Happy and Thankful

It's Thanksgiving.  The best holiday.  Don't get me wrong.  I love Christmas and what it means to me, but a holiday about being thankful really is a good one.  I get irritated when I hear Christmas music at the stores before this holiday.  It bothers me how the retailers want to brush it aside and get you shopping for Christmas. 

This year, Pete's dad came out for Thanksgiving.  It's been a good visit.  My family got together in Arkansas and I do miss them, but it was probably a good idea to not be there this year since it was an election year!

Our dinner turned out perfectly.  We roasted a turkey and the sides were cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, roasted brussel sprouts, cranberry sauce (homemade), gravy and pecan pie for dessert.  I love cooking for people.  

This year I'm thankful for my health.  It's been a good year for all of us.  I'm thankful for little kittens.  We had to put Midnight down a week ago and the little kittens are making us happy.  Life does go on.  

So, I hope you had a wonderful day, no matter where you are or if you celebrate Thanksgiving. 

Our sweet kitty, Midnight was buried today.  I had to have her put down yesterday at the vet's office.  She had stopped eating, drinking and using the bathroom.  I think by the time we realized she was sick, it was too late.  The vet opened her up and she had swallowed a thread.  It was wrapped around the base of her tongue and had made it through the small intestine to the colon.  It managed to cut her SI in several places--beyond repair.  The vet called me and I returned to say my goodbyes.  She was only 14 months old.  Precious kitty.

And all this happened while my husband was away.  

So, the week was kind of busy.  But, we made it.  We'll go look for a kitty tomorrow.  I've got to have a cat.  My kids need a cat, too.  We definitely can feel a void right now. 

We buried her in the box pictured above.  Kendall had made a bed out of a shoe box and Midnight took to it right away.  Such a special cat!

What a week.  Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on the Northeast, cancelling flights all over.  I was at the airport on Sunday when the beginning of the storm took place.  We experienced high winds and rain but none of the devastation like NY, NJ and Connecticut.  The airline that I was covering Sunday had people on hold for 3 hrs to rebook.  So, the passengers came into the airport to have their flights rebooked.  Most were understanding and patient but some were complete jerks.  

I went 12 hr on Sunday without eating, drinking or going to the bathroom.  The line of people never stopped.  I had come in at 4:30 am to work until 8:30 am for a guy.  He ended up calling in sick, leaving me there to face those passengers with only one other coworker who could work this particular airline.  Finally, at 4:30 pm, I clocked out so I could go to my kids' piano recital.  To say that I have had better days is an understatement.  

Throw in Halloween and the week was just crazy.  I did dress up this year as a vampire.  I draw blood as a volunteer once a week at a free medical clinic and this year Halloween fell on my day.  It was fun.  And then I dressed up for the kids trick or treating.  It was very cold Wednesday night.  

So, it's Saturday and things are getting back to normal.  We're having people over for dinner tonight.  Pete's old mentor is in town. It will be a cooking marathon today.

Happy Saturday, everyone!  

 It's the prettiest time of the year in the Northeast.  I do love fall once the colors are out.  I dread what's around the corner, but I can't focus on that.  These pictures are of the property across the street from us.  I love waking up to this.  The afternoon sun really makes it beautiful though. 

Today is the last day for the company I work for.  A combination of bad management and losing contracts caused the company to go away.  So tomorrow I will work for another Delta company.  Ironically, I will make more money per hour.  The flight benefits aren't as good as before, but I'll take the "wait and see" approach before I bail.

I'm grumpy.  The kids were stinkers tonight.  Tomorrow night I have a mandatory meeting at work and I have to get a sitter since my husband is out of town.  Our company is changing and the meeting is about all that stuff.  

This week has been a challenge with my daughter getting head lice, my husband being out of town, my working my 3 days in a row, the dog rolling in poop.  You get the picture.  I know I'll get through it, but when I'm in it, it can be too much.

On the bright side, a friend who lives in the DC area is coming to town with one of her daughters this weekend for a softball tournament.  I can't wait to see her!  I think I'll cook a fantastic meal Saturday night.  This will be her first time to see the farm house.  

OK--I better go to bed for now.

I think I'm finally ready for fall.  The trees are changing into those beautiful hues.  Yellow, orange, red.  The tan of the corn against the colors is fantastic.  

The kids have really mastered the bike riding.  I love it.  Clayton and I went bike riding today-just the two of us.  Kendall was at a friends' house and Pete was spreading fertilizer on the farm.  It was a gorgeous autumn day. 

