Deja Vu ... all over again.

One Down...

A Sign of Intelligence?

They say that curiosity is a sign of intelligence...as is early babbling, inquisitive looks, and mischievous acts. If this is true, I have some neurosurgeons and rocket scientists in the making here. Some days I am just surprised I can brush my teeth without having to put out a dozen fires along the way. Yesterday was a day of Jim. The boy who, "Walked Like and Egyptian", in a "Thriller" pose only last Saturday during breakfast, yesterday decided to help daddy's hair continue quickly down that graying path. It started with his very shortlived reprieve from riding in his usual strapped in position in the shopping cart, to run down the Meijer isle, only to return quickly when dad called him, walking slowly back, with his hand stuck out, brushing every single glass bottle on the shelves along the way. The swaying, teetering, and rocking of delicacies only ceased when I met him halfway, elevating him quickly to his reserved seat. The minor screaming lasted only minutes, and the remainder of the trip was safe and uneventful. However, home is not always the safer spot. Jim and Ed had a snack and ventured outside to play nicely on the slide and playhouse. Although I initially worried when I saw Jim roosted atop the playhouse the other day, I have since accepted his risk of falling as consequential to his discovery, and therefore, I decided to pay a bill or two. An ocaisional glance and keeping an open ear only gave me a false sense of security. As I finished up the third bill, hearing chatting, I looked over my shoulder to see my boys watering the slide and grass with my red watering cans. WAIT!!! I DON"T HAVE RED WATERING CANS!!! I quickly yelled out NO!, and froze them in their tracks. At least they were nice enough to reclose the shed after they removed the gas cans. Once reprimand, discussion, cleaning and better securing of shed was taken care of, they were inside playing, and I decided to make a rib rub, and prep my slab. Mr. Sneak, was in and out of the kitchen so quietly, that when Ed yelled to me that Jim was pouring red powder on his bed, I had no idea my Cayenne pepper was missing. Once the bed was stripped, I only had to break from my food prep, three more times to remove Jim from the upper bunk and other dangerous spots, but at least he hadn't climbed into the top drawer of his dresser, like he did the day before. Sign of intelligence? Or sign of a mischievous Jim? You make the call!

Perfect Michigan Morning

Well, this was absolutely THE most perfect Michigan morning. High 60's, Blue skies, slight breeze with just a touch of cooling to the skin, Sunshine that warmed but did not cause discomfort. Spike and I enjoyed a lovely long walk in and around all our usual morning "haunts"---the local cemetary, of course included in this morning jaunt. He was quite insistent that we cover as much ground as possible and now is laying on the cool tile guarding the front door. I think this kind of morning definitely makes up for most of those frigidly gray mornings that we had this past Winter where the only thing that made sense was to stay in bed and pull the covers over one's head. Ahh, so many nice moments around here.

Cap'n Crunch French Toast, Grape Vodka, and the Wings

Yeah, you heard me - Cap'n Crunch French Toast. Let me just tell you about this slice of Heaven. Brendan and I watch "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" regularly, and whenever we see a place we think might be fun to try out, I add it to the ongoing list I have on my Blackberry, usually with a little note as to what seemed good to have when they showed it on t.v.

So when we knew we were going to Maryland this weekend to see his brother graduate from college (the phrase "7 years of college, down the drain" pretty much applied here...the family had been fearing this graduation would never come to pass. But HUZZAH, it happened, and we were there to witness it), we mentioned The Blue Moon Cafe in Baltimore and everyone agreed we should seek it out. This place is teensy, maybe 8 or 9 tables in a VERY small area, there is no a/c and it was quite warm out...you basically put your name in and then hung out on the sidewalk outside, biding your time. It was 45 minutes before we could be seated (only 2 of the 8 or 9 tables could accommodate the 5 of us), and we were thrilled when we finally got in.

The specialty at this place is their Cap'n Crunch French Toast...Brendan ordered it and shared it with all of us. I am not sure I could eat an entire serving of it, but man, did I enjoy the several bites I had. It was just...REALLY good. French Toast with a Cap'N Crunch (regular, not PB or Crunch-Berries) coating. Seriously one of the best things I have ever eaten. The recipe is online so Brendan will definitely be trying to make it at home at some point. They also had cinnamon rolls that rivaled the Cinnabon, and you KNOW how much I love the Cinnabon! If you are EVER in the area...do yourself a favor, prepare to wait a bit for a table, and know that it is extremely worth it. And DEFINITELY get the CCFT. The waitress said people very often just get an order for the whole table to share, on top of their regular meal. BTW, my Maryland Crab Eggs Benedict was not to shabby either.

