The Murder Hour

Need I say more?

2010-05-15T22:17:00.001-05:00

Yes, it's been a while....

2010-05-09T19:46:00.002-05:00

So here's a few shots from Aedan's Ireland

The Invite is ready...now for the cake!

2010-02-19T23:03:00.005-05:00

Ade's B-Day Invite. She'll be 12 this year! WOW! I can hardly believe it.
I don't know exactly how, but I get to make this cake next weekend. Why did I ever start the tradition of making my kids any shape cake they wanted? It has been fun over the years, though. I'll have to dig up some of the better ones for posting...soon! Probably after the party!

RS 3rd Annual VD Auction

2010-02-13T12:38:00.003-05:00

Auction time came and went! Whew! Glad it's over and we made a good chunk of change for the school.
These are 3 of the students awaiting their turn to dive into the chocolate fountain! I hope they can swim!

Yep! Video, too!

2010-02-13T12:28:00.003-05:00

With all of the crazy stuff that has gone on in my life the last 6 months (AND more!), I have to say that I have been fortunate, too...
Just had to post the video! Great show! Really.

And the winner is....

2010-01-30T17:56:00.002-05:00

me.

I won two tickets to see Marshall Crenshaw at the Boothbay Harbor Opera House last Thursday! Sweet! It was!
I took my 16 year old son, or I should say he took me (he drove the hour and a half in a bit of a snowstorm - "Good practice", he kept telling me).
We got to Boothbay and saw a great concert! There were maybe 60 people there, total, and got to sit very near the stage. What a good time.
This was my son's first concert, and when everyone stood up to clap for an encore, he looked at me like everyone was crazy, just standing there clapping in the dark. Had to fill him in on the protocol. There was an encore and we had a great time!
When we walked outside it had turned into a full-fledged, blinding snowstorm and my son insisted he drive home (the hour and a half!).
I haven't been so scared in such a long time! BUT... he made it, and he did a good job!
He has his driving portion of the driver's exam on the 8th of February. I say he's READY!

Polar Plunge 2010

2010-01-03T14:49:00.003-05:00

On New Year's Day every year all up and down the Atlantic coast in Maine, several crazy people decide to take a dip in the ocean. Some do it for charity. Others are just certifiable! This year my friend Seth took the plunge. I'm not sure which he is - charitable, or just whacko....I think the latter fits all of them!
Seth told me that another one of the swimmers was giving Seth trouble for wearing a "sweater" during the plunge! hahahaha!

Xmas by the Sea 2009

2009-12-19T20:09:00.004-05:00

Another year, another Xmas By the Sea! It wasn't the coldest on record, but it's never warm. The carol "task master" was NOT happy about the size of the fire...he was overheard between carols complaining bitterly, to anyone who would listen that, "I don't know why they have to make the bonfire so big! It's so smokey we can't even sing!". Now , really! When it's below freezing and your standing on a beach on the Atlantic Ocean after the sun goes down wouldn't you prefer a nice BIG bonfire...as opposed to a rip roaring sing along? C'mon!

Oh, the things at auction...

2009-11-15T09:18:00.005-05:00

So, A. & I worked the Auction last weekend, and amongst the high priced thingies were a piece of bed sheet that the dying President Lincoln bled on, and this beast.
Both were sold. I can't imagine entertaining the thought of owning either...baaad jou jou!

Ade Flips!

2009-10-04T18:43:00.003-05:00

More Harvest Fest Fun!

Shriners rock!

2009-10-03T14:49:00.003-05:00

This is soooo cool! I didn't even mind the rain.
Fall Harvest Fest at the Beach. And I was wondering why they would shut down the ferris wheel for an L'ville parade! This is the answer!! Big men on small cars...all this AND a Fez!!!!

Big cousins are fun to hang on...etc.

2009-09-04T14:36:00.005-05:00

To be fair, I must give my daughter a bit of blogtime...
This was our visit to Uncle Jim's, where we got to visit with my brother and his daughter.
A good time was had by all! Now if we can get them to come back every year....................

A's new car & hair...

2009-09-04T14:27:00.003-05:00

Ah, summertime!
My son spent his summer working his hair off (but only in patches - or is it stripes?) and took that $ and bought himself a vehicle (stripe of hair in foreground - vehicle being inspected in background).
Now we can start school on Tuesday (Junior year!) and never look back! Until the insurance comes due...

Aht & More

2009-07-28T12:06:00.008-05:00

While driving my son back & forth to driver's ed. the last month, I got to pass these great pieces twice a day. I love these two works and felt the need to share. Very cool indeed!
By the way, my son passed the permit course test with a 100%, and now I get to passenger with him! Surreal to look over at your first child in the driver's seat...

Origami Elvis

2009-06-03T11:01:00.005-05:00

So I missed May, but I've been busy!
My daughter came home from school the other day, and presented me with this Origami Elvis that she made in her G/T class, which only meets for 45 mins. one day a week! She had finished the regular work (for a Gifted/Talented class, wouldn't you hope she'd be at least CHALLENGED?) and the teacher told her she could make something from the Origami book. She chose Elvis!
I love this! She pointed out the side-burn on the far side! So cool!
I'd say it was Elvis in his declining years; no less cool!
I am pleased, since the G/T program only goes to 5th grade, (outrageous!) that she is ending her tenure as the maker of Origami Elvis!
Schools suck! Somethings just never change!

Cloonvolta

2009-04-18T09:16:00.002-05:00

Apparently my mother was stalking Clooney a few weeks back, when he was in St. Louis shooting his latest film. She was heard to say that the only 2 actors in Hollywood worth a spit were Clooney and Travolta.
So, it was a bonus to have John jet in just for the snapshot...

