I snapped this with my camera phone, so it's not as clear as most of my pictures. Ever try to apply the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW to cats?
Who: Well, Patches, of course!
What: Being a danger to my health!
When: Bedtime, last night.
Where: Right in the hallway next to the STAIRS!
Why: Why not. She must have felt it was OK to sleep at the top of the stairs and become an obstacle for going down said stairs.
How: Seriously. HOW do they sleep like this? Look at her back legs. Is this normal?

Couldn't help myself, sorry!

Today has been one loooooong day. I have (gasp) been taking it easy today because of yesterdays little mishap between me and my Crepe Myrtle. And what kills me? I do something super nice for my DH, and get injured doing it and carry on afterwards like a trooper, and he just said "thanks for washing my car". Not, are you OK? NOTHING. I am beginning to believe he can be totally oblivious. Well, actually I had my suspicions a few years ago. But this proves it. Another thing? It's driving me crazy to be able to do nothing! I knew I needed to slow down this week, but c'mon! To a dead stop? Agghhhhh. Maybe it's for the best. Maybe.

I read A Bite To Remember by Lynsay Sands today while resting, and I really liked this installment of her series. The last one wasn't as well done as this one to my way of thinking. In this book we meet Jackie Morrisey a Private Investigator brought in to help immortal Vincent Argeneau find out who is sabatoging his plays. Jackie has had a grudge against most immortals since she was younger and betrayed by one. Now she must investigate side-by-side with Vincent, his company and any reason why someone would want to harm his business and even him. With her partner "Tiny" and Vincent's Aunt Marguerite tagging along, a serious chase to find the sabatuer(sp) begins.
I don't want to tell you much, because I don't want to spoil the book for those who might choose to read it. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it and am glad that Lynsay Sands gave Vincent his own book, as his character was in a few of the earlier books. I hope to see more of the series on the shelves soon!
Well Y'all, I am still tired after resting all day. Considering I've been going non-stop since Monday and under stress to boot (Dh's car) it's probably not a surprise. One of those " the mind is willing, but the body is weak" things. (Yes, I know that's not the original qoute.)
Anyway, please enjoy your Saturday (if you can) and I'll jabber at you later! Night, B.

Does Patches' look not seem to say "so ya' sitting down or what"? She was supposed to be my Daughters cat. My Daughter was great at taking care of her as a kitten, and paying her attention. But, over the last year I've noticed that my Daughter is just not paying her as much attention as she used to. Now, Patches has decided to come to me. Actually, all the cats seem to think I'm the Big Mom Kitty. I can never be sure they know they are cats, or think they are very furry humans.

As for today. Have you ever tried to do something nice for someone and have it come back and bite you on the behind? Yeah. I did. Today. Once I picked Dh's car up from the mechanics ($500, OUCH) I thought I'd be nice and wash it for him. I'd #1 forgotten that he hasn't washed it in 3 months, #2 had to have a neighbor drive it into my driveway (it's a stick shift, I don't know how to drive it) #3 over estimated my energy at this point because I'd already washed my van. Now, issue #2, My daughter has a friend (we'll call her Blondie) who's Dad lives here (but not his wife, don't get me started*eye roll*, he's nice, a good Dad). I asked Blondies Dad if he could drive a stick and if so could he please move it from the curb in front of my house to my driveway (my hose is hooked around the side of the house and won't reach the curb). He agreed and in my excitement to get the key, I TRIPPED over a Crepe Myrtle tree I had planted in my yard when we moved in. It's not large, but we have it encircled(sp)(word?) by sand colored garden stones. Now, when I tripped I fell over the tree (in front of Blondies Dad, my kids, Blondie, and my other neighbors) I somehow *g* broke my little toe on my left foot. Know how I know it's broke? I've broken it 4x's before. Oh, I also scraped my knee and somehow cut the underside of my big toe on the same foot. *sigh* Queen Klutz strikes again. I actually apologized to my Daughter later. Told her I hope I hadn't embarassed her in front of her friends. Issues #1&3, I SCRUBBED that car, (who the fart decided WHITE was a good color for cars?) and could NOT get all the bug guts off the front of this thing. I scrubbed so hard, my wrist now hurts. I'm not saying anything about issue #2, except that he was very nice not to laugh when I fell OVER the tree.

I've now decided that helping my Dh is a hazard to my health. A huge hazard. An unbeleivabley(word?) HUGE hazard. I think Dh owes me. BIG.

About Mysteria (bet you thought I'd forgotten again) there were stories by MaryJanice Davidson, Susan Grant, P.C. Cast, and Gena Showalter. The book is basically tied together by the town. The first story in the anthology is Mortal in Mysteria written by Susan Grant. It's about a Demon, Damon, who is made Mortal as a punishment by Satan, for doing good deeds. One of which was helping the settlers of Mysteria. Satan zaps him to Mysteria where he lands is the garden of the new minister, Harmony Faithwell. Meanwhile along with them falling in love, Satan sends little tormentors to disrupt Harmony and her now growing congregation. Harmony's family pays a visit toward the end, bringing advice on the battle between good vs. evil. Any more and I'll spoil it. The 2nd story is Alone Wolf by MaryJanice Davidson. It tells the (short) story of Cole Jones, a werewolf who was rised by a human Foster mother. He is pushed by her to find a home of his own, and family of his own (not in a cruel way). He feels that if he finds others like him, he'll feel as though he'll be complete. Somehow he finds Mysteria where he finds a home to buy from Realtor Charlene Houtenan. All is not normal, and all are not human in Mysteria as he soon finds out. The conclusion is not at you'd think. The 3rd story is written by Gena Showalter, The Wtches of Mysteria and the Dead Who Love Them. I loved this story. Genevieve Tawdry is one of three sisters who are Witches. She has been in love with Hunter Knight, a local bar owner, for years. She is tired of his hot/cold attitude toward her and decides to push him, so that she will have him, if only for one night. She convinced one of her sisters to give her a love potion so that ofr once he will repsond the way she wants him to. Her night starts slow, but just when things are heating up, an unexpected event causes major destruction and disruption. And just when you thought there was no where for the story to go, a few surprises are thrown in. The last story, Candy Cox and thr Big Bad (Were)Wolf, by P.C. Cast. The many married Candace Cox is a teacher at the Mysteria H.S. (go fighting Faeries) and is lamenting her lack of excitement, including a love life. Vowing never to marry again, she is not really seeking a man, but wouldn't say no to an affair. Her friend, one of the Tawdry sisters decides to help her out and sends her a former student who has 'matured' to glorious results. He shows unexpected depth and maturity for his age (no, no teeny bopper here). Sparks fly and romance ensues. There is a hurtful misunderstanding and it is eventually resolved to this readers delight. (If I tell everything you won't read it!)

