Rose Bowl

Mom at Rose Bowl Stadium mid-1950's

Ah yes.... watching the Rose Parade is a tradition I shall never give up. Wonder how one gets to be a part of volunteering to assemble a float? I know it takes hundreds to folks to make it happen. They are just so amazing. I think that is going on "The List."

That and New Year's Eve in Time Square. Just once!

I'm gonna try not to think about the senseless murder of all those roses... Since they mainly only clip the blooms it is sustainable use right? I suppose the seeds will never germinate... but the grasses and such are okay right? Right?

AND GO BUCKEYES!

Let's see some serious Duck hunting - not that I normally go in for that sort of thing!

Make us proud.

O-H!

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don't leave me hangin'!

Big Fun

The holidays were festive and busy! We started off Christmas Eve with some last minute shopping.

A brief stop for coffee (yes - decaf)

and then on to a few stores in the Coventry District

Big Fun is the best... isn't this mirror slimming? I could shop here all day!

Picked up a delightful dashboard hula dancer for The Boy now that he has his driver's license (shhh.... I wasn't allowed to post that!) and an awesome joke ketchup bottle for the husband so he won't get into trouble squirting condiments onto my plate before I'm actually finished with my meal!

Also helped out Santa by picking up some vintage candies there. This is The Boy's best impersonation of Hunter S. Thompson... he wanted a real one for Vegas but I "forgot" to buy him one. Candy is nicer. (Wanted to get myself some candy cigarettes too but decided against it.)

Then on to Mac's Backs Books...

This place is very cool. I really need to come back when we have more than an hour to spare! I love books. Kindles are the anti-Christ. Seriously. The decline of civilization will follow.

Spent the Eve with the Macko's - the usual fun was had by all.

We opened our gifts Christmas morning and I made the breakfast for my hungry menfolk. Puff pastry with cream cheese and sausage, cheesy potato casserole, cinnamon rolls, orange juice... Midwestern enough for ya!? You bet, eh!

Gotta love the relative gift-wrap styles at our place. Mine were color coordinated in solids with complementary ribbon designed around the glitter tags. This from the anal retentive chemist.

The Boy on the other hand took a more green approach carefully selecting newspaper with appropriate theme... dinosaurs and essential Cleveland for The Husband, and Toys 'R Us and a subtle Avatar hint for me. (Soon! I promise! We'll go!) Hand made bows and such! I guess that's what we get for our art school dollar!

The Boy and I checked out Sherlock Holmes Christmas Day. It was a nice little flick. However! There are no girls in Sherlock Holmes folks. No girls. Nope. Nada. None. Enough said.

Saturday I cruised to Toledo to spend the evening with my Chi Omega pledge sisters - I am so glad to be seeing them regularly. We closed the place down then I drove back to Cleveland!

The Carpenter Christmas Extravaganza was held in Columbus at Sister Deb's house. Checked out Morgan's soccer game to start the day then a delicious lunch.

We skyped in Megan from California and spent the afternoon trading our favorite iPhone apps... Cyber Christmas!

Three cities - three days - three times the fun!

Hope yours was swell too!

Next stop - BALL DROP!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A Lot Like Christmas

Last minute shopping bringing out the animal in your fellow man? Soothe those savage beasts with good cheer.

Stuck on the roads? At least the traffic lights are red and green!

Almost out of egg nog? The horror!

If all else fails, get into the Christmas "spirits"!

Three more sleeps until the big day!

Bright Lights, Blessed Solstice!

Happy Solstice! Can you believe it is that time again?

Being as there was no Sun to catch an image of this morning, how about some festive light of another wavelength?

As we welcome back our old friend Sol (and we are VERY glad he is on his way back) let's visit the city of lights! I'm not talking about that impostor Paris, or even that fake no sleeper New York... it's Vegas Baby!

Enjoy the bright!

Who thinks the husband might have been ready to take the camera away during the trip?

1. neils, 2. flamingo, 3. mickeys, 4. mgm, 5. rocka, 6. funcity, 7. holiday, 8. vic, 9. glitta, 10. genie, 11. dorothy, 12. megatini, 13. hiho, 14. lactaid, 15. chief, 16. 4queens, 17. fremont, 18. potogolld, 19. horseshoe, 20. golden, 21. vegas, 22. impudent, 23. chipotle, 24. white noise, 25. dragon, 26. mardigras, 27. harrahs, 28. guitar, 29. jubilee, 30. rolla, 31. times2, 32. paris, 33. planet, 34. mirage, 35. east, 36. girlpowa

Halloweenie Happeneenie

Wrapped up the month of October with a visit to Larry's Tavern to listen to Custard Pie and join the masquerade madness...

