tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86793042037421280932024-03-18T22:28:53.662-04:00Gigi's RamblingsGigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.comBlogger1163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-38395738246241050612024-03-10T19:24:00.002-04:002024-03-10T19:24:35.564-04:00Sunday Meanderings<p>Well, it's been a minute hasn't it? Which means a long, meandering ramble...</p><p>As I type this, The Husband started what he called an "easy" task; installing an updated outlet with USB ports (because, oh my God! EVERYTHING has a USB cord these days). As you might surmise, it's not going as easily as he thought it would.</p><p>As an example, I literally heard him just say "And THAT's why I'm not a fucking electrician!"</p><p>But what really made me laugh earlier is what he said to himself as I walked by while he was Googling something to confirm he was on the right track.</p><p>"Wow, that's a nice stripper! I need to get me one of those."</p><p>When I pointed out that wasn't something a wife wanted to hear, he re-played what he said in his head and laughed out loud, clarified, and agreed that wasn't something a wife would want to hear.</p><p>He, of course, was talking about a wire stripper - not a stripper stripper. Or so he says... ;-)</p><p>Other than this little domestic vignette; not much else is going on around here.</p><p>***</p><p>I have been window shopping a lot lately; as I cleaned out my closet last month and I now have more empty hangers than I do actual clothes.</p><p>Does it still count as "window shopping" if you are browsing online? I suppose it does as your computer screen can be considered a "window" of sorts.</p><p>Are any of you following <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stylethieffashion/" target="_blank">@stylethieffashion</a> on Instagram? She did a deep dive last week on jeans. Sizing, silhouettes, styling, etc. It led me on a hunt for jeans with a 25 inch inseam. In all my years of walking this earth, the shortest inseam I've ever found is a 28 inch. And at this point in my life figured that was the best I was ever going to get without having them tailored. And as I generally wear super skinny jeans, at least the hem would bunch up around my ankles and not drag the floor.</p><p>But, I sourced a pair of "skinny" jeans from Loft that has a 25 inch inseam and they are winging their way to me as I type. We shall see how this pans out.</p><p>Other than Loft, I have yet to find a brand that actually has clothing with 25 inch inseams. You wouldn't think those three inches are such a big deal; but they kind of are.</p><p>So if you have any intel on brands that have shorter inseams - feel free to share!</p><p>***</p><p>In other news, we have moved into our new office. I don't hate it but I don't love it either. If given my druthers, I'd rather have my old space back.</p><p>This new space is clean and modern - but despite the space, it has the majority of us piled on top of each other resulting in a lot of wasted space. And it's LOUD. In my old space, I had plenty of room, quiet and anonymity. But now? Not so much.</p><p>And, from what I gather from other departments, it lacks storage. Somehow, by some miracle, in our small department, we have a tiny bit of storage. I think that is because whenever I was asked what our department NEEDED in the new space, I insisted that we needed room for our files (most of which are gone now), so we ended up with many more cabinets than other departments. In fact, I heard that we ended up having to lease extra space on another floor specifically for storage for other departments.</p><p>Seems to me, that some of these decisions were not thought through and/or the point person in our department really advocated for what I said we needed.</p><p>***</p><p>And this is where the conversation devolves into chatting about the weather.</p><p>I think we have skated through the winter season for good now (thank God!). Yes, some days it's still chilly but the daffodils are blooming and the tulips aren't far behind (which reminds me I forgot to plant the tulips I bought last fall...oh well...maybe this year?)! And that means Peony Watch 2024 will begin soon. Well, I should say, I hope so. Our yard guy cut the peonies back last year; which shocked me because he didn't cut them back the year before. And I've never cut them back, so I will begin monitoring them for signs of renewal *fingers crossed* shortly. In the meantime, we are just going to assume he knew what he was doing...right?</p><p>OH! And one of my many (never re-blooming) orchids is blooming AND another has four buds on it!!!! Apparently, it takes many years of patience for any orchids to re-bloom in this house; hence the multiple exclamation points in the previous sentence.</p><p>Although, I recently saw a post somewhere about taking them out of the pot and putting them into a vase/jar of water. I may try that with the puniest of the bunch to see what happens. I'll report back if it is a success.</p><p>***</p><p>That's all the news that is fit to post from here. Anything exciting on your end?</p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-73951051644873591442024-02-11T18:41:00.000-05:002024-02-11T18:41:33.109-05:00A Day of Nonsense and Nuisances<p> I had three things on the agenda today that I wanted to accomplish - and every single one was met with some kind of nonsense or nuisance. </p><p>Well, technically, there were five or six on the list; but since our morning started a little later and slower than I would have liked, I slashed the list and moved a few things to tomorrow's list.</p><p>First up was to change the sheets on our bed. I stripped the bed and went to get a fresh set of sheets only to discover that the fitted sheet was missing. I searched the entire closet looking for that damned sheet; it was nowhere to be found.</p><p>What is so odd about this is the fact that I store my sheets together - as a set - like a normal human. It's not like I just throw the fitted sheet on some random shelf by itself.</p><p>I usually keep two sets of sheets per bed so while one set is in the wash the other can be used to make the bed. So now, I had a naked, un-made bed to look at all morning while the sheets were in the wash.</p><p>The only thing I can think of is that I accidently threw the sheet into the donation box during my recent <a href="https://gigisramblings-gso.blogspot.com/2024/01/january-clean-slate-month.html" target="_blank">decluttering/cleaning session</a>. Even though I don't see how that could have happened since I took great care in keeping the old (white) sheets separate from the new (white) sheets. </p><p>Considering this morning was 1) cold, gray, rainy and 2) a random sheet had just gone rogue I was a little irritated.</p><p>At any rate, I've ordered another fitted sheet - how much do you want to bet the other fitted sheet shows up after the new one arrives? </p><p>The next thing on my agenda was to get a bunch of pictures off my One Drive and onto an external hard drive because every time I logged on to my email, I received a very ominous message telling me that I was perilously close to my limit and that if I went over, I wouldn't be able to send or receive emails.</p><p>After a very similar situation with my work "cloud" (which I still haven't bothered to call IT about), I knew I needed to take action.</p><p>So, I logged on - and my work laptop was like "Nope - unless you encrypt this drive you can't save anything to it." Which necessitated me using the old house laptop. Which is when I discovered, I couldn't just copy and paste what I wanted moved. No, instead I had to download each and every single file; which downloaded in a zip file; which then needed to be extracted onto the laptop and then, and only then, could I move the files over to the hard drive. It was insane and took me far longer than the few minutes I had allotted to this task.</p><p>Then I had an appointment to get the shingles vaccine; thanks to Engie's <a href="https://ngradstudent.blogspot.com/2024/02/five-plus-one-for-friday.html" target="_blank">very scary post</a> about her colleague's bout with shingles.</p><p>When I arrived at CVS, the tech asked me if I had checked in online - I hadn't. Mainly because I'd never received the check in text that I normally get. She began to go through her computer looking for my appointment. She found it and frowned. Then she asked if my insurance had changed; it hadn't. She tapped a few more keys and asked another tech a question. Frowned some more and then asked if I had my insurance card handy. I handed it over and she tapped some more. Frowned and went to talk to the pharmacist.</p><p>Then they both came over and told me that my insurance doesn't cover vaccines in the pharmacy and that I had to go to either my doctor's office or the Minute Clinic. To say I was confused was a major understatement because 1) I've received ALL my COVID vaccines at the pharmacy without any issue and 2) isn't CVS the Minute Clinic?</p><p>When I questioned her about it, she pointed to my left and told me she thought the Minute Clinic was open and to just touch the screen.</p><p>WHAT?! </p><p>But I walked the six steps to the left - finally found the right screen to touch (there were many - I couldn't even begin to fathom out what the purpose of most of them were - much less how to open them) and tried to log in for my appointment. And couldn't because I had made the appointment with the pharmacy, apparently.</p><p>I tried to create a new appointment for right then and couldn't because "nothing was available today." Which didn't make any sense as I was the only person in the "Minute Clinic" - which apparently, should NOT be confused with the "pharmacy."</p><p>By this time I was so frustrated I just left the store - forgetting that I had intended on picking up a prescription while I was there - which just increased my frustration to another level once I'd realized it.</p><p>What is the difference if the pharmacist gives me the shot or if I walk six steps to the left and have a nurse practitioner (I guess) or whoever give me the shot? It was utterly ridiculous.</p><p>I stopped at one store, on my way home, and when the friendly, bubbly clerk asked me how my day was going - I grumbled. And then felt immediately bad about it and told her that I had just had an interaction that was frustrating. She flashed a beautiful smile and told me to not let it get me down and I assured her she had single handedly uplifted my mood - because her beautiful, cheerful, bubbly self actually did.