A Stormy Sunday

Hello Nice People,

 

                              Wow, what a rain storm we had today.  All the thunder and lightning you could ever want.....or not want.  Little doggie Gloriebelle will never be the same.  She has been shaking since it started.  And then,  the electricity went out.  Its funny how you don't think about the electricity until you don't have it.   Within the first 60 seconds of no electric, I almost put something into the microwave, (oops), turned on the kitchen light, (oops), tried to light the stove, (oops), tried to call Melody to see if they had elec. (oops).  Well, I may as well forget supper for a while and go sit down in the front porch where there is plenty of daylight.  The tragic part for Hubby is OMG, no TV!!!!!!!!  What will he do for the next, who knows, hour and a half.?!!!!   What do men do when there is no TV???  Sulk and panic.  One hour and 45 minutes and it was back on.  I was a little concerned because I was on the puter when everything went out and the computer went black.  I don't think its good to just shut down like that.  But here I am and everything seems to be back in order. 

              I was checking out some Youtube videos and came across a gentlemen  who is losing weight on Low Carbs.  His name is Jimmy Moore and his videos are called  LivingLaVidaLoCarb.  He sounds so good that it makes me want to get us on that LowCarb thing again.  We tried it years ago when Dr. Atkins was pushing it, but I was not serious enough about it.  Maybe its time to try it again.

 

 

             Well, Monday is coming fast.  Gloriebelle just turned in for the night.  She wore herself out shaking from the storm.  And I have to go reset all he clocks.    Everyone have a Good Night.

 

                                                                        Marlene

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Happy Birthday

Hello Nice People,

 

             What a beautiful sunny, and comfortabe day we had for Friday, July 25th.  And it is also my BIRTHDAY.  Is that good?  is that bad?  I know that I am another year older.  And the years are coming fast......kinda like a freight train barreling down the tracks.  And I am on the trestle with nowhere to run or hide.  I always thought that on birthdays, the mother should be the one to get all the attention after all she was the one that started the whole thing.  Of course at some point, mothers are no longer here.

This is my Ma and Pa.   The year must have  been around  1948.....on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.  

This is my mother and me......1944.   Would you believe I was a 13 pound baby.

Marlene, 2 and a half, maybe 3 years old.  This was before we moved to Atlantic City.

 

Kindergarten.   And I still remember my  Kindergarten teachers name.  Mrs. Sharp.  Someone said a few years ago that she was still living.  She would have to be in her 90's.

First Grade......I went from Kinderarten in a  little farm town to Holy Spirit in the city.   I remember that I had to cross the big streets to get from school to home for lunch.  Who knew what those red and green lights hanging up there were for.  Well, I found out when I had to go to tell Sister Josephina why I was jay walking on Atlantic Ave.

Little Mary.......when I transferred to Our Lady Star of the Sea,  Sister said "Mary, you will now go by your first name, Mary, and not your second name, Marlene.  So I became Mary Roche.  Huh?    Yes Sister!!!!

Eight years at Star of the Sea and now off to the big high school by the monument.

 

Fifteen years old, 1960.  And I thought I was fat.

 

This was High School Graduation night.  With my little dog Smokey.

Here we are,  Marlene, Smokey,  Neice Pat and Ma.  I started to take nursing at Childrens Seashore House but did not finish.

 

Big day coming.

Forty one years ago.

Me and Sal..........How lucky can I be to still have my High School heart throb.(LOL)   Will you still love me When I'm 64.   And no he is not standing in a hole.

 

Good Night All............................................Marlene

Food Friday

 

                                            Hello Nice People,

           Its Food Friday already.   There was a nice recipe on the Kraft site this morning that is close to one that I  make when I am in a hurry.  I never had a name for it but they call it

                                                        PIZZA PASTA SALAD

                       1 Lb. penne pasta

                       3 chopped or diced RIPE tomatoes

                       6 oz sliced Pepperoni

                       1 cup shredded mozzarella (the kind in the bag)

                       some chopped basil

                       One half cup grated Parmason cheese

                       Pour Roasted Red Pepper Italian with Parmason Cheese

                       Dressing over.

                       Toss in a large bowl, cover and refrigerate.

                              Everyone have a nice Friday!!!

 

                                              

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Food Friday

                          Hello Nice People,

         Hey, its Food Friday again.  I almost forgot but I clicked onto  A Little Bit of Sugar and was reminded.  I have not been out all week, so i might go out today.  So I am making this a quick one.  The temp is supposed to go up to 95 today.  Cherries in the Snow is my   BFF and Niece Joyce's famous dessert.  Whenever she goes to a gathering, she is asked to bring it.

