Okay, fine! Whatever?!?!?

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T00:24:00.004-05:00

Another year and more things to be thankful for.

Having great friends
Loving family (2 and 4 legged)
Having a job that I love and that pays the bills
Getting to travel
Trying new things and so much more...

Speaking of new things we got a bunch of apples from Zina's Produce and I decided to try make applesauce. This is another one of those things that is so simple but I have just never thought about making it myself before.

I looked at several recipes some called for tons of ingredients others for almost none. I decided to stick with the more natural approach and just cut the apples leaving the skin on.

I put them in a big pot and added just a bit of water so they wouldn't burn on the bottom. Once they were all soft I spooned them into my magic bullet container a bit tedious since you have to do it several times but it does the trick. Once pureed I put it back in the pot and tasted it to see if any sugar was needed - none was just a bit of cinnamon.

Looks good enough to eat and even better no chemicals, preservatives or added sugars. I still have a lot of apples so I will make more and freeze them so we can have them later. Got a few apple recipes I can't wait to try like apple fritters and apple pancakes.

Want some delicious soup?

2011-11-21T16:19:00.001-05:00

The other day Ms Jewel mentioned she'd made a carrot and parsnip soup that was delicious. This reminded me that I had some carrots who had seen better days and kohlrabi that needed to be eaten. I adore home made soups so off to the kitchen I went.

I cut up the carrots and kohlrabi chopped an onion and added to potatoes - cubed into a pot added some water and a bit of salt.

Boiling the veggies until soft, then drain but be sure to catch the water.

But veggies with some of the broth in a blender and puree. I placed the puree back on the stove and added some nutmeg to taste.

Guten Appetit

NEW BLOG

2011-11-11T21:36:00.002-05:00

I know i have been scarce and I can't promise that I will post here more now as life is still busy. I did want to note that I created a new Blog - one to chronicle our new journey which hopefully will end with us being parents of a beautiful baby girl or boy or both. You can follow our story here http://cantwait2meetu.blogspot.com

Anyone still there?

2011-07-22T19:36:00.006-05:00

So much for my new years resolution of posting more often - last post was May 19 that's like 2 months ago wonder if anyone is still reading this old blog.

So what have I been up too??Besides napping with the puppy????

Well things are well with the new job, just had my eval talk today and it the company is very happy with me :) now lets hope that translates into more $$$$$.

Grumpy and I did find a property we like and closed on it last week. 5.7 acres in the country but only 30min from the beach. Its partially cleared which is great as we can put the trailer right on in. We still have to get a well dug, power hooked up and sewer installed per the country's rule if we want the to leave the trailer there which kind of sucks. We were planning on doing it just not right away but then we also didn't realize they want an arm and leg for the damn well. Either way I can't wait until we got it all done and can enjoy weekends with the pups. Grumpy was out there today putting up no hunting allowed signs up so the deer can have a safe haven. I am sure the pups will love running wild out there but because there are hunters I told Grumpy I'd put the pups in pink tutus so they wont be mistaken ;)

We have friends coming from Germany next week so we've been trying to get some ground in this chaos also known as our house but don't seem to make much headway - oh well I never said I was a housewife.

I have been moonlighting as a guest writer on a new blog - if you haven't yet hop on over to The Clumsy Eater and check it out. I often have to eat out while on the road which lets face it I am on the road every week - I send in my reviews for the places I find on my trips. So check it out as there are more things reviewed than just restaurants.

In other news hubby and I decided to check more seriously into the whole adoption thing. Its not gonna be anytime soon we know especially here in VA and us not having the kind of cash one needs for private adoptions or adopting from another country but we figured it can't hurt to get the process started. We haven't given up the hope that somehow we get to experience the joy of pregnancy and all the fun associated but figured our child is out there somewhere. Since we usually don't do things the easy and conventional guess we shouldn't expect having children to happen that way seems our stork is going to work a little harder. I probably wont post to much about the process since the whole baby issue usually gets me super upset and super angry. But if there are news no worries it will be announced we are guessing it will take somewhere around 2 years assuming they'll even find us worthy which with my current job and travel schedule is still a big IF.

So I better get back to chores I am leaving Monday for Arkansas and fly from there to NYC to pick up my friend and godchild.

Hubby took picks from of the land and I'll think I'll create an album for the land so you guys can see how it comes along

Busy busy bee

2011-05-19T21:20:00.000-05:00

Sorry its been awhile. The new job is in full swing and I am hitting the road again so I haven't had much time to post or even read. The new job is great I love not having to pay and get reimbursed down the road.

Hubby and I are hunting for a weekend spot. We've been looking at properties and found some we like. Now its just a matter of price and location. So we'll see

Grumpy is away with some of his fraternity brothers for some guy time. I have tons of work with this new project to catch up with plus I am to meet up with the wives Saturday night that should be fun.
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News news news and change

2011-03-21T22:02:00.002-05:00

So I took the leap. I went and applied for a new job with a couple of companies that work all around the world. I figured if they have offices in Germany I may at some point be able to get transferred there. I had two offers and decided today to go with P.are.xel. I will start April 4th with a week long training in Raleigh, NC followed by training at home. Yes AT HOME. I shall stay put for at least a couple of weeks. I can hardly wait. While I will be doing the same thing so after my training period is over my schedule and travel will most likely be similar to what its now but I figured it can't be any crazier than it is now and at least with this company I get to head toward my long term goal - heading back to Europe.

Well let me get some rest I am in NYC all week and forgot to check the weather. Its been nice and cozy down south but its still cold up here and I forgot to bring the right shoes/clothes :( guess I'll be cold.

Another week bites the dust

2011-03-12T11:56:00.004-05:00

Its hard to believe how fast his year has been going I mean April is right around the corner. I just checked out the prices for my favorite campground maybe we can hope down for a weekend in April. March has been nuts guess it could be called

Had to travel on weekends which I don't like but its not something I could avoid. Thankfully its almost over.

I had a fun dinner with Ms Jin and JDC in Florida at our favorite Restaurant Bowled in St. Petersburg, FL. If your in the neighborhood you have to go and check it out. The foods amazing.