Before all that embarassment I made it to the UBS, and the Library, and BAM. At the UBS I picked up Underfoot by Leanne Banks, Beware of Virtuous Women by Kasey Michaels, and The Trouble with Harry by Katie MacAlister. At BAM I picked up What, No Roses? by Marianne Mancusi. And at the library I picked up Undead and Unpopular by MaryJanice Davidson. The last I'm worried about because I ran across a blog bashing the book. I haven't liked all of MJD's books, but I usually love most of them. Her snark is hilarious. I guess I'll have to make up my own mind.

Well, that's all. (yeah, long winded post and that's all!) Hope all of you find my day as entertaining as I did humbling. And if you laughed at me, don't tell me. If you laughed with me, okay then, I don't mind. Have a good night. May your dreams be filled with imagination a happiness. B.

Layla fell asleep on me yesterday and I didn't have the heart to move her. I love her to death, but she weighs a ton. Well, not a ton, but 16lbs.. And a cat that weighs that much and likes to sleep on me is not happy to be woken up when I have to go to the restroom!

I am about to run through the activites I did yesterday. In other words, I am going to bore you! I mopped my floors, vacumned my carpets, stained a piece of furniture, cleaned my bathrooms, polished my furniture and made a blueberry cobbler. Oh, and I did all this in about 3 hours! See why I was tired? And today, when I could have sat back and enjoyed my clean house? I mowed the lawn. (By the way, I am actually proud to say I keep a relatively clean house anyway.) And I did all this with no help. NONE!

As for reading? Haven't had time. Maybe later. The sucky library called today and one of the books I have requested is in. So, maybe their suckiness level went down a smidge. I am still in the twenties for the other book!

The In-Laws ended up coming over tonight. They brought their other car for us to borrow for a day. Dh's is still at the machanics and hopefully will be fixed by tomorrow afternoon. They replaced his alternator, but the speedometer still won't work! Ugh! And so far, the bill will be over $4oo. So, send us some good thoughts OK? That was our small weekend trip money. *sigh* Looks like it'll have to wait now. OK, I know that's depressing enough for me, I know it has to be for you too!

I will get around to reviewing Mysteria, but I forgot to bring it downstairs this morning. So, bear with me. I'll eventually get to it. I apologize for the wait. Not like you care what I think anyway, but I am usualy good at doing what I say I am going to do.

That's it for me tonight. It was a quiet, boring day here and I have nothing else to share. Sorry. I think I'll go have a quick bedtime snack. The watermelon I cubed earlier is calling me. Night, have pleasant dreams, B.

Ok, so I mentioned last night we had to shave Squeekie. By WE, I mean I held him down while Dh used the electric clipper on him. He was pretty much allright until we had to flip him over to get one patch of matted hair on his chest (eeny bitty tiny patch). As soon as we flipped him and Dh started to cut that matt, he peed on me. He was SO freaked out, he just couldn't control himself. He's done this before. We put his rabies tag on him once and he wet himself, ran and hid under the couch, and had to be dragged back out to take it off. Poor baby. We hated to have to shave him, but it seems like every summer his fur goes from fluffy, long-hair to matts in a matter of days. Don't worry. It grows back every year. He looks kind of like a Lion right now. Which is where he gets his nickname "the Cowardly Lion" (think Wizard of Oz).

Ok, I said I was going to review Mysteria tonight, but I left it upstairs and I've been cleaning all day and I'm just too tired to go get it. So, I decided to tell you about a book I read this week, French Kiss by Susan Johnson. An architect specializing in one- of -a- kind playhouses, is hired to build a playhouse for the daughter of a super famous music producer. She is, of course, instantly attracted to him and finds his daughter cute. Not too far after that the daughter is "kidnapped" by her mother, a junkie starlet, and taken to Paris. Our heroine (Nicole Lesdaux) is asked to go along as she speeks french and maybe can be of help to the hero (Johnny Patrick). I can't tell you anymore because it would spoil the plot/book. I can tell you this. I read it, and stuck with it because I bought it, but I didn't really like it. There was too much cursing (for no reason), alot of what was supposed to be erotic, but was more vulgar than anything, sex scenes. And where was the romance. There wasn't even much passion. It felt too contrived. I am sorry to bash a book like this. Others may enjoy it, but it was classified as contemporary ROMANCE, but felt more like contrived (there's that word again) erotica. Don't get me wrong, I've read erotica before, but this,.......... I am beyond words on how much I disliked this book. *sigh* Now, you may like it, and I wish you good luck! But, I won't buy a book by Susan Johnson again, unless it is very different from this book.

I hope y'all get some rest. My In-Laws are coming over tomorrow *sigh* and I need to get some sleep. Sleep well, B.

Ok, I admit I love the Summer rainstorms we get. Seems my kids love them for another reason! (I'll post later, just had to share this.) B.

Patches is showing off another way for me to trip and fall. And the thing is, SHE WON"T MOVE. I've already fallen into the bookcase shown at the top of the picture because a cat refused to move. Trust me, I feel my way down gingerly. And if I don't have my contacts in, or glasses on, I either send my Dh down, or my Daughter. I am so blind without my contacts or glasses that I can't make features on a face out, unless it is at least 4 inches in front of my face.

I read the Anthology Mysteria. I truly did like it. Because the stories centered around the small town, they still felt connecred even though they were about differnt characters. I'll post a more detailed review tomorrow.

