Serenity

Christmas Ripple Afghan

2012-01-21T17:18:00.001-05:00

Been working on this one for two years ... It's coming along now, though. I'm half way there!

Vocabulary: Three Little Pigs if by Shakespeare

2012-01-21T08:29:00.000-05:00

The Drive Home

2012-01-20T08:06:00.001-05:00

I haven't updated everyone in a while, but I plan to do that this weekend. So much news to share! In the meantime, this is a picture of my drive home yesterday. Took almost 2 hours for a 25 minute ride!

Family

2012-01-19T17:25:00.001-05:00

The best way I've found to deal with unpleasantness at work is to keep my family around me. My picture of my screen didn't turn out too well, but my wallpaper is my cousin Jodie with my new cousin, Jen, and stuck on the corner of my screen I have a picture of my cousin Dorinda holding my first cousin once removed, Natalie:

Here are many pictures of my son with pictures of my brother and sister-in-law:

And here are more pictures of my brother, my nephew Jeff holding my great-nephew, Tristan, my sister with her husband and my nephew, Andy, and another of Ian and I:

They are a constant reminder of how absolutely lucky I am. I have a wonderful family, I am healthy, and I am employed :)

T and My Christmas Cookies

2011-12-21T21:23:00.002-05:00

I boxed up cookies and sent them West. :) Jeff got his today and shared with T. He's so CUTE!

Anticipation...

2011-12-14T18:30:00.002-05:00

Ian is telling anyone who will listen that the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series JUST FOR HIM. They did, after all, win it on his birthday.

This year for Christmas, I ordered a baseball cap in his size from the Cards, and when it comes, if it comes in time, I am taking it to Lids to have 10-28-11 embroidered on the back. He'll love it.

I hope it comes in time!

I'll Be Home For Christmas

2011-12-11T18:07:00.001-05:00

My favorite acapella

Cookie Plate

2011-12-11T17:53:00.002-05:00

For my neighbor, Michaelea. :)

A little sample of the cookies we've baked over the past few weeks: peanut blossoms, chili chocolate chip, Chinese almond, mint pastels, peanut butter, mint chocolate, salt nut truffles, and Mexican wedding cakes. We've been busy!

I'm sending out packages of cookies to my brother and nephew in Seattle and a friend in Texas. I have to remember to give them a head's up - the chili chocolate cookies have a bit of heat to them. They are SO good.

Cookie Swap

2011-12-10T17:50:00.002-05:00

Mexican Wedding Cakes and Mint Chocolate Cookies all ready for the Cookie Swap on Monday.

Oh, Calvin...

2011-12-03T20:43:00.001-05:00

My friend Denise: So, Ian, what do you want for Christmas?

A hydrogen-powered remote control car!

Heaven help me.

Calvin Strikes Again

2011-11-30T20:52:00.006-05:00

First thing this morning.

Mom? Can we fill my pants with helium?

Errr....why?

So I can fly.

Um. The helium would all leak out of your pants because they're not sealed.

No, it wouldn't. We could use duct tape.

No. No, we can't. I don't have any duct tape.

Maybe we can get some at the store.

Maybe, but we don't have any helium, either.

We could call Mythbusters.

No. I don't know their number. And you don't either. Are you getting ready for school?

Oh. Yeah. One minute.

6:30 comes WAY too early for this.

Cookies

2011-11-26T22:42:00.012-05:00

Hair pulled back? Check.

Nails trimmed and hands well washed? Check.

Counter-top and sink disinfected? Check.

All of this germophobia stuff is done for a reason. First, Ian hasn't been feeling well. I don't want to serve Christmas cookies with a side of flu to anyone! The second reason involves a memory...

I was invited to a friend's home one evening a couple years ago for dinner. She prepared the meatloaf we were going to eat after I arrived. After she mixed the meatloaf with hands I did not see her wash, she cleaned out the meat that got caught under her fingernails into the bowl! Needless to say, I could not eat anything that night, and I have never eaten in her home since.

Besides. Do I really want to give my Christmas cookies as gifts with a side of hair? No.

So let the Christmas Cookie Baking begin!

I haven't baked Christmas cookies since I moved in here 11 years ago. My counter-top is 30" wide by 24" deep, so I have very little working room. I decided it has been too long, so I got the ingredients and gave it a go. I only burned myself on a hot pan once.

I managed to extend my work space a bit by using the edge of the kitchen sink. Here you see the first batch of cookies ready to go in the oven.

Here, I balance the sheets of peanut butter cookies ready to go in the oven.

Thank goodness for stacking cooling racks! I used the top of my portable dishwasher to stack the racks on. It was JUST wide enough. :)

These are Pastel Mint cookies and Chinese Almond Cookies. YUM!

And my last two cookie recipes of the day, Peanut Blossoms and Peanut Butter cookies. I moved the racks to my counter-top from the dishwasher so they could cool overnight. Then into the freezer they go to await the gift-giving season.

I just looked at the photo closely - seems like somebody snitched a peanut butter cookie off the third rack!

Tomorrow I am going to tackle sugar cookies. I have a set of cookie cutters that have never been used. It's time!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-11-24T23:10:00.000-05:00

My friend Nancy gave me this poinsettia for my birthday this year. Love it!

Calvin

2011-11-19T22:39:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure what he was playing...hockey? contact baseball?

Stalked

2011-11-06T19:45:00.003-05:00

Finished a great novel today. Stalked by Brian Freeman was excellent. Murder, mayhem, what more could a girl ask for on a pleasant Sunday afternoon?

