Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.
~Albert Einstein
Monday, January 19, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Frugal Friday...
I have always tried to be frugal where I can... clip coupons, turn lights off when I'm not in a room, keep the heat low... little things like that. In these economic times, every little bit helps and I thought it would be good idea to share a frugal tip every Friday.
One of the most important tips (or advice) I can offer is to plan your meals and do your grocery shopping with a list... The later being the most important! There was a time when I used to go grocery shopping without a list and I would just "wing it". I would purchase duplicates of things I already had at home... sometimes not buying what I may have needed to make a specific meal or recipe. It was a disaster!
But then, I started making a list of what I needed... and then, I started paying more attention to the grocery store sales circulars... and then, I would try to match up coupons I had with items that were on sale (for even more savings).
And, now, I plan the dinner menu for the entire week, by going through the circulars (and coupons). So, I not only shop with a shopping list, but I actually have a plan! LOL I try to make at least one or two new recipes each week (because eating the same things all the time is boring!).
Here's what I do... First, I try to get an idea of what we'd like to have for dinner the coming week. I check what I have on hand (from my small stockpile that I've managed to build) as far as meats, dry goods, etc. Then, I check the sales circulars to see what is on sale, go through my coupons, plan the menu and then I start my shopping list (combining ingredients I may need for new recipes, together with staples or necessary items I need)
I also shop at 3 different grocery stores to try to get the best deal. (They are all local so there is no money wasted in gas).
This was my dinner menu for this week... In addition to what I needed to make each meal (what I didn't already have at home), I also purchased some staples/necessary items and few extras...
Total spent: $56.00 (that was with a few coupons totaling $1.10):
Sunday
Salisbury steak, noodles, peas
Monday
Chicken stir fry over rice
Tuesday
Chicken Francaise over linguini (*new recipe)
Wednesday
Leftovers
Thursday
Steak, twice baked potatoes, carrots (We didn't have this on Thursday night because it was too cold outside to grill... Instead, I had a smoked sausage in the freezer and made a meal from that. I will move this meal to next week or the week after)
Friday
Breakfast - Pancakes & sausage
Dessert: Apple Crisp (*new recipe )
Saturday
Chicken croquettes, mashed potatoes, corn (*new recipe)
By making a shopping list (and sticking to it), planning the weekly menu, comparing grocery stores sales circulars, I've been able to save money each week... like I said before, every little bit helps!
One of the most important tips (or advice) I can offer is to plan your meals and do your grocery shopping with a list... The later being the most important! There was a time when I used to go grocery shopping without a list and I would just "wing it". I would purchase duplicates of things I already had at home... sometimes not buying what I may have needed to make a specific meal or recipe. It was a disaster!
But then, I started making a list of what I needed... and then, I started paying more attention to the grocery store sales circulars... and then, I would try to match up coupons I had with items that were on sale (for even more savings).
And, now, I plan the dinner menu for the entire week, by going through the circulars (and coupons). So, I not only shop with a shopping list, but I actually have a plan! LOL I try to make at least one or two new recipes each week (because eating the same things all the time is boring!).
Here's what I do... First, I try to get an idea of what we'd like to have for dinner the coming week. I check what I have on hand (from my small stockpile that I've managed to build) as far as meats, dry goods, etc. Then, I check the sales circulars to see what is on sale, go through my coupons, plan the menu and then I start my shopping list (combining ingredients I may need for new recipes, together with staples or necessary items I need)
I also shop at 3 different grocery stores to try to get the best deal. (They are all local so there is no money wasted in gas).
This was my dinner menu for this week... In addition to what I needed to make each meal (what I didn't already have at home), I also purchased some staples/necessary items and few extras...
Total spent: $56.00 (that was with a few coupons totaling $1.10):
Sunday
Salisbury steak, noodles, peas
Monday
Chicken stir fry over rice
Tuesday
Chicken Francaise over linguini (*new recipe)
Wednesday
Leftovers
Thursday
Steak, twice baked potatoes, carrots (We didn't have this on Thursday night because it was too cold outside to grill... Instead, I had a smoked sausage in the freezer and made a meal from that. I will move this meal to next week or the week after)
Friday
Breakfast - Pancakes & sausage
Dessert: Apple Crisp (*new recipe )
Saturday
Chicken croquettes, mashed potatoes, corn (*new recipe)
By making a shopping list (and sticking to it), planning the weekly menu, comparing grocery stores sales circulars, I've been able to save money each week... like I said before, every little bit helps!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tasty Tuesday - Recipe time!!
