In like a lion, lamb, lion, lamb, lion, lamb...

In like a lion

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words and honestly that is the only way to describe this entire month. We had a pretty warm winter in Virginia this year and then the lion called March showed up for a day and was gone the next.  But that lion wasn't done yet and the entire month pretty much went like this...

Lamb

Lion

Lamb

Lion

Lamb

Lion

And finally...

Rainy days and Monday

It’s no secret.  I don’t care for dreary, cold, rainy days.  Last Sunday night started off with rain that turned to snow and then on Monday turned back to rain again. It was cold. It was the kind of cold that goes right through a person no matter many layers they are wearing.  To top it off, it just happened to be Monday as well, not one of my favorite days. My list of “should do’s” were turning into “must do’s” and I started to get the feeling one has when they would just like to add one more hour to the 24 all the time knowing that it still wouldn’t be enough.  Ever had a day like that?  I know you have.  And add to the never-ending list---- two blogs that take up more time than most people would realize and you have my day in nutshell. 

Actually lately I have tossed around the notion of removing some of the demands upon myself.  I have even thought about ending the blogs.  Maybe it’s that infernal rain and darkness that is steadily drenching me.  Maybe it’s Monday, but on this particular day I’ve thought about it more than usual. 

And then I arrive home. I am tired, bedraggled and need I say, soaking wet?  I open my mailbox and sitting there, under a magazine and between some junk mail is a package. The package is from someone in Canada who has always read and commented on my blog.

Now in my three years of blogging I have made many friends from all over the world.  Some have stuck with me right from the start, even when I didn't have the time to comment on their blogs as much as I'd like.  I opened the package and found a small painting and a hand knitted dishcloth along with a sweet note about how one of my posts helped her and her mother to do something a bit easier than anticipated.  I smiled.  For the first time that day I sat back and smiled. 

And I knew that all the hours that I have put into those blogs were not in vain.  I made many friends and although I may never meet them face to face, I am a happier and better person for having known them. 

Just when I needed a shot in arm and a kick in the pants so to speak I realized that blogging has broadened my life in immeasurable ways and I guess if I am to cut back on some things it won’t be my blogs.  Maybe I’ll cut out a yoga class.

Thank you Stacey and Stacey’s mom for the gifts and most of all-- for the smile.

Surprise on a rainy Monday

Happy St. Patrick's Day

They say that on St. Patrick's Day everyone is Irish for a day, and old Irish proverb states that

"If your lucky enough to be Irish...

your lucky enough."

Greek or American…Easter

Let me state right off the bat, I am American, born in the good old U S of A but I am 100% of Greek descent.  So that makes me Greek Orthodox. 

Now growing up in the south there weren’t too many Greeks around and we had to travel 50 miles to go to church.  Going to church became an all day event.  I know, I know, that was a bit excessive but Greek parents are nothing if not devout. 

Things have changed through the years, and there are now many more Greeks in the town and a church nearby.  The thing that hasn’t changed in that time is Easter.  I don’t know all the logistics of it; I just know that once in a while Greek Easter co-insides with American Easter but most of the time it is a bit later. Usually it’s the following week, but sometimes it is way later. 

Take this year…American Easter is March 31. Greek Easter is…May…5^th.

Now trying to explain this to a non-Greek is a bit difficult, but there are benefits.

When we were kids we had two Easters.  We had two Easter baskets, because our parents wanted us to fit in.  We colored eggs two times and our parents always got their candy ½ price.  And if we were lucky we had two Easter egg hunts in the backyard.

When I grew up I married an Irishman. So now I am Greek-Irish.  And I still celebrate Eater twice.  After all it doesn’t matter if your Easter bunny says “Opa” or “ speaks with a brogue, it’s still—Easter.

Auto incorrect 2

You know that automatic spelling corrector on my cell phone just keeps getting sassier and sassier. 

Yesterday I wanted to meet my daughter for lunch.  I was running late so I figured I would shoot her a text to let her know I would be there in a bit, and this is the ridiculous text that resulted:

Me:  Ok, I'll be there in a habit

She:  You're coming dressed as a nurse?

Me:  Ha ha very funny didn't you mean nun?

She:  Alright I guess auto correct got us both!

This is not as embarrasing as some things we have said to each other, but my blog is G-rated so I'll just leave it to your imagination.

Moral of the story:  Always make sure you approve your text before hitting send.

By the way, the sun shined all day yesterday and the temps jumped well into the sixties, three days after the major snowfall of 2013.  Virginia you gotta love it.  

