"Sittin' round the Pot Belly Stove!"

Skywatch_NC · #241 Postby **Skywatch_NC** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 10:12 am

Ed, prayers, thoughts and best wishes with your wife's gall bladder surgery, Brother!

Mary,

Speaking of DVD's...my folks just bought a DVD player this year and the other day I spotted a movie called "Radio" with Cuba Gooding Jr. (based on a true story!)...I look forward to opening it tomorrow afternoon (always been my family's tradition on both sides doing gift exchange on Christmas Eve)!

I feel for you...C'mon Jim and girls let Mom at least open her Dallas episodes early!!

Have a GREAT White Christmas, Wxbuddy!!

Eric

Miss Mary · #242 Postby **Miss Mary** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 10:25 am

Why thanks Eric - at least I know you'd let me open it early. It isn't even wrapped yet, I've seen it in the to-be-wrapped pile. Mmm, maybe I should just sneak it away? LOL But I'd be busted the second they heard that theme song start up. Because I could never watch a Dallas episode unless I heard the theme song first...I'm odd that way (same with Friends, ER, etc.).

We inherited my dad's snowblower. It ran for years then about 5 years ago, it just quit. Last year I had it serviced because I had a feeling we'd need it. We did (last year). So this year it was gassed up, ready to go. Jim used it last night. Worked fairly well, amidst the falling ice. He was pelted while clearing the driveway. Went out this morning to clear it again, after more snow had fallen, and well, there's about one inch of snow on top of the ice. The snowblower cleared that snowfall but the ice is now like the top of our driveway. The snowblower won't penetrate it! We have very cold temps coming too! So I do think today we will all be out there chipping away at the driveway and sidewalk to the front door. What fun! We might even have to use my garden shovel! The hand held snowshovel I bought is a rounded, scooper type - it's intended for minor snowfalls, you push one or two inches off the side of your driveway. So it won't do much good on 6-8 inches of ice encased snow!

Mary

Skywatch_NC · #243 Postby **Skywatch_NC** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 10:40 am

Miss Mary wrote:Why thanks Eric - at least I know you'd let me open it early. It isn't even wrapped yet, I've seen it in the to-be-wrapped pile. Mmm, maybe I should just sneak it away? LOL But I'd be busted the second they heard that theme song start up. Because I could never watch a Dallas episode unless I heard the theme song first...I'm odd that way (same with Friends, ER, etc.).

We inherited my dad's snowblower. It ran for years then about 5 years ago, it just quit. Last year I had it serviced because I had a feeling we'd need it. We did (last year). So this year it was gassed up, ready to go. Jim used it last night. Worked fairly well, amidst the falling ice. He was pelted while clearing the driveway. Went out this morning to clear it again, after more snow had fallen, and well, there's about one inch of snow on top of the ice. The snowblower cleared that snowfall but the ice is now like the top of our driveway. The snowblower won't penetrate it! We have very cold temps coming too! So I do think today we will all be out there chipping away at the driveway and sidewalk to the front door. What fun! We might even have to use my garden shovel! The hand held snowshovel I bought is a rounded, scooper type - it's intended for minor snowfalls, you push one or two inches off the side of your driveway. So it won't do much good on 6-8 inches of ice encased snow!

Mary

Mary,

The very BEST to you and your family getting your driveway and front walk cleared...also a word of caution...just don't OVERdo it on the ice chipping...my Mom was helping my Dad and I when we lived in NY state clearing our driveway of ice one time and she ended up getting a navel hernia from the exertion with the hoe that she was using to chop into the ice!! :eek:

She's lived with that hernia now for several years (she's overweight and was at the time, too, of that mishap in NY!)...it's been such a major challenge for weight loss for her and she has to be extra careful to keep the hernia from strangulating!! :eek:

Eric

Miss Mary · #244 Postby **Miss Mary** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 11:02 am

Eric - that might be good advice. In fact Jim said we should just drive over it. Probably not worth the physical risk. Good thing it's not our turn to host xmas this year in his family. And on my street all mailboxes are at the curb. So theoretically no one should have to walk to my front door. No obligation to clear it (or the driveway for that matter). If we lived in a walking community, or the mailbox was at the front door, that would be a very different story.

One neighbor cleared about an 8 foot by 8 foot part of his 2 car wide driveway. That's all he could manage and he headed back inside - that's only 1/8th of his driveway. I think we'll see if he's hobbling around before we attempt it. He's probably on the couch with an icepack (gosh I hope not!).

Mary

furluvcats · #245 Postby **furluvcats** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 4:48 pm

Hi everybody!

We just returned from a weeks vacation in Las Vegas...how pretty Vegas was all done up for the holidays!