Mary Sandwich

2009-04-17T14:57:00.003-05:00

So here's my son, sandwiched between 2 Marys.
The one on his right is Marybeth, his Grandmother and the one on his left, well she speaks for herself!
Poor kid, look at the look on his face!

It reminds me of the time, in the very house that this picture was taken, that his aunt woke him (he was a sleeping 3 year old at the time) in the middle of the night, and made him promise to die for Ireland! He had that same look on his face...

When will Molly learn not to goad me into posting? EVER? BWA-HAHA!

Yet another snow day

2009-02-23T16:30:00.002-05:00

The pic to the left is a seek and find. Where is the trampoline? And the one on the right is the twig furniture I made some years back, and I guess I'll have to make new ones. These are starting to list! I cannot believe (or bear) the amount of crazy snow we have! KILL ME NOW!!

2009 Toboggan National Championships

2009-02-10T16:56:00.006-05:00

This last weekend was the 19th Annual Toboggan Nationals at the Snow Bowl! As witnessed by the pics, fun was had by ALL!

Hard to believe that it was 19 years ago that myself and 3 roommates made up a toboggan team, calling ourselves "4 Belles", after one of our teammates, who was from the South.

At the VERY last minute (we were in the chute!) that Southern Belle backed out and we scrambled for a fourth to allow us to be in the race. Mike Sheehan stepped out of the crowd and said he'd be our fourth, and the guys running the show said they'd change our team name for us and radio it ahead to the announcer.

As we flew down the shoot, imagine our surprise (but mostly Mike's) when they announced us as, Team "3 Dings and a Dong"!

As my brother Dennis said when I invited him up this year for the event, "Only in Maine!"

Yes Dennis, and only in the WINTER in MAINE!

So MUCH snow.....

2009-02-06T14:11:00.005-05:00

Well, you asked for it... So much snow that the poor dog can't even maneuver!
I thought of jumping from the roof and ending it all, but the snow is so high, that I would surely survive, and then have to chip icicles from my hair!

2009-01-03T16:13:00.001-05:00

Now there's a happy face!
All printed up and put together for Xmas!
Thanks for your help, Dennis!

Jim & Aedan

2008-12-30T16:13:00.003-05:00

This picture is priceless. Jim and Aedan checking out an "aht" installation in Belfast harbor, this fall. Neither one seems too impressed. Seems to be what passes for aht in Maine!

Solstice with an Ax to Grind?

2008-12-22T11:38:00.004-05:00

Winter is here; about two feet of it sits outside the door.
How I was lulled all those years, when we wouldn't even get the first snow until after Xmas. How tired of the cold and snow I am already!
Check out the door's handle!
The kids LOVE it!
As "A" said to me when he was 3, after I put his plate of dinner in front of him at home, "This isn't what I ordered!"
I feel much the same way!

Ade Insists...

2008-12-07T12:19:00.003-05:00

My youngest insists that we have no photos of me. Because
I am the one who takes all of the pictures, I'm rarely seen.
I told her that I was a vampire and that I wouldn't show up on film. She reminded me that digital photography doesn't use film, so we were all set!
She took this photo of me, and she did a good job of it,too. Maybe we have another photographer in the family!
GREAT!
Why don't we ever get the random dentist or a comedian? You know, something useful?

That time....again!

2008-12-06T17:58:00.002-05:00

X-mas by the Sea 2008!
The Bonfire & carols, Santa & Elf arrive by fire engine, getting a fuzzy picture taken in front of the tree with your friend! ...And the snow!
'Tis the season, eh?
(I'm dreaming of a warm Christmas!)

Vocabulary

2008-11-08T09:41:00.003-05:00

Ok. I just got through viewing my niece's Blog regarding her daughter's vocabulary, and it made me want to do the same for my
loving children!

My son's...(15 yr.old)

" #$%# you!
You, #$%&*#@#$%^%^))!!!!!!
I hate @#$%&%$ homework!
My &%$#@$% life sucks!
Get the #$@& off my #%^&$#@* back!
GRUNT! "

My daughter's...(almost 11 yr. old)

"MOM!!!!!!!!! He's bothering me!!!!!!
Mom!!!! Can I____(fill in the blank)? -IF I say NO, she then goes on to ask every 10 seconds:
How about NOW? How about NOW? How about NOW? HOW ABOUT NOW?"
AAWWWW! It's SO cute!
I despise ____(insert brother's name) greatly!
Can I have a pony? No, wait! I already have one...Can I have a kitten, a puppy, a hamster, ( insert anything that eats, poops, needs loads of attention & care, has to visit a vet, and that she will tire of quickly then I get all the responsibility!)?"

Yeah, there will come the day when you think to yourself, "Who taught them how to talk?", and you will regret it, but until then I guess it is pretty amazing!

Scary!

2008-11-01T09:30:00.003-05:00

OK, I know I said once a month was the way to blog, and I've missed that deadline by one day, so shoot me!
I do believe that it was worth the delay to see this picture!
Now for the most scary part...
This wasn't even Halloween!!!! Just a another Monday at chez crazy. Heavens to Murgatroid, it's not Winter In Maine yet!
Now that's SCARY!!!!!

Still September...

2008-09-27T13:25:00.002-05:00

Ok, it's still September, but my daughter wants equal blog time.
She and her best friend got themselves a pony! They have named her "Autumn" and she is a chestnut colored Morgan. She's 12 hands, which in pony speak is about 5 feet tall. She's 7 yrs. old and she's very lovable! This is a very memorable Autumn!