This is a recipe from Pampered Chef
Taco Ring:
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion (diced)
1 package taco seasoning mix
2 (8 oz.) packages of Crescent rolls
1 cup shredded cheddar
Toppings
1/4 cup of chopped black olives
2 tomatoes (chopped)
Bag of shredded lettuce
1 large green or red pepper (optional)
Salsa and/or sour cream
Brown the ground beef, drain excess fat. Mix in the package of taco seasoning and onion. Set aside.
On a large pizza stone or baking pan, separate the crescent roll triangles and assemble them in a circular pattern with the small edge of the triangle inward towards the center. (You want to create a donut shape with a small hole in the middle)
Place meat on the crescent roll towards the "hole" to form a ring. Sprinkle shredded cheese over top of meat.
Then take the outer corners of the crescent rolls, lift them up over the meat, press and seal on the inside edge of the crescent roll (when finished this will look like a big donut or ring)
Bake at 350* for 15-20 minutes. Carefully slide onto large plate.
Then fill the "center" of ring (on the serving plate) with your "toppings: shredded lettuce, tomatoes, olives, peppers. You could put small dollops of sour cream "dotting" the ring... or just throw the toppings into individuals serving bowls and everyone fixes their own taco ring...
Simple... Delicious... Enjoy!Landscaping 101...
Over Memorial Day weekend of last year, we finally decided to spruce up our front yard. I will tell you that I am not the kind of girl who likes to become one with the dirt and grass and bugs and all that. (And, now you know why I don't have a garden LOL)
Anyway... something needed to be done with the eyesore in my front yard. My husband did most of the work and I mainly supervised, planned the area in question and shopped for the items! (those are very important jobs)
This is what the area we landscaped looked like when we first purchased our home a few years ago:
(Click on picture for full size image)
And THIS is what it looked like after we finished:
(Click on picture for full size image)
Nice improvement, huh?
We did add some landscaping lights along the backside of the pavers, as well as another Hosta plant in the front (left).
I couldn't be more thrilled with the results!
Anyway... something needed to be done with the eyesore in my front yard. My husband did most of the work and I mainly supervised, planned the area in question and shopped for the items! (those are very important jobs)
This is what the area we landscaped looked like when we first purchased our home a few years ago:
(Click on picture for full size image)
And THIS is what it looked like after we finished:
(Click on picture for full size image)
Nice improvement, huh?
We did add some landscaping lights along the backside of the pavers, as well as another Hosta plant in the front (left).
I couldn't be more thrilled with the results!
A brand new year...
Boy does time fly! I knew I hadn't blogged in quite some time, but didn't realize it was so long ago... Needless to say, this past summer kept me busy and before I knew it, the holidays were upon us.
I have many new things to share as I hope to become a more faithful blogger in this new year.
I have many new things to share as I hope to become a more faithful blogger in this new year.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Garage Sale Finds...
'Tis the season for Garage Sales... This morning my husband and I headed out early to find our treasurers:
Spent just over $20... Some shelves (we'll paint those), two purses,(one is a Prada, could be a fake, I don't know... but I feel so snobby LOL) a few books, computer games, and two plaques in the Cafe theme style that match my kitchen!! I was so excited to find those!!
You know what they say... One man's junk is another man's treasure.
I'm exhausted and I'm going to play with my new purses...
Spent just over $20... Some shelves (we'll paint those), two purses,(one is a Prada, could be a fake, I don't know... but I feel so snobby LOL) a few books, computer games, and two plaques in the Cafe theme style that match my kitchen!! I was so excited to find those!!
You know what they say... One man's junk is another man's treasure.
I'm exhausted and I'm going to play with my new purses...
Friday, May 2, 2008
Fun survey... 41 things you didn't know about me!
I "borrowed" this from Deep Fried Apple Pie's blog and thought this would be fun:
Who's next!? :)
1. What kind of soap is in your bathtub right now? Dial liquid soap by the sink… Softsoap’s Pure Cashmere (for me) in the shower.
2. Do you have any watermelon in your refrigerator? No…and I would love some!
3. What would you change about your living room? Carpet and window treatments (soon!!)
4. Are the dishes in your dishwasher clean or dirty? Dishwasher is empty
5. What is in your fridge? The usual… milk, butter, some leftovers, condiments, etc., etc.
6. White or wheat bread? White
7. What is on top of your refrigerator? A tray that holds some potatoes and onions, my husband’s cooler.
8. What color or design is on your shower curtain? The hall bathroom is a square pattern in blues, light blues with a touch of purple. The master bathroom is a crème colored curtain with bamboo (Asian décor)
9. How many plants are in your home? 5
10. Is your bed made right now? Yes and no… It’s made, but my dog likes to fluff the comforter, so part of the bed is a little messed up.
