WINDY AND RAIN

The rain started here, down the shore, Sunday afternoon about 11..... And it hasn't stopped yet!!! Constant downpour. It's sooooo soothing....

I left Jamie's early enough that all I had was light rain and drizzle and fog on the ride home. And talking about fog!!! There is something really spooky about riding down a looooong deserted highway thro the pine barrens, with fog!

For you who don't know, the Jersey Pine Barrens are ledgend! The Jersey Devil is supposed to live there. Route 70 is a long, empty highway the runs thro the barrens. Yesterday coming home from visiting Jaime and the kids, it seems I was the ONLY person on the road. It was foggy, rainy, and totally spooky!!!! I kept checking the sides of the road....... No, not for the Jersey devil (well, maybe a little..Giggle) but more for Deer. I was afraid they would cross the road in the fog and I would mush up my car on one of them.

But back to rain. Now that I live here I have no fear of the rain. But I feel sorry for all those folks living in my old house's because for them it means leaking, flooding basements, mold, mildew, sump pumps... And so on. It's so nice to live in a double wide trailer. NO BASEMENT!!!! NO FLOODING, NO MOPPING!!! AHHHHHHHHHHH Sweet relief from moisture.

So now I actually enjoy the rain!! I can sit, all cuddled up with a book, and hear the pattering of the drops, and the whoosh of the wind, and know that I don't have to worry about water. SWEET!!!!!!

But, the wind picked up sometime last night, and at 4:50 am I was woken up by the sound of someone's plastic garbage can making a trip down the road pursued by the wind. GIGGLE HOPE IT'S NOT MINE! Do I care???? Not a bit. You see, whenever it's windy out here, my yard collects about 5 garbage cans!!! Mine don't move, because I have them wedged behind the back porch.... So the wind can blow away, and mine just stay in place. WHY DON'T OTHERS DO THE SAME THING!!!! Who knows why! But my house is at the end of a long road, so everyone's can winds up in my yard!!!!

And to top it off, after the storm I'll place all the extra cans down at the road....This way I figure whoever lost theirs will see them, and come get them...But you know..... It doesn't happen!!! Most of the time they will sit there for weeks!!!! I actually kept one of them, since no one claimed it in two weeks!!!!!

But here it is, waaaaaay too early, and I'm wide awake. There's something about a garbage can slamming down the road, that wakes me up, and keeps me awake. Sounds like someone is trying to break into the house! And it's so fucking quiet where I live, that any weird sound is totally out of place!

Sometimes I wonder where all the people are???? Quiet, quiet, quiet. But, that's cool though. After the yapping, barking, asshole dog by my last house, quiet is WONDERFUL.

But it is STORMING out there. The wind is wild, the rain is pelting down hard, and I'm sitting here writing instead of sleeping...But it's all cool. Without a basement to worry about, let it rain!!!!!

And hay, I figure, concidering it's November, rain is better then snow!!!!!!! And I know that's on the way, but not today!!! GIGGLE

YOUR AGE BY CHOCOLATE

Don't tell me your age; you probably would


tell a falsehood anyway.

But, the Hershey Man will know!

YOUR AGE BY
Chocolate
MATH
This is pretty wild!


DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST!

It takes less than a minute so work this out as you read. Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out!

This is not one of those waste of time things, it's fun.

1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to have chocolate
(more than once but less than 10)














2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold)











3. Add 5









4. Multiply it by 50 -- I'll wait while you get the calculator






5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1756 ......
If you haven't, add 1755.









6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.




You should have a three digit number




The first digit of this was your original number
(i..e., how many times you want to have chocolate each week).



The next two numbers are

YOUR AGE! (Oh YES, it is!!!!!)

To Iron or not to iron

I IRONED SOMETHING TODAY!!!!!!! LOL I can tell you like.....So what? But you have to know, I haven't picked up an iron in about 25 years. I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW I HAD ONE!!! And it probably wasn't mine. I used to have a roommate, and it was probably his....Because let me tell you.... It wasn't mine.

