Deadliest Catch

I am a big fan of "Deadliest Catch" (a show on Discovery Channel that follows the journey of several Crab Fishing Boat Crews into the Bering Sea during crabbing season) Filming crews join each of the ships as they take on the deadly weather, dangerous equipment and rough seas. It's a fascinating look into a world that I had known nothing about until stumbling upon an episode while surfing the channels late one night.
There's something about watching these guys doing their jobs, day in and day out without faltering. They withstand the most dreaded weather conditions imaginable. I could not imagine having one of my family members out on one of those fishing rigs. I think I would be a complete wreck! This is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. They get paid per pound of crab they catch. If they have a bad season, they have a bad paycheck. If they have a good season, their life-risking efforts are greatly rewarded. I'm addicted. It's an amazing show of comradarie, endurance and just pure HARD WORK!

Observing Memorial Day

It's Memorial Day Weekend! To most, this is the official start of the Summer season. It's a time of bar-b-ques, picnics and opening the pool for summer.
Do you know the real story behind Memorial Day? I do, and I would like to share it with you.




"...gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime....let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan." --General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868

The "Memorial" in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice:


* by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.

* by visiting memorials.

* by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.

* by flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).

* by participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.

* by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our falled dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.


For more history and information about Memorial Day, you can find a good amount of information on the website of the US Department of Veteran's Affairs

I hope you all have a happy and safe weekend, and don't forget to remember those fallen heroes!

I am a Bronze Tower Recipient!!

What the heck is a Bronze Tower, you ask?

I am in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism. We recreate the Medieval ages. I have been an active member of our group, The Barony of Settmour Swamp, for many years and today I received a Bronze Tower! Bronze Towers are given for service to the Barony. I am so honoured to have received this!! I have been the Chatelaine (new comer's officer) for quite a few years now and I love to co-autocrat and lend a hand at all events I attend. I'm pretty psyched to receive it!! I was awarded the Bronze Tower by Baron Sir Teric and Baroness Paigan Crawford

Here I am, receiving the Bronze Tower (kneeling with my 2 girls in yellow by my side).
It was SO hot, hazy and humid, I was 1/2 dieing in my velvet and linen dress! The girls were fortunate to be in shorts and t-shirts! (usually they are dressed in medieval clothes but it was just too icky to torment them in such weather!

My girls were terribly excited for my award! My 4 year old kept asking, "Mommy, where's your TROPHY?!" When I showed her my Bronze Tower pendant she said, "Mommy, that's a NECKLACE! Where's the trophy?!" It was pretty funny as she was downright offended that her mommy didn't get a big-ass trophy, but rather a 2.5 inch high pendant! (don'tcha just love Pippin (kneeling in his grass skirt and his coconut bra?! LMAO!!)
I plan to continue my service to the Barony of Settmour Swamp, though I will be moving to another barony come mid-summer, I will have to give up my officership, (to Robyn from whom I received it! Funny how things go full circle!!

QUEST XXIII

Where am I this weekend?
I am in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism)Our local group, The Barony of Settmour Swamp is hosting it's annual "QUEST" this weekend.
This year's theme is "Magellans Voyage through Polynesia"
Magellans Voyage through Polynesia

Friday, May 26th, 2006 to Monday, May 29th, 2006
Hosted by Barony of Settmour Swamp - Neshanic Station, NJ

The Barony of Settmour Swamp welcomes one and all to our 23rd Quest for Wit and Wisdom. Quest is a three day camping event with something for everyone to enjoy. This year's Quest theme is 'Magellan's Voyage through Polynesia'. The Quest will recreate Magellan's 1519 voyage through Polynesia where he visited the exotic and mysterious islands of Tahiti, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Samoa and Hawaii. Solve riddles and perform wondrous feats in pursuit of the ultimate prize and recognition.

