It's 2 days later and I went back to work this afternoon. I totally didn't want to go, but I had to get back on the proverbial bike again. I was pretty much a nervous wreck. I won't get graphic here. I still have my headache, but it has subsided in intensity somewhat. On the way to work, I had to make a stop at the Police Dept...
What fun. I had the lovely chore of ID'ing the sons of bitches today. Thankfully I only had to look at photos. I freaked at photos. I can't imagine what my reaction would have been had I had to face them. I also had to ID the merchandise and their clothing - also by photographs. The merchandise was blood spattered. DISGUSTING. When it came to the picture of the shirt the one guy was wearing, I lost it. I don't know if I mentioned the shirt before or not. The one that did the actual robbery was wearing a t-shirt with a face on it. His jacket was unzipped and the eye of the face was starring at me the whole time I was "waiting" on him. It freaked me out the whole time he was there and it freaked me out when I saw the photo. I made the detective turn it over right away. I started to shake as soon as I saw it. Then after seeing the photos of the clothes they were wearing and the merchandise, I had to look at the photos of them. It didn't take more then a nano-second to recognize them.
If this goes to trial, and if I have to testify, I am going to have an attack of some sort, will probably vomit and lose other bodily fluids as soon as I see them. The detective told me he didn't think it would come to that, since they were on parole already, they had some of the jewelry on them, they were on a high-speed chase, they evaded a police officer, they caused a car crash, they had criminal tools on them, this was a felony robbery and I am sure they can find more charges to add to the list. I hope they do. They were sent to County Jail and were probably already on the way to state prison when I was at the P.D. Keep praying they are locked up until they are too old to walk any longer.
I also found out an interesting tidbit. The store across the way from us, watches out for us. The guy there noticed the 2 scary men walking back and forth in front of the store. He was watching us from his doorway, phone in hand, so if they actually came in and it looked wrong, he was going to call the police. Well, just before they walked in, his back door buzzer rang with a delivery. He was at his back door when he saw them run past and was able to get a description of the get-away car.
I also learned that the first name of one of the robbers is Uranus. Just proves what an asshole he is.
I hope I can get past all of this. I still have to work there. I am going to try and take next week off. I need to try and get my head together. I have not been able to sleep, so I am soooo tired. I keep seeing that face and the eye starring at me and the shiny thing coming towards me. I keep thinking that if it was a gun, I would have been shot in the back. If I hadn't seen it coming, and ran, I would have been sprayed with glass. I am thankful it wasn't worse. It could have been. But, it was bad enough.
I think I have had enough tsoris. I think it is time that things start working out in my favor. Don't you?
Until next time...goodnight
Friday, March 30, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
NO HA-HA'S TODAY
I had a HORRIBLE day today, to cap off a pretty crappy week. An even scarier thought it that the week isn't even over yet. What next?
At around 11:30 this morning the men I was waiting on, robbed the store. I was never so scared in my entire life. It was a "smash and grab", where they smashed the case and grabbed the jewelry. Thank god, I or the others were not hurt physically. Emotionally, I am pretty F'D up right now. I had a bad feeling about them, and trusted my instincts. My employee had the same feeling and positioned herself by the phone. As soon as she saw something going down, she called 911.
I was behind the glass case and they were in front of the case, as is usual. I saw one reach in his pocket and pull something out. It was shiny and I thought it was a gun, and I turned and RAN into the back room and slammed the door. I saw Mary Ann was already on the phone calling 9-1-1. In reality it was an awl and they were smashing the case and grabbing the stuff.
I was rather hysterical - shaking and crying. I couldn't stop shaking. I admit, now 8+ hours later, I am still shaky. I feel like I have had the wind knocked out of me.
The Aurora PD was on it really quick and they caught the "suspects". Please pray they plead guilty. The last thing I want to do is testify in a trial and have to look them in the face ever again. They tossed some of the jewelry before getting caught, but they had some on them when caught, they are on video-tape and they left blood on some glass in the case. There were also a lot of people that saw them run out of the store and our UPS driver almost ran them over. Too bad almost only counts in horseshoes.
I am tired. Really, really tired. When does all the insanity end. When do things start to go my way? This has been a crappy year - the fire, Pfaltzgraff, the closing of this store and now this. Anyone wanna take a couple of punches?
Until next time...goodnight
At around 11:30 this morning the men I was waiting on, robbed the store. I was never so scared in my entire life. It was a "smash and grab", where they smashed the case and grabbed the jewelry. Thank god, I or the others were not hurt physically. Emotionally, I am pretty F'D up right now. I had a bad feeling about them, and trusted my instincts. My employee had the same feeling and positioned herself by the phone. As soon as she saw something going down, she called 911.
I was behind the glass case and they were in front of the case, as is usual. I saw one reach in his pocket and pull something out. It was shiny and I thought it was a gun, and I turned and RAN into the back room and slammed the door. I saw Mary Ann was already on the phone calling 9-1-1. In reality it was an awl and they were smashing the case and grabbing the stuff.