For a change this weekend we have a full social calendar. Thursday night I got home in time to grab a movie - saw I am number four at the IMAX. Not bad a movie guess they are trying to take on Twilight without the Vampires. Last night hubby and went out to meet up with one of Hubby's fraternity brothers and his wife. We ended up having a great time no surprise to me :). We are even talking about going down to our favorite campground together.

Tonight I am heading out to celebrate Hen's night with my English friend who after almost having given up all hope for true love, found it and is getting married this Spring. I am so excited for her, i like her beau - and not its not because he shares Grumpy's given name - and am thrilled to see how happy she is planning the wedding and their future together.

I wont be able to party to much as I am heading out early tomorrow to Buffalo, NY for the week.

Well better make some food before i polish of the rest of the 2 cookies Ms Jin had given me for the trip home.

busy busy bee

2011-03-05T14:45:00.004-05:00

Things have been nuts so far this year lots of change lots of drama. After 8 years of working with the Au pair program as LCC I have resign. It was a pretty sad day for me especially since it really wasn't what I wanted to do but given what was asked of me it was the only option. Day job has been to nutty lately with lots of 60-80 hour weeks. More of that here. Lots of changes a lot of them good its just that they increase our already high workload. I like doing a good job and with all the things we are now required to do it is nearly impossible to do so even if you do work 80hs a week. Hell I have yet to finish my January contact reports and here its March. Well I better finish this post and get to it.

I am heading to Tampa tomorrow hopefully I'll get to catch up with Ms Jin and JDC while I am there.

I posted

2011-02-17T22:33:00.002-05:00

I did write this week but over on the private blog

Spring is in the air

2011-02-14T15:30:00.000-05:00

We have wonderful weather guess Cupid made sure its nice and warm for his day of honor. We had a nice relaxing weekend that's all for now rest will have to wait till I have some time.

Katy

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2011-01-27T23:28:00.004-05:00

Gee January is not yet over and I broke the post at least once a week resolution already missing last weeks post. In my defense the week was nuts.

It started with a 3am wake up call on Monday to head to Wheeling WV from there it was off to Buffalo after i finished in Wheeling Tuesday afternoon. The drive was interesting started of with rain as I headed north switched to freezing rain, hit some heavy fog along I-90 by lake Erie and then snow toward Buffalo. I worked crazy hours all week in Buffalo - the weather was awesome freezing cold and snow. I had to dig out my car every day :) Yes I loved every second of it.

Since i had to be back in upstairs NY Monday I stayed the weekend instead of going home for less than a day. So Saturday I went up to Canada to hang with Julie and to give my charity contribution. Yep cut off all the hair its currently on its way to Locks for Love to hopefully make a nice wig for a child some day.

Sunday I hoped back on I-90 to Rochester where I had dinner with a friend before watching the Steelers beat NY at the hotel. While no football fan as a wife of a die hard Steeler fan it was my duty to watch and text comments to Grumpy during the game.

After working Mo-Tue in Rochester it was back to Buffalo for a day and then finllay heading home Wednesday night. One of these days I'll have to have Grumpy film the greeting ritual that goes on when i get back from these trips. The puppy fell all over herself trying to say hello.

Since i am driving to Florida next week the baby will get to come with me. I can't wait this way i got someone to fight over the blanket with :) I'll get to hang out with Ms Jin and JDC too and they'll get to meet Boo.

So now its past my bedtime. Grumpy and I went to see Green Hornet tonight in 3D but it wasn't much to write about.

New Orleans and other travels

2011-01-12T20:35:00.000-05:00

Its only the second week of the year but as you know if we are friends on facebook I have been out and about. I was in St Louis last week. Can't say I was impressed or would volunteer to return. The city reminded me of Detroit and not in a good way. Downtown shut down at 6pm including restaurant.

Right now I am coming from New Orleans heading to Columbus. I am almost done with my book so I figured I post via email (which will sent once landed) to keep up with my New Years resolution. New Orleans was different. This is one of the cities I loved going to before the storm I hadn't been back since so I knew I was in for a sad welcome back. The hotel was right of canal just of block of Bourbon street but you wouldn't know it. All around it buildings were empty boarded up. I headed into the French Quarter the first night and will there were lights and places open its was very different from before. Going down to Decatur you came across lots of places close and boarded up. There seemed to be more unsavory characters out and about too that before and I don't mean the drunk tourist kind. The second clinic I went to today was in such a sad state. Next to a house that had fire damage and was just left there and a boarded up grand palace hotel that was standing there like a ruin. I talked to one of the nurses a little bit about the aftermath and one thing she told me was that after the storm the rents skyrocket. Causing further hardship and forcing people out. Silly me I would have lowered them to get more people to return, that way more people could help with the rebuilt.

I hope they get a break and will be able to restore the city to its former glory and sooner rather than later. I always loved going to New Orleans and not just for the yummy hurricanes.

Katy

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New Year - maybe some resolutions

2011-01-02T11:38:00.004-05:00

Alright I guess for resolutions -lets all get along - just like the pups and kitties in my house.
Try to work less and spend more time home with the cats.
Be more active and have fun playing around

As for the rest well lets say I'll try to post more often - shall we say weekly? I know better than to say daily since my days often get away from me.

The holidays were fun due to weather and technical difficulties i wasn't able to do my visit this past week and got to stay home ALL WEEK. It was great we had snow, i went for winter wonderland walks with the pups, relaxed and enjoyed hanging with hubby and all the critters. Went and saw Tron, the Tourist and we are heading to see True Grit today.

Costa Rico our view from our room

2010-11-27T18:08:00.001-05:00

Lots of more pics taken will upload them later

Katy

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Holiday season is here

2010-11-25T23:18:00.001-05:00

Wow it feels like we just had Xmas. We started to put up the tree as you can see. I bought a bunch of german chocolate ornaments from the Worldmarket. Growing up we always had edible ornaments its fun plus less to clean up ;). The rest of the decorating we'll try to get done tomorrow and I am sure my mom will finish it for us.
This week was busier than I hoped for, mom got here Sunday and her little dog does not like our puppy so they have to be kept separated. Wednesday I took my truck to be inspected and what should have been a $16 expense ended up costing over $600 which was still only half the cost than what the inspection place was gonna charge me. Thankfully mom covered it for now so I just need to pay her back.
Dinner today was fun even with me starting a fire in the little oven burning the marshmallows on the sweet potato casserole in the process. But don't fear fire was put out no damage (well except for the marshmallows) and I was able to safe the casserole. Food was yummy and there are left overs in the fridge. Tomorrow is busy trying to get everything done, pack and get ready for our trip to Costa Rica. I can't wait to chill by/in the pool.

