This Weeks Agenda

We have a busy week, never mind the weekend. Today, Drew had his first field trip with day care. Mommy went along so Drew could ride the bus (yeah, that was my excuse for going) to get to where they were going. The whole day care went apple picking! It was so much fun. Each kid was able to pick 5 apples and got a little gourde pumpkin. Drew loved picking the apples from the tree, that is until he noticed the broken down truck on the tree line and so wanted to go check it out. I don't have many photo's at the moment of the field trip since I had to borrow a camera from my dad (I didn't want to lug around my big camera), so I'm waiting for the transfer of pics.

Tomorrow, Jeff, Drew and myself head to the Big E. Its a tradition in our area to go to the Big E, which is a fair that celebrates the New England states with items from each state and most of all Massachusetts. There is lots of yummy food, tons of things to look at from crafts to animals. Then there are the kid rides. I hope Drew is tall enough to go on some, the last fair we were at he was short by a few inches (of course mommy is going on with him, but I don't want to push the height issue, its there for a reason).

Then over the weekend we have my cousin Sebastian's second birthday party and then we all go apple picking on Sunday.

Phew, its a busy week, but its loaded with fun.

Bowling 101

I've bowled for fun in the past. So, I knew the basics going into this league we joined for Wednesday nights, but let me tell you, its also an education.

I'm learning how drinking and bowling doesn't mix (not me, just people on the other teams). I'm learning that my husband isn't the only person who hates to lose or not get all the pins down at once. I've learning that people think if they spend hundreds of dollars on bowling equipment, they think it will make them better (when its really the skills that make it all come together). I've learned that to some people, bowling isn't enough, they have to add other elements to the game.

What I've learned about myself, I have to drink tea before I play, it warms me up much better then waiting to warm up during the practice session. Its so cold in the bowling ally, I had to take it one step further. I'm using a borrowed ball and it works just fine. I'm there to have a good time and just concentrating on the actual bowling is enough for me.

Also, we did pretty good last night. We split the wins with the other team and over all had a great time.

3 County Fair

We had a fantastic time at the fair over the weekend. The weather was perfect, Drew was in a good mood and and there was lots of fun to be had by all!! The fair was a local annual fair that has animals, rides, displays of tractors, food and anything you can think of that belongs at a fair.

The big attraction this year was the Monster Trucks! That is what made our decision to attend this fair rather then another on going on in the area. We knew Drew would L-O-V-E the trucks. As we walked through the gate of the fair, there was an announcement about premium seats to view the truck show and the opportunity to walk around the trucks with the premium seat purchase. We made a bee line to the box office to check out the upgraded tickets. It was only $5 more to get the extra perks (and Drew was free to enter the fair, for the monster truck show and for the premium seats......score!!).

Drew was in his glory walking around these larger then life trucks. He would walk up to the tire and hit the rim and smile. He was loving it! Then we discovered there was rides IN a monster truck. So, yup, Jeff, Drew and myself all got to ride in the back of a monster truck. Drew was serious the whole ride, but once he realized what was going on, he was in his own glory!

The show was entertaining. We didn't stay for the whole show since it was way past someones nap time and he was getting tired (not fussy since he was enjoying himself, just trying to get comfy). So, we left half way through the show, be for what we got to experience in the short amount of time, it was priceless. I hope the monster trucks come around next year so Drew can experience it all over again being a little older.

Busy, But Great Weekend Planned

I can't wait until the weekend rolls around. Its a long weekend for Memorial Day and the weather should be decent.

On Saturday, we may head up north for a drive through Vermont to visit some family. We haven't seen Jeff's aunt and uncle since summer of last year, so its an over due visit. We are only going to go for the day so there are no worries of where to sleep or they having to accommodate us with a night time routine with Drew. My FIL is still debating if we should call ahead or just show up. I'm leaning towards calling ahead since I don't want to drive all that way and they not be home for some reason. It won't be too fun to just turn around with a one year old in the car.

On Sunday, I found an antique tractor show in a near by farm town. I thought about Drew's new found interested in the machines and thought this would be a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Also, there will be a petting zoo, hay rides, farmers market, tag sales and so much more at the same location. And the best part, its FREE! So, that should be a blast.

