Son Of Rambow

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Kids & Family

Add this to your must see list. Its a heart warming story of a creative, artistic little boy who develops a truly wonderful friendship with a lonely bully over the course of their filming their own independent movie, "Son Of Rambow".

I promise you. You will laugh. You will cry. You will not be disappointed!

Pot Rack Idea

I'm so tired of trying to pull the correct pan out from my cabinet and having them all crash. I was considering buying a pot rack until I saw how much they are. I was shocked. Who spends thousands just for a place to hang cookware? (Google Pot Rack and you'll see what I mean.)

I decided I could make something much less expensively. My kitchen isn't that big, so I was thinking of trying something over the kitchen sink window. I found this plan, and I thought I'd stick it here on my blog, so I can refer to it later. I don't have time today to make the rack, but its going on my to do list.

Do you have a pot rack? Do you think they are handy storage solutions or eyesores?

Pot Rack Valance

Materials:

measuring tape

wood

sand paper

stain

double point staples

S-hooks

toggle bolts

hammer

drill

rawhide lacing

Steps:

1. Measure the length of the window opening. Cut the board to length and soften the edges with sandpaper.

2. Stain the wood to match the other wood in the room and let dry.

3. Tap staples over one end of the S hooks and secure them.

4. Use toggle mounts to secure the board to the ceiling above the window

5. Hang pots and/or drill holes into wooden handles and secure with rawhide lacing

Honeybush tea

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

Its not officially tea, but rather a bush which grows in Africa. Some say it tastes like honey, and I suppose there is a hint of similarity there. To me, I pick up more a dried fruit vibe, although we're definitely not talking fruit cake here! It is similar to Rooibos tea, another Africa tea, only sweeter.

The tea is naturally sweet, and caffeine free. Some say the tea is good for upper respiratory health, and helps regulate blood sugar. Its low in tannins, and other health claims are its good for easing menopausal symptoms, prevents cancerous tumors, repairs sun damage and aids digestion.

I prefer it hot to iced, as the weather turns chilly. It certainly qualifies in my book as a hug in a cup.

Check out http://www.itmonline.org/arts/honeybush.htm

X

10 Thoughts.....

1.  Is it really Tuesday already?

2. Oh why, oh why is it so difficult to find a USB cord that fits my camera?

3. Radio Shack, you're no good.

4. My sister isn't going to be packed up in time, I just know it.

5. Yumi said I had to wash DS9's comforter. Grrr........

6. Aversion therapy begins for Yumi tomorrow!

7. The Poptart costume is almost complete! What can I affix to the costume to rest it on DS9's shoulders?

8. The bills are paid! Yeah! I deserve a cookie!

9. My mom was right. I bought too many pears and now they're all ripe at once.

10. I must get out of this blog rut and blog something interesting one of these days!

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Rating:	★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Action & Adventure

They must have given this movie a long title because they knew they had made one heck of a long, BORING, movie. Seriously, I was so close to giving up and choosing to spend my time more wisely, I barely made it to when Marion joins the story. Once she was on screen, it did get a little more entertaining to watch, but just barely.

The first half is nothing but Evil Russians capture Jones, he escapes. Evil Russians capture Jones, he escapes. Evil Russians capture Jones, he escapes....... Its not even a smidgen of a bit believable the stunt dude is Harrison Ford.

I had much higher expectations. It was Spielberg who made this movie right?

I would recommend, choosing to spend your time more wisely than I did.

Such a great weekend...

We kicked it off with Pizza Oven pizza. That always brings joy! The secret is out though. Its been getting more and more crowded.

After wards we hit the stores, shopping for birthday presents for our cousins. We didn't find anything at the bookstore, but we scored at Michael's and Target.

Saturday it was road trip time and we headed south to my brother's house (Maija's). We stopped at Legoland in Shaumburg first and we were greatly disappointed. I think Target sells more variety of sets, and the bulk brick bins were lame. I was hoping they would have specialty pieces. Maybe someday we'll try the store at the Mall of America.

We had a great time visiting family and friends at Maija's and the cake was delish! "Happy Birthday" wouldn't fit because we had so many family members' names on it. (Wish I had a USB cord!)

On our way home, a car almost blew up in front of us. We were cruising on the interstate when suddenly we couldn't see. At first we thought it was really thick fog, but then our noses told us its wasn't fog. We could smell it. Something was on fire. Our exit was only a mile or two down the road, but I was nervous we wouldn't make it. As we curved around the off ramp, we saw the poor soul who caused the danger. His car was engulfed in smoke and underneath we saw flames. He had just enough time to jump away from the car! Crazy!!

Sunday morning we headed to another birthday party, this time for a different cousin. (Hi Emma!) She had decided to have a Letterboxing party! It was great fun, hiking in the fall air. We only found 1 of 4 hidden Letterboxes, but as a bonus, we came across a Geo Cache. There were Christmas lights in the Geo Cache, but since I'm really a Letterboxer, I wasn't prepared to trade. For a brief moment I considered trading my hat, but then decided it wasn't worth it. I already have Christmas lights, and I worked hard knitting my Blind Melon themed bee hat!

Sunday my parents checked back into the "Grove Unschool Bed and Breakfast", although I should more accurately say, "Bed and Supper." My sister came over and we enjoyed a spaghetti supper together. My parents head home for Minnesota tomorrow.

I had too much cake, too much ice cream, pizza, tacos, and don't forget the bowl full of pasta! I'm not bothering to log into my Fit Day. Its safe to say the weekend was a total dieting failure, but that's ok. Tomorrow is another day! Such a great weekend has to roll into a great week I hope!  

Not feeling like myself....

I can't focus. I feel disconnected, discombobulated. I'm not liking the skin I'm in, and I feel like I'm fighting the current rather than riding it. Or maybe I'm just trying to clutch to the bank when I should be enjoying the ups and downs of the rapids?

Anyway, I just wish I could hit the pause button on the clicker and take a moment to realign.

Why do only celebrities and rich people get personal assistants?
   They can pay for them.

I know, I know. I'm feeling like a sorry sap. Its just right now there are life details I wish I didn't have to fret over.

13 Things I need a Personal Assistant For

1. Pay the bills on time.

2. Remind me DH is out of town on business, and that's why he hasn't shown up to pick up the kids. He's not lying dead in a ditch.