How do I do it, well, I check everything before I buy it for wrinkling. I grab a handfuls of the material and squeeeeeeeeeze it..... Really hard! If there is one wrinkle, I just don't buy it. And if something became wrinkled.... I just wet it down and pop it back in the dryer for a few minutes. I also always take my clothing right out of the dryer, and fold or hang it..... I don't let anything sit and wrinkle

See, my Mom was an ironing freak!!!!! She ironed sheets, and underwear!!!!! Yeh, underwear!!!!! Can you imagine that??? AND GUESS WHO DID MOST OF THE IRONING???? You got it me....... So when I grew up, I refused to buy an iron. My hubby took his stuff to the cleaners, and the kids stuff went thu the wrinkle test before I bought them.

But I had found some curtains I had stored away, and they had wrinkled. Now, usually, I would put them in the dryer after dampening...But these had major bead work on they..... So the dryer would have ruined them..... So I used an iron.

Kind of proud of myself. GIGGLE

WINTER POEM

" WINTER "
a poem by Abigail Elizabeth McIntyre







" SHIT IT'S COLD!!!!!!! "

To shed or not to shed...That's a question?

Oh, yawn, today I'm going to hit the shed. It's time to clean it out. I've been waiting for cooler weather, since you get so hot and sweaty pulling junk out of the shed and re-doing it. (at least that's my excuse, and I'm sticking too it...So there!)

I wouldn't even think of it, if it wasn't for the fact the glass windows for my screen doors are out there somewhere.

And with the chilly weather moving in, I have to take out the screens, and put the glass back. The shore area gets really windy in the winter, and leaving just the screens on, brings all kinds of drafts into the house!!!

I'm hoping to find the windows in the front of the shed, but who's fooling who? You know they are going to be allllllll the way in baaaack of the shed. LOL

That's ok, it does need a little re-arranging. And a good cleaning. Besides there's a few things out there that I want to dump on my daughter, so I have to go look for them. SIGH I really don't want to!!!!!!! I HATE CLEANING OUT THE SHED!!!!

Not that it's terribly messy, I try to keep it in order during the year, I like to know I have lots of storage space if I need it. And I never noticed spiders or anything out there...... The shore area doesn't have many spider I've noticed. Unlike PA!!!! Goddess the spiders are huge there!!!! I'm so glad I'm back in NJ.

Well, It's almost 9am (I wait till at least then, but I won't start working till 10am, I don't want to make noise and wake the neighbors..... I'm a good neighbor like that. I know people are sleeping in on Saturday mornings), unlike me...Who gets up at 5:30am no matter what day it is!

I get so impatient some days. My day starts early, why shouldn't others start that early too?

I hate waiting till 9 or 10 for stores to open!!!! By then I'm ready for lunch!!!! LOL But, sleeping late isn't an option. If I don't wake up by myself at the time (witch is usual) at exactly 5:30 my cat, Merlin the miserable, will start scratching at the door and wake me. Sometime I can just yell at him, and then go back to sleep, but most times I'm already up and moving.

Goddess!!!! MY WEEKENDS ARE BORING!!!! Cleaning house, doing yard work, damn, I need a life....Or at least more friends. LOL

Well I'm gonna have another cup of coffee, I'll need that extra boost to get the job done, then I'm out side, moving shit in and out of the shed, till it's nice and neat for the winter. Of course, I'm going to look for those damn Christmas decorations.... Need to move them too the front of the shed so I can reach them in the colder weather. I'll move all the Christmas lights, and outlets and extention cords to the front also, so that after thanksgiving they will be ready, and I can hang my decorations with out hunting around the shed for them!!!!

I know my Mother is taking over my brain today! CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN!!! But, some days I'm pretty glad she instilled that CLEAN gene in me. She was right in thinking that everything should have it's place.

But, since most of the time my brain FORGETS where that place is..... Only a small part of her teaching has survived. GIGGLE

What to do with your poor pumpkin?

Halloween's over, and your poor pumpkin is going to be rotting soon.....But never fear, there is something you can do with it..... A yummy thing!