Then, Monday we will hit some tag sales and end up at the mall. We have to get some things at the mall (for fathers day crafts) so, we have to make that happen over the weekend.

I hope to fill in the "down time" with some rest and relaxation. Woo-hoo for long weekends.

A to Z

Stolen from Shelly and thought I'd share my A-Z list!!

a. area code: 413

b. bed size: King (I wouldn't have it any other way)

c. chore you hate: ironing

d. dog's name: none in the household yet

e. essential "start of the day" item: cup of tea

f. favorite color: purple

g. gold or silver: silver

h. height: on my licence 5'5 but in real life 5'4 1/2

i. instruments you play: um, none

j. job: administrator at a college in Western MA

k. kids: one and 1/2 (Drew and Zack, my step-son) boys

l. living arrangements: Me, Husband, Drew, FIL and a room for Zack

m. mom's name: Leta (Lee)

n. nickname: Maggie & Mandy

o. overnight hospital stay: only to give birth to Drew

p. pet peeve: people chewing gum very loudly

q. quote from movie: sorry, can't think of any at the moment (mommy brain)

r. righty or lefty: righty

s. siblings: only child

t. time you wake up: whenever Drew lets me know its time to get up (usually 5:30am-6am)

u. underwear: all the time and clean (since you never know what will happen, thanks mom)

v. vegetables you dislike: squash, egg plant and zucchini

w. ways or reasons you are late: other people holding me up, and I hate to be late!!

x. x-rays: recently for dental work

y. yummy food you make: chocolate chip cookies

z. zoo animals you like: all of them, how can you not love 'em all

Steaming Hot in May

It was H-O-T this past weekend. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have warm weather over snow any day, but Mother Nature didn't even give us a chance to go from winter to summer.

Last week we had cold and rainy days then all of a sudden we had hot humid weather. There definitely was no in between.

Poor little Drew is just like his daddy, becomes irritated and nothing can make him happy in this kind of weather. It was so stuffy in the house, we had to go outside for some relief, but it was just as bad outside (so the AC's will be going in this week).

On Saturday, we spent sometime outside in the morning, but we headed to the mall for some errands and it was good so Drew could cool down. On Sunday though, we had to give the little guy two baths to help him cool down. So, for the summer we are coming up with plans to have fun outside and out of the house so we aren't stuck in the house on hot, hot days. We will have a sprinkler pad to play in, go to some museums, and play outside in the early or late of the day.

Its hard to imagine we are planning these things the first week in May!

Big Item Wish List

Everyone has a wish list. You may call it something different, but essentially we all have some sort of list (large or small) that we hope to be able to accomplish someday.

This list is my big item list. These are items that I hope to someday achieve, but just not in the near future because of a certain restrictions called, lack of funds and Drew being too young.

The accomplishment I'd like to achieve for my family in the relative near future is purchasing a pop-up camper. Jeff and I love to camp and hopefully so will Drew. Zack is on the fence about it, but at the moment, if we go, he has to go. My thoughts are, if we get a pop-up, it has a little more shelter then a tent if the weather doesn't corporate and gives the family room to move around rather then being stuck in a tent if its raining. Its not so much fun when its raining, in a tent and have a kid around. I so would love a pop-up camper.

The next thing on my large item wish list is a trip to Disney World. This wouldn't be something we would do next year or the year after, I would hope to do this trip when Drew is around 5 years old. I would love to stay in the Fort Wilderness area so we can camp while we are at Disney (and another reason I would love a pop-up trailer). Drew could be a little older too, but I want to go when the magic is still there for him while at the Disney park. I also hope that Zack would want experience this with us too, if he wants to go. There are things to do there for older kids, I just hope he won't think he's TOO old.

And last but not least, a lovely Hawaiian Cruise. I know this won't happen for a long time, but Jeff and I really want to go back and what better way to see more then one island then a cruise. If the boys want to join us too, so be it. It would be great to have the whole family together, cruising the beautiful waters of Hawaii and explore the islands together.

So, keep those dreams alive since you never know when your wishes may come true......

Poor Ralph

This isn't right!