It's a Saturday morning and there's frost on the grass.  The sun is shining and the sky is blue.  Perfect fall day.  And I no longer work on weekends.  I'm still pinching myself.  We just finished a breakfast of toast, bacon and poached eggs and orange juice.  The kids had hot cocoa and the adults, coffee.  

While sitting at the table, the dog was by me whining for some more, ahem, bacon.  The cat came running over and jumped up on her hind legs and gave the dog a "hug."  The cat patted her a bit around the neck and then ran off.  Too funny.  And a little strange, I might add.

Happy Saturday!

I'm not sure why but it seems this 40+ body of mine is wigging out.  I had an allergic (?) reaction to roasted chestnuts last weekend.  We made a chestnut puree and I was licking the spatula with all the yummy syrup on it and about 8 min later developed tingly lips and tongue.  My throat started to close a little.  I quickly downed two Benadryls and the symptoms went away about 20 min later.  And then yesterday I had a peanut butter sandwich and the same thing happened.  I know that tree nuts and legumes are different animals so yesterday's event puzzled me.  I'm scheduled for allergy testing in a couple of weeks.  

I've started looking for a new job.  I need one that pays real money.  Oh sure, the free airplane travel has been nice.  I've gone to places in the world that I otherwise wouldn't have.  But, if we are ever going to build the "dream" house, we need some more cash flow.  I like being able to get out of this town at the last minute, though.  I wish my family wasn't so far away...

I woke up yesterday feeling anxious and down.  Things at work are changing late October and in a lot of ways it will be worse.  I've been working a Saturday or Sunday for the last two years (unless I got someone to work for me) and I'm growing tired of it.  My boss retaliates regularly against me.  I can't bear the idea of not having a place to go during the week.  I actually like to work and am lucky I don't have to do it.  So, working 3 days a week is just fine.  But, I want to feel like there's meaning to what I do and it's appreciated. 

So, we went to church yesterday.  It's so easy to not go to church (since I have to be at work at 11:30).  But, we did go.  And I'm so glad.  The sermon was just what I needed to hear. 

^" Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  Philippians 4:6

After church, while the kids were in Sunday School, we had coffee with this other couple.  We hadn't drunk coffee with them in a long time.  It was so fun.  Then I went to work.  The one woman who works on Sundays, who can't stand me, was off!  And then I found out that yesterday was my last Sunday to work.  My immediate supervisor (not the jerk manager) is switching me to Wednesdays.  I'm so excited!  I'll have the whole weekend to do family stuff! 

A burden has been lifted.  Thank you, Lord.

11 years

It's been eleven years since that fateful day in New York.  I had just gotten married the July before and we took a Manhattan island cruise the day after the wedding.  I have a ton of pictures with the twin towers in the back ground.  I had no idea the significance of the towers then. 

It's still mind-blowing the number of souls who perished that day.  People from all over the world making a living, or trying to.  I'm reminded that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.  Cherish everyday. 

Many changes have happened and are going to happen.  First, the kids went back to school last week.  They love it.  My daughter is a 5th grader and at her school it means she is a middle schooler.  Of course, she is feeling all grown up.  My son is a 3rd grader and really likes his teacher. 

The company I work for is going away.  It means another company is taking over and we are getting the short end of the stick.  No more buddy passes, no ZED fares.  Yuck.  And the pay goes down but they will pay $1 more per hour if you work the counter.  So, I'll actually be making a little more money per hour.  And if I stay my classification, it means my travel will be limited.  The supervisor had a meeting a couple of weeks ago and told us this information with glee.  He can't stand me.  There is another flex employee who travels a ton and he can't stand that guy, either.  At first, it sounded like it would be 30 flight days per year per employee.  Which means that for my whole family we would only be able to do 15 round trips a year for all of us.  I have asked more questions and it sounds like it's 30 flight days per year per eligible traveler.  I think we could live with this and it wouldn't impact me as much.  Take that, supervisor!  I still need to see it in writing before I get too excited, though.

So, it's Labor Day weekend and I'm stuck at home because I work Sundays and Mondays.  My husband and kids flew to Portland, Maine for the weekend and will hopefully be home tomorrow (the joys of standby travel).  The kids are going to see their 99 year old great Grandmother (Nana).  Lucky kids to have a great grandmother! 