We BBQ'd at home that nite on Mr. Havens' brand new Weber charcoal grill. Man, there is nothing tastier than a nice, rare cheeseburger cooked on a charcoal grill. Well...except maybe Cap'n Crunch French Toast. And the grape vodka martini I had wasn't too bad either. All of which I enjoyed whilst watching the Wings game...it sure is nice having "in-laws" who love hockey as much as we all do.

On Saturday nite we went into Annapolis, walked around a bit by the water and "Ego Alley", which is what they call that part of the marina because all the ridiculously expensive and luxurious yachts go through there, showing off, and then dined outside on the water...more martinis, some really delicious Flounder... This is why I work out and try to be a really healthy eater the majority of the time...so I can splurge on weekends such as this and not feel guilty. And I didn't feel guilty...not a bit.

But yesterday...it was back to the gym and eating fruits and veggies...and dreaming of the day that the Cap'n and I would be reuinited.

Sunburn at the Shore(s)

We didn't have lunch from 12-4, but there was some warming in the sun. The morning came in cool, but sunny, and I enjoyed it. After breakfast, I took my elder two to HD to get some 20bags of sand for the sand box refill, only to find after the bags had been emptied, that I quickly remembered how I initially put in 50...and why. Nonetheless, sand was layed and boys were off with mom to a play area somewhere, while I stayed home, putzed a bit, and ran a lap or two. Once my family returned to me, the fun in the sun continured...at least for me. As I lay on my lounge chair with a soda of sorts, I could hear all the joyful noises of Mario Cart Wii through the window...the tv sound effects as well as the whining and crying of Ed that Bill and Tom are winning too much. Four year olds just don't understand. Finally, my beautiful soul mate made her way out to me, and we shared conversation, pops and fresh air. We lured Ed out of his binkie, blankie and bed with the slip and slide hooked up to the warm water hose from the basement. THough I think the birds enjoyed the pooling water more than he, soon all were wet, then sandy, eating Doritos, and enjoying the day. Even daddy sipped and slid a bit, reinjuring juvenile bruises, much to the delight of onlooking children. The barbeque provided dinner of burgers and steak, followed by a rousing jaunt around the block by all. And what Memorial Day wouldn't be complete without a memory of war in some fasion. For me, it was the Gary Cooper classic, "Sgt. York". No parades, no cemetaries, and no visiting veterans in the nursing home, but a pleasant and complete Memorial Day, nonetheless.

Memorial Weekend Closes Out

Ahh,

A time to remember. A time to salute the soldiers, standing tall, defending our country from the onslaught of foriegn invaders. Watching the parade today, remnded me of how much I really don't care for parades ;> The best part of the Sterling Heights parade were the marching Brownies. They did their troop proud.

Speaking of soldiers, the ones up North were standing at attention when I departed. The holes for the retaining wall, were relatively uneventful. The deck holes were also not bad, once I figred out that they used to have a cement patio down at the water level. Since I could only dig down 24 inches before hitting concrete, it took a number of test holes, and then finally a large 3 ft diameter hole to understand what was below. Afte this realization and evaluation, I determined that a cement foundation is just as good as digging down 42 inches. It also made me revoke my disparagement of the previous owner who only sank his deck holes 24 inches. It all becomes clear. 7am mornings to dig and 1am evenings to sit by the fire. Not much sleep, but well worth the effort. Next step is the wall itself and the main beams. That will be accomplished on fathers day weekend.

Additionally, as with tradition, there was swimming to be done, no matter what the water temperature. Jumping off the dock, jet skiing, sand bar surfing. You name it, we did it. Fires were warm and inviting as the temps dipped to 50. Water was refreshing as the sun beat down on you and made you sweat in the 70 degree weather. Also, just in case you didn't know....the ice cream store was frequented many times along with the cooler for a nice cold big boy pop.

A good weekend...heck even a bad weekend at the cottage is a good weekend.

Roxy was a good dog, though she is not crazy about getting wet. Loves the boat rides and the freedom to run like a maniac, but treads lightly in the liquid (unlike Nat and Cole).

Thanks, you've been great.

Memorial Day

Today the Meems comes home and sPike and I could not be any the happier. The bachelor's life is not for us.

Windows 7 seems to be a very smooth running operating system and from my little time running it, my recommendation to everybody is get it as soon as it comes out.... It is Vista.... but with everything fixed. My problem with the test run is that a lot of my programs have not been updated yet to run on this unreleased system yet. So, having taken it for a spin around the block a few times, I give it my imprematur, but I am just about ready to go back to XP for the sake of my old programs. I am sure by October when 7 is officially out, most of the programs will be upgraded to run with it.