Saturday will bring competitions for the Baronial championships except for fencing which will take place on Sunday at 10am. All are welcome to compete for the glory of representing the Barony of Settmour Swamp as one of it's Champions!. For those who crave battle, there will be competitions in armored combat, thrown weapons, fencing, and archery. . The Baronial Arts and Sciences championship competition will also take place on Saturday as well. A&S entries in all categories are welcome. There will also be youth fighting activities available

After the afternoon activities, we invite you to partake in a grand Polynesian feast. Lady Leolani (formerly Ma'isah) will be preparing wondrous delights from the Pacific Rim. Around the campfire, Saturday evening, come compete in, or just enjoy, the Baronial Bardic Competition.

The site is primitive. There is no running water on site. We ask you to please bring potable water for your needs. There will be port-a-castles onsite. The site is damp.

Children are welcome and there will be various activities for them to participate in. We ask you to please supervise your children at all times. Minor waivers must be signed for all under 18 by a parent or legal guardian. Pets are also welcome, but must be on a leash at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets

Directions:

From Route 206: [Route 206 can be reached from Routes 287 and 22 from the north, and from Routes 95,295,and 195 from the south. Take Route 206 to County road 514 [Amwell road] in Hillsbourgh NJ. If you are coming from the north, turn right onto Route 514. If you are coming from the south make a left. Stay on Route 514 for about 8 miles untill you come to a 3-way intersection at a large white Church. Turn right onto Route 567 [River road]. A mile or so down the road you will see a white girder bridge,[this was the old way onto the site, but the bridge is under construction].So instead of making a left onto the bridge continue straight for about .07 of a mile. You will see a sign for County road 667 [Pleasent Run Rd].Make a left onto that road. Take that road to the end, its about half a mile [youll see the fire house on right side at end of road]. So at the end of the road make a left onto Maple St. Site is about half a mile down on the left. With bridge construction nearby parking may be a little tighter this year.Im going to have a few people assisting in the parking area at peak arrival times. If lost or any questions please call autocrat at 732-672-5345 and ill guide you in.

At-a-Glance Event Information
Site:
Neshanic Station Fire Dept Picnic Ground
Elm St.
Neshanic Station, NJ 08853
Show me a map!

Site Opens: Friday May 26th at 4pm
Site Closes: Monday May 29th at 12pm

Event Fees:

Site : Event Fees:
Adult [18+] day trip - $10 for saturday and $10 for sunday
Child [6-17] day trip - $5/day
Children under 5 are free
Adults arriving on Friday will pay an additional $5
Families will pay a maximum of $60
Persons who cannot show proof of membership must pay the $3 Non-Member Surcharge. Monday is free.


Feast: Feast is $8.00 per person and limited to 100 people. Please send in a reservation to reserve your spot.

Send Reservations to:
Baron Alexander MacGragor [David DeVito] 307 Village Drive Somerset N.J. 08873 exchequer@settmourswamp.eastkingdom.org

Autocrat:
Lord Eric the Wandering Horseman [Fred Henninger Jr] Cell # 732-672-5345 or e-mail at wanderhrse@aol.com

Other Contact Information:
There is no charge for merchants but must supply your own tables.

Make Checks Payable to: SCA, Inc. Barony of Settmour Swamp

Photos will be added later.....

{Studio Friday}

Today's topic is "AGED/ANTIQUE" and was suggested by: Jane Wynn
" I love aged things- anything with Rust or Patina... is just too wonderful to me. I use metal paint on anything that is NOT metal (like Plastic, Glass, Wood or even Paper) to give it a faux metal surface and then I age it with liquid patina or sometimes just vinegar and ammonia... What I get in return is something that looks like it is over a hundred years old..."
~ Jane


This is a great topic for me. My entire house is filled with antiques and I love the patina and aged look. I love antiques because all of that patina and aging tells a story. If every antique could tell it's own story, our history books would be so much fuller and richer with everyday knowledge! When I find a piece that grabs my eye, I always wonder who owned it first? Who made it? Where was it in the house? Was it someone's favourite piece? Even something as simple as an old chair is a great find. I wonder who sat in it? What things did this person aspire to?

Finding and preserving antiques is a mission of my mine and my husband's. We specialize in militaria of WW2 but we love all antiques. This was a fun topic for me!

And the Winner is........

TAYLOR HICKS!!

