Rainy Day Sunday

What a Rainy, humid, stinky BLAH day here on Long Island. The last time it rained like this I had a puddle in my laundry room. Apparently, the trouble is coming from a gutter that is in much need of replacing. We also are in need of a roof and have been gathering estimates.( which, I would love to ask a favor... Would you tell me your opinions on what color roof would look best on an old brick house?, THANKS!)
Knowing we will eventually be getting the roof and gutters fixed, My husband came up with a quick solution to the rain pouring off the gutter and flooding my basement. Before I tell you, keep in mind this is a VERY smart and handy hubby. A hubby who has the knowledge and ability to get up on a roof and repair a gutter, a steeple, a Freaking sky scrapper! He decided to take the HUGE Yellow plastic slide that used to be on my sons old swing set, And place it against our home, allowing the water to drip down the slanted slide and away from the house! It looks bizarre and I'm sure the neighbors must be talking! It sits in the beautiful flower bed that this same man takes such pride in. He trims and lovingly nurtures each little tree, shrub and flower with fertilizer, water and tenderness. It seems out of character for him, but I am Not saying a word. No nagging or bitching from this smart little lulu. Nope. I have learned in our almost 27 years married, to save the bitching for the big stuff. I did suggest that on sunny days, we put that slide on its side so it's not visible from the street. That didn't last long, too often it poured when we weren't home to "PUT UP THE SLIDE".
Do you remember the show green acres? I hope I won't be climbing a pole soon to make a phone call.
Those of you who know my husband, know I have nothing to complain about, including the slide. He has always been more helpful than anyone I know. Right now, during this "lets stay home, rainy day".. He is putting multiple coats of wax on my NO Wax kitchen floor. He Insists on doing the "heavy work" for me. This floor is 23 years old. For the first 15 years or so, I would just wash it. Over time the no wax finish was finished. Handy Man to the rescue, He has it looking better than new. All the hard work he does around here gives me more time to sip my tea and blog about it all. Even take a picture just for you. This is not wet, just lovingly shiny!

night of the dancing flame

Search Video Codes

Are you watching the show " so you think you can dance?" If you've read my blog for a while, you know I have always wished I was a broadway dancer. No talent mind you! Just loving it & desire and a lifelong fantasy. Maybe that is why I am enjoying this show so much. A few weeks ago Neil and Lauren did this great routine that you are watching.(well, I hope you will watch it ) Not only did I LOVe the dancing, I fell in love with the song. Apparently so did many people, because it is on back order at Best Buy. It is also going for $50 bucks on amazon! WO! Yes that's what I said! The artist is one Phenomenal Roisin Murphy. She is from the Uk and this song is on her debut album called Ruby Blue. Here is what Amazon said- "She was originally known as the eccentric pop voice in Moloko, that wacky dancepop group that turned out some of the U.K.'s best electronica. Alas, after 2003's "Statues," Moloko is no more. But lead vocalist Roisin Murphy is just beginning... her solo career,that is"
I have never heard of Moloko but I'm looking forward to hearing more from Ms. Murphy. If the album is half as enjoyable as this song, It will be worth waiting for.
I was hoping to dig out of storage a picture of me during my very short dancing school stint. During my first few lessons, My very nice teacher, Mr. Vic asked me if I was a cheerleader. ( I was constantly landing hard on my feet) I wasn't a cheerleader but he put the exciting possibility in my head. The following fall I began high school and tried out for the cheerleading team. The snooty senior who ran tryouts made us do a few jumps and spins.Every time I landed I extended my foot and pointed my toe. Before she rejected me she asked me in a very annoyed voice " What are you? A dancer?" ( Bitch!) Discouraged, I decided I wasn't cut out to be a cheerleader or dancer and so the fantasy began.
As far as the show goes, I am hoping one of my favorite dancers, either Neil or Lauren, will win the competition and live the dream I wish I would have pursued.
So do I think I can dance? Well, despite the criticism of my younger days, YES! I do think I can dance and when I do it's the love of the music and the movements that give me joy and that's what's most important.
updated on 7/26- Okay don't laugh... I found the dancing school picture....

