tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65286995519283822882024-02-19T10:56:50.715-06:00Blondie SpeaksBlondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-49908981889138191762009-06-30T10:02:00.011-05:002009-08-01T00:20:56.999-05:00Explanations.I've been absent from this blog for quite a while, and decided that I ought to take a few minutes and share a bit about what's been going on in my life recently. <br /><br />In short, the past several weeks have been the worst I've ever experienced. I'm at the end of my rope, I don't even know what to do or expect next. I've been trying to go with the flow and make the best of things, but I'm starting to worry about myself and the emotional health of myself and my family, because I don't know how much more that I can take.<br /><br /><img src="http://mrg.bz/tPI32B" width="316" height="266" border="0"><br><i>Photo credit: <a href="http://mrg.bz/qAQQhY">somadjinn</a> from <a href="http://www.morguefile.com/">morguefile.com</i></a><br /><br />I guess this all really started when I stopped the management job I had at work. It sucked, I really wasn't happy doing it. I had a job offer on the table and I was excited to leave the position I was in to take the new job. Then the new job disappeared- they decided not to change their staffing. I haven't been able to regain my former hours either, so I've gone from working 40 hrs/week to about 20-25 hrs/week. I'm currently looking for a second job to supplement my income, because this sucks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rebelist.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/pennies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 192px;" src="http://www.rebelist.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/pennies.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />My sister spent a week in the hospital at the end of April, she'd had an ectopic pregnancy and ended up with over 4 pints of blood in her abdomen. The doctors told her husband that he'd never come that close to losing her again- they were extremely lucky that she survived. I didn't find out until after the fact just how serious this was. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/pregnancy/images_62666/997206646316.ectopic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 416px; height: 281px;" src="http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/pregnancy/images_62666/997206646316.ectopic.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />A good friend of Hubby's (and one of the Prince's godfathers) had a heart attack 4 weeks ago. He had 3 stints put into his heart- those arteries were 75%, 85%, and 99% blocked. This happened 5 weeks after his 30th birthday... not what you expect when you're 30!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.web-books.com/eLibrary/Medicine/Cardiovascular/Images/HeartAttack.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="http://www.web-books.com/eLibrary/Medicine/Cardiovascular/Images/HeartAttack.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I took my van to the shop to fix a strange noise. They called me a few hours later and told me that they wouldn't charge me, but suggested that I "get rid of it as soon as possible". We'd planned on keeping it for one or two more years. I spent the next 10 days researching, searching for, and buying a new van. The whole process wasn't tons of fun. <br /><br />When we picked up the van, it only had one key. A new one is easily over $200 (transponder chip and remote are all on the key). I found some on eBay and took them to get programmed. Turns out that they don't work and I got screwed.<br /><br />New van had the "service engine soon" light on, so I took it to my mechanic. He said that he thought there was a short in the O2 sensor, because the car's memory said it was an O2 error. He said that if the light came on again, we'd have to replace the sensor. Guess what? It came back on this morning. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.automedia.com/NewCarBuyersGuide/photos/2005/Chrysler/Town_Country/Minivan_Van/2005_Chrysler_TownCountry_ext_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 433px; height: 280px;" src="http://www.automedia.com/NewCarBuyersGuide/photos/2005/Chrysler/Town_Country/Minivan_Van/2005_Chrysler_TownCountry_ext_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The diamond fell out of my engagement ring. I'd worn it to work and noticed it missing the next morning. I'm sure it fell out at work and went down the drain or into the trash. We don't have the money to replace it right now, and our homeowner's insurance deductible is higher than the value of the diamond. For the time being, I'm wearing a fake, because I felt pretty naked not wearing my ring. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.smarter.com/300x300x15/36/84/738184.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://images.smarter.com/300x300x15/36/84/738184.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Our garbage disposal started leaking (gushing) water. I researched those too (I research most purchases over $100) and installed the new one myself! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qN9oeFLD_lwIEaYhyX6_0TeeyR_WkSr4R-D6Krwl1JcOaRYZI-g2CIK5JULk2K2_UY2q3yYptGqzIuYaz-hmJWiDV-lGwVKlYsfsJQp3Z9hyymlF9WGC4kWgk-oD3Uq9WkKotURNHSiE/s1600-h/evolutionessential_med.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qN9oeFLD_lwIEaYhyX6_0TeeyR_WkSr4R-D6Krwl1JcOaRYZI-g2CIK5JULk2K2_UY2q3yYptGqzIuYaz-hmJWiDV-lGwVKlYsfsJQp3Z9hyymlF9WGC4kWgk-oD3Uq9WkKotURNHSiE/s400/evolutionessential_med.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353154266405336546" /></a><br /><br />Then last night our dryer died. The heating coil sparked, broke, and went kaput. The sparks caused a fire in our laundry room (towels and a rug that were under/behind the dryer). Our whole house filled with smoke and stink, we sent the kids to the neighbor's house while we got the mess cleaned up. And we had the fire department come to make sure that there weren't any hotspots in the dryer vent or anywhere else. <br /><br /><a href="http://news.webshots.com/photo/2053583780075197402dnbJnx"><img src="http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/43820/2053583780075197402S425x425Q85.jpg" alt="dsc09743"></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(Thank God this wasn't mine!)