Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Any need for bows?
I know there are a lot of sites to choose from these days but I have a personal connection to the people who run this site; Erin Silvestri and her Momma. Why would I write Momma? Well, Erin grew up in Savannah, GA and is about as southern as you can get.
I met Erin two years ago while her husband was serving in the same unit as Aaron at Fort Drum. I consider her a great friend. Erin and I, along with Fran, Karen and Briana spent most of our free time together for the 16 months are husbands were deployed. I also met her mom on several occasions when she and her husband came to visit Erin, Abby and Isabelle (her two little girls).
I have seen the great work they can produce. So check out the site! You may just find the perfect gift.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
A sad day for Boone


I feel bad for Patrick. Hans was a big part of his life for he past 8 month but he loves him enough to let him have a better life. I don't know if I could ever give Boone away (Even though some days he makes me crazy!) and I hope I never have to find out.

Monday, October 22, 2007
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

Friday, October 19, 2007
No one likes tornadoes!
Off to bed we go and Aaron is already counting sheep when I hear a whistle. This whistle blew for about 5 minutes straight. So of course I panic thinking the tornado is headed right for us. I wake up Aaron and turn on the news and it IS heading for us! Now mind you the winds are nothing like they had in FL but I still grabbed blankets to head to the bathroom at any minute.
Once he was awake Aaron goes outside to watch the lighting. Madness! He convinces me to go outside and watch the lighting. And to be honest it was really beautiful. When it lit up the sky the clouds were big and fluffy and the sky was blue. Boone knew better and didn't even want to go outside. That should have been a clue.
Well, we ended up only getting hit with a major thunderstorm but Fort Knox had a tornado touch down there. Aaron had a friend call (via cell phone) to say he was alright but his power was out.
I like Kentucky so far but if it is going to give us eventful nights like last night all the time, then no thanks! Although, it is supposed to be 85 degrees this weekend. Maybe I can give this place another chance.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Field of Screams
To be honest I didn't know if the corn field would be a maze or just a path to follow. Well, it was a maze with a lot of circles and dead ends. You go in a few minutes after the people ahead of you to help space you out. While waiting we were told the rules: Don't touch the characters, no light of any kind, and don't throw corn because they will arrest you. Really? For throwing corn? How about if a character gets punched because they scare us? Weird.
Once in the maze, you end up meeting other people because everyone in the maze is lost. Everywhere you look there is only corn and darkness. And most of you know how I feel about the dark! Not to mention the characters waiting in there for you and the people chasing you with a chainsaw.
After about 30 - 45 mins Aaron got us through but on the way we were adopted by two teen girls and their mom. Once through the maze we came upon another line. We had no idea that the maze included a haunted barn. And let me tell you it was scarier than the maze!
The theme was an old, deserted insane asylum. I think if I had been one of the workers that place would have given me nightmares for sure. I am glad I only had to go through once! There were a ton of twist and turns, walls that felt like they were closing in, slimy walls, people screaming, crazy patients trying to get out of their rooms to you, strobe lights, high pitched noises, tunnels you had to crawl through, and rooms filled with inflatable plastic that you had to push your way through. Oh, and did I mention it was pitch black everywhere you tried to look?
Remember the teen girls I mentioned? Well, one ended up crying and her mom took her out. So I ended up holding the hand of the other 15 year old and helping her get through the haunted barn. I give her credit because I wouldn't have wanted to be in there without someone I knew. But we made sure she made it out alive.
The haunted barn took about another 30 mins. And it was all three stories of the barn. Aaron and I are not into spirits, ghosts and goblins but it was a lot of fun. I just had to keep telling myself they weren't real. And it helped that the characters were not allowed to touch you. That REALLY would have creeped us out.
We had a really fun time but wouldn't go back again. I don't think my heart could take it. But Aaron is trying to convince all the guys at work to go. I would bet money that if they go they would be scared but they wouldn't admit it.
Click here to see what the maze would have looked like form a helicopter.
Click here to see the maze from 2006. A cool tribute! I like the tank.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
A new little Pearsall
Friday, October 12, 2007
What is that smell? (Vacation part 3 of 3)
Marker's Mark is nestled far away in Loretto, KY. It took so many twists and turns to get there, I thought for sure we were lost. The reason the distillery is so far out in the country is because they use pure iron free limestone spring water drawn from their own lake.
Maker's Mark was first made by Robert Samuels in 1780. He would make jut enough for family and friends. However, in the 50's a new recipe was created by Bill Samuels Jr. His recipe is the one used today to make the distinct Maker's Mark taste.
The first thing I noticed when we arrived was the smell in the air. You could smell the yeast and stuff used to make it. The tour guide explained to us the whole bourbon making process. Although, I couldn't remember it if I tried. But here are the barrels the bourbon sits in for 6 years until it is taste tested and ready for bottling.
Here are the bottles on their way to packaging. It is actually all the same line.

