Smile!

Don't we look happy? We should, we were on a cruise when this was taken. That was before the house selling and buying and Christmas! Why didn't they photo shop out my hips??

Who's cookin' now?

Yup, I hate to admit it but I kind of like cooking. Now I hate the whole go to store, buy ingredients and bring home and find a place to put the stuff until you use it part and I hate the clean up part but the slicing and dicing and creating part I love. And finding recipes to try is the best. The best way to find a good recipe is when I worked, co-workers would bring their leftovers to work and I'd smell it and want the recipe. Tried and true is always the best. My mom was a stay at home mom before there was such a thing. She always cooked, we hardly ever went out. If we did it was for lunch and not a big dinner. Dad worked the night shift so meals where somewhat odd but we had 3 meals a day and we didn't ask "What's for dinner...ewwww" back then either. You ate or went hungry. So that's the way I do it. There are very few exceptions to where I will let my boys make a PB&J sandwich but 99% of the time we eat what I cook. And they eat a wide range of foods too. Some things I eat now I'd never heard of before meeting Rob. My family are/is hill billy and we eat meat and veggies. But now we eat Mexican and Chinese and Italian foods. Where does one get hill billy food? You should have seen my dad's face when we announced where Rob and I were having our rehearsal dinner - the Kahiki. Polynesian food, whoa! I'm pretty sure he hit the McDonalds on the way home. But I digress, what we have here is my first attempt at Cajun Red Beans and Rice. With this recipe I learned what Salt Pork is. Now don't go assuming that because I cook hill billy I ought to know what that is. I know what fat back and a ham hock is but I hadn't heard of Salt Pork. Thank goodness the meat lady at Meijers knew. And it all turned out fine. Probably not as hot as it would be in New Orleans but hot enough for us. We all loved it. The boys especially loved it. Now I gotta add it to my family favorites. Don't ya want smell-a-blog?

What was I thinking??

Friends told me I was crazy but that wasn't news. I've been like that for-ever! Santa brought

the boys an electric guitar and drum set. As the boys are getting older it's getting harder to buy for them at Christmas. Gone are the days when a box of legos would do. And frankly they don't need anymore clothes. So that's my reasoning for saying yes to these instruments of torture. The good thing is they play or shall I say try to play music from my era. Music I can rock to. What I should have done is asked Santa to bring me some Bose noise reducing head phones.

Let's Craft a while

Finally back to blogin' and knitin' and just enjoying the new house. Spent this weekend organizing my craft area. Can't really call it a room, only has 3 sides but it's bigger than the room I used to have. Completely unpacked and only bought two new things to organize onto/into. Bought a 3 drawer plastic things and those shelves you see in the back. It was fun. And now when I need something, I know exactly where it is. If I can keep the boys out of it, that would be a miracle.

Moving Update

Sorry no pictures as I am too busy, can't find the camera, can't find batteries to go in it, probably packed it and too embrassed to show you all the crap I am moving. It's pretty sad when the movers say "Boy, you have a lot of boxes!" and you'd think they have seen a lot of boxes. Maybe crafty people don't use movers. Money should be spent on crafty things, like yarn.
In trying to save money for said yarn, we tried to find some kids to help us move just our boxes. But no! No one from the high school band, the church or the hockey team. I guess $10 an hour just isn't enough for them. Boy, are we in trouble when they get older and run the country. So we decided to have a mover do it all - yahoo! And they will deliver to me all the boxes I need for .50 cents each. No more dumpster diving stories for me.
As for the new house, the HVAC people came out and it needs a new motor! Now, I don't know much, or anything, about such things other than it makes me comfortable, but a motor sounds expensive, glad we had the house inspected. And the ants are an issue and we have requested a $1000 for the rest of the little things. Now we just have to wait for the seller to get back in the COUNTRY! and we can move on/in. Still on track for closing both on 11/21. This is the season of miracles, right? I also found out there was a judgement under me. Who knew. I guess they just search my name and Lisa Richards is pretty common. I was told just to sign a paper stating it isn't/wasn't me and all is well. Stay tuned for "Lisa's Young and Restless move of our lives"

I found boxes!

I believe totally in asking for other peoples advise because there are definately times that others think of things I totally wouldn't have. For example a good friend of mine (Gerry!) told me to go to dollar stores to hunt for boxes because sometimes the workers don't break them down like they should - ya know, minimum wage. So I did and boys did I hit the motherload (exactly what a motherload really is, I have no idea but that's what they say). Actually the hunt was kind of like garage saleing. I hunted behind every little plaza shopping center that I was driving by that I thought wouldn't have the a compactor like the big stores have. And there were boxes a plenty. I was soooo excited. It's kind of sad really but whatever. I even took boxes there were broken down - I have tape.