                                                       

                                                                 BFF and my neice Joyce

 

                                                    Cherries in the Snow

       Beat with an electric mixer  (I mix by hand)

                        1 cup of milk

                         1 cup  powdered sugar

                          2 8-oz packages of cream cheese (softened in the microwave)

                          1 8 or 10 oz tub of Cool Whip

                          1 Angel Food cake from the store

                           2 cans of Cherry pie filling  (dont use the less sugar kind (I tried it)   the sweetness of the cake really makes the cherries taste way to tart.

                Tear up the Angel Food cake and spread in a  9x13 pan.  You can use the foil disposable kind.   That way, you don't have to wash it just toss it.  Fold in the above mixture until the cake is covered.  Really mix it up,  make sure the cream cheese is mixed in good.  Try to get it smooth as possible

   Top with 2 cans of  cherry pie filling.  One can is not enough.  Then refrigerate,  really cold and really good.

                                         Hope you enjoy!

 

The 16th of July

Hello Nice People,

 

Today is the 16th of July.  Thats how it has been said for many years.  Not July 16th, but "The 16th of July. " And when we refer to the 16th of July, we mean the Mount Carmel Celebration in Hammonton.  This year, 2008 will be the 133rd time for this celebration.  This is a week long celebration. A carnival, Fire works,Mass all day at St. Josephs Church, and lots of GOOD Italian food.  The 16th was a celebration that was never missed if you were of Italian descent....and the same even if you were not.  The procession of statues starts at 2 PM and winds thru the streets of Hammonton for 3 hours.  It only goes 6 or 8 blocks but it travels so slow that it takes all of 3 hours, while everyone recites the Rosary.  As it passes thru the crowds people pin money to their favorite statue.  (There go those crazy Catholics and their statues again.)

 

         The 16th is a day that the oldsters  would meet at the same spot every year.  They would set their chairs in front of  the same house every year and meet all their friends from near and far.

Hammonton, NJ: Where everybody knows your name: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

 

      Unfortunatley many of the old folks have died off.  A lot of us that are left do not go anymore. I hear that it is not as big a crowd as it used tobe.   Hubby and I stopped going about 10 years ago because their just are too many rowdys looking for trouble or to pick  some pockets.  Its just like many things in this day,  they are just not what they used to be.  But "The 16th of July" still means the same thing in our hearts.

 

                                             Marlene

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Turrettes and the 11 o'clock news

Hello Nice People,

                    I really didn't plan on an entry tonite.  I did two entrys the past few days but they were devoured by good ole AOL.  I think it was because I tried to put in a Youtube video and when I went back,  my entry was gone.  I just watched a program on ABC about kids and Turretts Syndrome.  What a sad situation for some families.  I have worked with handicapped kids for many years, and I have seen a few with Turrettes.  Many, many years ago, I worked at Childrens Seashore House in Atlantic City and thats where I first was introduced to this disease.  It is devastating for the whole family.  I have talked about my grandson Nick who has Apraxia, and that is hard enough for all of us. But we have a lot to be thankful for.....it could be so much worse. 

Thats Nick

     Well, the 11 o'clock news is on and its the same old thing.   We get the Philadelphia stations and it is just a barrage every night of how many murders and robberies they had last night and today.  Did you ever think that just by having the news on at the end of the day, how many body bags the kids see?  One of the main stories tonite is of a man who stabbed his dog with a sword because he was under a lot of family stress.  OK!!!!  hopefully he will get his someday.

         It has been beautiful  here the last few days.  I sat out on the deck for awhile today.  Everyone says that it's too hot but I enjoy the hot weather.  I try to enjoy all the temps.  Sheesh, when its cold they complain and when its hot they complain.  It IS supposed to go in to the 90's starting tomorrow.  By Friday, 95.

       I have been reading a book called Water for Elephants.

Its pretty good.  For some reason, I have  a weakness for elephant stories.  I read one a few years back called Modoc.  I think its because I feel bad for elephants.  So many are mistreated in the circus.  I won't go to a circus because of the elephants.  And thats kind of a shame because the kids have missed the circus because I refuse to take them.  There is an elephant sanctuary in Tennessee.  Joyce of  My Extremely Simple Life told me about that a long time ago and I have read all the stories on their website.  Very interesting and sad too when theelephants die.

 

               I should be in bed right now but for some reason I am getting a second wind.  Time for a cup of  tea and then hit the sack.  Everyone have a restful night and a good day tomorrow.