Cut up that poor baby, and then peel the rind off the chunks. (easier to peal the rind when it's cut up in chunk's!) Now place in a large pot, and cover with water, add some salt, and cook till tender. When the fork goes into the chuck with no resistance, it's done.

If you have a food processor, you can add a bit of water and grind away till it's SMOOTH. But if you don't have one, add the pumpkin, little by little, with a tiny bit of water into your blender. Blend till smooth, pour in bowl, and then repeat, till all the pumpkin is smooth and blended.

Now you have choices. Put the pureed pumpkin in a saucepan, and you can add:

Chicken stock, or
vegetable stock

Don't add Beef stock, the flavor will be totally off.

then add any or all of the following, to your taste:

chopped onions
mushrooms
carrots
celery
hot pepper flakes
southwest seasoning
salt and pepper

and simmer for about a 1/2 hour to blend the flavors.

Then add some half and half or heavy cream...... Just as much or as little as you want, and continue simmering for another 15 minutes

DONE!!! Pour into bowl, and eat!!!! You can add a dollop of sour cream on the top.

HOT PUMPKIN SOUP. Not only yummy (trust me on this guys, I know your saying yuckkkkkkk, but you have to try it!) but full of vitamins and stuff for your good health!!!!!

Ditty by my Daughter

Late at night, the moon above..the leaves are dancing with your heart,
the creapy creaping feeling slows as you approach that closet door...hold your breadth,
don't close your eyes, or the creature within will give you a great big surprise. Shhh now don't say a word, just back away from that closet door. The monster feeds late at night..what ever your do..keep on your lights.
Jamie Neiva

Tasty Human Heart

Did you ever just want to reach in, and pull out someone heart and eat it!!!!! Aggggggghhhhhh I know it sounds gross, but yesterday I sat staring at this thin preppie boy toy, and thought about doing it!!!!

I need new glasses, it's been like 4 years since my last trip to the eye doctor, and I had noticed changes..... My eyesight actually seemed to be getting better!!!! (by the way, they did get better! Who knew!) Could that be???? Well, they say we get better with age, but I didn't expect it to mean our eyes! So off I went to pearl vision.

Got there at 9 am, eye exam took 15 minutes. The rest of the time 2 1/2 hours was spent ARGUING with that preppie JERK!!!

Now here's the thing. I wear bi-focals. The reading part of my glasses are not magnifying....It's almost regular glass with a tiny prescription. I can read just fine without glasses, but they do sharpen it a tad, and make reading (something I do almost constantly!) easier, and less eye strain.

But the problem is with the computer. When I work on the computer I have to keep my head tilted back to see out of the bottom of the glasses........ That means I constantly have a stiff neck, and face. The face part is because I lean on my face using my finger to lift the glasses, so that the reading part is at a level that I can see the computer.

YES I KNOW....GET A HIGHER CHAIR. But I DON'T WANT TOO!!! I really love my comphy soft chair, and it doesn't adjust, besides being a regular chair, and not one of those rolling, skinny computer chairs........

So my idea.... GET TWO PAIRS OF GLASSES. See the logic. One for driving, and one separate pair for reading...Instead of the pain in the ass bi-focals. Makes total sense doesn't it? A little inconvenient changing glasses, but to stop my neck and head aching....Well worth it!

But the preppie idiot didn't see it!!!!! Insisted on trying to talk me into these new bi-focals...... Progressive (now I've had progressive glasses, had to change them after 3 months when I kept getting sea sick from them, seems a lot of people cant adjust to them, and I'm one of them)

You see, I'm not a wimp. When I know what I want, I WANT IT! I'm not asking ANYONE'S opinion. This is what I want, now BUG OFF!!!! But he wouldn't bug off, keep typing my order....... Real slow......So he could keep taking.

But I managed to stay pleasant (amazing feat for me, let me tell you!) and kept to my guns, a GOT WHAT I WANTED!!!! But it took 2 1/2 hours!!!!!!! All this time I'm picturing putting my fist thru his chest and pulling out his still beating heart and EATING IT!!!