3. Go grab something for the boys to eat while they wait at my work for their father to return from his business trip.

4. Set up DH's voicemail on his cell phone and buy him minutes!

5. Oil changes

6. FIND ME A USB CABLE!!!!

7. Find someone to tow away the dead car sitting in the garage.

8. Call the vet, the dentist and the doctor and schedule all our appointments

9. Remind me to buy an eye patch, a pirate hat, a pair of fangs and a tuxedo like suit. (This is all for one costume. Thank goodness the other child is happy with being a Poptart made out of cardboard!)

10. Remind me to walk. Walk for exercise, walk for fun, walk to walk AWAY FROM IT ALL!

11. Make sure the meat gets moved to the fridge to thaw.

12. Clear off the counter so I can roll out tortillas. He needs to know I love him.

13. FIND MY SOCKS!!!!!

Maija's Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Maija gave me this recipe years ago and it makes seeds you actually want to eat. In years past, I've tried to roast them, but they didn't taste spectacular. Maija's secret of soaking in salt water really makes the difference!


Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

2 C water
1/4 C salt
2 C pumpkin seeds

-Heat the water and the salt until salt is dissolved.
-Cool and add pumpkin seeds
-Soak overnight
-Drain and pat dry
-Spread on a cookie sheet and bake for 1 hour at 300F

Store in an airtight container and they will last a long time. That is if, you don't eat them all first!

(Hope you didn't mind me posting this Maija!)

Grrrr.....

My USB cable has finally given out. Of course I have all these photos I want to share and post on my blog but now I have to wait until I can get a new cord.

We had a gorgeous weekend here in Wisconsin. Saturday we visited the Arboretum in Madison. We strolled the grounds finding various species of trees in varying shades of reds, yellows, oranges, purples and green. Some trees we were surprised to see had already gone bald.

What's very cool about the Arboretum is, its not just a planned landscaped park with different species of trees. They also have several acres of natural woods, prairies and wetlands. After snapping a few photos, we headed into the forest.

To my surprise the little flying vampires were still awake. I gave 9 donations alone from my right elbow area. Why the elbows girls? Do you think they know you itch more on joints? I suppose the birds and bats have to eat. I thought the mosquitoes would have been done for the year but apparently we haven't had enough of a frost yet.

On the way home from our hike, we stopped at the world's best pumpkin farm, just 2 miles from our door, Boo's Pumpkin Patch. It was started years ago by local high school girls and its really grown.

They have several different types of pumpkins and gourds. Are there "heirloom" pumpkins like tomatoes? When I get another USB cord, I'll show you the pumpkins that look like they are made out of stone. I think I have to go back tomorrow and buy one. We only brought home 2 big guys and 1 adorable mutant. (Again I wish I could show you! I will find a cord tomorrow!!!)

We couldn't believe how many huge, choice pumpkins we found in the self pick area. You'd take two steps and find several more. I have another one to add to the list. He hauled our giants back to the car and placed them into our yard.

I have a list in a notebook of all the reasons why I love my husband. I add big things and small, year after year. Every time he does something that touches my heart, or does something I'm grateful for, I note it. I was going to give it to him as a gift one year, but I haven't stopped writing in it. I suppose I won't stop until I can't write anymore.

Its time to go get ready to watch the Crystal Cave special tonight on National Geographic. This places looks so amazing! It reminds me of Superman's homebase. DS9 thinks its all fake. He's only seen the kinds of crystals you hold in your hand.

Hasta Manana Amigos!

Because I don't feel like cleaning house now....

30 Questions (stolen from Navarrofreak)

1. Person with the same name as you? I've met a few, but never anyone famous.

2. Where was your first kiss?  The first kiss that counted- DH's Audi. We had to do it twice because the first kiss was kind of awkward. We laughed and decided to try again.

3. Have you ever seriously vandalized someone else’s property?  Define serious. I did do my share of TPing in high school.

4. Have you ever hit someone of the opposite sex?  Does my brother count? I did more damage spraying him with Windex and throwing keys at him.

5. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people?  Yes ..but I was in a chorus.

6. What’s the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?  eyes- green ones really get my attention

7. What really turns you on? DH

8. What do you order at Starbucks?  I usually skip Starbucks due to a lack of funds. After my last pap smear though, I thought I deserved it and got a mocha with soy.

9. What is your biggest mistake?  The 3 years my oldest son spent in daycare. I should have become a SAHM the day he was born. I bought into the myth. I will tell you now, THE GRASS IS GREENER OVER HERE! STAY HOME WITH YOUR CHILDREN! They grow and you will never get those years back.

10. Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose?  yes... As a parent I'm making sure my children understand depression is a real illness that can be treated either with or without medication. The fact is depression/mental illness is rarely discussed, but so many people suffer from it. We need to kick the stereotype and be there for each other.

11. Say something totally random about yourself. I like hoodies and I wish I could wear a hooded cape without people staring.

12. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity?  Glen Close- eww!! I can't see it.

13. Do you still watch kiddy movies or TV shows? Didn't you know Cartoon Network is showing Goosebumps this month?!

14. Did you have braces?  yes

15. Are you comfortable with your height?  Yes, but my arms are too short.

16. What is the most romantic thing someone of the opposite sex has done for you?  I can't just pick one as being the most romantic but DH always brings me flowers on our sons' birthdays.
 
17. When do you know it’s love?  When you tell God you don't think you could live without this person in your life. Or maybe when you feel comfortable farting in their presence? LOL!

18. Do you speak any other languages?   According to "My Coach Spanish" (DS game), I now speak Spanish as well as a preschooler!

19. Have you ever been to a tanning salon?  No way Jose! I have enough years of sun damage thanks to my sun worshiping mother who didn't realize how important sunscreen was.

20. What magazines do you read?  Home Education Magazine, Natural Health, Health, Woman's Day, Family Circle, Good Housekeeping, Better Homes and Gardens, Nintendo Power, Vegetarian Times.... NO WONDER I HAVE NO TIME TO READ BOOKS!

21. Have you ever ridden in a limo?  I think maybe at my sister's wedding. I think the maid of honor slipped me underaged champagne and this could be why the memory is fuzzy. 

22. Has anyone you were really close to passed away?  Yes

23. Do you watch MTV?  no

24. What’s something that really annoys you?  Speeders, reckless driving

25. What’s something you really like? Being front and center you know where! MELON ROCKS BABY! (Or walks in the woods with DH)

26. Do you like Michael Jackson? Nope

27. Can you dance?  Can't we all?

28. What’s the latest you have ever stayed up?  In college I'd stay up until 4:00am, sleep through morning classes and greet the world around 1:00pm.
 
