Monday, October 31, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
10 Ways to Tell Summer Is Over and Winter is Almost Upon Us
How can you tell that Summer is over and Winter is on the way?
Here's some observations I made over the weekend:
Hello Winter.....it's time to find the snow brush and scraper and put it in the back seat of my car.
Hmm...I think it's time to hibernate...See you next Spring.......
Here's some observations I made over the weekend:
- Leaves on the trees are either yellow, orange or non-existent
- The smell of burning leaves in the air
- Pumpkins, gourds and Halloween blow-up decorations in people yards
- Halloween candy lining the aisles in grocery, discount and drug stores
- Storm windows covering window and door screens resulting in the absence of fresh air filling the house
- Christmas merchandise and decorations creeping into store displays
- Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts going door-to-door taking orders for Christmas wreaths
- Snow shovels, windshield de-icer and sno-melt displayed prominently in Hardware stores
- The "honking" of geese overhead as they fly South for the Winter
- Frost on the grass when you wake up in the morning
Hello Winter.....it's time to find the snow brush and scraper and put it in the back seat of my car.
Hmm...I think it's time to hibernate...See you next Spring.......
Friday, October 21, 2011
Getting Old Is Not For Sissies......
I remember a friend of my mother's always saying that "getting old is not for sissies", and over the years my mom has made it her mantra. In just about every letter she wrote or somewhere during every phone conversation we would have, that statement would be written or verbalized.
Over the years, my sisters and I would (and still do) laugh about it. Unfortunately, the older I get, the more I can relate to it. With each passing year, the every day aches and pains (especially after working out) are more prevalent, and the stopping and asking myself "what did I come into this room to get" becomes more frequent. I try to kid myself that I'm just exercising different muscles I haven't used in a while, or that I have so much retained information in my brain that I'm just on overload. But deep down I know that I'm just getting older.
This past year, the statement "Getting Old is Not for Sissies" has really proven true for my mom. Coming up on 92 years of age, she has been fortunate to have been able to fight through numerous health issues that would have overcome most younger individuals. I don't know if it's her stubborn attitude, her feisty personality or her unwillingness to leave my Dad after 65+ years of marriage. Whatever it is, I hope I have inherited the gene that has allowed her to live a long life. I guess time will tell.......
Over the years, my sisters and I would (and still do) laugh about it. Unfortunately, the older I get, the more I can relate to it. With each passing year, the every day aches and pains (especially after working out) are more prevalent, and the stopping and asking myself "what did I come into this room to get" becomes more frequent. I try to kid myself that I'm just exercising different muscles I haven't used in a while, or that I have so much retained information in my brain that I'm just on overload. But deep down I know that I'm just getting older.
This past year, the statement "Getting Old is Not for Sissies" has really proven true for my mom. Coming up on 92 years of age, she has been fortunate to have been able to fight through numerous health issues that would have overcome most younger individuals. I don't know if it's her stubborn attitude, her feisty personality or her unwillingness to leave my Dad after 65+ years of marriage. Whatever it is, I hope I have inherited the gene that has allowed her to live a long life. I guess time will tell.......
Thursday, October 20, 2011
I'll Huff and I'll Puff and I'll Blow Your House Down......
WOW - what a wild weather night!
The weather reports yesterday morning talked about high wind advisories close to Lake Michigan, but as the day went on I thought they were prob'ly incorrect as we had some rain but nothing like they were predicting for wind gusts.
When I left Downtown Milwaukee late yesterday afternoon and headed West to drop some things at my son's apartment before heading to an evening class in Oak Creek, there was a little wind, but nothing like what people thought there would be. My son even mentioned that he was surprised it was as calm as it was. However, as I headed East toward Oak Creek the wind got stronger, the rain got harder and I turned the windshield wipers to the highest setting - it was even difficult walking up the hill to the building when I arrived at the Oak Creek campus. When I headed home a few hours later, it was still raining but the wind had died down a little, and during the night I woke up several times to the wind howling and the windows shaking.
We live fairly close to the Lake, so we're use to lake effect snow and cooler temperatures in the Spring and Summer months, but have never encountered major winds and wind gusts until this year. This is the second time in a couple of months that areas right off of Lake Michigan encountered this type of weather and we were fortunate with this storm that we did not lose power - during the summer when we had major wind gusts off of the lake, we were without electricity for almost 24 hours.
