Happy Halloween (305/366)

Well Hurricane Sandy may have delayed trick or treating in Green Tree, PA (and in many other towns from here to the Atlantic) but Ms. Leitch's 4th Grade Class was not having any of that!  I always love the creative ideas that the kids come up with.  Apparently Steve from Minecraft was a big winner this year as we had more than a few of them show up.  My favorite was two 5th graders who were dressed as a strip of bacon and a fried egg!

This is my favorite party to attend and I can't believe that next year will be the last.  Daniel went as a baseball player for the 3rd year in a row.  I love that his costumes have not cost me a penny and that means Shannon needs to do the same....LOL

Eat, drink and be scary!  
~Anonymous

Watching Over (304/366)

Today was a sick day.  Apparently whatever crud my kids have, they have shared and now I am feeling miserable.  Took the day to rest and we did watch Forrest Gump together.  I was glancing around the room for some photo ops, mostly because I did not want to get my ass out of my chair.  Then I spotted her.

This was a piece that dates back to my Partylite days.  She came out in the Holiday catalog one year, but since she came into my home, I keep her out all the time.  I would like to think that she has watched over us and during, what could have been a real mess with Sandy, kept us out of harm's way.

Angels have no philosophy but love
~Terri Guillemets

Rock, Leaves, Rain (303/366)

Sandy has come to town and so far I think we are lucky.  Lots of rain, wicked winds but that's it so far.  However, they are telling us this is just beginning and all through the night this could get worse.

Took a few shots of from the front porch before the rain and wind got really bad and before we lost the light of day.

I think carrying the camera tomorrow is a must!

Any proverbs about weather are doubly true during a storm
~Terri Guillemets

Pumpkin Dreams (302/366)

Today, our storm prepping involved hair cuts and buying pumpkins.  Not sure they will get much time outside with the weather that will be coming, but tomorrow is carve day!  Too early and they would have rotted, especially with the 80F weather we had last week or the deer would have had a snack.

Not sure what my pattern will be, but Dan has decided on a "typical" Jack-O-Lantern".  Shannon is up in the air and I think I am going for a Breast Cancer Ribbon.

Now this is all dependent on having power.  I am sure carving pumpkins in the dark is probably on the list of parental no-no.  So stayed tuned, the carving will be on display soon!

Oh yes you pretty pumpkins, your time has come!
~Me

Sandy (301/266)

Here we go again.  It's almost Halloween and nearing the end of Hurricane season and another mother of storm is about to descend on us.  Now all the fun is not supposed to start till Tuesday, but this is our payback for 6 days of absolutely beautiful weather last week.

As we headed out again this afternoon to run some errands, the rain and winds began.  So before Mother Nature blows it all away, I caught this shot and I really loved how the drops stood out on the Oak leaf.

Now that the blog is done early, I can curl up in a freshly made bed and watch the Exorcist on IFC.

What did on hurricane say to the other?
I've got my "eye" on you

Thanks Dave! (300/366)

Today we celebrated the retirement of Dave Goetz.  Dave is the Goetz in Lewis-Goetz, which is the company I have worked for since 2006.  Lewis-Goetz purchased the company that I had worked for since 1985.  As a corporate employee, things usually don't go well in acquisitions because, who needs two corporate offices?

I was asked by the management of Lewis-Goetz to move to Pittsburgh.  It took a few weeks to think about it and decide.  Kids, house, moving, new schools, new co-workers, new everything, there was a lot to consider but eventually the decision was made and 6+ years later, I knew it was the right decision to make.

Dave and his team have built a great company to work for with great people to work with.  Dave had a vision and now, in 2012, that vision is a reality and it's time for him to move on to the next challenge in his life, retirement.

We heard a lot of great speeches and stories today.  We smiled and laughed today.  Friends from the past came back to celebrate with us.  Tears were shed, but they were happy tears.  It was a great day to be a member of the Lewis-Goetz family, even for those of us who have been here a relatively short time.