I did finish Lori Foster's Too Much Temptation and I liked it. Normally I find her books a bit TOO hot for me. But, this book had great characters including a steely matriarch and an ex-fiancee, both of whom you just wanted to tell "butt out"(grandmother, and" get a backbone"(ex-fiancee). I liked the fact that the heroine was classified as lush and curvy and not a "I could span her wiast with my hands" type. I am so ready for a more full figured heroine. And the hero thought her curves were just fine, trust me. I even liked the scene where he became so angry that she kept referring to herslf as fat that he turned her over his knee! (Can you tell I'm not a size 6?) Anyway, the story is actually familiar. Hero walks in on fianceee with another man, fiancee tells everyone break-up of engadgement is hero's fault. He's disowned. He's too honorable to tell everyone the truth. Has heroine who is secretly in love with hero, stands up for him and the attraction fires up. Add a half brother, a domineering grandmother and voila~ you have a book full of chemistry, kinda short on story, but it works! I can't wait to read Lori Foster's new release Murphy's Law due out in August.

Well, that's it for me tonight. I stayed up late so DH and I could have some quiet time together, then we had to get up early to take his car to the mechanics. We're still waiting to hear what it positively is, they think it may be the alternator. Anyway, Y'all sleep well. I hope I do. Night, B.

I have trouble walking around here and not tripping, and it's not just because I'm a klutz. Layla will just FLOP over at my feet. Or grab my feet. It's hard not to trip, but most times I manage not to.

We went out to my Dad's today. The kids had a blast with his pool, and the trampoline and all his cat and dogs. Not to mention he and my Step-Mom are always giving them treats. We stayed for over 5 hours and I had to wonder where the time went. We ALWAYS have a good time at his house. I just hate that all the visits are on my part.

I have been waiting for a book from the library to come in and it did yesterday. Too Much Temptation by Lori Foster. I've already read the first two chapters and um, whew! Now I just need to turn the air-conditioner up so that I can finish it. I am still waiting for some others to come in. As a matter of fact I'm #22 right now for Twlve Sharp by Janet Evanovich. I figure I'll get to read it about the time her next new book is out. Have I mentioned my library SUCKS!! Oh, I moved this book to the top of the other 2 I have because it's a library book. I'll tell y'all about them when I finally read them.

That's it from me tonight. Thanks to my Dad and his wife I smell like cigarette smoke, EEEEWwwww! I'm off to take a shower. Night Y'all!! B.

I have spent the day with my In-Laws. I told you there would be a thing with them selling the bed for us! They picked the kids and I up at a bit before 3pm and they brought us home and then stayed until 9:30pm. Aaaghhh! I was on my best behavior the whole time though.

We had really heavy rain yesterday and on his way home from work Dh had to drive through what he calls a "big puddle". He ended up shorting something in his cars electrical system, so if y'all could send good thoughts our way I'd appreciate it!! We really don't need a huge repair bill right now.

Also I rencently dipped my toe back in the poetry pool after an absence of about a year, (not counting the REALLY bad short story I wrote a little over 2 months ago). And after having had it read by 2 REALLY GREAT authors, I am posting it here.

The Darkness Of Night
A dark night knows no bounds,
it hungers for light.
The moon, a gracefully dangling orb.
A whisper of sound interrupts the air.
Two lovers round the curve of path,
the moon illuminates their smiles.
A gentle breeze flows freely by.
It brings a respite from the warmth.
The two lovers, unaware, draw closer.
The darkness waits with daring.
The two lovers move closer.
Two halves brought together by the night.
The moon caresses the lovers skin.
It shines with aprroval upon them.
The lovers turn toward one another.
Their breath mingles as one.
The dark night knows love.
It waits with anticipation.
It's romantic heart beats with joy.

Well, that's it. Not much I know. It felt good to be creative after so long. Kind of like stretching after a long nap!
I am exhausted after spending the day with the In-laws. It just takes so much energy to keep from biting my tongue. Y'all have a good evening. I'm going to make an early (for me) night of it. B.

My Layla will sit in my lap as long as I scratch her chin. Sometimes though, if I don't scratch her the right way, she get all witchy and jumps down. Dh says she's the only cat he's ever met that can go Zero to Bit** in 2.5 seconds, and then back to nice. No joke. It's like Purr, purr, purr, rrrrroaw, purr, purr, purr. Kid you not.

Could someone tell me how to get my 4 year old to quit grabbing his , you know, all the time? I keep telling him, no on'e going to take it and that it won't fall off. Either he doesn't believe me or he really does think he's going to misplace it. Also, ever give a 4 year old a haircut? With clippers? I have been cutting his hair for over a year now, but he still worms and wiggles all over the place. Good thing I cut it SHORT.

Dh has had to work different hours a few days this week and that means we've seen him not only in the morning, but he gets home in the daylight as well. Unfortunately it was just for a few days. Ooooh, he almost got his boss in trouble! Heehee! Dh went to Human Resources for his company and they talked to his boss, about the whole starting the new job in August thing. H.R. must have scared the Dude, because he called Dh this morning and agreed to July 15 instead. It's only 2 weeks earlier, but we'll take it. Compromise is good. Oh, and Dh has finally started to listen to me about his lack of excercise because on good weather days after he eats his lunch he takes a walk around the building where he works.(It's a big building.) His color is already better!!

I went back to the bookstore today. I've been good until the other day and then tonight. I picked up Mysteria by MaryJanice Davidson, P.C. Cast, Gena Showalter and Susan Grant. I'll let you know how it is. I also picked up Lynsay Sands new book, A Bite to Remember. Again, I'll let you know. My library is taking it's own sweet time releasing their new books. Undead and Unpopular was JUST released by them today. I'm 2nd in holds. They are finally getting a copy of Master of Wolves by Angela Knight, which is funny because it's the only book of hers they have, and SHE LIVES HERE!!! RIGHT HERE!! Wha- why did they wait so long? No clue.

Nothing else to report. I may post my poem later today. I have to try and be brave!! Y'all have a good evening! B.

Isn't Squeekie cute when he's asleep? Son took this picture of Squeekie sacked out.

I needed cheering up so I bought Surf's Up by Nina Bangs, MaryJanice Davidson and Janelle Denison. I also finished it in one sitting, and enjoyed it. Nina Bangs part was the longest and the last. I enjoyed her hero and heroine as they struggled to let go of previous misconceptions about each other. Kristin is a reporter after an exclusive on the adult theme park where Taurin lives and works. He wants to distract her so that she doesn't discover ALL the parks secrets. MaryJanice Davisdon's story is set in the middle on an exotic island where Nikki is vacationing as a 3rd wheel with her newlywed best friend. After an accident a Medium is contacted to help Nikki "move on" with surprising results! Although the story felt short, it was pure MJD with plenty of snark! The first story in the anthology is by Janelle Denison. It is a tale many are familiar with, a newly divorced woman seeks a new life away from her controlling ex-husband. Claire a jewelry designer has lused after Shae since she met him. After he saves her life, they discover passion and that secrets kept can hurt a newly formed love. All in all a pleasant read.