29. Have you ever been rushed by an ambulance into the emergency room?  No. I made DH drive me with a toddler and a newborn infant in tow, at 2:00a.m. instead. Did I mention how much I love him!! Maybe this was the most romantic thing he's ever done?

30. Do you actually read these when other people fill them out?  Yes I do. Copy it and I promise to read yours! 

Thursday 13

13 Things I'm grateful for......

1. The Piggly Wiggly had a great sale today! $1.49 a pound for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and hamburger! I could afford to stock up the freezer.

2. My boss asked me to be her Ghost Writer! I'm going to have fun! Boo!

3. The weekend weather should be perfect for gazing at Autumn's glorious colorful trees!

4. The price of gas is coming down.

5. I haven't had to wear my wrist brace for almost 2 weeks now. I'm so happy to have the use of my left hand back!

6. Yumi didn't get sick even though she's constantly eating grasshoppers and crickets. I'm thinking of renaming her Renfield. You don't want to see what we've been sifting out of her litter box!

7. Walgreen ink refills are $10 and same day service! (Why do I always run out of ink when I have to print something urgent?)

8.  My parents have decided to make the drive down for a visit! We haven't seen them since the beginning of August.

9. Tonight's survivor night. My family will tape it and wait for me to get home to watch it. Its great to have something to look forward to making work go by quicker.

10. The library- I've been reading so many books I wouldn't have had the money to purchase.

11. The email notification your library materials are almost due! My fines would be so much higher with this service.

12. Hat Week- Hat Week at work means easy customer service. I've noticed no one feels like complaining to you while you are wearing a Frog Hat.

13. He surprised me yesterday!

Today's homeschool lunch ..

Couldn't you just eat pizza every day? Pizza is such a perfect food. (Don't tell my Fitday!)

For fun, I've sometimes read to the boys what the local school district is planning for lunch. They've decided if they had to attend school, they would most likely bring a sack lunch. We're grateful that for the most part, we get to cook hot lunch at home anytime we like.

Today's pizza lunch is really leftovers. On Monday I had kneaded up two batches of pizza dough saving one in the fridgy. I had left over sauce from bread sticks, left over chicken breast and leftover cheese. I added lots of seasonings and ta..da.... Pizza!!

10 for Tuesdays

1. Lately I have blog block.

2. I agree with DS9. Where's the yellow today?

3. I can't diet with M&M's in the house.

4. I'm forcing myself to swim today despite knowing my co-workers will see me in my suit. Its not bravery. Its diet guilt.

5. Why are most Thank You card sets decorated with flowers and butterflies?

6. Got cardboard? I need some!

7. I'm so blessed because he brings me flowers just for giving birth to his children.

8. I miss him.

9. I can't believe I'd rather stay home and clean my house than work tonight.

10.  Where have all my socks gone?

Our Party Weekend

Its official. I'm the mother of a teenager. How did that happen so quickly?

DS9 decorated DS13's cake. He mostly used Halloween colored M&M's but then I had to ask, "Why is there one lone red M right there?"

"Its the zit. Jake's a teenager now." I love DS9's sense of humor but when DS13 saw it, he demanded it be removed. Wish zits in real life could be removed that easy.

We partied with local family on Friday night filling up on zit cake and pizza.

Saturday morning we tagged our Christmas tree at Winterberry farm. The farm invites us out every year to find our tree now and then return after Thanksgiving to cut it down. I love Winterberry farm. The trees grow on a gentle slope and its just so relaxing to walk through the Christmas trees before the weather gets too cold. Every year we find a really good one right off the bat but don't tag it because its the first one we find. We always end up going back to it after we've walked for awhile longer, comparing other trees. When I win the lottery, I'm buying land and starting a Christmas tree business. I'll also have an apple orchard and pumpkin patch!

Saturday night was the sleep over. 7 boys in the "teen" cave, eating pizza, brownies and playing video games all night long. My children were zombies the next day.

Also Saturday night, my sister was shopping at our local Piggly Wiggly when she saw the nanny show being filmed! I don't know if its Nanny 911 or the Super Nanny show, but she had to dodge cameras as the Nanny shopped the Pig with a family from our small town, apparently with unruly children. I'll have to keep my eye out for this broadcast. Who would have thought the Nanny would come to our neck of the woods? Just as long as she doesn't knock on my door!

Actually I'm not worried. I'm blessed with two great kids, I mean....young men!

Twilight

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Books
Genre:	Teens
Author:	Stephenie Meyer

I know many will disagree with me, but after reading this book, I just don't understand what all the hype is about.

Its probably because I was first introduced to the Vampire-Human love story through the works of Joss Whedon. Having explored all of it before, I found myself reading Twilight expecting something new. I kept reading thinking its bound to get better, more exciting.

Honestly, if this book hadn't been a gift, I wouldn't have finished it. When I mentioned I was having trouble getting into it, the person who gave me the book recommended I read it from a teen girl perspective. That helped, but generally, I don't believe in dumbing down.

I did enjoy the author's writing style and vampire mythology, but the story line seemed so predictable. Again, maybe this is because of my Buffy/Angel corruption?

So go ahead and tell me how wrong I am about this book. It will take a lot of your convincing to get me to read the next one in the series.

FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal

http://www.fitday.com/
A really cool, user friendly online tool to use to track your nutrition goals! And its FREE!!

Have you stopped buying from China yet?

Hair Bands!!!! (PLEASE READ)

 

 

I thought you might find the following article from interesting: 

http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/hairband.asp

 

Be cautious of hair bands at open markets around the city too - they are probably from China since they are purchased in bulk very, very cheap !!!!   Take a good look before buying hair bands in future - specially like the following kind... .. These Hair bands were made from used condoms and threads. That was so disgusting, I would not want to use them!! .. .. r .. [IMAGE] ... BEIJING (AFP) - Used condoms are being recycled into hair bands in southern China threatening to spread sexually-transmittable diseases they were originally meant to prevent, state media reported Tuesday In the latest example of potentially harmful Chinese-made products, rubber hair bands have been found in local markets and beauty salons in Dongguan and Guangzhou cities in southern Guangdong province, China Daily newspaper said. 'These cheap and colorful rubber bands and hair ties sell well ..... threatening the health of local people,' it said. Despite being recycled, the hair bands could still contain bacteria and viruses, it said. 'People could be infected with AIDS, (genital) warts or other diseases if they hold the rubber bands or strings in their mouths while waving their hair into plaits or buns,' the paper quoted a local dermatologist who gave only his surname, Dong, as saying. A bag of ten of the recycled bands sells for just 25 sen (three cents), much cheaper than others on the market, accounting for their popularity, the paper said. A government official was quoted as saying recycling condoms was illegal.   China 's manufacturing industry has been repeatedly tarnished this year by a string of scandals involving shoddy or dangerous goods made for both domestic and foreign markets. In response, it launched a public relations blitz this summer aimed at playing up efforts to strengthen monitoring systems. _.___ Check your, or your kid's hair bands and make sure they do not put them in their mouth while trying to tie their hair.