And for the rest of the day, I will take sPike for his usual number of walks.... I will fly the flag.... and I will ... remember.

Windows 7... the Next Generation

Since Meems computer is something like 9 or 10 years old, she is in desparate needs a new one. Hers is very slow as comuters now go. But there is no way I want to buy one with Vista on it. So we will wait until fall when Windows 7 comes out. In anticipation of that, I have downloaded an evaluation copy of the latest beta version (they call it a Release Candidate) and installed it on my computer for testing and to become familiar. It is now up and running and except for it being new with many different things to learn, it seems to be running very smoothly. This beta version doesn't poop out until June 1, 2010 so I have plenty of time to evaluate it. I will let you all know what I find. So far, I haven't found a free antivirus program for it, but I will keep looking.

Nothing Planned Means a Full Day

Ah, to wake on a sunny, crisp Saturday morning. No immediate plans. Older two boys going to Mother in Law's. Younger two going to the mall with mother. The sky's the limit. The world's your oyster. Might as well start by mowing your lawn. Get that out of the way, then on to relaxation. Back yard hadn't been edged yet, little as there is to do there. Edged, weedwhipped, toys picked up and a couple of paths mowed...What's this, the fuel line is slipping off the fuel tank connection. No major deal. Ever since I had the tank replaced, I noticed they re-attatched it to the fuel bowl with a line that seemed a tad short, and held on by no more than a zip strip. It's no big deal...I just tug a bit on the line to bring it back up the nipple, and...uh oh! Now it's dripping from the fuel bowl. NO!!! It's flowing from the fuel bowl. I'll just get my hands a bit gassy and shove it back...no it's off...gas flowing, engine hot...NOT GOOD! A quick hose down and I'm safer, but no closer to fixing. An empty fuel tank, several trips to various hardware and lawn mower stores, and two hours later, I finally finish mowing the lawn.

I clean up a couple other things, saw up some junk wood, and ready for relaxin...Katie's home from the store with a frame, matting, and the idea to make up a frame of pictures from 3mo to 2yr for Jim. Some tracing and free hand cutting later, and that's done, but not before the printer isn't working when Katie tries to print out these pictures. Now, why this happens, is most likely attributable to Dr. Pogo, who most recently, has realized that if he wants something and Katie or I are on the computer, with a simple push of a button, he has our undivided attention...at least until the computer reboots. We all know that this shut down style is not conducive to proper care of files and programs on our computers, but aside from hobbling, handcuffs and chains, we can only keep correcting him...again, and again, and again. Here, a simple uninstall and reinstalling of drivers is just the ticket. However, we all know, we try everything else, which takes up another hour, before we resort to something like that. Enough said, an hour and a half later, I have done the simplest, the printer is working again, and lo and behold, my pictures are once again appearing on this Blog page. Related or not, coincidence or accident? What it comes down to is a busy day with nothing to do but relax. Gotta love Saturdays.

Blonde News Bears

Well the girls Tball adventure has just begun. The girls are doing fine and actually are pretty good at all aspects. Natalie loves first base, while Cole likes to play....wait for it....Short Stop. She has quite the gun to first and fields the ball very cleanly. Nat does a good job fielding the ill thrown tosses to first and then rockets the ball back to the umpire. I don't think the gal today expected Nat to throw so hard. She kind of flinched and shook her bare hand after catching the ball. Tell me if Natalie doesn't remind you of Amanda. I guess that would be Buttercrud right behind her.

At the plate both girls are about average. I have taught them a little about swinging level and not moving their head. They need to watch the ball, then the blue thing (cap of the tee). That way they don't admire where the ball went. I am pretty proud of both of them. They give it their all.

Monday's game was chilly and late. A start time of 7:30 on a school night. Games are 1hour 20 minutes. Finishing after sunset in the frigid air was a bit silly. They got through three innings in an hour. Everyone thought the game was over....yeah....not so much. Booo.

Today's game was much warmer with a 6pm start. Funny thing, they got through three innings and stopped at 7:05. You figure it out.

Anyway, that is all for now.

Thanks you've been great.

Wings and Rain

Woo Hoo, great Wings win last nite! And I was very grateful that they scored quickly into the first OT so I didn't have to fight to stay awake any longer. And you knew as soon as it was a 3-on-1 that there was no WAY they weren't going to score. It was awesome and exciting. Hockey in HD is sooooo pretty!!

