Thursday, March 31, 2011

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Get Moving

I found it very hard to get moving this morning. As always there's lots to do, but I just can't find the energy. I have to leave for work early too as I want to stop by my friend's store. Where do you find the energy to get moving?

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Stupid Cable

My On Demand service isn't working...again. So they were going to send someone out today-between 12 and 2. I said, OK-but I have to leave for work at 2. No problem they said. So today about 1:50 the phone rings. It's the technician, "Will someone be home?" Uh, NO. I explained and he said they marked me down for a service call between 2 and 4! Stupid cable-now I have to call and reschedule!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Restaurant Week

Today starts Restaurant Week in Western New York. I decided to go out for dinner at Rohrbach Brewing Company which celebrated with a German theme. I started with a nice Riesling. The salad had a fantastic pesto vinaigrette and a lovely warm roll and butter. Then came my German Sampler Platter. I had pork schnitzel, 2 kinds of sausages with mustard, German potato salad and sauerkraut. I actually liked the sauerkraut. It had an apple flavor with bacon. Dessert was a wonderful apple strudel. Yummmm. I'm glad I went out-be sure to try a restaurant near you to celebrate Restaurant Week.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Chat?

Have you ever participated in a chat on the internet? Not you and another person or 2-but a main event chat with over 100 people? I did one years ago and participated in 1 tonight! You miss a lot-by the time you read and respond people are onto something else. It's fun though. Tonight I participated in Spring Fling 2011-a chat sponsored by Writerspace.com with several authors and giveaways given throughout the talk. I didn't stay the whole time (had to watch Chopped All Stars) but I learned a lot and had fun. It can be confusing-but if you take it all with a grain of salt (and a wine filled glass) you're sure to have a good time.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Nothin'

I really have nothin' to say. I have to get ready for work and don't want to go. I wish I had a job I loved. It would be wonderful to really enjoy going to work, instead of dreading it. Ugh. Still, lucky to have a job that pays well with good benefits. Blah, Blah, Blah.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Accumulation!

Spring arrived...but winter came back. It's snowing. The snow is sticking. We have accumulation. So far it looks as if the roads are fine, but the snow keeps coming. We're supposed to get 3-6 inches. We'll see. I guess I'd better wear my boots!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Monday, March 21, 2011

A Day in the Life

Today. the second, and sadly final, day of my weekend was errand day. I stayed inside yesterday doing things around the house, but today I had to venture out. I had a horrible night's sleep-so I couldn't drag myself out of bed as early as I'd have liked, but it wasn't bad. I did a quick e-mail check, then discovered I couldn't renew the 2 library books I had. One I had finished, but hadn't copied the recipes yet, the other I just started. Sigh. So I copied the recipes and headed out. First stop-blood work. The technician was really giddy when she saw my veins. I admit I have great veins, vampires would love me! I was really hungry (it was fasting blood work) so I stopped across the street to Tops. For those not familiar with WNY, Tops is a grocery store. I decided to try a piece of breakfast pizza, which the clerk kindly heated up. Boy, was it delicious-eggs, and cheese, and bacon. Yummm. I ate that then headed downtown to the Fine Arts Store. (It is actually called the Fine Arts Store.) The parking gods were looking out for me-I parked right in front-there were 3 empty spaces, so I didn't even have to parallel park! I found what I needed and headed out again. No luck at the dollar store looking for display ideas. I stopped at a local pet store and got some rat treats as well as had them put up a flier for the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program. Stopped at a craft store and found some good display items. Then time to see Harley. He wasn't as filthy as I thought he's be. I cleaned him up and we had a little ride. He was a good boy, urging me to push a little more, and we both worked up a sweat. After I cooled him down, I was off again. I stopped at Target and got more display stuff-as well as some cool deals. Then a stop at the liquor store and library. Finally I picked up the pizza I had ordered (who wants to cook after this busy day?) and came home. Now I've eaten and am doing laundry. I'd love a nap, but it's getting late, and I know I won't want to get up after 20 minutes. Now I have to scan my purchases (I'm a Neilson Family) and then it's craft time. I need a weekend from my weekend!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Creating

I've been making cards and jewelry all day. I think I'll make a few more cards before bath and bed. Tomorrow I'll get a few more supplies, spend some time with my horse, and create more stuff. If only the weekend would last longer!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Tease

Mother Nature is such a tease. A few days ago we hit over 60 degrees. Today, at almost 1 in the afternoon, it's 36 degrees. Brrr. But Spring is definitely nearby. I can see the buds of my forsythia and Harley is shedding his winter coat. So I'll just enjoy bundling up knowing that soon I'll be complaining that it's too hot!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

An Irishman's Philosophy  
In life, there are only two things to worry about—
Either you are well or you are sick.

If you are well, there is nothing to worry about,

But if you are sick, there are only two things to worry about—
Either you will get well or you will die.
If you get well, there is nothing to worry about,

But if you die, there are only two things to worry about—
Either you will go to heaven or hell.

If you go to heaven, there is nothing to worry about.

And if you go to hell, you’ll be so busy shaking hands with all your friends
You won’t have time to worry! 


