Time for a Change

Mike and I have been struggling for months over what to do with our "other" website. We rolled it into a blog in January, but were not really satisfied with the feel of it. After much discussion and deliberation, we have re-instated the website with an updated look and feel. The updates to the style were made last year, but we didn't roll out then because we weren't "finished." We decided, enough! we'll finish when we can. I really like the new look of things. We are maintaining the blog (which is not this blog, but a separate one) as well. Hop on over to the website and let us know what you think!

If you don't know what website I am talking about, hmm... Either email me to ask or leave a comment below (with your email) and I'll provide the info.

Have a super weekend! We're off to the Vineyard again tomorrow. Can't wait!

Music Outside!

We did it! We now have music outside, thanks to the joint work of Mike and I. He did the mounting and wiring outside, through the foundation, and up through the wall. I connected the wires to the speaker and set everything up for our Zone 2, which can play different music than the main zone inside and has its own volume controls.

Not exciting for you, but it is for us!! Here's a video so you'll know what we're talking about...






Thanks a million to Mike's mom, Pat, for the wonderful birthday gifts. I LOVE THEM!

Have a great day!

Simon's Cat: TV Dinner

OMG!!! I just love Simon's Cat. It is Mattie -- Mike knows this so well. Here is the latest video.



Smiles!

Tornadoes Game

I went to a Worcester Tornadoes game last night with Steve, Helen, Bob and Judy. We had a great time!

I didn't mention I was getting ready to take a picture when I started shooting with my phone (oops!)



I'm glad Steve and Helen are good sports.

Bob and Judy were willing, too :)



We even got a gift :) A booblehead of Kevin Shea (local sportscaster) that looks amazingly like Michael! Helen gave me one of theirs so we can give Connor and Fiona their own Uncle Michael bobble head. Thanks, Helen!



The game was going well when we left in the bottom of the ninth. I believe the Tornadoes won 5-4. It was a fun night!

Have a happy day!

Fun in the Sun

Saturday was a beautiful day here in Massachusetts. We are so glad that we decided to spend it on Martha's Vineyard. We left the house at 5:30 am, intending to catch the 8:15 am ferry. We made good time getting to Woods Hole and arrived at the Steamship Authority by 7:15. Lucky for us, the Martha's Vineyard (ship), scheduled to leave at 7:00, was running behind. We were able to walk on just before it left the dock.

We were on the beach by 10:20 and had a fabulous day. A few walks on the beach, eating, chatting with friends, and playing in the ocean made the day zip by. It was 4:00 before we knew it! Our friends Alex and Joanne gave us a ride to Chilmark, where we caught the 5:22 pm bus to Oak Bluffs.

We walked around town, then enjoyed a lovely dinner at Linda Jean's. We lucked out again when we were able to get on one of the unscheduled (read freight) ferries at 7:45. The ship only holds 142 people, including those in vehicles and only 12 people were allowed to walk on.



We asked someone to take our photo, but it didn't capture for whatever reason. So, the only one we have is of me alone :( Mike really was there!

We were back home by 10:30. Showers, chatting, etc landed us in bed around midnight.

Can you hear me sighing in happiness? It was great!

Have a happy day!

Menus make my tummy rumble...

I read this on Serious Eats Friday:

New York Magazine has bought Menupages, the invaluable menu archive and review site (oh-so handy for delivery) for eight major cities (New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and South Florida). New York Magazine has already been doing pretty much the same thing for New York restaurants. Looks like a menu empire expansion!

It made me think, Boston menus online? Cool! I popped on over to Menupages and changed the city from New York to Boston.



Do you see that?! 2986 menus online! Sweet! I wanted to see if it was actually any good, so I clicked on the Seafood category. I browsed through several menus, some I had seen before, some I had not. This service is pretty impressive. It is in my Google Bookmarks now...

I need to eat! Have a great day!

Where, Oh Where Did My Little Cat Go?

Mike and I are trying to work on the outdoor speakers. Apparently, Mattie wants to be close by but catch some ZZZs... Can you spot him?

David Saw: Broken Down Figure

Mike and I are heading to the Vineyard for the day tomorrow. Going to the Vineyard, or even thinking about it, always makes me think of certain people. Some are well known, others are regular people like us. One of the well known people is Ben Taylor. I love his music and always anxiously await his latest albums. The Legend of Kung Folk is coming out September 16 -- Woo Hoo! Anyhow, Ben Taylor teamed up with David Saw for Alive in the World, an album to benefit autism. The two have similar music styles, and I like David's music. After visiting the Ben Taylor Band site, I went to the label, Iris Records to get more scoop on The Legend of Kung Folk. The site played a music video that really sucked me in. Matter of fact, I really thought it was Ben Taylor.



