FG radfam

Growing Up Italian...

2010-03-22T16:18:00.000-04:00

Growing up Italian, I can really relate to this video.. My Grandfather was born in Italy and spoke very little English. Frank's parents were born in Italy also, and even though they are a little more "Americanized" then my Grandfather was, my kids can also relate to this as well...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG3Cw8Hw054

20 Best Coffee Cake Recipes | Recipe4Living

2010-02-25T12:38:00.001-05:00

20 Best Coffee Cake Recipes | Recipe4Living

Posted using ShareThis

2009......

2010-02-05T15:31:00.007-05:00

Well 2009 is gone, I won't say it was all that bad or good, but it sure was busy.. Starting in January, the 12th to be exact, Anthony had his surgery...

Before...

And after, and Cooler!!

Of coarse, I'm happy he had such a successful surgery in regard to his health, but he looks so good too!!

Then I had mine, On February 2, Ground Hog's Day! I've had a running joke with Norma since she was a little girl, I would say Happy Ground Hog's day to her and she would get so mad she would cry... Well I never forgot and throughout the years I have said it to her, never missing once. Well Last year I didn't tell anyone about the surgery, but I knew she would find out that day when she woke up and saw Frank and me weren't home. I had it all planned to say Happy Ground Hog's day when she saw me after the surgery... Well here she comes into the recovery room, mad as anything,( remember I didn't tell her about the surgery)When I saw her I tried not to laugh too much ( I was in pain!)( and drugged ) But I did remember to say it!!

No before pictures for me!!

Well March gave us a few Birthday's, Norma turned 40, wow she's catching up !! Rocco turned 22 and Anthony 19, I think I'm getting really old!!

Dominic got accepted into Five towns college and Anthony decided to go for 4 years instead of 2 at Farmingdale State College....

Dominic Passes His Road Test!! Oh Boy did I really ask for all this??? Then he buys his own car...All kidding aside I'm so proud of him!!

Dominic again?? Yes Dominic Graduates High school, Well not just one graduation but 2!!#1...Check out his National Technology Honor Society Sash : and #2

After school ended we went upstate, but then started getting ready for our Cruise, with only about 38 of our closest family and friends!! What a great time we all had!!

Anthony meets Jessica,There's not much for me to say except.. Love at first, second, third, well you get the point, sight!! He was and still is very much in love!

Then it was time for our Annual Capo picnic... It's so nice to see everybody all together, we always have a great time!

Then school starts, and everything kinda goes back to normal for awhile, Birthday's....Oh yea that reminds me I turned, dare I say it....50..... Oh Boy :( And yes... it was my 50's party!! I had said since I can remember that when I turned 50 I wanted to have a 50's party, well I always remembered and I did it!! I couldn't have done it on my own, Norma did such a great job I think she missed her calling and should have been a party planner! I had a great time and by the looks of everything everybody there also had a great time, The whole party was a 50's theme, from the decorations to the music to old movies playing on the TV, to even the food, snacks, ice cream soda's and the favors, Everything was perfect!! Oh Yea even the costumes, we had your typical poodle skirts, scarfs and jeans, T-shirts and sunglasses, but we also had Elvis, Joe DiMaggio, Marilyn Monroe and yes me the Prom Queen!! I will never forget that night!!

Christmas was huge again, even though I said like always that it wouldn't be!! Then new year's eve, and Rocco and Sharon mark their 1 year anniversary!

There was of coarse, a lot of other things that went on throughout the year, but we don't really need to include every detail!! I just wanted to highlight some of the fun stuff :)

Hope 2010 is a good one!!!

Deals & Coupons - Earn Cash Back When You Shop.

2010-01-23T18:43:00.000-05:00

Deals & Coupons - Earn Cash Back When You Shop.: "165513993217278727991913321768"

9/11/01..... Frank's story - Repeated from 2 year's ago.

2009-09-11T11:57:00.000-04:00

I wrote the story below, 2 years ago. It tells it all, so I thought I would just republish it again this year.

9/11/01..... Frank's story

2009-09-11T11:54:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe something can feel like it happened a life time ago and just yesterday, at the same time. So many of us can recall the exact events we were engaged in when this tragedy happened. I remember thinking " how awful a plane crashed into the World Trade Center," then when the second one hit I thought " the smoke must be so thick the second plane didn't see the building!" I never thought it was done on purpose. My friend Terri who lives here with us immediately said "Osama Bin Laden did this" I asked her, "who's that?" I had no clue. Then the phone calls started. Everyone knew that Frank worked in the city on a daily basis, plus, worked many times at the Twin Towers. To be exact, he worked for Morgan Stanley and Cantor Fitzgerald, the only company to lose all their employees. I still have his ID cards showing he was there 2 months before this. As all the calls came in, I told each one, " Nope, Franks not there today, he's on the other side of Manhattan " I even called the union hall just to make sure, and was told " all of our men have been accounted for " Unfortunately, that wasn't true, 3 electricians went to the roof and didn't make it home that day. So finally at 12 noon, Frank calls. I said " did you hear what happened? " He said " hear? I'm in it!! " He was working down there, but in a building attached to the Millennium Hotel right next to the Twin Towers. He said when the first plane hit the lights went out but came right back on, the men heard what happened and started their way down in the elevator to get out of there. When the second plane hit they lost power again, and was stuck in the elevator for maybe 15 minutes or so. When Frank got outside he couldn't believe what he saw, and heard. He said he saw people running and screaming all over the place. When he saw the buildings burning on all four sides he knew they were coming down. He knew he had to get out of there fast, but before he knew it they started to fall. He began to run away from them and just turned off of Church st. when that now infamous cloud of smoke and debris that you see over and over on TV, came towards him. He pulled his t-shirt over his mouth and nose pointed himself straight and started walking away from it, knowing he would be engulfed at any moment. He was! He tried to feel for unlocked cars to hide in, but they were all locked. He knew he would need to stay calm, and just try to get out of that mess. As he was walking,
( he was afraid to run being he knew that would make him breath too hard and fill his lungs with all that garbage faster.) He felt someone grab his arm and pull him to the side. It was a women police officer, she was standing on the side of the road and could see people in the cloud of smoke, and was " plucking " them out to cleaner air. He walked to a fountain and washed out his eyes and started walking, right across Manhattan. He walked to the Mid-Town Tunnel! He was going to walk through the tunnel, but a police officer saw an airport van that was waiting his turn to go in, being they were only letting one car in at a time, was empty, and told him to fill it up and then to go through, So Frank got a ride. He finally got to a train station in Flushing and got home around 4pm. He was covered with that dust "from head to toe." He needed to go on antibiotics because of all the dust he breathed in. Our school put teachers on all the buses and brought the kids to their houses instead of the stops, because they didn't know what they would find when they got home. The teacher on our bus happened to be Dominic's teacher from the year before. That class went on a trip to the towers and Frank met them there, so she knew he had worked there. When she looked at her clip board of students names, the first four were the Capobianco's. She said a panic came over her. Frank had just gotten home and was sitting on the front porch when the bus pulled up. When the teacher saw him, she jumped off the bus, crying and hugged me. She said she was so scared of what could have been some very bad news. Frank stayed home the rest of the week. When he went back the following Monday, the area was already fenced off and he needed to be let in and escorted by security to his job site. Here are some pictures from what he came back to.
You can see how close he was.
Just click on the pictures to enlarge them.

Check this out.....

2009-09-02T10:24:00.003-04:00

I just read something online that really surprised me, maybe I shouldn't be but I was! It's about Ben and Jerry's icecream....

It's Apricot Season....

2009-08-20T21:45:00.002-04:00

My favorite....

We're back.....

2009-08-01T15:30:00.010-04:00

My in-laws and their friends of 50 years.They all met on their honeymoon.They got married on the same day,in the same church,had the reception in the same hall,one down stairs one up,then went to the same resort in the Pocono's! When they met there, they started talking and realized everything then. They have been friends ever since. They had 16 people with them we had 22 with us, so we were 38 people in all! What a great time we all had.

My favorite part,on our balcony having our "first" breakfast.

These two pictures are of us stuffed in the van going to the ship.

Some of the towel animals we found in our room each night.

Our water scenery every night!

A beach in Nassau, Bahamas.

An aquarium in Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Just a different looking plant.

Mario eating Escargot!!

Grand Turks.

Just 19 of us...

Mario loves his Grandma!!

Leaving NY.

Still in NY

Can you tell we're going away soon????

2009-07-13T20:03:00.004-04:00

When you need to do laundry, sort and pack for 10 people you need to use almost every room in the house!!!

Frank and his fish!!

2009-07-04T14:01:00.004-04:00

My Dominic, Franky and Angelo are upstate for a couple of weeks. I see by these pictures Franky is sending from his phone that he is keeping busy... These fish are all from my in-laws pond ! (He said he is throwing them back!)

Enough with the rain already....

2009-06-23T22:15:00.004-04:00

Even this bird is having a "Bad Hair" day with all this rain!!!

( Franky Boy took this picture)

Dominic's #2 Graduation!!

2009-06-16T23:16:00.005-04:00

Well it's now official, Dominic is all finished with school, that's of course until he starts college in September!! We had a wonderful time on Monday the 15th, Dominic graduated at 10am then we had a luncheon at 12 noon, then home for a little house party. All in all, a great day and night!