It's September...

2008-09-26T16:48:00.002-05:00

Time for another post! Once a month seems about right! This picture is for my niece (Mo)
who called me today out of the blue! It was so nice to hear from her, and a great surprise! We talked briefly about my son, and I told her that he was in the "tall skinnies" right now, and that he reminded me of her brother. All except the mustache. She said,"But my brother doesn't have a mustache." I said, "I know, but Aedan does" !

Watch Out Below!

2008-08-17T11:44:00.005-05:00

After seeing the photos of Madeline on this slide, I was reminded that I had one of her Grandma going for it!
(When will Molly learn not to ask me to post different photos?)

Only in Summer...

2008-08-16T20:52:00.004-05:00

Can you ride the big blue fish in Belfast!!!!!
Because soon enough. it will snow again....
UHG! (And yes, my daughter is swilling beer!)

I'm still here.........

2008-08-04T15:32:00.002-05:00

So is Summer! We had many family members visit from "away" this year, and I am too busy to blog!
But here are a couple of pictures that say it all!

"Country" Fair

2008-06-11T15:38:00.005-05:00

Norway was the country my daughter had and she did a great job!She even made Sarina cakes for fair goers to sample...A boy in the class had to leave school early that day, so he had a picture of his head set up in one of his shirts, and taped his voice telling all about Mexico, his country. We agreed, my daughter and I, that it was pretty creative AND downright disturbing!

The Boy's 1st Bike

2008-06-10T08:21:00.004-05:00

THIS IS THAT BIKE!
My son's first bike was a Razorback (pretty small - or the kid's pretty big?)that his paternal "Mum/Nanny/Nan/Anne" (grandmother) bought for him for his 3rd birthday, at the end of July. Came complete with training wheels, and by the end of that summer (Early September) this kid refused to ride that bike unless we removed the training wheels. My first child, what do I know? I tried to talk him out of it, saying that he should have more practice, but he steadfastly refused. Hesitantly, we took those wheels off and much to our surprise that boy took off on that bike like he'd been riding for years (he'd only been alive for 3)! I'll never forget my amazement at this new three year old, to just take off on a two-wheeler! He knew it was time.
Enter that same kid, almost 12 years later. Now it's a motorcycle. Doesn't care if he gets his driving permit for a car, and he's done his homework. He can get a motorcycle permit when he's 15 (end of July), he doesn't have to have a licensed driver with him (can't, it's a motorcycle!), the gas and insurance are much less than for a car, and he can go anywhere! You know, places a car can't get to! Oh, there's more-he's thought of everything! Now, it's up to me to remember that 1st bike, his resolve and readiness, and to let go and trust.
So, I told him, "If Paternal Grandmother (whatever her name is, today and that all depends on who's talking to her and how old you are!) buys you a motorcycle, I'll let you go! And, she'll have to pay insurance, too!"
Good luck with that!
In the meantime, watch the flick...

Back Kick to the Head

2008-05-30T16:00:00.003-05:00

Ok, here's something new...
My daughter is now an orange belt, and this was taken during her test.
No more, no time!

Like I Have TIME to POST...

2008-03-15T14:37:00.003-05:00

I don't. But that does not stop others from trying their damnedest to GOAT (or guilt) me into it!
I have loads of ideas and a ton of pictures to back me up, but I don't have the time to sit down, quietly and THINK this out...I have done what the EXPERTS have told me to do. I have put my computer in the living room , which is at the heart of the house. One must pass by it to get to any other space in house...where in lies the problem! At least the problem of being able to use my computer uninterrupted! People come out of the wood work to hinder my progress when I turn it on! So, if I get out one post a month, you can just count your lucky stars! Any more is BONUS! All depends on how one looks at it, EH?
P.S. My son is sitting here eating a gourmet lunch he has made for himself (he is becoming quite the chef, indeed!) and is asking me, "What are you doing? Blogging? What are you blogging about?
You always make me the BAD GUY in your blog! I've read it. Hey guess what Riley (grade school friend) and I used to do......".
Need I say more? No? OK, Check out the gourmet lunch, and note the 3 different drinks!
THE MENU:
Cajun Potato Wedges, fried in olive oil. Coupled by three individual drinks:
Milk - to take the spicey edge off
Water - to cleanse the palate
Soda - Because mom begrudgingly said yes, I could have one of her Dr. Peppers!
ENJOY!
I think it must also be said here that we are having another snow EVENT (as the weather casters have begun calling AWFUL WEATHER, as it seems to be more than a pattern lately) today, and STIR CRAZY just doesn't even come close to describing it!EEEEEEKKKKKKKK!

Winter is Tough!

2008-02-20T18:52:00.004-05:00

Yes, winter is tough indeed! Where else can one find so much fun indoors?
(Note the 2 to the right craning necks to get in the picture)
Winter started very early this year, we had snow well before X-mas, and we can get snow, and frequently do, into April/May.
Many a Mother's Day with as-of-yet melted snow piles! HELP ME!!!!!!!!
(...and isn't that Marty & Bridget to the left?) I'm freakin'!!!!!!!!

Chocolate Soaked Silent Auction

2008-02-18T15:25:00.003-05:00

Here's a snap of the Chocolate Fountain
that we set up for the auction last week.
YUM! The auction went as well as the weather allowed. First, it was a snow day for all of the schools snowing 6-9 inches of snow between 6am and about noon, then came the freezing rain till about 3pm, and then plain old downpouring rain the rest of the evening! Very few attendees because of this, but thank goodness for the email and telephone bids...we made almost a thousand bucks!
Chocolate was enjoyed by all!

