Check out my dog as she's Chasin' The Dream
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Our Newest Visitor
This is our newest visitor. I have named him Vampire since he sucks on the feeder for long periods of time. He stays about 5 minutes or so at a time. He's very pretty as well but doesn't like Hulk to come by.
Did anyone know that Hummingbirds chirp?
I thought this last picture was really cool. Same picture as the one above it.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Our New Hobby
Well I wouldn't call it a full blown hobby yet but we're experimenting with a container garden. So far we have tomatos, basil, oregano, cilantra & some rose looking flower. We planted the tomato's over 1 week ago and it has grown huge. We just planted the basil, oregano & cilantra along with the flower today. We'll see how it goes. I would love to start making my own salsa since I'm a salsa freak.
What else.......
It's been too hot to work outside and inside. We do not have central air so basically all we have did this weekend it watch movies in the theatre room. It has been relaxing but it's putting us behind on the deck and kitchen. It's suppose to cool down by the end of this week so hopfully I can get more done on the kitchen.
We are also experimenting with motion sensor lighting. We're starting with the kitchen. If we like it a lot then we'll install the switches in all the rooms except downstairs.
Jay has also been helping our neighbor on the new mailbox stand, or the gillutine as we call it. For those who have not been to our house, ours is the one in the back ground at the top of the hill.
Since my last post I do not think I was able to share but our mother cardinal finally had her babies on Monday night. We were able to get a close up shot of them while she was away from the nest. I still am trying to get a shot of her but she doesn't like me much. She's very beautiful.
Also Good News on the Surgery front.....
I should find out next week if my surgery has been approved or not. I have no worries though. I know God is going to work it out just fine for me. Jason's mom has also decided to come and stay 2 weeks with us. I'm very excited. She can finally see where we live. I hope she's ready to sit and watch movies with me. I've told Jason that he should take her into NYC one day. I think it would be a great day trip for the 2 of them.
Well, that's all for now.....until next week
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Progress, Progress, Progress
Jason and I worked our tails off this weekend. We finished the first section (3 total) of the deck. We even went out while a storm was passing through, and purchased our patio set. We were actually able to have dinner on it as well.
Jason and I worked our tails off this weekend. We finished the first section (3 total) of the deck. We even went out while a storm was passing through, and purchased our patio set. We were actually able to have dinner on it as well.
I also totally finished the top 1/2 of the kitchen cabinets. I just have the bottom 1/2 yet to do, along with trim and touching up the walls. Jason will probably not finish the tile and replacing the window until I'm home from the hospital. It will give him something to keep him busing during my long napping hours. Check out these photos....
Sunday, May 18, 2008
First Off
Happy Birthday & Anniversary to my wonderful Husband. We celebrated 9 years of marriage on Thursday. His birthday was on Friday. He turned ?? (it's a secret). All I can tell you is he's old. Our DOCNA trial started on Friday so Judy and I snuck off and the O'Neills bought Jason a really cool birthday cake. It fit for the weekend. I just had to make a little adjustment to it.
(he had to take a dump)
The first night went well with a Q for Chase in Jumpers. She had an awesome run. Course time was 22.70 and she ran a 15.07. I was so proud of her.
Saturday was another great day for Chase. She had a Q in the Strategic Time Gamble and also Q'd in the NAC which qualified her to attend Nationals in PA coming up in October. I may not be able to run by then but I told Jason he would have to take her to compete.
Sunday she had 2 additional Q's in Jumpers and then another in the Traditional Gamble.
Taylor also had a wonderful weekend. She was running fabulous and had tons of fun. She Q'd in both Snakes & Ladders & Jumpers.
She also Q'd on Sunday in Traditional Gamblers.
I'm attaching some photos of our trial. I can't attach video until our DVD burner is fixed. I'm bumbed because I forgot to get a picture of my dear buddy Claire. She's 9 and my little buddy. Next time I see her I need to get a photo of the 2 of us together.
