Suddenly the weather has gone mad! What's up with this snow, it's only October! There isn't any snow on the ground here, but not more than 10 miles away from me, they got almost a foot of the stuff! It was so cold, wet and windy that I couldn't even stand being outside. Today is supposed to be much better, thank goodness! Ok, enough of the weather whining from me.

So, here we are at Wednesday already. We don't have anything special planned, just gymnastics after school and then I have to drive the girls all the way into the city to their grandparent's house, where Cindy will meet us for dinner. Another late night, at least the roads won't be icy.

Good morning Cottage No snow here but I talked to my Mom in NY and their power has been out since yesterday afternoon, three trees are down in their driveway, and things are a mess.

I'm working at home today so I can take DP to an appt. at noon. The great thing about my job is still the flexibility, even though there's a little less than there used to be. I do have more than 60 personal,sick days so could take full days but taking halves lets me keep up with my work a little too. I'm doing the same on Friday.

Thanks to all the pumpkin chili fans I finally tried it myself. It was a big hit here.
Now I want to buy more pumpkins and dry some for winter use.

How are things where you are?

Good morning ladies.... there's a covering of snow here. the pup was loving it. I'll be taking them for a walk soon here.

So while I was driving home last night I was informed that the company ended my assignment. Just as well, I've done all I can as far as collections and was seeking things to do.

So last night I spoke with someone about a position. Not sure if I'm going to take it. There is a Christian couple in need of someone moving in to help them cook, clean, do laundry, drive them to appointments. Free room and board, food and toiletries. Plus 75 a week. I would also be able to pick up a part time job to pay bills. Do not believe they would want the puppy, Jade is fine. It has benefits, like closer to my friends (like an hour closer) and would have company all the time. But moving in with complete strangers (they are in their seventies). I'd have to sell the house, get rid of all the furniture, and my new puppy .

OK< off to make coffee. I stopped in the office first to see if my unemployment from two weeks ago came in, it did not. . I'm very upset that I allowed this temp position to screw with m y income like this.
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What pumpkin chili??????

Back in from Curves, now I can enjoy my oatmeal and coffee.

Cyndi, so you've been following that pumpkin thread too! I love pumpkin and have made the chili several times. Hmmmm, come to think of it, it sounds like a great idea for today!

Loriann, there's a great thread for pumpkin recipes going on in the Food Talk and Fabulous Finds forum. Lot's of great ideas in there, and the pumpkin chili is outstanding! That would be a shame to have to give up your new puppy for that job.

Wow it is really early!!

Cottage-NO SNOW here either(Good thing). We are still having unseasonal warm weather and I am enjoying it. Your Wednesdays sound like my Tuesdays with the girls.

Cyndi-I love half days! Hope your mom gets her electricity up soon.

2 more days until Halloween and my girls are excited and the boys have been to the dollar store for t.p. so it sounds like a traditional evening. I just wanted to check in and say Hope everyone stays warm if you live in the cold country and enjoy the weather if you live in the desert.

Everyone out there hope your day is a great one and a safe one.

Never any snow here in southern Texas, I'm afraid. But the weather IS a lot cooler. And I'm ashamed to admit I don't even want to walk the girls to school today. I think I'll pick them up and drive them. Pretty embarrassing when Lori is talking about walking her puppy in the snow and I can't get my tail out there in 50 degrees.
A new super grocery store is opening 5 miles from me, so I'll be visiting all the goodies there today. And later this afternoon, I have my CPR recert. class Ugh...

Twynn, Goldens are supposedly easier to train than some of the other breeds including labs.... so far this seems to be true for Cody vs. Jade since I had them both at 10 and 11 weeks. And they don't shed as much!

Pearl, A mustang, with a young adult could spell disaster! My ex wants to sell my son a firebird that he admits is unsafe!!!!!!!!! Cody it was the meaning behind Cody that finally settled me on his name . Its good to know that your Cody held up to this meaning! Here is a cut and paste of his name....

"7. CODY – Cody is a great name and is often associated with dogs that are gentle and mild-mannered. They are eager to please and want to be loved. Most Cody's are very huggable. Origin: English. Meaning: Reassuring. "

RD.... Did you find anything nice at the store yesterday? Did you change the insurance? And a trick to an obedient dog is one that is trained, but the trick to a good dog is one that is exercised! LONG walks is all that works! .

Gonna, were you able to get back on track with the Shred video yesterday?

Lisa: CONGRATULATIONS! On hitting goal! Did little guy sleep well last night to allow for a good night for the two of you?

Zeff, sounds like a safe vehicle! I hope you got enough packed to feel comfortable for your moms visit!

Heather, were you able to get the on demand working today? Sorry you missed yesterday! And talk about caving in, that temp job they had, gasp, carrot cake! YES, I had a piece .

Jens... Did you get to the Gym yesterday? And can I go to the circus??? Sounds like fun, enjoy!

KO, gotta love the kitties!

((Sophie)) so sorry bout DH... hope it works out alright for him!

Lisa, so sorry bout son's Strep! OH NO! not cool! but, bonding time for mom! YEAH!

Morning, girls! Quick in and out this morning. Can I just say, BRRRRRRR?!

