The Belief Project

Okay, so the title of this post is a bit strange, and probably not fitting.  It's what popped into my head.  You see, I have my cell phone service through U.S. Cellular.  And they have been doing all these changes....new plans, new rules for phone trade-ins, new this, new that.  They call it the Belief Project.  I know very little about the details of these changes, really.  But having a sister-in-law that works for U.S. Cellular, I have been informed that these changes, in an essence, do offer better service to customers, but also increase opportunities for the company to generate a great deal more revenue.  The company advertised changes, but kept the details a bit hush-hush till the beginning of this month when the changes went into effect. 

Well, I said all that to say this.  My big changes are coming.  I start my new position on Monday.  Actually, I got a phone call this morning from my new boss.  I have to drive to Charlotte Sunday night.  I will have some training Monday and part of Tuesday.  It's about a six hour drive, so I will have to get a motel room for a couple of nights.  Of course, all this comes out of my pocket till I submit an expense report.  Yeah!!  Cough! Cough!  I must say, I am a bit nervous.  I haven't had a lot of details about this job, and I will be starting in a couple of days.  I just got the call this morning about going to Charlotte first of next week.  But I won't even have the details to where I need to go or what time till later this afternoon.  I'm anxious, to say the least, but excited all the same.  What if I hate this job?  It's not like I can just walk back and take my old job back.  There have already been 50+ applications.  Oddly enough, many of them came through my office, so I've seen who some of the candidates for my replacement are.  Some were impressive, over-qualified in my opinion, and some were, shall we say, completely unexperienced.  But people need a job.  And I'm sure there are ones out there desperate enough they will apply for any job.  I'd probably do the same.

That's that.  The chickens are doing great.  I had three loosies.  There were three Black Austrolorps that hatched out early this summer.  I just let them free range from the time they hatched under their mama.  I decided that it's time to wrangle them up since a neighbor complained about them scratching in his garden.  I managed to catch two, but the third got wise and wouldn't come near me.  I'll have to give it another shot this evening.  I should have tried last night after the thing roosted, but I was too tired.

Not sure what the plans are for the weekend yet.  Mike mentioned going out to Applebee's for dinner Friday night.  My sister said she was taking her kids to the county fair Friday evening.  She said Tony won't ride certain rides with her, and since she had her baby in July she wants to do all the stuff she couldn't do when she was pregnant.  So, that's something else to consider.  Other than that, that's the latest in a nut shell! 

A Nest Box Giveaway And A Job

Well, I had a nice little visit with my aunt.  Last time I saw her she was in the hospital.  She just had surgery and was a bit out of it.  She just celebrated her 80th birthday!  She looks great for 80, too!  She left Monday to fly to New York to visit friends.

I rounded up the little chicks yesterday evening and put them in cages.  Man, that was hard!  Those things can move!  And they kept running into a little grove of trees half grown with shrubbery.  It took about 45 minutes to catch seven of the buggers.  I caught them because there were nearly 15 or so of them, but they kept disappearing one by one.  I figured predators have had enough of my chickens.  Altogether I have 16 little ones wating to find a home.  NO, make that 19 of them.  I forgot the Black Austrolorps.  Got three of them.  Got an ad in the Bargain Trader coming out tomorrow.  We will see how it goes, I guess.

I've heard nothing on the job.  A friend who works in the CO2 department said they should be contacting me by week's end for an interview.  As of Friday, there were 10 applicants, but my boss sent in another application today.  And I don't know how many more may have applied on line.  I will ceratainly keep you all posted.

AND NOW..... for all you chicken keepers out there!  Pam over at Life On A Southern Farm is giving away a 3-HOLE CHICKEN NEST BOX!!

Ain't she a beaut!!  And she can be yours!  All you have to do is go over to her blog Nest Box Giveaway and post a comment!  You also get extra entries for blogging and tweeting and all that jazz!!  Good luck to all who enter!!

He's Here!!

Actually, while I was posting yesterday, he was in the middle of being born!  Tanner was born yesterday at 2:53 p.m.  He was 7 lbs 13 oz and was 18 and a half inches long.  I went straight to the hospital after work, and of course I forgot my camera!  So no pics yet.  He has a pointy upper lip and no chin!  Renell, his mama, says he looks like a little turtle.  She said once he started to come out it was an easy birth.  She's getting tubal ligation today.  He was supposed to get snip snip today, but he had a bit of a fever yesterday, so they are postponing it to make sure they can prevent infection.  But all in all he's adorable!  He can't cry for crap.  He sounds like a little dog wimpering!  But I'm sure that will change soon enough!  Have a great weekend y'all!

