Winter Weather in Wisconsin in February 2014

Just a few photos from my trip from work to home today.

The snow is beautiful but I am tired of winter!

Stuck in My Head: "Crazy on You" by Heart

If we still have time, we might still get by

Every time I think about it, I wanna cry

With bombs and the devil, and the kids keep comin'

No way to breathe easy, no time to be young

But I tell myself that I was doin' all right

There's nothin' left to do at night

But to go crazy on you

Crazy on you

Let me go crazy, crazy on you, oh

My love is the evenin' breeze touchin' your skin

The gentle, sweet singin' of leaves in the wind

The whisper that calls after you in the night

And kisses your ear in the early moonlight

And you don't need to wonder, you're doing fine

My love, the pleasure's mine

Let me go crazy on ya

Crazy on you

Let me go crazy, crazy on you, ohhh

Wild man's world is cryin' in pain

What you gonna do when everybody's insane

So afraid of one who's so afraid of you

What you gonna do...ohhh...

(Ah-ah-ah-ah)

Ooooo...Crazy on ya

Crazy on you

Let me go crazy, crazy on you

I was a willow last night in my dream

I bent down over a clear running stream

Sang you the song that I heard up above

And you kept me alive with your sweet flowing love

Crazy

Yeah, crazy on ya

Let me go crazy, crazy on you, oh

Crazy on ya

Crazy on you

Let me go crazy, crazy on you, yeah

(Ah-ah-ah-ah)

Crazy on ya

Crazy on you

Let me go crazy, crazy on you, ohhh...

Rotten eCard of the Week #25: Have A Nice Day

When I say, "Have A Nice Day" Remember that the 'f**ker' is silent.

Annabelle...Gone But Never Forgotten

The pain never goes away.  I miss Annabelle now, just as much as I did the day she passed. 
I think about her everyday and call me crazy if you like...I still talk to her.

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,

"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,

You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.

I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.

I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said " it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.

I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.

To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...

In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning

and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me.

Author ~ unknown

I am...The Conservative

Our Birth Date describes who we are, what we are good at, and what our inborn abilities are. It also points to what we have to learn and the challenges we are facing. To figure out your Birth Number, add all the numbers in your Birth Date together, like in the following example, until there is only one digit.

Example: March 20, 1950
3 + 20 + 1950 = 1973
1 + 9 + 7 + 3 = 20
2 + 0 = 2

Keep going until you end up with a single digit number. 2 is the Birth Number to read for the Birth Date in the example.

1 THE ORIGINATOR
2 THE PEACEMAKER
3 THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
4 THE CONSERVATIVE
5 THE NONCONFORMIST
6 THE ROMANTIC
7 THE INTELLECTUAL
8 THE BIG SHOT
9 THE PERFORMER

1 - THE ORIGINATOR - 1's are originals. Coming up with new ideas and executing them is natural. Having things their own way is another trait that gets them labeled as being stubborn and arrogant. 1's are extremely honest and would do well to learn some diplomacy skills. They like to take the initiative and are often leaders or bosses, as they like to be the best. Being self-employed is definitely helpful for them. Lessons to learn: Others' ideas might be just as good or better; and to stay open minded.

Famous 1's - Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, Hulk Hogan, Carol Burnett, Wynona Judd, Nancy Reagan, and Raquel Welch.

2 - THE PEACEMAKER - 2's are the born diplomats. They are aware of others' needs and moods and often think of others before themselves. Naturally analytical and very intuitive, they don't like to be alone. Friendship and companionship are very important and can lead them to be successful in life; but, on the other hand, they'd rather be alone than in an uncomfortable relationship. Being naturally shy, they should learn to boost their self-esteem and express themselves freely and seize the moment and not put things off.

Famous 2's - President Bill Clinton, Madonna, Whoopie Goldberg, Thomas Edison and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

3 - THE LIFE OF THE PARTY - 3's are idealists. They are very creative, social, charming, romantic, and easygoing. They start many things but don't always see them through. They like others to be happy and go to great lengths to achieve it. They are very popular and idealistic. They should learn to see the world from a more realistic point of view.

Famous 3's - Alan Alda, Ann Landers, Bill Cosby, Melanie Griffith, Salvador Dali, and Jodi Foster

4 - THE CONSERVATIVE - 4 's are sensible and traditional. They like order and routine. They only act when they fully understand what they're expected to do. They like getting their hands dirty and working hard. They are attracted to the outdoors and feel an affinity with nature. They are prepared to wait and can be stubborn and persistent. They should learn to be more flexible and to be nice to themselves.

