Job Acceptance

Hope everyone had a joyous and peaceful Christmas. Ours was wonderful, but I have to admit that I was utterly one of those last minute shoppers..racing to a few stores before they closed Christmas Eve..not cool. Definitely won't happen next year. We did have a nice Christmas Eve with Jay's parents/family and it was very nice to open our gifts Christmas morning, host a nice breakfast for Jay's parents and then spend the entire day at home before heading to my parents in the evening.
By the way..The Christmas Shoes was the winner for the most popular Christmas movie on my poll. Now let me tell you, I purchased the sequel to this movie called "The Christmas Blessing" which is about the little boy all grown up. We didn't get a chance to watch it until last evening and I was literly sobbing at the end of this movie.

I have accepted a position as a med/surge nurse and will start January 19th! After being interviewed for two different positions and taking some time to think about each position and what was offered, I decided that I wanted to start out my nursing career in med/surg, as I will gain the most experience with this position. I still want to be an oncology nurse, but I feel that it is so import to get a good foundation in med/surg. I valued the opinions of nurses in my family, as well as co-workers/friends that are nurses. I know I'm making the right decision..it just feels right to me. My last day at my current job will be Jan. 8th..I will miss so many people there. Taking 10 days off before starting my new job. This will be my time to get my house organized.

At this point, I am just having fun! Knitting, reading, playing games with the kids, catching up with friends, going on dates with Jay (dancing this evening..woohoo) and a little shopping, too. Mads, Amy and I are headed to the mall this morning to exchange and purchase a few items.

I got to shop for new nursing scrubs the other day, thanks to my Aunt. I have my first set of "trendy" scrubs!!

Have a great weekend!

The ultimate WOOHOO

Nursing school is officially over and it feels wonderful! I'm still trying to train myself not to head up Route 17 as soon as I leave work..it's been such a routine for so long. I will definitely miss my classmates, but several of us have vowed to stay in touch. With the last class ending during such a busy month, several of our classmates were not able to meet for dinner after the final. Although it would have been perfect for all of us to have gotten together, the handful of us that did, had a great time.

I've been asked by several blog readers, to keep this blog running. I'm in the midst of a transition, a new chapter in my life will soon start, but I will do my best to keep bloggin'. I have interviewed for two different positions and spent this past weekend weighing out the differences of each position. I feel like a race horse that is awaiting the gate to open! The ultimate hurdle still needs to be surpassed..preparing and passing my boards. After taking a breath and enjoying Christmas, I will start the Kaplan Review Program. My goal is to get licensed within 12 weeks, commiting to two hours of review per day, after 12/25.

Seems nice to have more time with my family. Tonight, we were sprawled out on the floor, playing Sorry and Madison already has another game lined up for tomorrow evening.

I feel very lucky & fortunate to have such wonderful family, friends, co-workers and church family. So many words of empowerment have been sent my way in the past three years. My husband being my biggest supporter. I couldn't have done it without all of them. Thank you with all my heart. My dream has come true.

The day I've been waiting for

Well, it's finally here. The last day of nursing school. An emotional evening ahead. It was so sweet Monday night. I arrived at class to find that each set of two desks held a beautiful box. No explanation as to who it was from, just perfectly set upon our desk to greet us. In the box, were two beautiful wrapped dove ornaments..one for each of us. Enveloping the doves, were cards explaining the meaning of the dove. One of my classmates, as busy as she has been, went out of her way to a specialty shop and purchased these wonderful gifts.

All of us are going to Applebees for dinner, after the final. I will be back, later this evening, with pictures. In the past three years, we didn't find a lot of "extra" time to spend with each other, but we spent so much time in the classroom & clinicals together. We started with a large group of 32, ending with an intimate group of 15. See you tonight, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Angels & My Dancer

Nearing the end of an entertaining and busy weekend. I haven't had much time to study for the final, but will be plugging away at it, this evening and the next three days.