Yellow Belt in Kempo

2008-02-13T08:41:00.005-05:00

Last night my daughter received her yellow belt in Kempo. That is her in the first photo waving. She and her friend there had invited their 4thgrade teacher to attend the ceremony and both were surprised and pleased that she actually showed (now how pleased she'll be with this photo of herself with her eyes closed is another topic!). In the second photo, my girl is the first on the left (with pony tail, -next to the bald Sensei-he actually has hair, but shaves his head. {And a quick aside here, for those of you that remember my YURT days, he was an apprentice with Mike and lived on the land when we did, although he lived in the Octagon never having a yurt of his own. Poor Sensei!}. His 2 girls are on the right. A wonderful performance, and the whole group moved up into Yellow Belt status, and now my daughter can kick your ____! Watch out, and consider yourself warned!

Gus, what's down there?

2008-02-02T12:40:00.001-05:00

So, I walk into the kitchen to find the dog and the boy both looking down the basement steps...and they're talking, see...and the boy says to the dog, "Gus, what's down there? What do you see?".
And Gus says, "Mike. And by the way, will you get off my foot?".
Nothing unusual here. Just another winter day in Northern New England! (RUFF!)

Snow Day # ? I've lost count!

2008-01-14T15:26:00.000-05:00

It's a blizzard, again! Last week we had the "January Thaw", which happens here on the coast every year. The temperatures climb to balmy above freezing marks (which were in the mid to high 40's last week, diminishing our 3 ft of snow to about 6 inches in some places!) and the SUMP PUMP in the basement runs day and night trying to keep up with the thawing of the ground and the water it was producing.
Not any more! We're right back to winter and another SNOW DAY!! I hope the kids like going to school in July, because at this rate, that's where we'll be! I stepped outside at about 3pm to take these shots before the sun went down-HA! It never came out today- and the blizzard rages on. This is to continue through the night, and snow showers through the day tomorrow. Whatever that means... I have the feeling it means, "good luck shoveling your van out, as well as driving in this mess"!
Damn, I'm cold (and so is the weather)!

This COULD Happen in Church!

2008-01-06T18:16:00.001-05:00

These clips from Church have actually happened.
If they happened more often, maybe I'd go! Probably not.... ENJOY!

Another Snow Day!

2008-01-04T10:59:00.000-05:00

It's the first week of January and we've had 3 official snow days to date...this does not bode well for the rest of the winter, as the snow doesn't really come down until late January and February! There is no place to put the plowed snow right now (there are 4ft walls along streets), and I've heard tell that towns are already running low on salt/sand! SCARY!
But... on the lighter side...the video reminds us that it's not all bad! Why winter can even be fun...just keep telling yourself that! As I was filming this, it must be said, I was wearing slippers, no coat, (in denial you say?) and got 2 shoes FULL of snow! I don't even want to think about February!

Potato Cannon.....or Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T21:58:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!!!!
Last X-mas, my brother-in-law, gave my "little boy" a book called Backyard Ballistics. OY!
This summer he built the POTATO CANNON, invited a friend over to blast it in the back 40, and the video speaks for itself! There was mention at X-mas-time of setting it off on New Year's Eve, which will take place here in less than 2 hours. So far, he's not mentioned it. One can only wish he's forgotten....hopefully it'll just be banging on pots and pans, and a toast of sparkling cider to the New Year. So, watch the little flick and have a Happy New Year!

MORE Look of the Day?!?!

2007-12-22T16:04:00.000-05:00

Well, it's officially Winter in the UP Country!
And that is my only defense against this craziness!
To my dismay, my daughter seems to be taking after my relative cousin of Jackie O! Without prior knowledge of the previous Murder Hour Post, my daughter arrived downstairs this a.m. in this get up!
I'm fit to be tied. Winter time, or does It run in the family? Either way, I'm bound to suffer this outrageous fortune!
SCARY!!!!!!!!!

Look of the Day!

2007-12-16T21:55:00.000-05:00

Ok, ok! Sick of looking at BAMBI, eh? How 'bout the look of the day?
This is a photo of a relative, you might even say a "cousin
of Jackie O"! Gray Gardens, anyone?
I don't think I'll be hearing any more complaints about the blog pic anytime too soon....eh?
PS : I got a million of 'em!

Getchah Deah?

2007-11-21T11:34:00.000-05:00

So, I go outside my son's school the other day, and MUCH to my surprise (shock & horror!), I walked right upon this scene! Now, talk about The Murder Hour! WOE! Very strange, indeed! For as long as I have lived here, in the Northeast, it's been a joke of my family's to ask one another during hunting season (which is upon us), "Didjah getchah deah?", in our best New England speak. Hunters, and there's no shortage, will seriously ask one another if they "got their deer". Well, someone did. And it's a trophy worth putting in the trunk and driving around town with, eh? I don't get it. I also don't get hanging them up in trees in front of your house to let them drain, couldn't this be done in the privacy of your barn or other outbuilding?
Why in the dooryard? I suppose it's the same reason one would trunk it, and drive it far and wide! "See! I got my deah!" Face it, it's gross! And with VERY few exceptions, WE don't want to see the bloody carcasses displayed in the trunks of cars, hanging in the trees, or lying about willynilly on a parking lot! Stop it.
Enough said?

...and the Hookah Smoking Caterpillar has given you the Call..

