Wednesday, December 31, 2008

this and that...

Good Morning Campers...

I forgot a couple of things in my previous post...truth be told I have been fighting a cold and it made me a bit foggy in the head...LOL...and a bit blue..I always know when I am going to get sick because I get extremely tired..as in falling asleep while sitting up and I get very blue and weepy...after almost 47 years I can read my body well...47..holy shit..but that's a whole other post.. ;-) Anyway back to what I was saying...my mind is going a mile a minute here and my fingers can't keep up...I must be on the mend because I am raring to got his morning... I forgot to mention that I got money from my dad and Sister for Christmas and with it I treated myself to having my teeth whitened! they had a booth in the mall where you get your teeth done under the fluorescent lights and a take home kit..you get 3 follow up treatments..so far I have done 2 treatments under the lights and one at home and my teeth are at least 5 shades whiter...a bit vain I know but what the heck! I did tell you about the Booksamillion gift card..well I finished one book in 2 days the book was "Future Homemakers of America" by Laurie Graham.. review below..

Six Women...Their Loves, Laughter, and Lifelong Friendship For five American Air Force wives, Norfolk, England, in 1952 is a long way from home. But Peggy Dewey and her friends are determined to make the most of their overseas mission. While their husbands patrol the skies in F-84 fighters, the high-spirited group of military wives and young moms staves off homesickness by clipping coupons, trading gossip, and going to London to see Princess Elizabeth "get coronated." Over a stick of Juicy Fruit, brass polisher Audrey Rudman, good-time girl Lois Moon, alcohol-loving Gayle Jackson, "Pie Crust Queen" Betty Gillis, and the ever reliable Peggy meet a scrappy Englishwoman named Kath Pharaoh and a lasting friendship is forged. Through marriage and divorce, separations and reunions, the gang will try to hold fast to one another…in a story that takes us to the heart of female friendship-and reveals the secret of the perfect Three Color Refrigerator Cake.

I recommend you RUN out and get this one...the memories it bought back to me...a truly awesome read....

I also forgot to tell you that we went to our usual Crab Shack on the river on Saturday to have lunch as a family..the weather was warm and sunny and we always have a good time there..well it was still picture perfect but the service was terrible...the waitress was trying very hard .. I think the problem was the kitchen...hubby and I got our lunch 30 minutes before the kids...also we ordered a bucket of Oysters as a starter and they came a the end of the meal..we never did get the basket of fries...I went and complained to the manager who was a pretty rude old lady..she told me that they were a "laid back" kind of a restaurant and no one usually cares about the wait..I told her I wouldn't have minded the wait if our food came out at the same time...anyway she comped the meal for us but only after telling me that her Church wouldn't get her offering that week because of people like me!!! very Christian like don't ya think??? We gave the poor waitress a generous tip and she and another girl thanked us and said it was awful trying to work when the kitchen was unable to cope because usually no one says anything and they just stiff the waitress...I felt better after that....

I think that's all I wanted so say...LOL .. I will be back later with the New Year post...;-) I am going to attempt to change the layout of my Blog...time for the Christmas to go...hopefully I can do this without bothering sweet Missy...;-)

L xx

Monday, December 29, 2008

catching up.........

Good Morning Campers!

I hope this finds you all doing well this morning...everything is fine on this end..I haven't posted in a few days..I find myself spending way to much time reading my dashboard!! I must get in the habit of posting first and reading second...

