Wednesday, October 29, 2008

~ Hump Day? ~

Photobucket
Wow!  It's Wednesday already?  What the hell happened to the rest of the week?  Sunday?  Monday?  Tuesday?  All a blur.   I think I slept walked (is that right?) through all those days.   I do want to say thank you to all those that commented on my pictures.  I will admit I am very proud of them and met my nieces today with the chip from my camera so they could print some out.  Seventy of them to be exact.  LOL  They both stopped by here and read all your comments and I know you made them smile, so thank you. 
Today I checked google reader once again and I had over 400 entries.  I did make it by a few journals, but I had to mark read and start over.  Forgive me.  I tried to catch up but there was no way I could.  For each one I read it seemed 5 more appeared.  It started overwhelming me and I just didn't have it in me.  I will be by tho, you know it :)
The picture is one from the garden that the wedding shots were taken at.  Looking across the pond to the bench.  I thought having the loving couple pose over there, but the rains started and it just wasn't going to happen.  Didn't stop me from just taking the picture tho :)  What a peaceful spot, eh?  Had to make that water move too.  I have no idea what type of bush/tree that is, but I find the red stunning!
Today was the day journals were going to be manually migrated over.  I inquired because I had read a few went and I had heard nothing.  The response...  'they are doing easy ones first.'   WTF!?!   Now I'm not trying to say I'm more important, but I was one of the first ones to have issues and state I was having issues.  I tried a good ten times in the first 2-3 days and let them know it wasn't working.  I got put off and put off.  Now they say they have an alternate method and I'm still being put off.  Friday they disappear and I am no way being given the time to remove entries and try again on my own.  I guess I kiss it good bye on Friday.
Lights out!   To say I am pissed would be an understatement!!
I'm still getting several folks requesting tags and not leaving an email.  I've tried to hunt some down, but that is old and very time consuming.  I don't mean to sound like a bitch, but before each offer there is a note in red stating I need an email address.  I will no longer go looking.  I will delete the comment and move on.  I respect everyone's time and I don't think asking for the same consideration in return is asking to much.  You can make it easy on yourself as well.  Put an email in your google profile and allow it to be visible.  Same for regular comments, if you ask a question and expect an answer I need an email address. 
When I started writing I had a ton to say, now?  LOL  I'm drawing a blank.  I think I'm still running on fumes.  I do hope everyone is doing well.  I want to say if I've missed something important let me know, but every entry is important....
Thanks again for your loving comments regarding the wedding and the pictures.
Hugs
~d

Sunday, October 26, 2008

~ More Pictures ~

In no specific order.  Most are pretty self explanatory :)
Photobucket Photobucket
Candles from the head table.  Loved the way the wax dripped.
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket
Yeap, me with my son and his girlfriend (sitting on the left), my nephew in front of me, and then my other nephew and his girlfriend standing next to me.
Photobucket 
My baby and his girlfriend dancing.
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket
The two princesses!
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket
Left to right.  My younger sister, my dad, my mom, my sister in law, sister, me, and yet another sister.
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket

~ The Day ~

Photobucket 
The day was absolutely fabulous!!  The Bride was beautiful as you see above.  She was so ready :)  The weather forecast was correct for a change.  It poured!  I straightened my hair, not sure why.  LOL  The moisture in the air just made it do whatever it wanted, that added to the fact that I never take good pictures...  ::sigh::  but it's not about me, is it? 
I headed over to my brother in laws house, as all the girls were there getting ready.  The rain pelted my car, and my wipers were going a mile a minute.  I know it's suppose to be good luck when it rains on your wedding day, but I couldn't help but look to the sky with tears in my eyes.  'Pat, she has more then enough good luck, make the rain stop now.' 
Photobucket 
The photographer was there when I arrived and he had gotten some awesome shots of the bride and the girls getting ready.  He grabbed me to get a shot.  My niece (sister of the bride) took one with my camera.  She looks fabulous... me... well.......  I hate that the black from the fireplace is showing between us.  I look deformed.  LOL 
Photobucket 
Since the bride grew up playing soccer, played for college, and still plays today. Well, she temporarily stopped because she broke her nose playing a bit ago. No more accidents until after the wedding! I bet she'll be on a team in a few weeks to play indoor. Dad couldn't let it go. He grabbed a ball and of course we thought it a hoot. Such a natural with that ball under her foot. Even in heels!
Photobucket 
Oh, she looked calm alright.  She cheated!!
Photobucket 
Limo arrived and it was still raining.  I think that is when nerves set in.  As he stood with the umbrella's to lead her to the car (limo bus), you could see a bit of a pout.  I was across the street in my car and I could see it.
Photobucket 
It wasn't all pouts.  The smile comes out as she walks fast to get under cover.  Dad... what a trooper following along.
Photobucket 
Look at the smile as he sees his beautiful bride make an entrance!  Even now I get teary eyed.  He's such a great guy and I am so happy for the both of them and even prouder to welcome him to the family!
Photobucket 
Dad and his baby.  Someone should have shut the wooden doors after they made their way down the aisle.  Ahhh but we make do, don't we?
Photobucket 
I don't think I have to explain........... do I?
Photobucket 
Priceless if you ask me.
Photobucket 
When we walked out of church the sun was out.  We could see blue sky between the clouds.  Instead of going to the falls to take pictures it was decided to go the historical society.  There we had the option of outside or under cover.  Just in case the rains came back.  We did luck out and the rains held off so we could get some pictures.  She really wanted to the fall back drop. 
As you know from the bridal shower pictures she had a big wedding party.  The girls all wore the same skirt, but she gave them the option on the top.  I think the mix adds a nice touch. 
Photobucket 
:::Giggle::: These guys are in heaven!!
Photobucket 
And so is this one!!!  Sorry Li (brides sister)... had to add this.  Your facial expression is priceless!
I have a ton more and will be doing another entry of just pictures.  I think they'll speak for themselves.  The reception was a blast.  The wedding party was introduced while songs of their choice played.  They put a little dance skit on.  I was in tears laughing.  No pictures, they moved way to fast for my camera but I know there will be video so she can relive it whenever she wants.

Friday, October 24, 2008

~ Tag Request - Gorjuss Fall Fence ~

I need an email address if you request a tag see note below
****PLEASE READ**** This is very important. Unlike AOL blogger does not give me an email when I receive your comment alert. I never saved addresses in AOL, so I don't have them, or I have no idea who you are as I don't see your AOL username. I must have an email address when you request a tag. If I don't, your request will be ignored. You can make it really easy and go to your blogger profile and include an email address. It's real easy when you log in you have the option to view your profile or you can view your entire profile from your journal. Edit your profile and add an email. AOL or other it doesn't matter. If you don't want to do that you must leave your address in the comment each time you make a request


Photobucket
Expires 10/26 at noon EST
any requests after that time or without an email will be ignored.
If you'd like your name on this please leave a comment letting me know. Please make sure I get your email address.Do not alter tags No resizing, stopping animation, cutting or ripping to add your name, signature, or any other text. If you need help with animation on your blog let me know I will give you directions.
Limit 1.
Graphics are to be used for personal use only. They are not to be used for advertisements or for profit. Thank you for following these terms.
hugs
~d

~ Mystery Blogger XII Update ~

Hehehehe.. looks like we had a tough one here.  I think only one person guessed correctly on our Mystery Blogger XII.  Congrats!   So who is it?   LOL  It's our own Lisa from Please Don't Take Life for Granted.
Such a toe head (blonde) as a baby.....  gorgeous!!!   Please stop by and give her some love.

As always thanks for playing.  Get your picture and clues in to play along.  Just send me an email with both and I will add you to the fun.

~ Have your Way with Me ~

Photobucket 
You little piggies.. get your minds out of the gutter!  I had today scheduled off since the beginning of the year.  I wanted to be available if my niece needed any last minute things done.  Turns out she had it all under control and I was the one who had last minute chores.
I had my hair appointment at noon.  I had a few ideas of what I wanted to do, but when it comes to my hair I am so undecided.  I like it longer for those lazy days.. I pull it up.   I can leave it down either with my natural curl or straigthen it.  Lately it's been up more then down.  I got lazy all the way around. 
So I sit in the chair to add a little color to cover the gray.  Ok, lots of color to cover lots of gray.  LOL   As we discussed the hair style.  I tell my hairdresser, 'Dawn, have your way with me.'  So off she went with scissors and comb.  I watched my curls fall to the floor.  I have to think a good 6 inches came off.  In the back even more.   The wedge won out.  It's not shaved in the back, but more stacked.   But holy shit it is short.  I haven't been this short in a very long time.  No more pulling it up.  I am hoping I can go curly or straight.   If not I will go back and have it all taken off after the wedding.  
It's a mess now so no pictures, but I will share I promise.  I went and paid to have my nails polished.  LOL  I never do them.  I don't even file them unless I absolutely have to.  I walked in and told the guy what I wanted, a french manicure.  He grabbed my hands and said my nails were too long.    He rubbed, pulled, and twisted.  He wanted to know what I did to get them so strong.  I have no clue.  So off came some of the nail and on went the polish.  I'd never had that done before.  Imagine that, at my age I've never gone to a salon to have my nails done.   It was a treat and it was nice.  I was amazed at how quickly they polished.  Had I tried to get the white just on my tip I'd still be doing it.  LOL
So tomorrow is the big day.  I will get up and get to my nieces about 11ish.  Just to be there for her while the girls get ready.  Not to replace Mom.  No one can do that.  My sister was a gem, and it would be impossible to match her sensitivity, calmness, and love.  Mass is at 1 and the reception at 6.  In between we will do pictures and then I will go and have one printed to put in a frame.  An arrangement made with her sister as a surprise, so SHHHHHHHH
It's been fairly nice today, but a bit windy.  Tomorrow... oh they are calling for rain.  Nasty rain.  They say rain on your wedding day is good luck, but I wish and hope it will hold off for a bit.  Her plans are to have pictures done outside.   Not sure what her alternative is but if it's raining we will find out, eh?
Either way, I know my sister will be smiling down with such pride.  The day will be perfect, I know it.  Maybe some tears, but we will get through it.
Photobucket
I know lots of folks out there changed their comment format.  I find it difficult.  Maybe it's me, but I get error messages several times before the comment actually goes.  Oh well.  I like the little picture/icons.  It helps me figure out who is who when the name is the same.   Again, I wanted to mention the email address in your profile.  So many times I've gotten comments that I want to respond to but I have no email.  So I end up going to that journal and answering the question.  GRRRR  it would be so much easier if the email was there.  I hope those that haven't done it will reconsider.
To date I've heard nothing more about the alternate migration set up.  I was told maybe by the beginning of the week.  That is cutting it awful close, and I do hope it works.  If not I will try removing tag requests and doing it the old way.  I just hope they give me the time to do so. 
My shoulder is a bit better.  Still a bit sore when I move it 'this way', so I've decided not to move it like that :)
I have a ton of nervous/excited energy so I'm thinking when the reception starts things will all fall into place and all my little aches and pains will disappear. 
Hope everyone is doing great and I will be around more.. promise
Hugs
~d

Thursday, October 23, 2008

~ They Did it Again ~

Photobucket
Holy Crap!  They did it again.  The boys came back to win in OT.  This was a bizarre game to say the least.  Playing the Wild in MN.  Tough team to play against.  They definitely play the trap and once they get the lead they are extremely hard to score on. 
Dreeeeeeeeeeeeew scored again with about 5 minutes left in the first period.  Pass from Roy, he turns to the backhand.  Shoots it over the shoulder, top shelf where Momma hides the cookies.  Buffalo up 1-0 at the end of one.
Not exactly sure what the hell happened in the second but the boys got a bit lazy.  Didn't fight for the loose puck, back checking was horrible and they had waaaaaaaaay to many odd man rushes.  Miller fought hard to keep us in the game but the boys got lazy attempting to help clear the puck out of the zone.   Second period ends 2-1 with the Wild on top.
Twenty nine seconds into the third.  Miller comes out of the net to clear the puck.  Burns coming fast and hard.  Ryan tries to clear the puck and it tips off Burns stick and into the net.  The disgust and disbelief on Miller's face was evident.  Damn it!  So the boys are down 3-1.  The noose gets tight.  Trap, trap, and more trap.  Gaaaaawd I hate that kind of play.  Makes for boring hockey being played between the blue lines.
Time is ticking down.  Four minutes left in the game.  'Cmon boys, fight hard.  And they do.  Mair is in front of the net and tips a slapshot into the net.  Back in it.  Score 3-2.  Not 46 seconds later Vanek scores again.  Whuuuu huuuu not only did he tie it up he scored in front of what some might say was his hometown crowd.  He's from Austria, but has been in MN since he was 14.  He helped the Gophers win their championship several years ago.  His girlfriend is from there.  Hmmm.. or is it his wife now?  Either way the crowd loves him but not when he is scoring on their boys.  Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo yeap you guessed it we are going to overrrrrrrrrrrrrrtime. 
I run to the restroom and barely get back on the couch in a comfy position.  Forty four seconds into OT, a scramble in front of the net.  Roy scores ending the game.  Buffalo wins 4-3.  Yeah Baby.. that's what I'm talking about!    Seven games and ::knocking on wood:: we haven't lost in regulation.  Out of a possible 14 points the boys have 13.   This without 3 of our starting centers and one of our horses on defense. 
Ok boys... keep it up!!!
Brit... sorry 'bout the Bruins :(  I was cheering for 'em I promise!!

~ Tag Request - Cute Spook ~

I need an email address if you request a tag see note below



****PLEASE READ**** This is very important. Unlike AOL blogger does not give me an email when I receive your comment alert. I never saved addresses in AOL, so I don't have them, or I have no idea who you are as I don't see your AOL username. I must have an email address when you request a tag. If I don't, your request will be ignored. You can make it really easy and go to your blogger profile and include an email address. It's real easy when you log in you have the option to view your profile or you can view your entire profile from your journal. Edit your profile and add an email. AOL or other it doesn't matter. If you don't want to do that you must leave your address in the comment each time you make a request

Photobucket
Expires 10/26 at noon EST
any requests after that time or without an email will be ignored.
If you'd like your name on this please leave a comment letting me know. Please make sure I get your email address.Do not alter tags No resizing, stopping animation, cutting or ripping to add your name, signature, or any other text. If you need help with animation on your blog let me know I will give you directions.
Limit 1.
Graphics are to be used for personal use only. They are not to be used for advertisements or for profit. Thank you for following these terms.
hugs
~d

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

~ We're going to a Shootout ~

Photobucket 
Ok, it should say we went to a shootout.  You all knew it was coming, right?  Yeap that game was last night and it was a blast.  My co-worker got called out of town on business so he gave me both tickets.  YEAH for me!  Now that was a bet to win for sure.  I took my son.   It was so much fun spending the night with him.  We tried to remember the last time we went to a game together.  It's been awhile.  You know how teenagers go through that stage...  'hang with my mother?   Are YOU kidding ME??'   LOL  He's grown past that stage but our schedules aren't always the same.   We did talk about one of the first games we went to together.  Well, it probably was several in to sharing the game together, but they were work tickets and they were 4 rows from the ice at the old arena.  He was a little tike and so excited to be sitting so close.  The old arena was much smaller and you felt like you were on the ice.  When the checks went into the boards the boom of the crash and the movement of the 'wall' made it feel as though they'd fall in on you.  The players could be heard loud and clear.  The look on my sons face as they dropped the 'f bomb' was hysterical and I can still remember how wide his eyes got and how he looked at me as tho to say, 'Mom they just used a bad word.'  We laughed about that and I quickly followed up with, 'now you say it for them.'   The smile was priceless!
Be ready for this.  I left work and drove back to the 'burbs' to pick him up.  As we made our way into the parking lot it was snowing.  Yes I said snowing!  It did not stick as the ground was too warm, but the white stuff was falling.  It would be big flakes, then icey flakes.  I couldn't help but have visions of the snow storm two years ago.  'Is it possible for this to happen again?'   I hoped not as we hurried into the arena.
I decided to use Tep's picture first.  It is so damn good to see him on the ice.  You may remember the player that had to have heart surgery in the beginning of last season.  That's him.  He played one game last year, the last one, but came into this season healthy and ready.  His steadiness on the blue line was surely missed last year and I'm glad to have him back.  I'm glad he is healthy and ok!
Photobucket 
The game started a bit slow.  The boys looked as tho they were skating in mud.  I half expected Boston to come like that.  They played at home the night before and no doubt had to be a bit tired from a hard fought game and then a flight to Buffalo.  I don't care that it's a quick flight, that is a tough schedule to play back to back.   Boston plays a trap type game.  Clogging up the neutral zone and making it difficult for the opposing team to utilize their speed.  Last night started no different. 
About half way through the first period Wideman scored for the Bruins.  The crowd got a bit quiet, and the boys still couldn't find their legs, but they played on.  Trying to get into the offensive zone.  It was tough and the period ended 1-0 and my boys were outshot something like 15-5.  OUCH!
Photobucket 
The second period was more of the same to start.  With about eight minutes left in the period we took a penalty.  We were the only team in the NHL that had gone this far without allowing a power play goal.  I think it was like 24 attempts by the opponents.  Kudo to the guys who are on the kill for holding their ground.  It would be impossible to go an entire season with that record, but it was going to go no further.
Kessel scored and gave the Bruins a 2-0 lead.  Congrats Boston!
Photobucket 
Well, that woke the boys up.  You know what they say about waking the sleeping giant.  Not that the boys are giants, but............    It was about 2 minutes later that MacArthur, while we were on the power play tipped in a shot.  Passed Manny to bring us within one.   The crowd erupted and the cheers went on for several minutes. 
The goal definitely gave the boys life and they came to life.  Play went from end to end with each goalie standing on their head. 
Photobucket 
The second period ended 2-1.  The crowd was buzzing, 'could the boys come back?'   When the third period started it was like a whole new game.  End to end skating, and chances on both ends.   Six minutes into the third Derek Roy made a slight move that froze the Bruins defensemen, he passed the puck to Stafford (see number 21 below) and deeked and dunked.  Got passed the dman, did a few little moves with the puck on his stick that froze Manny and then sent him to the ice.  As Stafford crossed in front of him he had wide open net above him.  SCORE!   The game was tied.  If there were Boston fans in the arena, which there were, you could hear them say, 'that was a wicked, sick goal.'   It was!  I guess Dreeeeeeeeeew decided his first goal of the season was going to be special.  Well, that really isn't fair as he had scored in a shootout in an earlier game, but those goals don't count for their stats.
Photobucket 
The rest of the third was pretty close in both shots and chances, but it ended tied at 2.  Off to overtime we went.  After a small break the teams play 4 on 4 for five minutes or until someone scores.  It can be an exciting part of the game.  Each team earns points at this time.  Loser gets 1, winner gets 2.  Twenty seven seconds left in the overtime period and we get a penalty.  Now I'm not saying it wasn't a penalty but earlier there were several things by both teams that weren't called.  It appeared the officials decided to put their whistles away and let the boys decide.  It wasn't to be, we were going to be shorthanded for the remainder of OT.  Defense was stellar and Miller stood on his head.  The horn blew and we are going to a shootout.
Photobucket 
One on one.  Shooter against goalie.  I am not really thrilled with this portion.  Sure it's exciting, but in my mind it isn't always fair.  I don't think a game should come down to who has more talent on scoring.  It doesn't work this way in the playoffs, so for a little more excitement during the season I'm fine with it.
It starts with 3 shooters per team.  Whoever has more goals when those shooters are down wins.  If it is still tied each team gets to try again.  So the first 2 shooters go.  Stafford scores again for Buffalo.  Krejci for Boston.  Krejci's shot went in and came out so fast it almost looked like Miller stopped it.  Not to be.  The shootout is tied at 1.  Another shooter for each team, neither scores.  Then Vanek (who has scored 7 goals in 5 games thus far is up.)  He has really matured in the last year and has come into his very large contract... even if I disagree with how much $$ the players make.  He comes down the ice and does an old move we've not seen in a while.  He circles the puck with his stick causing the goalie a bit of confusion and uncertainty as to where he may be going.  SCORE!  Manny didn't even see it coming... or so it appeared.  Boston's turn.  Savard has to score to keep the game going.  Miss and it's over.  I'm not sure what he was trying to do.  Miller appeared to give a move of a poke check, but I don't think he hit the puck and Savard lost control.  Game over, Buffalo wins 3-2.   Great game and both teams put their hearts on the ice.
Photobucket 
Brit... had I had more notice about the tickets I'd of contacted you to come. I swear! How cool would that have been? My gaaawd I think we'd have had a blast, and feel free to snag the shots you want you have my permission... just don't leave Chara out :)  I think it's a leftover from when he was with Ottawa but each and everytime he touched the puck the fans boo'ed him.  I know you don't find it funny, but I did as I sat taking pictures of him for you.   LOL  And you were right, Thomas didn't play Manny did. 
It's tough getting shots as they move, and I've not mastered that yet.  The speed is way faster then my shutter knowledge.  That along with all the white...........   I'll get better pictures as I do.  Or at least I hope.
Photobucket 
 DREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWW congrats on that wicked goal!!!!
Photobucket 
'nuff about hockey.. hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I woke up with a sore shoulder this morning and it got more painful as the day went on. I used a warm/hot bed buddy after work and it seems to have helped. No idea what I did to it.. maybe slept funny. These pictures are from my camera, but I did get good news on the other one. I needed some drivers and software so my computer would recognize the camera and let me download the pictures. I got that today, but did not play with it one bit. I will do that tomorrow after work. Hopefully the shoulder will be fine.

Photobucket
Good news on the journal front. Or at least I hope so. Vish did respond on Magic Smoke after my last entry using the comments. Hmmm... think she is reading here too? Either way. Apparently they can't figure out what the issue is but are trying to come up with an alternative. Today I got an email from her asking for my blogger/google account info. Blogger will download my journal from AOL, tweak it, and then put it in into blogger format. Or they will try. She did send emails to several folks, so may I suggest if you are still having issues leave a comment over there so they can try and help you too. Apparently this will be done the beginning of next week. Cutting it close, but hopefully they will know quickly if it will work so I can do something if it doesn't. Again, this is not for me, but for all that are having issues so go over and tell 'em if you are. Then keep your fingers crossed it works.

Hope everyone is good and having a great week.  Off to try and catch up with you all.  
Hugs
~d