 

Blind Melon Tour- CLOG!

It feels good to be home, but out there, in my alternate universe, I'm driving to Winnipeg, Canada for tomorrow's slice of Blind Melon. Oh, but the gas money has run out, and there's children to unschool here at home.

Friday we shared Melon... family style. We all drove to Lafayette, IN, where we discovered there is a Chick-Fil- A! The only other Chick-Fil-A we Yankees have been able to enjoy has been in the mall in Racine, Wi. Lafayette's Chick-Fil-A is sublime! They have all you can eat nuggets the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. Its a good thing we don't live there! Apparently, I'm fat enough according to Lafayette standards.

We stopped at a Wendy's to use the restroom. (We ate at Chick-Fil-A but doors to the Blind Melon show didn't open until 6:00pm.) While waiting for my family, I sat down with my bottle of water. Through my sunglasses, I noticed I was being stared at by an older woman sitting nearby. She put down her chili and approached me.

Placing her chili warmed hand on my arm, she asked, "Are you recovering from gastric bypass surgery?"

The horror on my face made her back pedal.

"Its just you are only drinking a bottle of water. That's a sign you've had gastric bypass surgery."

She quickly retreated, and I sat there not knowing whether to laugh or cry. I know I'm obese but is this a question a total stranger should ask another person? And why would I be sitting in a Wendy's torturing myself if I was recovering from gastric bypass??!

DH helped me see the humor in this, and I chose to laugh it off and enjoy our pending evening's activities. Lucky's bar is not family friendly but Nel Hoon, the mom of late lead singer Shannon Hoon, had requested this special vigil show be all ages so families could attend. We got right in and took pole positions at the rail. The boys were excited, and DH and I were buzzing as well, (not literally- we don't drink or take recreational substances. The music alone brings me to a happy place.)

The show did start late, as expected, and for the most part, it was incredible. DSalmost13 kept his best- I'm almost 13, too cool to smile face on, but DS9 was rocking out with us. That is until the drunk moron showed up.

He pushed my cub aside to try and steal his spot. My Mother lion came out and roaring in his face, I scared the moron away, but it still freaked out DS9 a little. He made it to the end of the show though.

Driving home through the star filled night, DS9 saw a UFO! Personally I thought it was a triangle shaped light on top of a cell phone tower, but DH & DS assure me, it was a UFO.

Saturday we left the boys in the care of my sister, and we headed to Mankato, Mn. Maybe I haven't said it enough, but I LOVE WISCONSIN! The fall colors were so romantic, and the bluffs in the LaCrosse area breathtaking.

Southern Minnesota I wasn't too impressed with. It looked too much like home, lots of soybeans and corn and windmills. The gas price in Owatana though was awesome! $3.29!! It's been $3.69-$3.99 by us.

We arrived in Mankato, picked up our tickets and even though I saw the tour bus, I refrained from crossing that line from devoted fan to OBSESSED, STALKING, FANATIC. Although I admit that line is a bit blurry to me.

Once again, our talent for being punctual paid off. We were stage front, this time no rail! Brad, CT and Travis were right in front of me. The downside was it was homecoming weekend in the college town of Mankato. The drunken frat boys with their drunk gal pal were directly behind us screaming stupid stuff like, "Is this a cover band?" "Where's Shannon?" "Old people suck!"

Technically, I'm the same age as 3 out of the 5 band members. Being older and wiser, I know it doesn't pay to get drunk at the bar, but to instead, stake out your concert space well before hand. Even after they started playing with my hair, (thankfully no scissors were involved), I didn't budge. Being fat and 40 does have its benefits.

We received much Melon love, lots of eye contact, hand shakes and high fives from band members! (Check out the photo of Travis' sweaty towel in my Blind Melon album! LOL)  I did see people taping. I'll be checking You Tube the next several days to see if we show up.

All aglow, DH & I enjoyed a 1:00am supper/breakfast of pancakes at Perkins after the show. We crashed at a hotel but not for long. DH was up at 5:30am saying he was ready to drive home. I was also missing the boys, so armed with pillow and blankies, we started for home in the dark early morning hours.

So here I am now, 4 states in 2 days, 2 incredible Blind Melon shows with ringing ear drums to prove it!! I'm kicking back tonight.

I think there's a show in Fort Wayne, Indiana in November. My Blind Melon withdrawal should be ripe again by then!

Only 3 more days!!!

Its hard to focus on anything else but our upcoming road trip. Maybe you don't realize how crazy DH and I are, but we are driving 5 hours to Lafayette, Indiana Friday to see a certain band. For the boys, it will be their first rock concert. I've assured them we won't try to be in the front, and we won't embarrass them too much. (They've seen us in many YouTube videos and they're nervous.) We'll be picking up ear plugs too.

Blind Melon is performing a special show to honor their late lead singer, Shannon Hoon. Shannon's mom holds a vigil every year on his birthday, and this is the first year the band will be performing. There is a chance certain songs may be performed which the band hasn't done in concert since Shannon's death almost 13 years ago. This will be a once in a lifetime type show. I've heard through the grapevine several families are bringing their children.

As if dragging our pre-teeners to a rock concert isn't crazy enough, after the show, we plan on driving back home, another 5 hours. I suppose we'll get to bed around 3 or 4 in the morning. Why don't we get a hotel room you ask? Because on Saturday night DH and I will be in Mankato, Minnesota!

The plan is to have my sister babysit. The boys weren't interested in two nights back to back, plus the Mankato show may not be all ages. We'll leave for Mankato around 10:00am, drive the 6 hours and then rock the night away. This time there is a Microtel in our future.