Well, that's it for now. 

busy

 I know I only 3 days a week, but I can't believe how busy I am nowadays.  And I'm sad that the summer is almost over.  My job is really stressful now because the company I work for recently won the United contract.  We now do all three airlines at our little airport.  Of course, we don't have enough personnel to do the job.  And to make things worse, we found out that the fly-by-night company I work for is closing shop the end of this year.  So, I'll work for a different company at the end of the year.  I really don't care as long as I still have my flight benefits.  I hope I get a different station manager, however.  I've never had a worse boss in my life.  Retaliation gets old after a while (never mind, it's illegal.).

I finally got to go away to training.  Pete and the kids went to the Pacific Northwest for a few days and then the kids went to Arkansas to stay with my family for about 10 days.  The kids had a blast and said they liked going down there without us.  Maybe we can do it next summer? 

The famous "Bean" in Chicago.  We did get to go to the city regularly while I was away at training.  It sort of looks like a sombrero.  He he.

It's Lilly's birthday today.  She is 4.  She still has her quarks.  And she drives me crazy but she is a sweet dog.  Pete loves her, for sure.  She's the "best hunting dog ever."

Anyway, nothing else right now.

I saw David Sedaris Friday night and I realize I'm far from being funny.  Or witty.  My gosh!  He is hilarious.  My husband and I went, so it was a date night.  Those don't happen often enough.  


I think warm weather is here for good.  It is mid-April, after all.  However, I'm planning a trip to Down Under and it's their fall.  I hope it is still warm and dry when my dad and I go.  


Other than that, we are just busy with the regular stuff.  Kids, work, farm.  Pete planted grapes this weekend with the kids' help.  I sure hope these vines take off.  I think it takes 3 years for the plants to produce fruit.  I'm a little nervous about it.


This week, my sister is coming up for a quick weekend visit.  I can't wait!  She flies in late Thursday night and then heads back home on Sunday.  She hasn't seen the farm, yet.  I hope we have good weather while she is here.  I have so much house work to do!  Ugh!  Luckily, she doesn't care, but Pete does.  So, there ya go.


Anyhoo--I hope the first few days of the week fly by!

I'm fairly certain there are some people who still live under rocks. Today, some passengers got off the plane and decided to light up. Yep. And the plane was being fueled at the time. Can you say "stupid?" Seriously, I just don't get people sometimes. I think the First Officer had to tell them that was a no no.

Tonight, I'm watching "The Voice." I think I have a crush on Adam Levine! Ha ha. Man, I'd love to sing on that show! But, Cee Lo looks really strange. What is up with him?

And the new thing is my daughter got an email address. I have looked forward to each stage with my kids but now I'm ready to slow down time. I'm not ready for her to grow up!

Oh well, that's it for now.

Dogs...

Dogs are smart. And jealous, it turns out. The other day my husband was responding to the cat's meow by sitting down and petting her. She crawled up into his lap and started to purr. The dog immediately got off the couch and came over to investigate. The cat quickly scampered off and the dog decided to curl up on my husband's lap--never mind, the dog is 50 lbs. So, my husband began to love on her to let her know she's important. All was right in the world for Lilly. Soon, the kids and my husband left for school and work and I walked over to the living room. The dog was curled up on one side of the couch. I started to straighten out some towels that I had put on the couch for the dog to lie on when I discovered they were wet. I noticed a round, wet spot on the couch, too. I smelled it and, sure enough, it was pee! The dog has peed on the couch! This was her way of getting back at my husband for loving on the cat. You see, at night my husband lies on the couch and watches TV. Argghhh! (of course, I'm the one who gets to clean it up). So, when the dog is mad at me, she pees on the bed. Yeah, she's smart. Stinkin' dog.

The weather in Central Pennsylvania has been marvelous. I worked yesterday for a coworker who went to Amsterdam for a few days. I actually changed into shorts it was so nice! Freaky weather. I love hearing the birds outside my window. Ahhhhhh...

It's been an exciting week at the farm. The excavators came and dug the pond. It will probably take a year for it to fill up, but once it's full, we'll have a pond. Pete's dream is coming to a reality. Last week, we had a fence installed over half an acre to protect the vines (once they're put in). We figure it will be difficult enough to grow grapes without competing with the deer.

Now, if we could only start on building the house. That will have to wait. And I know that while I can't stand the house I'm in, there are so many more people who have much less. I am grateful for a roof over my head. But, still...