Do y'all know that even though we have been married for over 13 years, my husband, as well as men the world over, can still be clueless as to the emotions going on in their spouse? I have felt a bit down for the past couple of days (starting to feel better now) and DH didn't even NOTICE! Eek! Men! I'm feeling lighter now thanks to my blog buddies! Thanks so much you guys (actually gals)!!! I appreciate y'all putting up with me.
The In-Laws did a nice thing for us. They sold a bed we were going to put in the classifieds. They asked a few family members if they wanted to buy it and SOLD! Yay!! Because it was for family we lowered the price we were going to ask, but hey, it's still SOLD! And out of my garage! If I can get my 2, yes 2, projects out of there I can park in there again. YAYAYAY!!! We're going to buy a small freezer with the money from the bed. We have one of those side-by-side refrigerator/freezers and the freezer is SO small, and my kids eat SO much!! Son is such a picky eater, so to have the foods he like alot stored in quantity will be good. Right now it's breakfast foods. All he wants are waffles, pancakes, french toast sticks, and toast. (I can't get either of my kids to eat eggs.) Oh, throw in peanut butter and jelly every now and then, too. I'm trying to sneak fruit in. He loves watermelon and apples and applesauce. Does anyone know if you can freeze watermelon? Seriously, can you? Anyway, at least the In-Laws bugging me pays off in nice things happening every so often.
Not much else to tell y'all. I've been working on a poem the last couple of days. I need something sweet. I have PLENTY of watermelon on hand, *g*, maybe I'll have that. Or, I have the urge to make a bluberry cobbler. Yum!
Have a good night. Sweet dreams and all that! B.

This is why it's not a good idea to buy (or to have been given) too may Beenie Babies! Daughter and Son thought this was WAY funny. Me? I was worried she'd smother him. On purpose.

Ok, For a week or so now, I've been promising my BOOKS I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO (at least for the next 6 months). So without further fanfair, here goes!

1. A Bite to Remeber, Lynsay Sands, June 27

2. Surf's Up, MaryJanice Davidson Janelle Dennison Nina Bangs, June 27

3. Angel Falls, Nora Roberts, July 11

4. Mysteria, MaryJanice Davidson Susan Grant P.C. Cast Gena Showalter, July 7

5. Angel With a Attitude, Michelle Rowen July (actually my BaM had it last week)

6. What, No Roses?, Marianne Mancusi, July

7. Smitten, Janet Evanovich, July 25

8. Sleeping With Fear, Kay Hooper, July 11

9. Closer, Jo Leigh, July (category)

10. High Stakes, erin MacCarthy, August

11. Trouble in High Heels, Christina Dodd, August

12. Playing with Fire, Gena Showalter, September

13. Murphy's Law, Lori Foster, September

14. On the Edge, Pamela Britton, September

15. Out of This World, Jill Shalvis, September (SO eagerly awaiting this)

16. Thanksgiving, Janet Evanovich, October

17. Sleeping With the Fishes, MaryJanice Davidson, November

18. Santa Baby, Jennifer Crusie anthology, November

19. Unleashed, Lucy Monroe, December (can't wait!)

20. White Lies, Jayne Ann Krentz, January 2007

Granted, this list is by no means complete. Other books may come out that I may want, or I may change my mind about some of these (doubtful). Are y'all looking forward to any of these?

Today was ok. I have been feeling down and this is why my post is brief tonight. Be good. Have a good day (I can't sleep, so I'm writing this WAY late). B.

Now LOOK, I told you to make her stop! (I can just hear her trying to lay down the law in this picture.) Patches is just the bossiest cat. She does try to bully Oreo and Layla. But, Oreo fights back and Layla just flops down and gives her a look.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to recreate my post on required reading in schools. But, I'm willing to give it a go. I was discussing with my Daughter all the books that I had been required to read in school, that I absolutely hated. Lord of the Flies comes to mind, had to read that in Jr. High, Call of the Wild was required in elementary school, and I would have enjoyed The Great Gatsby, if my teacher of the time hadn't sucked my mind dry with her "imagry this, and metaphor that". Who cares what the red light, or the big sign with the glasses on it represented, to her. And good grief if you disagreed with her. Ugh! WHY was Beouwolf (sp) required reading in H.S., there are better example of epics and Old English.(Canterburry Tales comes to mind, which we did read, and were quite fun!) That(Beouwolf) was the most BORING piece of literature I have ever read. Now, on the flipside, I did enjoy Sarah Plain and Tall, The Scarlet Letter and adored Shakespeare. My teacher for Shakespeare was an absolute Great man(who, if you said the word great would fine you a quarter! He said it was an overused adjective.) He literally vibrated with his joy of the subject, which transfered to alot of his students. To this day, if I use the word Alas, I always , ALWAYS flash to the sentence "Alas poor Yorich, ... knew him well", or something like that.( Give me a break, I'm old. ) I introduced myself to Little Women and Anne of Green Gables which I still love to this day. And Sir Athur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie started me on my road to mysteries, but I don't like The Hound of the Baskervilles thanks to a humorless teacher from Jr. High. Anyway, my question is: what literature did you love or hate that was required reading in school? And was your love or hate of it because it WAS required, and you would have enjoyed it more if you had found it? Or did you dislike it because of the way it was taught? (I admit, I liked Shakespeare before I had to read it in school, but my teacher did help me enjoy it even more!) So? Any opinions?

Is any one else unable to tolerate the heat? It was 96 here today and I felt like I was gong to melt! I usually stay indoors as much as possible during the summer. It probaly explains why I like Fall so much.

Well, I'm going to figure out how to continue refinishing my blanket chest in the garage, which is HOT! I may have to do it late at night. Anyway, have a good evening. B.

I tried and tried to post last night, early this morning but something was wrong with the internet here. I had a long and literate post on required reading in schools and the terrible books they made us read! (and it disappeared)
As for the picture, I'm trying to figure out who was copying who? Too cute though, huh?
Well, I'll have a more in-depth post later tonight!