Dave-1993

2011-11-06T19:41:00.002-05:00

Another feel good, bad guys lose, good guys win, movie.

Door Prize

2011-11-05T20:11:00.002-04:00

I won the door prize at Emily's baby shower. They played the "guess how big new mama is" game and I was only about 1/2" off. Some people were unintentionally not very kind to her. :D

I figured, since she looked like a thin girl with a basketball stuffed under her shirt, that the circumference of a basketball is about 29 inches, add ten more inches for the rest of her, and there you have it! My strip was 39 1/2" long, and she was 40" around.

It's all about the math. :D

'Christmas Fantasy' Christmas Cactus

2011-11-05T18:31:00.001-04:00

Blossomed already....absolutely beautiful.

Casey at the Bat - Ernest Thayer

2011-10-22T17:03:00.003-04:00

The Outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville nine that day:
The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play.
And then when Cooney died at first, and Barrows did the same,
A sickly silence fell upon the patrons of the game.

A straggling few got up to go in deep despair. The rest
Clung to that hope which springs eternal in the human breast;
They thought, if only Casey could get but a whack at that -
We'd put up even money, now, with Casey at the bat.

But Flynn preceded Casey, as did also Jimmy Blake,
And the former was a lulu and the latter was a cake;
So upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy sat,
For there seemed but little chance of Casey's getting to the bat.

But Flynn let drive a single, to the wonderment of all,
And Blake, the much despised, tore the cover off the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and the men saw what had occurred,
There was Jimmy safe at second and Flynn a-hugging third.

Then from 5,000 throats and more there rose a lusty yell;
It rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell;
It knocked upon the mountain and recoiled upon the flat,
For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat.

There was ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place;
There was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile on Casey's face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Casey at the bat.

Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt;
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt.
Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance gleamed in Casey's eye, a sneer curled Casey's lip.

And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
And Casey stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped-
"That ain't my style," said Casey. "Strike one," the umpire said.

From the benches, black with people, there went up a muffled roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore.
"Kill him! Kill the umpire!" shouted someone on the stand;
And its likely they'd a-killed him had not Casey raised his hand.

With a smile of Christian charity great Casey's visage shone;
He stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the spheroid flew;
But Casey still ignored it, and the umpire said, "Strike two."

"Fraud!" cried the maddened thousands, and echo answered fraud;
But one scornful look from Casey and the audience was awed.
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
And they knew that Casey wouldn't let that ball go by again.

The sneer is gone from Casey's lip, his teeth are clenched in hate;
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate.
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in Mudville - mighty Casey has struck out.

"Phin"

Retrieved from http://www.baseball-almanac.com/poetry/po_case.shtml

Mythbusters

2011-10-16T19:08:00.003-04:00

Ian's new FAVORITE show!

Adam Savage

http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/mythbusters/

(They blow stuff up. Kind of says it all, doesn't it?)

My Plants

2011-10-16T19:04:00.001-04:00

The Awesomeist Kid...

2011-10-16T11:57:00.003-04:00

...has begun posting on his blog again.

I finally received his scores on the State-mandated tests. While his Math scores are off the charts (is anyone surprised?), his ELA scores fell below proficiency level. He is an outstanding reader, but the problem is his writing. Truth be told, he hates it.

Our compromise?

If the physical act of writing bothers him, instead of writing in his journal every night, he must post on his blog.

We'll see how it goes.

The Summer Game

2011-10-15T09:13:00.005-04:00

Baseball's time is seamless and invisible, a bubble within which players move at exactly the same pace and rhythms as all their predecessors.

This is the way the game was played in our youth and in our father's youth, and even back then

back in the country days

there must have been the same feeling that time could be stopped.

Since baseball time is measured only in outs, all you I have to do is succeed utterly;

keep hitting,

keep the rally alive,

and you have defeated time.

You remain forever young.

- Roger Angell

Meat Glue

2011-10-09T18:42:00.001-04:00

Movie Night

2011-10-06T19:17:00.005-04:00

My friend Denise badly needed a break from reality for a couple hours, so we had

an impromptu movie night with an oldie but goodie. LOVE James Garner!

Source Code

2011-10-02T21:00:00.003-04:00

Excellent movie with a surprise ending - loved it!

A. Bartlett Giamatti

2011-10-02T19:00:00.001-04:00

It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game beginsin the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in thesummer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chillrains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone. You count onit, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of sunshineand high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, whenyou need it most, it stops. Today, October 2, a Sunday of rain and brokenbranches and leaf-clogged drains and slick streets, it stopped, and summerwas gone...

-A. Bartlett Giamatti, the seventh Commissioner of Major League Baseball

Making Strides for Breast Cancer

2011-10-02T13:00:00.001-04:00

Hope, Trisha, Ian and I made strides for a cure today. It was about 50 degrees, raining, and hours later, I'm still freezing. Thank goodness for electric blankets!

For more information, please see the Susan G. Komen website here.

Movie Night

2011-10-01T19:38:00.001-04:00

Love Steven Seagal. :)

In Memory of Bradford Bosley

2011-09-17T22:41:00.002-04:00

My uncle, Bradford Richmond Bosley, passed away on September 12th. This is the obituary my cousin, Dorinda, wrote.

