No Cookies - Carpet & Paint

Good morning,
I have come to the conclusion that there will not be homemade cookies in my kitchen this year. I just don't have the drive. I will however finally have paint and carpet on the second floor of the house!
As I write I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the rest of the painters and the carpet guys who will be putting the finishing touches on the bedrooms. I have for the past two years lived with carpets I got for free outside the carpet store down the street (they were new but ugly).
And paint glorious paint! When Arthur and I lived in Stratham I always wanted to paint everything was so white. I have added some (I think) wonderful colors to our home. A bedroom of blue, a bedroom of yellow, bathroom of green and wonderful earth tones for the master suite which I can say I will sleep in for the first time this weekend. Yippee!
I will put pictures up when they are done you you can see - it's going to be great I just know it!
-Jro

These Amazing People

I wear a couple of different hats through out the week. I do work for Arthur in the office but did you know that I sell Real Estate too? (Well, sometimes). The Real Estate gig gives me a great opportunity to do one of the things I love most - giving back. . . . .

WAIT I should start this all off by telling you that I am not just a real estate sales person I am a REALTOR . Yes, it makes a difference! Click the link to find out if the agent you last worked with or are working with now if a Realtor - if not get one!

OK now, a couple of years ago I was attending a Realtor event. It was a social golf outing not to be confused with a tournament fundraiser. So anyway there I was just playing golf for fun. I happened to mention to the women running the event that because of the large group they should play 18 holes instead of nine. The next year I was on the committee - I now chair the committee and we have also turned it into a very successful fundraiser for charity as well. I also now co-chair the Community Service Committee and am on the Board of Directors for our local board of Realtors. I have to tell you all this to get to the next part (I know it sounds like I am tooting my own horn - maybe a little).

So these amazing people are the people who I am met and had the pleasure to work with over the past few years. I have to tell you a little about each of them. I should start with Barbara - she is our board secretary. You name it she does it and with very little complaining I might add. She is a go-to gal and a half! Her other half in the office is Iris. Always so pleasant and ready to do whatever is asked. They make the jobs we do for the board seamless! For instance we just did a fundraiser raffle and they organized all the prizes and did up sheets with the donors info and I didn't even have to ask! Just great.

Then there are the committees - my golf group is just , well fantastic. Some of them don't even golf but they are there every year stuffing good bags, getting prizes, registering players, taking pictures and picking up last minute donations. The event would be nothing without each of them.

I have to say that I think the Community Service Committee ran just fine before me - I actually think they were more organized before I showed up. But them seem to like me anyway. Half of them think I am nuts , well they might all think I am nuts. And who wouldn't with some of the ideas I've had but they are there every month to meet and listen to my harebrained ideas and seem them through fruition.

As I said I co-chair the Community Service group and I do that with Lynn. Hmmm..... how do I describe Lynn. She is a mentor to me. She has given me advice on everything from what to wear to the Holiday party to where to head next with my career. I am please and proud to have her as a Friend and colleague. She also remembers to do all the stuff I forget, like thank all the committees for their hard work all year long.

So here on the web for all to see is my thank you to them: Barbara, Iris, Lynn, Cheryl, Melissa, Marilyn, Bonnie, Juli, Lois, Glenn, Cindy, Mary, Sharon, Beth, Debbie, Laura, Deb, Pam, Pam, Kate, Jim, Wayne, Randy, Bev and anyone else I might have missed. Thank you for all your do all year long to giving back.

Looking forward to 2008!

Happy Holidays. - Jro

Snow Day!!!

Finally our first real snow day! Arthur and I dicussed it and decided I should stay home today and enjoy the snow so that's just what I did.

My Snow shoe tracks.

The trail to Doris' . . . was someone here before me?

Must have been a deer.

How does the house look? Snowy!

Hope you all found a way to enjoy the snow day. Back to work tomorrow.

-Jro

Who says I'm not crafty . . .

Got up early on Sunday and went to pick my greens. Here is one of my latest creations.

Take your ordinary artifical christmas tree.

Fresh Princess Pine - trim the roots.

Some Spruce clippings - either from your tree or from the woods like mine.

Everyones favorite Winter Berry and . . . .

My Holiday mantle is complete!

Happy Decorating.

-Jro

December is Coming

It is a grey and windy morning here on Long Hill. Arthur is sleeping in and the cats have found the fire I made and are sleeping too. I had planned on getting started with my Holiday decorating. You have no idea just how much I love decorating the house I will posts photos as I go I am sure.