Lots of Festive Halloween Happenings here!

Some clever costumes: Garden Gnome (wearing a shirt that said, "I kicked the lawn jockey's ass") and of course his companion said beat ass Lawn Jockey, Three Blind Mice, an Egyptian pharaoh and his queen, a bat, a geisha, Pocahontas, a zombie (that was The Boy), Janis Joplin (that was me), a Black Sabbath fan (The Husband), a bee in a tu-tu, a witch, and a few more I'm a little fuzzy on!

A good evening over all. Good music, good times - "swear to God..."

Last year I "posted spooky" all month along with Laume over at Beach Treasure. She was all about the spooky again, but this year, I devoted myself to the Scrapfest Recap posts. Which if you think about it, considering I had a post for each day of the month - that is pretty spooky all in itself! Anyway - if you didn't get enough Hallowe'en yet - pop over to her place and see what she and the other spooky posters have been up to.

I will leave you with one spooky thing...

My car turned to all sixes this month.

The Husband's van did too.

Freaky!

Flowers from a Boy!

Yes ladies and gentlemen, The Husband is getting quite the reputation as a "flower sender."

These arrived just in time for my birthday!

(if you look closely at the background, you can also see my famed Superball collection which contains many other prized gifts from the husband. Had to move it recently to a more spacious container to accommodate new additions...)

Also scheduled for this evening's festivities are dinner and a movie - at my request.

Finally going to see Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince.

Yea me!

Independence

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

...just a taste, in case you forgot what it said. Full text here for future reference.

Enjoy the day hard fought for us!

Happy New Year 2009!

Image Credit: The Online Fireworks Museum

Happy New Year Everyone!

The Husband and I sit watching SciFi's Twilight Zone Marathon... A tradition here at our house (except for the year the Three Stooges Marathon gave it competition, but that is another story entirely!) We watch with the 'closed captioning' on of course though, so that he can provide a custom rock concert experience for us to enjoy.

Icy beverages will be consumed, the ball will drop in Times Square, The Boy will be called (or texted if all the cell lines are jammed!), and I will be sleeping in tomorrow!

However you celebrate I hope you are safe and warm and with those you love.

Stay tuned this year for more creative projects, updates on the family, and of course entertaining stories of my wacky adventures!

Best wishes for a wonderful evening and for the opportunity of good fortune in 2009-

That reminds me! I'd better go bury the quarter in the front yard!

Monster Christmas Everyone!

Still celebrating?

The spirit of Christmas still swirling about like the first magic snow?

Don't let anyone shut you down.

Let your light shine and your voice sing loud and proud!

Enjoy!

I do love a good monster! Stop over and appreciate their cousins too.

Santa Came! Santa Came!

Woke up to gently falling snow outside the window this morning.

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

Santa did stop by as predicted and he did leave some juju fruits for the biggest boy, much to his delight.

My wish for you and yours is a holiday filled with quiet moments of sharing. Learn something about someone else. Try to make someones day brighter. Teach a lesson only you can teach. Laugh. Cry. Whatever your heart is called to do.

Like the song says, "Be of good cheer!"

Spread that cheer - it's scientifically proven that attitude is contagious. Keep that spirit passing throughout the year.

Merry Christmas!

A Christmas Eve Miracle

Ah yes... we gathered for Christmas Eve at the Macko Family homestead. As many of us that could were there and those far away joined by phone. Nana made the traditional items while The Husband made his famous pasta with chicken, peppers, onions and garlic - a changing of the guard he called it. The children held up well to the removal of cavatelli from the menu - no riot ensued to my amazement.

Speaking of amazement - Chip stupefied and astounded us with his feats of skill. Can your brother-in-law suspend a spoon and fork on the edge of a glass with a toothpick and then burn away half of it while maintaining balance? Bet not.

The Boy and I rounded out the evening watching "It's a Wonderful Life" before retiring to await Santa's arrival. (Yes of course I still believe. Don't even tell me you don't!) I'm pretty sure visions of sugarplums were dancing in some of our heads (except when some of the bigger kids saw them, they probably looked like juju fruit)

A wonderful and blessed time was shared by all.

Hope you too were able to spend the evening with someone you love.

Peace on Earth - good will to men. Especially our own families.

Winter Solstice

Joyous Solstice greetings to all!

Give a nod on this day to our Earth and her Father Sun and Mother Moon. There is so much beauty and balance in our world if we only stop to take it in.