****

My father, Bradford R. Bosley was 79 years old. He served in the Korean War. He retired from American Airlines at age 55. After he retired, he had a few rental properties he maintained and he spent a good amount of his time serving the god he believed in. He later moved south and ended up living in Andalusia, Alabama with my youngest brother, Mark. He was an avid Jehovah’s Witness and part of my family remains in that religion. I had recently been reacquainted with my father through my brother, Mark. My last visit with him was last February after he had recovered from his most recent stroke. He was speaking slowly and sometimes the words he wanted to speak would not come out the way he wanted them to, and he was walking slowly but surely. He had been in the hospital in Buffalo again after that in May of 2010 and had seemed to recover okay. He and my step mother maintained a home in Buffalo, so he would travel back and forth to a home in Andalusia.

He died in his sleep Monday morning, September 12 and we believe that he may have had another stroke in his sleep or perhaps a heart attack. He is survived by mom, Mary (Mike) Holmes; my step mom, Evelyn Bosley; my step siblings Uland (Janice) Gladden, J. Daniel (Donnis) Gladden their daughter Leandra, and Yolanda (Terence); my other siblings Barn (Marlene) Black and their daughter Amanda (Jeff) Buchholz their children: Nolan, Eliana, and Easton; Laureen Black (her children were deceased Darrell at 16 and Davina as an infant); Karen Soccio her son, James Soccio his son Rocco; my brother Dan (Laura) Bosley and their daughters McKenna and Natalie; my youngest brother Mark (Toneishia) their daughter Alasia; my sister Jodie Judd and her son Joshua; and finally me (and Bill).

His parents, my grandparents died in their mid 60’s. He had a sister Anne, who passed a couple of years ago, younger brother Frederick ("Teddy") who died quite some time ago; and my Uncle Tony is still living.

*****

The memorial service will be held on Sunday @ 7pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 185 Kensington Avenue, Buffalo, New York.

A eulogy, written by my brother, Michael, for those of us 'on the outside' is here.

School is Back in Session

2011-09-06T12:48:00.004-04:00

So here it is, the first day of school. What have I already received? No, no, Ian's not in trouble for forgetting his homework....yet. I got:

DON'T FORGET...PICTURE DAY IS COMING!

Really? Can we not get the first week of school under our belts first?

Religulous

2011-09-05T22:30:00.002-04:00

Excellent! Bill Maher explores religion.

Some completed projects

2011-09-05T22:21:00.005-04:00

I spent some time today finishing up some projects I started. All in all, a very relaxing weekend.

A League of Their Own

2011-09-04T18:12:00.001-04:00

One of my favorites. :)

Mata Hari bracelet

2011-08-27T22:14:00.001-04:00

Trophies

2011-08-21T22:11:00.001-04:00

Chase and Ian at T.A.L.L.

Baseball

2011-08-19T22:07:00.000-04:00

Years ago, my father and I went to an exhibit at the Albright Knox Art Museum called 'Diamonds are Forever'. It was all about baseball. Writers, sculptors, painters, artists of all kinds, all expounding on the wonderfulness of the game. One of the writing exhibits showed quotes of famous people and what they said. One said, "You know it doesn't have to mean anything, it's just very beautiful to watch." I think that was said by Woody Allen? Can't remember for sure. I do know, however, he definitely had it right.

Two Generations of Nephews

2011-08-09T20:57:00.000-04:00

Lucas, Tristan and Ian at Niagara Falls, New York

Generations

2011-08-07T21:09:00.000-04:00

Sir Tristan, his father Jeff, his maternal great-grandmother Doris, his maternal grandmother Linda, and his paternal great-great-aunt, Marlene.

2011-08-05T21:18:00.000-04:00

I had a wonderful time Friday night, such a good time, in fact, that I forgot to take a picture. {heavy sigh} That is one of the main reasons why I'm never going to spend a small fortune on a camera. I always seem to forget I have one!

Camille's friend, Erin, came over for dinner, we killed at least three bottles of wine (but who's counting?) and we drove Mike crazy. We were all talking. Sometimes at the same time. I told Mike, that's what women do. :D

I wish we lived closer to each other. I'd love to spend more time with them. Mike is so lucky to have found Camille, and Camille is so lucky to have such a wonderful friend in Erin. I'm fortunate to have all three in my life.

I know I won't be able to afford a trip out there next year, but I'm definitely going to shoot for the year after. In the meantime, there is always Skype.

The Science Experiment

2011-08-04T20:51:00.001-04:00

Here are Ian and Uncle Michael looking (safely) at the sun:

Sun spots:

Michael said...
I use a pair of binoculars, aligned so the sun comes through them and is projected onto a piece of paper. You actually have to focus the binoculars in order to get a sharp image.

I'm holding the binoculars against the windowsill to steady them, and by my foot is a clipboard with a piece of white paper, onto which the sun is projected.

If there are sunspots, you can see them clearly.

Views from the top of the Space Needle

2011-08-04T20:44:00.001-04:00

All photos taken by Ian Tabor

Flowers in Seattle Center Park

2011-08-04T20:34:00.000-04:00

All photos taken by Ian

Tyska Traveling Fish

2011-08-04T20:20:00.000-04:00

Here they are, in front of the Space Needle, Seattle, Washington.

Seattle Science Center

2011-08-04T20:10:00.000-04:00

Here we are in front of the whispering dishes, a hands-on exhibit that teaches about sound waves. It was so cool. You can actually whisper into the little eye at the top of the pole, and across the sidewalk about 25 feet away, another person can hear you.

