Did You Know. . .

That October 20th is "Sweethearts Day"?  Yes Tadpoles, yet another "Hallmark" holiday - or as we like to call it "A card buying holiday."

I really shouldn't blame Hallmark - it could be American Greetings or Shoebox Cards or some other entity, but when I was in Target the other day I noticed the sign for it.  I thought "What?  Valentine's Day isn't enough?"  We don't even celebrate Valentine's day - Pooldad already knows and I tell him every single day that I love him, as he does for me.  Who needs a designated day?  I know you guys - you're the same way I'm sure.  Even if you do celebrate silly holidays like Valentine's day you let those that you love know everyday, even without the hearts, flowers and candy, eh?

But...knowing it would make Pooldad laugh [at the ridiculousness if nothing else] I succumbed to the marketing and bought a cheesy card to mail to his work.  He is so goofy he will put it up on his desk.  At least I know he will get a chuckle out of it.

Ahhh. . .the powers of well placed advertisement and the allure of an unlimited card display. :D

So, how the heck have y'all been?  Besides not blogging - I haven't even been reading or commenting.  And really?  I have no excuse.  Everything here is going along well.  Basically the same 'ol, same 'ol.  Which is a good thing.  Autumn has arrived with all it's beauty and gorgeous weather which means the start of the holiday season.  I saw my first Christmas commercial the other day - QVC [a home shopping channel] SHAME on YOU! and also saw my first Christmas tree decoration in a retail store. Bad Kohl's. BAD.  We haven't even handed out our first Snicker's bar to the trick or treaters and they are pushing Christmas. sigh.

Halloween is shaping up nicely.  Our neighborhood is pretty neat because people really like to decorate. Even if they don't have kids any excuse to put up colored lights and decorations and they are there.  I went to the Dollar store and bought many dollars worth of decorations :D Wallene did a spectacular job while we were out one evening and I get the biggest smile every time I pull Oscar into the driveway.  I did start my candy buying about a month ago. What?  I am STILL trying to gain weight here people. heehee [well, that's MY excuse anyway] and so far we have gone through the entire Lifesaver, Skittle and Starburst lines and are soon to hit the chocolate and peanut butter families.  Gosh, I LOVE Halloween.  Anyone dressing up this year?  Wallene is marching in the annual town Halloween parade and their section [the mellophones] are dressing as gnomes.  She isn't too excited, but she was voted down.  Any ideas on making it a unique costume for her? What should I use for the costume base?  Exactly what KIND of gnome?    Any hints or anyone that has dressed as a gnome before - your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Let's see?  What else can I bore you with this week?  Oh, as I said - the weather has just been spectacular.  Even with the rain it has been great.  We have started taking Spot to our local park.  Did you know that I have lived in Sterling, VA for over 7 years and not until two months ago had I ever been to this park?  It is 2 miles from our home!  It is hard to describe just how beautiful this simple park is.  It is all natural, meaning there is no planning to it, no gardens or such - just paths and an occasional shelter with picnic tables and grills.  It runs along the river and there are benches erected to you can just sit and take in the beauty of it all.  When we first started going it was always Pooldad, me, sometimes Wallene and Spot.  With everyone being so busy with work and school it is now just Spot and me.  It is so peaceful.  What is fun is we see the same people, with their dogs, everyday.  It is like Doggie Social hour at 4 pm here.  We had to buy Spottie a new harness and extendable leash because she was darn near choking herself on the conventional collar and leash set up.  Now she thinks she is "all that". heehee

I swear I compose a post or two in my head at least once a day but I never seem to be in front of the computer long enough to get words to screen.  I really do have a whole lot more updating to do but for y'all's sake I think I'll take it slow and ease back into this whole blogging thing. :D  And yes, I have pictures, recipes and baking updates to share [KNITTY!] We'll see what I can toss up here in the near future.

I can honestly say I have missed you y'all so much, but I don't know that I can make any promises if I am going to be able to keep up like I once did.  I will do my best.  Just know that if I am not here tap, tap,  tapping away I am here in spirit - cheering you on and sending a hug or two when you need one.  Believe me when I say you are ALL in my prayers every morning.  God is well acquainted with the term "Tadpoles" by now I would hope.

Best wishes that you all have a great weekend.  Enjoy yourselves and don't forget to SMILE!

See ya' on the flipside. xoxo Skippy