I wanted to take this oppurtunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas...Blessings to you all...I hope you are all surrounded by the love of those you hold dearest, and filled with the Spirit!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

CajunMama · #246 Postby **CajunMama** » Sat Dec 25, 2004 8:06 pm

Furry, you're going to have to tell me all about Las Vegas...I'm going the second weekend in April. We're going to see Elton John at Caesers Palace (my Christmas gift from my husband!)

StormCrazyIowan · #247 Postby **StormCrazyIowan** » Sat Dec 25, 2004 9:04 pm

Merry Christmas everyone!

Oh, how I loved this Christmas! For starters... it actually SNOWED!!! This is my first white Christmas in at least 5 years!!

And for my big news.... I'm engaged!!!!!

Justin proposed to me this morning with a beautiful princess cut ring! I love it so much!! No date set yet, but it will be after baby is born!!

Well, I am completely exhausted from the day, so I am gonna go lie down and watch Justin play the video game I bought him... :wink:

Skywatch_NC · #248 Postby **Skywatch_NC** » Sat Dec 25, 2004 9:10 pm

CONGRATULATIONS JACKI & JUSTIN!!!!

Eric

yoda · #249 Postby **yoda** » Sun Dec 26, 2004 1:38 pm

CONGRATS JACKI!!

Miss Mary · #250 Postby **Miss Mary** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 9:37 am

Jackie - wonderful news!!! Congrats!!! Very happy for you!!!

It's a winter wonderland here in Cincinnati. Snow everywhere. Warmer temps on the way later this week but today is below freezing once again. When they do rise, there will be a collective sound here - shoveling. I know I want to see concrete again! Right now our driveway is partially cleared but mostly it's 5 to 6 inches of ice-snow-ice all fused together. What a mess! Nearly every side street is reduced by a lane. Snowdrifts meanander all over the place on sidestreets. And the interstate! I drove from Ohio to Indiana to take my kids skiing yesterday. One minute the middle lane is clear of snow, the next it's snowcovered. I imagine that depends upon the township you're driving in? Crazy! It was a tense drive b/c you had to constantly change lanes if you wanted to drive anywhere near the speed limit! And this was a Sunday. I could only imagine what it would be like on a work day - today. Must have been a mess (this was on I-275, that circles Cincinnati, thru OH/KY/IN).

Have a good week everyone! Doesn't even feel like a Monday, I don't know what day of the week it does feel like, b/c with Christmas falling on a Saturday, I'm all messed up, time wise!

Mary

#251 Postby **pojo** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 9:32 am

congrats Jacki

that is awesome news yay!!!!!!

My weather presentations are greatly approved than the first time. I'm doing 'like-lives' which is where you pretend you are live on camera. The morning met was the producer 'big giant voice' That was fun.

I'm still waiting for the semester grades... missing one yet (the Resource Econ class... my most hated class.)

We leave for Mobile/New Orleans today... I can't wait. Looks to be perfect driving weather. We'll be back sometime on Jan 2nd.

#252 Postby **Stephanie** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 10:34 am

CONGRATULATIONS JACKIE!!!

#253 Postby **coriolis** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 9:27 am

Good morning!

Thanks for all the well wishes everyone, Theresa is improving daily. We go back to the surgeon tomorrow for a follow up.

Mary, it sounds like you're having a time with all the snow and ice. If it was me, I'd throw some kitty litter on it and just forget about it and wait for warmer weather. I think we're into a warmer spell over the next few days.

I'm on vacation all week. Yesterday, I was thinking that it's been a while since the kids went to the dentist. So I called him up and said that we have time in case your office has any cancellations this week. As it turned out, all three boys got in yesterday. The dentist had cancellations at 10:00, 12:00 and 4:00. It was a lot of running around, but we got it done with no missed work or school! No cavities, but two of them need orthodontist work (ka-ching ka-ching)

I got the garage cleaned out, overhauled my mountain bike, finished the storm windows/plastic over windows, and am shampooing carpets. I also have a 1-foot-high pile of mail to go through. I can't sit still, I have to keep moving.

Pojo, I hope your last grade turns out good.

And Jacki CONGRATULATIONS. Best wishes to all 3 of you!

Miss Mary · #254 Postby **Miss Mary** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 12:55 pm

Ed - good idea. I also use garden/lawn fertilizer (straight feed, not weed and feed), to melt ice. It's just that the plow dumped 4 to 5 feet at the end of our driveway. It's been a challenge getting our cars over it. I'm chipping away at it. Today I wanted to find the curb - yes I was clearing the street yesterday!

I asked for the prayer warriors to round up and and pray for Tracy/TLC. She's been w/o power for one week now. Right thru xmas! All from last week's snowstorm. So check out that thread when you have time.

Mary

isobar · #255 Postby **isobar** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 1:33 pm

Mary - Thanks for posting about the situation with Tracy. I just read about it over on the prayer thread. Can't imagine losing power for that long.

