Enough SAID!
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Monday, November 13, 2006
A Tribute to my Media Friends and Family
(yep, my sister, Marie and Vegas Princess)
Because both of these WONDERFUL ladies were nice enough to help me with a project I did for school, I wanted to share with you the types of stuff they do behind the scenes at their jobs. They both work in the media, in their respective cities, and are best friends. Here, in Cleveland, at CSU, the Communications students got the opportunity to do a "day" internship for the election day. Of course, not knowing what they did or didn't do, I heard their grumblings when they didn't get bylines for work they did. What they don't understand is that much of TV is this way. Unless you are an achor (man or woman), do you ever get bylines for work that you do. So, I asked each of them to type up for me what they did on election day.
Marie's response was:
Didn't want to forget to write this up. For the first time since I've been in TV I wasn't on the front line for our tv production and coverage of the elections. I was working in videotape yesterday so my main concern was to make sure that the videotapes that played the graphics in our monitors was always rolling and ready for air. As for what we did with our tv production we did a LOT! Here is what we have for coverage:
1. We converted one of our tv studios into our, as we called it, 2006 Vote Command Center. The station hired a company that had people at EVERY polling place in the state. Then they have a series of people set up with computers to compile data from the people out at the poll stations so we wouldn't have to wait for the state wires to get information on the air.
2. In the same studio, the Command Center, we set up a continuous web broadcast from 7am to midnight last night. We were the only station in the market to do something like that. We had our anchors rotate going on the air for the TV and going on the air for the Internet.
3. By being having the continuous web broadcast we were able to interview all the major candidates via phone from where ever they were in the state and allow them time to fully answer all the people's questions. Each of the major candidates were able to talk for up to 30 minutes on the Internet.
4. On the tv coverage we had reporters out in the field with all of the major candidates throughout the day as well as going to the place where they were planning to hold their possible victory parties. We had reports at several of the major polling areas in different counties that have had problems with past elections to see how things went. We even had a call center where people could call in if they had problems voting.
5. The morning and noon newscasts were pretty standard. The 5 & 6pm newscasts included a lot of final pushes from the candidates to get the people who hadn't voted yet to try to get their vote. The station gave each of them 4 minutes on the air to answer questions and make a pitch for themselves.
6. We did cut-ins throughout the night during primetime tv programming to alert viewers what was going on with the election. And because of the company the station hired we were on the air declaring victories in a lot races almost an hour before anyone else in our market.
7. There was an extended 11pm newscast and then we have a lower 3rd banner that ran overnight and all morning long saying who the winners were in the election.
Vegas Princess' response was:
1. I started working with one of our producers three weeks ago to make sure all of her lists and AP wires were set up correctly so we would get up to the minute election results on election night. This is so the most recent numbers would appear in our crawls and full screens when we did newscasts or squeeze backs.
2. From 7 PM when the polls closed until midnight we would squeeze back local programming and show elections results at the bottom to the screen. We also did a one minute cut-in and a thirty second topical cut in every half hour until 10 PM.
3. At 10 o'clock we did an hour long election special on MyLVTV (we do their ten o'clock news every night) and simulcast for six minutes on both Channel 3 (NBC) and Channel 12 (MyLVTV) each half hour. At 10:54:00 we started our 11 PM news six minutes early with all the results and announced winners of the election.
4. We had two reporters at the Democratic camp and two at the Republican camp as well as a reporter at each Sheriff's race camp (that was a very hot race for us) They would pull different candidates throughout the night to get their reactions, acceptance speeches or concession speeches on camera. We also had a reporter out on the street polling people about our controversial Questions regarding smoking, marijuana and the minimum wage. Finally there was a reporter who went to different voting stations to see how voter turnout was.
5. We had the option to extend our 11 PM newscast to go until 12 Am but decided not to take it because all of our races were decided at that time. We continued our coverage in the morning showing the results of all the races and having reporters at the two camps to talk about the outcome.
And I would like to point out we did not roll credits, no one said anything about us on the air, we came in did an awesome job and got little to no recognition. We barely even got dinner for us all night. News is not something you get credit for often unless you are a talking head.
Now, you've got to remember, there's A LOT of stuff going on at TV stations across the US that we, normal, every day people just don't see. So, if you know anyone who works in TV, let them know how you feel about them. I know these ladies work HARD at their jobs every day.
So, when someone asks me if I'm in awe about going to a TV station. I pretty much say, eh. Because I share all the "ooh's and ahhhs" with my sister and live vicariously through her (and Vegas Princess), I just see it as another job. I'm not very "star" struck just because she has had the opportunity to touch the Stanley Cup (when it was in Cleveland) and has had an opportunity to hold an actual Oscar (when it was with the actress they interviewed in Detroit).
Marie, I love ya kid. Amanda, if I had to have a second sister, making us a group of three, you'd be it. You're the dramatic one of us. Marie is the practical one, and I'm somewhere in between, even though I'm the OLDEST.
Love to ya all and all of those folks who work EVERY DAY in TV!
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
P.S. This information was reprinted without an actual, "Yes you can post this for all to see." Hope they don't mind, because I think it's REALLY important!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Because both of these WONDERFUL ladies were nice enough to help me with a project I did for school, I wanted to share with you the types of stuff they do behind the scenes at their jobs. They both work in the media, in their respective cities, and are best friends. Here, in Cleveland, at CSU, the Communications students got the opportunity to do a "day" internship for the election day. Of course, not knowing what they did or didn't do, I heard their grumblings when they didn't get bylines for work they did. What they don't understand is that much of TV is this way. Unless you are an achor (man or woman), do you ever get bylines for work that you do. So, I asked each of them to type up for me what they did on election day.
Marie's response was:
Didn't want to forget to write this up. For the first time since I've been in TV I wasn't on the front line for our tv production and coverage of the elections. I was working in videotape yesterday so my main concern was to make sure that the videotapes that played the graphics in our monitors was always rolling and ready for air. As for what we did with our tv production we did a LOT! Here is what we have for coverage:
1. We converted one of our tv studios into our, as we called it, 2006 Vote Command Center. The station hired a company that had people at EVERY polling place in the state. Then they have a series of people set up with computers to compile data from the people out at the poll stations so we wouldn't have to wait for the state wires to get information on the air.
2. In the same studio, the Command Center, we set up a continuous web broadcast from 7am to midnight last night. We were the only station in the market to do something like that. We had our anchors rotate going on the air for the TV and going on the air for the Internet.
3. By being having the continuous web broadcast we were able to interview all the major candidates via phone from where ever they were in the state and allow them time to fully answer all the people's questions. Each of the major candidates were able to talk for up to 30 minutes on the Internet.
4. On the tv coverage we had reporters out in the field with all of the major candidates throughout the day as well as going to the place where they were planning to hold their possible victory parties. We had reports at several of the major polling areas in different counties that have had problems with past elections to see how things went. We even had a call center where people could call in if they had problems voting.
5. The morning and noon newscasts were pretty standard. The 5 & 6pm newscasts included a lot of final pushes from the candidates to get the people who hadn't voted yet to try to get their vote. The station gave each of them 4 minutes on the air to answer questions and make a pitch for themselves.
6. We did cut-ins throughout the night during primetime tv programming to alert viewers what was going on with the election. And because of the company the station hired we were on the air declaring victories in a lot races almost an hour before anyone else in our market.
7. There was an extended 11pm newscast and then we have a lower 3rd banner that ran overnight and all morning long saying who the winners were in the election.
Vegas Princess' response was:
1. I started working with one of our producers three weeks ago to make sure all of her lists and AP wires were set up correctly so we would get up to the minute election results on election night. This is so the most recent numbers would appear in our crawls and full screens when we did newscasts or squeeze backs.
2. From 7 PM when the polls closed until midnight we would squeeze back local programming and show elections results at the bottom to the screen. We also did a one minute cut-in and a thirty second topical cut in every half hour until 10 PM.
3. At 10 o'clock we did an hour long election special on MyLVTV (we do their ten o'clock news every night) and simulcast for six minutes on both Channel 3 (NBC) and Channel 12 (MyLVTV) each half hour. At 10:54:00 we started our 11 PM news six minutes early with all the results and announced winners of the election.
4. We had two reporters at the Democratic camp and two at the Republican camp as well as a reporter at each Sheriff's race camp (that was a very hot race for us) They would pull different candidates throughout the night to get their reactions, acceptance speeches or concession speeches on camera. We also had a reporter out on the street polling people about our controversial Questions regarding smoking, marijuana and the minimum wage. Finally there was a reporter who went to different voting stations to see how voter turnout was.
5. We had the option to extend our 11 PM newscast to go until 12 Am but decided not to take it because all of our races were decided at that time. We continued our coverage in the morning showing the results of all the races and having reporters at the two camps to talk about the outcome.
And I would like to point out we did not roll credits, no one said anything about us on the air, we came in did an awesome job and got little to no recognition. We barely even got dinner for us all night. News is not something you get credit for often unless you are a talking head.
Now, you've got to remember, there's A LOT of stuff going on at TV stations across the US that we, normal, every day people just don't see. So, if you know anyone who works in TV, let them know how you feel about them. I know these ladies work HARD at their jobs every day.
So, when someone asks me if I'm in awe about going to a TV station. I pretty much say, eh. Because I share all the "ooh's and ahhhs" with my sister and live vicariously through her (and Vegas Princess), I just see it as another job. I'm not very "star" struck just because she has had the opportunity to touch the Stanley Cup (when it was in Cleveland) and has had an opportunity to hold an actual Oscar (when it was with the actress they interviewed in Detroit).