Famous 4's - Neil Diamond, Margaret Thatcher, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tina Turner, Paul Hogan, and Oprah Winfrey

5 - THE NONCONFORMIST - 5's are the explorers. Their natural curiosity, risk taking, and enthusiasm often land them in hot water. They need diversity, and don't like to be stuck in a rut. The whole world is their school and they see a learning possibility in every situation. The questions never stop. They are well advised to look before they take action and make sure they have all the facts before jumping to conclusions.

Famous 5's - Abraham Lincoln, Charlotte Bronte, Jessica Walter, Vincent Van Gogh, Bette Midler, Helen Keller and Mark Hail.

6 - THE ROMANTIC - 6's are idealistic and need to feel useful to be happy. A strong family connection is important to them. Their actions influence their decisions. They have a strong urge to take care of others and to help. They are very loyal and make great teachers. They like art or music. They make loyal friends who take the friendship seriously. 6's should learn to differentiate between what they can change and what they cannot.

Famous 6's - Albert Einstein, Jane Seymour, John Denver, Meryl Streep, Christopher Columbus, and Goldie Hawn

7 - THE INTELLECTUAL - 7's are the searchers. Always probing for hidden information, they find it difficult to accept things at face value. Emotions don't sway their decisions. Questioning everything in life, they don't like to be questioned themselves. They're never off to a fast start, and their motto is "slow and steady wins the race." They come across as philosophers and being very knowledgeable, and sometimes as loners. They are technically inclined and make great researchers uncovering information. They like secrets. They live in their own world and should learn what is acceptable and what is not in the world at large.

Famous 7's - William Shakespeare, Lucille Ball, Michael Jackson, Joan Baez, Princess Diana, and Vince Ricciardi

8 - THE BIG SHOT - 8's are the problem solvers. They are professional, blunt, and to the point, have good judgment and are decisive. They have grand plans and like to live the good life. They take charge of people. They view people objectively. They should learn to base their decisions on their own needs rather than on what others want.

Famous 8's - Edgar Cayce, Barbra Streisand, George Harrison, Jane Fonda, Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, and Nostradamus.

9 - THE PERFORMER - 9's are natural entertainers. They are very caring and generous, giving away their last dollar to help. With their charm, they have no problem making friends and nobody is a stranger to them. They have so many different personalities that people around them have a hard time understanding them. They are like chameleons, ever changing and blending in. They have tremendous luck, but also can suffer from extremes in fortune and mood. To be successful, they need to build a loving foundation.

Famous 9s - Albert Schweitzer, Shirley MacLaine, Harrison Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Elvis Presley

Sunday Stealing: Fifteen Meme

This week's Sunday Stealing comes from Liv Rants.

What was your first job like? My first real job was in a factory.  I liked having my own money but the work was har.

It’s a typical Sunday, how are you spending it? Grocery shopping.

What was the happiest day of your life? The day each of my children were born (so two days of happiness).

What was the best decision you ever made? The decision to move to Wisconsin.

Tell your go-to “pretend” game as a child (who was your alter-ego?)  I played "House" a lot and always pretended to be my Mom.

What email service do you use? Gmail.

What fandoms would you consider yourself a part of? World of Warcraft and a few other games; several tv shows and a few movies.

Do you use anything on your lips? Chapstick every now and then but mostly spit.

How many devices do you own which can access the internet? At least seven.

Last strong smell you can remember smelling? The smell of home, which is very hard to describe.

If you had to move your birthday to another date, which one would you choose and why? I would choose sometime in the summer so that I can do more outdoor type of activities.

Inspiration behind your blog title? It happened after a discussion with a friend on introspection and that everyone should take time to look into their own soul.

If you could spend a rainy day with anyone in the world, who would you choose and why? My children, because I miss them!
Is there a foreign culture that you love? None in particular.

Do you have a favorite soft drink? Diet Pepsi

Camera Critters: I See You

Shelby says: "I see you trying to take my photo!"

Rotten eCard of the Week #24: Dear Mother Nature

Dear Mother Nature, Get back on your meds, 

open a bottle of wine, & start thinking warm, happy thoughts!

