Be lifted high

My new favorite Song

Sung by Michael W. Smith

Shoot him in his toodles!

This is my kind of Granny!  LOL! 

Well, I got everything accomplished yesterday that I intended too, mostly.  I was going to clean out my trashcan on wheels, otherwise known as my car and got about 1/2 of it done.  I was really embarrased because I had to give some co-workers an unexpected ride the other day.  Oh the shame!  There was barely any room in the backseat due to all the junk I had piled in there.  I got all the fair entries in including the pageant.  Sarah is signed up for summer rec and Travis went for his set-up day.  I practically had to pry him out of bed.  Not alot of motivation there on his part. 

I'm glad they discovered those car bombs in England before they were detonated.  That is very scary! 

I talked to my Mom last night.  Less than two weeks and she will be here!  I couldn't find a banner maker for that, but I do go on vacation then!

 

What to do today?

Here is another beautiful flower from our garden.  Its a zinnia.  Not sure what type.  What I like about it is the miniature flowers on the actual flower.  I also love the colors ranging from pink, red, and yellow.  If they continue to do well, I may enter some in the county fair.  I need to get my entries in today.  I am planning on putting in some of my peppers which are doing very well.  The tomatoes not so well, but I may have some green ones to enter.  One of my bigger tomatoes is cracked!  I don't know what caused that but I am planning on looking into it.  May be a soil deficiency.  I watered them with Miracle gro last night.  Travis has his first work day for camp.  They are setting up.  Bringing down the equipment.  I am having trouble getting him out of bed.  On the days that I work and he has work too, I am going to have to drop him off.  He will have to wait for about an hour however. 

My friend/boyfriend Dave is having problems with his foot again.  He has an open area.  He is a diabetic.  For years when he was younger he didn't take care of himself and now he has neuropathy in his feet.  So he is looking forward to another long summer on crutches.  Its kind of depressing for me and him. 

So today I am going up to the fairgrounds to turn in our entry slips.  Sarah is entering the pageant and I found a beautiful yellow dress for her to wear last night at the BonTon.  She loved it and wanted to wear it last night!  I told her NO, not until the pageant.  That little girl is on my bad list, I found out she scratched words into the paint on my car!  I was really steamed.  I still haven't decided what to do as a punishment yet.  Ok, well I have to go now.  So everyone have a great day!  Linda

Flowers, wrens and Sarah

Good Morning.  If you go over to Dad's Tomato Garden journal this morning you are in for a real treat with his new video!  Link on right.  The co-worker did indeed have a massive stroke.  She is still in the ICU at St. Peter's in Albany.  I have been trying to put in an album, but AOL is not letting me so I will try to put in just a couple pictures. 

 

Here is one of my lilies in the garden.

Sweet William

Suppertime!

Future Supermodel!

So sad...

Something very sad happened at work yesterday.  Our education coordinator was having her going away party.  She came in to work and was having a stroke.  Apparently, she was getting ready for work, started having the stroke and didn't realize it.  She drove all the way from Schenectady which is about a 40 minute drive, pulled the car in but left in in drive and came in with slippers and a dirty shirt on.  She was making no sense and the other people that worked in Human resources were trying to get her to sit down and she refused.  They called a Code Blue which calls all the RN's to the scene.  They tried getting oxygen on her and she became combative etc...  Last I heard she was at St. Peter's in the ICU.  Its strange how the human brain works.  This lady was so dedicated to her job that she didn't even comprehend that something wrong was going on.  She just automatically drove to work.  Thank God she made it.  I hope she will be ok.  She is the one who taught my CNA class and helped me become the Wesley employee I am today. 

The weather today is supposed to be hot and humid again.  I hate this kind of weather.  I'm glad I will be at work in the AC.  Its payday, thank God.  I am out of money.  Sarah's father is 3 weeks behind in his support payments.  I'm going to have to go back to court and have it taken right out of his check instead of waiting for him to pay me.  I am always his last priority instead of the first.  I'm sure he still has money for booze.  I've heard he hasn't even mowed his lawn yet this year and it looks like a field with just a path going to the front door.  I can only imagine what the inside looks like.  I hate that Sarah has to go there.  Well, bye for now. Linda

 

A day at camp

Yesterday, we got up to the hunting camp.  It does not belong to one person, its owned by a hunting group that Dave's Dad belongs to.  We went for a fun ride in the woods up to a clearing on top of a mountain where we enjoyed the view.  After we returned to camp, we had a picnic lunch and then took turns shooting the .22.  We went back home shortly after and rested for a while before going out to dinner to celebrate Joe's birthday.  He is Dave's father.  We went to a popular Italian resteraunt in Ballston Spa called Augies.  It was rather crowded, so its good that we had a reservation.  There were 9 of us.  There servings are huge and served in these really nice dishes.  We ordered 1 appetizer, a salad and 3 main dishes and it was more than enough for everybody.  After, we went out to Jen's for dessert.  We sat under a grape arbor and enjoyed strawberries in chocolate and coconut cream pie.  She has the outdoors decorated just as beautifully as the indoors with artfully arranged pots of flowers and antiques.  We visited the pigs and chickens and goats.  So now its back to work for 4 more days.  I just came off working 4 days with one day off, so this week is going to be tough.  My Mom will be coming soon, so that is something to look forward to!  I hope everyone has a great week...  