11. Comet or Soft Scrub? Soft scrub
12. Is your closet organized? Pretty much
13. Can you describe your flashlight? Big, black, heavy.
14. Do you drink out of glass or plastic more at home? Combination of both
15. Do you have iced tea made in a pitcher right now? No
16. If you have garage, is it cluttered? Nope… just cleaned and organized it a few weeks ago.
17. Curtains or blinds? Blinds
18. How many pillows do you sleep with? One
19. Do you sleep with any lights on at night? Sometimes the light from the tv
20. How often do you vacuum? At least once a week
21. Standard toothbrush or electric? Both
22. What color is your toothbrush? Standard toothbrush is white and purple… electric one is white.
23. Do you have welcome mat on your front porch? Yes, but it’s plain (no words). I have an outdoor frog figurine by the front door that has a small “Welcome” sign in the frog’s hand.
24. What is in your oven right now? Just the oven racks
25. Is there anything under your bed? Nope
26. Chore you hate the most? Folding laundry
27. What retro items are in your home? Hmmm… I don’t know if I would call some items retro… I have a side table/lamp table in the living room that belonged to my grandmother… It’s over 50 years old.
28. Do you have separate room you use an an office? Yes… my home office
29. How many mirrors are in your home? 3 (one in each bathroom, one in the stairwell)
30. Do you have any hidden emergency money around your home? You always need to have a stash!
31. What color are your walls? Which room! Office is a greenish color, guest room is beige/brown, living room is a dark sand color, master bedroom is red, master bathroom is yellow/goldish, kitchen and family room are still white
32. What does your home smell like right now? Dinner (we had chicken)
33. Favorite candle scent? Strawberry and I love Sand & Sun by Yankee Candle
34. What kind of pickles are in your refrigerator right now? None.
35. Ever been on your roof? I haven’t, but my husband has.
36. Do you own a stereo? No
37. How many TV’s do you have? 4
38. How many phones? 3 in house, 2 cell phones
39. Do you have a housekeeper? I wish!!
40. What style do you decorate in? Different styles. My living room is a Southwestern style… my guest room is done up in an Old World Map style, master bedroom and master bathroom are an Asian décor.
Who's next!? :)
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Spring has finally sprung... I think!
Look... Flowers blooming... In my front yard!!!This is my favorite flower bed filled with tulips, a few hosta and who knows what else. Seriously, I do not know what other flowers/plants are in there as they were planted by the previous owner...
But, I don't really even need to know what they are... I know that they are very pretty and every spring they make me smile. The small tree in the middle will have pretty white flowers on it soon and the whole area just looks so colorful and alive. After the winter we have had, this is such a welcome sight to see.
Last weekend, we relocated rock that was in the front of the house to the backyard "island", creating a rock garden of sorts... Nothing grows there except weeds and hopefully the rock will prevent them... (See that bench... I got that on Freecycle last year. It was in pretty good shape... good bones so to speak! We gave it new life by painting the wrought iron black and the bench red. I have a birdhouse in the "rock island" and a few bird feeders next to it on the grass... I really should take a picture of that, huh?)
And, in honor of Spring... and eventually summer... I purchased some new plates and serving pieces to use and enjoy while eating outside on the deck...
They definitely say Summer and have that outdoor look and feel I wanted...."Summertime and the living is easy"
Saturday, April 12, 2008
The Big 4-0
Yesterday was my birthday. I hit another milestone in my life... the Big 40!! *yikes* I can't believe that I can even type those two numbers together, let alone say that number out loud!!
I had a hard time when I reached my 30th birthday... (Wow, I was just a baby back then! LOL) and I can't believe I'm actually as old as my mother was at one time... that just blows my mind. (would I be considered an "elder" in social settings now? You know, as I child how you were told to "respect your elders"... I think I may be that elder now!)
I saw a commercial yesterday for a life insurance company for people aged 50-75 and I thought to myself: "Wow, in 10 years, I'll be eligible"... how sad is that! LOL
Anyway, I did have a nice birthday. My husband decorated the kitchen cabinets with balloons, so that was the first thing I saw when I came into the kitchen yesterday morning... It was a very nice surprise!!