Like my friend the cardinal - may warmth, light, and cheerfulness brighten your holidays!

celebrEIGHT

The Son called promptly at 12:01 am as I was drifting off to sleep last night... waking up The Husband who quickly said "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" thereby beating The Son to the punch. But The Son did get to sing "Happy Birthday, Dear Mommy" to me so it was all good. (But please don't tell the copyright people - I don't want him fined!)

Yes! It is that time again!

08-08-08 a very auspicious day.

My original intention was to spend my birthday at the spa and have a big, blow out, red carpet, champagne bash to celebrate the occasion tonight. After all - there are only twelve days a millennium when you get an opportunity like this. Ask the Chinese - just how stoked are they that the Olympics they wanted so badly would fall on my birthday? I'm pretty sure that they dedicated the massive three hundred million dollar opening ceremony and fireworks display to me this morning, but my Chinese is a bit rusty. Alas, my own extravagant bash was not meant to be, so it was good that they were kind enough to do this for me. Instead, I spent the day working and doing the usual things. I guess that is fine. After all, what is life but a series of small moments? I really need to recognize them more.

Our good friends Tim and Donna had us over last weekend for a small but festive gathering in my honor. Tim even hung the awesome lights you see above so it would be extra special. It was very much wonderful guys... but not as special as you all are! I was sad that my old friend and roommate Mary, who is also Donna's sister, couldn't be there that night too since it is also her Birthday today. We haven't been able to celebrate together since 1991. Maybe next year?

I've been thinking a bit about how to spend my birthday money, That and some of the things happenings around Bloglandia these days.

Item One: The release of "Life is a Verb" by Patti Digh of 37 Days. I very much plan to take my birthday money and spend it on this book. I need an injection of strength and focus lately and I think that this might just do it. Patti's blog features living intentionally: making every day count, celebrating every triumph no matter how small, and making sure that those you love are supported and recognized. Check it out her book - it sounds marvelous!

Item Two: The creation of "Love Squared". I need to get a hold of some chances to win her! This beautiful doll has been a collaboration of so many wonderful people, many of whom have blogs I read on a regular basis. She was pioneered by Monica Magness over at Girl Gone Thread Wild And all for a good cause... As this post will drop down, I've put a link on the side bar as well.

Item Three: An area I keep trying to branch into is art journaling. I can't wait to get a copy of "1000 Journal Pages" gathered by Dawn DeVries Sokol. Again, many of the bloggers I read are in here and they are all an inspiration.

Item Four: I need to find some pink socks and send them to Michelle Ward. Her sister recently lost her 40 year battle with Cystic Fibrosis and she is waging a campaign to bring awareness, friendship, and warmth. Please check out her blog and help if you can.

Item Five: If there are any pennies left... I would selfishly like some more beads to play with. I discovered the bead aisle at Michael's this week. Could be very dangerous! I'm really enjoying this jewelry design thing and can't wait to play again soon.

You may remember that my birthday is also my blogiversary. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to stop in and say hello over the last year. Especially to those who came back a second time! May each and everyone of you find your own peace and happiness today as well.

So I wonder what the next year will bring? I'll keep you posted!

For My Dad

Inherited traits, pearls of wisdom, and a few undisputable truths acquired through observation of my father:

* "Measure twice, cut once" (aka there are a rule and a level in your tool box for a good reason)

* All the words to The Battle of New Orleans: Sing it with me now! "In 1814 we took a little trip..."

* Sometimes you've just got to take an old, cold 'tater and wait

* That weird thing where you stick your tongue in the corner of your mouth and wiggle it while concentrating hard

* Some people are just idiots

* How to fish

* Hard work always pays off, just not the way you might expect

* Racing skills like going fast and keeping close

* Green Bay Packers RULE!

* Be sure you can trust the guy watching your candy when your eyes are closed

Happy Birthday Dad!

Dandelion Wishes For You

Happy Mothers' Day to all.

Grab hold of this dandelion, make a wish,

and blow with all your might!

Hope all your wishes come true for you!

I'm sure the husband would want me to mention that this

image was taken in Ian's yard and not his!

For My Mom

On honor of her birthday today, I'd like to offer some lessons I've learned from my Mom for your review:

"Dancing is good exercise"

"If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right"

"Always finish what you start"

"If you borrow something, return it promptly"

"Call the library if you need to know something"

"Don't commit to someone until you've known them through all four seasons"

"Things really ought to match"

"I never thought I'd sound like my mother one day too"

...and by observation: You should marry the boy you look at just like this

Happy Easter to my Peeps!

I found the greatest of all links dedicated to our favorite Easter treat, the Peep.

You must check it out.... Enjoy!

