Silent Hill

Totally wicked! I loved this. Hubby and I saw this at the theaters on the 22nd. This was a great way to end the week off. The story line is pretty much like that of the first Silent Hill game with just a few differences. It has the eerie atmosphere, grotesque figures, and unusual plot just like the game. This is one that I will definitely be adding to my collection when it is released on DVD. Just a note. I strongly urge parents that are in the habit of disregarding ratings and take their young children to R rated movies, to reconsider on this one. I feel that it was gory at the end and wouldn't be appropriate for younger viewers.

The Chronicles of Narnia

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I felt that the kids did a wonderful job acting and the special effects were breathtaking. I actually bought the book that this movie is based on, but I've yet to immerse myself into C. S. Lewis' imagination. This is one that I have added to my DVD library and will most definitely be watching over and over.

Stay Alive

Hubby and I saw this at the theaters on the 15th. We both thought it looked good being that we love to play video games. I have to say that I thought it was cool. I liked the story line.

The End of Bliss

It is with regret that I have to say our week of relaxation and bliss has come to a close. Tomorrow will start another venture at that plant of madness we call work. Is it too much to ask if there is a dream job of sorts where I could possible stay home and just blog or write to my heart's content and still get that green stuff that don't grow on trees to pay those pesky bills? Eh, oh well, just return back to reality. As you can see this week I have done a major overhaul at my space here. I'm not going to bore you with explaining everything when I have already posted explanations throughout. Just go and get click happy and enjoy what you find. I will say that one of the things I added was a module as an index to all of my poetry that I have posted on here. Other than that you will have to look for everything else(in other words I'd like for you surfers to stay a little longer than a couple of minutes) Much to my amazement, I have been able to edit my profile. That annoying thing would not let me access the edit page for some strange unknown reason(or maybe it had to do with the changes that are going on). Anyway while playing around I discovered that it would finally let me in, and I have added it back to my space along with the picture that I was wanting to display. Hubby and I have enjoyed our week off tremendously. Saturday involved going to the theater and watching Stay Alive. Cool movie. Sunday we were invited to my friend's church to watch the play, He's Alive. Powerful and moving performance from all of them. They done an amazing job. Monday consisted of doctor appointments and errands. We will be getting a call in about a week or so to pick up hubby's new glasses. Both of my guys are nearsighted and have to wear glasses. This time though for my son's I opted for them to add transition lenses for him. He loves them. Tuesday was a pleasurable day of shopping in Evansville with my sis. Things are not going very well right now between her and her husband so she is staying with us for awhile to get things settled. It isn't very often that my sis and I get to go out together and do things. Our work schedules never coincide for us to have fun on the weekend. She splurged at her favorite store Victoria's Secret. Uh, not the store for me I have to say. I purchased a new pair of shoes and found some wonderful insoles to hopefully alleviate my foot problem(plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and heel pain). I will know after this week if they will work or not. Wednesday comprised of relaxing and getting my hair permed. As for Thursday, just refer to Wednesday only without the perm. Friday was the same as Wednesday and Thursday except for mom and I met my son up at the cafe after school. Nothing fancy. Just a little town restaurant. Mom got a barbecue sandwich and chips, I got a hamburger and some huge onion rings, and my son got chopped steak and french fries. For dessert my son and I had sundaes. Yummy. Saturday started off just like the others(me basically telling my son that I wanted the computer and he could go play a video game). At about 5:30 hubby and I left to pick up groceries and to catch the movie, Silent Hill. Totally wicked. I really liked. Don't know what hubby thought of it though. I will give a review of this and some other movies later on. Nope I didn't get my lazy butt out and take some photos. I should have though. I definitely need a kick in the rear for that one. Well, it's 3:36 am here and I haven't played Zuma yet. Don't know why, but it's become a habit to play this game before I head off to bed. So I must close out of MSN and play my game. Later

Peanut Butter Fudge

Another one of mom's fave recipes. She usually makes this around Christmas time. 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup milk 2 Tbsp margarine 2 Tbsp peanut butter(add more to taste if desired) Combine sugar, margarine, and milk in heavy pan. Cook till soft ball stage on candy thermometer or when a soft ball forms in cold water. Stir in peanut butter and margarine. Hand beat until starts to thicken. Pour into buttered pan. Sets up quickly.

