Big Huge Labs

No, I am not talking about the dog breed but about a fun new photo website I found, Big Huge Labs . I found it the other day on a friend's blog and have been playing with my photos ever since. Check it out to see what fun new things you can do with your ordinary photos.

Here are a few photos I have enhanced at Big Huge Labs:

I inserted Gabriella into a film strip.

Briana and Delaney on a stamp.

Boone is scrambled into Polaroids.

Sydney done as bead artwork. Isn't this weird? It sort of reminds me of something done on a LiteBrite! Awww, I miss my LiteBrite...

Sydney in my very own Warhol picture.

This site is great fun and super easy to use. Have fun!

Happy Anniversary Nickie & Steve!

I can't believe it has been fifteen years already! I hope you have many more great years together! (Oh, and to all you readers out there, don't laugh at my teal dress. It was early 90's and my sister made me wear it!) ha ha! Love you Nickie!

How did this happen?

So, today I turned 31 years old. I don't know how it happened. Where did the years go? I remember when I thought 30 was a long way off. I am hoping 61 doesn't come as fast! Since Aaron had yesterday off (because he got a four day weekend) we decided to celebrate The Day-Before-My-Birthday Day! It sounds weird, I know, but hey this is me we are talking about!

So, we got up bright an earlier to head out to Reid State Park. We read on weather.com that the storms were rolling in early afternoon. We wanted to get to the park and enjoy what nice weather we could. Unlike many of the other Maine 'beaches' we had found, this one actually had sand! As soon as got there the weather started to turn on us. We ended up eating our Subway inside the truck so we wouldn't blow away. But we were so close, we couldn't leave without sticking our feet in the sand. Sticking my toes in the sand was cold and wet! Stupid me wanted a picture taken in front of the water. Of course I wasn't looking behind me and got nailed by a wave. My feet were freezing! I really felt like I had stuck my feet in a bunch of snow! Not wanting to get rained on we left the park.

See how gloomy it was out?

I bet not five minutes later the sun came out and things started to warm up. There wasn't a drop of rain that fell. We decided not to waste the drive out to Georgetown/Arrowsic, so we headed down to Squirrel Point Lighthouse. You couldn't see the lighthouse from the road. We actually hiked back in quite a ways to see it. At the end of the trail you could see the lighthouse far off in the distance. We were up for an adventure so we walked through wet sand, hiked over rocks, and slipped on seaweed to get closer. Just when it looked like we had gotten as close as we were going to get, Aaron tells me to wait and climbs up over a giant rock and disappears. He found a trail that will take us the rest of the way to the lighthouse. It turns out in the beginning of the trail we took a wrong turn and there was an easier trail that would have lead us all the way to the lighthouse.

This happens to us a lot! We always seem to take the harder route. But I kept telling Aaron all day that is wouldn't have been quite the adventure had we taken the easy trail. It was so much fun trying to maneuver our way to the lighthouse!

This is where the trail ended that we took. You can see the lighthouse far off in the distance.

Here is a closer photo of the lighthouse. I took this photo from the same place as the one above. Aaron, as my birthday gift, got me a great telephoto lens for my camera! I am so excited! Now I can take pictures of just about anything.

Our feet in the muck! It was the softest sand/mud I have ever felt. I told Aaron some ladies would probably pay good money at a spa to get covered with the muck we were walking through.

We made it! There was also a creepy house there. You can tell no one lives there but there was cereal on the table and a napkin. I wondered it they put it there to scare people. I didn't want to find out! I told Aaron I wasn't looking in the windows again because I didn't want to see a face looking back at me!

Later in the afternoon we decided to go to the movies. Going to the movies in the afternoon on a Tuesday is great! We were the only ones in the whole theater. We were able to laugh as loud as we wanted watching Baby Mama. It really liked the movie!

To end the day Aaron made me filet mignon, corn on the cob and shrimp skewers. Yummy! I had a great birthday this year. This year was the first time in two years that Aaron and I got to spend both our birthdays together. Deployment stinks like that! I can't wait to see what the 31st chapter of my life has in store for me.