When watching the news reports on the local morning news, it was amazing to see tipped over and submerged boats at a nearby yacht club, and the huge waves crashing into the breakwater and shoreline. In looking out at our yard, we don't appear to have suffered too much damage. Lots of twigs and a few larger branches laying on the driveway and grass, but no trees or large limbs to have to deal with. Looks like my mission for the weekend will be "twig and branch patrol".....at least the rain is suppose to have moved out and warmer temperatures are predicted so it shouldn't be too uncomfortable being outside cleaning up the storm damage.
The weather reports yesterday morning talked about high wind advisories close to Lake Michigan, but as the day went on I thought they were prob'ly incorrect as we had some rain but nothing like they were predicting for wind gusts.
When I left Downtown Milwaukee late yesterday afternoon and headed West to drop some things at my son's apartment before heading to an evening class in Oak Creek, there was a little wind, but nothing like what people thought there would be. My son even mentioned that he was surprised it was as calm as it was. However, as I headed East toward Oak Creek the wind got stronger, the rain got harder and I turned the windshield wipers to the highest setting - it was even difficult walking up the hill to the building when I arrived at the Oak Creek campus. When I headed home a few hours later, it was still raining but the wind had died down a little, and during the night I woke up several times to the wind howling and the windows shaking.
We live fairly close to the Lake, so we're use to lake effect snow and cooler temperatures in the Spring and Summer months, but have never encountered major winds and wind gusts until this year. This is the second time in a couple of months that areas right off of Lake Michigan encountered this type of weather and we were fortunate with this storm that we did not lose power - during the summer when we had major wind gusts off of the lake, we were without electricity for almost 24 hours.
When watching the news reports on the local morning news, it was amazing to see tipped over and submerged boats at a nearby yacht club, and the huge waves crashing into the breakwater and shoreline. In looking out at our yard, we don't appear to have suffered too much damage. Lots of twigs and a few larger branches laying on the driveway and grass, but no trees or large limbs to have to deal with. Looks like my mission for the weekend will be "twig and branch patrol".....at least the rain is suppose to have moved out and warmer temperatures are predicted so it shouldn't be too uncomfortable being outside cleaning up the storm damage.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Am I Insane?????
Am I insane to work out at 5:30 in the morning?
In July, a 5:30am Jazzercise class was added to the class calendar at the location I belong to. Since then, at least once or twice a week I've been setting my alarm clock for 5:00am, putting on my workout clothes, filling my water bottle with ice and tap water and heading to class with just enough time to spare to check-in and change from flip flops to workout shoes.
The early morning classes I go to have anywhere from 6 to 10 attendees - which is pretty good for that time of day and better than the evening class I attend the other days of the week. Although there isn't as much conversation before class like the evening and Saturday morning classes, you can feel the energy in the room increase as the tempo of the music increases with each song. By the end of the class, the tiredness experienced when the alarm went off at 5:00am is gone and I'm ready for the day to begin.
I admit that I am a Jazzercise junkie - next week I will have attended 200 classes so far this year. But I love the music, the instructors and the friends I have made over the years. It's a great way to workout without really realizing you're working out.....and maybe that's why I enjoy it. But 5:30 in the morning - is that a little insane or what?
In July, a 5:30am Jazzercise class was added to the class calendar at the location I belong to. Since then, at least once or twice a week I've been setting my alarm clock for 5:00am, putting on my workout clothes, filling my water bottle with ice and tap water and heading to class with just enough time to spare to check-in and change from flip flops to workout shoes.
The early morning classes I go to have anywhere from 6 to 10 attendees - which is pretty good for that time of day and better than the evening class I attend the other days of the week. Although there isn't as much conversation before class like the evening and Saturday morning classes, you can feel the energy in the room increase as the tempo of the music increases with each song. By the end of the class, the tiredness experienced when the alarm went off at 5:00am is gone and I'm ready for the day to begin.
I admit that I am a Jazzercise junkie - next week I will have attended 200 classes so far this year. But I love the music, the instructors and the friends I have made over the years. It's a great way to workout without really realizing you're working out.....and maybe that's why I enjoy it. But 5:30 in the morning - is that a little insane or what?