Marie, I love ya kid. Amanda, if I had to have a second sister, making us a group of three, you'd be it. You're the dramatic one of us. Marie is the practical one, and I'm somewhere in between, even though I'm the OLDEST.
Love to ya all and all of those folks who work EVERY DAY in TV!
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
P.S. This information was reprinted without an actual, "Yes you can post this for all to see." Hope they don't mind, because I think it's REALLY important!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
To My Anonymous Commenter (and regular commenters)
Because of the "nice" post submitted by the anonymous poster this afternoon, I have decided to change my comments to registered Blogger.com (or blogspot.com) users.
The bottom line: This is MY Blog. I'm throwing out the "Creativity Card" here! This is where I share my thoughts and feelings with my friends, family, and those who want to read. There are SO MANY blogs out there that have so many grammatical errors. Believe me, I'm happy that I've only had two.
BUT, just because I am working at being a Technical Writer DOES NOT mean that my personal BLOG has to be "business." That is reserved for another Web site, my online portfolio.
There, if there are any issues, by all means, let me know, THROUGH EMAIL. To me, I am too close to the subject of the pages that I've created on my online portfolio. If someone emails me, letting me know there are editing errors, I won't be as critical as I am about my posts here.
So, in the end, if you don't have an account on Blogger, sorry, you can't post here. It's tough, but I have to do it. There's no reason for someone to leave an anonymous post, but not email me first. And to answer anyone's question about "what email," all you have to do is access my profile. It's RIGHT there!
Cathy
8^ )
The bottom line: This is MY Blog. I'm throwing out the "Creativity Card" here! This is where I share my thoughts and feelings with my friends, family, and those who want to read. There are SO MANY blogs out there that have so many grammatical errors. Believe me, I'm happy that I've only had two.
BUT, just because I am working at being a Technical Writer DOES NOT mean that my personal BLOG has to be "business." That is reserved for another Web site, my online portfolio.
There, if there are any issues, by all means, let me know, THROUGH EMAIL. To me, I am too close to the subject of the pages that I've created on my online portfolio. If someone emails me, letting me know there are editing errors, I won't be as critical as I am about my posts here.
So, in the end, if you don't have an account on Blogger, sorry, you can't post here. It's tough, but I have to do it. There's no reason for someone to leave an anonymous post, but not email me first. And to answer anyone's question about "what email," all you have to do is access my profile. It's RIGHT there!
Cathy
8^ )
The 10's of this year...
Yep, this year has been and will be full of 10's.
- I reconnected with my love after our breakup 10 years ago. Of course, we're doing the "friendship" thing now.
- My hubby and I will be celebrating our 10-year wedding anniversary this March.
- After having our cell phones for 10 years, we are now going to change the numbers. Due to issues, this 10 has to happen, and probably will today.
Other 10's as they come up.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Career Fair at School...
So, last Friday (now that I'm posting this on 11/8/06), we had a Career Fair at the college. These are my rambling thoughts about the whole event.
I got there early. Since Rob was off, he was able to get Cassi ready and off to school. Plus, we got some nasty snow the Thursday night. Rob figured that I should get an early start.
After arriving, and walking forever to the place, I signed in and got my information packet. Because I also had class on Friday, I wanted to come early, but I also parked in my regular lot and walked. I believe I walked 4-5 blocks each way, IN A SUIT!
So, I had a plan. I scoped out the locations of all the companies I wanted to talk to. Even though I knew I wasn't going to get a job with the Elyria Police, I wanted to stop and say hello because they are my police department. I wanted them to know that not everyone at the fair was from Cleveland. Plus, it was nice to meet some of the officers who take care of us.
I stopped and chatted real quickly with all of the Career Services folks who have been helping me through this process. There was Julie, Anita, Philomena, and Yolanda. Also, I've helped them through the Career Week process by converting their ads from Publisher to InDesign for the Stater newspaper. Then, as you might remember, I taught/presented one of the their information sessions on Monday (Developing Your Online Portfolio).
So, my first company that I wanted to go to was Lubrizol. I checked with Anita, who I'd been working with, asking if I should mention about the upcoming co-op opportunities. Well, to my disappointment, the contact Anita's been working with was not at the fair. The two gentlemen, even though they were very nice, had no idea what I was talking about. But, they took my resume with some notes they added on the back. Anita and I figured that it might be a good opportunity to get my resume into the contact's hands, so that maybe the process would move quicker. From there, I went to see Hyland Software.
As some people know, I want to get back into Technical Writing. I did that for so many years at E&Y, but without the Bachelor's Degree (why I'm in school now). I did that job with only an Associate's Degree, but also because I was there. I REALLY love helping people learn and use technology. So, the day before, when I was getting my resumes together, I looked at their site. According to their site, they are, indeed, hiring for more Technical Writers. I printed out the job description, making sure I knew what questions to ask about the job. They were very happy to talk with me. I told them how I'd been to the presentation the company gave last spring. From that, I was inspired to create my online portfolio (http://eportfolio.cathyhennes.com). Then, because of my portfolio, I was asked to teach/present. Finally, I went to the presentation this time, and asked about internships. The woman I was speaking with asked me what I was looking for. And I said all of the above (internship, co-op, full-time). Of course, with full-time, I would continue taking my classes 2 at a time, but go year round to finish my degree. I then asked about the Technical Writer openings, and the requirements for the job. They asked me for a resume, which I quickly handed to them. They told me it would take about 2 weeks for any reply for my resume. (By 6pm that night, I had an email, asking for me to complete the online job application process. This ABSOLUTELY stunned me that they didn't even take 4 hours to reply.)
The rest of the companies are just a blur. I've got all their information. The huge disappointment for the fair was how many companies said to "apply online." Yes, they accepted my resume, but I wasn't very confident that they would keep the resume, unless I applied online. One company in particular, National City Bank. They didn't even really want to take my resume. "Just apply online," was what I was told. So, my thinking is that they were going to throw out my resume.
American Greetings was really nice. They had stuff to hand out, but didn't ask for a resume. Penton Media was very nice. They did ask for a resume, but I had to ask for a business card. Another disappointment, for the companies I did stop at, they continued to forget to give out business cards. I had to ask. They should always REMEMBER to have business card ready to give. I remember, when I worked at E&Y, we gave out our business cards to EVERYONE.
But, as I was talking with Penton Media, E&Y was standing right next to Penton's booth. I could sense them listening in as I talked about my employment with E&Y, and I could sense their ATTITUDE, that "holier than thou" type of attitude. I don't want to go back to them if you PAID me (well, yes I would because I know the culture and the business.)
So, that was my experience. We'll see what happens with the Hyland Software-thing. I'll blog and let everyone know.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
I got there early. Since Rob was off, he was able to get Cassi ready and off to school. Plus, we got some nasty snow the Thursday night. Rob figured that I should get an early start.
After arriving, and walking forever to the place, I signed in and got my information packet. Because I also had class on Friday, I wanted to come early, but I also parked in my regular lot and walked. I believe I walked 4-5 blocks each way, IN A SUIT!
So, I had a plan. I scoped out the locations of all the companies I wanted to talk to. Even though I knew I wasn't going to get a job with the Elyria Police, I wanted to stop and say hello because they are my police department. I wanted them to know that not everyone at the fair was from Cleveland. Plus, it was nice to meet some of the officers who take care of us.
I stopped and chatted real quickly with all of the Career Services folks who have been helping me through this process. There was Julie, Anita, Philomena, and Yolanda. Also, I've helped them through the Career Week process by converting their ads from Publisher to InDesign for the Stater newspaper. Then, as you might remember, I taught/presented one of the their information sessions on Monday (Developing Your Online Portfolio).
So, my first company that I wanted to go to was Lubrizol. I checked with Anita, who I'd been working with, asking if I should mention about the upcoming co-op opportunities. Well, to my disappointment, the contact Anita's been working with was not at the fair. The two gentlemen, even though they were very nice, had no idea what I was talking about. But, they took my resume with some notes they added on the back. Anita and I figured that it might be a good opportunity to get my resume into the contact's hands, so that maybe the process would move quicker. From there, I went to see Hyland Software.
As some people know, I want to get back into Technical Writing. I did that for so many years at E&Y, but without the Bachelor's Degree (why I'm in school now). I did that job with only an Associate's Degree, but also because I was there. I REALLY love helping people learn and use technology. So, the day before, when I was getting my resumes together, I looked at their site. According to their site, they are, indeed, hiring for more Technical Writers. I printed out the job description, making sure I knew what questions to ask about the job. They were very happy to talk with me. I told them how I'd been to the presentation the company gave last spring. From that, I was inspired to create my online portfolio (http://eportfolio.cathyhennes.com). Then, because of my portfolio, I was asked to teach/present. Finally, I went to the presentation this time, and asked about internships. The woman I was speaking with asked me what I was looking for. And I said all of the above (internship, co-op, full-time). Of course, with full-time, I would continue taking my classes 2 at a time, but go year round to finish my degree. I then asked about the Technical Writer openings, and the requirements for the job. They asked me for a resume, which I quickly handed to them. They told me it would take about 2 weeks for any reply for my resume. (By 6pm that night, I had an email, asking for me to complete the online job application process. This ABSOLUTELY stunned me that they didn't even take 4 hours to reply.)
The rest of the companies are just a blur. I've got all their information. The huge disappointment for the fair was how many companies said to "apply online." Yes, they accepted my resume, but I wasn't very confident that they would keep the resume, unless I applied online. One company in particular, National City Bank. They didn't even really want to take my resume. "Just apply online," was what I was told. So, my thinking is that they were going to throw out my resume.
