Virtual Girls Night Out - Let The Traveling Heart-Shaped Rock Project Begin!

You know that car I've been lamenting about?  Well, after 4 weeks, it's back in our driveway.  "Fixed" so they say.  This is taking us into the territory of "Disputing-Charges-and-Praying-No-One-Gets-Sued".  (I want to rock back and forth in a corner just at the thought.)  So... you know what I'm in the mood for?  A Virtual Girls Night Out!!!

*The VGNO blog-hop is for those who want to sneak away from family, if only for a little bit, and party "virtually" with other bloggers. More exposure for your blog is the point of VGNO. Connecting, supporting, encouraging - those words describe the VGNO Guest. So get on your bunny slippers, make yourself a cocktail add your blog link and have fun! Happy VGNO!*

Time For Some Tunes!

(I just saw this group on Thursday.  Lovely boys from Seattle.  They're fantastic!!!)

Hey Marseilles "Rio"


I have been listening to their debut cd over... and over... and over since the show.  Love them!!!


Time For A Cocktail!

Blame it on Rio

Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. Pineapple Juice
1/4 oz. Absolut Vodka
1/4 oz. Amaretto
1/4 oz. Banana Liqueur
1/4 oz. Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum
1/4 oz. Malibu Rum
1/4 oz. Peach Schnapps
Soda Water
Instructions:
Shake and pour into a tall glass. Top with soda and garnish with lime squeeze.

My goodness that's a LOT of ingredients!  I may just do vodka with a splash of pineapple juice. Voila!



Time For A Project!


Last summer we started The Heart-Shaped Rock Project. The "little gem" got lost in a house along the way, so... due to lovely requests... I'm going to start it again.  And we have a first few stops lined up! 

Next week I will be mailing our little gem to Brenda "The Chaco Girl" in Paraguay.  How cool, right?   Then the heart-shaped rock heads to Carolee at "Come On Home".  How can you, you lovely blogging person, take part in the Traveling Heart-Shaped Rock Project you ask?  Here's what you do:

*To participate; send your name & address to annharrisonATcomcastDOTnet. I'll create a chart of those that participate. The rock will be mailed to you and, once you receive our little heart-shaped gem, take a picture of it with something that represents you, it could be an object, a place, whatever you like. Post the picture on your blog letting your readers know you are participating in The Traveling Heart-Shaped Rock Project. Also, when you receive our little gem, let me know and I'll send you the name & address of the next blogger to mail the little gem to. On and on it goes! (I hope :-> ). At the end of it's journey I'll create a slideshow of your pics. 

I can't wait to see your photos!!!

OK friends, off we go to show our support and blog-hop! Add your blog link and visit those that have left their links. Go mingle! Happy VGNO!





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Found On The Sidewalk Friday

After 4 weeks our car is out of the shop and back in our driveway!  But this walking thing is a good idea, let's see what I've found for today's Found On The Sidewalk Friday.

Over The Hill Hwy, huh... hmmm? 

This was resting on the edge of a sidewalk.  I'm beginning to wonder what kind of neighborhood I live in!

Can't wait to see what I find for next weeks Found On The Sidewalk Friday.

31 Days Will Most Likely Be 41... or 51

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I'm supposed to be on day 11 of  the project "31 Days to Build a Better Blog" and it's taken me days just to get day one's task done.  Not even done - have finished!!!

Creating a tag line for my soon-to-be redesigned blog has "bloggled" my mind.  (Made up word.  I think we could make it catch on!)  Trying to sum up what I write about, what my blog focus is, has messed me up.  But it was necessary.

And also trying this project while my girls are out of school for the summer is difficult, seems I'm not the only one that wants to use the computer.  And if the weather is nice (for the Pacific Northwest that means the sun has come out) there are so many activities to do.  Yeah summer!

I won't stop working on "31 Days to Build a Better Blog".  It's just going to take me a bit longer.

Tuesday Tracking - Dahlia Slideshow

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The bloom of these dahlia's came upon so quickly.  

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Last slideshow was Sweet Peas.  Next time it will be Lily's.  I just love a garden.

The One About The Swimsuit

To escape the summer heat we headed to Vernonia, OR and it's beautiful little rivers. When my 12 y/o jumped into the water I realized that chlorine had taken it's toll on her suit and hoped that it wasn't as noticible to others floating by on their rafts.

