Boo!

One more day until Halloween and my sis's 40th birthday. And if you're reading this, dear sister, I know I am still older than you!

Quick update on me- I had minor elective surgery on Monday and things are progressing well. I had my endometrium burned off. No plans for anymore kids and after 30 years of the monthly mess, I am ready for a break. I would love to have a vacation where Mother Nature didn't tag along. No matter how many times we planned the perfect get-away, I always seemed to be up in the room, cramping and moaning. Hopefully, this took care of everything and I can start enjoying my vacations with my family more.

Not much else to report except that the surgery put my holiday decorating on hold. Hubby is going to be out of town when it's time to take it down, so, once again, I got lazy this year. Oh, well... next year, hopefully, I'll give the neighbors something to talk about besides my awesome pumpkins.

Insanity Prevails

Well, I reactivated as a sub for our local school district. This falls into the category of "what are you thinking???" I'm thinking I need a little extra money for the holidays, especially in this economy. We'll see how it goes. Hubby says if it doesn't work out, I can always quit- again.

I haven't done as much, yet, for Halloween as I had hoped. Life just keeps happening around here. My mom came down and we went to the Neil Diamond concert earlier this week. We had a great time, too. My 78 yo mom is still one "Red Hot Mama!" During "Forever in Bluejeans," a man was walking by and mom stopped him and told him he couldn't leave during that song. So what does he do? He dances with mom and then at the end of the song gives her a huge kiss!! Way to go, Mom!! Hope I am as hot as you when I'm 78!!

As for the concert itself- it was fantastic. Neil Diamond certainly has a generous heart. He donated all the proceeds from merchandise sales at that concert to the Hurricane Ike Relief Fund. He also promised to make a matching donation. I feel less guilty about the money I spent, too. And here I was, gearing up for a rant about how the celebs haven't done a thing for Galveston, and Mr. Diamond goes and does this. Guess I'll save my rant for something else.

Halloween Musings...

...the war is on. A new neighbor moved in around the end of August. You have to understand- when it comes to Hallowen, I will NOT be outdone. She can have Christmas as I don't celebrate it being Jewish and all. But, leave Halloween for me. Honestly, my sis was born on the day, I'm a Friday the 13th baby (I was born on that day!) and my mom was born on the Ides of March (03/15, the day Casear was killed). Creepiness comes naturally.

My husband comes in Saturday morning after making a run to drop off some donations and tells me I am being outdone. Didn't anyone tell these people that I am the Queen of Halloween around here? I am the house that makes everyone else jealous. I will admit that last year I was in a slump- torn hamstring and all- but I am up and running this year. Man the torpedos, kids, mom's declared "War!" Just don't tell dad or he'll take my credit card away.

Survival and Other Things

...Such as what to do when gale force winds are howling outside. I crocheted through Hurricane Ike. The baby blanket is just a simple granny square and is small enough for a baby carrier that it won't flop over the edges and drag on the ground. I also madde baby crocs, an amigurami lemon and jellyfish and eyeballs. The jellyfish and eyes are for Halloween.

We were the lucky ones as far as Ike was concerned. Our power was out less than 12 hours and there was no damage to the house. All we had were a few small branches in the backyard which I made the kiddos clean up a few days after Ike blew through. They were out of school for 7 school days and finally went back on Sept. 23rd. It was like the first day of school all over again- an uniterrupted shower, a quiet nap, and no arguing over what we were having for lunch.

So now we are gearing up for our favorite holiday- Halloween. I found some great patterns over on etsy.com and have been crocheting like crazy. That's were I got the patterns for the stuff posted in the pics. I think the crocs are going to be a big hit with the person I made them for. I'll let you know.