Christmas has come and gone in the blink of an eye it seems... We had a lovely time..Christmas Eve hubby and I went and got the last minute bits and pieces from the store..I love to be out in the hustle and bustle and the joyous atmosphere on Christmas Eve..we were home by 11 am and didn't leave again..we hung out at the house..True beauty was working and Ryan was in and out...we had ham eggs chips and beans for supper...something I started a few years back and the only time of year we eat that..it's a British thing...;-) Christmas morning we were up about 7.30..the usual 15 minutes of opening presents...always the same thing...2 months of shopping and a few minutes to open it all..;-) Everyone was happy with their loot..Ryan got a new digital camera and then clothes...cologne..a new PS3 game ..slippers...True beauty got a new Coach purse...clothes...jewelery... hubby got new clothes..golf balls and colognes..I got mostly gift cards..to Pier 1.. Bookamillion and to the nail salon..plus some perfume and 2 new rings... the family gift was a WII which hubby got in Japan..it was a big hit...we had a lot of fun playing it and I can see why it is so popular..it is a great family investment... Hubby took Ryan to the Brig on base to visit one of his young sailors who is in there for being caught drinking underage...he thought it would do Ryan good to see that and I think it was...My FIL and his wife came round for Christmas Lunch...FIL looked pretty good...we exchanged more gifts and had a lovely lunch..my Turkey turned out really really juicy and delicious...I tried a new way of cooking it..I laid the turkey on a bed of carrots so it wasn't touching the bottom of the roasting pan then I filled the pan half way up with chicken broth and covered the turkey with foil..basted it every hour on the hour with the broth taking the foil off for the last 2 hours to let it brown..it was amazing!! We sat around talking at the table for a good hour or so after lunch then FIL wanted to go home so he could rest...hubby cleaned up for me..and then we relaxed for the rest of the day..it was quiet but wonderful..I will post pics later...we have been kind of lazy the last few days..it has been almost Tropical here...in the 80's some days..definitely not very Christmasy!! hubby has re stained the deck..I have been reading by the pool the last 2 days...yes I already spent my Booksamillion gift card...LOL..

We are not sure what our plans are for NYE...we are thinking of going to the pub on the river..they have a band and it's usually a great time and less than 5 miles from here so an easily affordable cab ride home..we are both off this week and I am so messed up on what day it is etc..seems like we are in limbo this week.. I have some big plans for myself for the new year but that's a whole other post...;-)

Have a great week...I have enjoyed reading about everyones Christmases...;-)

L xx

Sunday, December 21, 2008

catching up....

Good Morning Campers!!

I know everyone is busy this time of year ..there sure don't seem to be many posts.. I hope everyone is taking a few minutes to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the merriment..it will all be over in a few days then we will have all the time in the world to clean our houses and do all the other mundane day to day stuff....this is the one time of the year when we can feel like kids again!! Enjoy the lights..the decorations..the holiday foods..even the dreaded relatives (looks at Jeanne) I know it's crazy out there but it's a good kind of crazy...;-)

I myself have been busy doing Christmas shopping..wrapping..parties.etc..etc...it was hubby's Christmas Party Friday night..it was at the Omni downtown again...we stayed in the executive suite on the 15 floor overlooking the river...it was 80 degrees Friday afternoon when we checked in so we enjoyed lunch sitting on the deck overlooking the river..watching the boats...drinking ice cold bloody Mary's...and telling ourselves who would have ever thought we would be doing this in December back in the day when we were teenagers in Kidlington...LOL... the party was a lot of fun..we won a 32 inch LCD flat screen TV!! we were going to treat ourselves to one for the Florida room in the January sales so now we can get a surround sound for it....after the party we headed up to our room to change out of our party clothes..threw on some jeans and went to Mavericks..a real life honky tonk bar complete with mechanical bull..and no I did not ride it!! it was so much fun..I am a closet country and western fan..thanks to my Mum...my foot was just a tapping..;-) we ordered breakfast in bed from room service and when we checked out found the whole thing had been comped!! no cost to us for any of it..not even the valet parking!! not sure why but we are extremely grateful!!! what a fabulous mini getaway! yesterday we just chilled ..hubby may have even had a slight hangover but he pleads the fifth..;-) I did get a couple of last minute gifts..today hubby has gone golfing and I am going to the movies with Jen to see Four Christmases...then I need to to to the grocery store as I just found out I am hosting Christmas dinner after all!! My FIL is feeling better and wants to get out the house...to be honest I am thrilled because I love cooking Christmas dinner and having everyone here with me at home... it makes it feel like Christmas to me so although I am a bit manic about all I need to do I am filled with the joy and warmth of the season...I have to work tomorrow and Tuesday and then I am off till January 5th!!

Enjoy this week!

L xx

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Christmas lunch.....

Good morning campers!!...