Here is Ian standing in front of the anti-gravity mirror. I absolutely loved the Science Center. Everything was hands-on for kids, but I have a great time and learned a lot, too. Most of the time I was so busy checking things out, I forgot to take pictures!

Pretty Flowers

2011-08-03T20:06:00.002-04:00

This is a flower in Jeff's front yard. It's beautiful, and I want one. I just have no idea what it is. :D

Playing with T

2011-08-03T20:03:00.000-04:00

Me, T, and G'ampa

Coloring with G'ampa

2011-08-03T19:58:00.000-04:00

Playing with T

2011-08-03T19:51:00.000-04:00

Playing in the Sand

2011-08-03T19:48:00.000-04:00

Sir Tristan of Snohomish

Blinded by the Light

2011-08-03T19:45:00.001-04:00

So here is my brother, trying to look at the sun.

No, really. He's a very smart guy.

LOL!

Actually, this was in preparation for a little science experiment he did with Ian later in the day.

Michael said...
I was gonna say... what the hell! The sun is behind me!

I never did figure out how to get that damned diffraction grating to work, but I did manage to show Ian the spectral lines from a fluorescent lamp. It's part of the foundation information he needs to understand how we know what stars are made of, and how we know which direction they are traveling.

Serena said...

I couldn't help myself. Actually, if someone looks at the shadows, it's obvious you're not trying to blind yourself. :D

Ian had a great time. I've answered all kinds of questions about the sun, the earth's rotation, gravity, sound and light travel, and all of the questions came from out of the blue. I love it when he thinks. :)

Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1908)

2011-08-03T18:26:00.001-04:00

Vacation Update

2011-08-03T15:20:00.005-04:00

Sunday, July 31:

After finally getting up around 10 in the morning and eating some amazing blueberry pancakes Camille made fresh (yumm!), we spent the day with Jeff. Ian, of course, is living-breathing-sleeping baseball, so we went to some batting cages, went to a park to play some baseball, had dinner at the local Red Robin, and then went to a neighborhood school that has a diamond to play more baseball. Jeff said he slept like the dead that night. :D

Monday, August 1:

My legs are a little sore today...not used to all that running around. :) The pain is around my shins. Hope it goes away. I'm pretty much Ian's only baseball playmate out here. Jeff, who we love to exhaust, has to work.

I got up at 7 and read a bit over a quiet cup of coffee before Ian got up, the quiet only broken by the sounds of text messages/phone calls from my boss. It's nice to know he has trouble getting along without me, but ... really? I'M ON VACATION!!! :D

While Mike took one of his mid-terms and worked on his communications course assignment, I took Ian for a long walk. We went to Starbucks, of course, and then continued walking to Wal-Mart. We only brought two baseballs with us, and it was getting ridiculous shagging them down constantly, so we bought a small bucket of baseballs for $9, and a cheap set of badminton rackets for $5.

We then headed back to the neighborhood diamond, and having that bucket of balls turned out to be a great idea. He was able to hit 10 times before we had to chase them all down. It actually worked out much better in another way, too. Every time we collected the balls, we took a water break. Kept us both hydrated in the 80 degree heat.

The days here so far have been absolutely beautiful. Much less humidity that we were dealing with back east, and the temperature is far less extreme. It's hanging around the hi-70s, low 80s, with about 50% humidity, which feels wonderful. I'm getting some sun, but I can also breathe. I love it like this.

After dinner, I took a walk with Camille. She is giving me other ideas for a career choice after I finish my studies that don't include teaching Math. As she so eloquently puts it, "Those kids you'll be teaching are not as nice as your son." She is absolutely right. Teenagers today are much different than teenagers of my day. Respect for your elders is a thing of the past.

So I am going to open my mind to other choices: auditor, financial adviser, actuary. Research to begin when I get home.

Tuesday, August 2:

I slept in until 9 this morning! Do I feel guilty? Nope. I'm on vacation. :)

I took Ian back to the neighborhood diamond for more baseball. He never tires of it. Who am I kidding? I don't, either. My legs are still sore, though. Definitely not used to this much physical activity. I'm the only person I know that goes on vacation and loses weight. Just wish my legs didn't hurt quite so much.

Tonight we are seeing a Mariners game. The feel of the stadium is so much different from Coca-Cola Field in Buffalo. For one, it is much bigger, seating up to 47,878 fans to Buffalo's maximum of 18,025. People are different out here, too. In Buffalo, we sit in the stands and talk with everyone around us, total strangers, about the game, the latest baseball trades, etc., but out here, people don't seem to talk to each other like that. Actually, they don't seem to talk to each other at all, unless they came together. Interesting feeling.

The Mariners won. Jeff and I had a bunch of laughs at Ian's expense. When the game was beginning, and the announcer said, "Now batting....Ichiro Suzuki!" Ian's head whipped around SO fast! Good thing it's attached. :D He was so still, concentrating on that game so hard, it seemed he was barely breathing. I think I only see him that still when he is sleeping.

Wednesday, August 3:

5:55 a.m.: The melodious tones of my cell phone receiving another text...from my boss. {heavy sigh}

Today is laundry day. To save on the amount of luggage we cart across the country, we packed enough for four days, planning to do laundry half-way through our week. It works out well.

A nice, calm, easy day for relaxing in the sun.

I told Mike about the pain in my legs, and he said, "Ugh. Shin splints." I think he's right. Stretching and no more running around on a concrete baseball diamond are in order.