I was rather hysterical - shaking and crying. I couldn't stop shaking. I admit, now 8+ hours later, I am still shaky. I feel like I have had the wind knocked out of me.
The Aurora PD was on it really quick and they caught the "suspects". Please pray they plead guilty. The last thing I want to do is testify in a trial and have to look them in the face ever again. They tossed some of the jewelry before getting caught, but they had some on them when caught, they are on video-tape and they left blood on some glass in the case. There were also a lot of people that saw them run out of the store and our UPS driver almost ran them over. Too bad almost only counts in horseshoes.
I am tired. Really, really tired. When does all the insanity end. When do things start to go my way? This has been a crappy year - the fire, Pfaltzgraff, the closing of this store and now this. Anyone wanna take a couple of punches?
Until next time...goodnight
Monday, March 26, 2007
!!!! TIME FOR SOME LAUGHS !!!!!
Thanks to my friend Linda in L.A. I copied these from an email she sent and I laughed until my side hurt!! No offense intended to any of you lawyers out there!!
These quotes are from a book called Disorder in the American Courts, and are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters that had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.
ATTORNEY: What is your date of birth?
WITNESS: July 18th.
ATTORNEY: What year?
WITNESS: Every year.
ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.
ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget.
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?
ATTORNEY: How old is your son, the one living with you?
WITNESS: Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can't remember which.
ATTORNEY: How long has he lived with you?
WITNESS: Forty-five years.
ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said, "Where am I, Cathy?"
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan!
ATTORNEY: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in voodoo?
WITNESS: We both do.
ATTORNEY: Voodoo?
WITNESS: We do.
ATTORNEY: You do?
WITNESS: Yes, voodoo.
ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty year old, how old is he?
WITNESS: Uh, he's twenty
ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Would you repeat the question?
ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Uh....
ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death.
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was terminated?
ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people? WITNESS: All my autopsies are performed on dead people.
ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral.
ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy on him!
ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
WITNESS: Huh?
And the best for last...
ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: But could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law!
They made me laugh out loud and I hope they made you laugh as well.
Until next time...goodnight!!
These quotes are from a book called Disorder in the American Courts, and are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters that had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.
ATTORNEY: What is your date of birth?
WITNESS: July 18th.
ATTORNEY: What year?
WITNESS: Every year.
ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.
ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget.
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?
ATTORNEY: How old is your son, the one living with you?
WITNESS: Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can't remember which.
ATTORNEY: How long has he lived with you?
WITNESS: Forty-five years.
ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said, "Where am I, Cathy?"
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan!
ATTORNEY: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in voodoo?
WITNESS: We both do.
ATTORNEY: Voodoo?
WITNESS: We do.
ATTORNEY: You do?
WITNESS: Yes, voodoo.
ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty year old, how old is he?
WITNESS: Uh, he's twenty
ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Would you repeat the question?
ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Uh....
ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death.
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was terminated?
ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people? WITNESS: All my autopsies are performed on dead people.
ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral.
ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy on him!
ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
WITNESS: Huh?
And the best for last...
ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: But could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law!
They made me laugh out loud and I hope they made you laugh as well.
Until next time...goodnight!!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
THE JIG IS UP
You have probably heard the expression "the jig is up". Have you heard the expression "the gig is up?"
Well my friends, my gig is up. I just found out today that I am losing my job. Yep, it's true, I will again be unemployed. I am still kind of in shock, but not totally. The writing has been on the wall and I am not stupid, but, it is still hard to accept and digest. It came so fast - I found out today and liquidation starts tomorrow. I have until the end of July.
Irony is ironic!! I lost my job at Pfaltzgraff the end of July last year. I had lots of plans for this spring / summer. Stuff I didn't do last year because I knew I was losing my job. I guess I have to wait again. I never re-painted after my fire, since I didn't want to use that money in case I didn't find a job. I have been looking at scorch marks for a year. I guess I will have to look at them for another year. I am kind of used to them by now. They are modern art by this point.
Oh well, life goes on. At least I learned some new things and got some new jewels along the way. I am going to try and put a concerted effort into not stressing out too much. I will count on my blog buddies to let me vent when I need to.
Until next time...goodnight!
Well my friends, my gig is up. I just found out today that I am losing my job. Yep, it's true, I will again be unemployed. I am still kind of in shock, but not totally. The writing has been on the wall and I am not stupid, but, it is still hard to accept and digest. It came so fast - I found out today and liquidation starts tomorrow. I have until the end of July.
Irony is ironic!! I lost my job at Pfaltzgraff the end of July last year. I had lots of plans for this spring / summer. Stuff I didn't do last year because I knew I was losing my job. I guess I have to wait again. I never re-painted after my fire, since I didn't want to use that money in case I didn't find a job. I have been looking at scorch marks for a year. I guess I will have to look at them for another year. I am kind of used to them by now. They are modern art by this point.