There is a point where being a good sales rep is STUPID!!!! I bought 2 PAIRS OF GLASSES...... Instead of the ONE PAIR he wanted me to get..... I spent MORE MONEY!!!! GET IT, MORE MONEY TO GET WHAT I WANTED. So why was he fighting me so much?????? Who the fuck knows.

I think those young punks sometimes think they have to lead us "OLD LADIES" because we so old and helpless, and confused.....BOY, DID HE PICK THE WRONG OLD LADY!!!!!!!

But as a side note, I woke up this morning with NO STIFF NECK!!! For the first time in years, I didn't strain my neck and head to see the computer!!! I can sit comfortably, and see the whole computer with my reading glasses, no need to tilt my head, or use my hands to hold the glasses up! So, in retrospect, It was well worth it, the thinking of killing part, to get what I want, and give my neck and face a rest!!!!! Yipppiiieeeeeee.

Oh, and BOTH my glasses are now TINTED! I'm dysletic,(know this is spelled wrong) and Studies show that reading is easer with a light tint (brown) on your glasses. I used to have them tinted all the time, but the last few years I had clear, and really noticed a BAD difference.

Reading was harder, my eye strain was much, much more, after reading for a while and I looked up...Everything was blurred, and it took a while to get my sight clear again (I used to wear sunglasses while reading to stop this)....... So I went back to tinted. And I've already noticed that I can read much easier, and my eyes feel totally relaxed!!!! Not quite a fashion statement, but I read lots more then I go out to party's, so the tinting stays! (He didn't argue about the tinting...just the seperate glasses.....the guy was a total nerd!!!!!!)

Being SPOOKED!!!!!

I swear, I've been as jumpy as a "drop of cold water on a hot skillet", to use an old saying. I have no idea why??!!!!

It's freaking me out!!!!!!. A few nights ago I went to go to bed, and saw that my curtain in the bedroom window was "mussed" Granted, I knew the window was open, and it WAS windy....But it still spooked me. I had to check the screen, and then check the closets, and the bathtub (shower curtains can hide all kinds of monsters, both human and the other kind!!!!) Finally I went to sleep, clutching a switchblade knife, just in case. SIGH PATHETIC.

Then just a few minutes ago, I was sitting watching TV when I felt a cold drop of water on my NECK!!!!!! I checked the ceiling.... Maybe a leak... Nope....Checked the window...Closed and locked. (now the hearts beating pretty hard!) checked my head.... And there's a wet spot. Now I'm afraid to look at my hand!!!! What if it's not water, but blood leaking from somewhere..... Not from me... Of course, but like from the ceiling. OK, SPOOKED AGAIN. Took me 5 minutes to remember I just chucked a bag in the garbage outside, and it's raining!!! DUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHH

Just being spooked for some strange reason, and I don't know why. Usually I can figure out where my fear is coming from....But this time, I have no idea!!!!!

I'm not watching scary movies, or reading scary books..... So why????????

I'm going to take a benadryll and try to get some sleep. I hate being spooked! :(

CANDY, CANDY, CANDY

Aries Candy (March 21 to April 19)
Fire signs like Aries enjoy candy with a kick, which is why you'll often see Rams reaching for a box of Red Hots. When this sign gets a chocolate craving, they'll usually reach for a bag of M&M's, since it's the only candy that can withstand the heat they're always generating. Of course, a bag of Pop Rocks is always a good choice for Aries, who simply explodes with energy.

Taurus Candy (April 20 to May 20)
Taurus likes candy that will last and last. Maybe that's why Gobstoppers are such a big hit with this crowd. Bulls also enjoy gnawing their way through a Mary Jane or two. When it comes to getting a chocolate fix, Goldenberg Peanut Chews are often the candy of choice, as they can't be gulped all at once.

Gemini Candy (May 21 to June 20)
If there's anything Gemini can't resist, it's getting two candies for the price of one. Perhaps this explains their fondness for Charms Blow Pops. If this sign yearns for a bit of chocolate, they'll usually reach for a Twix. As for hard candy, is it any wonder that these intellectual giants love Smarties?