This evening, we will go to Jeff's and visit with my grand-nephew, Tristan. That would be Sir Tristan of Seattle to all of us minions. Jeff and Tristan will be flying back with us on Saturday.

Thursday, August 4:

We will see the Space Needle and the Seattle Science Center on Thursday. More photo opportunities for the Tyska Traveling Fish!

Tyska Traveling Fish

2011-08-02T23:05:00.000-04:00

Here he is at Safeco Field after the Mariners game in his brand new Ichiro shirt:

And here he is in China Town in downtown Seattle:

New posts....

2011-08-02T19:35:00.000-04:00

....back to May 5th. Finally had time to catch up. I love vacations!

Take Me Out to the Baaalllll Gaaame...

2011-08-02T17:09:00.001-04:00

We started out around 5:00 p.m. or so for Safeco Field...

...but alas, the trip took longer than we expected:

Ian wanted to get Ichiro Suzuki's autograph on his baseball, but it was not to be. Due to the incredible traffic in this area, which gets worse every year, we were unable to arrive at Safeco Field much before game time.

Apparently, more and more people move here, but nothing is done about the infrastructure. A shame, because it is such a beautiful area. It shouldn't be so inconvenient to get around.

Jeff said...
This reminds me... I have a "cleaning fee" for the drool on my car door. LMAO

The Cascades

2011-08-02T15:17:00.000-04:00

Everywhere you look, there are mountains in the distance:

The Cascades

Vacation

2011-07-31T15:00:00.000-04:00

We boarded our first plane, from Buffalo to Las Vegas, at 3:00 p.m. EST on the 30th. It was a long trip. We landed in Vegas at roughly 5;00 p.m. PST after some rough skies over the Rockies. (Breath in, two, three, four, out, two, three, four...) :D

We then boarded in Vegas at 7:00 p.m. PST and landed in Seattle at 10:00 p.m. PST, 9 hours and 55 minutes of travel time total. Exhausting.

I reminisced with Ian about the first time we took this trip. He was three years old and had absolutely no concept of the time involved in getting from one side of the country to the other. When we arrived home, he would ask me, "When can we go back to visit Unko Myko again?" as though it was just like a trip across town. He laughed, and said he didn't remember the trip taking THIS LONG. About an hour out, he looked at me with weary eyes and finally asked that question all children ask....

Mom, Are we almost THERE yet?!?

This was the view out the airplane window at 12:20 a.m. EST, or 9:20 PST. It looked a whole lot prettier than this when I first started digging for my camera. I have to remind myself to keep it handy while we're traveling.

Installing the Dreaded Braces

2011-07-28T14:49:00.000-04:00

Ian got his braces on today. He was very nervous and hoping it wouldn't hurt. The installation of the spacers a couple weeks ago, on the same day he had his impressions taken, ensured the transition from spacers to bands would be as painless as possible. Technology has come SO far since I had braces...let's see....100 years ago.

The entire time Dr. Tyska worked on him, he had his fingers crossed. I wonder if that helped. :)

Here he is, in the chair, with a grown man's hands in his mouth. So when he says, "I do NOT have a big mouth!" I can say, "Oh, yes you do. I have photographic PROOF!"
They used this apparatus to keep his teeth dry for the glue. I think this should be his new Facebook profile pic:
[drum roll, please] TA DA!!!

Two years and counting.

Tyska Traveling Fish

2011-07-23T14:44:00.000-04:00

The Tyska Traveling Fish went to Gravel Ponds Campgrounds in Scottsville, NY for Christmas in July. What a blast!

Baseball Update

2011-07-18T10:13:00.002-04:00

It's been a busy summer thus far! Ian is in two baseball leagues, and I am desperately trying to finish up a course on analyzing financial statements before vacation. Here is a baseball update:

Ian's playoffs for the 2011 Babe Ruth league, where he plays for the Cubs, is:

Monday, July 18, 6:15 pm, Lincoln #2
Thursday, July 21, 6:15 pm, Lincoln 3

Semi Finals: Monday, July 25, 6:15, Lincoln 2, the 1st place plays the 4th place teams, and on Lincoln 3, the 2nd place plays the 3rd place teams.

Finals: Thursday, July 28, 6:15 pm, Lincoln 4, the winner of each of the last two games play each other.

The intersection of Parker and Sheridan Drive has a big NOCO gas station and a Walgreens Pharmacy on opposite diagonal corners. The Lincoln Park diamonds are located at the corner of Parker and Decatur, across the street from the pool.

We do not yet have his playoff schedule for the Tonawanda American Little League, where Ian plays for the A's. As soon as I have it, I will let you know.

Red Cooper

2011-07-16T19:46:00.001-04:00

Every single time I have received oranges from Red Cooper, at least one has looked like this:
Hopefully my experience with their company is the exception rather than the rule, but in the meantime, I'm done with them. I can't see repeatedly paying shipping for bad merchandise.

Impressions

2011-07-14T19:45:00.001-04:00

I took Ian in to Dr. Tyska's office today to get his pictures taken, impressions made, and spacers installed. Here he is with an adult's fingers in his mouth. Next time he says, "I do Not have a big mouth," I can say, "Oh, yes you do! I've got photographic PROOF!" :D

Tyska Traveling Fish

2011-07-09T19:40:00.000-04:00

Ian's orthodontist has a contest going. Have your picture taken with their traveling fish for all your summer adventures, bring the photos in, and they will choose 8 winners. Here is Ian with his Tonawanda American Little League Triple-A A's.