Ok... so you all know that I love this guy. I can't help it. There's something about him that gets me. I think he's 'da bomb'!
I am SO happy that he won!! I have supported him since day 1. He has a very active fan club and his down to earth personality is what won me over. I love his gravely vocals and his 100% SOUL!
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, TAYLOR ( yeah as if you read MY blog....in my dreams! )

A Pint of Sin

I went grocery shopping last night. I went grocery shopping on an empty stomach. BAD girl. Bad, bad, bad, bad, bad, BAD GIRL!!! I got hung up in the ice cream aisle. They were restocking. I was good at 1st.... I walked over, got the ice pops for the girls and was leaving but then I saw it. A big box labelled "BEN AND JERRY'S". I lingered, waited, hung out, even loitered..... waiting for them to unpack it. It was about 3 minutes. Not TOO long but it was terribly obvious what I was doing. *sigh* They popped open the box and started shelving the product. It was a kind I had never seen......'Vermonty Python' "Coffee Liquer Ice Cream with a Choclate Cookie Crumb Swirl & Fudge Cows"
OMG! My eyes just about popped out of my head. Not only was it a NEW FLAVOUR, but it was ON SALE! 2 for 1. *sigh* I caved! I crumbled and I grabbed 2!!! I got home, put the groceries away, got the girls fed and in bed and turned on American Idol. *sigh* Taylor has always been and always will be MY American Idol.
Oh.. sorry got sidetracked there for a sec. Where were we? Ahh... yes.. the Vermonty Python ice cream.....
Well I decided to forego my dinner last night so that I could indulge in a scoop! That's just what I did. I savored each and every bite! It is the BEST and most DELICIOUS ice cream I have EVER HAD! I like other Ben and Jerry's flavours ("Cherry Garcia" and "Everything but the?" ) but those other's are NOTHING compared to "Vermonty Python"! I swear, this flavour was taylor made, JUST FOR ME. It's truely a Pint of Sin! One that I'll be partaking in as often as my diet allows until they retire it (which I hope will be NEVER!)
*sigh* It's in the freezer, taunting me, teasing me and just waiting for me..... Mine... MINE.... ALLL MINE!!!!! MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jumping Towards Summer

Being on the weight-loss wagon, I’ve learned a lot about what things I can eat and which foods completely screw with me. Unfortunately the ones that screw with me the most are the ones I happen to LIKE the most. Ahh... there’s ‘ol Murphy’s law once again. I have been on the Nutrisystem weight-loss diet for about 9 months now. I’ve lost 26 pounds. That doesn’t sound like much for almost a YEAR, but for me, it;s great. It’s 26 pounds that have STAYED OFF. I’ve
tried other ways but this one works for me. The weight comes off slower, my body adjusted to it slower and it’s steady. I don’t, particularly, LIKE the food very much,although the lunch fettucini alfredo and the dinner Chicken Piazzaiola are decent. When I had been able to go to “Curves” it was an even better thing but I haven’t been able to go for about a month and I really do miss it. The exercise is a drug for me. It gets my mood up, wakes me up and gets me motivated. I bought this nifty little personal-sized trampoline by Urban Rebounder that I am absolutely IN LOVE with!

It's such a fun and entertaining way to exercise. I even bought the kids video and my girls will have a blast with it too! It comes with that bar that you can hold onto for stability which will be great for the girls. It has a great bounce to it and it could catapult a person pretty far!
I highly recommend it. It's such a fun way to exercise and the time, while on it, goes by so quickly too because it's FUN!

{Studio Friday}

This week's topic is "Contrast". It was suggested by Laura.
"...something about contrast, or juxtaposition. it could mean something concrete, like a contrast in colors, textures, or lines. . .or something more symbolic."
This one made me think. What in my scrap studio has really good contrast?
My doorway.
When I walk through the door into my scraproom I leave behind me anything that isn't related to my craft. My doorway may as well be a blackhole to another dimention. In my scraproom I can leave the world behind me. I can go in and drink in all the colours & textures around me. It can be a rainy, stormy day outside but in my studio I can choose to scrapbook photos of sunny days at the beach or big bright flowers.

