Steampunk pumpkin!

I can't remember the name they gave this pumpkin, but this one is from the branch we use near our home. Each branch of the library has made one abs they are having a contest between them all. I think they're cute.

I've done something to my foot. There's the usual pain from whatever I did last month that made a small snap feeling, but this is on the upper side of my heel and makes it painful to walk. When I went to bed last night it was fine, but now hurts like mad.
Of course, me being me, this meant I tried to pretend nothing was wrong and even went to Barre class tonight while the kids were in MA. I shouldn't have. It didn't really bother me in class, over half of the class was spent on the mat or standing where most my weight could be shifted to my other foot. But, it hurts worse now. I guess I'm going to have to do the one thing I don't feel comfortable doing- put my feet up.

Anyway. I'm still reading that book I mentioned. It's titled Spookygirl by Jill Baguchinsky. I'm still enjoying it. I picked up two other books from the library this afternoon, too. They are: A Southern Belle Primer or Why Princess Margaret will never be a Kappa Kappa Gamma by Maralyn Schwartz (a new to me author) and Incarnation by Emma Cornwall (also a new to me author). Both look interesting!

No more from me. I'm boring and pretty sure I sound whiney tonight. I apologize. I hope y'all had a nice day. I have heard that all those I care about up North are well. I am so happy to know that! My prayers are with those not so fortunate. I wish a calm and sunny Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and sweet dreams, B.

Exercise: Barre fitness.
Exercise hours: 50min..

Count Moo KItty, aka Elvis!

Elvis has turned out to be quite a handsome fellow. I remember when he was all sharp angles and had a very pointy face. Now, he's rounded out a bit and is a mellow sweetheart with very soft fur. Here he is wearing his Halloween costume. He makes a handsome vampire kitty, doesn't he?

Today has been a little busy. Daughter worked and then this afternoon she did her schoolwork while we had lunch and later this afternoon she attended a teen event at the library. They were to wear their steampunk costumes and were making a steampunk craft. Son and I arrived a little early and they let Son make a craft as well. He made a necklace with a skeleton key on it and has been so proud of that thing all night. After the event we headed to the MT Y. Daughter had a meeting held there and Son attended with her. I went to Yoga and Chris actually met us there to work out! I know! I was so excited he showed up. I will admit the kids and I were bad, because on the way to the Y we were pretending to be Chris making up excuses that he couldn't work out and was heading home. Trust me, he's done that so many times that it's a toss up whether he'll show up or not, but usually not. We love the man, but are not ignorant to his foibles. Heck, we ALL have foibles.
I know everyone is worried about those affected by Sandy. I am one of those who is worried. I can say that thanks to her we're experiencing some weird weather. It's been so windy and chilly today that the wind brushing the weeping willow against my house would be perfect of a sound track during a horror film. I can only wonder how it's going to feel going to sleep listening to that. For a brief time there was even thought to be cause for snow flurries mixed with rain Tuesday, but it's changed since then. Well, actually, it changed away and then back and now away again. If this is a precursor for winter, I'm worried.
As for reading? I picked up a couple of library books today, but since I am tired and snug under the covers I am not getting up to find them. I will, however, say that the first one I am reading is a YA about a teen girl who can talk to and see ghosts. Her mother died many years ago and her father now owns a funeral home. So far I like it a lot and tomorrow I will be sure to post the title of this one and the others that I picked up from the library.

Nothing else to share now. I hope y'all had an okay day. I wish a safe and nice and Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: Yoga.
Exercise hours: 1hr..

Curious little girl!

Son and I gutted our pumpkins tonight and picked out designs, but we left the actual carving up to Chris. Taki thought the pumpkins were very interesting and investigated both. Since we bought small pumpkins this year she was almost as big as they were! I'll share a pic of the pumpkins when all ours are done. Daughter has yet to gut and carve hers.
It's been quite a day. A very packed day, but several things were taken care of and therefore I know it was worth how tired I am now.
However, my thoughts and prayers are with those, most specially friends, in the path of Sandy. I can only hope they all make it through the storm safely and ask that you keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers.

All that said, it's time for rest. Oh, but I did want to share that in Zumba today we danced to gangnam (sp) style. It was so funny and I had a blast! I hope y'all experienced some form of fun today. I wish a safe and stress free Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: Zumba
Exercise hours: 1 hr..

Miss Patches!

Not the best picture of Patches, and it's kind of old, too. She's a sweetie and next month she'll be nine years old! She's Daughter's cat, she sleeps next to Daughter and follows her around the house. And for such a big girl she has the tiniest meow. We joke that she would sound like Minnie Mouse if she could talk. *g*


Not much to share today, sorry. It's been a rather boring yet busy day. Chris went to work this morning and they sent him home at lunch time. I guess I'm not the only one who he drives crazy when he sniffs and sniffs and then kind of coughs..... Trust me. He has a process. *g* I love the man, but the first night this started I didn't sleep. He snored too loudly. Luckily last night was better and I am hopeful that tonight will be even better. (As in I won't have the desire to smother him with a pillow due to snoring.) And no, he doesn't have sleep apnea.
This afternoon I left Chris and Son home and Daughter and I went grocery shopping. We made it to Petsmart, Sam's, WW and one other grocery store. But, we're all done and I don't want to see the inside of another grocery store for at least a week. *g*
In the book reading area? I haven't read anything today, but I have the latest 'Richard Castle' book, Naked Heat. I read the first two books in the Heat series. I hope I like this one! And if not, well, there's also the keeper shelves!