I think I left my Brain at the hotel ..

2010-11-19T20:04:00.005-05:00

So if you a linked to me on Facebook this is the status update you just saw

I seem to be scatterbrained today. First the stupid car keys then the computer.

So i am not getting home till after 1am tongight which totally sucks as i have so much crap to do with my mom coming Sunday, us leaving next Saturday. Nevermind the part were work is trying to test my limit as if I am not busy enough my boss "volunteered" me to help someone which in this case entails in me doing a site visit in St Louis for them - where a site all of a sudden enrolled a ton of patients. I need to be there at least 4 days just to do a basic review. ARRGGGGG. Here goes my hope that next year will be a little calmer.

I am so looking forward to our vacation next week. All inclusive resort (including BOOZEEEEE) I am so not leaving the bar that's built in the middle of the adult only pool for the week we are there. Bought sun protective clothing so i wont burn :)

Alright lets see what else i can forget till I get home

Cin city

2010-11-10T17:21:00.000-05:00

No I am not in Vegas which is known as Sin city. Apparently Cincinnati likes to be shortened to Cin city. I am back at the Hilton Netherlands Plaza in Downtown. Got a letter from Saks Fifth Ave offering their services (including having outfits delivered to my room to try on) and a 15% discount. Mhhhh doubtful I'd find something I could afford it.

Heading back home tomorrow but just for a few heading to Buffalo on Sunday. And then its almost time for Thanksgiving and our trip to Costa Rica. Can't wait all inclusive Pool bar here I come

Katy

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Dallas TX

2010-11-03T17:27:00.000-05:00

Here for our national meeting :) guess I better get ready for the 70's night party they are insisting. Our BIG boss came as Austin Powers during the last session making sure we'd all bring our dancing shoes.

Katy

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Sleepy

2010-11-01T21:09:00.000-05:00

To bad there is no audio to hear the purring

Howl-o-scream

2010-10-29T20:07:00.001-05:00

Grumpys brother had some extra tickets for Busch Garden so here we are haunted houses, paths and roller coasters.

Katy

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Bye bye Florida

2010-10-29T07:41:00.000-05:00

Since I got done relatively early the coordinator and I decided to have lunch at the Schnitzelhaus in Tampa. We tried the potato soup and potato pancakes for appetizers. She had the Jaegerschnitzel and I had the little combo -1 brat and 2nurenberger sausages - with Spaetzle and Sauerkraut. The food was pretty good but the guy (I think it was the owner) was so rude. I am pretty sure he's German but he bitched when I asked for a Diesel (beer+coke) that I need to speak english so he can understand me. He was unwilling to make me a Diesel despite the fact that they offer Radler (beer+sprite). I goI have definitely had worse german food but I don't think I had worse service not in terms of screwing up orders but just how one was treated. Now its home here I come. Can't wait to see the babies. I'll be home for 4 days :)

Pretty Sunset over Tampa Bay

2010-10-27T21:31:00.001-05:00

Pulled over on my way to have dinner with Ms Jin and JDC to take this. It was just to pretty not to. We had an amazing dinner at Bowled in St Peterburg.
Will be heading back to Virginia tomorrow can't wait to see the babies.

Florida

2010-10-25T15:36:00.001-05:00

Florida
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Made it to Florida and just got back from meeting up with Ms Jin at a French Bakery by the beach. The little rat likes the hotel too. Will head out to get groceries in a few with my mom since this hotel has a kitchen so no need to eat out.

Katy

Starbucks addict

2010-10-24T14:30:00.002-05:00

Starbucks addict
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

To bad the weekend is almost over as is my time at home. Heading to Tampa tomorrow till Thursday but on the plus side I will get to hang with Miss Jin. Weekend was pretty good stayed in bed till lunch with hubby both days. Went to see RED funny movie btw. Worked at the German place last night got crazy busy and made double what I had hoped for plus got free dinner and the cook had saved me my favorite potato soup which I'll be heating up a mug for in a minute.
We picked out our tours for Costa Rico and now are just chilling watching his Steelers.

Moooommmm get up and feed me!!!!

2010-10-23T09:50:00.001-05:00

Moooommmm get up and feed me!!!!
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Misty feels that being in bed when its almost 11 is not appropriate and insist on us getting up to be her servants.

Katy

Testing testing

2010-10-22T23:14:00.000-05:00

Let's see if I can not just blog/post via email but also include pictures.

Pretty full moon over West Virginia

2010-10-22T09:19:00.001-05:00

Pretty full moon over West Virginia
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Phos pointed out that many of us have neglected our blogs in favor of facebook and I have to admit I am guilty of the same. So here is my plan to be better it will probably be mainly pictures since lately I don't have time for posts hence facebook. So here you go picture #1

Katy

Wow - why doesn't it tell me

2010-10-03T09:32:00.003-05:00

So I have been busy and not posting. Done a lot more facebook stuff since its quick and easy but no blogging.

Today I was looking at a friends blog I just found out about, when switching over to mine I see I had comments to moderate. Why doesn't google send an email when there are comments that need moderating???? This really showed how I neglected my blog some of them were from April. Shame on me ...

So much is new and so much still the same. Work is still nuts.

As for home -

The new puppy adjusted well and

is causing all sorts of puppy mayhem making us laugh

My best friend from Germany is visiting right now and its been a crazy few days as I have deadlines for work. So she got to see Washington, hang in New York city

check out the Top of the Rock

see a film at the NY film festival

and walk on the Beach with the Pups

SO now its off to do more shopping.

Hopefully things will calm down and I can go back to doing more blogging.

It's been awhile

2010-07-20T18:16:00.010-05:00

It’s been a long few months, haven't had much time to read blogs never mind writing. Things have been super hectic at the day job too. Plus I got new management on the au pair job who are super hands on with monthly calls, touch bases and so forth. Which is a good thing to have people return emails and calls but on the flip side they also expect wonders in sales which is just not gonna happen unless there is a miracle.

