Y I P E E !!!!!

2008 is almost gone (fresh year - fresh start) --- The world is a crazy place and well ...

Happy New Year!

M

36 hours and counting.

36 hours and counting. Gotta love year end. I'm still "pre-taxing" my farm clients. Driving me nuts.

I'm spending the big night at my sewing machine. I have a project in mind and 4 hours of quality sewing should get the job done. Found a 36 block quilt idea in a new magazine -- 36 - 10" squares -- cut, sew, and don't think -- just whip it out.

Time will tell.


Diva

Scary Nick

This is Nick -- while the jackhammer was running in front of the building -- hiding in his box, newly lined with orange fleece.

Action -- I left at 8:15 and the jackhammer had started up again. Got here this afternoon and there's a lot of orange cones and yellow tape (and a hole in the street) -- lots of brown gunk coming out of the tap --- can hardly wait to see what comes out of the water heater and water softner. Yuck.

Toodles

Diva M

O M G !!!!

Okay, it's 4:45pm on Saturday and the City Sewer/Water Crew is digging up the street in front of the office....evidently there is a water main break --- lovely.

The sound of the jackhammer is nasty! And the building is shaking -- didn't think anything would make this joint shake, after all it made it thru the big wind in 1998. Only lost the roof and one window then -- lucky shack.

So I guess I'm going to be here for a while....I had planned on a Grandma visit tonight.

It can always be worser . . . .

M

Wii ----

so I bowled a 166 on the Wii --- probably better than I ever bowled in 20 years of league bowling -- thankfully I gave that up 15 years ago. Wii bowled with the broken toe --- ugly shade of purple today -- so far, I've not searched out the Advil so things are looking up!

I left the office at 12:30 on Wednesday and didn't return until 7:00 am this morning. I think Nick missed me -- he's hanging pretty close this morning. Most likely, it's the empty chow dish.

Toodles
M

Only at Christmas....

So this Diva has her very own Diva Christmas ornament -- the tree is going up tonight and it will be the centerpiece of the decor.

We did learn a couple of new tidbits yesterday -- our septic issue has been resolved. After the jetter clean guy left (and didn't do anything) the pumper guy arrived -- we now have fluids flowing thru the system. The advise: Don't use Charmin toilet paper -- it does not disolve, it gums up the plumbing and forms a crust in the tank and blocks the outlet. Damn -- more than we needed to know. So if anyone needs Charmin -- let me know I bought 50 rolls on my last trip to Sam's Club (it's good to be prepared).

Then I tripped/stumbled/fell/stubbed into the rocking chair last night and wiped out two toes. They are black/blue and nasty looking. (Didn't think I need to share their pix!) -- So off to doctor this morning for lab work -- will have the toes checked out too. Old age is wonderful -- starting at the bottom and working my way up!

Toodles

Diva M

Diva has a Christmas Tree

And it's been delivered to the farm. Need to cut at least 4' off it to make it fit -- but when you wait until 12/23 one cannot be choosy. But it was on SALE. I should have waited another day -- $5 -- deeper discounts.

More snow overnight. And a plumbing issue. Might have to postpone the holiday -- no septic system is no cleaning, cooking, laundry or bathing! Time will tell -- Mr. Roto Rooter Man is on the way.

Back to work . . . .

M

Warmth

Just believe a warm sunny day is a mere four months away. I have on so many layers it's tough to move (and I'm still cold). Covering up more windows seems to help. And there is another 6" on the way for this evening. Gotta love it! A warm up would be appreciated -- if you have connections please request it.

Toodles

Diva M

Blow, blow, blow

So it blows.....he was blowing before it finished snowing. Mom and I dashed to nursing home last night (no travel advised and we're out in it) --didn't meet a single car until we got to the Holiday Gas Station and they had booming business! Actually it wasn't bad -- pretty quiet at the nursing home too -- watched the Wizard of Oz with grandma ---- we like those munchkins!

Made into the office this morning.....sidewalks are clear -- parking lot is plowed -- 1/2 shoveled. So it's off to the projects.