Like I stated above. I'm boring. So this is it. I hope y'all had a nice Friday. I wish an amusing and relaxing Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: No time today.
Exercise hours: 0.

My Scary Fellow!

This is Son's zombie costume from Monday's event at the library. Normally I don't post pictures of the kids, but his face is pretty much unrecognizable. However, as with all pictures I post of the kids this one will only be up for about 24 hours before I delete the picture. Doesn't he look rather ghoulish? Daughter did his make-up for the event and the cool thing about being a zombie? No costume, per se, that's an old t-shirt of Chris' that we tore up and streaked with red from his kit and an old ill-fitting pair of jeans of Sons that we ripped.


I wish I could say it had been a quiet day, but Chris had to take a sick day for drainage, coughing and dizziness due to what started like allergies and morphed into a cold. He's fine, he's just a big 'ol baby when he's sick. He'll go back to work tomorrow. I just have to survive sleeping at night, or the lack thereof, for as long as he snores due to the nasty drainage and nasal swelling.

The Y where Daughter works had their Fall Festival this evening and I took the kids. Son dressed in a skeleton mask and hooded robe and Daughter tried out her steampunk costume. Unfortunately she couldn't wear her little Victorian inspired hat, she keeps forgetting to apoxy some gears to it. So, she wore a page-boy/news boy type of hat that is Son's. It worked out rather well. She looked very cute and as soon as I load the photos from the camera onto the computer I'll share them. (After blurring our her face.) She helped man a kids game while we were there and after I had take Son around to all the games she watched him while I attended pilates. They had a good time, though Daughter didn't win the pumpkin drop (You can purchase tickets of a number on a pumpkin and they load all the pumpkins in a tarp and hoist them high in the air with a crane. Which ever pumpkin lands in the bullseye wins a prize. Daughter didn't win, but still enjoyed herself. There was also a contest among the Y's managers to see who would kiss a piglet. They had cans with the names of the managers out in the lobby and whichever had the most money in it by today had to kiss the pig. One of Daughter's boss's had to do it this year and it cracked her up.
After all that we headed home and I took care of dinner while Chris took a conference call for school work, a team meeting. I really wish he'd do those in the kitchen as it's hard to keep the kids quiet for so long while in the LR. Son has a tendency to talk loudly. It's like he has no meter for volume. However, everything went well for their discussion on their next team paper.

As for reading, I picked up and somehow finished The Blacksmith's Bravery by Susan Page Davis. It's a western type historical christian romance. (Say that five times really fast! *g*) I liked the heroine. She was stubborn and yet knew her own limitations. The Christian theme wasn't too heavy handed, which I enjoyed and the romance was sweet. I actually enjoyed it so much I've placed another of the author's books on hold at the library.

No more from me. Time for sleep. I hope y'all had a thankful and glorious day. I wish a fun and sunny Friday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: Pilates.
Exercise Hours: 1hr..

Almost time for Costumes!

Yeah, I know. I'm a bad kitty mama for doing this to the cats. But! In my defense, how could I resist? They just look so darned cute! Here Layla is wearing the pirates hat. I'm still wishing I could have bought the superman costume they had at PetsMart this week, but I'm trying to keep to only basics.

Still no work on any of the applications I've placed around town. I guess I'm too old, or it's been too long since I've had a job and hey, why hire me when there are tons of teenagers willing to do the work, right? Eventually the kids won't need me anymore. What am I going to do then? I'm the type of person who wants to be useful and yes I do everything around here to keep the house running and the kids where they need to be, both scholastically and socially. And I am pretty sure the kids are glad that I can't seem to find a part time job. But, Daughter will eventually need a car and Chris is going to need a new computer one of these days. *knockonwood*. I'd like to contribute toward those things. *sigh* I just feel like a failure.

Anyway, today was pretty simple. Daughter worked, we had lunch and continued schoolwork and Daughter had an event at the library for the teen council this afternoon. I went to the Y and took classes and then we all headed home for a nice dinner of spaghetti and meatballs. Yum! The days have been warm and will be for a few more days, but the nights are cool and so something warm has been nice. Plus! Leftovers tomorrow!

And as for reading? I am still reading the Deborah Coates book, but am almost done. I just have a few chapters left and while I would love to stay up and read it until I'm done, I need sleep more at this point. The lead character is still compelling in her own way. She's gritty and comes off tough, but there's a core underneath that you can see is just trying to survive the situation she's finding herself in. If there happens to be another book with this character I will be in line to read it, but if not I feel good having read this book.

All that said- it's time for sleep. I hope y'all had an excellent day. I wish a Thursday filled with laughter and good books. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.


Exercise: Zumba, Pilates.
Exercise Hours: 2hrs..

Smart and Silly Einstein!

I can't remember if I've posted this picture before. I know I've posted a similar picture, but that's just because Einstein seems to love sitting in our laundry bags. Silly boy.

It's been another long day. We closed Daughter's checking and savings accounts and moved them to our credit union. We also had to run and by cat food. I swear I used to get away with only buying one 15lb. bag of cat food every shopping trip. Now I have to buy two and since we've switched to a more expensive brand we're spending a lot on the kitties just of the better nutrition and higher fiber food. (They need a higher fiber food, the Quads especially as regular food tends to upset their tummies.) I hope to find a similar, but cheaper, food, or at least some coupons for what we're using now. After that it was off to the kids MA class. Their teacher is out of the country on a mission trip so Daughter taught class. I headed to my class and had a blast as well as sweat-ed a bunch. Or, as one woman put it. "You don't sweat, you make your fat cry." I'd never heard that saying before and it cracked me up!
After that a small trip by a local grocery store for paper towels and honey crisp apples and then home. Yay!

