Throwback Thursday: 1972

I ran across this picture of me and my oldest son Eric, when he was 6 months old.  This was my "hippy" stage: hence, the wire-frame glasses, the straight hair with the center part.


About this time, Eric, his Dad, and I lived in a tent for six weeks at the Stafford Springs Campground in Connecticut, while his Dad finished up his Master's Degree in summer school at Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Imagine it:  two adults and a six-month old baby living in a tent.  His father and I had never been camping before in our lives;  it was the most economical way for my ex to finish his degree.  We owned a home in Maine, but had only one car.  We couldn't afford to rent an apartment and make payments on our home, too; and I didn't want to stay in Maine by myself with a baby and no wheels.  We had no close friends or relatives nearby, as we had moved to Maine less than a year prior.

In the end, I loved camping--my ex hated it.  Eric and I got tan playing in the lake mornings, and I read several books in the afternoons while Eric napped.  We had no TV, and of course back then personal computers were practically non-existant.  Half-way through the six weeks, we left the tent and stayed in a hotel for a weekend.  We gloried in the comfort of a real bed for a couple of nights, instead of sleeping on the ground in sleeping bags, and I was able to take a bubble bath, instead of a quick shower in the campsite bath facilities.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, the first night that we actually had the tent erected and moved in, the rain started, and it rained for ten straight days!  We had to dig a trench around the tent so the water wouldn't go under it and make it squishy.  (This could have contributed to my ex's extreme distaste for camping!) 

 My spirits were not dampened however; I went on to camp in that tent many more times over the years with my sons, although their dad never did sleep in the tent again!

Auld Lang Syne

The end of the year
Is once again here.
Where, oh where, did the time go?

2009 went by
In the blink of an eye.
Here comes the 2010 show!

This is way too soon

I fear I may swoon;
No way can I keep up this pace!

I need time to prepare:

To redo my hair,

To primp, and powder my face!

Once a good looking broad

With a pretty hot bod--

Now the only thing broad is my ass!

My youth, though well spent,

Has now up and went.

I try to bear my age with class.

With each passing decade

The memories do fade;

Soon my whole life will blur.

Might as well enjoy now,

For we have no idea how

Much longer we are here for!

 an original poem by Eva Gallant       

2009 in Review

Well, we're almost at the end of another year.  It's been full of milestones for me.  I retired.  I started blogging., and as a result,  I've encountered a whole new group of friends in the cyber world. I went on the road trip of a lifetime.  It's been an amazing year for me. 


It's actually been quite a year for all of us. We had a history making election on the home front; lots of things going on!   Here's a look at the happenings of 2009!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Contemplating Resolution for the New Year

This is the time of year when one bares one's soul and looks back at the resolutions one didn't keep in 2009 and starts listing the New Year's Resolutions for 2010.

Lets see.  I could resolve to:

Eat less chocolate this year.
Exercise more this year.
Keep my house immaculate this year.
Spend less time on my computer this year.

I could resolve to do all those things;

Nah!  Not gonna' happen!

Wow, that was strenuous!  I think I'd better grab a piece of chocolate and curl up in my recliner with my laptop!

Silent Sunday: After the Storm

Another Tribute to Another Big Brother

I just had to post this picture of my brother, Bob.  A while back I did a post about my oldest brother Arthur here.     This is my next oldest brother.  This picture of him appeared in his local newspaper.  He was greeting people who came to share in the free Holiday dinner put on by the Waterville, Maine, Elks Lodge.
It doesn't surprise me that he would be volunteering; he has a heart the size of Alaska!  A semi-retired entrepreneur, besides volunteering for the holiday meal at the Elks Lodge, he also delivers Meals-On-Wheels to the elderly in the area each week.

I say he's semi-retired, because he owned and operated a successful plumbing and heating business for many years, until he decided to retire and sold the business.  Not one to sit at home, he always has some building projects of some sort brewing.  I marvel at his energy;  he's a true inspiration.  I won't disclose his age, but I will admit that I'm 65 and there are 3 more siblings between us in age, so he's MUCH older than I am, although he doesn't look it.   I'm proud to be able to talk about this great person and be able to say, "He's my brother!"

Ah, To be Techno-literate!