Oh well, life goes on. At least I learned some new things and got some new jewels along the way. I am going to try and put a concerted effort into not stressing out too much. I will count on my blog buddies to let me vent when I need to.
Until next time...goodnight!
Monday, March 19, 2007
HO HUM
I have been trying to sleep and it has been evading me, so what else is there to do? Blog, of course.
I can't believe I can't sleep, I am so darn tired. Maybe too tired. I think I may even resort to an Advil PM for some aide. My doctor had prescribed some Ambien CR when my back blew our, but with all the stories in the news, I am afraid to take it. Who knows what moronic things I may end up doing in my sleep!..... I do enough moronic things when I am awake.
I have a lot of things going through my head that are troubling me, maybe that is what is making me so tired and unable to sleep. I wish I could write about all of them here, but I can't. I have to censor myself here. They always say to be careful what goes on your blog, because your employers may find out the truth about you!!! I guess that same philosophy goes for employees!
I am having a hard time being a Weight Watcher. I don't think I am really "off the wagon" but I am having "stick to it" issues. It is not the program itself I have issues with. It is a great program and I am a huge (no pun intended) fan of it. The issue I am wrestling with is my disdain over the fact that I have a food illness. When I eat the foods I like and want, I get fat. I want to be able to eat whatever I want and not get fat. I want to eat whatever I want and not have to worry about getting fat affecting my back. I want to eat whatever I want and not have to worry about the fatness increasing my blood pressure. I am craving things I haven't allowed myself to have in a very, very long time. ONION RINGS...RIBS...FRIED CHICKEN...MAC n CHEESE...HOT FUDGE SUNDAE...CHEESEBURGER ON A REAL BUN...FRIES.
Yes, I can have them, in an appropriate portion and account for it with my points allocation, but I want a bigger portion and not have to think about it or the after-effects. oy
I am also wrestling with myself over a wedding this summer. I know it is a long way off, but it is out of town and I have to think of making arrangements soon. I really want to go. It is going to be in San Fran and it will be a beautiful event. I will get to see my friends again and that is the best part. Being asked to share in the event is very special. I will also get to spend some time with my cousins that live in the Bay area. The problem I am having is the expense involved. The wedding is at the Fairmont hotel. I am looking at $200+ a night times at least 2 nights. Plus the airfare, ground transportation, dress (and acoutrements) and gift. I am looking at over $1000 dollars for what will be a few days. OY. I also have another wedding in Sept., also out of town. I can drive to that one, but there is still hotel, dress (although I plan on wearing the same dress as the other wedding), gas, wedding gift and shower gift. This is going to be close to $400. OY, OY.
In a couple of weeks, is the anniversary of my fire. I am kinda freaking out about that one, too. I don't want to be here on that night. I know that nothing will happen again, but I still have a fear about being here that night. I have a certificate for a night at a hotel and I may use it that night. That is the same week last year that I found out I was losing my job with Pfaltzgraff. It was a wonderful week.
Wasn't this a pleasant blog entry to read? Thanks for letting me vent.
Until next time...goodnight!
I can't believe I can't sleep, I am so darn tired. Maybe too tired. I think I may even resort to an Advil PM for some aide. My doctor had prescribed some Ambien CR when my back blew our, but with all the stories in the news, I am afraid to take it. Who knows what moronic things I may end up doing in my sleep!..... I do enough moronic things when I am awake.
I have a lot of things going through my head that are troubling me, maybe that is what is making me so tired and unable to sleep. I wish I could write about all of them here, but I can't. I have to censor myself here. They always say to be careful what goes on your blog, because your employers may find out the truth about you!!! I guess that same philosophy goes for employees!
I am having a hard time being a Weight Watcher. I don't think I am really "off the wagon" but I am having "stick to it" issues. It is not the program itself I have issues with. It is a great program and I am a huge (no pun intended) fan of it. The issue I am wrestling with is my disdain over the fact that I have a food illness. When I eat the foods I like and want, I get fat. I want to be able to eat whatever I want and not get fat. I want to eat whatever I want and not have to worry about getting fat affecting my back. I want to eat whatever I want and not have to worry about the fatness increasing my blood pressure. I am craving things I haven't allowed myself to have in a very, very long time. ONION RINGS...RIBS...FRIED CHICKEN...MAC n CHEESE...HOT FUDGE SUNDAE...CHEESEBURGER ON A REAL BUN...FRIES.
Yes, I can have them, in an appropriate portion and account for it with my points allocation, but I want a bigger portion and not have to think about it or the after-effects. oy
I am also wrestling with myself over a wedding this summer. I know it is a long way off, but it is out of town and I have to think of making arrangements soon. I really want to go. It is going to be in San Fran and it will be a beautiful event. I will get to see my friends again and that is the best part. Being asked to share in the event is very special. I will also get to spend some time with my cousins that live in the Bay area. The problem I am having is the expense involved. The wedding is at the Fairmont hotel. I am looking at $200+ a night times at least 2 nights. Plus the airfare, ground transportation, dress (and acoutrements) and gift. I am looking at over $1000 dollars for what will be a few days. OY. I also have another wedding in Sept., also out of town. I can drive to that one, but there is still hotel, dress (although I plan on wearing the same dress as the other wedding), gas, wedding gift and shower gift. This is going to be close to $400. OY, OY.
