Happy Happy Joy Joy

oops...did I forget to wish everyone a happy holiday?

eek. we've been a little busy.

more on that soon.

Didja hear the one about...

News comes to me slowly, and my main news source is conversation, so I don't blog about it much.

But did you hear this...

"Pope Benedict was accused of stoking homophobia today after a speech in which he declared that saving humanity from homosexuality was just as important as saving the rainforest from destruction."

source: Philippe Naughton

I think Mr. Pope-head is forgetting that the biggest driving force behind saving the rainforest is those damned tree-hugging gays.

Friday

tip-o-day

We're getting alot of snow here today. Perhaps some snow tips are in order.

If you're shoveling a big storm, go out several times to clear the snow. While this may sound like more work, its much easier in the long run.

It's best to clear snow off your porches and decks. While these structures are built to withstand all weather conditions - letting snow sit on them for long periods of time will definitely shorten the life of your finish and your wood.

When clearing the walks and driveway, clear the snow back several inches onto the lawn. This server two purposes - when the snow melts it will melt into the yard and not out onto the driveway where it may likely just freeze in sheets. And it gives room for future snows to come and be pushed back off the walks and drive.

Try to avoid using granular de-ice products if you can. They can be harmful to the environment..but also to your rugs and floors (see this post for more info on those products if you feel you need them). Natural kitty litters can give you traction, tho it too will make a mess - its less damaging.
(we rarely use any of these... so if you're visiting be careful, walk slowly).

And finally, grab your favorite cocktail and enjoy the show. For us that's watching the snow fall gently and settling on the trees creating such beauty and peace... or watching people spin out on the road in front of our house.

cheers!

Learning curve

Earlier this week I had even more fun gathering stuff from the yard to decorate for Christmas.
I made this:


I was so proud.

Today I took half of it down.
Evidently, only certain evergreens stay 'fresh' after being cut.
I have discovered two that don't.

I suppose even Martha had some early failures.

Fear

Is your dog afraid of the vacuum?
Our FREE dog is. Very.
She will do anything to get away from it once we power it up. Her fear is so deep rooted that she cowers when I just carry it through the room.

So we came up with this great idea to solve the problem of her sleeping on the sofa.

Fear can work as a motivational tool.

We used to call the vacuum the Storm Trooper, now we call it Our Sentry.

First time homeowners

I am a little behind in posting this - mostly because we have been so ridiculously busy.

We are so excited and proud for our daughter and her handsome beau on the purchase of their
very
first
home.


couple other shots





So you know where my energetic wife and I will be for the next several weekends.

Friday

tip-o-day

Every so often give your shower head a good cleaning. It's often overlooked when doing the regular bathroom scrubbing. Think of it, water sits in there all the time with no air flow to help it dry out.

You can take them down and soak them or even take them apart. You can also use a little trick I learned waaay back when we were apartment dwellers.
Take a small baggie and add some ammonia*. Fasten the baggie over the shower head with a twist tie or elastic band and leave it over night.
Rinse it well the next morning and be SURE to let the water run a bit before jumping in for your morning shower.

* remember NEVER mix ammonia and bleach or bleach products.

Hmm...

This year, with so many things going on in our lives - we are getting out the Christmas stuff a little later than usual. Yesterday's 'Martha' moments - led to today's acquisition of our tree. Which will lead to nog and stringing lights and hanging ornaments.

Last evening when my observant wife came home from work, you know work... it keeps you out of the house all day, she complimented me on my swag - and also noted that we still had a couple fall/thanksgiving gourds on the table outside by the door.

I planned to get rid of them today...
Apparently, word must have gotten around about that.


I wonder where the other one is?

Just call me Martha...

The interview went swimmingly. Mostly because of my smashing suit.
I got stuck in traffic on the way home. Like crazy traffic. The kind of traffic that you can't get out of by exiting the highway. The kind of traffic that is everywhere on every road as every one tries to get away from it... to outsmart it. Ha.

It's been a long time since I have commuted to work - this predicament reminded me of the commuting basics. Most importantly - pee before you leave. Also at all times in the car you should have: a bottled water, a snack, a good book, and a cell phone charger. Oh, and gas in the gas tank is always smart. I missed a couple of those last night - but I survived. I will be ready next time.

I decided to take a little time off from my job quest to get all Christmasy.
Since we are watching our pennies - I simply went outside and gathered cuttings from around the yard.

I made this nifty swag for the porch.


I used some of my leftover materials to make this little arrangement for the table.


Hung wreaths on the front windows (its pouring out...so you get an inside picture).


Popped a tiny little hat on David...


And yes... in case you are wondering - of course I am wearing a Santa hat too.


Ho. Ho. Ho.

Big day

I have an important interview this afternoon.

But in even bigger news...
Amanda pooped today!

It's important to keep your priorities in order.

it must be in the water....

There's babies in the air. Yes..that's plural.

We are incredibly excited aunties today.
A little early, and only 3 pounds and change each... please go and meet my perfect little nieces.

Amanda Jane
and
Jillian Ashley

Friday

tip-o-day

Did you know that you should drain the sediment from your water heater about once a year?
Sediment collecting on the bottom of the tank can reduce heat transfer to the water, wasting energy and your money (plus it's just yukky).

If you have an oil fired tank, like we do, simply get a 5 gallon bucket and open the valve at the bottom. Be careful -the water is hot and will come out with great force.
Also take caution if your water heater is old and has never been drained before as the valve may get clogged and be hard to close. You don't need to drain out all the water but you may need to fill the pail a couple times to get it clear. (I don't fill the bucket all the way because 5 gallons of water is pretty heavy to carry upstairs and outside.)

If you have a gas tank, you'll need to switch the gas control to "pilot" - don't do it yourself if your not comfortable re-lighting it if necessary. You can probably have your furnace folks do it for you during your annual maintenance.

This night

Faust!


We are gettin' all dolled up and going in early to have 'little plates' and much bubbly.



Tonight... I am taking my effervescent wife -- to the opera.

ef⋅fer⋅ves⋅cent   /ˌɛfərˈvɛsənt/
[ef-er-ves-uhnt]

–adjective
1. effervescing; bubbling.
2. vivacious; gay; lively; sparkling.

1675–85; L effervēscent- (s. of effervēscēns), prp. of effervēscere to effervesce; see -ent

seriously?

So I am reading through the mountains of information provided to all of us unemployed lackeys from the 'Previous Employer'. I have books on writing resumes, nailing the interview (or as Syd may say.. nailing the interviewer), targeting a career, and winning the money game.
There are a couple of good tips, but wow - this is a lot of what I thought to be obvious information.
Really... people...really - you need to be told to buy a suit? And what would EVER compel someone to chew gum on an interview.
If you can't even clean yourself up and be presentable for an hour without being coached - then you may want to consider a career change... maybe office work is just not your thing. Maybe watch that show Dirty Jobs - could be a better fit.

Oh.. and another fun thing - I just stopped in at my 'old' office to pick up something I had left behind. I got to see the folks remaining after the layoffs and now... we get to hug.
I mean we never hugged before meetings or say when we passed in the hallways or getting coffee in the mornings - but now, its all about the hugging.

Good bunch of folks there. I will miss them.
Well... that and the parking garage.

Monday

Remarkably, I do not have a job yet.
No worries.
I did get up and shower this morning.
Got dressed.
Granted...it's sweats.
But hey, I've got shoes on.
And look... I'm blogging.