~ Tag Request - Gorjuss Winter Friends~

Expires 12/21

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Make your request, but leave an email address.  ** I am completely amazed how many requests I get without an email. If you don't leave an email address I can't send out the tag, sorry **

~ Tag Request - Gorjuss Winter Welcome ~

Expires 12/17/2009

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You must supply an email address along with your request.  No email address no tag.

~ Turkey Day ~

Yeap, we had a few turkey's show up on Thursday :)   Bug was in her silly mood and wanted everyone to make faces.  Can you tell we all listen to her?



Stephan and his girlfriend obliged....  but I know they will kill me when they see this.  LMAO 



The girls too.  Tell me they aren't all just precious!? 



Thanksgiving was wonderful.  Good food and a great family coming together to celebrate.  I think I ate enough for about 10 people.  Ahhhhh but one of the few times a year we can overeat with a somewhat legit excuse. 



Stephan and his girlfriend had a busy day.  She had to work then it was run to her family for dinner and then my sisters for dessert and nibbling on leftovers there.  It was suggested they bring their own tupperware to take some goodies home.  Ohhhhhhhhhh and trust me they did.  Stephan loved the smoked turkey and was just to full to eat anymore.  How much you want to bet it was gone before he went to bed Thursday?



I had some issues with getting pictures, lots were blurry.  One handed sucks, but I will NOT give up.  I did get a few that came out ok and were a bit more serious.  Some are not allowed to be published here.  LOL



You can't tell they are related can you?  No way of getting away from admitting who is family!!



My typical pose with bug...  Gotta love that girl!!



Hope everyone had a great holiday and survived their black Friday shopping if they went.  Me?  Oh hell I stayed as far away from the stores as I could. 

Hugs
~d

~ Tag Request - Gorjuss Tree Farm ~

Expires 12/2/2009

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~ Tag Request - Provocative ~

Expires 11-6-2009

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~ Fall 2009 ~

For those of you stopping by to see if there are pictures of my fall, or the effects it left one me, NOT!  LOL Of course I have pictures of my face and the black and blue marks.  Nose broke and full of stitches.  Eyes discolored and swollen shut, or almost.  The cuts below my lower lip where my teeth busted through.  My arm in a sling.  Ahhhh memories.  Memories that I want to put behind me and not share here. 

The scar on my nose is still pretty obvious.  I go back to the plastic surgeon at the end of the month.  His initial plan was to do a nose job as he wasn't happy with the look.  He, of course, doesn't know from day one I was cursed with the nose from my Mom's side of the family.  It's still pretty swollen so maybe when the swelling goes down it won't be so bad.  Or........ maybe I will go through with it and get a nice little petite nose perfectly shaped.  LOL

I saw the orthopedic Dr. last Wednesday.  He took the brace off but put strict limitations on the movement I'm allowed.  Doesn't matter, I can't do much with it anyway.  It's still pretty sore.  I can type with two hands now and that's a good thing for both work and play.  It does have a dull ache the past couple days.  Like a tooth ache or ear ache.  I can't decide if it's the increased use, the damp cold weather, the healing, or if it's all in my head.  Hmmm no it's not in my head it's in my arm!  I do feel improvement each day so that's a good sign. 

My new job has been great.  I love it!  I feel at home with my co-workers and they've accepted me with open arms.  It's nice to have that.  Not every place makes the 'newbies' feel welcome.  When I started the job I noticed right away the park nearby.  It runs along the Niagara River and goes for several miles.  There is a walking path, so many benches and picnic tables, and when I first started there were boats galore cruising up and down.  I missed boating season more or less when I fell, but I was itching to get to the park to take pictures. 

Every day as I went to work and drove home I would look at the park and imagine where and what I would take pictures of.  I knew I wasn't going to be able to lift my camera and hold it steady to take the shots.  It made me so sad.  I watched as the gorgeous reds, oranges, and maroon like colors fell from their homes on the outstreched branches.  I'd curse and hope that a few would last long enough for me to get my camera in hand. 

Friday morning I decided it was time.  I had to at least try.  I grabbed my camera on the way out the door and hoped the rain would hold off so I could stop at the park on my way home.  I knew there was no way I could lift the camera to my eye to look through the view finder.  My arm was not ready.  I decided I would try to hold it steady and tilt the camera so I could use the LCD viewer.  Holding my arm out in that fashion was doable for a short time.  After a couple seconds my entire arm would shake.  I knew this going in, but wanted... needed.  I know that might sound odd to some but I want my life back.  I know you can't go back, and you have to move forward.  I'm ready to move in that direction.  My head is, my heart is, now I just need my body to cooperate. 

On the way home from work I was a bit giddy.  Like a school girl getting to wear makeup for the first time.  The first dance accompanied by a boy.  I pulled into the first parking section.  Camara out of the case and wiggled my way out of the car.  Keep in mind the only arm really working is the right one.  I have to lean across to open the door.  Push as hard as I can to have the door open enough to get out.  I have a whole little routine that I've been following for weeks.  I'm use to it, but it doesn't make it any easier, any less of a pain in the ass! 

I stood with camera ready to go and felt the twitching and aching as I tried to focus in.  For a split second I felt tears in my eyes.  Not because of the pain, but because I didn't think I was going to be able to do it.  I gritted my teeth and kept trying.  Finally 'snap'!  I reviewed the picture and thought, 'yuck!  I moved and it's so blurry.'  I tried again, and again, and again.  The more I tried the better the pictures came out.  Not as crisp and clear as I wanted but they were coming out.  More tears... these ones of joy.

The sun was setting and I knew my time was limited.  I wanted to capture all the pictures I'd imagined in my head for weeks.  The Grand Island Bridge.  The dual bridges crossing the Niagara River to the island and then, of course, they are on the otherside of the island leading to Niagara Falls.  As I looked towards the bridge from the park I could see the sun setting.  The sky turning pink, red, and orange as the sun peeked through the clouds.  The slight hill in front of me blocked some of the view, but the sky was stunning.  I wish I could have captured the colors a bit better.  :::sigh:::

This black and white shot had been in my head for weeks.  It was harder to get then I thought.  The angle, the construction equipment stored at the base.  I worked around it and love the way it came out.  I will do this one again when I'm steadier.

All in all I'm happy with the results.  I'm proud of myself for not giving up, giving in.  I probably could have used one of these for the Photo Challenge, but I already posted one.  Don't forget to stop by and see the other entries.  Hell, pick up your camera and give it a shot you still have time!! 

One shout out to my boys.  They shit the bed horribly last night, but they have started the season very well.  Way to go Sabres!!  I am waiting on confirmation of my ticket purchase.  Stephan's girlfriend has her birthday coming up.  The past two years were tainted with ill health in my family.  First my sisters passing.  Two years and I still miss her every minute of every day.  Then last year my scare with the heart attack and triple by-pass.  This year I'm taking her, Stephan, and her mom to a hockey game.  Hell or high water we will be there! 

Enjoy your Sunday everyone!

Hugs

~d

~ Happy Halloween ~

I pulled up to my sisters tonight to see the kids before they went out trick or treating. You know I had to try and get pictures. One handed or not I had to have some shots of them all dressed up. Anyway, this was the view from her backyard. Gorgeous! Vibrant colors that I didn't even come close to capturing. As I snapped the shot I could think nothing but of how this must be a sign for better days to come. A year ago today is when I started feeling ill. Within days I had triple by-pass and there was the start of my issues.

I'm doing great, trust me. Before my fall I was up and at 'em. Today I'm in good shape and starting to get the use of my left arm back. The Dr. took off the brace on Wednesday with strict instructions to lift nothing more then a pencil. I'm behaving, trust me. Today with the cold and damp air it ached like a toothache, but I know I'm definitely getting better.

So, this rainbow.. my sign.....

AAAhhhh Gage... our little Jason :) He's attacking grandma's decorations....

Jason again... loved the shadows behind him..

Uncle Jeff... LOL notice Jason behind him?

One more for good measure...

Can you guess? A little Diva.... LMAO

Just too freaking cute if you ask me... wish it was clearer.. one handed sucks!

Another... good measure.. ya know?

So all in all the day was good... I'm good. I'm not around like I use to be... I'm trying. I'm absolutely beat by the time I get home from work. I do hope everyone is good and had a wonderful Halloween...

~hugs

~ Tag Request - Gorjuss Fall Day ~

Expires 10/27/2009

Limit 1

Remember no email address left with request, no tag. 

~ Community Photo Challenge - The Colors of Autumn ~

Our challenge this month is "The Colors of Autumn"

Be creative if you do not have the typical autumn that New Yorkers have. We will be giving you a FULL month to find some AUTUMN images. Have fun. Post your photos on your blog, go here & leave your link.
The Challenge starts today (Oct. 15) & ends on Nov. 15th. The each challenge will be posted on the 15th of every month.
Don't forget to check out the other entries :)

::waving::  I'm thrilled the photo challenge has started back up.  I'm only saddened that I have not been able to get pictures.  I've cheated a bit, this is from last year.  You may or may not know, but I fell back in Sept.  I broke my nose and cut it wide open.  I broke ribs, and I broke my humurous bone.  Trust me nothing humurous about it.  I'm ok and healing each day but my arm is still in the brace and I can't lift my left arm, so I can't hold my camera.  Damn it!  I didn't want to miss out on this challenge so I went into my archives.

This beauty is from Letchworth State Park.  Now get your picture and join in!  :)

~ Tag Request - Trick or Treat ~

Expires 10/27/2009

Limit 1

No email address left with your request no tag

~ Tag Request- Gorjuss Teapot ~

Expires 10/22/09

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No email address, no tag. 

I know it's fall, but I could not resist this scrap kit :)

~ Tag Request - Folklore ~

Expires 10/10/2009

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Leave the name you are requesting be added and an email in comments.

REMEMBER - No email no tag! Some have missed out because they failed to leave an email.

~ Relaxing Sunday ~

:::waving::: Yeah I made it back before to much time passed....  :)  Hope everyone is doing good.  I'm hanging in there.  My arm is still in the brace and it is pretty sore.  I've been told by the doc I will need the brace at least 6 weeks.  Thank God my sister lives with me.  Since I can't lift my arm I need her to help me get dressed.  She also takes care of the contraption of a brace.  It comes off for showers and to change the dressing/cloth underneath.  I'd never be able to do it on my own.  The surgery on my nose went fine.  I had all the packing removed a week after the surgery and it was a 100% improvement.  I can breath... I can smell.   Whuuu huuuu

I did go back to work this week as well.  It took a lot out of me, but they've been wonderful and very supportive.  I'm glad this job came along and I'm extremely glad I accepted.  With all the bad things that have happened this is really really good!

The weekend was spent pretty much relaxing... I needed it and to be honest deserved it after a 'hard' week.  I want to thank everyone for all the good wishes, prayers and support.  Thank you!

Hugs

~d

~ Tag Request - Gorjuss Fall Farm ~

Expires 10/10/2009

Limit 1

Leave the name you are requesting be added and an email in comments.

REMEMBER - No email no tag!  Some have missed out because they failed to leave  an email.

~ Tired ~

First, let me say my nose surgery on Wed. went well.  I have a follow up on Tuesday and I hope at that time he will remove the tubes in my nostrils and the sinus pressure will be releaved.  My ribs feel good.  My arm... :::sigh::: not so great.  I can finally see my knuckles as the swelling there has gone down.  My forearm is still a bit puffy and black and blue.  I will be in the air cast for a few more weeks, and I know it's better then having surgery and a plate put in, but this sucks.  My arm has no mobility and I have a few sores from the pressure points and the little rubbing which cannot be helped.  I called the Dr. with my concerns but so far status qou.  The cast stays on.  Working one handed sucks big time!  My new employer has been great.  Virtually no questions asked, and I go back tomorrow.

BUT.... I'm tired!

Tired of putting on the happy face........

of having folks tell me how strong I am when I'm a whimp and tired of it all.

Tired of having to have constant help

washing my hair.... taking a shower...

Thank God I can wipe my own ass!!!

I'm tired of being sick

of being tired

For the past 10 months my life has drastically changed and been in turmoil.  I finally had things going my way... and poof.  WTF!?!?   Can I get back to my old life now????

I know folks have it worse... I feel bad for whining... for feeling sorry for myself....

BUT DAMN IT....I'M TIRED!!!

~ OOppps ~

Short and sweet, typing one handed....since the cat is out of the bag... sort if... Nancy touched on it briefly on her blog. I'll fill you in. Most know I have diabetic neuropathy in my left foot and minimal movement in the left ankle. I've been a bit confident and/...or cocky when walking. The other night I lost my balance. I tried to catch myself and failed miserably. I have a humerus fracture (bone between shoulder and elbow), a broken rib, and my face is busted up. Will need surgery on my nose when the swelling goes down (7-10 days). The arm is the most painful... and it is not humorous.. ok bad joke! I'll be fine in a few days. Really embarrassed tho.


Tag requests will be sent out... I just need a few days. Did get requests with no email so they have been deleted from my in box, as I can't hunt you down. If it's you, request again with name..which tag and an email and I will get them out ASAP. Please put it on correct entry or it will be deleted.  I will extend the expiration until 9/16 but after that I'm sorry your loss. You'll need to watch going forward. Thanks for understanding.


Hugs
~d

~ Tag Request - Awareness ~

Expires 9/12/09

Because of the subject matter limit will be 3

Remember you need to include your email. Don't forget to tell me which one you want and what name goes where if you are doing multiple requests.

Hugs

~d

PS these are less then 410 wide so they should fit in all blog templates.

~ Tag Request - Like to Fly ~

Expires 9/13/2009

Limit 1

You should know the drill by now.  Include an email address or you tag cannot be delivered.

hugs

~d

~ Terrible Blogger... Horrible Friend ~

OMG!  That title is so true.  I have a million excuses.  I hate the way blogger uses graphics, or how the animation is always distorted.  The way it freezes up while I'm in google reader regardless of what browser I'm using.  How comments never go through unless I try a gazillion times.  How I just haven't been able to get into it since I went through all my shit.  I've been playing way too much in Facebook because it's faster, easier, and most of the time more user friendly.  EXCUSES!   I suck!  I am so sorry....  really I am.  I do care about you...  believe or don't......

I've actually been doing good.  Great really.  Yeah I got laid off from my job of 17 years.  I never cried, never got mad.  Felt nothing really.  I've had a blast.  Summer arrived for a few weeks and I enjoyed the time like you would not believe.  I decided after a couple weeks I should buckle down and job hunt.  I started the job hunt by shopping.  LMAO!   Well....  I needed clothes to wear on the interviews, ya know?   That in itself was so much fun.  Shopping off the racks and rarely needing to try things on.  Good Gaawd I love it!!

I sent out a few resumes.  Then it happened.  I was contacted by a few companies. 

I won't go into too much information, but I had an interview and it felt good.  I thought I'd be nervous, but I wasn't.  It was very natural.  I must have done something right because they called me back the next day to come back.  I did and wow!  An offer was made.  I counter and it all worked out.  I am making more then I did before.  I'm still in sales and the bonus/commission structure is wonderful.  I am confident it won't be long and I will be on the right path.  The $$$ path.  LOL   So, yeap, I accepted and start on Wed.  I'm so excited.

So there you have it.  I am hoping to get into a routine and get back on the blogger path.  I hope you'll all forgive me and work with me to get things back on track.  I've missed you all!

Hugs

~d

~ 17 years + ~

 

::waving::  Hi folks!  It's been waaaaaaaaaaay too long.   I've been running a little bit here and there and just didn't have the pazazz to write.  

My vacation was great.  My friend came in from Tampa and we had an absolute ball.   Site seeing, catching up with family.. both hers and mine.  It has been over 10 years since we saw each other!  Too freaking long! 

 

It was nice having the time off, but unfortunately it was cut short.  Way to short!!  On Friday I was called at home and asked to come back a day early from my vacation.  I sure as hell knew that wasn't good but all I could do was wait it out.  Can you say long weekend?

My friend was still here and we had plans to attend a few functions and I didn't let my nerves spoil the fun.  Or at least I tried not to.

 

So Monday morning came.  I dressed for work knowing this wasn't going to be good.  Within an hour of my arrival I was called to human resources.  Yeap, you got it.  After 17 years at the company, giving blood, sweat, and tears, literally I was laid off.  I sat there in shock.  I wasn't alone but I was surprised that I was one of the chosen few.  How could that be?   Numbers don't lie and at the risk of sounding a bit cocky I was the producer and had the most seniority. 

No use crying about it, nothing will change.  The decision was made and I will never be told the criteria.  I got a severance package and they hooked me up with a transition company that will help get me up to date on resumes and interview skills.  I will most definitely take advantage and already have!

I've got a couple irons in the fire and believe it or not a former co-worker called me today to try and hook me up.  I will be calling his new company tomorrow. 

I don't want to get ahead of myself so I will ask that you send good vibes my way.  I could use 'em!

So all in all I am doing ok.  Not great, but ok.  I will no doubt become nervous as time goes on but right now................. I'm ok.

I had the day free today and decided to follow through on some suggestions from many to sell my photographs.  I will never make a living at it... but it can't hurt.   I'd love for you to stop by and check it out.   If interested in any that I've posted already feel free.  If not, no hard feelings, but could you share the link?  Pimp the site if you would? You never know :)  Photo's by D's Designs

Thanks folks as always I appreciate your support, good wishes, and friendship!!!  

hugs

~d

~ Strawberry Fields......... Forever?~

....not if this guy has anything to say.   Some of you may remember that a while back I posted on how my landlord had planted a patch of strawberries in the backyard.   This morning before I left for work this was the sight I saw.   This guy jumped the chain link fence to get to the plants.  There are no berries as it was too late when they went in, but damn he pulled root and all out.   Lucky for him you can't shoot a firearm or he'd be dinner one night. 

Thanks for all the nice comments on my last entry.  I haven't been spammed again.. not yet anyway.  GRRR I wish folks would just grow up....  auto poster or not someone set it up and it's so immature.  What purpose does it serve?  Really.  If any of my readers were or are into porn I'm sure they already have their favorite free sites.  LMAO!!  Terri your tantum had me in stitches.  You are such a good friend :)  Thank you!

Today I had a bunch of emails that were unsubscribing from my blog.  Everyone was an AOL email address.  It says ISP requested and it appears some were folks that I haven't seen on line in ages so maybe their mailboxes are full.  Not sure.  If you're still interested in getting alerts and haven't you may want to subscribe again.  AOL at it's finest.  GRRRRR

Picked my girlfriend up at the airport last night.  She is in town for 2 weeks from Tampa.  She'll be staying at my house next week.  Should be fun.  For now I need to get sleep.  It was after 2:30am when I got home from dropping her off and my old bod is tired.  

Be good all........... and thank you!

hugs

~d

 

So it's Sunday............  the last few days I've logged in to check mail.  What a sight...  an unbelievable amount of mail from blogger with comments.  Wow!  What the hell happened here...  as I went through it, nothing but spam.  Characters instead of comments.  I spent lots of time removing them.  The next day, I log in for mail and again.  WTF!?!  I leave them alone.  Now everyday I log in and again and again.  I've left them.  Don't bother clicking on the link connected with their name it takes you to a porn site.  Or something.. I didn't stay long enough to really figure it out.  It's in Chinese.  I do some investigative work and no one from China or even close has visited.  What do I find?   I find hours spent on my site, visiting page after page after page.   One user from MA and one from CA, or that is what the url suggests.  No comments from either area that I can see.  Deduction?  Someone has way to much freakin time on their hand and no life.  Why waste their valuable time doing that?  Like anyone goes back into my archives to read comments on click on the suggested link?  Ok some will now that I've written about it, but in general no one does that.  Do they?  I've spent more then enough of my time looking into it and believe my I was not at all happy with what I found.  Disturbing.  Well what wasn't disturbing is I realized I actually must have a life.  So I've added back the word verification.  Not that I post much, but for those that actually comment with legit words, I'm sorry.   I am contimplating letting this blog sit dorment for a bit. I won't go private. Very few readers stop by here, and tags seem to becoming a thing of the past. I don't write like I did in the past so what is the use really?

I've recovered nicely from the reunion.  It was a blast and I'm looking forward to the next one.  I've spent some time going through facebook and looking at all the pictures.  Makes me laugh each and every time I see one.  Gaawd we were pretty immature.  LOL   Feel free to look me up on facebook.  I'm thinking I will probably be spending more time over there.  I really think all the changes here in blogger has taken the fun out of it.  Pictures don't post nicely.  Sporadically my tags show the animation but not always...  it's time consuming and I think it sucks.   When I have a few minutes I may look around for a more user friendly blog spot.  Maybe I won't...  

Hope everyone is doing well.  Sorry I've not been by.  I've had issues with blogs opening, allowing me to comment, you name it... no matter if I'm on AOL's browser, explorer, or firefox.....  I've tried from work and other PC's so it's not me....

Know I am thinking about you tho

Hugs

~d

~ Tag Request - Happy Camper ~

Expires 7/20/09 at noon

Yes I extended because I'm not here as often
Limit 1
All requests must be in before the expiration date. An email address is required so I can send you your tag.
No email, no tag... sorry.
Please make sure files are saved as a .gif to keep the animation.
Do not cut, rip, or edit my tags Resizing is editing. I've cut the size so they should fit in your blog just fine.
Do not claim as your own
For personal use only

~ Freaking Blast ~

 

Holy crap!  What a weekend!!  My reunion was a blast!   Friday night we had dinner and live music.  I arrived a bit early to do last minute set up and then night flew by.   Friends I haven't seen in 30 years.  Some I've seen here and there along the way of life, but damn if it wasn't good to see everyone. 

After the formal part of the evening we went back to a girlfriends house and had a bon fire in her back yard.  Before I knew it was after 3 and I couldn't believe I was still awake and ready to go.  We sat around the fire snacking, having a bit to drink telling stories and laughing our asses off.  It was as though we were back in the day only this time we didn't have to hide.  

 

We had to call it a night as there was another big day on Saturday.  By about 10 am it was raining cats and dogs.  I held off packing the car so not to get drenched.  One shower before I got there was enough.  It did let up and we headed to the park balloons in tow to hang with the signs so folks could find us.  The rain stopped long enough for us to get to the shelter and unload the car.  It came down for a bit again but the sun did break through and the day turned out to be fabulous!!

 

After the park we headed out to a local carnival.  The beer tent was the goal but we only last about 20-30 minutes.  It was a mob scene and we couldn't find anyone even if we wanted.  There was a group of about 7 and if it wasn't for the guys we'd have never even hooked up.  Good thing they were 6 foot or so :)   We walked across the street to the bar and continued are celebrating.  It was well after midnight by the time I got home.  Can you say tired?   Holy shit!  Today I looked in the mirror once and vowed not to do it again.  My sides were sore from laughing.  The whites of my eyes were red.  The veins were like blood.  Not a good sign.  The bags?  Well the out of towners could have used them to pack their belongings for the trip back to their home.  It was not pretty.   Other then being a bit tired I was fine.  I just don't think I will be pulling a week like this past one anytime soon.  It was a freakin blast tho.

 

A few good friends came in from out of town and it was so good to catch up.  Can I say, once a crush always a crush?   Too funny....   Of course gone now and nothing will transpire but it was fun to flirt for a bit.  I'll let you figure out who....   or which...   I have a few more pictures up on facebook.. feel free to stop by.  You'll see the smiles, the silliness, and yes, the immaturity!   Ahhhhh it's good to let your hair down tho.

It's been one helluva weekend and I have to work in the am so it's going to be an early night.  Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Hugs

~d