3 states within 24 hours! I'm sure we'll arrive back home Sunday, ready to drop, but it will all be worth it! You have to live each day like its your last, soaking up every delicious drop of juice you can!

Cupcakes!

DS9 decided he wanted cupcakes today. Since the kitchen depresses me these days, I told him he could make them on his own. I only helped with the oven. As you can see, he had a blast.

Pumpkin bars

During all the traveling we've been doing this past week, I've begun to see road side stands offering pumpkins for sale. It put me in the mood for pumpkin bars, a delicious recipe a friend shared with me last year. (If she's reading this, BTW, Happy Birthday!) We ate them all before I could take a photo!

Pumpkin Bars

2 C flour
2 t baking powder
2 t cinnamon
1 t baking soda
1 t salt

4 beaten eggs
1 can of pumpkin (about 15 ounces I think)
1 1/2 C sugar
1 C oil (Yikes! I know, but these are a treat. Maybe next time I'll try applesauce.)

Stir together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.

Whip the eggs, add the pumpkin, sugar and oil.

Mix the dry with the wet, beating until combined.

Spread the batter into a 15 x 10 x 1 pan, sprayed with non-stick spray.

Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes , Cool before frosting


Cream Cheese Frosting for above pumpkin bars

6 ounces of cream cheese
1 C of butter
2 t vanilla
4 C powdered sugar

Beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla until light and fluffy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Spread frosting over cooled pumpkin bars.

These bars should be stored in the refrigerator. They also freeze very well. 
  

Firsts...

1. Who was your FIRST prom date?  Skipped prom to see the Amnesty International Concert in Chicago, with future DH

2.  Do you still talk to your FIRST love?  Every day! And sometimes we do more than just talk!

3.  What was your FIRST alcoholic drink?  Probably a sip of my mother's wine

4.  Who was your FIRST kiss?  There's photographic evidence it was Michael, the boy next door. I think I was 3 or 4. He moved away before Kindergarten started.

5.  Who was the FIRST person to tell you they loved you? Russ from the Axel skating rink. I laughed and he "broke up" with me. How can you be in love in 7th grade?!!

6.  Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning? DH as he wrapped his arm around me.

7.  Who was your FIRST grade teacher?  OMG! I will never forget Ms. Kaveko!!! SHE SCARED ME TO DEATH because she threaten to beat us all the time. I'm not joking. (Hmm... could this be why home schooling appeals to me?) Years later I found out my mother's hairdresser, Gloria, hooked up with Ms. Kaveko's husband. Gloria left the hairdressing business to start the coffee company, Gloria Jean's.

8.  Whose heart did you break for the FIRST time?  I've never broken anyone's heart.

9.  Who was your FIRST best friend and are you still friends with them?  Lisa. We had a falling out in high school, but years later she emailed me and every once in awhile, she'll write me.

10.  What was your FIRST sport played? Does Big Wheel racing count? (I lettered in Badmiton in HS.)

11.  Where was your FIRST sleep over?  Lisa's. The first of many, including the night we foolishly watched The Exorcist.

12.  Who was the FIRST person you talked to today?  DH

13.  Whose wedding were you in for the FIRST time?  My sister Carrie's. I was a "Junior Bride" not old enough to be a bridesmaid, but too old to be a flower girl.

14.  What was the FIRST thing you did this morning? Snuggle with DH

15.  What was the FIRST concert you ever went to?  U2 circa 1986- I was Bono crazy even copying his mullet. I'll have to see if I can scan the photo someday for a good laugh.

16.  FIRST tattoo or piercing?  Mom took me to pierce my ears at age 11. I had the flu at the time but the earrings were on sale.

17.  FIRST foreign country you went to for vacation? I have a thing about planes. They crash. And now that I've seen Titanic, boats are out too. I guess I could always drive to Canada or Mexico?

18.  What was your FIRST run in with the law? 1986- "This ain't no lovers lane!"  DH & I were parking in the school parking lot. We weren't arrested but asked to leave.

19.  When was your FIRST detention?  In high school, the English teacher gave everyone in the class a detention, I can't remember why. All I know is another teacher bailed me out.

20.  What was the FIRST state you lived in? Land of Lincoln! Although he wasn't born there.

21.  Who was the FIRST person to break your heart? DH

22.  Who were your FIRST roommates?  Pyscho roommate from hell, Lindsay - She literally tried to kill me. I'm not lying.  My next roommate was bulimic. I gave up having roommates after that.

23.  Where did you go on your FIRST roller coaster ride?  Six Flags Great America, 5th grade, "The Whizzer". Isn't that a hilarous name for a roller coaster!!

24.  Who will be the FIRST to repost this? Go for it! 

Boob squish and funeral shopping

How's that for a title?

I'm in the mammogram club now. After turning 40 last month, my insurance would now pay for my first screening. Its wasn't bad at all. In fact, I'd rather have a mammogram than go to the dentist. My only complaint is with the engineer, (must have been a man), who designed the mammogram machine. Its not very ergonomic at all. Not that flattening your girls to pancakes is ergonomic, its just the corner of the cha cha plate is not rounded to fit your armpit. I felt more discomfort from the corner digging in to my armpit than I did from the smash. As for being topless, I felt more embarrassed about the no deodorant rule. They give you a poncho to wear, along with a robe, but you can't wear any deodorant or powders. They effect the scan.

DH reminded me we have nothing to wear to Grandma's funeral later this week. The boys live in t-shirts, & jeans. DH's work is casual dress. He hasn't worn a suit since our wedding and even then he wore shorts. (I'll have to scan our wedding photos, but that's another blog story.) DH suggested we all go out shopping for something to wear.

DH hates shopping only a little more than I do. I wasn't looking forward to this, but I knew it had to be done. Well, I think Grandma told God to shine down on us, because at the first store we stopped at, we scored. The place was deserted so we had the fitting rooms to ourselves. Almost everything was on clearance. We picked up 7 pairs of pants, 5 shirts, dress socks, and two pair of swim trunks, (not for the funeral), for $150. Now we don't have to worry about any family photos where everyone else is dressed up and we're wearing skater t-shirts.

Tonight, she's been called home...

We will miss her so dearly! Please pray for my MIL, my DH and our family as we mourn our loss.

Grandma, we look forward to the day we can feel your loving arms around us once again. Give Grandpa a big squeeze for us!

The Way Toys Work, The Science Behind The Magic 8 Ball, Etch A Sketch, Boomerang and More

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Books
Genre:	Science
Author:	Ed Sobey & Woody Sobey

This book caught my eye at the library today. We had it read practically before we arrived back home.

The authors explain not only the history of your favorite playthings, but they also dissect them, figuring out how they work. Some toys have recommendations on how to build your own versions or other experiments to try using your toys.

I don't know if I'll ever try to dissemble an Etch A Sketch, but I'm glad they did! It was interesting to see the inner working of one without getting messy.

They dissemble a Nintendo Entertainment System, which was very interesting, but again, I don't think we'll dissemble ours. I'm sure my boys would hate me if I couldn't get it back together and working again!

I do regret selling our Furby at last year's garage sale. Had I read this book previously, I would have taken him apart. I had no idea how much technology was inside of him!

Got your cheese?

Because I'm bringing on the whine! Feel free to skip this post today, but I just have to get it out so I can move on.

I'm a baby. I'm in pain, and I hate it. Its depressing and spiraling me even deeper. My carpal tunnel wrist is ridiculous. I'm doing what I can, trying to be careful but often I will forget its injured, and I will do something stupid like trying to remove the gallon of milk from the fridgy or I don't know.... hit a volleyball?

Yes, depressed as I was, I thought we should meet with our homeschool homies and play a little sand volleyball. I told myself I could use my right hand and do it one handed style. Wrong! Instinct took over and lefty wanted in on the act. OWIE! OWIE! OWIE!

This morning I was doing a simple, modified, morning Sun Salutation yoga move, and sudden I felt a pop and the muscles in my left shoulder spazzed out. The pain made my stomach curl, and I wanted to assume the fetal position. I quickly jumped into the shower, and the hot water helped a little bit. Its not spazzing right now, but I can't turn my head or take a deep breath without pain. Its crazy how the pain wraps around from the back of my shoulder to the front of my chest.

In another universe where I have money and no other obligations, I'm at the chiropractor right now being taken care of! Instead, I'm off to the grocery store with my coupon for Chips A Hoy!

Watch out for those unschoolers....

They will always end up surprising you.

When my eyelids decided to open, I could hear the sounds of activity already brewing in my nest. At first I thought I had over slept.

Did I miss my morning kiss from DH? No, he's getting ready in the bathroom.

What's that popping noise?

I stumble out into the living room and DS9 announces, "Did you know the tooth fairy doesn't come on Mondays? I have to wait until tonight, because today is 'toothsday'."

"Did you lose a tooth?" How did I miss that?

"Yup. I ate apples until it came out. It hurt a little bit, but not bad. It came out when you were at work."

More popping noise coming from the kitchen- I head that direction and DS12 announces he's made a gun.

"WHAT?!"

All of this before 7:30am? What time did they wake up?

DS12's gun was a toilet tissue roll and a balloon. He had cut the balloon and stretched it over the end of the tube. He'd load it with a penny, pull back on it and fire away. Pennies flew across the room, knocking down plastic cups.

"I wonder if this could break glass?" - DS12

Thank goodness I'm now awake!!

Good times.

My first home made tomato sauce

My neighbor blessed us with lots of fresh garden tomatoes, too many to eat in salads and sandwiches. I decided to try making fresh tomato sauce and I think it came out great! DH loved it too. Next time I don't know if I'll use the carrot because my boys thought it was a little on the orange side, but it actually came together quite easily.

My Home Made Tomato Sauce

First I made a Soffrito. I heated a tablespoon or two of olive oil and then added 1/2 diced onion, 1 diced carrot and 1 diced stalk of celery. I cooked the Soffrito for 15 minutes covered. I then added a few cloves of diced garlic, followed by about 2 pounds of fresh, peeled and seeded tomatoes. I seasoned with Italian seasons, Parmesan cheese, a little salt and pepper to taste. I cooked the sauce down for about 30 minutes, uncovered.

I decided to process, (blender), the sauce to make it smoother. I thought my boys would be more apt to give it a try if they couldn't identify pieces. After I processed it, it took on an orange color rather than red. I decided to add one small can of tomato paste and whalla! Perfecto! We like our sauce a little thick so it sticks well to the pasta.

One Word

YOU CAN ONLY TYPE ONE WORD!

Not as easy as you might think. Now copy or forward to at least 10 people.  Change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It's really hard to only use one word answers. Be sure to send back to the person you received it from!

1. Where is your cell phone?  backpack

2. Your significant other? funny

3. Your hair? messy

4. Your mother?  artist

5. Your father? caring

6. Your favorite thing?  love

7. Your dream last night?  rollover

9. Your dream/goal? health

10. The room you're in?  living

12. Your fear?  loss

13. Where were you last night?  home

14. What you're not?    thin

15. Muffins?  chip

16. One of your wish list items?  computer

17. Where you grew up? pink

18. The last thing you did?  phone

19. What are you wearing? Haiku

20. Your TV?  weather

21. Your pets? shedding

22. Your computer?   antique

23. Your life?   blooming

24. Your mood?   sore

25. Missing someone?   Sean

26. Your car?  terminal

27. Something you're not wearing? makeup

28. Favorite store?     book

29. Your summer?   rocked

30. Do you love someone?  Sean

31. Your favorite color?    indigo

32. When is the last time you laughed?  9:00pm

33. Last time you cried?    movie

34. Who will repost this?  YOU!

Four- Four- Four- Four

(I got this from my wonderful MIL.)

Four Places I go to over and over:  Piggly Wiggly, my kitchen, the library and Blind Melon concerts!

Four people who e-mail me regularly: DH, MIL, SIL, and the penis enlarger people I keep telling them I don't have one!

Four of my favorite places to eat: The Hilltop in Steven's Point, Mi Cocina in Madison, The Pizza Oven in Monona, Rock'n Rollz in Evansville, I mean "Heavensville." 

Four Places I would rather be right now: my husband's arms, a Blind Melon show, in the woods, a Japanese garden

Four TV shows I watch: This past week its been Project Runway, America's Top Model, 90210, & Good Morning America.

Project Runway I've been a long standing fan. Heidi is so mean isn't she?!

ANTM I watched out of curiosity because this cycle there is a transsexual. She's not that bad, but I'm rooting for the French, home schooled girl. Tyra makes this show almost unbearable to watch though.

90210 I watched with DH. He's more the fan than I am. This new version is really bad!!! The story lines are not well thought out.