The last couple of weeks were tough at home with Sassy sick and then leaving us. She got worse over night and we ended up having to put her to sleep. I have never put an animal to sleep and didn't know what to expect. We knew it was time she had trouble breathing, threw up everything she ate and couldn't get comfortable in the bed with me that last night. When we got to the vet he explained that she would get two injections; the first was to put her to sleep and the next to keep her there permanently. However that is not how it went. She didn't go to sleep, I don't know if it was because of all the fluid or why she was fighting it. They ended up having to give her another injection with ended up with her in convulsions. It was horrible we cried, felt guilty and just plain miserable. Then came the final needle and she went in a matter of 2 minutes. We said bye and left feeling empty like part of us was missing. Going back home was bad, Mac kept looking for her and got so sad she barely moved, even the cats went looking. We washed her things to get them ready for storage and I cried myself to sleep. I couldn't get that picture of her on the table with her tongue sticking out out of my mind and woke up still crying the next morning.

Grumpy was off the next day and we faced another sad day. Independently from one another we started to check the websites of our local SPCAs. After lunch we decided we'd look at dogs the coming weekend but would just do a quick visit to the one that's right around from our house (where we had Sassy from).
We looked around at all the barking puppies when i saw this sweet little lab puppy that just smiled and wagged her tail. Walking up to her cage to let her smell my hand she started licking it. She was too cute. I crouched down and when the guy opened her cage she literally jumped right in my lap. Grumpy just shook his head but as she cuddled up to him he too saw there was not way we were gonna leave her there. Her name is Boogie - but I refuse to call her that so we shortened it to Boo. She is a 6 month old stray that had been at the pound for over a month when we came. She is a sweet as can be - when she wants too - I jokingly call her my demon child when her wild side kicks in. She is all puppy and keeps us on our toes. Mac likes her (as much as an old lady likes a puppy and her antics) and is a lot more active because of Boo’s playfulness and never ending energy. She also makes sure to keep me occupied so i don't get to sad. I still miss Sassy terribly and still cry (even as I type this) but the little one has brought life back to our house which is so good for all involved.

We took a few days to go camping and to put Sassy's ashes to rest in her new eternal playground.Grumpy went up to Chimney Rock to find a nice place with her.Boo went along. Sadly the campground here considers Great Danes a aggressive breed and the waiver I had to sign stated she'd not be left alone so I stayed behind with Mac. Grumpy's niece is along too so Boo has a playmate. The two are to fun to watch together as Boo assumes she is just another Puppy for her to play with and refuses to consider her anything but a playmate.Tomorrow its back to the real world. Luckily I didn't have many trips this month so Boo and I got to hang out a lot. Even next week I just have one night where I am gone.

The patient (Sassy) & her nurse (Misty)

2010-06-19T10:40:00.001-05:00

The patient (Sassy) & her nurse (Misty)
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Hubby and I are pretty worried about Sassy our lab. She's lost over 20lbs in a short period. The vet aspirated her enlarged lymphnodes and we are waiting for the results. In the mean time I am more or less handfeeding her boild chicken and rice. Since she wond eat the rice I purred it today and made little balls out of it. She's eaten some of it and I'll keep feeding her. Misty our resident nurse kitty is keeping a close eye on the patient even going as far as testing the food to make sure its adequate for the patient.

My view

2010-06-14T19:20:00.001-05:00

My view
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Back in NYC for the week. Love the view I got. I checked in 7am and they only had a room on the 22nd floor but hey the view is still great.

Early morning over europe

2010-05-25T18:57:00.001-05:00

Early morning over europe
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Beautiful sunrise over europe. We should land in a little over an hour so i
am guessing we are over france.

Us airways steeler fan?

2010-05-20T18:45:00.001-05:00

Us airways steeler fan?
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Saw this while waiting for my flight in charlotte. Since hubby is a steelers fan i had to snap a picture for him

DC

2010-05-13T12:56:00.001-05:00

DC
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Stuck in DC traffic trying to get home.

NYC

2010-05-08T11:44:00.006-05:00

Grumpy and I had a good time in NYC it was nice not to travel alone and he enjoyed playing tourist. I uploaded the pictures he took and a few i had take with my cell to flickr here are a few of the best shots

Lady Liberty

Brooklyn Bridge - Grumpy walked all the way across while I sat at a starbucks working

Timessquare

Empire state building

Law and Order fans - recognize this building?? Yes that is the courthouse you see in the show.

We had an awesome anniversary dinner at Uncle Nicks - one of the hells kitchen restaurant on 9th Ave. IF you like greek food you need to try it plus the Sangria was sooooo yummy.

Sunrise from above

2010-05-05T05:50:00.001-05:00

Sunrise from above
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

On yet another early flight but this thime i got to take hubby. We are headed to NYC to celebrate our anniversary. It will be his first time in the city should be fun

OSU

2010-05-04T17:10:00.001-05:00

OSU
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

My view from the OSU research floor that i am on today. Looking out over some of the campus. Getting ready to head home for the night then its NYC tomorrow and thursday.

Sunday creation

2010-04-25T15:44:00.001-05:00

Sunday creation
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Did some backing first in a while. Ended up making a raspberry/pinnaple cumb cake and this raspberry/pinnapple torte. I'll let you know if they were edible. Taking the torte to a friends house for a BBQ.

Philadelphia

2010-04-23T21:59:00.003-05:00

Just some random pics I snapped on the way to Thomas Jefferson University - where my site is located.

What have you done meme

2010-04-19T07:36:00.000-05:00

The idea is to look at this list of 99 things you could have done, and bold the ones that you actually have done!