Going to start working on my Ark today..the rain yesterday was unbelievable in terms of rain in Florida...we usually only get little rainstorms that last around 20 minutes and then it's sunny for the rest of the day. It rained nonstop ALL DAY yesterday and into the nite. Just when you think it was slowing down, it would all of a sudden start pouring again. I love love love it, but it does make it very difficult to get out of bed in the morning, or stay awake at my desk. It's again very dark here and I think it's supposed to rain today and tomorrow as well. I think if it hits 80 in Michigan today, as Daddo says, it might be warmer up there than it is down here. That's all right with me...it'll be ghastly hot and humid here soon enough.

Have to turn around and repack my just-unpacked suitcase tonight, as Brendan and I head up to Maryland tomorrow nite after work to spend the weekend with his family. We're going into Annapolis and D.C. I think, so that should be nice and the weather will be low-to-mid 70s. Perfect. We connect through Detroit Metro, actually, so I will wave as we fly in and out and it will be nice to be close to all of you again. Only 43 more days till we are up there for the 4th of July! Can't wait!!!

The Wings are tied... OT...

... Do not have Versus so I am just listening to the game... Easier to take than watching them, actually.... Went with Meems to TK's farm to pick up the hamburger for everybody. Tomorrow is a Slo Flo day.... but it will be 80 degrees, so that should be very nice... maybe even a bit too warm, but I will take it after the cold wind we had watching the girls 1st T-Ball game... They looked like something out of the Bad News Bears... game 2 is tomorrow. I should take an MP3 file on an Ipod and play "Toreador, en garde" from Carmen....

WINGS WIN!!!! Wheeeeeee....

Up, Up, and Away!!

No, I am not taking the space shuttle up to Michigan today, but I have some very exciting news that I wanted to share.

As you may or may not know, the space shuttle era is coming to a close next year, so there are a limited number of shuttle launches left. Living in Florida, it is such a treat to be able to step outside and see these launches - even an hour inland, on a clear day you get a very nice view of it, and night launches are even more incredible, as you see a giant orange glow lighting up the sky.

In all my years of living here, I have never made the drive out to the coast to see a shuttle launch up-close from the beach. There are a couple of reasons for this - one, is the number of other people also driving out to see the launch...I hear the traffic can be really terrible, especially coming home. Two is that, very often, launches get delayed/scrubbed for a day or more, so you've driven out all that way for nothing.

However, I decided it was high time to make an up-close launch happen. I am fortunate enough to have some "media contacts" as friends, so I am thrilled to say that Brendan, my friend Brilly (who is a NASA nut and would disown me if I went without her!), and I have been given VIP passes to view the June 13th launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavor from Cape Canaveral! We are SO excited, and fingers crossed that the launch actually happens that day (especially because Brilly has to fly out of town the next day, so it's June 13th or bust!). It's a 7:19am launch, so we are going to drive out there Friday nite and stay over, and then be up bright and early the next morning. And if it goes off as planned, we will then probably go hang out at the beach for awhile until all the traffic going back to Orlando clears up.

If cameras are allowed in there, I will definitely be documenting it and will share the photos with everyone. Very exciting stuff!! Fingers crossed it all works out!

24 Hours and Counting!

In just about 24 hours, I will hopefully be lifting up, up, up and away into the warm (okay, who am I kidding - HOT) Orlando sky on my way to the cooler temps that currently blanket Michigan. I cannot wait to see everyone and hug the crap out of you. Looking forward to meeting the newest member, Miss Roxy Carmichael Sheen, as well. And as God is my witness, I will get a word or two out of that stubborn, silent James Eric!

Love to All and see you sooooon!!!!

Let The Summer Begin

So Danielle and I went to the cottage yesterday to get the boat in the water. It was also Roxy's first venture on the long trip. She did pretty well, but then threw up on 61. Of course she couldn't let loose on the rubber mat, no...instead she let her breakfast go on the carpeted part. Wonderful.

But anyhow, we managed to get to the cottage in one piece while hauling 10-6x6x8's in the van. It was pretty close to the load limit, but handled it like a champ. DP and I managed to get the jetski in the water, and the pontoon boat launched as well. Same guy helps me every year and he is always on time. We had an appointment for 1pm, and sure enough, Mark showed up at 1pm. Roxy was laying in the driveway and just watched him pull up. Didn't chase him or nothing.

Another interesting item, at 12pm I had finished the small chores and was waiting on Mark with a fishing pole in one hand and a cold one in the other (of course there were no fish anywhere to be seen). Roxy was laying by my side when the dude in the 6 wheeled motor cart comes roaring by. Roxy watched it go, but never made a move to chase it like dingbat would have.. Who is this dog?

Lots of work to be done up there. Goal for Memorial weekend is to get the posts sunk for the retaining wall and deck. 16 holes to be dug, hopefully it will be pretty sandy ;>

That is all that is new and worthy to print.

Thanks, you've been great.