Baseball Ready

2011-06-29T19:37:00.000-04:00

Takin' Out the Trash

2011-06-28T19:39:00.000-04:00

Our Summer Visitor

2011-06-27T19:36:00.000-04:00

I think it's amazing that it is no longer afraid of us.

Moonflowers

2011-06-19T19:32:00.000-04:00

These flowers only bloom at night, and by morning, the blooms are dead.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T16:41:00.001-04:00

Identity Theft

2011-06-18T16:46:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, some things are learned the hard way. My life has been a nightmare the past week. I'll spare you the details, but if you suspect your identity has been stolen, there are steps you should take IMMEDIATELY.

Put fraud alerts on your credit files. The numbers for TransUnion, Experian and Equifax are all readily available online.

Request your credit reports and review them for accuracy. Look for accounts you don't recognize. Look at the inquiries section for the names of creditors from whom you haven't requested credit.

Report the fraud to the Police. As a victim of a crime, you are entitled to a free copy.

If it's your credit card that has been hit, cancel it.

If it's your debit card that has been hit, cancel it and close your account.

Call your bank, creditors, utility companies, and the DMV if necessary, to alert them to the theft. Follow up in writing with the police report.

If the fraudulent transactions were made over the internet, file a report with the FTC.

If you suspect the thief obtained your information from your mail, report it to the postal inspector. It is also wise to divert your mail to another location or perhaps open a post office box.

Keep track of your phone calls, letters, and all the steps you've taken. You will need to have report numbers ready for vendors and authorities.

I've made 9 pages of notes (so far) of phone calls I've made, reports I've filed, information I've requested... what a mess.

If it's happened to you, good luck.

In the meantime, wish me luck. Ugh.

My Son, the Airhead

2011-06-10T08:13:00.005-04:00

One of the other baseball moms, Cindy, was picking up Ian after school, running him by my house for his baseball paraphenalia, and then bringing him to practice with his teammate, Scott. Apparently, Ian has a lot on his mind. He called me as soon as he was picked up:

Mom?

Yeesssss?

I got the house key. I didn’t lose it all day.

Good. I’ll let you live.

Um, I just need my uniform, right?

Yeesssss….and your cup and your spikes.

My cup, too?

Yes. If you don’t have your cup, Coach won’t let you play, and since Grandpa is coming to the game tonight, you don’t want that to happen.

Grandpa or Popa?

Didn’t I just say ‘Grandpa’?

Oh. Yeah.

Don’t forget your uniform, your cup, and your spikes.

I won’t.

Okay. (pause) What are you picking up?

My uniform.

And what else?

Um. (loooooong pause)

Your cup and your spikes.

Oh, yeah. Okay.

You better let me talk to Cindy.

After all that, he still forgot his baseball CAP!

Mary Poppins

2011-06-07T19:29:00.000-04:00

My little chimney sweep.

Little League Update

2011-06-05T08:34:00.002-04:00

The weather has not cooperated so very much with our baseball schedule. Ian has had so many rain-outs it isn't funny. The first league he is in, Tonawanda American Little League, was supposed to end in mid-June, so there would have been only two weeks overlap with his second league, the KenTon Kiwanis. Unfortunately, because of all the rain, the first league now ends in mid-July.

Looks like I'll be spending all summer at the baseball diamonds in the Greater Tonawanda area. :D

Bumper Sticker

2011-05-27T19:25:00.000-04:00

"It has become appallingly clear that our technology has surpassed our humanity."

Baseball

2011-05-17T19:58:00.004-04:00

The Bisons are calling me. I am definitely suffering from baseball withdrawal. I think I will take Ian to the game on Friday, May 27th. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

I was looking online for tonight's game to be streamed live, but I couldn't find it. Everybody streams live now! It's got to be somewhere. Otherwise, I am going to have to invest in an indoor AM radio. I can't be out sitting in the car all evening. :D

In the meantime, Ian has his last practice tomorrow evening with the Tonawanda little league. His opening day is Saturday. Should be a good time!

My Favorite Tweet of the Day:

2011-05-17T19:39:00.001-04:00

The past is no longer in a position to hold you back.

-Ralph Marston

Studio Profile: Guerrilla Games

2011-05-11T21:58:00.000-04:00

My friend Ali is a games journalist. Here is his latest article:

Guerrilla Games

Even though I do not know that much about video games or the gaming industry, I enjoy reading his work. (I love the fact that his grammar is better than what you find in the Buffalo News. And his native language isn't even English!)

My brother and I had a conversation a few months ago about how difficult writing can be. Finding just the right word to convey exactly what you mean can be extremely challenging.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

Sure sign of spring...

2011-05-07T23:28:00.000-04:00

My favorite quote of the day...

2011-05-07T07:44:00.001-04:00

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.

Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

Flowers

2011-05-05T19:23:00.001-04:00

Does anyone know what these are? I'd like to plant some in my own garden. :)

Baseball Update

2011-05-05T10:00:00.000-04:00

I would like to take the opportunity to let everyone know how I'll be coaching this summer. First of all, I want the kids to have fun. There will be no arguing with umpire calls by players or myself. I will run a pretty tight ship on the bench so don't expect your child to be visiting you in the stands. I WILL NOT jeopardize anyone's health to try and win a Little League game and this is done by keeping pitchers' pitch counts low. So, if you ever wonder why I remove a pitcher who is doing well, you've been forewarned. We will win as a team and lose as a team. I will shuffle players in and out of positions because let's face it, there aren't a lot of plays in the outfield at this level. If we are winning a game comfortably, I will put a halt to stealing bases. I have a knowledgeable staff helping me so don't ever be afraid to ask questions. My hope is the kids have fun and make noticeable improvements this year. Hey, let's fill up the T.A.L.L. All Star teams with AAA A's! See everyone at 9:00am Saturday.