In a couple of weeks, is the anniversary of my fire. I am kinda freaking out about that one, too. I don't want to be here on that night. I know that nothing will happen again, but I still have a fear about being here that night. I have a certificate for a night at a hotel and I may use it that night. That is the same week last year that I found out I was losing my job with Pfaltzgraff. It was a wonderful week.
Wasn't this a pleasant blog entry to read? Thanks for letting me vent.
Until next time...goodnight!
Friday, March 16, 2007
MARCH 17
Wishing all my Irish and wanna-be Irish friends a HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!
We are all Irish at this time!
If you party - - party safely. Don't drink and drive.
If you pig out on corned beed and cabbage, remember, there is a lot of sodium in corned beef, so drink lots of water before getting on a scale!
Have a fun day (and night).
Until next time...goodnight!
We are all Irish at this time!
If you party - - party safely. Don't drink and drive.
If you pig out on corned beed and cabbage, remember, there is a lot of sodium in corned beef, so drink lots of water before getting on a scale!
Have a fun day (and night).
Until next time...goodnight!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
HUH??????
HUH? I don't get it. I was a fervent American Idol watcher this season, but I did start again the last couple of weeks. Last week, I think it was, the viewers sent home Sundance and kept Sinjaya (sp?) on. I was confused. Tuesday night, Sinjaya was worse then awful. Brandon was not impressive and he did forget his lyrics, but he has way more talent. Then tonight comes around with the results show and who is left standing???? SINJAYA. Ok, he's a cute kid, in a 70's kind of way. He can probably be good with time and training, but he is wasting the space of someone that is more talented and could possibly actually win the show (even though we know it is going to be Melinda!) My friend Joni must have been right when she said that the 877 number to call in to vote is still free from India!
My favorites so far this year are Melinda, LeKisha, Blake and Chris Sligh.
The other thing that irks me are the judges. They are so frickin contradictory. They always use the same worn out line that they need to "make it their own", yet Tuesday, when Chris and Blake had the songs re-arranged to "make it their own" they were told to leave the songs as the classics they were! What the F is up with that. I am sick of the lines that they use and they need to come up with some new tag lines. And ones that actually make sense.
On a pleasant note, we have had interesting weather the last 2 days. Yesterday it was close to, if not, 70 degrees. It was awesome. We left the doors open at work. I even left and forgot to take my jacket with me! Today it was in the 60's. We started the day with some heavy rains. It ended by noon-ish, then by about 5, it actually got sunny. By 9:30, it started raining, then lightening and then pouring! We are expecting snow by tomorrow or Friday! We are experiencing all 4 seasons in 2 days!! Welcome to Cleveland!
All for now.
Until next time...goodnight!
My favorites so far this year are Melinda, LeKisha, Blake and Chris Sligh.
The other thing that irks me are the judges. They are so frickin contradictory. They always use the same worn out line that they need to "make it their own", yet Tuesday, when Chris and Blake had the songs re-arranged to "make it their own" they were told to leave the songs as the classics they were! What the F is up with that. I am sick of the lines that they use and they need to come up with some new tag lines. And ones that actually make sense.
On a pleasant note, we have had interesting weather the last 2 days. Yesterday it was close to, if not, 70 degrees. It was awesome. We left the doors open at work. I even left and forgot to take my jacket with me! Today it was in the 60's. We started the day with some heavy rains. It ended by noon-ish, then by about 5, it actually got sunny. By 9:30, it started raining, then lightening and then pouring! We are expecting snow by tomorrow or Friday! We are experiencing all 4 seasons in 2 days!! Welcome to Cleveland!
All for now.
Until next time...goodnight!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
DREAMING OF ITALY
I have been obsessing over Italy these last few days. I so want to go back again. Oh, like tomorrow would be soon enough! I always knew I wanted to go again, and I am hoping to go in a year and half from now, but lately, I can't stop thinking about it. Last night, I was bored (as if I couldn't find 18 other things to do) so I started playing on Google. By the way, I think Google is the coolest thing there is! I digress. I started looking at all kind of things relating to Bugnara and Sulmona and the surrounding areas. (I even looked at the surnames of the residents of Bugnara!!)
Sulmona and Bugnara are two of the areas we visited, where Mary's family is from. They are in the L'Aquila area of Italy, in the Abbruzi mountain region. Sulmona is a city and Bugnara is a village. According to the 2000 census, Bugnara has 1200 residents. We stayed in Sulmona. Sulmona is famous for it's Cumbets (candy coated almonds that you may know as jordan almonds) and we got them at the factory. They definitely tasted better then any bag of jordan almonds I ever had. Sulmona also is known for it's goldsmiths. Yes, even then I liked jewelry! If, no WHEN , I go back, I am not going to buy a bunch of junk souveniers, just a whole lot of gold jewelry! The prices are phenomenal. I got some awesome things last time, but not enough! Sulmona also has great Italian donuts!