</span><br /><br />I feel like more has happened that I'm not remembering right now, but that's a pretty good overview of recent events. I'm thankful that Hubby and I are both still employed, but goodness- it's just one thing after another and I feel like I have no control anymore.<br /><br />Please forgive me for not being around much in blogland lately, I don't feel like I have anything to blog about. I'd like to continue to do the SewConnected group, but just take some time off (a couple more months?), because I'm not sewing right now... just trying to figure out how to get through my life. I'm so sorry for not being good about getting everyone's blocks done and sent off.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">edited to add: </span></span>After I typed this post, I went to get cookie dough out of the chest freezer- cookies sounded like good therapy. They were cold, but not rock hard frozen as they should have been. The chest freezer apparently has also died. Fuck me.Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-66144191849610683802009-04-20T14:27:00.003-05:002009-04-20T14:47:45.382-05:00Easter PicsJust a few pictures of the kids at Easter...<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TvTt8JViG2mfPoDugt-gGA?authkey=Gv1sRgCOj_p4PNzIOuMg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErCVeVgdR9ObIB8yBxsPjoLed0_ioCIT65sUEwPQWr_pgYZ9rhwJ-cH-65-s0CEY3sec9Dt-8FOG85WEQxiIuD_Sw_75GFxoXjQ_UlVsK0pAF33_0Sae5KWjhmL1delAhHVMCOtTYq6uN/s400/DSCN0343.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pDd-sl_Q_4X682HbkLBppw?authkey=Gv1sRgCOj_p4PNzIOuMg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMuVjF6pM7f0Gs29WII2OmrtHKEWXI5UXRbSkEDRahs3VfwK4MhzAByXTpiCLCEFA5d6NLNSdIW2Ri0Jd_-G0x5t6vW9bpdyhyDU7GmLwcq9lIyOmEN-pUlrVE3v8OVPtZyglfOYOZF4l/s400/DSCN0344.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rKLW9KmzOIO0Y2OoOP8lzA?authkey=Gv1sRgCOj_p4PNzIOuMg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHF7hTB_dDd5ie2gp9rMf-c_GWM5e7DbVY7sk6CtolS6ZQZZrAkQan56jX8XOqtFCDeZC7M7hGJCQZuQ_AYwFA-8C5LQFlg-13RStJpo5r-lCXGzVKa-V0rc_n8sLtvTQjZKlJBOJ8fFJ/s400/DSCN0346.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ixNkOwrBe2lTPfA_twjGUQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCOj_p4PNzIOuMg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0n_62BqLaUzkD0JOu9Ii6HiEtvJDWC7dGtrbgQa-VcunzlLMM3KIp5_8oKTpvhLj7xsfl4QQNVeNKXX8GepNbjkV5rrxCEPpOoTgHHC9vWmTBrPIafP8x8QyTtdfaTBkaKgy3ccq2ubr/s400/DSCN0347.JPG" /></a>Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-68088390036134688882009-04-20T14:16:00.005-05:002009-04-20T14:43:40.247-05:00Topsy Turvy and Totally GreenHave you seen the <a href="https://www.topsyturvy.com/?cid=631254">Topsy Turvy Tomato Planter</a>? It's made of a plastic-y fabric, green with a green print. Big and really pretty ugly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/411xFFwAY0L._SS400_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/411xFFwAY0L._SS400_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />My wonderful Hubby spent yesterday doing some planting. He planted some peppers into our vegetable garden (which hasn't been planted yet this year), potted some herbs and lilies into pots for our front patio, and re-did our strawberry patch yesterday. A few weeks ago he bought one of those Topsy Turvy tomato things and a tomato plant, and it has been hanging in our office window since then. Yesterday he hooked up a hanging rod near our front door- by the new pots- and hung the tomato thing. I'm glad he did it, but it had zero curb appeal!<br /><br />So today, crafty lady that I am, I grabbed some outdoor fabric and made a cover for it! What do you think?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blondiespeaks/3460520128/" title="Topsy Turvy cover, in context by BlondieSpeaks, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3078/3460520128_eb88268ee1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Topsy Turvy cover, in context" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blondiespeaks/3460520536/" title="Topsy Turvy Cover by BlondieSpeaks, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3460520536_1929e77760.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Topsy Turvy Cover" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blondiespeaks/3460520876/" title="Bottom View by BlondieSpeaks, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3460520876_2582f11106.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Bottom View" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blondiespeaks/3459704593/" title="Top View by BlondieSpeaks, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3459704593_645a8b93ca.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Top View" /></a>Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-63689331425025338452009-04-07T10:06:00.005-05:002009-04-07T10:21:38.492-05:00Sew Connected: All Caught Up!I've been completely missing lately. Things have been crazy and I just haven't been posting (but I have been <strike>skimming</strike> reading my Reader. More on busy-ness later.<br /><br />I spent the past <strike>two</strike> three days playing catch-up on the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/sewconnected/">Sew Connected</a> quilting bee. It is already the second week of April and I hadn't done January, February, or March's blocks yet!!! I got all caught up this weekend and the blocks are FINALLY on their way to their owners. Hope they like them!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />January- SewConnected Block #3, for <a href="http://tellen24.blogspot.com/">Tracy</a>:</span><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EgVWCyAlciNhoeWUsWkMZQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCP_lhZzmxt-Y-AE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LNCvEaHCuo8QGMMBPlaPSvZ6_tSbLGonjD_XrN8unaGMZz8JLIilFP8IxSyyN13Kd0lQZ6vRnJ7KEsMVJrI4lGqqJJzwVng_P_LX7V05HsDrBuUJAIDpDdJ3ICkpd0VKWPhlyP08vxoA/s400/DSCN0339.