I am late with my post today because I have been trying to figure out how to upload a video to my blog. It turns out said video is a power point presentation, and I can't figure out if there's a way to change it to a format that will upload to my blog. Apparently Blogger does not support power point presentations.

I have browsed the help area and it hasn't been that helpful! I know there must be a way to convert the presentation to another format, but I am not techno-literate enough to understand it. I really wish blogger help had an 800 number so that you could talk to a live person. Remember, I'm the person who learned how to type on a manual typewriter. I was middle-aged before I first saw a computer!

I am frustrated, because I have this really beautiful, inspiring slide show I'd like to share, and I just can't seem to figure out how to do it. If there is someone out there who knows how to do this, I would love to have them walk me through it over the phone. I have free unlimited long distance service within the US, so I would be glad to call you, so there would be no phone cost involved for you. Please let me know through email if you can help! evag@maine.rr.com Thanks in advance for your help, and for now guys, all I can say is hope you had a great day yesterday, and I'll keep working on this. I really would like to share this presentation with everyone!

Christmas Greetings!

I thought my bloggy friends would take the day off today, it being Christmas and all.  Obviously, I was sorely mistaken!  Please accept my apologies and  know that this tree is all about me and my hopes that you all had a wonderful day! 

Throwback Thursday: All Tuckered Out!

My grandson Austin when he was about three with his then puppy Baxter; both sound asleep in the back seat of the car.. This is the same dog that was on Silent Sunday here  with Austin's younger brother Carter who is now three.    And Baxter is the only dog I know who has his own facebook page!

A Moment Sans Frivolity

With all that is happening in the world and in our lives, I just wanted to take a few minutes to wish all my readers a happy, peaceful holiday season--regardless of their religious affiliation. May the spirit of the season be among us, and let us remeber to count our blessings.

By the way, I seem to have upset someone with my post yesterday. Since it was my 216th post and it's the first time I've received negative feedback, I guess I should count MY blessings. Now I suppose someone will be offended by this Christian post. Let me say in advance, I do not in general put religious items on my blog--however, feel sentiments in this one are non-denominational. I apologize in advance if I'm politically incorrect. (Of course, there is a choice at the very top of the blog that anyone offended can use: It's called Next Blog!

Tiger Woods Holiday Poem

I know, I'm tired of hearing about him, too, and Thanksgiving was last month, but this was sent to me on email, and I just couldn't resist sharing it!

Tiger Woods Holiday Poem


Twas the night of Thanksgiving and out of the house


Tiger Woods came a flyin' . . . chased by his spouse.


She wielded a nine iron and wasn't too merry,


Cause a bimbo’s phone number was in his Blackberry.


He’d been cheatin' on Elin, and the story progressed.


Woman after woman stepped up and confessed.




He’d been cheatin’ with Holly, and Jaimee, and Cori,


With Joselyn, and Kalika . . . the world had the story.


From the top of the Tour to the basement of blues,


Tiger’s sad sordid tale was all over the news.




With hostesses, waitresses, he had lots of sex,


When not in their pants, he was sendin' them texts.


Despite all his cryin’ and beggin' and pleadin',


Tiger’s wife went investin' . . . a new home in Sweden .


And I heard her exclaim from her white Escalade,


"If you’re gettin' laid then I’m gettin' paid."



She’s not pouting, in fact, she is of jolly good cheer,

Her prenup made Christmas come early this year!

Silent Sunday: Holiday Wishes

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season!

The Santa Gender Mind Bender

Ever since the very first tales of Santa began,


All have assumed that Santa’s a man.


Listen here: You may find it odd—


But I’m willing to bet that Santa’s a broad!






The gifts kids receive---all picked by a guy?


The same species that’s been known to buy


Their holiday gifts on Christmas Eve?


A plan-ahead- dude is hard to believe!






I suppose the elves could do all that wrapping—


We know for sure, a guy would be napping.


Would then he deliver his selections,


Without stopping once to ask for directions?






Fat chance of that, I would have to say;


With no GPS until recent day!


Do you know any man who’d admit being lost?


They’re way too stubborn, regardless the cost!






Then there’s the usual cookies and milk—


Would most guys be happy with things of that ilk?


No, I think not. Here’s what I fear,


If Santa’s a man, he’d want pretzels and beer!




Just give it some thought


And I’m sure you’ll agree:


No way it’s a man—


Santa must be a SHE!

