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2 February 2005: Illini beat the pants off Spartans. Spartans started out looking pretty OK - even getting slightly ahead at one point early on...but then in the second half, the Illini got ahead, and I don't think I saw the Spartans get any closer than 5 points after that...Oh, well, Valdemort. At least your team got beaten by The Best in the Country. Still waiting for the slow EDS wheels to turn at work. All they have to do is re-activate my ID, re-define me to Lotus Notes, and bring me a monitor & keyboard, then we can get down to REAL business. Yep, very interesting, trying to do work that is SO dependent on PC & Mainframe systems, without being defined....Mmmmm-hmmmm... 4 February 2005: FRIDAY!!!! What's happenin':
5 February 2005: Jim's doing the blog today: "Oh Hell...I don't know what to blog today...", sez Karen. Thanks, honey!! 6 February 2005: Super Bowl Sunday. Rah-rah. Nook is at JWeb's again today - earlier to work on her French Skit with her and Princess Bubbles; came home to eat, then back over to JWeb's to finish translating the skit from English to French and watch Super Bowl. So, haven't seen too much of her today.... Valdemort did the Spartan Brass gig at Joe Lewis Arena last night (hockey against U-M). This afternoon was Women's Basketball at The Breslin, against Illinois. MSU won hands-down!! The Women are a better team, according to Valdemort, than the Men this season. Both teams are apparently possibles for tournament.... Took The Boyz out to Squirrel Park again this morning....again while "you-know-who" napped... Let them all run free in the Park; Alfie and Ernie did their exploring, but we had to be careful as it smelled like *somebody* got a skunk mad in the middle of the park at some time!! Sam lagged behind, but seemed quite happy to just be out & about; ol' Sammer was pretty flat for the rest of the day, though. Then again, Alfie & Ernie were pretty quiet for a while, too. Me, I went out and filled the "dump bucket" with a winter's worth of "you-know-what".....:-P For those of you who MAY be interested: no repeats of the "lips" episode last night!! Watching the Super Bowl, the best part - the only part really worth it - is the half-time show: Paul McCartney LIVE!!!! The consummate performer, a perfect show (would love to see him live!). Encore!! Encore!! 7 February 2005: Valdemort sez: "I'm doing the blog today" Well, I should probably be doing calculus right now, but I feel like writing, as I don't do enough of it here. : ( Neither does my roomie, but hey, that's her problem. Addendum #1: plus there's this: from trina's profile [ed. note: I have no idea the purpose of this link - guess somebody finds it amusing...] Addendum #2: no brass tonight -- can't read. so pretty much a quiet night (hopefully) of homework, piano sonatas, and keeping the room cool so my compy doesn't overheat like it's threatening to right now. 8 February 2005: Y'know, there's a point where - even if you've made a bet - you are NOT expected to follow through with your end of the deal? 9 February 2005: Dog nicknames.... Sam
Ernie
Alfred
10 February 2005: Valdemort called this afternoon to announce that she met a dog that looked like a GIANT Ernie (eh, about 150#, his shoulder as tall as her waist) by the name of "Diesel". Same coloring & everything. 11 February 2005: Today, Nook and the "Infinity Girls Indoor Track Club" (i.e., from GBHS) were *supposed* to go to the meet at Macomb College...only 3 girls showed up after school...not enough to even run a relay team!...Coach Taylor & the girls talked, walked around, and they decided rather spontaneously to go to Fazoli's for supper! So, for starting out with the proverbial "lemon", they made "lemon-ice"!! Valdemort found a 1957 wheat cent in her change I went on a "field trip" today - to the Lansing Grand River Assembly scrap area! Unfortunately, didn't have the opportunity to watch any car bodies get crushed and put into a container.....But, I did have fun gandering at all the bits of assembly line I did get to see. Pretty neat to see 3 different vehicles on the same line! (STS, CTS, & SRX) [yeah, I know that Toyota's been doing that for years!!] Forgot a doggie nickname:
12 February 2005: Abe Lincoln's Birthday!! Loaded up The Boyz and the rest of the Pack, headed over to E Lansing to see Valdemort!! 'Course, Nern & Alfie somehow thought that we were going for *walkies* and charged full-speed up the street, probably with every intention of getting to Squirrel Park before everyone else!! Nook the runner took off after them and managed to grab Alfie (Ernie - ever faithful - climbed into the van on his own when we caught up to them). After *that* little episode, Alfie curled up on the seat and CRASHED for the entire trip to EL. Didn't really regain consciousness until we were on Grand River, almost at the dorm!! The Guyz all went down to The Pit to greet Valdemort - Ernie so happy, he squeaked the whole time! Alfie was his usual very curious self, checking everything out; Sam was happy to see the Veeps, but after a short time decided he'd rather NOT be in The Pit any longer and tried to find his way back out (sorry, the door to the stairs is *always* closed...) Veeps is looking good - as always! She grabbed Sam's leash (keep the gimpy pair together!) and we took The Guyz to Adams Field and turned 'em loose! Ernie just had fun sprinting, Alfie took off like a shot, then came back, then took off to "check out" some of the students walking across the field; Sam tried to keep up as best his ol' joints would let him, settled for walking.... Panera Bread for lunch. Excellent!! Great sandwiches, tasty soup, tempting array in their bakery section (bought Veeps 2 loaves focaccia for grazing purposes, Nook one loaf - the carbo-loading proponent). Afterwards, a little Moosejaw and Urban Outfitters, then back to the dorm to reluctantly let Veeps return to student life (long good-byes between her & the dogz - particulary Sammer). Quiet ride home. Think I was the only one conscious the entire time (guess it worked out OK that I was driving, then!). 13 February 2005: The focaccia from Panera Breads is really good! We can speak for the Asiago Cheese version, Valdemort for the Basil-Pesto. Definitely worth a "do-again" (yeah, the pastries looked pretty darn good....). Pita chips (made with *real* butter, yet)...roast turkey breast...laundry...Nook over to Margee's for homework...Ernie got walked (just him & Nook!)....Alfie got to be "car dog" on errands (in his hand-knit sweater!)....backyard got scooped of a half-ton of *stuff*.....snuggles with various dogz & humans....knit about 2 rows (46 stitches each, *sigh*) all told...want to read Gaston Leroux's "The Phantom of the Opera", but have to be tuned in to the "language", therefore need time....pita chips are *really* good with spinach dip...sleet ticking against the windows & fire in the stove.... 14 February 2005: Hey, it's a Hallmark Holiday, today! [Like, yeah, gimme a break!] Had to figger out what to do with some turkey breast leftovers for supper in a hurry tonight. Decided to chunk some of it, add "Italian Style" frozen veggies, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, fresh-ground pepper, rosemary, and fettucine; hm, *still* missing something (like a "saucy" sort of finish). Oh well. Better luck next time. Ran over to Owosso with Jim - the father of one of his co-workers died over the weekend - after an extraordinarily long fight with extensive gangrene (diabetes). Drove thru some pretty heavy (in places) slushy snowfall, but no slipperies anywhere. Nice funeral home, met the family, they shared a lot of neat memories while we looked at the pictures they posted. Navy (4 years) & Coast Guard (20 years), great family! 