GMA I watch because I like Robin & Diane better than the other morning news people.

Four people I hope will copy this meme to their blog: Everyone, but I can't wait to read Jake & Carly's! Thanks for playing!

Hola! Como estas?

Both DS12 & I have been having fun with My Spanish Coach for the Nintendo DS. I bought it on Amazon when I ordered My Japanese Coach for DS12. He wants to learn to speak and write in Japanese and this video game may help him accomplish this desire.

For some reason the day I pre-ordered the Japanese Coach game,  the Spanish version was only $14.99 so I couldn't pass it up. I know this is how Amazon gets you!

I was surprised at how much Spanish I could remember. I tested out as a "toddler" and after playing for 30 minutes or so, I graduated to "preschooler." My favorite game so far is playing hit the gopher. It's like Whack A Mole only you hit the gophers displaying the correct Spanish words.

I did become obsessed with getting my accent correct. There is a feature where you speak into the DS and it records you to compare to how a native speaker would pronounce the word. Its very cool!

Last night I wrapped up my wrist and broke down, taking Advil. It didn't take any of the pain away but the wrap did keep me from accidentally moving or using my wrist.  I couldn't believe how bad it had gotten, but I guess that's the job of nerves. To tell your brain it hurts!  It feels a little better today. I now totally sympathize with those who suffer from carpal tunnel. Pinched nerves really hurt and stop you from doing even the most basic of tasks.

Today is a day I'm glad I live in Wisconsin. Yesterday it was in the 90's and very humid. Over night, the cold front moved in! Its breezy, and 68! I put on jeans! It feels so good!

I'm off to check on my tomato lunch. I love to sprinkle them with herbs and Parmesan cheese and them broil them up.

Adios!

Our not back to school day....

I asked the boys if they wanted to celebrate our not back to school day. (Public school in Wisconsin always starts the first day after Labor Day so the resorts don't lose their work force and the tourist dollars can keep rolling in.) DS12 didn't see why we needed to celebrate, but DS9 liked my idea of waving to the friends as the school bus drove by. Unfortunately, they were both asleep when it rolled past our house.

They decided to build this Lego set together. It was a long lost set from last Christmas they never had gotten around to building. Later today I think we're going to watch movies. Its suppose to be in the 90's, too hot for me.

I'm icing up my wrist today. I never realized carpal tunnel was this painful! I think its carpal tunnel. I'll see my doctor later this week, and I'll ask her. I'm suppose to go into work and put up bulletin boards, but I'm in so much pain just trying to twist off the cap on my lip balm!

My blog looked screwed up, so I downloaded the Firefox upgrade. Now it looks better, but the upgrade won't support the Multiply toolbar. I miss it terribly, feeling like I'm missing out on all your updated pages. I'm trying to keep up, but I'm still suffering from the "who moved my cheese" syndrome. 

Bristol Ren Faire

Rating:	★
Category:	Other

Maybe I'm just not a Renaissance girl. Was it customary to be rude during that time period?

We had free tickets to the Bristol Renaissance Faire. Still sporting our post Blind Melon concert buzz, we grabbed MIL and headed to our first Ren fair experience. I figured there would be people in period dress, some paid, some not. What I hadn't realized is these people try to engage you in conversation whether you want to or not.

While waiting for my family to look again at yet, another 5th maybe 6th wooden sword vendor, my eye caught a pirate costumed whip artist in action. Just as I was thinking, this was an accident waiting to happen, this different dude walks up to me and gets in my face, "Are you all right?" I guess he had been calling to me, but since I don't really speak Shakespearian, I had no idea he was talking to me. He gave me a hard time for not role playing with him. Mind you I was not in costume! That should have been his first clue I wouldn't play along.

I found as we walked around, more players had to comment on our appearance. For some reason, I was the one they picked on the most.

It seemed like every 15 yards there was yet another wooden sword shop, a shoe shop or a jewelry store. Pity the shinies weren't that interesting or affordable. The prices shocked me. I've been to art fairs and seen better quality for less money.

We came across one show where "Christophe the Insulter" was demonstrating his talent. He picked on a 16 year old boy, celebrating his birthday at the fair. We quickly had to move to another oddity because Christophe began teasing the 16 year old boy about masturbation. Now I'm not a prude, but why is it ok for a grown man to tease a 16 year old minor about his anatomy? Would he have done this if it was a 16 year old girl? Why is this not sexual harassment, worsened by the fact the boy is a minor and he's teasing him in public? I didn't realize Ren fair's weren't always family friendly.

The food wasn't exactly true to the time period. Curly fries anyone? Miller Light? I was expecting ale or Meade.

I was disappointed the games were expensive. You had to pay a few bucks to even allow your children to play with foam swords. Or how about paying $3 in order to sit on a log and pillow fight? I could do this at home for free.

Thankfully, our tickets were free, we made the hike from the free parking lot and we chose to eat elsewhere. I felt sorry for the people who were paying $18 a ticket to enter. Your $18 only bought you insults. I didn't see this photo until I got home. It cracks me up because the looks on my boys' faces says it all!

I interupt your weekend to tell you, MILWAUKEE ROCKED!!!

First of all- Thank You MIL for the late notice babysitting!

Second- Thank you Blind Melon Crew for the set lists! Dave, Patrick- once again you are my heroes of the evening!

Harley Davidson organizers- Thank you for the free street show, however, your barricade kept me too far from the stage. Were you thinking rowdy, drunken bikers would get out of hand? The 5 foot security space between the crowd and the stage was not really necessary. They all stayed back by the beer, while crazy Melon heads like me tried to stretch that gap.

Thank you Whole Foods for the awesome ladies' room with flushing toilets just steps away! This Blind Melon Princess doesn't do Port A Johns. 

Thank you North Avenue neighborhood for the free parking one block away!

Most of all, THANK YOU Travis, Brad, CT, Glen and Rogers for a most awesome show! As you could see, (and soon everyone on Youtube,) I rocked it. My neck has the whiplash to prove it. I know I frightened the new BM fans around me, who probably thought I was under the influence, but I assure you the only intoxicating substance that night I was under the influence of, was your music! Thanks for the autographs and the photos. I'll do my best to see you boys again in perhaps Lafayette and/or Mankato before September's end.

Decisions

I've decided I still haven't decided. Lack of excitement about any of the players in the arena has left me pondering what I'll do come November. I'm not a party girl, in this Barbie world.