What Do You Say?

My birthday came and went.  And another week is gone.  Nothing special is happening.  My dad had an appointment at the VA clinic this morning about his leg.  Mike was supposed to watch my nephews and nieces, as they were staying with Grandma and Buddy.  I haven't talked to any of them yet.  I'm sure the kids went straight for the pool when they got there.  William, our inside sales guy, and a friend, helped me process vendor invoices yesterday.  We processed over $46,000.00 total.  I'm hoping that's a good sign that we're having a good fiscal month. 

The garden is coming along.  I've already been picking squash, bush green beans, and cucumbers.  I've got a few watermelons that are about baseball sized right now.  Some of my corn is just starting to tassel out.  I'm hoping to get some canteloupes, and I've got butternut squash growing this year.  I've never grown that before.  My okra all died, except 3 plants, and they are still only about 6 inches tall.  My sweet potatoes are vining like crazy, but I've never grown them before, either. 

I'v visited a few other blogs, and it seems all are busy.  Some are going away, some need to go away (as in a trip, I mean).  Some are like me, with bloggers block. What do you say, when you don't know what to say? 

Mike's picking my up in a couple of hours, and we're going to my parent's again for the weekend.  It seems to be the gathering spot for family.  So, with that being said, I'll leave you with a good ENDING for the week while I spend the weekend searching for new blog ideas.  Have a good weekend!!

Back to the Mines

It was a lovely four-day weekend, though.  Mike picked me up from work on Friday, and had my nephew and niece with him.  I got home, did my afternoon chores...you know, feeding the chickens, gathering veggies....all the regular stuff.  The kids were in the pool, and I joined them late evening.  Saturday, and old friend came over to visit.  My nephew and niece were there, so she called her daughter to bring over her grandson to play with them in the pool.  The neighbor's son came over as well.  Then another friend showed up as we getting all the grilling going.  Mike had a couple of pork shoulders on the grill over oak wood since 8 a.m. that morning.  So he brought his daughter over.  Before long, it was a bit of a party.  Sunday, another friend, who has a house in Chocowinity, on the Pamlico River invited us to join him.  So we packed up a lunch of sandwiches and such and went fishing, swimming, and boating on the river.  Monday I did odd things around the house, worked in the garden, played with the chickens.  Our lady friend came over again, and we grilled again.  Then, my acutal birthday, Tuesday, I spent a good part of the day chopping weeds in the garden.  Oh, I also cleaned the big fish tank.  The smaller one only had one fish in it, so I put it in a large jar with some plants rooting in it.  I'm gonna clean the smaller one, and maybe put salt water fish in it.  Or a lizard or spider or something.  Mike and I had some smoked sausages for dinner and watch X-Men Origins-Wolverine.  Just a relaxing evening at home.  It was a busy weekend.  Oh, I do have some pics of the river we went to.  Mike took them a couple of weeks ago when he was there to help with some work.

Joel and Cheyanne in the pool

My other niece is at my parent's house (Grandma and Buddy) and called today to tell me happy birthday.  Mom got on the phone and said they did think about me, but just didn't get around to calling.  But they want to take Mike and I out to dinner Friday evening.  All in all it was a nice birthday weekend.  I need a few more of those....long weekends, not birthdays.  I so hate getting older.  But for now, it's back to work.

Birthday Break

I'll be on the road this afternoon.  I've gotta go to our Edenton store, pick up a truck and bring it back for servicing. Then I'll be away for a few days.  My birthday is Tuesday, so I will be missing a few days from work....well deserved I might say, too.  Wednesday's pick is of a sting ray that Mike and my nephew caught at my parent's house last weekend.  Yes, that's what killed Steve Irwin, but it was much larger and still in the water.  She had a baby come out when we pulled it out of the water.  The baby was set free.  The moma was cut up and used from blue crab bait in the crab pots.  Hope you all have a pleasant weekend.  See you next week!

Sky Watch Friday...Notice the Osprey (Sea Hawk nest on the channel marker!)