Happy Snow
M

Diva's Towing Service

no occupants

Fred's (the long gone horse)

the people house

is there a driveway somewhere?

the towing episode did not get filmed it will happen yet again. my rule is always be the tow-er never the tow-ee.....

happy blizzard

m

New Title -- Power Shopper

Diva finally dared to Christmas shop.

Store 1: gift cards & 50% off
Store 2: gift cards & 25% off
Store 3: gift cards & cheep hiking boots

Unload packages at car

Store 4: gift cards & etc

Store 5: grandma pants (on sale!) and $70 of other stuff

Store 6: sparkly reindeers (1/2 price)
Store 7: a wreath for the front door

Store 8: supper -- really needed nourishment by then.

This morning.....

Store 9: the end.....

Getting ready for the big storm......no wind yet -- it be coming.

M

Well .... words escape me

I just couldn't resist --- these things appear in my emails and well .... sometimes ya can't not share them.

M

The sky is falling, the sky is still falling

I've plowed, I've shoveled, I crabbed at the neighbors (oops) and now my feet are wet and cold.

I've decided this is the ultimate image of a Diva -- I just need the colored glasses and wacky hat.

More snow falling and more snow on the way.

Happy Xmas

Diva

Bike Dude

okay here is another pix of the "bike dude" -- I swear he went by at least 6 times yesterday .... I was out and about on foot and kept running into him. I've kept my "walk when in town" rule even though it was 0'.

lots of sirens this morning so -- something is up somewhere.

I'm told it will warm up to 20' today then snow --- lots of snow. oh joy and happiness -- more plowing, shoveling and whining about all of it.

Happy Thursday

Diva M

Neighborhood Excitement

So, Monday night there was a fire call to the Nicollet Hotel (pic here in better days) --

I have been refering to it as the giant pidgen roost. Thousands of them make their home on the roof and then fly over this shack and make deposits (fertilizer deposits). So when I heard the fire call -- my hope was for roast bird -- didn't happen.

The large rat living in the weeds behind my garage (not my weeds -- the neighbors) was seen creeping out of the basement window of the Nicollet House ---- alas it's still standing.

Diva M

So (words can't describe this)

here is brenda going to work (across the street) -- note the fuffy white stuff -- I'm blessed to be surrounded by counselor's --- real ones across the street and bartenders to the south. equally entertaining.

we really do work around here too -- here is Joy -- hard at it --- notice no cat -- she and kitty have an understanding. she's still pleading the case for an office xmas tree --- falling on deaf ears.

Okay -- I've seen it all. This is the second bicyclist of the day. This one was actually a tricycle -- not the helmet. The early one was at 6:30 when I was using my cool work wheels to clean off the sidewalk.

I also received the rude hand signal this morning from a jogger --- not that they could jog on the sidewalk -- but flipping me the bird was a bit rude ....

Back to work -- more snow on the way

M

Smiling Diva

back from Dr. Pat, the dentist, fast filling and slow exiting numbness -- smiling the entire time

warmed up to zero (yahoo!) but now it's snowing (again) and evidently (per Dr. Pat) 4 - 6 inches will be accumulating .. oh joy!

brrrrrrr

yikes....

brrrr it's cold and nasty and ishy and it's monday morning --- all of the bad things should happen in the next 4 hours. i really don't like mondays.

check out the lake washington parking lot -- so the 8 yahoo's whose vehicles went thru the ice must have had brain freeze moment too -- i'm not sure why anyone would use the lake as a parking lot (especially saturday when it was 32') but.... since i'm not an ice fishing diva ---- i'm sure the towing company appreciated the business

my sidewalk has blown almost clear this morning -- not enough to whip out the summer work wheels and plow -- a couple of driveway drifts but nothing significant -- it'll wait 'til it warms up (to at least above zero)

Shivering Diva

Issshhhh.....

So, winter just came screaming in on the North Pole Express -- it was lightly raining at 8:30 when I went to work (yes it's tax season already) and around noon -- something bounced off the office window....and the temp had dropped 30' in 4 hours..... Yuck.