Phones are down

2011-05-05T08:40:00.001-04:00

The phones are down at the office today. Going to be a quiet morning until they are fixed!

Voting Flowchart

2011-05-02T18:16:00.001-04:00

compliments of www.holytaco.com.

Little League Location/Schedule

2011-05-01T22:00:00.001-04:00

All of Ian's games are played here:

Ives Park

Here is the schedule. He plays for the A's.

Tonawanda LL/A's

Hope to see you there!

Planetarium

2011-05-01T21:50:00.000-04:00

Planetarium

Baseball Update

2011-04-30T21:43:00.001-04:00

We were finally able to get on a baseball field (sort of) and it felt great. The whole team was there and I was quite impressed with the quality of play. The pitchers did an excellent job throwing strikes and there was a couple of nice defensive plays in the field. I was able to video everyone's swing and am a big believer in using slow motion analysis as a coaching aid. Our next practice is Wednesday at the field (batting cages) 5:00. I am still looking for volunteers for our Candy Stand obligation.

-Coach

Despair, Inc.

2011-04-29T21:25:00.000-04:00

Balloon DNA

2011-04-28T20:55:00.005-04:00

My friend Denise, Ian and I went to dinner tonight at Bob Evans. Mr. No the balloon man was there making balloon figures for all the kids. He was near our table at one point, and I began speculating...

Me: I wonder what he's making.

Ian: I think he's making strands of DNA.

Denise: (bursts out laughing) If I ever had any doubt that you're Serena Tabor's son, it's completely gone now!

The apple really doesn't fall far from the tree. :D

Baseball Update

2011-04-28T20:53:00.000-04:00

I would like to first thank Anthony Dolce's dad George, for providing our practice space. One thing I noticed tonight was the decibel level was unusually high. This is a good sign in my eyes because it indicates the kids are starting to feel comfortable with each other and making new friends a good thing. We have seen our first two games postponed (cancelled?) and will start the season May 7th against the Cubs, who appear to have a really strong roster. Cavan Derrigan will get the start on the mound for us and will be on a strict pitch limit. Our next practice is Saturday at 2pm at the Little League field. We will practice in the parking lot or the closest patch of dry grass. I would like to have a little more room to work on cut offs and relays. We can also use the batting cage to work on hitting.
Coach

Moving Pictures - What About Me

2011-04-24T21:00:00.004-04:00

Batting Practice Update

2011-04-19T15:13:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Anthony Dolce's dad George we were able to practice inside at the Knights of Columbus. I brought along my son's batting machine (A Jugs Small Ball Machine) and the team did awesome hitting those golf ball sized baseballs. I really like how our kids are swinging the bats. I know some of my techniques are new and that is why I'm so impressed that everyone is trying to do what I'm telling them. I haven't felt the least bit of resistance and for that I just want to thank everyone, players and parents. Coach Jim Derrigan did an excellent job running the team through drills and I look forward to working more with him. Unfortunately for us Coach Doug could not make it to practice but look for him Wednesday in the batting cages (5 pm). And be ready to hit some line drives at him instead of me!

Coach Turri

BP - The First Home Run of the Season

2011-04-14T14:06:00.004-04:00

From Coach Turri: "We had our first batting practice home run today courtesy of Ian Tabor who hit a liner to the back of the batting cage. I saw a lot of good swings and more importantly some smiles on our kids' faces. I see alot of potential in our team and am confident by mid-season we'll be a team to be reckoned with. Can't wait to actually get on the field so we can use some real baseballs. Next practice is Saturday at 2pm after the Worker Bees are done working on the fields. Please have your child wear their athletic supporter to all field practices as we'll be hitting grounders as well as having some "suit up" to play catcher." Marlene says: I'm so proud of him! We will try to make a couple of this games this summer. Michael says: Nice!

Humor

2011-04-13T20:43:00.001-04:00

Humor

2011-04-10T21:46:00.002-04:00

Got this email from a friend... Enjoy!

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nape when I was younger.

4. There is a great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after BluRay? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a jerk from cutting in front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch three consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey -- but I bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from three feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

24. The first testicular guard, the "Cup", was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

Tonawanda LL/A's - (Tonawanda, NY) - powered by LeagueLineup.com

2011-04-09T21:38:00.001-04:00

Update on Ian's practice today with Little League:

Tonawanda LL/A's - (Tonawanda, NY) - powered by LeagueLineup.com

New Wheels

2011-04-09T21:35:00.001-04:00

Did our first 10 miles on it today. Ian is thrilled. It's his first bike with handlebar brakes!

Baseball Humor

2011-04-01T16:01:00.001-04:00

A Yankees fan, a Mets fan, and a Red Sox fan are climbing a mountain and arguing about who loves his team more. The Mets fan insists he is the most loyal..."This is for the Mets!" he yells and jumps off the mountain. Not to be outdone, the Yankees fan is next to profess his love for his team. He yells "This is for the Yankees!" and pushes the Red Sox fan off the mountain...