But usually on days like today I am outside cutting my greens and berries for wreaths, kissing balls and swags. Don't laugh , these are crafts that I will not pay to have just because they are so very easy to do myself. I started this tradition when the House on Long Hill was under construction.

Arthur and I were living in a rental down the beach (much less glamorous than it sounds). We had decided not to get a Christmas tree and I was just beside myself because the rental looked un-holiday. So each day when I was at the house with the contractors I would wonder out into the woods and pick Princess pine, cut berries and pine and work on my decorations for the beach house. Each day I went home covered in pine sap but it smelled great! When I was done we had a little of our new house right there in our rental.

It was at the beach house that we hosted our 1st annual Christmas eve Open house. Another lovely tradition including our close friends and family. This year will mark the 4th time we will hold such event . . . the house by then will be trimmed, smelling like pine and spice and full of laughter, love and thanks for the wonderful things the year has had to offer.

I get warm just thinking about it - I think I go take out a box of decorations. -Jro

Feeling Older?

From the Movie the Guardian with Kevin Costner:

Ben Randall: "When the heck did we get old? "

Maggie McGlone: "Hell, I've always been old Ben. Ya' know what though, I don't mind. I mean if my muscles ache, it's because I've used 'em. It's hard for me to walk up them steps now, its 'cuz I walked up 'em every night to lay next to a man who loved me. I got a few wrinkles here and there, but I've layed under thousands of skies with sunny days. I look and feel this way, well cuz I drank and I smoked. I lived and I loved, danced, sang, sweat and screwed my way thorough a pretty damn good life if you ask me. Getting old ain't bad Ben. Getting old, that's earned. "


I wanted to share this quote with you because I have been feeling guilty lately about some things and starting to feel older when it comes to others. (I know at 34 I am just a baby but still . . .)

My Little List:

Wrinkles - Oh how I love warm sunny days in the summer and the winter

My knees - They ache but I will ski my butt off just the same this winter as I did last

Those few Extra Lbs - But the home-made fudge from the craft fair was so very yummy

Not Shopping Ahead - Christmas is getting closer and I have nothing bought

One or 2 too many - Had a slight headache on Sunday but date night with Arthur was fun


Guess we all have a little list of things that nag at us here and again - but know that although we are getting a little older - We Earned It!

What's for Dinner?

So for those of you actually reading this I know it's been a while sorry.
Today's topic has been kicking around in my head for a few days now. How many times a week do you have the conversation that starts with "What's for Dinner?" I actually counted last week - one of us asked everyday plus when talking to my sister Caren she asked - so I have had the "What's for dinner" conversation at least 8 times in the last 7 days.
Well, tonight the answer is the same that it is every week. For the last 10 years (give or take a week or two) on Monday nights we have pasta and sauce (yes Kate it's homemade). It's started because with our busy working schedule because it was just easier on Mondays to not have to think about what we were going to have to eat. The rest of the week is usually a toss up and switches between, meatloaf, chicken every way you can imagine, hot dogs and beans, soup and sandwich the list just goes on.
But for tonight I have the one major question answered now I just need to know . . . spaghetti, noodles, elbows or shells?

My Sauce Recipe: In a Large deep Frying Style Pan

1 - 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (85% - 15% is best)
Small Onion chopped or Shake twice if you don't have the real thing
Shake Italian seasonings
Shake Onion Salt
Shake Garlic Salt/Powder
Shake Salt & Pepper
Shake - anything else you can think would be good (sometimes I add a Dash of Mrs Dash)

Brown the beef and seasonings

Add:
1 Lg Can Hunts Tomato Sauce (Basil & Garlic)
1 Lg Can Del Monte Tomato Sauce (4 Cheese)
1 Lg Can Del Monte Tomato Sauce Traditional
2 Sm Cans Hunts Paste w/ Italian Seasoning

Simmer on low heat - Unless you have a really big family this should make enough for about 3-4 Monday nights. If it's just the 2 of you like at our house it should make more (unless you have a sauce freak like me).

Enjoy! - Jro

Feline Friends for Life

From the letter I sent the NHSPCA this summer:

I have had cats all my life. 14 years ago I picked up a scruffy orange tiger kitten from an elderly lady and made him my best friend. For 14 years we grew together I believe he was truly my sole mate. After Rusty died I wasn’t even sure I was going to get up in the morning. I had lost the one person who knew me best.

As the weeks wore on I found that not having a pet was making things hard for me, as I work mostly at home and I missed the companionship. So, I started what became frequent visits to the NHSPCA in Stratham. David and Jill, volunteers there were so very patient with me. I told them I was certain about what I was looking for, male orange cat 3-5 years old. I meet and played with tons of kitties looking for a connection but not quite finding it.