Dominic's #1 Graduation....

2009-06-11T00:07:00.006-04:00

Tonight Dominic graduated from one of the two schools he attends. This graduation was from Barry Tech, where he took Video Production and Communications. He did so well these two years there, and as you can see he is wearing a sash which was given to him because he was inducted into the National Honor Society.We are so proud of him. Monday is his graduation from his home high school, then he starts Five Towns College in September....

Dominic showing off his graduation gift, a school ring!

I just don't understand...

2009-06-09T13:41:00.004-04:00

I usually don't blog about these kinds of subjects , but this really got to me. I'd like to know just who is sitting around these labs thinking of new tests that don't help people but ruin them. Are there people who really think this is good or just another way of making money with a new product? I think I'm going to find the number of the company making this and give them a call... There is also statements by Mr. Portnoy in the last paragraph that are also disturbing, saying a woman who wants to have this done can have an amnio, or a state funded sonogram to determine the sex of the baby at 18 to 20 weeks!! Unbelievable!!

Gender test spurs abortion fears

The gender test is expected to sell for about $125.
A new test to reveal the gender of a fetus in early pregnancy has sparked a row over whether it will lead to sex-selection abortions.
The American-designed IntelliGender test kit, which can be used from eight weeks after conception, went on sale in Australia last month. Its Australian distributor hopes to launch it in New Zealand within a fortnight.
David Portnoy, managing director of Melbourne-based Early Image, said yesterday that he was negotiating with health products companies Douglas Pharmaceuticals and API to supply the kits to New Zealand pharmacies.
He expected they would sell for about $125.
They do not test pregnancy, so do not require state approval under the Medicines Act, unlike pregnancy tests. To use the new test, a pregnant woman mixes her urine with the kit's chemicals in the supplied container. If it turns green or black, the fetus is a boy; orange or yellow indicate a girl.
The kits are claimed to be 90 per cent accurate, but because patents have not yet been issued, the maker will not reveal the supporting data or the science of how they work.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is worried about what the test might lead to.
"The concern we would have is that people would then terminate pregnancies on the grounds of sex selection," said college president Dr Ted Weaver.
Anti-abortion group Voice for Life echoes this concern. Spokesman Bernard Moran said abortions for sex selection were a problem overseas and the test would facilitate this in New Zealand. "Certain ethnic minorities here might be more prone to use it."
Mr Moran was concerned to learn that the approval of the Health Ministry's Medsafe unit was not required. He said that although abortions were not permitted for sex selection, they were permitted on grounds of the mental health of the woman, and the Abortion Supervisory Committee had acknowledged that the way this was applied meant New Zealand, in effect, had abortion on demand.
Mr. Portnoy, responding to the concerns about sex-selection abortions based on the test, said, "I would be amazed if anybody was to do anything so drastic based on a urine test that has a 90 per cent accuracy rate."
If a woman was intent on that course, she could, for a few hundred dollars, have a much more accurate test, such as amniocentesis.
Women can also have a state-funded ultrasound scan at 18 to 20 weeks after conception, or earlier in some cases, and these can mostly determine the sex of the fetus.
Medsafe group manager Stewart Jessamine said that until the maker of IntelliGender stated how it worked, "none of us know much about it as to whether it's anything better than a guess".

My plant gave me a gift!!

2009-05-27T23:34:00.005-04:00

My in-laws gave me two pots with bulbs in them at least two years ago. I would water them and all that grew were some skinny long green leaves. Well last night I was walking around looking at my plants ( I have a lot!) and this is what I found from one of those pots! It really wasn't there even the day before! I was so surprised, I called Frank over and he said "where did that come from?" He didn't see it grow either. I think it's beautiful and was well worth the wait. I hope the other one will surprise me too....

We're So Proud !!!

2009-05-11T16:46:00.005-04:00

We just found out today that Dominic has been accepted to Five Towns College!! We are so proud of him. Five Towns is a four year speciality college for performing arts, drama, all instruments, etc. It's located in Dix Hills. Dominic will be continuing his education in Video Production and Communication. He is so excited, and we are too!! Congratulations Dom....

Boys Will Be Boys.....

2009-04-24T16:46:00.008-04:00

So Franky got this idea to trap birds. (This is what happens after we spend a week upstate, it's hard to take the woods back out of them)! Anyway, He took the time to find the right trap, all the other supplies he needed and then to set it up. So outside he waited and waited, after awhile I went to check on him and to call him in for dinner, just scroll down to see what I found.....

Needless to say, he didn't catch any birds that day!!!

(Take notice of the string tied to the chair)

What A Disaster!!!

2009-04-21T15:50:00.005-04:00

Yup, a whole brand new bottle of Balsamic Vinegar, not a little supermarket brand but a big BJ'S bottle!! On days like this I'm not so happy to be "the lady of the house" !

Oh well, life goes on and on and on....

The true signs of spring...

2009-04-10T11:08:00.010-04:00

I always plant a vegetable garden, sometimes a big one sometimes not so big, but always something. This year some that I planted last year are already coming up on their own. I always leave something to die on the plant so this way maybe some seeds will fall off and plant themselves, just for fun.

This is mint starting to come up, to be truthful, you can't kill the stuff so it always comes back and double than the year before!!

I love fennel, I put it in my salad, it really adds to the taste. I was so happy to see this growing again.
The celery you get from your own garden is so much more tender then what you buy in the store, I also put this into my salads, and pot roast, stew, soups... but when I buy it in the store I only use the leaves, when I grow it that's what it mostly is. leaves and very thin stalks, perfect!

Franky boy made me a bird house and feeder, as soon as he hung them in my cherry tree we had tenants! I could watch them all day!

My Franky working so hard as usual trimming my now dead Japanese maple tree!!!

I knew this would be out there!!!

2009-04-06T15:31:00.005-04:00

I was always fascinated by the "topsy turvy tomato plant holder" I checked it out and didn't really want to spend the money on a plastic bag that I still had to add my own tomato plant to. So I looked around google and found the site to help me make my own. You can also plant peppers, eggplant, or probably just about any stalk vegetable plant. Oh, and strawberries too!!

If it's too much trouble to get buckets you can use large soda bottles, or gallon size juice bottles. Just cut off the bottoms, and put plant into the small spout end, save the bottom you cut off to use as a cap so your dirt doesn't dry out or get washed away when it rains. An added tip, when you make your small hole to insert your plant cover the hole before you add your dirt ,with some sort of mesh material and make an even smaller hole in that to hold some more of the dirt back.

Just click the picture to get to the site... Have fun!!

111 Springtime Recipes....

2009-04-02T12:49:00.008-04:00

111 SPRINGTIME RECIPES

Just click the above link for 111 springtime recipes. I love to look at different recipes, sometimes I don't even make the recipe exact, but take ideas from a few different ones and make the dish my own! Enjoy and let me know if you see anything you like.

Interesting...

2009-03-30T10:28:00.010-04:00

Carmine sent this to me today, I had no idea it even existed.

Obviously, the Press didn't report it.. because it had President Bush's picture on it!! How sad! I had never heard of this before receiving it. Why Didn't the press report it?This is the "TEAR DROP" made and installed by the Russians to honor those who died in 9 11 and a statement against terrorism. It is very impressive. The tear drop is lined up with the Statue of Liberty.Gift from the people of Russia A Monument to the struggle against world terrorism, artist Zurab Tesereteii"it is an impressive memorial and statement against terrorism.The walkway is made of stones.Names of the persons killed on 9 11 are inscribed on the base. The base is like the Vietnam Memorial wall. It was a cold and windy day but well worth the drive to see. It is down in the shipping yards across from "The Lady".

Some catching up...Again!!

2009-03-21T15:08:00.004-04:00

March 14, was Anthony's 19th birthday. We had a very nice day! We had a 6ft. hero, pizza, and I made salad, fried chicken and pasta and broccoli. Russell and Luke came over Saturday afternoon and stayed til we brought them to church with us on Sunday! What great young men they both are!!

March 17th, was Norma's 40th birthday. Being her birthday is on St. Patrick's Day we had a surprise party on the Sunday before at her friend Lisa's house, we had so much food, I made sausage and peppers and baked ziti, we had a great day! I think she was surprised!

On St. Patrick's Day this year, as I do every year, I made the whole meal, including Irish Soda Bread. I couldn't eat it but everyone said it was good! I think I can rest for a little while now but, I can't wait until next year, it's getting a little hard doing all this cooking and not being able to taste or eat anything :(

My #2 baby is 19 today!!!

2009-03-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

My Anthony is 19 today... If you read the post from Tuesday, July 31, 2007 you can remind yourself about what we went through with Anthony since the day he was born, and now here he is 19!! We are having a few people over today so I'll post some pictures tonight. Anthony we are so proud of all that you have done, from being such a good mechanic, to being such a good student in college, to just being you!! Thank you, Happy Birthday Baby!!!

Some updates.....

2009-03-10T11:47:00.006-04:00

1.Well I know it's been a while, but it's been a little quiet around here I guess. I do have a new web site you should all check out. It's called Hoopla Doopla It's just like ebates where you get cash back from just going to stores through their site. The store sites are exactly the same as if you went directly to them, except you get a percentage back on what you spend. I'm registered at both the sites, just in case one doesn't have the store I want. I found out about ebates before Christmas and did some Internet shopping and got a check for $20.00 a few weeks ago, it was nice.