Madison, Emily, Gabby & Lily were little choir angels Saturday evening at the church.

We enjoyed "An Old Fashioned Christmas Pageant" at our church, Saturday night...complete with a real donkey. That Lily is soo cute!

Another entertainment was Madison's Christmas dance recital this afternoon. I wasn't able to take pictures during the actual recital, so we snapped a few by our tree.

With the flowers that her Daddy got her....

Finally able to share a picture of my fun purse - pattern from the book One Skein Wonders. Knit & felted in wool/mohair. Isn't it just screaming Christmas Party!!! I hope to put it to good use a few times this month!
To all of you, have a wonderful week! For me, the upcoming week is one that I have waited on for quite a while.

Family Portrait

The last family portrait that we had taken was in 1998 - ten years ago. That ten year chunk of time seemed to go by so quickly. I'm quite happy with the job that Sears did, and with all the coupons/specials, we were able to order a nice amount of pictures for under $75. We left the mall around 9:15 pm and stopped for a late dinner.

October came & went and I had wanted a nice picture of Jay & I for our 20th anniversary. I like the informality of this picture.

I also wanted a picture of the kids together. We ended up ordering three different poses, but the one at the end is my favorite as it reflects the closeness that those two have for each other. Thank you, Amy, for prompting me to get & keep the apt. for pictures..and it wasn't as stressful as I thought it would be to color coordinate..you are the best!

Just days away!

It's been awhile since I've taken the time to update the blog..this would be because I'm flyin' by the seat of my pants, it seems! Officially down to just three nights of class left. A Mirco final test tomorrow evening & then Monday & Wed. next week for Nursing. That's it!! DONE! YIPPEE!

Yesterday, I spent the day observing a Hospice nurse in the community. This will definitely be in my future, once I gain experience.
Christmas shopping? nowhere near done. Wrapping?..yea.right! Cookies?..notta one Decorating? partially, but no tree yet. Somehow, it will get done. I'll get my reality check this Saturday evening, when I'm reminded of what it's all about, as our Church has it's "Old Fashioned Christmas Pageant"..can't wait for this! Sunday will follow with the Christmas Cantata, which I love lisening to. Sunday evening is Madison's Christmas Dance Recital. Jay has been the "dance Dad" so far this year. I've been totally out of the loop. Looking so forward to watching her dance. A very entertaining weekend ahead!!
I did finish a knitting project with a few more needed before Christmas. This one happens to be for me and is screaming "Christmas Party". *Pictures coming soon..still searching for my camera cable:) Knit from the book Oneskein, using bulky wool/mohair. Very fun and knit up quick. Did take three cycles of hot water washes to get the felting that I like.
Scheduled vacation day tomorrow. Day will be split to study for Micro exam & Nursing final.
Major accomplishment - I got my Christmas cards out early! Woohoo!

He's king of the man shed tonight

I called Jay on his cell at about 4:30, and got this response, "can I call you back, I just shot a buck"..in a low, panting voice. I totally interrupted the adrenaline pumping man hunt. Then I heard those words that a wife doesn't like to hear.."nice rack"..this translates to "deer on wall"..ugh! Glad they have that new man shed..will make a nice place for their "trophies".

Funny thing..I went to pull in the driveway this evening, and there stands a buck in the middle of my flower garden.

After hitting the "refresh" button all the live long day, my grade finally popped up around 3:30...breathing a sigh of relief this evening! Home from class by 8:30 tonight..done for the week:)

I couldn't resist showing this cutie-pie picture of my four nieces. Looks like they were helping Grandma with her tree. Can't wait until I have more time to spend with them.

Test from hell

One of the ugliest nursing exams, this evening. Everyone pretty much looked "spent" after taking this exam. So much reading for each question..and still only 1 minute per question. Have no idea what the outcome will be until grade is posted tomorrow. One more, just one more to go!
I actually drove home in complete silence this evening..no music. Stress headache.