2007-10-08T21:36:00.000-05:00

This is a photo that I have chased down for years! I have stopped at this smoke shop several times over the last 2 years trying to take a decent photo of this 10 foot Hookah Smoking Caterpillar and the photos have never worked out, so again I stopped last weekend and finally got a pic I could live with.
This particular statue is a good hour drive away and I don't think about it until I'm in the neighboring town and then I usually only have my camera phone, and the natural lighting is never working in my favor! My family is sick of hearing about the damn thing, as I said we have stopped on several occasions, sometimes twice in one trip. Of course my kids don't get the reference but my husband and I sing the song, and "go ask Alice, when she's ten feet tall"!
So, now my quest is done, and there will be no more stops to take a picture, but-just to piss off the kids- we'll still be singing the song!

Better than Trogdor... (or Strange Days, Indeed!)

2007-09-06T09:56:00.001-05:00

This is what happens when I give my children watermelon...(also known as vatermelo to the Koenigs). Yep, it's tasty good, but the fun doesn't stop there! This creature was named, "Better Than Trogdor". Some of you may know the reference, and that is all I have to say about that.
This week school is finally in full swing, and each of my kids have said things that have made me have to "Post it-or Lose it"
My son, getting ready for his first day got up at 5am (no kidding!), took a shower, made us both lunch, and then spent another hour honing "THE LOOK". While preening, I reached over to fix his collar, and he says, "Hey- don't _uck up the get up!" A laughing fit ensued. Later that day, while looking at where his hair was parted, he said, "What do you think about this part? Too Ronald Reaganish?" Yet another fit of laughter!
Now for my daughter. She was doing a bit of Family Tree homework , and after finishing the first page (which consisted of her own sibling, parents, and grandparents) she turned to the second page which was now asking for FULL names and date of birth for Aunts & Uncles. (SIGH) It was then she realized what that would mean for her and her hand(which was already going into writer's spasms)!
"You have too many siblings, mom! You're family is driving me CRAZY!"
My reply? , "Oh they're good at that! Just look at me!".
Insightfully funny, that child!
She finally finished writing all the information down on my 7 siblings, and hopes never again to have to think about it! (me, too!) HAR!

That time of year

2007-09-01T10:21:00.001-05:00

Ok, it's September. This photo was taken last year while waiting for the bus.
I am feeling nostalgic, as my son has moved onto high school, and my daughter will wait for the bus with her best friend. No more quarreling over who gets what seat on Stump Henge (see previous post).
No more vivid descriptions (with voice) of the bus driver du jour.
I think this is the year that my kids will grow apart (not having a day to day shared experience), and I am sorry for that. On the other hand, I won't miss the bickering.
And, who knows, this may make them talk to each other on a different level.(one can only hope!)
I will also miss the opportunity to get photos like this. Can't make this stuff up!

No Day at the Beach

2007-07-30T06:09:00.001-05:00

It was my son's 14th birthday. He invited a couple of friends out on his boat to celebrate(his dad, sister & I followed on another boat, lest we have bedlam).
Things were going along at a great pace, when it was time to go aground for the picnic lunch.
I don't know if it was hunger induced, or what, but as soon as we tied up and carried the stuff to shore, one of my son's friends harpooned him!
I had the camera in hand and quickly snapped off this shot right after the offense! It was brutal. Completely unprovoked! And worst of all - who would drive this creep home, now? He had speared the captain of the vessel!
Ok, that's not at all what this picture is about, but you can see the possibilities,eh?
My (floating) son? Goggles on, and checking out the bottom of the boat. His friend? Checking out the mooring hook.
No, things aren't always as they appear. Even photographs can be misleading.
Remember, people...boating, like life, can be dangerous!
Neither is REALLY a Day at the Beach!

The Nose

2007-07-18T14:05:00.000-05:00

Ok, no sooner had I posted the last entry, when I had a request to see the afore mentioned nose.
So, I get out the camera , line up the shot, take it, download it, put it on this page (pant!) and it is only then that I realize that the Hulk hand is in the shot, too!
Before I get another request to explain THAT, I will qualify the Hulk hand only by saying, "Don't ask"!
Enough said......really!
And the nose? Well, it's not as plain as the one on your face, but it's there. Something smells Hulky!

The Trees Have Eyes

2007-07-18T10:19:00.000-05:00

Every time I stand at my kitchen sink, this is the view that stares back at me.
My sister sent me this tree face (which originally had a nose and mouth complete with stuck out tongue) for Christmas. She sent it to my neighbor, had my husband pick it up, and stealthily attach it to the tree right out side my kitchen window on X-mas eve.
Christmas morning the horror was evident, as I screamed upon seeing it.
As the months have passed the nose has made itself a home on a stray nail next to the front door (which is a picture in itself!)and the mouth/tongue are floating around the house somewhere...
All that is left are the eyes! The EYES! Staring me down every time I take to the sink! Even the tree has retaliated by oozing sap from the left eye. It's appearance, that of crying, mocking me. The "eye lids" are amazingly detailed to look like the bark of the tree, so much so, that one might believe they just grew there.
Here, I need to thank my sister for her thoughtfulness. And I do! But, damn, if you were trying to give me a complex, then success is yours!
CREEEPY!!!!!!!!

The Water Feature

2007-06-16T08:28:00.000-05:00

On a visit to the Middle West this spring, I had the pleasure of hanging out with a cousin I had not seen in years. We talked about being home owners and all that that brings to your life (bills, back-breaking work, fun ideas).
I told her about the "LOVELY" drain system that the previous home-owner had rigged up, and although it was efficient, it truly lacked any creativity. My cousin (being a self-proclaimed HGTV fanatic) said I ought to put a fish on the end of the pipe, so that it would drain from it's mouth. I could see that, but where to find the fish?
When I got back home I did find the perfect fish at my local RENY'S store . It was a copper watering can in the shape of a fish (and oh- so reasonably priced!). I brought it home and half an hour later, the WATER FEATURE was up and running!
I hope the pictures do it justice.
Thanks Kathleen!

