around other things and I've been so darn tired I can't focus this week. Almost done, though.)  Well, I read. Chris was on his computer doing his schoolwork.
Other than cleaning, vacuuming and a couple of other chores, I've take it easy today and have noticed I'm not as tired. Granted, I'm still tired but not bone numbing exhausted.
I have talked to MIL today. We finalized the plans to have the family portrait made. I wish it were of just the kids, but know that MIL won't let me get away with that. *G* We decided on Sunday afternoon. Now to just find the time to actually fit it in.
Um, that's about it. It's been a rather slow day and I've enjoyed my rest. I hope y'all have had a nice day. I hope it was filled with good friends and smiles. I wish a Thankful and Thoughtful Thursday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Nope. Ran out of time actually.

Labels: misc., our day, reading

Look at this mess! (Talking about the kitties.) This was taken the other day along with a few others. One of which I already posted. *G* And please excuse Layla, this is not her best side. *G* But, here you can see what I was dealing with. Fireball was in my lap, Pepper was behind my computer and Layla was sleeping ON my computer. Son was on one side of the table and Daughter was facing me on the other side. Have I mentioned how much I like antibacterial wipes? *G* I am glad the kitties love me so much, though.

It's been another tiring day. When Chris left for work this morning he left a little early and went by Sam's and ordered Son's sports glasses/goggles.
We had another late start for the kids schoolwork today and I don't know what's up with them this week, but it better stop NOW. After finishing we headed to the Y for the kids MA class. With Son still wearing his medal. *G* (He did take it off during class.) Someone was there during their class to take a promotional video for the Y's website to advertise the class. I had to sign a waver for the kids to be included. I didn't mind. I think these classes are good for the kids. While the kids were in class I went to work out. Five minutes on the treadmill and I was asking myself if it were okay to stop now. I haven't felt this tired in over a year. *sigh* I pushed myself and made it over 2 miles, but it took me longer that usual and I was ready to drop when I stopped. I knew there was no way I could do weights today, so didn't even try. I did clean up in the locker room and changed and went to wait for the kids. After class I did remind the teacher that Daughter will miss the class on the 1st of December for her surgery and that she can go to the next class, but not participate. (Which Daughter is gnashing her teeth over. *G*)
After their class we headed by the house to pick up Neighbor/Friend Girl so that she and Daughter could get in their volunteer time at the library. Son and I looked around. He found a movie and a book, but I didn't. That's okay. I still have books to read. (I have no idea why I've been so slow in reading this week. I think part of it's my attention span.) By the time we left the library it was starting to drizzle. Making the girls laugh. The running joke is that for the last month, every Tuesday we go up there it's raining. *G*
I dropped Neighbor Friend/Girl off, parked in the garage and dragged myself in the house. I let the kids get their own gear out of the jeep. And I SAT. Besides laundry I haven't managed to get much done this week (at least that's how it feels) and I don't like it.
Ah, anyway. Like I wrote above, I've been slow reading this week. I think part of it is that I am so tired. Poor excuse, but there it is. I hope this lifts soon.
MIL called this afternoon. She wants to have us head over to their local Fire Department. Something about having a certificate for a free picture. I don't know. I talked it over with Chris and we're okay with it as long as it doesn't take too very long. She's just weird about wanting a family portrait. As in has been bugging the whole family about it for a couple of years now.
Anyway, that's what's going on around here. Sorry, we're pretty boring. *G* I don't mind. I prefer it actually.
I hope y'all had a terrific Tuesday. One filled with good friends and maybe a treat or two. I wish y'all a wonderful Wednesday with smiles. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: 2.55 miles on the treadmill @ 6 incline.

Labels: Books, cats, exercise, misc., our day, reading