Washington Rock State Park

Most of New Jersey is beautiful. It's the cities near NY and Philly that give the state it's bad reputation. Scattered throughout the state are beaches, monuments and parks. One such place is Washington Rock State Park:
"The strategic location of Washington Rock made it a valuable lookout point during the American Revolution for General George Washington in June of 1777 when the British army under General William Howe was moving toward Westfield. From the vantage point of this natural rock outcropping, General Washington had a thirty-mile panoramic view of the valley and was able to instruct his troops to circle behind Howe’s troops and cut off their retreat."
I took this photo with my cell phone.

The park is very small, consisting of only about 52 acres. It's on the hillside in Greenbrook, NJ. The view from the park is wonderful!
We took my 2 year old there yesterday while our 4 year old was at school. She had a blast exploring the rocks for bugs and pretty rocks. We love to take the girls to State parks, museums and monuments and they enjoy it as well. It's just as fun to find bugs there as it is at home, right?! And who knows, maybe some of the history will rub off on them, eventually!

When we picked up our 4 year old from school, we took the girls to Chuckie Cheese's for dinner. This is a very special treat (we've only been 2 other times) and they know it, so they were on their best behaviour! The very best time to enjoy this place is to go Monday - Thursday at around 3PM. We had the place, pretty much, to ourselves!

I love Chuckie Cheese's because it's a great place full of games and coin-operated rides that are geared for kids between 2 and I'd say about 10. They serve all sorts of food there including yummy pizza and a great salad bar.

Addicted??

Do you scrapbook? Then this post is for you. Check out what my friend, Tracie had to say, today, about scrapbookers and scrapbooking!!

The love of Toddlers

What a sweet thing it is to have a hand made gift presented to you by your 4 year old! She has been excited ALL week about Mother's Day. In school they had a Mother's Day Tea Party that was such absolute cuteness! I wish I had remembered to bring my video camera! *sigh* The kids in her class learned 3 songs. They all ( well... all except for 2 ) stood in a line and sang their hearts out for their mommies. It was such a sweet performance. I know that a few moms had video cameras going and also took pictures so I'm not going to miss out on those memories.
The kids served their mommies cookies and tea and then presented them with such sweet gifts! They made little watering cans out of construction paper and colored a coffee filter with markers to make the 'flower'. I took these pictures with my cell phone camera... the quality isn't so great but you can see what she made.

I also was given the perfect corsage, as it'll never wilt!!

It was a morning of excitement for the entire classroom and the mommies enjoyed themselves as well. I look forward to the next years of pre-k and elementary school. I know how excited my daughter was as the week progressed to her Tea Party and I loved seeing her excited about preparing a party. She didn't even tell me about the presents!!! Most of the moms said that their kids told them! For me it was a complete surprise! My daughter can keep a secret!! (for now!!)
Anyway.. had to share that. I would love to know what your kids did for YOU on Mother's Day!!
(We took our parents out for lunch then ice cream. It was a nice, relaxing outing.)

Happy Mother's Day

I had all these great ideas to blog last night while I was laying in bed. Do I even remember ONE of them now that I am sitting here?? NO! I wish I had the inclination to write them down. I do have a notebook or 2 in my bedside table and there are a zillion pens up there too. I figured that since I wasn't asleep, I wouldn't forget them. Yeah, fat chance. I forgot anyway.
I'm antsy to get back out to South-Eastern PA and North-Eastern DE again to go house hunting. We haven't even gone once this week. I enjoy driving out there; if nothing else, it's helping me to get familiar with the area there and where the necessitites are. I know where the Mall is, I have found a Wal*mart, Target, a convenience store, 2 Antique stores, an awesome Battlefield park, a Winery (actually 2!), a yummy Pizzaria, Subway, McDonald's, and a very cool 1950's Retro Diner (Chrome and all!!). I haven't familiarized myself with the whereabouts of a dry cleaner, grocery store, post office or bank yet. We still haven't checked out the area for pediatricians, GPs or veterinarians and I have yet to find a craft store or a Scrapbooking store!! So you see, there's still lots of exploring to do!
The area is absolutely beautiful. It's called The Brandywine Valley.
I'm off to get the day started! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

Look out! There's a ROBOT in my STUDIO!