This situation reminded me of my own bathing suit saga from a few years ago...

"The Rear View"

The temperatures are soaring, Rob is out of town, and my girls and I need a break. So I decide to put together our swim bags to go to a huge swim park. My girls are so excited and I'm glad I have the energy to do this.

We have a fine, long, drive. I get a great parking spot. We smile and hold hands skipping to our fun afternoon.

We get one of the Family changing room's (which is a major coo in itself) and my oldest gets all set as fast as she can then asks if she can meet us by the pool. "Sure”, I say. “Don't get in without me", the usual rules.

While my youngest is still trying to put herself together I look in the mirror and notice that my exercises are starting to work. The thighs aren't so bad right now. Let's see the back-side.

Oh...My...God!

The back half of my swimming suit has been eaten away by chlorine of summers past. I'm all there for the world to see.

*#%* !!!!

I wrap a towel around myself and walk to the main desk to see if they sell swimsuits. Name your price. I don't care. Turns out they don't sell swimsuits but they will sell me a nice pair of goggles with pink dolphins.

My youngest is ready to go. My oldest is waving at me from the side of the pool. And there I am, in my invisible swimsuit.

I made a deal with my youngest to stand directly and closely behind me upon entering and leaving the water. 'Promise me Lily!!! Promise!!!' "Yup. O.K. Mommy. Let's go on the water slide!" And off she goes.

Oh my... There's a long line and a tall stair-case. Why me?

I'm never going back to that swim park again. I'm sure they'll thank me.

Virtual Girls Night Out - Heart Shaped Rock Project Part 2!

*Here we are for the new night for The Virtual Girls Night Out blog-hop. The VGNO began in the summer of 2008.  The VGNO blog-hop is for those who want to sneak away from family, if only for a little bit, and party "virtually" with other bloggers. More exposure for your blog is the point of VGNO. Connecting, supporting, encouraging - those words describe the VGNO Guest.  So get on your bunny slippers, make yourself a cocktail add your blog link and have fun!  Happy VGNO!*


Time For Some Tunes!

The Script "The Man Who Can't Be Moved"


I just love sweet Irish boys ;->.    If the title of this song was "The Car That Can't Be Moved" I would dedicate it to my car.  Flippin' Isuzu!!!    It's at its 3rd garage now.  "Maybe Tuesday", they said.   We'll see.


Time For A Cocktail!

It's getting hot here in Portland.  How are things your way?  Let's cool down with an adult version of this chilly treat.

Sno-Cone

Ingredients:
2 oz raspberry schnapps
7-Up® soda
1 oz grenadine syrup
1 oz Blue Curacao liqueur
Ice cubes
Directions:
Fill glass with ice, then add schnapps & 7-Up. Add Grenadine and let settle to the bottom of the glass. Carefully float the Blue Curacao over the top of the drink.

Time For A Project!

Last summer we started The Heart-Shaped Rock Project.   The "little gem" got lost in a house along the way, so... due to lovely requests... I'm going to start it again!

The Traveling Heart-Shaped Rock Project - Part 2.  

If you would like to participate here's what you do;  send your name & address to annharrisonATcomcastDOTnet.  I'll create a chart of those that participate.  Once you receive our little heart-shaped gem in the mail take a picture of it with something that represents you, it could be an object, a place, whatever you like.  Post the picture on your blog letting your readers know you are participating in The Traveling Heart-Shaped Rock Project.  Also, when you receive our little gem, let me know and I'll send you the name & address of the next blogger to mail the little gem to.    On and on it goes!  (I hope :-> ).  At the end of it's journey I'll create a slideshow of your pics.

Here's "TTHSRP" the first time around:

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Please join us in "The Traveling Heart-Shaped Rock Project - Part 2".  I can't wait to see your photos!!!

OK friends, off we go to show our support and blog-hop! Add your blog link and visit those that have left their links. Go mingle! Happy VGNO!





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Found On The Sidewalk Fridays

We are into week 3 - week 3 people! - of our car being out of commission.  It's at it's 3rd - 3rd! - repair shop.   While I deal with the stress of this absolutely ridiculous situation I've taken up walking to a.) help relieve some of this stress and b.) get to the store to buy some wine, er, I mean fruits and vegetables.