It is done...

2007-06-16T08:06:00.000-05:00

Finally, and with MUCH ado, my son doth graduate!
Someone asked if he was ready to go to High School; his reply," I'm ready to have a summer!"
He is very insightful!
Now, if I could just get him out of bed in the a.m. I'm sure he'd have a great summer.
Here's to you, A !

Tooth : Hurty!

2007-06-13T08:22:00.001-05:00

OUUCH!

I am in pain...as you can see from the size of those roots!
The dentist told me to bring this home to frighten the kids into brushing.
I think that being a Dentist requires a sadistic gene, of sorts. At the very least a mild pleasure at the discomfort of others.
I sat in the chair yesterday shaking violently from start to finish, and when the hygenist told me to take the cup and rinse I spilled it all over the place. Shake -Shake -Shake.
I'm surprised the Dentist was able to get those pliers on the correct tooth!
Yes, I said pliers.
I saw them coming, and I tried to remember what my daughter said,
"Just don't think about it". And instead I thought about my daughter's day, which included a school field trip and going to her best friend's house after school.
"You're going to feel some pressure" , the Dentist said.
YANK! CRACK! The first root was out.
"How we doin'?"
"IINE" , I lied. SHAKE-SHAKE.
"You're going to hear a crack. I just have to lean on it a bit more".
(WHY must I get a play by play? Just do it already!)
CRACK!!!!! He was right.
"One more and we're done. Still doin' fine?"
"AHUH"( I'm delerious at this point, are you talking to me?)
"Ok....A-N-D- (Yoink, pull, twist, pull some more!) Take a breath (Y-O-I-N-K)!"
No room for a breath, what with the water sprayer, suction hose, cotton batting, 2 pairs of (gloved) hands, and...don't forget the pliers!
And with a last twist and another yoink, I was now the owner of one gaping hole in my gum!
(Did I mention this was a cautionary tale?)
So, there. All of the worry is over, and I can avoid the dentist for another 5 years!

HELP!

2007-06-12T10:34:00.001-05:00

I am having oral surgery today.
It will be in office, without good drugs. Novacaine only, and I am driving myself.
To say that I'm scared only touches the surface. I would rather give birth than go to the dentist. I have had too many bad experiences.
My daughter told me to "just not think about it",

words of wisdom from a child who loves her dentist (whose name is ironically Dr. Slaughter!) (THE DENTIST! Not the child!)

When I was a kid, my sister swore that the doddering old fool who pretended to be our dentist once looked in her ear and said, "OOH,
that doesn't look good!". I remember that he smelled, and gave novacaine as an after thought. All the fillings he put in have long since been either root canalled, pulled, or root cannalled unsuccessfully and then pulled.
I'm scared!
So, if you're reading this before 2:30 (tooth:hurty!) CST.(appointment is @ 1:30 EST.), please hold a good thought in your head for me, as I will be in pain and tears and the pulling of teeth!

Farewell to Cinnamon

2007-05-09T12:41:00.000-05:00

This is Cinnamon. My 9 yr. old daughter's hamster. She (? - we called her a "she" at my daughter's request - who knew?) came to live with us back in December. A wonderful Christmas surprise, until she started biting (the hamster! not the daughter!)!
In the last few months, March and April, she bit my girl no less than 4 times and drew blood on 1/2 of those occassions. Nasty little bugger!
My son started referring to Cinnamon as "the evil, blood sucking, rodent", which was not far off the mark. Cinnamon was a whole lot less fun and considerably more toothy. So much so, that she chewed the clasp off her cage that kept it shut and a hole through the bottom of her food cup. Wouldn't touch the nice pieces of cherry wood that we put in the cage for her to nibble. No, I believe Cinnamon had turned the corner. She knew she was on her way out. So she gnashed anything she could (People included!) get her teeth on, as her way of saying, "Screw this, I'm dying here, anything is fair game!"
We had tears, and "remember when?" stories, and finally a ceremony to bury Cinnamon (kind of a Cinnabury-sorry I just couldn't help myself!). We buried her right in our own pet cemetary in the yard (hey, we live in Stephen King country, would you expect any less?) where Paco, Benny, and several goldfish (most named Goldie) rest. At the end of it all my daughter said she wanted a hamster break. No more, for now.
Ah, Cinnamon we hardly knew ye!
And you?
Well, ye heartily chewed me!

Welcome to the Manhouse...

2007-01-23T08:59:00.000-05:00

This is a photo of yet another unfinished project we have sitting on the property. I refer to it as the Manhouse. To be fair, this picture was taken some months ago, and there is now a wall across the front. My son loves this picture and refers to it as "the lifesize Diarama. Complete with life-like (emphasis on LIKE) person".
I started calling it the Manhouse, much to the chagrin of my husband. When we went to visit his family at X-mas there was much talk about the Manhouse and I even had them referring to it as such! But the coup came when my husband gave in and said, "I am putting a small woodstove in the Manhouse"! Up until that point he tried to call it a shed. HAR (as in, har-d- har, har)!!!
I see the Manhouse as an escape. A little house of his own, for my husband. Originally he said it was his tool shed, but with the addition of the hopeless slack-ass chair (one step up from the Lazy Boy), the woodstove, insulation, and cold beer, he's built himself a true 4 season Manhouse!
Now if I could just get him to find a way for it to bring in some cash, you know, rent it out as a retreat. It works for him!
So, contact him. Rents are reasonable. There's even a skylight.
Book early and often! Welcome to the Manhouse!