</p><p>And she reminded me that despite the cold, the rain and all the nonsense and nuisances; things in my little world aren't so bad after all.</p><p>Oh, and when I got home and went to make an appointment at the Minute Clinic for tomorrow? I had to laugh - it was the EXACT same process as making an appointment with the pharmacist. So will I actually receive the shot tomorrow? Who knows? </p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-54335379800327775782024-01-28T18:01:00.000-05:002024-01-28T18:01:30.282-05:00January - Clean Slate Month<p> Has it been nearly a month since I've made an appearance?! </p><p>Well, I'm still alive. Even if I haven't been around in a bit.</p><p>Things have been very busy, both at home and at work.</p><p>That work project, I told you about <a href="https://gigisramblings-gso.blogspot.com/2023/12/post-christmas-2023.html" target="_blank">here</a> continues - and, as I expected, the number of emails that need to be sent out, continues to ratchet up, up, up. Two weeks ago, I was hit with 244! </p><p>As you can imagine, that spun me out. So, I've been on the hunt for a way to make this task more manageable. Luckily, I have found a work around, last week - but it was still onerous. But now that I know it works, I can make a few tweaks and it should be fairly less onerous when I get hit later this week.</p><p>And I'll just leave it at that - because, despite the fact that I am over the moon to have found a way to make my life a bit easier; I also know that no one wants the details. As evidenced by my husband's eyes glazing over every time I broached the topic with him as I was trying to figure out how to make it work for me.</p><p>But I will say, if you ever find yourself in a spot where you need to do a specific email merge to different individuals, different carbon copies, blind copies and specific-to-each-person attachments - hit me up...I now know the secret.</p><p>The home front has been equally busy. </p><p>As in the entire month of January's mantra has been clean and declutter. Which all commenced when I rearranged our bedroom in order to determine once and for all if we could fit a bigger bed into that room. We can and did.</p><p>The dust bunnies the size of dinosaurs hiding behind the bed is what kicked off the whole cleaning and decluttering spree. I was horrified. I mean, rationally, I knew there would be dust - but you never really picture it until you see it.</p><p>Currently, my "dressing room" (aka the extra bedroom) has actually become a room and not a catchall - because I finally forced myself to look at all the stuff that had been dropped in there when we moved in (however many years ago now) to be dealt with later. Even if I still liked the whatever (and I liked most of it) - I figured if it wasn't being used, didn't have a specific home, or I didn't want to dust it anymore, it needed to go. Now, it's an absolute delight to walk into the room and actually "see" what I have; since it's not crowded with things.</p><p>Same for the spare room/office. All that's left to do in there is get S to come and get a few things OUT. I don't mind storing some of his things (that are all tucked away in the upper reaches of the closet); but all the Giant paraphernalia needs to go and now he has a garage where he can keep it; as I'm sure his wife (I can't even believe I just typed that) won't want it hanging in their house.</p><p>The only room that hasn't been given a thorough going over yet is the kitchen - but it's in my sights. Hopefully, soon.</p><p>For the sake of my own sanity, I am ignoring the fact that we have a bonus room upstairs. It needs attention to be sure. But it also needs a plan, a lot of sweat equity and money. So, for now, it doesn't exist as I don't have a plan or time.</p><p>Because, going back to the office, in addition to all the cleaning and decluttering at home; the same has been going on at the office as we prepare to move next month.</p><p>An edict came down about two weeks ago that we needed to start clearing up our workspace. And we were informed that we would receive ONE box (a very small box it turns out) to pack up what is to go. And tucked away in that little memo was a glimpse of what was to come. The words "clean desk policy." *shudder*</p><p>It's been whispered that we will only be allowed one personal photo. Somehow, I don't think that will be the case; I think it will be more likely there will be no room for "extras." I've seen a prototype of what our work areas are going to look like and they look tiny. I guess I will see for myself when I head over to the new space for "technology training" for the conference rooms on Wednesday.</p><p>So even though I didn't plan for the month of January to be a clean slate; it does feel good knowing that we are starting off a clean and decluttered year.</p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-68505718744402298482023-12-28T17:39:00.002-05:002023-12-28T17:39:32.151-05:00Dishwashing Habits<p>Living without a dishwasher has opened my eyes to the most trivial bits of our dishwashing habits.</p><p>In the normal course of life with a functioning dishwasher - a <a href="https://www.target.com/p/grand-fusion-reversible-dish-drying-mat-2-pk/-/A-88636518?preselect=88636516#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">drying mat</a> (this is new to us as we used to use a tea towel; but this works better) was placed to the right of the sink on a tiny slice of counterspace about sixteen inches - and it worked fine. Which was great because I usually hand wash dishes from the left (washing) to right (rinsing/drying).</p><p>In the normal course of life without a dishwasher, that tiny slice of counterspace wasn't cutting it. So I had to switch up and go from right to left so the dishes ended up on the larger bit of counterspace to the left of the sink - do you know just how hard it is to make a switch like that after a lifetime of doing it one way?!</p><p>At first, I thought maybe I washed dishes from left to right because I am left handed. But then, the more I thought about it (see what happens when I'm left to my own devices? I overthink the most trivial things); I remember growing up we always washed from left to right...and my parents were right handed. Although, recalling that kitchen set up, perhaps that's why we did it that way.</p><p>And that got me to wondering; does EVERYONE generally wash from left to right? </p><p>And since <a href="https://optimisticmusings.com/watches-bedsides-socks-and-handedness-some-random-questions/" target="_blank">Elisabeth</a> and I are both on the same left/right page today, I'll also ask - are you right or left handed and do you think that has anything to do with the way you hand wash dishes?</p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-23468398786129561992023-12-26T18:49:00.001-05:002023-12-26T18:49:12.661-05:00Post Christmas 2023<p><br /></p><p>Well, we did it. We crossed the finish line. Oh sure, some of us are a bit bedraggled and still have that crazy glint in our eyes - but we made it. Now, it's time to rest and prepare to take on a new year. </p><p>The run up to the holiday was a hectic one with much to be done - baking; cleaning; wrapping. You all know the drill; as I assume most of you were doing the same.</p><p>But starting on Thursday, a couple of wrenches were thrown into the mix.</p><p>Despite the fact that I am on VACATION, there is a project going on at work that I must attend to weekly. And up until last week, this has been fairly manageable on my end. This project involves a government entity and tight deadlines. So, when I get the news that I need to act on my part of the project, I need to act right then. On Thursday, I got notice that I needed to send out over 100 emails. Now, this can't be an email blast; it needed to be over 100 INDIVIDUAL emails that needed to go out with multiple, various people copied on each email. Honestly, I thought my head was going to explode. But, by some miracle, I got it done.</p><p>And on Friday, the Appliance Gods decided that the dishwasher needed to stop working. Because, apparently in this house, it is illegal to have ALL the appliances working during any given holiday. But, as I repeatedly reminded The Husband, at least we still had <a href="https://gigisramblings-gso.blogspot.com/2020/12/hot-water-saga-during-pandemic-no-less.html" target="_blank">hot water</a> (honestly three years later and I still have not recovered from THAT nightmare!) and I announced it would be All Hands on Deck for kitchen clean up for the holiday. </p><p>From there everything else went wonderfully. The Happy Couple came over early afternoon on Christmas Eve; we played Catch Phrase (I had forgotten just how much fun that game is), and had a lovely dinner. They stayed the night and we opened our gifts on Christmas morning. After a leisurely breakfast, they headed out for her parent's house.</p><p>We spent Christmas day putting the house back together (ish) and in the evening headed two doors down to have Christmas dinner and our gift exchange with our friends.</p><p>And Gerard ended up coming home with us...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4r4rU5RijMj7ZOkjjzbyzLKzuK5p41m_1P9DbL96FFic6MLXgfKlOJhNqjAI9FuLlHABqmiCbe4br-rGkWInSXAZw56s8imvSJ3W_RzrRIp71T82MK0YbjotkbfrjMIN84qlaWGI9-SP_0geGovdOy6FI58VRVNktw9Jw1yoVhrn-UqJKU0DH-kg2UAr/s4000/20231226_102925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4r4rU5RijMj7ZOkjjzbyzLKzuK5p41m_1P9DbL96FFic6MLXgfKlOJhNqjAI9FuLlHABqmiCbe4br-rGkWInSXAZw56s8imvSJ3W_RzrRIp71T82MK0YbjotkbfrjMIN84qlaWGI9-SP_0geGovdOy6FI58VRVNktw9Jw1yoVhrn-UqJKU0DH-kg2UAr/w300-h400/20231226_102925.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading by the tree light</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Back in May, I gifted my friend a gnome doing yoga for Mothers Day; which she loved so very much. So much, according to her husband that she immediately fell down a gnome rabbit hole on the Internet. Her husband opined that he figured he'd eventually have a whole army of gnomes in his front yard. He's probably not wrong on that count as I feel that a gift giving tradition between the two of us has been sparked. One that I will happily accept.