As for reading? I'm still reading the Deborah Coates book. I haven't managed to get much further through it, we've been too busy today, but I hope to soon. Despite the rough edges I like the main character. She's rough and persistent and stepping on a lot of toes. She comes across as tough and no-nonsense, but her emotions on the situation she finds herself in are just beneath the surface and show a depth of character that has drawn me into the book.

Time to head offline. I hope y'all had a delightful Tuesday. I wish a beautiful Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: Zumba.
Exercise Hours: 1hr..

A Memorable Night!

I'll admit it. I am a Hello Kitty fan. She's just so CUTE! I saw this one a few weeks ago at BaMM. She's wearing a bow and shirt with the colors and logo for one of the state colleges here. (The one that Daughter and Son really like.) I can't help it. I just want to hug Hello Kitty!

For those of you who read my status on Facebook? You already know this. But, for those who didn't? OMGosh! Guess what I did? I taught an entire Yoga class at the Y due to a bad scheduling conflict. We had no teacher and the only recourse would have been to cancel the class. So, I was encouraged to teach the class by the front desk fellow (Who is a very sweet college guy.). I don't know how well I did, but the class bore with me. So, that's good, right? I was so nervous! And it was all off the cuff. I think I could have been better if I had been able to plan it out. I remembered to do most everything, but just a but ago realized I forgot balance poses. I feel so bad about that! I did manage to give them everything else, including a little ab work. One woman, who I know doesn't like me, was in the front row and she tended to do whatever she wanted rather than follow my lead, but I ignored her for the most part. During the whole thing I was so nervous! I was jello-kneed by the time the class was over and I had put everything away (the sound equipment) and locked the equipment doors. On one hand I am proud of myself and on the other hand I am scared I did a bad job.

Today was busy, busy, btw. SIL had surgery today. I won't say what for, but know that it was for female issues. The surgery ended up taking over 5.5 hours. She's recovering now and should go home tomorrow sometime. Daughter worked today and was late getting out. We had a short lunch because Son needed his Zombie make-up put on for his Zombie Party at the Library today for tweens. Taki had a Vet appointment and has been pronounced doing well. Her lungs are clear and the Vet just wants us to finish giving her the liquid antibiotic, whereas she's finished her pill form antibiotic and doesn't need more. Son's event went well. He had a blast. They did a weird version of a couple party games as well as a scavenger hunt using the actual library and the books within as the clues. Very cool. (Every time they do one of those for the teens Daughter wins. *g*) Then I dropped the kids at home and went to Yoga, where you read above how things went.

As for reading? I am reading Wide Open by Deborah Coates. I had forgotten I had this book until I finished the third Fran Rizer book. I'm enjoying the Coates book. She's given the lead character a gritty and straightforward voice. It fits the character and has set the tone of the book. It's rather bleak, but not unexpected.

That's it. Noting much else going on. Tomorrow promises to be a bit better time-management-wise. I hope y'all had a lovely, stress-free day. I wish a Terrific Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Yoga.
Exercise Hours: 1hr..

Sleeping Cutie, part II!

Not much to share again. We spent yesterday trying to find a pair of goggles for Daughters Steampunk costume. We couldn't find any, but have two different places where we can find them. One place, they will already be Steampunk looking. The other place, we can do it ourselves. We did find Daughter a corset style top that she loved and will be wearing on top of a t-shirt. It will all pull together to make a great outfit. Today she worked and I went to Zumba and then used the bike at the Y for a little while as I waited for her to get off work.
The library is having a Zombie party for the Tweens, so I had to pick up the make-up for that on the way home. Son is very excited about this party tomorrow. We ripped up an old t-shirt and pair of jeans this evening, too.

As for reading, I'm on Fran Rizer's third rCallie Parish mystery. I had read the first book a few years ago and the picked up the fourth book a couple of weeks ago. It made me want to read books two and three and finished book two Friday. I'm also hoping some of my holds come in soon as I am low on books. I know that's what a choice from my keeper shelves is for!

Tomorrow, Monday (I'm up late again.), is going to be extra busy. I hope y'a had a nice weekend. I wish a lovely Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: Zumba, bike.
Exercise hours: 1hr., 35min..

Sleeping Cutie!

This is what I woke to this morning, beside me. How cute is he? Aka sure is a cutie pie when awake- or sleeping.
This is basically a place holder. It's late and I'm tired and had to take some ibuprofen and decongestant thanks to a nasty sinus headache. I hope y'all had a fun and happy Friday. I wish a lovely and amusing Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: bike, kettle bell, Pilates.
Exercise hours: 1hr., 30min..

A curious cat times three!

Too nosy for their own good! Taki, aka and Buddy Boy decided they wanted to explore the dryer the other evening as I was taking a load out. Please, don't worry. We are vigilant about keeping the washer and dryer doors closed and never walk away when putting laundry in either one. I am paranoid about it. However, I was right there and stayed with them the entire time.
Not much to share from today. Taki is getting better and her breathing is now clear. We go back to the Vet on Monday to check and I have high hopes she's healed.
There was an bru-ha-ha at the Y tonight. The sound system acted up a day in the aerobic room and Gah! It just upset me and others.
Chris is taking a class for his MBA and is having to do conference calls at least three times a week. The kids, cats, and I all try to be quiet during those times, but it's not easy. He is doing well so far, though. *knockonwood*
Not much else to share. I just started a new book from the library by Jusy Fennell. It's about a female genie who had been with the same family for generations. But, her magic goes awry most of the time so she's more hinderance than help. it's cute, which I really need right now.