American Greetings was really nice. They had stuff to hand out, but didn't ask for a resume. Penton Media was very nice. They did ask for a resume, but I had to ask for a business card. Another disappointment, for the companies I did stop at, they continued to forget to give out business cards. I had to ask. They should always REMEMBER to have business card ready to give. I remember, when I worked at E&Y, we gave out our business cards to EVERYONE.
But, as I was talking with Penton Media, E&Y was standing right next to Penton's booth. I could sense them listening in as I talked about my employment with E&Y, and I could sense their ATTITUDE, that "holier than thou" type of attitude. I don't want to go back to them if you PAID me (well, yes I would because I know the culture and the business.)
So, that was my experience. We'll see what happens with the Hyland Software-thing. I'll blog and let everyone know.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
The Halloween Pictures...
Below are the photos from Halloween. First, you'll find our one and only try at carving a pumpkin, with a template. Can you tell who it is? Daddy worked VERY hard.
Then, on Halloween night, our "little witch" enticed families in Grafton to give her LOTS of candy. They all thought she was SOOOOOO cute.
Finally, here are the pumpkins from the one house I mentioned in another post. They were ABSOLUTELY amazing. Hope you enjoy seeing them as much as I did.
Then, on Halloween night, our "little witch" enticed families in Grafton to give her LOTS of candy. They all thought she was SOOOOOO cute. 
Finally, here are the pumpkins from the one house I mentioned in another post. They were ABSOLUTELY amazing. Hope you enjoy seeing them as much as I did.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
Cathy
8^ )
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Lung Cancer Awareness Month...Not a Smoker's Disease
This is for my blog friend, Lynda. (I borrowed your post for this; hope you don't mind!)
Yesterday, I posted this on Laurianne's Hope. I emailed the blog buddies I have in my contact list and realized that some of them weren't there and hoped they would see my post when I posted today. Today is the beginning of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Please consider adding Laurianne to your blog, and let me know. I will add you to the blog roll.
I have seen bloggers come together for so many causes: A sick child, poverty, AIDS awarness, breast cancer awareness. Sadly, lung cancer does not get the same awareness as many of these causes. Also, please consider cutting and pasting this post or forwarding the link to anyone that may be interested. Even those in the medical community may not be aware that lung cancer is not a smoker's disease. I know until my sister got sick, my dad confessed he thought only smokers got lung cancer. And a special thanks to all those who have given their support, both in the past and future. - Lynda
November is Lung Cancer Awareness month. Many people know October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Not quite as many know Novemer is Lung Cancer Awareness month. Before Nancy Brinker (Susan Komen's sister, Founder of the Susan B. Komen Foundation) started spreading the word about breast cancer, it was not as survivable a disease. Now you can buy products in the store that will support a breast cancer cause.Like Nancy, one of the ways we can share the word about lung cancer is to tell people about it. Right now, the disease is only 5% survivable. It doesn't matter if you smoked all your life or never picked up a cigarette. That is a very low and scary number. One day, I hope to see lung cancer as being 80% survivable, like breast cancer. Please consider adding this code to your side bar. If you do not want the image center aligned, just removed the at the beginning and at the end. And if you add Laurianne, let us know. I will be creating a post of the blogs that have added this image.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Yesterday, I posted this on Laurianne's Hope. I emailed the blog buddies I have in my contact list and realized that some of them weren't there and hoped they would see my post when I posted today. Today is the beginning of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Please consider adding Laurianne to your blog, and let me know. I will add you to the blog roll.
I have seen bloggers come together for so many causes: A sick child, poverty, AIDS awarness, breast cancer awareness. Sadly, lung cancer does not get the same awareness as many of these causes. Also, please consider cutting and pasting this post or forwarding the link to anyone that may be interested. Even those in the medical community may not be aware that lung cancer is not a smoker's disease. I know until my sister got sick, my dad confessed he thought only smokers got lung cancer. And a special thanks to all those who have given their support, both in the past and future. - Lynda
November is Lung Cancer Awareness month. Many people know October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Not quite as many know Novemer is Lung Cancer Awareness month. Before Nancy Brinker (Susan Komen's sister, Founder of the Susan B. Komen Foundation) started spreading the word about breast cancer, it was not as survivable a disease. Now you can buy products in the store that will support a breast cancer cause.Like Nancy, one of the ways we can share the word about lung cancer is to tell people about it. Right now, the disease is only 5% survivable. It doesn't matter if you smoked all your life or never picked up a cigarette. That is a very low and scary number. One day, I hope to see lung cancer as being 80% survivable, like breast cancer. Please consider adding this code to your side bar. If you do not want the image center aligned, just removed the at the beginning and at the end. And if you add Laurianne, let us know. I will be creating a post of the blogs that have added this image.
Make people aware!
Add
to your webpage or blog!
Please share, as I have shared.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
Trick-or-Treating in Our Old "Haunt"
Rob suggested to me that we take Cassi to our old "haunt." Before moving into Elyria, we lived in a rented house in Grafton. There was a small housing development, where we would take her. This area served us well again this year.
First off, we found two or three police cars driving in the area, which they have also done in the past. What is so cool is that the police enjoy getting involved with the whole trick-or-treating "thing" too. So, not only are they driving around, making sure everyone behaves and doesn't get hurt, but you'll also find them passing out candy. They stopped us TWICE to give Cassi candy. I SURE DO miss Grafton, but we rented ourselves out of that area when we decided to buy a house.
Then, there's this one house we remembered, in a cul-de-sac that had carved pumpkins. We found the house again, which appeared to have about three dozen pumpkins carved. They had a whole table with carvings themed toward the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies. They had SpongeBob SquarePants, Scooby Doo, Tweetie Bird, witches and such, and other AWESEOME, carved pumpkins. You can just imagine the amount of time and patience it took to carve them.
Again, the pictures are on my camera. Check back tomorrow for the pictures.
But, we ended up walking about two miles, which was REALLY good for me since the only walking I've been doing has been around school. Even though I do about two miles at school, I'm trying to do more. (maybe this is why I slept like such a rock)
We spent about an hour in Grafton. Trick-or-treating around here is an hour and a half. After we got done, we stopped at McD's (yep, the BAD food) and had din-din. The crowd seemed to have followed us because the place was packed when we left.
So, we came home. Rob reviewed all the candy and goodies, which appeared to be just fine. Cassi called Pa and Nana to let them know how good her "haul" was. Not bad. There were a lot of houses that used to do stuff, but just didn't this year. There were a number of houses who "used to" go all out with decorations and such for Halloween, but not this year.
Oh well!
We still enjoyed ourselves.
With that, I'm going to close for now. I'm exhausted from today at school and Cassi has homework (and so do I).
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
First off, we found two or three police cars driving in the area, which they have also done in the past. What is so cool is that the police enjoy getting involved with the whole trick-or-treating "thing" too. So, not only are they driving around, making sure everyone behaves and doesn't get hurt, but you'll also find them passing out candy. They stopped us TWICE to give Cassi candy. I SURE DO miss Grafton, but we rented ourselves out of that area when we decided to buy a house.
Then, there's this one house we remembered, in a cul-de-sac that had carved pumpkins. We found the house again, which appeared to have about three dozen pumpkins carved. They had a whole table with carvings themed toward the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies. They had SpongeBob SquarePants, Scooby Doo, Tweetie Bird, witches and such, and other AWESEOME, carved pumpkins. You can just imagine the amount of time and patience it took to carve them.
Again, the pictures are on my camera. Check back tomorrow for the pictures.
But, we ended up walking about two miles, which was REALLY good for me since the only walking I've been doing has been around school. Even though I do about two miles at school, I'm trying to do more. (maybe this is why I slept like such a rock)
We spent about an hour in Grafton. Trick-or-treating around here is an hour and a half. After we got done, we stopped at McD's (yep, the BAD food) and had din-din. The crowd seemed to have followed us because the place was packed when we left.
So, we came home. Rob reviewed all the candy and goodies, which appeared to be just fine. Cassi called Pa and Nana to let them know how good her "haul" was. Not bad. There were a lot of houses that used to do stuff, but just didn't this year. There were a number of houses who "used to" go all out with decorations and such for Halloween, but not this year.
Oh well!
We still enjoyed ourselves.
With that, I'm going to close for now. I'm exhausted from today at school and Cassi has homework (and so do I).
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
Cassi as a Cute Witch
Cassi was SOOOO very cute last night. Nana bought for her a witch's costume. Sorry, Marie, no Tinkerbell this year. But, we was still cute. Even the people who saw her thought she was cute.
I've got the pictures still on my camera, but will upload them here tomorrow. Check back about this time then.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
I've got the pictures still on my camera, but will upload them here tomorrow. Check back about this time then.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
What I Did on Halloween (day & night)
I was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO busy on Halloween. First, Rob and I went and had a quick bite to eat after taking Cassi to school, which, by the way, was pajama party day. Everyone got to wear pajamas to school! How cool!
Then, we popped into the grocery store to pick up some juice for school, eggs, flour, and sugar (hmm! a loaf of bread, a container of milk, and some butter - from Sesame Street). We came home and Rob went to bed.
While I was baking upstairs, I had laundry washing and drying in the basement. Wonder what I was baking? Well:
6 mini pumpkin breads from fresh pumpkins I cut up, cooked, and mashed to resemble "canned pumpkin" (and VERY easy to do)
24 pumpkin muffins
2 apple pies (after I peeled, cored and cut up the apples to make the home-made pie filling)
and
a half gallon plus home-made apple cider (made in my very own Jack LaLane juicer - the small one)
I started by making the breads and muffins. Then, the apple pie filling. Once it was ready, I had to take a break. Being the "room parent" for Cassi's class, I had to make my appearance at school to help with the party. The party went very well. I'm glad I kept those brown lunch bags I bought last year from kindergarten. They came in very handy, when I named everyone's bags so they could take their stashes home with them. Plus, from the baking I had 3 extra pumpkin breads I handed out at school. Hope they liked them.