What an interesting topic for Studio Friday this week! It's almost as if Tine has stepped into the doorway of my studio and and seen my back wall book shelves!!
My husband and I are antique toy collectors and it just so happens that I actually DO have a ROBOT IN MY STUDIO!

(I tried to get a decent photo but I had to resort to grabbing one from E-Bay.) This is the same exact one we have here.
When I sat and read the topic for today, it got me thinking. What if this little Robot was a BIG Robot? What if it was a working robot? What use could it be in my studio? Hmm.. my mind immediately began to go wild! I could immediately think of 10 great uses :

1. It could sit at my diecutter table and cut Quickutz alphabets for me.
2. It could sit and do the tedious gluing of all those intricate diecuts and paper piecings.
3. It could scavenge through my various bins of scrap papers looking for that ONE piece of scrap paper that I KNOW is in there..... just don't know WHICH BIN it's in!
4. I'd keep it busy by tidying up my closets.
5. I'm sure it'd be right at home cleaning and putting away my rubber stamps ;)
6. Taking out my ever-full waste paperbaskets would be another chore for it!
7. I'd have it organizing my photographs so that I could find the ones I need in a flash.
8. It would be right at home, plugged into the PC upgrading and updating my software and finding me the latest and greatest fonts
9. "Robot? Would you be a dear and grab me a diet Pepsi with Lime from the fridge?"
10. I would put it to use and get it in high gear for packing my scraproom in a nice, neat, organized manner because lord knows, I sure as heck can't do it myself!!!!
So, as I sit here and look at this little 12 inch tall Robot, I daydream of all the things I wish it COULD do and it motivates me to get myself in gear to get something BIG accomplished today!

The 102nd 'Strikes a pose'

They are The 102nd Cavalry Group Reenactment Unit.

These boys get together to ensure that the 102nd Cavalry Group's men and missions are never forgotten. They are a group of guys who do tactical reenactments as well as living history displays. To learn more about this group of reenactors/living historians take a look at this website - 102nd Cavalry Group Reenactment Unit
The 102nd Cavalry Group (mecz), consisted of the 38th and 102nd Cavalry Squadrons, they were assigned to the First Army and attached to V Corps during it's 3 years overseas during World War II. The 102nd Cavalry Group landed on Omaha Beach on 'D plus 2'. The initial operation of the 102d Group was with the 1st infantry Division on a mission of reconnaissance in advance of the division to establish the perimeter of the beachhead. The next principal mission was to protect the flank of the V Corps during it's drive to breakout of the beachhead in late July, 1944. The group 'attacked dismounted' on the right flank of the corps alongside the 2nd Infantry Division. The 102nd Group then preceded the infantry division into the city. It then preceded the V Corps north from Paris across Belgium and the northern tip of Luxembourg, reaching the Siegfried Line early in September, 1944. The group held defensive positions (dismounted) on the western edge of the Siegfried Line from September, 1944 to February, 1945. In December, 1944, during the Ardennes offensive, the group, “Beat off” repeated German attacks and successfully held a sector in the northern shoulder of the “Bulge.” The 38th squadron was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for this operation. The 102nd Cavalry screened the flank of the V Corps as it broke through the Siegfried Line in February, 1945. The mission of preceding the Corps’ advance to the Rhine River was then resumed. The 102nd Group was shifted to the Seventh Army under VI Corps during the Colmar operation, but rejoined V Corps after being away only 2 weeks. The group screened the north flank of the V Corps in its advance across Germany along the southern edge of the Hartz Mountains. It remained in Czechoslovakia after V-E Day until it returned to the United States in October, 1945.
We portray a Living History Unit dedicated to the memory and bravery of the 102nd Cavalry.

A real sea monster!!