2. This is Sharon, Rocco's new girl friend. What a nice girl, and so smart too, she's studying to be a College Professor in Math!! They have been going together for a few months now, and have a very nice relationship, Rocco is very happy...

3. Look what I made last night, Everyone said it came out great, I wouldn't know, but that's OK. It's funny I can't eat, but I'm watching a lot of the food channel lately. I guess if I can't eat, I can look and cook!!

4. I was making sausage and peppers the other night and when I cut off the stem a little smiley face was there, it's a little hard to see but it was cute!

5. And the best for last... Only 10 days til SPRING It took long enough, but it finally made it!!!

My baby is 22....

2009-03-02T21:02:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was Rocco's 22nd birthday, Where did the time go?? We had a great day, with lots of food, desserts, family and friends!

My Rock is so good, he did so much shoveling today in this nasty, nasty, snow!!

It's so funny, the first time Frank ever shoveled here at this house, he too was only 22! Our first winter we were married, 1982!!

My Day Yesterday....

2009-02-09T12:42:00.006-05:00

And This Too, Shall Soon Pass....

THEM.....

Me!!

It's National Pie Day!!

2009-01-23T10:51:00.004-05:00

I saw this in Newsday.com this morning, click on the pies to link to the recipes.

I'm not really crazy for the recipes they give, so if anyone makes a pie today using you're own recipe, let me know!

January 23 is National Pie Day, so get out the rolling pin, slice up some fruit and get baking!

Anthony is doing great!!!

2009-01-20T14:05:00.009-05:00

So my Anthony is home and doing great!! Everyone at the hospital said he was doing so good in regard with his recovery because of his age, but I think having a church like LIB all praying for him was the real reason, so...

THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!!!

I had to put at least one picture like this here!!

I think Butchy Boy missed him the most!! He didn't leave his side, or he was just really comfortable!!

The kids made Anthony a Welcome home sign!

Anthony leaving the hospital last Thursday, no more wheelchairs.

Anthony just before they wheeled him into the operating room.

Anthony being wheeled out of the operating room, I was waiting by the doors and got this shot!

Anthony feeling a lot better on Wednesday.

Two great friends....

Anthony had a slight fever, so that's an icepack on his head, I would hate that!!

The nurses gave us a private room after I was telling them I had 6 kids!! I'm glad they did, it was nice to have everyone visiting at the same time. Plus I stayed with him for the 4 days he was there, so there was enough room for me too.

Anthony goes to the Dr. on Thursday for a check up. I know the Dr, will be pleased.

Pray for my Anthony today....

2009-01-12T00:01:00.001-05:00

As you read this, Anthony will be in or just out of surgery. He will be in North Shore-LIJ Syosset Hospital until at least Thursday. I know he would love to hear from his friends from church. The hospital # is 516-496-6400. I'm not sure when he will be in his room today, so from Tuesday on would be nice. Thank you all in advance for your thoughts and prayers. I'll post when he comes home!!

Thanks Alexis....

2009-01-11T21:08:00.004-05:00

Well my fourth folder in my adobe files is Mario's graduation party from 6th grade. I don't know why food is always the focus at my house!!!

The rules:
1. Choose the 4th folder where you store pictures on your computer.
2. Select the 4th picture in the folder.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag four people to do the same.
5. No cheating (cropping, editing, etc.)

Everybody else was tagged already so I'll just tag Anthony, he'll be a little busy for about a week but I'll wait!!

My new collection....

2009-01-08T12:02:00.003-05:00

I love carousel horses. I remember going to Nunley's in Baldwin when I was a kid, and I could ride the carousel all day!! It wasn't because I loved to just go around and around, but I thought the horses were just beautiful. They closed Nunley's years ago, but saved the horses in a warehouse at Mitchel Field, but now because of the efforts of a little girl in Wantagh, they are being restored and should show up somewhere soon probably back in Baldwin. I bought the first one to start off my collection, Gary and Bing bought me one in Pennsylvania for my birthday, Frank got me two for Christmas, and a friend gave me one of hers! I don't know why it took me so long to start collecting them.

Some catching up....

2009-01-07T13:25:00.008-05:00

Angelo's 14th birthday, January 5

It's ALL going so fast!!

So many desserts!

Frank enjoying his New Year's pickled herring

New Year's Day dinner

The boys ringing in the New year

Perfect timing!!

Frank waiting for 12:00am

My boys...All so handsome!

So now that we are done with the holidays....

2009-01-05T11:57:00.003-05:00

Let the countdown begin!!!

Only 74 days til SPRING..

Thanks Abbey !!

2008-12-29T22:28:00.013-05:00

Abbey Of Abigail Charlotte's Web, gave me this award,

Thank you so much for nominating my blog!

"Let me begin by thanking all the little people

who helped me get to where I am now"...

(only kidding)

I feel very honored that you thought of me,

and now I will nominate these great blogs:

1. Rebecca My Adventures Through Tomorrow

2. Alexis Live, Laugh, Love

3. Anthony Anthony's World

The Rules for this award are:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate Blogs that you think are super.

3. Let them know that you have given them this Uber Amazing Blog Award by commenting on their blog.

4. Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from.

Some Christmas pictures....

2008-12-28T15:31:00.010-05:00

Didn't I say last year I wasn't going to get as many presents this year?? Well I think EVERYONE was pretty happy with what they got this year. I know I am...

Thanks Frank!!

Butchy Boy wasn't happy at all with his gift!!

One of Angelo's requests!

As long as Frank had his coffee, he was happy....

One of Mario's

favorite gifts,

a $20.00

"subway" card!!

Angelo....

2008-12-21T19:48:00.007-05:00

Angelo at his Christmas Concert. These kids amaze me,

the oldest is only 13 years old!

If you listen closely,

you'll hear him playing the low notes. He really is doing

such a good job on the base clarinet. I hope he continues

to play into high school.

Oh well.....

2008-12-19T15:07:00.010-05:00

In my opinion, this weather is good for only one thing.... BAKING!

Oh yea, for this too I suppose...

If you like going out side that is!!

Thanks a lot Alisha.......

2008-12-16T13:47:00.002-05:00

Just some catching up....

2008-12-15T18:28:00.006-05:00

Dominic and Franky look like body guards!

My house, not that many lights this year.

Just filling the stockings costs a small fortune!

Angelo was in a chorus concert last Tuesday, his band concert is tomorrow night!

Oh well......

2008-12-09T13:50:00.006-05:00

At least "SOMEONE" likes my cranberry bread!!

We're Home....

2008-11-30T20:35:00.005-05:00

We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Day and weekend! We went upstate Wednesday night right after church. We left today in plenty of time to get to the evening service but there must have been an accident on the Taconic from the rain and snow flurries and we sat there for over an hour! Then mixed with the heavy holiday traffic to begin with, we didn't get home until about 7 pm.

Being I still don't have a camera I have to rely on others to take pictures and being Franky only took a few, mostly of the Great Dane from up the hill, I only have these two to show, which is of the snow that just started to fall when we were getting ready to leave. The weather report said they should be getting about 3 inches.

I'm so glad to be home even if it's raining, it's better than snow!!!

My new best friend Caleb....

2008-11-24T18:55:00.017-05:00

Caleb wanted to come over Sunday in between church services, so him and Andrew came for dinner. We had such a good time, I made spaghetti, meat, and salad. On the way home to our house Caleb told me that apple pie was his favorite, so I made one for him as soon as we got back so it would be ready to eat before we went back to church. When it was still in the oven I called him over to show him, I opened the oven and said " look Caleb, it's almost done" and in such an excited voice he says " yeah, Blueberry!!!" Oh well, he ate it anyway!!

He is just too cute for words!!

Looks like he's enjoying the Apple pie!!

Butchy got along with Caleb just fine!

This was as close as Caleb would get to Sergio, Caleb said "I think that big bird wants to eat me"!!

Caleb, you have an open invitation!!

On the lighter side ...

2008-11-18T12:46:00.003-05:00

Thanks again Carmine...

EVER NOTICE ...

Only in America .....do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.
Only in America .....do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.
Only in America ......do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters..
Only in America .....do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.
Only in America......do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight..
Only in America .....do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.

EVER WONDER ...

Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens
our skin?
Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?
Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?
Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!
Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
If flying is so safe,why do they call the airport the terminal?

Here are some Thanksgiving pie recipes.....

2008-11-17T13:05:00.002-05:00

Let me know if you try any!!

Countdown to Thanksgiving: Pie Recipes
No matter how much turkey you've eaten at dinner, there's always room for at least one piece of pie! And do we have the pie recipes for you! Traditional pumpkin, nutty pecan, crispy apple and more!
Pumpkin Pie Recipes Pecan Pie Recipes Apple Pie Recipes Sweet Potato Recipes Cranberry Pie Recipes

Pumpkin Pie Recipes

Sugarless Pumpkin Pie - This pie recipe couldn't be easier and ensures that everyone will be able to have a slice of pie at Thanksgiving – even the sugar-free eaters.

Famous Pumpkin Pie - This is a very moist and spicy pumpkin pie....Very delicious!