A full glass of milk

 

The other day I had a pleasant memory from my childhood that I though I would share.  I'm not sure how old I was, maybe 8 or 9.  My ex-stepfather was a very stingy and mean man.  He always forced us to eat whatever was served to us wether we liked it or not.  We were only given half a glass of milk for our meals for two reasons.  Less likely to spill and also to make sure we didn't waste any of it.  We were also required to pick up and hold the cup with TWO hands to ensure no spilling.  Spilling was a great fear because we would be yelled at and shamed and possibly punished depending on the mood.  One day we had a special visitor.  My Mom's friend from Massachussets came.  He had been her Mom's companion for many years.  His name was Ray Walker.   Ray sat next to me at the evening meal and helped me get some milk.  He poured me a FULL glass of milk.  My little eyes watched in wonder as that glass filled to the very top.  I could see the nervous look in my Mother's eye and I could feel the anger coming from my stepfather, but what could he do?  He coulden't show his true colors in front of a visitor.  I remember proudly lifting up that full glass of milk with a BIG smile on my face.  I felt like the luckiest girl in the world.  I carefully drank from the brimming cup and set it down.  I was told that I better drink it all, and I did!  So I had a little moment of pride in that awful place.  I am not faulting my mother at all for any of this, she was powerless and I used to be in the circumstances I lived in.  She certainly did the best she could and made sure we felt loved. 

Stop over and visit Dad's Tomato Garden today, he has a great new video up!  Linda

Life plods along

The above picture was taken from a webcam on Dad's Tomato Garden website, his link is on the right.  I enjoy seeing the view every morning.  I really haven't been up to much, working all week.  I have to work tomorrow to make up for the Saturday I called in to work a couple weeks ago.  Travis only passed two of his tests.  I was disappointed that his failed his Science Regents because he is really smart at Science.  He said he rushed near the end to make sure he got on the bus on time.  Next time he takes it, he needs to relax and take his time, not worry about the bus.  He is going tomorrow to a cousin's graduation party.  I hope things don't get out of hand there.  I talked to my Mom last night and we are both getting excited about her trip up in July.  Only 3 weeks!  I need to get Sarah's summer rec forms turned in and also her pageant entry forms mailed in.  She is going to try the County fair pageant this year.  I think it will be fun.  Not much else going on.  I saw a Merlin catch a chipmunk today right in front of my car!  A Merlin is a small falcon.  Linda

Paul Potts wins again!

This cell phone warehouse worker is an Opera phenom and is going on to the finals in Britains Got Talent

The Finals

The Winner!

Lets go berry picking!

Dave and I went out geocaching and strawberry picking this morning.  Here are some pictures from that and also from around the house and garden!

Poor starving kitty

Look at this nice happy kitty.  There is one this morning that I found out is starving.  I've seen this cat around and because its long haired, it appeared well fed.  It has always kept its distance, but this morning I was able to approach it and it let me pick it up.  This cat was nothing but a bag of bones.  I put some food out for it.  Maybe if it starts to trust me I can bring it to the shelter.  They may put it to sleep however.  There is a park policy not to feed the strays.  I can't help it though, I feel sorry for any starving animal.  Linda

Me and my Dad

I'm the little girl with the long brown hair.  I sent my Dad an e-mail and said that I hoped he was proud of me.  He called me and said he was because I have done the best with what I've had.  He just wishes I would take care of myself better (physically). 

Me as an infant....

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!  My Dad was really not there when I was a kid.  I lived with an abusive stepfather who kept me from him and for some reason, my Dad never pushed the issue.  I did get to see him a couple times a year and it was always special.  As an older child and teen he was rarely there as he moved out of state.  I still got a few letters and pictures he had sent.  Now as an adult we are closer.  I know he is not happy how my life has turned out so far, but I think I did pretty good. 

Unbelievable!

It seems I missed an amazing show from England, a So you think you have Talent type show.  Here is a man who sings...

This little girl is so adorable, makes me tear up too..

A photograph journal

I decided to start a photography journal!  Here is the link...

http://journals.aol.com/geocachelinda66/lindas-photographic-journey/

Not much going on.  I went to a Mounted Police trial out in Ballston Spa and the fairgrounds.  Barbara went with me and we had a nice time.  Travis passed his Global History REGENTS test with a 76!  He is in special education.  He has to take the Regents tests but doesn't have to pass them.  He is on track for a general diploma.  We were both pleased that he passed this Regents test.  Today, he took a reading test.  I hope he passed that as well.   I hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Bring me to life

 

 

I love this song by Evanescence

Here is a new one by her, I can relate to this one!!

Monday photo shoot- Late again!

John Scalzi Monday Photo Shoot
Your Monday Photo Shoot: Capture something in flight. Birds, insects, planes, bats, whatever -- if it's getting around in the skies, it's fair game for this photo shoot.

Here is a parasailer over Lake George..