While on my walks I've discovered some interesting things.  Two weeks ago it was a slightly alarming grocery list (see here).  Now my husband is getting into the act and found something, not exactly ON a sidewalk, but beside a sidewalk.  It's so incredible I had to include it for this weeks "Found On The Sidewalk Friday".

I live around some pretty talented people!!!

I can't wait to see what we find next week.  Come back for another Found On The Sidewalk Friday.

Distraction From The Break Down - Car Break Down That Is

Due to our car breaking down we were a bit stranded during our vacation but, we still had access to a small grocery store that had the basic necessities;  milk, eggs, bread... and the fixin's for S'mores!

When it's summer time that's our favorite time to make S'mores.  Especially when we're on vacation!

Car trouble?  What car trouble? 

Now, where's mine?  ;->   S'mores equals smiles!  www.SmoresSmiles.com

(* I'm entering a contest for a S’mores prize pack as a member of the Mom Bloggers Club.  Why not?  Right?*)

Tuesday Tracking - Dahlia's

Now it's time for the Dahlia's to show us their stuff.

The beginning of a beautiful bud...

... it just takes a day

The size of that bee is a little off-putting

As long as I stay out of that bees way, next weeks slideshow should be beautiful!

See Tuesday Tracking slideshows here: Sweet Peas  and Rose Bud

Not Part Of The Plan

"We should take your car because it has air-conditioning."

As we were preparing for our vacation we decided to take the car that would keep us cool in the summer heat of Central Oregon. One summer we took our Dodge van and the air-conditioning didn't work. THAT was tough with a capital $#!@*%!- tough. Didn't want to be caught in that situation again, oh no we didn't.

On our second day of vacation Rob and I decided to try our hand at tennis (or better yet “hit the ball once*run out of breath* hit the ball again*run out of breath”), so the plan was to drop the girls and I at a pool while he drove to a rec. center to rent tennis racquets. Problem was the car, of which we had just arrived at the pool in, was not turning over. * click*click*click*

After getting a jump from a friendly stranger Rob drove into town about 7 miles away, to get the car checked out. The car died blocks from an automotive shop. Rob walked the rest of the way, bought a new car battery at Napa Auto parts, and carried that thing all the way back to the dead car.

When Rob was able to get the hunk 'o tin started it barely made it to a garage where he was told the car also needed a new alternator, and… possibly a new transmission.

And so, our vacation/life-changing saga begins….

Virtual Girls Night Out - Blog Hop Saturdays

*Here we are for the new night for The Virtual Girls Night Out blog-hop.  The VGNO is for those who want to sneak away from the demands of family, if only for a little bit, and party "virtually" with other bloggers.  More exposure for your blog is the point of VGNO. Connecting, supporting, encouraging - those words describe the VGNO Guest!


The VGNO began in the summer of 2008 and we're still partying! To play just check out this post then add your blog name & link below. Click on blog links that have joined our party - it's a blog-hop! Happy VGNO! *
 
 
Time For Some Tunes!

Josh Pyke "This Summer"


I've had summer's like that.  I never want it to be over.   *heavy sigh*  What about you?


Time For A Cocktail!

Perfect Pear Margarita

Ingredients
1 oz. 1800 Silver Tequila
.25 oz. Pear Puree
.25 oz. Fresh lime juice
.25 oz. Agave nectar
Directions
Combine first four ingredients in a cocktail shake with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a lightly salted high ball glass.

Yum!  Kind of like a smoothie with a kick.  I like!!!


About Last Night
And after the night our neighborhood had last night I think we could all go for a couple of those Pear Margarita's.  It seems that an incredibly drunk man tried to get into my neighbors house around 12:30 last night.  Their 17 y/o daughter was on the computer and heard the door trying to be opened.  She woke up her dad and the 2 of them yelled through the door telling this guy to go away.  The drunk guys response?  "I want to sleep in your house!  Let me in!"  He then went to their back door. THAT'S when they called the police.