TTS

B-r-r-r-r-r-r

Chilly today in the northern suburbs.... Hope Mom's newly planted flowers don't freeze. Mom and the dOg are out on an early morning walk. Chatting with Kirsten... she is wondering what to pack for her upcoming trip to the cold North. And I... I just have another day ... maybe two... of dieting in earnest and then the big weigh in on Thursday morning.... Hmmm, what shall I have for breakfast then....

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY...

...to all the ladies of the world, God bless them, and to the special ones in my life.... JoAnne, Kirsten, Katie, Dani, Amy, Paige.... and to the in-laws, too. Nice seeing Adam and Amy early this morning for a visit and then Fred and family for breakfast. I am also looking forward to dinner at the Boo's house.

How Sweet it IS!!!

The day is done. The party is over. The people have come and gone, and everyone seemed happy. The tranquility of the moment could never have been predicted an hour before 3 O'clock. With the morning of intense party preparation commencing moments after breakfast had finished, it had culminated with my wife sitting down in a chair amidst a terribly cluttered basement, as it rained down loudly outside. "It's wet and muddy outside and the only place they'll have to play is in this mess!" Screw it! The basement never got cleaned, and despite a hug from her husband, I don't think my wife was more at ease for the moment. But the clouds come and went, the temps went up and down and up, the food got prepped, and eventually the people started arriving. Although the first to appear made me want to treat myself as the coals I was just igniting, as she carelessly drove over my newly soiled and seeded grass, with sprouts just appearing today, as she watched and waved to her grandchildren, I was over it in a few more beers. As others arrived, I was soon notified that my brother...the one that DID show, would not be able to be there til at least 5:30. I eagerly told him to get here when he could and I would save him some feast.
The food cooked, the patrons were fed, the presents were opened and all were doing tolerably well. Even my once frazzled wife seemed to be doing fairly well, though not sitting too much. I, on the other hand, being the selfish so and so that I am, took my opportunity to sit and mind the bbq, so no one would accidentally burn themselves on it, and keep hydrated with Labbats. Mother even commented at one time that she didn't think anything was cooking on the grill, but I was just out there to escape. I guess she wasn't all that wrong; only thing missing was an R&J(Romeo and Julietta cigar). Where are you when I need you, Peco? After the cake and presents, thankfully the coals were still hot enough when Terry arrived with his girls. Girls weren't hungry at first, but I had a choice cut for Goonboy, and we cooked it and enjoyed it by the warmth of the coals smoldering in the BBQ, while keeping thoroughly hydrated, and enjoying each other's company. As the steak disappeared, so too did the bottles empty as the marshmellows toasted , then aslo disappeared. All were happy and satieted. As the Evening waned, the coals disintegrated, and the cool evening pressed us into chill even Labatts couldn't warm. It was time to go. Jim had a banner of a party as he frolicked in the back yard, with his wet hair from his bath, and his sandles and Batman pajamas. No kid was unhappy...for very long. And brothers were chewing the fat as they should...but not from the steak.
All said and done, it was a great party, and thanks to everyone who could come. Most of all, thanks to Terry for showing, and BS'ing, and mostly thanks to Katie, my divine wife, who let me prep cook, cook, then sit on my brains, and enjoy myself. "Here's to swimmin' with bull-legged women." No, it doesn't fit. Just wanted to say it.

PS: Missed you Kirs!

Watch for the Lightning

Jesus Lights My Way (reprinted from the NemsisK2 Blog)

As I sojourned on my 2 mile hike with the little dog, I took notice of some very interesting houses in my subdivision. One peculiar thing I noticed is that when it comes to religion, people tend to lose their sense of “good taste.” At first glance, what could be better then serene water fall, lapping down the rocks into a quiet little pond? How comforting is that sound? The gentle trickle, drip, sloshing of liquid combined with distant sound of children laughing. To make the situation even more peaceful, a 2 foot statue of the Lord Jesus Christ, arms outstretched, beckoning you to join him in prayer. The imagery conjures up a tranquil setting that could very likely to have occurred in the time of Christ. “Come with me and I will make you Fishers of Men.”

But alas, if that internal reflection isn’t enough, the owners felt it would be more realistic to hang a string of Christmas lights in his hands. I am sure this occurred in the years around 20AD. Can’t you just see the young man swinging these lights at the money changers on the stairs of the temple? Maybe he used them as a lasso, snagging the phony prophets and hog tying them like a rodeo steer. I am sure he could also use them to light up the dark tomb to find his way out on Easter Sunday. At first I thought the latter to be ridiculous, but then, he is God. If he could get Manna from heaven, water from a rock, and wine from water for sure he could get electricity from under his armpit. Maybe they should check the shroud of Turin for the image of some bubble lights. Who knows, apparently these people know what the Bible meant when God said “Let there be Light.”