We had cake after dinner last night
I think I'll go look for wrinkles on my face again... LOL
I had a hard time when I reached my 30th birthday... (Wow, I was just a baby back then! LOL) and I can't believe I'm actually as old as my mother was at one time... that just blows my mind. (would I be considered an "elder" in social settings now? You know, as I child how you were told to "respect your elders"... I think I may be that elder now!)
I saw a commercial yesterday for a life insurance company for people aged 50-75 and I thought to myself: "Wow, in 10 years, I'll be eligible"... how sad is that! LOL
Anyway, I did have a nice birthday. My husband decorated the kitchen cabinets with balloons, so that was the first thing I saw when I came into the kitchen yesterday morning... It was a very nice surprise!!
We had cake after dinner last night
I think I'll go look for wrinkles on my face again... LOL
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Bigger is better...
My husband's belated birthday gift arrived last week... a new lens for his camera.
He loves astronomy and photography, so this gift will help him combine his love of both and I hope to show some great pictures that he will take of the night sky!
His camera has an adapter that will fit onto his telescope...
And this new lens will be able to give a nice close up of features in the night sky.
So, it goes without saying that he was VERY HAPPY with his birthday gift!! (Now what am I going to do next year to top this? *scratching my head* LOL)
He loves astronomy and photography, so this gift will help him combine his love of both and I hope to show some great pictures that he will take of the night sky!
His camera has an adapter that will fit onto his telescope...
And this new lens will be able to give a nice close up of features in the night sky.
So, it goes without saying that he was VERY HAPPY with his birthday gift!! (Now what am I going to do next year to top this? *scratching my head* LOL)
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
They shouldn't let me out in public...
My husband says that going out with me is an adventure... and today's "outing" was no different.
Just another day in the life of me.. and all my "isms."
First, we met with our new insurance agent and as we're sitting in his office, HIS phone rings. Well, he just happens to have the same ringer/ring tone (whatever they are called) as my business line... so, what does yours truly do... I get up out of the chair I'm sitting in, because I want to answer the phone. It took me a moment or two to "get my bearings" and realize that it was not MY phone ringing. I am sure our new agent thinks I am a total nutcase!!
Next, we went to Red Lobster for a late lunch/early dinner. I love Red Lobster! We're eating our salads when the waitress comes over with our meal, so I went to move my salad bowl... Somehow my fork jumped out of my hand, hit the knife that was on the edge of the bowl and they both tumble to the table... To cover up my embarrassment of apparently not being able to hold a fork, I laugh and said "See, I was just so excited that my shrimp was here!"
At least I could laugh and the waitress laughed as well (although she was probably laughing at me... not with me!)
After that (like those two aren't enough for one day), we go to Target. I'm trying to find a DVD and I'm looking all over the DVD section and can't find it (I'm thinking they have sold out).
I see a young guy who worked there and told him that I can't find this DVD and asked for his help. Without saying a word, he takes 2 steps backwards into the main aisle, and moves his arm up and away from his body (just like "Barker's Beauties" on the Price is Right... err, I guess they are called "Drew's Beauties" now?) and points to the end cap. The ENTIRE end cap is filled with the DVD I'm looking for.
Then, we head to the supermarket and we're looking at all of the different brands/flavors of ice cream, as we're trying to decide which one to get. Nothing was catching my eye, so I say to my hsuband, who is several feet away from me...
"How about Burt & Ernies?"
My husband starts cracking up...
Another shopper is chuckling and I'm clueless...
My husband, through laughter, says, it's "Ben & Jerry's"...
Oh... (hanging head in shame)
And the cherry on top of that ice cream sundae happened when we were walking back to the car, from the supermarket, and I comment to my husband to "be careful" (because of the slushy snowy mess Mother Nature dumped on us earlier in the day) and what happens next (you know where this is going)...
I start slipping and sliding and almost bring the both of us down. Thank goodness, I caught my balance and neither one of us fell...
What an afternoon... I blame it on the snow!!
Just another day in the life of me.. and all my "isms."
First, we met with our new insurance agent and as we're sitting in his office, HIS phone rings. Well, he just happens to have the same ringer/ring tone (whatever they are called) as my business line... so, what does yours truly do... I get up out of the chair I'm sitting in, because I want to answer the phone. It took me a moment or two to "get my bearings" and realize that it was not MY phone ringing. I am sure our new agent thinks I am a total nutcase!!