(an original poem by Eva Gallant)

Santa's Vacation Winds Down

Well, I suppose Santa is wrapping up his relaxation time and thinking about heading back to the North Pole to get ready for his big night.   I'll bet you thought he was hard at work, making sure those elves are getting all the gifts finished, wrapped, and loaded on his sleigh.

There was a time when that would have been the case.  But now, thanks to technology, he can kick back and relax longer.  With his cell phone, he can keep in contact with those elves, and thanks to Skype, he can see just what's going on back there in winter wonderland while he sips that Mai Tai in his hammock on the beach.  WiFi--what an invention!  He can keep an eye on Rudolph and the rest of his four-legged transportation specialists,  too,

But don't you worry--he'll be back on the job any day now, assuming his flight back isn't on Northwest Airlines.  They could miss the North Pole completely and land somewhere in Siberia! (That's if the pilots nap time or video game time conflicts with the flight.)  No... I trust that come Christmas Eve, he'll be suited up, buckled in, and ready to roll! (or fly!)  The question is:  will you be ready for him?  Ho! Ho! Ho!

Throwback Thursday: Hip-hop the Holidays

This time of year, I always get nostalgic. I remember the days when Hubby and I used to Hip-Hop at holiday parties. I ran across this old video of us and thought I'd  use it to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Stumped Trying to Find the Perfect Present?

I know Christmas shopping can be a real dilemma, and as the deadline draws nearer, the stress of trying to find just the right gift can be over-whelming.  Today's post has some unique gift ideas for you pseudo-Santas who are struggling with your search.


Winter presents special challenges to those who just can't stand the cold.  Is there someone like that on your list?  If you can't afford to buy him or her an airline ticket to someplace warm, how about this really comfy, toasty, sweater?  It's guaranteed to please that person who's prone to goose-bumps!

Maybe there's someone on your list that has a toddler-in-training (potty, that is) or there's an older person who suffers from that "need to go" on a frequent basis.  This traveling toilet my be just the thing for those long trips on the highway where rest areas are rare!

Maybe you have a friend or relative on your list who's headed somewhere tropical for the winter, but is a little shy about strangers seeing them in a skimpy swimsuit.  This beachwear for prudes could be just what you-ve been seeking!

Haven't seen just the right gift yet?  Okay, how about this soft and snuggly chair for that person who longs for a pet, but lives where pets are not permissable?

Maybe your seeking something a little more erotic?  Here's a chair that will tantalize and titillate the imagination of that special recipient.

Does Grandma collect salt and pepper shakers?  Here's a set I'd be willing to bet she hasn't acquired yet!

My last suggestion is perfect if you're willing to spend a little more for the right gift for that person who can't seem to remember whether he or she is coming or going!

 I do hope you found these suggestions helpful!  Happy Shopping!

Observations on Growing Older

A friend sent me this email, and I just  couldn't resist sharing it with you!

         Observations on Growing Older

~Your kids are becoming you...and you don't like them

...but your grandchildren are perfect!


~Going out is good.

Coming home is better!


~When people say you look "Great"...

they add "for your age!"



~When you needed the discount you paid full price.

Now you get discounts on everything ...movies, hotels,flights.



~You forget names ... but it's OK

because other people forgot they even knew you!!!



~The 5 pounds you wanted to lose

is now 15 and you have a better chance of losing your keys than the 15 pounds.



~You realize you're never going

to be really good at anything ... especially golf.



~Your husband is counting on you

to remember things you don't remember.



~The things you cared to do, you don't care to do,

but you care that you don't care to do them anymore.



~Your husband sleeps better on a lounge chair

with the TV blaring than he does in bed. It's called his "pre-sleep".



~Remember when your mother said "Wear clean underwear in case you GET in an accident"?

Now you bring clean underwear in case you HAVE an accident!



~You used to say, "I hope my kids GET married ....

Now, "I hope they STAY married!"



~You miss the days when everything worked

with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch.



~When GOOGLE, ipod, email, modem .....

were unheard of and a mouse was something that made you climb on a table.



~You use more 4 letter words ......

"what?"..."when?" ???



~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry,

it's not safe to wear it anywhere.



~Your husband has a night out with the guys

but he's home by 9:00 P.M ...next week it will be 8:30 P.M.