Winemaker Math

2011-03-29T19:45:00.002-04:00

Winemaker Math

Love it! Who says you don't use math in 'real life'? HA!

Brian said...: Glad you liked the post. Once our Winemaker gets started it's best to grab some popcorn and relax, and that's part of what we love.

The Disney Auditions ?

2011-03-27T18:34:00.005-04:00

It was a scam. And if I'd had time to think about it, I should have known. I am kicking myself big time, and have a sad little boy on my hands, too.

The commercial itself was a picture of the initial scene from Suite Life on Deck, gave the phone number a couple times and said something about becoming a big star. It left no doubt in your mind that you were going to be auditioning for Disney.

I called the number where a fast-speaking woman gave me a date, time and appointment, told me to bring two recent photos of my child, dress to impress, and would not answer any of my questions - would not even let me get a question out. I was immediately transferred to a recording with the address and directions, which was the Conference Center in Niagara Falls.

We went to the conference center, and I was given a fancy brochure to "read when I got home". Why wait until I got home? I read it right there, and got really ticked off. I asked three parents around me, "I thought this was for Disney?" And they assured me it was. I said it isn't, pointed to the place in the brochure where it talks about their fee, and a few other parents got ticked off, too. I guess I'm just a trouble maker at heart.

The whole circus is actually put on by for a company called "The" (pronounced "tay"). Their company name was not obvious in any of their television or radio commercials. Neither Ian nor I even heard it mentioned.

We were shown a video about how wonderful they are, and their spokesperson on the video is one of the actors from a Disney show. (The first of two places Disney actually enters into this.) The 'The' personnel were accompanied by a man who said he was a casting agent from Hollywood. He actually may have been, to give this farce some semblance of authenticity. We were "interviewed". Ian was asked why he wanted to do this, and he said because he wants to become an actor, make lots of money, and help people in Japan. (He's a good kid.) They asked me why I thought they should work with my son. I said because he's a good kid. The only reason I didn't say "because I'd be paying you to" was because Ian was right there and so excited about auditioning. It occurred to me later that they count on that; there are parents who will do absolutely anything for their children.

We were then directed to the camera area, where Ian was asked to read a short commercial on script. He had it memorized, got up in front of a horribly bright light, and froze. He ended up reading it off the paper. Poor kid. And then we left.

As we were walking out, Ian said he didn't think he would get a call back because he blew it in front of the camera. And I then had to explain to him that wasn't the real reason he wouldn't get a call back. The minimum amount I would have to pay is $3000, which would get Ian two workshops in their 'Event' which is held at Disney. (That's second of only two places Disney actually enters into this.)

They are actually selling packages of what amounts to workshops to teach kids how to act. They claim at the end of the week the kids will be seen by 50 casting agents and directors who will offer more callbacks, which is supposed to make this worth it. The package I am pretty sure they want every one to buy is $7950 for 10 workshops with an additional $895 if your child is a minor.

Ian is extremely disappointed. I'll know better next time. The biggest thing I told Ian is that if he was going to be 'hired' for a show, they would pay him, not the other way around.

Today, I searched for this company online. Try googling "The" and see where it gets you. I ended up googling "The Auditions" and got a link to Yahoo Answers. 'Kittysue' says:

"It's a scam. You are not auditioning for Disney. You are auditioning for some expensive school that has misrepresented themselves so you think you are auditioning for Disney. Everyone who auditions gets called the next day saying they were amazing and have been accepted into their training, which of course will cost you over $2000 for classes. And guess what, you pay for those classes then wonder where the Disney auditions are. All you learn from the classes is that if you want to audition for Disney, your parents are going to have to move to LA where all the auditions happen and you are going to have to find an agent."

'R K' also says:

"This is a scam. Disney doesn't charge for auditions, no one does. Disney auditions are in LA through an agent, they're not open calls you could find on your own. If this was a real audition you would know exactly what part you were trying for, not just for something in general."

What I found interesting is you don't find out until you get there that it (1) isn't for Disney, and (2) costs money. A very well-thought-out scam, as most of them are.

Michael said...

There was a long segment on TV here that summed up to the same point - if if's legit, it doesn't cost any money up front.

In another "sting" program recently done by (60 minutes? "What Would You Do?" Can't remember the show) parents 1. allowed their kids to be left alone with a complete stranger ("photographer"), 2. agreed to cosmetic surgery on their kids, 3. agreed to extreme diet regimens - all for the promise of a shot at fame & fortune. You're right - some people will do absolutely ANYTHING to get a foot in the door, even things that are shockingly dangerous.

The sickest part is that when you listen to the kids themselves talk about their "dreams" and "goals," you can hear the coaching. Let's face it - an 8 year old does NOT have any idea what is important in life, or what they want to do for the rest of it. But they certainly know that it pleases mommy when they parrot those ambitions.

Serena says:

You are so right. I've spent so much time over the past few days trying to convince Ian he really doesn't want to be an actor..."Honey, there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of actors that never make it to TV. Find an ambition that will support you. You will need to eat. There is a reason they are called 'starving artists'."

Right now he wants to be an actor just because he thinks it's glamorous and fun. I'm trying to lean him in other directions. But you should have heard some of the other parents there! I was shocked. It made me wonder...who really wants to be the actor? Mom or daughter?

I filed a complaint with the Children's Advertising Review Unit of the Better Business Bureau. Nothing will probably come of it, but it made me feel marginally better.