Next, we went to Red Lobster for a late lunch/early dinner. I love Red Lobster! We're eating our salads when the waitress comes over with our meal, so I went to move my salad bowl... Somehow my fork jumped out of my hand, hit the knife that was on the edge of the bowl and they both tumble to the table... To cover up my embarrassment of apparently not being able to hold a fork, I laugh and said "See, I was just so excited that my shrimp was here!"
At least I could laugh and the waitress laughed as well (although she was probably laughing at me... not with me!)
After that (like those two aren't enough for one day), we go to Target. I'm trying to find a DVD and I'm looking all over the DVD section and can't find it (I'm thinking they have sold out).
I see a young guy who worked there and told him that I can't find this DVD and asked for his help. Without saying a word, he takes 2 steps backwards into the main aisle, and moves his arm up and away from his body (just like "Barker's Beauties" on the Price is Right... err, I guess they are called "Drew's Beauties" now?) and points to the end cap. The ENTIRE end cap is filled with the DVD I'm looking for.
Then, we head to the supermarket and we're looking at all of the different brands/flavors of ice cream, as we're trying to decide which one to get. Nothing was catching my eye, so I say to my hsuband, who is several feet away from me...
"How about Burt & Ernies?"
My husband starts cracking up...
Another shopper is chuckling and I'm clueless...
My husband, through laughter, says, it's "Ben & Jerry's"...
Oh... (hanging head in shame)
And the cherry on top of that ice cream sundae happened when we were walking back to the car, from the supermarket, and I comment to my husband to "be careful" (because of the slushy snowy mess Mother Nature dumped on us earlier in the day) and what happens next (you know where this is going)...
I start slipping and sliding and almost bring the both of us down. Thank goodness, I caught my balance and neither one of us fell...
What an afternoon... I blame it on the snow!!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Happy Spring... I think??
Today is the first day of Spring and with the warmer temperatures and melting snow, I thought for sure we would be heading for this
Or this
But, it seems that Old Man Winter will just not loosen his grip because this is what I have to look forward to... tomorrow
More snow. 6-9 inches of the white stuff. Like I haven't shoveled enough this winter season!
Can you believe it??
Or this
But, it seems that Old Man Winter will just not loosen his grip because this is what I have to look forward to... tomorrow
More snow. 6-9 inches of the white stuff. Like I haven't shoveled enough this winter season!
Can you believe it??
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
My (frugal) Crafty Creation...
So, I've been looking for something with 'height' to put on my bathroom shelf... The other day, I rescued this bottle before it made it into our recycling bin... (This bottle used to contain a gourmet blend of peppercorns for our pepper mill - *mental note: remember to add this to shopping list*)
I cleaned out the bottle, removed the label and added in some of my bath salts and beads that seem to have accumulated under my bathroom sink.
And, here is my frugal, yet crafty creation:
It didn't cost me anything extra to make since I had everything on hand already, the color scheme blends in with the bathroom, it adds some height to that side of the shelf, which is what I was looking for, and I was able to free up some room under the sink... (which really means, now that there's more room under there, I need to go buy more stuff! LOL)
I cleaned out the bottle, removed the label and added in some of my bath salts and beads that seem to have accumulated under my bathroom sink.
And, here is my frugal, yet crafty creation:
It didn't cost me anything extra to make since I had everything on hand already, the color scheme blends in with the bathroom, it adds some height to that side of the shelf, which is what I was looking for, and I was able to free up some room under the sink... (which really means, now that there's more room under there, I need to go buy more stuff! LOL)
Monday, March 17, 2008
Happy St. Patrick's Day...
The O'Musings of a Jersey Girl in the Windy City wanted to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day because on this day... everyone is Irish! (Now, just read this post using an Irish brogue and I've done my part! LOL)
Me luck was just startin' yesterday as the hubby and I enjoyed a delicious dinner of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots. (are you using an Irish Brogue... it sounds even more delicious when you do!)
And, I found me pot-o-gold at the end of that rainbow in the form of dessert... Brownies and cupcakes... Ain't that lucky!?
Plenty of cupcakes left (I had to hide them from the Leprechauns), so grab a cup of coffee and help yerself, lads and lassies...
Saturday, March 8, 2008
WWW...Weekend, Weather and Water towers!
The weekend is here!! *doing the happy dance* This is a water tower from the south 'burbs of Chicago (area I used to live in)... isn't that cute!
I had never seen a water tower like this before until I moved out here...