Once we got home, I preped and baked the 2 pies. Then, we took Cassi into Grafton, where we used to live for trick-or-treating.
I'll get into the trick-or-treating and what we saw in other posts. But, we got home, sorted the candy and crashed for the evening in the bedroom (maybe we'll get that darned TV back today). But, I ended up back on the computer for a while and then to bed at 10:30. I decided to watch my last half hour of "General Hospital" on the boob tube. But, gotta love Rob. He was already sleeping and snoring VERY loudly. Every time I turned up the TV, it seemed he knew it and snored louder.
I turned the TV off about 11pm and feel fast asleep. I don't recall moving ONCE until 5am, when Rob had to get up to go to class today for work. Then, the last 2.5 hours of sleep SUCKED. Today was very tiring as all that baking (minus the one apple pie) was for a fundraiser we were having at school for my new association. I just happened to join at the RIGHT time. I'm now an official member of the Society of Professional Journalists. We'll see how it goes over the next year.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
Then, we popped into the grocery store to pick up some juice for school, eggs, flour, and sugar (hmm! a loaf of bread, a container of milk, and some butter - from Sesame Street). We came home and Rob went to bed.
While I was baking upstairs, I had laundry washing and drying in the basement. Wonder what I was baking? Well:
6 mini pumpkin breads from fresh pumpkins I cut up, cooked, and mashed to resemble "canned pumpkin" (and VERY easy to do)
24 pumpkin muffins
2 apple pies (after I peeled, cored and cut up the apples to make the home-made pie filling)
and
a half gallon plus home-made apple cider (made in my very own Jack LaLane juicer - the small one)
I started by making the breads and muffins. Then, the apple pie filling. Once it was ready, I had to take a break. Being the "room parent" for Cassi's class, I had to make my appearance at school to help with the party. The party went very well. I'm glad I kept those brown lunch bags I bought last year from kindergarten. They came in very handy, when I named everyone's bags so they could take their stashes home with them. Plus, from the baking I had 3 extra pumpkin breads I handed out at school. Hope they liked them.
Once we got home, I preped and baked the 2 pies. Then, we took Cassi into Grafton, where we used to live for trick-or-treating.
I'll get into the trick-or-treating and what we saw in other posts. But, we got home, sorted the candy and crashed for the evening in the bedroom (maybe we'll get that darned TV back today). But, I ended up back on the computer for a while and then to bed at 10:30. I decided to watch my last half hour of "General Hospital" on the boob tube. But, gotta love Rob. He was already sleeping and snoring VERY loudly. Every time I turned up the TV, it seemed he knew it and snored louder.
I turned the TV off about 11pm and feel fast asleep. I don't recall moving ONCE until 5am, when Rob had to get up to go to class today for work. Then, the last 2.5 hours of sleep SUCKED. Today was very tiring as all that baking (minus the one apple pie) was for a fundraiser we were having at school for my new association. I just happened to join at the RIGHT time. I'm now an official member of the Society of Professional Journalists. We'll see how it goes over the next year.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Oil Changes Work Wonders
We hadn't figured out until last night how much the oil change in our Focus would help with the gas. Typically, we try to check as soon as the oil change is done to see how the gas lasts longer in the car. Also, the majority of my trips in the car is back and forth from Elyria to Cleveland, OH. ??? Don't know where that is? We're about a half hour to 40 minutes drive outside of Cleveland.
Friday, I purchased gas and filled up the tank (hadn't been able to do it right after change about 2 weeks ago). So, Friday, I had to take 2 trips back and forth from home to Cleveland. We did a little driving around Elyria Friday and Saturday. Then, Rob worked this weekend and took the car back and forth to the Cleveland Clinic (which is further than my drive to CSU). Yesterday, I drove one more trip back and forth, but also picked Cassi up from Pa's.
By the time I got back into Lorain County, my gas was just about gone. I stopped at my favorite place, which at this time is a Murphy Gas, which is the gas stations for Sam's Club/Wal-Mart. Their gas is ALWAYS lower than everyone in our area. I pulled up to the pump, with:
To fill up, it took $22.50 (at 2.08 a gallon) and put almost 11 gallons into my tank. I would say with all that driving back and forth, the oil change worked wonders to keep my gas in the tank longer.
So, the moral of the story is: even if you don't have your oil changed every 3000 miles, make sure you get it changed.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
Friday, I purchased gas and filled up the tank (hadn't been able to do it right after change about 2 weeks ago). So, Friday, I had to take 2 trips back and forth from home to Cleveland. We did a little driving around Elyria Friday and Saturday. Then, Rob worked this weekend and took the car back and forth to the Cleveland Clinic (which is further than my drive to CSU). Yesterday, I drove one more trip back and forth, but also picked Cassi up from Pa's.
By the time I got back into Lorain County, my gas was just about gone. I stopped at my favorite place, which at this time is a Murphy Gas, which is the gas stations for Sam's Club/Wal-Mart. Their gas is ALWAYS lower than everyone in our area. I pulled up to the pump, with:
287.0 miles on my car!
To fill up, it took $22.50 (at 2.08 a gallon) and put almost 11 gallons into my tank. I would say with all that driving back and forth, the oil change worked wonders to keep my gas in the tank longer.
So, the moral of the story is: even if you don't have your oil changed every 3000 miles, make sure you get it changed.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Why can't I be a poll worker?
(my news story for class next week)
Here is the story that is the main downfall to my day yesterday. Thought everyone would like to read it as I backed off (thanks to Blaine all those years ago as my supervisor), regrouped, and am killing them with the logic of wanting to know why I can't be a poll worker?
So, here goes. It's a news column that I think is really good. Whether it gets published or not, I think it is a good story. At least it will be out here for everyone to read.
Why can't I be a poll worker?
By Cathy (removed)
This year, students are getting their opportunity to help the political process, and earn some money along the way. CSU and the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections have a program that recruits CSU students to be poll workers.
But, just because someone is a CSU student doesn’t qualify them of having an opportunity in the political process.
I decided I was interested in helping with the process, and would be an excellent candidate to help constituents have a smooth process in voting on Nov. 7. I picked up the paperwork in Career Services and proceeded to call the phone number listed. I felt I didn’t want to waste their time and my own by applying, only to be turned down because of time constraints.
A woman answered the phone and spoke to me in a very unprofessional tone of voice. I asked her if they were still in need of poll workers and that I would like to apply.
The first thing this woman asks me is if I am Democrat or Republican because they had filled all the spots for the Democrats and were only looking to hire Republican poll workers.
What does that have anything to do with the fact that I wanted to work? I explained that I was an independent person. I will vote for the person who I feel is most qualified for the job, based on the information I have read and heard.
Then, she asked me if I lived in Cuyahoga County, which I do not. Finally, she asked if I was a registered voter, for which I am currently not. All of these questions seemed to be inconsequential at the time, especially when you’ve got someone who wants to work.
So, I did a little research on the board of elections Web site. There are a few different brochures regarding the hiring of poll workers. The general brochure only stated that you needed to be registered as a voter in Ohio. Hmm, seems to me that one of her questions was inappropriate.
Then, there was a brochure regarding student poll workers, which meant high school workers. For those workers under 17, special forms need to be on file with the elections office for those people to be employed. Again, seems to me that the question regarding whether I was registered or not was inappropriate as well.
I decided I wanted to look into the numbers of students at CSU, who are not residents of Cuyahoga County. It seems that this process was missing a large majority of the students who might want to be part of this process.
This opportunity would be give students “networking opportunities,” “job experience,” and “possible extra credit for a class,” according to the application taken from Career Services.
How can someone get this experience if they are stopped even before attempting to start the application process?
According to the institutional research Web site for CSU, in fall 2004, there were over 15,000 students. The Book of Trends 2005 stated that there were 11,721 students from Cuyahoga County, but there were almost 4,000 students for everywhere outside of Cuyahoga County. That means that 25% of the student population at CSU doesn’t even have a chance to serve for the board of elections.
That seems very unfair to have a program like this, but to stop people who want to apply because they don’t live in Cuyahoga County or are not a registered voter. I just decided to late that I wanted to be involved in the voting process to register.
The bottom line is 1. Any student should be able to qualify for this opportunity when a program available at a college that admits students from all over; 2. Always remember to get the person’s name on the other end of the line; and 3. Ask questions.
These brochures can be found at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections Web site at: www.boe.cuyahogacounty.us. Institutional research can be found at Web site: www.csuohio.edu/iraa.
Here is the story that is the main downfall to my day yesterday. Thought everyone would like to read it as I backed off (thanks to Blaine all those years ago as my supervisor), regrouped, and am killing them with the logic of wanting to know why I can't be a poll worker?
So, here goes. It's a news column that I think is really good. Whether it gets published or not, I think it is a good story. At least it will be out here for everyone to read.
Why can't I be a poll worker?
By Cathy (removed)
This year, students are getting their opportunity to help the political process, and earn some money along the way. CSU and the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections have a program that recruits CSU students to be poll workers.
But, just because someone is a CSU student doesn’t qualify them of having an opportunity in the political process.
I decided I was interested in helping with the process, and would be an excellent candidate to help constituents have a smooth process in voting on Nov. 7. I picked up the paperwork in Career Services and proceeded to call the phone number listed. I felt I didn’t want to waste their time and my own by applying, only to be turned down because of time constraints.