Man, I'm Beat....

2007-01-21T15:09:00.000-05:00

This is a photo of one of my relatives. I have no idea what year this was, but it was QUITE some time ago. She and I share the same name, but I was told at age 11 (when I asked to have guitar lessons) that "Girls don't play guitar!", and that was the end of that. At age 11 I did not know about this distant relative, or this photo , or I certainly would have stuck it in my father's face and said, "EH, what?"
At about the same time my musical endeavors were SQAUSHED, I asked the priest in religion class why girls could not be "servers" on the altar at mass. He encouraged me to write a letter to Rome and ask the Pope. I penned that letter and after having all the other girls in the class sign their names next to mine, and having the priest read it , we sent it off to Rome (of course the priest supplied the address) we awaited the most holy answer.
About a month later, I find myself and all my girl classmates in a room awaiting the WRATH of the pricipal (and she - fiesty little nun- is NOT your PAL!). I get called up to explain myself, and told that I should never question the Pope, and who did I think I was and how I had embarrassed the school, the town, the state, America in general, and... that my penmanship was atrocious! Where was that priest that had been all supportive? No where to be seen, and when I finally did see him and questioned why he wasn't there to stand up for me...he simply laughed in my face.
I didn't know at the time that priests were molesting altar boys, and the answer to why girls weren't allowed had a whole lot less to do with church dogma and more to do with preists BEING dogs.
I am sad that I don't know how to play a musical instrument, and I try to channel this distant relative to perhaps give me some of what she had. Guts, freedom to choose, individualism!
All the things the catholic church tried to stamp out of me. When people say that they are recovering Catholics, I have to laugh. There is no recovery. Only time and the wisdom that comes with that to understand things differently.
Hey, girls do play guitars.............................

Stumphenge

2006-09-27T09:11:00.000-05:00

While waiting for the school bus about a week ago, my son lamented the fact that there was no place to sit. We have to be outside waiting between 5 and 25 minutes every day, as the bus is never on time, and there is about a 25 minute window where the bus just might show up. So we wait. My daughter and her friend entertain themselves, but my teenage son's only focus is, "How long will this take, and couldn't I just go back to bed until the bus arrives?"
A place to sit is the next best thing.
So, I took it upon myself to create (Notice I did not say build, as this will become important later) a place to rest one's weary bones, and a back pack or two.
I looked aroud the property and came up with a bunch of soon to be rotting stumps from trees that had been cut to create our new driveway. If I took those stumps and found some old boards (which is easy to find at our place) I could create a couple of benches for us to utilize. I even found an old giant spool (too ricketey to sit on) to use as a place to throw backpacks.
It was an inspiration, and Stumphenge was formed! Not built!
Ok, it's later.
While my kids, and even my daughter's friend, have delighted in Stumphenge, my husband-to be fair, it must be mentioned that he is a woodworker and builder- has had no such delight!
Now he's a busy guy, and does not wait for the bus. He is long gone to build stuff before the waiting begins. He doesn't have time to build bus stop seating, and no one asked him to. Stumphenge evolved from crap laying around the property, and is now apparently the bain of his existance. Stumphenge sits too near the road, where it can be seen, and where someone might think HE built it! Although he has not said this, I have known him too long to not see right through his vailed, unenthusiastic, "That's great".
The moral?
If one would clean the property up, another one might not get so creative!
Kill 'em with kindness? Naw, kill 'em with creativity!

Sammy the SSSSSnake

2006-09-13T08:05:00.000-05:00

Yeah, it's been awhile, but that whole thing happened with the alleged Jonbenet killer, and I was busy.

I must say that while I am fascinated by true life murder, I have no such fascination with child murder. It is my belief that when proven guilty in a court of law, each and every child offender be castrated without the luxury of anesthesia! Bastards!

Ok, that said, onto Sammy...

This cute snake was caught right in my own backyard here! I was minding my own business when Sammy (henceforth known as) came slithering past my foot. I must note that I am no fan of spiders, and it has taken me more than 20 years to get over (did I say get over?) a panic stricken fear of them (I had a brother with a tarantula- but that's a whole other scary story!). But snakes? NO problem! After my son slithered after Sammy, caught him, named him, and had Sammy pee on him, we took turns passing him around and marveling at his whole being! (Sammy, not my son!)

I'm afraid fall is already here, and there isn't much time before Sammy slithers away and snow flies! Winter. That's when things get real dark. Come January it's all I can do to stay awake until 7:30 p.m. (and from 4p.m. till 7:30p.m. all I do is sit on the couch with my salt lick, and stare into space). ... Ever see the SHINING? You get the picture.....

Ah, the spice of life!

2006-07-15T16:37:00.000-05:00

So, there I was, making yet another despicable dinner (kids' description), when I got the heebie jeebies. I had the unmistakable impression that I was being watched. I was! Up on the spice shelf, the head of Sister Anne Gregory (or was it Sister Raymond Louise?) was staring at me!
She seemed to be well preserved, with the ever present disapproving look only nuns can inflict. I was shaken and bewildered. My thoughts flying from the 3rd grade "thumping" ( modus operandi of Sr. Anne Gregory, where one would be pushed into next Tuesday with a continuous painful thump to the chest) I'd received; all the way to, "If I didn't put that pickled nunhead there, and I didn't, then who did?".
I asked the inhabitants of the house, save the cat (Sid) and the dog (Gus), and no one is taking credit. It's a real-life mystery. Right here in my own home.
Now, I must take time to answer the third installment of Name That Killer for C.H.K.
This one was so well known that the now touring band, The Vultures , even wrote a song about
Maurice Travis, called ZOMBIE HOOKER. A&E must have run that Murder Hour episode at least a dozen times. So, yes you must give up, because Kid, I know my murderers! ...and thump weilding nuns - oxymoron?! Could be!