 

                                        

 

                                             Marlene

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Food Friday

                                       Hello Nice People,

            Sugar just reminded me that FOOD FRIDAY is here.  So here is my entry for the list this week.

                                                          Eggplant Balls

                    Peel and dice 1 or 2 eggplants                                 

                    Saute diced eggplant with olive oil and garlic.

                    Put sauted eggplant into bowl and mix with 2 eggs, grated cheese,

                    bread crumbs, parsley flakes, oregano.

                    

                    Cool in fridge for a short time then roll into balls and  and cover in bread crumbs. Put on a greased cookie sheet and bake in oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Enjoy!

                   

                    

                   

                   

At Last.........A Mammogram

 

                                Hello Nice People,

             Tell Me, how a full grown woman (me), can put off a very important medical test (mammogram) for two full years.  Thats thinking about it EVERY DAY,  and promising myself that "I will call tomorrow."  Then when it never happens, go to bed thinking "Cripes, I should have called and made an appointment.  What is it that keeps me from making that appointment?"  Oh well,  I will do it tomorrow.......Nah, maybe Monday.....or maybe I will wait til I am off for Christmas, Easter, Summer. blah, blah, blah."  Well guess what,  last week I finally made that dreaded call.  " We can get you in  on Tuesday, July 8th, Mrs. B." " Uh, Do you have anything open around the end of August?"  "Actually, we are scheduling for next week right now.  Mrs. B, lets go for Tuesday."    "Shoot, I don't think I can get out of this now."  OK,  Tuesday the 8th it is. So yesterday was the day that I have been putting off for two years.

So, we all know the routine.  I even got there a little early to fill out all the papers and cards and identification stuff.  Like anyone would steal someone else's identity to have  mammogram.

So that is done!  And hopefully,  it will be good news when I get the results.  And I felt so good about it that when I got home, I made an appointment with the Gynocologist.  I am getting all this out of the way by the time Fall is here.  It is going to be a very productive Summer on the medical front.  I just hope Mrs. Mammo Tech does not work a second job at the Gynos.

 

        Oh, and I also made an appointment for Hubby.  If I hafta, he hasta:

 

                                                     

 

GO GET YOUR MAMMIES GRAMMED

A little Mammogram Poem

For years and years they told me,
Be careful of your breasts.
Don't ever squeeze or bruise them.
And give them monthly tests.


So I heeded all their warnings,
And protected them by law.
Guarded them very carefully,
And I always wore my bra.


After 30 years of astute care,
My gyno, Dr Pruitt,
Said I should get a Mammogram
"OK," I said, "let's do it."


"Stand up here real close" she said,
(She got my boob in line),
"And tell me when it hurts," she said,
"Ah yes! Right there, that's fine."


She stepped upon a pedal,
I could not believe my eyes!
A plastic plate came slamming down ,
My hooters in a vise!


My skin was stretched a nd mangled,
From underneath my chin.
My poor boob was being squashed,
To Swedish Pancake thin.


Excruciating pain I felt,
Within it's viselike grip.
A prisoner in this vicious thing,
My poor defenseless tit!


"Take a deep breath," she said to me,
Who does she think she's kidding?!?
My chest is mashed in her machine,
And woozy I am getting.


"There, that's good," I heard her say,
(The room was slowly swaying.)
"Now, let'shave a go at the other one."
Have mercy, I was praying.


It squeezed me from both up and down,
It squeezed me from both sides.
I'll bet SHE'S never had this done,
To HER tender little hide.


Next time that they make me do this,
I will request a blindfold
I have no wish to see again,
My knockers getting steam rolled.

If I had no problem when I came in,
I surely have one now.
If there had been a cyst in there,
It would have gone "ker-pow!"


This machine was created by a man,
Of this, I have no doubt.

I'd like to stick their balls in there,

And see how they come out!!

 

 

Interview

  Interview

I got this from Dana of Journey to Success

1. What was the highlight of your day?   Highlight of Today?  Stopped over Caroles, myBFF, and sat and  caught up on chatter.

 

2. How many meals do you usually eat a day?    Probably 2 not counting Yogurt and coffee for breakfast. 

 

3. What's your favorite movie?  Two movies from the sixties.  I just love Love with the Proper Stranger, Steve McQueen and Natalie Wood.  And also A Patch of Blue, with Sidney Prtier and Elizabeth Hartman and Shelley Winters.  They are my two absolute favorites.  I could watch them a hundred times an I think I have.