If I had sound I'd tape the howl. It's pretty wicked out on the prairie -- the pine trees are dancing in the breeze.

Can't wait for morning -- a mere -5 --- good thing the long johns and woolies are washed and ready -- we're going to need them.

Happy Winter
Diva M

10 days until Santa

Diva has yet to shop (or at least physically shop), I have accomplished the point and click method of shopping and yes, there are some www deals out there. I do like the ease of on line shopping and so far my shipping charges are only $ 7.00 at 3 locations. Free shipping is hard to resist. My "electronics" purchase was back ordered twice -- but Smiley, the UPS dude delivered it on Friday.

The big snow is approaching, sounds like rain and ice in our area. The 12" will fall up on the "range" and north shore. They can have it -- I don't like to shovel, even with my power shovel.

The great white hunter is out for his next to last day of hunting. So far, no deer. Oh Joy! There is only so much venison one hunter can eat and believe me, he consumes it by himself. The rest of us fail to enjoy the attraction.

Toodles
Diva M

Idiot Diva

So, while exiting the building last night I managed to set off the panic button on my keys and the horn started to whail away. Imagine the sound -- inside the 3 stall cement block building -- it was nasty. Then when I got to the farm -- I managed to not pull into the garage far enough and set the garage door down on my rear bumper -- it cleared the back window and did not take the rear wiper on the way by.....

So I guess I need a day off. Will have to wait, too much to finish up before year-end. I eliminated one stack this week and will work on the other one this weekend.

Was it supposed to be this cold this morning -- I missed the weather -- after the garage events, I ate, read the paper and did an internet search for a missing relative, and went to bed before I could damage anything else.

Toodles
M

Best Use of Recycled Materials

okay -- no I wasn't having a Martha moment -- this unique qift item was donated to Santa Anonymous -- complete with the 3 blind moose merlot bottle .... and the wax drippings. It has become the newest chic decor item on 3rd Street -- however Sue and I decided on a new home for it -- becareful when opening your Xmas gifts it could show up under your tree!!!!

Diva M

And yet another view of this lovely light source...

Full Moon

So I was able to chisel myself out of bed early (5:30) and was actually rolling down the road to the office ...... by 6:00. Gotta get a life.

It was so cool -- the full moon was hanging on the western horizon it looked like it was an extension of Broadway -- when I zipped around the corner -- there it was. And where was my camera -- not with me. Nor the cell phone camera.

But that means full moon Friday is approaching -- watch out for the loonies.

Toodles
M

Occupational Outlooks....

So, I'm thinking -- in my next life, I'd like to be a cat. Lay around, drop hair, wait for the dish to be filled and well, someone else cleans the toilet. Seems to have a whole lot less stress than us mere mortals.

Yesterday, this particular cat -- stretched out on top of my laptop and dropped enough hair to supply the "hair transplant" specialist -- then had the nerve to upchuck on my chair.

Evidently, he's the boss. Enough whining -- jobs are awaiting (trash, litter box, vacuuming) -- I am the mere mortal who has to clean up after him.

As always, whining Diva!

M

web cam from the radio tower on the courthouse -- always good for some exciting views --- this was the middle of the night....some of us don't sleep very well!

M

More Precipitation

Dear Ones (especially the out of town Ones!);

It snowed and it appears it will continue to do so for several days. I left my camera at the Senior Center during Santa Anonymous Sunday so I don't have any cool pix's of my snow plowing talents. My skills are improving -- only hit the street light once this time around.

As pretty as it is -- it will be prettier when it melts. Another seed catalog arrived today. Up to 5 so far -- I vowed to only plant the old favorites in 2009 -- time will tell. Only 157 days 'til planting day. May 15th. Volunteers are always welcome. The only skill needed is the ability to count to 5 and bend at the waist several hundred times in a 5 hour period!

Happy Snow!
Diva M

Ho Ho Ho

2008 Santa Anonymous is done. 321 kids from 131 families. Back, Feet and Mind are tired.

M

Temperature & Gas Price

the only thing falling faster than the price of gas --- is the temperature.

birrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr it's cold and windy and white

M

Musings....

