Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Mememememememememememe

I got tagged, not once, but twice with this musical meme. Here’s what you do:

1. Go to the Billboard #1 Hits listings ;
2. Pick the year you turned 18;
3. Get nostalgic over the songs of the year;
4. Pick 5 songs and write something about how these songs affected you;
5. Pass it on to 5 more friends.

Just to be a brat, I’m not going to tell you what year I turned 18, you’ll have to figure it out for yourself.

You Needed Me, by Anne Murray. I can’t help it. I was a singer in my younger days and Anne Murray had the perfect voice range for me.

Fooling Yourself (Angry Young Man), by Styx. I think Styx was my very favorite band back then. Bought all their albums and got to see them in concert. And Tommy Shaw—oh my.

Dust in the Wind, by Kansas. They were another favorite band I got to see in concert. Loved this song and thought the music was beautiful.

You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, by Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond. I cannot stand Babs anymore, but I love Neil Diamond. I’ve seen him twice in concert, best performer I think I’ve ever seen.

You’re the One That I Want, by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. I forgot Grease was a biggie back then. Just a fun song, especially after all the other “deep” ones. Hell, no wonder I was depressed!

Again, Lovi and Kate are the only ones left. Your choice.


Now this was just a fun one that I’ve seen at Holly’s and Kate’s. Go to Google, enter your blogger name and each of the following: needs, is, likes, wants, gets, says, does, eats.

Flo needs constant support—of course I do.

Flo is a manufacturer of hygienic diaphragm valves—I don’t think I want to see one of those, but at least they’re hygienic.

Flo likes to bring home dead animals sometimes—and here all this time we’ve been blaming PJ.
Flo likes to stay up late and party around, or talk on the phone until all hours of the night—ah yes, back in the good ol’ days.

Flo wants to have a Pimp Stand—because I certainly don’t want him to Sit.
Flo also wants to thank the inspectors and volunteers all over the world for their highly valued contributions—because I couldn’t have watched the pimp all by myself to make sure he didn’t sit.

Flo gets packed on weekends—I think they meant to say she gets smashed.

Flo says: First, we are talking about a man—well duhhhhhhh.
Flo says: Start taking your car to get gas and get it washed yourself—yep, that’s exactly what I tell MFD.

Flo does a pretty good job appearing as a natural extension of the console—and you thought I was just MPD. Turns out I can morph, too.
Flo does not have anything in her mouth—it was nasty, so I spit it out.

Flo eats, drinks and seems the jovial gangster—damn, busted. I was hoping nobody would find out about Gangsta Gidget.

Flo


Monday, May 28, 2007

Memorial Day

"...gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime....let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan." --General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Catching Up

Been a little busy here the last few days. Filled out and sent off paperwork to adopt a dog. I know, I know, I said I wasn’t going to rush. And I didn’t—Kate said she’s been looking and looking. (Thanks, and I’ll let you know!)

Hemmed my dress for the concert. We had our pre-Carnegie Hall concert last night and I think it was awesome. We recorded it and if it turned out ok and I can figure it out, I’ll try to put some of it up here.

I’ve been trying to recover from a couple of mental pics AD burned into my poor susceptible brain. I will never look at beanbags and celery the same way. I’m almost afraid to go see what I’ve been missing at his blog the last couple of days. I may have to go back into counseling. Or at least get some stronger drugs.

I think what I have spent the most time on lately has been this silly restaurant meme Diamond Mair tagged me with. I have racked and racked my brain and cannot come up with any “to die for” establishments. There are lots of places I like to eat at, but I haven’t found that little out of the way joint that I would call extraordinary.

But let me ask you—first, picture this: Grandma, standing at the stove, making fried chicken with mashed potatoes and cream gravy. Home grown and canned green beans with bacon, that you sat on the front porch and helped snap (the green beans, not the bacon). Homemade bread and butter. Made from scratch shortcake, covered with fresh strawberries (that you weren’t allowed to help pick because you were banned from the strawberry patch for eating them all).

Now I ask you: What restaurant could ever hope to top that?

However, in the spirit of cooperation, Sarcastic Sally came to the rescue and wrote this for the meme:

The rules: add your name to the list,
Pick five people and notify them,
List your five favorite eating spots at your location.
The List:
Nicole (Sydney, Australia)
velverse (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
LB (San Giovanni in Marignano, Italy)
Selba (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Olivia (London, England)
ML (Utah, United States)
Lotus (Toronto, Canada)
tanabata (Saitama, Japan)
Andi (Dallas [ish], Texas, United States)
Lulu (Chicago, Illinois, United States)
Chris (Boyne City, Michigan, United States)
AB (Cave Creek, Arizona, United States)
Johnny Yen (Chicago, Illinois, United States)
Bubs (Mt Prospect, Illinois, United States)
Mob (Midland, Texas United States)
Yas (Ahwatukee, Arizona USA)
RSP (Scottsdale, AZ USA)
Ralphd00d (Phoenix, AZ USA)
DW (South East US)
Diamond Mair (near Houston, TX)
FlyingFlo (KC-ish, MO, USA)


1. McDonald’s—gotta love those fries. Crisp, piping hot, fried to golden perfection, and doused with salt. Only problem is, Youngest Sister is a store manager, so I can’t win any cool prizes.