Magic Dough (for cobblers)

This is a favorite of ours for cobblers. Normally when I see a cobbler recipe it usually has a biscuit type dough for it. This dough recipe is more cake like and very rich and sweet. My mom grew up and learned how to cook during those times when there were no cookbooks and your measurements were a pinch of this and a dab of that. She doesn't know exactly how long she bakes it. She says she just bakes it unitl it's golden on top. Also, if you decide that you would like a little more dough just add 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, and 2 cups milk and then follow the recipe. 1 cup flour 1 cup sugar 1 cup milk 1 cup butter fruit filling of your choice(we usually use cherry and peach) Mix flour and sugar together. Add milk. Stir into a batter. Pour into pan and then add fruit filling of choice(our faves: cherry and peach). Place pats of butter on top.Place in 350 degree oven and cook until a nice golden brown on top.

Peanut Butter Balls

This is another one of our faves that mom usually makes around Christmas time. We got this recipe from my friend's mom. 1 1/2 cup peanut butter 1 stick butter 1 tsp vanilla 1 lb powdered sugar 1/2 stick of parafin wax 1 pkg chocolate chips Mix together peanut butter, butter, and vanilla. Add sugar and mix well. Add a little water if too dry. Make into small balls. Melt parafin and chocolate chips over low heat stirring constantly. Dip balls in chocolate and place on wax paper.

Zucchini Bread

We love this recipe. It makes a good snack. Mom later on experimented with the preserves and apple butter which really made it moist. 3 eggs 1 cup oil 2 cups sugar 2 cups grated zucchini 1 tsp vanilla 3 cups flour 3 tsp cinnamon 1 sm jar of strawberry preserves or apple butter(optional) Beat eggs, sugar, and oil. Add vanilla. Stir in zucchini(and preserves or apple butter-optional). Mix flour and cinnamon and then add to mixture. Stir. Pour in greased bread pans and bake at 325 degrees for 60-75 mins.

Peanut Butter Cookies

This is a favorite cookie recipe of mom's. She's also been known to add chocolate chips to it on occasion. 2 1/2 cups plain flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup peanut butter 1/2 cup soft shortening 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1/4 cup evaporated milk Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix in a large bowl peanut butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar till light and fluffy. Add approx 1/3 of flour mixture at a time to dough mixing well after each addition. Mix in eggs and evaporated milk. Chill dough till firm. Shape into 1 inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Press flat with floured fork. Bake in oven at 375 degrees for 10 min. or till light brown.

Peppermint Bark

After indulging myself every year at Christmas time with the peppermint bark at Wal-Mart, I decided that it was time to find a recipe for this candy so that I can make it any time I want until I make myself sick of it. I've yet to get my butt in the kitchen and try this so if ya do leave a note and let me know how it is. Crushed candy canes, to yield 1 cup 2 pounds white chocolate Peppermint flavorings, optional Place candy canes in a plastic bag and hammer into 1/4-inch chunks or smaller. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Combine candy cane chunks with chocolate (add peppermint flavoring at this point if desired.) Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper and place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm. Remove from cookie sheet and break into pieces (like peanut brittle.)