May the luck of the Irish be with you. Wear some green, eat something Irish, and drink some green beer-or wine! Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Thoughts for Japan

Prayers and good thoughts for all of the people and animals of Japan. I hope this crisis doesn't get worse.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The Ides of March

Today is the Ides of March. Should you be wary? Not unless you have a fear of the number 15...or some soothsayers warned you in particular. Nope the "ides of March" was just another way of saying March 15. According to the Roman calendar the Ides is the 15th day in March, May, July, and October; the 13th in the other months. (Read more: Ides of March http://www.infoplease.com/spot/ides1.html#ixzz1GgQrxMLd )
Now if you want to be wary-be wary of  the Kaland of April. Indeed be wary of the Kalend of each month. The Kalend is the 1st of the month...when bills are due!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Deal of the Century!

My folks got me an air purifier a while back. It's a germ guardian and it really does seem to help. I needed to get a replacement bulb, so I went to Lowes, as that's where my Dad got the machine originally. I found the air purifiers and found what I needed. A replacement bulb and filter came in a package for $21.99. I considered myself quite lucky as there was only one left. I didn't see the machine itself either. So I went to check out. The girl rang it up...and it rang up as 10 cents. She looked at me and I looked at her. "I don't think that's right" she said. I said, "No, especially when it says it costs $21.99". She called the manager who came by and saw it. "Hmmm. Well, we don't sell it anymore". She pressed some buttons and said, "That's the price". So, with tax, I paid 11 cents. Talk about a deal of the century!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Genres

I love to read. I read all sorts of books too, fiction, nonfiction, labels on the back of products, anything really. I do have, however, favorite genres. I adore mysteries. I prefer cozies, but I enjoy all kinds from police procedural, to noir, and all things in between (as well as out the other sides). Don't get me started on all the sub and sub sub genres. My other favorite genre is the romance-particularly the paranormal romance. I love time travel romances and love me some heroes who are vampires, ghosts, immortals, shape shifters and more! What about you? What are your favorite genres?

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. What does this day mean to you? I'll start by penance by going to work. Sigh. (But, at least I have a job...that pays well...)

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

It's Mardi Gras! The last hurrah before Lent. Lent, however, doesn't seem to be the big thing it was years ago...for most people, I think, me included. It's really not a season of somber reflection and abstinence-so why bother with the hoopla of Fat Tuesday? Another excuse to party, I guess. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I'm not doing anything special. No jambalaya simmering on the stove, no fancy drinks, not even a King Cake. I'm fixing lemon chicken for lunch, then it's off to work. Hmm. My penance is starting early.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Fictional Dinner Party-The Book Version

I recently posed this question, so I thought I should answer it myself. If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 fictional characters, from any author, who would you invite?

My first guest would be Edward. No, not that sparkly vampire. Edward from the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton. I'm not thrilled with his Ted persona, but I love me some Edward. Plus, he's good to have around if you need to kill anything. I'd also invite Jaden from the world of Sherrilyn Kenyon. He's a demon broker found in her Dark Hunter and Dream Hunter series. Since I have 2 hot bad boys, I think I'd like someone with an interest in food, so, from the series by Michael Bond, I'd like to meet Monsieur Pamplemousse (who may of course bring Pomme Frite). Next I need to round out the dinner with some females. My first choice will be Amelia Peabody from the series by Elizabeth Peters. She'd have no problem dealing with these guys in her own indomitable way. My final guest would be Nell Sweeney from the series by P.B. Ryan. That makes my dinner party. "What a minute!" you say, "You asked for 4 guests and invited 5. What's up with that?" Well, I figured I'd have an even number of men and woman-since I'll be at the dinner too-I asked an extra guy. So dinner for 6-here we are.

This was not an easy task. There are tons of other characters I'd like to meet and hang out with. What about you? Who would you invite to dinner?

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Drama

Why do people have to make drama at work? Can't we just come in, do our jobs, and go home? I guess that's too much to ask. Can I go back to Night Shift now? Sigh.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Photo Phriday - Nothing

It's a polar bear in a blizzard. It's a snowball in an avalanche. It's...nothing. No time to take a picture. I haven't taken a picture yet this month and now I have to get ready for work. Use your imagination and see a picture of something you'd like to see.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

The SPCA Serving Erie County’s My Pet is Cuter than Yours

The SPCA Serving Erie County’s My Pet is Cuter than Yours

I entered Aquinas in the My Pet is Cuter than Yours contest to benefit the Erie County SPCA. Please vote for my cuties-voting does cost-$1 a vote, but it's for such a good cause. This SPCA not only cares for dogs, cats, horses, and rats, they care for wildlife as well. Please, vote for my ratties and support a good cause. Thanks!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Get Up!

It's hard enough to get up from my nice comfy bed, but when I know I need to clean when I get up...I stay that much longer. Ugh. So much for getting a lot done before work.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Brian Jacques

Every once in a while I get an e-mail from Amazon.com telling me about things I may wish to buy. I saw the chance to preorder The Rogue Crew: A Tale of Redwall. But I was surprised when I saw it was to be the final book of the great adventure series. Why? Sadly I read a bit more only to discover that the author, I should say writer (he never liked the term "author") died last month! Brian Jacques was a man of many talents. He had many jobs including longshoreman, bus driver, police constable, and announcer. I'll never forget a piece of writing advice he once gave, "paint a picture with words". If you've never read one of his books-go read one now. I love his Redwall Series. They're rollicking good adventure yarns with woodland animals as the heroes and villains. The first is Redwall and there are over 20 books in the series. Thank you Brian Jacques for letting me into your world. May you rest in peace in the next one.