Ed - Don't you know how to relax??? It's called, "pop in a movie and park your 'derriere in the chairriere.'" If not, I have a couple rooms that need painting if you run out of things to do.

Shannon (WI) - Have a fun time to N.O. Whoa, are you driving all that way?

Shannon (CA) - What a great trip! Welcome home ... to rain, rain, and more rain. Stay dry!

And to the soon to be Mrs. Jacki, aka "Momma" - YIPPEEEEEE!!

God bless all!
Donna

Miss Mary · #256 Postby **Miss Mary** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 10:07 am

I think Tracy has her power back on. Don't quote me on that but in a collective email/reply Azskyman sent out, she implied it's back on. So that's good news.

And now begins the take-down xmas decoration stage. Always a sad-sad time in my family! My husband doesn't understand why we're all so into xmas and all these decorations (I didn't even get everything out of the basement boxes this year!!!). Sigh, must be a female thing.....LOL

So today I'll begin the pack-up stage and make a good home cooked dinner. Something we haven't had in a while - lots of odd meal times around here and places to go. And oh back to getting up at 5:40 every school day morning.....this is when my kids, especially my youngest daughter Laura, wants snowdays in the worst way! She's always having me check wx updates....something I rarely do....NOT!!!! ;-)

Happy New Year everyone!

Mary

#257 Postby **pojo** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 9:06 pm

I'm back!!! Better hide... j/k. We just came back today.

Had a blast in N'awlins! Mobile was ok... Just basically saw Dauphin Island and the University of South Alabama. I most likely will not be going to USA for school next fall... Decision is down to 2 schools... that choice will be coming soon. Hawaii and Western Illinois. kinda leading towards Hawaii.

Anyways... 3 days of N'awlins... That was fun! New Years Eve down in the French Quarter. I received beads, but dont' ask me how I received some of them.... Yes, I was drunk, but I know didn't not flash my juggs. (aww right guys) We met so many Virginia Tech and Auburn fans down in the French Quarter....Got friendly with a few VT fans. Had enough seafood to go around. Bubba Gumps, Margaritaville.... the service staff at both places were extremely cool.... The waiter at Bubba's looked like Tim McGraw (as my friend Sara pointed out). Mahi Mahi, shrimp. Oh yea, a few drinks! Hurricane.... that knocked one of my friends no her butt... but I needed a daquari to finish the job. Needless to say, we didnt' get back to our hotel until 2am on New Years Day. 17 hour trip down to Mobile... approx 18 hours back from N'awlins. We all took our turns at driving Tanya's mazda 626... and filling up the gas tank. Heidi and I were basically the drivers for N'awlins. We had so much fun!

The southern hospitality was great.....hilarious at times. (except in Arkansas on the way home to Wisconsin)

We WILL try to do another N'awlins vacation... this time with more people at a little more money to try to stay around the French Quarter.... possibly right around New Years again. We will most likely spend the entire trip in N'awlins.

Miss Mary · #258 Postby **Miss Mary** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 7:10 am

pojo wrote:I'm back!!! Better hide... j/k. We just came back today.
Anyways... 3 days of N'awlins... That was fun! New Years Eve down in the French Quarter. I received beads, but dont' ask me how I received some of them.... Yes, I was drunk, but I know didn't not flash my juggs. (aww right guys)

Okay Miss Shannon!!! You had double negatives in that one sentence there......you'd better be prepared for the guys to jump all over you for that!!! But I believe you......he he

Glad your trip was so nice. If you do ship out, sounds as if you really needed this break! And now back to normal? Whatever that it, you busy girl!

Mary

weatherlover427 · #259 Postby **weatherlover427** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 8:18 pm

Sounds like someone is on a sugar high today... :eek:

furluvcats · #260 Postby **furluvcats** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 1:02 pm

Hi Strangers!

Haven't been online in WEEKS! We had our 21 yr old nephew staying with us, and he was online all day every day, so I just relinquished my computer rights while he was here...afterall, if he was online, I got the remote!

Hope everyone had a fantastic new year! We stayed in for a quiet one, was nice....

I've missed chatting with everyone...has Grimmy been around at all?

We've had alot of rain/nasty storms, but thats made for a ton of fresh snow at Big Bear! The kids have been snowboarding alot, and I've enjoyed watching them! So Ca really does offer a huge spectrum of scenery, temps, etc...

Thanks to all who sent Christmas cards! Loved them...and Mary, your family pic was a beauty!

No new travel plans planned....My friend/hairdresser is coming in from NY later this month...hooray! I get my hair done and get to have someone fun to show around to boot!

Shannon...I was in NO for New Years/Sugar Bowl, 4 years ago.....what fun I know you had! NO is soooo alive during New Years! Where did ya'll end up staying? Did you just love the food??!! Glad you had a great time...thats a magical town, for sure....

"Sittin' round the Pot Belly Stove!"

HIIIIIIIIIIII

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