What A Week

I am so ready for the entire week to be over with.  Of course, we look for the weekend to escape from the problems of the week, but they don't go away.  They sit right there and wait for you to return to them on Monday.  I had some unpleasant news this week that has put me in a bit of a predicament, and I am left having to make a decision I really would rather avoid.  I don't want to share any details right now, but I'd appreciate any thoughts and prayers I can get.

With that said, my weekend plans changed today.  My sister had asked Mike and I to go to the Dogwood Festival with them in Farmville, NC on Saturday.  There will be street vendors, live music, rides for the kids, and such.  That was the plan for Saturday.  But my mom didn't see my truck at work this morning when she drove by and thought I was out sick or something.  She called Mike and said that all my brothers and sisters were taking their kids to the festival and it was gonna be pretty quiet at home (for a change).  She asked if we'd like to come out for dinner, and maybe help her plant some flowers or something in the yard on Saturday.  So that's what the plan may be after all. 

The circle is the area where my parents live.  That's the Pamlico River that empties into the Pamlico Sound, which in turn, empties into the Atlantic Ocean.  We live an hour and a half west of them on the same river.  But it changes names to the Tar River half way in.

 Lost a chicken a few weeks ago.  Mike and I left Saturday morning and return Sunday evening.  I fed and watered the chickens well before we left, and when we returned we found our splash silkie dead.  She only had one eye.  The guy we got her from said she had Merek's as a chick, but had recovered well except for her eye.  She was with a blue rooster named Blueberry.

They were camera shy.  In fact, they were handled very little and any other type of living thing shy.  But now he seems severely depressed.  He only sits and refused to walk.  He eats and drinks very little.  I'm not sure if he will last through the weekend.  I tried putting another hen with him, but she does her thing, and he ignores her.  I've given him some antibiotics, but it all seems hopeless. 

SKY WATCH FRIDAY

I got this rainbow out our back door one evening with my cell phone. That was before my sister gave us a nice camera.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

P.S. Found out where Stripey Cat was for three days.  Farmer set out live traps to catch varmints around his chickens.  Nosey little Stripey Cat wandered over to his place and got himself into a mess.  But Farmer and his grandson realized he was a pet (but didn't know he was ours) and let him go.  He's home safe and sound now.

A Mix of Stuff

First things first.  Now that all of you have thought less of me for what I posted Friday, I must say that it isn't what you were thinking.  That guy in the pic with me is Mustafa (we just called him Steve).  He was an Iraqi that worked as a translator for us.  He also got us "things" from outside the walls.  That is a hookah we are smoking....remember the caterpillar in Alice and Wonderland?  We were NOT smoking weed, green, trees, mary jane, hashish, or anything of the sort.  It was flavored tobacco.  Strawberry if my memory serves me correctly.  I wanted to bring one home, but they said customs wouldn't allow it.  Then, when we were in Kuwait they said we could...it was too late, then.  But we had fun on occasions while we were over there. 

We had quite a busy weekend.  We didn't go to the aution Saturday.  There was just too much going on.  I did meet my mom and sister with kids in tow for lunch at Zaxby's.  Then Mom came back to the house for me to wash her car.  She was gonna have it done professionally, but I offered it for free.  Mike was working on our kitchen cabinets, stripping the paint.  They are birch wood, so we decided to strip the white paint and lacquer the wood.  Looks pretty nice. 

We also had a successful rescue attempt on Saturday.  We used to have Becky, a Quaker Parrot.  She was quite noisy and drove Mike insane.  So he gave her to our neighbor.  However, our neighbor doesn't have the best track record for taking care of animals.  And sure enough, he grew bored with Becky and let her go outside about a week ago.  Since then we have either heard her talking and squawking, or seen her high in the trees.  Saturday she landed in a tree in the back yard, then the top of the chicken coop, then back to the tree, then on top of the other neighbor's shed right up next to the fence between our yards.  So I put a chair up by the fence and, wearing leather gloves cause she always would bite me, I called her.  She hopped onto my finger, and I grabbed her little talons with my thumb.  We put her in a 2nd stage brooder pen and I put in some water and chicken feed.  A week without those and she was ready for them.  She's okay now.  My dad is gonna get her now.  I just gotta find her a new cage.  She's doing good right now, though. 