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to DisneyWorld

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bunjee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own veggies

19. Seen the Mona Lisa at the Louvre

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillowfight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not sick

24. Made a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Ran a marathon

27. Went skinny dipping

28. Rode in a gondola in Venice

29. Witnessed total eclipse

30. Seen a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace/ home of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish country

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Taken a ride in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower

50. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

51. Kissed in the rain

52. Played in the mud

53. Gone to a drive-in theater

54. Been in a movie

55. Visited the Great Wall of China

56. Started a business

57. Taken a martial arts class

58. Visited Russia

59. Worked at a soup kitchen

60. Sold Girl Scout cookies

61. Gone whale watching

62. Gotten flowers for no reason

63. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma

64. Gone sky diving

65. Visited Nazi concentration camp

66. Bounced a check

67. Flown in a helicopter

68. Saved a childhood toy

69. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

70. Eaten caviar

71. Pieced a quilt

72. Stood in Times Square

73. Toured the Everglades

74. Been fired from a job

75. Seen the changing of the guards in London

76. Broken a bone

77. Been a passenger on a motorcycle

78. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

79. Published a book

80. Visited the Vatican

81. Bought a brand new car

82. Visited Jerusalem

83. Had your picture in the paper

84. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve

85. Visited the White House

86. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

87. Had chickenpox

88. Saved someone’s life

89. Sat on a jury

90. Met someone famous

91. Joined a book club

92. Got a tattoo

93. Had a baby

94. Seen the Alamo in person

95. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

96. Been involved in a law suit

97. Owned a cell phone

98. Been stung by a bee

99. Swam in the Black Sea

Seems I still got a few things left to do

Airport in the fields

2010-04-11T18:34:00.001-05:00

Airport in the fields
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

This was the smallest airport i have flown into to date. It was literally within fields. Seems Sayre PA is pretty small too can't even find a place for dinner besides fast food and pizza. Off to hit the grocery store in hopes to find something semi healthy then its off to the gym.

Joys of flying

2010-04-11T11:27:00.001-05:00

Joys of flying
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Its never a good sign when the plane your waiting on is coming in and greeted by 2 fire/rescue trucks.

Pool is open

2010-04-08T17:20:00.001-05:00

Pool is open
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Nothing better after the gym than to play in the pool. The water temp is up to 70F/21C so it was perfect to cool off. After playing in the pool I decided to lay on the deck in the sun to dry off.

Heading home

2010-04-04T20:00:00.001-05:00

Heading home
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

End of a nice relaxing weekend now its back to laundry, house and yard work and deadlines. Can't wait for our next camping trip hopefully in June.

Tight fit

2010-04-03T09:50:00.001-05:00

Tight fit
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

This campground is under going construction so we are squezzed between 2 others. It sucks as there is not much room. However we are right next to the K9 Kamp where I was at when I took this picture. Puppies are the hit of the park as always. Its like they never saw big dogs before.

chicago

2010-03-21T13:49:00.001-05:00

chicago
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

I am visiting a friend who's at the hospital in Chicago here is the view from his floor.

Driving home

2010-03-18T14:21:00.001-05:00

Driving home
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

I love driving through the mountains

Going to work

2010-03-16T08:37:00.001-05:00

Going to work
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Getting ready to head into the wheeling hospital its sunny and warm outside.

Another driving pic

2010-03-10T23:11:00.001-05:00

Another driving pic
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

I took this the other day as I was coming back from Virginia Beach. I like how you can see the reflection in the mirror

My friends rock

2010-03-05T13:26:00.003-05:00

So this week was full of ups and downs. Tons of work, my cell (aka my lifeline) not working, MIL with emergency cardiac surgery, hubby having trouble at his job with his minion and so on. I couldn't wait for the week to be over.

So I can not tell you how excited I was to receive a text last night (after I was finally able to restore the software on my cell) from Ms Jin. It suggested the mailman would bring something more than bills and junk mail today.

Sure enough he did. Here are some pictures for you to follow

Good to the last crumb. Its really hard not eating it all at once especially since I am to save some for Grumpy.

As I said my friends rock and they have ESP i had not posted, tweeted about the week and yet Ms Jin knew exactly what I needed to brighten my day/week.

THANK YOU

Interesting homework

2010-02-27T09:37:00.002-05:00

So my annual regional meeting with Au pair office and local coordinators is coming up. I don't like them as they are usual sales meetings but they are required. Anyway last nights email had some homework to do - complete this personality test. So I did and the results were interesting.

Your Type is
INFJ

Introverted	Intuitive	Feeling	Judging
Strength of the preferences %
11	38	38	89

Qualitative analysis of your type formula

You are:

* slightly expressed introvert
* moderately expressed intuitive personality
* moderately expressed feeling personality
* very expressed judging personality

I never considered myself an introvert so i clicked on some of the links offered in the result section and found this

Counselors have an exceptionally strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others, and find great personal fulfillment interacting with people, nurturing their personal development, guiding them to realize their human potential. Although they are happy working at jobs (such as writing) that require solitude and close attention, Counselors do quite well with individuals or groups of people, provided that the personal interactions are not superficial, and that they find some quiet, private time every now and then to recharge their batteries. Counselors are both kind and positive in their handling of others; they are great listeners and seem naturally interested in helping people with their personal problems. Not usually visible leaders, Counselors prefer to work intensely with those close to them, especially on a one-to-one basis, quietly exerting their influence behind the scenes.

Counselors are scarce, little more than one percent of the population, and can be hard to get to know, since they tend not to share their innermost thoughts or their powerful emotional reactions except with their loved ones. They are highly private people, with an unusually rich, complicated inner life. Friends or colleagues who have known them for years may find sides emerging which come as a surprise. Not that Counselors are flighty or scattered; they value their integrity a great deal, but they have mysterious, intricately woven personalities which sometimes puzzle even them.

Counselors tend to work effectively in organizations. They value staff harmony and make every effort to help an organization run smoothly and pleasantly. They understand and use human systems creatively, and are good at consulting and cooperating with others. As employees or employers, Counselors are concerned with people's feelings and are able to act as a barometer of the feelings within the organization.

Blessed with vivid imaginations, Counselors are often seen as the most poetical of all the types, and in fact they use a lot of poetic imagery in their everyday language. Their great talent for language-both written and spoken-is usually directed toward communicating with people in a personalized way. Counselors are highly intuitive and can recognize another's emotions or intentions - good or evil - even before that person is aware of them. Counselors themselves can seldom tell how they came to read others' feelings so keenly. This extreme sensitivity to others could very well be the basis of the Counselor's remarkable ability to experience a whole array of psychic phenomena.

Mohandas Gandhi, Sidney Poitier, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jane Goodall, Emily Bronte, Sir Alec Guiness, Carl Jung, Mary Baker Eddy, Queen Noor are examples of the Counselor Idealist (INFJ).