Memorial Day Weekend

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend, I know Aaron and I did. Saturday, while heading to the new Cabela’s in Scarbourough, we heard on the radio that Don Mclean was playing at Discovery Park for the L.L. Bean Family Fun Weekend . Since the L.L. Bean store is only 10 miles down the road, we decided to check it out later that day.

Here I am posing with the giant boot outside the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport. No, I don't know this little girl. She was on the boot a lot!

Don Mclean singing away! I don't know a lot of his songs but we did get to hear American Pie, which was cool!

The Memorial Day parade in Brunswick was great. There were a lot more people there than I thought there would be. The parade was filled with Retired Vets, Navy Shipman, Marines, Soldier, school bands and random kids with decorated bikes. Aaron actually got to be a part of the parade (not because he wanted too!). He was escorting a General (1 star) all day. The General was a guest speaker at the ceremony held after the parade. It was a beautiful day of remembrance. I did great until they played taps. It gets me every time.

Aaron in an old WWII jeep. The guy driving was the owner of the jeep.

The sun was shining so bright that after the parade, Aaron and I decided to take the dogs (Yes, dogs. We are watching Garrett's dog, Mally) to a local state park. Bradbury Mountain State Park
has picnic areas, playgrounds and trail for hiking, biking, horseback riding and snowmobiles. We hiked to the summit. The best part about the park was that you could choose the trail difficulty. We hiked to the top on an easy trial (I am not in as good of shape as Aaron!) and came down a harder trail. It was a great 3 mile hike! Thanks Sara again for the great suggestion! Here are a few pics from our hike up the mountain.

Aaron with the doggies.

Boone and I reached the summit!

It was great weekend all around! Aaron was able to have almost the whole weekend off and the weather was beautiful to do some more exploring. Thanks to my friend Sara's suggestions, we have a whole list of fun things/places to try out this summer.

Cheesy Chicken Bake

I was writing this recipe on a recipe card and thought it would be a great one to share. I got it out of my 365 Easy Chicken Recipes cookbook. It is very good and very simple to make! I don't even like swiss cheese but love this recipe.

8 boneless, skinless chicken breast
8 slices Swiss cheese
1 (10 oz.) can of cream of chicken soup
1 (8 oz.) box of chicken stuffing mix

Flatten each chicken breast with a rolling pin and place in a greased 9x13" baking dish. Place cheese over chicken. Combine chicken soup and 1/2 C. water and pour over chicken. Prepare stuffing mix according to package directions and spread evenly over chicken. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degree for 1 hour.

Enjoy!

Random Rant

Why is Ted Kennedy's malignant brain tumor breaking national news? It seems harsh to say that I don't care but I don't care! And I doubt millions of people watching TV care either. There are A LOT more important things going on in the world.

The media is messed up! Their idea of important journalism makes me crazy sometimes! And now we are going to have to hear about him and his tumor, 24/7 for the next few days.

Ugh!

Beauty Without Borders

Since we have moved to Maine, Aaron and I get the Investigation Discovery channel in our Comcast line-up. I have never heard of the channel before now but I love it! (Check your local listing for it.)

Moving on, I flipped on the channel this morning to find The Beauty Academy of Kabul documentary directed by Liz Mermin. The documentary was shot in 2004 over a 10 week period. And before you even think it, no I am not kidding. I probably wouldn't have thought twice about a beauty school in Afghanistan if Aaron hadn't spent 16 months there. Now anytime I hear Afghanistan I perk up.

So, in my 20 minutes of watching (I turned it on at the end) and some research I did after, this is what I found out...

In 2001, an American named Mary MacMakin, was working with women in Kabul before she was arrested by the Taliban and kicked out of the country. While being photographed for a magazine article, she met stylist, Terri Grauel. Once the Taliban was ousted, Mary MacMakin went back to Kabul where Terri Grauel contacted her wanting to help. It was a suggestion from Mary MacMakin that brought about the first beauty school in Kabul.

At first I thought, it seemed odd. But once I thought about it, I thought 'why not?' These ladies are trying to do what they can to help. And who am I to judge them for helping people learn a trade. It doesn't seem so far off from what Americans want. Doesn't everyone want to be able to support their family and give them a good life?

Sixty percent of Afghan women are widows who have to support their families. And a huge number of these women are illiterate. 'Hairdressing is a skill that can be learned relatively quickly'. By teaching these women the skills they need, they will be able to open their own salon becoming self sufficient.