That's it. I need to get some sleep so am headed offline. Love and Blessings to each of you, B.

Exercise: Zumba
Exercise hours: ha. More like 25-30mins thanks to the sound system.

Pranking Sister!

Please excuse the quality of this picture, I took it with my phone. Son has decided what he's going to be for Halloween. *g* I told him he needs to sit very still like this one morning before Daughter comes down and try and scare her. Unfortunately, we both know it's nearly impossible to scare her and even if he did manage it she would smack him. *g*

I can't believe I forgot to post! I must have been seriously more tired than I thought. And I was tired. I think the seasonal weather change is affecting me because I have been so tired lately. Then again, it's not like it's been cold or anything. *g* I don't know, truly, why I've been so tired lately. Stress? If so I have that in spades.

The kids had MA last night and I thought since I really had no choice that I'd try the new Barre class. BUT, the Barre teacher (for some odd reason) wanted to teach spin and the spin teacher taught our class- RIP. I have no idea what that stands for, but she was a hoot! I can't remember laughing in a class more in a long time. It was basically a weight lifting/weights class. Since I don't get enough strength training I didn't mind at all. Of course today I am sore. But, I had fun and hope they bring her back again.

Today is going to be spent on schoolwork, one errand and then I have classes tonight. I didn't get a chance to tell y'all that my Yoga teacher told me they are discontinuing the Wednesday Yoga and Pilates classes because she can't teach every Wednesday and the woman she was trading off with doesn't want to do it anymore. She suggested that I maybe take a training course so I could teach the Wednesday classes. I just have no clue on where to find a training course, or how to afford it right now. But, it would get my foot in the door (so to speak) with the Y to teach more classes and sub for the other yoga teachers. I just don't know where to start. *sigh*
That reminds me, did I tell y'all I've been turned down for two of the jobs I applied for? Both were retail that were hiring for the season. *sigh* I must be too old or too stupid or something. I'm sure it doesn't help that my last job (though retail) was 12 years ago at a BX for the AF that is no longer there. Plus, hi. It's the military. You wouldn't believe how often they change employees. I just..... it makes me feel like a failure. Like I'm not good enough. And while I don't have a big ego, I am usually okay with my place in the world. Now? I don't feel good enough. It's passed humbling. It's depressing.

Enough of that. Time to run and get some cat food. *g* My kitties are piggies. *g* I hope y'all had a good Tuesday. I wish a fantastic Wednesday for y'all. Have a great day, B!

Exercise: Monday, Yoga. Tuesday, RIP.
Exercise hours: Monday 1hr.. Tuesday 1hr..

Learning Something New!

This picture is from Son's 4-H group meeting last week. There were two re-enactors there, one an archeologist who specializes in early Native American. The gentleman shown brought a weapon called an Atatle. it's basically a way to launch a spear far distances with smaller effort. Any one who wanted to try was given a chance. Most didn't make it past 8 feet. Son made it at least 25 feet. Son now wants an Atatle.
I have a headache from Hades, so this it it. I'm also feeling rather under valued and not just by the family. Sorry, but all that trumps a post.

I hope y'all had a pleasant Monday. I wish a delightful Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Sibling Love

Teddy is usually a good fellow. Zoe adores him. She found him sleeping on my bed this evening and flopped down right next to him for some attention, which he was sweet enough to give her.
Not sure what to talk about. Saturday was spent running errands. Daughter and I managed some time out together in the evening. We went to Hobby Lobby where we had fun looking at different things for Steampunk ideas. She ended up buying a leather bracelet and some gears and clock faces to adhere to the bracelet. It should look really good when complete. I looked at wood burners. We're thinking of getting one for Son for Christmas. When I was around his age (a little younger, actually) I did a few wood burning pictures. Daughter, however, is skeptical. She doesn't think it's a good idea at all, but it's hard to explain to her that it's okay if he tries and fails, and that there are just certain things that may surprise you. We're not sure yet, still talking it over, though.
I did get a chance to go by the main library branch and pick up a few books Saturday afternoon. I've already read one of them, the fourth Callie Parish book by Nan Rizer. It was fun reconnecting with the series. Now I'm reading Nightshifted by Cassie Alexander. This is a new-to-me author. I'm not very far into it, but like the main characters voice so far.
Today was spent taking care of yet more laundry, Zumba, and yard work. Chris and I had to run to Lowes to look for a new doorbell. Ours lights up, but the button has cracked. Unfortunately, they didn't have an exact replacement. I found one I loved, but it might take some finagling as its made differently. We left empty handed until Chris can figure out a way to put in the one we liked today, or whether we need to check somewhere else for the exact replacement.
I also made beef stew for dinner. It's not quite cold enough here yet, but it was very yummy. *g* We had leftovers since I don't know how to make a small pot of stew.

No more from me. I've bored y'a enough. I hope y'all had a lovely weekend. I wish a pleasing and low-key Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: Saturday, 0. Sunday, Zumba and yard work.
Exercise hours: 2hrs..