Full descriptions of the Counselor and the Idealists are in People Patterns or Please Understand Me II

That one actually does sound more like me.

Well its been a long trying stress full week and I am looking forward to a quiet weekend and hoping to get caught up with paperwork while working from home next week.

View from the top

2010-02-25T08:33:00.001-05:00

View from the top
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

View from my room in Cincinnatti got the top floor. Getting ready to head out into the cold and snowy Ohio weather. At least I should be home in my own bed tonight.

waiting

2010-02-24T13:02:00.001-05:00

waiting
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Waiting at starbucks for my caffein fix driving down to Cincinnati today. Its been a long week can't wait for it to be over and to enjoy working from home next week.

Hitting the slope

2010-02-15T18:17:00.001-05:00

Hitting the slope
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Gone skiing. Someone please send a st bernard with some rum if i dont surface for a while.

Leaving the big apple

2010-02-11T17:32:00.001-05:00

Leaving the big apple
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Well its time to head back home lets hope the airline agrees. I love being in Mahattan its never boring but I cant wait to be home at least for a couple days then its off to West Virginia bright and early on Monday.

Blizzard in NYC

2010-02-10T13:01:00.001-05:00

Blizzard in NYC
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Guess it would have been better to have lunch delivered. Its not cold but windy and lots of snow. Its supposed to snow till tomorrow should be fun.

Katy

Its snowing yet again

2010-02-06T16:34:00.001-05:00

Its snowing yet again
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Katy

Snowing again

2010-02-05T14:42:00.001-05:00

Snowing again
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Wow it is snowing again we are actually having a winter here. Of course this does mean everything will shut down. Guess I wont need to help out at the restaurant tomorrow

Katy

Snowy boston

2010-02-03T08:39:00.001-05:00

Snowy boston
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Lets hope the pretty snow wont mess with my flight home.

Boston by night

2010-02-02T20:27:00.001-05:00

Boston by night
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Just here for the night heading back home via NYC tomorrow.

Cats and dogs

2010-01-31T19:09:00.002-05:00

Cats and dogs
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Who says they can't get along??

Walking in the snow

2010-01-31T17:19:00.001-05:00

Walking in the snow
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

The pups and i went out for walk into the winterwonderland. The roads are mostly ice which is gonna suck @ 4am when I have to leave for the airport. We'll see if my flight to NYC will be on time.

Snow kitty

2010-01-30T09:59:00.001-05:00

Snow kitty
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Misty did not like the snow at all unlike the doggies who love it see flickr for more pics.

Driving home

2010-01-28T16:17:00.001-05:00

Driving home
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Seems the state police is out in force today saw a bunch of people get pulled over this morning and afternoon. My phone keeps going of with winter weather alerts but its 62 outside. However we are to get snow tomorrow. We'll see.

So i was seeing a headline in the German newspaper i read online about a 16 year old girl being kicked of a train because she didn't have the entire fare. She had as much as she paid for her trip to her friend but as she tried to get the ticket back on the train the conductor wanted 2 more euros which she didnt have so she was kicked out at night at a closed station by -18celcius. Apparently this was not the first time this happened to a underaged kid riding the train. Tell you what if this was my kid I'd be furious and suing someone.

Weekends

2010-01-24T10:46:00.004-05:00

I love our weekends we get to spend time with each other and the pets and catch up with friends via skype, facebook or in real life. Last night we had a lovely dinner with a friend of mine and her new beau. It was fun to catch up over good food. Today I am waiting tables at the German place and then its off to the gym and home for some quality hubby time. Oh hope over to the private blog to read this.

Here is Cleo enjoying quality time with mommy

Leaving DC

2010-01-19T23:11:00.001-05:00

Leaving DC
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Ended up leaving DC early as the site didn't do any on the things I had asked for. So I get to spend an extra day at home.

DC

2010-01-18T18:52:00.001-05:00

DC
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Just got to my hotel and had yummy chocolate covered strawberries waiting for me in my room. Took a bunch of pics coming into the city check out flickr for the rest.

Flat tire, lost card and extra checks

2010-01-14T18:35:00.003-05:00

Not my favorite day. With a big deadline looming over my head and tons of stuff to do I end up with a flat tire, waiting forever for the road assistance people, loose my wireless broadband card - yeah my boss was not happy, and then the Apirport scurity peeps decided to choose me for extra checks of bags and body. Well at least the airport has free WIFI. See below pics from my day

On the way to work - not knowing what was in store for me yet
Roof top parking - can you spot the building that's being knocked down?
While waiting for the roadside assistance people the Medi Vac chopter came in with a new patient.

Now the battery of my laptop is dying so its off to read my book till my flight comes.
Hey guess what - i have no flights the next two weeks. Got to drive to DC next week and just have 1 day the week after where i have a visit - in Richmond driving distance. I wont know what to do without sitting at airports all day :)

Snowy Ohio

2010-01-12T10:24:00.001-05:00

Snowy Ohio
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Its snowing and its staying. Guess I better go shoe shopping when I get done since my virginia boots dont hold up to snow and 17degrees. But since I'll be in snow cold country every week for a while I guess it would be a smart investment right? Hopefully I get some time to go skiing in February. Its tourture not to be able to play in the snow.

Snow storm

2010-01-07T17:35:00.001-05:00

Snow storm
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

This is what you see outside my plane window

Snowy west virginia

2010-01-05T08:34:00.001-05:00

Snowy west virginia
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Lots of snow here in WV. Will head out in a minute to brave the cold. Awesome its like its winter ;)

florida

2009-12-29T17:31:00.001-05:00

florida
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Getting ready to head back home

Katy

Thing seen out n bout

2009-12-26T14:30:00.001-05:00

Thing seen out n bout
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

I saw this at moms friends business today and thought it was pretty funny. Florida seems pretty cold right now only 60 some degrees and the sun is hiding. Hopefully it will clear up soon.