Cousin Gordon's daily humor email -- included a link to a civic's quiz ..... just something to make you think a bit.

http://americancivicliteracy.org/resources/quiz.aspx <<<>

In the aftermath of the $ 5.2 Billion shortfall facing Minnesota -- thinking way too much about the what if's in the world.

Happy Friday
Diva M

Handsome Dude

Mr. Nick -- misbehaving yet again. He never seems to understand that his furry self should not be perched anywhere near my desk -- let alone hiding behind the monitor -- notice his ability to pose.

The attitude is ooozing from his fur!

M

Monday Night!

So, exciting night....Bill, Stacy, Matt and Alix's house caught on fire. I hate it when the fire trucks go racing by the office, it just gives me the willies. Channel 12 was there and had some footage on the news last night....not much. They are all okay! Someone (Jan) said kitty didn't make it out -- but I wasn't sure if kitty was just missing or what. They are staying with Deb and CyndiLou. Still have the willies.

Snowed again. Light fluffy stuff--hoping for a big wind to clear off the sidewalks. Me and the red machine can do it -- not sure if the neighbors need to witness me in action (especially in the light of day). The door is now permanently stuck shut and my Duke's move isn't too cute in a skirt. I'm too old to be climbing/swinging over seats/doors and steering wheels.

Diva

Oh No -- It Snowed (a lot too!)

Greetings all;
I had planned on photographing the lovely 4" of fresh white fluffy snow -- but got caught up on the hazards and pitfalls of my other occupation.

I did plow snow this morning and only backed into the street light twice -- but I did manage to get stuck twice and my door won't open. So I need to be a bit more careful where I drive and engage the 4 wheel drive button -- and I am learning to climb in and out (similar to the "Dukes of Hazard") --- I'm sure I was the hot topic at morning coffee all over town.

It could be worse -- it could have snowed more! The snow does make the xmas lights twinkle brighter (no I have none -- no outside plug in's). Will take the long way home this evening just to enjoy the lights.

Happy Wednesday!
Diva Marie

Headline of the Week

Shopping frenzy tramples right over the reason for the season.



Enough said.

M

Snow ..... snow..... snow

So, no documentation of my first attempt at snow plowing with the summer work wheels -- although anyone driving down Third St yesterday at noon --- probably found it amusing. It only looks like I know what I'm doing.

At least I didn't back into the trash receptacle the City has placed (bolted to the sidewalk) next to the street light. Last year I repeatedly hit both of them -- a shaking street light is not a good thing.

The job got done and the new work wheels are pretty spiffy.

M

I'm a winner!

No I didn't win Publishers Clearinghouse!

But I did receive two more seed catalogs and it's 40' so I'm thinking spring. I haven't even to begun to think Christmas (started shopping--gotta love the www) and I'm already hoping for spring.

Happy Shopping
M

Deer Stand on the Move

okay the deer stand is headed out of the yard. complete with the orange swivel chair (left in my office garage by peanuts c!) and sunflower heater.

all i want to know is where were these hunters when I was attempting to grow cantaloupe?

M

Gobble, gobble, gobble

Happy Thanksgiving!

M

Stress Diet for Women

This is a specially formulated diet designed to helpwomen cope with the Stress that builds during the day --
Breakfast
1 grapefruit
1 slice whole wheat toast
1 cup skim milk

Lunch
1 small portion lean, steamed chicken
1 cup spinach
1 cup herbal tea
1 Hershey's kiss

Afternoon Snack
The rest of the Hershey kisses in the bag
1 tub of Hagen-Daaz ice cream with chocolate chips

Dinner
4 glasses of wine (red or white)
2 loaves garlic bread
1 family size supreme pizza
3 Snickers Bars

Late Night Snack
1 whole Sarah Lee cheesecake (eaten directly from the freezer)


Thanks Ya Ya Donna! Just what we need right before the eating season begins!