We're moving. We have a salt water aquarium. We had a few fish, once upon a time, but none for ages. We've kept the aquarium in nice condition but without the fish some algae has grown and since we're moving we decided to clean it out well and get it ready for storage. I took out the faux-coral pieces and cleaned them nicely. Amazing what a scrubby brush can do! The yellow and pink corals are once again, yellow and pink and not brownish-red and green! Algae is pretty fast growing and it takes over any space it wants. Without fish, that growing process is even faster since there's no one to dine on it.
I cleaned off the faux-corals and got them put away. I was about to grab one of the pieces of live-rock (this is coral that you can get from the petstore that has been grown for aquariums but has died so it's great hiding for your fish and it has beneficial bacteria on it, yadda yadda yadda...) I just happened to glance on the side of this piece of live-rock and I see a pink tentacle-type thing poking through one of the holes. OMG... WTF?! We have had this live-rock crap for 2 years. We have only EVER HAD FISH in this aquarium. One clown fish, a lawnmower blenny and a blue tang (think "Finding Nemo"). NEVER EVER have we purchased ANYTHING even REMOTELY PINK and tentacly!!!
I took a deep breath and called my hubby to come take a look. At 1st he thought it was a spine from a fish who met his demise. Our clownfish just vanished one day, and we never saw it again. He thought it may have gotten stuck on the side of this piece of live rock. BUT.. that was MONTHS ago! Surely he would have decomposed?? (Ok totally GROSS, right??) Well.. it ISN'T a 'clownfish spine'! We watched it for a few minutes as it emerged from it's live-rock condominium. It was about 3.5 inches long, looked like an earthworm with white bristles on it's sides. I ran over to the computer and typed in "Sea Worm" (that was the ONLY THING I could think of!!!) A list of sites with 'SEA WORM' as their subject headings come up. I clicked. Then I wish I hadn't clicked. I was introduced to our "Bristle Worm"

So now you have been introduced to our sea monster too. Aren't you glad I shared???

House Hunting

House hunting is an interesting experience. You experience emotions that you never knew you had. As you drive past these beautiful houses, you can only imagine what you'll find inside. Most are as beautiful inside as they are out but there are some that are actually surprising! We went into a traditional farm-house style home which was a nice size. I had expected it to be similar to others that I had seen but this one was a whole different ballpark. 1st of all, it was 2.5 MILLION dollars ( which I didn't 'get' because it wasn't on any spectacular piece of land, the yard wasn't even large, The house, yes was a nice size but it wasn't what *I* would consider a 2 million plus range. (We've been looking at houses for about 2 months now. I know my houses! LOL) Ok, so we walked in and were met with a very modern home done to look like a traditional French farm house. The wood floors were IMPORTED from some country which at this point, I forget. The whole house was upgraded from floors to crown moulding. There was an ELEVATOR that ran from the entertainment level( Finished basement) up to the 2nd story SMOKING ROOM. The realtor explaned that the 'master of the estate' may want to have a cigar before retiring for bed. HAHAAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAAHHA!!!!!!!!!!!!! I found that funny yet, kept a perfect poker face throughout the entire tour. Of course, the house was completely amazing but function? Where was the FUNCTION? Can the master not WALK from his entertainment level to his SMOKING ROOM? Oh! It must be that his emphazema keeping him from walking? I loved the house, it looks like what I would picture a movie star to live in. I am sure that the buyer of such a house has a full staff to wait on them at all times. There's an au-pair suite (Also called an in-law's suite) (which I have in my house) and also a butler's suite (umm...it's an au-pair suite, folks... just off the kitchen instead of on the bedroom level)
I love the 'new' styles that new construction homes have. I love the granite counter tops and the stainless steel appliances. I love the 'butler's pantry' that most newer homes now have and I really love the open floor plans. The house we live in has a nice, open floor plan. It's manditory that we find something similar if not even better!
We have been looking at a few properties seriously and this one is the leader of the pack, so to speak. I have photos of the inside but I'll have to text them to Beth so she can email them to me. My phone isn't cooperating ! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
Anyway.. here's the outside of the house.

This photo doesn't do it justice. The driveway isn't yet paved and there's no landscaping (the buyer gets to choose from a variety of landscape packages) but this is the 'raw' outside. Inside has gorgeous granite counter tops, crown moulding, it's painted (this is the model home for that particular builder) has gorgeous tiled and upgraded bathrooms. Carpeting is beautiful as well. It's in 'move in' condition. I just hope that it's still around for us when we are ready to bid and move in!!!!!