Sunday was busier. I went shopping. And I did just what I complained about my mom doing. Though she was looking at clothes and shoes...ugh! I was shopping at Lowes! I was looking at the things I can't afford right now. And I was looking at the things I could afford, but had to choose this or the other. I almost bought a fig tree. I'd love to have a fig tree. Probably not this year, though. But I did buy seeds for the garden, plus a few started plants. I also bought some flower seeds to plant around the house, and some solar garden lights for the front of the house. Then I spent most the rest of Sunday afternoon planting the garden. I've got squash, watermelons, canteloupes, okra, bell peppers, egg plants, corn, jalapenos, mixed hot peppers, and Zinnias to sell as cut flowers. There's probably more, but I can't think of it all now.

Here's that motor cycle from Orange County Choppers that kept me so busy in March. (Don't know why blogger is squishing my pics all of a sudden.  They don't look good that way)

I was looking for some papers in an old shoe box, and I didn't put it away.  Stripey Cat decided to make a

bed out of the box!

Our Easter visitors.   Not sure if they were wild or not, but I'm guessing half wild. 

Here's our little chicks.  They're actually about a month old now, with feathers and all.  I don't have a recent pic.  The four on the right are RI Red (pea comb rooster) and black sex link hen.  The one on the left is full Black Australorp.

I got an award from Tracey last week (SEE I DIDN'T FORGET)  I haven't had a chance to post on it yet.  I gotta try to come up with things you don't know about me first!  I'll try later today or tomorrow.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday (On Friday)

Another busy week with a busy weekend to follow.  Might be heading to the livestock auction tomorrow.  Here's a pic for y'all to gossip about.  Hmmmm....is that really what you are thinking?

We Ate Him!!

I will be so glad when this day is over.  These past two weeks have just been too jam packed with stuff to do.  And it seems for everything I get done, three more things have been added.  I am facing a three day weekend (after I wash the dogs tonight...Mike wants them clean for the trip to Mom and Dad's).  Of course, Mike will probably cook something on the grill.  It's supposed to be the best weekend so far this year, weather wise.  I do need to clarify....I did NOT actually ride the motorcycle!  We had a Ford dually with a trailer.  I was driving the truck, towing the motor cycle.  But if they had allowed me to ride that over-priced, misspent raise of mine, I'd have been all over that!

Mike has been complaining about having too many roosters lately.  We had four young roosters that he killed a month or so ago, but we thought they were hens.  They needed to go.  But we also have a few roosters that we really haven't been using for breeding.  And that's really all they are worth!  Well, we partly kept them cause they were also good looking birds!  One was Little Chicken, the first chick we ever hatched!  Just look at him!

He is such a pretty bird.  BUT.......

I came home yesterday to find out he was put into our dinner!!!  Mike put him into a Mexican Chicken Lasagna!  Don't get me wrong!  He was quite delicious.  Mike almost never makes a meal I don't like.  But he had to feel bad for killing a chicken we raised.  I know I did.  But, isn't that what they are really for?  He wasn't a pet.  He and one other rooster got took, and one is in the freezer.  R.I.P. Little Chicken!

Time Flies

Time flies when you are busy doing things you'd rather not be doing.  That's not the entire case for me.  I was out of town for the weekend.  Mike and I went to visit my parents since it's been nearly three months.  Shame, shame, we know.  But it was a lovely visit.  We went out Saturday morning and came home Sunday afternoon.  We took our smoker, and when we got there Mike put on two pork butt roasts.  I went to pick up my brother cause his wife was at work.  His three month old daughter, he said, wasn't much for conversation, and his two sons were already at my parents.  His wife brought home all the sides to go with the pork.  We had pork smoked over oak wood, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans.  It was pretty good.  We headed home Sunday around 4 p.m. with a rug that my mom gave us.  She bought it for her living room, but little lint balls kept rolling up on it.  I think it was just the newness, but it looks great in our living room.
When we got home Sunday evening we smelled something like an electrical fire in the kitchen.  I could hear water running under the house.  We discovered that our hot water heater went to pot!  The thermostat was melted!  There was no water damage, but it costed much more than it should have to replace to heater.  Now the new one is not working properly!  I'm not taking a cold bath....no way!!  I've been heating pots of water on the stove and carrying them to the bathroom!  Hopefully Mike and Pat will get it fixed today.
Aside from a good weekend, I've been pretty busy with work.  There's just a lot going on right now.  But I still wanted to share a few pics, so I'm sharing pics of the little coops that Mike built for the paired bantams and silkies!  Aren't they great?!