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas (if you celebrate) and look forward to stepping into 2024 with you all!</div><div><br /></div><div>xo<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-8333381834054426872023-12-21T20:09:00.000-05:002023-12-21T20:09:16.689-05:00A Christmas (Cookie) Miracle...<p>On Tuesday, I took five batches of defrosted dough and made cookies. But that is not the miracle.</p><p>No, yesterday I was determined to wrestle with the cookie press and make spritz cookies. Why, you may ask, do I continue with that damned cookie press every year? Because S (aka Man-Child) loves those cookies beyond reason. In fact, he once wrote a story (a very well written, dark, and grim Christmas story - which is also a very un-Christmassy story) around those very cookies.</p><p>So, once again, I gritted my teeth and pulled out the cranky cookie press and re-visited the recipe.</p><p>Those that have been around here for any length of time know that I am not a very free spirited cook. Hell, I don't cook at all. But I like to bake. But to me, baking usually means if I follow the "rules" (the recipe), I will be happy with the results. Until it comes to this recipe.</p><p>But yesterday, when I looked at the recipe, I said to myself, "Oh hell no. That is far too much flour and not enough butter!" And I became a rebel for the first time in my baking life. I cut down on the amount of flour (to be honest, I could have probably cut another half cup - but the "rule" follower in me pushed back a little) and added some melted butter to the finished product before inserting the dough into the press.</p><p>And finally! The cookie press worked as it was intended (for the most part). There were no tears. No cursing. And we ended up with more than one shape of cookie! Were they perfect? By no means. But prior years we've ended up with one shape. Anything else was a blob.</p><p>And even better? These cookies are SO much better than the original.</p><p>Was it still a hot mess? Yes. Yes, it was. You are still going to be covered in dough and greasy from head to toe; but the results are worth it for the pleasure these cookies bring S. I think the only way around it (marginally) is to have three or four different presses loaded with different disks so you don't have to keep changing them out (if you want different shapes); but that seems extra ridiculous (not to mention, more to clean and store). So I will press on (if you will) and continue to use the modified recipe that works so much better than the original.</p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-83201379914557325112023-12-12T18:00:00.000-05:002023-12-12T18:00:16.776-05:00Christmas Progress<p>I don't know how it is in your house; but in this house the wheels of time regarding Christmas seems to move at warp speed!*</p><p>The tree went up on the weekend of the second. Well, I should say, the new tree. The old tree went up on the first - only to discover that NONE of the lights were working. I debated whether or not I should just throw some lights on it; but decided NOPE. I bought a pre-lit tree and this tree was no longer pre-lit so away it went and a new pre-lit came in (I sincerely hope this tree lasts longer than the last one; we spent a bit more money on it so fingers crossed).</p><p>After decorating the tree, I turned my attention to ornament boxes. We currently have four and most of the ornaments are never used. I was (hopefully, we'll see after I undecorate the tree) able to get it down to two...fingers crossed. But, even if we just get it down to three this year...that's better than nothing.</p><p>Despite me putting a reminder on my calendar to start shopping for Christmas back in October; I neglected to make any real progress. Oh sure, I bought that one gift. Luckily, I did have the foresight to take the week off AFTER Thanksgiving and the wedding (and let me tell you, this is THE best week to take off to make a serious dent in Christmas decorating/shopping; I will be doing this from now on). It was then that I was able to make headway on my list.</p><p>My mother-in-law's gifts have all been purchased, wrapped and packaged. Tomorrow it will land at the post office to be shipped off. I think I have most of The Happy Couple's list done (administrative note: going forward they will most likely be known as S and A; at least when mentioned separately).</p><p>I want to give you a sneak peek at one of the gifts for S this year...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGkIjDxxjkbQBVCWcybUlm3B8MvqaLzh_DWruZM-b0GhXnbu_P0m-25AXn4c_QyVwip6v6OsFHR67aiN-wyG-ogCVA3-UpB56vVALn8EMfWR0jABpe2h11BnPqrR1-U2YreXb5Umu54FFmXpxysabmFKE6AnWJ_bpnNUV9yiAAkMBxHSXzoqHl8EIY1m_/s4000/20231212_174151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGkIjDxxjkbQBVCWcybUlm3B8MvqaLzh_DWruZM-b0GhXnbu_P0m-25AXn4c_QyVwip6v6OsFHR67aiN-wyG-ogCVA3-UpB56vVALn8EMfWR0jABpe2h11BnPqrR1-U2YreXb5Umu54FFmXpxysabmFKE6AnWJ_bpnNUV9yiAAkMBxHSXzoqHl8EIY1m_/w300-h400/20231212_174151.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>This was almost two years in the making, people. I was a quarter of the way through The Shining when S casually mentioned that maybe The Shining wasn't his favorite Stephen King book after all; that maybe Doctor Sleep was (are you kidding me, son?!). Then I *think* he accidently saw the work in progress a few months later; so despite finishing it in time for last Christmas, I just put it away thinking maybe he'd get it this Christmas. And then toyed with the idea of making another one. Quite honestly, knowing how much work went into the first one, I put it off. But eventually caved. These aren't quite finished as I still need to cut them out; baste (or Stitch Witchery it - most likely I will go this route) the edges and frame them. </p><p>As of Wednesday I'm technically off for the rest of the year (oh sure, I'll still be checking email for my own sanity and making myself available "as necessary" - what can I say, business still needs to be dealt with even in my absence) and am prepared to Shop Like I Mean It to wrap up the rest of the list; much to The Husband's (and my bank account's) dismay.</p><p><br /></p><p>* I started this post on Sunday; it's now Tuesday night. The only thing that held up this post was taking the picture but, of course, in the run up to vacation work was so bonkers I only just now got around to taking the picture.</p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-73289472191280882722023-11-28T17:41:00.002-05:002023-11-28T17:41:52.054-05:00Wedding Recap<p> Whew! What a whirlwind weekend; what with Thanksgiving AND the wedding.</p><p>So, our Thanksgiving was....</p><p>Oh, I know you aren't here for that. You want to know about the wedding, don't you? Read on.</p><p>It was perfect. Well, except for the fact that my sister-in-law came down with food poisoning from something she ate on the way to get here and she ended up missing the wedding. </p><p>But, other than that it was perfect.</p><p>Yes, I was in tears all day - but happy tears. Seeing my husband in his suit and tie; teared up. Seeing the broad, excited grin on my son's face just before the ceremony; teared up. Watching as he walked up the aisle preceded by his best friends; teared up. Seeing his face when he saw his bride for the first time; teared up. Watching his bride walk up the aisle; teared up. Seeing him wiping happy tears from his face; nearly lost it completely.</p><p>I'm telling you, there wasn't one moment when I didn't have tears leaking out of my eyes.</p><p>But this was another moment when I almost burst into sobs.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA_hW_8UTgt3GOdZ1v6mbabB5SNjdSmCnQklaP_DADTWLxChaOjHVpRsP4V2vmp-tcEHr_rP3xNtfqRkEMVFuR4W9b5ti6QHs81alYRhWz_1h7UmIHe7szvv9z8FGaNgTzgptxHYTIGs1pGuP9O8mUPB7d4sFK89yFTHH8KZLTniy630kVAFQjSRgQp8n/s320/1279.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA_hW_8UTgt3GOdZ1v6mbabB5SNjdSmCnQklaP_DADTWLxChaOjHVpRsP4V2vmp-tcEHr_rP3xNtfqRkEMVFuR4W9b5ti6QHs81alYRhWz_1h7UmIHe7szvv9z8FGaNgTzgptxHYTIGs1pGuP9O8mUPB7d4sFK89yFTHH8KZLTniy630kVAFQjSRgQp8n/w300-h400/1279.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her dress was absolutely stunning.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Look at how happy he looks. A mother wants nothing more than to see her child this ridiculously happy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's another that gives you a better look at the dress.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DC1HnAHPBNtvNUE_AGZS03sf3IN_A0mYFlbFMMiO-UmMKADzBZw5cFlTMf4HdbHYyhBtt8aRiG-y53HEDlkuY70be-QEmTpIOcAIsFLNerF7rawaxOLCG_CA6S08K440EPzU6gY5IrPssf8JmZRW83FB1eJdXJ-OJ3IgXEzBth-iaGtLgxKXdiYPA8IG/s4000/20231125_204540.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DC1HnAHPBNtvNUE_AGZS03sf3IN_A0mYFlbFMMiO-UmMKADzBZw5cFlTMf4HdbHYyhBtt8aRiG-y53HEDlkuY70be-QEmTpIOcAIsFLNerF7rawaxOLCG_CA6S08K440EPzU6gY5IrPssf8JmZRW83FB1eJdXJ-OJ3IgXEzBth-iaGtLgxKXdiYPA8IG/w300-h400/20231125_204540.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning, I tell you.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Although, he did get a bit distracted from his beautiful bride for a minute...I caught him and most of his crew catching the final minutes of some silly football game. Fortunately for him, his bride knew what she was getting into with this guy and football.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Cy8Li-p074CmetkmpErjXN3-UQTnWqcAn4d7u_Vs_90kuvdxBO02pgvEHOZ1oxddMQ9NHUODFPyR6o88D8lFHUxXXy_PIkhl34zctAYx2xQqf-0SiZHwYuHmGc_DUHXmMnYfLkR7T2_jK9vnV4EKdjpCSopXACErLAW_2vqXmxXBmcvrZoJ7I6p2VbQa/s4000/20231125_194208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Cy8Li-p074CmetkmpErjXN3-UQTnWqcAn4d7u_Vs_90kuvdxBO02pgvEHOZ1oxddMQ9NHUODFPyR6o88D8lFHUxXXy_PIkhl34zctAYx2xQqf-0SiZHwYuHmGc_DUHXmMnYfLkR7T2_jK9vnV4EKdjpCSopXACErLAW_2vqXmxXBmcvrZoJ7I6p2VbQa/w400-h300/20231125_194208.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, guys?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><div>This isn't the best picture of us - nor does it particularly show off my dress. While I was okay with my (practically non-existent at this point) make up, I am not pleased with how my hair turned out. But, you know what, I don't even care; because scroll back up to that first picture to see how happy he is. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuhX8EWzudUP-MTspxh3UwFLZbTLG-eLoYmIs4PgbzNXcKkC8ADEwqlhh-e0DpPOPqwmW29pm6pPMreO3_8hrKGfheG6hQq08x8lhub6UrrBYsVRkw3qXOUiKy7Ah4O7Una0zMej4PVTA2-vC0nq6YnSY3uICAO_yWXsCrt5gsipEH4L01grontZ7UACx/s2711/Untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2711" data-original-width="2598" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuhX8EWzudUP-MTspxh3UwFLZbTLG-eLoYmIs4PgbzNXcKkC8ADEwqlhh-e0DpPOPqwmW29pm6pPMreO3_8hrKGfheG6hQq08x8lhub6UrrBYsVRkw3qXOUiKy7Ah4O7Una0zMej4PVTA2-vC0nq6YnSY3uICAO_yWXsCrt5gsipEH4L01grontZ7UACx/w384-h400/Untitled.png" width="384" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Other than the wedding, it was great to catch up with family. Fun fact, we haven't been in the same room at the same time with both my husband's brother and sister's families since 2017! And then, we were all staying in different places and didn't have many opportunities to catch up.</div><div><br /></div><div>This time, as we were all staying in the same hotel; after the rehearsal dinner on Friday night, we all gathered in the lobby of the hotel and proceeded to catch up. And then we were SHUSHED! Now, in our defense it was only 9:00 pm on a Friday night (there were still young children in the lobby, for crying out loud) and it's not like we were rowdy; we were just laughing. And is it our fault, that they decided to put the first floor guest rooms right next door to the lobby? I mean, with a little forethought they could have made those rooms closest to the lobby store rooms instead of guest rooms. Honestly, do I have to do all the thinking around here?</div><div><br /></div><div>It was amazing; SO AMAZING...but I'm glad it is over (only because of how anxious it was making me; SO anxious).</div><div><br /></div><div>And now we turn our attention to Christmas...</div>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-79278671901004503232023-11-20T18:41:00.000-05:002023-11-20T18:41:26.874-05:00Duke Power - Doing What They Do Best; Mutilating Trees<p>Every year, about this time, Duke Power sends out their tree "experts" to <strike>mutilate</strike> "trim" the trees across the state.</p><p>And every year, about this time, I am reminded how much it infuriates me to see what they've done - all in the name of "trying to keep the power on if we get snow or, more likely, ice."</p><p>I'm also very thankful that the power lines in our neighborhood are under ground; because if they did this to my trees (minus the pines, after <a href="https://gigisramblings-gso.blogspot.com/2021/02/my-life-is-either-really-really-boring.html" target="_blank">this</a> happened TWICE; they can take down all the damn pines in my yard that they'd like) I would be raising such a fuss that I'm sure the cops would be called to take me away.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlsCkRGcN1fAFaz99P6E6QYkbk6VrRvQH8_aEyYn-Gke0DJvOWNAwRJbGAv5xlhikMp4f_tCgllo3vcf3JcK6b83THo47AHKbOF-FaciEiPS8N2ZHIzI04wemtJYByLCcsirr1ugpXFcqb7dhXoTSrSbk3NMFa5NOm19UPqMp5urgCWlckXoNhG5VbqfP/s1253/20231120_143809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="963" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlsCkRGcN1fAFaz99P6E6QYkbk6VrRvQH8_aEyYn-Gke0DJvOWNAwRJbGAv5xlhikMp4f_tCgllo3vcf3JcK6b83THo47AHKbOF-FaciEiPS8N2ZHIzI04wemtJYByLCcsirr1ugpXFcqb7dhXoTSrSbk3NMFa5NOm19UPqMp5urgCWlckXoNhG5VbqfP/w308-h400/20231120_143809.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And they call themselves "experts"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>They've ruined this tree and many, many others along this road and across the state. </p><p>I mean I realize the "why" behind their reasoning, but honestly doing this to a tree should be illegal. Seems to me that the money they spend mutilating trees would be better spent by putting the power lines underground; which coincidently would most likely stop this tree from toppling over into the road.</p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-91985585061764630212023-11-10T18:47:00.004-05:002023-11-10T18:47:55.816-05:00Christmas Pajamas<p> I don't know about you but when I was a kid we had a Christmas tradition of being able to open one, VERY SPECIFIC, gift on Christmas Eve.</p><p>And that gift was Christmas pajamas. Not the most exciting gift but <strike>we</strike> I loved it. I have no idea whether my brother cared at all.</p><p>Later in life, the truth came out. This tradition was born because my mother wanted to make sure we had nice pajamas for the inevitable opening gifts pictures on Christmas morning.</p><p>This was back in the day - before photo cards, Instagram and the internet were invented, obviously. No, those photos were destined to be developed and placed lovingly into photo albums; even the ones that didn't turn out, were blurry or had a finger obscuring most of the picture. My mother would have thought she'd died and gone to heaven if she had been handed a phone that she could take pictures with it - no developing necessary. She would have never gone for the internet, Instagram, Facebook or texting. But the ability to whip out her phone and just start taking pictures? Yes, please. She would have been all over that!</p><p>All that to say, the official procurement of Christmas gifts has begun - I just ordered Christmas pajamas for the Happy Couple to open on Christmas Eve. And this year, as usual, Man-Child will go through the charade of acting like he has NO IDEA what this gift might be. </p><p>What can I say? I have my traditions and he has his.</p><p>What about you? Are Christmas pajamas a thing in your house?</p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-15652044558144502592023-11-04T18:08:00.000-04:002023-11-04T18:08:50.212-04:00Thinking Ahead and Crowd Sourcing a Solution<p> As I <a href="https://gigisramblings-gso.blogspot.com/2022/12/even-more-christmas-chatter.html" target="_blank">vowed</a> last year, I am beginning to prepare for Christmas early this year.</p><p>I promised myself that I would begin Christmas shopping in October. And I did. I bought TWO whole gifts. So I'm still behind on that front. Of course, it would be nice if people (ahem, my guys!) were giving me gift ideas, but they aren't. In that case we will blame them for this failure.</p><p>Freezing cookie dough last year turned out to be SUCH a time saver and I've already started. Currently, I have a batch of about 70 chocolate chip cookies and about 50 ginger snaps frozen and ready to go. I had hoped to get around to testing out freezing the spritz cookie dough but never did. So this year, I will still have to get those done at some point closer to Christmas; maybe this year I'll take some of the dough, freeze it and see how it does after Christmas. This seems to be a sensible option.</p><p>Quick question for those of you that do freeze cookie dough - do you make a test batch before you start freezing? Because I know myself, I do. I'd rather find out now that I screwed something up than find out on the day I decide to actually make the cookies.</p><p>From here we will pivot away from Christmas for the rest of this post...because why not?</p><p>We are exactly THREE weeks away from the Big Day. Eek! How did that happen so quickly?</p><p>I have declined to have my hair and makeup done; mainly because who can say that this person can deal with this mop on my head? Hell, I can barely deal with it.</p><p>So, I have decided that if, and only if, I am having a good hair day I will wear it down for the rehearsal dinner. But it will definitely be up for the wedding. I'm not taking any chances. Plus, I know when I'm anxious (and I will most likely be anxious/nervous) I can't keep my hands out of my hair. Which will lead to frizz. So that is a no brainer decision.</p><p>What I need your help on (well, those of you that use makeup) is my makeup. I'm fairly low-key when it comes to makeup. Maybe a bit of concealer, if needed. Just the tiniest hint of eyeshadow in lieu of eyeliner, mascara, blush and lipstick. I'd be shocked if it takes me five minutes to "do my face" on a normal day.</p><p>Obviously, I have to ramp it up a bit for the wedding and, more importantly, the pictures.</p><p>I think I have found a foundation that will work and hopefully act as an Instagram filter (I'm lying to myself; no foundation can do that. Can it?). </p><p>No, the conundrum I have yet to find a solution to are the bags under my eyes. I have tried everything and so far nothing seems to work. I've tried concealer, foundation, cool washcloths. The only thing that seems to work is wearing glasses as they kinda sorta mask them. Which, I don't plan to wear (but maybe I'll have to?). </p><p>And that's where you come in. Any ideas or suggestions? Any must have products? Any thoughts as to application of said products? Am I just going to have to accept the fact that the bags are there and there they will stay; unhidden? </p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-18634795569622548192023-11-01T18:47:00.000-04:002023-11-01T18:47:43.378-04:00Musings<p>How are we in November already? HOW?! This year is flying by - and honestly every year seems to fly by faster than the last.</p><p>Not much has been going on around here. Just work, household chores and the like. So nothing new or exciting to report.</p><p>Today it was "unseasonably" cold (no it wasn't; 50 degrees Fahrenheit is perfectly seasonable); which was a definite shock to my delicate system. Today I had to don socks - but despite the socks, slippers and space heater my poor toes are frozen. I expect they won't thaw out until May. But despite this setback weather-wise, as I gaze out the window I notice my roses are still giving it their all. I suppose I should cut some to bring in to enjoy before they die back.</p><p>Work has been work. As it should be, I suppose. Today was an exceptionally busy day - mainly, I expect because my boss is in a two day workshop that he has absolutely NO interest in being in as I received more emails and responses from him today than I normally do.</p><p>In other office news, apparently we are ditching actual telephones when we move. Instead we will have something that ties into Teams. Which is all well and good. Until you remember we are going to have an "open floor plan." So, we are to be receiving these special, noise cancelling headphones. Are you freaking kidding me was the first thought out of my head. The second was, "Oh my God, my hair!" As I've mentioned before I NEVER have a good hair day at the office. I think it was <a href="https://deptofnance.