I also looked up the hotel we stayed at. Now, I use the term hotel very loosely! It was an ancient house turned into a hotel. I think the owner said it was built in the 16th century. Very old and I suppose some would call it quaint. Well my friends, it was confirmed on a website via Google that it was indeed a 1 STAR hotel!! I believe that was a generous rating!
Bugnara is a picturesque village. There is piazza and churches and hills and of course the requisite small town bars! Everyone knows everyone. We were famous in the town - The Americana's. All the elders knew Mary's parents from when they were kids and it was really kind of cool. As we entered the town, a few people saw us and came to see who the strangers were. They, of course, knew Mary's parents and by the time we got up the hill to the "main" streets, everyone knew we were there!!
Bugnara is not spoiled. Sure, the younger generation have the modern conveniences, like cell phones and computers and the internet, but the town itself is not at all spoiled. We walked around and picked figs off the trees. And almonds. There were no pesticides to worry about, since they were just hanging out - growing wild and free.
Mary's Aunt and Uncle are farmers / shepards. Yes, shepards still exist!! Everything that they prepared for us was fresh. I mean FRESH. (I had to laugh, because everywhere we went, they offered us Mayonnaise!) I won't get too graphic and tell you about the roast lamb! The fruits and veggies were right out of the garden. The prosciutto was home made, the cheese was home made as was the olive oil and the wine. WHEN I go back, I want to go up the mountain and see the sheep and watch Mary's cousin make the Pecorino (YUMMO) cheese he makes! And the hospitality was just as un-spoiled. Even though I spoke no Italian and they spoke no English, we had no problem communicating. There was a universal language of smiles, hugs and kisses on both cheeks! Even to this day, the family always asks Mary or her parents how "Marina" is and when I am coming back! Thanks to the World Wide Web (and Google language tools) we can communicate via emails!
Everywhere we went in Italy, we found the people to be very gracious. (except for one bitchy lady on the eurorail from Florence to Rome, and the fake Gladiators that rip you off for photos on the way to the Colessium!) I read some things in travel books that were sort of scary, but we walked everywhere, at all hours of the day and night, and never felt threatened or scared. We asked multitudes of people for directions and they happily obliged. We made "friends" with lots of other American tourists throughout (except Sulmona and Bugnara, since they are not tourist areas) and it was just a pleasant experience all the way around. Even the cab drivers we did use were nice! Not surly, like the New York cabbies I have experienced!
I think I should probably consider going to bed, since it is almost 2 am, but I think I will send an email to Italy! Another time I will tell you about the out-house and other bathroom related stories (they are not gross!) and Venice (not only famous for it's canals and Murano glass, but pesky mosquitos!) and Florence and of course Roma!
ciao for now!
Until next time...goodnight!
Sulmona and Bugnara are two of the areas we visited, where Mary's family is from. They are in the L'Aquila area of Italy, in the Abbruzi mountain region. Sulmona is a city and Bugnara is a village. According to the 2000 census, Bugnara has 1200 residents. We stayed in Sulmona. Sulmona is famous for it's Cumbets (candy coated almonds that you may know as jordan almonds) and we got them at the factory. They definitely tasted better then any bag of jordan almonds I ever had. Sulmona also is known for it's goldsmiths. Yes, even then I liked jewelry! If, no WHEN , I go back, I am not going to buy a bunch of junk souveniers, just a whole lot of gold jewelry! The prices are phenomenal. I got some awesome things last time, but not enough! Sulmona also has great Italian donuts!
I also looked up the hotel we stayed at. Now, I use the term hotel very loosely! It was an ancient house turned into a hotel. I think the owner said it was built in the 16th century. Very old and I suppose some would call it quaint. Well my friends, it was confirmed on a website via Google that it was indeed a 1 STAR hotel!! I believe that was a generous rating!
Bugnara is a picturesque village. There is piazza and churches and hills and of course the requisite small town bars! Everyone knows everyone. We were famous in the town - The Americana's. All the elders knew Mary's parents from when they were kids and it was really kind of cool. As we entered the town, a few people saw us and came to see who the strangers were. They, of course, knew Mary's parents and by the time we got up the hill to the "main" streets, everyone knew we were there!!
Bugnara is not spoiled. Sure, the younger generation have the modern conveniences, like cell phones and computers and the internet, but the town itself is not at all spoiled. We walked around and picked figs off the trees. And almonds. There were no pesticides to worry about, since they were just hanging out - growing wild and free.