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Perils Of A Walk In the Woods
Eventhough Ticks are teeny, tiny creatures, they certainly can cause a person a lot of grief. http://www.differenttypes.org/different-types-of-ticks/
We took a trip to Northern Wisconsin over the weekend, and went for a walk in the woods Sunday morning with my brother-in-law, his fiance and their two very energetic dogs before heading home. It was a perfect morning - the sun was shining and the air was cool and crisp. As we walked, the dogs had a wonderful time running through the brush, taking an occasional swim in the river and "nosing around" fallen trees and leaf piles.
Because it's late in the year and the weather has been cool, the thought of Ticks never entered our minds. That is, until we saw one on the side of the car and on the driver's side seat when we were leaving the cafe where we had breakfast after our walk.
Although they were very, very small, once you see one, every little tingle you feel makes you think you have a Tick crawling on you & possibly burrowing into your skin. Very serious health issues are associated with certain types of Ticks, so it's very important to get them off of you immediately. We all did a quick check to see if we could find any more, but when we didn't, we figured the two we saw were all there were.
Unfortunately, we were wrong. We went back to my brother-in-law's house where one crawled off my sweater on to my hand, my husband found one on his arm and my future sister-in-law had one on her leg after she took off her boot. My brother-in-law checked the dogs and found numerous Ticks on their heads, ears and bodies.
Fortunately, neither my husband or I found any more on us when we did a more extensive "Tick search" after we got home. However, I heard from my brother-in-law this morning that after we left their house, he found about 30 or 40 more on the dogs and one that had dug itself into his arm. He's watching that one closely and hopefully it will end up being nothing more than a red spot.
Because I've always been afraid of Ticks, I've tried to avoid walking in the woods in the Summer and early Fall. After this past weekend, I guess I'll have to add late Fall to my "Do Not Walk In the Woods" timeframe........
We took a trip to Northern Wisconsin over the weekend, and went for a walk in the woods Sunday morning with my brother-in-law, his fiance and their two very energetic dogs before heading home. It was a perfect morning - the sun was shining and the air was cool and crisp. As we walked, the dogs had a wonderful time running through the brush, taking an occasional swim in the river and "nosing around" fallen trees and leaf piles.
Because it's late in the year and the weather has been cool, the thought of Ticks never entered our minds. That is, until we saw one on the side of the car and on the driver's side seat when we were leaving the cafe where we had breakfast after our walk.
Although they were very, very small, once you see one, every little tingle you feel makes you think you have a Tick crawling on you & possibly burrowing into your skin. Very serious health issues are associated with certain types of Ticks, so it's very important to get them off of you immediately. We all did a quick check to see if we could find any more, but when we didn't, we figured the two we saw were all there were.
Unfortunately, we were wrong. We went back to my brother-in-law's house where one crawled off my sweater on to my hand, my husband found one on his arm and my future sister-in-law had one on her leg after she took off her boot. My brother-in-law checked the dogs and found numerous Ticks on their heads, ears and bodies.
Fortunately, neither my husband or I found any more on us when we did a more extensive "Tick search" after we got home. However, I heard from my brother-in-law this morning that after we left their house, he found about 30 or 40 more on the dogs and one that had dug itself into his arm. He's watching that one closely and hopefully it will end up being nothing more than a red spot.
Because I've always been afraid of Ticks, I've tried to avoid walking in the woods in the Summer and early Fall. After this past weekend, I guess I'll have to add late Fall to my "Do Not Walk In the Woods" timeframe........
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Beware of a Broken Refrigerator.........
It all started 5 years ago (or was it 6) with a broken refrigerator. We had talked for years about renovating the kitchen in our 20+ year old house but never took action until the refrigerator had to be replaced. While searching for one that would fit in the available space (most of the new fridges were much larger than what our space allowed), we decided we may as well replace the stove and microwave at the same time.
This decision led to designing a new kitchen, purchasing wood flooring, cabinets and countertops and hiring a contractor to install everything. Of course, because the kitchen floor leads into the hallway, foyer, 1/2 bath and utility room, that flooring also needed to be replaced. And once the new floor and kitchen were completed, it was very apparent that the rest of the house needed a facelift as well.