Wrong! The video is David Saw singing his song Buy My Record, featured on Broken Down Figure (released March 2008). I loved it! There was a link to buy on iTunes ($9.90 for download) or on Amazon ($5.99 for download or $13.49 for the disc). I've never bought MP3s from Amazon before, and the price was right. I downloaded their MP3 downloader and purchased the album. A feature of their downloader is that it automatically adds purchased music to your iTunes or Windows Media Player installation. It worked seamlessly.

I've been listening to Broken Down Figure all morning. It is awesome! I like [the current genre of] Folk music. David Saw has a MySpace page, too. I cannot get to it currently (due to some nanny issues), but if it is like Ben Taylor's, it probably streams his music.

Enjoy, and Have a Happy Day!

Mattie on a Stage? Mattie in a Tutu?

Connor and Fiona arrived back in Massachusetts yesterday and provided endless delight to their Nana. One of the first things they told her was that they have a new book that features a cat wearing a tutu. Yes, that's right. A cat in a tutu. They thought it would be so much fun if they could dress up Mattie like the cat in the book. I wondered if Mattie had an inkling as to what was going on...

So the day went into night, and Michael and I got home from work. As we were eating dinner, Mattie retreated to his new favorite spot. The picture doesn't really show that the stage happens to be below a window fan. So he is getting a little breeze. Instead, the photo makes it look like we have a new headliner for the Horgan Dancing Stage. Funny!

On the way into work this morning, I heard Nancy Pearl talking about a perfect travel book for 4-7 year olds called Chester. Here's part of what she said:

"The book opens with Watt explaining that she's trying to write and illustrate a book about a mouse, a book that will begin: "Once upon a time there was a mouse. He lived in a house in the country." But her cat, Chester (aka the self-centered furball, according to Watt), won't let her get on with her story; he thinks that it's his book and he's in charge of creating it. (Chester, it should be noted, also thinks the letters in his name stand for: Charming; Handsome; Envy of Mouse; Smart; Talented; Envy of Mélanie; Really handsome.) Red marker in hand (or paw), Chester goes about editing Mélanie's manuscript, with hilarious results. Just when the reader thinks Watt has gotten the last word, or at least the last picture (of Chester in a pink tutu — could there be a more biting insult to any self-respecting cat?), Chester comes up with his own revenge."

NPR created a slideshow using images from the book: Scenes from 'Chester,' by Melanie Watt (and Chester)

I don't know if this is the same book that Connor and Fiona are reading, but is sure sounded similar. It brought a big smile to my face!

Smiles!

Hot Hot HOT

I know, I know. Everyone is suffering from the same heat.  Phew!  Mike and I took yesterday off for an appointment.  We had a lovely lunch at O'Connors restaurant, our favorite Irish place.  We indulged in Irish Potato Pizzas for an appetizer, with intention to take some home to watch during a movie (tonight?).  I got the Broiled Chatham Sea Scallops and Mike got the Rory's Baked Seafood Platter.  Delish!

We felt the need to do yard work when we returned home.  Why, considering it was 90 degrees, I don't know. We put a bunch of the loam down that has been in the driveway since April. We also ran to Lowe's for grass seed and put it down.  Mike started installing the outdoor speakers his mom got me for my birthday; I'll post pictures when we're finished.  Ooh, maybe even a video.  In the midst of the work, I took a little nap.

We managed to stay busy throughout the evening, too.  Time sure does fly.

Speaking of flying, Deirdre, Connor, and Fiona are returning to Massachusetts today.  They'll only be in town for a few days, but we hope to see them if possible.

Have a happy day!

Happy (Belated) Birthday, Carolyn!

Though we failed to tell you yesterday, we hope the day was great!  Of course, we had fun giving our wishes in person last weekend!

July Observances

Today is SCUD Day (Savor the Comic, Unplug the Drama).  Have fun and be happy!

If that doesn't "do it" for you, here are some other holidays coming in the next week:
7/9: Martyrdom of The Bab
7/10: Clerihew Day
7/10: Don't Step On A Bee Day (why would you want to step on a bee?)
7/11: World Population Day
7/12: Hot Dog Day
7/12: Chicken Day (funny it is on the same day as hot dog day; more choices are better)
7/13: Embrace Your Geekness Day (oooh, a day just for me!)
7/13: Gruntled Workers Day

This week is also Nude Recreation Week -- perfect for this hot spell in New England!