Fort Mifflin, PA

Today was a gorgeous, Spring day. We drove out to Fort Mifflin. We are World War 2 living historians and this event was “Operation Thunderbolt”
"THE ASSAULT ON FORT DRIANT: On the morning of September 27, 1944, the skies cleared, and Operation Thunderbolt began! Fighter bombers dropped 1,000-pound bombs and napalm on the fort, but with negligible results. Many additional bombers followed dropping high explosive bombs on the trenches and bunkers, and strafing the defenders. These efforts failed to damage Fort Driant, and the assault troops attempted to do what the Allied planes couldn’t….take Fort Driant."
Fort Mifflin is an old military fort from the mid 1700s. It's very well preserved and what wasn't preserved is restored beautifully. There are lots of barracks, storage holds and some really cool amunitions buildings there which are 'buried' under the earth (under a mound). It's a walled fort which means that it's completely enclosed by a wall. It's awesome as you can walk on this grassy wall-top and watch the events from above.
My husband is a medic for the 101st Airborne Reenactment Group and his group was there today fighting a battle against the German troops.

I forgot my camera today and had to resort to using my cell phone's camera. As you can see, not the best quality but it isn't the worst either.
He set up his 'aid station' and took care of midly 'wounded' soldiers. There was also a really neat field hospital set up in one of the buildings but the light in there was so bad that my camera only captured darkness. *sigh* Needless to say, no photos of that. It was actually very accurate because during the war, they did set up aid stations and field hospitals anywhere they could. One of those buildings just may have been used for something like that if the need had arisen.

It was a pretty loud day with Carbine's being fired, machine guns, larger artillery and grenades galore. Everything was blanks, but those sounds are almost identical to live amunition so it gave a good sense as to the accurate sounds that you may have heard, had you really been within ear shot of a field battle during WW2.

My 2 girls are 'war orphans' so they are very used to the noise and the commotion on the 'battle field' they call all the soldiers, "daddy's guys" and they love the Axis troops as much as the Allies. To them, they are all friends. I didn't dress up the girls today. Neither of them was in the mood and they knew that my inlaws would be there to watch as well so I left them in thier girly, modern clothing and let them be. They are usually a part of our 'display' ( I am a homefront reenactor and do a Nursing impression as well) The girls usually wear 1940's clothes and we have a good amount of reproduction and also 1940's period toys.

The next big WW2 Reenactment event is at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum at Reading Airport in Reading, PA June 2nd -4th and is AWESOME! Check out the website, it's too much for me to explain. I can tell you it's WORTH the trip!! There will be air shows of vintage aircraft, WW2 Veteran Speakers, celebritites, and FULL immersion into 1944 WW2. There will be a Big Band dance, French Village, full set up of Axis and Allies troops, vehicles, military flea market, USO style entertainment a 1940's department store, full set up of field hospital, Axis and Allies encampments and SO MUCH MORE! I can't WAIT!!!

My little orange index card book is mocking me.....

Have you ever purchased something with full intent to USE it but you like it so much that you seem to hoard it and look at it rather than use it for it's purpose?? I have. I did. It's a little orange index card file book from Target. Cloth cover and has a little screw in the corner. All the indes cards 'fan' out like a hand of cards. I simply CANNOT use it. I want to. I bought it for a reason, to write little things down that I may forget during the day. Things like things my kids say, journaling ideas, layout ideas, sayings, titles, notes, lists, and just stuff in general. It's a perfect size, it's a perfect colour ( anything orange is MY COLOUR!) And it's a perfect form, shape and style for ME. I have had it for a month or so now, and it sits here, mocking me; daring me to use it. I want to take that dare and RUN with it but if I use it, it'll be...well... used. I used to do this with notebooks as a kid. I am a writer. I write every single day. Notebooks were and still are a major deal to me. This little orange index card file is mocking me. I WILL use it ( after I buy another one to keep and look at in perfect, unused condition!)

Studio Friday (Sounds)

I suggested this topic for Studio Friday and Tine used it!! Thanks Tine!!!!
"This morning as I sat in my studio at 5 AM I realized as I had 'alone time' that my studio, no matter what time of day it is, is never silent. This brought my mind, immediately, to Studio Friday. I wonder if this would be a topic of interest?
What are the sounds in your studio? Sit quietly and listen. I am sure you'll be surprised at what you hear!"