While reading up on this documentary, I read a statement that said 'Americans were horrified by the state of hairdressing in Kabul.' I am a bit bothered by this as I am sure most Americans don't even care about Afghanistan, let alone their hairdressing problems. But if helping an Afghan women learn to cut hairs helps keep the peace someday, I am all for it.

I read a review where the ladies were slammed for opening this school calling it 'misguided activism'. I disagree. It may seem like an odd way to help out but at least these Americans are doing what they can to help. And I am sure if we asked the reporter from the Seattle Times, Tom Keough who wrote the review, how many times he has been to Afghanistan to help, his answer would be zero.

I watched these ladies graduate the course and receive their certificates with giant smiles on their faces. Their families were in attendance as well as some of their countries diplomats and American soldiers. Once the celebration was over, they walked out the doors you could see men holding guns guarding the place from whoever might attack.

I feel that these Americans ladies gave these women hope, confidence and (some) peace. Hope that they can provide for their children and give them a better life. Confidence to know they don't have to rely on a man to make a living. And I think it is amazing that they can go into their salons everyday giving them a little peace from any violence in their world.

And the idea that seemed odd to me at first, I now think is pretty cool! What do you think about this?

Click here to read an article in The Villager about the documentary.

Bubble Wrap

Those of you who know my dog know he is crazy! I love Boone but he is a bit loony. Maybe that is why I love him so much. Anyway, Aaron received a package in the mail the other day. It was filled with bubble wrap. Of course he and I started popping all the bubbles. Who doesn't love that!? Well, Boone went nuts. He first tried to attack the bubble wrap but once he realized Aaron wouldn't let him have it, he resorted to jumping up and down like a spaz.

Who needs dog toys? Apparently, bubble wrap is a great form of entertainment!

'Operation Secret Sauce'

Let me begin this post by saying, I have the greatest friends! And here is why... I was having a hard time thinking of what to get Aaron for his birthday. It isn't because he is hard to buy for but I like thinking out of the box. He loves motorcycles and the outdoors but I wanted something different.

So I dug deep into my memory to think of something/anything he might have mentioned. Then it hit me! He has been talking about Lee's Chicken. He loves their chicken and honey mustard sauce. We were able to eat there while at For Knox but there are none even close to here. I knew the chicken probably wasn't a great idea to try and ship so I focused on the honey mustard sauce.

I went to their main website and spoke to a lady, I am sure thought I was nuts. I was wondering if there was any on-line store where I could purchase some honey mustard sauce. The answer was no but she said maybe if I contacted a store somewhere they would ship me some. The closest stores to here I found were in OH and VA. Well, as luck would have it I have friends and family in Ohio.

So, I sent an e-mail off to my friend, Frannie, explaining my crazy idea and without hesitation (but I am sure some laughter) she found me some honey mustard. She had gone to the local Lee's and ordered me a whole case!

It arrived in the mail today. Only a few broke on the way. But since there are 140 sauce packets, I didn't care at all! Thanks again to Frannie for going out of her way to help with 'operation secret sauce'.

Aaron is going to be so excited! I can't wait until he gets home tonight!

Oh, and just for the record, that wasn't all I got him for his birthday (in case you were wondering)! :o)

Stitching

(Click on the picture to enlarge it)

Here is my first attempt at 'stitching' together a photo. The photo of the bridge is made up of three different shots I took. It is cool that I can make my own panoramic images. I didn't put this on my photoblog because it isn't a great picture. I took it on a gloomy day.

Pretty cool huh?!

Naked BBQ, Candles and Mist

Although Aaron had to work all day Saturday, we still managed to pack lots of fun into our weekend. Friday night we went to Buck's Naked BBQ in Freeport. Aaron and I are always up for trying any place that serves good BBQ. It was a fun place with a great atmosphere. There was even a corner just for kids to play, which we thought was a great idea until we got seated right next to it. In spite of the fact there were kids running around hyped up on sugar, we really enjoyed the food there. It wasn't the best BBQ we have had but they maybe because we just came from the south. But it is nice to know we can get good BBQ in the north. Great recommendation Sara!