My Personality Type: The Dreamy Idealist

My Personality Type: The Dreamy Idealist

Dreamy Idealists are very cautious and therefore often appear shy and reserved to others. They share their rich emotional life and their passionate convictions with very few people. But one would be very much mistaken to judge them to be cool and reserved. They have a pronounced inner system of values and clear, honourable principles for which they are willing to sacrifice a great deal.

Joan of Arc or Sir Galahad would have been good examples of this personality type. Dreamy Idealists are always at great pains to improve the world. They can be very considerate towards others and do a lot to support them and stand up for them. They are interested in their fellow beings, attentive and generous towards them. Once their enthusiasm for an issue or person is aroused, they can become tireless fighters.

For Dreamy Idealists, practical things are not really so important. They only busy themselves with mundane everyday demands when absolutely necessary. They tend to live according to the motto “the genius controls the chaos” - which is normally the case so that they often have a very successful academic career. They are less interested in details; they prefer to look at something as a whole. This means that they still have a good overview even when things start to become hectic. However, as a result, it can occasionally happen that Dreamy Idealists overlook something important. As they are very peace-loving, they tend not to openly show their dissatisfaction or annoyance but to bottle it up. Assertiveness is not one of their strong points; they hate conflicts and competition. Dreamy Idealists prefer to motivate others with their amicable and enthusiastic nature. Whoever has them as superior will never have to complain about not being given enough praise.

As at work, Dreamy Idealists are helpful and loyal friends and partners, persons of integrity. Obligations are absolutely sacred to them. The feelings of others are important to them and they love making other people happy. They are satisfied with just a small circle of friends; their need for social contact is not very marked as they also need a lot of time to themselves. Superfluous small talk is not their thing. If one wishes to be friends with them or have a relationship with them, one would have to share their world of thought and be willing to participate in profound discussions. If you manage that you will be rewarded with an exceptionally intensive, rich partnership. Due to their high demands on themselves and others, this personality type tends however to sometimes overload the relationship with romantic and idealistic ideas to such an extent that the partner feels overtaxed or inferior. Dreamy Idealists do not fall in love head over heels but when they do fall in love they want this to be a great, eternal love.

Adjectives that describe your type
introverted, theoretical, emotional, spontaneous, idealistic, dreamy, effusive, pleasant, reserved, friendly, passionate, loyal, perfectionist, helpful, creative, composed, curious, obstinate, with integrity, willing to make sacrifices, romantic, cautious, shy, peace-loving, vulnerable, sensitive, communicative, imaginative

Sunday Stealing: Book Meme

This week's Sunday Stealing comes from Be Your Own Hero

1: Favorite children's book - Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

2: The last book you've read - Mad River by John Sandford

3: Books on your "to read" list

4: Top 5 authors - John Sandford, James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Lee Child

5: Favorite genres - Fiction, Crime, SyFy, Classics, Children's, Horror, Fantasy, and a  few others.

6: A book that has made you extremely mad - None that I can think of.

7: A book that you've cried over - Old Yeller by Fred Gipson; and Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

8: A book that made you laugh out loud - Many but not that stands out right now.

9: Fiction or nonfiction?- Fiction

10: First book you've read by your favorite author - Carrie by Stephen King

11: Best book-to-movie adaption - The Green Mile by Stephen King

12: Do you read comics/manga? Yes

13: Hardcovers or Paperbacks? Hardcovers if I purchase them, paperback if I check out from the library.

14: Do you buy books as soon as they come out or wait a while? Depends on the author.  Most of the time I wait a while.

15: Do you buy books spontaneously without any prior knowledge of what happens in it? No.

16: Have you ever bought a book based on the cover alone? No

17: Where do you usually buy your books? Amazon.com and the local Barnes & Noble

18: Book that had a strong impact on you - Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

19: Historical or science fiction? Science Fiction

20: Dystopian or Utopian? I prefer a combination of the two but I lean more towards dystopian (such as the Hunger Games).

21: Worst book-to-move adaption? The Da Vinci Code (book written by Dan Brown)

22: Book that should have a movie adaption? None that I can think of.  I don't want any of my favorite books ruined by some director.

23: The first book you've fallen in love with - Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

24: Humor or angst? Humor

25: How many books do you own? Over 100

26: Do you go the library? Sometimes

27: How many books do you read a year? In a good year, at least one per week.  Otherwise one or two per month.