The Wrong Stuffing

Winner, Winner.....Chicken Dinner!

Ok, don't mind me. We say winner, winner...chicken dinner at home all the time when we feel like we've won something. Its a line from the movie "21".

But, I'd like to announce the winners from my little Thankful give-a-way. I only had two people enter and I felt weird randomly picking a name from two entry's so both Everyday Bailey & Chilly's World won! Yeah!!

Please email me at princessmagggie@yahoo.com (ok, don't make fun of my email name too much) and let me know where I should send your little Thanksgiving surprise too.

500th

Its my 500th post!

I can't believe it how committed I've been to share my world. I love to share my stories and experiences. I am very thankful to have a family to be able to write about on a daily basis. I feel very blessed.

So...............

I would like to have a little contest to celebrate my achievement!

The rules:

Leave a comment about what you are thankful for in your life.

The contest will be open for comments until Weds 11/4 at noon.

After, a name/comment will be chosen at random and posted for bragging rights.

The Reward:

I'm not sure what it will be exactly, but it will be related to the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday to enjoy.

Good luck!!

End of the Week Humor

Enjoy some twisted humor to start your weekend off!

Much, Much Better

I couldn't find another prenatal yoga class in my area. My usual yoga center wasn't holding any prenatal classes (since its hard to get a group together) and they couldn't find any in the area either. But, one of the coordinators said that since I've done yoga in the past and that its a practice to your body capabilities, that I could take a regular class.

So, Char and I signed up for an 8 week (we missed the first week so its really 7 weeks for us) Beyond Basics Class. Last night was our first class and let me tell you, it was great to be back in my usual surroundings. I explained to the instructor of my "condition" and she had no problem with me being in the class.

The pace of the class and what we practiced was great. I didn't do some of the poses all the way, but I did what I could with this belly getting in the way (hee, hee, hee). It was so lovely to be back and I can't wait until next week.

An Evening with Stephen King

Well, it wasn't just me and Mr King. The event was a round table discussion with Stephen King, Richard Russo, Joe Donahue (who is radio talent in NY) and an auditorium filled with people. This event was to raise funds for a local food bank in our area and which in turn was able to hand over a sum of over $18,000. Wow!

So, me, my friend Char, her daughter and friend and my mom went to the event. We played musical chairs to find a decent location where we could see the stage. Finally we found our comfy seats in the balcony over looking the venue and settled in for our treat.

The three gentlemen where introduced and when they walked on stage, the whole room was filled with cheers. They sat in fancy high back chairs along the stage, but still able to see each other. Joe was the narrator of the evening, asking the authors questions that would segway into their discussions.

They talked about politics and the recent election, inspirations for past novels, how each of the authors met years ago, tales of how they got to where they are now, novels vs. short stories and anything else you can imagine in an open forum between friends.

Stephen King was actually pretty witty and funny. You would imagine him being dark and spooky with a warped sense of humor, but he was pretty much just had a warped sense of humor and knew how to use it. He was great to listen to and is such a free spirit.

Richard Russo was a down to earth kind of guy who loves to write and definitely feed off of Stephen with the discussions, but in a good light hearted way. I'm actually pretty interested in reading one of his novels now, so I can't wait to get started on his new book "Bridges of Sighs".

It was definitely a great evening out and I can't wait for the next book signing/discussion that we find.

Jeff Dunham Show

Last night, Jeff and I celebrated his birthday present. I know, those who read often know that Jeff's birthday is in July, but his birthday present was tickets to the comedian Jeff Dunham Spark of Insanity Show.

Jeff Dunham is the ventriloquist (that's a hard word to spell, thank goodness for spellcheck!) comedian who is hilarious. He's been on Comedy Central several times. Actually, we watch him when ever we notice he's on TV. This is what sparked my interest when I found out he was going to be in our area.

I was going to tell Jeff that he was coming and let him make the call if we go see him or not, but then I realized that I didn't know what to get him for his birthday. The tickets went on sale several weeks before his big day, so I decided to purchase the tickets and give them as a gift. Presto! The perfect gift!

So, last night was the show. There was an opening act who was hilarious. I don't remember his name, but he kept referring to himself as the guitar guy. I guess he's all over youtube. But, he was a good opening act. He got the audience laughing and ready for the headliner.