Sunsets and holiday's

2009-12-25T18:28:00.003-05:00

Well I have a 4h layover in Miami so I thought i get some of the pictures I have been taking up here. First off I hope everyone has a great christmas. While I am spending a large chunk of Christmas day traveling - sometimes it feels like I spend more time in airports and planes than at home - I still had a good holiday. Hubby and I had a great time at the movie yesterday and then dinner and presents. He really liked the Steelers Jacket I got him and I loved my earrings and the book he gave me. I was a bit suspicious at first - getting a book about how to make a marriage last - made we wonder but he said that he sought it was appropriate since we'd be married at least that long. I thought it was sweet and I liked that some thinking went into my gift. I like gifts better that mean something and dont care about what they cost. So this was perfect. This morning I got up and found him making breakfast for us. He had to go into work real early and after getting back thought to surprise me with food.

No on to the sunsets. I am a sucker for them (like most girls I am sure) and can't help but take pictures of them.

This one I took on the way back from West Virginia the other day this was in Maryland outside of DC. Unfortunately I couldn't pull over so its a bit blurry.

This I saw this week coming home from Ohio on Wednesday. This is on the Hampton Roads bridge tunnel on the Norfolk side. Lucky for me the traffic was slow and I got plenty of time to take pictures. I uploaded the rest to Flickr. I think the cool part about these were that the sun looked like it was plunging into the Navy base and the ships docked there right now.

Ohio

2009-12-22T18:22:00.001-05:00

Ohio
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Nothin much to see just gray clouds, snow flakes and part of the Ohio State University campus. Hoping I get to go home tomorrow without delays and cancelations

Snow dogs

2009-12-20T15:20:00.003-05:00

It's funny our dogs love the snow as much as I do. They couldn't wait to get out and play in the snow. I took them for walk around the block last night and they were so excited. My flights today did get canceled so I am trying again tomorrow. If it wasn't for the deadline on Thursday I wouldn't mind staying home this week.

SNOWWWWW

2009-12-19T19:03:00.003-05:00

I am so thrilled its snowing and it looks like its staying. Snow makes everything look so pretty. Unfortunately I am to fly out to Columbus, OH tomorrow and the said snow may be a problem. With this storm I may not make it there which means I wont make the Dec 24 deadline and that sucks big time. However my boss did just call to tell me not to kill myself over trying to make the deadline so I will do my best and if that does not get me there then oh well.

Trying to stay warm

2009-12-18T20:55:00.001-05:00

Trying to stay warm
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Its cold so i have Sassy warming my feet. Cleo is still debating where to sit

I want snow

2009-12-16T17:35:00.001-05:00

I want snow
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Still in west virginia where its cold enough to freeze my waterbottle and still no snow. So annoyed I mean are a fee snowflakes really to much to ask for? Waiting at Olive Garden for my to go stuff right now the picture is taken right outside the restaurant as the sun is setting over what the locals call the highlands.

West Virginia

2009-12-14T20:29:00.001-05:00

West Virginia
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Here is the view from the hospital I am at this week in Wheeling, WV. I drove this time since it takes me as long to drive as it does to fly actually with delays due to weather and such its sometimes faster driving. Since I didn't leave till after dinner there was not much traffic so even with rain, fog and snow I still made good time getting in at 2am. Well need to get some more work done then its off to bed this cold I've had for a week now is killing me.

Texas

2009-12-14T18:09:00.000-05:00

Here are some more pics of the Texas trip - the rest of story is over at the private blog. It was fun seeing were hubby was born and lived a few years after he finished highschool. He showed me the apartment he lived in and the place he used to work at. We had lots of tex mex and I even had a breakfast taco (veggie version of course). We went out to see his grandma twice which was fun she is such a great character I really liked her. She is one of those that do not take any bullshit. I hope she recovers and gets out of the nursing home like she wants too. She told us to go to this little cafe down the street from her nursing home and so we did. It was Mexican food mainly I liked mine but even more did I like the old building it was in with all the stuff on the walls.

We told grandma hubby (and maybe me) will be back next year and she liked that idea. I did overhear her tell hubby's mom that I could stay she liked me and thought I fit right in :) good to know I got her approval ;)

Home sweet home

2009-12-07T22:39:00.002-05:00

Home sweet home
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

We just got back. As always the pups where thrilled but the cats are still mad at us. Misty didn't want anything to do with me :(. And Cleo is no where to be found. Guess graveling will be on this weeks schedule.

True love texas style.

2009-12-06T13:45:00.001-05:00

True love texas style.
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

We pass this cross on the way to grandma. A man had it built to imortalize his wife after she passed away. It has lights that shine upon it when its dark illuminating it to be seen from far away. So the saying seems true everything is bigger in texas including memorials for loved ones.

Just missing a horse

2009-12-05T16:47:00.001-05:00

Just missing a horse
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

We went out to Barringer, Tx today to see hubby's grandma. The town is more or less out in nowwhere. We passed countless cattle ranches and open Prairie. All I could think off was how fun it would be to go horseback riding here.

Old fashion dinner

2009-12-04T14:36:00.001-05:00

Old fashion dinner
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

We are having lunch at the 410 diner in San Antonio. It looks like the diner in the 50's did.

vacation

2009-12-03T18:03:00.001-05:00

vacation
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Hubby and I came to Texas to meet up with some of his family he had not seen for 20+ years. On our way to add some more Hard Rock Cafe glasses to our collection and to goof off on the riverwalk and meet up with one of his fraternity brothers.

Philly

2009-12-02T15:52:00.001-05:00

Philly
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Here is my view from my hotel this am. Today was nuts & breaking the heel on my boots didn't improve it. I had not realized that we dont have a store from where i bought them in our area. So i found one on the way to the airport & after some discussion i was able to exchange them. I am trying to get on an erlier flight home with the bad weather coming in ... . Hubby & I leave early tomorrow and i still got lots to do.

World AIDS day

2009-12-01T16:26:00.001-05:00

World AIDS day
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Here is a pic of downtown Richmond. I was there for the day and am flying out of here to Philly today.
I have to say I was disappointed that one of my sites who works with HIV + patients not only not knew that World AIDS day is today but that there is such a thing. It just shows that awareness is sorely lacking which is sad. I mean this disease is still spreading despite that it can be prevented. If you haven't yet check online for the companies that participate in the 12 days of giving. So get your starbucks and contribute

Katy

Errands

2009-11-30T10:19:00.001-05:00

Errands
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Went out to get some new tags for the pups and all the stuff to stack the house with for our niece while she house/pup sits for us.