Let Me Tell You About Myself

Please note that this is subject to change as things are added/deleted 1. My fave color is blue 2. I love to write. I've been writing since I was about 6 years old. I can remember sitting at the kitchen table and writing my very first poem that I gave as a gift to my mother. She still has that poem to this day in a frame. 3. I love to read. My favorite book series are The Little House Books: I've been reading and rereading those since I was in grade school, Star Wars novels: I am a big collector of Star Wars novels. I have all kinds. My fave in those was the New Jedi Order series, Harry Potter: I got hooked on these after I saw the first movie. I also enjoy the Resident Evil series(based on the popular video game), sci-fi, teach your self, CSI series, and so many more that I have on my bookshelf in my room. 4. I love photography. I don't feel that I'm all that great at it, but I love packing my camera and taking pictures. If you are interested in seeing more photos that I have please feel free to email me, and I will send you the link to where I have them uploaded. 5. I love mexican and italian foods. Burritos, enchiladas are faves along with lasagna, spaghetti, fettucini. Yum! 6. I am still stuck in the 80's. This is the music that I grew up on and still have it stuck in my head and in my CD collection. I also enjoy listening to The Cranberries, LaBouche, Eiffel 65, Cyndi Lauper, Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, Madonna(the older songs), B-52's, Human League, Jann Arden, The Corrs, Loreena McKennit, Enya, Mary Chapin Carpenter(I love her songwriting), Bellamy Brothers, Brooks & Dunn, Trisha Yearwood, LeAnn Rimes, Dwight Yoakum, and much, much, more. I love listening to songs of the 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's. I love Rock, Pop, some easy listening, country, a little bit of heavy metal, some classical, dance. 7. If I had to describe me, I would say that I am very shy, but kind. I give respect to those who I feel deserve it, I like being around older people a little more than I do younger(I can relate to older people more), very self critical, emotional, artsy(I would love to learn to paint and play musical instruments), reserved, loyal. 8. My fave games to play are Spyro the Dragon, Resident Evil, and Star Wars games. 9. I feel like I'm terrible at cooking. In fact, I don't really like cooking. 10. I've been diagnosed with Avoidant Personality Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder. Sounds like fun don't it. I am currently on medication for it and trying hard to work on changing things. It's slow going, but family has said that they've seen a change in me for the better. 11. I suffer from rosacea. Usually it doesn't bother me until people start staring consistently when I'm having a really bad flare up, but there are times when I go out that I would just like to have a clear face without looking like a stop sign. For me, I have found a makeup that I'm satisfied with. Sheer Cover really camouflages the redness, bumps, and veins about 98 percent. Nothing will ever completely cover it, but this so far works really well. So far my known triggers for flareups are: extreme hot/cold conditions, hot foods/drinks, and caffeine.

Happy Anniversary!

Rachel Pennington for 20 years of marriage

Welcome Mocha Momma

Please welcome, Kelly(aka Mocha Momma)to my home for the week. Actually this lady, who would "would sniff a line of coffee grounds", needs no introduction. She is well known in the blogging community with her MSN Space, but did you know that she also has a blog at blogger? While surfing the blog world I came across her blog, Mocha Momma and this is the one that I will be featuring. Kelly moved to blogger cause it was easier to upload her photos that she has on Flickr. Kelly loves taking photos especially now that she has a new Canon Digital Rebel XT that she got from her hubby, Ken. She has been thoroughly enjoying her new toy along with her son Morgan. Recently they spent some time together in Springfield shooting cameras, Kelly with her new one, and Morgan with his mom's old one. Kelly loves spending time with her boys, Mason and Morgan, and her daughter, Mallory, when she is home from college. There's not much to tell about, Kelly, that her blogging buddies don't already know except that she plans to have her own website that is in the works now. When she unveils it to everyone I will post a link here. In the meantime enjoy reading about Kelly at Kelly's Space: Life Fueled by Coffee and at Mocha Momma and take a gander at her photos on Flickr. Tell her I sent ya.

Shopping Trip

This is going to be short and sweet cause I need to get in bed for tomorrow. My sis and I are heading to Evansville to shop, shop, shop or actually want, want, want, can't buy, can't buy, can't buy. I'm spending time with my sis and that's all that matters to me. I'm really enjoying this week off from work and am already sorry to see one day of it gone. They just don't give us enough time off there. Need more vacations. As you can see, I'm doing a little revamping around here. I am now titled Welcome to My Home and have changed the template. I will be adding some recipes soon and some more things. Just haven't got to it yet. Time to visit other spaces before I head off to bed. Later

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday to my son,(15), and to my hubby(34)!

What a Wonderful Weekend

First of all, I'd like to say, Happy Easter to everyone! I'm totally off from work for a week. Yay! It's so relaxing sitting here on the computer knowing that I don't have to go in when I get up. That doesn't mean I'll get to sit at home though. Our day is booked with dr. appts. and grocery shopping. It'll still be a joy to be out and about and hopefully the weather will be agreeable. We celebrated hubby and my son's birthdays today. Their's is actually Monday, but we decided it would be easier to cookout and have it today. My son got Mythbusters Season 1 from me, Dynasty Warriors 5: Extreme Legends from my mom, and Fun with Dick and Jane from my sis. He told me later that night that he really enjoyed today. We got the pleasure of seeing the Easter play, He's Alive, that my friend's church puts on every year. Very powerful and moving perfomance from the players. They did a wonderful job. Hope eveyone's day was as good as mine. Later

My Inquiring Mind Wants to Know...