One more night..my partner and I are doing a power point presentation on diphtheria. Looking SO forward to weekend. Not a lot going on, but will finally get some time to get the house in order and put up a few decorations. Since I had a rough night, Jay aked me on a date for Saturday night..my choice and I picked Twigs, but not before going to Nimble Hill Winery.

Madison was beaming tonight and couldn't wait to tell me that she had no homework, since she was one of the top three with the highest math test grade. Wish Logan had that much enthusiasm..

Finished my last clinical weekend~Woohooo!

My last full clinical rotation is completed. I missed Madison singing in church on Sunday, but Jay was there for her. Spent this past weekend on the Oncology floor. From what I have heard, this floor is hiring one new grad. I'm hopeful. Twenty-three new grad positions throughout the hospital. Whirlwind, that's what I feel like I am in at the present time. Only a few more weeks of class, but still quite a bit of studying left in the game. Nursing exam #4 this week, then the final on the 17th. A few more weeks of Micro, including giving a powerpoint presentation on Diphtheria this Thursday, followed by the ending exam next week. Many dates to remember for the kids' activities. Senior football banquet this Sunday. Church Christmas pageant on Saturday evening, 13th (this always gets me in the spirit for Christmas), Christmas dance recital Sunday evening, 14th. I still have corn stalks out front and a fall wreath, but at least Jay ditched the pumpkin. With having a final exam the week before Christmas, decorating/baking will be simplistic this year. We have always had a tradition on Black Friday, of getting out a few decorations and making Christmas crafts. We did manage to stamp gift tags, but didn't get to the decorations. I had a great picture to share..but can't find my camera cable this evening:(
No buck for my guys today..but a big racked buck kissed the front of Jay's truck the other night, causing a few thousand dollars of damage. The guys are enjoying the new "man shed" (meat shop) that my brother has been working diligently at for months.
Looking around, my housework needs some major attention that isn't going to happen until Saturday morning. Three more late night classes to go, then Christmas shopping on Friday with my Mom & Sis!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just stopping by to wish all a wonderful Thanksgiving! We will be heading to my parents' for dinner. After a family crisis this week, we are all so thankful that my newphew, Austin, is home from the hospital and will ok.
Outcome for November's poll: 20 votes entered with PumPkiN piE winning (sorry Kelly), StuFFin' followed close behind in second place.
FYI: Do you want to take a nap after Thanksgiving Dinner?? Of course, you do! But it's not from the natural sedative in turkey (Tryptophan), the tiredness is your body's response to the energy needed to break this meal down. Sorry for the nerd fact, but until this year, I was blamming the turkey:)

A night to relax

After what seems to have been a very long week, it's nice to just relax this evening. Trying to fight off cold symptoms. Weekend plans include starting some Christmas knitting, doing very little cleaning, finishing The Shack, cooking & making crafts with Madison and repairing some torn wallpaper in the hallway. Tonight would be the perfect night to have a crackling fire in the fireplace..if I had one. I know it's not practical, but I want a real fireplace. For now, I'll be happy with the glow from my wine light that Kay made me:)

A few good reasons for a WOOHOO!
Janelle's husband made it through surgery and they are home this evening.
Today I met with a nurse recruiter for an informal meeting. It felt great!
~Enjoy your weekend, friends~

Please say a prayer for Gary & Janelle

I am asking anyone that reads this blog to say a prayer for my friend Janelle and her husband, Gary. They are at Geisinger Medical Center this evening and Gary is having an extremely risky surgery, tomorrow morning. Gary has a large aneurysm that is pulsating against his nasal cavity. Surgery is inevitable for this man, and he faces it Thursday morning, early. What makes the surgery extremely risky is that Gary has a clotting disorder which is modified with Heparin/Coumadin therapy..which makes him a bleeder. They have three young children.
They have strong faith and appreciate the prayers.
It takes a crisis like this to remind us that we shouldn't sweat the small stuff in our everyday lives.
Thank you