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nance</a> who pointed out that office hair was a real thing. Today, one of our "testers" mentioned to me that not only were the headphones ruining her hair, she couldn't wear earrings. Now I am imagining that not only will my hair be one big, frizzy mess by the end of the day; I can't even pull the whole look together with my earrings. Apparently Corporate America is trying to ruin my whole esthetic. What's next, dull and drab uniforms for everyone?</p><p>Suzanne's <a href="https://lifeofadoctorswife.wordpress.com/2023/11/01/weigh-in-wednesday-order-in-the-office/" target="_blank">post</a> today has put my mind's wheels spinning. And my husband probably just got a cold feeling wash over him after I typed that last sentence. </p><p>If I were to move the guest room upstairs (which would require serious negotiation on my part because his un-used workout equipment currently resides up there) and turn this room into an actual office instead of a office/guest room I could have an entire wall of bookshelves...</p><p>I know one of my initial thoughts after moving here, however long ago it was now, was to keep this guest room and add another upstairs - but the fact is, at this point in time we have very few overnight guests; so this might make the most sense. Of course, after I successfully talk him into ditching the un-used equipment.</p><p>Yes, this post has been all over the place. What else is new?</p><p><br /></p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-82653002958835167952023-10-21T17:44:00.000-04:002023-10-21T17:44:20.958-04:00Wedding Chatter - The Husband Edition<p>About a month ago, The Husband casually tossed out the fact that he would NOT be wearing a tie to the wedding. I told him in no uncertain terms that he WOULD indeed be wearing a tie to the wedding; even if I had to wrestle him to the ground to put it on him myself. </p><p>I mean, I don't care if he removes it at the reception but it will not kill him to wear a tie for the service and pictures. What is he now - five?</p><p>At any rate, that conversation must have buried itself into my subconscious because the very next morning at 4:00 am, I sat straight up in bed and thought "His suit!!"</p><p>Unfortunately, for the both of us, his old suit no longer fits. Same for most of his dress shirts. *sigh*</p><p>Belk, once again, saved the day and the suit fit perfectly. But I have to wonder...it took more than a week for my dress to even ship but yet his suit arrived within three days. Why?! I guess because they figure women are planning their outfits way earlier than men even start to think about it, so they rush the men's orders on the premise that the wives will kill their husbands if they aren't appropriately dressed for the occasion.</p><p>At least, that's my theory. </p><p>Now I just need to find the perfect outfit (no tie necessary, I suppose) for him for the rehearsal dinner. </p><p>Bit by bit, we are getting there.</p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-1887574362877249222023-10-03T17:23:00.000-04:002023-10-03T17:23:43.600-04:00Wedding Chatter - My Mother-In-Law Edition<p>Time really seems to be doing a number on me these days. Apparently, it's been well over a month since I last posted. Mea culpa. What can I say? Life has been zipping along at warp speed - although much of it hasn't been worth documenting...</p><p>Sometime in late August, Mom informed us that she would not be attending the wedding. Needless to say, we were all devastated but understood. She had been losing sleep over the mere thought of the travel and worrying about any of us having to look after her. The relief in her voice after she told us her decision was palpable - and that alone told me she had made the right decision.</p><p>Of course, this necessitated us to revise our plans; or I should say, lack of plans. Her birthday kicks off the round of birthdays/various celebrations from the end of September until the middle of January; but we had not planned a trip to Connecticut this year; assuming we would see her in November.</p><p>Thus a quick trip up was hastily thrown together to celebrate her 92nd birthday. Which, most likely impinged on my brother and sister in law; as they had just returned from vacation days before we arrived. As ever though, they were gracious hosts and even though they had to work, and a good time was still had by all.</p><p>As usual, before we left, I cleaned the house top to bottom because I HATE coming home to a house that needs to be cleaned (why yes, it appears I HAVE turned into my mother) after being in the car for what seems like weeks. When I come home all I want to do is empty the car, unpack and immediately start a load of laundry. That's it.</p><p>The trip up and back was fairly uneventful - except 30 minutes after we left the house I realized I'd forgotten the cord for my work laptop. The Husband, ever my hero, without complaint turned the car around and headed home to retrieve it. I know he was annoyed - most likely beyond annoyed - but never said a word.</p><p>About two hours later I realized I had forgotten to pack a robe. He offered to pick one up for me once we reached Connecticut. And right about then, I wondered if he had been replaced with an alien. But no, it seems he had made a conscious decision to make this trip as smooth as possible while I, had inadvertently made the un-conscious decision to make this trip as difficult as possible. I can confidently say we both succeeded.</p><p>It was lovely to spend a few days visiting with Mom. Though she will be missed terribly at the wedding, we all think she made the right decision.</p><p>Of course, this trip coincided with The Fiancée's first bridal shower; which obviously, I had to miss. I did make sure to give her mother my gift, so at least I was there in spirit. I did find out after the fact that my friend two doors down DID attend to, as she said, "represent the family." God, I love her.</p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-42733316999640169422023-08-20T17:30:00.000-04:002023-08-20T17:30:05.178-04:00Wedding Chatter - The Dress Edition<p>So, here we are at the tail end of August (HOW?!) already -- which means The Event is in about three months.</p><p>When I looked up and realized it was mid-August, I had a small panic attack as I had not done anything yet. Absolutely nothing.</p><p>The panic set into motion the search for the elusive "mother of the groom dress." You know, the one that fits well, flatters you in all the right places and, preferably, is on sale. </p><p>I just knew that this was going to be long, drawn out process. One that would have me scouring the internet. Ordering dress after dress after dress; only to return them all when it was discovered they weren't "The One."</p><p>After scouring SO.MANY.sites with no luck - I finally landed on Belk. I figured they had to have something. Even if it wasn't The One; maybe I'd luck into something that would do in a pinch. So, I took a deep breath and ordered one.</p><p>Friends - I found The Dress on the first try - who would have thunk it? Certainly not I.</p><p>Not only does it fit; it also seems to flatter AND it was about fifty percent off - the Holy Grail, as it were. Yes, it's a little longer than I would have liked (but this is perennial problem for me) but not enough to have it altered. And yes, the "bling" is a little more "bling-y" than I was expecting.</p><p>I even already own the perfect pair of nude high heel sandals to match! But am currently on the hunt for the perfect pair of nude flats for the reception - it's either that or go barefoot - and that is NOT happening.</p><p>And as that "bling" kept floating in my field of vision every time I wandered into my dressing room; I began to have doubts. Is it TOO "bling-y," I wondered. Particularly, since the ceremony will be around 4:00 pm, I think.</p><p>The Husband says it's not; that this is a wedding and I should be "bling-y" - but what does he know? He's a guy. All he has to do is put on a suit and show up.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTs3J8xfTfIKFozEUHOh88rY67ip-ocGfkTUIe15DAg0a-KthNyUNlT0F2QS0HmV-drOjSrxWG5OgJj9vLkxYvY-yCPreZgP0Oj3W4yUwFq_iAi1EdZQpUpn6d0fQqk7UurRZCQl2n2_PAhhCBLFP7OBkMY8kitHh7mc-_LSki-5BhiCbaazESaUd_pL0/s1280/Presentation1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTs3J8xfTfIKFozEUHOh88rY67ip-ocGfkTUIe15DAg0a-KthNyUNlT0F2QS0HmV-drOjSrxWG5OgJj9vLkxYvY-yCPreZgP0Oj3W4yUwFq_iAi1EdZQpUpn6d0fQqk7UurRZCQl2n2_PAhhCBLFP7OBkMY8kitHh7mc-_LSki-5BhiCbaazESaUd_pL0/w225-h400/Presentation1.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress - it's navy; not black!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7ZtuF7DqaaZPTHioL6FU6-ZKNC3Lra-XDWF3XR2wky5Y1N1rl4psySVizvCZ-SF3BVanvUzI7PVBFaG46JaRragaSg2KPZ1enRzk_bybhyXN92_cbmMlVuGUE_yqMazJvyIv_SGspNh1lrREBJSSXQQLT0PvZYUduDUCV5oB800uOgBkNv1Hr26W-hO-/s1280/Presentation3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7ZtuF7DqaaZPTHioL6FU6-ZKNC3Lra-XDWF3XR2wky5Y1N1rl4psySVizvCZ-SF3BVanvUzI7PVBFaG46JaRragaSg2KPZ1enRzk_bybhyXN92_cbmMlVuGUE_yqMazJvyIv_SGspNh1lrREBJSSXQQLT0PvZYUduDUCV5oB800uOgBkNv1Hr26W-hO-/w400-h225/Presentation3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of said bling</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>But I have determined to put all thoughts of bling out of my mind - I have a dress and shoes (or, at least one pair of shoes) - now I can turn my mind to other pressing thoughts...like hair and makeup.</p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-45594879967339475922023-08-13T18:45:00.000-04:002023-08-13T18:45:25.299-04:00House Projects - The Lighting Edition<p> I know I've mentioned the dismal lighting situation in the kitchen before. It has been rectified, thanks to The Husband.</p><p>Without my knowledge, he ordered a new light fixture - mainly because I couldn't find anything that I liked enough to purchase. What was in the kitchen was a woefully inadequate track lighting fixture - which looked ridiculous, had four tiny lights that required expensive, specialty bulbs that burned out with alarming frequency, threw shadows all over the place and would heat the kitchen if left on for too long. There was also a pendant fixture - the kind you would find over a table...except our kitchen can barely be described as an "eat in" kitchen - especially since the dining room is right there (waving my hand to the right).