So on we went with the next project - replace all of the interior doors with six panel doors and all of the woodwork in the house with matching oak. This then led to the renovation of all of the bathrooms, and a redesign and the replacement of the front entry door - we went from a double door to a single entry door with a sidelight....which turned out better than we ever imagined. The stairway was next with the old treads being covered with oak and the landing replaced with large tiles. Ah yes - I became quite an accomplished stainer and varnisher over the years and even found it to be quite therapeutic after an especially stressful day at work.
So you ask what else could possibly be left to do since it sounds like the entire house was rebuilt? Well, this week the front portion of the garage floor was jack-hammered out, hauled away in a dump truck and new concrete laid. Hmmm....didn't think to take the riding lawn mower out before the project began so I guess our grass will be quite tall before the mower can be driven over the new concrete next week - hope the neighbors don't mind. Then, the only thing left to do will be to replace the upstairs carpeting. I dread the thought of having to move all of the furniture in order to take out the old carpet and install the new - but I don't want to wait too long or we'll think of something else we want to renovate even though I don't know what else there is to do.
I guess my final word on this subject is: Beware Of A Broken Refrigerator.....it leads to more and more and more projects and less and less money in your bank account.
But, I must admit that we have received numerous compliments on the renovations so I guess in the long run it's been worth the effort and expense even if it has taken 5 or 6 or will it be 7 years to complete.
This decision led to designing a new kitchen, purchasing wood flooring, cabinets and countertops and hiring a contractor to install everything. Of course, because the kitchen floor leads into the hallway, foyer, 1/2 bath and utility room, that flooring also needed to be replaced. And once the new floor and kitchen were completed, it was very apparent that the rest of the house needed a facelift as well.
So on we went with the next project - replace all of the interior doors with six panel doors and all of the woodwork in the house with matching oak. This then led to the renovation of all of the bathrooms, and a redesign and the replacement of the front entry door - we went from a double door to a single entry door with a sidelight....which turned out better than we ever imagined. The stairway was next with the old treads being covered with oak and the landing replaced with large tiles. Ah yes - I became quite an accomplished stainer and varnisher over the years and even found it to be quite therapeutic after an especially stressful day at work.
So you ask what else could possibly be left to do since it sounds like the entire house was rebuilt? Well, this week the front portion of the garage floor was jack-hammered out, hauled away in a dump truck and new concrete laid. Hmmm....didn't think to take the riding lawn mower out before the project began so I guess our grass will be quite tall before the mower can be driven over the new concrete next week - hope the neighbors don't mind. Then, the only thing left to do will be to replace the upstairs carpeting. I dread the thought of having to move all of the furniture in order to take out the old carpet and install the new - but I don't want to wait too long or we'll think of something else we want to renovate even though I don't know what else there is to do.
I guess my final word on this subject is: Beware Of A Broken Refrigerator.....it leads to more and more and more projects and less and less money in your bank account.
But, I must admit that we have received numerous compliments on the renovations so I guess in the long run it's been worth the effort and expense even if it has taken 5 or 6 or will it be 7 years to complete.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The Beginning of Cold and Flu Season
I realize it's almost the middle of October, but why does the cold and flu season have to begin so early this year?
So many people have told me they have had what they thought were allergies in the past few weeks - since the "experts" have said this is a very bad Fall for people with allergies. Unfortunately for me, it appears their allergies were really a common cold and I caught it.
Late last week with no warning....a sore throat, itchy eyes and a "stuffy" nose appeared. Since I've never had allergies, and because I recently got a flu shot at the company health fair I knew it must be my first cold of the year. So, off to the medicine cabinet I go to gather all of the over-the-counter cold remedies that have been in storage since last winter. Sudafedâ for use during the day since it's non-drowsy, Zicamâ and Cold-EEZEâ to try to shorten the duration of the cold, NyQuilâ so I can get a good night's sleep and of course Vicks VapoRubâ to help alleviate coughing (and now that it comes in lemon scent it's not so apparent that you're using it).
With all of these over the counter remedies, lots of sleep and of course chicken soup I hope to be back to my old self in no time.