blizzard

So glad to finally get home this evening. Who was I to think that I might actually finish out this semester without having to drive in nasty weather! After class, I ran something over to Target to exchange for my sister, then right back on the road to get home. Route 17 turned treacherous, but the stretch of road between Nichols and Rome almost put me in the field..not because I was going too fast - only able to go about 10 mph, but I couldn't FIND THE ROAD! Of course, not a state plow truck to be seen. Someone was in a ditch, but I couldn't get stopped to see if they needed help, nor would I have been able to find a place to pull off. The driver was on a cell, so I assumed he was calling for help. Once I got through Rome, the roads were dry..weird.

I walked in the door to find this beautiful snowflake hanging in the kitchen. Miss Mads whipped it up while I was gone! I had brought one home from work that someone had made and I wanted to figure out how it was created, but Madison beat me to it. She promises to teach me, tomorrow night!

The Shack

After spending 16 hours of this weekend on the oncology floor, I am 120% sure that this is my purpose for becoming a nurse. I worked with amazing nurses and care partners and I definitely want to become part of their team. I was very excited to be called into the nurse manager's office, after she heard that myself and another student were interested in working at this hospital. Our group was very well received this weekend, and the staff were happy to have the extra help, as it was extremely busy. My best clinical experience thus far.

I decided that tonight would be the perfect time to start reading a book that was given to me, along with a hug, a few months ago. I have been eyeing this book on my bookshelf; however, knowing that I needed to keep up on my nursing lecture readings, I hadn't allowed myself to start it. The Shack has received so many excellent reviews, as you can tell from having it's own website. I have heard that the book is hard to put down, being so uplifting & powerful.

NOTICE the cake?? Well..how about cake without the fatty calories..2 ingredients, my friends. A friend informed me about making this cake and raved about it...with good reason! A cake mix and a 15 oz can of pumpkin..nothing else - mix the two ingredients together and add to a 9x13 cake pan, bake at 350 until done. No eggs, no oil! I served it to my family for dessert, tonight...they loved it! My friend said that you can use any flavor cake mix. This is a must try recipe! I chose a spice cake, but I hear chocolate is great, also. I did add a thin layer of frosting, but a light dusting of powdered sugar would be less calories.

WooWHooooo!

That's how I am feeling this late Wednesday evening:) Sailed through my med pass test with no problems and I stayed calm through the entire pass... I almost forgot to flush my saline lock before hooking up my line, but caught myself. Prior to going in to the med pass, I found out that I got my highest grade ever, on Monday night's exam! I'm elated!

This has been a tough week, with one more late night, tomorrow. Feel like I haven't seen my family much this week. Friday night is going to be movie night & making homemade ice cream. Madison is itching to use her new ice cream maker. I just want to relax with my family.

I'm blessed with so many supportive, loving people in my life..truly blessed. My Mom made my family a beautiful dinner this evening and even sent a plate home for me. One of my classmates insisted on waiting for me to finish my med pass this evening. When I came out of the lab, there she was sitting in the hall, crocheting up a storm..waiting to hear my results. When I turned on my phone, I had an encouraging message from my friend & co-worker, Kay. Instead of playing my music loud and singing like a crazy woman this evening, I found myself driving down 17 at 9:30, in silence..feeling humbled by the support & kindness of so many people.

A little knitting before the test tonight

Nursing exam #3 this evening. For the past few tests, I was reviewing right up to five minutes before the exam..not this one. Karen could be seen knitting up a storm in the back corner. Didn't put the yarn away until the bubble sheet him my desk. Got a few more inches added on Madison's scarf. This technique really chilled me out. Date with the Simms man Wed. night for my med demo...wonder if Mr. Simms would care if I brought my string & sticks along?

Home by 7:30. Just in time to help Mads whip up chocolate chip cookies.

Earlier this month, I finally took some time and taught my niece, Emily, to knit-she's been patiently waiting. I created a little knitting monster..she was exhausted that evening, but didn't want to put her knitting down..so cute! She had about 6 inches of scarf done before she went to bed that evening.

