Last Day of 2011

 Happy New Year's Eve from just outside Bryson City, North Carolina.

I am watching Manchester United and can look out the window and see this gorgeous view.  How good is life on this last day of 2011?

We're just chilling, eating, relaxing, hot tubbing and getting ready to ring out the old and ring in the new.

And this little fella (made by Mary) wishes all of you a very happy 2012!!!

Mid Week Mute

Some of my favorites from the year---

What Is, Isn't?

I'm a middle of the night Hallucinator.


For example, about thirty minutes ago, I woke up and saw a hole in my bedroom ceiling.  I guess it was caused by wear and tear on the roof and the rain we had yesterday.   Next to that hole was a Barbie "mobile" that Steven had made, consisting of ten or so naked barbies.


Only, none of that was there.  The "hole: was a shadow thrown by a glass mobile I have hanging over my bed.  As for the Barbies?  I can't explain that one away.

I  don't know what causes these sightings.  I wear my contacts to bed, so it's not a lack of focus.  (Don't tell my eye doctor, I tell her I rest the at night!)  I'm thinking excitement or stress might contribute to it, as I'm now sitting here on the couch unable to sleep.

The ceiling fan is the central happening place for my hallucinations.  Earlier tonight, I woke to find our cat, Mikki, curled up on the lamp portion of the ceiling fan.  Uh huh.  I've also seen Eeyore on the ceiling, just above the fan. Over the years, various animals have rested in that spot just above the fan.  But not really.

I haven't had a drop of alcohol, eaten anything crazy, or taken some type of drug.  (illegal OR legal!)  I totally admit that I'm nuttier than a fruitcake.  But, Eeyore?  A Barbie Mobile?
 
Holy Mind Tricks Batman.

Linus

This is really the only way I know how to put it. Merry Christmas to all of us.  Linus Van Pelt has it going on.

"And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid ... And the angel said unto them, "Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord."

"And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men." 

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." - Linus Van Pelt

 

Two Days Before Christmas Ramblings

DONE!  Yep, everything is bought, wrapped, sent and marked off the list.  Now I laze.

Oops.  I just remembered I have to make some Party Mix.

Does Santa put toothbrushes in your stockings?

A squirrel yelled at me this morning.  Well, "yell" might be too strong.  He was definitely yammering at me as I got out of my car.  I'm in trouble with the wildlife community?

Oh, speaking of wildlife---a coworker read my Owl Girl post.  Now this fine lady was raised in Kentucky and she swears she knows what that noise was:  the Eastern Screech Owl.  She said that many a night she would be walking in the dark, hear this noise, and it would scare the B'Jesus out of her.  Listen here if you dare!  I'm still not convinced that OG isn't living in our backyard, but at least now you know what she sounds like?

Four days off work.  Such sweet sweet words.

SIX days until the mountains.  Sweeter words.

What's for dinner?

It's about 900 degrees here today.  NOT very Christmasy.  I miss Midwestern Christmas weather.  The chance of a white Christmas here?  ZERO.

I love tortilla chips, but hate the aftertaste they leave in my mouth.   Blech.

I wonder how many people are getting an IPAD for Christmas. 

I know an 8 year old boy who wants Santa to bring his daddy home for Christmas.  Daddy is deployed in the Middle East.  Try explaining to your child that Santa can only do so much.

I could watch Grey's Anatomy reruns all day long.  Every day.

Yeah, I'd like to have some chickens running around in my backyard.  The squirrels could yell at them instead of me.  Yeah.  Chickens for Christmas.


 I bet that doesn't happen.

Mid Week Mute

One of these things is not like the other.

Owl Girl

There's something strange going on around here. 

A few months ago, I was lying in bed.  Steven was asleep.  All the animals were in their usual positions on the bed.  The windows were open, and all of a sudden, I heard the creepiest scariest noise EVER.  It was a cross between an owl hooting and a small child crying.  Both Rockett and I sat up and looked at each other.  (Steven continued to sleep)  Our minds said to each other, "What the HECK was that?"  Then it happened again.  Whoa.  I couldn't figure out if it were animal or human.  All I know is that it gave me the major willies.

The next morning, I relayed this to Steven and he reacted appropriately, but I'm sure he thought I was crazy, hearing things, or embellishing.  (I do have a tendency to do that---)  I thought about this owl/girl thing and wondered what the heck that was.  But, after a day or two, Owl Girl left my mind.

But folks, she's back.  This time, Steven heard her.  He came running from the front of the house, back to our bedroom, with a total look of fright on his face.  Her 'noise' made the hairs on his arm stand up!  He was cynical no longer.  He heard Owl Girl, and joined the world of freaked-out-ed-ness on Bronwen Court.