Banana Bread

I agree with what they say- when you have lemons make lemonade
I also say- when you have rotten bananas make banana bread!
When I was first married my mil gave me a great Banana bread recipe that I've been making for years
I always have these ingredients on hand because 9 times out of 10 when
I don't have bananas the kids want bananas, SO I buy bananas and this is what happens-
BEFORE:

hope you try this and enjoy it!
email me if you have a question :)








BANANA BREAD
1/3 cup veg. Oil
1 ½ cups mashed ripened bananas ( about 4)
½ tsp. Vanilla
3 eggs
2 ½ cups bisquick(I like the reduced fat bisquick)
1 cup sugar
(optional ½ cup shop nuts)
( I've also added crasins or raisins)

Heat oven to 350
Generously grease loaf pan ( I prefer a larger pan)
Stir all ingred. With a fork until moistened.
Beat vigorously for 1 min.
Pour into pan and bake until toothpick comes out clean
Approx. 45-60 min.
(depending on size of pan... If it starts to get too dark on top, cover with foil, leaving slit in middle)
Cool for 5 min. run knife along sides and remove from pan

AFTER:

$100,000 Pyramid

A freshly ripped bikini waxing
Preparing for a colonoscopy
Lancing an infected toe
Natural Childbirth
Lulus New Fall Boots

"What are Wicked things?"

click video box and hear my favorite band do evil ways(pretend it's wicked ways)

The Moaning Meme

Should I thank Ally Bean for tagging me with a meme? Or in light of the topic should I complain and curse at her? Since it's one of her pet peeves... I will say Thanks Miss Bean! here it goes:
5 people who will be annoyed you tagged them.
Sherrie @ happytiler
Daisy @ pluckthepetal
Jane @ paintedhouse52
Deirdre @ writinganamcara
Ann @ purlingswine
4 things that should go into room 101 and be removed from the face of the earth
*Cigarettes/cigars/pipes- Why are you putting LIT objects into your mouth?
*Those wireless phone things that people put in their ears and walk around talking aloud on like lunatics from another planet
*HMO's..... If I have to plead with one more dumb ass receptionist for a referral, I am going to Implode
*Bullies.... Get some therapy It is YOU you really hate.
3 things people do that make you want to shake them violently.
*Complain about getting ready to go on a vacation or have an extension put on their homes.... Are you kidding me? BRATS
*Don't use blinkers while driving but instead use their hands to text and dial their cell phones... GET OFF the F---ing Road!
*Let their dogs roam freely... Hello? there is a leash law! If a car doesn't kill spot I will because his urine in burning my lawn!

2 things you find yourself moaning about.
*What to cook for dinner.... I can truly give up eating if I get to give up making dinners
*Dusting... It's been so long I think I may need a belt sander

1 thing the above answers tell you about yourself.
*I am a lazy, angry bitch, but a good driver? ( that's 3 things)

RULES
• Link to the original meme at freelancecynic.com so people know what it's all about!
• Be as honest as possible. This is about letting people get to know the real you!
• Try not to insult anyone - unless they really deserve it or are very, very ugly!
• Post these rules at the end of every meme!

slinky dog

The other day my youngest son and I went to the dentist. He had to have 3 primary teeth extracted. He has always been a great dental patient and has never had a cavity. He handled this visit like the other visits and truly like he handles most everything in life- "no big deal mom". I was talking about him to our dentist when I was in the chair. ( Yeah, unlike my silver-free son- I had Another cavity) This sweetheart kid has been literally No trouble since the day he was born. Of course like all kids he has had a few accidents. He has had more broken bones and scraped elbows and knees than his big brothers. He needed surgery twice as a child. But I'm talking about trouble, trouble. You know what I mean? NEVER in his entire life has he been a behavior problem or has he had a fight or any trouble with another kid. NEVER in his life has he mouthed off to me or his dad, been a brat, had a temper tantrum, been disrespectful in any way. He is an easy kid. He is almost too compliant. NEVER in his entire academic career has he ever needed or wanted help with homework.( Probably why he is doing so well!) NEVER has he been in trouble at school. I really thought about all this as I saw him emerge from the office with a mouthful of gauze, a head full of messy chair hair. I tell this child how much I love him everyday, and I DO tell him he is a wonderful person. I just really, really need to express it to him and to me. I think we take easy kids for granted. As I hugged him and made sure he was okay, I asked him if he wanted to go to Toys R Us for a slinky dog? Of Course at 14 he looked at me like I was crazy AND embarrassing! ( 2 of my best motherly attributes) Seeing him, brought back the strongest memory of being a kid, getting teeth pulled and then going to the 5 & 10 cent store and being allowed to choose a brown slinky dog as a reward for being so brave. The memory was crystal clear and happy. I so seldom have such strong, positive memories of my childhood. That slinky dog really thrilled me! Instead, My brave one accepted an invitation to an italian ice outing after the Novocain wore off. (Maybe, I will slip a slinky dog in his Christmas stocking, just for the fun of it)
(hope you stay and listen to one of my Favorite Lennon songs)