 

4. Have you ever thought George Clooney was hot?    Nope!!!! 

 

5. Have you ever doubted your sexual orientation?  Nope !!

 

6. How long has it been since you have seen an ex?  About 12 years ago, an old boyfriend came to my fathers funeral.  And I hugged and kissed him before I realized who he was (LOL). 

 

7. Name 5 of your best friends:  Carole, Joyce, Joan, Melody and Hubby Sal.

 

8. Would you ever consider moving to Zimbabwe?  Absolutly Not and who thought up these questions.

 

9. What would you do if someone dyed your pubic hairs bright Pink.  Don't you know that age effects hair all over your body?  Hee Hee!!!!!!! 

 

10. Would you dye your hair pink (the hair on your head)?  Not at my age! 

 

11. When was the last time you had Starbucks?  Never been into Starbucks.  They are too expensive for me and I only drink instant coffee.

 

12. Are you single?  Nope. 

 

13. What is your opinion on global warming?   I think a lot of it is hype with an ulterior motive. 

 

14. What about abortion?  I'm pro-life when it comes to abortion. We should show the results of abortions and maybe people would realize what is actually going on. 

 

15. Which would you rather star in?  High school musical or Striptease?  High school musical. 

 

16. What's the worse movie you've ever seen?  Dunno.  I haven't seen a movie in years. 

 

17. How many times do you sneeze a day?  I only sneeze when allergies bother me. 

 

18. Are you an "adult"? Yes. 

 

19. Where do you live?  New Jersey at the Shore 

 

20. Have you ever thought Michael Jackson was going to kidnap you?  Him and how many other people.  And who thought up this question? 

 

21. What color hair do you have?   White,  its been grey/white since I was in my late 30's

 

22. Would you rather have a hybrid vehicle or a Hummer?  I would love a Hummer. 

 

23. Who is prettier:  Angelina Jolie or Kate Bosworth?  Dunno.  I know Angelina Jolie but I don't think I could pick out Kate Bosworth. 

 

24. What do you think about the tabloids?  They're vicious and all about the money to print lies.  And a waste of money 

 

25. Have you ever been to Texas?  Nope

 

26. Would you want to go?  Nah.  

 

27. Do you wear a watch?   Yes 

 

28. Have you ever had the sensation that you were falling while asleep?  Yep. 

 

29. Would you rather work at Goodwill or McDonalds?  Goodwill.   

 

30. What do you think about Britney Spears' 16 year old sis getting pregnant?  I don't reallly think about it but I guess its a sign of the times. 

 

31. Do you recycle?  I recycle cans cuz hubby drinks a lot of dies soda.

 

Ok....I hope some of you will take up the challenge.  Copy and paste and answer the questions.  Leave me your link so I can check out your answers.

 

                                                         

Crochet

                              Hello nice People,

             I was going  through some picture albums today.  I guess thats what you do when you don't get dressed all day and no one calls to say "Mom can you.....?"  And hubby (that's him over there on the couch---------------->) has that stupid SciFi channel on the TV.  I came across some pictures of some of the afghans that I have crocheted.  I got to wondering, "how come I don't crochet like I used to?"  Actually, when I was a lot younger I crocheted.  Now that I am older, I don't.   What happened?   Hmmm, do you think it could be....................THIS COMPUTER?  (Think Church lady when she says, "Could it be THE DEVIL?)  I used to crochet dolls.  I had more crocheted dolls and they were in every corner.  They had their own chairs and sofas.  I think I was obsessed with crocheted dolls.  Then one day I looked around and thought, "What the  heck do people think when they come in here?  They probably think what a bunch of junk."  So I threw them all away.  Did you ever get into a cleaning frenzy and toss stuff out?   Then a few days later (after the trash truck comes, of course) you are sorry.  I used to think of them laying in some landfill someplace crying their little button eyes out.

       But I do have some of the afghans I made and here are two pictures of them.

And now I am off of this computer.  Tomorrow will be a more productive day, I promise!!

                                                      

                                                                

The Fourth of July 2008

                         Hello Nice People,

              Well, the Fourth of July has come and gone.  The forecasts said it would be a rainy dreary day.  It actually turned out to be a nice day.  We had a little BarBque on the deck.  Just Hubby and I and the two kids and their familys.  It was nice to get all together.  We haven't done that in a few Summers.  Of course Dominic had to light off a whole pack of firecrackers.  They lasted about a half an hour or maybe more.  Of course the kids loved it and the dog hated it.  Poor Gloriebelle I found her in my bedroom under  the bed.  She is still having flashbacks. 