Since then, we've heard her a few more times.  It's always at night when we hear her.  One time, upon leaving the house, Steven tells me that something flew by his head.  Could it have been?

We've googled nocturnal animals to check their noises.  Nothing resembles what we heard.  We have cats, and this noise is not made by a cat.  It's not a dog, it's not a possum, not a raccoon. 

We've now started to wonder what Owl Girl might look like.  Is she cute?  Is she scary?  Is she sexy?  How big is she?  Is she all feathers?  Is she angry?  Is she hurt?  Why is she living in our back yard?  Regardless of the answers, I feel that she's now part of our crazy family.  (Need I remind you of our Christmas card?) 

I will keep you posted on Owl Girl's visits.   I have just one question at this point--just what does one buy for an Owl Girl for Christmas?

Dysfunctional Family Christmas

 We're not your typical family. 

Ho to the Ho Ho Ho

A Perfect Friday in December

Well, I hesitate to use the word "perfect," but it was really a GREAT day.  I received so much love today.  Well, to be fair, I do receive a lot of love every day, but today was extra special.  It started out with a special message from Mel, my original blogger friend. Starting the day with words from this wise woman means starting the day ahead of the game.

Steven and I go to Sonic a couple times a week for a #13 Breakfast Combo, no egg, large unsweet tea.  It is usually on Saturdays, but occasionally I'll treat myself during the week. (Remember, food = love)  We have the most wonderful girl that works at our Sonic.  She remembers my order, she calls Steven, "Boo" and she always greets us with a smile and warmth.  That is gift enough, right? Well, today, she gave us a Christmas card.  I was seriously blown away.  She is nice to us each and every day, and she took the extra step this morning, and gave us a card.  Inside, she signed it, "Michelle from Sonic."  That made it precious in itself. 

Later in the day, the mail came at work.  In it was a package from a fellow blogger, Grandma K. (check her out, you'll love her!)  In it were hand sewn Christmas decorations, all with the most gorgeous detail. I was so surprised to receive these thoughtful treats, and at work!  Be still my beating heart.  GK sent me a loving warm Christmas card and it warmed me from the top of my head to the tips of my toes.  Thank you Karen.  You are a blessing to me!  There are more that didn't make it into the picture, but these show you how adorable they all are.

So, after all this love and goodness, I get home from work to a package on my front porch.  The package was from my dear friends from St. Louis, the Jackson's.  Remember, just a few days ago, I mentioned them when speaking of my favorite tree ornament, the St. Louis Arch. Well, there is a new one to rival it.  It is a World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals ornament.  I now have two all time favorite ornaments, and both are from the same folks and honoring that special city.

I am enjoying my Friday night with a lovely glass of Chardonnay, I ate some yummy pasta, and am now settled in for a night on the couch with my computer, my animals and the husband.  I feel so thankful and so loved, and grateful that life is so good.

Oh, and just to keep it real:  here's Steven's favorite ornament on our tree...

Happy Friday Friends. I hope you are feeling the love. 
<3

 

Mid Week Mute

“Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh?" he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's hand. "I just wanted to be sure of you.”

Some Christmas Preparation Randoms

***and two photos of Taylor's new apartment.  Her bedroom is on the left.  Too cute, eh?  It's in a neat part of town, and was built in 1927. 

Whereas I don't really like addressing Christmas cards, I do enjoy thinking about my friends when I see their names.

Some people move around a LOT!

I adopted a kid for Christmas this year (presents only!) and I am very stressed that he won't like what I bought him.  It's been a few years since I bought something for a 10 year old boy.

I do enjoy the Christmas lights on people's houses.

Two houses that normally go WAY overboard with Christmas decorations have no lights or decs put up this year.  The curiosity is killing me.  I want to ring their doorbell and tell them it's just not the same without their goods.

I think I bought most of my gifts from Amazon.com this year.

I have managed to avoid the mall up to this point.  I am very proud of this accomplishment.  In case you don't remember,  I loathe the mall.

I really need to buy some new Christmas ornaments. I bet I forget to buy them on the 26th.

Steven is doing an art show Christmas night.  That's a first.

Christmas is in twelve days, and for once, I'm feeling like I'm ahead of the game.  This could be dangerous; I anticipate a last minute panic where I spend more money on people I'm afraid I forgot.

Wrapping gifts hurts my back.  Please explain.

That white door on the left is Taylor's front door.  It opens to steps that go up to the second level.  It's so darn cute.  And yes, the name of that restaurant is "Aunt Bea's."

I can't decide if I like colored lights or white lights better.  I change my mind all the time.

Do you have a star or an angel (or something else?) on the top of your tree?  We have a star.  Well, it's on the top on the bottom.  (our tree is suspended from the ceiling, upside down)

I love to hear about people's Christmas traditions and stuff.  Tell me some of yours!