15 February 2005: It's Tuesday. Final part of the Westminster Dog Show. Get to find out if the Australian Terrier (have the impression he's a fave) "takes it all" tonight, or if another breed gets "Best in Show". Love the "sight hounds"! The Ibizan Hound practically dances and floats as it works the ring. Looking at the Whippet, and am further convinced that The Nern has a LOT of Whippet in him - just no idea what else is mixed in!! Dang - the Bloodhound won "Best of Breed" - wanted a sight hound to get it....the Saluki came in 4th. 16 February 2005: So much for yesterday's Winter Storm Warning and E Lansing's Heavy Snow Warning...What a *fizzle*!! MSU vs. Minnesota Men's Basketball on #98 on the "dial", with a goofy "CL" logo in the corner (is this some bizarre Comcast diversion of an ESPN telecast??). Haven't seen any "Grim Reapers" yet - haven't even seen the Spartan Brass yet - can certainly hear them! Ah! I see that MSU is now ranked #10 nationally! Flu making the rounds - Nook was out of school yesterday (thank goodness for the snow day on Monday!), returned today (to rumors that there were only 7 in Biology class yesterday) - will probably keep her home tomorrow, then it's a 4-day weekend for Presidents' Day, so she should be pretty OK by the time school resumes Tuesday. Flute Choir's been affected, too - Mary was out sick last week (no rehearsal - couldn't get enough together), still not over it enough to play today; had another member miss several weeks for both herself & her kids. Only 3 in playing condition tonight - still a really good rehearsal!! Winner of the Westminster Dog Show is a German Shorthaired Pointer, by the name of "Carlee" - she's a good looking beast - seeing her in the lineup of the finalists for "Best In Show", she just had that "something" that made her stand out from the other six. (I liked the Border Collie, too!) Speaking of dogz....last night consisted of multiple wipings of 1 dozen muddy feet, 3 mud-sprayed bodies, and 2.1 tailz... 18 February 2005: Happy Birthday to Me! Birthday greetings of all sorts from everyone!! Personal greetings, phone calls, emails, web greetings....I feel loved!! And I love you all!! Thank you! 'Course, this light teal POC showed up in our driveway, don't think THAT's a birthday gift!! (No, Bananne, you aren't getting rid of it THAT easily *snicker*!) Valdemort called again on her way over to her Spartan Brass duties at tonight's hockey game vs. Ohio State (OK, Aunt Roberta - who's winning this one?? ;-). Sounds like V might be getting her roommate situation resolved this weekend...possible roomie-swap with the gal across the hall [OMG - double Amandas in one room - eek!]. Nook's still coughing, but is starting to look better with the enforced down time! Although, she snuck out today with a buddy who can drive, went to the grocery store for surprise "cake from scratch" makings! Devil's Food, yet!! Can't seem to keep a good chef down!! Yummy!! 'Nother birthday gift - only slightly delayed - is an appointment next Thursday to get an auto-dimming mirror with compass installed on my car (Thank you, Jim!)!! This "directionally-challenged" person definitely appreciates working compasses!! :-D 19 February 2005: Saturday Night...
21 February 2005: All of us survived the Saturday-night activities, followed by Whirlwind-Sunday-all-day-till-we-dropped! To bed 2:30AM after Valdemort & Dad returned from Albion gig (Nook was already *sound* asleep). Ernie and Alfie spent the night on Big Sister Val's bed!! They knew it was a stay of only a few very short hours before she had to be back at school...so, even though Alfie was a little tentative at first (well, OF COURSE! Alfie'd only met her once before, so didn't *really* know her....). Up at 8AM, Starbucks' coffee & pastries for breakfast, then out the door at 11AM to get her back to school in time for 1PM Breslin Center Spartan Brass gig (Women's B-ball against Ohio State - and they won in a most-exciting finish...by 2 points!). Pretty good Sunday!! Today, back to work as usual...no school for da Nookley, however (school holiday). My job is definitely showing all signs of being very interesting and a lot of fun (but a lot of hard work, too). And, since it is making money for the company and I don't have to do ANY wading through double-sided-sticky-red-tape to get someone else paid (*yay!*), it's a lot better for my "self-esteem" ;-) Back to school tomorrow!![heh-heh-heh!] 22 February 2005: Included in today's mail was a request for subscription from The Smithsonian Magazine, addressed to my Better Half, offering him savings by way of their Senior Discount!! In more esoteric "stuff", this photo is thanks to Valdemort forwarding a link from eBay-UK. All I'm gonna say, is the dog's name is "Ozzy" and he's a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. You DON'T want to know the rest, take my work for it!! [But I *am* highly amused by Ozzy's expression!!] 