A woman answered the phone and spoke to me in a very unprofessional tone of voice. I asked her if they were still in need of poll workers and that I would like to apply.
The first thing this woman asks me is if I am Democrat or Republican because they had filled all the spots for the Democrats and were only looking to hire Republican poll workers.
What does that have anything to do with the fact that I wanted to work? I explained that I was an independent person. I will vote for the person who I feel is most qualified for the job, based on the information I have read and heard.
Then, she asked me if I lived in Cuyahoga County, which I do not. Finally, she asked if I was a registered voter, for which I am currently not. All of these questions seemed to be inconsequential at the time, especially when you’ve got someone who wants to work.
So, I did a little research on the board of elections Web site. There are a few different brochures regarding the hiring of poll workers. The general brochure only stated that you needed to be registered as a voter in Ohio. Hmm, seems to me that one of her questions was inappropriate.
Then, there was a brochure regarding student poll workers, which meant high school workers. For those workers under 17, special forms need to be on file with the elections office for those people to be employed. Again, seems to me that the question regarding whether I was registered or not was inappropriate as well.
I decided I wanted to look into the numbers of students at CSU, who are not residents of Cuyahoga County. It seems that this process was missing a large majority of the students who might want to be part of this process.
This opportunity would be give students “networking opportunities,” “job experience,” and “possible extra credit for a class,” according to the application taken from Career Services.
How can someone get this experience if they are stopped even before attempting to start the application process?
According to the institutional research Web site for CSU, in fall 2004, there were over 15,000 students. The Book of Trends 2005 stated that there were 11,721 students from Cuyahoga County, but there were almost 4,000 students for everywhere outside of Cuyahoga County. That means that 25% of the student population at CSU doesn’t even have a chance to serve for the board of elections.
That seems very unfair to have a program like this, but to stop people who want to apply because they don’t live in Cuyahoga County or are not a registered voter. I just decided to late that I wanted to be involved in the voting process to register.
The bottom line is 1. Any student should be able to qualify for this opportunity when a program available at a college that admits students from all over; 2. Always remember to get the person’s name on the other end of the line; and 3. Ask questions.
These brochures can be found at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections Web site at: www.boe.cuyahogacounty.us. Institutional research can be found at Web site: www.csuohio.edu/iraa.
My Day to Vent...
Yesterday was just my day to vent. I couldn't believe all the CRAP that was going on. The kicker off of the day started with the Cuayhoga County Board of Elections. They are running a program to recruit students from CSU to work as poll workers on Election day. I called, asking if they were still looking for poll workers. Need the extra cash, and thought it would be a good way to be part of the process.
First off, the woman on the phone was nasty. She was very short with her language, etc. Then, she says, "Are you a Republican? All the democratic positions have been filled?"
Huh?
I say, "No, I'm an independent." Sorry, Marie, you're going to hate me for this, but I'm independent because I believe, when I vote, I will have an informed decision based on the information from the candidates, not just Joe Schmoe is a Democrat or Republican. Everyone needs to think this way.
Then, I say, "What does that have to do with working as a poll worker?" Personally, it shouldn't matter. Poll workers SHOULD be bi-partisan and neutral through the elections. My goal as a worker would be to make sure everyone is checked in correctly and they can vote. My political designation should have nothing to do with it.
Next problem: I am currently not a registered voter. I don't think I made it in time to register. That shouldn't matter either. I'm helping other people to vote.
So, I did a MAJOR vent to Cliff. And, I'm going to do my second story based on this. I've got conflicting information from their Web site about this.
But, the rest of the day was just a major VENT. But, don't want to get into it right now.
Gotta go. This weekend: 2 papers, 1 news story, 1 page layout (thanks Jason for the help), 1 chapter to read and define terms, baking for fund raiser next week for SPJ (Society of Professional Journalists), and goodies to get together for Tuesday's party in Cassi's class.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
P.S. It's 1pm and I've got to get dressed.
First off, the woman on the phone was nasty. She was very short with her language, etc. Then, she says, "Are you a Republican? All the democratic positions have been filled?"
Huh?
I say, "No, I'm an independent." Sorry, Marie, you're going to hate me for this, but I'm independent because I believe, when I vote, I will have an informed decision based on the information from the candidates, not just Joe Schmoe is a Democrat or Republican. Everyone needs to think this way.
Then, I say, "What does that have to do with working as a poll worker?" Personally, it shouldn't matter. Poll workers SHOULD be bi-partisan and neutral through the elections. My goal as a worker would be to make sure everyone is checked in correctly and they can vote. My political designation should have nothing to do with it.
Next problem: I am currently not a registered voter. I don't think I made it in time to register. That shouldn't matter either. I'm helping other people to vote.
So, I did a MAJOR vent to Cliff. And, I'm going to do my second story based on this. I've got conflicting information from their Web site about this.
But, the rest of the day was just a major VENT. But, don't want to get into it right now.
Gotta go. This weekend: 2 papers, 1 news story, 1 page layout (thanks Jason for the help), 1 chapter to read and define terms, baking for fund raiser next week for SPJ (Society of Professional Journalists), and goodies to get together for Tuesday's party in Cassi's class.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
P.S. It's 1pm and I've got to get dressed.
"R" Rated post for language...
If you haven't read: http://cathyasmom.blogspot.com/2006/10/my-civic-duty.html, you'll want to start here FIRST, before reading this post.
To continue with my last post on Thursday, the bottom line: my parents ROCK and his parents SUCK!
In the afternoon on Thursday, we received a call that the officials arrested said brother. Okay. Rob decided to call his father. Cassi had gotten a Halloween card from them, with a "credit card" from McDonald's for $5. Whoo Hoo! I thought that was rather unnecessary, since they tend to not do for her like they do their other 3 grandchildren. But, Rob figured she needed to call and thank them for the card.
Rob called. Cassi was put on the phone immediately. She says to him, "Thank you for my card."
Dad says, "Is this Austin?" (fyi, Austin is said brother's son.)
I was floored. So was Rob. I said in the background, "Don't they even know their own grandchild?" Obviously not.
But, she says to him, rather loudly, "This is CASSI!" (almost yelling)
Then, they talked with her a few minutes and she left the room. Then, the bullets started flying. Dad accused Rob of lying to him to get said brother's address information. That he should have just told dad that the officials were here and wanted Michael, even though officials didn't want dad to know because dad could then call said brother and tip him off they were looking for him and would get away.
Then, they started yelling at Rob, with me in the background hearing everything from speaker phone what he is saying. Bottom line: It is all my fault their family was broken apart. (R language coming) That I'm a BITCH and not just a BITCH, but a vindictive BITCH. Hey, I can handle that. Never been called a "bad girl" before. Sounds kinda nice!
Also, we don't do for them like we do for my parents. Agreed, we don't. Not when we purchase a brand new car every 2 years, WITH CASH. Not when they gut and renovate an entire kitchen when mom doesn't like the way the stove looks next to the fridge (also with all BRAND NEW appliances). But, according to them, I've purchased a mink coat for my mom. Mom? Did you find that coat yet? I know we, I purchased for them winter coats. That was when we first got married and I was working. It was MY money that paid for 2 winter coats for them from WAL-MART. Hmmm? Where's the mink in that coat? Then, they said we purchased a lawn mower for my grandfather. First off, it wasn't us who purchased the mower. Rob went with MY DAD, to find a mower and dad paid for it. BESIDES, the lawn that was the "cut-ee" of said mower was smaller than my side yard. One swipe and DONE!
Then, they got into how they were continually called by Rob's friends in Washington state, that he was drunk all the time. Huuuuuhhhhh???? Before my time. I was with someone else at that time. (my love affair)
And, then, they threw the "you're grandmother's been crying all day because of you" into the call. Because she just had major surgery, she has been staying with them, to be cared for. Not sure if I believe it. Then, Rob was hung up on.
Rob called back. Mom answered and plainly said, "Your wife is a BITCH. You can defend her if you want, she's your wife. She's BITCH!" They talked for a little while. Then, she threw the "grandmother" card down too. "She's sitting right next to me and has heard everything we said. She knows how much you lie!"
Huuuhhhh??? The only time I've heard Rob LIE to them was that morning, for a good reason. But, dad was bound and determined to make Rob out to be a liar. He demanded to know officer's phone number, which Rob gave. He didn't believe Rob when Rob told him there were 5 marshalls in my house.
Of course, officer can't tell him what's going on because of an on-going investigation, but did tell dad that not only were there 5 marshalls IN THE HOUSE, there were 20 total surrounding my house. Dad didn't believe Rob that it would take that many people to bring him down. Well, they were in full riot gear, bullet-proof vests ablazing.
Have you ever watched "Cops" before? If you have, then you understand that it CAN take LOADS of officers to take one person down. And, as my sister told me, they didn't know if said brother had a gun, had other people to bring down from the house, etc. They didn't know what would be going on in the house.
Then, last night, we get this email, basically trying to guilt trip us that said brother's son did nothing but cry because he got nothing for his birthday and didn't have dad to cry to because there was a fire and lost everything.
Sorry. Not my fault. If he had been doing his job to begin with, no officers would have come to my house. And, yes, call me a stoolie, but when 5 officers come into your house in full riot gear, you give them any information they want.
For those of you wondering, Cassi is doing just fine from all of this. She thought the whole thing was cool. When they were here, she walked around them, looking at the stuff on their waists. No, she didn't touch, she just looked. So, I've stopped asking her because she's not saying anything. I've even asked teacher, who said she hasn't said anything about police being at the house.