So here's to you Dave!  Thank you for the opportunities you have afforded me within this family we call Lewis-Goetz.  May you and MarySue enjoy this next chapter in your lives.  You both deserve it!

A retired husband is often a wife's full time job!
~Ella Harris

IHEARTMYBODY (299/366)

October 25th, 2012, IHEARTMYBODY Day.  It's a movement I read about just yesterday on the fat mum slim blog that I follow.  In simple terms, this is a day to celebrate who you are and loving your body.  I know for me, loving that body is not an easy thing but I am getting there.

I was never the pretty, skinny girl that everyone wanted to date or be in the "cool cliques".  Now, that is not saying I didn't have dates/boyfriends and I made and still have some great friends from my childhood years.  But I always fantasized about being that "hot" chick.  You know the one.  She would make men just drool.  All I wanted (back then) was 24 hours as "HER" and all I really wanted to be able to do, is to turn them all down.  If I was not good enough for them as ME, why should they be good enough for ME now?

Then I grew up.  Then I got married, had kids, lived life.  Then I learned there was more to me than looking hot in a mini skirt and heels (it's still a goal though..lol)  What I learned was most important was being happy with who I am as a person and being healthy.  Those things have moved me to do what I love doing and sharing it and getting back into shape.  I have also come to the realization that a shape for me will never be 120lbs without an ounce of body fat and now I am OK with that.

So this is me on IHEARTMYBODY day.  I hope that next year, now that I know the day, I can be a little more prepared and a little more creative with my post.

IHEARTMYBODY, do you?  If so, don't be afraid to share : )

http://weheartlife.com/2012/10/ihmb-2012/

Growing Old (298/366)

Over the past few days, when I took my walk at the Green Tree Park, I noticed these trees with the most interesting pattern on the leaves.  Now, not all the leaves are colored or pattern in this matter and in fact, there are at least a half a dozen of these tree and not all have this same (dis)coloring pattern.

So today, I took the camera with me and captured a few shots, which almost look like badges to me.  Now I need to figure out what tree this is.  I thought it was a crab apple, but I am not sure.  If you know, please let me know!

How beautifully leaves grow old.  How full of life and color are their last days.
~John Burroughs

The View From Here (297/366)

The #FMSPhotoaday challenge today was The View From Here.  Today was one of those amazing sky days.  The shot I took for my Facebook post was just beautiful from 5 stories up and tonight, when I was out for my walk, did not disappoint.  Dropped the kids at CCD and headed across to Green Tree Park to get my walk on and this time, I kept the iPhone with me.

It was well worth the time to stop and take the shot.

Home Improvements (296/366)

And so it began.  Today was Day 1 on the Face Lift I was giving my house.  Now other than the fact that currently there are no gutters or shingles on the house, it all pretty much still looks the same.  Everything except the partial wall between the split levels.  All the peeling paint had been scraped and readied to be wrapped and vinyl sided.  I know this is not normally exciting stuff,  but it's my first big home improvement project and I am just a wee bit excited to see how it all turns out!

I am sure my neighbors are breathing a sigh of relief that I am finally doing something with the exterior but with two kids and what was a bad economy, we all did what we had to, to get by.

More shots to come over the next week or so.  Weather is going to be perfect for the end of October and I don't think we could have hand picked it any better.  Thursday is looking to be sunny and almost 80F!!!  Gotta love Indian Summer!

May the roof above us never fall in and may we good companions beneath it, never fall out!
~Irish Blessing

Nature Center (295/366)

I was inspired today by two people I follow on G+ and after a very busy morning, I picked up Daniel and we went over to the Green Tree Nature Center.  I wanted to break in my 10-22mm lens and see what beauty we could find.

Lots of amazing shots but this turned out to be my favorite.  The colors were just amazing and I was loving what the lens was giving me.  This is definitely going to be a favorite lens on our big trip!