Quality time

2009-11-28T20:32:00.001-05:00

Quality time
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Spending some quality time with the "kids" and being lazy. Heading out later to see friends play at one of the local bars.

Calm after the storm

2009-11-27T16:12:00.001-05:00

Calm after the storm
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Sun and rain have been alternating today. On the way to the gym (to work of the pie and other goodies) it rained like there was no tomorrow and then an hour later blue sky and the sun was out.

Happy Turkeyday to all

2009-11-26T20:20:00.001-05:00

Happy Turkeyday to all
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Cleo was the only Turkey I coud find for todays picture. I hope everyone had a great day.

Just chillin

2009-11-25T12:20:00.001-05:00

Just chillin
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Mac loves the new heater my mom got us for xmas

November gray

2009-11-24T08:28:00.001-05:00

November gray
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

View from my DC hotel room. Wish the sun was out

New blog idea for me

2009-11-23T14:39:00.001-05:00

New blog idea for me
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

So i had this idea ... I dont really have time to blog these days but I dont want the blog to disappear so from now on I will (try to anyways) post a picture daily of whatever I see that day. Todays is from my drive to DC this is Connetticut Ave right after turning of Dupont Circle. Its a very rainy very Novembery day. The pics will usually be take with my HTC Touch Pro 2 since I always have my cell with me.

Star Wars in concert

2009-11-08T20:10:00.002-05:00

Star Wars in concert
Originally uploaded by dino0477

The concert was great we went and checked out the exhibition afterward which was pretty cool. They had a couple people in costumes so you could have your picture taken with them. Check out my photo stream on flickr to see those pics. Well I need to finish packing heading out early to West Virginia for the week.

I am so excited I just can't hide it ....

2009-10-12T17:48:00.003-05:00

.... can't get that song out of my head. When I checked in for my flight for tomorrow I noticed I had gone up another frequent flier level with US AIR and I decided to see if that would give me better options to cash in some miles and go home to Germany. And it did. So I booked my flight for May next year. I am so beyond thrilled I just can't wait. I will be over there a little over 2 weeks. I can't wait to see all my friends. 223 days lets hope they go by fast.

Well better finish up laundry and pack I am heading out at 6am tomorrow.

Another year gone by

2009-10-04T20:22:00.001-05:00

So my birthday is almost over so another year older not sure that I'd say I'm wiser. We had a great time camping it was very peaceful. Lots of stuff going on these days. I am heading out early tomorrow to West Virginia so I better go and get my stuff together.

Private

2009-09-11T20:18:00.000-05:00

Actual managed to blog today but I had to do it one the private blog. While I lost a lot of visitors during my summer hiatius its not worth having more stress.

Still waiting for my plane :( If you don't have access to the post email me

Mountains, tears, horses and bears

2009-08-28T17:43:00.012-05:00

It is really annoying how fast time goes by. We are getting ready to pack up our things as we will head home tomorrow. Hard to believe its been a week. I warn you this will be a longer post but there are going to be pretty pictures to look at if you want to skip the rambling.

We got to the Westgate resort Saturday and checked out Gatlinburg Sunday. Had lunch at Hardrock Cafe,

went up one of the mountains on the ski lift and just walked the town
Monday we left the pup with Grandma and got back in the car to go to Kentucky - Hopkinsville to be exact. This is were hubbys mom is from and he spent some time there growing up. We went to see his aunt and managed to meet up with 2 of this cousins there who he hadn't seen in over a decade.

Cousin Danny and his wife with us - No question if those boys are related right????? We had dinner with them and Danny's sister and her daughter and new grand baby. Now I still have major baby issues and its hard to be happy for people that had babies while we cant but i can usually pretend to be happy. However you put that baby in Hubby's arms and that's it. Of course it didn't help that they all kept saying we needed to get cracking on having kids - and then pointed out how good hubby was looking holding the baby. Long story short I ended up in tears and hiding in the restaurant bathroom till i was able to stop crying. Now you have to realize I hate showing weakness in public and even more crying in front of others. I don't know what I will do if the surgery later this months shows for sure we'll never get to have kids.

After getting back Tuesday night Hubby and I finally got to go horseback riding Wednesday. We have been looking forever whenever we go somewhere but its rare that places have horses strong enough to carry us. But not this time the first place we called said they'd take us on a guided ride as long as we can get on the horse without help.

So off we went - 2 hours. Hubby's horse was Diesel a stubborn Belgian/Quarter horse mix that weight 1600lbs and decided a few times to go off the path!!!! He had no problem carrying hubs for 2 hours up and down the muddy paths. My horse was named Pepper and she was a sweetie but kept stopping to snack - which we had been told they are not to do. The trails were in the woods and we saw plenty of tracks including bears. I have to say i am glad we didn't run into any wildlife since I wouldn't want the horses get to upset.

After the 2 hours horseback we decided to cool while tubing on the river. It was fun too but I could have done without the sunburn and cuts i managed to get. The river was cool enough to be refreshing so it was great after the hot ride. We got a waterproof disposable camera - if any pics turned out I will be sure to post them :) Hubby's other cousin was also vacationing in Gatlinburg (now they have not seen/spoken in years yet we managed to be in the same place at the same time) so we met up with them too.

Thursday was going to be hiking time but we ended up chilling since it was raining and just doing a 1 hour guided nature hike (walk) which was fun.

Friday we had to listen to the timeshare spiel - and while hubby finished signing the papers I headed back hoping to go for a hike with Mom and the pups on the only trail where pups were allowed. As we are getting ready my mom was on the balcony and all of a sudden saw the bears under us. Yes right there. Mama Bear and her cups. All the pics are on flickr if you want to check them out there.
Here is the video - neither mom nor i thought about videotaping it till the end.

Wow its been a week already and I haven't finished the post - darn. So the drive home ended up taking 2hs longer than anticipated since I decided on a short cut. I hate it when short cuts end up making trips longer.

Sunday we just chilled getting ready for the week asking Mac and the kitties for forgiveness since we had left them behind.

Right now I am in West Virginia - heading home tomorrow. Next week is Ohio - Cincinnati and Columbus.