Curious Little Girl!

Another long day. This one involved another trip to the Vet. Taki hasn't gotten any better. As a matter of fact she was sounding like she did when we took her to the other vet two weeks ago. Here she is investigating the Doctors light at the Vets office. Silly girl, so curious and feisty.

As the above picture evidences I spent many hours at the Vets office again today. Because I was a "walk-in" I had to wait for her to be seen by the Vet until all the appointments were finished. However, I'm very glad I took her. It seems the simple infection she had has turned into pneumonia. Not a bad case of it, but still. The Vet actually said he hated the extended antibiotic the other Vet had given her and since it's been two weeks he was able to give her another kind. Two other kinds, actually. While the Vet is sure she is going to recover well, I am still worried. She's so tiny. (Doesn't look like it here, but she doesn't even weigh 3lbs. and is only a little over three months old. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. I just want her to be better and healthy.
After Taki's vet visit she and I headed home. By that time I was so stressed I had a headache. Add in a sore throat (I think I may be catching Son's cold.) and I wasn't happy. Also add in that I was sent an impersonal email from a place I had applied saying they didn't have a position for me. Um, yeah, 'cause they're not hiring for the holiday season or anything. *sigh* Why am I not good enough? What's wrong with me that no one is willing to hire me? I feel like a failure. Like I'm not good enough.

And on that note it's time to change the subject. Reading! I am rereading an old favorite author. I needed the comfort and especially the light tone. Any suggestions for that type of book? I even looked when we went grocery shopping tonight, but there was nothing there I wanted to splurge on. Hopefully the library will get in one of my holds soon.

And that's it. Time to head offline. I hope y'all had an enjoyable Friday. I wish an amusing an relaxing Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: no time today, spent the time at the Vets office.
Exercise hours: 0.

My Furry Best Friend!

I love my Layla. Whether she's grumpy or sweet. Whether she makes me laugh or worries me, I honestly couldn't (and don't want to) imagine my life without her. *knockonwood* Here she is enjoying some time with me, and I with her.

Is it ironic to be exhausted and not able to sleep? If so, I think irony may be my middle name. I'm dealing with so much stress right now that it's hard to fall asleep at night and the days have been so busy that I don't have much time to sit still and rest.
I have not heard one thing back about all the applications I've placed. I know the economy is bad, but I wonder. I see teenagers finding part time jobs all the time, why won't someone think of me? I SO wanted that Library job, but have heard nothing. I miss the times when you were at least told that you weren't up for the job, you know?

One of the stressful things in my life right now is that Taki is still not better. She's still congested and for the past two days hasn't wanted to play as much as usual. Her appetite is back, she is just sleeping more. I know that may mean her body is working hard to fight whatever she has, I just want her to be all better and I feel like I am letting her down because I can't make her better.
Add in that Son has not felt well today, either, and it's been a long day. That cold he had last week decided to make a return visit and he's been bleh! all day. Add in that Chris has been snoring louder than usual this week and it's taken considerable willpower not to shove him into the floor. I'm a good wife that way. *g*

As for reading? I finished the newest Libba Bray novel and loved it. Thank goodness it's the first book in a new series. I'm not sure how to explain the book other than to say think a little The Stand by Stephen King, a lot Roaring Twenties and just for the heck of it add in some secret government experiment and yet even more with a serial killer who is trying to bring about the Anti-Christ. I expected to possibly like it. I didn't expect to love it and to not want to put it down. So much so that between laundry and driving the kids and my exercise and cooking and such I managed to finish the 578 page book in a little over a day and a half. Next up? Well, I have no idea. I have a feeling it would definitely be best to read a book from my keeper shelves as the library hasn't gotten in anything I want to read lately. Plus, only a keeper book could match the good feeling I just got from finishing this book! *g*

That's it. Time for me to head offline. I hope y'all had a great Thursday. I wish a spectacular Friday for y'all. Goodnight (Goodmorning), B.

P.S. I did forget to mention that the Yoga teacher was late yesterday and so I started the class for her and she had to leave early so she left me in charge for the last ten minutes. Scary! I loved it, though am sure I was bad. However, I am very glad for the opportunity to see what's it's like.

Exercise: Wednesday, Zumba, Yoga. Thursday, Pilates.
Exercise Hours: Wednesday 1hr. 50min.. Thursday, 1hr..

Sleep of the Innocent!

Not the best picture, but also kind of funny because of the glow-y eyes toward the left corner. I just thought that Aka looked adorable stretched out across the ottoman with his tail hanging down as he slept.
I'm having a busy week and so arrived home late last night from the kids MA class because of a stop by Target for Daughter. Her boy-toy's (boyfriend's) birthday is today and she waited until the last minute to figure out something to get him. She ended up choosing one of my suggestions which was a multi-tool. Guys love tools and since she didn't want to get him any of the other things I suggested- this one won by default. She was so cute last night trying to wrap it and we had fun choosing a card for him at the store, too.

As for the meeting? It went surprising well. So well, in fact, that the MA teacher suggested we sit down together at least once a month to talk about any issues that may be arising during the classes that we feel should be addressed. He's even going to work on implementing the suggestions made. That ran over and then I had to speak with one of the "bosses" about Daughter. See, they pay her to teach a weekly MA class, but we've also been paying for her to take classes. Made no sense to us. And now we don't have to because I finally asked about it. We still pay for Son, though, which it to be expected.