Yesterday was our Christmas lunch at work. We finally decided to close the office for a couple of hours and do a lunch instead of an evening party as we could not find a date that would work for all of us...all they would tell us about the lunch was to be there at 11.30...we had no idea..those who were working in the clinic were told not to wear scrubs...so anyway we all met in the clinic yesterday and were told to go to the front of the building...what was waiting for us?? A stretch Limo!! We each got a red rose handed to us as we climbed in and off we went to the mystery destination.. we were allowed to drink wine on the trip ... it was so much fun..and the restaurant was the Wine Cellar down town..it was beautiful..we had a 3 course lunch...I had Lobster Bisque...followed by Crab cakes and salad...for dessert we just ordered a bunch of different ones and passed them around..my favourite was the key Lime pie which was more like a Cheesecake...we took the scenic way back to the clinic...it was a very pleasant surprise and much appreciated.some of the ladies had never been in a Limo before so it was doubly thrilling for them...I have to say I have had a great couple of days!! And today hubby and I are going Christmas shopping and out to lunch...my life is so full and warm right now..between the homecoming and the Christmas spirit I am feeling extremely blessed ...my cup runneth over....

L xx

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

The eagle has landed!!!

Good Morning Campers!!

Hubby arrived on time yesterday at 2pm...they did a fly by with the American flag hanging out the door..it was very emotional..we had a great homecoming and all is right in my world again!! There are truck keys on the counter..men's shoes by the door...two toothbrushes in our bathroom...two coffee cups this morning... and when we went out for dinner last night it was "Hatfield party of four".. my family is reunited and all is well...

Thank God for bringing him home safely and to all the men and women serving their country past and present I thank you...

It's going to be a great Christmas!!

L xx

Sunday, December 7, 2008

my family...

Some pics for my new readers....

my hubby....



my daughter.. "True beauty"




My son Ryan...







Cadet the attack Yorkie... ;-)



















Manic Sunday not Monday...;-)

Good Morning Campers...

My post yesterday was not me fishing for comments although we all know I am a bit of a comment whore..;-) It was merely an observation..without sending out a mass email I don't know how to alert people I have posted..you are only allowed 10 emails in the settings..I know myself it is time consuming to go through all the blogs on my dashboard but I know not of any other way... I appreciate your thoughts on this..it appears many of you feel the same way..

I am absolutely in the manic "oh my god he is coming home and I haven't lost 50lbs or organized the house etc" phase..LOL..happens every single time...I am excited..nervous and have butterflies...he has left Japan and is en route via Hawaii and San Diego..ETA is 1400 hours Tuesday...

Please keep my FIL in your prayers..he took a turn for the worse and is back in hospital..he has an infection somewhere..they are doing blood cultures..and he aspirated some vomit and has Pneumonia...poor old guy..he just can't seem to catch a break..he is stable though and in good spirits and anxious for his boy to get home..although he won't be at the homecoming I am confident he will be HERE and we will be stopping by the hospital on the way back from the base for sure...

My plans for today are to stay busy...True Beauty and I are off to the base for one last look at designer handbags (eye roll) then I will be going into death con 1 mode in this house...LOL..Ryan has yard detail and even the dog is getting spruced up..I have to work 12 hours tomorrow so I need to get my to do list done today....

Have a great Sunday...

L xx

Saturday, December 6, 2008

just an observation...

I am not so sure I like this Blog follower thingy...see it says I have 145 followers yet I rarely get more than 25 comments ..so does that mean 120 of you are not REALLY following me...

Just an observation....

ANOTHER MEME...;-)

I stole this one from Rhianna..;-)

Another Meme

Four jobs I've had -


1. HEARING AID ASSEMBLER
2. MANAGER OF A BOUTIQUE
3. DENTAL ASSISTANT
4. MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Four movies I could watch over and over -


1. LOVE ACTUALLY
2. ABOUT A BOY
3. STEP MOM
4. STEEL MAGNOLIAS


Four places I've lived -


1. KIDLINGTON OXFORD ENGLAND
2. BLETCHINGTON OXFORD ENGLAND
3. VIRGINIA BEACH VA
4. ORANGE PARK FL

Four TV shows I love -


1. GAVIN AND STACEY (BBC AMERICA)
2. J&K+8
3. THE HILLS
4. REAL WORLD


Four places I've vacationed -

1. SPAIN
2. CANARY ISLANDS
3. ITALY
4. FRANCE

Four of my favorite dishes -
1. FAJITA NACHOS
2. CHICKEN MARSALA
3. CURRY
4. PORK LO MEIN


Four favorite drinks -
1. ICE COLD BUD ICE
2. DIET COKE
3. DIET GREEN TEA
4. FRAPPICHINOS


Four sites I visit daily -

1. MY EMAIL
2. MY SPACE
3. FACE BOOK
4. MY BLOG


Four places I'd rather be right now -


1. IN ENGLAND VISITING MY FAMILY
2. ON A WHITE SANDY BEACH
3. ON TOP OF A SNOW COVERED MOUNTAIN IN THE SKI LODGE SIPPING A HOT TODDY
4.PICKING UP MY LOTTERY WINNINGS

Friday, December 5, 2008

Friday Morning....

