Sunday, February 24, 2008

Ive Fallen and I cant get Up!

Today Steve decided to be sweet and do some laundry .Who was I to turn down a free-be like that??? (even though my spidy senses told me there was something behind this generous offer)

Did I mention basketball was on tv and we have a big screen in the basement one room over from the laundry? aah..starting to fall in place now!
So he goes skipping(well ok maybe not skipping) down the steps smug in the knowledge that a load of laundry or 2 will get him a get out of chores free card for at least an hour or 2.plenty of time to catch the game.

Did i also mention the old saying "no good turn goes unpunished"? ok well now i am
2/3's of the way down the steps,arms over flowing with semi carefully sorted clothes(I pointed out the red shirt peeking out of his load of whites...because come on..who wants a man wandering around in pink socks and undies?
Well where was I? Oh yes..hes almost to the bottom when crash! the stairs break! They slipped out of the runner board that joins them down the left side.Bunns over tea kettle he sails through the air.Luckly he landed in the laundry.Hes ok.But now hes trapped in the basement.No problem he says.Ive got my drill.Just toss me some big nails and a hammer.

All we had in the line of nails were tiny picture hangers.So I call a friend.I get the feeling shes not listening because she says "will a dreamcicle work"?

Nope.
Mean while Steve finds nails but the drill is dead.Has to recharge.So hes trapped.
Trapped and by now hungry.He can smell the peanut butter chocolate chip cookies I just made.

How to get some to him...I tried lobbing them down but managed to take out the light bulb and hit the Tv.So being a craft Ninja I went to work,I built a food sled.(pause for awe and admoration)(grin)

I filled a container with cookies taped it to the "sled" and presto!Hes still trapped down there.I hear him hammering now.Im pretty sure I can send him the soup I made for dinner..if I can just find that garden hose....

Friday, February 22, 2008

Some of My Work






Why Wine and Bier are better for you than Water =)


To my friends who enjoy a glass of wine.. And those who don't.
As Ben Franklin said: In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom,
in water there is bacteria. In a number of carefully controlled trials,
scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day,
at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of
Escherichia coli, (E. Coli) - bacteria found in feces.(gag!) In other words,
we are consuming 1 kilo of poop.
However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & bier (or tequila,
rum, whiskey or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a
purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.
Remember: Water = Poop Wine = Health
Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, than to drink water
and be full of crap.
There is no need to thank me for this valuable information: I'm doing
this as a public service.Cheers!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Total Lunar Eclipse


Did any of you stay up to watch the total lunar eclipse last night? It was beautiful.The Moon made a gradual change to the most wonderful deep reddish colour.
The Lunar Eclipse happens when the sun,earth and full moon line up.This will be the last total lunar eclipse until december 2010.I tried to get some pictures.
My camera stinks in freezing weather but heres what you missed.

In August this year you can catch a solar eclipse and partial lunar eclipse.You know what ? The galaxy never stops amazing me!
read more about the eclipse here: Time Magazine

chicken noodle shampoo


Today it snowed more than it has in one day alone all winter.The tater tots and I were really cranked up about building a snow man after lunch.

Guess the excitement was too much for the youngest tot.
I left the table to get more oranges from the kitchen.When I came back there (all smiles) was the B man happily washing his hair in his chicken noodle soup.
I said what happened? He said "what do you mean what happened?" He looked at me like i just bought the last ticket to crazy town.I asked again pointing now...what happened? He said "I need towel please I wash hair!"As I watch the noodles slide off his curley little noggin I ask..in your soup? He says "No..in my high chair!"Sooooo snow man was called on acount of soup.On the positive side,his hairs never been so shiney.I might just try it myself!

Monday, February 18, 2008

Children

I was pondering life today.Wondering what kind of world will be left to my grandsons and all the children weve been intrusted with, when i found this while wandering youtube.

Its the only song thats ever made me cry like a baby.Enjoy.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Who doesnt love free stuff ??

Shannan over at Mommy Bits has information on how you can score a free 6-pack of Yoplait Yogurt for Kids! Check it out on her blog, Mommy Bits.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

The switch to digital TV signals

Today I recieved an email from The U.S.P.R.G (the federation of state Public Interest Research Groups ) reminding me that on February 19th 2009 all T.V. stations will be mandated to start broadcasting their signals on digital wave lengths instead of the analog signal we recieve now.