Notice the bow tie (around the 'neck' area)... this water tower is looking/smiling at a 'female' water tower across town... how funny is that! (I don't have a picture of the 'female' tower, but the 'female' water tower has a bow on her 'head')
The first time I saw these towers, I knew I had to snap a picture of them... too funny!!
Where I live now, I can see my town's water tower from my backyard... although it's not as fun as the one in this picture, as far as water towers go, I guess it's pretty nice! LOL
So we are expecting about an inch of snow tomorrow night and still have cold temperatures (it was 8* degrees about an hour ago).... then, we're in for a warm-up... temps into the 40's and I saw a 56* in the forecast for later this week!!! (I can't even remember what temperatures in the 50's feel like... hopefully, I'll thaw out by then!) Just hang on... spring is right around the corner!!
This weekend is more or less doing the usual stuff... some shopping, some cleaning, some things around the house and most importantly... some relaxing!! (and staying warm LOL)
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Mirror, Mirror on the wall...
We've lived in this house for almost 2 years and I'm so happy that little by little everything is finally coming together.This is the new mirror we purchased and next to it is one of my most favorite pictures... it's a signed, limited print by a local artist and was a Christmas 2006 gift from my husband. The picture was just hung up a few weeks ago (prior to the mirror) because I finally found a frame for it... not the frame I really want, but a frame nonetheless.
When I find "the frame" for that picture, I'll re-frame it, but for now I'm just so thrilled that's it up on the wall!!
I can't remember if I mentioned it or not, but my living room is decorated in a southwest theme and when you first walk into my house from the door, you enter into the living room. The wall in this picture would be the first wall that you would see when you entered my home and the stairs to the basement are right below that (you can just make out some wood railing in the bottom left of the picture).
I have to say... the mirror and picture really brighten up that area and pull the living room together... (Please ignore THAT light fixture!! *gasp* We haven't found one that we liked yet to replace it with)
Now, if you entered my home from the garage entrance you would be in the family room and if you turned to your left, you would see the stairs leading to the basement and yourself in that mirror...
So, see... the little things in life like buying a mirror or hanging a picture excite me... Maybe over the weekend, I'll take some pics around the house and give you the grand tour!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Flashback: My first Chicago winter
Living in NJ, I experienced cold winters, snow, a few blizzards, a few Nor'Easters, frigid temperatures... the whole nine yards. But, it wasn't a constant... some winters were much better than others and for some reason, -10* in NJ feels so much warmer than -10* out here!!
Out there, as an adult, I rarely wore a coat in the winter and didn't even own a hat! My usual routine was from my house... to my car... to where ever I was going that was in an enclosed type of building and then from there.... to my car... to my house. Wind chills meant very little to me....
Now, let's flashback to when I first moved out here, shall we: I arrived the day after a blizzard dumped 14" of snow on my newly adopted city... The people out here just referred to those 14" as "a lot of snow".... this Jersey girl calls it a blizzard!
Anyway, I spent the next month or so freezing my you know what off...but I'm from Jersey... I'm tough... I've seen my share of winter weather and I could handle this... no problem!
Then one winter morning, I found myself at the train station waiting for the train to go downtown... I noticed everyone standing outside all bundled up wearing hats, scarfs, gloves, ear muffs... and I thought to myself, as I sat in the warm comfort of the car (my husband was waiting there with me) how uncomfortable these people looked all bundled up, standing just a few feet away from my car... But me, being a tough Jersey Girl and all, didn't need to be all bundled up like that... it wasn't "that" cold out.
I heard the train whistle and with that, I kissed my husband good-bye and hopped out of the car, wearing my winter coat, which was open (not zipped up/buttoned up)... no hat, no scarf, no gloves... no need... the train was coming and, just as I did in NJ, I went from my vehicle, to another form of "shelter"... I never really had to endure the elements.
I walked the few feet to stand with the rest of the people waiting for that train... I turned around and waved to my husband as he pulled out of the parking lot and watched him drive off and turned back to face the train tracks.
That's when it happened....
The wind kicked up and sent a bone chilling cold throughout my entire body... it was so cold that it hurt my face and literally knocked the wind out of me. There I stood, open coat, no gloves, no hat, no scarf and no earmuffs, wearing pumps... shivering! The train was in view, and under normal circumstances, would have been there already, but for some reason it stopped... within view, but out of reach.
As I stood shivering, I noticed the other people around me dressed much more appropriately for this weather than I was, as I started to do the shiver-dance... you know the movement that you do when you're cold to keep warm.
One person even had the audacity to say... "Boy, it's cold out this morning!" and I wanted to knock his hat off.