Jeff Dunham was so funny. He even made himself crack up, but the amazing thing was, he would look like he was starting to laugh but the puppet would still be talking. How the heck did he do that?!?!? He was on for about an hour and half and making everyone laugh for the whole time. Also, the guitar guy would come out and assist. Jeff Dunham was working on matireal for his Christmas Special, so he needed Christmas music for some of the acts!

It was such a great show. It wasn't a real family friendly show, more for the adults (just a heads-up), but it was so much fun. I'd definitely go see him again if he comes back to the area.

Weekend Warrior

We did it. We survived! We put together our shed today, but not before Jeff changed his mind on what we were going to put on the ground to raise it up. We were planning on laying out brick slabs and make sure they were all level first. After starting to do that and realizing how much of a pain in the behind that was, Jeff decided to build a platform (pictured on the left). It went together so much quicker then the first idea and much stronger too. That was done last night.

Then this morning rolled around. We are prepped and ready to head out into the back yard to tackle our project. It was about 9:30am.

Our shed, all over the back yard

The first step was to lay out all the pieces (the shed came in 3 enormous boxes) and make sure we had everything. After going down the inventory list, we were ready to get started with just the two of us.

The first step was to assemble the floor. We laid out all 6 pieces and the instructions said that each piece just clicked after they are pushed together. Well, when you have one person who is stronger then the other, it really doesn't work too good. Jeff would push his side and I was being pushed backwards as I tried with everything I could by digging feet in the ground trying not to move. After several attempts, it just didn't work. So, Jeff called his brother John Jr and he was able to come over and assist.

Its staring to look like something!

It took even the two guys a little effort, but they got the floor together. Jeff's brother decided to stick around and help a little while longer. So, the 3 of us were working like a well oiled machine putting it all together. The sides were the next step that they went up pretty quickly.

Jeff & John Jr making a roof

After the sides was the roof. The roof was a little more complex, but went together in no time. In our shed, we even have a sky light (that's the white plastic above Jeff's head).

Look at all that room!

After the roof, it was time to put the doors on and then all the little finishing touches. There was these little plastic whole covers (134 to be exact) that had to go in all the wholes in the walls and doors (we assumed it gives the plastic room to expand in the heat). But after that task, it was all done. It felt great to have built something from scratch! We were done a little before 1pm. Not bad timing if I say so myself!

The final project! It looks like the picture too!

There wasn't any real fighting going on while putting it together. A swear hear and there, a smart remark, but noting to earth shattering. Everyone was warning us that we would kill each other while we were putting the shed together, but John Jr and I let Jeff take the rains of the project and it all worked out. Thanks again to John Jr for coming out to help! Now, we just have to fill it!

Chocolate Milk Cows

I'm not sure if you all know this, but I can have a warped sense of humor (hard to believe, I know). Sometimes, it just happens and other times I can pick the situation.

When I was younger and riding in the car, I had time to sit in the back seat and have many thoughts running through my head. One of the vivid ones I can remember was the thought of cows producing chocolate milk. Why not since the produce plain milk?!?!

So, lets fast forward to a nice car ride, with Jeff driving, me in the front passenger seat and Zack nestled in the back seat about 5 or 6 years old. We were driving along a country road and cows were coming up in pastures ahead. I noticed they were the dark brown cows and my thoughts came rushing back and I blurted out to Zack, Hey those cows make chocolate milk! He looked out the window and in the most amazed voice, said really? I shock my head and said yup. And Jeff just looked at me with a little smirk on his face.

Now, about a year ago we were all in the car and Zack who was 9 years old at the time. We ended up going down the SAME country road and I hear from the back seat, hey those are the chocolate milk cows. I smirked and said yup!

I don't know if I have corrupted my step-son for life or he was just humoring me, but it was damn funny to hear it coming from the back seat several years later. He's never out right asked us if it was true or not, but we'll have to wait and see when we get THOSE therapy bills!

Happy TGIF!

And the winner is......