Finally, some of the month's observances that make me giggle/smile:
Air-Conditioning Appreciation Days (7/3 to 8/15) -- oh yeah, I am appreciating it!
Blueberries Month -- mmm...  Ask Mike about my blue tongue!
Cell Phone Courtesy Month -- shouldn't we be courteous all the time?
International Blondie and Deborah Harry Month -- woo hoo! She has her own month!
National Grilling Month
National Ice Cream Month

I am seeing nude, food, and coolness for July.  Hey!  Do you know what "Martyrdom of The Bab" or "Clerihew Day" are for? I don't!

Smiles

Fabulous Fourth

Happy 7th of July!

We had such a lovely weekend!  We went to camp Thursday after work.  It was a nice drive up and lots of people were there for the weekend.

First thing Friday morning, Steve helped Mike replace a piece on the awning.  The repair seemed quick and easy.  It sure made putting the awning up/down easier for Mike.  Steve and Sherry had a fish fry on Friday afternoon.  It was a huge hit, with [it seemed like] 70 people in attendance. There was a dance Friday night that was well attended.

My mom sent us a beautiful holiday greeting -- photos of the lilies in her pond.  One of the photos is below.


Pretty, huh?

We celebrated Jean's birthday [early] on Friday, too.

The Outta Hand Band played for us Saturday afternoon.  They ended up playing in the clubhouse because of the intermittent rain.  The music was good.  We're looking forward to having them play at Spaghetto this year.  Steve and Helen invited us over for dinner on Saturday night, along with a small group of friends.  Dinner was yummy!  We made Cheesy Beef Casserole for the first time.  It turned out well.  Mike says we should add it to the recipes we make regularly.  There was another dance Saturday night.  It was surprisingly well-attended given the band and random revelry throughout the day Saturday.

We had a lovely 6th of July celebration with Nana Meow Meow yesterday.  She graciously took care of her grandcat over the weekend.  He is getting very spoiled.  The weather was better yesterday than any other day of the weekend, so it was perfect for our cookout.

Mike and I ended the night by watching National Treasure: Book of Secrets.  It was ok.  As my mom would say, "Better than a poke in the eye!"

Have a happy day!

Happy Birthday, Jean!

We hope your day is great :)

Happy July 4th

Image from: CheapOair

Have a wonderful 4th of July! We hope you celebrate the holiday with a bang!

Smiles!

Random Thoughts

How can it be that I brush Mattie for 30 minutes, get a football-sized ball of hair, and he still sheds?

Embarrassing things always seem to happen to me when someone is watching. Does that mean that I don't do embarassing things when I am alone, or am I just oblivious?

I wear jeans to work so often that when I wear slacks or a skirt (dress) people ask, "Is there a training today?"  I feel so lucky that jeans are an acceptable form of work dress for me!

Reading and music make me happy, but I often enjoy them while alone.

Remember, "How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?"  Since I've grown up I know the answer: too damned much wood.  Woodchucks wreak havoc!

Sitting in the bright sun while eating my lunch and reading book is a nice lunch break....

Happy thoughts!

The Ultimate Lady's Cheesy Mac and Cheese

My mom made this recipe this week and proclaims it "YUMMY!"

The Ultimate Lady's Cheesy Mac and Cheese 
by Paula Deen


2 cups dried elbow macaroni (4 cups cooked)
1/3 cup grated Cheddar
1/3 cup grated Swiss
1/3 cup grated Jack
1/3 cup grated colby
1/3 cup grated Muenster
1/3 cup grated Gouda
1/2 cup sour cream
4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
6 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup milk
Nonstick spray
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large pot, bring water to boil. Season water with salt and cook macaroni until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain pasta and place in a large bowl and while pasta is still hot add all the cheese. In a separate medium bowl, using a whisk, combine the sour cream, butter, eggs, salt, pepper, and milk and add to the macaroni mixture. Spray casserole dish with nonstick and pour macaroni mixture into the dish. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Top with additional cheese, if desired. 

No Outside Lunch for Me!

I had a lovely lunch outside yesterday and was looking forward to lunch outside today.  I guess it isn't meant to be...



Oh, well :) It will still be a nice lunch.