And here is a picture of Jay's fingerless gloves. The next pair need to be a little bigger.

I'll miss those games...

Last evening ended the football season with Towanda having 28 and Montoursville having a lot more at this district playoff game.. We had heard that the opponents were huge - that wasn't a rumor. Logan is 6 foot & 200 pounds and many were bigger than him. A lot of tear-filled eyes and hanging heads as they made their way from the locker room..Those boys definetly wanted to keep playing. What saddened me was the fact that we have been watching several of those boys, including our own, play organized football since they were in 3rd grade..where did the time go? Logan has his mind set that he wants to play college ball. Who knows, he may have a chance at it. He's scheduled to take his SAT's in early December, then he can start applying to the colleges that he is looking at. In the next few weeks, we will be getting copies of all the taped games and get them edited and ready to send out. One thing is sure, he will have to become very familiar with two words..self discipline.

At the kitchen table

In the beauty seat this morning by 7:15 am for color & highlights, (thank you Mia!), then to the grocery store & back home by 11:00. In the mood for soup making. Decided on corn chowder & homemade beer bread, (used Jay's last can of brewsky). Since most of the day is devoted to studying for Monday's exam, I thought soup & bread would be the way to go.
I like to have several candles lit, when I study..not sure why..just do. Kitchen is smelling of soup, bread, & chardonnay scented candles. Table is covered with notes, books & Madison's art supplies & lit candles. Jay has been enjoying the day, as well..doing the "puttering" things that guys do, (washing vehicles, organizing stuff, admiring his work while drinking a beer, winterizing things).
Logan is on his way to Montoursville, for a district playoff game. Jay and I will leave around 5:00, to get down there for the 7:00 kickoff..should be exciting!




First time making the beer bread..so simple and very tasty! Check out the recipes, below.

Easy Beer Bread

• 3 cups of self-rising flour
• 3 T. sugar
• 1 12oz can of your favorite beer

Mix together just until blended. Drop mix into greased, 5x9 bread pan. Bake at 375 for 45-60 minutes..listen for "hollow" sound on bottom of pan. While warm, shine the top with melted butter.*I also added 1/2 c of oatmeal and 1 T of honey..might have been able to not use any sugar, and just use the honey.

Corn Chowder

• 3 cans of sweet corn
• 2 cans of cream of celery soup
• dices onion & carrots (to your liking)
• 3 or 4 potatoes, peeled & diced
• 4 or 5 pieces of bacon, fried & broken up
• 1 & 1/2 c whole milk or heavy cream
• 2 T flour (mix with enough hot water to be runny)
• salt & pepper
• cook in the crock pot on high for two hours, then simmer on low for a few more.

Enjoy your evening. Heading to Montoursville for an exciting football game!

VW Jetta..I think I want one

I've been buzzin up & down Rt 17 with this VW Jetta rental and it seems that the gas gage is hardly moving..I like this! Unlike the SUV that sucks up about $25 per trip. Since Logan wasn't old enough to have the rental, Mom gets the rental and Logan is driving my trailblazer. In & out of Mircro lab within 45 minutes tonight..not too shabby. Home by 8:00 pm..nice. Jay is currently taking on the task of cleaning out the fridge..I like that man.

Forgot to mention the results of last Friday's FB game..what a fun game that was! Towanda 35, Wyalusing 6. Here is Logan, after the game...I buy stock in Shout stain remover.

Goal is two chapters/day of readings for Nursing Today, Transitions & Trends. One chapter at 5:00 AM and one each evening..better get moving. I got my 5 am reading in this morning, now for this evenings..

Knitting update: working on the second of the wool fingerless gloves for Jay. Wanted to have had them done for our lunch date yesterday, but no chance..especially with all this reading.

My girlfriend sent me a picture of the "Lucy Evening Bag" that I made her for her 40th..she put it to good use on her recent trip to Mexico and I love that it is sittin' pretty between two glasses of Cabernet.