The police stopped in front of our house, with their search lights pointed directly into our living room and our girls bedroom, and questioned this guy for an hour.  Gee, if this guys causing a ruckus let's just wake up the whole neighborhood!  Man.  They eventually cuffed him and took him away.   Late night game of "Go Fish" anyone?

So, how was your night?  ;->


OK friends, off we go to show our support and blog-hop!   Add your blog link and visit those that have left their links. Go mingle! Happy VGNO!





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Found on the Sidewalk Fridays

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Today begins my new Friday series "Found on the Sidewalk Fridays".  (I'm moving our blog-hopping party, The original Virtual Girls Night Out, to Saturdays.)

Since our car trouble during our vacation, (of which I still haven't written about... the whole situation has been a turning point for me, that's for sure) we now have one car so... I've been walking more.  Walking is a good, for one thing, you never know what you're going to find on the sidewalk.  Thus begins my new series Found on the Sidewalk Fridays.

On my way to the grocery store I found this list on the sidewalk:

Let's see, we have: milk, eggs, hot dogs + buns, grapes, miracle whip, Hersheys.  Sounds good so far!   Then... Rat Bait, perferrably Tom Cat brand.

Hmmm???

If invited over for a barbeque today, I believe I'll decline.

Virtual GNO Is Moving

I'm moving our blog-hopping party, the original Virtual Girls Night Out, to Saturdays.

The blogosphere is currently being blasted with so-o-o-o many Friday night blog hops that our party is getting lost in the mix.  I feel so bad. 

By moving our party to Saturdays I hope to bring more bloggers to the VGNO which, in turn, will bring you, my ever faithful, dear blog pals, more readers. 

More exposure for your blog was always the point of the "virtual" party.  Connecting, supporting, encouraging - those words describe my goal for the VGNO.

I hope to see you on Saturdays!

These Dreams

I dreamed I was standing on the bank of a rushing river.  My children were standing beside me.

In the river were cyclists riding against the tide.  They were strong and fast, considering the power of the water.

Also in the river were belly dancers who were gyrating their way down stream, smiling and clicking away with their finger cymbals.  They were in control of their speed as well, considering the rush of the water.

I watched them for a while, understanding that what I was seeing wasn't normal.

Now that I'm awake, or at least my eyes are open, I'm trying to figure this out.  I don't ride my bike that often.  And I've NEVER belly danced, or had the urge to do so.  What the heck with the symbolism?

Tuesday Tracking - Sweet Pea Video

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The sweet peas are at the end of their blossom.  A lovely month.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Trying To Find Strength

I'm pretty much a 'go-with-the-flow' person.  If something feels right, than that's what I'll do.  If that queasy feeling comes upon me, then I avoid that situation.  But now I realize at this stage of my life, I need to take some action, queasy feeling or not.

Now, I have given myself challenges;  speaking in front of crowds for instance.  I was the President of a cooperative preschool for years and that position helped me realize that I can speak to large groups of people.  Also I learned I can deal with intense, personal emotions and situations while staying calm and focused on a positive outcome.  (Is that when my wine consumption increased?  ;->  ).  Oh, the stories I could share from those years.  Good Lord.  Why are some people so determined to be a pain in the ass?  Yep, I said it.  The new me!

Back to my thought...

I know that I've been afraid of taking a role in my life.  In participating in ways to make things... better.  One example, I've been afraid to take classes for fear that my brain just won't work.  The panic of high school memories comes rushing back and my heart pounds at the thought of being asked to conjugate a verb in Russian.  (My heart is pounding right now!)

I really need to push through, make a positive change, figure out what kind of person I am.

What do I want to do when I grow up?

Embracing My Birthday

Thank you dear niece Colo for sending me this. 

I will own that today I am 44 "However" Years Old. 

I'm getting stronger, and hopefully smarter, with each passing day.  (Now hopefully I won't throw my back out while exercising this afternoon.)

Virtual GNO - The Man Behind The Garden

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Things are still floating around in the Harrison household without any certain direction so this Virtual GNO is following in the same vein.  Susan, of "Secrets of a Suburban Soccer Mom", I totally owe you that interview/VGNO Spotlight that I told you was yours today.  I apologize for not getting it together.  But it will happen.  VGNO Friends!  Please go visit her site and see her interview with Teri Hatcher!  And then see her cookin' with Bobby Flay!  Great fun.