The Lord of the Peeps picture borrowed from the site with the only purpose of guiding you back there!

When you get there, be guided by the peeps lying to the right to move forward on your quest for the ring. The "ring," by the way takes you back to the beginning of your journey...

Best Gift Ever...

Today is my sixth wedding anniversary. I thought I'd share a few pages from my wedding scrapbook with you. I began the book with some of the things we shared during our 11 year "whirlwind" courtship! "It's all Tim's fault!" Well... it is! My buddy Tim from high school introduced us while we were both visiting Toledo for a wedding. Serves me right of course - technically he wouldn't have met his wife if not for me! The camping and fishing shots bring to mind our first Christmas together during which I received "The Best Gift Ever." People think I'm being sarcastic when I first say that, but I mean it completely and sincerely. The gift? A rod and reel. Trés romantic, nes pas? Yes it was. I knew that his favorite thing to do was to camp and fish every weekend during the year when it was remotely warm enough to be possible. The rod and reel meant that he wanted me to fish with him. Summer was not for MONTHS at that point. He wanted me to stick around. He was going to stick around too.

We went to concerts and traveled when ever we could. It was fun to explore new places together. Always a new adventure. Just the two of us. And so then we eloped - ran off to Las Vegas to get married. Just the two of us. John arranged for the ceremony. I had few requirements of him: we MUST get out of the car and Elvis may NOT officiate the ceremony. We had a lovely service in a beautiful chapel. I had all the particulars necessary...

Something old: mom's handkerchief that she and my sisters all carried; Something new: My beautiful new dress; Something borrowed: my friend Linda's lovely bracelet; Something blue: a pale blue ribbon held inside my dress, over my heart, by my Chi Omega pin; and a sixpence for my shoe (dated 1965 my birth year). Did I mention that I caught the bouquet the night we met? Watch out for that! I saved it all those years, altered it slightly with flowers matching my colors and carried it the day we got married. My sisters surprised us with champagne, fruit and cheese, chocolate covered strawberries, and a cake sent to our room. My sister Deb would advise you to plan ahead for this when possible, as finding a white cake with white icing (the only appropriate wedding cake in our family!) in Vegas by phone is challenging!

Thanks for walking down memory lane with me!

Leap!

Leap Year

Leap for Joy

Leap of Faith

One Giant Leap

Take a Flying Leap

Leap Ahead

Leapin' Lizards!

Leap Frog

Verticle Leap

Leap Forward

Leaps and Bounds

Quantum Leap

Once every four years, whether we like it or not, this action word get's it's own day!

Doesn't just saying it out loud make you want to do it?

I made a series of tiny leaps. Went out to eat at a new place (Yau's Chinese Bistro on High Street in Columbus with the son), ordered a Chao Gui Dew (a food I'd never had and wasn't sure what was it was made of - delicious by the way!), and ate the entire meal successfully with chop sticks - my first real attempt! If you've dined with me you know that I look longly at all the lovely menu items, remark about how interesting things look, and then order the exact same item I did the last ten times I was at the place. We may be talking baby leaps here - but you have to start somewhere!

Make the best of this quadrennial opportunity - LEAP!

Wishes For My Sisters

Aren't we just the coolest? Gotta love those matching outfits made by mom - I've got a million of them! This post is in honor of my sisters who both had birthdays this week! To the left is the oldest of us, Diana Jean. She was born February 15th, fifty years ago. In the middle is Deborah Kay, born just 363 days later on February 13th. Then Constance Lee (me!), the littlest sister, born August 8th six years later. Funny story there! As we gathered for Diana's surprise party Friday night in Toledo, Ohio, mom shared her favorite story about our births... First came Diana. The hospital visit was unremarkable and all went well. As mentioned above, Deb came just short of a year later at the same hospital. When mom heard the room they were putting her in, still groggy from the anethesia she said, "Great! that's the one I had last year!" Flash forward to 1965 when I was born: you guessed it! Same hospital, same room again! The following day, the nurses came in to tell my parents that next time, if they wanted to have a boy, they should call ahead and they'd place her in a different room! Because of the proximity to Valentine's Day, the three days would turn into a bit of a festival around our house. The photo at the bottom of the picture above was actually in the local paper celebrating the event. Even though they are the ones with the birthdays, I thought as I gathered with them, it is I that have received the gift. My sisters are the greatest. We are all very different, but love each other very much. They have both been there for me when ever I have needed them, and I hope that they woukd say the same about me. At times when we were younger, we fought like siblings will, but no one better try to get past me to one of them! So raise a glass and toast to my sisters! Cheers to fifty more years!