As I was riding in to my appointment this morning, I was listening to "Make A Difference" by, yes, of course, Blind Melon. It came to me, why am I asking someone to step up and make changes rather than making those changes myself?

Its not that I think I should be president, although the thought of writing in my name on the ballot surfaced. I just realized that I shouldn't complain about feeling so powerless in this election process, and so hopeless about the prospect of our nation turning things around.

I will embrace my right to vote, but I will also recognize doing so does not mean I should expect my candidate to make the world a better place for all. We really need to make a difference ourselves and to quote the best band in the world;

"There's a few people spinning gold
Some just try to save their soul
But I wonder what to do
Money bills and secret guns
I know I can't help everyone
But I can take on one or two
That's what I'll do"

So, I pledge to try to make a difference in the lives of people within my reach. I can take on one or two.

Making meat...

"Mom, I want to cook meat."

"What kind?"

"I want to cook steak."

"How about trying hamburger first?

"Ok."

"How do you want to cook it? On a grill, open fire?"

"The stove is fine."

So off to the store I went to buy a pound of hamburger. This was my responsibility as an unschooling mom. I pushed back the thoughts of how just a few years ago, DS12 ate vegetarian with me.

I brought the meat home, and he did the rest. He shared his lunch accomplishment with his brother.  They both said the burgers were excellent.

I think I'll ask Jake if he wants to start making supper for the family on some nights.

Will I turn blue?

Feeling sorry for myself, I stopped at Copps food store on my way to work. I bought a pint of blueberries and a pint of grape tomatoes. I ate the entire pint of tomatoes while at work, and this morning I polished off the blueberries. If I had the money, I'd buy as many pints as you see in this photo and I'd eat them all!

Maybe its because my body is really trying not to get sick? Pigging out on produce is better than chocolate chips right?

I do feel better this morning, but is the rhino just waiting for the right moment to strike me down?

Random Tuesday stuff....

I over came my fear of spiders years ago, because my boys were fasinated by them. I found this girl with her huge orb web between our van and car one day. It was windy and a little tricky to get her photo, but aren't her markings remarkable? We seem to have a lot of larger sized spiders hanging around these days. I think they are well fed on the surge of grasshoppers we have.

We get hoppers every year but this year there seems to be more of them. Yumi got out the other day and she was having a blast hunting them down. She left us a big juicy one on the doorstep. Ewww!!!

As much as we try to keep Yumi indoors, she always tries to get out every chance she gets. I should get her micro chipped and get her a no choke collar, but I'd still worry she'd get run over by a car or attacked by another animal. I don't want her to kill birds or ground squirrels either.

Speaking of squirrels, I saw a bushy tailed tree squirrel for the first time in our yard. Our neighborhood never had large enough trees to attract them, but perhaps 6 years later, the trees have gotten tall enough now?

Its been so perfect to be outside in Wisconsin these days. It doesn't get much hotter than the upper 70's and at night its nice and cool, in the 50's!

Last night we took the garbage and recyclables out as a family, and it was dark out already. We started goofing off, playing zombie chase! It all started when DS12 asked if he could run a circle around the house in the dark. I couldn't resist and after he took off, I ran the other way to scare him in the dark!

We all started chasing each other and pretended to be modern day zombies, the type that actually run fast, unlike the original Night Of The Living Dead variety. We had a zombie contest and decided that I make the best scary zombie because of how my long hair blows in the wind. DS9 was the next best scary zombie because he could mess up his face and wave his arms really good. DS12 & DH just didn't have it. We kept cracking up every time they tried to look scary!

Of course now this morning, my throat is sore. I think I may be getting the cold that has been hanging around my house though. I've been drinking Emergen-C and eating garlic. This happened to me last time I had plans to see Blind Melon remember! I can't get sick!!

I'm trying to figure out what to make for lunch. The Posse Rats are here and I'm thinking of throwing in a few frozen pizzas to get them out of my freezer. Its the last week for the Posse Rats. School starts next Tuesday.

DS12 actually told me he is anxious for school to start so he'll have time to himself again to do his stuff! Right now I think he caves to peer pressure and choses to hang with the gang more often than he'd like. I'm looking forward to having my kids to myself again, along with the library emptying out and the parks to ourselves again. I love back to school time only for much different reasons than most!

I'm off to dig in the freezer. I hope this posts. My computer seems flaky.

Feathering my nest....

My back is still bothering me but thankfully, DH was feeling strong. We had a very productive weekend. I convinced him to give up on the Yumi's pee couch and we moved it to the garage. Of course, this meant first we had to clean up the garage enough to be able to move the couch in there!

When we moved the couch out into the sunlight, I knew we had made the right decision. We bought that couch in 1993. I hadn't realized how dirty it was, even before Yumi peed on it. We saw the original color of the couch when we removed the cushions. The couch will sit for now, in the garage until we can figure out the best way to send it to a better place.

We rearranged the living room furniture and now there is a much better flow. The space has opened up and there's still enough seating for everyone. I've decided to buy a waterproof futon mattress protector and a new futon cover. This way, if Yumi decides to pee on it, I can more easily wash the covers than have to worry about trying to wash a giant absorbent cushion.

I'm hoping she won't pee on it though. We did change back to the Feline Pine litter, despite how our vet feels about it. I don't think Yumi really liked the S'wheat Scoop. I admit it did hurt my feet when I stepped on it. Maybe Yumi and I are princesses, but those little wheat husks are sharp. (Of course Yumi and I are princesses!)  The Scoopable Feline Pine is soft, like sawdust. So far Yumi isn't puking so I really think it was the food she was eating with corn in it that made her sick months ago. She now eats grain free, "Taste Of The Wild".

We couldn't afford the $300 to have our Blind Melon tour poster matted and framed at Michaels. Instead I bought a $19.99 frame at Joann's and I think it works just fine. DH says we'll try to buy another $10 poster and keep that one in an archival tube. Maybe this time, we'll have the band autograph it as well as Nel hoon, the artist. If she thinks that's ok.

Can you spot Nel's signature in the poster? Nel is the mom of the original Blind Melon singer, Shannon Hoon. His favorite necklace was drawn into the piece. I really like it because not only is it a great reminder of our Blind Melon shows this year, its got a beautiful nature motif. I want to bring my love of nature into my home, so I feel like I'm living outdoors, only with central air and heating and mosquito free!