The last hurrah of the vacation was a ride on the Harley. The ride started out cold and dreary but ended up warm and sunny. It was a great end to our little vacation!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Kiss what? (Vacation part 2 of 3)
On with the trip...next stop Cave City, KY!
When Aaron and I arrived in Cave City the first thing we saw was a giant dinosaur. I figured a place couldn't be that bad if Tyrannosaurus Rex lived there. Well, to my dismay he wasn't real. There is a Dinosaur World just off the highway. I was tempted to make Aaron go but then thought better of it. :o)
After the slide, we decided to check out The Factory. It was a nice place where people of all ages, shapes and sizes could enjoy country music and line dance. The fact that there was no alcohol allowed made it nice. We didn't have to worry about rowdy drunken dancers.
The next day we headed to Bowling Green, KY to the Lost River Cave. We were really excited about this trip. How often do you get to ride a boat through a cave?!

Travis was our tour guide. I noticed (and Aaron agreed) he looked a like Shaggy from Scooby Doo. I think they could be long lost cousins. (See below)
This gives you a little idea about the boat we were on. It only held about 20 people. See the bar in the middle? We had to 'kiss the bar' in able to get into the cave. There was a huge rock mass to go under before the cave opens up. It only took about 20 seconds to get under but it was still a little freaky!
We had a blast in the cave. Aaron and I both said it was a shame the tour wasn't longer. Once we left the cave we walked to the Butterfly Habitat. It was really beautiful and peaceful there. The building was filled mostly with flowers and a few butterflies. They said the closer to fall the more butterflies that die off. Sad.
Off to the computer store now. Wish me luck!
Computer Doctor
Be back soon...
Monday, October 8, 2007
Kangaroos in KY? (Vacation Part 1 of 3)
Our first stop along the way was Kentucky Down Under. Who knew someone felt the need to bring a little bit of
This is Stuart. He loved having his belly rubbed. He let everyone pet him, including the crazy little kids trying to hang on him. I had no idea kangaroos were so lazy!
I went around to take get a picture of him with his mom but he buried his head in her pouch. Guess he is camera shy!
They also had an albino kangaroo. It was cute and creepy all at the same time. They said that most of the time when the mom sees that it is an albino, it will kill the baby. I guess they know the baby will draw unwanted attention. Poor thing! Just because it is a little different.
Isn't he/she cute?
Also in the park, were a bird aviary (with about 4 birds), goats, and cows (with the option to milk a cow). Aaron and I passed on that. How that all wrapped into

Stay tuned for Part 2...
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Eureka!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Are instructions to much to ask for?
I had given up on the idea for awhile but realized that our tray tables just didn't match the decor of the living room. So, I found some that Aaron and I both liked and felt would be a good match with our furniture.
They arrived today. YEAH! And I really like them! Problem is that I opened the packages to find no instructions. So I call the number and the lady tells me "That is because it is an easy assembly". What? Rude much? Does anyone else find this strange? These are two end tables that I have never seen before, with pieces that I have never seen.
I told her I thought it was a rude thing to say and obviously I was calling because it wasn't easy. Next, she tells me I have to go to the website to get the assembly instructions. It didn't say this anywhere on the packing slip, which was the only piece of paper in the box. Well, I get there and there are no instructions. Once again she tells me because it is an "easy assembly". Can you believe this lady?!
She tried to connect me to someone else but needless to say I had had it with this company. And if I didn't love these end tables I might consider sending them back. But I am not going to let bad customer service ruin my end table happiness.
I will send pictures along when I figure it out or my husband comes home from class and rescues me.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Aaron in NY & Fran in KY
Aaron said it was a lot like a town hall meeting. He and Dean were able to share their experiences with their units during deployment and the cadets could ask whatever questions they wanted. The questions ranged from "How do you deal with losses and disappointment?" to "Why are you wearing a stetson?".
He was able to meet up with old roommates and old company mates while he was there. They were also treated to an Army football game. On Saturday, the Black Knights beat the Temple Owls 37-21.

On Thursday we wandered to the Peddler's Mall. From what we were told, people can rent a space and put whatever they wanted to sell in it. We weren't quite sure what to expect but were shocked and pleased with what we found.
There were some really neat items. And if I had any decorating sense that place could be a gold mine. There were also a lot of old, weird, nasty things being sold. Remember the old saying 'One man's trash is another man's treasure'? Well we decided it's just sometimes another man's trash!


I must admit, I will probably go back there again. You never know what great treasures maybe waiting for me! After a day of shopping Frannie and I decided to try out my fondue pot. It was rough going at first (Burnt chocolate is gross!) but we managed to have a good time and yummy chocolate bananas, strawberries, marshmallows and pretzels.

I went on Sunday to pick up Aaron. And if you can believe it there were no delays or cancellations. He is home again, safe and sound!