2. Taco Bell—taco supreme, hold the tomatoes. As long as you dine in and don’t carry out, they’re crunchy and filling. And it contains all four food groups. Even without the tomatoes, because I put sauce on it, and that’s made from tomatoes. And even though they don’t do the four food groups any more, too bad. Too many levels on the pyramid. I think the aliens that helped build the pyramids would be appalled with what man has done to them.

3. Pizza Hut—Meat Lover’s on hand-tossed crust. Back to the four food groups, and again with the sauce. I don’t think they have any cool contests, but even if they did, I couldn’t win because Niece works there.

4. Sonic—blended root beer float. Smooth, creamy, and priced right.

5. Dairy Queen—their cream gravy isn’t too bad. I wish I worked there. I could live on soft serve. And it’s a dairy product, which is good for you.

Now, if you’re in the area and want to know where you can sit for hours and have coffee and conversation, or the best margarita, give me a holler (and invite me along).

So let’s see. Everybody over on my links either has been tagged or will be tagged, except possibly Kate or Lovi. And I’m not going to force them to do it. However, if they want to, or anyone else, go for it.

Hope you all are having a safe weekend.

Flo

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Happy Birthday

Right about this time 19 years ago, I was timing contractions and getting ready to go to the hospital. KSA likes to give me a hard time about the way I pull lateral g’s when I take curves in the car. I should remind him he did the same in his rush to get me to the hospital.

I guess it was a good thing, though. We got there in time for me to change into a gown, get him scrubbed up, start an IV, push some Stadol, and deliver an 8 pound, 9 ounce baby boy.

Good stuff, that Stadol. KSA’s eyes got bluer every time I looked at them.

Take a guess what MFS wants for his birthday.

No, try again.

Nope, not that either.

Give up?

An ant farm.

{sigh} That’s my boy. Happy Birthday, Son.

Love,
Mom

Monday, May 21, 2007

I'm Dyin' Here

I hate crying. It’s so draining.

Last week I got a letter from Lacey/Ellie, thanking me for taking care of her and finding her parents. It was so sweet. They included a very generous check.

Saturday I got a note from her mom with gift certificates to a couple of restaurants.

KSA thinks it’s all unnecessary, which it is. But I understand they are so happy to have her back alive and well, and there isn’t much else they can do to show their gratitude.

I am so so so so so relieved to know she is loved so much. But, oh my God, I miss that little girl.

I’ve been looking for another Sheltie. No rush, especially not with our trip coming up. I don’t want to adopt one, then have to board it. And it has to be just the right one.

Originally, I started trying to find the breeder Lacey/Ellie came from. During the search, I found out there is a Sheltie Rescue group in our area. Considering that we basically “rescued” Lacey/Ellie, I’m thinking maybe there is another Sheltie that is waiting to be rescued by us, one that will truly be ours. Mine.

But I’ll do some checking around, and I’ll be patient about it.

Flo

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Did She or Didn't She?

KSA came home early from work the other day. He was going to work on the dump truck and I just looked at him. “There are no children in this house. And you want to go out and work on the truck?”

“Did you have something else in mind?” he asked.

“Now that you mention it,” I said teasingly.

Yes, we went to the new restaurant. And no, I’m still looking for the perfect crème brulee. However, the entrees were excellent. I had lasagna and KSA had fettuccine alfredo. I don’t much care for alfredo sauce in large doses, it’s a little too rich for me, but this was wonderful, very creamy. We both had food left over, which is also unusual. KSA can normally eat his and still finish mine, so these were pretty large portions.

Nice, cozy atmosphere, it was probably converted from an old home, and a fun, friendly waitress. We’ll be back. I want to try the chicken marsala.

Later that night, I totally (and selflessly, I might add) messed up my circadian rhythm by listening to AD’s blog radio “thingie” as Phlegmfalale put it. He’s a natural. And after all these years of knowing her, it occurred to me the other night that Holly has quite the sultry voice.

Hope you all have a nice weekend!

Flo

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Royal Decree

Henceforth, let it be known throughout the kingdom that Hubby shall now be referred to as my Knight in Shining Armor. Just cuz…well…hmm. Just cuz I said so. I don’t want to get all mushy or anything, but he is.

Let me tell you how selfless this man is. When I learned about the wonders of crème brulee (fortunately it was the second day in France, so I didn’t miss much), I had to have it every day for lunch AND dinner. KSA ordered it too—then gave it to me. Now that’s love.