That is then end of my rant, but I shall return, unless you find me tied up with a string of Christmas lights face down in a little waterfall.

That’s all I have, you’ve been great

Where there's BBQ, There's Rain

Another birthday celebration on the Sheen ranch means another day of rain. So it seems to be almost every time I plan this. I'm sure many of you can recall time and time again when Tommy's birthday occurs in the middle of July, after days and often weeks of dry sun, I decide to take advantage of a Summer gathering to barbeque, only to be barbequeing in the rain. Sure it comes and it goes, and often times clears nicely to release a beautiful evening. Nonetheless, I say barbeque, and God says rain. Why should today be any different. Notwithstanding the saying is "April showers...." Katie and I were going over what to have today for Jim's birthday party. Pizza, in my opinion, is way too overused, though always seems acceptable for kids. Subs were fairly recently done at Terry's and at Mick's houses, although they were also tasty. However, again in my opinion, one can never have too much barbeque. Ergo, I cleaned out the ashes from my barbeque, made sure I was stocked in charcoal and lighter fluid, had enough variations of meat, sorry no chicken today, and away I go...and guess what is on the weather agenda for today...RAIN...T-Storms...Scattered Showers. Therefore, I have decided to forgo a doorwall, and maybe even put off the deck. All I have to do is discover a way to build a safe barbeque shelter. Terry and I have done this in the driveway, plastered against my house for shelter. I have backed the que into the garage for partial cover. I have even bbq'd with an umbrella. Call me a crazy diehard, but I've even bbq'd in snowstorms.

MORAL: There is no sunny weather, when Rico says, "BARBEQUE!!!"

2 Georges Park

Mom picked up Ed at noon from his preschool and took him to lunch.. then on the George George Park... I am holding down the fort and entertaining Flo while she cleans around me. Already cut the weeds in the back yard so the boys and girls can play baseball, without losing the ball in the tall grass.

Keep getting the unwanted book back from the Post Office... Just cannot return it without adding $6.60 in postage... so I called Amer Express Publishing and asked them if they want their credit cards back in itty bitty pieces. They graciously said, "Please keep the book with our compliments. " I guess the old saying is correct. You first have to hit the mule in the head with a 2 by 4 to get his attention.

And Then There Was One

The penultimate of my prodigy has made his way into Violet Elementary. Yesterday was Ed's Kindergarten Round Up, as they call it. It was merely a chance for the new parents to see the school and learn what's going on there, and a chance for the kids to get a look at the Kindergarten classrooms and meet the teachers. Ed was ready. We walked in and he was met at the door by all three teachers. There was one that was there since Tom started, whom although we have not had her for a teacher, knew our family enough to know we had one more to come. The other two were Billy's old teacher, and then Mrs. Lathrop, who will be Ed's teacher for his morning sessions. She is the newest, youngest, and only one who teaches half days. Ed was excited and when they took the kids to the classrooms without the parents, he was first in line. While I was bored with the usual repetitive rote put on by robots, who might as well read from cue cards or kept quiet, Ed had a great time. So, after the upcoming Summer has passed, I will only have Jim at home for five full days every week. Then, in three years, Jim will enter preschool..that is, if he ever learns to say anything other than "uhhhayaaaaa".

Oh the Humanity!!!!

The early morning sun brushed my eyelids as it peered through the first blind slat. The day glow orange glow woke me from a sporadic sleep that had tormented me all night. I slowly rolled off the couch, wincing as my back and shoulders throbbed from the de-thatching I had done the previous afternoon. I picked up my weary head and rubbed my neck, peering through the dim light to where the wild tiger had made her den. At first it appeared as if she had rendered her rawhide useless; torn into small pieces and splayed across the floor. No amount of conditioning could have prepared me for what realization came next.
My eyes slowly adjusted to the soft morning light. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and allowed them to focus on the shrapnel, hoping not to step on them and destroy my naked feet. Oddly, the pieces I first saw were shaped familiarly.....like....a foot....a hand.....OHHH My God, an entire torso and head!!! Not just one, but multiple parts, strewn about as if some wild animal had gone on a bloody rampage and massacred an unsuspecting village. The pieces of rawhide I had expected were instead the remains of two Barbies and one Ken doll that had been torn limb from limb. The actual accounting of the victims could only be performed after a rough re-assembly and autopsy was performed. Dental analysis was required to determine which dolls they actually were, due to the crushed skulls and disfigured faces. Their hair had been torn from their scalp, their hands severed at the wrists, arms and legs ripped from the trunk. A truly evil, diabolical and remorseless act of violence played out upon these poor creatures. The scene was too much, I had to look away.
As I took a deep breath, the sickness subsided. At this exact time the tigress came from behind the Barbie Penthouse with another doll in tow. I had to act fast. Quickly I rolled to the ground, sacrificing myself for this poor creature. The tiger, in full surprise, dropped the doll and immediately alit upon my chest, covering me with her tongue. The stench of plastic still hung heavy on her breath. I wrestled her for what seemed like an eternity. I finally won the battle and rendered her immobile utilizing my patented technique: "The Tiger Belly Rub."
Once I had subdued and adequately reprimanded the beast, I had the arduous task of cleaning up the carnage. I wept (or laughed manically) as I slowly gathered the pieces together and moved them to the disposal unit for burial.