Cancer Candy (June 21 to July 22)
Sentimental Cancer enjoys old-fashioned candy that reminds them of yesteryear. Lifesavers may conjure memories of a favorite grandparent who doled out these treats when Mom's back was turned. Crabs also have a soft spot for Baby Ruths, since they have a fondness for children. And Twizzlers probably appeal to the Moon Child's twisted sense of humor!

Leo Candy (July 23 to Aug. 22)
Is it any wonder that the most playful sign of the zodiac has a special affinity for Fun Dip? Leos also enjoy Starburst candy, since it reminds them of their own celestial radiance. When a Lion hankers for chocolate, a Kit Kat will evoke purrs of delight. It's important to note that although this sign is usually known for their generosity, this sign could let out a roar of rage if you raid their candy stash.

Virgo Candy (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)
Health-oriented Virgo isn't above shopping in the candy aisle. For those times when the Virgin is taking a purist stance toward their body, a box of Raisinettes can appease their guilty conscience. Because this sign is associated with the harvest, candy corn could have a tremendous appeal. If you really want to see this sign smile, though, just pass them a bag of sour apple Jolly Ranchers. Their bright green color evokes springtime for this nature-lover.


Libra Candy (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)
Libras have a strong sense of aesthetics, which is probably why they love Jordan Almonds, whose pretty pastels are a delight to behold. People who are born under the sign of the Scales are also hopeless romantics, so it's no wonder they enjoy SweeTarts. When it comes to chocolate, a box of Junior Mints is always welcome, since they make kissing even more delicious.

Scorpio Candy (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)
Scorpio is a fan of all that's dark and shadowy, so it's not surprising that these folks stock up on candy cigarettes. They are essential props for their film noir fantasies. This sign is also a big fan of the color black, which gives them a natural love of licorice. As far as chocolate is concerned, "the darker, the better" is Scorpio's motto. Hershey's Special Dark Bars are usually rich enough to fit the bill.

Sagittarius Candy (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)
Sagittarius isn't the most materialistic sign in the world, but there are some things that these folks do collect. One of them is Pez dispensers. (These justice-lovers have a special fondness for the ones depicting superheroes.) Archers always dream of visiting distant lands, which is probably why they enjoy Mounds bars … nothing evokes swaying palm trees than that delicious coconut taste! Naturally, these jokesters adore Chuckles, too.

Capricorn Candy (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19)
Status-oriented Capricorn likes candy that evokes images of abundance. That's why you'll often find this sign munching a 100 Grand Bar. Boxes of Good & Plenty also win favor with the Goat. Don't let these work horses fool you, though -- they may espouse the virtues of labor, but all Capricorn really wants is a Sugar Daddy.

Aquarius Candy (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)
Water-bearers are often drawn to containers built to transport liquid, hence their fondness for those freaky wax bottles filled with syrup. When it comes to chocolate, Aquarius will invariably reach for a box of Whoppers. Describing the taste of malted milk is always a challenge for this analytical sign. Hard-to-find candy like Necco Wafers also gives this sign a kick, since they like things that are off the beaten path.

Pisces Candy (Feb. 19 to March 20)
Is it any surprise that most Pisces have an affinity for Swedish Fish? When this sign isn't munching these chewy treats, they're often sporting a pair of Wax Lips. (Pisces never outgrows their love of dress-up.) As far as chocolate is concerned, Rolo is a favorite choice, since its liquid caramel center makes a big splash with this water sign.

About the Author
Stephanie Dempsey is an accomplished author, feng shui practitioner and astrologer. She has contributed to several New Age titles, including 'Your Birthday Sign Through Time: A Chronicle of the Forces That Shape Your Destiny' and the upcoming 'Love Signs and You: The Ultimate Astrological Guide to Love, Sex, and Relationships.' She holds a degree in feng shui from the Mountain Institute of Tribeca in New York City.