Today's challenge word in #FMSPhotoaday was Calm and I am most calm when I am out enjoying Nature and preserving it with my camera.

Autumn is a season followed immediately by looking forward to Spring.

~Anonymous

Too Pretty To Eat (294/366)

I think next year I need to plant some of these.  They are so pretty and will make a nice boarder in my yard.  We saw these as we were leaving the Choir Bake Sale today.  Yeah, I got sucked into spending what little bit of my lawnmower money was left on baked goods, that for the most part, I can't enjoy anyway....LOL

Cabbage: A familiar kitchen vegetable about as large and wise as a man's head.
~Ambrose Bierce

Color Duo (293/366)

My two favorite colors in fall.  Golden yellow and orange.  As I was walking around working on my challenge word for today's #FMSPhotoaday, I came across this dual colored leaf in my garden.  Something so simple and yet so much beauty.  This time of year, Mother Nature never fails to impress!

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.
~Anonymous

Fall at Foster Plaza (292/366)

It was a very early morning today as Daniel was still not at 100% after a bout of what I thought was the flu.  We were lucky to get the 1st appointment of the day and come to find out, he was either at the  very beginning or very end of Strep Throat.  The Dr. even commented that he was the healthiest (and happiest) sick kid she had ever seen.  And we won't mention that he was upset that he has to miss school again....LOL

When we first arrived at our destination, building 5 Foster Plaza, the sun was just coming up and the colors were becoming vivid and we took a quick shot.  However, we had more color and light after the appointment was over and Dan was all about stopping to catch the shot.  I really hope I can steal some time this weekend to do some leaf peeping!

Autumn is the second Spring, when every leaf is a flower.

Parking Lot Sunset (291/366)

This time of year I think I really need to carry a camera with me even when I am out for my walk.  The sky tonight as I was getting my 5K in before Dan's game, was absolutely amazing.  By the time I finished, the dramatics were gone but still a lot of beauty.

Not sure what I going to when there is no more baseball.....LOL

Dream Reflections (290/366)

Got out for a nice 4 mile walk today at Green Tree Park and I kept noticing these great reflections in the leftover puddles from yesterday's rain showers.  Now when I am out walking, I don't carry my cell or my camera.  On my last lap I decided to see if I could get anything good out of it.  It wasn't what I wanted but I know to pay attention to the rain now and the lighting before I head to the park.

With a few edits in BeFunky, I think I got something fun and almost dream like.

All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.
~Friedrich Nietzsche

Monday Night Lights (289/366)

Headed downtown tonight with two colleagues for a "working" dinner. Jeff, Rich and Mike always make for an enjoyable time.

Dinner at the Capital Grille was amazing but the funniest line came when we were having a nightcap. Rich, who always has something to say announced to me and the bar "You are the only woman in my life that I have known this long that I have not had sex with".

God Luv Him!!!

Riley Says Hi! (288/366)

After what was to be the LONGEST trip ever from State College to home, we unpacked and then I took a few moments to get out back and take some photos.  We are having an absolutely beautiful day today with about 70F and breezy and I could not pass it up.

I was finding the last little bits of color in my garden and our neighbor's dog, Riley was outside enjoying herself too!  I sometimes miss having a pet but now that I have kids, who, I can barely get to help out and keep their rooms clean, I don't need one more thing that demands my time and attention.  So we will enjoy the neighbors pets.  I hope over the next few weeks that I can introduce you to George and Dakota as well!

Properly trained, man can be a dog's best friend!
~Corey Ford

The Nittany Lion (287/366)

I took my first overnight trip with Shannon's girl scout troop and we headed east to State College to do a tour of Penn State's Campus, then a visit to Penn's and then back for some well deserved deliciousness at the Berkey Creamery.

We did have a great tour by our Lion Ambassador Brian and one of our stops along the way was at the Lion Shrine.  This Shrine was dedicated by the class of 1940 and is guarded by the Lion Ambassadors during all home games to prevent any vandalism.