What is a meme? besides the fact that this is what my son calls his grandmother Where do you get those doodles that people have with their names? I see hearts, diamonds, boxes, and all kinds of weird shapes

Grrr...

Grrrr... For the past couple of nights, I have been trying to get online and for some strange reason it just wasn't happening. Darn internet connection. Okay. Here's a short explanation on the renovation. I'm revamping my modules and space as my home. DVD listings are the living room, Game listings are the gameroom, and for the kitchen I plan on adding some recipes. Now I don't cook. I just simply don't have the patience for it, but it doesn't stop me from sifting through recipes every now and then and salivating over those that look good to me. So that's what I will be listing plus some of my mom's recipes. For two days I've wanted to get online and do some work on my space and now that I've managed to get online I'm just not in the mood right now. Go figure. I've been trying to think of another title for my space but can't come up with anything catchy off the top of my head. Any suggestions? Work has been somber for this week. One of my coworkers was killed in a car accident Sunday. I'm not sure on exact details, but one thing for definite is that he was drinking. One other person was killed and another was injured. There's been alot of repercussions of this accident, and it is so sad what all the families are having to go through. For anyone out there reading this, please don't drink and drive. Friday is supposed to be our last day before a temporary shutdown for maintenance work. Yay. I can't wait. I get to play on the computer and hopefully the weather will be agreeable so that I can get outside and maybe play with the camera. My sis that is having the marital problems is with us. It's looking like they may not be able to work things out. She's holding out well though. We're planning on going out shopping next week while I'm off. I will so enjoy it. I rarely got to see her before. Warning: Following sites that I've linked to contain crude language and possible material. Click at your own risk. Well I did it. I submitted my space to I Talk 2 Much for a review. These are a rude crude bunch of people, and they give a warning to not submit your site for review if you are sensitive. I did it anyway. Not so much as for a constructive review, but for the comments that would be given. I didn't expect that bunch to like my space anyway. In fact, my space here is considered a train wreck and the reviewer had no intentions of putting his fingerprints on it. So basically to the reviewer and commenters my space sucked. Especially to those that apparently didn't view it in IE. With Firefox the whole thing is totally messed up, and I think I will try to work on that so it can be viewed with Firefox as well. But it's so good to know that this blog was better recieved than mine. The actual lesson that was being taught was that I don't have to worry what others think of me, what I write, or what I do. Somebody out there will like me, what I write, and what I do. I do have some faithful readers, and I like what I am doing. That's all that matters for me. We've been having some gorgeous weather here lately. I've woke up to some beautiful afternoons, and my mood has been much better going into work. I've had some down days but my attitude about work and the people is slowly improving. I've been praying also for God to help me with patience at work. I try to pray every day, but this is all new to me and some days I forget. I also keep forgetting to thank God at the end of the day for his help and guidance. Oops. We've been keeping up with church and trying real hard to change ourselves for the better. I've hardly heard my hubby cuss at all, and I've almost stopped myself except for a few slips. Well, I think that I heard it thunder so I guess I will close. I want to catch up on email and other blogs I read since I haven't been able to. I've gotten behind. Later

Meet Val Ewing: Mulewings

Meet Val Ewing. I met Val while involved in an MSN photo group. Val's uses blogger for her blog, Mulewings and also has photos posted of her mules and other things on Flickr. When Val is not working as a receptionist in a chiropractic's office, she packs her camera and whistles for her pal, Morris(terrier), to come along with her while she rides her mules in the woods. Riding for her is like breathing air. To her it's a necessity or as she eloquently puts it, "I live to ride, and ride to live." Riding and photography is a passion for her. Right now she's had to put some things on hold due to her shoulder problems(frozen shoulder). She recently had to undergo surgery and is now in physical therapy to get the mobility back in her shoulder and arm. Along with mules and photography, the other loves in her life are her 2nd husband, Rich, her 2 sons from her previous marriage, and her 3 grandchildren, writing, and hiking. One interesting tidbit about Val is her dad. Her father, Tom Rogers, was an advertising copywriter and creator of Chalie the Tuna. He also had a hand in creating other memorable ad mascots of the 60's and 70's(Keebler Elves and Morris the Cat). Val's father died in June of 2005, but will always be in her heart. Please take a moment of your time while on your computer and stop by Mulewings and Flickr by Val and tell her I sent ya.