Quick and Easy Pumpkin Pie - If using fresh pumpkin, avoid using the leftovers from that jack-o-lantern and opt for a sugar pumpkin instead.

Pumpkin Mousse Pie - This pumpkin pie is creamy and spicy.

No-Bake Pumpkin Pie - If you love pumpkin pie but don't want all the fuss, try this recipe.

Pumpkin Pie with Dark Chocolate Frosting - This pumpkin pie recipe has the perfect amount of spice and is decorated with dark chocolate frosting!

Double Layer Pumpkin Pie - A layer of pumpkin and a layer of cream cheese make this pie to die for.

Honey Pumpkin Pie - A significant amount of honey adds a smooth sweetness to this festive pie.

Pecan-Glazed Pumpkin Pie - A nutty twist can do a lot to spice up traditional pumpkin pie.

Praline Pumpkin Pie - Two favorite pies become one in this streusel-topped delight.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie - Baked in a pecan-shortbread crust, this blend of cream cheese, pumpkin and spices is easy to put together and even easier to eat!

Walnut Pumpkin Pie - A nutty variation on pumpkin pie with a delightful crunch.

Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie - Using apple butter adds a creamy sweetness to a regular pumpkin pie. Perfect for your Thanksgiving table!

No Crust Pumpkin Pie - Put away that rolling pin! Whip this lighter pumpkin pie together in a blender or food processor and pour it directly into the pie pan. It's easy and delicious.

Pecan Pie Recipes

Chocolate Pecan Pie - A spiced pecan crust is the perfect compliment to this chocolaty holiday pie.

Crunch Phyllo Pecan Pie - Phyllo which means "leaf" in Greek, where it was born, are tissue paper-thin like sheets of dough made from flour, water and a bit of oil.

Creamy Apple Pecan Pie - Half & Half and vanilla pudding add a creamy weight to this delicious pie. A nice change for your holiday table if you're tired of the same stuff.

Kahlua Pecan Pie - This is a simple, tasty variation of a Southern Pecan Pie. By replacing some of the corn syrup with Kahlua, or any coffee flavored liqueur, the pie is not as sweet and has a wonderful aroma. Because the alcohol burns off during baking, the entire family can enjoy this pie.

Southern Pecan Pie - This southern pecan pie recipe is perfect for a delicious dessert on Thanksgiving.

Supreme Pecan Pie - If you have never had Pecan Pie, you don’t know what you are missing, if you love it like I do then you will love this ultra simple recipe.

Caramel-Pecan Black Bottom Pie - Two new flavors enhance a classic.

Classic Pecan Pie - Using a store-bought crust make this recipe super-easy to throw together. Perfect for holiday time or anytime.

Pecan Chocolate Chip Pie - Melted together in a pastry crust, these two make a great pair.

Pecan Crunch Pie - Crunchy Ritz crackers and chopped pecans give this pie a fun texture.

Chocolate Caramel Pecan Pie - A sweet twist on a holiday favorite will leave you with nothing but the pie pan to clean.

Eggless Pecan Pie - This dense pie gets its fabulous flavor from dark molasses and rum.

Upside Down Pecan Apple Pie - The pretty design of pecans on the bottom of the pie makes this a lovely dessert and a different twist on an old classic.

Toasted Pecan Pie - Toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling deepens the flavors in the pie.

Mystery Pecan Pie - You don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to crack this code: cream cheese plus pecans plus sugar equals a sweet pie.

Pecan Fudge Pie - Using a pre-made pie shell cuts baking time in half, but doesn't sacrifice the taste.

Apple Pie Recipes

Crumble Top Apple Pie - Do not use a food processor in preparing this pie as it breaks up the oats.
Sugar-Free Apple Pie - This easy to make apple pie cuts out all the sugar but none of the flavor.

Deep Dish Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust - The pie has no bottom crust and is baked in an oval dish, so it resembles a cobbler.

Paper Bag Apple Pie - This pie cooks in a paper bag in the oven and comes out steaming and ready for a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Dutch Apple Pie - Try this yummy version of the crumbly-topped classic.

Granny's Cinnamon Toast Topped Apple Pie - The best of both worlds... Apple Pie and Cinnamon Toast! Who needs anything else?

Maple Cream Apple Pie - I won a contest sponsored by our local newspaper with this apple pie recipe, and it was featured on a nearby restaurant's menu for a month. The combination of cream cheese, maple, apples, and walnuts makes for a tasty autumn treat!

Deep-Dish Caramel Apple Pie - Caramel-flavored apples combine deliciously with a crisp streusel topping. A bonus: There are plenty of juices from the pie to spoon over scoops of ice cream.

Perfect Apple Pie - This pie is great warm, with a scoop of ice cream or ice cold out of the fridge. I make these for bake sales and they have sold out for the last 3 years.

Rhubarb Apple Pie - The intensely delicious flavor always has your guests asking for more. Better make two pies while you are at it.

Apple Yogurt Pie - A creamier version with low-fat vanilla yogurt.

Apple with Raisins Pie - With raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this is the perfect apple pie.

Zucchini Apple Pie - It tastes surprisingly like apple, most people don't realize it's not apple until you tell them. Make sure the zucchini used in recipe has skin soft enough that your thumbnail can pierce it.

Apple Bourbon Pie - The addition of bourbon makes this apple, raisin, and apricot pie a grown-up indulgence.

Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie - How can you improve on apple pie? With chopped pecans and plenty of caramel topping.

Sweet Potato Pie Recipes

Sweet Potato Pecan Pie - If you love pecans then you will love them in this recipe that is for sweet potato pie.

Sweetest Sweet Potato Pie - This is one of my favorite recipes--it puts a new twist on sweet potatoes and gives you a delicious, sweet, savory pie.

Sweet Potato Custard Pie - A yummy and sweet custard pie made with sweet potatoes.

Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie - I forgot where I got this recipe. But it is a melt-in-your-mouth pie!

Sweet Potato Pie with Gingersnap Streusel - Great for holidays and special events. I have made this for my family every year for Thanksgiving.

Southern Sweet Potato Pie - Join the ranks of many Southern families who make this nicely spiced sweet potato pie -- instead of pumpkin -- their holiday dessert.

My Oh My Sweet Potato Pie - This is so good. Everyone loves sweet potato pie for Thanksgiving or any other fall occasion!

Cranberry Pie Recipes

Cranberry Cream Pie - I got this from another group I thought it sounded wonderful! What a different pie for Thanksgiving than just the standard favorites!

Cranberry Nut Pie - A sweet and tangy pie with the right amount of crunch from chopped walnuts.

Cranberry Crumb Pie - Sweetened condensed milk gives this pie a sweet flavor without adding too much sugar. Tart cranberries offset the sweetness for a perfect pie.

Apple-Cranberry Crostada - While a good pie crust ought to be a part of every cook's repertoire, sometimes there just isn't the time. But why leave the baking to the grocery stores or bakery when puff pastry is a simple, high-quality stand-in for the original? In this Crostada, the sheet dough is baked free-form with ingredients piled on top. Couldn't be easier!

Cranberry-Walnut Pie - Incredibly easy to throw together. Put it in the oven when you sit down to dinner and it'll be ready when you're ready.

Cranberry Pecan Pie with Cornmeal Crust - Instead of pumpkin or mince pie, offer this colorful dessert at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, and top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The refreshingly tart filling, made by combining cranberries and fresh apples, dried apricots, pecans, and maple syrup, tastes like a crunchy cranberry relish. In fact, if the flour is omitted, the fruit and nut mixture can be serves as a condiment with poultry or ham.

Streusel Apple-Cranberry Pie - Juicy apple slices and crimson cranberries peek through the nutty streusel topping of this homey pie.

Frozen Cranberry Velvet Pie - This simple pie is refreshing on hot summer days, especially with the sweet and sour bite of the cranberries.

Individual Cranberry-Apple Deep Dish Pies - A sure way to delight family members or special guests

Other Thanksgiving Recipes:

Countdown to Thanksgiving: Sweet Potato Recipes Countdown to Thanksgiving: Stuffing Recipes ...And Don't Forget the Pumpkin Pie!The Ultimate Thanksgiving Meal Planner

The One dollar bill...

2008-11-13T12:00:00.006-05:00

My brother-in-law Carmine sent this to me. I thought I would share it.

ONE DOLLAR BILL

On the rear of the One Dollar bill, you will see two circles. Together, they comprise the Great Seal of the United States .

The First Continental Congress requested that Benjamin Franklin and a group of men come up with a Seal. It took them four years to accomplish this task and another two years to get it approved. If you look at the left-hand circle, you will see a Pyramid.

Notice the face is lighted, and the western side is dark. This country was just beginning. We had not begun to explore the west or decided what we could do for Western Civilization.

The Pyramid is uncapped, again signifying that we were not even close to being finished. Inside the capstone you have the all-seeing eye, an ancient symbol for divinity. It was Franklin 's belief that one man couldn't do it alone, but a group of men, with the help of God, could do anything.