Henry's My Boyfriend and that's his Wife Next to Him
Our dogs share the same lover. Jynx is his name. He's a crazy little dog.
I should also add the photo that my friend Caras made for me. We do crazy things at work. I was arguing with my friend Chandra because she said she would like to be shipped away but couldn't fit in the box she had. I told her she could definitly fit. She still didn't believe me so I showed her. I climbed right in. Chandra then had to get a photo of me in the box. My friend Caras took that photo and stuck me out in the field with the Cows. I think she's trying to tell me something.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
I SHOULD WRITE A BOOK
I have decided that I think I should write a book about my life. It sure would be interesting.
Anyway, so my wonderful dad called me last week while I was in Bentonville. He found out through other family members that I was having surgery. I wanted to tell him myself but that didn't happen. My family members love to start trouble within the family. He said he would love to come and be with me during my surgery. My first thought was yeah right, you're just wanting to make yourself look good and start arguments with mom. My thinking was right.
We spent 10 minutes on the phone. He asked me where I was having it and I said Baltimore. He asked me where Baltimore was and I told him in Maryland. Then he asked me where Maryland was. At that point I wanted to tell him to get a map and look himself but I figured I would be nice. So I told him it was on the eastern sea board. He said, "Close to Ohio?" Uhh, no! I said Do you know where Washington D.C. is. He said yes. So I told him it was about 1 hour northeast from DC. Finally, he knew where it was at. I still didn't think he was serious. I knew he wanted me to tell him not to come so he could say Oh Whoa is me. I'm the hated one. So I got an email from him that night. He just wanted to confirm the date of my surgery and asked "Where again in PA is it?" 10 minutes on the phone trying to tell him where it was and he still didn't listen. Wouldn't a father really be concerned?
He proceeded to email me every day from last week until yesterday. Really wanting me to tell him what to do. He was telling me that he wanted me to have the surgery when I was little but my horrible mom wouldn't let me. He never even went to any of my doctors appts, EVER. So how would he even know what the doctors said?
Anyway, so I was talking to a friend whose name shall remain nameless since I'm blogging this. She came to the same conclusion that I did. He wants me to tell him not to come so he can make me look like the bad guy. So, I sent him an email:.
"Sorry it's taken me so long to write back. I have been working on our kitchen remodel so I haven't had time to check my emails. I appreciate you wanting to come visiti during my surgery and I want to discuss with you some of my concerns regarding your coming for a visit. First of all, I will be having major surgery. The idea of having major surgery is scary for me, but I need it done, so I have to deal with how I am feeling about it and move forward and have the surgery. I'm having breathing problems and other complications because of my condition and the sooner I get the surgery done the better I am going to feel. This whole thing is very stressful for me and I want to avoid having any more stress than I'm already feeling about having the surgery. Because there is usually tension between you and Mom, I think having you two here visiting at the same time would add to my stress. My doctor wants me to avoid stress as much as possible before, during and after my surgery. If you and Mom don't get along, that will be extremely stressful for me. So, here is what I would like to do and you can think about it and let me know what you would like to do.
Mom has already arranged to take off work in order to be at John Hopkins when I have my surgery. She will be staying from July 12th and will be leaving on July 27th. So if you would like to come after she leaves, I am good with that. You could help take care of me and that way Jason could go back to work. How does that sound to you?
The dogs can be noisy and annoying, so you might want to get a hotel while you are with us in Pa. and you can get a good night's sleep and then come to my house each morning to help me. So, please give this some thought and then let me know what you want to do.
Hope all is well with you.
Tonya
The response I got today was expected
" Well can respect your wish so when you have surgery wont be there promise....but can least let me know how it goes if not to much trouble would appreciate that thx...I will not be available during that time frame"
Whoa is me. Of course he's wanting me to feel sorry for him but I do not. If he would have been a better dad growing up and would not have abandoned us like he did maybe I would feel sorry for him. Maybe if he would have helped us out when we couldn't even afford to get groceries instead of bragging about all the homes, new cars, money, etc he had...Maybe I would have sympathy but I don't.