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5KYNUSZXb3nxD9710-YX_Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCP_lhZzmxt-Y-AE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttyy2oYnub7TZEJS_hyuOO45yhXM6hVndQvT4kXukflctrMwzsgXlciEtxY0tmJiqTZOAAN2O5zyb3aDM9Ky4c0XXmJQuUj4CL9BuLMLx-NXbYZaKvf1tIGxfu7tkToY1NIEy9673FU65/s400/DSCN0340.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />February- SewConnected Block #4, for <a href="http://artsymomma.blogspot.com//">ArtsyMomma</a>:</span><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wCMau12lsJwGwcUfe0nurQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCP_lhZzmxt-Y-AE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IhZUOMV35bYDdTFIWpgNyt6XwF390h-Qp-gbA9Y7jieUqVdIlp4negnYLrbEvKHcOU-7DavM_A5KCxes_xz-Gp88CfqxzlXBxLvLX3vuyZWeLWZPlxpgLz0z0_iSpkDB9INZJpy3es5b/s400/DSCN0336.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NZfvcLgY9YmhujKwF9076A?authkey=Gv1sRgCP_lhZzmxt-Y-AE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KTBoJfbG4CXXf3z1aBjIG01pVA_P9AC9Jnj9M0zGziSAXydPrNMAnj0iREehK3HlEEgKBjcUZ6Q7HlFg5Cn1PFF3ntOjRqn3-hv8M2xv1RUlKALO49L1ZnHl6hSH1GakCpZ2RVitd8cc/s400/DSCN0341.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />March- SewConnected Block #5, for <a href="http://www.twinfibers.blogspot.com///">Jessica</a>:</span><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sLXA2cjBCRPlnm4PUfMObw?authkey=Gv1sRgCP_lhZzmxt-Y-AE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon_LhR4C-cUmefKRYalvGPDFzJsKJSptl4_L-cMXohEyiqorj4CpdfjzZbSJc-uwYoVBBgMraoizUBWkE768xVIa_In8kAcSDfo3enYaV2O1Lrs_ZXdUul3pgn_Hi0CJbezm4kX0qpbsX/s400/DSCN0334.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PblROhhPe2mhzwo-J3I_SQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCP_lhZzmxt-Y-AE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5So0xfZZGUnzA5eGjcP_Qd_KoI_hkefz3fpnx3DikYgX_ZJivoCE3Mtd5NAVWui5L3Zrhw3yajln8VSi6TDpNAzy1pYnccDjau3HG4cWeqSLkA3xOskwl0a4JzJCgLkuYxtyBa3ftWQl/s400/DSCN0342.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Thanks so much, ladies, for waiting for these! I really hope you like them!</span>Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-76701674852915741102009-02-06T10:26:00.003-06:002009-02-06T10:35:57.450-06:00Because I Am...... unable to post directly to Blogger from my head, I am surprised whenever I log in to Blogger at how long it has been since I've posted. I am constantly writing posts in my head, they just don't make it out of my head and onto my blog.<br /><br />... working more and finally maybe finding a balance between work and home, maybe I'll be back to posting sometime soon.<br /><br />... sore, I haven't been wanting to type much. I pulled a tendon in my arm a few weeks ago and am still recovering. <br /><br />... lazy, I'm going to repost my 25 Things from Facebook. Apparently I'm a sucker for peer pressure- "everyone" did the 25 Things meme, now I'm seeing it popping up over here as well. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">25 Random Things about Blondie:</span><br /><br />1) I love my cell phone. I get nervous when I don't know where it is, and I'll go back home to get it if I realize that I've left it there. The fact that it is an iPhone makes me love it more, it's just such a handy tool to have around.<br /><br />2) I really am not sure how to exercise if I'm not swimming laps. Really. I did a fitness/bodyshaping class a couple of years ago and it was ok, but honestly? I'd WAY rather just be in a pool. I would love to find a place where I could swim laps really late at night- like 11pm to 1 am.<br /><br />3) Mornings are not for me. I much prefer staying up late.<br /><br />4) I started quilting about 2 years ago and I love it. Hubby doesn't love how much time it takes, so I've stopped sewing as much as I'd like.<br /><br />5) I tried knitting a while ago. I used online tutorials and Knitting for Dummies. I think I "got it" but I felt like it was a irritatingly stupid activity. Please don't take offense, I would love to actually knit things... but the process drove me crazy.<br /><br />6) I do like to crochet those dish-scrubber things, though. I make a few of them every summer and that stash usually lasts me through the year.<br /><br />7) I'm totally OCD when it comes to things being in their places and cleaning. It shows up a lot at work, but not so much at home. At home, I've really just given up because I have 3 kids that run around the house every day... it's just not worth the effort to keep the place even half as clean as I'd like.<br /><br />8) In high school I owned a goldfish that "danced" every time I played the Greatful Dead.<br /><br />9) I've played the flute, piano, alto sax, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon. I adored the bassoon and made my own reeds. I quit because I hated the college band director.<br /><br />10) I miss the Gettysburg and DC areas, and would love to go back to visit; but I don't think I'd want to live there again.<br /><br />11) I've visited 6 countries in Europe. I hated Paris and most of Italy, but enjoyed the history of Rome. Also, the pasta and the wine in Italy were fabulous.<br /><br />12) I spent a month in Japan and absolutely loved it. I took 4 years of the language in high school and it all came back to me while I was there.<br /><br />13) I bought Hubby's wedding ring before he proposed. I saw it and loved it, and figured that maybe I'd propose if he didn't. <br /><br />14) I made an offer on our house before Hubby saw it. I thought he'd like it and I didn't want to lose the house because of waiting for him to see it- he was out of town for work. Luckily, he agreed that this was the right house for us.<br /><br />15) I had a great time with the youth group in high school. I haven't seen or connected with those old friends in years and I miss them.<br /><br />16) I don't spend nearly as much time with friends as I'd like to. I think we all are busy with our own lives, but we should work harder to make time for each other.<br /><br />17) I've always wanted 4 kids, but Princess is such a wild woman that the thought of having more is rather frightening. I adore our kids and know that a lot of people consider one of each to be just right, but the thought of only having 2 makes me sad.