Friday, June 30, 2006
Cool website-learn sign language!
I sent this website to a friend who is stuck at home thinking it would give her soemthing to do:
I learned the sign for "sloth" last night. Very useful!
I learned the sign for "sloth" last night. Very useful!
Thursday, June 29, 2006
momentary crisis at home
Tonight we got home at about 10pm to find the internet inaccessible. You can imagine our shock. Cable TV didn't work either....hmmm....the slick hubby made the quick conclusion that there must be a few Comcast bills piled up somewhere. A call to customer service indicated that yes, indeed, we were 2 months behind. Hmmm...wonder how long we can use the excuse: "yeah, we just had a baby and things are a little crazy around here". I'm thinking for at least 16 or 17 years??
Monday, June 26, 2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Farm Art
I thought Jess would especially appreciate these photos. Taken at the Farm up in N. Minnesota.
Visiting cousins....
Isaac and I went up North to visit family. Here he is with his cousins...M and J-J
Leaving South Bend
Think this is a sign? This was what we saw driving to the airport on my way OUT of South Bend to go to Mpls. It was cool!
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Sunday, June 04, 2006
ICE CREAM!!!!!!!
Hey---have you heard of the new blizzard flavor at Dairy Queen? Monster Cookie flavor!! It sounds great to me!
Friday, June 02, 2006
Friday, May 26, 2006
Saturday, May 20, 2006
EVOLUTION IN A BOX
So these characters were from a box of "Grow your own dinosaurs"..a gift from my friend Lizard on my birthday (reminding me how old I am...get it...dinosaurs). You know the kind...come as capsules and you put them in hot water and watch them "grow". She thinks maybe we caught evolution in action here........
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Give the cat a bath
Saw this article in the SBTribune today about bathing cats.
Go to this link and see pictures of cats getting a bath! Can't say I want to try this with our cat, Mao. Sounds like a recipe for a trip to the ER to me!!!
Go to this link and see pictures of cats getting a bath! Can't say I want to try this with our cat, Mao. Sounds like a recipe for a trip to the ER to me!!!
Monday, April 10, 2006
Better start training!
I know Talk like a Pirate Day isn't until September 19th, but it's never too early to start practicing!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Dogs and Shoes
Had a visit from "Aunty Assistant Prof. H" (AAPH) yesterday. She had two reasons to visit. #1 The Little Guy (of course) and #2 Running Shoes. She had found this specialtyrunning shoe store that looked promising. See, she has super thin and long feet...tough to fit. This store lived up to its expectations and AAPH got royal treatment by the manager and we got her into a nice pair of new running shoes. He even made her run outside in the parking lot so he could evaluate her run. The other cool thing about the store was that they had two dogs in there. Cute dogs. One looked like a big shaggy dust mop. Turns out it was an 8-month old golden-doodle. Mix of a red poodle and a 55 lb golden. He looked kind of like one of these dogs...but very red. He was cute
Also, the parents were here visiting last week. Cooking, doing yard work, holding "little guy", etc. They wouldn't stay with us, but instead chose to stay at the Country Inn and Suites a few miles away. They were happy with the place, but I noted this article about the hotel having a carbon monoxide leak this morning in the SBTribune. Good thing they decided to leave on Friday!!!
Also, the parents were here visiting last week. Cooking, doing yard work, holding "little guy", etc. They wouldn't stay with us, but instead chose to stay at the Country Inn and Suites a few miles away. They were happy with the place, but I noted this article about the hotel having a carbon monoxide leak this morning in the SBTribune. Good thing they decided to leave on Friday!!!
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Gym class
I don't know whyI was thinking about my old gym classes. Perhaps all the news about obesity in kids and the lack of physical activity at school these days.
But when I think back on what we did I don't know how much that helped us in keeping trim. I remember having to do square dancing....a lot...and the boys didn't want to hold our hands. And that dumb parachute game with the ball in the middle. Dodge ball...a little bit. And in high school we had multiple units of golf!!!!!!! yuck! Floor hockey in middle school. That's about all I can remember....