Oh the Humanity. My life shall forever be changed. And a lesson shall be learned.

That's all the time I have, You've been great!

TTS

Boom... Boom... Boom...

And the Meems is here.... oops.... was here.... She is now off to sit with Jim while Ed goes to Kindergarten orientation. Now how, pray tell, does one get ready to start Kindergarten that is 4 months away. First, they have Kindergarten graduation... then preschool graduation... (its a wonder they don't wear caps and gowns, and get new cars for gifts) and now Orientation ... I suppose Jim will have preschool orientation soon.

But seriously, sPike and I are both happy to have the Meems back home, safe and sound.

So Far....So Good!

......"It wasn't so far, just across the street."

Day two in the books. Seems Roxy is a pretty good dog. She heels well on a walk, understands "no" and doesn't really beg, although there has been a time or two. Teaching her to sit seems to be coming along, and we may have broken her "pogo" habits with a hard knee to the chest.

One thing is for sure, she does not like to be alone. Slept on the couch last night with her at my side on the floor. Every hour she had to get up to make sure I was there. A big slurp, then back to sleep.

Outside she seems indifferent to small game and wildlife. We experimented with her off the leash while I was putting sand in the pavers. She was within 20 feet of Nicole and I the entire time. When I called her, she ran over. Unlike the Newt who would wander over in his sweet time ;> Three walks and over 6 miles didn't seem to really tire her out. I am putting her age around 1 to 1.5 years. She is good, but still VERRY puppy.

Roxy goes to the vet today at 9am to get her health check. My vet was very excited that we got another dog. She can't wait to meet her. I love vets that are that enthusiastic about thier jobs. Reminds me of me.

Speaking of pavers, busy day yesterday. Power washed the mold from between the pavers and re-sanded the cracks. Edged, Trimmed and cut the grass....well I think it was grass at one time. My lawn is a disaster. Going to power-rake and re-seed it today. Life of a "mobile" employee ;>

Can't believe pops is doing that well on his diet. Or should I say, starvation venture. I am sure this is NOT what the doctor ordered. But, to each his own.

Oh well, gotta answer some e-mails before the Vet appointment at 9.

Thanks, you've been great!

TTS

HUZZAH

Today, the Meems comes home... I am excited, and I am sure all of you are too... including her grandchildren. Now have 2 weeks of dieting in. This is my last full week, then a few days until Kirsten comes to town and we go to P & C's... My mouth is watering.

Took the dog out for 3 walks yesterday... or maybe it was he who took me. I think I benefit from the exercise a bit more than he does, cause I do not visualize me walking on a daily basis if it were not for him. He tried to get me up at 5 45 this am. I told him what he could do with that. Finally got up at 7 and he was none of the worse for wear.

On the Wings loss... where are the big guns... Datsyuk and Hossa... no goals from them yet... if they don't score, we are doomed.

Welcome Cupcake - er, Bisc - er Roxy Carmichael!

Can't wait to meet Ms. Roxy! She looks adorable!

Brendan and I are at our "coastal home" and having a wonderfully relaxing time. Got here in time to catch the last half of the Wings win last nite. I got up and went for a jog this morning along the intracoastal waterway...very lovely. We lounged around and in the pool for a couple of hours, then went to Publix in Mrs. Haven's red convertible to pick up steak and taters and zucchini, all of which Brendan is putting rub and/or marinate on and then grilling. Hopefully it will be ready soon. Am I hungry? STAH-ving!

Also had a pina colada, which, combined with the time in the sun, lulled me into a nice visit with Mr. Napperson.

We're going down to the biker bar by the beach later to meet some friends for a drink. They have an open-air rooftop bar and a live band.

That's all the news that's fit to blog for now!