Finally, after only about 7 minutes... which seemed like 3 hours... the train pulled into the station... We all piled in and I think I spent the entire trip into the city shivering in my seat.
But, wait... there's more!
After we get downtown... I now have to walk several blocks from the train station to my job... with my closed coat (at least, by this point, I was smart and zipped it up!), no gloves, hat or scarf as the wind continues to rip through me.
I realized that day why they call Chicago the "Windy City"... even though that's not the real reason behind Chicago's nickname... but, on that day, I think it was Mother Nature's way of putting this Jersey Girl in her place....
That night, I went to the store and bought a hat, scarf and earmuffs! (I already had several pairs of gloves at home... in a drawer)
The next morning, I stood waiting for the train at the train station with all of the other people, bundled up, looking as if we were all going to a ski convention. My coat was zipped up... I had on my hat, gloves, scarf, earmuffs and socks and sneakers on my feet (instead of the pumps from the day before).
And, although that wind continued to send shivers through my body, at least I was much warmer than the previous morning... and when the gentlemen from the previous morning said "Boy, it's cold out this morning", I nodded in agreement, sipping my hot coffee.
Shortly before the train arrived, I noticed a woman get out of a car... She waved to whoever it was that dropped her off and took her place with all the rest of us waiting for the train. She had on a long coat (open/not zipped up)... no gloves, no scarf, no hat, no earmuffs, wearing a dress/skirt and pumps.
As the wind kicked up again, I took another sip of my coffee and thought to myself... She must be from New Jersey!
Out there, as an adult, I rarely wore a coat in the winter and didn't even own a hat! My usual routine was from my house... to my car... to where ever I was going that was in an enclosed type of building and then from there.... to my car... to my house. Wind chills meant very little to me....
Now, let's flashback to when I first moved out here, shall we: I arrived the day after a blizzard dumped 14" of snow on my newly adopted city... The people out here just referred to those 14" as "a lot of snow".... this Jersey girl calls it a blizzard!
Anyway, I spent the next month or so freezing my you know what off...but I'm from Jersey... I'm tough... I've seen my share of winter weather and I could handle this... no problem!
Then one winter morning, I found myself at the train station waiting for the train to go downtown... I noticed everyone standing outside all bundled up wearing hats, scarfs, gloves, ear muffs... and I thought to myself, as I sat in the warm comfort of the car (my husband was waiting there with me) how uncomfortable these people looked all bundled up, standing just a few feet away from my car... But me, being a tough Jersey Girl and all, didn't need to be all bundled up like that... it wasn't "that" cold out.
I heard the train whistle and with that, I kissed my husband good-bye and hopped out of the car, wearing my winter coat, which was open (not zipped up/buttoned up)... no hat, no scarf, no gloves... no need... the train was coming and, just as I did in NJ, I went from my vehicle, to another form of "shelter"... I never really had to endure the elements.
I walked the few feet to stand with the rest of the people waiting for that train... I turned around and waved to my husband as he pulled out of the parking lot and watched him drive off and turned back to face the train tracks.
That's when it happened....
The wind kicked up and sent a bone chilling cold throughout my entire body... it was so cold that it hurt my face and literally knocked the wind out of me. There I stood, open coat, no gloves, no hat, no scarf and no earmuffs, wearing pumps... shivering! The train was in view, and under normal circumstances, would have been there already, but for some reason it stopped... within view, but out of reach.
As I stood shivering, I noticed the other people around me dressed much more appropriately for this weather than I was, as I started to do the shiver-dance... you know the movement that you do when you're cold to keep warm.
One person even had the audacity to say... "Boy, it's cold out this morning!" and I wanted to knock his hat off.
Finally, after only about 7 minutes... which seemed like 3 hours... the train pulled into the station... We all piled in and I think I spent the entire trip into the city shivering in my seat.
But, wait... there's more!
After we get downtown... I now have to walk several blocks from the train station to my job... with my closed coat (at least, by this point, I was smart and zipped it up!), no gloves, hat or scarf as the wind continues to rip through me.
I realized that day why they call Chicago the "Windy City"... even though that's not the real reason behind Chicago's nickname... but, on that day, I think it was Mother Nature's way of putting this Jersey Girl in her place....
That night, I went to the store and bought a hat, scarf and earmuffs! (I already had several pairs of gloves at home... in a drawer)
The next morning, I stood waiting for the train at the train station with all of the other people, bundled up, looking as if we were all going to a ski convention. My coat was zipped up... I had on my hat, gloves, scarf, earmuffs and socks and sneakers on my feet (instead of the pumps from the day before).