This means that any of you who watch free over the air television will have to make some changes.Those of you using cable or satalite have no worries.Now it will become a bit confusing when the time comes.Even many stores are unsure of what you will need to do to keep watching over the air T.V. and may suggest a newer T.V. Well I went serching and there will be a converter box you will need to purchase (no new t.v. unless you have a hubby like mine who is just looking for an excuse to buy bigger and better) (grin).

The government is offering coupons you can get twords the purchase of any converters you may need.Each older t.v. you own that only recieves over the air stations will need one.Converter boxes will run from $40 to $70 dollars each and here is the link and phone number to the government office to recieve your $40 dollar coupons.You may request more than one coupon.Heres to less confusion and happy T.V. viewing for years to come.
http://www.dtv.gov/ or by calling 1-888-388-2009

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Helping the Hungry

Well it's happening again.More folks are getting laid off.More moms,dads and grandparents wondering how to stretch the ever shrinking dollars left in their pockets to cover gas ,rent food.Nothing hurts a parent more than the look of hunger on their childs face.

Usually we only think of donating our extra canned goods and dollars during the holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas.Well I was doing some reading today and the food banks are suffering.Many say they dont know how they will be able to keep their doors open much longer.The increase in joblessness and the decrease in donations are hitting them hard.If you are one of the blessed who still have jobs to go to and can enjoy a night out now and then please consider donating the extras in your cupboards or the money you would have spent on that night on the town.

Now more than ever we need each other.Now more than ever we need to be the angels on the shoulders of the moms and dads out there that are as we speak looking into the faces of the children that rely on and trust them so much.Let no one go hungry tomorrow.

As my grandmother use to say when things were tough and neighbors were going hungry,let them come to us.We'll just add a bit more water to the stew.

We can help.We should help.We must help.Here in the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area we have the freestore food bank
http://www.freestorefoodbank.org/ and several other orginizations despirate for your help.Im sure there are places in your areas too.Please take a moment and contact them.A hand up is all we need .Be that hand.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Brain Rust and Pink Eye

Well Ive kicked this around for what seems like days.My first blog.What should I say? Should I be deep and prophetic? Witty? Talk at length about myself and my dreams?




Then it hit me...literally.Pink Eye.

Thank you my dear grand sons.

For those of you who dont know...children just starting off to school are germ magnetics.From the fingers that make mudd pies then wander through the chip bag to the sneezes that spray like high powered super soakers.You can run but you cant hide as you..yes you my friend...become the vacation get away for germs and one eyed wonder bugs you never even knew existed.

You are the new 5 star get away for everything from runny noses to yes..pink eye.Im 49 years old for goodness sake and Ive been cold cocked by a pre school monster.Makes me feel young again (grin) and until my vision clears up I even look younger .

So here I am Lining up with the boys 4 times a day .Two drops in each eye and close both till we count to 120 mississippi (2 minutes for those of you new to this)So here for your protection is a list of hows ,whys and whats about this red eyed monster and how to avoid it when your turn comesThank me later.. Its time for our drops.
From http://www.kidshealth.org/

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.
While pinkeye can sometimes be alarming because it may make the eyes extremely red and can spread rapidly, it's a fairly common condition and usually causes no long-term eye or vision damage. But if your child shows symptoms of pinkeye, it's important to see a doctor. Some kinds of pinkeye go away on their own, but other types require treatment.
Conjunctivitis can be caused by infections (such as bacteria and viruses), allergies, or substances that irritate the eyes.

Causes of Pinkeye
Pinkeye can be caused by many of the bacteria and viruses responsible for colds and other infections, — including ear infections, sinus infections, and sore throats — and by the same types of bacteria that cause the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Pinkeye also can be caused by allergies. These cases tend to happen more frequently among kids who also have other allergic conditions, such as hay fever. Some triggers of allergic conjunctivitis include grass, ragweed pollen, animal dander, and dust mites.
Sometimes a substance in the environment can irritate the eyes and cause pinkeye; for example, chemicals (such as chlorine and soaps) and air pollutants (such as smoke and fumes).