And, Rob has said, and I agree 100% with him, we would do it again in a heart beat.
With that, these are my final thoughts on this subject. Okay, so Rob has severed his ties with his parents. My parents are more his parents than his are!
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
To continue with my last post on Thursday, the bottom line: my parents ROCK and his parents SUCK!
In the afternoon on Thursday, we received a call that the officials arrested said brother. Okay. Rob decided to call his father. Cassi had gotten a Halloween card from them, with a "credit card" from McDonald's for $5. Whoo Hoo! I thought that was rather unnecessary, since they tend to not do for her like they do their other 3 grandchildren. But, Rob figured she needed to call and thank them for the card.
Rob called. Cassi was put on the phone immediately. She says to him, "Thank you for my card."
Dad says, "Is this Austin?" (fyi, Austin is said brother's son.)
I was floored. So was Rob. I said in the background, "Don't they even know their own grandchild?" Obviously not.
But, she says to him, rather loudly, "This is CASSI!" (almost yelling)
Then, they talked with her a few minutes and she left the room. Then, the bullets started flying. Dad accused Rob of lying to him to get said brother's address information. That he should have just told dad that the officials were here and wanted Michael, even though officials didn't want dad to know because dad could then call said brother and tip him off they were looking for him and would get away.
Then, they started yelling at Rob, with me in the background hearing everything from speaker phone what he is saying. Bottom line: It is all my fault their family was broken apart. (R language coming) That I'm a BITCH and not just a BITCH, but a vindictive BITCH. Hey, I can handle that. Never been called a "bad girl" before. Sounds kinda nice!
Also, we don't do for them like we do for my parents. Agreed, we don't. Not when we purchase a brand new car every 2 years, WITH CASH. Not when they gut and renovate an entire kitchen when mom doesn't like the way the stove looks next to the fridge (also with all BRAND NEW appliances). But, according to them, I've purchased a mink coat for my mom. Mom? Did you find that coat yet? I know we, I purchased for them winter coats. That was when we first got married and I was working. It was MY money that paid for 2 winter coats for them from WAL-MART. Hmmm? Where's the mink in that coat? Then, they said we purchased a lawn mower for my grandfather. First off, it wasn't us who purchased the mower. Rob went with MY DAD, to find a mower and dad paid for it. BESIDES, the lawn that was the "cut-ee" of said mower was smaller than my side yard. One swipe and DONE!
Then, they got into how they were continually called by Rob's friends in Washington state, that he was drunk all the time. Huuuuuhhhhh???? Before my time. I was with someone else at that time. (my love affair)
And, then, they threw the "you're grandmother's been crying all day because of you" into the call. Because she just had major surgery, she has been staying with them, to be cared for. Not sure if I believe it. Then, Rob was hung up on.
Rob called back. Mom answered and plainly said, "Your wife is a BITCH. You can defend her if you want, she's your wife. She's BITCH!" They talked for a little while. Then, she threw the "grandmother" card down too. "She's sitting right next to me and has heard everything we said. She knows how much you lie!"
Huuuhhhh??? The only time I've heard Rob LIE to them was that morning, for a good reason. But, dad was bound and determined to make Rob out to be a liar. He demanded to know officer's phone number, which Rob gave. He didn't believe Rob when Rob told him there were 5 marshalls in my house.
Of course, officer can't tell him what's going on because of an on-going investigation, but did tell dad that not only were there 5 marshalls IN THE HOUSE, there were 20 total surrounding my house. Dad didn't believe Rob that it would take that many people to bring him down. Well, they were in full riot gear, bullet-proof vests ablazing.
Have you ever watched "Cops" before? If you have, then you understand that it CAN take LOADS of officers to take one person down. And, as my sister told me, they didn't know if said brother had a gun, had other people to bring down from the house, etc. They didn't know what would be going on in the house.
Then, last night, we get this email, basically trying to guilt trip us that said brother's son did nothing but cry because he got nothing for his birthday and didn't have dad to cry to because there was a fire and lost everything.
Sorry. Not my fault. If he had been doing his job to begin with, no officers would have come to my house. And, yes, call me a stoolie, but when 5 officers come into your house in full riot gear, you give them any information they want.
For those of you wondering, Cassi is doing just fine from all of this. She thought the whole thing was cool. When they were here, she walked around them, looking at the stuff on their waists. No, she didn't touch, she just looked. So, I've stopped asking her because she's not saying anything. I've even asked teacher, who said she hasn't said anything about police being at the house.
And, Rob has said, and I agree 100% with him, we would do it again in a heart beat.
With that, these are my final thoughts on this subject. Okay, so Rob has severed his ties with his parents. My parents are more his parents than his are!
Conclusion:
MY PARENTS ROCK!
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
Thursday, October 26, 2006
My Civic Duty...
Okay, before I get to my first news story to write up (due tomorrow) and finish studying for my exam (also tomorrow), I've got to write about my experience this morning.
I DID MY CIVIC DUTY (to get scum off the street)!
About 8:15 this morning, I was in my office, working on my desktop, Rob was finishing his shower, and Cassi was ready for school and watching TV in her room (remember, still no TV in the living room). I hear this strong, knock/pound on the front door.
Rob says, "Who the heck is that?"
I told him I thought it was Alyssa coming over to ask about riding with us. This is the little girl across the street who is in the same school with Cassi.
So, I go to the front door and open it. There standing at the front door are 4 (YES FOUR) Sheriff's. They ask me if Michael is here. For those of you who don't know, Michael is Rob's brother and a "bad seed."
I tell the main man, "No! He isn't here and we haven't seen him since July." At that point, he asks if they can come in. Of course. I'm not going to be a "bad hostess" and leave the police standing outside.
So, in come 4-5 sheriff's. They expalin they are looking for Michael because they have a warrant out for his arrest.
Rob shouts, "Who's at the door?" I tell him it's the police. "Oh, I'll be right out." In which I tell the police that's my husband just getting out of the shower.
They're asking me where they might be able to find Michael. I started thinking about all the places where he's lived and has been working currently. By that point, Rob comes out. He starts telling them the same thing about where he might find said brother. They ask who Rob is and the relation. It appears that Michael has been using our mailing address and this is how the police came to my door this morning. As we look out the side of our house, which is where the main street of our address comes from, I see a large Suburban sitting there.
Then, Rob says, "I know. Let me call someone who will have his address and phone number." In which he calls their dad. Because we have some stuff stored here of Michael's, Rob tells dad he wants to know Michael's address to deliver the stuff. Plus, he lost his cell phone number. As this conversation is going on, a few of the men had to leave the house because they had the walkie-talkies on that were pretty loud. They (and we) didn't want their dad to know the police were here.
In the end, the main man asks for our phone number and names. He didn't have a business card, but wrote down his name and cell phone for us. As I'm walking outside, because my Wall Street Journal is still sitting on the ground, in front of my door, I hear one of the men say, "Anyone coming out?"
I said, "No, just me getting my newspaper." I think they were disappointed at no catch here. But, we did our civic duty. Since Michael has been into drugs in the past and has been in jail in the past, we know something is up. Especially, since the main man, who gave us his information, says to us he is a US Marshall.
OK, there's federal issues going on here. We told him that Michael just won't learn until he goes away to jail for a long time. As the conversation was going on with dad, he says (because he's on speaker phone for the police to hear), Michael should be home now because Austin is in school. Okay, this should be a catch.
I bring in my newspaper and realize, "My house is an absolute mess!" My great room, living room/dining room combo has ALL KINDS OF CRAP strewn about. Because of Cassi's school papers, my school stuff as I got home late last night, our recent soda purchase, all a HUGE mess. But, we live here. I just realized how a stranger might see my house. Gotta CLEAN!
After this, I took Cassi down the street to school. I came back to get Rob because we were going over to Wal-Mart to get some sweaters and winter shirts for Cassi, who now had none because of her growth spurts. I picked up Rob and said, "Are we rolling by?"
He said, "Of course, but we'll just drive in the area, not on the street he lives." But, after we got by the street, we could see no SUV and went to the next street to double-back. No SUV, so not sure. On the way back up West Avenue, this is where the Elyria Police Station lives. We drive by very slowly, when I tell Rob, "Hey, I see their truck in the front of the building." Sure enough, after going behind the building, Rob saw it too.
So, we believe they "got him." Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy! Can't wait to find out what happened. And, Rob wants to call his dad, but I told him not to until later. You see, their dad has always favored Michael, who, by chance is Rob's half-brother (2 different dads). My parents have always thought of Rob as their kid and have supported us when his parents haven't.
Okay, Marie, don't tell mom & dad about this yet. I want to be the one to tell them. Let me have the joy of telling them.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
P.S. Will let everyone know what happens as we find out.
UPDATE: About 3:45pm, Officer Siler, US Marshall, called us, letting us know that said brother was apprehended. There's a whole other story that came after this. I'll blab about it tomorrow or later. I still haven't done my homework for tomorrow. Ack!
I DID MY CIVIC DUTY (to get scum off the street)!
About 8:15 this morning, I was in my office, working on my desktop, Rob was finishing his shower, and Cassi was ready for school and watching TV in her room (remember, still no TV in the living room). I hear this strong, knock/pound on the front door.
Rob says, "Who the heck is that?"
I told him I thought it was Alyssa coming over to ask about riding with us. This is the little girl across the street who is in the same school with Cassi.
So, I go to the front door and open it. There standing at the front door are 4 (YES FOUR) Sheriff's. They ask me if Michael is here. For those of you who don't know, Michael is Rob's brother and a "bad seed."