~You read 100 pages into a book before you realize you've read it before.



~Notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!!



~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.



~Everybody whispers.



~Now that your husband has retired ...

you'd give anything if he'd find a job!



~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet ....

2 of which you will never wear.



~~~~But old is good in some things:

old songs

old movies

And best of all

OLD FRIENDS!!

Dealing with the "F word.

This is a delicate topic, but one with which I felt compelled to deal.  There are a number of reasons for this and I'll try to explain them, hopefully without offense to anyone.  All of us suffer from the problem at one time or another.  Research shows that this time of year is the busiest in terms of the F-word.

I'm talking about flatulence--where was your mind??  Holiday eating, especially partaking of turkey, brussels sprouts, broccoli, beer, nuts, bran, and rich sauces and gravies can cause the digestive process to produce gases which the body must expel one way or another.  This can be embarrassing in social situations.  One way to deal with it is to blame it on the dog!  The pooch can't rat on you, and in most cases, well-mannered folks won't dispute your claim.  Of course, if you don't have a dog, it can be a little tricky; you may want to look into borrowing or renting a pet for those holiday get-togethers.  Or, let your invited guests know that "Rover" is welcome, too.  (To confirm your sincerity, you may want to gift-wrap a ttreat for Rover and place it under the tree with other gifts.)


The F-problem can cause great inconvenince as well.  On December 6, 2006, an American Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing when flight attendants smelled smoke.  A resulting search and interrogation of passengers resulted in a female admitting to having lit a couple of matches to cover the odor of her passed gas.  (Talk about dropping the F-bomb!)


There are products available on the market that eliminate fart odor. The website http://www.takeawhiff.com/ offers such a product. (I apologize for having used the four-letter F-word!)  I felt I should share that information, so no one else 'lights up" while in the skies!


The sad news I have for all you young 'uns out there is that as we age, flatulence becomes more of a problem.  Foods that may have had little or no effect on you in your youth may not be tolerated by your digestive system as easily, and your intestines have a way of making their discomfort known.

Why am I expounding on this delicate subject, you may ask.  It's important that everyone be made aware of increased flatulence as we age, because as a society we are aging.  With increased longevity comes the likelihood that the numbers of seniors amoung us will continue to increase.  Were you aware, that the Supreme Court has ruled  that flatulence contributes to global warming and that the EPA has propsed a tax be levied on farmers at a rate of $175 per dairy cow?  Sure it's just a proposal now, but if bovine butts are in danger of taxation, can human butts be far behind?

Silent Sunday: Happy Birthday, Grandson

Birthday boy Carter on right and his brother Austin pose with birthday cake.

Carter chows down!

The Cold Wave Continues

The only thing to do is curl up by the fire with a good book!  The wind is still howling outside.  Unfortunately, I have to go out later today.  I have a grandson who turned three today, and the birthday bash is at 5:00pm.  Thank goodness for car heaters.  We will brave the 30 minute drive to his house.  I must really be getting old, because more and more I hate venturing outside in the cold.  Once I've been out in it for a while, I don't mind so much, but it's the idea of putting on the coat and gloves and actually stepping out the door that I dread!  You're probably thinking, "You live in Maine--Suck it up and stop your whining!"  If you are, you're right.  I will suck it up and stop whining, soon, I promise!

I have a turkey in the oven baking this morning;  Hey, at 40 cents a pound, I can eat turkey again this soon after Thanksgiving and not mind a bit.  I love the smell of turkey baking.  It's a comforting smell, especially when the. wind is rattling the window panes (not literally, but I liked the way that sounded).  Whoops..that was close to whining. . .Sorry!

I want to thank those of you who have signed my guestbook, and if you haven't signed it yet, please scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page and do so.  I love the way it shows me on the map where you are.  More than 30 of you have signed, so far, and I'd love to see more.  You may enjoy just looking at the guestbook.  Some bloggers kindly included their pictures, so I could put a face with the name and location.

That's all I have today...must go make stuffing and other fixin's to go with the turkey.  (and find that good book to read!)  Thanks for stopping by!

Winter in Maine