To all those Father's or those who had/had Father's: Happy Father's Day. (Late, I know.) I may leave this up, I may take it down.(The picture.) But, I thought I'd show you the man behind the title, DH. This truly is my darling/dear/dearest husband. I thank God we found each other every day. (Except those days I want to kill him.) He is a good man, a good father, a good best friend, and a good husband. I couldn't imagine my life without him, and our kids are lucky to have him. (We just need to work on his patience.) He has a wicked sense of humor, can build a computer from scratch, can handle any emergency (except when it involves the kids!!), can make me blush, and gives the best hugs ever! So, to my Dh I wish a Happy Father's Day!

As for today (I'm up late, so pretend it's still Sunday, OK?), we didn't do much. So I'm sure for Dh is was a great day! I mowed the lawn for him saturday so he wouldn't have to. We went to church and afterwards (we go in the evening) the kids and I let him choose anywhere he wanted to go for dinner. He chose Cracker Barrell. Don't know if they have the resteraunt near anyone who may read this but they do a "home cooking" type of thing. Not bad. It's one of the few places we go where my Son will clean his plate!

To be honest. That was it. We came home and did much of nothing!! Which doesn't explain why I am so tired, or why I am still awake!!. Anyway, y'all have a good night's sleep, which I hope to do before too long. Night, may you wake rested and in a good mood!! B.

Aren't they sweet looking? This pose of theirs reminded me of Yin and Yang, the symbol for male and female. They stayed like this for a while, which is suprising. Usually more than 5 minutes together, Layla and Squeekie start to irritate each other.

I managed to pick my book up from the library this afternoon, but haven't started it yet. I hope tot do that later tonight. I hope its just as intersesting as the first Sophie Metropolis book!

Managed to stay quite busy this afternoon. Had to cut the grass and managed to wash my van as well. We won't even count the laundry I am always doing. Or the neighborhood kids that seem to gravitate to my house, that I had fun squirting with the hose along with my 2 today!

I haven't tried the chemical stripper yet. I read the label this afternoon, and it scared me when it said that if it got on your skin, you wouldn't feel it burning, AT FIRST! I may recruit Dh's help with this!

Well, that's all from me. I'm off to pamper myself by cliping my nails and taking a shower! Y'all have a good evening and I'll be around tomorrow. B.

Ok. I HAD to share this picture with y'all. Dh andI think that Son's identity is pretty protected. He LOVES his rain boots. So much that when I had to go to the grocery store last week, he wore them. This kid is Too, Too funny!! And he knows it.

I heard from the library that sucks today. They finally released a book from inprocessing (after a month) and since I was the first, I get to pick it up tomorrow. YAY!!!! It's the new Sophie Metropolis book by Tori Carrington. Now, if only they'd finish with Undead and Unpopular.

I started my new refinishing proect today. It's the blanket chest from my bedroom, and I have to tell you, NEVER PAINT WOOD. It's taking 5x's the time and is hard as heck to get it stripped. I actually bought a chemical stripper tonight. I hope it works. Because right now, I have sawdust IN MY BRA! (TMI? Hahahaha) Cross your fingers. I normally don't mind all the hard work of sanding the suckers, but this has primer and 2 coats of paint. My arms feel like jello, and I only got a tiny portion of the thing stripped. Agh!!

I reread The Paid Companion by Amanda Quick last night. It was as good as I remembered it. I am on an Amanda Quick jag right now, so I've selected Wait Until Midnight for tonight. It will be nice to have a new book to read tomorrow, though.

OK, my kids just started to print something out, and Oreo GROWLED at the printer. What is wrong with her? I'm guessing just crazy. That's it for me tonight. I'm a normal, boring person, what can I say?

Goodnight y'all, B.

Do you ever wonder what they're dreaming? I do. I figure it involves lots of tuna, cat nip and human servants! Wait a minute. Don't they already pretty much have that? Whatever the case I wish I could sleep half as well as they do.

Speaking of sleep....I woke up 4 seperate times last night/this morning. Why, you ask? Mom's instinct. Even though Son has a big boy bed he still won't sleep in it by himself. So he sleeps in his toddler bed during the week, and plays sleepover with Daughter on the weekends. Anyway, each time I woke up this morning, WAY TOO EARLY, it was to find boy kneeling on the floor half on and half off his toddler bed. Another time he was curled up on the floor next to my bed, and another time half on his toddler bed , half in the floor, but on his back. And once more with one leg on the floor, like he was going to rise up, but still on his back asleep. After waking up to all these, I just put him back in his bed and covered him up. Do all kids sleep like this? I can't wait until he'll sleep in his big bed by himself. I'm not going to push him though.

The In-Laws came over to pick up a few things they are going to sell for us at a Yard Sale they are having. I promised the kids a new blow-up pool if the things are sold. (even if they aren't I'll still get the pool) I STILL haven't made it to the UBS, I have sort-of given up on it for the time being. I figure if I don't push for it, I'll get there. In the meantime I am reading a book from my shelves and another ebook that was reommended to me. I am happy with the status quo for now.

Oh, I found a set of black place mats. At the place I should have just gone to all along. I'll give you a hint......I go there way too much, and I also can get just about anything there. Give up? Wally-World. I found some for $2.88 a piece when I went grocery shopping. I also got my Dh's Father's Day gifts from the kids while I was there. He'll be ecstatic, show me a man who isn't to get new tools!

I can't remember, when does a 4 yr.old walk without begging constantly to be picked up and carried? Have I mentioned my Son does this ALL the time. Says he's tired of walking after a few minutes. Have I also mentioned that he weighs a bit over 40lbs., and that he's ove half my height? Have I also mentioned that he's a protable furnace? I swear his body temperature runs high!

Well, other than the fact that I scrubbed the snot out of the bathrooms and have done laundry all day, too. There's nothing new to add, nothing that won't make your eyes crossor your ears bleed anyway!! Y'all have a good night. Get some sleep for me! B.

The cat is not right! See that vacant look in his eyes? Yeah, well, he's JUST NOT RIGHT!!

I managed to pull weeds in the yard today, and because it was DH's day off....I DIDN'T make it to the UBS. I will go tomorrow. I hope. I am going to refinish our blanket chest tomorrow. Well, at least start it. I also have to get Dh's Father's Day gift. AND you wouldn't believe how hard it is to find a set of black placemats. I went to 2 stores looking for a set today, Target being one of them! The only ones they had were $5 apiece. Ugh! I'm a bit thrifty, I'm hoping for cheaper.