In August I meet Licorice. He was 5 month old silver and black tiger kitten found on the streets in Epping (not exactly an older orange cat). We had an instant connection. He played peek-a-boo with me from inside a kitty condo and when I got him to the get acquainted room he purred and laid in my lap in the sun. I called Arthur and told him that I had found a new friend for us to love.
It’s been over a year since we adopted Licorice who we now call Cooper. He is a trip! His favorite things are watching the birds, chewing on feathers I find on the golf course, biting the heads off his play mice and licking my forehead at 3 in the morning. It’s a perfect match. We have a blast together. He sits on the desk, as I write to you, trying to chase the cursor across the screen.
I miss my Rusty everyday but know that I am blessed with the opportunity that Cooper has brought to me to love again, and I do.

Thank you to people like Jill and David who volunteer with the animals and all those behind the scenes keeping them safe. Know that what you do is appreciated by the humans and all the thousands of pets you have given chances to love and be loved
*************************************************************************
In addition to loving Cooper. We now love Little Simon too. We felt like the house was too big for just us and Cooper seemed to long for a friend. In August I brought home Simon. And while even I admit that I was drawn to him because his markings reminded me so much of Rusty - he is a very different cat for sure. He has added something specialto our family and he and Coop just love play wrestling together. If you think you can - find it in your heart to adopt a shelter animal. They will love you forever for giving them a second chance.
- Jro

Thanksgiving Planning

Arthur has asked the last few years for squash pie. I have tried to pull the old pumpkin switch-a-roo. But he catches on everytime. So I have been on the hunt. And today I found the perfect squash pie recipe for Thanksgiving. It goes like this:

Take out the Phone Book

Look Under Bakery

Call a bunch of places

Ask if they make squash pie

When you find out they do not

Drive to local supermarket (Market Basket)

Go to bakery counter

Ask for list of pies

Order Squash & Pecan (what I like pecan) :-)

Pick up week of Thanksgiving

I know that is just not right but I am making apple, chocolate cream and brownies for the kids - can't I buy one or two - isn't it contributing to the local economy? Cut me some slack I am making the rest of the meal from scratch . . . . except for the frozen turnip. Happy Planning
- Jro

Monday, Maine & a Football Game

Another Monday. I went up to Maine this weekend. Arthur and I are avid skiers and in the winter I volunteer at Sunday River. Every fall the resort has a weekend for volunteers. We get caught upon all the gossip - Mountain related and otherwise. It's a long weekend but it is fun. As a thank you from the resort Arthur and I ski for free. What a nice thing in a sport the grows more expensive every year.

I got home in time to see kickoff on the Patriots game. It was a little tense there for a while but in the end they pulled it off. (although they didn't beat the points spread) The other big news in our house this weekend was Arthur's new TV. Although I think it is a little big for the room - he just loves it and it was very good for watching the game.
Enjoy your week.
-Jro

Friends Everywhere

I just got and email from my friend Kyla in Montana. I miss her very much we have done so much together over the years and I hate that she now lives so very far away. I told her she needs to make her own blog so I can keep up with her and her husband.

My friend Katie from Maine got me started on this blog kick. She talks about her kids and crafts and such. I love being able to keep in touch with her and to see her children grow via the web.

My sister has recently found my blog and is wondering when the next update is coming. The pressure! The two of us talk at least once a week by phone. She lives in NY and we very rarely get to see each other.

Arthur's sister Laureen lives in New Jersey. I think of her as a sister. She visits often and we get to do a ton of stuff together. She is very smart I call her often for advise and guidance.

Christi and Amy live the Saratoga area, Carol is in Boston, Julie is in North Carolina. Everyone is too far away. But when we are together it is amazing.

For now though - I think I will walk over to Doris' house and see what she is up to. I love that she is just right in my backyard - where I wish the rest of you that are spread out everywhere could be.
-Jro

Feeling Caught Up

Don't you just love the feeling you get once you get caught up. Caught up on sleep. So happy the Red Sox won but so glad to be going to bed early too. Caught up on laundry. Sunday was a great afternoon to just do laundry and cook. I made a big Sunday dinner and we watched the Patriots at home on Long Hill. Caught up on work. I have gotten a chance yesterday and today to spend some time in the office and things are filed, paid and put away. It's a great feeling of accomplishment when someone asks you what you've been up to and you can say "Just catching up on some stuff."
Hope your next few days are good and you can get caught up too.

Monday, Sox and Sleep?