I was still able to take about 30 minutes of my class and then rode the bike a bit after that to make up for what I missed. Then to Target, then home for a late dinner. Today Son had a 4-H event and had a blast. He even was able to use a Atatle, a Native American weapon for hunting. Very cool. I'll have to post a picture later.

Have to run. Still have things to take care of. I hope y'all had a nice Tuesday and wish a wonderful Wednesday for y'all. Have a good day, B.

Exercise: Zumba, Bike.
Exercise Hours: 50min..

Freaky Flier!

Yikes! I forgot to post last night! I know it doesn't really matter as so few read here, anyway. But, I still can't believe I forgot!
This picture is of a moth that we had on our porch last weekend. It was as big as a bat and had HUGE fuzzy legs and freaked me out. I have no idea what kind of moth it is (and am only calling it a moth because I've always thought butterflies have more color in their wings than this), but it was freaky!

Not much to report from yesterday, or today for that matter. So far, anyway. I do have that meeting set up with the kids MA teacher this evening. It's going to be scary for me to talk with him about how unhappy the kids and another mom and kid are with the way the classes are going right now. I'm not sure I'll even be taken seriously as I'm not actually TAKING the class. I'm just there to make sure he takes Daughter's thoughts seriously and as back-up for the other mother. Daughter and the other mother have made a list of the things that are bothering them and we rewrote them to come across in a more positive manner, rather than "we don't like that.....".

In other news? Well, it's news to us and boring for y'all, but here goes. We've been looking for a cat food that doesn't upset the Quads (what we call Elvis, Harley, Zoe and Buddy Boy) stomaches (the old Purina One kind did). We tried Iams, but Oreo turned out to have some kind of allergy to it- and looking back, so did Layla. So, we're now trying Science Diet Indoor and Oreo still seems to be having some kind of reaction to it while the other cats are doing well. Even Layla. She's stopped picking at her fur so badly and the lymph node in her neck/chin area has stopped swelling. So far so good. Except for Oreo. *sigh* We have another food that we feed the strays and so far we've started giving her that as well as treats of canned food and it seems to be working okay. But, It still worries me. On the bright side! Since starting the Science Diet Indoor food the older cats have dropped a little of their weight- they were over-weight, and are looking good. The vet said keep up with this food for at least 60 days before trying anything else. I just feel guilty about Oreo...... What would you do? After the 60 days were up would you try yet another type of food, or would you keep with this one and just treat Oreo the same way we are now with the other food and canned treats?

In reading news... I have tried Lilith Saintcrow's newest The Iron Wyrm Affair. It is definitely different.  Fantasy/Steampunk-ish type with sorcery and a Sherlock Holmes type character. While I like it, I am finding it too easy to put down so have done just that for a bit. I have since started reading Libba Bray's newest, The Diviner's. It's very interesting and set during the late 1920's with flapper's and speakeasy's and prohibition and my favorite part flawed characters with psychic abilities. There is a very dark tone to the story, but I am finding it very compelling.

That's it. I hope y'all had a good Monday. I wish a terrific Tuesday (today) for y'all. Have a great day, B.

Exercise: Monday, Yoga.
Exercise hours: Monday- 1hr..

Elvis meets a new friend!

Son decided to drag out the RoboSapien toy we bought Chris a few years ago and introduce it to the cats. Teddy was a big chicken and ran away. Elvis wanted to be friends. Or, he was investigating it. Either way it looks cute!

It's been a long weekend. I spent four hours at the Vets on Saturday. Three of those hours was to SEE the vet. The reason for the visit? Taki didn't seem to be improving at all. She still snuffled and had congestion in her nose and she wasn't eating as much because she couldn't eat and breathe at the same time. I'd had enough. So, they ran a CBC to see how her blood cells were doing. Both red and white blood cells were good. They chose not to give her any other antibiotics since she still has the extended antibiotics in her system. They DID give her some steroids to help with her breathing, figuring that if she could at least lose the congestion to some extent she can heal better. So! Cross your fingers for her. I can say I've already seen an improvement to her appetite.
After all that Saturday morning/afternoon I needed a nap! So, very unlike me, I took one! Later Chris and I picked up some more cat food and ran by Michaels to check on pumpkins as part of Son's costume for Halloween. (He wants to be the Headless Horseman. Not sure how that's going to work.) Daughter is almost done with her costume, since she'll have to wear it three different occasions she wanted it to come together quickly. She's doing Steampunk. So far she has boots, a belt, a military style jacket (she already has one), a cute hat and now she needs some steampunk style jewelry and a button up shirt.
Today I went to Zumba and have done a LOT of laundry. I was going to mow the lawn, but it started drizzling and the ground was still soggy from last nights rain. I need to get it done soon. The yard doesn't look bad, but it bugs me when I can see patches that need to be mowed. Chris did fix the screens at the back of the house where the giant mutant thorns from my rose bush/tree had ripped them. I'm so happy to have rip-free screens again! And no, it shouldn't happen again. I had to be mean and cut those branches off. I felt bad about it, but knew it needed to be done.

As for reading? I haven't chosen a new book from the few I picked up from the library on Friday. I may start the new Tera Lynn Childs book, Sweet Shadows. It's a YA and the sequel to Sweet Venom. Basically it's about the triplet ancestors of Medusa, but they didn't know they were triplets and have just found each other. Now to see where the second book takes them.