</p><p>That pendant also sported an Edison bulb - you know, those bulbs that look old fashioned and give out zero useful light. And since it wasn't hanging over a table or island, many people just slightly taller than me have conked their noggins on it...repeatedly.</p><p>So I guess he was fed up and just ordered an 8 foot track lighting fixture. Now track lighting is not my jam - at all. But, I do have to give him credit - the one he ordered is white and unobtrusive and just kind of blends in with the ceiling when it's not on. I don't hate it is what I am saying. And it looks much better than a fluorescent light fixture or what was there before.</p><p>When the fixture arrived last weekend, he enlisted me to help him hang the track. Until he got frustrated that I wasn't tall enough (even on a ladder) to be of any use to him. I was then relegated to handing him tools. Until he got frustrated that I wasn't clear on what he needed. At that point, I told him I was sorry but I don't work in construction. Then I removed myself from the situation and hid out in my office.</p><p>How he finally got that thing up there by himself is anyone's guess; but he did. He started around 9:30 am last Saturday and didn't finish until around 4:00 pm. It was a long day is what I am saying.</p><p>Last Sunday he put up the actual lights - which, luckily did not require any assistance from me. </p><p>Friends...when I say the light this thing puts out is bright; that is an understatement. We could preform surgeries in the kitchen now. This doesn't concern me that much because since I am practically blind I prefer as much light as I can get. But I figured we would need to tone down the lighting in most instances; so he installed a dimmer.</p><p>Installing that dimmer also had it's own frustrations but it was done without my assistance and only minimal cursing from him.</p><p>Then, after looking at the fixture and the pendant (remember the head conking fixture); I determined that we didn't need that pendant anymore. And he promised to take it down.</p><p>Yesterday was the day that the pendant came down. This was supposed to be an easy, peasy project - just a zip zip with the drill - it was not - because of course it wasn't. Apparently, one of the screws was stripped and this necessitated all kinds of work arounds while I stood there holding the pendant above my head and out of the way as he worked on it.</p><p>Perseverance eventually won the day and my aching arms rejoiced.</p><p>But he wasn't done. </p><p>No, not even close. </p><p>Because that stupid pendant put out what he likes to call "ambient lighting" (i.e., lighting that inhibits my ability to SEE) in the evening; he ordered lights for our glass fronted cabinet in the corner of the kitchen. This is where we store extra wine glasses, vases, and other glass/crystal pieces (which, quite honestly, rarely get used).</p><p>Today was the day he planned to install those lights. And the only help that was required from me was to help remove and replace all the pieces. Which we did in short order.</p><p>Apparently, the installation was a snap. (FINALLY!)</p><p>The issue that caused me to threaten a punch in the nose for him? Putting everything back where it belonged...including the cabinet itself (which had to be moved to plug in the lights). At every step, he argued with me about what went where. Finally, I looked at him and stated very clearly, "I KNOW how this house is set up because *I* set it up in the first place." </p><p>At any rate, we are still married. I haven't punched him in the nose. And we finally have decent light in the kitchen. And the "ambient light" that he apparently adores SO much has been installed.</p><p>Next up? The pendants over the bar. He thinks they either need to be replaced or somehow raised.</p><p>Pray for him.</p><p> </p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-23312333905773173832023-08-05T18:21:00.000-04:002023-08-05T18:23:55.667-04:0084, Charing Cross Road - A Book Review<p> I have absolutely NO idea where I stumbled across this little gem, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Charing-Cross-Road-Helene-Hanff/dp/0140143505" target="_blank"><i>84, Charing Cross Road</i> by Helene Hanff</a> - was it <a href="https://lifeofadoctorswife.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Suzanne</a>, <a href="https://girlinaboyhouse.com/" target="_blank">Nicole</a> or just some obscure corner of the Internet? I guess we will never know. But I did and I loved it.</p><p>Sometimes, I will come across a title that just sounds intriguing and I will place a hold at the library with barest of information about what the book might be about. This was one of those titles.</p><p>When this book finally made it's way to me, I discovered it was a novel comprised of business letters between a free-lance writer living in New York and a used book dealer located in London beginning in 1945. Which, at first blush, had me wondering if this would be of any interest at all to me.</p><p>What I discovered in between the pages was so sweet and utterly charming - as the relationship between the two letter writers blossomed into a friendship over the years that eventually led to a friendship between the family of the businessman in London and the writer and then grew again to include others in the businessman's orbit as the letters crossed the ocean - including business correspondence along with the sharing of personal, happy news and also of sad news.</p><p>It's a very short - and satisfying read (most of you know, I generally prefer longer novels); clocking in at about 100 pages; I read it in one sitting and loved every single page and all of the characters.</p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-71861022572377660782023-07-21T18:12:00.000-04:002023-07-21T18:12:05.512-04:00Office News<p> I don't think I've mentioned it here on the blog; but the company has sold our building and we will be moving - most likely, sometime this fall.</p><p>As you might imagine, this has caused quite a bit of angst among the rank and file employees. Wondering how much our commute might change (not much, we are moving two buildings down), the thought of moving to another building that we (as a company) don't own, learning that we will only have two floors instead of the four we currently enjoy, so how will we all fit?, parking (this lot is going to be a challenge for sure) etc. Not to mention, the mere thought of having to deal with all the <b>stuff</b> (not to mention all the paper files) that has accumulated throughout this building in the last twenty-six years. And it's a LOT, and I'm just speaking about our tiny department. I know the amount of stuff that has accumulated at my desk alone in the past twenty-one years I've been with the company is hefty.</p><p>The news came down that once we are out the new owners plan to demolish the building. This was kind of shocking to me. I never really admired our building's architecture but, this building has been here since we moved to North Carolina (fun fact, this building was finished and the company moved into it the exact same year that we moved here), so it will be sad to see it reduced to rubble.</p><p>But I understand, the property is valuable and the cost of renovating a twenty-six year old building would be outrageous.</p><p>At any rate, I have been boxing up files (SO.MANY.FILES!) to be sent to retention; as I have been informed, that we will not have the same storage capacity in the new space (my poor arms are covered in bruises from assembling the boxes and carrying loads of files). Lucky for our department, because of the merger/buyout/transaction (whatever you want to call it) back in 2015 most of our files, not counting contract files, were already gone. And even though we have a group that has come in to assist with this arduous chore, I asked that they let me deal with the contract files; simply because I want to know exactly what the box numbers are for each of the files; in the event I need to have something brought out of storage...and I know that having that in my back pocket will come in handy someday in the not too distant future.</p><p>Earlier this week, the powers that be, sent out a couple of short videos giving us a sneak peek into our new space. And while it looks very nice and modern, it is also very open. And, if that rendering was true to life, it seems we may be sitting right on top of each other; I am already hearing concerns about privacy and confidentiality. But, as management rushes to say, every time these concerns are brought up, there will be "phone booths" and meeting rooms. I have a feeling those "phone booths" and meeting rooms will always be booked, and then poor Debbie, who needs to have a private conversation with her doctor, is out of luck.</p><p>In addition to the short video renderings, a link to an article about adapting to an open office floor plan was included. And I have to say, whoever thought that linking that particular article was a good idea, obviously didn't read it.</p><p>The first half of the article discussed how much employees (the rank and file that don't merit offices, of course) hate it and how much productivity was lost; the second half of the article discussed ways to work around the obstacles that come with an open office concept; all of which were ridiculous. So, yeah - that was soothing (not).</p><p>We shall see how this all works out, I suppose. In the meantime, I'll be over here boxing up files and sifting through years of stuff.</p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-65699105359185601052023-07-08T17:44:00.001-04:002023-07-08T17:48:50.014-04:00Book Review: The Girl on the Porch by Richard Chizmar<p> The basic premise of this novel intrigued me - a doorbell rings insistently in the middle of the night. By the time the homeowner gets to the door; whoever rang the bell is gone. Meanwhile next door, the Tucker's, sleep blissfully and unaware of the events unfolding. </p><p>Until the next morning, when they learn about what happened next door and decide to look at the security camera they had installed a while back. It seems a terrified young woman with a shackle hanging from her wrist had also been at their door that night...but their doorbell has been broken for months.