Happy Birthday Jay!

Awwh, honey..Cheer up..It's your birthday! You don't know it yet, but I took the day off from work to surprise you with a lunch date! Happy 43rd Birthday!

It has to be fate..

January, 2006, I sat by my Aunt as she fought her last week of ruthless cancer. I remember rubbing her hand and she said to me, "you are going to make a good nurse". I have never forgotten that moment. One week after my Aunt died, I started my first semester at BCC. More than once, I cried, recalling my Aunt's death experience to my classmates and Professor Jen. Several of my classmates cried with me. Just a few semester's ago, our lecture content covered death & dying, again, I broke down in my class when I told Instructor Barbara of my Aunt's final moments.
Today, I found out that I will spend my last clinical rotation of the BCC program on 5 main. The oncology/med surge unit where my Aunt was cared for. This has to be fate. From day one I have known that I wanted to be an oncology nurse, that hasn't changed - even with all the different clincal experiences that I have had. I wasn't even supposed to be in this last rotation at this hospital, I was supposed to be at Binghamton General. I asked to be switched, and was allowed. Until I arrived today, I thought I was just doing a straight med/surge rotation..I had no idea that I would get the opportunity to work in Oncology. We took a tour through the unit and I vividly remembered the last time that I had been there. I tried to tell my husband and parents of my experience, today..but found it hard to get the words out. The first person that I knew I wanted to tell of today's experience was my Aunt Maryann, but knowing that I would get emotional...it's easier to share my story here. It's fate. Life is amazing.

We are not having clinical on Sunday, so we had no patient contact today, just reviewing films, procedures, etc per hospital requirements. I look forward, when we return in two weeks, to giving the best care that I can give to my patient.

Thanking God

I was in my car, reviewing my microbiology notes for a 6:00 exam this evening. At 5:35 my cell phone rang and it was Jay letting me know that Logan had been in an accident. He was rear-ended while sitting with his turn signal on, waiting for a tractor trailer to come by so that he could turn. He was pushed out in front of the tractor trailer, but the trailer managed to get between him and the vehicle that hit him. Thank God no one was hurt. I'm sure Logan will be very sore tomorrow. With hearing that news, I got an instant stress headache. I managed to complete exam #2 in 26 minutes and headed home. Thanking God for watching over my son tonight.

The weather, ya think?

Totally exhausted today! No energy whatsoever..I'm thinking that maybe it's the gloomy weather. Micro lab was short & sweet tonight - in at 6:00 and out by 6:45. Still can't believe that I am actually enjoying that class. Home by 8:00 to find Madison baking cookies for her teacher's birthday, tomorrow. The laptop was on the island, (yikes) and she was following a recipe from Food Network for vanilla sugar cookies, while singing to The Jonas Brothers. She did a great job..really good cookies. My friend & co-worker brought me some pure vanilla from Mexico..what a difference that makes when baking.
As long as we are talking baking, I want to share an old family recipe for Apple Joy Cake. I made two for last Sunday's adventure. Not sure where the recipe originated from, but I do remember my Mom, Nana & Aunt Sandy making this cake. My Uncle Scott commented that "Ma stopped putting the glaze on because it was too sweet for me". He always referred to my late Aunt Sandy as "Ma". I was happy to have made something that brought back memories from the past and especially of my Dear Aunt. I love her.

APPLE JOY CAKE

3 eggs, beaten

Add to that: 1 1/2 c oil

2 c sugar

1t vanilla Stir well.

Add: 3 c flour

1t b. soda

1t salt

Beat all. Fold in 3 c chopped apples

and 1 c walnuts. Bake 1.5 hours at 350 in angel food pan.