<br /><br />18) Our 10th anniversary is next summer and to celebrate, we're taking the kids on a 7-day Disney cruise!<br /><br />19) I hate to repeat myself. Especially if I've explained something, I really dislike having to explain it again.<br /><br />20) Stupid people drive me nuts, too. Most of the time, just thinking a little bit before they open their mouths would make them seem less dumb.<br /><br />21) I'm raising my kids to be independent and to think for themselves. I don't want them to have to rely on others to do things for them or tell them what to do/how to do things. I've met too many adults that rely on others for anything and everything: advice, money, time, etc- and I refuse to allow my kids to be like that.<br /><br />22) I've never paid for cable and don't intend to. There's good stuff on the free channels... and we probably watch too much TV as it is. I do miss HGTV and a few other channels, but it just isn't worth it to me.<br /><br />23) I spent the summer I was 16 working at a summer camp. It was a great summer. I really don't regret working there for just one summer, because I only have good memories.<br /><br />24) My first car was a 1984 Lincoln Mark VII. I loved it. I totaled it on Mother's Day 1996, when I used it to recover a stolen vehicle (I totaled that car, too!). I don't think that I've loved another car as much as I loved that one. It was the only one that I've ever totaled, which is kind of ironic.<br /><br />25) I hate cold weather and playing in the snow. I'd just rather be warm. I realize that I live in the wrong part of the country, but being close to family means more to me than being unhappy with the weather.Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-8844197350189570012009-01-28T08:34:00.001-06:002009-01-28T08:34:52.590-06:00The Lord's Prayer<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AR4PQ30VkBk&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AR4PQ30VkBk&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-83108785254959891392009-01-20T16:20:00.001-06:002009-01-20T16:22:14.384-06:00Obamicon.Me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2Hq927adzFQHNWLG5OyK19DAMzZyRM0SkMU0_80x2UAG0F_kiKBES9It8eNTAz1EVhehFuhj9p0q_BwAif1uPIL9qMrbp1R2UhVHW_M3O9-04MfBCHfxjbYAB8NWNft9WTvcZRn866or/s1600-h/baileys-buddy.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2Hq927adzFQHNWLG5OyK19DAMzZyRM0SkMU0_80x2UAG0F_kiKBES9It8eNTAz1EVhehFuhj9p0q_BwAif1uPIL9qMrbp1R2UhVHW_M3O9-04MfBCHfxjbYAB8NWNft9WTvcZRn866or/s400/baileys-buddy.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293504509730621394" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://obamiconme.pastemagazine.com/">Make your own here!</a>Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-22224384388333074472009-01-12T17:01:00.004-06:002009-01-12T17:16:58.590-06:00Funniest Product Reviews EVER!Oh, Lord. <br /><br />One of the blogs in my Reader is <a href="http://growingnotes.blogspot.com">Growing Notes</a>. <a href="http://growingnotes.blogspot.com/2009/01/need-laugh.html">Today</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/06804154692722778416">Megan</a> has almost caused my husband to cause "water damage" his laptop... <br /><br /><font color=green><a href="http://growingnotes.blogspot.com/2009/01/need-laugh.html">She says:</a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Go read the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B0002CYTL2/ref=pr_all_summary_cm_cr_acr_txt?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1">product reviews</a> on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Playmobil-3172-Security-Check-Point/dp/B0002CYTL2">Playmobil Security Checkpoint</a> toy, on <a href="http://www.amazon.com">Amazon</a>.<br /><br /><br />A few excerpts:<br /><br /><br />"This toy would be a lot more realistic with about 350 people standing in line for an average of an hour. It still makes a nice set with the interrogation room. "<br /><br /><br />"When we first set it up we tried it with my daughters African American Magic Jewel Ken Doll and Barbie Princess of the Nile Doll but they were pulled out of line before the security checkpoint and taken to a back room for "processing." We haven't seen them since but received a phone call from a buddy at the state department: something about "extraordinary rendition." I hope they make it home it time for the holidays. "<br /><br /><br />"I hear Playmobil is coming out with a waterboarding torture set. I think I'll wait for that and buy them together to save on shipping. " </span></font color=green><br /><br /><br /><br />My favorite reviews include:<br /><br />"I was a little disappointed when I first bought this item, because the functionality is limited. My 5 year old son pointed out that the passenger's shoes cannot be removed. Then, we placed a deadly fingernail file underneath the passenger's scarf, and neither the detector doorway nor the security wand picked it up. My son said "that's the worst security ever!". But it turned out to be okay, because when the passenger got on the Playmobil B757 and tried to hijack it, she was mobbed by a couple of other heroic passengers, who only sustained minor injuries in the scuffle, which were treated at the Playmobil Hospital. ..."<br /><br />and:<br /><br />"Thank you Playmobil for allowing me to teach my 5-year old the importance of recognizing what a failing bureaucracy in a ever growing fascist state looks like. Sometimes it's a hard lesson for kids to learn because not all pigs carry billy clubs and wear body armor. ..."<br /><br /><br />So what are you waiting for? You'll laugh, I'm sure of it! (But please try not to spit liquid beverages out at your computer!) Go read the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B0002CYTL2/ref=pr_all_summary_cm_cr_acr_txt?