       I don't have ANY pictures.  I  have been wanting one of those little FLIP cameras.  I thought that would be great to take pictures for my Journal.  Well, I bought one a few weeks ago.  I hear only good things about the FLIP.  but not for me!  It runs on two double A batteries.  I get about 20 seconds of recording time on 2 batteries.  So Dominic said I should try Digital camera batteries.  Two for ten dollars, OK!!!   I got 2 minutes of recording time out of them.  Then the screen goes black and and the camera shuts off.  I am sick over this darn camera.  Of course hubby who never touched a camera in his life, says "I told you it wasn't worth it."  Grrrrrr, I hate when that happens!  And I can't take it back because I can't find the receipt.  And I keep ALL receipts.  Did you over feel like something you have done was doomed from the beginning?  $160.00 and it doesn't work.  I bought it at Walmart but have nothing to prove that I did.

       Everyone have a relaxing July 5th.  I know I am. The phone has not rung so I guess nobody needs us.  We have leftovers from yesterday so I don't have to do any cooking, just heating up.  AND, I am still in my pajamas!  LOL!

                                                    Talkatchalater,

                                                  

 

Posterchild for "Old Folks"

                                 Hello Nice People,

               It's 5 in the morning.  What am I  doing up this early.  Actually, I am always up early.  this morning I woke up a 4, then got up at 4:30.  I guess its habit from when I am working during the winter months.  And,  I enjoy the early morning hours.  Hubby, he gets up to head to the bathroom and just shakes his head in disbelief.  You'd think he would know me after all these years.  I like to go out and get the paper......can't wait to see what's in the news for a new day.  Turn on channel 6 and listen to what they have to say about a new day.  Hmmmm,  some hostages were rescued from Columbia.  Uh oh, lightning struck one of those tall cranes that jut up into the air when they are building a new tall structure.  Those cranes amaze me.  I have been wanting to go over to AC and take a few pictures of them.  2 workers standing on the ground were taken to the hospital. 

         Not too much happening in this early July summer.  I have not been outside for 2 days.  I HATE this air conditioning.  If hubby were not here, I would turn it off and open all the windows.  Everything is closed up and you don't even know whats going on outside.  Well, thats not exactly true.  Melody and the kids came in last nite an we went out on the deck and had watermelon.  I think I will go out today and do some shopping for the Fourth.  I keep asking Dominic if they have any plans for the Fourth.  If not, we will have a little BarBQue.  He just says, "Don't put that kind of pressure on me."  I think that means  Ok unless something better comes along.

     Did you ever feel like a posterchild for "OLD FOLKS?"  Monday,  I went to get my nails done.  Yeh, I started this a year ago when we were going to a wedding in Virginia,  and I have kept it up eversince.  Its kind of nice to have decent looking nails and they last about 6 weeks before you have to go back and get a fill.  All these nail shops are Viet Namese.  And about half are little Viet Namese men.  The little guy that did my nails insisted on calling me "MOM."   I thought that was kind of cute but it also was a wake up that I am now in the winter of my life and thats how I am perceived by the rest of the world.  "You off today, Mom."  "You get Pedicure, Mom?'  "You like this color. Mom?"   All finished......., and what does "MOM" do?  Stood up to go over to the drier and brushed the right hand on the back of the chair.  Smudged 3 fingers on the right hand.  "Thats OK Mom, we fix."  Whereas he sat back down and repaired his smeared handiwork.  "You no worry Mom,  we fix."  All done,  Mom gets up and smears the left hand on the chair next to me.  Now, his nice work is all over the black leather on THAT chair.    My face is red and I feel like  he is thinking,  why did I get this OLD broad instead of that good looking chick over there.  He took off all the smeared polish and redid, now both hands.  "You be careful, Mom,  I get your purse, Mom you no fall,"  OMG, when does the little bus come to take me back to the Home?"

        Something nice on the news this morning:  There are two people in Philadelphia that play Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross for the tourists at the Liberty Bell site and other Philadelphia tourist spots.  They have had these jobs for many years and are often on the news.  They are probably in their sixties and seventies.  Well, they have fallen in love and are getting married.  Isn't that some nice news?  Betsy Ross and Ben Franklin a happy couple.

                  I am going to get my coffee and yogurt,  sit down and read the morning paper.......hmmmm, out side on the deck with the birds singing.  A good start to a new day.

                                                                 Talkatchalater,  Marlene

 

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