23 February 2005: Maybe "Flute Choir" should be changed to "Woodwind Choir"...Tony brought in his clarinet (his primary instrument) and we played trios (2 flutes + clarinet) until our 4th member showed up, then we went back to "all flutes" again! Pretty neat! MSU Women's B-ball beat U-M! That makes the Women's team Big 10 Champs! Good job, ladies! Lessee. At work, my phone's been checked twice in two days for "rollover to voice mail", but voice mail won't be activated 'til Friday. The computer equipment that is assigned to me was picked up from "the workspace" by the Tech on Thurs. or Fri. last week, was to have been installed early this week....except the Tech went home sick and hasn't been back yet (that I'm aware of); so, all it takes is ONE PERSON to throw everything totally off-kilter, huh? That's an anorexic organization, not a "lean" one. 24 February 2005: Look out world!! I got my auto-dimming/compass mirror today!! Woo-hoo! I'll still get lost, but at least I'll know which direction I'm heading.... 25 February 2005: Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You! Happy 2nd Birthday, Dear Tessa!! Burpy Hathday to Yo-o-o-o-o-ou-u-u-u-u-u-u!!!!! Moving Day for Valdemort! She's officially OUT of the room containing the creepy "other roommate", and in with Sam, across the hall (and Sam's creepy "other roommate" is rooming with V's creepy "other roommate", so I'm sure we'll hear some amusing tales about THAT!). Valdemort is sounding happier than she has for some time now.... Nook is at Macomb Community College with The Infinity Girls Indoor Track Team - last regular meet today. State Finals coming up, but it appears that only Geena has qualified so far. We'll see if anyone else qualifies with today's meet... I've been at my job for 1 full month now. Still do NOT have the computer that is assigned to me; I DO have at least *some* of the applications' accesses that I require to do my job (but, without "my" computer, I cannot *get* to the application that actually ALLOWS me to use the applications to do my job) nor do I have email yet (*sigh*); but, wait, there's more! - today, at 9:30AM - I *finally* got Voice Mail! 26 February 2005: I *think* Lizardbreath is supposed to be returning from her semester in Spain today...we're waiting to hear that she's arrived safely!! The shambling mounds have migrated from Ann Arbor to Valdemort's dorm room.... 'Course, I have a brindle-colored shambling mound laying across my keyboard. Turbo Tax, lunch, nap, grocery store, make supper, Nook's friends "kidnap" her to play at the Indian Hill playground, they return and eat cookies, eat supper, drop Nook off at JWeb's for their occasional MPMM ("Monty Python Movie Marathon" - lately without Monty Python movies), over to The Mall, smoothies, back home, and veg-out in front of computer-&-TV with brindle shambling mound taking over the sofa. 27 February 2005: Got confirmation that Liz and her best bud Jess returned from their semester abroad in Spain in good order (see Bananne's website)! Now, just waiting to hear about Liz's boyfriend, Ryan, who's been in Thailand for his semester-abroad assignment! FAFSA got held up waiting for Taxes. Federal Taxes pretty much "in the can" (Thank You "Turbo Tax"!!), "State Turbo Tax" freshly downloaded, so, almost done with those! Electronic filing of both in a day or two, and that's off our hands!! Then, it's back to FAFSA.... Quiet day all around. Meijer ("stuff"), Nook home from her MPMM overnight, lunch Nook off to Margee's for work on project that has 4 of them involved, new ropes for Alfie & Ernie's entertainment (or, is it *us* who are entertained by *them*?), noise from Sam (gotta be feeling uncomfortable, but at this time, he still seems content), lots of snuggles with Ernie & Alf (and one episode of Alf slipping out the door without being on the line and having to go retrieve him...), a section or two of carpet got vacuumed, etc. Semi-productive day...not too bad. 28 February 2005: Happy 59th Anniversary, Joyce & Hu! | ||||||||
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