Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Any need for bows?

I have just the site for you! Click here to visit Sew Special Online. Here you will find children's hair bows, headbands, baby bibs, etc... And you will be able to get them all personalized through monogramming.

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

Hans is gone. Who is Hans you say? This is Hans.

He was Patrick's, our neighbor, dog and Boone's only doggie friend here. He and Boone would play like crazy when hey were outside. They were always trying to see who could jump on who faster.

And when I would let Boone outside off of the cable he would run right to Hans's house. Well today Boone and I said goodbye to Hans. Patrick sold him to a friend. Patrick's job in the Army caused him a lot of late nights and being a singe solider that meant Hans was home alone a lot. And Patrick just didn't think that was fair to Hans. So he did the best thing for Hans by selling him to a family with a big yard and a little boy to love him.

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.

We will miss you Hans and your little tail too!

Monday, October 22, 2007

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

Saturday, Aaron and I ventured to the local pumpkin patch in Rineyville. I have driven past the place many times and was excited for the day we would go. I must say I was a little disappointed when we walked up to it. It wasn't very big and there were only a few piles of pumpkins to choose from. But they had great quality pumpkins, gourds, flowers and the people were really nice. We picked out three great pumpkins. Yes, Boone got his own this year again! Now, we just need to find time to carve them.

Also, don't forget to check your local listings for 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown'. I watch it every year. It's a classic!

Friday, October 19, 2007

No one likes tornadoes!

Last night mother nature decided to go crazy! Instead of watching The Office, Aaron and I watched the local weather man. There were tornado watches and tornado warnings around here all night long. It made me nervous at first but it wasn't even raining here so I didn't worry.

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

Saturday night after dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings, Aaron and I ventured out to a field of screaming people, chain saw noises and gun fire. And yes, we paid to be there! We went to be scared in the Field of Screams in Brandenburg.

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

Delaney Rose Pearsall was born on Oct. 13th in Columbus, OH. She was a little over a month early but she is a healthy little 4lb girl. She needs a little oxygen but other than that is good. Not to mention she is beautiful! Briana and Ryan are both doing great and are excited to take their little bundle of joy home!

Friday, October 12, 2007

What is that smell? (Vacation part 3 of 3)

On one of the last days of vacation we went with some friends (The Pellacks) to the Maker's Mark Distillery. No, Aaron and I are not bourbon drinkers but since it is the only distillery of it's kind we thought "why not?".
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.

We did get to see inside every part of the distillery. We watched it get bottled and dipped. The name was the brain child of Marge Samuels (Bill Samuel Sr.'s wife). It is said that she collected pewter and always 'looked for the mark of the maker', hence Marker's Mark. She also is responsible for creating the signature red wax top on each bottle.

Each bottle is hand dipped. The tour guide told us that everyone working in that building of the distillery switches jobs every 30 mins to prevent carpal tunnel.

Here are the bottles on their way to packaging. It is actually all the same line.

And here is an up close shot of a bottle ready to be sold. It takes about 2 minutes for the wax to dry without the aid of a dryer.

After the tour there was taste testing in the gift shop. I am not a bourbon drinker so it wasn't my favorite part of the tour. But I did try the bourbon chocolates and they were pretty good. I think Aaron liked those the best too! We also got to dip our own bottle of Maker's Mark which was a lot of fun. It sits on our shelf in the kitchen dated and signed.

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)

It appears that for now the computer is running again. After 1 1/2 hours on the phone with Dell people I have decided to give up and prove them wrong myself.

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)We did however explore The Kentucky Action Park. While there were many things to do (e.g. putt putt, riding stables, bumper boats) Aaron and I opted for the scariest ride there; The Alpine Slide. You take a chairlift ride to the top of the mountain. And slide your way to the bottom. Below, we are on our way up the mountain.

It was a beautiful ride up to the top but looking down was a whole other story. It was only a 1/4 mile trip down the concrete track but it was still scary!I was relieved that I made it down safe and sound. Of course Aaron beat me to the bottom but I was proud I didn't ride the brake the whole way.