Mary's Aunt and Uncle are farmers / shepards. Yes, shepards still exist!! Everything that they prepared for us was fresh. I mean FRESH. (I had to laugh, because everywhere we went, they offered us Mayonnaise!) I won't get too graphic and tell you about the roast lamb! The fruits and veggies were right out of the garden. The prosciutto was home made, the cheese was home made as was the olive oil and the wine. WHEN I go back, I want to go up the mountain and see the sheep and watch Mary's cousin make the Pecorino (YUMMO) cheese he makes! And the hospitality was just as un-spoiled. Even though I spoke no Italian and they spoke no English, we had no problem communicating. There was a universal language of smiles, hugs and kisses on both cheeks! Even to this day, the family always asks Mary or her parents how "Marina" is and when I am coming back! Thanks to the World Wide Web (and Google language tools) we can communicate via emails!
Everywhere we went in Italy, we found the people to be very gracious. (except for one bitchy lady on the eurorail from Florence to Rome, and the fake Gladiators that rip you off for photos on the way to the Colessium!) I read some things in travel books that were sort of scary, but we walked everywhere, at all hours of the day and night, and never felt threatened or scared. We asked multitudes of people for directions and they happily obliged. We made "friends" with lots of other American tourists throughout (except Sulmona and Bugnara, since they are not tourist areas) and it was just a pleasant experience all the way around. Even the cab drivers we did use were nice! Not surly, like the New York cabbies I have experienced!
I think I should probably consider going to bed, since it is almost 2 am, but I think I will send an email to Italy! Another time I will tell you about the out-house and other bathroom related stories (they are not gross!) and Venice (not only famous for it's canals and Murano glass, but pesky mosquitos!) and Florence and of course Roma!
ciao for now!
Until next time...goodnight!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
HA HA HA!!!
Five tips for a woman....
1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on & doesn't lie to you.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.
Foot Note:
One saggy boob said to the other saggy boob:
"If we don't get some support soon, people will think we're nuts."
Thanks to my friend Lindas, in CT. for the above laughs. There is a third laugh, but I am saving it for another post.
Had a delightful lunch yesterday with the cousins and "adopted" cousins Ralph and Janice. We went to Cameron Mitchell's Fish Market. I had the garlic shrimp and a 1/2 of cup of lobster bisque. It was yumm-o! When it came time for dessert, I was so damn good, it shocked even me. There was banana bread pudding and key lime pie floating around and I didn't even have a taste! I did indulge in a cappuccino (they didn't have fat-free milk, but it was still better then the desserts!) and I didn't even feel deprived! You know me and java - can't say no.
Was back to work today. Woke up to a whole bunch of snow and a list of school closings. Is spring ever going to get here? The weatherman has threatened us by saying we may get close to 50 somewhere at the end of the weekend. I think he is a big fat liar!
Cher, how is Amy doing? Have you talked to Abby lately? Off on Monday and Thurs. next week, maybe we can do coffee?
Yaakova, did you get back to Florida ok? How is Nina doing?
Julie, I hope you are feeling better soon. Pink is a pretty color, but not for your eyes!
Danielle, where are you?
Sharon, I am getting to leave at 5 on the 17th, so I can go to Elaine's for St. Paddy's! YAY!
Until next time...goodnight!
1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on & doesn't lie to you.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.
Foot Note:
One saggy boob said to the other saggy boob:
"If we don't get some support soon, people will think we're nuts."
Thanks to my friend Lindas, in CT. for the above laughs. There is a third laugh, but I am saving it for another post.
Had a delightful lunch yesterday with the cousins and "adopted" cousins Ralph and Janice. We went to Cameron Mitchell's Fish Market. I had the garlic shrimp and a 1/2 of cup of lobster bisque. It was yumm-o! When it came time for dessert, I was so damn good, it shocked even me. There was banana bread pudding and key lime pie floating around and I didn't even have a taste! I did indulge in a cappuccino (they didn't have fat-free milk, but it was still better then the desserts!) and I didn't even feel deprived! You know me and java - can't say no.
Was back to work today. Woke up to a whole bunch of snow and a list of school closings. Is spring ever going to get here? The weatherman has threatened us by saying we may get close to 50 somewhere at the end of the weekend. I think he is a big fat liar!
Cher, how is Amy doing? Have you talked to Abby lately? Off on Monday and Thurs. next week, maybe we can do coffee?
Yaakova, did you get back to Florida ok? How is Nina doing?
Julie, I hope you are feeling better soon. Pink is a pretty color, but not for your eyes!
Danielle, where are you?
Sharon, I am getting to leave at 5 on the 17th, so I can go to Elaine's for St. Paddy's! YAY!
Until next time...goodnight!
Sunday, March 04, 2007
ALMOST AWAKE!
ZZZZZZ. I suppose it is time to wake up. I have been back for a couple of days, and even back to work, yet I feel like I have been sleepwalking, sleeptalking, sleepworking, etc... In order to try and overcome the sleepiness, I am playing yuppie and sitting here in the Arabica Coffee house. I have my yuppie props decorating the set - ginormous java juice, lappy and cell phone. The only thing missing is an ashtray, but it is a non-smoking in public state. I think I should move.