</p><p>I really enjoyed this book, and I think you might too. The writing is well done, the plot is solid, etc. My only nit? It clocks in at only 150 pages. I read this book in just under two hours. I am adding it to my Books I Love Enough to Tell You About list is because I <i>wanted</i> to love it - and would have if had the story been drawn out just a little bit more; which I think could have been easily done as it left a few questions unanswered - which would have been perfect for fleshing out the story.</p><p>That being said, if you are looking for a quick and easy suspense novel, this one is solid. I just wish it were a bit longer.</p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-49884521905223768302023-07-02T19:00:00.000-04:002023-07-02T19:00:32.535-04:00I Love My Husband But...<p>Why do we live in the same house as our spouse? Whoever thought THAT was a good idea?</p><p>Oh sure, at first it's an ideal arrangement but after 30 plus years? Not such a good idea.</p><p>I will admit upfront that I've been crabby this weekend before he even started to get on my very last nerve. I am blaming the heat; that's my story and I'm sticking to it.</p><p>As with most incidents between spouses it all started in the kitchen. Or, more specifically, in the kitchen regarding the dishwasher.</p><p>Yesterday, as I was loading the dishwasher after lunch The Husband piped up that he would put the food away and I happily (well, not really - remember I was already crabby) agreed that he should. And then left for a quick errand.</p><p>My plan upon returning home was to mop the living and dining room while he was out; so that the floor would be dry before he came home from his errand.</p><p>Now, I don't know about you - but I mistakenly assumed that by offering to put away the food (silly me, I should know better by now) he would also put the said pots/pans/etc. INTO the perfectly near empty dishwasher - which conveniently resides right next to the sink.</p><p>Can you guess what I found when I came home ready to mop the floor? A sink full of dishes - again the sink is RIGHT NEXT to the dishwasher. Cue crabbiness escalating to pure, white hot rage. (Why no, I don't think that was extreme - after thirty years of marriage this is completely warranted as he should know by now that however poorly he may load the dishwasher, I still expect that dirty dishes need to be put into the dishwasher when it isn't in use).</p><p>So I tidied the kitchen, started the dishwasher and then channeled that rage into mopping the floor. Then I took a deep breath and told myself that we would have this discussion AGAIN when I wasn't in a crabby mood.</p><p>Later that evening, I emptied the dishwasher. He actually watched me do it and thanked me for doing so (because this is a chore that he despises). And then I watched him place his empty salad bowl into the sink that sits RIGHT NEXT TO THE DAMN DISHWASHER.</p><p>In all honesty? He's lucky to be alive right about now.</p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-88558951106198119112023-06-11T17:23:00.003-04:002023-06-11T17:23:44.237-04:00A Cautionary Tale of Amazon HackingThe Husband was looking over our bank statement last week and noticed a bunch of small-ish Amazon purchases. Each line item mentioned Movie as the purchase.<div><br /></div><div>He first went to Man-Child; which is understandable because back when MC was in college he would occasionally rent a movie. But he hasn't done this in AGES; mainly because he has his own account now. The Husband then came to me and showed me the charges.</div><div><br /></div><div>I certainly hadn't rented any movies.</div><div><br /></div><div>I searched my previous orders and did not see any movie rentals; which I figured would be the case because whenever I order anything, whether a physical item to be delivered or a video, I always get a confirmation email. I had no confirmation emails for any of the dates on the bank statement.</div><div><br /></div><div>First step was to change my password. The next step was to hit the bank to cancel my debit card and dispute the charges.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I sgot a random email from Amazon asking me to update my payment information for such and such subscription service. I assumed it was spam and ignored it.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, we received notification from the bank denying the dispute; saying they found no evidence of fraud. Irritating? Yes. But luckily, it wasn't that much that we were forced to eat.</div><div><br /></div><div>And then another email came in for a different subscription service; and then another; and then another, etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>I went back to my account and started looking around and discovered that Amazon DOES offer these various subscription services for Cinemax and other movie streaming sites. Well, color me shocked. I had NO idea that these services existed from Amazon. When I clicked over to see what subscription services were linked to my account, I found that *I* had subscribed to all these channels. Friends, I can assure you, I did NOT subscribe to anything other than Prime. I immediately canceled all the subscriptions; except Prime.</div><div><br /></div><div>I surmised that was the reason I hadn't received any confirmation emails and why there was no history in my previous purchases and why the bank refused to fund any of the money; because it LOOKED like I had subscribed to these services.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I figure someone, somehow, got a hold of my email address, did some basic online research and was able to guess the old password to get into my account.</div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily, whoever got into the account never actually bought anything...but I feel sure that would have been the next step had we not noticed those initial charges fairly quickly.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have set calendar reminders to change that password (and others) more frequently and will be checking on the subscription page often also.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since I had never heard of this particular scam (nor of any of those subscription services) before now; I figured I'd sound the alarm so that you, hopefully, won't fall victim to the latest scam.</div>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-70538853333239986952023-06-04T18:27:00.000-04:002023-06-04T18:29:52.086-04:00Three Game Changers for MeHair dryers, lighting and shower caddies - these are the game changers that are up for discussion today.<div><br /></div><div>First up, hair dryers - for the longest time since I quit straightening my hair, I would simply let it air dry (mainly because I was lazy...why do you think I quit straightening my hair in the first place?). This wasn't as uncomfortable as you would think since my hair is quite fine and generally dries pretty quickly. But recently, somewhere along the way, I heard that using a hair dryer would give me more volume; particularly on top of my head. Well, okay then. So, I pulled out my old hair dryer and started experimenting. And then the darn thing up and died.</div><div><br /></div><div>I recalled seeing something on Instagram (I think?) about the Dyson Supersonic and people were raving about it. So I opened a new browser tab, ran a search, and promptly said "Nope!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Friends, even if I had a gazillion dollars in the bank, there is NO way I will EVER spend nearly $600 dollars for a hair dryer! I don't care how wonderful it is. There is no justification at all to spend that much.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I looked at other options that offered the same type of "benefits" as the Dyson and ended up with this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086SR1KML/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">one</a>; at a significantly better price point. And for a brand that I've never heard of, the reviews were all pretty positive. Although, I do recall seeing one review, which while still very positive, did note that hers caught fire. If a review like that doesn't catch your attention, I don't know what will.</div><div><br /></div><div>But since no one else mentioned their dryer catching fire, I figured she must have just gotten a defective one - so I crossed my fingers and hit the buy button.</div><div><br /></div><div>Y'all. I love this hair dryer as much as one can love a hair dryer. I will say that the high speed/heat is extraordinarily HIGH heat. So I don't use that setting. But it does have a high speed, cool setting which is perfect for my needs. It also has a medium heat/speed setting and a cool shot button.</div><div> </div><div>I do have to admit, the more I played around with technique, heat settings, etc. it really does seem to help with volume and because of the high speed it does seem to dry the hair much faster than my old one ever did. And, overall, I'm pretty happy with the results...although, can anyone explain to me why my hair is consistently not at it's best when I'm at the office? Seriously, those days are usually my bad hair days for some reason.</div><div><br /></div><div>At any rate, if you are in the market for a hair dryer, I would definitely recommend this one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have I ever told you just how bad the lighting is in our kitchen? No? Well, it is seriously the worst lighting situation I've ever seen. Not long after we moved in, The Husband added under the cabinet lighting that used batteries and it helped. A little. But the batteries never lasted long and the light, while it helped to see what you were doing still wasn't as bright as I would have liked.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I saw a post on Instagram (I think it was @TheFoldingLady) about <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085PY9VYV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">these</a> rechargeable lights. I clicked on that link so fast and I am really glad I did. </div><div><br /></div><div>Y'all - I love these things - but The Husband loves them even more since the kitchen is his domain. These lights are bright, the charge holds for a long time, the time it takes to re-charge them is minimal. They are magnetic, so easy to remove to recharge. </div><div><br /></div><div>They are excellent and worth every penny (which, honestly, they aren't that expensive). </div><div><br /></div><div>Although I may have never mentioned the awful lighting situation in the kitchen, I'm almost positive I have mentioned how much I despise our narrow, upright, coffin-like structure shower situation a time or two.