The news people called today, I guess it was a slow news day. Unfortunately we tried, but couldn't hear the kitties today. Too little, too late for the news people. It rained last night, I'm afraid of what might have happened. We are keeping an ear out though. We can keep up hope, right?

To be honest. I haven't read anything in a few days. It's not that I don't want to. I just don't have anything and am trying not to go nuts! Maybe I'll pull a book off the shelves. I just hate reading the first page and feeling like why bother? when I remember the whole plot. But, I can't seem to get rid of my favorites. I couldn't bring myself to finish the Nerd book.

Not much else to tell. Sorry. Y'all have a good evening. B.

So? What do you think? I've put 2 coats of stain on it, and I could put a 3rd, but I don't think I will. I still have to move it back into the house. Dh thought it looked good. I love the feeling of accomplishment I have from just looking at it.

We tried everything and have called everyone we know of, even the news, to get these kitties out of the drain and no one will help. Animal control came out, looked around, called for the kitties and then when the cats wouldn't come, left. Agghhh!!! I don't know what else to do but hope and pray they will be OK.

Didn't make it ti the UBS today because of all the phone calls and waiting for the phone to ring, to see who could help. Hopefully I'll ge there tomorrow, but I'm starting to feel like there's a conspiracy to keep me from going!! Nothing much else to tell, to be honest. It was a slow day.

Going to eat dinner. Y'all have a good evening! B.

OK, here's my big bellied Layla. I guess that whole thing about owners and pets resembling each other might be true. To me, she's just cute.

Let's see, the kids went to the movies with their grandparents today. They had a blast and the In-Laws had plans so they just basically dropped them back off, yeah for me!!

While I finished sanding the table and then staining it, my kids noticed that mewing sounds were coming from a nearby storm drain. Luckily Dh was home and took over so I could finish my table (it's drying now). Anyway, turns out there is a cat or 2 stuck in the storm drain. Dh called the local Fire Dept. who told them they can't respond until he calls 911. For cats. In a storm drain. But, he does. They sent out a cop, he says the Fire Dept. will be out. Half an hour later, then says the Fire Dept. can't come out. And that we need to call animal control in the morning. UGH! So now, we have a cat ot 2 we can't get out, mewing, and have to wait until tomorrow for someone to help them!!!! Something about that isn't right.

My email server is wonky tonight, which is irritating me, so if I was supposed to email you, SORRY! NOT MY FAULT! I live online and through my email so this is serious to me. Frustration is not a good thing.

I finished sanding my table tonight and put the first layer of stain on. It looks so pretty, and I am doing a pretty good job, if I do say so myself. Hey, trust me, it's actually rare for me to "toot my own horn".

Can someone tell me why 4 year old boys CANNOT LET GO of their wee-wee? Can you tell me why my Son likes to run around naked after his bath saying "shake your booty"? Can you tell me why my Son has fallen 2x's in the past 2 days, hitting his head both times, thereby bruising his head in 2 places? (I might start calling him crash.) Can I also tell you I have the perfect stories now for blackmail, when Son is a teenager? (I'd take pictures, but I think that might be wrong.) Can I tell you that I ask my Son if he's hungry, he says "no". But, when I ask him if he's sure he's not hungry he says, "no". Aghhhh! I may not have hair by the time he's 5!!

That's it for the night. Have a good night and get some sleep. B.

Yes, it is another picture of my lovely Layla. This is her favorite pose. She does thi when she wants someone to come by and play with her. We call it her"look, I'm cute and helpless, heh-heh-heh", look. Trust me, cute yes, helpless, NO.

Didn't ge much done today. I wanted to finish my table, but my arms feel weak today and I knew I wouldn't be able to do it. I will get back to my projet tomorrow, though.

Haven't read any today. *sigh* Had to run errands after church this evening, then dinner, and the kids, makes for a busy evening. Tomorrow I will be able to get by the USB, my In-Laws are coming by to get the kids and take them to see the movie Cars. I love how they asked what time they could come get the kids and I told them after 2pm, my MIL then informed me that she need to be at an appointment at 4:3o. Could she just not have said that to begin with? And if she has an appointment, then why couldn't it wait another day? Do you see why they drive me nuts????!!!! I kno it's just a ploy to make me aggravated or better yet, to somehow feel like they have defeated my will. And no, I'm not paranoid. They are really not above doing that.

Well, now that my MIL has given me a headache, I'm going to try and calm down. Have a good night, rest up for Monday. B.

You can't tell in the daylight picture, but I had just started on my new refinishing project. In the other picture, you have where I stopped for the night, sawdust was everyhwere. This is my dining room table. My kids had ruined the finish leaving wet drinks and everything all over it. I had finally had enough of looking at the scarred thing. I really like doing this type of thing. It's creative and hard work and I feel such a feeling of accomplishment when I can see the work I've done.

Dh made himself a new ringtone the other night and it put me in the mood to watch Serinity. Because he made a ringtone from the song from the movie. He asked me if I wanted it too, and as much as I love the movie I turned him down. I love the ringtone he made for my phone: CSI Miami soundtrack. NO ONE else has it, that I know of. So I know it's my phone ringing if the kids and I are out.

So far Talk Nerdy To Me is a fun read. The cousin is a creep and the next door neighbor who thinks she was abducted by aliens is WAY out there. And the older women who decide to change their bakery to a 'naughty' bakery is hilarious. Of course I am only halfway through the book, so I could change my mind. Hopefully I can get by the UBS on Monday.

Can someone explain to me how my house has turned into the one that the neighborhood kids stay at until 11:00 PM!!?? How could these parents not know that it was PAST time to come get their kids? And yeah, they knew where their kids were!

As interesting as my day was to me, I bet ya'll are scratching your heads and going "what the heck?" Sorry. I had fun making my fingers and hands practically numb. It was a weird feeling, and then I had to take a shower (covered in sawdust) with hands that felt like I was wearing gloves, an even weirder feeling. I'm still working on my list of books. I'll probably post it tomorrow. Y'all have a good night. I'm going to bed. B.