And, although that wind continued to send shivers through my body, at least I was much warmer than the previous morning... and when the gentlemen from the previous morning said "Boy, it's cold out this morning", I nodded in agreement, sipping my hot coffee.
Shortly before the train arrived, I noticed a woman get out of a car... She waved to whoever it was that dropped her off and took her place with all the rest of us waiting for the train. She had on a long coat (open/not zipped up)... no gloves, no scarf, no hat, no earmuffs, wearing a dress/skirt and pumps.
As the wind kicked up again, I took another sip of my coffee and thought to myself... She must be from New Jersey!
An Almost Spring Day....
Today's high is supposed to be 47!!! Woooooo Hoooooo... I'm doing the happy dance in my jammies! Although there are still snow piles around, today's temperatures should help to shrink them. We broke one of the records in our area for the most snow during the winter season, this season.... I think we are around 63" or 65" (I can't remember which and it really doesn't matter because it's still the same damn white stuff that continuously fell from the sky anyway!)
The sun is shining... the snow will melt and spring, hopefully, will be right around the corner and plans for today definitely include being outside... at some point.
Ever since I moved out here, I've heard people (my husband included) say: "If you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes"... meaning that the weather out here changes on a dime, so if you don't like what's going on weather-wise, hang in there because it will change very suddenly. That weather tidbit of advice has certainly held true.... Today's high: 47 -- Tomorrow's high: 33 and there's some precipitation in the form of rain and/or wet snow and temps head a little farther south into the high 20's come the end of this week...
We'll have to see what the rest of March has in store for us... it came in like a lamb, which means it will go out like a lion!
The sun is shining... the snow will melt and spring, hopefully, will be right around the corner and plans for today definitely include being outside... at some point.
Ever since I moved out here, I've heard people (my husband included) say: "If you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes"... meaning that the weather out here changes on a dime, so if you don't like what's going on weather-wise, hang in there because it will change very suddenly. That weather tidbit of advice has certainly held true.... Today's high: 47 -- Tomorrow's high: 33 and there's some precipitation in the form of rain and/or wet snow and temps head a little farther south into the high 20's come the end of this week...
We'll have to see what the rest of March has in store for us... it came in like a lamb, which means it will go out like a lion!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
A special friend...
I’ve already introduced you to my two fur-babies (the Beagle and the Shepard)… Now, I’d like to introduce you to another dog that was very special to me.This is Buffy… or McBuff as affectionately nicknamed by my grandmother. Buffy was a collie and we got him as a puppy when I was just 5 years old… He lived his life between my house and my grandparent’s house. Buffy was such a good dog… obedient, loyal and loving. We kept him until I was probably about 8 or 9 and then he went to live with my grandparents in upstate NY where he thrived… land to run around in… grass to roll around in… he was a very happy camper! Since I spent most of my childhood between my house and my grandparent’s house, I still got to spend so much time with him.
Now, my grandmother also had a few cats during Buffy’s lifetime and say what you will about ‘cats and dogs’, I really believe that they had a friendship. For instance, the cats would go outside and roam around. If they weren’t back within a reasonable amount of “doggie” time, Buffy would whine at the door to go outside… and he would go look for the cat. I can remember one time watching both of them walking up the driveway to the door… the cat in front… Buffy behind the cat, grunting and moaning, as if he was yelling at the cat for making him go look for her! That pattern continued for years…
I also taught Buffy to “smile” (which is a snarl)… but, he did it on cue to the song “A coke and a smile” (remember that commercial?!). It was hysterical and I know that he hated doing it… which I think made it more comical!
Sadly, Buffy crossed over the Rainbow Bridge when I was 17. He hadn’t been doing too well several weeks prior to my 17th birthday. I was spending my birthday and that week at my grandparent’s. I didn’t even know he was having a tough time because you would not have thought that had you seen him that week… full of life and love! My grandparents were even shocked. But, on the day I left after I gave Buffy hugs and kiss, said good-bye, waved to my grandmother and Buffy as we drove down the driveway and turned onto that old country road, Buffy went into the bedroom, curled up on his favorite rug at the foot of my grandparent’s bed and peacefully passed away.
When I got home, my mom told me the news… I believe that he waited for me… because of our bond and 12-year friendship... he waited one last time to run through the grass with me, to get a belly rub, treats, hugs and kisses and… to smile for me.
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