Not crying wolf today!

You know this has been the warmest winter in Va. and we’ve had maybe six flakes of snow.  Oh, yes, they’ve predicted snow many times but the snow beast bypassed the old dominion. New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania spent the winter in a cover of white. I looked on as Kansas and the Midwest took a good dose of the white stuff.  I won’t even mention Canada and the northwest.

I took these photos a while ago and since then the flakes have turned into virtual snowballs and the accumulation is rising.

Most people hate this white wet stuff, but as for me I’m jumping up and down.  Even if you are a hater you have to admit it sure looks nicer than a ton of rain!  And somehow people are just nicer when it snows.  They are helpful to neighbors and many get a day off of work and school.  Hater or not you must realize that a March snow is the best kind of snow...here to today and gone tomorrow.  It only sticks around for a day and later this week it is going to hit the high 50’s.  Soon this snow will be a distant memory. 

But…if you want to build a Va. Snowman today it will be a more life-sized version.

Firmoo eyeglasses reviewed

My daughter, Mary and her new eyewear

A few weeks back the Firmoo Company contacted me and asked me to review a pair of their prescription eyeglasses.  Well I had just purchased a new pair of glasses for myself from my local optician at a very high cost, but my daughter needed a new pair so we ordered one for her. All we had to do was input her prescription and have her select a frame, which was hard because the choices are all so adorable.

Now I’ve always thought that frames for glasses are way too expensive, but I found that the frames offered by firmoo are surprisingly inexpensive.  I admit I was a bit apprehensive, but all reservations flew right out the window when we received these adorable, fashionable and high quality eyeglasses. 

Their frame selection is extensive, and they even have a virtual try on feature.  You simply upload a photo and you are able to try on the eyewear.  Best of all new customers can get their first pair free…simply pay for shipping!  First pair free

And the little extras included with the glasses are an added benefit.  You receive a hard case, microfiber cloth, a soft case, and even a little tool for repair!

In my humble opinion there are two things we all buy that are usually overpriced…eyeglasses and bathing suits.  Firmoo has changed that and quality eyewear is now affordable.  Now, about those bathing suits...

Next pair for me will definitely come from Firmoo. I may even get two pairs!

If you have any questions just click this link

Note:  I received a free pair of eyeglasses in exchange for this review.  My opinions, however, are 100%truthful.

Mrs. Fixit...or how to remove wallpaper

After finished product

Before, big mess

Lately I have been suffering from an acute nesting urge.  For the past month I have been in a re-decorating, re-modeling frenzy.  First I re-painted and re-decorated my son's old room.  For two years now I have kept it looking like a kids room, but I figured since he is in the air force, there isn't a need to have it kept as a shrine to childhood.  No, I didn't ditch all the stuff, I packed it away neatly, and now I have a new sewing room to go with my new sewing machine, which I have yet to play with.

Secondly, I re-grouted the tiles in my shower.  I must say, not a fun job, but the end result is awesome.  Be warned, re-grouting is exhausting and messy.  I started the job wearing sweats and a t-shirt but when I began grouting myself, I am embarrassed to say I finished in my underwear.

And thirdly I tackled the ugly wallpaper in my downstairs bathroom that came with the house when we moved in 12 years ago.  I've wanted to remove it for ages and I was mistakenly elated when the top portion came off easily.  I discovered tan fuzzy paper underneath.  Now I will say, I am no expert, but I researched wallpaper removal and bought all the supplies suggested.  When I started, I discovered that the commercial stripper didn't work.  The commercial scraper broke, and I never even used the perforator.  After one day of problems I just looked up home made stripper solutions and found that Fabric softener (any old cheapo kind) mixed with water in a spray bottle worked wonders.  A rigid paint scraper worked better than ones made for wallpaper removal.  And the second day the job went easier.  After the removal I scrubbed the walls with vinegar and water and painted.

It just goes to show you, sometimes home remedies work better than what they say "The pros use."

Love is in the air and in the movies

I admit it.  I am a sucker for a romantic movie, better known as a chic flic. And although my dear hubby would never admit it, he is a romantic as well.  After all we got engaged on Valentine's Day.  I know, I know, cheesy thing to do over a taco, but hey it was kind of romantic when he placed the ring on my plate.

So in honor of Valentine's Day I give you my 15 favorite romantic movies, along with my explanation, sprinkled with a little bit of cheese.

1.  "Titanic"

 Ok, I think this one is self explanatory.  I mean saving someone in every way possible?  What could be more romantic than that?