Okay, so the official name is ROXY

We found her at the humane society "adopt-a-pet" thing at the Detroit Zoo. She was very quiet and sweet in the cage. Then when we got her out, she was very energetic and loving. The girls were sold. Her original name was Cupcake, but the girls came up with Buscuit. That was short lived because they couldn't remember it. Roxy seems to fit the best.

Roxy is about 2.5 years old and a mix between a Lab and Tenessee Tree Hound (whatever that is). Anyway she could also be Shepherd as well. She is tiger striped and very affectionate. We will know more of her mannerisms once she gets used to us. One thing is certain, she knows how to beg for people food ;>

TTS

Saturday

Dog got me up before five by coming on the bed and standing on my chest again. Got up and fed him... offered him and outside, and it seems he wanted neither... just wanted someone to get up with him... Well, Poo, I went bag to bed for a couple more hours and when I did get up at 7:30, he was lying there on the bed with me, just staring and wishing me awake.

Was in the bathroom when I heard him howling... his way of telling me that the phone is ringing.

Talked to Meems for a bit, had breakfast and then did the crossword and Quote Acrostic... My day is now complete.... Maybe I will take Bruno out for a morning walk... then an afternoon one... then an evening one....

Hello to Biscuit, the new addition to the clan....

Inane.... who's inane?

I have now made it to Friday without Mom. and after sunday, 2 full weeks of 500 to 600 calories a day. Maybe that is inane.

Had a nice visit this morning from Mr. Adam. Always welcome to see my offspring.

Took the dog out for an early afternoon walk and the weather was very accomodating. We will probably get another walk or 2 in before evening. It helps to burn the calories.

Hope you all have a good friday.

I love me some Friday

I was hoping this attachment would "dance" as it does in the original gif file Daddo made for me. I click on it and watch Snoopy do the Snoopy Dance for Friday every week. It makes me smile.

I am loving this Sheen blog. Thanks to sPike for getting it going! Perhaps he will post something himself sometime soon, for he is a dog of few words but he has a lot to say.

Boo - you going into Home Depot for one thing and coming out $250 poorer is exactly how it is for me when I go into DSW! Go in for one pair of shoes and always come out with a minimum of 3!

Can't wait to meet the new puppy. Do you guys have a name picked out yet?

Brendan and I are getting out of Dodge to the "coastal home" for the weekend...aka his folks' house in Palm Coast. We get to use it whenever but have been too busy lately to get out there. His mom is out there for about a week so it will be nice to see her. They added a bathroom and redid our bathroom there, so interested to see how that all came out. The weekend will pretty much consist of us all lounging around the pool and in the pool...maybe driving the 10 minutes to the beach to dip our toes in the (sure to be cold) ocean...doing some grilling...maybe even a Twistee Treat at the local mom-and-pop run place down on the beach. Altho technically it is not my allowable time for Twistee Treats yet...I limit them to the summer months, so really should only be starting on Memorial Day. But we shall see.

I bought Paige's "extra" camera from her and will soon be starting photography classes so I can learn how to use it and take nice pictures. Can't wait! Paige posted some new adorable B&W shots of Luke Skywalker Sheen on her Facebook page. She is becoming quite a good photographer. Of course she has an excellent subject in little Lucas.

Love you guys! Hope everyone has a stupendous weekend!!

I am Shocked

There is soo much activity on this blog....I love it...we get to share inane things like this:

I went to the Home Depot to pick up a new stem for my Moen faucent in the bathroom....walked out spending $250. How typical. Actually, I bought some 6"x6"x8' posts for the retaining wall at the cottage, some playsand for my paver stones, grass seed, couple of tools....heh-I said tool.

I can't wait for Kee to visit. The girls are also pretty pumped. We miss you muchly. don't know why you guys like the P&C sooo much. Still not a fan. But alas, no accounting for my taste. I think I was the only one who didn't like Meemo's Canned Chop Suey. Bleach.

I have a nice GPS in my car. No name, just Punch. Well then technically, I guess it does have a name. So I will call him Punch. It is the Nuvi by Garmin. Super easy to use and very intuitive. I use it to remind me where I am going.

Going to start the doggie search this weekend. The zoo has an adopt a pet weekend. We shall see what they have. Something Big and Yellow. I like everything Big and Yellow. See my car; 90 feet long. My watch; big as a pancake. But the thing I like best.....Well you get the picture. Meet my dog spot....WOOOF!

Speaking of dogs, in Cabo you get to see the Scooby Doo rock. Picture to the left. The photo doesn't do it justice, but you get the idea. The waves were a bit large to try to stand and lean out over the ocean. You do get to see Ken's arm though. That is something ;>

That is all I have time for....so little to do, so much time.....strike that....reverse it. Yes, I do have to do a LITTLE work while I am mobile ;>

Thanks, you've been great.