For me, sound is very inspirational. Music is almost always playing wherever I am. It feels as if a huge void has engulfed me when there is complete silence. I even sleep with a small fan on to break that void. Have you ever heard the saying, "Silence is deafening" ? Well it's very true for me. Maybe it's tinnitis? But silence is extremely loud for me, sounding like a waterfall or static. I hate it!

So, as I stated earlier, I was alone in my studio early in the morning and I just sat there, before turning on my beloved Ipod, and this was what I could hear.....

1. The quiet fan of my computer
2. The squeak, I never noticed, that my chair makes
3. The dog, walking around the kitchen scavenging for crumbs.
4. A mocking bird outside
5. The heat going on and off

My Studio is in an isolated part of the house. I can't hear anything back there unless it's happening in the kitchen or outside. At 5 AM it's still a quiet world outside and for that I'm thankful! I think I'm going to take this Studio Friday topic and do a scrapbook page about Inspirational Sounds. It's my favourite place in my house and it merit's a page or 2 in my scrapbook!! ;)
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What Inspires Me?

A blog prompt by a blogging pal has brought me to post this today.

Here's a list of 10 things that inspire me, in no particular order.

1. My 2 girls
2. Good music
3. My best friend who is my cheerleader.
4. Good writing
5. Dark cloudy afternoons
6. A brisk sea-breeze
7. Colorado
8. A garden in full bloom
9. The color orange
19. New scrapbooking supplies (LOL!!)

I am very driven my music. I think a lot of people are. It's something that I need in my life on a daily basis. Different moods are set by different types of music. I am most inspired by music that is familiar to me. Old favourites and such. I am also VERY inspired by Arabic melodies and musical instruments. That music affects me unlike any other and it's brings me to my most creative places.

Idol Addict

I admit it. I'm a total Idol Addict. I have been since day one, season 1. It's one of the only things on TV that I thoroughly enjoy. (oh..lest I forget "House, MD"!!!)I think it's my taste in music and my upbringing around music that draws me to American Idol each week. The anticipation and thrill of seeing each performer trying to get through one more week is addicting. My favourite is Taylor Hicks. There's something about his genuine approach to music and how he reaches out through it appeals to me. I 'hang around' a LOT of musicians. One of my closest friends is a hard-core musician. I am drawn to that 'type' of personality. I like the drive, determination and full immersion that a musician experiences while they are performing. It's like a drug for me; keeping me wanting more and feeling as if I am going through withdrawls when they stop. Taylor's performances do just that; Feed my addiction. I am left each week wanting more.

I hope that he's around to watch as the last weeks of American Idol wind down. I think that Chris will be the American Idol this season but I know that Taylor's career will be launched into a whirlwind and I simply cannot wait! He's my "A #1" Idol of all times! I am such an Idol Addict! (And OMG he's just SO FRIGGIN' CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) *Blush*

Packing my great scrap room~

Most people have moved once or twice in their lives. We all know the long days of never-ending packing, organizing and cleaning. My scrapbooking room is the black hole of my house. It's a never-ending vortex of STUFF. When I walk in there I get sucked into another dimention. I don't want to pack something I may 'need' in the near future so I stand there, blankly, staring at everything in complete and utter loss. What I need is one of those professional organizers to come over here and organize all my stuff. Then I could pack it very efficiently and in some semblance of order so that when I UNPACK it all into my NEW scrap studio it'll be faster and easier to get stuff put away. Will that actually HAPPEN? Umm... that'd be a big, fat, huge, NO! It won't happen! HAHAHHHAH!
I am in the process of organizing and packing all the toys in this house and that, in itself, is a huge-ass project. WHO KNEW that puzzle pieces and toys and their parts could be lost under the couch, behind the jukebox and the coke machine!!! It's an unholy mess and one that I am tackling today. My house WILL look like a model home if it kills me!!!!
Off I go, back to the cavern that is my scrapbooking studio. I can't let the cardstock win... I can't, I can't, I can't!!!!