Diva M

Tired and Dull Diva

Diva needs a project or two....I'm approaching the cranky stage yet again. Must be my under productive thyroid (per Dr B) -- so more drugs to make my world spin faster.

Marie

docter, dentist, xrays, drugs

So Diva has been busy -- time for the annual maintenance -- also known as sticker shock. Dr last friday, dentist today, x-rays (yes those x-rays) today and going to make the eye appointment next.

Finished up the ear infection drugs -- still feel like junk. I just need a new and improved body.

Marie

Green

November is such a dreary month -- I thought I punch up some green ..... although it warmed up overnight -- it didn't snow.

Toodles
Diva

Birrrrrr

8' by tomorrow morning.
Birrrrrrrrrr


Diva M

Sun, sun, sun

This Diva needs to see the sun.

We've had a moon -- where the hell is the sun!


Wasting away in the clouds.
Diva M

Xmas Treats !!

So what comes in the mail and puts a smile on our faces? Seed catalogs! Two of them have arrived today --- they are even better than the Coldwater Creek catalog.

I'm drooling over the pictures already -- remember the end of season resolution .... I vowed to plant only the old favorites. I'm already changing my mind.

Happy Tuesday
M

Them Chickens

Who'd a thought -- 11 eggs in ONE DAY!!!!!! Even Ms. Hawk (she looks like a hawk) left a deposit (a blue one).

These chickens have become the conversation of the neighborhood -- maybe I should relocate them to the office -- payback for the smoking patio next door!

M

Gourds

The bushel basket and bird house gourds are turning colors. I picked them early on and dumped them next to the potted perenials. By the time Spring arrives they'll have dried and turned a nasty shade of "mold".

I had 30 that I dried last winter and sold this summer -- once everyone figured out what they were and what to do with them -- they were off and decorating.

Cold again today and for the balance of the week. Dad started feeding the "green" squash and left over pumpkins to the deer. They'll be happy -- they've wiped out most of the deadfall apples and have begun to sleep in the yard at night. First I feed them canteloupe and now squash and cushy place to sleep.

Toodles
M

So, I finally got to the patch. The tractor man has it all disked up....never told me! Kinda bare looking - love the blue sky and clouds. Beautiful day today -- 30' and crisp.

The barely visable camoflauge tent is Nick in his deer stand --- I'm guessing he wasn't please to see me standing on the field road. At least I was wearing red and don't look like a deer. (Famous last words)

Eggs!! Eggs!! Eggs!!

Okay which came first the chicken or the egg....well the last 3 days have been 9 eggs a day. Mom called Vernon Center Meat Market yesterday to have chix butchered, cleaned and frozen and we missed the October 31st cut-off date. So guess who's doing it....I plan on being gone. I can see the mess already.

Brian, the mechanic, volunteered his mom. I think we need to cut Kathy a deal -- she gets 1/3 of the chickens we get 2/3's and the job gets done!

Toodles
Diva

Too Much Time on My Hands

So I created a blog for my Investment Club....we'll see just how much technology we can handle!

Happy Friday or TGIF

M

Hard Work

So this blogging deal is hard work -- especially when not gardening, selling, peddling or hustling the produce! My other life is kinda dull!

Good news in the other life -- I have a secretary (or will have) -- didn't wait until the last minute this year! Still need to fill out the spots but that will happen with the girls -- emmy and molly? Although haven't chatted with either of them yet! Poor Nick (the cat) he's going to be surrounded by women -- he'll adjust.

M

Spring Dreaming

Okay, it is day three of winter and I'm already tired of it. Haven't even received the first "true" heat bill yet. The coats, scarves and gloves are just too much to deal with . . . let alone the shovel. Decided to let it melt instead (so far that plan is working). The above pix is Dad mowing weeds on day one of his new tractor last year. I was looking for a warm and sunny pix --- yesterday he put the bucket and the snow blower on it. He even ordered tires for the "patch/snowplow" truck -- guess red/white's gonna make it another season!