Axe Answer

Overwhelmingly, the vote was for picture #2. Yes, that was the photo taken by STEVEN.  My, what a humbling moment this has been.  I am not number one.  Well, I was number one, but I'm not number one.

If you can follow that thought process, I'm truly impressed!
 
Thanks for playing sports fans!!  I'm going to go work on my photographic skills. 

(and smell some Axe while I'm at it!)

PS:  Sandie--as soon as your son becomes interested in girls?  He'll smell like a rose.  Until then, plug your nose baby.

Axe Me This

Steven insists only one of his armpits sweats.  He's told me this for years.  I don't doubt him. But, I still think it's odd.

Until he lived full time in the good old U S A, he didn't even wear deodorant.  But, even if you're English,if you live in South Carolina, you have to adjust to wearing the stuff. And so he has.  Finding the right stink preventer has  been an ongoing process.  But, I think we finally made it. 

When I was younger, I used to enjoy the scent of the Mennen Speed Stick.  As an aged mature woman, I must admit I love me some Axe.  You know, the stuff the young kids wear.  Young studly dudes with washboard abs use this stuff.  It comes in many manly flavors. My fave is DARK TEMPTATION.  Hello! How good does that sound??

This is the point where I admit that I like to stock up on the good smelling stuff when I go to Target.  And, yeah, that interloper on the left is some awful lemon/lime concoction that gets used when he's low on the good stuff.   Almost every time I go to Target, I buy a can.  And, I feel like I've accomplished something when I find the can.

If they made a perfume that smelled like the Dark Temptation Axe, I'd buy it.  Steven tried to suggest to me that I just spray the Axe on myself, and I had to tell him that even though that sounds logical, that would be way too easy.

Well, Steven left all the cans out for me today to show me just how many he has, and that he's probably stocked up for awhile.  I'm thinking the AXE is running a close second to my toilet paper obsession.  Oh well. I take great stock in good smelling things.

Now, which pic do you like better?  The first one, or this last one?  No wrong answer. I'll let you know which one of us took which picture, I just need to know which one you prefer.

And, if you hanker smelling something good, check out this dark temptation!!!!

 

I Vant To Blog

That's said in my best Greta Garbo voice!

I feel like I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off this week.  Go here, go there, go everywhere, go nowhere!!

I just wanted to say hello to blogland.  I miss you!  Wish you were here!  I can't wait to be together again very soon.

Love,
The Ju

Mid Week Mute

R R R Random!

Happy Tuesday in December y'all!!!

My stockings are hung by the chimney with care.  I got a bit sad when I pulled out Bailey's.  :-(

I think I have about 75% of my shopping accomplished.  This could be a bad thing.  Finishing this early means earlier panic, and more money spent at the last minute because I forgot what I already bought.

They now make Hershey's Kisses with candy cane bits inside of them.  Interesting.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills are depressing the heck out of me this year.

But, the Real Housewives of Atlanta are cracking me UP.

I still miss All My Children. 

Steven bought me a fish.  His name is Corey.  He likes show tunes. He keeps me company at work.

Twenty-three days until the mountains.

I watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas" last night.  STILL the all time best Christmas special.

It was 78 degrees here today.  That's too darn hot for December. 

Does anyone else email themselves reminders? 

Some of these jobs on "How it's made" look really tedious.   Attaching the ring to a whistle?  Whew.  Imagine doing that all day long.

You can buy almost anything at a Walgreen's.  Including wine.

I never took a dance class.  It's no coincidence that I'm not a good dancer.

I've had front row seats at two concerts:  Frank Sinatra and Hall & Oates.  Frank had one foot in the grave, but still held his own.  Hall & Oates?  Magnificent.

My favorite Christmas ornament is a wooden St. Louis Arch that my friend Rose bought me.  It gets the prime spot on the tree every year.

The light in my dining room is bright green on a pink cord.

It is NOT all about me.  I have to remind myself of this on a daily basis.

Have a great night, and thanks for stopping by!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!

(sorry I'm a day late!)

Well, there were four entries in my Adele DVD giveaway.  

 So, this morning, I wrote down those lovely names.  (Thank you for entering!!)

Rockett is so excited that she can hardly stay awake.

I popped them into a very hairy Team USA baseball hat.

 See, they're all in there.  Along with the cat hair.

 Steven did the draw for me, so, here he is sticking his paw in the hat. 

And we have a WINNER!!  Congratulations to Grandma K!  I am thrilled to be sending you the Adele DVD.  I hope you enjoy her, her music and her saucy language.  Please email me your address.  My email address is judi@bill-green.com  (if you want to just leave it in a comment, that will be fine too, whatever you prefer!)

Thank you guys for playing.  I hope all your Christmas wishes come true!