Good Morning Campers!!

Hope this entry finds everyone warm and dry and looking forward to the weekend. I am in such a great mood this morning..yesterday I thought I was coming down with the dreaded funk that is going around so I dozed on and off all day and took loads of Vitamin C and am glad to report that I feel fine this morning. Today is Friday which means Jen and I are off shopping and to lunch. I have put a major dent in the Christmas shopping thanks to being out in the madness at 4.30 am last Friday but still have a ways to go. Of course the big buzz around here is the Homecoming..3 days and a wake up!! I am beyond excited...I have a list as long as my arm of last minute things to get done around here...got to have the house up to the Master Chiefs standards :-) The tree is up and decorated..the lights are up outside..Ryan did his Dad proud this year..hubby told us on skype that he did not want to have to mess with "all that" when he came home..his wish has been granted..he also advised Ryan to leave the house while I was decorating the house...sound advice I'd say! ;-) So we are ready...just bring him home safely is all I ask..it's been a long 7 months....

Well that's all from me really...I shall be doing the Christmas cards this weekend sometime..thanks to Missy and Lisa Jo who sent me theirs already...

Have a lovely weekend..enjoy the spirit of the season...

L xx
P.S. Father-in-law is doing okay...is home but still rather weak but out of the woods so to speak..
P.P.S. gas is $1.68 woo hoo!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Ut oh...survey says...

I got this in email form but as is my style I thought I would post it here..thanks Wendy for sending me this!!


1.What is your occupation right now? Medical Assistant

2.What color are your socks right now? not wearing any

3.What are you listening to right now? my heater out here in the Florida room...

4.What was the last thing that you ate? piece of Pizza last night

5.Can you drive a stick shift? NO ..no desire to either...I hate driving ..period....

6.Last person you spoke to on the phone? Kari

7.Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes!! Wendy is always full of love and laughter and cheers me up!!

8.How old are you today? 46

9.What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Soccer G-O-A-L!!!!

10What is your favorite drink? Ice cold beer!

11.Have you ever dyed your hair? yes ..and had a few disasters too!

12.Favorite food? Mexican

13.What is the last movie you watched? Bridget Jones "Edge of Reason" again!!

14.Favorite day of the year? Christmas Day!

15.How do you vent anger? Yell ..and swear...occasionally slam a door or two!!

16.What was your favorite toy as a child? Tiny Tears

17.What is your favorite season? Autumn

18.Cherries or Blueberries? hmmm.... I have no preference - not fond of either! (me either Wendy)

19.Do you want your friends to do this?? if they so desire...;-)20.Who is the most likely to respond???????? dawn...the meme queen...LOL

21.Who is least likely to respond??????? Gaz...:-P

22.Living arrangements? Husband, 2 kids, 1 dogs...1 fish and any number of random teenage boys...;-)

23.When was the last time you cried? really cried..a few weeks ago...but I cry all the time at commercials..movies..etc..LOL

24.What is on the floor of your closet? shoes - yeah lots of em!!!!

25.Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? Traci and Shanti if you reading this...;-)

26 .What did you do last night? crashed in front of telly after 12 hour shift...

27.What are you most afraid of? something happening to my family...

28.Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? cheese

29.Favorite dog breed love my Yorkie but truthfully Whippets and Old English sheepdogs...

30.Favorite day of the week? hmmm... Friday

31.How many states have you lived in? 2 Virginia and Florida

32.Diamonds or pearls? diamonds...hint hint!!

33.What is your favorite flower? Lavender roses...

Monday, December 1, 2008

Thank you Missy!!

I just had to pop on here and thank our sweet Missy for fixing up my blog..she is my Christmas elf for sure..I was so missing having my blog decorated and now it looks so purty!!

Thanks Missy you rock!!!

MWAH!!!!!

L xx