Sunday, I woke up to Aaron trying to coax the dog into licking me! Boone was allowed on the bed for a few minutes to give me a Mother's Day present. Isn't that cute!? He did a great job picking it out. I love good smelling things! And since I am not a fan of an open flame, it was perfect.


After church, we headed off on the Harley for a little ride in the sunshine. Once we were home I convinced Aaron to watch The Mist with me. It is a movie based on a novel by Stephen King. It was a good movie. It didn't end how I wanted but Stephen King always writes great stuff! I slept fine after watching the movie but I am not so sure how I am going to feel the next time a foggy day rolls around!

Happy Mother's Day!

(Me, Nickie, and my Mom a long time ago!)

Thanks for being such a great mom! I love you!

Happy Birthday Babe!

I love you!

The Flag

I bought an American flag at Wally World the other day. I had a little garden flag but every time I looked at it, I felt bad. Yeah, I thought it looked cute but it certainly wasn't big enough. I know buying a flag this doesn't seem like a big deal but it was to me.

I will be the first to admit that up until a few years ago, I didn't respect the flag like I should have. To be honest, I am not sure I even noticed one flying half the time. The flag in my life meant saying the pledge at school, staring at the flag when the Star Bangled Banner was played and if I remembered my hand went over my heart. It is embarrassing for me to say now but it is fact.

After being in the military for a few years, I see the flag in a whole other light. Now when I see a flag I see/think/feel ...

- Ben. And I am reminded he is never coming home.

- I think of Lauren Fenty who at two, has never and will never meet her dad. Her memories of him consist of the gravestone she visit with her mom at Arlington.

- My grandfather. A former Sea Bee. I was lucky enough to meet the men he fought along side at one of their reunions. Their passion for this country came through in their stories. And if they were allowed, I am sure they would have entered the service again in their old age to defend her.

- The ladies sitting in the chapel, where we would go to hear the name of a fallen solider in our unit. And the look on the faces of those who had just heard the name of a friend they loved.

Although, I see a lot of pain and sorrow in the flag I also see another side. I see freedom. When I hear the kids laughing and carrying on down the street, I look out and see their dad chasing them. I know they don't have to run from gun fire, rouge soldiers or bombs. I know I can walk down the street with my dog, without the fear of being beat because I am a women out without my husband.

I see the flag now and am grateful for those who have defended this country, are defending this country and will defend this country.

I don't know what you see/think/feel when you see the flag. I am sure everyone has differing opinions and feelings. Just don't be like the old me and feel nothing. I fly my new flag with a new attitude.

This is my new flag!

Bangers and Mash

After church today, Aaron and I were trying to find somewhere to eat. We didn't want the typical Applebees experience so we choose the restaurant, Taste of Europe. Most of you know that I am not a stray from the norm kind-of-gal when it comes to food but I wanted to give it a try.

The menu listed the food with descriptions, which is always a big help for me. I decided on bangers and mash. Have you ever heard of such a thing? Basically, the dish consisted of mash potatoes, gravy and sausage. It was actually very good. The sausages had spices in them that really gave them great flavor.

Since I was feeling adventurous, I tried some of Aaron's pork schnitzel. It was delicious! Although, I drew the line with the drinks. I ordered a coke while Aaron had a spezi. It is a soft drink made with cola and orange soda. I wasn't a fan of this at all. But I am excited to go back and try some more 'worldly' food. Who knew I could love food that wasn't chicken or turkey?!

Definitely Not Hollywood

I was driving to Wally World today minding my own business, when I saw something that disturbed me. I noticed something moving in the truck bed in front of me but I couldn't quite figure out what was in there. Well, a few miles down the road I see it. There is a dog in the truck bed. What is strange about that you ask? It was a dachshund! Can you believe that? For those of you not familiar with a dachshund click here.

I won't even let Aaron teach Boone to ride in the back of the truck because I fear for his safety and he is an 80 pound dog! Who lets a little dog that doesn't weigh much and barley stands higher than a garden gnome ride in the bed of a truck! I thought for sure the little dog would be blown out of truck bed from all the wind. I hope he made it home safe and sound.

As I pulled into Wally World I laughed thinking that crazy people in Hollywood carry their dogs into restaurants and different places. Not here! They won't even let the tiny dogs into their vehicles. :o)