Pinkeye in Newborns
Newborns are particularly susceptible to pinkeye and can be more prone to serious health complications if it goes untreated.
If a baby is born to a mother who has an STD, during delivery the bacteria or virus can pass from the birth canal into the baby's eyes, causing pinkeye. To prevent this, doctors give antibiotic ointment or eye drops to all babies immediately after birth. Occasionally, this preventive treatment causes a mild chemical conjunctivitis, which typically clears up on its own. Doctors also can screen pregnant women for STDs and treat them during pregnancy to prevent transmission of the infection to the baby.
Many babies are born with a narrow or blocked tear duct, a condition which usually clears up on its own. Sometimes, though, it can lead to conjunctivitis.

Symptoms of Pinkeye
The different types of pinkeye can have different symptoms. And symptoms can vary from child to child.
One of the most common symptoms is discomfort in the eye. A child may say that it feels like there's sand in the eye. Many kids have redness of the eye and inner eyelid, which is why conjunctivitis is often called pinkeye. It can also cause discharge from the eyes, which may cause the eyelids to stick together when the child awakens in the morning. Some kids have swollen eyelids or sensitivity to bright light.

In cases of allergic conjunctivitis, itchiness and tearing are common symptoms.
Contagiousness
Cases of pinkeye that are caused by bacteria and viruses are contagious. (Conjunctivitis caused by allergies or environmental irritants are not.)

A child can get pinkeye by touching an infected person or something an infected person has touched, such as a used tissue. In the summertime, pinkeye can spread when kids swim in contaminated water or share contaminated towels. It also can be spread through coughing and sneezing. Doctors usually recommend keeping kids diagnosed with contagious conjunctivitis out of school, day care, or summer camp for a short time.
Someone who has pinkeye in one eye can also inadvertently spread it to the other eye by touching the infected eye, then touching the other one.

Preventing Pinkeye
To prevent pinkeye caused by infections, teach kids to wash their hands often with warm water and soap. They also should not share eye drops, tissues, eye makeup, washcloths, towels, or pillowcases with other people.
Be sure to wash your own hands thoroughly after touching an infected child's eyes, and throw away items like gauze or cotton balls after they've been used. Wash towels and other linens that the child has used in hot water separately from the rest of the family's laundry to avoid contamination.

If you know your child is prone to allergic conjunctivitis, keep windows and doors closed on days when the pollen is heavy, and dust and vacuum frequently to limit allergy triggers in the home. Irritant conjunctivitis can only be prevented by avoiding the irritating causes.
Many cases of pinkeye in newborns can be prevented by screening and treating pregnant women for STDs. A pregnant woman may have bacteria in her birth canal even if she shows no symptoms, which is why prenatal screening is important.

Treating Pinkeye
Pinkeye caused by a virus usually goes away on its own without any treatment. If a doctor suspects that the pinkeye has been caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotic eye drops or ointment will be prescribed.
Sometimes it can be a challenge to get kids to tolerate eye drops several times a day. If you're having trouble, put the drops on the inner corner of your child's closed eye — when the child opens the eye, the medicine will flow into it. If you continue to have trouble with drops, ask the doctor about antibiotic ointment. It can be applied in a thin layer where the eyelids meet, and will melt and enter the eye.

If your child has allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe anti-allergy medication, which comes in the form of pills, liquid, or eye drops.
Cool or warm compresses and acetaminophen or ibuprofen may make a child with pinkeye feel more comfortable. You can clean the edges of the infected eye carefully with warm water and gauze or cotton balls. This can also remove the crusts of dried discharge that may cause the eyelids to stick together first thing in the morning.

When to Call the Doctor
If you think your child has pinkeye, it's important to contact your doctor to try to determine what's causing it and how to treat it. Other serious eye conditions can mimic conjunctivitis, so a child who complains of severe pain, changes in eyesight, or sensitivity to light should be reexamined. If the pinkeye does not improve after 2 to 3 days of treatment, or after a week when left untreated, call your doctor.
If your child has pinkeye and starts to develop increased swelling, redness, and tenderness in the eyelids and around the eye, along with a fever, call your doctor. Those symptoms may mean the infection has started to spread beyond the conjunctiva and will require additional treatment