I tell the main man, "No! He isn't here and we haven't seen him since July." At that point, he asks if they can come in. Of course. I'm not going to be a "bad hostess" and leave the police standing outside.
So, in come 4-5 sheriff's. They expalin they are looking for Michael because they have a warrant out for his arrest.
Rob shouts, "Who's at the door?" I tell him it's the police. "Oh, I'll be right out." In which I tell the police that's my husband just getting out of the shower.
They're asking me where they might be able to find Michael. I started thinking about all the places where he's lived and has been working currently. By that point, Rob comes out. He starts telling them the same thing about where he might find said brother. They ask who Rob is and the relation. It appears that Michael has been using our mailing address and this is how the police came to my door this morning. As we look out the side of our house, which is where the main street of our address comes from, I see a large Suburban sitting there.
Then, Rob says, "I know. Let me call someone who will have his address and phone number." In which he calls their dad. Because we have some stuff stored here of Michael's, Rob tells dad he wants to know Michael's address to deliver the stuff. Plus, he lost his cell phone number. As this conversation is going on, a few of the men had to leave the house because they had the walkie-talkies on that were pretty loud. They (and we) didn't want their dad to know the police were here.
In the end, the main man asks for our phone number and names. He didn't have a business card, but wrote down his name and cell phone for us. As I'm walking outside, because my Wall Street Journal is still sitting on the ground, in front of my door, I hear one of the men say, "Anyone coming out?"
I said, "No, just me getting my newspaper." I think they were disappointed at no catch here. But, we did our civic duty. Since Michael has been into drugs in the past and has been in jail in the past, we know something is up. Especially, since the main man, who gave us his information, says to us he is a US Marshall.
OK, there's federal issues going on here. We told him that Michael just won't learn until he goes away to jail for a long time. As the conversation was going on with dad, he says (because he's on speaker phone for the police to hear), Michael should be home now because Austin is in school. Okay, this should be a catch.
I bring in my newspaper and realize, "My house is an absolute mess!" My great room, living room/dining room combo has ALL KINDS OF CRAP strewn about. Because of Cassi's school papers, my school stuff as I got home late last night, our recent soda purchase, all a HUGE mess. But, we live here. I just realized how a stranger might see my house. Gotta CLEAN!
After this, I took Cassi down the street to school. I came back to get Rob because we were going over to Wal-Mart to get some sweaters and winter shirts for Cassi, who now had none because of her growth spurts. I picked up Rob and said, "Are we rolling by?"
He said, "Of course, but we'll just drive in the area, not on the street he lives." But, after we got by the street, we could see no SUV and went to the next street to double-back. No SUV, so not sure. On the way back up West Avenue, this is where the Elyria Police Station lives. We drive by very slowly, when I tell Rob, "Hey, I see their truck in the front of the building." Sure enough, after going behind the building, Rob saw it too.
So, we believe they "got him." Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy! Can't wait to find out what happened. And, Rob wants to call his dad, but I told him not to until later. You see, their dad has always favored Michael, who, by chance is Rob's half-brother (2 different dads). My parents have always thought of Rob as their kid and have supported us when his parents haven't.
Okay, Marie, don't tell mom & dad about this yet. I want to be the one to tell them. Let me have the joy of telling them.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
P.S. Will let everyone know what happens as we find out.
UPDATE: About 3:45pm, Officer Siler, US Marshall, called us, letting us know that said brother was apprehended. There's a whole other story that came after this. I'll blab about it tomorrow or later. I still haven't done my homework for tomorrow. Ack!
Monday, October 23, 2006
Missing....
Okay, here I go again with that "something's missing" feelings again. True, I do know what the "missing" things are, but some of them, I just can't fix, no matter what I do. So, here are things "missing" from my life right now:
1. the all-important Bachelor's Degree (which will come 2 years from now)
2. the all-MAJORLY important good job (that will come after the Bachelor's Degree comes)
3. communicating with an old friend (Haven't heard from him in a while, I know it's going to be tough, but darnit, send me a message every once in a while. Also, the only way to relieve this "missing" issue is time with said friend because I'm such a people person.)
4. my creativity seems to have left, much like the pleasant fall we were having since it appears we are now in WINTER!
5. my TV in the living room seems to have left me too (but, I'll get that back soon, I hope).
With that, I'm going to close for now. I guess we all get the BLAHS!
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
1. the all-important Bachelor's Degree (which will come 2 years from now)
2. the all-MAJORLY important good job (that will come after the Bachelor's Degree comes)
3. communicating with an old friend (Haven't heard from him in a while, I know it's going to be tough, but darnit, send me a message every once in a while. Also, the only way to relieve this "missing" issue is time with said friend because I'm such a people person.)
4. my creativity seems to have left, much like the pleasant fall we were having since it appears we are now in WINTER!
5. my TV in the living room seems to have left me too (but, I'll get that back soon, I hope).
With that, I'm going to close for now. I guess we all get the BLAHS!
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
One Week........
Okay, guys. I've got one week until my big presentation/training. I'm SOOOO excited. But, first, I've got to get through two term papers, one exam, and two news stories this week alone. I can't believe how busy this week is going to be.
We just got finished din-din. I ran out to Sam's club and picked up a couple HUGE pizza's. I know what I'll be eating as left-overs tomorrow. We always like to buy one pizza that's cheese only (for Cassi) and one for us (in this case, we bought a meat pizza). After hauling the monstrosities home, we got the oven ready and turned on. Because the pizzas were so large, we ended up foiling the racks and put the pizzas right on the racks. Okay, you're probably wondering how HUGE these pizzas actually were. Well, if anyone shops at Sam's Club, you can imagine INDUSTRIAL-SIZED. They were 16 inches diameter pizzas.
And, of course, my wonderful child decides she is only eatine ONE SLICE! That's why I know what I'll be eating tomorrow. So, Cassi asks why I'm going to eat her pizza. I tell her if I don't, it will live in the fridge 5 years! Next time, we'll buy the big pizza for us and the small Digorno's for her. We can cook one small pizza, so there's not as much left over.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
We just got finished din-din. I ran out to Sam's club and picked up a couple HUGE pizza's. I know what I'll be eating as left-overs tomorrow. We always like to buy one pizza that's cheese only (for Cassi) and one for us (in this case, we bought a meat pizza). After hauling the monstrosities home, we got the oven ready and turned on. Because the pizzas were so large, we ended up foiling the racks and put the pizzas right on the racks. Okay, you're probably wondering how HUGE these pizzas actually were. Well, if anyone shops at Sam's Club, you can imagine INDUSTRIAL-SIZED. They were 16 inches diameter pizzas.
And, of course, my wonderful child decides she is only eatine ONE SLICE! That's why I know what I'll be eating tomorrow. So, Cassi asks why I'm going to eat her pizza. I tell her if I don't, it will live in the fridge 5 years! Next time, we'll buy the big pizza for us and the small Digorno's for her. We can cook one small pizza, so there's not as much left over.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Quiet in the Household...
Yep, I know "Ugly Betty" is on right now. My ABSOLUTE, all-time favorite show (even though it is brand new).
It's VERY quiet this evening. Cassi is playing on one of her three favorite Web sites: pbs.org, playhousedisney.com, or noggin.com. Or, she's playing Spider Solitaire. I always love playing it when I need a quick, not thinking, moment. She's learning how to play it on her own.
Hubby is sleeping. He is working over this evening. No, he won't get any OT, but he won't need to use any vacation time. Over the next 5 weeks, he is in a Wednesday all-day class for IV Therapy certification. Since the class is during the day, he'll be working 2 12-hour shifts and 1 8-hour shift. So, by working this evening, he won't have to take the vacation time he thought he would have time. But, on the positive side, he'll have 40 hours for the week, instead of 36.
So, everyone watch out! Once he's certified, he'll be able to stick people with needles and start IVs, etc.
But, the title of this post has NOTHING to do with what I just blabbed. The whole reason it's so quiet is that our WONDERFUL, NEW TV decided it just didn't want to turn on this morning. It worked last night before we went to bed. But, deadsville! So, hubby started looking for the receipt THAT WE BOUGHT IN MAY! He decided to get mad at me, because it always seems to be my fault that I throw ALL receipts away. But, luckily for both of us, the receipt was kept, just living in a box (until he decides to finish my office closet). Without the receipt, we were dead in the water to get it fixed. So, we hauled the box over to a place, which happens to be a "key" repair center, a whole half hour away in Parma. (Yes, if you've ever seen older Drew Carey shows, this is the same Parma he talks about in the theme song, "Moon Over Parma.") We get there, give them all the necessary info, and the man says,
"Now, becuase there will be no charge since this is covered under your one year warranty. It will take 10-14 days to finish."
And, I'm thinking to myself, "Are you f-ing crazy!????? 14 DAYS!!!!!"
So, on the way home, I tell hubby, "Don't worry about bringing out the TV from the bedroom. If Cassi wants to watch TV, she can go to her room. If you're sleeping, it will just give me more time to do homework or work on my computer."
You see, I've got so much stuff I can do on my computer, I could live on it for 3 years and still not have it done. So, I guess I'm one pretty busy chick!
So, at least for the next 2 weeks, being TV-less in the living room will be kida nice and quiet.
Oh, and I can read my Wall Street Journals that I got for free from my old Continental Rewards points.
With that, I'm going to close for now. Hubby gets up soon and Cassi will be going to bed soon.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
It's VERY quiet this evening. Cassi is playing on one of her three favorite Web sites: pbs.org, playhousedisney.com, or noggin.com. Or, she's playing Spider Solitaire. I always love playing it when I need a quick, not thinking, moment. She's learning how to play it on her own.