Time to head offline. This week promises to be busy, yet again. MIL is visiting tomorrow for a little bit, too. Anyway, I hope y'all had a lovely weekend and I wish a Blessed start to the week tomorrow. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Saturday, no. Sunday, Zumba.
Exercise Hours: Saturday, 0. Sunday, 1hr..

Taki and Layla, my sweet girls!

Consider this a placeholder. The day just got away from me and despite everything I've yet to manage to catch up. I hope y'all had a delightful Friday and wish a laughter filled Saturday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

My Beautiful Girl!

This photo is old, but I love Layla's blue eyes and she's on my mind tonight. We've had to switch cat foods over the past couple of months from Purina One (didn't agree with the quads; what we call Elvis, Harley, Zoe and Buddy) to Iams (turns out Oreo is allergic to it) to Science Diet Indoors. We thought we'd found a good one with the Science Diet, but Layla is showing signs of an allergy to it. She's picking at her skin and she was sick tonight. I took her to the vet (sigh, they need to give us our own wing or something) yesterday because of the skin thing and he mentioned the possible food allergy. Now I have to find a food that they can all eat without bothering them. Which means I need to sit down with the ingredients from all three and see the differences. *sigh* That's a LOT of work. And I have no idea what other food to try. I'd prefer a high protein diet for them as fillers aren't good for them, but I need to find something they can all eat and that is affordable.

Now. Take that stress and add in that Son is sick. And that Daughter and another mother/student from MA class are unhappy with the way things are going. Add in that I have been chosen, somehow-help!, to mediate a meeting between them and the MA teacher to address those concerns. Add in that since I approached the MA teacher about this this evening via text (just asking if we could meet before class next week) he's now on the defensive. Plus, I'm still putting in applications around here and can't get anyone to hire me (Gee, maybe it's the 12 years since my last job?) making me feel like a huge failure as a person, wife and mother right now.
But! I have a great, wonderful, sweet hubby. Since Monday I've only had about 9 hours sleep total and he took a half day (went in late) so that he could take care of things this morning so I could sleep. How darn cool is that? I tried to tell him he shouldn't do that, but he insisted.

In other good news? I have begin reading a new book from the library by a new-to-me author. The title is In a Fix by Linda Grimes. The premise is interesting and definitely sounds "new". I'm only a few chapters in, but like it a lot so far.

Time to head offline. I still have a little laundry to quickly take care of. But, let me leave you with a laugh. The setting: I'm in the shower and turn around and all of sudden Taki is there. IN THE SHOWER/TUB in front of me. If you think I screamed before I figured it out you'd be right. She? didn't mind a bit. She loves the shower and we can't figure out why. We are very careful to shut the bathroom door with her on the OTHER side. She snuck in and I had to call Chris to come get her. Silly, SILLY, girl. *g*

NOW, it's time to head offline. I hope y'all had a happy Thursday. I wish a fun and enjoyable Friday for y'all. Goodnight and hugs, B.

Exercise: bike, zumba.
Exercise hours: 1hr., 15min..

Trying to cross the road!

We rescued this turtle on one of our walks to the library on the weekend. He, or she, was heading straight for the road. I just couldn't stand the thought of him/her being squished, so picked him up and placed it couldn't get hurt. I doubt it appreciated the help, but we felt better about its lifespan afterwards!
It's been a very long, very stressful day. I received a call from MIL this morning. FIL had had a massively high blood pressure and left arm pain. So, she'd taken him to the ER sometime in the middle of the night. We spent most of the afternoon and early evening waiting to know the results of a nuclear stress test. Well, the results showed he's fine. They don't know why his blood pressure spiked. But, he was well enough to go home this evening. Thank goodness!
I did finish the Grayson book. While I did enjoy it, I wish it had been just a tad lighter in tone like the earlier books in the series. They had danger, they just had a tad more humor. Next up? I'm too tired to choose at the moment.

And on that note, it's time for bed. Thanks to stress and waiting to hear about FIL I didn't work out tonight. While I missed it, I needed to be here.

I hope y'all had a pleasing and happy Wednesday. I wish an enthusiastic Thursday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: none.
Exercise hours:0.

Beauty among the thorns!

My rose bush/tree is still blooming. It's now over 8 feet tall and the thorns look almost deadly. They are huge! I had to get Chris to help me dead-head it this past weekend because of its height. However, no matter the thorns, the blooms are beautiful.

I took Taki to the vet Tuesday morning. The vet couldn't give her any other meds besides a bronchial dilator. She did say that if she wasn't better by Saturday THEN they could try another med. (The antibiotic the other vet gave her was an extended release type.) the med she did give me seems to help her breathe a little better through her nose- less snuffly. Ironically Son seems to have developed a cold. I have no doubt the weird hot-to-cold to hot weather, along with two rainy days are the reason behind it. But, because of it we stayed home from their MA class tonight. It may have been beneficial to all of us!
Book-wise? I'm now reading charming Blue by Kristine Grayson. I've long enjoyed her retold fairytale stories And am glad she's writing them again.

That's it. No more from me. I've spent most the day in a tired fog due to lack of sleep, so need to try and get some now. I hope y'all had a lovely Tuesday. I wish a wonderful Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: none.
Exercise hours: 0.

Layla and the Sunlight!