But when I think back on what we did I don't know how much that helped us in keeping trim. I remember having to do square dancing....a lot...and the boys didn't want to hold our hands. And that dumb parachute game with the ball in the middle. Dodge ball...a little bit. And in high school we had multiple units of golf!!!!!!! yuck! Floor hockey in middle school. That's about all I can remember....
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Monday, March 20, 2006
What's Isaac thinking?
I've been reprimanded by more than one person that I haven't updated my blog in awhile. well, I've been a bit busy! Thought i'd let you guys do the work and give this photo a caption!
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Kindergarten report card
Can you see that Chris was graded on "using his handkerchief correctly, moving to rhythms, and staying mostly clean and tidy"...
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Working out at work?
Liked this article I read in the SBTribune yesterday about working out at work. I really like this idea of adjusting our workstations (ie treadmill desks) to help us get more exercise at work. It is based on a concept called NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis)...the energy spent on physical activities of daily living. It theorizes that there is more benefit from frequent fidgeting and small movements than from sitting still for days with an occasional hard-core workout.Of course this idea comes the Mayo Clinic in MN.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
You're gonna love this post!
I did my first "surgery" today! I removed an ingrown toenail!!! Numbed the toe and pulled the dang toenail out by myself! Not too much blood, either. For those interested in the procedure here it is on the Amer. Fam. Phys. website. You can scroll down and see a quick drawing of the procedure. First time I saw this done I thought I'd vomit, but did it myself today with no problems. Impressive, eh?
Friday, February 24, 2006
The Prez came to MY town!!!!!!!!!
How very exciting that President Bush was in my little town yesterday. Chris said he even saw Air Force One fly over Notre Dame.
Actually, the only interesting thing I took from the news of his fundraising visit was the salsa recipe he apparently enjoys:
"GRANGER -- U.S. Rep. Chris Chocola just thinks he's the reason President Bush comes to St. Joseph County so often. The president's fascination with visiting here actually may have more to do with his taste for Astrid Domenick's "Don't Mess With Texas Salsa."
As everyone knows by now, the president will be at Bethel College in Mishawaka today to campaign for Chocola, R-2nd. It's the president's SEVENTH visit to the Michiana area in as many years.
Don't Mess With Texas Salsa
2 lbs. tomatoes, boiled, peeled and cored
1/2 large white onion, chopped
4 medium jalapeño peppers, toasted, peeled, seeds removed and chopped
2 small, red serrano peppers, chopped (optional)
3 tsp. minced garlic
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. finely chopped cilantro
3 tsp. sea salt
1/4 cup olive oil
Chop the tomatoes in a blender. Sauté the onions, garlic and peppers in olive oil until cooked down a bit. Put the tomatoes in a stock pot. Add the cumin, salt, black pepper and cilantro to the tomatoes. Add the sautéed onion, garlic and peppers. Simmer for three hours to concentrate the flavor and reduce the acidity of the tomatoes. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve warm.
I may just have to make this and serve it at our party next week......I don't think I'll invite George doubl-yaa, though
Actually, the only interesting thing I took from the news of his fundraising visit was the salsa recipe he apparently enjoys:
"GRANGER -- U.S. Rep. Chris Chocola just thinks he's the reason President Bush comes to St. Joseph County so often. The president's fascination with visiting here actually may have more to do with his taste for Astrid Domenick's "Don't Mess With Texas Salsa."
As everyone knows by now, the president will be at Bethel College in Mishawaka today to campaign for Chocola, R-2nd. It's the president's SEVENTH visit to the Michiana area in as many years.