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1">product reviews</a> on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Playmobil-3172-Security-Check-Point/dp/B0002CYTL2">Playmobil Security Checkpoint</a> toy, on <a href="http://www.amazon.com">Amazon</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41G9WA5NRDL._SS400_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41G9WA5NRDL._SS400_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-43670201832797482002009-01-06T01:33:00.002-06:002009-01-06T01:41:14.873-06:00An Upcycled Skirtfor the Princess, from a pair of jeans. The jeans I bought on eBay at least a year ago, for Hubby, but they were too small and he never wore them. I cut them up and turned them into a super-cute skirt for my little gal! <br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/98I2mEto_xMqCTgJ4_D9WA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3_06neMcju6WXgU5n3c9hz17S33XJCXz20MHuxzmLTzoPrSdQusNO2x_WGtNCi7aNLTQZC9B2pm2M-F4BK214WAPMyPJB_eNN4dGUDRy160gHbBKjap0Ei_QIgYfMg9aIdbMlUhO1-jS/s400/DSCN0238_2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y5B5YfdiAta3W3JBogfLZg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga41uniNJT8KYQq1mNjo2R4pCkVUHrWqWVaMCZ58lRFVjdORM9hX-NKMyl_FzHEGEYaS5RHaq1EpOc8Gu2JEhrqmgSGjmjwNsQb-QRfILpJubbnlloeGeEw_zf6N15fxs3Ql3Q2nNAhozp/s400/DSCN0236.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">front</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iSxOhaJmhzES1n3T_8VsZg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMlf-jNVwrRD5PK7453wh9eF55UWvPAI1Cu5nClls9y_8BZfhbUI7VoSHV_Jin3MZD6tO2x5BRUOyaq5lqk-cgMVCvryWPprI4MJZP5PZQBYwjxWlCtliwVeEwwNWbkhvxHkSor1bak84/s400/DSCN0239_2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7PI2Vy9QiqGaUMgtN-QdVw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gYAMoc1cf2rboW7mOSnpEEKAa3HHUcn9ml4rHKeUUGqivDbjGFgZR_E9gD2gPQHHfkPKzX2OE6G76JRnCV-OfztFqOBVNFkGlr61FQaurdxWUnmNEQ2w_jum9XmYvBgpLie0YEur3T-u/s400/DSCN0235.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">back</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sVo68I83kUTOhPIVvnWOXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjRkc5aXG3tv68xlPi1SENc2NeQfOob311tGB4UCYhAeAYoZH0PXryJBCWSh7Lg1GCZdR-bo-NCXu69vh4Iop3oJJVQu7xbEBOLL5yLK8_8rmmpxiIHtdEpjEc4E-8zG90wTqZ0ssVAYq/s400/DSCN0241_2.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">pockets!</span>Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-46034761809825018232009-01-05T16:24:00.003-06:002009-01-05T16:41:51.886-06:00ResolutionsYes, I KNOW that it's January 5. I KNOW that most bloggers posted their resolutions days ago. I guess I'm just not most bloggers! :)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1) To spend more time with Hubby. </span> <br /><br />For years (at least since the Prince was born!) we've talked about needing to have a regular date night. This year, we're doing it. I've decided that Sundays will be our date night, and we're going out at least every other week. Yesterday was our first date night. I surprised him by taking him to a <a href="http://www.jasperwinery.com/tastingroom.php">local winery</a>, where we got to taste all of their varieties (we'd never tried any of their wines). Our favorite was called Bed Head Red, and our #2 was All Night White. Both cheap and good! <br /><br />After the winery we went to our local <a href="http://royalmilebar.com/Royal_Index.asp">British pub</a> for dinner. I had my favorite "beer"- Strongbow cider, and we both had fish & chips. All in all, a very nice night out. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2) To lose some of this weight!</span><br /><br />I haven't been on a scale for a while, but I'm sure I'm 20 lbs over my WW goal weight. It's been just over 1.5 years since I last weighed in at goal and I'd really like to be back there. I have several ideas for this weight loss (detailed over at my other blog), but in a nutshell I'm going to pay more attention to what I'm eating and drinking... and cut out some of the more fattening foods that I've been munching on these days.<br /><br />That's it. Just 2 resolutions for this new year. I think that they are good resolutions, worthwhile and realistic. I want my resolutions to be attainable, I think these are. Last year I resolved to get back to my WW goal weight (and failed, obviously!)- I'm not planning on stepping on a scale until my pants fit better. I'm not worrying about a number on a scale, but I'm interested in the number on the tag in my pants (it is definitely NOT the number I was wearing when I was at goal!). <br /><br />If you haven't shared them already, what are YOUR resolutions for this new year?Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-54916227312547929552008-12-26T14:43:00.002-06:002008-12-26T14:55:51.796-06:00A Very Merry ChristmasWe had a great day yesterday! <br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jvEpITwdqr_U1mZVaBdCWA?authkey=g0gT51o-a5U&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_NCPhkye-D82omk2XXzz-5DGMKCHXUjL8A1XJKGgemj9JH1pIANGO6FX5xLlkf48_c2xTYQKi0Q1vS_6WyJRyWcj6ppt7DSgSgJynTY464d3qDWpAzYJ4MT0GnuRsWytmtfmBQVohhLZ/s400/DSCN0142.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The Prince got his own (used) iMac!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/I2nJQDqasEvzXG9PT6RRRw?authkey=g0gT51o-a5U&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_A4kojIxnlKd4kQRAzESIP2G5gN82AuBSB8L-TS8j1Wu6PQG-ESnDMaksLOBKr7AVJJpKxWSAOd0Qx2ODzwPrGeZNfsiGK_uKSoFWQmjxKmyQd0UE_a12DV-jeGlVWycPy6WlVMRvN65/s400/DSCN0144.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The Lego set that he has wanted "forever"</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J0VtyHQmJmYWsFjmHXVcDA?authkey=g0gT51o-a5U&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfmom3f-V3NSXWmBfJrHnnu-MwQx14dIEzd5riDZ_foLAMniDPn4ayp8PINAs7Iic5REr4NTpmoZI1zKH34mKKY7pLMDlFnMpYgD2B6nQdkbDMvfD2THnGRm0peO4xr4yGGiWfXhLS4Tj/s400/DSCN0148.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">A new baby and swing for the Princess</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yTmCIOLUgjTr6W6sMDQENw?authkey=g0gT51o-a5U&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrhCWrvRJP57Vc-9GYVUx8QWSKlXczsY0sXAIQy85yOqduDRJc0BZbSUhtt1HqnY3GwXwTPu9cK9i-Z83gtbTm51p53QKNNZ1KT1tjRtOCcY1HBicxqWoQZEr8Oapz1rRomZA78SQ9fNa/s400/DSCN0150.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Trying out the spinbrushes that Santa brought</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0PhMcHfY5HHxV1imafw08Q?authkey=g0gT51o-a5U&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivw4Ojja_SDINKhfl7lh-QzDaLxUlxe2Lq3kov4b0n0hgraJ1TJnN12HZz-as968IreydEFPrdofcPvtFZloq5qZwj4vEb2EgUPaMtpWmZ38AKHCg5lyct9dcsrBljtfL3TQsheMHAwxn9/s400/DSCN0132.