 

Day trip to Lake George

Today, my friend Barbara, Sarah and I went up to beautiful Lake George.  Its about 1/2 hour north of Saratoga in the Adirondack Mountains.  Its a wonderful lake with alot of activities nearby.  Today we went on a one hour cruise on the Minnie-ha-ha.  Its an authentic steam paddle boat.  It had a calliope on it and a great horn.  We cruised up next to all the mansions lining the shores.  After that, we walked around downtown and went in and out of some shops, checked out the bikes and the bikers as its the last day of Americade.  Thats an annual motorcycle rally.  There are alot of nice people and nice bikes!  AOL is having picture problems right now, but I have a bunch to share. 

Flag Day parade

I had William overnight for Friday. He was such a good boy!  We dropped him off in the morning and went into Saratoga for the annual Flag Day parade.  The parade lasted a little over an hour and was good entertainment.  Above are some pictures from it. 

Yeah! It's Friday...

One more day of work and then I get the weekend off.  Not that it matters because it goes by so fast!  It is supposed to get very hot and humid today and then storms and the weekend is supposed to be great!  Dave (not the ex) asked me if  I want to go up to the hunting camp this weekend.  I told him Sunday.  We will ride the 4 wheeler, cookout and shoot the 22 a little.  I asked him if I could bring one of my girlfriends.  She works where I do but we became friends through Domestic Violence.  She doesn't have alot of friends and doesn't get out much.  I think she will have fun.  Travis got a job doing the summer rec program through the town.  He won't be paid, but if he does well and wants to do it next year, he will be paid.  He does however, get to go on all the trips for free.  Sarah will be going as a camper this year again.  I really hope he does alright.  He is very shy and stand offish.  I just want him to be able to relax and have fun.  There really isn't alot going on right now.  I hope everyone has a great weekend! 

I'm sorry I don't remember who made these graphics, but thank you!

Tails are fun!

Another Tarzan video!

 

A visit to my yard

I've been fighting for hours to try to upload this.  You tube wasn't doing it and I can't do Uncutvideo.  So lets try Photobucket...  sigh...  Go HERE

 

 

My first video

 

This is a movie of Tarzan.  I learned how to get sound.  Please forgive the messy house! 

Testimony in Albany

The testimony in Albany went very well today.  Not really a big deal.  There were only a couple Assemblymen there and a couple aides.  The director of EOC mentioned a radio show next!  I'm waiting to go to Washington D.C.  hehe....  I don't think my speaking skills are that much in demand however.  We went out to eat at a cafeteria type place in the Plaza after.  The Legislative Office building appears very large and there was a very moving display there about drunk driving.  It consisted of a multi-paneled wall covered in pairs of shoes.  Each pair belonged to someone killed in a drunk driving accident.  There were little childrens shoes there also.  There were also photos of a vehicle torn in half with legs sticking out.  The boots were there that were in the photo as well as a book about the victim. 

We have gotten plenty of rain in the last couple days.  Its going to get very cold tonight, but by later this week, its going to be up around 90F again.  I have been spending too much money and have to watch my budget, so I guess I can't affor an A/C right now.  Kids only have two weeks of school left!  Sarah has a field trip tomorrow to Proctors theatre to see a play and is going to Animal Land on Monday!  I hope everyone has a good week. 

Monday photo shoot-a day late

Here is a boy with orange hair holding an orange smiley fry!  Linda

Start of a new week

The weekend is over.  Yesterday was a good day.  No pain.  I wish I had toughed it out and went to work Saturday.  My job frowns on weekend call ins.  Not like I went out and had a good ole time.  I hope this pain goes away permenently.  We got a nice overnight rain, giving everything a good soaking.  My peas are growing rapidly.  The pole beans are a bit slower.  The tomatos are doing good.  I need to go out and prune like Dad suggested. 

Paris Hilton is in jail!  I hate to gloat, but I'm glad she got what she deserved.  Alot of rich people and celebrities think they can get away with anything.  I heard a picture of her inside with her prison outfit on is worth a couple hundred thousand.  Tomorrow is my day to go to Albany and do the speech.  I need to go out after work and get some clothes.  Wish me luck!  Linda

Thanks for the graphic Donna!

Falcon Cam

Here is the Falcon Cam from the Dunn Memorial Bridge in Albany.  They are Peregrine Falcons.  One of the fastest flying birds in the world.  The chicks have hatched and are cute and fuzzy!  Linda

Hot Saturday

Yes, this is me today.  Hot and tired.  I didn't go to work today as I was awoken early with the bad pelvic pain again.  It was so bad I was laying on the couch gasping.  I finally called my OB/GYN and my regular Dr. called me back.  She said that it happens to some people and its my body trying to adjust and it will, just may take a while.  She said to take ibuprofen.  I hope it goes away.  I feel ok right now.  Yesterday we went out to Pizza Hut and then to see Pirates.  On the way, we stopped at a garage sale and I got two nice large dressers for $20!  Not each, both.  Dave is going to help me get them in the house today.  We enjoyed the movie.  I was upset with the end, as I love Orlando Bloom.  I won't give away the ended because some of you might have not seen it yet.  There is a very sensual scene with him and Elizabeth Swann at the end.  I never knew knee kissing could be so sexy...  LOL!