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Everyone have a Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Good Weekend, Bad Monday

We had a very nice weekend.  It was sunny and fairly warm!  Saturday, Mike made another little chicken coop.  And I spent a good part of the day cleaning out the storage shed.  It was so full that you could barely get inside the door.  I cleared out tons of junk!  There is so much space in there now! 

Our friend, Les, had gotten a few roosters from us earlier this year.  He ended up returning some.  He returned two white silkie roosters because he didn't really have room for them.  Then he returned a white mixed bantam rooster.  The white bantam (which is a pretty bird) got put in with another bantam hen that just started laying her first eggs a couple of weeks ago.  One of the silkie roosters also got put in with another bantam hen that just started laying.  I didn't know if that would work, but he's topping her (that's what I call it anyway, to be mild).  So we will see how that goes, eh?!

Then, my younger sister called to just say hi, and Mike told her to bring the kids over to spend the night.  So she did.  And it started out pleasant.  But Saturday night didn't end well.  Cheyanne is eight years old, and did quite well.  Joel, who just celebrated his sixth birthday last month, had a big problem.  First, a little history (in a nutshell).  He's got a very short attention span and was recently diagnosed with ADD.  He's now on medication that has changed him tremendously (mostly in a good way) and has also helped him in school.  But just before dinner he said that his stomach was hurting.  He ate very little dinner and only one bite of his ice cream sandwich.  Then the nastiness began.  It was diahrea all night long.  He was laying in bed with Mike watching tv and fell asleep.  When I went to move him it came from both ends.  I stripped the bed and his clothes and put him in the bath.  Clothes and bed sheets got thrown onto the porch till morning.  It happened again, and we went through the same routine.  I had no medicine for him, and his mom was not answering her cell phone.  So we trudged through the night and he woke feeling better Sunday morning.  He did throw up again late Sunday morning after jumping on the neighbor's trampoline and spent the rest of the time on the couch watching cartoons.  His mom came to pick up JJ and Cheyanne just after lunch. 

Mike and I just piddled around with odd jobs outside.  The weather was just too nice to stay indoors.  He put the wire on the breeding coop he made, and I moved around some chickens.  We've got several roosters that have been alone most of the winter.  No need to have hens getting roughed up if they're not laying.  So, I grabbed a few hens and put them in with roosters.  And Mike put an Omaha Steaks roast on the grill over some oak wood.  It turned out very delicious!  We had au jus that we dipped french fries into, and a spinach and tomato salad.

Then, I came to work this morning.  It was not pleasant.  I think I will spare those details, but I get e-mail updates that tell me about jobs that become available in the area.  Still waiting on a call from SFC Cook about the reserves.  She told me Friday that I'm probably getting the boot out the door.  She was checking so regs for some way around (I don't really believe that) but she would let me know for sure today or tomorrow.  The really stupid part is I can go see a recruiter and get right back in.  That's the U.S. Government (not) hard at work.  Whatever.  I'm in a pissy mood today, and almost didn't post.  I only did because I haven't since last Wednesday.

I'm Special

I've been pretty busy lately.  On top of that, nothing really noteworthy has occured, either.  So I haven't really posted in a few days.  But I got a double whammy today.  And it's got me grinnin' from ear to ear.

Two separate people think we're cool enough to get an award!  Renee and Odette have showered us with the Sunshine Award! 

That's just the sweetest thing!  Of course, yesterday was pretty chilly here, but at least the sun was shining.  We're expecting snow again, for tonight and tomorrow.  But I long for the warm spring days, and even those hot summer days with sweat dripping down my face while I sip cold iced tea in the veggie garden.  I want to thank both of them for thinking so fondly of us.  Our home ain't much, but friends are always welcome there.

I don't really care for picking out certain people because you all are good blog friends, but I will pick out a few in hopes that they will pass it on to all the others.  If I did not list you, I still consider you a good friend, and I encourage you to consider this award yours, too....from me.  Thanks everyone, and have a lovely Valentine's Day and weekend!