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">An Abby Cadabby costume!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BAGwvJi5F0e-xHMJk2Dp1w?authkey=g0gT51o-a5U&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpp5sW8wpDUsZbE3fwsQkNUAUP5yWFCsONHMP6_gqta_fDuE-fXfJi697vHhOHYmOp6GbuIdDPsWl4GEyUcsqtvufPIovoXqbLMWAIZQZHdfXgEj8FAQDpHfsYHQbN9GXVkproMcFP0GI4/s400/DSCN0135.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">She had to try it on right away.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qxr0pr1ayeDud7qoWCxnAw?authkey=g0gT51o-a5U&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNOtADYAjGEoQdg4xXsPm1Z6VW75bJo9ZM-FqdPu59YcJFuQXsfEI8hyphenhyphenoArPhepTyKlAqnhin0Yjw1KfMqhXOa9hgTT_VLJiGhXm8DClEhWFx0BSUibezMz92mwyW1Lo4nvCFGeN-T_KR/s400/DSCN0137.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The police helmet that he really wanted</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7v9HBkeUE_UwTQbzBzbKVw?authkey=g0gT51o-a5U&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hD9tfRtsly3LDv8Ik6ElEFOcjE_c596pqkvohTXcCJL2cFzNuIMmEIyD6RighPnLePfrS3GgN8VJ8j7qBZ-9ALuzeeN_bnlOSN0PyzU21R9M8VVKUIEj_3tcV5TrY_pT9v9-25Sh7dhG/s400/DSCN0178.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MUy9VN-F-M1UfgpaTmiaPA?authkey=g0gT51o-a5U&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TY0FRXuj3MIf5AbryKJLkN2fYyXPPp8PQp2YAbWFpJ0fcjFFf9tflksYypo_vZ947IssO1cWkm-fqGkKapjb5u4vdtI49fULuBKqK7vaWfFRPMETrbwM3-vnubjBA85F3GYnyfrgUSCv/s400/DSCN0179.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The police helmet was a hit, so were the Nerf guns!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zdHh_4NBYF1F5wcn0Qj_ZA?authkey=g0gT51o-a5U&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClKH5zgYAqQiwhhweCknp9A25J0y5NjEf7o0Qt0Y9Dyyazw_-DYC6f57iY_dRzrq0qzfWiSQsQRHUxGVFP_uDuesYHTffu_ApT0dnRGkWEinqu_p2zB_nt7g0ykgqiMtING_cWZQkaUO-/s400/DSCN0190.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FQYfj_SumGvbpVzSCbU3Vw?authkey=g0gT51o-a5U&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_w-9niNGsn67MTwcWZmxQHyTB0FUBR1MPLb5qBegzRAomPmnAL9XUOr5JnixcAhvtdqkmnumsLiJhsEEijUciFJ89rCN1uxA_KMXiZTFIKozbgXgDOq5pPQyGozKvZQq2MGnPa_I3mB3/s400/DSCN0191.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Trying on makeup and "pretties" with her cousin</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0x2q2mXiL2n3QF2oFxoNQQ?authkey=g0gT51o-a5U&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDFqbtYGUgu-jLv_LBz4AJCuEktpq92uL62tLu4yy6yjQc0-WRE-CF8SF5Fboa7IlvWvfksTjsOaUW_9WZ4Al0YbG5q7bNMtppd7JWIAMxRs93tx256aahuFW63GObhdFwUYdRLtRBrFA/s400/DSCN0153.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Oh yeah- I made peppermint bark! </span>Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-29144963135742928942008-12-25T09:36:00.001-06:002008-12-25T09:38:17.432-06:00Merry Christmas!<font color=red><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">I just wanted to pop in and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!</font color=red></span></span>Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-76917668485320463282008-12-17T14:22:00.003-06:002008-12-17T14:26:51.841-06:00Bourbon BallsThis is one of my favorite holiday treats. My grandma used to make these every year around Christmas time, I made them about 2 weeks ago to take to a Christmas party. I've been seeing several favorite holiday recipes lately that I thought I'd share one of mine.<br /><br />These balls are so easy to make. When I made them last, I doubled the recipe and it was plenty for my needs. If I make them again, I'd for sure double it... maybe triple?<br /><br /><br />Bourbon Balls<br />from BlondieSpeaks' Grandma Marye<br /><br />3 cups ground vanilla wafers <span style="font-style:italic;">(seriously ground... like flour!)</span><br />1 cup ground walnuts <span style="font-style:italic;">(again, grind these really fine!)</span><br />1 cup powdered sugar<br />3 tablespoons light corn syrup (Karo?)<br /><br />Mix above ingredients, then add 1/4 cup bourbon (or rum) and 1/4 cup water. Roll into small balls, then roll in powdered sugar (to coat). Chill at least 3 hours before storing. Let set at least 24 hours before serving.<br /><br />Makes 4-6 dozen.<br /><br /><br /><br />I love these around the holidays- they are decadent and delicious!Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-76742523009010625222008-12-14T18:01:00.003-06:002008-12-14T18:03:11.155-06:00We did take more photos today, with my brother (because Mom wanted pictures of him with my kids for her Christmas cards). <br /><br />Here are some of my favorite shots:<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GoheIx1YumuPXVpwY7ifVg?authkey=MlwOZNBp_-g"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkvxkG2gf-LHf6DMQU95IDYbjNHM-KlkkGCcUV8B2a_fbkUk3MUT9n43S7FNniriZv0d-lmMnHoCxqwh5HND34H3iNdngt5k8Lvo8GQXi1svD1Wmbm1C5n4VZg1pM1ath67EFkXALIjmT/s400/IMG_1115.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E0OaJ93hjrWdbOmv_4oEtA?authkey=MlwOZNBp_-g"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWTdHbAAF_VslxbePG738zlWhEkZMrNk8L7BNyR5eKAXsBs7O8DGyd61fwIfCijLDVSPjJ3FaKr758cdWyBoCgxtIU38wEHkonfTGf5f3FocSbwTgLbyxd8ov3jSUb-qqQvljhxcEPdYK/s400/DSCN0087.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The Princess was NOT interested in taking pictures with her uncle. "No! I don't want to!"