Sorry for all the anger. Sometimes it's better for me to write and get it all out. Ahh, I think it's time to visit the therapist again!
I have decided that I think I should write a book about my life. It sure would be interesting.
Anyway, so my wonderful dad called me last week while I was in Bentonville. He found out through other family members that I was having surgery. I wanted to tell him myself but that didn't happen. My family members love to start trouble within the family. He said he would love to come and be with me during my surgery. My first thought was yeah right, you're just wanting to make yourself look good and start arguments with mom. My thinking was right.
We spent 10 minutes on the phone. He asked me where I was having it and I said Baltimore. He asked me where Baltimore was and I told him in Maryland. Then he asked me where Maryland was. At that point I wanted to tell him to get a map and look himself but I figured I would be nice. So I told him it was on the eastern sea board. He said, "Close to Ohio?" Uhh, no! I said Do you know where Washington D.C. is. He said yes. So I told him it was about 1 hour northeast from DC. Finally, he knew where it was at. I still didn't think he was serious. I knew he wanted me to tell him not to come so he could say Oh Whoa is me. I'm the hated one. So I got an email from him that night. He just wanted to confirm the date of my surgery and asked "Where again in PA is it?" 10 minutes on the phone trying to tell him where it was and he still didn't listen. Wouldn't a father really be concerned?
He proceeded to email me every day from last week until yesterday. Really wanting me to tell him what to do. He was telling me that he wanted me to have the surgery when I was little but my horrible mom wouldn't let me. He never even went to any of my doctors appts, EVER. So how would he even know what the doctors said?
Anyway, so I was talking to a friend whose name shall remain nameless since I'm blogging this. She came to the same conclusion that I did. He wants me to tell him not to come so he can make me look like the bad guy. So, I sent him an email:.
"Sorry it's taken me so long to write back. I have been working on our kitchen remodel so I haven't had time to check my emails. I appreciate you wanting to come visiti during my surgery and I want to discuss with you some of my concerns regarding your coming for a visit. First of all, I will be having major surgery. The idea of having major surgery is scary for me, but I need it done, so I have to deal with how I am feeling about it and move forward and have the surgery. I'm having breathing problems and other complications because of my condition and the sooner I get the surgery done the better I am going to feel. This whole thing is very stressful for me and I want to avoid having any more stress than I'm already feeling about having the surgery. Because there is usually tension between you and Mom, I think having you two here visiting at the same time would add to my stress. My doctor wants me to avoid stress as much as possible before, during and after my surgery. If you and Mom don't get along, that will be extremely stressful for me. So, here is what I would like to do and you can think about it and let me know what you would like to do.
Mom has already arranged to take off work in order to be at John Hopkins when I have my surgery. She will be staying from July 12th and will be leaving on July 27th. So if you would like to come after she leaves, I am good with that. You could help take care of me and that way Jason could go back to work. How does that sound to you?
The dogs can be noisy and annoying, so you might want to get a hotel while you are with us in Pa. and you can get a good night's sleep and then come to my house each morning to help me. So, please give this some thought and then let me know what you want to do.
Hope all is well with you.
Tonya
The response I got today was expected
" Well can respect your wish so when you have surgery wont be there promise....but can least let me know how it goes if not to much trouble would appreciate that thx...I will not be available during that time frame"
Whoa is me. Of course he's wanting me to feel sorry for him but I do not. If he would have been a better dad growing up and would not have abandoned us like he did maybe I would feel sorry for him. Maybe if he would have helped us out when we couldn't even afford to get groceries instead of bragging about all the homes, new cars, money, etc he had...Maybe I would have sympathy but I don't.
Sorry for all the anger. Sometimes it's better for me to write and get it all out. Ahh, I think it's time to visit the therapist again!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Kitchen Remodel Moving Along
Our kitchen remodel is moving along just perfect. I have finished the top cabinets and sanded the bottom cabinets this weekend. So now I'm moving on to painting the bottom cabinets. Then after those are complete we'll start on the display cabinets above. I absolutly hate the curtains up there right now so I cannot wait for them to disappear. Maybe I'll burn them.