Hair

I Love that Laini and Meg decided to make HAIR the Scribblings topic this week! My mind went in a million directions. Too much to write about on this topic of course! Do I take the best of all my clients stories? Do I tell you the down side of cutting hair? Maybe share my best makeovers? Do I share the glamour behind the scenes? The stuff no one knows about like plucking coarse hairs out of my expensive bras with a tweezer? Oh that is nothing! Sometimes those babies go right on through the nylon, Trust me It's not a pleasant tale! Rather than write a post that could fill a book, I have opted to talk about MY hair. Like most women I talk with, I have always hated my hair. From the beginning.....
I was not given much to work with. Fuzzy, thin and curly. Yikes! ( You've seen this photo before I know, but it is my only baby picture!)
My hair got a little better as shown here.... my son ( getting the cut) inherited his dads beautiful hair!

I've mostly worn my hair curly. During the farrah days of the mid 70's, I struggled with the blow dryer, dying for those sausage rolls on the side of my head like all my friends seemed to have naturally. During the late 70's I became a hairstylist. Do you know what hairstylists do when business is slow? Yeah.. We experiment on each other! My favorite look was when a colorist convinced me that Purple was my color. He gave me a heavy highlighting and colored me with crazy color.( I so wish I had a pic. of this look) I must admit, when I was in full makeup and hip clothes for work or going out, The purple was really flattering and fun. However, On my days off from work and makeup... I was a scary sight. I gave up that look soon after some kids followed me out of Waldbaums laughing and pointing and causing me to resort to finger gestures!
Styles changed and my curly hair was in high demand. One Perm after another Perm, I was giving unhappy women the look that I had been unhappy with to make them.... happy!? I was so caught up in the frenzy that I let someone give ME a perm, hoping if I used Very large rods, my tight curls would be as loose and sexy as Madonna was during the same era.
No such luck, in spite of the knowledge and talents of my fellow stylists, I now had a fuzzier head of tighter curls than I knew what to do with. I vowed to just leave myself alone and only did semi-permanent tints for shine and body for many years.
Through this discontented hair journey, my husband who is an amazing stylist, suggested going blonde. I never took him seriously, and I always worried that it would be too damaging to my baby-fine, thin, dark-brown hair. About 5 years ago, I put my worries aside and let him do his thing and promised I wouldn't interfere. ( Not an easy task for a know it all chatterbox) The results were astounding. After 43 years of hating my hair, I actually loved it!
First, because he did a beautiful job on the color and highlighting. Second, due to the damage the bleach causes,it actually pumped up the hair cuticle, I finally felt like I had MORE hair! ( self portrait, isn't the best example) With daily conditioning treatments and monthly trims, my hair still feels healthy. Without the contrast of Dark hair on white scalp, I'm not as self conscious about having thin hair. I feel like I should quote one of my favorite characters! " if you ever go looking for your hearts desire, you shouldn't look any further than your own backyard"
Glad you were in our backyard honey xo
(hope you turn up the volume and listen to "samson"

Your invited for Cyber drinks!

If you haven't heard of the hungry girl web site, you're missing out on some great dieting tips. Even though hungry girl is not sponsored by Weight Watchers, they give point equivalents on all their recipes. If you go to their website and sign up with your email address ( btw-.. it's free!) they will email you daily recipes and dieting tips. The temperature here on Long Island is into the 90's today and extremely humid. Doesn't that just make you yearn for a nice cold Pina Colada? Here is todays recipe, I just had to share it with you! While you're sitting back enjoying one, check out the fat, calories and points on a regular one. Holy Pineapple! I usually can't stop at one of these! Cheers!
clink clink

Hungry Girl's Piña Colada Freeze
Ingredients:
1 oz. light rum
1.5 oz. Torani Sugar Free Coconut Syrup
1/4 cup Breyer's Double Churn Fat Free Ice Cream, Creamy Vanilla
1 tbsp. crushed pi neapple in its own juice
3/4 cup crushed ice
1 packet Splenda (or another no-calorie sweetener)

Directions:
Put all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds. Pour into a cute cocktail glass. Then share this recipe with everyone you know!