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)

He was a really great tour guide. We learned a lot about how caves and sink holes form. And how Jesse James may or may not have hid out in this cave. I guess it depends who you ask. There are a lot of caves in KY. And people's houses, highways, and everyday life happen right on top of them. I think that is cool!

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!

I got a few pictures but they didn't come out great because of the lack of lighting. If you go to the website you can see a few more clearly. Here are a few pictures of the caves walls, ceiling, etc...



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.
This is the inside of the habitat.

A random butterfly visiting a flower.

On our way back to the truck we discovered this Powder House. No not that kind of powder house! ;o) It was one of many little buildings around the area that house explosives. Now if I could only remember why? Sorry! I will ask Aaron when he gets home. I am sure he knows.

After the Lost River Cave, we headed for home. We had one last stop of course at the Harley Davidson store in Bowling Green. We really had fun on our trip! Since it was so close we are thinking about going back to Cave City one more time to visit Mammoth Cave National Park. I will let you know when we do.

Off to the computer store now. Wish me luck!

Computer Doctor

I just wanted to let you guys know I am taking in the computer today to get fixed. It keeps shutting off for no reason. Well, obviously there is a reason. I just have no idea what that maybe. I promise when I get it back I will continue the vacation blogs.

Be back soon...

Monday, October 8, 2007

Kangaroos in KY? (Vacation Part 1 of 3)

Aaron had a 4 day this past weekend so, we thought we would take advantage of the time off and explore some more of KY. We found some brochures about Cave City, so we thought we would head south and check it out.

Our first stop along the way was Kentucky Down Under. Who knew someone felt the need to bring a little bit of Australia to KY? Anyway, our tour guide Becca explained a little about kangaroos in general as well as which ones we could touch and which ones would rather be left alone.

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!

This is Becca, our tour guide who is not an Aussie, with the newest baby kangaroo. I can’t for the life of me remember its’ name. But I guess that doesn’t matter. He was very soft!

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 Australia, I have no idea. But being from Potter County we didn't need to pay to see a cow!

Well that is it for Part 1. I will leave you with some snapshots of the friends Aaron and I found in the Down Under gift shop.


Stay tuned for Part 2...

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Eureka!

Although the customer service stunk, I must say the company packaged the end tables really well and they arrived without so much as a scratch. This is a picture that was taken shortly after they arrived at the house. Boone being helpful as always!

My new end tables! I know the side I have showing is really the 'side' of the table but I don't care. I like it!

A mini close up. I noticed I hadn't put in the little 'knobs' that go into the screw holes but I will do that today. What do you think?

On a random note, I stole Fran's picture coaster idea but I added my own twist. I put inside tickets from various places Aaron and I had been to.

I saw on a show that to make your house more a 'home' you should put personal touches on everything. So that was my attempt. Fun huh!?

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Are instructions to much to ask for?

Sorry folks but I feel the need to vent! I finally got my new end tables today. I say finally because it is something I have been working on since March. I ordered some and I loved them. Of course once they got here one had some broken pieces. Well to make a long story short, it took 4 months and a few long phone calls to get my money back. We sent them both back and called it good.

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

For part of last week and the weekend Aaron was at West Point. He traveled up there with another CPT, Dean, to be a part of a Junior Leader Panel. The Army sent two officers from each branch to talk to the cadets. He and Dean represented the Armor Branch.

(Dean and Aaron)

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.

While Aaron was up in NY, Fran came down to visit me. It was great to see her! It has only been a little over a month since I have seen 'the girls' but it seems like forever. Of course one of the first trips we made was to Target. There we were able to finally find the red curtains that had been eluding me.

(I know, they are pretty sheer but with mini blinds I don't need much coverage, just some color!)

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!


(One of the many 'interesting' things we could have purchased.)

There was also a random beauty salon in the 'mall'. When we took this picture she must have been out to lunch.

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 was sad to see Frannie go but I know I will see her again soon. I love that she only lives a few hours away. Thanks for coming to visit Chapstick!

(Me and Frannie)

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!