If I'm lucky, this will be the only cold I get this year....but somehow I just know that's only wishful thinking.
So many people have told me they have had what they thought were allergies in the past few weeks - since the "experts" have said this is a very bad Fall for people with allergies. Unfortunately for me, it appears their allergies were really a common cold and I caught it.
Late last week with no warning....a sore throat, itchy eyes and a "stuffy" nose appeared. Since I've never had allergies, and because I recently got a flu shot at the company health fair I knew it must be my first cold of the year. So, off to the medicine cabinet I go to gather all of the over-the-counter cold remedies that have been in storage since last winter. Sudafedâ for use during the day since it's non-drowsy, Zicamâ and Cold-EEZEâ to try to shorten the duration of the cold, NyQuilâ so I can get a good night's sleep and of course Vicks VapoRubâ to help alleviate coughing (and now that it comes in lemon scent it's not so apparent that you're using it).
With all of these over the counter remedies, lots of sleep and of course chicken soup I hope to be back to my old self in no time.
If I'm lucky, this will be the only cold I get this year....but somehow I just know that's only wishful thinking.
Friday, October 7, 2011
A Farewell to Summer.....
Ahhhh......it's s'pose to be a beautiful weekend in Wisconsin. So, will it be the last time this year that we back the Mustang out of the garage, put the top down, adjust our sunglasses and drive aimlessly through the county? I hope not.
Rather than enjoying the green grass, flowers and growing farm fields we experienced during our rides all Spring and Summer, we'll be checking out the colored leaves on the trees and pumpkins laying in the fields. Just in case it gets a little cool as we travel down the country roads, the plan will be to put the windows up, reach into the back seat for our jackets, turn the heat on low to keep our feet warm and continue on. Of course we could stop to put the top up, but why have a convertible if you don't drive it with the top down?
It was such a wonderful feeling this Spring starting the engine and backing the dark blue Mustang out of the storage garage. Now, with Fall upon us and Winter looming in the not so distant future, I'm dreading the day that we drive it back to the storage garage, turn the engine off and cover it with the car cover until next year. For me, that day will be the last day of Summer and the first day of Winter. But until then, I will enjoy the air blowing through my hair and the sun shining on my face as we aimlessly drive through the county in our Mustang convertible.
Have a great weekend....and Happy Motoring!
Rather than enjoying the green grass, flowers and growing farm fields we experienced during our rides all Spring and Summer, we'll be checking out the colored leaves on the trees and pumpkins laying in the fields. Just in case it gets a little cool as we travel down the country roads, the plan will be to put the windows up, reach into the back seat for our jackets, turn the heat on low to keep our feet warm and continue on. Of course we could stop to put the top up, but why have a convertible if you don't drive it with the top down?
It was such a wonderful feeling this Spring starting the engine and backing the dark blue Mustang out of the storage garage. Now, with Fall upon us and Winter looming in the not so distant future, I'm dreading the day that we drive it back to the storage garage, turn the engine off and cover it with the car cover until next year. For me, that day will be the last day of Summer and the first day of Winter. But until then, I will enjoy the air blowing through my hair and the sun shining on my face as we aimlessly drive through the county in our Mustang convertible.
Have a great weekend....and Happy Motoring!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Wisconsin Sports....Life Is Good
What a great sports weekend it was for Wisconsin.....All is right with the world - Badgers, Brewers and Packers...all played and all won!
Text messages were flying in and out of our house both Saturday and Sunday - which will be reflected on next month's cell phone bill....but will definitely be worth every penny. With both of our sons grown and out of the house, the standard weekend communication with them during the various sporting events is via text message. That is of course, unless there is an exceptionally good or bad play or call that warrants more than what can be expressed in a text message.
At the beginning of every sports season, my husband and sons agree that texting will be kept to a minimum and only used when absolutely necessary to express an opinion. With this agreement in mind, the texting for each game begins slowly - a one word message from one son, a two word message from the other son, a three or four word reply to both from my husband. However, as the game goes on, the "pinging" announcement of a new message being received becomes more constant. Sometimes even to the point that what's going on with the game is missed because attention is being spent on reading or sending a text message.