Well it's another Monday. And I must say what a sporting weekend it was. I am proud of my Red Sox (of course I know they are not just mine But I like to think of it that way). Below is the perfect Jacko'Lantern for this October.

I am also very proud of my Patriots - boy they sure made Miami look pathetic. So very sad for Miami. Oh well good for us and our undefeated streak - could it go all season????

Better get some sleep starting Wednesday it's going to be some tough nights. Enjoy the games and GO RED SOX!

Sweet Saturdays

I am watching the sunset on Long Hill. Big puffy clouds float by. My Arthur is still hard at work. Hopefully he will make it home before the first pitch.

I went to the hardware store today and picked up some weed and feed for the lawn - we'll get that spread in the morning & pray for lush green grass come spring. I will try to get some bulbs in the ground tomorrow too - bulbs the one thing I am good at growing.

The motorcycle sat today - maybe I can get her out in the morning for a quick ride. I just love being away from everything, no radio, no cell phone just me and the road.

Isn't she nice. I will be looking in the spring for something new - she has been a goos bike but it is time for something a little bigger and better for long rides. Hopefully purple though - you'd be amazed how many people comment on the color. She sure is pretty.

Have a good night and be thinking of my boys in Boston. - Jro

Together Happens Anywhere

This was a long week. Actually it's getting longer as I am off tomorrow with real estate clients in the morning. But I am planning on taking the motorcycle out in the afternoon - who knows how many more warm days we will get.

Arthur and I have both been right out straight since the beginning of the week. Tonight I am writing from work. Our work. Arthur owns and operates a machining company - I work in the office. Tonight he is out running machines that the employees left long ago. They have gone home to their children, wives, lives. But we are still here. I have got caught up on paper work and he has run machines for the better part of the evening. I am about to head home but he will stay a few more hours. He is dedicated to his company and it's success - it is one of the things I admire about him most.

I snuck out about an hour ago and grabbed us some dinner. We sat in the office and caught up a bit. Then he was back out to the machines. We got to be together for a mini Friday night dinner date. I love my Arthur and that our together happens anywhere. - Jro

Sports Fan or Fanatic?

I have to start today by saying that I am a sports fan. I am a member of Red Sox Nation, Patriot Nation and Nascar Nation. And I am loyal to everyone. I am very tired this morning b/c I stayed up last night to watch my Sox bring us to game 6 of the ALCS. I am anticipating a victory Saturday night once my boys are back in Boston.

My Sunday I will be devoted to preparations for the Patriots game at 1pm. Arthur and I will probably head out to one of our favorite spots in Portsmouth to meet up with friends to yell at the TV, drink beers and eat. I am confident that our team will continue on it's undefeated winning streak.

As for my boys on the oval - they will be at Martinsville. The paperclip track of the series. Arthur and I make our pilgrimage to this track in the spring and if I could figure out how to squeeze it into the fall we would. This is one of the greatest little short tracks on the circuit. green flag is at 1:15 - so I'll Tivo the race and watch it when we get home after the Pats game.

What are you doing this weekend? Me, I'll be enjoying my sporting events . . . one at a time. - Jro

Getting the hang of it

Good morning. I just added the piture at the top of the blog it really is the view from our house - the master bedroom to be exact. How luck am I? Long Hill is geographically where our house is.

On the other side on Long Hill is my friend Doris' house. We are acres away and she usually takes her riding lawn mower over to visit me. That's not to say we live in the sticks though. Super Walmart is only 8 minutes away. We just got very lucky and we can not see another house and mostly no one knows we're here. I'd better get to work. More Later. - Jro

My First Blog

I have been reading a friends blog lately . . . I love it. It keeps me up to date on what she is doing so I thought hey, I can do that. So here it goes.
I am exhausted. I mean not just tired, completely exhausted. I am sure anyone reading this has more going on in life than me but I am wiped out! No need to complain about - I am sure I will make it through the rest of the week.

I am a person who puts music to everything they do in life. Cleaning the house, driving in the car in the office at work, in the tub etc. I love music. There is a song by Trisha Yearwood called "The Song Remembers When". It is about being someplace and hearing music or lyrics that take you back to another time in your life.

I heard a song today that took me back to my days in college. In my memory it was easy to get there as I have just spent the weekend with my friends from school. We traveled from different directions met at school and ate, laughed and shopped the weekend away. They are business women, moms, wives and just amazing to me. I found that they are far more clever and crafty than I. I will link to their websites and show you (as soon as I figure out how to use this blog thing).

But for now I will remember our weekend in Vermont and get to the 'making dinner' part of my long day. Until Tomorrow - Jro