PTO Today

CC--so glad you're seeing sunlight again. The warmth of friendship certainly does help remind us the sun is still there with those pesky clouds come in. Are you staying down south or think you'll be returning north now?

Hubby's dad and his new lady came through. It was a nice visit but always a bit taxing on my husband. His dad has been with this woman since december (his wife passed away in early august) and does seem to feel a certain sense of propriety that we don't really feel she's earned yet. Funny how older folks seems to really need to find someone quickly--men especially. I'm glad he has someone to do things with...but I think for my husband it is too soon.

Dog days of summer--man it's hot. Had the boys at the beach yesterday for a cardboard boat race. They raced with a friend who'd made a boat the year before. It was very fun be we're all crispy today. I really don't like the beach. Sand just shouldn't be in places I've found it ... yuk.

d

Hey luv, how's the hunt for a new car going? I traded my gas hogging Dodge Charger for a Toyota Avalon. It isn't nearly as fun to drive but, wow, do I save a lot of money on gas!!!

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“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.”

Denali here--120 bucks to go up to Philly from DC. YIKES. Took the boys on a "birth of the nation tour"...Well it was a Birth of the Nation Tour until we stopped at Ft. McHenry in Baltimore and I learned that the SSBanner was written during the war of 1812. I'm sure that lay dormant in the recesses of my memory somewhere (right next to where I've put my College Yearbook), but I didn't recall it. Oh well--we ALL learned something. Next up is Gettysburg, a water cruise along the Potomac and Williamsburg. I'll pass along that I've told family that while we all appreciate their gifts of Walmart and Itunes cards; we really love the idea of having them contribute to an experience for the boys. To that end-they have been donating to the Summer Vacation Fund that has allowed us to do all these trips. For Christmas I've suggested donations towards the purchase of tickets for the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Show. Does two things; keeps me from going nuts with toys that get used for 5 hours and discarded, and provides me the impetus to get out and do things without sweating so badly about the cost of doing business. Seemingly a win, win for everyone. Just in case you're thinking about how to handle the upcoming holidays.

Anyway--I saw a great quote the other day. "They call it PMS because "Mad Cows Disease" was taken. Written by a presumably now dead man.

d

Laughing hysterically at the quote and your comment, d!! We did the family vacation this past week. Didn't stray far. Nice hotels with swimming pools, shopping, movies, and a waterpark. Low key entertainment.

CC, I am so glad to hear that things are starting to look up for you! I hope you continue on your path to happiness.

I hate car salespeople, well actually not the salespeople, they've all been quite nice, but the guys they have to go to get the prices just drive me nuts. I've just about rolled my eyes right out of my head with all of their cliches and sales tactics. Just give me your best price and face the fact that I'm going to shop around! I worked in retail and retail management for a great number of years-you're not fooling me. I will be signing a sales agreement somewhere this week on a new Nissan Altima. I also decided to sell my current car on my own, because they didn't want to give me squat for a trade-in. We put a little money and elbow grease into it this past week to get it all fixed up and I stuck For Sale signs in the windows this morning. I want this to be over with soon!

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Hey Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat.

OM Gosh--these days, THESE DAYS...yesterday we went to a water park and spent 5 hours out of the house... I was thinking that would hold them but NOOOOOO....all it is now is they are GRUMPY and bored. They've got a pool, they've got playstation, they've got toys and books and games. BUT we don't live in a community that makes "playing with the neighborhood kids" an easy do. In fact we pretty much have to arrange "come overs"...you know--you come over to my house...blah, blah blah. So we do that--but no one else reciprocates--gets me nutso you know. The other day I found a kid that I don't know very well, IN MY PANTRY...looking to see what was for dinner. Now his parents do have my son over but he's an only child so they get him to my house -- it is WOO HOO...I get mine over to theirs and I've still got three looking at me like their lower faces are going to fall off.
I have to say--I'm as bad as they are. I'm actually eyeing up the toilet and considering cleaning it--CLEANING IT--DO YOU HEAR ME....

My neck is killing me today--must be the 2 year anniversary phantom pains or THE D*^& WAVE POOL FROM YESTERDAY.....oy.

I am my own worst enemy!!!
d

d, let me buy you a drink and make you something chocolately and gooey! Maybe you should tell the kids that if they are bored you have a fantastic new game they can play that is sure to break that boredom, then introduce them to Mr. Toilet and his magic cleaning wand!! Bet they would think that Play Station wasn't so bad after all!

We went to a waterpark last weekend and I discovered that the only thing there my bum knee could tolerate was the tsunami pool. It was still stiff even after that. It's heck getting old!

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Hey Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat.

Trying hard not to bum everyone out!

I am the only officer left form last year and I'm just not looking forward to this year at all. I got 1 new helper and we convinced our Treasurer to hang with us until we can find a replacement. (she's a teacher and does not want to help anymore, but I'd rather keep the checkbook with her than begging a parent who might not want to help at all)

So tonight is meet the teacher night and I'm hoping to have some new faces who want to help out. Wish me luck!

Best of luck to you Menlo!!! I think the beginning of a new school year is probably an easier time to find people to help. They've had the summer to rest and are excited to have the kids back in school, so they are more open to helping. Hope that holds true for you!

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Hey Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat.

Okay-this is cool--have to share since I burden you all with my writing all the time--but it looks as if the Washington Post is going to publish a little article I wrote. I mean they're even going to PAY ME for it. How cool is that. When I submitted it I got the "we've had a ton of submissions...thank you for your interest in your country etc" and then yesterday they asked me to clarify a couple of things and are send me a contract. A CONTRACT....I mean that sounds important doesn't it!!!!

Wonder where I'm gonna spend my first 50 bucks .

d

d, that is fantastic!!!! Congrats!! All of us here have always enjoyed your writing and now even more people will get to find out how terrific you are! Let us know when it will be published, so we can all see it in print. I assume they have a website....

Pop the cork on some champagne and let's all toast our resident "soon to be published" writer!

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Hey Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat.