rocknhorse's blog

millbrook road fire
WRAL's Sky 5 helicopter crew filmed some amazing footage of the battle the Raleigh Fire Dept. fought yesterday.  Sadly, the story ends in tragedy and my heart goes out to the family and friends...
Sep. 16, 2009

what to do? what to do?
For the past two years, we have worked our buns off building a house.  Two summers of no travelling and little vacation b/c there was just too much work to do.  When I had a rare day off,...
Aug. 25, 2009

i'm back!
Wow!  What a ride.  I thought we were busy with building a house.  I had NO IDEA what was in store once we finally moved.   We've been getting the old house fixed up and ready...
Aug. 23, 2009

all creatures great and small?
I'm a live and let live kind of person.  I have no problems with most creatures and certainly none with those creatures in their own environment.  Sure, I draw the line when they enter into...
Jul. 21, 2009

welcome home rocknhorse family!
We're here!! At long last, we have finally stayed in the new house for 2 nights.  It's WONDERFUL!!  So quiet and peaceful.  I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my new shower!  And...
Jul. 14, 2009

what?!!?
Wassup?
Jul. 7, 2009

my july 4th week
I just love Lake Gaston.  My husband's family has owned a place there since the late 1960s.  They have been going every summer and I've been joining them since we started dating in '85. ...
Jul. 6, 2009

so this is how to relax!!
AHHHH!!! I had forgotten what it meant to relax. We have worked so hard these past two years that relaxation to me meant falling asleep in front of the tv on my comfy chair at 10:30 pm. But NO!!! That...
Jun. 29, 2009

best kisses of all
EDIT: This is a repost!  With the wake today and funeral tomorrow, my family and I have been recalling stories and happy memories.  I thought I'd share this again. ...
Jun. 21, 2009

goodbye
Beauty cannot be measured by physical attributes.  To do so, you miss the true beauty that comes from within. As I look on her face, I see the sparkle in her eyes that hints at a life full...
Jun. 19, 2009

name calling!
An earlier blog has left me thinking today.  Here on GOLO, I find a lot of good, healthy discussion on various topics.  More often than not, I find that there can be and occassionally IS good...
Jun. 17, 2009

"name that farm"
OK Golo Family, I know how much everyone likes a good contest.  So I'm offering an opportunity, but the catch is, I'll be the winner.  This is meant to be fun, but we will be registering and...
Jun. 13, 2009

house: finishing touches
With our Certificate of Occupancy in hand, we are still trying to finish up the little details to make the house a home.  We finally got the shutters in and we installed them yesterday.  I'm...
Jun. 12, 2009

house: latest update
Sorry, I'm on the laptop and do not have access to my photos.  But I just wanted to give everyone the update! I have 3 words to say....   CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY!!!!!!   WOOO...
Jun. 9, 2009

every day heroes
I heard that the fire department would be doing a controlled burn for a training exercise on a house approximately a block from my home.  With people lined up to watch - many kicked back...
Jun. 7, 2009

house: still waiting...
Well, we are still waiting on our porch rails.  Hopefully today will be the day!  We did get our conditional power - which has been turned on.  It's so nice having those fans running...
May. 28, 2009

house: conditional power
Just a quick note!  We had the inspector out today to inspect the electrical, plumbing and hvac.  We applied for (and received) conditional power.  That means that tomorrow, Progress...
May. 21, 2009

house: almost done!
It's getting close, everyone!  Inside the house, we are 15 spindles shy of having ALL the painting completed!!  We still plan to add 2 more coats of polyurethane on the floors, but that won't...
May. 16, 2009

good morning!
I have coffee brewing!  Maxwell House, French Roast.  Anyone need a cup?
May. 8, 2009

good morning everyone!
I logged on this morning and didn't see Sandra's blog.  Nor did I see a "Coffee break" blog!  Where is everyone? Hellooooo!!! *voice echoing*
May. 1, 2009

beauty behind scars or wrinkles
Apr. 20, 2009

killdeer eggs are hatching
Not long ago, I posed a question in a blog about a bird who chose to build its nest along the edge of our driveway.  I found her nest purely by accident as I was walking and...
Apr. 12, 2009

house: still working
Just a very quick update.  We are down to the final push before we finish the house.  The plumber (Chris Massey - wonderful man and exceptional professional!!!) was out yesterday to...
Apr. 10, 2009

raising a "perfectionist"
I knew it early.  When my daughter was just 18 months old, I saw the signs and knew it wouldn't be easy.  As she sat in her high chair, at the table, coloring a picture from a coloring book,...
Mar. 4, 2009

house: full circle
Well, we have finally made it full circle!  When we began this house project, the first order of business was dismantling the stair rails to prep the house for the grand move.  This past week...
Feb. 21, 2009

house: floors
For those who have followed this project from the beginning, you may remember my frustrations over the hardwood floors.  For those who have only recently learned of this monstrous project...
Jan 25, 2009

for better or for worse?
I've been talking with some folks, watching and observing, and it's made the think.  A lot!  Yesterday gave me a lot of "what if" scenarios.  Such as; WHAT IF, after...
Jan 24, 2009

oops! sorry! wrong number!
I woke this morning to my phone ringing.  When I answered it, a friendly voice on the other end said; Voice: Good morning!  How are you today? Me: (smiling) I'm well!  Hope...
Jan 19, 2009

house: tile, hardwoods and misc. stuff
It's tough to choose which picture to put with this blog.  There has been so much going on inside the house and it's all looking great. We were originally going to install the tile ourselves,...
Jan 9, 2009

merry christmas eve!
When I log off this morning, I probably won't log back in until after Christmas!  I just wanted to wish everyone a SAFE and HAPPY holiday!  Hope Santa is good to everyone! 
Dec 24, 2008

house: update. let the frustrations begin!
I've missed being on here and keeping up with everyone, but we have been incredibly busy at the house.  We have the tile floors installed in the master bath and the other full bath, as well as...
Dec 23, 2008

house: painting
We finally began putting paint on the walls.  What a chore that's been.  The painting itself is a piece of cake, but trying to select colors...I'm no decorator or designer, so that has been...
Dec 6, 2008

house-horses, home at last
Well, we finally did it.  We got the pasture as ready as possible for right now and we moved the horses.  The pasture is not nearly big enough for them (or at least as big as I want it for...
Nov 27, 2008

house: updates and misc. stuff
I know, that picture is not of the house.  But it was taken near the house, so I'll count it.  One of the things I love about the area is the natural beauty, including the wild life. ...
Nov 10, 2008

i can't stand a bully!
Wake County schools really confuse me.  They take such a stand on some issues, then ignore other (more dangerous) issues.  I just don't understand it at all.  I'll try to be brief. When...
Oct 31, 2008

how about those phillies !!!
Rocknhorse doing the happy dance!! Duke_blue_for_lyfe - WOO HOO!!!!!!!   Had to send a shout out to you !!!! 
Oct 30, 2008

chicken soup for lunch
Mmm... I just finished a bowl of the BEST chicken soup (in my opinion anyway)! Two nights ago, I cooked a roaster in the oven.  I filled the cavity with onions and fresh celery.  I rubbed...
Oct 20, 2008

a kitchen to cook in!
Things are still coming together.  We have been focussing on the kitchen lately.  My plan all along had been to keep the original cabinets, which we did.  We went through many design...
Oct 12, 2008

foggy morning sunrise
On the way to school one morning recently, we took this photo.  I thought it was very pretty and just wanted to share!  Good morning to everyone!  Hope your day is filled with...
Oct 11, 2008

good morning!
Did I miss the good morning/coffee blog?  Good Friday morning everyone!  I have the coffee.  I can offer cereal or cinamin toast for breakfast.   
Oct 10, 2008

giggle
Umm.... Giggle!! That's all!  Just giggle.  Guess what???  
Oct 8, 2008

what if you don't agree with your church?
In a previous blog on a completely different topic, someone brought up religion.  In all fairness, I know (pretty sure anyway) where that statement was coming from and I'm not looking...
Oct 4, 2008

bail out plan: something to consider
I just received the following email and wanted to share.  Makes you think, doesn't it?   ************************* I’m against the $85,000,000,000.00...
Sep 24, 2008

"what if someone calls my mama __?"
One of my favorite movie scenes is from Roadhouse, with Patrick Swayze.  For those not familiar, he plays a bouncer (Dalton) and is hired to clean up a dive bar.  He is explaining to...
Sep 24, 2008

house: dry wall almost complete
We continue to make our baby steps toward completion of this project.  With the exception of the garage and around the tub and shower, dry wall is hung and we have two coats of tape/mud applied. ...
Sep 20, 2008

disability rights group sues wake school board
The complaint, filed Tuesday morning, alleges that two children with autism were improperly restrained in class, including one in handcuffs, at Carroll Middle School in Raleigh.  For the...
Sep 16, 2008

another blog about "racism"
Editted to make it shorter! I have debated with myself these past couple of days about whether or not I should post this blog.  In light of the blogs today, I figure I might as well. I...
Sep 16, 2008

after the storm
I slept like a log last night.  The sound of the rain and wind was actually quite soothing.  I woke this morning, relieved to see that everything seemed to be in order.  No damage in...
Sep 6, 2008

outhouse
Ma was in the kitchen cooking some viddles, when  she hollers out.  'Pa, did you go out and fix the outhouse'!    Pa replies, 'There ain't nuthin wrong with the ...
Aug 28, 2008

anyone have a tornado story?
With the weather in an uproar today and the earlier threat of tornadoes, I saw several who expressed some form of excitement over the weather.  I'll admit, I also get excited to a degree with 'threatening'...
Aug 27, 2008

missing dad!
Below is life lesson 12 from the list Shoultesy's blogged from the Dali Lama  12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.  ********************************** Tomorrow...
Aug 24, 2008

i always seem to get the last word
I don't know why, but it seems that I always make the last post on a blog - or if I post, it's not noticed.  Am I THAT boring?  ;-P  It's OK, you can be honest!  I can take it! C'mon...
Aug 24, 2008

holly springs eases water restrictions
Customers can now use sprinklers and irrigation systems three times a week according to a schedule. Customers are still not allowed to wash cars or use power washers.  ---------------------------------------------------- You...
Aug 24, 2008

historic homes moved for downtown project
The Merrimon Wynne House and the Hume House were moved from their North Wilmington Street addresses as part of the Blount Street Commons Project, designed to revitalize a historic section of downtown...
Aug 23, 2008

dogtown: saving michael vick's pit bulls
A previous blog reminded me of the commercial I saw on Nat. Geo channel last night.  Friday, Sept. 5 at 9pm, this show will be featuring and showing the rehabillitation journey of 4...
Aug 23, 2008

goodbye, summer
I can't believe summer is down to it's final weekend.  Makes me kind of sad.  The kids will begin school Monday and they are looking as forward to it as would be expected.  We have spent...
Aug 22, 2008

lizh at mvp
I just got back from MVP's in Raleigh (New Hope Church Road).  They had open mic night and I went to see Lizh perform.  WOW!  She was excellent!  She has a very soulful, bluesy voice. ...
Aug 22, 2008

female "male chauvinist"?
I write this blog with some hesitancy b/c it's about someone very close to me.  Not that I expect the person to ever read it, and not that I haven't shared my feelings with this person, but I wouldn't...
Aug 21, 2008

what's the most daring thing you've done?
I know this has been done before, but it's always a good conversation piece.  In your life, what is the most daring, outrageous, risky, or just brave thing you've done.  There are no...
Aug 19, 2008

house, dry wall nearing completion
For those who are interested, here's the latest progress on the house. While we did change the outside appearance pretty drastically, our goal all along was to keep the inside looking and feeling...
Aug 17, 2008

our mini-vacation to outer banks
It was QUITE the experience, let me tell you!  We left Thursday morning for our camping trip to the KOA in Rodanthe.  The kids were ALMOST as excited as my husband and I!  ;-D ...
Aug 12, 2008

cape hatteras
I cannot WAIT for tomorrow morning!  We are packing up the camper tonight and our plan is to wake in the morning, shower, and then pull out on our way to Cape Hatteras KOA!  This is a last...
Aug 6, 2008

found treasure???
Who among us never dreamed when we were kids of finding a hidden treasure?  I know I did and stories like this always pique my interest.  I don't know whether it's true or not (yes, I looked...
Aug 2, 2008

house: kitchen is coming together
This is the one room in the house that we didn't see eye-to-eye!  It wasn't that we disagreed (much), but just that I could see in my mind what I wanted.  My husband just could not see it. ...
Jul 31, 2008

stay inside, stay cool
I just came back in from unloading a shipment of horse feed (2000 lbs).  All I can say is if you don't have to be outside, stay in.  It's hotter than hades out there.  Hubby is working...
Jul 22, 2008

more updates
It was a very tiring weekend, but we have almost all the dry-wall installed in the ceilings upstairs.  Not bad since we only had 2 adults, 3 kids on Saturday and 3 adults working on Sunday. ...
Jul 21, 2008

update on uncle
It was a long day at the waiting room yesterday, but all seems to be well.  The surgeon talked to the family and said that the surgery went very well.  He was able to fix both places. ...
Jul 19, 2008

the real me!
I'm late to these blogs, but hopefully not TOO late!  So, this is the "real" me.  I say that in quotes b/c lately, the real me has been in work clothes, pony tail and covered...
Jul 18, 2008

prayer requests
I'm sending out a request for prayers.  We learned yesterday that a member of our family had a brain aneurism.  He is at the hospital and stabalized.  They tried to do a procedure yesterday,...
Jul 17, 2008

house: oh my aching back!!!
For those who may be interested, let me be the first to extend a hearty GOOD JOB to those who do dry wall.  This has been the biggest challenge yet, BUT I'm happy to report that it's coming along...
Jul 16, 2008

doing the happy dance
After a quick visit to the house yesterday, we discovered that WE PASSED the insulation inspection as well as framing.  So all of our rough-in is now complete.  Next step, dry wall. ...
Jul 8, 2008

the old shoe
As always, we had a great time at Lake Gaston.  Fishing was GREAT.  I caught the first fish of the week.  Nothing huge, about 2 lbs, but still the first catch.  My son caught a good...
Jul 7, 2008

happy birthday golo!
To everyone I met today, it was GREAT getting to meet you and talk in person!  I wish there had been more time to get to know each of you better but I'm glad for the opportunity that we had! ...
Jul 1, 2008

house: insulated!
We got the OK from the Jo. Co. Inspection that we could begin insulation.  We'd thought about doing this ourselves, but changed our mind.  Boy am I glad we did!!!  We hired Tatum Insulation...
Jul 1, 2008

house: closer every minute
OK, so I couldn't stand it.  I had to post this picture.  I wanted to wait until that last little bit was finished around the oval.  That replacement window was supposed to be delivered...
Jun 25, 2008

house: we're completely baffled!
Bwahahaha!!!! Sorry, I just couldn't resist that.  I think I'm getting a bit punchy between the house, work, trying to find family time, ....    One of the things we were...
Jun 25, 2008

surprise visitor
Last night, before going to bed, we had a surprise visitor.  Every night, before going to bed ,we let Abby (our lab) out to take care of her business.  If the evening is nice,...
Jun 23, 2008

latest phone scam?
I haven't snoped this yet, but thought I'd forward in any case.  Whether or not it's true, it never hurts to be reminded to stay on your toes when it comes to giving your personal information out...
Jun 17, 2008

house: we passed!
We had our re-inspection today for electrical, mechanical and exterior.  All three passed.  Our siding was delivered today, so installation will begin monday.  We got our logs...
Jun 13, 2008

house: inspection
*whimper* I had this blog all typed out and ready to post, hit the wrong key and lost it.  *sigh* Long story short, we had our rough-in inspection and exterior inspection yesterday. ...
Jun 11, 2008

survived the heat
UGH!!!  It was H..O..T  today!  We have our rough-in and exterior inspections scheduled for tomorrow, so we were at the house all day finishing up the last little bit of work.  We...
Jun 9, 2008

school awards-proud mom!
My daughter's school had their Nine Week Awards ceremony today.  She was very excited because she knew she was getting a P.E. Award.  However, she was a bit concerned because there was no...
Jun 5, 2008

victim of drunk driver? long blog
During a blog posted by Caffe Latte Tootsie Hottee, she asked the following question; "Has anyone here ever been the victim of a drunk driver or had family or friends that were a victim of...
Jun 5, 2008

house: still moving forward
Slowly but surely, we are making progress on the house.  We have had the doors, but could not install them until our front porch was repaired.  That was finally done this week and I'm happy...
Jun 2, 2008

i'm getting too old!
The league where my son plays had a "Ball Day" yesterday.  This happens every Spring and concludes with a Mom's game.  This season, we played Moms vs. the kids.  I play to the...
Jun 1, 2008

bone appetit bakery
As many of you already know, we were given the opportunity to participate in a 'taste testing' of gourmet dog treats from Bone Appetit Bakery!  We were very pleased to do this and promised to blog...
May 23, 2008

who's thinking of you and what do they think?
As Thumper in the movie "Bambi" puts it, "If you don't have anything nice to say...don't say anything at all!"  To quote Hokie 94, hopefully this blog will feel "like sending...
May 18, 2008

power of positive statements
So here is a project that each of my kids have done at school and it's always refreshing.  The idea is you have to say one nice thing about everyone in class.  Negative comments are not allowed. ...
May 17, 2008

getting in shape?
OK goloers!  I have a serious question for you all. My dr says I need to be doing weight bearing exercise.  Osteoporosis runs in my family and I want to do whatever I can to make sure...
May 14, 2008

dog whisperer: part 1-a
If you saw my blog earlier today, you already know that I've been reading Cesar Millan's book "Cesar's Way."  I've also been watching the show "The Dog Whisperer" on tv.  I...
May 12, 2008

dog whisperer
As you know, I have horses and if you've read many of my blogs/comments, I train them using 'gentle and natural' training techniques.  That is, I try to consider how horses interact in a herd...
May 12, 2008

my mother's day
My day began by sleeping in late (8:30).  This was a HUGE treat for me as I'm normally up at 5:45 am to get my kids to school.  My husband has been working extremely hard and he...
May 11, 2008

take it easy on my today!
OK guys!  Ya'll take it easy on me today.  I'm working on just a few hrs of sleep.  The storms and imminent tornado weather kept me up last night b/c my husband was out working in it...
May 9, 2008

my name is rocknhorse...and i'm gullible
Whoda thunk it?  Me?  Gullible?  Well I guess I am and I have to admit it.  I've been 'accused' of being too serious on here.  I guess it's b/c I'm an incredibly literal person. ...
May 7, 2008

for all you tattoo people out there...
I've heard many of you talk about your tattoos.  Frankly, I've never considered getting one b/c I change my personal style too frequently.  I worry that I'd get a tattoo that I loved today,...
May 6, 2008

take time to smell the flowers!
I just wanted to share a rose from my rose garden with everyone!  Work has been CRAZY busy this past two weeks, which is a GOOD thing b/c we have been so slow since last August. ...
May 6, 2008

big brown's win at kentucky derby overshadowed by tragic loss of filly, eight belles.
Big Brown backed up his trainer's boasts with an explosive finishing kick and won the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, a commanding victory turned somber by the fatal breakdown of the filly Eight Belles...
May 4, 2008

judging "books by their cover"
Earlier this week (or perhaps late last week) I was driving my kids to school.  We passed a small, poorer 'community' of houses on a corner of the street.  These houses are sturdy, and they...
Apr 24, 2008

house: productive week
First, I would like to say thanks to those who posted comments on my profile interview!  It's always nice to see a friendly comment, especially after a long, exhausting week!  For those who...
Apr 24, 2008

have you seen this child?
This is a recent report.  Please take a look at the photo and keep your eyes open for this teen.    CAMERON TYLER CARTER Case...
Apr 24, 2008

weird al - "i'll sue ya!"
In light of recent blogs, please read the lyrics to this song.  I sued Taco Bell...'Cause I ate half-a-million Chalupas and I got fat I sued Panasonic...They never said I shouldn't...
Apr 20, 2008

yale: student's artwork purporting to show abortion a hoax
A Yale University art student's claim that she induced repeated abortions on herself and used the blood for her senior project is false and is a piece "performance art," the school says. Since...
Apr 18, 2008

have you seen this child?
The attached photo is "age enhanced" to show what he may look like today.  Please take a look at the poster, which will show his latest known photo, as well as a photo...
Apr 17, 2008

"just wait"
A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside.  "Your son is here," she said to the old man. She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes...
Apr 16, 2008

have you seen this child???
PATRICE ANN ROGERS    Case Type: Endangered Runaway DOB: May 15, 1991 Sex: Female Missing...
Apr 10, 2008

blog about nothing
nuf said!
Apr 8, 2008

what am i missing?
The above map was included by WRAL in a blog about Falls Lake being full as a result of the recent rains.  This map was included in conjunction with the line graph that they post comparing...
Apr 6, 2008

let it rain, let it rain, let it rain
Oh the weather outside is soggy. And my yard is rather boggy. But until you let us work again. Let it rain! Let it rain! Let it rain.  ****************************** As...
Apr 4, 2008

homeowners association wants additional rain barrels to roll away
Rain barrels were put to good use during Sunday's rainfall. But some residents in a Wake County neighborhood say their water conservation efforts are being hampered by their homeowners association’s...
Mar 31, 2008

situations: how would you react?
As a follow up to Gulfwarvet's blog, "Situational Awareness" I wanted to pose the following situation and ask how you would react. One evening, when my kids were very young, I had to...
Mar 28, 2008

house: a few more windows
Coming right along.  We were able to get some more windows installed this week.  I told my husband that I think he was trying to tease me.  Every time we'd be at the house working,...
Mar 21, 2008

going to state level
I posted a while back about the poster contest in which my son participated.  He won school and was invited to a special banquet at the County level.  We learned at the...
Mar 19, 2008

house: windows
We have begun installing windows.  This picture shows the garage w/windows installed.  What a job.  It's taking longer than I thought, but it's not too bad!  We ordered our...
Mar 18, 2008

go granny go!!!
Great-Grandma, 83, Foils Purse Snatcher 2008-03-15 04:12:38 SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Great-grandmother 1, would-be robber 0. Bernie Garcia at first thought the young man who...
Mar 16, 2008

rain fall totals?????
So which is right?  On the computer (www.wral.com/weather/image/1968227/), they show rain fall totals of more than an inch in the lower portion of...
Mar 7, 2008

sometimes i just want to ask...
Have you ever just wanted to ask someone, "Were you born a jackhole or have you practiced your entire life to master the skill?"   
Mar 4, 2008

power washing is not banned!
Let's get the wording right.  WRAL, and other news media, keep saying that pressure washing is banned.  The truth is that pressure washing is NOT banned.  The restrictions apply to use...
Mar 3, 2008

police: armed robber takes $30 and change from elderly woman
A man threatened an elderly woman with a handgun and forced her to lead him around her house, giving him any money that she had, Clinton police said. ***************** When I hear stories...
Mar 1, 2008

lawmakers eye regulating well users
State lawmakers are considering a proposal that would require homeowners and businesses that use private wells to report on how much water they consume. ************************ I find it...
Feb 27, 2008

well water vs. city
I have heard some talk about the possibility of putting meters on wells and charging for water use similar to those on City water.  I wanted to take a moment to say how absurd I think that is. I...
Feb 26, 2008

gun control?
On the heels of the article about the shooting at the Illinois University, those who advocate banning guns are crying that by taking guns away, this crime could have been prevented. I realize...
Feb 15, 2008

valentine wishes
I just wanted to wish all of you a very Happy Valentine's Day.  May this note bring a smile to your face by knowing that someone is thinking of you!  You guys are ALL very special and brighten my...
Feb 14, 2008

hot and spicy?
A while back, someone posted a blog about those embarassing moments.  I saw it too late and didn't post b/c I think most people had already left the blog.  Today, someone posted the blog...
Feb 12, 2008

house: slow, but still making progress
It's been a while since I've posted an update on the house, so here it is.  Things slowed down quite a bit through Christmas and January.  Work is beginning to pick up, so we've been busy...
Feb 8, 2008

stage two restrictions
Anyone happen to know the actual capacity in gallons of Falls Lake?  I know that 45,000 acre feet of water is what was planned to support our area back in 1978, when construction began on Falls...
Feb 6, 2008

telemarketers and scams
I just got off the phone and thought I'd share.  The phone rang and I answered.  I recorded voice "identified" himself as being from Consumer Services with a message about my credit...
Feb 1, 2008

kids and cell phones
Just curious... For those parents out there, do your kids have a cell phone?  At what age do you (did you) deem it necessary for your kids to have a cell phone.  Why?  I grow...
Jan 31, 2008

what are your thoughts on plastic surgery?
The article today about the billboard raises an interesting question.  What are your thoughts about plastic surgery?   I've seen some comments blasting women who have augmentations...
Jan 29, 2008

be a responsible driver
WOW!  I got a lot more feedback on my original blog and many questions were raised.  Being a rather verbose person to begin with, 1000 characters is just not enough space to answer the questions...
Jan 28, 2008

safe and responsible driving
Too often we hear stories in the news of people dying in car wrecks.  Many times it's either young, inexperienced drivers, speeding, drunk drivers, or a combination of all of the above.  I...
Jan 28, 2008

first place!
I don't think I can express how proud I am of my son!  He had a science project at school where he had to research what a water shed is and then create a poster about "We all live in a Watershed." ...
Jan 25, 2008

good news and not so good news.
I'll start with the good news.  It's in two parts.  1. My son had to do a project earlier in the school year about the water table.  His project was selected by the school to go...
Jan 24, 2008

sad ending
I just saw that they have identified the body found in Mecklinburg as Vanlata Patel.  I was praying that she would be found safe.  My prayers are with her family.  What a...
Jan 22, 2008

cold!!!
Just wanted to share this picture.  I passed this water fountain today, heading to Smithfield.  If there is a picture that demonstrates just how cold it is outside, this is it! My poor...
Jan 20, 2008

"wonder twin powers...activate!"
OK, so I'm showing my age here.  I used to love getting up on Saturday mornings and watching cartoons.  It was the only day of the week that cartoons were easily available.  I watched...
Jan 20, 2008

snow at last
The picture may be a bit dark, but the kids just HAD to go outside and build their first snowman for this winter.  They enjoyed jumping on the trampoline and writing snow messages on the picnic...
Jan 19, 2008

'68 camaro
This is my husband's pride and joy.  He found this car through a friend a couple of years ago.  It's a '68 with 102,000 original miles, factory air, 327 power stroke, numbers matching, all...
Jan 19, 2008

purple hat
Beautiful Women Age 3: She looks at herself and sees a Queen. Age 8: She looks at herself and sees Cinderella. Age 15: She looks at herself and sees an Ugly Sister (Mum I can't go...
Jan 17, 2008

house: still moving forward
We've finally reached a point where everything seems to be moving forward.  Now everything we do is "building" rather than demolishing/repairing.  It's definitely a good feeling! ...
Jan 17, 2008

"shorty" is on my poo list
As some of you may recall, we have recently been having a repeat visitor into our fenced-in back yard.  A little yorkie named Shorty has found his way to our yard and been digging under the fence...
Jan 15, 2008

project eagle
There is just something satisfying about sitting on my front porch, watching our officers do a routine traffic stop.  It's particularly funny when someone comes over the hill, realizes that there...
Jan 10, 2008

what is romance?
OK, so after reading a couple of the blogs this am, I am compelled to ask everyone... What is your idea of romance?  Is it roses and candy?  A walk on the beach?  Is is elaborate...
Jan 8, 2008

my miracle
I just read Wizard's testimonial and was inspired to share my experience.  There have been many little things in my life that have affirmed my belief.  But the following experience took...
Jan 7, 2008

"shorty" returns
For those who saw my blog yesterday about the puppy who found his way into my fenced-in back yard, well he came by for another visit.  As soon as I got home from picking the kids up from school,...
Jan 3, 2008

lost puppy
Good morning everyone!  Ugh!  It's entirely too early to be up.  But with today being the first day for the kids to be back in school, I find myself waiting very unpatiently for my coffee...
Jan 2, 2008

this! that! the other!
Touching base on several things, so I didn't know how to title it or what picture to use.  Thus my choices. Well, after our soaking rain yesterday, my house remained fairly dry.  We...
Dec 31, 2007

house: i think my floors will survive
Well, after my last blog, I was obviously very upset about my floors.  They were completely saturated twice, worse the second time.  Now that they've had a chance to dry out for the most part,...
Dec 29, 2007

house: my first argh!!!!!
Well, everything has gone so smoothly with the house that I suppose there HAD to be a glitch somewhere.  It's precisely the reason we have wanted to do all the work ourselves.  It's just so...
Dec 26, 2007

house: the walls still talk
It is still so much fun uncovering clues from the past.  Since we began this project, there has been some speculation as to whether my husband's grandfather actually helped build the house. ...
Dec 22, 2007

house: garage
The framing crew is moving right along with the garage.  In just a few days, they have it this far.  While they have been working on the garage, we had the concrete poured on the front...
Dec 21, 2007

house: garage and porch
Framing began on the garage today!  It's amazing how quickly it can go if you actually know what you are doing!  We broke down and hired a framing crew for the garage.  I figure that...
Dec 14, 2007

good steak?
I am looking to give a gift card for Christmas.  The couple really enjoys a good steak.  Anyone have suggestions as to a restaurant that serves very good steak?  I'm looking for something...
Dec 12, 2007

how do you shop for christmas?
Do you typically have all of your shopping completed by the beginning of December or do you prefer to wait until right before Christmas and do all of your shopping at once? I like to have the...
Dec 12, 2007

kids are your mirror
A comment was made in another referrencing the problem with kids today and how they are just emulating what they see growing up!  I have heard this before and I agree with it.  It's true. ...
Dec 12, 2007

good morning!
I am seeing some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets!  I don't think I've ever seen such a display of colors so often.  I am up before light and taking the kids to school as the sun...
Dec 12, 2007

golo fun!
Looks like everyone had a great time!  I'm sorry I missed it this time, but hopefully next time I'll be able to make it.  The Toy family are in my prayers.  What was done for them is...
Dec 10, 2007

house: face lifted
While you guys were having fun meeting each other, we worked hard on the house this weekend.  We have the concrete poured in the garage.  We also spent the weekend removing all the kitchen...
Dec 9, 2007

things happen for a reason
Do you ever wonder, "WHY?" when things don't go according to your plan?  Well, today we got an answer to that exact question.  I'm an optimist and always view obstacles as opportunities. ...
Nov 27, 2007

a little r&r
I'm finally taking a day "off" from the house project.  It's not even funny how much one house can fall into disrepair while you work on another.  And here we are at Christmas and...
Nov 27, 2007

house: framing begins!
We used the long weekend to frame in the addition on the side of the house.  It was a bit more intensive than I thought at first, but we managed to finish it before the rains came.  Check...
Nov 26, 2007

house; daily progress
Things are really moving right along at the house.  The brick masons are almost finished with the additions.  The only part left is the foundation for the front porch.  A HUGE thank you...
Nov 15, 2007

house: the gutting begins
Now that the house is down on the foundation and all of the support beams have been removed, we can now begin the process of gutting the walls and repairing any damaged framing.  We knew there...
Nov 7, 2007

captain underpants-from lumpy wafflebuns
Now you can learn your official Captain Underpants name.  Follow the rules below to determine what your name is. http://www.pottsvillelibrary.org/Captain%20Underpants%20Game.htm After...
Oct 29, 2007

when blogs go poof!
Hmm... I wrote a blog earlier today and it had a couple of fun, light-hearted replies.  When I came back this evening to see if there were any more comments, it has disappeared, along with any...
Oct 28, 2007

horse training 101
Questions arose from the recent article about the officer injured when his horse clipped him into a power pole.  I thought I'd share my personal horse training philosophy on the topic. ...
Oct 28, 2007

house: approved foundation
After one minor setback, we finally have our foundation inspected and approved.  Because of the slope of the land, we had to lift the house an additional 2 feet in order to complete the foundation. ...
Oct 24, 2007

beware of phone scams
OK, most times, I do not listen to telemarketers.  I politely say I'm not interested and hang up.  But once in a while, something in me just feels like playing cat and...
Oct 12, 2007

house: a solid foundation
We still making progress.  To go along with our oversized footings, we are now getting a solid foundation.  No, we're not going with cinder block foundations.  We are having brick, but...
Oct 5, 2007

look through my eyes
Don't look into my eyes!  You will not see the message I am sending.  Rather, look THROUGH my eyes at the world as I see it!  Only then will you understand why I act as I do! ...
Oct 2, 2007

house: the work begins
Good morning to all!  Long time, no post.  Things sure did slow up a bit now that the house is at it's new home.  We've been very busy, though!  Lots to do now, but nothing as big...
Oct 2, 2007