Nude Beach Summer Wheat Beer

For the second and final installment of our gathering tales, I have to tell you about THE beer of the summer -- Stevens Point Brewery's Nude Beach Summer Wheat. The description on their site reads:
 
"Point Nude Beach is the perfect summer pleasure. Available only during the warm months of summer, this lively and unfiltered wheat ale is well balanced using "au naturel" raw and red wheat, then delicately finished with Yakima hops. With a refreshing light flavor, Point Nude Beach is perfect while enjoying summer activities or just hanging out with friends. Clothing optional.
Introduced: 2008
Availability: May 1 - August 1
Suggested Pairings: Chicken, Pork, Summer Salads, SPF 30 and Swim Suit (optional.)"

This is the beer tasting TNS had at the gathering. Led by master brewer Allan Baylis, naturists learned about the various brews Point Brewery offers and taste them. After the presentation we were invited to buy a Point Brewery t-shirt or TNS cup (each with a complimentary bottle). Cool!

We had a lot of fun at the tasting. We got silly at the end and we all laid on the lawn pretending to be passed out, with empty bottles all around. What a fun Friday :)

Have a happy day!

DumAss Special Interest Group (SIG)

I wanted to start our vacation tales by sharing the part of the Gathering that was the most fun for me -- the DumAss SIG.  What?!, you say?  Well, you all knew I was a dumb ass, now it is official!

But, seriously, here is how things went.  There was a "Closest to the Pin" event on Wednesday sponsored by the DumAss SIG.  If you know about golf -- and I don't -- you know this is a tournament that involves hitting a golf ball towards the flag (known as a pin) at a par hole.  The person with the closest distance to the pin is the winner.  I am sure Mike knew this.  I did not.  One thing neither of us knew was what this SIG was, and who was in it.

We showed up at the putting green a bit before 11 am and found that Dave Cole was running the event.  Dave is very active in the Naturist Society (TNS) and on his local beach, Black's Beach, in San Diego.  Dave is also a really fun guy.  Nearly everything he does involves smiles and good humor.  We knew we were in for a treat.

As the event got underway, Dave told us that the schedule had mistakenly featured the first event of the SIG before the inaugural meeting.  We decided that was okay, given that it is a DumAss SIG (which I'll refer to as DA).  Dave pulled out  some ping pong balls from a golf club bag and told us they were numbered. He also pulled out a small plastic bowling pin that would serve as the flag/pin.  He explained the challenge to those of us who were unfamiliar with the Closet to the Pin tournys.  We were all ready to start when he pulled out an itty bitty golf club set made for children.

Ok...  This would be interesting. For most adults (excluding myself) the best way to hit the ball was on their knees.  No one figured that out (#2 clue to us being at the right event).  In all there were about 10 of us playing.  The person who came closest to the pin won the entire golf set.  I was envious -- it was fun!

The following day was the Inaugural East Coast meeting of the SIG. I did not mention that the SIG first met at the West Coast gathering last year.  The west coast event was written up in N magazine in a such a non-descript way that there was no way to know what it was.  The east coast inaugural meeting ended up being one of the most attended events at the gathering.  Tons of people showed up just to find out what it was about.  The answer?  Just having fun!  There are lots of serious workshops at the gatherings that focus on health, body, and political issues.  Dave wanted to introduce a way for us to just be silly.  We had a great deal of fun at the meeting and many of us shared stories of our own personal DA incidents.

Friday held another fun event, sponsored by the DA SIG, the Dressing "Silly" contest.  We didn't have to dress up for the fun, we just had to arrive with our bodies.  The Silly contest was scheduled concurrent with a beer sampling (more on that in another post), so we were doing pretty well when 10 people showed up.  What would the costumes be?  Why, Silly String!  TNS had a case of silly string in 4 different colors. We were split into three groups of three, with one volunteer model for each group. The other two team members were charged with dressing the models.

Ironically, each team had one woman and each woman volunteered to be the model. I had no idea what to expect of this.  It ended up being so much fun!!!  My teammates did a fantastic job of creating my outfit (though we had some difficulty getting my dress to stay put on the right breast).  The spray felt kind of cool and was pretty easy to control.  Here I am before the judging:







After we were all dressed, the owners of Eastover, Ticki and Betsy, judged us. We were all winners and received a bottle of champagne.







When we disrobed, the silly string just slipped away. It didn't leave any goopy remains. That was pretty cool, too!

I took two things away from this fun part of the gathering: 1) I am now an official DumAss, 2) Silly string dress up could be a fun camp event.

Smiles!