Thinking spring...
Diva M

Home, alive and sorta well

So, the educational process has been completed for the season. Or at least another 12 hours of CPE is done. I left early today -- the weather is a bit spooky -- and driving in it was worse. I drove in hard rain, light rain, ice crystals, ice balls, snow and fog -- all in a 100 mile stretch. It was only slippery just south of Norseland and north of Home!!!! Thankfully.

Home looked pretty good -- the snow plow operator informed me we were going to get at least 4" overnight. Hope he's wrong. I ended up helping with the "big" truck and installing the sander when we got home.

Mom xmas shopped and I sorta shopped. We got to Grubers Quilt Shop last night .... worth a trip or a peruse of their website. When we got up there on Sunday the hunting widows were out in full force and shopping was ugly. We did make it to Crafts Direct --- cool place if you aren't getting run down by someone elses shopping cart. Our room at the hotel was nice -- close to the conference room and close to the parking -- and on ground floor -- no lugging up and down stairs.

So back to work ...... older, wiser, and well, poorer!

Diva M

Off to School!!!

Yes, another seminar in my crazy world. 1040 or Individuals -- 16 hours of classroom and 225 miles of driving. St. Cloud -- class is Monday and Tuesday -- Mom is tagging along so we are leaving Sunday noonish and stopping at all the favorites along the way --

She'll be xmas shopping during the day and nights are the fun stops. Grubers Quilt Shop, Crafts Direct (check out their websites), Office Depot (I can always find something) and always Barnes and Noble. Their B & N is huge!

I still don't feel too peachy -- but am going anyway -- the ears are still ringing and I'm pooped. So sitting around listening to tax issues will put me to sleep quickly.

Toodles
Marie

SNOW!!!!!

So we woke up to 2" of snow this morning. It's kind of pretty -- yes it will melt! I shot these out the car window this morning on my way to the office.

I'm not sure if I'm feeling better or not -- drugs are in the system and they take time to work -- slept okay .... not coughing as much. Still headed to St. Cloud for tax conference on Monday and Tuesday -- can't seem to reschedule it and make it work with my goofy life.

Toodles

Marie

Diva & the Doctor

So, I'm going.
Can't stand the hacking
Can't stand not hearing
2:00pm bring on the drugs....

M

So I just returned from the doctor's office --- ear infection and tonsillitis -- lovely -- I wasn't imagining it afterall. Since this is a kid disease -- I must be young after all!!!!!

So I went to pharmacy and they tell me it will be at least an hour for my antibiotics......dr tells me to call in on Monday if I'm not feeling better for stronger prescription -- gotta love that -- I'll be in St. Cloud for tax conference.

So here comes the drugs!!!!
Toodles
Marie

Ailing Diva

So, I'm still sick and the great debate about visiting the doctor is happening as I type. By the time I finally get there == (a) I'm on the uphill side to recovery or (b) it's a sinus infection and it's antibiotics. Will decide in the morning -- need to healthy for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

I'm blessed to attending and income tax conference for two whole days. In St. Cloud -- 100 miles from hooterville. So, it's some time away from everything and everyone. Mom is coming along, she xmas shops, I sit there and get "numb buns" 16 hours of classroom time is a lot of sitting. I'll probably leave early (and sacrifice CPE hours) on Tuesday so we won't have to drive in the dark.

Coughing away.....

M

History . . .

why are you reading this ---
get out and vote ---
today is history in the making ---

kinda fun eh!

diva

ps. diva is still ill

Diva has the crud

Dear Ones;
The crud has arrived -- sore throat, hacking cough, stuffy head -- I'm on Advil #5 and I'm not numb yet -- just popped 6 and 7 -- should knock me out enough to sleep.
I attempted to dig potato's but got a little light headed so I quit. Passing out in the potato patch really doesn't have a lot of appeal. Hot shower and off to bed. Damn daylight savings time change isn't helping matters either....

dripping away
M

Little Garden

So I accomplished everything on my list for the little garden, except -- digging the potato's. The morning is still young, thanks to the daylight savings "flop" back -- which at 4:00am (when I woke with a sore throat and headache) was really 3:00am -- explained the goofy early morning TV schedule. Gotta start sleeping more --

So, it will be dig the potato day -- accumulated a bunch of boxes and baskets, hoping for the bumper crop.