This weekend Jason installed our new kitchen counters along with our new faucet. He had help from his good buddy Taylor the Wonder Dog. She LOVES to help her daddy with everything he does. Overseeing his work and making sure everything works out.
We have also added another addition to our family. Her name is the Incredible Hulk. She's very beautiful and we are really enjoying her hanging around our house.
Let's see, DOCNA trial this weekend. I'm very excited. I'll have to try to video tape some of the runs so I can post them when I return.
Monday, April 28, 2008
A WORK IN PROGRESS
So I have not had much time to post because it has been one room remodel after the next. First up was the office. With a new desk that we both fit at and new color this office remodel was easy. The carpet is still the same, yuck, but we will be replacing all the yucky carpet in the house, hopfully next year.
Next we moved on to the kitchen. It's still in progress but I have a before and what it looks like right now. We're both really excited and it's been keeping me busy since Jay has been in Nashville for most of April. The wall color is a grass green and the cabinets and trim will be white (should be interesting white cabinets with dogs). We are also replacing the backsplash and the counters. I can't wait until it's finished.
Before
What it looks like now
The Mom Song Sung to William Tell Overture with Lyrics
This is fabulous! I was an angel so my mom never told me any of these things.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
I'M SO EXCITED.....
So Jason and I have a favorite song. It's our life song. We've been trying to download it for the longest time but we can never find it. Well it's finally available on Itunes so we downloaded it today and have been jamming. I'm bobbing up and down, shaking my bootie. Woo Hoo!
Anyway, wish I could upload it. It's Johnny Cash - I've Been Everywhere
So Jason and I have a favorite song. It's our life song. We've been trying to download it for the longest time but we can never find it. Well it's finally available on Itunes so we downloaded it today and have been jamming. I'm bobbing up and down, shaking my bootie. Woo Hoo!
Anyway, wish I could upload it. It's Johnny Cash - I've Been Everywhere
"I've Been Everywhere"
I was toting my pack along the long dusty Winnemucca road
When along came a semi with a high canvas covered load
If your goin' to Winnemucca, Mack with me you can ride
And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside
He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand
And I said, "Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere
I've been to:
Reno
Chicago
Fargo
Minnesota
Buffalo Toronto
Winslow
Sarasota
Wichita
Tulsa
Ottawa
Oklahoma
Tampa
Panama
Mattawa
LaPaloma
Bangor
Baltimore
Salvador
Amarillo
Tocapillo
Barranquilla
And Padilla
I'm a KillerI've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, manI
've been everywhere
I've been
to:
Boston
Charleston
Dayton
Louisiana
Washington
Houston
Kingston
Texarkana
Monterey
Ferriday
Santa Fe
Tallapoosa
Glen Rock
Black Rock
Little Rock
Oskaloosa
Tennessee
Tinnesay
Chicopee
Spirit Lake
Grand Lake
Devil's Lake
Crater Lake
For Pete's Sake
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere
I've been to:
Louisville
Nashville
Knoxville
Ombabika
ScheffervilleJ
acksonville
Waterville
Costa Rica
Pittsfield
Springfield
Bakersfield
Shreveport
Hackensack
Cadillac
Fond du Lac
Davenport
Idaho
Jellico
Argentina
Diamantina
Pasadena
Catalina
See What I Mean
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, manI
've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere
I've been to:
Pittsburgh
Parkersburg
Gravelbourg
Colorado
Ellensburg
RexburgV
icksburg
Eldorado
Larimore
Atmore
Haverstraw
Chatanika
Chaska
Nebraska
Alaska
Opelika
Baraboo
Waterloo
Kalamazoo
Kansas City
Sioux City
Cedar City
Dodge City
What A Pity
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, ma
nCrossed the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere
I've been everywhere
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
(his birthday really isn't until tomorrow but I figured I'd post early)Wednesday, March 05, 2008
The Flood
So the Susquhanna River will crest tonight. We're safe because we're on the hill but others are not as fortunate. Since I have this huge facination with natural disasters (don't ask why because I don't know) I went out with my cell phone camera in hand. Jason had our good camera with him. I went up over the mountain toward Fishing Creek. Several homes are close or are underwater. The river is almost out of it's banks and onto the road. Almost meaning 1 - 2 feet from the road so very close. My first stop was the Johan Hess Covered Bridge. The river is the highest I've ever seen it. I'm attaching pics of the river before and right now.