</div><div><br /></div><div>Immediately upon moving in, I added a shower caddy that is suspended from the shower head. Y'all, this was not ideal for many reasons. The top shelf was too high for me, so all my shower products were relegated to the bottom shelf...where they simply didn't fit. Particularly, if it was a large bottle of conditioner or if there was a product with a pump. Not to mention the fact that the hand held shower want wouldn't fit in its notch on the shower head so it was relegated to being shoved into the bottom shelf. It was a mess.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few weeks ago, I finally had enough and went in search of a better solution. My initial thought was there might be a shower caddy out there that had more space in between the shelves. This shower caddy does not seem to exist - or if it does, I never found it.</div><div><br /></div><div>And then, I stumbled over <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TBYXKJ5?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details" target="_blank">these</a> shelves. Complete and total game changer for my showering experience, let me tell you. According to The Husband, no caddy has a perfect spot in this particular shower - but let's keep in mind he is quite taller and broader than me. So his experience does not count. Although, he does agree this is way better than what we had.</div><div><br /></div><div>My initial thought was to place them on the wall underneath the shower head - but then I decided they would work best on the back wall. And not stacked but instead sit along side of each other.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are perfect. We haven't had them long - but that tiny, coffin-like structure seemed to have just a few more blissful inches when I showered this morning - and that is saying something.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are in need of a game changer in any of these three areas of your life; maybe these will help. I know they've made my life a little better.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>*as always, not a paid advertisement/sponsorship - these links are for your convenience only.</i></div>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-30707836820546586792023-05-14T17:51:00.000-04:002023-05-14T17:51:44.281-04:00I am OBSESSED!<p>The greatest gift the pandemic gave me (other than a hybrid work schedule) was the ability to watch my garden come to life right before my eyes when Spring rolls around.</p><p>Oh sure, I'd come home and maybe be surprised that something had bloomed because I wasn't here to notice when the buds started appearing.</p><p>But during lockdown, I was able to look up from my work to notice that buds were forming on the rose bushes. Or that the iris was getting ready to push out their beautiful blooms. Or that the peonies were on the cusp of sharing their beauty.</p><p>Quick aside - how do you pronounce peony? I (and Merriam Webster) pronounce it pee-UH-nee; but others in my circle insist on pee-OH-nee. Just curious. You can say it however you want; but I maintain that mine (and Merriam's) pronouncement is the correct one</p><p>Last week, I vented my frustration to my husband at the fact I needed to go into the office at all that week because my favorite peony was THIS close to blooming. Geez, you would think that alone would be a valid excuse to stay home. Not according to HR, sadly.</p><p>Though one bloom did open before I got home on Thursday, it wasn't fully open. But I clipped it and brought it in for me to admire every time I walked by the kitchen counter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_vGktOUj0hBufC2MKfCh19cXbnFN7-zsSNpdq6NIvJRXx707FLYamSplqdZf0kQvHfmKAayXdO5ks8NTxbKeBirezUHU7a_l9kdLTTAMNrI3ZAgsqvb3nnCfEK0iasACpPWuID_YnnYQhA-9tXgIU0rj0AXIYy2elQ8s2oNMJTzIMCi_iOi-lawe6A/s5312/0512231753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5312" data-original-width="2988" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_vGktOUj0hBufC2MKfCh19cXbnFN7-zsSNpdq6NIvJRXx707FLYamSplqdZf0kQvHfmKAayXdO5ks8NTxbKeBirezUHU7a_l9kdLTTAMNrI3ZAgsqvb3nnCfEK0iasACpPWuID_YnnYQhA-9tXgIU0rj0AXIYy2elQ8s2oNMJTzIMCi_iOi-lawe6A/w225-h400/0512231753.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I then kept an eye out the back window until this morning; when I noticed several very LARGE blooms were laying in grass. Apparently, the bloom were too heavy to be held up by the stalks. I raced outside with clippers in hand and found this...<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeo9pCKGNQ0SicLg_AJYupAZTHZwDjrUwZC6RKzv-Q-Xsv0kQGaYd4A_Wp0nM6WXGC1YKJsGroung3QfEdLew4fQdPZV3RRQB7-717jxrlJepeIjdCmr82K_idVQacbmWaAQzEtTth44tpETQglLrKxuoA7Dp0K-BPXZWGw2PmlhrGYh1qsj7uWmfoA/s5312/0514231015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5312" data-original-width="2988" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeo9pCKGNQ0SicLg_AJYupAZTHZwDjrUwZC6RKzv-Q-Xsv0kQGaYd4A_Wp0nM6WXGC1YKJsGroung3QfEdLew4fQdPZV3RRQB7-717jxrlJepeIjdCmr82K_idVQacbmWaAQzEtTth44tpETQglLrKxuoA7Dp0K-BPXZWGw2PmlhrGYh1qsj7uWmfoA/w225-h400/0514231015.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It literally takes my breath away.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I am pleased to report there are even more blooms just waiting to burst out and share their beauty with me. And it's official, I AM OBSESSED with this plant.</div><div><br /></div><div>On another note, Happy Mother's Day!</div>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-46979900112817248682023-04-23T19:26:00.000-04:002023-04-23T19:26:26.889-04:00Block Party Shenanigans<p> You know it's been a successful cul-de-sac block party when you wake up and find a half-full jar of moonshine and a random, but very pretty, serving bowl on your kitchen counter. The bowl wasn't quite as mysterious as the moonshine. I think we all ended up with random serving bowls, utensils, etc. finding their way into our homes last night. Apparently, a good majority of our kitchenware ended up at the neighbor's house three doors down.</p><p>How and why moonshine ended up on my kitchen counter is a complete mystery. Although, I know for a fact that I did not partake; I stuck to wine all night. In fact, I don't remember anyone drinking said moonshine or even discussing it.</p><p>To be clear, it was not a wild night of debauchery; although, I must admit, that the random, and unexplained, appearance of moonshine seems to refute that fact.</p><p>The same neighbor that ended up with our kitchenware started this "tradition" (it's not yet a tradition, but seeing as this was our third such get together in the past year, it's well on it's way to becoming one.) and it is nice to get to know the people behind those front doors. </p><p>For the most part, on this street people keep to themselves. So much so, that I never even laid eyes on the lady next door for YEARS. In fact, I didn't even know she existed until the first time we had one of these parties. I only knew that her husband lived there because I would see him mowing the grass.</p><p>So, last night my friend from two doors asked me what the "invisible" lady's name was - I said, "I'm not quite sure but I think it's Jennifer...but I'm bad at remembering names of people I rarely see." My very extroverted friend called out, "Hi Jennifer!" </p><p>Friends...her name is NOT Jennifer. It's something else that does not even remotely sound like Jennifer. My friend turned to me and said, "You ARE really bad at this." Hey, I warned her; she's the one that decided to jump in with both feet. Now let's see if I can remember this lady's name the next time I see her...</p><p>The owner of the moonshine has just been revealed via a group text...although, we still don't know how it ended up here. I believe that will be an eternal mystery.</p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679304203742128093.post-63495942212561528702023-04-18T19:13:00.000-04:002023-04-18T19:13:18.826-04:00A Book Review: Defending Jacob by William Landay<p> Attention all crime novel aficionados - you HAVE to read this book! Honestly, that's it. That's pretty much the entire review; it's that good.</p><p>I'm trying to recall how I ever even stumbled over this book. I *think* I saw a Twitter exchange between Linwood Barclay and Stephen King about this author and this was the first book that popped up in my search. And it did not disappoint.</p><p><i>"Andy Barber has been an assistant district attorney in his suburban Massachusetts county for more than twenty years. He is respected in his community, tenacious in the courtroom, and happy at home with his wife, Laurie, and their son, Jacob. But when a shocking crime shatters their New England town, Andy is blindsided by what happens next. His fourteen-year old son is charged with the murder of a fellow student."</i></p><p>That is the first paragraph on the inside cover synopsis. And that's just the beginning. And with that one paragraph, I knew I was going to enjoy this one immensely.</p><p>I don't even know how to go forward without dropping some spoilers - but let's just say I did NOT see that ending coming. At all. In fact, even though I recalled the exact ending the next morning, I had to go back to read the last bit to make sure I remembered it right - I did, for the most part, with only one tiny exception, which explained everything clearly. (This is the problem with staying up too late to finish a good book...that tiny bit that explains everything can get lost in the exhaustion...such is the life of a reader, I suppose).</p><p>The final blurb said, <i>"Award winning author William Landay has written the consummate novel of an embattled family in crisis - a suspenseful, character-driven mystery that is also a spellbinding tale of guilt, betrayal and the terrifying speed at which our lives can spin out of control."</i></p><p>Yes, I agree that is EXACTLY what William Landay has written. Before this book, I had never heard of this author (and this genre calls to me!). But after this book? I will definitely be seeking out more of his work.</p><p>***</p><p>Well, color me shocked - FOUR blog posts in the month of April? Let's hope this trend continues.</p><p><br /></p>Gigihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.com17