*Just what is a Virtual Girls Night Out? VGNO is a way to visit blogs & hang with blog pals on Friday nights without the cost of hiring a babysitter. It's a Blog-Hop.  Everyone's doing them now and we've been hopping since 2008! Touch base with those you know, or meet someone new and begin a beautiful blog friendship - all in the comfort of your fuzzy bunny slippers. It's a blog-hopping Virtual Girls Night Out!*   AND... This party will be moving to Saturday's. 

Time For Some Tunes!

Sara Bareilles "King of Anything"

Great video.   I want to be in that garden at the end.  Speaking of gardens... some asked about the watering system from yesterday's "Little Garden Vlog" post.  Check it out.

Rob's watering system...

If only we could make a living from creating gardens and bragging about them  sharing our enjoyment  ;->

Time For A Cocktail!

Lavender Lemonade

Ingredients
1 oz LOFT Lavender Cello
1 oz vodka
4 oz lemonade
Lemon wheel for garnish
Directions
Blend and enjoy!

I've got the lavender.  I better walk to the store before the heat wave hits. 


OK friends, off we go to show our support and blog-hop.  Thank you for your incredibly kind words, I can feel the love... really.

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Little Garden Vlog

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Spending the morning in the garden.   Trying to find something to lift my mood.  Learning to take deep breaths and appreciate what we have.  Yep, we have our health.  Thank God.  The future is so fuzzy.   *deep breath*

Some Rosemary, some Thyme.

Carrots are doing well.  Mint is taking over.

(here's the last installment of the green house... in March!?!  That's crazy: Lilac's and Green House )

For those being slammed with summer heat, how are you keeping cool?

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Gimme Some Money

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Home from a vacation that was anything but relaxing.

It's amazing how one thing - one crappy thing - happening can begin a chain of negative thinking.

Yes, I'm sure I will laugh about the car which took us to Central Oregon, then breaking down once we reached our destination, yes, I'm sure I'll laugh... tomorrow.  Or the next day.

Yes, I'm sure I will laugh about the cost of repair that will take all that we have as any kind of financial "security", yes, I'm sure I'll laugh... later.

I obsess over money.  Or, lack there of.  I know it's a waste of time, a waste of energy... blah, blah, blah.  I can't help it.  Every time I hear the saying "Money can't buy happiness" I scream 'Yes It Can!!!'.  I'm that shallow.  Not a pretty color on me, on anyone.

It's really irritating how depressed I get about funds.

Time to find a silver lining.  Or, at least, laugh at myself.

Spinal Tap "Gimme Some Money"

I'm Letting Go

What do you do when the life you had dreamed ...

How do you handle the realization that what you had wanted in your life, isn't going to happen?  How do you handle the brake down?

When you think things  have the possibility of "turning around" only to have life kick some more crap your way, and you let go of that little voice that has always told you that 'things are going to be OK.'  I'm letting go of that little voice.  I'm beyond depressed.

Smile.  Smile for the children.

We're cutting to the chase at this week's Virtual Girls Night Out.  Grab yourself a cocktail, get comfortable and enjoy!

*Just what is a Virtual Girls Night Out? VGNO is a way to visit blogs & hang with blog pals on Friday nights without the cost of hiring a babysitter. We've been hopping since 2008! Touch base with those you know, or meet someone new and begin a beautiful blog friendship - all in the comfort of your fuzzy bunny slippers. It's a blog-hopping Virtual Girls Night Out!*


Time For Some Tunes!
 
Go-Go's "Our Lips Are Sealed"

VH1 Divas
Divas Video

High School.  They are high school memories for me.
 
Let's make sure we have the moves right...
 

'80s Dances:
How To Dance Like The Go-Go's
 
Got it!  ;->
 
 
Time For A Cocktail!
 
This sounds good for Fourth of July...
 
Cherry Bomb

Ingredients:
1 ½ oz. Three-O Cherry Vodka
4 oz. Ginger Ale
Splash of grenadine
Directions:
Mix in a glass filled with ice and garnish with a cherry.



Happy Fourth of July everyone!  Go get your blog-hop on.  Add your blog link and visit those that have left their links.  Go mingle!  Happy VGNO!