I know this isn't the coldest day we will have this winter, but it is the first really cold one of the season.  The wind chill factor is expected to be below zero at times.   I can hear the wind howling out there and see the tree branches being battered by it, and I'm glad I'm inside.  Last year at this time, I would have been out driving and calling on customers.  Suffice it to say, I'm glad I'm retired!

Throwback Thursday! 1992(?)

This was a younger, skinnier me somewhere in the early to middle 1990s.  I don't remember when or even where this was taken.  My sister says I need to eat more blueberries! (to improve my memory!)  Get a load of those earings!

Secret Christmas Ornament Swap

 Do you remember the Christmas Ornament Swap I mentioned a while back?  There's a button on the right sidebar which links to it.  The swap was organized by Valerie at her blog It's a Wonderful Life.

Well, I got my goodies yesterday!  I love them.  Patty at Blessings Beyond  was my secret swapper.  We were asked to reveal a little about ourselves in an email to Valerie so she could pass the info on to our secret swapper. 

I was so excited when I received two packages today!   I immediately hung them on my tree and photographed them so I could share my excitement with you!

I

  I told Valerie that I collect Hippos.  Well, I never expected that anyone would find a hippo Christmas Ornament,  but Patty did!  Can you believe how cute those guys are??? Right down to the little teeth! 

And she didn't find just ONE hippo ornament, she found TWO!  I love this little guy with his beady eyes and his great big bow--so festive!

But she didn't stop there!  No, she kept at it and found this adorable little Christmas Sweater on a coat hanger!  I love the snowman and snowflakes!

And as if that weren't enough, she found this picture frame present ornament!  I quickly inserted a picture of three of my grand kids.  It's not just a silver wrapped present frame with a gold bow on top,  it's a mini reocrder.   You can record a message or a song, and then play it!  How awesome is that?

  I'm so glad I took part in the swap!  I definitely would do it again next year, and I hope lots of you will!

Thank you Patty for the wonderful ornaments--they look great on my tree!  And thank you Valerie for taking the time and trouble to organize it!  I made three new friends, and discovered three new blogs, too! 

An Open Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

I know that most of the letters you get  are from people listing things they want you to bring to them on Christmas.  That must get old after a while. . .letter after letter, year after year, "Gimme, gimme, gimme!".  I thought maybe you would like a change of pace this year, so I'm writing this letter listing things I want to give you.  I'm not saying you have to take these on Christmas Day, either.  You can work at your leisure and tend to them anytime during 2010.  I will list them in the order of their importance, for your added convenience. 


First, I would like to give you the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq  Do you think you could just pack all that dissention and violence in your sleigh and dispose of it,  so all the troops serving there can come safely home to their families?  I can assure you that Al Quida and the Taliban will not be missed.


World hunger is another item you can pack on your sleigh.  If there's a way you could put an end to that, a lot of empty stomachs would be relieved.  I'll admit, I'm not sure if that's one you could accomplish with out  a "gimme."  It may mean finding a way to feed all those people, but I'm sure if you put your elves on it, they could come up with a plan.


Then there's domestic violence.  If you could find a way to remove the anger and hate that brews among family members and couples, so that the only things left would be love, understanding, and tolerance--now that would be a great help.

Okay, now my gifts to you take on a more personal note; if you could find your way clear to take those extra pounds that seem to have piled on these bones of mine over the past 20 years, and maybe a few of the wrinkles and gray hairs that have also accumulated, I'd be totally appreciative!


I know I'm offering some pretty big items, but any of the above that you could see your way clear to pile on your sleigh and take with you could make a big difference in many lives in the coming year.  And instead of milk and cookies, I'll leave beer and pretzels for you. Deal?

Your friend,

Eva

It's My 200th Post!!

I  knew I could, I knew I could, I knew I could, I knew I could!  This is my 200th post!  Just chug, chugging along!  It's been great, and I plan to hang around a while longer!

That having been said, I'll move on to my next topic!  A friend sent me this poem on email, and I felt I just had to share it with all of you, because it carcked me up!  I'm sure some of you will love it, too!

The Night Before Christmas

T' was the night before Christmas at Rock-AwayRest,                                                                                

And all of us seniors were looking our best.

Our glasses, how sparkly, our wrinkles, how merry;

Our punch bowl held prune juice plus three drops of sherry.



A bed sock was taped to each walker, in hope