<br /><br />SO... I played with Photoshop and have ordered 100 of these to send out tomorrow:<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ILcg7CMsOkDiKjc9o5Uw3A?authkey=MlwOZNBp_-g"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaeAsZ1WsCCS3q2MpbVXRiUKmfxgfGp1HsV4b2N6F69aK_gx4egs3-EQ7WkX4lwMaysCvhdPbXLMS8qGGEK6wryaUlt6JLv_tu2QfHZc2w9sXTvo5Y0JsAeMLMzxrLXsu8rj4V9B5fIWx/s400/Untitled-2_2.jpg" /></a>Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-80918988782510419012008-12-13T14:50:00.002-06:002008-12-13T14:56:47.818-06:00Christmas Photo, Take 1I told the kids that tomorrow we'd be taking the Christmas picture, but then they looked so cute in their Mickey Santa hats that I thought I'd try quick for a fun Christmas photo. Yeah. We'll be trying again tomorrow, so I'll post more pictures then. <br /><br />We usually take a nice photo- dressy- and last year's photo session took at least an hour. It produced some great shots, including the winner:<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HhvGWJhuL1v1z1-sn7kk0w?authkey=MlwOZNBp_-g"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUleXRGMAgIq8S5nG64X2s3yjtE6-hVnXf42v7AQuwK63T_WyMIGi6Fj-MtlhQQFlgtvsge8pilDusv0njS3MyCxdiphhkB17bHG7Ivoo-0T2ZYrmBGUVKmeMQ4GpX5pwhV4tdQLhfY9w/s400/IMG_0731_2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Here are a few from today:<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sR35RQVzCSBnxMETSZeGuQ?authkey=MlwOZNBp_-g"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQAF4DbBx4cBkHlsnNvE9O79X7yT41pV-ssX6wXYY-iCFwg8L73bD6cxcmFEdrnIL-lkeu5kiHR6CLUac6wjIJj3UCN0nkVAIib82X5R5GzGCFRTMM0Y74KerXtk_Gtgt87mb912I7jZl/s288/DSCN0040.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Sv4A-S6JHrqnJ5JDsMvBJw?authkey=MlwOZNBp_-g"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgpyfUvddmfMUYCPvCPR7uZDGNwGVc7-P-AQ9E0ImtKR49ysitXQcVUcm_CM7Rt5Uv8gShP9347ROOqZCDWOVYvUB558eZi_yXV2O-pOFC9e-HqJLjr6PvCjZF9glKe7oLIr6yKF9miat/s288/DSCN0041.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aAvZsJ_elt8lcXeLtUdW9Q?authkey=MlwOZNBp_-g"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwAvINWels3AU_Rj0DvIn_G2fbuhnIOr7ZktvIwLGj3jMYvAd38GEMX7J5QPv2vj673YZRA-TY3MrhKqhbG7B_epsffxOS3QvkAeL6dgZPoHLBDtSoeG4sZnT-z449vpudqjTRcQMBRsr/s288/DSCN0042.JPG" /></a><br /><br />which really isn't terrible... I played with it a bit and came up with this:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QIVbQw-bC2ddJxxg0zNVoA?authkey=MlwOZNBp_-g"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCdnkbG20R6qh1_AXAuIDkCgp5g_Q32x5_TaVe3bRZ0muS3xNoMopDH13A7Y0hvvGfsjbd0W03tmfBZpWzb899X25-I3aohjE8uUblPX9VE0mBl76yxaMVkxgQRpWwTdOOx-IKDOBWMbD/s400/DSCN0042_2_2.JPG" /></a>Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-46206324562024411572008-12-13T14:49:00.002-06:002008-12-13T14:59:27.564-06:00Sneak Peek..<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jkUA36NVFeKhRyJqF4wXGw"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfniCaSJNhHZZ_kkWLMZUi-tTEs8AB_9BTdDAM9UJiXA0oW_jomwJkVmDbQItwnI0Et9s2_arzteyqJM1WY2-afVlhMKUon-r_Atb-3COLVky3GTOwpflqF6WEQA52zzLt0fSQ9g-Ty3Ty/s400/DSCN0027.JPG" /></a>Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-28098092226991899822008-12-10T22:00:00.003-06:002008-12-10T22:12:47.317-06:00New Camera(s)!So, I'd mentioned that I was looking for a new camera because the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B000Q30420">old one</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E18_error">bit the dust</a>. After 2 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E18_error">broken Canons</a>, I didn't want to go <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=canon+e18+error">that route again</a>, so I wanted something else. I had a hefty gift card to spend on a camera, thanks to a fabulous replacement plan/extended warranty we'd purchased along with the camera. Although I didn't mention it here, I was even considering purchasing 2 cameras instead of 1, so we'd have a backup if we needed one, and so Hubby and I wouldn't have to fight over camera rights. <br /><br />Hubby liked that idea... I wasn't sure whether or not he would. The salesman was pretty surprised when we couldn't decide between two camera models, so we said we'd take them both. <br /><br />His:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k6n57Dpwc1Y7AkqrHTTGAA?authkey=6O7KDM6X0HA"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZjJ0nigo3nw9pFeGwkpaOIR5AHL-JuXaxcC3GBh_vqmWVbVwCUNXN-kylMdogV7sG38rd_gwi4k4WAtvP9m999cK3zm9eCGlmYFpo_ws4A_IYWidSvR0KDJymnEtSxYVqUqtK05Ee8CJ/s288/DSCN0001.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Coolpix-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B0012OELOO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1228968392&sr=8-1">A Nikon Coolpix L18</a></span><br /><br />Mine:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vmHadqYDakY-tKu7qzQSeA?authkey=6O7KDM6X0HA"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghn0T3HtO8CUdAHHUoarUwR15ojIGdlCKj_SzO3VUnI9BS5r-Q68yn7DcYFIxmDgKyyNAvPIei4P9PrnlOotn8qebyik_4yIGEPigbmExAaDh6LTjAOJEL06wNpk8bmAQB_jMh9g_6DVka/s288/DSCN0003.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Coolpix-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B0011MVWZ8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1228968525&sr=8-1">A Nikon Coolpix S210</a></span><br /><br />We got them on Sunday. So far, so good!Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-89506234114074113182008-12-03T12:03:00.004-06:002008-12-03T13:30:19.724-06:00Absolutely AWESOME Santa Canvas giveaway!!!I am head-over-heels for this Santa Canvas:<br /><br /><a href="http://mumovearls.blogspot.com/2008/12/im-giving-it-awayand-its-so-good-itll.html"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ahawwI1ooZ4ZW6l_G5sBT8UxBeKvfZBN86AYvZ3sTEM6DiwlrU-3DuG-ZhUd_0Z3FZs-xUCjrECFzCrImQlMpkgtI0Q_UTxicOAkKHXra7gnNH0BrJ3jkWxF2bxg113yfbVxRK00jWc1/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ahawwI1ooZ4ZW6l_G5sBT8UxBeKvfZBN86AYvZ3sTEM6DiwlrU-3DuG-ZhUd_0Z3FZs-xUCjrECFzCrImQlMpkgtI0Q_UTxicOAkKHXra7gnNH0BrJ3jkWxF2bxg113yfbVxRK00jWc1/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a></a><br /><br /><a href="http://mumovearls.blogspot.com/2008/12/im-giving-it-awayand-its-so-good-itll.html">And she's GIVING IT AWAY! Just posting about it here gets me 5 more entries- so please go tell her how much I love it! LOL!</a>Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-64196795524621743872008-11-16T13:43:00.004-06:002008-11-16T14:34:50.519-06:00Camera Suggestions?Ages ago, I <a href="http://read-blondiespeaks.blogspot.com/2008/09/camera-coma.html">mentioned</a> that my beloved <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B000Q30420/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1226864804&sr=8-1">camera</a> was kaput. I still haven't replaced it, but after some hassles with the extended warranty, I now have a <a href="http://www.officedepot.com">gift card</a> worth the original price of the camera. (This is good, because I bought it shortly after it came out, so the price has gone down from what I paid!