The new ATV is pretty damn spiffy.

Toodles
M

New (er) Work Wheels

This Diva now has newer work wheels. Just brought it home --- gotta love the catchy red color -- all I need is sparkly red boots to match. It's prior owner was the Henderson Fire Department -- hence the "red" -- but added my windshield and mirrors from the green one! It has 135 miles and 238 hours on it! The only difference -- it's newer, bigger motor and has gauges! Oh joy!!!! A gas gauge!!!!

It's parked in front of the little garden so this afternoon it will be getting dirty -- time to pull up the fencing and tomato stakes and yes, I'm finally going to dig the potato's. Haul in the garden hoses, etc ---- it never ends does it!

Marie

Halloween Diva

Since the Diva is pooped and the Queen has the day off -- Diva is taking a break from the festivities -- haven't heard from the Queen today -- I'm sure she will celebrate for the both of us.

Diva will be taking delivery of the new work wheels this afternoon -- it is my understanding that the windshield and mirrors are getting swapped to "Red" and a winch for the snowplow is being installed today -- "Green" was bathed yesterday and I think it's already sold.

I've been so busy spending $$$$ I'm not sure exactly what's happening and when -- that is not good for a "money girl"!!!

Toodles
M

Sleepy Diva

I slept in for the 2nd time in a week --- bad, bad, bad. But, the new and improved version of the coolest work wheels was delivered back to the store yesterday! So I stopped in to check it out. Pretty cool.

Toodles
M

Coolest Work Wheels...

Ahh someone already wants to buy the "coolest work wheels" -- didn't take long! The new and updated version is due to arrive over the weekend. Red! Watermelon Red! Might need to paint seeds on it eh!

Toodles
M

What is a Blog?

So Uncle Barry, this is the blog. Check it out.

Diva M

Another one of my "art shots" -- the maple in the front yard. A gift from Joyce -- supposedly a "royal red" -- it's never been red -- in any season. Starts out green, stays green and then gets this lovely gold color. Huge leaves -- almost the size of salad plates.

The sun has returned although it's cold! My blood needs to thin out a bit more. I did dig out the long johns! Helps!

Diva

Here it comes....

Yesterdays work day was not in vain. I woke up to the howling winds at 4:30 this morning. Per the weather dude -- it may SNOW and the temp with drop all day long. Yuck. This is pix of red or pin oak tree in the back yard -- it too has been ate off many times by our deer so it is more of a shrub -- but a pretty one this time of year.

Off to the kitchen -- I think it's going to be roasting/baking/cooking day. Yes, I can bake (when I feel like it!).

M

Putting the patch to bed

So, I put things to bed this morning. No more market and today was a busy day. Zipped thru the squash and found another bushel of acorns. Picked 2 bushel of birdhouse/basket gourds -- dumped them (literally) under a tree for winter -- they may or may not dry out. I also pulled all of my row marker flags -- one last walking of the patch. It's a sorry sight up close and personal but it's time for change. Next year's patch is going to be located at the bottom of the hill (next to the irrigation well and the woods (oh joy!! more deer!!)).

I did grab my camera and shot up a bunch of pix....more to come tomorrow. Evidently Nick's deer cam caught me in action picking up flags and cruising around in my cool work wheels. My choice of wardrobe this morning wasn't appropriate for the camera. Oh well.

Diva M

Treats....

I've been meaning to add these all week and never seem to have the pix and the contact info in the same location at the same time (still don't -- will have to update the post when I get into the office in the morning).

Ms. Hannah Hermanson is the baker -- she has the Swedish Tea Rings for sale in a variety of fillings -- I've had both the cinnamon and the raspberry and they are wonderful. She takes orders and will bake for the holidays! Even more wonderful. Okay ---email me for Hannah's info -- didn't think I should put it out on the WWW.... sometimes I think "smart" !!