Hurray for the Weekend!

As you can tell by the time that I'm posting this entry, I dont' have to work this weekend. Yay! It is such a relief. I already feel rested and relaxed. I slept in and caught up on some much needed rest. Sorry that I haven't been posting much lately. Honestly, I've been coming home too tired and don't really have that much to post about. I live a very ordinary life and as much as I really need to, there are times when I just can't find the humor in what I do. As I blog surf, I see that other people live ordinary lives, but have interesting entries. I just simply can't find a way to write about my everyday life in an interesting way. Hence, the reason I come up with my pick of the week. I like writing about other things moreso than I do myself. Blogging really interests me and it's easier for me to come up with the words. I don't really care for politics. My opinion on that is that politicians are just out for themselves and not for the good of the people or our country. I'm not really a newsy type person either. I have to give my apologies to Val for not posting an introduction yet. It's been kind of hard this week due to either me having to work late or hubby having to work late. I will type up an introduction to you and get up. The weather here has really been something. We've had storms here this week and yesterday in one area they reported having golf ball sized hail. For here in my town, we only got pea sized hail. I called home from work to check on my mom and my son. So far we've been very lucky and are counting our blessings. Tennessee lost about 12 lives from this storm, and I believe about 14 live(I could be wrong)from a previous storm. Both stroms spawned tornadoes, and they were hit pretty hard. My thoughts go out to those families. We've kind of been having a family turmoil this past week. My sis and her husband are having some marital problems right now, and she's spent a few days with us. I've been praying for them the best that I know how for them to be able to work things out. My sis is starting to look haggard from all of the stress. I'm really worried about her. Outside here is gorgeous, but cold. Can you believe that we have a frost advisory for tonight? There have been times where it's snowed in April. My son is hoping that it does snow. He's been home this past week for spring break and is not wanting to go back to school on Monday. I keep telling him to hang in there. Just this month and then part of May and he'll be out for the summer. My son will be celebrating his 15th birthday the 17th. It seems like yesterday he was just a little thing that I was carrying on my hip. Where has the time gone? Later

The Flower

She begins as a seed A tiny blossom laying in wait Asking for the sun’s warmth And a little rain for her thirst to sate Soon she grows But a bloom she does not make She’s just beginning her life And not quite yet awake Given time she’ll flourish Her beauty to dispel upon you She’ll weather storms, animals And other elements too A single flower alone in the world Doing what little flowers should She’ll radiate her beauty and Bring a smile to all that is good But soon Father Time comes to call And all must come to a stop Her blossom will begin to fade But a legacy she leaves on For with Nature’s help Another flower she has made This single flower has touched the lives of many She has warmed the hearts of many a one This single flower will never really die As long as we let her beauty linger on This and all other works contained in this site are copyrighted©. No reproduction in any manner is permitted.

Same Ol' thing

Sorry for not posting so much this week. With work posting for us to come in on every Saturday, it feels like it's starting to really get to me. I'm really tired when I come home, and a couple of nights, I've had to wait on hubby. I didn't get home till around 3:00 am. Honestly, there is nothing really to post about. My day is always pretty much the same ol' thing. I get up, get dressed, go to work, come home, go to bed, repeat next day. Not much of an existence, I know, but working 2nd shift, it's kind of hard to do anything really. Last week was a little more tolerable. Since going to church and letting God into my life, work has been a little more easy going. I'm still having the same irritating issues, but now when something bothers me, I start talking to God and a peaceful feeling comes over me. I'm still mad and irritated, but the I am able to manage through the night so much better. Also, I have almost completely stopped cussing. I used to swear something awful at work. This week I've slipped just a couple of times and have really managed to calm myself down. It's a lot of work, but I'm doing it. Later