Hubby is sleeping. He is working over this evening. No, he won't get any OT, but he won't need to use any vacation time. Over the next 5 weeks, he is in a Wednesday all-day class for IV Therapy certification. Since the class is during the day, he'll be working 2 12-hour shifts and 1 8-hour shift. So, by working this evening, he won't have to take the vacation time he thought he would have time. But, on the positive side, he'll have 40 hours for the week, instead of 36.
So, everyone watch out! Once he's certified, he'll be able to stick people with needles and start IVs, etc.
But, the title of this post has NOTHING to do with what I just blabbed. The whole reason it's so quiet is that our WONDERFUL, NEW TV decided it just didn't want to turn on this morning. It worked last night before we went to bed. But, deadsville! So, hubby started looking for the receipt THAT WE BOUGHT IN MAY! He decided to get mad at me, because it always seems to be my fault that I throw ALL receipts away. But, luckily for both of us, the receipt was kept, just living in a box (until he decides to finish my office closet). Without the receipt, we were dead in the water to get it fixed. So, we hauled the box over to a place, which happens to be a "key" repair center, a whole half hour away in Parma. (Yes, if you've ever seen older Drew Carey shows, this is the same Parma he talks about in the theme song, "Moon Over Parma.") We get there, give them all the necessary info, and the man says,
"Now, becuase there will be no charge since this is covered under your one year warranty. It will take 10-14 days to finish."
And, I'm thinking to myself, "Are you f-ing crazy!????? 14 DAYS!!!!!"
So, on the way home, I tell hubby, "Don't worry about bringing out the TV from the bedroom. If Cassi wants to watch TV, she can go to her room. If you're sleeping, it will just give me more time to do homework or work on my computer."
You see, I've got so much stuff I can do on my computer, I could live on it for 3 years and still not have it done. So, I guess I'm one pretty busy chick!
So, at least for the next 2 weeks, being TV-less in the living room will be kida nice and quiet.
Oh, and I can read my Wall Street Journals that I got for free from my old Continental Rewards points.
With that, I'm going to close for now. Hubby gets up soon and Cassi will be going to bed soon.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
Monday, October 16, 2006
A Word Snafoo...
Okay, this one will make everyone LAUGH!
Yesterday, Cassi and I went through some of her clothes to determine which ones were too small. Since her friend is just around the corner and also has a little sister, and the family as a whole is "working" just like us, I figured I would send the good clothes on to them.
Well, this morning, as we were leaving the yard, bound for school, Cassi talks about how she has to get her hangers back from off the dress I'm giving them.
"I need me hookers back," she says.
"No, they are not hookers, they are hangers," I told her back.
"No, I like hookers better," she replies.
Okay, so we debate on why they should be called hangers and the fact it's okay for them to get the 2 hangars. Then, we pulled out and left.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
Yesterday, Cassi and I went through some of her clothes to determine which ones were too small. Since her friend is just around the corner and also has a little sister, and the family as a whole is "working" just like us, I figured I would send the good clothes on to them.
Well, this morning, as we were leaving the yard, bound for school, Cassi talks about how she has to get her hangers back from off the dress I'm giving them.
"I need me hookers back," she says.
"No, they are not hookers, they are hangers," I told her back.
"No, I like hookers better," she replies.
Okay, so we debate on why they should be called hangers and the fact it's okay for them to get the 2 hangars. Then, we pulled out and left.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Local Company Endorsement and Today
Okay, today was REALLY busy for me. At work, I was scheduled for 6am-3pm. Yep, I started waking up at 4am, with the kittens laying on me and next to me for heat.
So, I finally got up, showered, dressed, and went to work. On the way to work, I needed to visit the bank.
I figured I would be ABSOLUTELY exhausted when I got done work, but I was wrong. Over the course of the day, I worked outside in the garden department. All of my customers asked if I was cold, which I replied, absolutely NOT. Even with the lake effect snow (just mentioned on the news), rain, and sleet, it was okay.
But, on the way home, I called hubby, who was off this evening.
"Are we going anywhere?"
"Yep. Just get home."
I got home, pottied, and off we went. After last week, when hubby and Cassi brought home a bushel of apples, only about 1/3 was left, which is still ALOT of apples. But, not enough for pies, more juice, apple sauce (maybe), apple dumplings, basically BAKE.
So, we went off, back to the same u-pick place.
Company Endoresement: Grebe's Country Fruit Farm
It's located on Rt. 113, somewhere between South Amherst and Vermillion. We had a very nice visit out in the orchard. After paying for the bags, we drove the car out to the field to pick. BOY DID I PICK! I was in HEAVEN, picking any good looking apple I could find.
Plus, we met the owner (the hubby side), who was up in a "cherry picker" picking apples himself. His wife and daughter were running a small shop at the front of the property. The property is so awesome.
At this time of year, you can go there to pick about a half dozen different apples, large and small pumpkins. During other times of the year, they have u-pick peaches, grapes. The man was so nice. It is a family run farm. The owner, Steve Grebe, was so very nice to us. Very down-to-earth.
He explained the farm was his fathers and that he helped dad plant the trees that we were picking from, when he was a kid. The trees are HUGE. They are exactly like the trees I remember when I was a kid, picking with Marie and our mom. But, he said people just don't want to keep up trees of that size because everyone wants the smaller trees. But, since he helped plant all those trees, which live on 2 acres by themselves, he was keeping up the tradition.
I agree!
Then, after filling 2 bags, we decided we wanted 2 more because hubby's co-worker needed apples. So, we went back up to buy 2 more bags. After filling these bags, we stopped back up to the front, asking about their hours. The wife couldn't believe how quickly I picked the apples. Hubby's friend and brother are going to meet hubby at our house in the morning to go back out so they can pick even more. YES, there are so many apples left at the farm. The wife explained how they just planted 100 more apple trees in the last 4 years. They'll be ready soon for fruit.
This evening, I carved one of my 6 pie pumpkins and cooked it to make "canned pumpkin."
Simple recipe:
So, I finally got up, showered, dressed, and went to work. On the way to work, I needed to visit the bank.
I figured I would be ABSOLUTELY exhausted when I got done work, but I was wrong. Over the course of the day, I worked outside in the garden department. All of my customers asked if I was cold, which I replied, absolutely NOT. Even with the lake effect snow (just mentioned on the news), rain, and sleet, it was okay.
But, on the way home, I called hubby, who was off this evening.
"Are we going anywhere?"
"Yep. Just get home."
I got home, pottied, and off we went. After last week, when hubby and Cassi brought home a bushel of apples, only about 1/3 was left, which is still ALOT of apples. But, not enough for pies, more juice, apple sauce (maybe), apple dumplings, basically BAKE.
So, we went off, back to the same u-pick place.
Company Endoresement: Grebe's Country Fruit Farm
It's located on Rt. 113, somewhere between South Amherst and Vermillion. We had a very nice visit out in the orchard. After paying for the bags, we drove the car out to the field to pick. BOY DID I PICK! I was in HEAVEN, picking any good looking apple I could find.
Plus, we met the owner (the hubby side), who was up in a "cherry picker" picking apples himself. His wife and daughter were running a small shop at the front of the property. The property is so awesome.
At this time of year, you can go there to pick about a half dozen different apples, large and small pumpkins. During other times of the year, they have u-pick peaches, grapes. The man was so nice. It is a family run farm. The owner, Steve Grebe, was so very nice to us. Very down-to-earth.
He explained the farm was his fathers and that he helped dad plant the trees that we were picking from, when he was a kid. The trees are HUGE. They are exactly like the trees I remember when I was a kid, picking with Marie and our mom. But, he said people just don't want to keep up trees of that size because everyone wants the smaller trees. But, since he helped plant all those trees, which live on 2 acres by themselves, he was keeping up the tradition.
I agree!
Then, after filling 2 bags, we decided we wanted 2 more because hubby's co-worker needed apples. So, we went back up to buy 2 more bags. After filling these bags, we stopped back up to the front, asking about their hours. The wife couldn't believe how quickly I picked the apples. Hubby's friend and brother are going to meet hubby at our house in the morning to go back out so they can pick even more. YES, there are so many apples left at the farm. The wife explained how they just planted 100 more apple trees in the last 4 years. They'll be ready soon for fruit.
This evening, I carved one of my 6 pie pumpkins and cooked it to make "canned pumpkin."
Simple recipe:
- take a pie pumpkin (the little ones)
- cut it up, de-seed it, and peel it (yes, takes a little umph to peel it)
- boil it like you would boil potatoes on the stove top
- once fork tender, drain any water and return the pumpkin to the pot
- mash and add pumpkin pie spice
- let cool
- bag and use immediately or freeze in freezer bags for later use
The one pumpkin I did tonight is the equivalent of 2 cans of canned pumpkin, but 100% fresh. When I'm ready to make pie, this pumpkin will replace where the recipe says "canned pumpkin" and workes EXACTLY the same.
Yes, I'm 100% surburan and love to bake.
Then, this evening, we were trying to find a good apple pie filling recipe. After finding one, we went out to the stores, looking for a clearjel starch (didn't find) and an apple peeler. Got the peeler at Target. This is one of those that hooks onto a table or something and you rotate to peel easily. It cores and slices. All I have to do is cut in half and it will be ready for the pot. EASY!
At the same time, I found a better recipe that doesn't call for the special starch.
So, come Tuesday, we'll be baking apple pie filling.
With that, I've DEFINITELY got to go. Tomorrow, work is 8-5, but I get to sleep until 6:45 in the morning. It's now 10:33pm East Coast Time, and I've now been up since 4, so I need to go to sleep.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
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