That Santa would bring us soft candy and soap.

We surely were lucky to be there with friends,

Secure in this residence and in our Depends.





Our grandkids had sent us some Christmassy crafts,

Like angels in snowsuits and penguins on rafts.

The dental assistant had borrowed our teeth,

And from them she'd crafted a holiday wreath.





The bedpans, so shiny, all stood in a row,

Reflecting our candle's magnificent glow.

Our supper so festive -- the joy wouldn't stop --

Was creamy warm oatmeal with sprinkles on top.





Our salad was Jell-O, so jiggly and great,

Then puree of fruitcake was spooned on each plate.

The social director then had us play games,

Like "Where Are You Living?" and "What Are Your Names?"





Old Grandfather Looper was feeling his oats,

Proclaiming that reindeer were nothing but goats.

Our resident wanderer was tied to her chair,

In hopes that at bedtime she still would be there.





Security lights on the new fallen snow

Made outdoors seem noon to the old folks below.

Then out on the porch there arose quite a clatter

But we are so deaf that it just didn't matter.





A strange little fellow flew in through the door,

Then tripped on the sill and fell flat on the floor.

'Twas just our director, all togged out in red.

He jiggled and chuckled and patted each head.





We knew from the way that he strutted and jived

Our social security checks had arrived.

We sang -- how we sang -- in our monotone croak,

Till the clock tinkled out its soft eight p.m. stroke.





And soon we were snuggling deep in our beds

While nurses distributed nocturnal meds.

And so ends our Christmas at Rock-Away Rest.

'Fore long you'll be with us; we wish you the best.

Silent Sunday: A Frog and his Prince

                                 Grandson Austin when he was 5.

And We Have a Winner!

    

It's my very first giveaway, and the winner of the naughty calender, The Men of York is::


Blissed Out Grandma!

And for those of you who didn't win, but really would like a copy of this calendar for yourself or to give as a fun Christmas or other Holiday gift to a friend or family member,  you can  order one on line at the York Chamber of Commerce webswite.                 Thank you to all who participated!

A Snowbird Wannabe?

We are supposed to get our first snow of the winter today, and that's when I wonder, wouldn't it be nice to be going somewhere warm for the winter?  I have friends who are snowbirds.  Some of them high-tail it out of Maine in October, as soon as the leaves begin to take on the glow of autumn.  Others hit the road in November, and some wait until after the holidays to migrate to Myrtle Beach, Miami, or Mesa.

I wistfully wave and watch them go, sometimes wishing that I could afford to do the same.  The prospect of  paying rent or mortgage on two homes for the winter is just not within my reach.  I know, I should have planned better, saved more, worked harder, whatever.  Too late now.

I'll just have to content myself with the knowledge that while they are lounging by the pool, or sipping pina coladas under the palms, I will be watching the wonders of winter:  Snowflakes turning everything pure white, kids sledding and constructing snow men, snowblowers creating drifts as they clear driveways---

You're not buying it, are you? Me neither!

Welcome to My World

The most wonderful thing about blogging is in truth having your own little world--your own community of fellow bloggers who share their loves, their lives, and their laughs with you, and give you the opportunity to reciprocate. One of the things that worried me most about retiring was the loss of the camaraderie that I was accustomed to in the work place. I've held many positions over the forty-some years of my career, but all of them involved interaction with lots of people. Whether it was across the desk in a classroom, in surrounding cubicles in an office, or the customers I met during in home appointments, it has been my good fortune to deal with some wonderful people.

I worried that when I retired and withdrew from the workplace, I might find it lonely. Yes I know I have my husband and our relationship is strong and a joy, but I still feared I would miss interacting with others. Then I started blogging in June of this year. I wasn't sure how it worked, but I'd always wanted to write, and it seemed a good way to practice; I could critique, edit, and enjoy what I wrote, even if no one else ever laid eyes on it!

My first post, written just 6 months ago, received one comment; I was surprised and delighted! My second post received none. I was undaunted, because I wasn't sure anyone else would ever look at my blog, much less comment on it. Then I discovered the "next blog" tab at the top of the page and started visiting other blogs. I was excited to find a plethora of writers out there! (I've always wanted to use that word: plethora.) (giggle)