Don't Mess With Texas Salsa
2 lbs. tomatoes, boiled, peeled and cored
1/2 large white onion, chopped
4 medium jalapeño peppers, toasted, peeled, seeds removed and chopped
2 small, red serrano peppers, chopped (optional)
3 tsp. minced garlic
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. finely chopped cilantro
3 tsp. sea salt
1/4 cup olive oil
Chop the tomatoes in a blender. Sauté the onions, garlic and peppers in olive oil until cooked down a bit. Put the tomatoes in a stock pot. Add the cumin, salt, black pepper and cilantro to the tomatoes. Add the sautéed onion, garlic and peppers. Simmer for three hours to concentrate the flavor and reduce the acidity of the tomatoes. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve warm.
I may just have to make this and serve it at our party next week......I don't think I'll invite George doubl-yaa, though
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
My dog
Here is Maggs on her "baby" blanket with her pink Teddy Bear. She is such a girly dog! And her report card from doggie day care today said "I love how Maggie sits so pretty for her treats".
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Poll
Cast your vote for which onsie the kid wears home from the hospital!!! Outfits were a generous gift from joh3n and WHN
Friday, February 17, 2006
Summer thoughts
Just thinking this picture of green grass, the sun on the lake, and that shiny red tractor might just brighten a dreary February day!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Great Day
I resisted eating a piece of the yucky left-over V-day cake we had at work and so I didn't have a sugar crash this afternoon, had the confidence to tell the front desk people to reschedule my last patient because she was 25 minutes late and I wanted to leave on time tonight to get home to poor Maggs (we are sans Chris this week), got home in 29 minutes tonight instead of 30 minutes, it was still light out when I got home so I took Maggs for a walk through the Res woods. AND the smoking ban in our county just passed! Welcome to the 21st century, South Bend!
>>SOUTH BEND -- The St. Joseph County Council voted Tuesday to override the county commissioners' veto of an anti-smoking ordinance, but promised to meet soon to begin addressing a variety of concerns that have undermined the popularity of the measure....When it goes into effect April 10, the measure will ban smoking in restaurants and most other public places, including stores, shopping malls sports arenas and stadiums.Bars and private clubs would be exempt from the measure.As it currently reads, the measure would ban smoking in private businesses, including in break rooms and designated smoking rooms.That provision will likely be among the first to be addressed, although there is plenty of time for the council to act, as the measure gives businesses a one-year phase-in period from the effective date of the ordinance.
I guess it's the little joys in life that get us through all the other stuff....don't get me started on those things!!!
>>SOUTH BEND -- The St. Joseph County Council voted Tuesday to override the county commissioners' veto of an anti-smoking ordinance, but promised to meet soon to begin addressing a variety of concerns that have undermined the popularity of the measure....When it goes into effect April 10, the measure will ban smoking in restaurants and most other public places, including stores, shopping malls sports arenas and stadiums.Bars and private clubs would be exempt from the measure.As it currently reads, the measure would ban smoking in private businesses, including in break rooms and designated smoking rooms.That provision will likely be among the first to be addressed, although there is plenty of time for the council to act, as the measure gives businesses a one-year phase-in period from the effective date of the ordinance.
I guess it's the little joys in life that get us through all the other stuff....don't get me started on those things!!!
Monday, February 13, 2006
Olympics
Has anyone else been trying to watch the Olympics? I used to love watching them but have been disappointed and bored with it so far...except for the men's cross-country ski race on Sunday. First....why does Michelle Kuan get so much press? I suppose because she draws so many people to watch the sport...but really, it's not too surprising she had to drop out. Don't quite understand why she went in the first place and not quite so sure why it's so tragic that she "didn't get a gold". She's had her time in the lime light and did pretty darn good for herself. Be happy with that and move on. Second, WHY DO THEY SHOW SO MUCH OF THE DARN SNOWBOARDING. What a totally boring "sport". Isn't it more of an Xgames sport or am I just dating myself? Ugh....perhaps I like the summer olympics more...swimming, gymnastics, soccer, etc. I think I'll go do my yoga video and then call it a night.
Friday, February 10, 2006
No topic in particular
I just went to my midwife appointment.....I gained 7 lbs in just under 3 weeks! WHOA!!! Can anyone else top that one???? No wonder I'm feeling a bit like a Moose these days...