First......thanks to everyone who entered! I hope all the new readers continue to read about my every day adventures, flashbacks and what ever else may arise. And of course to my faithful readers, I love it that you stop by to see how things are in my neck of the woods!

Second....I want to answer my pay-it-forward question! If I could click my heals and go anywhere, it would either to go back to Hawaii and spend my days in paradise or if I could go back in the past it would be to see my grandma Dorthy one last time and tell her that I love her.

OK, now for the winner (drum roll please)..........

My niece picked the winner out of a bowl of names on folded pieces of paper (I know, real high tech) and she picked SHELLY OVERLOOK aka SCENIC OVERLOOK. Yeah for her!

Ahhh, we're back!

Jeff and I had a nice, relaxing weekend in Sturbridge, MA. We really didn't do much while we where there, but that was the whole idea. After we checked in, we drove up and down Main Street to check out what was around us. We stopped in a few of the country stores, a local spirits store for our evening beverages and scoped out where we were going to eat supper.

The welcome sign outside the inn

So, after checking out the area it was time to sit back and relax. Jeff decided to nap, so I took advantage of our little sitting area in our room and read my book while sitting in the sun that was coming through the windows, sipping on a glass of wine. It was wonderful.

Gazebo sitting area in the front of the B&B

After our afternoon relaxation, we slowly got ready for supper. We decided to go to the Ugly Duckling Loft a few doors down from the inn. The Ugly Duckling was in the same building as The Whistling Swan, but the Ugly Duckling was more our style. The Swan is a fine dining restaurant as the Ugly Duckling Lounge had a laid back atmosphere, but with still a nice variety of dinner options and yummy food too.

The inn's pool

We never made it into the pool, not because of weather or anything like that, but because of a creepy employee at the inn. Ok, here's the story. Mid-afternoon, it was time for me to sit and relax and have my glass of wine. I realized we didn't have a cork-screw with us, so I ventured down to the main desk to ask for one to borrow.

I asked the person at the desk if he had a cork-screw we can borrow. He went back into the office and found a brand new one and removed it from the package. After I said thanks, he looked at me and said in a skeevy voice, you look nice (I had on jean capries, a black tshirt and flip flops). I said thanks and proceeded to walk faster to the room then I realized. I told Jeff what happened and announced we will not be going to the pool (since it was right next to the main lobby). He might have meant it in an innocent way, but I just got the heeby-jeeby's from him.

Check-In desk and eating area

After we had a lovely supper, Jeff and I had decided to sit out in the inn's gazebo. The only area to really sit outside was either by the pool, the gazebo or a couple of benches that were placed out front. The inn really didn't have an area in the back of the property to go and sit outside to relax since their parking lot and and addition for more rooms took up most of that area. So, we sat and relaxed until is started to get dark.

Another view of the main lobby

After our evening out, we took advantage of the quietness of the area and just relaxed and enjoyed each others company.

The view of the room when you walk in

On Sunday morning, we slept in. We took note that breakfast was served between the hours of 8:30am-10:30am. Usually, breakfast is available early morning and if you sleep in, you are on your own. But, in this B&B, we took advantage of the later hours of the continental breakfast and slept in. It was nice to be able to do so without the noise of other people in our house (like my FIL or SIL who make noise, no matter who is sleeping).

The fireplace wasn't working since it was summer, but I bet its toasty when its in service

The continental breakfast was the basic cold cereal, bagels, danish, english muffins, coffee, tea and fruit. But, it was all we needed. It wasn't too fancy where you felt out of place, but just right.

Our sitting area in our room

After breakfast, we went back to the room for more r&r. Our check out time was 11am, so by 10:30am we looked at each other and decided it was time to hit the road.

Our lovely whirlpool tub

After checking-out, we had one more stop we wanted to make at the E.J. Candies store. Its in the same family of chocolate makers as Herbet Candy who several years ago used to have a candy mansion in our area. So, we had to stop by and indulge our candy fix. We bought lots of fudge to bring home, yummy!

Jeff like this sign in the lobby

So, we had a lovely time away this weekend. I am happy that we were able to get away for some alone time. We don't do it too often, but I'd like to do it more. I know I'm not 100% yet, but I do feel much better and ready to take on any new challenges that lay ahead.