Frosting: 1 c brown sugar, 1/4 c milk, 1 /2 stick butter

boil two minutes & pour over cake

OCTOBER POLL RESULTS: 14 votes & wine tasting wins the most votes, followed by a tie for a long drive & tailgate party. One person liked cutting wood, another liked apple picking, and two wanted a hayride. Stay tuned for November's poll next week(gobble, gobble)

I am so glad to have Wednesday off. I plan to catch up on my readings for nursing lecture and study for Thursday's Micro exam. We postponed Logan's senior pictures until a week from Wednesday, as the weather is supposed to be yucky tomorrow (wouldn't be good for outdoor shots). Making broccoli cheddar soup in the crockpot. Wednesday is such a crazy busy night at the Abbott house, the crockpot comes in handy. Madison has dance from 6:30 - 8:15. Logan comes home after school, but then returns for a late night practice. I will leave by 4:00, to get up to the college for lecture and then a late night lab.

Here is some of my new "stash" including the dark brown "fisherman's wool" that I purchased today to make Jay these for his birthday, next week. I think these will be perfect for him since he often works in harsh weather, but can't wear the bulky gloves. These mitts might go over well for hunting season, also. Madison's new LL Bean coat should be delivered tomorrow. The orange, variegated alpaca is for her scarf & hat. Emily's scarf is off the needles.

Searchin' for clues around the family farm!

A beautiful, fall day. A hotdog roast in a field that overlooks the farm. Family, lots of family. Laughter. Great food. After everyone enjoyed lunch, we all piled on a hayride, mules, kaboda's & rangers. My Dad had planned a special surprise for all of us! He handed us a piece of paper with our first clue of where to go. Clue #1 stated "by 3 poles". Up the power line we went, finding clue #2 at the top, on a pole. Clue # 2 stated "head to the north forty (meaning 40 acre field on the Red Rock Rd...I didn't know this on my own...had help...I probably would have turned my body north and took 40 steps), find the haybale for further instructions". Not only was this a ton of fun, this farm girl learned some things that I never knew about our homestead. Also, it was neat to revisit places that we played as children, and to hear stories from others, on some of their favorite memories of the farm. A total set of 12 clues had us covering just about every inch of the farm. The last clue led us to CHOCOLATE & WINE! Chocolate for the kids, and wine for the adults! This will be my last free weekend for awhile, as clinicals start back up next weekend. I feel "rejuvinated" after this weekend...I think I'm ready to take on my last round of clinicals...bring em' on!

where, oh where could this be....

more clues.....

My Dad gave "hints" on all of the clues..believe me, I would still be

in the woods if iIwould have had to figure this out on my own!

This picture (above) is going to make me smile all week long!

My Aunt Maryann figures out where the next clue is!

Love this picture!

I was amazed at the thought that my Dad put into this fun event - it was definetly enjoyed by everyone! Thanks Dad!

Our last clue led us to a big basket of candy, and a couple nice bottles of wine.

Happy kids...Happy adults!

Great Job Dad!

One tired little Anna after a long day of looking for clues....

Wine Trip

The rain didn't hold anyone back from enjoying the wineries today. Rasta Ranch was untouchable and poor little Tickle Hill was maxed out with eager wine tasters. Tons of limosines & buses. We ended up at five wineries for the day. Before getting started, Renee & I spent a little time at the Finger Lakes Fiber Shop while the guys visited the local pub. Came out well supplied with a cable needle & some hand painted wool, all set to try my hand at knitting socks, as well as some alpaca & wool for a scarf & hat to compliment Madison's new coat. I enjoyed shopping for yarn with Renee and dinner with friends, much more than the wineries. A little too crowded for me. The four of us have very different tastes for wine, I like the dry wines, ending with a semi-sweet, Jay likes beer, and the Grimes' list consist of semi-sweets, ending with what I consider syrup. We vowed to head back this winter when the fireplaces are lit and everything is blanketed in white.

I just realized that Jay and I have the house to ourselves this evening. Madison is at the Comfort Inn, spending the night at a birthday party and Logan just left to meet some friends. Now..this doesn't come around very often! wink, wink