For me, crème brulee is better than chocolate. Maybe even better than Grandma’s homemade bread. Oh yeah. So I have been on a quest for the perfect crème brulee. There are a few places around that have it; fortunately they’re close enough that I can get a fix when I need it. But I haven’t found the perfect one yet. In the States, it tends to be more of a pudding consistency than custard. Actually, the flan I’ve had is very close, but it just doesn’t work without the crunchy sugar topping.

Yesterday I found a new restaurant that has it and I’m so excited I just can’t hardly stand it. KSA had to work late yesterday, then delivered a couple loads of dirt, so we couldn’t go. If I get desperate, I could go by myself. I could only have one order (it’s a small town, they don’t know me yet, and I don’t want to give them the wrong impression), but it would be better than nothing.

Ok. Well, now I have to go so I can wipe the drool off my keyboard.

Flo

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Weak in Revue

Flo has been a very bad girl and hasn’t kept up with her blogs. And I’m sure everyone is crying because she hasn’t left any witty comments lately. Well, she’s a little embarrassed to tell you this, but she’s not Superwoman. Or Wonder Woman or Bionic Woman or Batgirl. Nope, not even a Buffy or Xena in here.

So, I’ve been running around lately, and here’s what I’ve found:

Mattg could send in contributions to World’s Dumbest Criminals. And he really has this thing for blood spatter. LawDog did his interview to great reviews and now wonders which company it is that’s making the big bucks off of Two Beers (really Ociffer, all I had was Two Beers). (What I want to know is, if all you had was Two Beers, then how come you just puked Six Beers all over me?) Diamond Mair is now an international star. DW has a friend in need of good thoughts (and thanks for the Mother’s Day wishes). Ambulance Driver…where do I start with AD? He’s hard to keep up with, and always entertaining. (I still chuckle when I think about the blog he did awhile back about writing and he mentioned several other bloggers and their styles. Evidently, I defy definition.) Holly has a passionate post that I really need to go back and read again (and thanks to you and Kate for the Mother’s Day wishes, and back at both of you). Lovi has no turkeys in her freezer and did nothing but watch movies and her daughter cry this weekend. Phlegm Fatale had a couple of great stories about her mom and she just cracked me up with her “do ya? Do ya?” on the Liver of Sulphur post, and a video of Spock on another. Kate is moving on to a new position at the hospital and is entertaining us with stories about her vacation. (Phlegm and Kate will be added to my list of links when I remember to do it.)

Whew. {mopping brow}

Tune in next week to see if Lovi ever gets a turkey, if Kate has to sleep on the floor her entire vacation, and if her relative ever returned the extra-large pajamas or ended up sleeping in the buff.

Flo

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Happy Mother's Day

5/16/07 I think there has been a misunderstanding--although I would like to take credit, I did not write this. It was from an email that I believe has been around before, but was evidently recently edited. But thanks for thinking I was that talented.



This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up throw up laced with Oscar Mayer Wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying," It's okay honey, Mommy's here."

Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted.

This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.

For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes.

This is for mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the others who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.

And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world," and mean it.

This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead.

This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.

This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.

For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then read it again. "Just one more time."

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.

This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.

This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd even though they know their own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.

This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomachaches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.

This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.

This is for all step-mothers who helped raise another woman's child or children, and gave their time, attention, and love... sometimes totally unappreciated!

For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14-year-olds dye their hair green.

For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting.

For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.

What makes a good Mother anyway? Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips? The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time? Or is it in her heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time? The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 a.m. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby? The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 a.m. when you just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home? Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying? The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation... And mature mothers learning to let go.

For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.

Single mothers and married mothers. Mothers with money, mothers without.

This is for you all.

For all of us.

Hang in there. In the end we can only do the best we can. Tell them everyday that we love them. And pray.

Flo

Thursday, May 10, 2007

My Trip

I drove to Colorado with a friend to visit another friend for a few days and it was great to get away. Hubby is pretty good about letting me out and about whenever I want or can. (He probably enjoys the break, too!)

Caron is one of the gals I have breakfast with most Fridays. She and Nan used to work together, but Nan has been much too busy spending her kids’ inheritance on cruises to come back here to visit us. So we forced ourselves to go see her little corner of the world outside of Denver.

The drive across Kansas was almost coma-inducing. About the only thing that caught my eye was the word “free.” Free wine tasting, free breakfast, free map, free HBO… There was one attraction I would have given almost anything to see, though: The world’s largest prairie dog. 8000 pounds! There was also supposed to be a live five-legged steer and all sorts of other amazing creatures. I begged and pleaded, but Caron refused to stop. I don’t know how she could pass up an opportunity like that. {sigh}

Nan didn’t know I was coming, so it was quite the surprise for her. We stayed up until the wee hours of the morning that first night, drinking a margarita or two and visiting.