Now 6 months later I look forward to starting up my laptop in the morning to see what the people whose blogs I follow have had to say. I follow just under 100 blogs (thankfully, not everyone posts everyday!) I make comments when I have something to add or just to let the person know I read what they wrote. The last time I checked, there were 170-plus bloggers following (stalking?) me--and that doesn't count the family members and close personal friends who read my posts faithfully. I'm thoroughly amazed and thrilled that there are actually people who read and sometimes enjoy the drivel I publish!

I laugh out loud often at the posts of my fellow bloggers, and I love when they respond to my entries. So today, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you all for visiting, for commenting, and a special thanks to those who have seen fit to recommend my blog to their friends. That is such a huge compliment. I can only hope that television never gets so fascinating that it lures you all away from your computers, for I would surely miss all the friends I've found lurking in the blogosphere.

Throwback Thursday: Beauty and the Beast? 1982

Hubby says I bring out the Beast in him! Actually a co-worker was having a birthday, and a few of us chipped in and rented a gorilla suit. Hubby (at that time, my boyfriend) donned the suit and delivered a "Gorilla-Gram" to her in her classroom. The students were in on it, and of course loved it! She had no idea who was in the gorilla suit, handing her a birthday card and asking for a kiss. Everytime he took a step toward her, she would back away, to her students' delight. She is now the wife of a very prominent businessman in the area, so I didn't want to post her picture, as she might not appreciate it! (yeah, that's a younger, skinnier me in the photo with my still-favorite beast!)

On Victoria's Secret

Well, the Victoria's Secret Special was on last night. I didn't watch it. . . way too depressing. I suppose it says a lot that what I did watch was "Biggest Loser!"

Because it was on last night, I thought I would do a rerun today of an old post I did back last summer. I had fewer followers then, so maybe some of you haven't seen it. If you have, I apologize, and hope maybe you'll enjoy it again:

We need a more mature version of Victoria's Secret. There should be a retail outlet where those of us who don't have the body of a Playboy centerfold can shop for pretty undies with confidence.
Just because our boobs are more bountiful than bodacious, and 0ur fannies are more flagrant than fetching, doesn't mean we want to cover them in common cotton! Are silk and satin only available in small swatches?


I propose a "Big Booty Boutique;"
A store with yards of lace and satin so sleek,
And generously sized lingerie that holds everything in--
With funhouse mirrors that make us look thin!
A store where never, never would a clerk
Smaller than a size 26 be hired to work!

At the door they would greet us grandly,
With lots of Champagne and Lindt Chocolate candy;
They would coo, "Ooh" and "Ah" at how lovely we look
As they hurried to help us with each snap and hook.
The only problem would be when we got home and took stock,
Of ourselves in the mirror, we'd be in for a shock!

(an original poem by Eva Gallant)

Aw---I know. . .I'm dreaming, right?

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

Office Parties and Calendar Countdown

Holidays are the time for parties. That may be one down side of being retired: I won't be invited to the office party. It's going to be really rough missing the opportunity to watch co-workers over-indulge and make fools of them selves. Over the years it's been my privilege to attend many such celebrations, some of them in the office, some at restaurants, and some at the homes of employees who were foolish enough to risk lawsuits by inviting co-workers to party at their homes.

One in particular which comes to mind was many years ago when I was a divorced Mom, working as a sales rep. (I won't mention the company name -- gotta' protect the guilty! ) The whole gang went out for pizza and beer at lunch time at a restaurant across the street from a mall. Our sales manager was picking up the tab, so we all chowed down, and the pitchers of Bud were plentiful. We shared tales of bizarre experiences on the road, our successes and our failures, and kept emptying those pitchers.

By the time we decided to go our separate ways, I have to admit I was thoroughly buzzed. It was payday and Christmas was just 3 days away, and I had yet to do my shopping. I managed somehow to get my happy self across ther street to ther mall, and proceeded to spend nearly all of my paycheck on toys for my boys. (note for future reference: not a good idea to go shopping when "feeling the holiday spirits!") The boys had the most amazing Christmas that year, and probably don't even remember that we had to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches until the next payday!

And now a reminder:

Saturday is the day of the drawing for the winner of the Men of York calendar. If you missed the post with the details on that, click here. Also, if you don't want to leave it to chance and really want this calendar for yourself or to give as a gift, the instructions for ordering one are here. Just leave a comment saying you want to be in the drawing.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day.