How was Chi-town? Thanks for asking. It was a whirlwind. Yes, it was windy and due to that very wind, I returned to the comfort of my home waaaaaay later then expected. More on that later. I will give a BRIEF day - by - day. Aren't you glad you asked?!!!!
TUESDAY - Got up in the middle of the night (5 am) got to the airport, checked in and WAITED. My flight was delayed an hour. We had snow here and in Chicago. Had to be de-iced again on the runway. (Deep sigh) Got to O'Hare. Shlepped to United's terminal, about 1/2 - 3/4 miles to find Linda. Shlepped to the train. Got downtown. Shlepped 6 blocks to the office. Looked like Dorothy after the tornado. Got to the office almost an hour late. OH WELL. After meetings, shlepped 2 1/2 blocks to hotel to check in (6:30 pm Central time). Shlepped 4 blocks to dinner. Shlepped 4 blocks back to hotel. Did I mention I did a boat load of shlepping today? Did I mention it was fricking freezing? Did I mention most of the shlepping included luggage? Did I mention that it was wicked windy? Night-night - 1:15 am (central time)
WEDNESDAY - Get up 6:10 am when Linda's husband called. (growl at this time!!) Meet a bus at the hotel door at 8:30 to go to Kenosha, Wisconsin. Shlepped a block for coffee, since there wasn't going to be any on the bus. Not too bad. After lunch (pizza) we were told to put on our coats, we were going to do a recruiting exercise. We then had to walk around the mall for 1.5 hours. Did I mention it was BITTER COLD and we were not made aware of this in advance. No scarf, no gloves, no hat. What a lovely day. GRRRRRRRR. Leave Kenosha around 6 for a great, no GREAT dinner. They out did themselves on this one. I even ordered a Cosmopolitan! Had a melt in your mouth filet mignon, mashed taters, green beans, broccoli, shrooms, rice, cheesecake, fruit crisp, coffee, wine...oh my god...dinner was decadent. What is Weight Watcher's? I guess all the shlepping and shivering was worth it, since according to my scale, I didn't gain anything!!
THURSDAY - 6:00 wake up call. GRRRRR. Freezing still. Raining / snowing. Shower time. NO HOT WATER. BIGGER GRRRRRR.Called engineering. Reply - "It is really cold outside." DUH. Just when a hot shower would do the trick, I get to take a frezzing shower. I love to shiver in the shower!! Meetings till 2:30 pm. Shlep back to the hotel to claim our luggage. On the way, finally get to shop (actually only look) at the State Street Ultra store. How gorgeous. Change into jeans and sweatshirt and tennis shoes and shlep to the EL and off to O'Hare (in the rain). Arrive at O'Hare at about 5 pm. Shlep (with luggage) to United and say good-bye to Linda and continue on to the Continental terminal. WAIT IN LINE. Guess what? FLIGHT CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER. no No NO NO. I just wanna go home. They can re-book me on Friday at 3:55 pm. I don't think so. Then I think of Linda, if her flight is cancelled, she will be totally panicked and ready for a straight-jacket. I call her. Her flight is still flying to Cleveland - delayed - but still going. Back to Continental. Wait in line. Ask if I can change to United. They are RUDE, but print off my ticket and send me shlepping back to the United terminal. Get back to United. WAIT IN ANOTHER LINE longer then Pippi's stockings. YIPPEE. I can get on stand-by for Linda's flight, now scheduled for 7:55 pm (it is now almost 7 pm) The ticket agent says I have time to go outside and have a smoke-a-roonie! She is my new best friend in the whole wide world. So, off I shlep to gate C-17, but first I have to go thru security................
....I now have a 1-way ticket....SPECIAL SCREENING!!! I get pulled out of line. The screener chick asks me if I had to wait in a long line. I told her how many different long lines and she goes "Oh, dear lord, you're ok, just go!" So I gather my stuff, put my shoes back on and off to C-17 again. YAY, I am there - but the flight crew isn't. Still not. Still not. Still not. Flight delayed until 9:20 pm for a flight crew to arrive.
FINALLY get to Cleveland at 11:47 EST. BIG SIGH. However, my stand-by luggage is somewhere in baggage and takes its good ol' time getting on the belt. I don't get luggage until , oh around 12:30 am. HOME SWEET HOME. 1 AM.
Was the trip worth it? Yeah, I learned a few new things. I ate some spectacular food, I made some new friends and I passed out a lot of business cards at the airport!
I am glad to be home, and even gladder (that IS a word, because I said so) to be off today, tomorrow and Tuesday!
Cher, I hope Amy is feeling better. Give her a huggy for me.
Sharon, I still have us penned for Tuesday. Talked to Elaine. I told her to bring Anthony along!
Julie, I am glad you are voyeuring here!
Yaakova, just sending you a hello
Danielle, sending you a g'day, too!