The pepper strings are her works of art also. They are real peppers and really cool. I have two hanging in kitchen at home and one at the office and they are keeping their color as the dry -- I'm guessing she has more of them for sale also.

Dreaming of coffee cake.......

diva

Birrrrr

Diva is cold.

It takes a while for the blood to thin.

I never adjust to the darkness.

Spring where are you . . . .

M

Things that Chirp in the Night

like carbon monoxide detectors.

so opened window and replaced batteries -- had to rob batteries out of my mouse and keyboard so

the chirping quit


so I got up and did chores in the dark -- only 1 egg -- I informed the "girls" to step up the production --- they were sitting in the nests...

needing a nap

diva

Best Quote on the Financial Crisis

"THIS IS WORSE THAN A DIVORCE. I LOST HALF MY MONEY AND I STILL HAVE MY WIFE."


Okay -- Some may think it more humorous than others but it hit the spot in this office!

Thanks Gordon!


Diva

Busy Diva

Diva's still an early riser -- did my 20 laps at the Community Center's walking track - round and round and round. Gotta be a better route (so I found the one above). I really get funny looks when I reverse and go the opposite direction. They have rules about direction up there --- even/odd -- clockwise/counterclockwise ---. I get them mixed up all the time --- I pray someone is there before me because if I get it wrong -- someone will comment!

Diva's upgrading ATV today -- red (as in fire engine red) -- the Henderson Fire Department's ATV is back and ready for me! Green bessie to get cleaned up and sold. Pix to come (camera went to Branson with the elders -- it will be a while for the pix).

So I'm whining about laps and direction -- time for a "life" coach. Suggestions are always welcome (I'll be whining about them)!

Toodles

M

The Meaning of Life

enough of the grumpy's -- this is the attitude we all need. my favorite customer in her Grandpa's pumpkin patch! Can she possibly get any cuter!! Put's a grin on my face! Thanks for sharing the pix's ! :) :) Will have to start her Diva training soon ---!!!!!

M

Ohhhmmmmm (my yogi chant)

So I've calmed down and will no longer waste my time, energy or breath on the yahoo's next door on 3rd street. It's just not worth it.... will need my ohmmmm chant if and when the blood pressure rises. Good thing I have low blood pressure to begin with eh!

Toodles
Diva

Day of Rest

Wrong . . . .

Day of Vandalism!!! First at the office -- some yutz pulled down a section of the antique iron fence -- really set me off (especially at the neighbors) (this is a much nicer version of my anger) -- then at home.

But I did get out of town and loaded up on the necessities in life, paper towels, Kleenex, toilet paper, copy paper, kitty litter, bottled water, dish soap, kitty chow. Kitty is a high maintenance dude so it's pet store chow (at $25 for 20 lbs) ---- Area rugs, plastic window kits (it's gonna get cold ya know) -- so in all this spending -- no shoes or clothes.

Working on my Halloween duds -- a Diva must look the part!

Toodles

M

ps. Teresa the hot dish recipe is on September 1st.

Diva's final day at zee Market

Dear One's .....

It was my final day at the Market, so I snapped pictures of myself and everyone else. Top picture is Miss Hannah .... lots of cool strands of drying peppers and coffee cakes to die for (more on that tomorrow), next pix is Crystal from Nicollet, next pix is me notice the trailer load of pumpkins....., last pix is Grandma's Little Acre (more than an Acre) .... the honey and maple syrup vendors were there also -- I'm saving for the next blurb.

It started out cold and stayed cold.... my layering technique -- turtleneck, polartech jacket, windbreaker, scarf (new one from Nutters) and finally raincoat to stop the wind.... my hands and feet never did warm up ....

At 11:00 am $1 day began and everything I had left was a $1 -- the pumpkins flew off the trailer ---- I'm down to 15 pumpkins and 2 bushel of squash -- oh happy, happy day.

So it is time for a cup of hot coffee, a piece of Hannah's coffee cake and then a NAP!!!!

Toodles

Diva