I love these pictures of Layla enjoying a warm summer day while napping in the sunshine. She looks so funny and cute. I love her, especially listening to her purr as I fall asleep at night. I call her my purr-y teddy bear. *g*

I am a creature of habit. I don't like change and right now my life is changing. It's not in a way that affects my family. Just me. It may seem silly to y'all, but it is something that will be effecting the amount of joy I feel every week when working out. See, I love Zumba and all the different teachers are just that. Different. My favorite just left for maternity leave and since they really don't have a replacement for her, they are changing the schedule for that night. But, not only for that night. For every night. It's very complicated to explain, but the gist is they are going to be alternating Zumba on Tues/Thurs with pilates and a Barre class. So, one week will be Barre (Tues.), Zumba Sentoa (Wed., at the Pine Y) and then Pilates (Thurs.). The following week will be Zumba (Tues.), Zumba Sentao (Wed.), and Zumba (Thurs.). There's the change part. I like pilates, but also need cardio. And Barre and Pilates will not give me that. I'm sunk. Oh, and two other teachers quit at the MT Y, so where they alternating ZumbaTone with regular Zumba (taught by a different teacher than the tone class), now it will be the same teacher every. single. Wednesday and every other Sunday. Why is that bad? Because she only had about 45 minutes of material and her classes are the exact same every. single. week. And the worst part? She's going to be teaching the Tuesday Zumba class over at the Pine Y whenever it's the class night for it. She's an okay teacher, but again. Limited routines, limited moves, limited music. So, in one week I'd have her Tuesday, Wednesday and then Sunday. The same thing. Every. Single. Class. And on Thursdays that have Zumba, I'm guessing the sub we've had for the past few classes who is the exact same way. She has a limited number of routines, limited music. (No, I really don't want to dance to the Angry Birds theme song, thanks.) I've noticed that those two teachers don't have dance backgrounds. Unlike the one on maternity leave and the other great one on alternating Sundays. And I have no recourse. I HAVE to be there on Tuesdays and Thursdays because that's when the kids have to be there for the MA classes. I'm going to lose something that makes me happy, that makes me smile, that makes me excited to exercise. And I am sad. Please excuse my whiny-ness. I'm just...... sad about all the changes and lack of happiness I'll be feeling for these classes.
In other news, we are getting used to thinking of Taki as a girl. Now I don't have to be worried about why she was so much smaller (but eats so much more) than her brother. I DO have to worry about her snuffly nose, the reason for the Vet visit on Saturday morning. Despite the meds they gave her she is still snuffly. I don't like it. So, we'll be visiting our regular vet Tuesday (today, I'm up late again) afternoon. I want her all better and they obviously don't know what the heck they're doing at the other Vets. Kind thoughts for Miss Taki would be welcome, please. I can say her habit of trying to join us in our showers can't be helping. And by join, I don't mean sitting on the ledge of the tub. She gets IN the tub as the shower is running. It's unnerving.
As for reading? I just read a YA that I picked up today at the library. It's titled, you know what? I'm not going to say here because I don't want the author to read that I had issues with her book. It was my first read by the author and while I liked the book, I'll admit I had hoped for something a little lighter-hearted. The description made it seem so, but the actuality of it is more intense and scary. However, the lead female, a 16 year old girl, is very grounded (sometimes too grounded, coming off cold and almost emotion-less. Her mother came across as almost crazy- quite the shock since the mom is supposed to be a therapist. While I did like the read, I had a few issues with it. Next up? I'm not sure yet. I picked up three other books from the library today and two are by new-to-me authors as well as this one. I'm crossing my fingers!

No more from me. Time to get some rest. I hope y'all had a nice Monday. I wish a mild Fall day for your Tuesday with the joy that Fall brings (to me, hopefully to you, too). Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Yoga.
Exercise Hours: 1hr..

You'll never guess!

Re-intorducing MISS Taki! You read that right. This weekend she wasn't feeling well and so I stayed up all night keeping an eye on her and Chris took her to the Vet as soon as they opened in the morning. It wasn't our regular Vet since they only do alternating Saturday hours. As soon as the vet had her in an examination room and looked at her she looked at Chris and said that Taki was a girl! I have no idea, with as many kitties as have, how we messed up her gender. Nor do I know how our regular vet missed it. The vet that was seen this weekend said that she was probably too young to tell the last time she as at the vets. All I have to say is, it's taking some time to get used to calling her her. *g* But, no matter the gender, we love her very much.

This weekend has been busy. Daughter didn't have to, but filled in for someone Saturday. (When you're boss calls you at home and practically begs, if you can-you do.) Except for Daughter working and a short stop at Target, Saturday passed rather boringly (think laundry and cleaning). Today wasn't much better. Daughter had an in-service at work for an hour and I had a class this afternoon. This evening was spent driving her to two different Targets and two different WW's trying to find a charger for her phone because the one she had is messed up. Strangly, weirdly, oddly, (yeah, I know they mean the same thing) all four stores were out. One of those was the Target we were at the night before. The night before they had a couple of the chargers. I find it weird that in one day all the chargers for her phone from all four stores were gone. It's........ hinky. But, since we couldn't find one she's borrowing mine. All I can say is she better not mess it up!
 As for reading? I've reread another of my Shelly Laurenston books and am rereading yet another. I just need the funny, mostly light-hearted-ness, craziness that are found in her books. Plus, I have four holds due in this week and am hoping that means tomorrow. *g*

That's it. No more from me. It's late and I need to get some rest. I hope y'all had a Blessed Sunday. I wish a pleasing and low-key Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: Saturday, 0. Sunday, Zumba.
Exercise Hours: Saturday, 0. Sunday, 1hr..