Serving Size: 1 recipe
Calories: 126
Fat: 0g
Sodium: 41mg
Carbs: 13g
Fiber: 1.5g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 1.5g
*2 Points!

As opposed to the
Average Frozen Piña Colada=

Serving Size: approx. 7 oz.
Calories: 530
Fat: 17g
Sodium: 160mg
Carbs: 61g
Fiber: <0.5g
Sugars: N.A.
Protein: 1g

*12 Points!

here's a brilliant idea- take a bus

On Fathers Day on Long Island, A dad driving to his sons soccer game was slammed into by a truck running a red light. The innocent Dad- Dead. The slimy truck driver- Unlicensed

Statistics have shown that 16.6% of the 126 fatal accidents in my county last year involved unlicensed drivers. Nationwide in 57,000 fatal crashes in '05,
13% were unlicensed motorists.
I am happy to hear that they are trying to crackdown on unlicensed drivers. In both Suffolk and Nassau counties on Long Island the # of fatal crashes have ranked First and second in our entire State! Yet driving without a license is considered a traffic violation and not classified as a crime! Now, both counties are arresting anyone caught driving without a license who also cannot prove their identity.

I don't think that is severe enough. Especially when many are unlicensed due to losing their licenses for moving violations, dwi, or not paying tickets. Whatever the reason these Slippery bastards are trying to slip by and live above the law, putting our lives and the lives of our loved ones in danger. Politically, I don't consider myself conservative or liberal. It depends on the issue at hand so I tend to fluctuate between categories. But as you've read before on my posts, for me when it comes to driving , I think we all HAVE to realize that a car is a deadly weapon. Driving is a serious responsibility and this weapon and its laws MUST be respected.

The paper said that a local D.A. and a Judge feared that a crackdown on this issue could be perceived as racial profiling because a majority of the recent arrests were hispanic people. I say to them or anyone else who is willing to have lenient laws for fear of offending someone... "Ridiculous"! Ask the loved ones of the 21 people killed by unlicensed assholes last year in suffolk county alone. Ask those grief stricken mothers, fathers and children if they would mind the inconvenience of being detained to validate their licenses if it will keep our roads safer. Any humane individual should be willing to endure the small disruption in your driving schedule if it will help find and keep these law breakers on foot. What are you willing to tolerate to possibly save a little boys dad?

Turn up the volume baby!

Wow! I have music! It was so easy too. I tried other links before with no luck, but this time I just clicked my friend Sherries music and was led to "you tube video codes." Please enjoy one of my absolute favorite artists BJoRk singing "It's Oh so Quiet". Scroll down and watch her adorable video. Hope you enjoy her!

signing autographs after the post

Besides loving the wonderful writings of my fellow bloggers, I've also been intrigued by how sophisticated their web pages are .In their sidebars ( using a technical blog term here ) they have pictures and links and interesting tidbits. As many of my blogging friends know I am totally clueless when it comes to htmls, templates and the other terms you have all so patiently tried to teach me. My original blogging instructor and inspiration to attempt blogging (THE purling swine) sent me a web monkey. Yikes, I forgot where I put him. After much questioning and email advice from others I was able to visit and accomplish blogroll ( <- look left <-) that was a proud day, but I quickly forgot how I had done it. The other day it took me an hour to figure out how to add a few more blog links to that list. Well NOW.... I am sooo proud and happy to announce I explored my own template! (gee....I may be sharing too much here, eh?)
Well in my long confusing template I spied words informing me "you can put text in your sidebar here!! " It was exciting yet scary as I was afraid I would screw up and erase important blog stuff that I wouldn't ever find again, but guess what? I DID IT!
For all you expert bloggers out there, I know this probably sounds pretty pathetic. For all my friends who don't blog, I know you will think I am a computer genius! I can't promise you that I will have much sophisticated stuff in my sidebar. Right now I have the lyrics to one of my favorite songs by Regina Spektor.( soon I hope to master having the actual song play for you!!) If you want to hear a sample of it after you read it, you can click here. I also put up a couple of nice quotes. Which speaking of quotes there is one at the very bottom of the page (eh-hum eh-hum) Text in that area is known in the template or computer genius world as a "footer". Impressive, no?