Home visiting family and friends this past weekend. Chris gave a talk at the U and we went to a GBS concert Friday night. They played at the Fitzgerald theater which is a very odd place for them to play (this is the same theater where I saw Prairie Home Companion as a kid---didn't like it at all! We were glad GBS didn't invite Garrison to sing with them...). We've seen them all over the country (they just happen to play in areas where we have been...Baltimore, Madison, San Diego, Amherst, Mpls). Everywhere else we've seen them has been in a small venue..more like a bar-with-band type place. First time we've ever had seats. Ours were just extra chairs set up on the side and the floor was slanted...so we had to be a bit careful! I was, however, thankful to have a chair for most of it. The first half was more of the serious slow stuff and the second half was the faster festive stuff. It was, all in all, a great concert. Last time we saw them in San Diego they were pretty blah...
Hung out with the niece and nephew...they are hilarious. M said to me "Boy, it must take you a long time to count your freckles when you are in the bathtub". She said she has 23. I told her I bet I have 23 just on my right forearm! Bones decided our kid should be named Sherlock...and had us sign a petition in support of that. Chris wouldn't sign..so Bones whispered to him "I'll babysit if you sign this". Also saw a Great Horned Owl in the backyard. Heard him hooting at night, too. That was cool!!
Back to grindstone here in Michiana....still no snow to ski...sigh....
This weekend is full of projects. But also some fun. We are going to YAPPY HOUR at Maggie's doggie daycare/boarding place. Great news...looks like their webcam is now working! Hilarious!!! Also going to the Carbon Leaf concert at ND Saturday night. DOesn't start until 10pm...I forget how late things start at college!!! I'll have to take a nap. GBS and Carbon Leaf are probably the only bands we keep up with these days...pretty cool that we get to go to both concerts in the same month
Home visiting family and friends this past weekend. Chris gave a talk at the U and we went to a GBS concert Friday night. They played at the Fitzgerald theater which is a very odd place for them to play (this is the same theater where I saw Prairie Home Companion as a kid---didn't like it at all! We were glad GBS didn't invite Garrison to sing with them...). We've seen them all over the country (they just happen to play in areas where we have been...Baltimore, Madison, San Diego, Amherst, Mpls). Everywhere else we've seen them has been in a small venue..more like a bar-with-band type place. First time we've ever had seats. Ours were just extra chairs set up on the side and the floor was slanted...so we had to be a bit careful! I was, however, thankful to have a chair for most of it. The first half was more of the serious slow stuff and the second half was the faster festive stuff. It was, all in all, a great concert. Last time we saw them in San Diego they were pretty blah...
Hung out with the niece and nephew...they are hilarious. M said to me "Boy, it must take you a long time to count your freckles when you are in the bathtub". She said she has 23. I told her I bet I have 23 just on my right forearm! Bones decided our kid should be named Sherlock...and had us sign a petition in support of that. Chris wouldn't sign..so Bones whispered to him "I'll babysit if you sign this". Also saw a Great Horned Owl in the backyard. Heard him hooting at night, too. That was cool!!
Back to grindstone here in Michiana....still no snow to ski...sigh....
This weekend is full of projects. But also some fun. We are going to YAPPY HOUR at Maggie's doggie daycare/boarding place. Great news...looks like their webcam is now working! Hilarious!!! Also going to the Carbon Leaf concert at ND Saturday night. DOesn't start until 10pm...I forget how late things start at college!!! I'll have to take a nap. GBS and Carbon Leaf are probably the only bands we keep up with these days...pretty cool that we get to go to both concerts in the same month
Monday, January 30, 2006
Middle names
Currently we are struggling with middle name choices for the soon-to-be kid. We were wondering if my brother-in-laws offer of $500 to name the kid JOHN would convert to $250 if it were a middle name. That might influence things??????? Wonder if anyone had name suggestions. I'm a firm believer that middle names should have some sort of meaning...either a family name or some profound meaning of some sort. Can't just be given because it goes along well with the first name....