'IN GOD WE TRUST' is on this currency. The Latin above the pyramid, ANNUIT COEPTIS, means, 'God has favored our undertaking.' The Latin below the pyramid, NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM, means, 'a new order has begun.' At the base of the pyramid is the Roman Numeral for 1776. (MDCCLXXVI)

If you look at the right-hand circle, and check it carefully, you will learn that it is on every National Cemetery in the United States . It is also on the Parade of Flags Walkway at the Bushnell, Florida National Cemetery , and is the centerpiece of most hero's monuments. Slightly modified, it is the seal of the President of the United States , and it is always visible whenever he speaks, yet very few people know what the symbols mean.

The Bald Eagle was selected as a symbol for victory for two reasons:

First, he is not afraid of a storm; he is strong, and he is smart enough to soar above it. Secondly, he wears no material crown. We had just broken from the King of England . Also, notice the shield is unsupported. This country can now stand on its own. At the top of that shield you have a white bar signifying congress, a unifying factor. We were coming together as one nation. In the Eagle's beak you will read, ' E PLURIBUS UNUM' meaning,'one from many.'

Above the Eagle, you have thirteen stars, representing the thirteen original colonies, and any clouds of misunderstanding rolling away. Again, we were coming together as one. Notice what the Eagle holds in his talons. He holds an olive branch and arrows. This country wants peace, but we will never be afraid to fight to preserve peace. The Eagle always wants to face the olive branch, but in time of war, his gaze turns toward the arrows.

They say that the number 13 is an unlucky number. This is almost a worldwide belief. You will usually never see a room numbered 13, or any hotels or motels with a 13th floor. But think about this:

13 original colonies,

13 signers of the Declaration of Independence,

13 stripes on our flag,

13 steps on the Pyramid,

13 letters in, 'Annuit Coeptis,'

13 letters in 'E PluribusUnum,'

13 stars above the Eagle,

13 bars on that shield,

13 leaves on the olive branch,

13 fruits, and if you look closely,

13 arrows.

And finally, if you notice the arrangement of the 13 stars in the right-hand circle you will see that they are arranged as a Star of David.

This was ordered by George Washington who, when he asked Hayim Solomon, a wealthy Philadelphia Jew, what he would like as a personal reward for his services to the Continental Army, Solomon said he wanted nothing for himself but that he would like something for his people. The Star of David was the result. Few people know that it was Solomon who saved the Army through his financial contributions but died a pauper.

I always ask people, 'Why don't you know this?' Your children don't know this, and their history teachers don't know this. Too many veterans have given up too much to ever let the meaning fade. Many veterans remember coming home to an America that didn't care. Too many veterans never came home at all.

Share this page with everyone, so they can learn what is on the back of the UNITED STATES ONE DOLLAR BILL, and what it stands for!

Check this out...

2008-11-10T12:05:00.006-05:00

I found a website called ebates today, you get cash back on your online purchases, and there is a link on the site to see if the stores have coupons to use before you order. You get $5.00 just for signing up, which is free. You can also designate a charity or friend to get your cash back instead of it going to you. ( I can think of a church that can use the money ) A lot of the stores are giving double % back for the holidays. They even give a % back on sites like Hotwire and Priceline!

Follow the link and Check it out!!

http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=yMlEb7XSxlpqRt9%2FhpJtzg%3D%3D

P.S. I just found out if you sign up using this link, I get $5.00 too, You guys can do the same with your own link after you sign up!!

Today is my Birthday!!!

2008-11-07T00:01:00.002-05:00

Let me just say, this is a special last year of a decade, because next year, I'll be an "antique"!!!!

14 of us are going to Lancaster, PA today, and staying overnight until Saturday sometime. I know we'll have a great time, and it'll be a great memory. I'll post pictures tomorrow.

Is it ME ????

2008-11-03T11:06:00.005-05:00

I thought it was a little quiet...

Check out Butchy, he joins right in !!

(He loves Barry)

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!!

A typical Sunday dinner

P.S. I found the kids hiding spot for their candy wrappers!!

OK guys, here's 5 more votes!!!

2008-10-30T11:37:00.007-04:00

So we finally did it, We registered to vote. I know, I know, We should have been registered all along. To tell you the truth, I never felt like I knew enough about the candidates and what exactly they were going to do for us. This year we've all been following the campaign and really are trying to understand it all. A couple of weeks ago, Rocco came home from school and said he wanted to register to vote, so me, Frank, Anthony and Norma said we did too. The only problem was it was about 7 pm! I made a phone call and found out the place to register was in Mineola and would be open until 12 midnight that night because it was the deadline to register. So about 9:30 pm will all got in the van (Barry too, even though he is already a voter) and went to register! I feel good about it, I think this is a very important race and we all need to vote.

Our cards just came in the mail today, so it's now official!!

video #2

2008-10-20T21:43:00.002-04:00

video #1

2008-10-20T21:40:00.003-04:00

CHECK THIS OUT!!!

2008-10-20T20:35:00.006-04:00

Anthony went into the orthodontist the other day, wearing his Bentley Shirt that he got from there when he worked for them last year. The orthodontist saw it and asked him if he worked for them, Anthony told him that he did last year, and Dr. V said he had one (a 2008) and asked him if he could do an oil change on his being he just doesn't have the time to go and get it done. Anthony said he would, so Dr. V gave him his charge card and told him to get what he needs plus he wanted the "statue" and holder for the front hood. The bill came out to $1500.00!! Anyway Anthony bought everything he needed and then Dr. V said to go to his house get the keys from his wife, and take the car home, and do what he needed to do. When Anthony got to his house he rang the bell, Dr. V's wife came to the door asked if she could help him, he told her that Dr. V wanted him to do an oil change on his car, she asked "which one"? He said "the Bentley" and she got him the keys!! How crazy is that? She just handed him the keys! As you can see he drove it here, did the oil change and drove it back. So the price of this 2008 Bentley?

$236,000.00!! Well it does have a few extras to make it worth that much... the doors, hood and trunk, close by themselves, you only have to close them lightly and they pull in the rest of the way themselves, the ignition is push button, 2 TV'S in the back of the front head rests with a REMOTE! I have video of all these I'll show them soon!

Saturday 10/18/08 was Dominic's Birthday!!

2008-10-20T17:15:00.004-04:00

Dominic turned 17 on Saturday! We waited until Sunday to celebrate being he was at Russell's on Saturday. (We did have cupcakes when they all got home that night though) We did the same thing we did last week for Franky. The four boys, Marc, Matt, Luke and Russell came home with us in between church services, we had chips and vegetable dip, and manicotti, meatballs, sausages, and salad, then cake and ice cream. We always have a great time when "the boys" come over.

Marc and Sergio hit it off right away!

I love these kids!!

Sunday was Franky's birthday 10/12/08!!

2008-10-14T14:40:00.005-04:00

We had a great day on Sunday for Franky's birthday.

As you can see by the hero he turned 16! (Dominic is also 16 until this Saturday 10/18) He only wanted a hero, with potato and macaroni salads and cole slaw, and for me to make pasta and broccoli, and his favorite hot chili dip. He invited 4 boys from church, so we had a nice small enjoyable day in between church services.

What a great group of kids!

Frank and I got this camera and a video game for Franky.

Still going....

2008-10-14T14:27:00.003-04:00

Pictured here are tomatoes, salsa, chipotle,vinegar peppers, hot pepper jelly, apple sauce, and pickled cauliflower. I also have about 7 bags of apple pie filling which is in the freezer and about 6 Tupperwares of hot peppers and tomatoes that I fry up together which makes a great side to sandwiches and cheese and crackers, also in the freezer. I still have another case of tomatoes, and 4 more bags of apples...WHEW!!!

Let the canning begin.....

2008-10-09T17:21:00.004-04:00

This makes such a great sauce!

Apple sauce

Vinegar peppers, and hot pepper jelly

The Best Of The Best.....

2008-10-04T19:10:00.006-04:00

Just click on this link, Long Islands Best Restaurants for the best in Restaurants, Fast food, Pizza, etc. on Long Island. (Can you guess I'm bored without my camera?)

Something new.....

2008-10-02T10:42:00.007-04:00

I found a feed to the lowest gas prices on Long Island, so I now have it as a side bar on my blog. It updates daily, I hope it helps.

Here are TEN fuel saving tips:

1 Avoid High Speeds As your speed increases, your aerodynamic drag increases in an exponential fashion. Driving 62 mph (100 km/h) vs 75 mph (120 km/h) will reduce fuel consumption by about 15%.
2 Do Not Accelerate or Brake Hard By anticipating the traffic and applying slow steady acceleration and braking, fuel economy may increase by as much as 20%.
3 Keep Tires Properly Inflated Keep tire air pressure at the level recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. A single tire under inflated by 2 PSI, increases fuel consumption by 1%.
4 Use A/C Sparingly When the air conditioner is on it puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used (by about 20%). The defrost position on most vehicles also uses the air conditioner.
5 Keep Windows Closed Windows open, especially at highway speeds, increase drag and result in decreased fuel economy of up to 10%.
6 Service Vehicle Regularly Proper maintenance avoids poor fuel economy related to dirty air filters, old spark plugs or low fluid levels.
7 Use Cruise Control Maintaining a constant speed over long distances often saves gas.
8 Avoid Heavy Loads Remove the sand bags from your trunk in the spring and pack lightly for long trips.
9 Avoid Long Idles If you anticipate being stopped for more than 1 minute, shut off the car. Restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle for this time.
10 Purchase a Fuel Efficient Vehicle Purchase a Fuel Efficient Vehicle (DUH)
Long Island Fuel Saving tips

Got Apples?