As promised, a few more pictures. Here is a woman at a temple in Taipei. She would ask a question then throw these crescent-shaped tiles and see how they land for the answer. The other picture the three of us in Democracy Square in Taipei. It was so bright and hazy we had a hard time seeing. It doesn't seem real that we were there.

Happy Friday!

Plan B

We took the kids out of school before spring break so we could make the flights. That's the thing when you go space available, you have to go before or after the big days. It's easy to predict the big days around here since the only big thing going for this town is the university. Hence, leaving a few days before spring break.

We flew to San Francisco because it looked like we would have a good chance of getting first class (called Business Elite on Delta). We did not plan on the plane being weight critical and full of cargo (produce) going to Japan. We didn't make it on the flight we intended to get on. Huge disappointment. I think they let 3 non revenue standbys get on. The next two days looked good for getting to Japan but then the flights to Taiwan were oversold. It turned out there was a holiday in Taiwan. Argghhh. So, we did a plan B. We stayed in Northern California a few days and saw Pete's friends and the beautiful coast. Seriously, if it weren't for all the people, Northern California would be to die for. But, the people are at least friendly. I was struck with how nice they were to strangers. I miss that.

We stayed two nights with a friend of Pete's from high school. You might remember him. We flew to Brazil for his wedding. They now live in Northern California and have two boys. Our son enjoyed having a kid to play with.

I got to see (and drive over) the Golden Gate Bridge. And we rode the cable cars in San Francisco. Not bad for Plan B.

We then drove down the coast through Carmel and on to Monterrey. We stayed there two nights and went to the Monterrey Aquarium. Another hit according to the kids. But the highlight for the kiddos was probably the empty beaches where we could look for all kinds of things. To hear the water and birds was just what we needed. We even found a huge, beautiful Abalone shell!

Pete needed to be back home by March 3rd, so we decided that the kids and I would try to go on to Taiwan. So, we were only going to be there for 3 days, but it would be worth it.

More to come...

Spring break teaser...

I worked today for one of the new hires. Yes, another Saturday at the airport when I had to be there at 5 am. Yuck. I really, really don't like getting up that early. However, it wasn't too bad today. There was one incident that blew me away though.

A passenger was really nasty to me. She was probably 70 and had a boot on her foot for a stress fracture or something of that nature. She was using a cane, too. I was by the plane while passengers were boarding and she wanted to step over a chain and take a short cut to the plane. I motioned to her "no" and pointed to the door I wanted her to go through. It probably added 5 feet to her walk. I had no idea she was having a hard time. I asked her if she needed a wheelchair when I saw she had a cane and she either didn't hear me or was so mad at the world that she didn't feel like she needed to answer. She said "I hope you are never in my condition and if you are, I hope you run into someone just like you." Are you kidding me? I have over 17 years experience of working in direct patient care. I volunteer once a week at a free medical clinic drawing blood. The more I think about it the more appalled I am that she felt like she could say something like that. Who does she think she is? Anyone who knows me knows that I do more than the average bear to help people. It's so disconcerting.

I hope I never get like that. Seriously, who wants to be an old bitty? And her husband must have no back bone or other parts. Yeah, I'm still irritated.

So, I have to work Sunday, Monday and Tuesday this week. My normal shifts. I hope it's good weather the next few days and that there are no old bittys in the airport.

I'm working for someone this afternoon. I have to be there in an hour and it's cold and rainy outside. Majorly regretting it now. That's the breaks. I had a great day, though, with cooking and baking. I have an orange pound cake in the oven right now. I cooked a chicken earlier so my family will have some dinner tonight. I feel very industrious.

I'm grateful I have a job-even if it's part-time and blue collar. The benefits are awesome (free travel, nominal fee for international.) and it's great to get out of the house. After a day or two of my domesticated duties, I go a little stir-crazy and get lonely. I'm so not meant to be a housewife. But I'm not sure what I'm meant to be, either. I love being with people, love travel, love feeling like I'm contributing to our family. Of course, financially, I'm not contributing a lot but when we travel as a family, I'm the one that's making it happen. It's a great feeling. The perfect (I know, there's no such thing) job for me would be a host for a travel show. I would get to see the world and experience different cultures and take my family with me. I guess like anything that, too, would get old. It's good to dream, right?

So, the cake is almost done. Then it's off to work...