Matt http://www.foothillspoultry.blogspot.com/

Amy http://www.bubble-bubblesblog.blogspot.com/

Jim thegaudygarden.blogspot.com

Pam http://www.georgiafarmwoman.blogspot.com/

Becca http://www.beccasgardenspot.blogspot.com/

Debbie http://www.debbie-jeremiah3017.blogspot.com/

Missy http://www.reveau.blogspot.com/

And everyone else who frequents my blog ( I keep typing glob)

Army and Weather

Not the best weekend.  One of the computer systems was down at Fort Bragg, so there was no time for scenarios.  So I only got to qualifiy with my M-16.  I got 33 out of 40, so not too bad. I would've been happier with 36+.  But a coupleI hit all of the 300 meter targets, though. It was all computerized (not like the real range we went to in November).  It was still kinda cool, but I was so exhausted Saturday night, as I haven't been sleeping well lately.  Sunday I took the PT (Physical Training) test....and failed miserably.  Well, I failed the run by a little over 2 minutes.  If I don't take it and pass by February 25th then I will be demoted, and my school appointment in New Jersey for March 4th will be cancelled. Bah!  But once I do pass it, because I have so much time in service and time in grade, I will be re-promoted immediately.  Go figure.  I'll give it a shot.  I just hate running alone.  I enjoy running, but give me a running partner.
Work has gotten a little too busy.  Things got pretty busy for a good spell there, and I have tons of paperwork to catch up on.  I'm getting there.  But our copier went kaput.  Boss says he's requisitioned a new one, but for several thousand dollars it takes approval that corp. thinks we have time for.  I did get a table top fax, scanner, copier, printer today.  It's pretty nice, too.  But I have about 1,500 pages that are awaiting copying, and I don't think a table top can handle that load.  I may have to give it a go, though.
It's cold and rainy out AGAIN!  I'm so sick of the rain!  I pass by the airport sometimes, depending on the route I take, to and from work.  Often there are several deer out grazing in the marshy area near the end of the tarmac.  But the river is so engorged that it has overflowed it's banks and that entire area is completely under water.  More rain is only making it worse.  I have a couple of small lakes in my back yard.  It's getting depressing.  And the weatherman says the cold is here to stay for a little while.  No snow.  Just cold, wind, and rain.  I might go stir crazy over it! 

Cold Rain

Well, it's 4:30 in the afternoon and the sky is dark with rain clouds.  It's quite chilly out with the tempatures in the middle to upper 30's.  Rain has been pouring down most of the day with very few breaks.  It is suspected to continue into tonight.  Our rivers are swollen to bank level and the ground is saturated.  We don't need any more of this wet stuff for a while.  The weekend is here, and once again I have drill.  We are headed to Fayetteville, NC to Fort Bragg on Saturday.  We will be using the simulators for some war games.  It should be fun, methinks.  PT (Physical Training) test on Sunday.  So busier weekend, than I'd like.  Have a great weekend all.

Oh, I almost forgot.  Mike ain't 35.  He's 36!  I missed that one.

Back to the Salt Mines

I had a great weekend in Orlando.  But it didn't start out great.  I was on the plane (small cramped type) ready for take-off when the captain announced we were delayed on the tarmac for an hour due to fog.  Fortunately, my plane out of Charlotte was delayed, as well, for the same reason.  I arrived and got checked into the hotel.  I was staying at The Rosen Centre, a very ritzy hotel on International Drive.  My room was on the 21st floor of 24 floors!  I had a great view of Orlando.  There was a lot I could have done (like visit Sea World) for free if I had known in time.  Alas, I did not, however.  Friday afternoon I went walking down I-Dr. with the intent of visiting Wonder Works. It was a museum down town.  Before going I went across the street to Pizza Hut for some lunch/dinner, and asked the staff there about Wonder Works.  They said it was a nice little place, but was really for middle aged kids.  But Bobbi, the girl who was waiting on me, suggested I go see Avatar at the IMAX theatre just behind there.  So, that's exactly what I did!  Bad Ass!!  I had been wanting to see Avatar (I enjoy those Sci-Fi types of movies) and in 3-D had to be the best way to see it.  And it was!  At one point I was swatting away bugs that were in my face.  And I was gripping to seat when the dragons were flying!  It was late evening when I got out of there, so I just walked up and down the strip looking at all the lights and touristy places.  I called it an early night, as breakfast was being served at 6:30 a.m.  I had classes on and off thru Saturday, but was fed a good lunch, as well.  I was done with classes around 4:30 p.m. and spent a good hour just chatting it up with other soldiers I met while there.  Whilst waiting around the pool area a man with a beard and a jacket with a Vietnam Veteran patch came around to everyone and invited them back that evening to free drinks on him!!  I was all over that.  I headed to the store for a couple of things, then to McDonald's for a quick dinner.  Then I changed to my bathing suit and went back to the pool.  I had a few drinks on this guy, whom I didn't even see that evening.  The bar tender said he was good for it, though.  Then had a few more as I chilled in the pool and hot tub.  Just chatted and got to meet a few other soldiers and people who were guests at the hotel.  I went to bed around 1:30 a.m. and didn't wake for breakfast on Sunday.  But I had already completed the class scheduled for that Morning.  Headed for the airport right after lunch.  I hated the idea of leaving such warm temps.  It was in the 80's while I was there!  Nice and warm!  And I received some valuable info on some of my benefits that are available as a Veteran of the War in Iraq (OIF).  It was back to work Monday morning with rain and thunder storms and highs in the upper 50's.  Ho hum.  Got a few pics, but haven't had a chance to upload them yet.  I'll try by the end of the week.