house: back together
I never imagined it would be this easy!  Of course, I can say that now that this part is over.  But honestly, I would not have begun to think that when they went to put the top back on that...
Sep 17, 2007

house: on the road
Today was a big day!  The house, albeit in two separate pieces, is now at it's permanent home site.  The lower half has not been situated above the footers and the upper half is waiting on...
Sep 16, 2007

house: now a sprawling ranch
WOW!  That's about all I can say about today.  It was incredible in many different ways.  Things were going very smoothly as the crane was situated and the beams and straps put...
Sep 15, 2007

house: it's. still. standing...
The song, "I'm Still Standing" by Lionel Richie keeps running through my mind.  (yeah, yeah, yeah). ...  Nothing says indigestion quite like eating supper in Fuquay, listening to...
Sep 14, 2007

house: one more small step
I try not to blog too often so as not to become redundant.  But I was floored (pun completely intended) when I drove past to pick the kids up for school.  With everything that has taken place...
Sep 13, 2007

going mobile
*hanging head*  I had a blog all written up and lost it!  UGH!  Well, the house is officially mobile.  It's completely off the foundation and on at least one set of wheels. ...
Sep 13, 2007

house: all jacked up
We're on!  We got our permits from DOT today and we are officially scheduled for this weekend.  I saw the house this afternoon and it's jacked up and the wheels are being put into place as...
Sep 12, 2007

here's the can of worms...
And I'm opening it.  For several days, there have been articles a-plenty that have raised the race argument.  I've seen comments from many that are well-thought and politely argumentative...
Sep 12, 2007

house: the final frontier
OK, bad title!  But hey, I love the original Treks!  So, the latest and greates is that the beams are now through the house.  WOW!  What a site that was.  There are two...
Sep 7, 2007

house project: "official" schedule
First, I would like to tell everyone, "You're welcome!"  See, I knew it would happen!  I was absolutely certain!  If you believe in fate (or more like Murphy's Law), I was certain...
Sep 5, 2007

house project; the next step
As exciting as this project is, it does have some sad moments!  I knew Friday morning that the moving crew would be there demolishing parts of the house.  It's a necessary part of the...
Sep 4, 2007

do you believe in ghosts?
Being as Halloween is right around the corner, I thought I'd share a personal ghost story!  I'll let you, the jury, decide if ghosts exist! First, let me say that I'm not the type of person...
Aug 31, 2007

house - history lesson
It shouldn't surprise me when I learn how much a house means to a community!  I have always had a love of older houses, but to many, it's not the house, but the people who once lived there, who...
Aug 31, 2007

if walls could talk
As we began this house-moving project, I thought to myself, what fun it would be to find something exciting, like you'd see on that show, If Walls Could Talk.  Of course, logic told me that this...
Aug 31, 2007

house project - disassembling
I've always heard people say that older houses are built so much better/stronger than modern houses.  That statement was proven in fact yesterday.  Our job is to remove the stair railings...
Aug 30, 2007

house project-slow, steady, forward
Well, we met with the house mover today and we have finally finalized some more plans.  After waiting more than 3 weeks for Progress Energy to give us an estimated cost to drop/raise power...
Aug 28, 2007

multi-family yardsale
There will be a multi-family yard sale on Saturday, August 25, 2007 at the Garner Baseball fields.  The proceeds for this yardsale will go to help support the Garner Express 12 and under travel...
Aug 24, 2007

jury selection in m. vick case
They just finished the jury selection phase of the Michael Vick case......   
Aug 24, 2007

know your neighbors
I received an email last night from someone I know who lives in Apex off of Olive Chapel Road.  I'm going to copy and past the body of the email.  Recently in the news, WRAL has carried an article...
Aug 22, 2007

read any good books lately?
I love to read.  It's one of my favorite past times.  I enjoy all types of books, but a few have captured me to a point that I have put them in a special category.  I like to read and...
Aug 16, 2007

"best kisses of all"
EDIT: This is a repost!  With the wake today and funeral tomorrow, my family and I have been recalling stories and happy memories.  I thought I'd share this again. ...
Aug 14, 2007

hurry up and wait...
I think I'll make that title my new logo.  Hurry up and wait.  That's the way I feel about our house project.  We are told to 'hurry up' and get this part done, so we do, then we have...
Aug 13, 2007

the strongest person i've ever known!
When you hear the word strength, many things may come to mind - physical strength, strength of character.  When I think of a person with strength, my first thought is my father.  Of course,...
Aug 2, 2007

we have footings!
BOY do we have footings.  We also have a sense of humor, thankfully!  For those who don't know, when you are moving a house onto a property, the footings need to be double-size to allow for...
Jul 24, 2007

building a home
OK, so on a lighter note, we have embarked on an exciting adventure.  We have purchased some acreage and will be moving the "family farm house" onto the property to rennovate and live...
Jul 19, 2007

personal responsibility
Jul 19, 2007