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/compacts/sd850/images/sd850.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 154px;" src="http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/compacts/sd850/images/sd850.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I've decided that since we're SO close to Thanksgiving, I'll wait and purchase on Black Friday with the great deals that are sure to be available. I want high resolution and good zoom, but I don't need to stick to Canon (as this was my second Canon to die an abrupt death!). I want to be able to connect easily to my Mac, and I don't want a big camera that I can't slip into my purse or pocket. <br /><br />I'd LOVE some suggestions. What do you love/hate about your camera?Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-64496351434675745312008-11-13T14:25:00.003-06:002008-11-13T14:33:40.035-06:00Happy Birthday, Jay!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/Pretty%20Birthday%20Cake%20(9%20candles).gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 254px;" src="http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/Pretty%20Birthday%20Cake%20(9%20candles).gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://baileysbuddy.blogspot.com/">Today is Jay's birthday- go wish him a great one!</a></span></span>Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-25274508326441629432008-11-11T00:27:00.002-06:002008-11-11T00:40:32.959-06:00SewConnected Block #2But first, I need to show off the finished block that I made for Rita. I <a href="http://read-blondiespeaks.blogspot.com/2008/10/yay-almost-accomplishment.html">showed a peek</a> weeks ago, but never showed the finished product:<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hxcv_FchOANtCtaJqxL0gg?authkey=-DF-NmOBcv8"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTG9CSm9WoVbhcLeCDTxuR3EIzcYRVWZM3B7fvZTtyq4ieDZoIz4Ewp9-O0QH3VnPtjPnCezBaHfbOkYsYlDBjtUL8fHWMpt-CXuG_Klf5oUxs3y8DJ7zAs3_QGH2WoBDQoaS9BF3JWTet/s400/IMG_0435.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I'm not sure if I'm just not creative, or if I'm mad for this block, but I LOVE this block- so I did it again for November's block (for <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sewhelpme/">Buffy</a>). <br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JhH1DmiUDiLnWWT8CPu7_g?authkey=-DF-NmOBcv8"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SWJBaaS6I8KNac7wtSquC_TxE07E65Fj074wXSsGMXyyiaFGcE6x-SwVcUGhIvQPIzXzTm-Tl1SjsUqiSG8u6QQpPaVOQQydl4Zdmp4c8y_UTalklO3D0zTNnyzt1q9RhuF8zpE8AQk-/s400/IMG_0434.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I really love how it turned out. I had something completely different in mind for a border, but I didn't have enough fabrics to do my original plan so I went for a scrappy border... which ended up still not big enough, so I added another scrappy border outside of that. This block used a ton of fabric, but I'm really happy with it and I hope that Buffy is, too!Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-83516277987444755662008-11-06T17:16:00.003-06:002008-11-06T17:21:22.571-06:00Really just an ad...For those of you conservative-type folks that read this.... if you happen to have voted for McCain a couple of days ago and would like a shirt to prove it, I've designed a few (and bumper stickers!). <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/BlondieSpeaks">I have them in a brand new CafePress shop- check them out!</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD39_SF-13YQrAoLwpKRjP9j1tGjyM39MTyzYJdlhbzWlHhxXKOeQk07JsZgToIpiPIKH0zh4Za10JrjiIXycs1xiFML_FUl71Lvt94cpQsxvHNJ2GFWhaFa6ETxq4k50BfAU6ODkElhs6/s1600-h/palinreverse.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 106px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD39_SF-13YQrAoLwpKRjP9j1tGjyM39MTyzYJdlhbzWlHhxXKOeQk07JsZgToIpiPIKH0zh4Za10JrjiIXycs1xiFML_FUl71Lvt94cpQsxvHNJ2GFWhaFa6ETxq4k50BfAU6ODkElhs6/s320/palinreverse.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265688429916812898" /></a><br /><br />If there's something that you'd like to see that isn't available, let me know and I'll see what I can do. <br /><br />Thanks!Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-76027602877844836232008-11-04T00:45:00.001-06:002008-11-04T00:46:55.415-06:00Blogger is screwyI'm not sure why Blogger is posting my pictures so big and funky tonight... they look ok in preview mode but not after being published. If you want to see them right, they look ok when you click on them- I don't know what the deal is for now. Sorry!Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-54981512348029017662008-11-04T00:41:00.004-06:002008-11-13T14:35:14.326-06:00GO VOTE!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.wired.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/07/27/your_vote_counts_button_3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 305.5px; height: 271px;" src="http://blog.wired.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/07/27/your_vote_counts_button_3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color=red><br />I am so excited to be going to vote in the morning- I wanted to wait until election day and do my part. </font color=red></span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fufustew.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/vote.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 195.5px;" src="http://fufustew.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/vote.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528699551928382288.post-723516917111339012008-11-04T00:35:00.004-06:002008-11-13T14:35:34.288-06:00This one is for Jay...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/jrosto/vote.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 254px;" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/jrosto/vote.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://baileysbuddy.blogspot.com/2008/11/blog-post_03.html">(because I couldn't resist, either!)</a>Blondiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15127698040371949218noreply@blogger.com0