Then a few days later the dear hubby went with me to fetch more boxes, he likes free stuff too. We went to the same dumpsters (Yep, I am trailer trash that dumpster dives) except at one we had a bit of a surprise. I noticed what looked like a new sweatshirt rolled up and stuck in the corner of one of the dumpsters. Beside it was an autographed basketball that was still in it's acrylic display case thingy. Using my powers of reasoning, it looked like someone had stashed some stolen goods!!!! Whoa momma, I hadn't even thought that something sinister would be lurking around in these cardboard box dumpsters, my euphoria was gone. But I did the responsible thing and called the police. After they called me back several times for a description of what I saw they sent someone out. We left because you never know if or when they might show up but on they way home we saw the security truck from the shopping center and the police car. So far no word or what else they found if anything. You do a lot of "What if-ing" when something like that happens. Like what if there was a gun or something wrapped in the sweatshirt? What if someone was watching us? What if you are nuts? But this shall not stop me from dumpster diving (not actually diving, just reaching in) but I won't go alone.

Almost Mine!

A little updating on the house selling, buying front. We have had the inspection on this house with only minor things to repair, more than half Rob can do. And yesterday the appraisal was done. We hope there isn't any issues with that but we'll know probably by the end of the week if the buyers are approved based on the appraisal. Tomorrow we have the inspection on the new house. I am nervous. There hasn't been anyone living in the house for quite some time. And I know there is carpenter ants in the office. My realtors assure me that if you have any insects, carpenter ants are the easiest to remedy. We'll see what happens. All the extra expenses, like inspections ($400) and such are adding up. It's going to be a slim Christmas this year. I also had a moving company give me an estimate today. If they move EVERYTHING, room to room with set up we are looking at $1500. They do also gave me estimates if we move the small stuff and they do just the big things. Which was more reasonable. I do have a call out to any youth groups or boy scouts that might like to make some money helping with the smaller things. Isn't a house made up of the small things? I know my craft room is. I have also been collecting boxes. We will need probably 150 according to the movers. I have heard that you can "rent" boxes for about $.50 each - might have to check that out. Or my new haunts will be all the grocery stores within a 10 mile radius of Gahanna. But it's almost mine! Is it Christmas yet??

Real Estate action!

I am soooooo excited I can't take it. The #1 house on our wish list just lowered the price by $30,000 - WOW! Now we can lower ours and make a bid on this one contingent on the sale of ours of course but now we have something happening - and I am really going to be on my knees about this house. It's perfect for us with just the new things we were looking for. First floor laundry with enough room for the cat box......now I can get it out of my closet. I know that sounds yucky but she's a clean cat. It also has a den/office, yahoo no more computer in the basement and household paperwork where is should be and not all over the dinning room table. Corian countertops - love it!! And no deck - a paver brick patio and walkway and driveway. Oh yeah, and a 3 car garage. Those are the things we wanted no more, and no less. And believe me we have seen some houses with a lot more that we needed. We are meeting with our agents tonight to make the bid and lower ours enough to generate some action. At this point I will paint anything that will sell this house. Sadly this probably means no knitting or working on the demin quilt for a while but some sacrifies are worth it. Anyone like to paint????? Call me.

Nighty night

I wish I could fall sleep like this. Notice his hands are still trying to turn the page but nope - out go the lights. I can remember a time when I could eat a big piece of chocolate cake and down a bottle (yup, pop used to come in bottles) of Pepsi and fall right to sleep. Now I need pills!!!! Crap, I hate getting old. When I do sleep I get up and something hurts (knees, back, feet) - exactly how do you hurt yourself while sleeping??? Certain things also cause heartburn/gas, that's pleasant. I find myself asking "What did I eat last night, don't want to have that again." As if my pants have room for bloating! I have also started not caring about what I wear in public, as long as I am clean and my bod is covered, who cares. I do care if going to Easton or someplace nice for dinner. By nice I mean doesn't have a drive through. Anyone else out there with me on this or am I all alone in bleach spotted shorts.

A rant comin' on!

Yup, I feel a rant coming on. But before I do I must disclaim that I am in no way jealous of her size, tinny tininess and all because I wouldn't mind being that small at all. I have even said before that if I were as tiny at say.....Delana (nothing but love for ya girl) I would run necked (southern for naked and sounds dirtier) on Broad and High at noon. But in doing so I would expect to be noticed - both in positive ways and in negative ways. Now Miss Hot pants wasn't too happy with being noticed in a negative way. Boo Hoo Hoo!!! Shut UP and put on some big girl panties. I'm sure that you are not used to wearing those either. She has been on the Today show and yesterday it was Ellen. Knowing full well that these two shows are smack dab in the middle of the political left arena I wasn't surprised that their position was on of Miss Hot pants' freedom being trampled on. "She should be able to wear what she wants", and to quote Miss Hot pants "Why is my comfort level any different than anyone elses?" And it's not, everyone is suppose to be able to do what they want, say what they want, and wear what they want as long as it isn't hurting (physically) anyone but not today. We can do or say much of anything for fear that we might offend someone....crap crap crap. Political correctness has gone too far, just ask Don Imus, Cramer from Seinfeld, and the Columbus Policewoman who has/had the YouTube video. I thought I was allowed to do, say, wear whatever and YOU didn't have to like it. Wasn't that the freedom we were given??? Now we all have to "get along" to the point of losing our freedoms.