2008-09-29T14:02:00.009-04:00

This past weekend we went upstate apple picking, with The Frymans. Besides having such a good time with them, we got a lot of apples!! Every year I jar apple sauce and put together my pies to keep in the freezer, this way I have "fresh" pies when ever I want through the winter, but I'm always on the lookout for more recipes and ideas.

Just click on the picture for

150 apple recipes from

Betty Crocker. Enjoy!!

Whats worse than a broken dishwasher??

2008-09-22T14:16:00.011-04:00

I guess it could work!!
A broken clothes dryer too!!!

Can you believe my dishwasher broke on Saturday, and my dryer broke on Sunday? Well they did, and in a house of 10 people these are 2 of the worse things to break, especially at the same time. OK, I could go to a Laundromat, but they don't have places that do your dishes!!!

You Might Be a Redneck If.....

2008-09-09T10:33:00.006-04:00

My brother-in-law Carmine sent me one of those e-mails: You might be a Redneck If.....

and one of the examples was this one.."Your wedding cake looked like this"....

I don't consider myself a redneck but, I wouldn't mind this at my special occasion!!!

Not many posts lately....But I have an excuse....

2008-09-08T16:43:00.008-04:00

As you can see, there is something wrong with my camera. The only way I posted what I did lately, was if I got a chance to use Dominic's camera. So the real point of this post is.....

My birthday is coming up on 11/07/2008 and if anyone has any suggestions on a not too expensive, but nice camera, could you let Frank know? I really would be so happy. Thanks in advance!!!

Looks like this flower is on fire with pink flames!!

Happy Birthday Frank!!

2008-09-05T10:46:00.004-04:00

Today is Frank's 48th birthday!!

It's amazing how the years go by, I met him in high school when he was 16 years old, when we got married, he was 21, and now he's 48!! Nothing has really changed much though, maybe a little grayer, (OK, a lot grayer) but that's about it!! I'm glad, I wouldn't want him any other way!! Happy Birthday Frank.....

And They're Off......

2008-09-03T11:59:00.007-04:00

September 3rd....The best day of the year!!! Only kidding, I like when the kids are home, but after having them home the whole summer, it's time to let them go again.These pictures are in order starting with Franky leaving at 7am, to Daniella Bella Rina leaving at 8:50am, and Dominic leaving at 11:30am for his vocational school, but that's just for today. Dominic's high school doesn't start until tomorrow, at which time HE will be the first one out the door with the bus coming at 6:25am.YUK!!

7:30am

Mario LOOKS happy anyway!!

Anthony's first day of college!! 7:30am

Rocco said "you don't need to take pictures,it's my 4th year at this"

(college) And his point???

8:50am

So pretty!!

11:30 am

Don't get too used

to it Dom!!!

My boys are back....

2008-08-11T15:57:00.004-04:00

Angelo and Mario were upstate so long I almost forgot how much noise the two of them make!! I'm only kidding, I'm so glad they are back, and now I got rid of Dominic and Franky for a couple of weeks!!! Now, IT WILL be quieter, and neater too...

I'll still miss them.

Happy Anniversary........TO US !!!!

2008-08-07T21:28:00.005-04:00

That's right, Today is our 26th wedding anniversary! I just can't believe it's been that long already. Everyone always says how fast the years go by , but I'm telling you, the years really are flying by. Today we went to the Victorian Tea Room in Farmingdale. It was so nice. Then tonight we went to Ciao Baby for dinner. We always wanted to go there, since it's only about 10 minutes from our house, plus we always hear such good things about it. What they say was true!! The food was really great and the portions were....Let me just say we took home more then what we ate! It was a great day.

Norma bought me this giant tea cup about a month ago, but I made her wait to give it to me until today, isn't it beautiful?

This is the plant I got as a wedding gift 26 years ago from one of my nail customers. It just amazes me how this plant is so healthy, and still going strong after so many years. Frank always said the plant responded to how our marriage was doing, sometimes it didn't always look so healthy :(

But, today, it's doing fine :)

We left home in plenty of time......

2008-08-06T22:57:00.007-04:00

So, we usually leave the house at about 6:15pm to get to church on time on Wednesday nights. This Wednesday night, we left at 5:45pm because we needed to stop in Holbrook to pick something up for Rocco before church. Big mistake. Here we are minding our own business, when a women decides to make a left turn out of a gas station. She needed to go through the long line of cars that were waiting for the light to change, being she couldn't see if there was any oncoming traffic coming, she relied on a car to look for her and when he said go, she went. But we were coming up along side of him in the left lane. Why he didn't see a big silver van is beyond me. Well, that's when we met Lucy. The worst part is, that guy that waved her on, left, he didn't even stay to offer any help. As you can see, we didn't get much damage, a broken light, some fender dents, a dented hubcap, and the alignment is all messed up, but all in all, not too bad. Her car is another story. It could have been so much worse being we both swerved into the oncoming traffic lanes. Thank God no body was coming at the time, it would've been a very multiple vehicle accident!! What makes matters worse for us though, is that she took her boyfriends car, and he doesn't have any insurance!! If he's not willing to pay for the damage, then our insurance company has to pay for the whole thing, and that won't be good. She couldn't get in touch with him, so we don't know what will happen yet. I'm just glad that no one was hurt, and even though it WAS her fault, she was really nice and did admit it.

Her car didn't do as well as ours.

Her bumper and license plate in the middle of the road.

UPDATE: Frank took the van for an estimate this morning, and would you believe...$3400.00!!

Some more pictures....

2008-08-05T13:49:00.004-04:00

Anthony loves working on cars!! It doesn't matter if they are big or small. I think since he has had this gas powered car, he has fixed it twice as many times as he has "driven" it.

My tomatoes are FINALLY turning some color!! It seems like it is taking forever this year. I also can pick some peppers too. My cucumbers maybe will be ready for Christmas, if I'm lucky!!!

Some catching up pictures....

2008-08-04T14:42:00.007-04:00

Going to The City.

Anthony,Dominic, and Franky bargaining with the watch guy.

This is what the street lights look like in the Diamond district, cool.

Dominic getting "punched out" by Rocky Balboa at Planet Hollywood.

Even in the show case, the velociraptor from Jurassic park, still scares me.

The Jones Beach Pencil.

Everyone doing their part on a Sunny afternoon.

MY PLANTS ARE GOING TO LIVE......

2008-07-23T14:15:00.004-04:00

With the heat wave, and a not so great sprinkler system, it was touch and go there for a while for my vegetables and flowers. But I think I actually heard them giggling with joy and singing " we are going to live" this morning in the rain storm we had.

Some helpful hints......

2008-07-19T12:35:00.004-04:00

This is an e-mail that was sent to me. I love things like this....

These are really great Ideas...didn't know about a lot of them..!!!!!

1.Peel a banana from the bottom and you won't have to pick the little 'stringy things' off it. That's how the primates do it.

2.Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.

3.Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!

4.Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

5.Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.

6.To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream; then beat them.

7.For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.

8.Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.

9.Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simply chop them with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream. Yummm!

10.Reheat Pizza Heat leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove; set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the food channel and it really works.

11.Easy Deviled Eggs Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal; mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy; squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done -- easy clean up.

12.Expanding Frosting When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size and get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.

13.Reheating refrigerated bread To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave next to a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.

14.Newspaper weeds away Start putting torn newspaper in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants, overlapping as you go; cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic; they will not get through wet newspapers.

15.Broken Glass Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.

16.No More Mosquitoes Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.

17.Squirrel Away! To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.

18.Flexible vacuum To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

19.Reducing Static Cling Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing pantyhose. Place pin in seam of slacks and ... ta da! .. static is gone.

20.Measuring Cups Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient (peanut butter, honey, etc.) and watch how easily it comes right out.

21.Foggy Windshield? Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

22.Reopening envelope If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.

23.Conditioner Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair.

24.Goodbye Fruit Flies To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2 with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!

25.Get Rid of Ants Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it 'home,' can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!

26.INFO ABOUT CLOTHES DRYERS The heating unit went out on my dryer! The gentleman that fixes things around the house for us told us that he wanted to show us something and he went over to the dryer and pulled out the lint filter. It was clean. (I always clean the lint from the filter after every load of clothes.) He took the filter over to the sink and ran hot water over it. The lint filter is made of a mesh material ... I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like. Well ... the hot water just sat on top of the mesh! It didn't go through it at all! He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh -- that's what burns out the heating unit. You can't SEE the film, but it's there. It's what is in the dryer sheets to make your clothes soft and static free. You know how they can feel waxy when you take them out of the box ... well this stuff builds up on your clothes and on your lint screen. This is also what causes dryer units to potentially burn your house down with it! He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very long time (and to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush at least every six months. He said that increases the life of the dryer at least twice as long! How about that!?! Learn something new everyday! I certainly didn't know dryer sheets would do that. So, I thought I'd share!
Note: I went to my dryer and tested my screen by running water on it. The water ran through a little bit but mostly collected all the water in the mesh screen. I washed it with warm soapy water and a nylon brush and I had it done in 30 seconds. Then when I rinsed it ... the water ran right thru the screen! There wasn't any puddling at all! That repairman knew what he was talking about!