The River on a normal day
The river now
Looking at the river from inside the bridge
Next I drove along 476 along Fishing Creek. Several homes are already underwater along the creek. It's very very sad to see.
Next I ventured over to the Bloomsburg to the park. It's already out of it's banks. Hopefully it will not rise any higher so Jacquie's family will be ok and their home as well. I do not believe they flooded last time but they were evacuated.
The Susquahanna (spelled wrong) from the park
Then it was off to Quaker Steak for dinner with Jason.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAYLOR! & PRAYER REQUEST
Today is Taylors 4th birthday. She's becoming a big girl now. Tonight we threw her a little birthday party. We wanted to play her favorite movie "8 Below" but it's getting late and we're all tired. She loves 8 Below and watches the whole movie.
Anyway, fun photos of the party. Her birthday Sweet Potato was a hit.
Today is Taylors 4th birthday. She's becoming a big girl now. Tonight we threw her a little birthday party. We wanted to play her favorite movie "8 Below" but it's getting late and we're all tired. She loves 8 Below and watches the whole movie.
Anyway, fun photos of the party. Her birthday Sweet Potato was a hit.
Prayer Request
My appt is next week at the Cleveland Clinic. I've been trying to get my doctor to write a letter to the medical board so my visit will be covered. When I met with him last he said that I should get a 2nd opinion so I know he's not opposed to it. I have been calling and writing for the past week and still have not drafted a letter. To prepare myself I called the Cleveland Clinic asking how much my visit will be. I was thinking 200.00 out of pocket however they are asking for close to 500.00 for the visit. This does not include our hotel and gas that we will have to come up with. God works miracles. He has several times before for me. Pray that I do not worry and will depend on him. He has never failed me! Anyway, the secretary stated yesterday she was going to talk to the doctor tomorrow morning. We'll see what happens.
Good night to all! I'm really tired tonight. Thanks to all this rain we've had all day long. I wanted to fall asleep at work today as well!
Friday, February 29, 2008
I'm Back!!!!!
So I spent a few days in Toronto this past week. Boy was it cold. Someone told me it was -15 with the wind chill and I wouldn't doubt it. We left on Tuesday around 2:00 and headed to Allentown. The airplane was really cool. It was a little bigger than the airplane that Andrew Taylor took us up in. 1 row seats on each side and about 7 - 8 rows back. It was a prop plane too so it was really loud. The pilot was our flight attendant, which I thought was funny. Those Canadians are a trip. I wonder if they realize that in the US it's bad to cuss. I have never heard the F word fly as much as I did this week. It was bad but funny, I guess. I headed back on Thursday so it was a very quick trip. I cannot wait to go back again. I'd really like to make it downtown.
Tomorrow we're heading to Campmor again. We just love this place. We're going to look at packs. After reviewing our itinerary for Washington State we realized that we would be spenting more than one day in the backcountry so my pack is way too small. Who knows what we'll come back with but I'm excited to look.
On Monday I have my ECO. I'm hoping that I make it though ok. I say that because I'm terrified of needles and I'm thinking I'll have to have an IV again. Yucky!
So I forgot to share these photos a while ago. One of our sales managers left the company so we decided to decorate his desk as a farewell. It was my idea, which was fun. It does have a story though. Recently he's changed jobs, gotten engaged and his last comment was the only thing I haven't did is purchase a new house. So, we made him one. Chandra is the duct tape queen so she duct taped everything to his desk and Liz and I built the house. We even placed a broom inside to use hold up the roof. Bob-O's, as I call him, last day was a few weeks ago and he spent all day in his house. We even added Mr and Mrs Wonderful to the window as his first visitors.