Yay! It's Friday. I'm so glad this day is here. I worked last night 3 to 7 pm. It was a fun shift! Fun people. I knew work could be fun. Gosh, I wish we had a new schedule. I doubt it will happen, though.

My cat is sitting in my lap right now. Her neck is stretched so her head can rest on my right arm. It looks uncomfortable but she's determined to snuggle. I love this cat. She has to be in my lap every time I sit down. So sweet.

I'm getting so excited about our trip to Taipei! I hope it all works out. It can be nerve wracking when you don't know if you'll make the trip or not. The flights look good for now...

I'm a little tired. I've been covering some days at work for a guy who's traveling. But, he's going to cover my days when we go to Taiwan. I. Can't. Wait. It will be fun for the kids to get a chance to practice what Chinese they know. My husband and I are looking forward to the food. And seeing friends, of course.

I can't believe it's almost mid-February. I'm so thankful it's been a mild winter in the northeast. I'm not a fan of the cold and snow. I have to say I miss the early spring of the south.

The kids have a two hour delay today. Freezing rain. I'm not a fan of winter. Or snow. or ice. So, I had to cancel patients at the free clinic where I draw blood on Mondays. I still have to work at the airport, but thankfully, the kids will be going to school before I have to report.

We've had a house guest this weekend. Her name is Nikita and she is a German Shepherd. She is big, but sweet. And she has been very good with the kids. I think Lilly has enjoyed having a play mate around, too. The only one not enthusiastic about her is our kitty, Midnight. She's been hanging out in the basement for most of the weekend. Poor kitty.

So, I worked yesterday. It wasn't too bad. We had to de-ice and I had to drive the truck. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. But, it's hard because you have to make sure you don't drive into the plane, make sure the person in the bucket is safe, keep up with the fluids (making sure they are hot enough), and communicate with the captain in the plane. There is specific verbiage you have to say. That's hard, too! Yes, all that for very little pay. I definitely need an oversees trip to make the job worthwhile!

In other news around here, Joe Paterno died yesterday from metastatic small cell lung cancer. He was diagnosed in November. So sad. This town is in mourning. He did a lot for this area and it's a shame that a lack of judgment a few years ago will taint his legacy. He was only human, after all.

A little down or something

Have you ever been in a funk? Or down or depressed? I've been a little down the past two days. Or maybe a little longer. I'm not sure.

I'm settling into the routine of the new semester (for the kids) and I'm finding that the days I don't work, I feel a little down. I'm busy on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday but the other days of the week are empty. So, I've been thinking I need to make a change. But what change?

I like my job, mostly. Oh yeah, it's a blue-collar job with some rough people, but the benefits are great! I would miss the freedom the job gives me. And I love working with the public. I've always loved it. I loved it in health care and I love it in the airline industry. I think the main frustration I have at work is that coworkers with not-so-good people skills work inside with the customers when they shouldn't. Seriously, a "please" and "thank-you" go a long way and the words hardly are ever muttered from some coworker's lips.

Another frustration is that very young people without life experiences are supervisors. Yeah, unbelievable. The mere fact that they are full-time or have worked at the place 3 months longer than someone else qualifies them to be in charge. (and all that without a please or thank you to the customer).

I'm still volunteering as a phlebotomist once a week at the free clinic. I find I'm happiest when I'm doing that. It's easy work (and I love finding veins!) and the people are so pleasant to work with. I'm sure the paid staff is probably underpaid but wants to be there for all the right reasons. Most of the patients are appreciative. I enjoy seeing return customers! But I'm there for about 2 hrs a week. I'm sure they would let me volunteer more, but after a while I'm sure I would grow to resent it. There is something to getting paid for your services.

And then there's something else. Before Christmas we went to a live, acoustic concert at the public radio facility. They made an announcement they were looking for volunteers to host the folk show on Saturday mornings from 6 to 8 am. It wouldn't be every Saturday. So, I looked into it and met with the guy at the studio. But now I'm feeling a little guilty because I think it will require more commitment than I want to do right now. Not to mention, I really don't want to get up that early on Saturday. Ugh.

I think that's what's weighing on me right now. Decisions to be made. No one said life would be easy...

I work every Sunday. Today, we managed to make it to church (mostly) on time. But, since I work on Sundays, we have to take two cars. I'm tired of that. So after church Pete and the kids usually go to lunch and grocery shop a little and then head home. At least we have our Saturdays.