Some shots from the past few weeks....

2008-07-17T22:49:00.009-04:00

So, I couldn't get my camera to upload any pictures for awhile, but Frank helped me today and got it to work. Here are some random pictures from July 7th and on .

This was in front of a store in Albany, I think it was funny.

We went to see a movie in the town of Catskill. They have these painted cats all along the Main Street.

Daniella Bella Rina on a pony.

A frog we saw in the woods.

Lindsay's graduation/18th birthday party.

What great company these guys were on the way to upstate!

Mario's 12th birthday, 7/7/08

As you can see, he got an air rifle.

Hey Mario... He's been upstate for a couple of weeks already!! Franky and Angelo are there also. They love it up there... I miss them.

The wedding..... John and Sarah

2008-07-06T00:15:00.008-04:00

I was looking forward to this wedding for so long, and it was well worth the wait!!! It reminded me of those "rich" weddings you see on TV or in magazines. Everything was so beautiful from the ceremony to the reception, from the dresses to the tuxedos. It was just perfect. I'll remember this one for many, many years. I can't be any happier for John and Sarah, they looked so happy and so in love, it was the best 4th of July ever!!!

I took over 100 pictures, but, here are just few. The first one is my favorite.

Just beautiful.

What a great looking wedding party!

I love this shot!

Anthony's Graduation # 2...High School

2008-06-19T12:49:00.026-04:00

Anthony's all done with school! Well, only until he starts college in September! He had his High School graduation, on Monday 6/16/08, and it was so nice. It was a small class just 36 graduates. I think that made it even better. There was such a warmth about it, that you just don't get when there are 1,000 others graduating also. We had the ceremony at 10am, then off to a luncheon at the Town Of Oyster Bay Country Club from 12-3pm, then home to a small but great family party from 5pm til about midnight!! We had a long but very nice day. Now Anthony will be continuing his Automotive schooling at Farmingdale State University for a 2 year, which he could decide to be a 4 year degree. I think he will do just fine....

So handsome in his cap and gown!

Anthony and Grandma at the luncheon.

The men folk in little Italy!

Congratulations Anthony, We love you!!!

Anthony's Graduation # 1......Vocational School

2008-06-12T00:19:00.011-04:00

Tonight Anthony graduated from his vocational school Barry Tech!! It was really such a nice evening. Anthony looked SO handsome. There were so many kids, it took about 3 hours all together. We are so proud of Anthony. He always wanted to be a mechanic, and he got to learn what he loves. The first year there, he was student of the quarter, and he also made the honor roll each marking period both years!! He got to work at Bentley and BMW too! He was also in 3 competitions, one of which was up in Syracuse NY for 3 days! Another highlight of tonight was that they had a video of some activities that took place throughout the year from all the different classes and what made it even more special was that Dominic videoed and photographed a lot of the pictures they showed!! Dominic was one of only two picked to video tonight as well. It was a very exciting night!! Congratulations Anthony!!!

P.S. More to come Monday......

Hey Mary, Can I borrow your fox?

2008-06-09T14:50:00.002-04:00

We have an unwelcome guest living in our shed. We know he's been there awhile but now he thinks the shed is his and doesn't want us to go in. Earlier today, Norma went in to get something and not realizing he was there, got a little too close, he was on the floor, and when she came near him he lunged out and arched his back and stood up with his paws up in the air. She screamed and ran out. She says she's still shaking!! When we got home today after church, Frank went right in and got what she needed and found him on the shelve hiding. I asked him to take a picture. He thinks I'm crazy... But HE'S the crazy one, he did it!!!

Angelo plays the Bass Clarinet too....

2008-06-04T13:19:00.003-04:00

Angelo just had his last concert of this school year. It was really nice to see and to listen to as well!! These kids are really remarkable. They are only 11- 13 years old, and to hear them play is such a treat. Enjoy the video, and watch Angelo's cheeks puff up when he hits those low notes, it's so funny. Also check out just how big the bass clarinet is!! Now you'll see why he went back to the regular clarinet for the marching band last week!!

Dominic.....

2008-06-03T10:31:00.010-04:00

As many of you know, Dominic 's major in high school is Video Production and Communications. He's been doing very well since the start, and he loves it which is even more important to me! Well, he did so well this year that he was nominated and accepted into the National Technical Honor Society!! He had his induction ceremony on May 29th. He received a certificate, a white tassel for when he graduates, ( He uses that instead of or with his regular tassel) a pin, a membership card, and a sticker for his car (when he gets one!) It was so nice, they had some speeches about the students, a candle lighting ceremony and then some refreshments afterward. Out of about 3,000 students, only 97 got this honor!!! We are so proud of him.

Angelo and the marching band....

2008-05-28T11:24:00.010-04:00

Angelo was in the Farmingdale Memorial Day Parade this past Monday!! He plays the clarinet and his school was 1 0f 2 picked to be the marching bands in the parade. It was great. I just can't believe these kids are only 11-13 years old!!

Check out the video!!!

You see Anthony zooming in on Angelo and wouldn't you know it, a bug had just flown into his face, but he starts playing again right after that. I followed the parade right back to the school. The rest of the parade just stops and everyone leaves, but being the school is only a few more blocks away, they keep playing all by themselves back to school. It was nice to see the neighbors coming out of their houses to see the lone band marching down the block!!

Aluminum Foil.....

2008-05-28T11:02:00.004-04:00

Someone sent me an e-mail about aluminum foil. It told about how for so many years the person never knew about these little tabs that are on the ends of the boxes, they are there to hold the roll in the box so when you are rolling out your desired amount of foil or plastic wrap(they have them too) the roll doesn't fall out of the box. I just had to look and sure enough they are there!! I never knew this either. Did you guys know? Let me know....

Congratulations Anthony!!!!

2008-05-18T12:27:00.003-04:00

Anthony applied to only 2 colleges, and got accepted to both of them!! Now he can decide which one he wants to attend. I know he's leaning towards Farmingdale State University. It really is the better of the 2 schools for Automotive. They have the 2 year course, but then they have an additional 2 years to finish off for a bachelor's degree!! We are SO proud of Anthony. He has done so well throughout his high school and vocational school years. The next couple of years are going to be so exciting for us all!!

Happy Birthday Butchy Boy!!!!

2008-05-04T20:48:00.003-04:00

Butchy Boy, On the day we got him

and today, 10 years later.

Still Handsome!!

Good to the last lick!!!

What a great dog Butchy is. We couldn't have asked for a better addition to our family.

Some Pictures From Upstate....

2008-05-01T17:44:00.010-04:00

These are not in any order being my click and drag feature doesn't work any more(?) But, I think you'll figure them out.

My in-laws going over the bill from the Chinese buffet, we went to, you'll see a picture down the page.

Dominic's combs he worked on ALL WEEK..

A dog that came to visit from up the hill.

Franky working so hard.

So intense....

Carmine's girls.

We went down to the stream and I told everyone to take a rock home, look at the sizes of Franky's and Anthony's.

The Chinese food place.

Anthony and his

"vehicles"

My Angelo drove this all over and he does all the controls himself too!!

Almost finished , the once 12 x 12 deck is now

22 x 22!!!

A new addition to my livingroom......

2008-04-20T11:51:00.014-04:00

Now What??

My strong men.....

Now, where to put it...

I look at Craig's list all day long, the free listings of course. I have gotten so many things from there already, but yesterday I think was the best. I'm just amazed at what people will just give away, from furniture, to pets, to riding lawn mowers, etc. I have always wanted a piano. I even had Frank make me a "piano wall" so when I got my piano some day I would have the perfect place for it. Well I got the piano yesterday from Craig's list, the wall didn't work out, but in this case so what, I got my piano!!!!!

Isn't it beautiful? If only I could play it....

GOODBYE OLD FRIEND.......

2008-04-16T18:03:00.003-04:00

Well, the time finally came. Our old 1989 GMC Suburban had to go. Since 1978, Frank and I have had only trucks or vans, but this one was my favorite. It was the first truck we had that fit all the kids in it!! This truck has had a new engine, a new transmission, the rearend rebuilt, and so many other parts replaced, and now when the transmission went again, we realised it was time to let him go. He really served our family well.

Dominic, Well..... Being Dominic!!

2008-04-13T16:50:00.011-04:00

Last night while cooking, I asked Dominic to cut a stick of butter in half, one for each of 2 bowls of corn I was making, ANYBODY else would have just cut the stick of butter in half, down the middle....not Dominic!!!!

With Spring comes the Cleanup!!!

2008-04-08T17:44:00.002-04:00

Even Mario helped.....

It's getting there..... I can't wait!!

Just some random shots........

2008-04-04T16:06:00.012-04:00

A Traditional Italian Easter breakfast. On the left is a pie that's made with ricotta cheese, provolone, and Italian sausages. (the kinds you eat with cheese) Pictured here is also The Easter bread, Sweet pie, and omelets made with asparagus, and hard boiled eggs of course!!

(My mother-in-law makes everything!!)

So Serious!!!

Russell and the boys enjoying a Sunday afternoon.

The good old LIE, this is what we deal with every other Thursday on boys club nights!!!