I'm Outty!

This has been an unpleasant  insane day at work.  And it's only Thursday!  Normally that would mean there is one more day to the work week, but in my case that is not the truth this week.  You see, the U.S. Army has this program called the Yellow Ribbon Campaign.  When a soldier returns from Iraq or Afghanistan he or she is supposed to attend a class on suicide prevention.  I never did, and I got out.  But, I went back into the Reserves before my original contract was up.  So my name was still in the system.  So, now I am required to attend this class.  But the campaign is really more than just a suicide prevention class.  The also have people who can give information about all sorts of Veterans Affairs benefits.  Some examples are financing to assist with school, medical information, mental wellness information, and more.  Therefore, I will be getting on a plane at 7 a.m. local time tomorrow morning to fly to beautiful, sunny Orlando, Florida!  It is supposed to be 75 degrees there tomorrow!  That's so much better than the mid-forties we have here today!  Of course, I'll just be gone for the weekend, but that's okay.  The whole trip is paid for, as well.  With that, I must say a large thank you to our American tax payers.  It is not wasted monies, as I know I will get useful information and assistance from this trip.  I also thank you all for supporting the troops.  American, British, Italian, French, Japanese, it matters not.  You may not agree with the idea behind the war or how it is being handled.  But I must say that whatever the reason, I served and am serving as a proud American who loves the FREEDOM the so many before me died for.  Thanks and God bless.  See you all next week!!

Finally, the Weekend

I am so glad it's Friday.  I am really ready for the weekend.  Nothing really major happened this week, but it has dragged out so much.  It's just after 3:30 p.m. on a Friday afternoon, and I am exhausted.  I wish I had a nap today.  I'm guessing an early bed time tonight.  It's gonna be a busy weekend.  I haven't had much time at home the last few weekends.  Three weeks ago was Christmas, two weeks ago was New Years.  Christmas was at my parents', and I had planned to stay home for the new year, but went to take care of gimp Dad and sick Mom.  Last weekend I had drill with the army reserves.  So this weekend will be try-to-catch-up weekend.  My nephew had a birthday last weekend I couldn't make it to because of drill.  I ahve another nephew having a birthday this weekend.  I'll be there because it will be at Pizza Inn just down the road from my house.  But the list is long of things to get done.  Mike is smoking a Boston butt roast for Saturday.  I want to drain and clean the fish tanks.  Max needs a hair cut.  I will probably (try) to move a dresser and rearrange clothes this weekend.  The list is endless.  But next weekend I will be flying to Orlando, Florida for a Yellow Ribbon Campaign for the army.  It's mainly a suicide prevention class, but they also hook up those who have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan with resources for benefits, school, employment assistance, etc.  If I pass this Physical Training test next month (that reminds me, I have to run tonight) I will probably be going to school in South Carolina at the end of next month.  Wow!  My plate is full! 
Mike was talking to farmer last night.  He was over visiting when I got home from work.  They were discussing the up coming planting season and (what else) chickens.  He's got Mike hyped about it all!  He wants to make some sort of business out of it all.  He wants to plant peppers for vinegar sauce, and other veggies to sell at the market.  Not to mention, breeding chickens to sell.  Oh, breathe........I need prayer!  LOL 
Well, got lots to do.  I'll try to get my camera from my mom this weekend at the party.  Everyone have a great weekend!