Cute!

How cute is this dog??? So much so that she just knows she is NOT a dog at all. This is her favorite place to lay, Mom's lap on mom's arm. Makes it very difficult to knit. But that shouldn't be my first priority with a dog as cute as this. I can't believe the picture came out so well, animals usually get that evil red eye ghost look to them.

Can anyone tell me what the &@#* is up with my elbow? Looks like a nose or a huge nipple. Crap!












Now for the embrassing pictures that all parents take of their kids and that red eye ghost look too.

Let's go Campin'

Some, not many, but some are asking where I've been lately. I haven't been knitting or doing much of anything social in quite some time. So here is where I have been. We have recently bought a 36 ft camper that is permanently at Charles Mills Lake. We have been cleaning and cleaning and cleaning it for about 3 weekends now and I think we are done. I KNOW I am. It's nice, with a/c and heating, microwave, fridge/freezer, potty and shower and queen size bed. Ok, it's not really camping but it is a camper and it's in a campground so it's campisque. The boys love it - Kyle calls it his home away from home. The other seasonal campers around us are all real nice we all just borrow whatever we need from each other. They are trying to get us to loosen up a bit and not lock up everything everytime we leave. They say it's not like the big city. That may be true but I've watched enough TV to know creeps are everywhere. So forgive me for locking up. Can you hear the banjo playing in the background???

Adventure camp??

No need to fear - I am here! Busier than a one legged man at a butt kicking contest. That's one of those things my dad says and it really applies sometimes. Here is Ryan, my mom-in-law Rosie and myself at Adventure camp on Tuesday. This is the camp that Ryan is staying at this week in Logan Ohio and it is totally run by members of our church. I was asked about 2 weeks ago if I could fill in for the crafts person, who had to have emergency knee surgery. Not one to turn down anything crafty I said sure. So Kyle and I drove down Mon. - Thurs. and it's a hour drive but a very pretty drive too. On Monday we made bird houses, Tues it was the serving trays you see Ryan holding in the picture, Wed we made crosses out of nails and Thurs we made scrapbooks. There wasn't enough time to teach them to knit or you know I would have. Last year I remember it was a very nasty 90+ degress but thank God it has not been too hot and sticky this week. Rosie is here visiting this week and she helped us out for the day. Ryan was very surprised to see her. I think having me there everyday has made Ryan just a bit less homesick.

Cruisin'

Yup, we had a great time on the cruise. Yup, we will be going again in the next couple of years. It was great fun and great food and just look at the colors of the water. Those blues and greens are real! With the invention of print shop I thought those colors didn't really exist.
My adventurous side came out and I did a few new things like I snorkeled. Sorry no pictures of that since we took them on a water camera. I ate escargo (but once is enough), I played blackjack, I ate liver pate (much better than I thought), I climbed up a waterfall in Jamica, I kissed a dolphin, almost kissed a sea turtle but he was skiddish, and I rode on an air boat in the FL Everglades. You are probably wondering if I knitted at all, NOPE, not once. That's a sign of a great vacation!

Buy this house?

Help I am in overload! Going on a cruise this weekend, haven't packed a darn thing and right now don't know where my passport is. Hope I didn't pack it away. We are also putting our house up for sale. The market is saturated with houses right now so ours has to be picture perfect. Sounds like a challenge to me. Just take a look at these pictures - not making much progress as you can see. CRAP CRAP CRAP everywhere I look. Now I must confess that I thought of myself as a pretty organized, clean person but no, I am far from it. We took two loads of crap to AMvets. Good useable crap but crap none the less. And that was only from both boys rooms and my craft room. Ouch, I am a fraud. ALso I have a little word of wisdom to pass along. Do not ever, no matter what the trends are, ever, ever paint a room a dark color. I spent all day yesterday painting over grass green and sunshine yellow walls in my boys bathroom. It took 3 coats of Princess Ivory to cover the green walls. And I am so sore I can't wait for the cruise, I just might sleep the whole time.

Also can you even see the house? NO, because at the same time as the selling of the house, and getting ready to cruise, Rob is also trying to sell the camper. I say Rob is because I would just sell it to a camper dealership place and be done with it. He put an ad in the newspaper and we have had calls but no buyers. Anyone want a house with a camper in the driveway?????

Surprise!