28: Favorite "required reading" book? The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

29: Favorite quote? "We are never very far from those we hate. For this very reason, we shall never be truly close to those we love." (Author by Albert Sanchez Pinol and Translated by Cheryl Leah Morgan) 

30: A book you absolutely hate - Harlequins (yes, all of them)

Camera Critters: More Smiles

More smiles from Shelby!  Love this girl so much!

Valentine's Day 2014

My husband,surprised me  (even though I told him not to get me anything) with flowers

and a cute stuffie for Valentine's Day.  (for those that don't know, I do not like Valentines Day!)

We also had ice cream treats from Dairy Queen.  Hubby had a peanut buster parfait

and I had a Choco Cherry Love Blizzard.  I even let Shelby have a bite.

Rotten eCard of the Week #23: Valentine's Day

I'm going to spend Valentine's Day with my true love.... My pajamas.

Wordless Wednesday: Tugboat in Dubuque, Iowa

            This post is linked up to: Wordless Wednesday and Wordless Wednesday Bloggers.

In Memory of Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple Black, who as a dimpled, precocious and determined little girl in the 1930s sang and tap-danced her way to a height of Hollywood stardom and worldwide fame that no other child has reached, died on Monday night at her home in Woodside, Calif. She was 85.

She will be greatly missed!

I've thrown away my toys,

Even my drums and trains,

I want to make some noise,

With real live airplanes.

Some day I'm going to fly,

I'll be a pilot to,

And when I do,

How would you,

Like to be my crew?

On the good ship

Lollipop

Its a sweet trip

To the candy shop

Where bon-bon's play,

On the sunny beach

Of peppermint bay

Lemonade stands,

Everywhere

Crackerjack bands,

Fill the air,

And there you are,

Happy landings on a chocolate bar.

See the sugar bowl

Do a tootsie roll

In a big bad devils food cake,

If you eat too much,

Oh, oh,

You'll awake,

With a tummy ache.

On the good ship

Lollipop

Its a nice trip,

In to bed you hop,

And dream away,

On the good ship

Lollipop

Unconscious Mutterings #576

Hosted by Luna Nina

http://subliminal.lunanina.com/

Luna Nina says … and I think …

Person :: Place and Thing
Children :: Can be such a pain in the ass at any age
Tweet ::  Sang the bird
Points :: and giggles
Grill :: Ribs and Corn
Traces :: of evidence
Unsolved :: mysteries
Lines ::  on the wall
Fourteen :: dozen cookies
Coincidence :: I think not

Sunday Stealing: Cupid's Questions Meme

This week's Sunday Stealing comes from Kodelaine.

1.) Do you like Valentine's Day?  I do not like Valentine's Day.  I think it is a bullshit holiday. 
2.) Are you going to celebrate it?  I will be at work all day.  When I get home I will make dinner and watch a movie while eating dinner.3.) Celebrate Valentine's Day with Friends or someone Special?  I will be at home with my husband.
4.) Pink or red?  Red
5.) Candy Hearts OR cards?  Candy hearts.
6.) A short kiss or a big hug?  A short kiss.
7.) What are your plans for V-day?  Work all day, dinner and a movie at home.
8.) What would be the best gift to receive?  Two million, tax free dollars so I can pay off all my debt.
9.) Would get back with any of your ex's for V-day?  Hell No!
10.) Is there a food or beverage you associate with V-day?  Chocolate for food but nothing for beverages.
11.)  What are your thoughts on "Love at first sight"?  Love at first sight is bullshit.
12.) Do you think people who have dated can stay friends?  Sure, as long as they are mature about it.
13.)  If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice about dating or relationships what would it be?  Listen to your parents!

Camera Critters: All Smiles

Shelby is all smiles today. I love this girl with all my heart!

Friday Fill-ins: Double Mocha Cappuccino

From the Friday Fill-ins archives...

1. I'm looking forward to warm weather!

2. Ireland is a place I always wanted to visit and haven't made it there yet.

3. I've fallen in love with Double Mocha Cappuccino by Hills Brothers (sugar free).

4. Six of one, and a half dozen of the other.  What difference does it make?

5. Addiction is something very hard to overcome.

6. The cast of "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" crack me up!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a nice, relaxing evening; tomorrow my plans include playing with my dog and Sunday, I want to lay in bed all day!

Rotten eCard of the Week #22: My Personal Hell

Leaving a warm bed on a cold morning is my personal hell.