2.  "Ghost" 

It has all the elements of a romantic plot, ghosts, the supernatural...um never mind but it sure makes working in clay a lot more fun.

3.  "Pretty woman"

Oh my goodness, who wouldn't want being saved from life of ruin by Richard Gere?  Or is he being saved from his empty life by a tad less than pure Julia Roberts?  You be the judge.

4.  "Pride and Predjudice"

How can you not root for strong female character falling in love but not sacrificing her ideals.  The predjudice part is secondary.

5.  "Gone with the wind"

Frankly my dear, I hope Rhett and Scarlet can work this one out.  Then again...tomorrow is another day.

6.  "You've got mail"

Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks prove that nothing can stand in the way of true love, not even the internet.

7.  "While you were sleeping"

In the search for true love, Sandra Bullock finds that sometimes it is standing right in front of you.

8.  "The Holiday"

Two love stories for the price of one, Christmas, Travel abroad, sensitive men, need I say more?  And a happy ending to boot. 

9. " Sixteen candles"

My most favorite teen love story.  And not one but two leading men, Jake Ryan and Farmer Ted.  Jake Ryan is sure a hottie but I was kind of pulling for Farmer Ted.  On second thought the birthday cake scene was super romantic.

10.  "My big fat Greek wedding"

I probably put this one in only because I am Greek and a lot of the movie resonated with me.  Although, it is kind of romantic what a man will put up with when he is in love.  No my hubby didn't sit in pool and get baptised, but he have that hour long Greek wedding!

11.  "Shrek"

Since I am including the not so usual romantic movies I figured why not a computer animated one.  This one tries to teach us that no matter how hideous you appear on the outside, true love's kiss will bring out your true form and your true love will see that form as beautiful...make sense? If not maybe you are overthinking this?

12.  "The notebook"

A tear-jerker for sure.  Honestly I hate going to movies that I know I will cry in so I usually wait till they come out on video so I can cry in the privacy of my own recliner, with my own tissues, causing these least amount of embarassment to my husband.  This love story that spans decades shows how just how long true love lasts and how many boxes of tissues I can use in one sitting.

13.  "Peggy Sue got married"

This one kind of made me cry as well since the dreams of what one thinks love can be are not always what they are.  It does end happy though.

14.  "27 dresses"

A lot of people may not agree with me on this one since it is a pretty simple story.  Always a bridesmaid, never a bride is painfully true till the happy ending on this one.  And you gotta love the re-wording of Elton's Benny and the Jets.

15.  "Bridesmaids"

Speaking of bridesmaids, this movie has a way of making you root for someone who is envious, unhappy with her life, not always very nice.  And it makes you wish you could be stopped by a traffic cop for a broken tailpipe as well.

I know there are tons more, some I forgot, some I just didn't add becasue they didn't work for me.  I mean I don't really feel "Casablanca", but for those of you who do, here's looking at you kid.

No cross---words

I love doing crossword puzzles.  It’s no secret that crossword puzzles can keep your mind sharp-- improve knowledge--and vocabulary.  When I work my puzzles I like to use a pen, who doesn’t?  A pen produces nice dark lines that are easily readable in any light and on any type of paper.  The main drawback is that letters printed in pen are difficult to remove. Drawn over lines are messy and sometimes hard to decipher.  So what’s a puzzle addict to do?

Well, I try the pencil.  It has a nice eraser on it, but it sometimes tears the fragile puzzle paper, especially when one is frustrated.  I mean really--a seven-letter word for a scavenger could be buzzard, right?  Nope, it’s vulture, and I rip the paper trying to erase my error. Add on a couple hundred trips to the pencil sharpener and I am wits end.

So I pick up some mechanical pencils and soon find that lead is a bit thin for my pressure and the tips keep snapping off.

Next I discover erasable pens.  They aren’t perfect but they ARE a step up from pencils.  The only problem is that until they set, they smear so the side of my hand looks like I have beating it against the wall since it’s black and blue. And when they do set they don’t erase anymore.

The hunt goes on and I find a so called liquid pencil, which looks like a pen and has an eraser on the top, but when I use it I find it skips ink and the letters look like they are written by my 98 year-old Aunt Jenny.  Frustrated beyond words I toss it in the trash.

And then a light at the end of the tunnel!  I discover new erasable gel pens that erase with only friction.  It comes in awesome colors and it doesn’t skip, it writes dark and crisp and erases without a hitch on any type of paper.  What could this wonder be? 

Frixion erasable gel pens by pilot…

So now, I can do my puzzles with ease and NO – CROSS WORDS