After everyone left for school and work this morning, the door bell rang. I tip toed to the window - looked out and there was a white unmarked van in the driveway. Since I was still in my jammies and I wasn't expecting anyone - or I would have been dressed, I didn't answer the door. So about 30 minutes later I checked the porch and guess what was there!!!! A box from the FTD man (or van in this case). Rob sent me these lovely tulips. I was so shocked, he has never sent me flowers. It's not that I haven't gotten flowers but in the past I had either had just given birth or had had a surgery of some sort. But not this case. And no he isn't sorry for something. Isn't he a sweetie? Think I'll keep him!

Bring on the Margarita's

Why is it whenever there is a funny hat, they put it on me and snap a picture? Is it the hat makes me look better or visa versa? Anyway, we are in Blowing Rock, NC up in the mountains. It's a beautiful place with a whole street full of shops with everything you didn't know you needed. I was a good girl - I only bought yarn (surprise) and one new charm for the Pandora bracelet. Rob bought a frog water fountain. I plan on enjoying it too but he has to put it together. That smashing young man in the pic is my father-in-law. He is a master chef in the kitchen. Big breakfasts and dinners everyday and I am soo spoiled. There is no cook here. It's all me and I am losing interest in cooking. Eating but not the cooking. How rich do you have to be to hire a cook? I'm sure I can't afford it but just wondering.

What a Friend

OK, so I'm sitting at home having a bowl of granola and a long list of "home wifey" type things to do when the phone rings. It does that from time to time. It was my buddy Annie. She had been talking about getting a tat (that's short for tattoo, and it's cool) for some time now and I guess today was the day. She had to have it before her cruise in 2 weeks. She admits to being very "Spur of the moment" kind of gal. She was inquiring about my tat and where I got mine. But sadly that place has closed (make me wonder why but my leg hasn't fallen off so I guess I'm good). She was in her car so I got out the old yellow pages and started the investigation process for her. Found out that they don't open until noon, guess that's to be expected in this kind of business. Go figure! But after a few calls we found a place that could do it today. And here it is in all it's glory. The guy was really nice, remember we're not to judge someone by the way they look. Annie got to explain the bible verse (John 15:5) and he knows the Lord and that was cool too. The funniest thing was, this guy was working the front station and Annie has to sit there all exposed as it where for all the world to see. That is the "tat" world so they should be used to seeing bras and such. Let's not dwell on that too much. Yes, Rich had been tattooing for 8 years now. He had quite a few also. He started getting them when he was 17, now he regrets what he got back then. One he regrets because it's was suppose to be a Chinese symbol for danger and it turns out it is for lonely. That was funny. So if you want one make sure you know what it is. I guess that why they had all those signs about not doing someone if they are drunk. Again, go figure. I got to take pictures and chat while this was happening. Now I think I am ready for a new one......

Have you hugged your Chiropractor today?

It happened again - Saturday morning I awoke with numbness and tingling in my right hand. Another bout of Carpel Tunnel syndome....so back to the hand brace and no knitting. I started to get really scared thinking that what I love, I could no longer do. Those jokes about getting old and things hurting for no reason are no longer funny. While checking out some websites I discovered that some women had seen relief by seeing their chiropractor. I have a great chiropractor and I went to see him this morning. Man, do I really, really like this guy. It's like all the fun without all the undressing and general messiness of......time with your hubby. But you leaving feeling just as relaxed!!!!! So he told me I have a very mild case of CTS - can't image a stronger case. I have some arm exercises to do and apparently it's mostly in muscle below my elbow going down toward my wrist. While he was showing me how to do the exercises they really hurt - I almost cried, almost. And it's brought on my holding too tightly to things - like size 2 needles. Or maybe I need more time with Rob. The best news was when he told me I didn't have to stop knitting while this all heals ! ! ! Yahoo, I feel good, na na na na na na na!

Misc Vegas

Vegas was PACKED, PACKED, PACKED - that's why we got the upgraded room. But there was also this little event called the NBA All-stars weekend, which brought out tons of people of all makes and models as well as the events for the Chinese New Year. Every casino was elaborately decorated for that. And there was also some kind of magic show convention too. When we got there it took almost 40 minutes to get to the hotel - when it should have taken maybe 10. The streets were jammed with people and cars. Where hear that on Saturday night it took people hours to get a cab, then 3 hours to get from one end of the strip to the other!!!! That's almost how long it takes to fly back to OH. We did see a few NBA stars and just missed Eva Longeria (sp). We saw Pete Rose signing autographs but whatever. Monday night we went to Emeril's steak house - Delmonico at the Venetian. It was yummy. And at the last minute Rob got us tickets for the Blue Man Group. That was really cool. Not what I thought it would be but better. If you get out there - go see it. And yes, that blue is some kind of paint and it's wet. The guy in the picture when he took pictures with kids he would touch his face and then touch the kids face and there would be a blue paint finger print on them. The kids enjoyed that. I skipped it!