The Postman Occassionally Honks Twice

2006-07-14T09:58:00.000-05:00

I grew up in the city. Back when one would walk to a friend's house and stand below an open window or screen door and yell, "OOOhhh [insert friend's name], can you come out and play?". There were trash collectors who would work in twos, one to drive, the other to collect the cans , dump them in the back of the truck, and whistle when he wanted the driver to go to the next house. The mail carrier would walk the block, and deposit the mail in a slot that was an open portal to the house.
I remember my first experience visiting a rural place and seeing the mail being delivered by an unmarked station
wagon, kind of an undercover mail carrier. The driver sat in the passenger's seat and somehow worked the foot pedals and stearing wheel from the there. The mailboxes looked like an animal cage, or birdhouse, to me, sitting atop a wooden post. Always on the right side of the road, so the poor mail carrier had to drive their vehicle in the awkward position described above.
I also remember thinking that I would slit my wrists if I ever had to live in a rural place! AH, City Life!
The above photo was captured not too far (as the crow flies) from where I currently live.
In rural New England! And no, there has been no wrist slitting (as of yet). And what I have learned about rural living is vast, and humorous, and has opened my eyes to change, which is good.
Now, when I see a rural malebox (my guess is that this one is male) I can relate to the humor, or the desperate attempt, and know that somewhere in the city there are postal carriers who would love to be driving their routes undercover with the promise of entertainment along the way! And really, how many rural carriers can you name that have gone postal?
And speaking of names, the answer to NAME THAT KILLER two, is Richard Speck.

Cup O Dirt?

2006-07-07T21:26:00.000-05:00

Today I actually counted the dirty glasses/cups I found in and around the kitchen. It was 3 pm; there were 11. Now, it must be said that I only have 2 children. Two children who didn't even get out of bed until 10:30 am. They then left the house (with me, of course!) at 11:30 am and we did not return until 2:30 pm. Now, you do the math!

We didn't even eat lunch at home!

How many cups/glasses of who knows what (see photo) can 2 kids get dirty in approximately an hour and a half???

The answer is 11! Well, at least today it was.

And speaking of answers, does Clifton Heights Kid think I wouldn't have the answer to name that killer?

Gary Gilmore, of course! And I even remember the song from SNL...Let's kill Gary Gilmore for X-mas (sung to the tune of Winter Wonderland)! You gotta love that!

You don't? Just kill me now.

In closing, as I must (the Murder Hour is about to begin), I'll just leave a little sumthin,sumthin, for YOUR MUM - you were me mum in another life, and another religion. Remember?

PS For the record, I don't have siblings. Ala Bart Simpson, I had an emergency sisterectomy right after Molly left her scathing comments! And by the way, my meds are better than your meds! Har!

Dog days, already?

2006-07-06T19:42:00.000-05:00

Dog eat dog! My kids are at each other's throats constantly, and summer gives them more time to plot against each other, and me! If it's not one thing, it's their mother!
Now, I won't play the martyr card here(even though I was taught by the best) but how much can one take? Really.
"What's for dinner?" "What's for lunch?" "I'm hungry!" "I'm not eating THAT! I hate THAT!"
"Who ate my cereal?" (from a community box in the pantry) and the one that happened years ago, that made me pull the car over in a hysterical laughing fit, "SHE'S LOOKING AT MY DRINK!!!!"
No, it's not all about food, but I do find myself way too often having to stop whatever it is I am doing to feed some child (my own, or others')some husband (ok, just mine) or some animal (you know, the FAMILY pet!).
The dog in the kitchen? Couldn't find a pic with a stick of furniture sweating over the hot stove.
It works.

Celebrating the 4th with a fifth...

2006-07-04T00:34:00.000-05:00

Hope I don't get sixth! Look,
It's the cereal that's shot from guns!
Maybe it's just me, but I don't get re-enactors. I can't even get up enough interest in my own life to get dressed in my own clothes, let alone re-enactment garb. Ok, I know there's more to it than that, but com'on!
So, where was I?
Ah yes, my family treating me as walking, talking furniture...although they don't hear a word I say, or notice when I've left a room, they have a sense that something has taken place in their realm. I have to give them that. Keen sense of awareness, when something even vaguely brushes passed their realm.
I've had a summer's worth full of arguments, disagreements, and general ugliness already, and it's only the 4th of July. Saints preserve us!
And hey, where did May and June go? Not to mention where that fifth went?! E-gads...

Welcome to my world...

2006-06-30T19:07:00.000-05:00

You may have some preconceived notion as to what this blog may be about, but you would be wrong. Dead wrong.
It is a cry for attention.
You see, I am the ignored mother and wife of a family that not only ignores me, but when I do get some attention, it is the kind that only perpatrators with long criminal histories get. Seems I can't do anything quick enough, smart enough, or sane enough for the likes of the people I live with.
So...I have been hiding. Upstairs, if they are down, downstairs, if they are up, and I have watched real crime mysteries to escape. Hence, the murder hour.
I have always liked the idea of true life anything. Autobiographies, love stories, life stories, but nothing gets it for me like a murder mystery-true life, though.
I fail to see how this saves me from being ignored or one upped by my family, but it has worked for years....somehow. Tonight was particularly brutal, as I was already hiding by 6:30 pm.
As for the pic, well, isn't it shark week?