Today was a very easy day at work and the woman, who I find is very difficult to work with, left early since the schedule was lighter than usual because of the holiday. She's the other reason why I don't like working Sundays. Taking two cars to church and working with a very difficult woman.

I'm itching for a trip! I did fly to Arkansas last week, but I want to go to another country! Australia is on the list. My dad wants to go so I think we might go this spring sometime. I got a travel guide for Christmas, so...who knows? Some other places on the list are Cape Town, South Africa, Dubai (again), and Argentina.

Well, speaking of work, I need to go to bed. I've got two more days for this week. Not to mention tomorrow I have to be at Centre Volunteers in Medicine at 8:30 am. It will feel so early.

Later.

I flew to Arkansas last Wednesday to hang out with my sister for the day and then go see the Blue Man Group. We had a blast! I got first class out of Detroit (I love it when that happens).

We (the plane) were going to arrive about 30 min early to the airport but because of the fog, we had to go into a holding pattern. Once we landed, I waited for my sister to show up to pick me up. I think I waited about 10 minutes. The sun started to peak out from the clouds. It was only 10:30 am.

Once my sister and I got to her house, I put my back pack in the guest room and we started planning our day. She recommended we drive around Fayetteville in her 1963 MGB. So, off we went, with no seat belts (yikes) to Hugo's for lunch. Alan went separately and got us a table. After that, Kim and I drove to the office of an old friend of mine to say hi. Then we shopped a little. I bought some clearance chocolate at TJMaxx. Alan sent a text to Kim to say he got us two tickets to the Blue Man Group (not together, but it was all good), so we drove by the Walton Arts Center to pick them up. It was a sold out show but someone had just called in to give up their seats. Alan was working the show so it was lucky for us he was up there at the time! We went back to Alan and Kim's house to freshen up and get ready for the show.

Oh my gosh! The Blue Man Group is so much fun. I wish we had been on the floor because that's where all the action is. But, the balcony seats were good and the show was awesome from up there, too. The show was 95 minutes with no intermission.

After the show, I had this surreal experience. Behind me was the theater where we had enjoyed the show and in front of us was a cargo train. The train goes through town and I can remember hearing it when I was a kid. It seemed like a throw back in time.

On Thursday, I decided to fly home on the 4 pm flight. It meant only two flights to get home but I would get home close to midnight. Kim was back at work so Alan and I went to the new museum in Bentonville that Alice Walton was instrumental in building. It's called Crystal Bridges and it houses American art. It's an impressive collection and it's free to the public. I can't wait to go back to it in the spring and take the kids and the husband.

So, it was a quick trip, but well worth it.

12 years ago...

I met Pete on an American Airlines flight from Chicago to Fayetteville, Arkansas. I can't believe it has been that long but it also seems like yesterday (sometimes). 10+ years and two kids later, we're still plugging away. Both his labs are gone that he had when I met him as well as my cat, Buddy. We are on to our new dog, Lilly, and our new kitten, Midnight. Happy Anniversary, Pete.

I am the master of procrastination. I have so much to do around here that I feel paralyzed. It doesn't help that I've had a cold and am just now feeling human again.

I will try to recap the last few weeks. Here goes nothing: I felt overwhelmed by Christmas. I always do. I guess if money were no object, it would make things easier. I had to work Christmas day so the kids and my husband flew down to my parents. I followed the next day since I was able to get someone to work for me on the 26th and 27th. My job has the great perk of flying for free (space available). Luckily, the flights weren't full those days. The visit in Arkansas was short, but sweet. The kids and I went to an Arkansas Razorback basketball game with my sister and her husband. It had been a while since I had been to a game. It was a first for the kiddos. They were even "Calling the Hogs." I saw by bff from high school and her family briefly. Pete flew home to PA to work a couple days before we met in NYC at his sister's place.

The kids and I flew to NYC on Thursday of that week. Again, no problems getting there standby. This trip was so we could meet my father-in-law's lady friend. She is a president of a university in Australia. For now, they have a long distance relationship. She was very down to earth and I enjoyed meeting her. Her daughter was there, also. I liked her, too. My sister-in-law wasn't as enamored, but that is to be expected.

I also met up with one of my blogging friends, Auburn Kat. It was great to see her and her new town seems to agree with her! We opted for a glass of wine instead of coffee. So what if it wasn't 5 o'clock yet!

So, I better stop procrastinating and attack my daughter's room. Wish me luck! I hope to come out of it alive.....