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Marr-waage....
"Marr-waage....is what brings us together" the famous line from one of the best movies ever.....Princess Bride. Today Chris and I were driving home from the gym and stopped behind a mini-van with two bumper stickers.
#1 No Jesus, No Peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace.
#2 Marriage = (silhouette outline of person with pants) + (silhouette outline of a person with long hair and a dress)
We initially assumed this meant marriage= man + woman, but then got to thinking that the silhouttes could just represent a woman dressed in pants and a woman dressed in a dress or a man dressed in pants and a man with long hair with a dress on. I mean...did you see what THIS KID did just to prove to his school that their dress code policy was unfair to the guys?
Something to think about.
Words of Wisdom for the week: Chris just said "You know what's funny about cats? They don't feel guilty about anything they've done or are caught doing". I said...."yeah....a guilt free life...that's why they live so darn long!"
#1 No Jesus, No Peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace.
#2 Marriage = (silhouette outline of person with pants) + (silhouette outline of a person with long hair and a dress)
We initially assumed this meant marriage= man + woman, but then got to thinking that the silhouttes could just represent a woman dressed in pants and a woman dressed in a dress or a man dressed in pants and a man with long hair with a dress on. I mean...did you see what THIS KID did just to prove to his school that their dress code policy was unfair to the guys?
Something to think about.
Words of Wisdom for the week: Chris just said "You know what's funny about cats? They don't feel guilty about anything they've done or are caught doing". I said...."yeah....a guilt free life...that's why they live so darn long!"
Monday, January 23, 2006
Weekend Update
A very exciting weekend was had by SDMoose and her loyal husband, dog, and cat. C and I got new *matching* bedside tables. How very adult! No more blue plastic bin acting as a bedside table! No matter that we got them from Target and C made sure that just because we have adult bedside tables it didn't mean that we couldn't sleep in until 9 or 9:30 on a Sunday morning. Of course not! We also made it to the ND gym on Sat. and Sunday. I wanted to walk the indoor track because the weather sucks here. We were supposed to get snow Friday night (enough to ski), but all we got was lots of rain and a dusting of snow. C even got some used XC skis in anticipation of a Saturday morning ski in the woods. C walked with me on the track Saturday. He got pretty bored! We did see the ND football quarterback down on the B-ball courts. He looked small to me from the track, but Chris assured me he was not. Chris had been down there watching a game when he walked by. Guess he only came up to his shoulders or something. And Chris assured me that Brady's upper body was a wee bit bigger than Chris's! Ha! Chris opted to play pick-up B-ball on sunday instead of walk the track. At least he went with me. We watched some football onSunday. According to Chris it doesn't matter that none of the 4 teams were ones we cheer for (out of the 2938 or so that we do)...he said that there are only 3 games left in the season...they are ALL good games. Ugh. I napped during the 2nd one. We also went out to eat Sat. night at a Japanese/Korean place. we had had great Japanese food in LA and I wanted to try and relive that. Wasn't quite as good, but at least it wasn't McDonalds or something....Also heard about this cool medical story about a woman who was blind for over 20 years and got her site back after a heart attack!
Thursday, January 19, 2006
My only talent
Here I am imitating Sasha Cohen (she's an ice skater). My friend Lizard exclaimed that NO ONE could do that leg-in-the-air while skating thing.....well...I can't do this while skating, but pretty darn good to be able to do this whilst in "my delicate condition".
Cute toys
Chris found these on-line at Peace-toys and ordered the elephant. Very cute. Just need to keep it away from the dog! She loves stuffed animals!!! She's already claimed a baby blanket that I got as a hand-me-down.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Interesting blog
Heard about this blog on NPR today about the strange uses of chinese and japanese stuff in American culture.
I'm sick---just a cold--but boy does it make you feel crappy.
I'm sick---just a cold--but boy does it make you feel crappy.