Sara, congrats.
Until next time...good afternoon!
How was Chi-town? Thanks for asking. It was a whirlwind. Yes, it was windy and due to that very wind, I returned to the comfort of my home waaaaaay later then expected. More on that later. I will give a BRIEF day - by - day. Aren't you glad you asked?!!!!
TUESDAY - Got up in the middle of the night (5 am) got to the airport, checked in and WAITED. My flight was delayed an hour. We had snow here and in Chicago. Had to be de-iced again on the runway. (Deep sigh) Got to O'Hare. Shlepped to United's terminal, about 1/2 - 3/4 miles to find Linda. Shlepped to the train. Got downtown. Shlepped 6 blocks to the office. Looked like Dorothy after the tornado. Got to the office almost an hour late. OH WELL. After meetings, shlepped 2 1/2 blocks to hotel to check in (6:30 pm Central time). Shlepped 4 blocks to dinner. Shlepped 4 blocks back to hotel. Did I mention I did a boat load of shlepping today? Did I mention it was fricking freezing? Did I mention most of the shlepping included luggage? Did I mention that it was wicked windy? Night-night - 1:15 am (central time)
WEDNESDAY - Get up 6:10 am when Linda's husband called. (growl at this time!!) Meet a bus at the hotel door at 8:30 to go to Kenosha, Wisconsin. Shlepped a block for coffee, since there wasn't going to be any on the bus. Not too bad. After lunch (pizza) we were told to put on our coats, we were going to do a recruiting exercise. We then had to walk around the mall for 1.5 hours. Did I mention it was BITTER COLD and we were not made aware of this in advance. No scarf, no gloves, no hat. What a lovely day. GRRRRRRRR. Leave Kenosha around 6 for a great, no GREAT dinner. They out did themselves on this one. I even ordered a Cosmopolitan! Had a melt in your mouth filet mignon, mashed taters, green beans, broccoli, shrooms, rice, cheesecake, fruit crisp, coffee, wine...oh my god...dinner was decadent. What is Weight Watcher's? I guess all the shlepping and shivering was worth it, since according to my scale, I didn't gain anything!!
THURSDAY - 6:00 wake up call. GRRRRR. Freezing still. Raining / snowing. Shower time. NO HOT WATER. BIGGER GRRRRRR.Called engineering. Reply - "It is really cold outside." DUH. Just when a hot shower would do the trick, I get to take a frezzing shower. I love to shiver in the shower!! Meetings till 2:30 pm. Shlep back to the hotel to claim our luggage. On the way, finally get to shop (actually only look) at the State Street Ultra store. How gorgeous. Change into jeans and sweatshirt and tennis shoes and shlep to the EL and off to O'Hare (in the rain). Arrive at O'Hare at about 5 pm. Shlep (with luggage) to United and say good-bye to Linda and continue on to the Continental terminal. WAIT IN LINE. Guess what? FLIGHT CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER. no No NO NO. I just wanna go home. They can re-book me on Friday at 3:55 pm. I don't think so. Then I think of Linda, if her flight is cancelled, she will be totally panicked and ready for a straight-jacket. I call her. Her flight is still flying to Cleveland - delayed - but still going. Back to Continental. Wait in line. Ask if I can change to United. They are RUDE, but print off my ticket and send me shlepping back to the United terminal. Get back to United. WAIT IN ANOTHER LINE longer then Pippi's stockings. YIPPEE. I can get on stand-by for Linda's flight, now scheduled for 7:55 pm (it is now almost 7 pm) The ticket agent says I have time to go outside and have a smoke-a-roonie! She is my new best friend in the whole wide world. So, off I shlep to gate C-17, but first I have to go thru security................
....I now have a 1-way ticket....SPECIAL SCREENING!!! I get pulled out of line. The screener chick asks me if I had to wait in a long line. I told her how many different long lines and she goes "Oh, dear lord, you're ok, just go!" So I gather my stuff, put my shoes back on and off to C-17 again. YAY, I am there - but the flight crew isn't. Still not. Still not. Still not. Flight delayed until 9:20 pm for a flight crew to arrive.
FINALLY get to Cleveland at 11:47 EST. BIG SIGH. However, my stand-by luggage is somewhere in baggage and takes its good ol' time getting on the belt. I don't get luggage until , oh around 12:30 am. HOME SWEET HOME. 1 AM.
Was the trip worth it? Yeah, I learned a few new things. I ate some spectacular food, I made some new friends and I passed out a lot of business cards at the airport!
I am glad to be home, and even gladder (that IS a word, because I said so) to be off today, tomorrow and Tuesday!
Cher, I hope Amy is feeling better. Give her a huggy for me.
Sharon, I still have us penned for Tuesday. Talked to Elaine. I told her to bring Anthony along!
Julie, I am glad you are voyeuring here!
Yaakova, just sending you a hello
Danielle, sending you a g'day, too!
Sara, congrats.
Until next time...good afternoon!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)