This is the most photographed spot on campus and of course we had to take our moment.  I set the shot up and then our Lion Ambassador did the honors.  I think it still counts since I did all the work...LOL

WE ARE.......PENN STATE!

On The Table (286/366)

It was time to venture out and get some new winter clothes, something I have not done in a few years.  I had not taken a lunch all week so I got out to get some fresh air and sun and headed to Kohl's to indulge in some retail therapy.  Now, to put this all into perspective, Shannon and I were just in this very Kohl's last Sunday and none, I repeat NONE of these things were anywhere to be seen.

So here's what I want to know, who decided that early October was the time to get out the Christmas decorations????  Seriously people, the calendar said October 12th, not December 12th.  I don't even have Halloween handled and you are tossing Christmas at me?  Is this in hopes that I will spend more and spend longer?  I will give you a little hint, the answer is NO!

Can we enjoy Fall?  Can I get through Halloween and then at least get close to Thanksgiving?

Please?!?!

This was also part of the #FMSPhotoaday challenge for Day 12 -On The Table

Close Up (285/366)

Today's challenge in the #FMSPhotoaday photography challenge that I now enjoy doing each day.  It was great to get out and take some shots today because the only thing I was "up close" to today was Excel Hell.

This leaf was on my steps and was very out of it's element because the only tree in my front yard is a small Dogwood.  The colors were vivid and the veins reminded me of a road map.  One clear path yet a lot of options along the way that could take you to more interesting places.  Kind of like Life.

Of course it does sorta look like my hands.  Lines and wrinkles from the test of time...LOL

Nobody grows old simply by living a number of years.  We grow old by deserting our ideals.  Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.
~Samuel Ullman

Clouds (284/366)

After a gloomy start to our day today, the sun came out and we had some interesting cloud formations.  I still get cloud envy when I look at other photographer's sky shots but I have come to think that it's not so much the sky as it is the editing.  I must learn to layer!

The sun always shines above the clouds.
~Paul F. Davis

Turkey In The Mist (283/366)

I took the day off to do a major empty of the basement and garage, but when I got back from the bus stop, I noticed Tom in my back yard.  He looked cool in the fog and apparently since he can't reach the actual bird feeder, he had to eat the leftovers that the birds drop to the ground.  I could only get so close but I gotta say, for as much as I love turkey, they are one UGLY bird!

Later in the morning, I had to run upstairs for a pair of scissors and notice about 10 in my yard, all by the bird feeder.  Had the garage door guy waiting on me, so no time for pictures but damn, all the fun I miss while at the office!

A turkey never voted for an early Christmas!
~Irish Proverb

It's All Brass, Man! (282/366)

Daniel decided that he wanted to play an instrument this year and his choice was the Trombone. I thought I was at the end of my relationship with Volkwein's, but apparently NOT.  Now, he can get air through it, he can make sounds but I think he needs longer arms (or a shorter slide).  However, his enthusiasm is without measure and for that, I have to just smile and enjoy!

There are two types of people on this earth and Trombone players are better than both of them
~Anonymous

Blue Jay Way (281/366)

The rain held off overnight so when I got up, we had a lot of bird action in our yard.  The first bird was a woodpecker and while I did capture him, it was through the screen and I was not at all pleased with the outcome.  Then of course we had a few robins and various others but my favorite was a pair of Blue Jays.  I captured one up in the trees and one down on the ground under our dogwood.

Shots like this are when I wish I had a 400mm or 500mm lens but this shot was my favorite of the two.  Now that the butterflies are on their way south, I will stick with the birds that will frequent the yard over the winter.

Soon will be the break of day
Sitting here in Blue Jay Way
~The Beatles

No Place Like Home (280/366)

A crisp fall day and nothing better than some Fall Baseball!  Our Green Tree team was taking on Bridgeville and going for yet another win.  Now, the field we were at is not the easiest to get too but I always love what the Bridgeville coaches do with the kids Fall Ball shirts!