So I spent a few days in Toronto this past week. Boy was it cold. Someone told me it was -15 with the wind chill and I wouldn't doubt it. We left on Tuesday around 2:00 and headed to Allentown. The airplane was really cool. It was a little bigger than the airplane that Andrew Taylor took us up in. 1 row seats on each side and about 7 - 8 rows back. It was a prop plane too so it was really loud. The pilot was our flight attendant, which I thought was funny. Those Canadians are a trip. I wonder if they realize that in the US it's bad to cuss. I have never heard the F word fly as much as I did this week. It was bad but funny, I guess. I headed back on Thursday so it was a very quick trip. I cannot wait to go back again. I'd really like to make it downtown.
Tomorrow we're heading to Campmor again. We just love this place. We're going to look at packs. After reviewing our itinerary for Washington State we realized that we would be spenting more than one day in the backcountry so my pack is way too small. Who knows what we'll come back with but I'm excited to look.
On Monday I have my ECO. I'm hoping that I make it though ok. I say that because I'm terrified of needles and I'm thinking I'll have to have an IV again. Yucky!
So I forgot to share these photos a while ago. One of our sales managers left the company so we decided to decorate his desk as a farewell. It was my idea, which was fun. It does have a story though. Recently he's changed jobs, gotten engaged and his last comment was the only thing I haven't did is purchase a new house. So, we made him one. Chandra is the duct tape queen so she duct taped everything to his desk and Liz and I built the house. We even placed a broom inside to use hold up the roof. Bob-O's, as I call him, last day was a few weeks ago and he spent all day in his house. We even added Mr and Mrs Wonderful to the window as his first visitors.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Our Weekend!
We also purchased Stabilicers so we could hike Ricketts in the winter time. They worked really well this weekend. We hiked about 4 miles in 4inch deep snow and ice (some was packed due to others hiking as well). Walking up the icy steps was no problem at all. See the Stabilicers below along with Ricketts photos.
It's that time of the year again. Each year we find 1 piece of backpacking equipment that we would like to upgrade and purchase. This year we chose sleeping bags. After 1 week worth of research Jay and I headed out to Campmor over in NJ and to EMS (right next door) to pickout our bags. We left the house around 10:00 and arrived a little after noon. First stop was EMS. Both of us was not impressed at all with their store, so we walked over to Campmor. Campmor is our favorite backpacking store.
We spent about 2 1/2 hours going through all their bags. Jason narrowed his choice down to the Sierra Designs Nitro 30, which is a 800 down bag. I checked it out as well but did not like how confined I felt when inside.
The Sierra Designs Nitro 30
I decided on the Epexd Wallcreeper. I am still debating and will probably purchase my second choice as well and just return the one I end up liking the most. My second choice was the MontBell Super Stretch Hugger 2. I chose the Epexd first because of it's versitility. We normally hike in the spring, summer and fall months so the lowest we have ran into was 40 deg or so. I love to armholes. I hate being confined in my sleeping bag. This one unzips fully, had zippers for the arms and also hand warmers. The bottom opens up using a draw string and you can cinch it up to your waist if you want to walk around camp with your bag on. Although it's rating is for 35 deg I've read numerous reports that the bag is only good for 40 deg. That does create a concern with me but overall this bag is really cool. I'm still deciding so check back soon for an update. I ordered the MontBell last night so once it arrives I'll experiement with both bags and return the one I do not want.
The Wallcreeper
We also purchased Stabilicers so we could hike Ricketts in the winter time. They worked really well this weekend. We hiked about 4 miles in 4inch deep snow and ice (some was packed due to others hiking as well). Walking up the icy steps was no problem at all. See the Stabilicers below along with Ricketts photos.
Ganoga, the tallest fall at Ricketts at 94'
Jason acting out Dumb and Dumber
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