Wordless Wednesday: Welcome to Wisconsin

This post is linked up to: Wordless Wednesday and Wordless Wednesday Bloggers.

Stuck in My Head: Champagne Supernova by Oasis

"Champagne Supernova"

How many special people change

How many lives are living strange

Where were you when we were getting high?

Slowly walking down the hall

Faster than a cannon ball

Where were you while we were getting high?

Some day you will find me

Caught beneath the landslide

In a champagne supernova in the sky

Some day you will find me

Caught beneath the landslide

In a champagne supernova

A champagne supernova in the sky

Wake up the dawn and ask her why

A dreamer dreams she never dies

Wipe that tear away now from your eye

Slowly walking down the hall

Faster than a cannon ball

Where were you when we were getting high?

Some day you will find me

Caught beneath the landslide

In a champagne supernova in the sky

Some day you will find me

Caught beneath the landslide

In a champagne supernova

A champagne supernova in the sky

Cos people believe that they're

Gonna get away for the summer

But you and I, we live and die

The world's still spinning round

We don't know why

Why, why, why, why

How many special people change

How many lives are living strange

Where were you when we were getting high?

Slowly walking down the hall

Faster than a cannon ball

Where were you while we were getting high?

Some day you will find me

Caught beneath the landslide

In a champagne supernova in the sky

Some day you will find me

Caught beneath the landslide

In a champagne supernova

A champagne supernova in the sky

Cos people believe that they're

Gonna get away for the summer

But you and I, we live and die

The world's still spinning round

We don't know why

Why, why, why, why

How many special people change

How many lives are living strange

Where were you when we were getting high?

We were getting high

We were getting high

We were getting high

We were getting high

Unconscious Mutterings #575

Hosted by Luna Nina

http://subliminal.lunanina.com/

Luna Nina says … and I think …

Doorknob ::  Shut the door!

Arch :: The Gateway Arch is St. Louis, MO.

Clay :: Hard to get clay out of your clothes

Doves :: Remind me of peace

Bloom :: Blooming Onion from Texas Roadhouse

Curious :: As a Cat

Kissing :: Ugh, Valentine's Day is next week.

Stomach :: Not eating lunch has made my tummy all rumbly

Courtyard :: Hotel/Motel

Shorts :: Too damn cold outside to wear shorts.

Sunday Stealing: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

This week's Sunday Stealing comes from BlackPanther.

01. Put your music player of choice on shuffle and list the first song.  American Idiot by Green Day

02. If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Would you take anyone with you? Ireland, because it is the home of my ancestors.  I would take my dog, husband, and my children with me.

03. What is your preferred writing implement? (eg. Blue pen, pencil, green pen) I prefer to write with a blue gel pen.  Blue is easier for me to see than things written in pencil.

04. When did you go on your first trip alone (without your parents)?  Texas at age 18.

05. Do you have connections to any celebrities (even minor)? List them. Does Merle Haggard count?

06. Name 3 items you could pick up from where you are. My cell phone, a Diet Pepsi and my dog's ashes (Annabelle; she passed away on August 02, 2012).

07. How would you describe your sense of humor? Silly

08. Do you ever play board games or other non-computer games? Got any favorites? Yes.  My favorites is Monopoly.

09. A musical artist you love that isn’t well known. The Jeff Healey Band

10. A musical artist you love that is well known. Steven Tyler

11. What is your desktop background currently? A collection of photos of the above mention dog, Annabelle.

12. Last person you talked to, and through what you talked to them. My husband.  Face-to-face

13. What do you carry your money in?  My purse and wallet.

14. What timekeeping devices are in the room you are currently in? My cell phone, computer, and my "weather station" (which shows time, date, indoor temp and outdoor temp).

15. What kind of headphones do you use? The ones that came with my iPhone.

16. What musical artists have you seen perform live? Carolines Spine, REM, and a bunch of country artists.

17. How often do you clear your browser history? Every other day and sometimes daily.
 
18. What’s the best job you’ve ever had? Actually, I enjoy the job I currently have.  Yes, it is quite stressful most of the time but I still love the job.

19. What’s the worst job you’ve ever had? A factory job I had many, many years ago.  We made tarp like things for sofa beds.

20. What magazines do you read, if any? Reader's Digest, Game Informer, Good Housekeeping, and a few others.

Camera Critters: Buddy the Handsome

Buddy is my mother-in-law/father-in-law's dog.
He is quite handsome.

I