This was the first inning and their right fielder was waiting for the game to begin and what a game it was.  Very close till the very end when Daniel tied the game with a sacrifice fly and then Francis came through and with another sacrifice to take the lead 4-3. They held them in the bottom of the 6th and it was over!  Ice Cream and chips to all the kids for a game well played!

And yes, there is no place like home.....

Yarn Bombing (279/366)

I love anything pumpkin.  Coffee, bagels, roll, pie, etc.  If it's made with pumpkin I know I am going to like it.  A few days ago there is a young girl in the elevator of the Parking Garage in her Yogli Mogli shirt as she works for the new Frozen Yogurt shop down the street.  Well somehow the topic of flavors came up and she said they had Pumpkin.  My eyes lit up as did my taste buds.

I had a good food day(ie, I behaved with my caloric intake) and I sent a message out for anyone in the office wanting to join me for a quick walk to the new store.  Michelle and Kelly joined me and on our way down the street I saw the strangest thing.  Doily's wrapped around the light pole and what looked like a small blanket wrapped around another.  I had to stop and take a pictures.  Michelle said she had heard about this kind of thing and of course, she was Googling as soon as we got back to the office.

It's called Yarn Bombing and it started in the US in 2005 by Magda Sayeg who put a knit cozy on her businesses door knob and it sorta caught on.  It's a form of graffiti or street art and apparently it's hit Pittsburgh.  Never saw anything like this until today but it's kind of cool!  And hey, if you get cold, these are about scarf size....go for it!

For more info...check it out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yarn_bombing

Home Improvements (278/366)

The time has come to start doing things to the house.  The very first thing is the exterior because it needs work.  All new gutters, downspouts, soffit, fascia, shutters and a new roof.  Then we move on to a new garage door.  By the time that's all done, it will be time to move inside and I have a floor guy coming this weekend because I need to understand the cost of what I want done upstairs and in the living room and dining room.  The entry way and the kitchen are going to have to wait a bit.

This shot is of the soffit area on my porch.  Yes, it's that bad.  I can't wait to have it all be NO MAINTENANCE and for my house to not look like the "white trash" house on the street.  Before and after pics will most definitely be taken and shared!

Fire In The Sky (277/366)

Sometimes you just had to stop and look at the beauty of nature.  Tonight, while watching one of Dan's game, more than a few of us took time to capture this moment.  Even Dan's coach told all the boys to check it out.

Then of course, the only thing that came to mind was Deep Purple's "Smoke On The Water".  And since that song is stuck in my head now, I will share the love with you all........LOL

Smoke on the water and fire in the sky
Smoke on the water......
~Deep Purple

Bursting With Color (276/366)

It rained most of today and when I took the kids to CCD tonight, I honestly thought I had to go to the monthly PFO meeting for Aiken.  I was early so I took a few moments with my iPhone and shot some of the flowers in the garden outside the school.  The color in these lovely flowers was amazing and really brightened what had been a dreary, gray day.

Now, what was also funny was that the PFO meeting is next week...LOL  I so need a secretary.

Orange is the happiest color!
~Frank Sinatra

October 1 (275/366)

It was a crazy day today and picture taking was at a premium.  When I finally got home and had some dinner, I took a stroll up the street to see if I could find something fun.  First time I have taken the 7D out in these conditions so I was hoping to see what it can do.  If the weather had been nice I might have shot the moon, but Mother Nature was having none of that.

So most of my neighbors have all their Fall and Halloween decorations out and while disturbing George, our neighbors dog, I took a few shots of the neighbor's home.  The Foreman's always give out glow sticks for the kids to wear while trick or treating and it's the first place we go.

I am hoping the kids are not into dressing up this year but I think I will be trekking up our hill and down again for an hour while they collect more calories than we know what to do with!

The farther we have gotten from the magic and mystery of our past, the more we've come to need Halloween.
~Paula Curan