What did people do before text messaging? I don't even remember - even though it hasn't been that many years. I s'pose people just watched the game and talked about it the next day at work or school. But needless to say, text messaging is an excellent way to communicate when you're not able to be at the same location to watch the game. And sometimes, the comments texted are better than what may have just happened in the game.
So, tonight, once again, my husband and son's cell phones will be at the ready as the first pitch is thrown and the text messaging begins. GO BREWERS !!!!
Text messages were flying in and out of our house both Saturday and Sunday - which will be reflected on next month's cell phone bill....but will definitely be worth every penny. With both of our sons grown and out of the house, the standard weekend communication with them during the various sporting events is via text message. That is of course, unless there is an exceptionally good or bad play or call that warrants more than what can be expressed in a text message.
At the beginning of every sports season, my husband and sons agree that texting will be kept to a minimum and only used when absolutely necessary to express an opinion. With this agreement in mind, the texting for each game begins slowly - a one word message from one son, a two word message from the other son, a three or four word reply to both from my husband. However, as the game goes on, the "pinging" announcement of a new message being received becomes more constant. Sometimes even to the point that what's going on with the game is missed because attention is being spent on reading or sending a text message.
What did people do before text messaging? I don't even remember - even though it hasn't been that many years. I s'pose people just watched the game and talked about it the next day at work or school. But needless to say, text messaging is an excellent way to communicate when you're not able to be at the same location to watch the game. And sometimes, the comments texted are better than what may have just happened in the game.
So, tonight, once again, my husband and son's cell phones will be at the ready as the first pitch is thrown and the text messaging begins. GO BREWERS !!!!
Monday, October 3, 2011
I can't believe I'm doing this.....
Well, here I go....who would have thought I'd be writing a blog?! I've told some of my friends and family about the assignment for the eBusiness Principles class I'm taking and have received mixed reactions. Some say "cool", while others have told me I'm "not an angry enough person to write a blog" (which I was happy to hear), or chuckled and said "better you than me" (which I was not happy to hear).
When I signed up for the eBusiness Principles class, my objective was simply to get an overview of social media and how it can be used in business since it appears that's the way the marketplace is heading. Although I have worked in marketing communications for many years, I had not ventured into the world of social media, except for my LinkedIn account or to hear stories of online dating and Facebook posts from friends and relatives. I've skimmed articles in newspapers and magazines about Twitter, Facebook and My Space if the title caught my eye and I've paid attention to tv news stories related to social media if the segment sounded like it would be interesting, but I never had a good understanding of what it all entailed. So, in thinking it was time for me to take a baby step into the world of social media that everyone is always talking about, I enrolled in the class. Little did I know I would actually be an active participant within four weeks of walking into the classroom.
Over the next few weeks, I will write on nothing in particular - just whatever I can think of that may bring a smile to someone's face or a "been there done that" thought to someone who may stumble upon my blog.....thus the title Random Ramblings From Marilyn. If you have an idea for a topic, or a thought on anything I write, please feel free to leave a comment.
So there you have it.....my first blog post. I think I've rambled enough for now, but check back frequently - I'll have more Random Ramblings as the weeks go on.
When I signed up for the eBusiness Principles class, my objective was simply to get an overview of social media and how it can be used in business since it appears that's the way the marketplace is heading. Although I have worked in marketing communications for many years, I had not ventured into the world of social media, except for my LinkedIn account or to hear stories of online dating and Facebook posts from friends and relatives. I've skimmed articles in newspapers and magazines about Twitter, Facebook and My Space if the title caught my eye and I've paid attention to tv news stories related to social media if the segment sounded like it would be interesting, but I never had a good understanding of what it all entailed. So, in thinking it was time for me to take a baby step into the world of social media that everyone is always talking about, I enrolled in the class. Little did I know I would actually be an active participant within four weeks of walking into the classroom.
Over the next few weeks, I will write on nothing in particular - just whatever I can think of that may bring a smile to someone's face or a "been there done that" thought to someone who may stumble upon my blog.....thus the title Random Ramblings From Marilyn. If you have an idea for a topic, or a thought on anything I write, please feel free to leave a comment.
So there you have it.....my first blog post. I think I've rambled enough for now, but check back frequently - I'll have more Random Ramblings as the weeks go on.
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