Dominic and Daniella Bella coloring... They had a contest to see who colored better. Daniella Bella won!!

Butchy boy loves to hide inside things, he went right to sleep in this box.He could hardly fit in it.

I made stuffed mushrooms and

found this "Siamese twin"

I didn't cook him...

IT'S HERE, IT'S HERE!!!!!!!

2008-03-20T12:12:00.005-04:00

It finally showed up.... SPRING!! Ok, it's not really that warm today, or sunny, but it made it, so it's got to get better from here. No more snow or cold, ( actually they are predicting something for this week) but it can't be all that bad. So starting real soon, I'll be in the garden planting my vegetables, and flowers, and just sitting in my "little Italy" enjoying the warm weather and watching all my birds in the yard. I love the spring and summer. Winter could be canceled and I'd be just fine with that!!!

ANTHONY IS 18 YEARS OLD TODAY !!!!!!

2008-03-14T00:01:00.001-04:00

WOW, Anthony is 18 years old. Where does the time go. I know everyone always says that, but, since the day Anthony was born he always had "issues" he was born with a congenital heart condition, and was so sick until his open heart surgery at 16 months old, and having to deal with ADHD and Tourette's Syndrome since he was about 6 yrs. old, he's had his share. But, let me tell you, to see him today at 18, being an honor student in high school, and also an auto mechanic student, applying to colleges, it just really amazes me. I'm so proud of him and know he can do anything he sets his mind to. Keep it up Anthony, and Happy Birthday Baby!!!

Some great news about Dominic and Franky.....

2008-03-07T14:31:00.010-05:00

Dominic took his driver's permit test today and not only passed, but got only one wrong!! It's amazing how many teens and adults alike, failed while we were there. I think they just can't be bothered reading the small book they give you to study from. Dominic read his book and took a couple of practice tests on the computer, and did a great job. Congratulations Dominic !!

Dominic and Franky went on a job interview yesterday at Adventureland in Farmingdale, and they both got the jobs. I'm so proud of them. Having the two of them is just like having twins, they do so many things together, and Dominic really looks for Franky a lot, to do things with. He only wanted to work there if Franky worked there too. I'm so glad it worked out for them both. Way to go guys!!!

Better Late Then Never.....

2008-03-03T14:24:00.005-05:00

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY ROCCO, 3/1/2008

My Rocco is now 21 years old!! I can't believe how fast it really went. I wanted to have kids right away when Frank and I got married, but it took us 4 years. Now here we are 21 years later. I have to say Rocco was always a great kid, a great teenager, and now a great man! He never gave us an ounce of trouble, ever. We're so proud of him, he's doing near perfect in college, he works a full time job drafting, and has a wonderful girlfriend Lindsay, who's just as nice and sweet as he is. And just look how handsome he is too!!!! Well I really could just go on forever, but I'll just say the past 21 years have been great and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

Some random shots from the last week or so......

2008-02-26T14:27:00.006-05:00

The stuff Frank, Norma and Butchy Boy got from the Martha Stewart Show. The coupons are for a years worth of free dog food.

Anthony replacing the brakes and rotors on
Frank's car. He really is a great mechanic.

The boys hard at work making a giant snowman.

The middle section was so heavy they needed a ramp to help put it together.

Look at the size of this guy!!

One scary looking snowman. This one was even bigger and in the front of the house

Butchy Boy hates the snow as much as I do. Rocco had to pick him up and bring him out.

Dominic and Daniella Bella making homemade playdough

We colored the dough with koolaid so it smelled great! We had a great time.

Valentine's Day Desserts.....Enjoy

2008-02-11T11:26:00.000-05:00

Chocolate Sweets My Romantically Delicious Fudge Brownies Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cheesecake Chocolate Silk Pie Chocolate-Dipped Fortune Cookies Hershey Kiss Roses Turtle Brownies Cranberry Fudge Microwave Fudge Recipe Venus' Chocolate Macadamia Nut Tart Chocolate Divinity Kisses Molten Chocolate Cakes Chocolate Covered Truffles Warm Chocolate Swoons Chocolate Heaven Warm Chocolate Cupcakes with Molten Centers Flourless Chocolate Cake Chocolate Chip Fudge Cups Decadent Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sauce Chocolate Plunge Homemade Chocolate Truffles Triple Chocolate Biscotti Crockpot Chocolate Brownie Pudding Cake Decadent Chocolate Cake Chocolate Fantasty Bars Chocolate Grand Marnier Fondue Chocolate Mousse Falling in Love Pie (from Waitress)
Fruity Sweets Strawberry Marshmallow Crispy Bars Rich Strawberry Tiramisu Strawberry Surprises Frozen Raspberry Mousse with Ice Cream Frozen Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Strawberry Fudge Truffles Simply Delicious Strawberries in Rich Chocolate Crunchy Fontina Fondue with Blueberries Refrigerated Banana Pudding Simple Strawberry Lemonade Pie Strawberry Swirl Bombe Fantastic Fruit Dessert Strawberries and Lemon Dip Strawberry Pretzel Dessert Holiday Cherry Squares Shortcake Biscuits with Berries Berry Valentine Pie Sweetheart Meringue Tarts with Strawberries Pink Perfection
Heart-Shaped Sweets Strawberry Sweetheart Cake Cherry and Chocolate Pastry Hearts Valentine Cutouts Two Hearts Together Giant Cherry Heart Dessert

The tag game...You got me...And Now I got You!!

2008-02-09T11:21:00.000-05:00

Well, here are the rules(1) Link to the person that tagged you. (2) Post the rules on your blog. (3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. (4) Tag three random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs. (5) Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

1. I'm a state certified security guard.

2. I love green, everything and every room would be green if I was allowed to get away with it.

3. I love noise, the noiser the better.

4. I have an old (real glass) noxema jar filled with stuff I've saved since I was a kid, mostly coins,medals,the old fashioned string bracelet from adventureland, and stuff like that. Every now and then I take it out and show the kids and have to explain each and everything that's in the jar to them.I think they can recite it all too!!

5. I've been a licensed beautician for 31 years.

6. I took violin lessons for 5 years and took guitar, clarinet, and cello lessons too!! But can't play any of them good...

I tag:

1. Dominic

2. Franky

3. Rebbeca

Lights, Camera, Action.....

2008-02-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

Today, Frank, Norma and Butchy Boy, are going to be on the Martha Stewart Show!! A little while back I filled out a request form to get tickets for a show. I noticed they were having a special dog show episode. The requirement was you needed to have a dog that was adopted or rescued. Well I wrote about how we got Butchy, ( I wrote the whole story on a past blog ) I guess they liked the story and said they wanted Butchy and his owner, and a guest to come to the show.

I then got an e-mail last week, saying:

I’d love to talk to the owner of butchy boy.
Please call the number below and leave your name and a number I can call you at.

Elie Haller
Associate Producer
THE MARTHA STEWART SHOW
226 West 26th Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10001
O: 917-438-5755
F: 917-438-5756

Well I did that, but she didn't call, so now I'm not sure if they will be called on to talk, or just be in the audience, Martha says in the coming attractions for this show, that there will be a lot of heart warming stories, so I don't know, but I do know with all those dogs there, the camera's will be scanning all of them a lot!! So I'm sure we'll spot them!! The show will be on at 1 pm.....

Here are some shots of Butchy Boy getting ready for his big debut......

R.I.P. PAULIE.......

2008-02-04T16:29:00.000-05:00

My poor Paulie had to be put to sleep today. He started doing better during the week but then on Saturday night he took a turn for the worse. I held him all day, Saturday and Sunday and even slept with him, sitting in the chair all night both Saturday and Sunday nights. I couldn't put him down because he didn't have the strength to hold himself up. I had to force feed him some special food and water every 3 hours. Today I called the Vet to say he was getting worse and they let me bring him in at 3 pm. The Vet said there was nothing he could do and I needed to put him to sleep. He will be getting cremated and his ashes will be spread out at a cemetery called "Field of Dreams". I miss him already. I got him for my 40th birthday, and had him for 8 years.

My Poor Paulie.....

2008-01-28T16:27:00.000-05:00

My Quaker Parrot Paulie isn't feeling well. He started on Thursday morning, just sitting in the corner of his cage. I held him all day trying to keep his body heat up and trying to get him to eat and drink. By Friday, I knew he wasn't getting better, he was puffed up, closing his eyes most of the time and couldn't keep his balance on his perch, if I put him in his cage he had to hold on to something so he wouldn't fall off!! I had to bring him to the Vet. The Vet said he wanted to keep him over night and give him fluids, antibiotics, xrays, and blood tests, being he wasn't sure what was wrong with him. He did see an ear infection, but said that wouldn't be causing this illness. I said no, maybe just give me the antibiotics and some special food so I can hand feed him, and he gave me some ear drops.(He had to show me where his ears were!!) The Vet gave him 2 shots, and I took him home. He's showing some improvement already, but I still have to make him eat and drink. He's such a baby though, he takes his food ok, but I have to force him to take his antibiotics just like I did for the kids when they were young!!

Paulie looks so sick here, He was puffed up and couldn't keep his eyes open.

Going to the Vet....

His food, ear drops, and antibiotics...

Paulie's starting to feel a little better today.

Butchy Boy was so jealous, that anytime I sat down he wouldn't leave me.