Holly and I are saving up for our own getaway, so this trip was supposed to be an inexpensive break from life. And what did we do? We went shopping.

I was really a pretty good girl, for the most part. The majority of what I bought was stuff I would have bought back here because it was all on sale. So that doesn’t count, right?

Every once in a while we’d take a break from shopping and visiting to eat. We hit three wonderful restaurants and brightened the day for our waitresses.

I brought my camera, but the only pictures I took were of Pike’s Peak (I hope), as we were leaving.


Now I’ve survived the trip back across Kansas, and it’s back to the same ol’ same ol’. Whatever that is.

Flo

Friday, May 04, 2007

Bible Puzzle

Here’s something to keep you occupied while I’m occupied. The version I received was printed in a landscape orientation, but I’ll divide the lines here in such a way that an answer doesn’t start at the end of one line and finish on the next. So if you print this out, make sure the line breaks remain the same. Let me know how you do. Have a good weekend.

Flo



There are 30 books of the Bible in this paragraph. Can

you find them? This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was

found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket on a

flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu keeping him occupied

for hours. He enjoyed it so much he passed it on to some

friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while

fishing from his john boat. Another friend studied it while

playing the banjo. Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend was

so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly

newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of

solving the puzzle so involving, she brews a cup of tea

to help her nerves. There will be some names that are

real easy to spot. That’s a fact. Some people, however,

will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the

book names are not necessarily capitalized.

Truthfully, from answers we get, we are force to

admit it usually takes a minister or scholar to see some

of them at the worst. Research has shown that

something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty

we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During

a recent fundraising event which featured this puzzle,

the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new sales

record. The local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over

200patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of the

most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel

Hummana humbly puts it, the books are right there in

plain view hidden from sight. Those able to find them

all will hear great lamentations from those who have to

be shown. One revelation that may help is that books

like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their

numbers. Also keep in mind, that punctuation and

spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude

will help you compete really well against those who

claim to know all the answers. Remember, there is no

need for a mad exodus, there really are 30 books of the

Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be

found.


Thursday, May 03, 2007

Sheesh

Don’t write Lainy for a few days and she gets a little irritable. The last message was, “If you’re not gonna email, at least update your blog so I know you’re still alive.”

Fine.

So instead of something thought-provoking or touching or educational or humorous…you’re gonna get to hear what I’ve been doing this week.

Monday through Thursday, I used to take MFD and the neighbor to school in the morning. On the way home, I stopped at Curves for my 30 minute workout. When MFD got her license and started driving herself to school, I’d still go to Curves. There’s a group of us that show up around the same time, and if someone doesn’t make it for a few days, they get a little concerned and call you if you don’t call them. (It’s nice to be loved.)

So that’s what I did Monday morning. Then I came home and got ready for a BeFriender visit with another woman that I’m now working with. After that I had some errands to run, then had to get back home for a delivery that was supposed to be scheduled. They never did show up, so it’s been rescheduled for today.

Sometime after 1500 (you all do military time, don’t you?) I got a call from Corporal So and So with the Highway Patrol. Seems MFD had been caught speeding. Not your everyday, run-of-the-mill, I’mrunninglatesoI’llgojustaTOUCHfaster speeding. Oh no. This was Stomp the Pedal to the Floor and Let’s See How Fast This POS Can Go speeding. The CPL said he made it a point to contact the parents if the ticket he wrote up on a teenager REQUIRED a court appearance. Even I have never gotten a ticket for going so fast that it required a court appearance. (Oh no, I get the tickets for going 4 MPH over the speed limit.)

So, My Favorite But In So Much Trouble Daughter isn’t driving herself to school anymore. And don’t call her cell phone, she doesn’t have that, either. I’ve been taking her to school, and since Hubby was out of town Tuesday and Wednesday, I also picked her up from school. At my convenience, of course.

Somewhere along the way I had an eye appointment. New glasses are required. I’m also trying contacts again. I’d never used them because I thought I’d be too sensitive to have something in my eye. But I gave it a try a couple of years ago. The comfort level was fine, the optics weren’t. If we tried to get them strong enough for reading, my distant vision blurred. If distance was ok, I couldn’t read. We tried monovision, and that about made me puke. So far, I’ve tried a couple of things this time and they’re not working out, but we have another brand ordered. So we’ll see. (Get it? We’ll “see”?)

Yesterday was my youngest sister’s birthday, so she, Mom, and I got together and went to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Oh my. Fresh banana cream cheesecake, with a layer of Bavarian cream. Melt in your mouth good. Their potato soup was pretty tasty, too. Then we went shopping for a bit.

In between all that, I’ve been trying to get the house semi-presentable because my mother-in-law is coming up this weekend.

Whew. I’m worn out from all that work. I better go take a nap.

Flo