25 Things About Me

I have been tagged by A Southern Garden by Becca for a meme about me. I am suppose to write 25 things about me that you do not know. Check out this blog.  http://beccasgardenspot.blogspot.com/


1. Name someone with the same birthday as me. Barbara Bush...I had to Google this one


2. Where was your first kiss? In my parents' garage


3. Have you ever seriously vandalized someone else's property? Not that I can remember. 


4. Have you ever hit someone of the opposite sex? Yes, my sister.  But she is a second degree black belt and can hold her own.....and it was many years ago.


5. Have ever sung in front of a large number of people? Yes, but I suck at it.


6. What's the first thing you notice about your preferred sex? He looked familiar, but I could never figure out who he looked like...even to this day.


7. What really turns you off? Commands instead of requests


8. What do you order at Starbucks?  Who can afford Starbucks?  I drink Food Lion Brand and lots of it!


9. What is your biggest mistake? Not finishing medical school


10. Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose? No way!  I hate pain!  If I were gonna do something for attention I'd run away on my wedding day, then tell the cops I was kidnapped.


11. Say something totally random about yourself. I am a real kid at heart.


12. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity? Yes - Cary Elwes - from Robin Hood: Men in Tights, The Princess Bride, and Liar, Liar


13. Do you still watch kiddie movies or TV shows? Yes, but don't tell anybody


14. Did you have braces? No, but I need them.


15. Are you comfortable with your height? Yes


16. What is the most romantic thing someone of the preferred sex has done for you? Cooking my favorite meal for dinner when he knew I had a bad day.


17. When do you know it's love? When you still want to be with them when they are at their worst.


18. Do you speak any other languages? Phrases here and there from a few languages, but not as a whole.


19. Have you ever been to tanning salon? No


20. Have you ever ridden in a Limo? Yes, at my friend's birthday.  I didn't really know any of the people there except Mike.  So Jay sent us home in the Limo after he had picked us up in it.  They were just bar hopping anyway.  That's no fun when you're not single.


21. What's something that really annoys you? being sick.  I absolutely hate to be sick.

22. What's something you really like? Being outdoors.


23. Can you dance? No, but I do it anyway.  Get over it!!


24. Have you ever been rushed by an ambulance into the emergency room? Yes, when I was 14.  I had hypoglycemia (opposite of diabetes).  I was traveling back to Texas with my aunts after attending another aunt's funeral.  I was pumping gas in Villa Rica, Georgia when I passed out and hit my head on the concrete island.  I was okay, just a little (painful) scrape on the side of my face.


25. What is your favorite breakfast food?  I love me some Frosted Mini Wheats cereal or Kellogg's Crispix!



Now I am suppose to tag five other bloggers for this meme. If you have already done this or simply just don't want to then no biggy.  Just a bit o' fun.  Have a great weekend!!

John (and Chris, if he wants in) LOL @ Going Gently
Debbie @ There's an Angel on my Front Porch
Odette @ A View from Above
Nancy K. @ Bluff Country Back Yard Chickens
Anna @ Chickens in the Basement

Workin' Weekend

Another Friday is upon me.  It's been a pretty fast week.  I am supposed to have Reserve drill this weekend, but my super has asked me to work on Saturday.  Our store in Plymouth, NC, as they are moving to Edenton, NC.  They needed a new building, and most of their business is out on the beach.  So I have been asked to go help move and reset up the store.  It means overtime, so I agreed.  Then I will go to drill on Sunday.  I can make up Saturday on another weekend.  I"ll just have to reschedule training (RST).  Got my Christmas tree up.  It's not much, but it looks good nonetheless.

It partially covers the tv from the rocker, but it's really the only place I can put it.  Plus, it's right in front of the window so you can see it from the road.

Mike was in the kitchen making jalapeno shrimp wraps.  They are my absolute favorite!  And everyone who likes hot stuff and eats them loves them, too.

The kittens love to play in bags and boxes.  Mike saves the beer boxes for them.  Strpiey Cat was playing in one and kept sticking his face and paws through the carrying holes.  They are so funny.

Of course, I gotta throw in a pic of Jinx.  This is supposed to be my brother's dog, but he lives with my parents.  He's an outside dog, but occasionally they let him inside.  He get a bit nervous then.  His name is Jinx because my brother didn't think he would live.  He got a puppy, and it got bitten by a snake and died.  Then he got another puppy that got under his wheel and got run over.  He had bad luck with dogs, so he figured This one wouldn't make it.  He's a great little doggy.  He's sweet, and if I didn't already have so many animals I'd sneak him home with me.  Y'all have a good weekend!!