Off to go get breakfast on the table and clean DS' room. With Mom in town the next few days, I won't be able to check in as much.

Have a great few days and a safe Halloween!!

Loriann - Carrot cake is my weakness, way more than chocolate. A couple of weeks ago a woman I work with brought carot cake cupcakes in to celebrate her grandson's birth and to thank everyone for covering for her. I ate one small one and thought it was okay, but not as dense as I like. Still it's the first I've had in a year so I thought it was good. I was mortified when I asked for the recipe and discovered she used a mix and added carrots, pineapple, & raisins. I never would have wasted the cheat for a mix! Ah well, it's tough being human

Cottage, I'll have to try that chiil, it sounds awesome!

cyndi, this carrot cake is by far the best I've ever had, and was bought at a bakery! and boy .... I held back from grabbing the last piece! .


ETA: Speaking of food.... I bought Innova for Jade and she really doesn't care to eat it. I bought Chicken Soup for the Dog Lovers for the puppy since they say not to use Innova for puppies, and Jade eats it.... should I return the Innova and get CS for Jade?

Cottage: Yikes! I didn't know you were having that kind of weather already. I guess I should try to keep up with the news of the nation. I hope that you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Cyndi: I hear you on the box-mix cheats. Just not worth it! I made a from-scratch carrot cake for 18 last week and it went over well. I had a little slice and it was divine. But, no more of that! I've got plenty of pumpkins here...they're overtaking my kitchen!! I'll be making puree and canning them this weekend. Hope DP's appt. goes well!

Loriann: I hope you make the right decision on the job. I don't think I'd ever be able to give up my pups for a job. Good luck!

Phx: I don't have kiddos, but the Halloween excitement seems rather subdued around here this year. I think it may be because there's a High School football game that night and since we're undefeated, lots of parents are for-going trick-or-treating for the big game. What a shame. At least the kids have Saturday's parade!

Ohana: Hi! What part of S. Texas are you in? DH and I moved to our current location via Kingsville, Corpus Christi and George West. Were you in the area for the big Christmas Eve snow of 2005? That was HUGE! Never say never! I hope you have a great day and maybe by the time your girls get out of school you'll feel like walking.

Zeffryn: Hi! Enjoy your mom's visit!!

Me: Not much going on here. I've been missing you ladies! Things have been quite crazy at work and at home. I can't believe November is in 4 days! Where has the year gone?!

Things are going really well eating and exercise-wise. A group of ladies from work and I started walking during 3 lunches a week, but I kept my old evening workout plan, so I'm getting LOTS of cardio in. I really need to work on my strength training, though.

DH and I are cleaning up the house tonight, carving pumpkins tomorrow night and we'll be off 1/2 a day on Friday to finish preparing for the evening. We're doing our traditional grilled steak, wine and Ghost Hunters while handing out candy. I hope it's a great night! Well, if I don't get my rear moving now I'll be late to work.

Have a great day everyone! The weekend is just around the corner!!

~Kim

Morning! I'm stuck on this Celestial Seasonings Fast Lane Black Tea in the mornings now. More caffeine than coffee!

Lori, yes, he slept like a rock! Hopefully the nose spray and antibiotics will make him feel better today.

And I got another full-body massage last night (3 in a week and a half!) Ahhhhh. I am nice and relaxed today!

Gotta run in to work this morning, knock out my inventory as fast as I can, and then hustle back here so Tom can get to class. Little Guy is still home today just in case. I'm going to try to run the 2 bags of stuff to Salvation Army in between, but I may not have time. According to their standards, being extremely conservative and going low-end almost every time, we're donating $331 worth of stuff. It took me awhile to itemize it but I'm glad I did! I can't believe the 2 bags are worth that much. It's worth doing, definitely!

Tonight when Tom gets home, I'm running to the Y, lifting weights, and then playing volleyball. I found my kneepads when we organized everything! That should save my knees from some bruises.

Well, time to suck down some tea, wolf down some breakfast, and hit the shower! Hope everyone has a glorious day (even if some have snow.)

Lisa

Hi, all! Hope it's not as cold of a day. Thankfully, we didn't get any snow, but I can't believe others did. What an early storm!

The pumpkin chili sounds great! We love pumpkin and have had it in everything lately!

Loriann, Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul is really high quality food. I'd stick with it if Jade likes it.

Looks like another cold and windy day, but at least it isn't raining (yet...). Normal day with work, gym, etc. I'm making dinner and then dashing off to choir right when DH gets home from his church meeting. Poor dog will think we're playing tag!

Hope everyone has a great day!

Kim, I don't want to give up puppy and hate the thought of selling for a job I'm not sure about! Sounds like a fun night for Friday! Me, I think I'll escape the house! I don't celebrate Helloween!

Lisa, when I donate I donate to a local community shop that donates all it's proceeds to charity, and the workers are ALL volunteer! And their prices are far fairer than Salvo...

Beach, Innova is supposedly a bit better than CS... Thats why I paid a few dollars more, but next time I go into town I think I'm going to switch it over to CS... return the unused Innova! Hope you have a great day BEachgal!

in a hurry this morning but hope to find time to come back and read and reply.

wanted to show you the pic of me in my costume from the party on Saturday nightmeasgogo.jpg