Thought y'all would like to see a peacefull picture of Oreo. Doesn't she look sweet? Hard to believe that she is the most curious cat we've ever had. Dh ran the printer tonight and she was fascinated with it.

I wasn't able to make it to the UBS today, again. I was too busy cleaning and harping on Daughter to finish a book report she needs to do. I CAN say that my floors are clean, and my furniture is clean as well. I did manage to make it to the bookstore and picked up a book. I bought Talk Nerdy To Me by Vicki Lewis Thompson. The premise sounded interesting and the opening paragraph had an explosion had a humerous twist to it. I'll let you know. I haven't read anymore of it yet. I'm trying to make it last longer. Maybe I should cut back on my reading? NAH! I don't think I can. I', still compiling my "I want this" list for books for the latter part of the year. I'll post it soon, so far there are over 20 books.

I don't have much else to share. I'm tired and cranky, so y'all have a good night. B.

Ok, so maybe my cats don't start out weird. Maybe we make them this way. Son decided Oreo needed to wear his tie. Would you believe she sat still for almost 10 minutes like this? No clue why. She wasn't mad at my Son either. Maybe she thought she looked good!

Please look below this post and note my finished floor for my closet! It looks great! I can't wait until we tackle the rest of the floors that need it.

I wasn't able to make it to the UBS or the library today. I looked up a whole bunch of books I was interested in trying to find at the library through the online database. They didn't have a one of them. I HATE my library. Oh, and it wasn't just my county's library, we're eligible to go the county next to us as well. (Dh used to work in that county, and will again soon we hope.) They didn't have any of them either. I was searching Amazon the other night and I ran across a description for Sorceress of Faith by Robin D. Owens. It sounded really interestiing, so I called the USB, nope, don't have it. Neither does the library. Has anyone read it? Is it good? I've had to pick a book from my bookshelves to read. I decided on A Paid Companion by Amanda Quick. It's still as good as I remembered it. I love the fact that the heroine forged her own references. Hopefully tomorrow I will get to the UBS. I really need something to read that I don't keep thinking, I remember that!

Dh found out when his boss will let him transfer here. AUGUST. DH is SOOOOO angry that he's making him wait that long. He went to see his company's Human Resources, they agreed that's unusually long. There is NO reason the guy should make Dh wait that long. He's just being difficult.

That's about it for tonight. I'm off to have some sherbert! Night, B.

My Closet! Done! Dh is going to clean my molding tomorrow. And yes, the tile looks like stone with all it's variances in color. I think it looks so pretty I can't wait until he does our bathroom this year, too. (That tiny little black speck at the bottom is a cat ear, not a crack.) Just posting this picture for this post.

Why is it every time I get up from my chair and come back, this is what I find? Of course she sleeps curled up next to me like a furry teddy bear, so I won't complain too much :o).

Dh FINISHED the closet today. He grouted the entire thing and then went back and wiped up the excess. So it's DONE, done, done!! I will post a picture later.

Daughter has been driving me nuts today. She has been testing limits for the past few days and I am about to show her who's Boss. Patience is usually my strong suit but, good grief!!

I am compiling a list of books to be on the look- out for again. I do it every few months and post it. Eve is asking what books you're reading and what you have lined up to read, and am looking forward to. Lucy Monroe has been wondering what draws you to suspense books, and if you look at the post below that, she asks what about the opening of a book draws you. Now on that last one, most of you would recognize my favorite!! (Jennifer Crusie, Fast Women). Oh, my library SUCKS!! (I know I've said this before. But, it's true.) They still don't have a copy of Once Upon Stilletos by Shanna Swendson, Undead and Unpopular by MaryJanice Davidson, or Dirty Laundry a Tori Carrington book. I keep waiting and waiting. Buying these isn't possible, especially since 2 of them are hardbacks. I am out of books again, so it's either a trip to the library or a trip to the UBS.

Nothing much else going on. Have a good evening. Night, B.

Is this not the strangest position for a cat to sit? This is my kitchen table and chairs. Oreo is just more and more strange everyday. Every time I get my keys out now she runs upstairs. Guess she thinks I'll make her go back to the vet.

My In-Laws called today and I was able to tell them that Dh has officially been told he has the job here. For the first time since I gave birth to each grandchild, she became excited. *sigh* I can see where this is going to go. As soon as Dh gets back up here, they'll be bugging us even more. I wish we could move back out of state.

Tomorrow is Dh's day off. I'm hoping he'll finally get all his non-working computer stuff out of my garage and will also put the grout down in the closet. Sad to say I haven't read anything today. Just wasn't in the mood. I tried to reread one of my keeper Linda Howard books, To Die For. I love the book, the story is great. But the more I read it, the more the heroine gets on my nerves. The hero is Alpha, and she is supposed to be the type of woman who can hold her own with a guy, but she lets him walk all over her. It's like her character takes a 180 right after the murder and he comes after her. It. Just. Ticks. Me . OFF! AAAGHHHH! Maybe I'll pull out Dream Man or Mr.Perfect or Opn Season instead. They each have a great story and characters.

I don;t have anything else to tell y'all, slow day here. I am tired. Good Night, B.

See my entryway closet? Hasn't Dh done a great job, especially since it's the first time he has ever tiled? He has to still put the grout in on wednesday. We're eventually going to do all the bathrooms in this tile as well as the kitchen. Right now we have linoleum(sp) in all those spaces and for some reason our MB bathroom has a totally different kind than all the others. Wish us luck.

Not much to tell y'all today. I di do Yoga today and my back is a bit sore, but I couldn't not excercise anymore. Especially since when I went to the Doctor they weighed me and since Dh has been commuting I have gained 10 lbs. from all the eating out we've been doing. So we are making a pact to try and eat better and Dh even said he's going to start working out again once he gets back here, ecause he'll have more time. Trust me, good news.

I reread Amyrillis by Jayne Caslte last night and as before thoroughly enjoyed it. I read Best Laid Plans by Constance O'Day Flannery too and it was WEIRD. I enjoy paranormal, don't get me wrong, but this was a little too out there for me. I can't wait for my library to get in a copy of Undead and Unpopular by MaryJanice Davidson, the release is set for tomorrow and I am hoping the library will get it in SOON.

I'm going now. I have a sinus headache and it's just making my head swim. Y'all have a good evening. B.

Can you tell I had a good time with the ribbon the other day? A REALLY good time. Hahaha! I wish Layla had enjyed it as well. :o)

I needed a pick me up from yesterday, so after the mall I took the kids to the bookstore with me. It's the one store where ALL of us have a good time. I get to sweep throught my sections, then the kids and I go back to the kids section where Son gets to play with the trains and Daughter gets to browse. If Dh is with us, he and I switch off watching the kids and he looks at the Manga and Comic books or computer books. And a fun time is had by all. Anyway, after the disaster at the Mall I took the kids to BAM. I found Express Male by Elizabeth Beverly had been released. I read it last night (and stayed up late to finish it). I liked it. An unknown twin is suspected of actually being her super-spy sister. Unfortuntely before it is cleared up who she is there are huge misunderstandings with 3 players in the spy drama. Her identity is soon fixed, as is the fact that she has a sister she never knew about. If I share anymore I will spoil the book.

I have been watching the Benson Marathon on TVLAND and enjoying it so much. I miss tv shows like it. No real violence, snarky to the hilt and very, very funny. It brings to mind other tv shows that I miss. Like Laverne & Shirley and Mork & Mindy and Soap. Oh gosh, I loved Soap. It was too much!! Of course I also miss the length of the shos before commercials were as long as they are now. There used to be a limit on commercials, 3 minutes before switching back to the show. Now, it seems we get about 15 minutes of a show that is supposed to last a half hour.

Oh, hey, MORE good news. Dh is finishing the tile for the closet as we speak. YAY!! He is letting Son help, too. Smart idea huh? Mine. I thought they needed some guy thing to do together. Seems to be going Ok so far. Cross your fingers! I'll post pictures of my finished closet floor soon.

That's about it for us, we made it to Church and have also been blessed by no phone calls from the In-Laws all week. He-heh. (watch them call me tomorrow.) We are SOOOOOOO looking forward to when Dh starts work here again instead of his humongous(sp) commute. Night all, enjoy yourselves this evening. B.

Another picture of Layla and the ribbon. She looks thrilled, right? Haha, NOT! More like, God what I put up with!

Today was a huge pot of trouble. My favorite pair of shorts have holes in them. Now, for around the house that's Ok with me. But, for wearing out, no go. So I decided to try and find a pair at the Mall. (Because I didn't see any I liked at Target). So I'm trapped at the Mall with 2 kids who are driving me crazy and no shorts I like. (Sue me, I'm picky.) Everything was either too short or too long. What's with the whole capri thing this year? I'm too short for them. Anyway, I ended up leaving the Mall with no shorts, a crying 4 year old and feeling like I wanted to tear my hair out. So I basically completely wasted my time and the kids wore out my patience.

Any interesting new books coming out this month? I know that MaryJanice Davidson has a new Undead book out, Undead and Unpopular. Anything else? Seems like it may be a slow month for books.

Well, that's it from me. Slow news day and all. Have a good evening, B.

Yes, that's me. Well, rather, the back of my head. Layla crawled up over my shoulder and I was afraid to get up out of the chair until she got down. I can see it now, if I'd stood up, WHAM! the chair would have flipped!

Had to take Oreo to the vet today as a check-up from her being spayed. She DID NOT want to go. We were all trying to put her in the travel case and she was having NONE OF IT! She escaped 3 times and ran under my bed. At one point I was on the landing, reached down to grab her as she raced past and smacked my head on the bannister. OUCH! I saw stars. No, really. Stars. We finally placed her in the case and took her to the vet. After an HOUR of waiting(busy day I guess) we were seen for 10 minutes and then brought her home. Did I mention that the visit was free? I LOVE our new vet.

I was curious about something. What books brought you toward what you read today? I read Gone with the Wind when I was in the 3rd or 4th grade. I then read every Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden and Sweet Valley High book I could find. In 5th grade I went theough Sir Author Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie. I read a few Danielle Steeles and Judith Krantz's when I was in Jr. High. But, in the 7th grade I was introdiced to Harlequin by a classmate who got them from her grandmother. I was hooked on those for years and MY grandmother let me have her old ones. During this time I also read Science Fiction and fantasy and when I was in High School I discovered mystery cozies. There weren't as many authors for the cozy genre when I first started to read them as there are now. But I noticed the older I got the more my tasted in books has changed. I read very few cozies now, very little science fiction and a few fantasy books. But, I do still love my Romances, although I steer clear of the categories now, usually. Now I also get to read some of the great new Youth books that weren't available when I was younger. (I read them to make sure they are OK for Daughter) (I do like Meg Cabot's Avalon High.) Geez, I sorta went long. What ways has your tastes changed? Like mine, have you abandoned the reading of your youth(or rather, even just ten years ago)? Have you continued to try new genres? Have you noticed the changes in each genre that has taken place over the years? I have, in alot of instances I am amazed at the changes. There are alot more paranormal romances now (which I like). They used to only release them in October. On the other hand I was dismayed that the Youth genre has changed so drastically. Sorry to blather, but I am truly curious.

A bit of more good news (other than Oreo being OK), Dh found out today that he will officially be offered the job up here next week. We are ecstatic. The job trnsfer will happen in the middle of the month. I'm just glad that the kids will get to see more of their Dad!!

That's all. I'm going to spend time with my family. Night, B.

Sorry I couldn't resist posting this picture of Layla. My new sheets came wrapped in a white ribbon. I, of course, couldn't resist draping it over her.

Today is a sad day here. My Dh had to take Smokie to the Humane Society to have her to sleep. We were very conflicted over the decision and finally felt it was what was best for her, not us. My Daughter cried all afternoon. My Son will NOT stop asking hard questions. All in all a very emotional day. I just keep telling myself it's the cycle of life, like a mantra.

Dh had the tile cut today to finish the closet. BUT NOT PLACED DOWN!! Something about more cutting, this time baseboard. AGH! DH is scaring me! Kinda like the hole in the floor episode again. Why are home improvement projects never easy????

I finished the book I got at the UBS yesterday. Um, it was Ok. It's just that the whole story seemed to move in jerks and stops, the conflict between the hero and herione never seemed settled to me, and if you are familiar with the series (like me) then all the name dropping of other characters was over the top. (I had another word on the top of my head, but it stayed out of reach). I tend to veer away from categories and this might keep me away for a while longer.

I'm headed upstairs to bed. Have a good nights sleep, B.