OK, I ventured back to the grocery store. Why? I know, I know, there's plenty of food in the house, in fact more than we need, but you see I needed...OK, really *wanted* a rainbow roll. So, don't have this in the house, *must* have it, need to go to store! I did at least plan it well, arriving just after 11am, when I know the sushi is just being made and put out fresh, before the lunch traffic and rush. Was it worth the trip? Ab...so..lutely!!!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
For the love of a Rainbow Roll
OK, I ventured back to the grocery store. Why? I know, I know, there's plenty of food in the house, in fact more than we need, but you see I needed...OK, really *wanted* a rainbow roll. So, don't have this in the house, *must* have it, need to go to store! I did at least plan it well, arriving just after 11am, when I know the sushi is just being made and put out fresh, before the lunch traffic and rush. Was it worth the trip? Ab...so..lutely!!!
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Because I wanted to...
I didn't have to go to the store because as I bragged before, I am finished with all my holiday shopping and I have enough groceries to last until we leave for Aruba.
So truth be told, I wanted to go shopping. Now that my desk has been put together, I decided to take a quick trip down to IKEA to pick up this chest organizer thing that fits perfectly between the shelves of the desk. 
I haven't had time to get anything organized in the desk yet and we still need to get a new computer monitor before the computer can be moved, but I love my new desk.
Now you may think that a quick trip to IKEA is impossible, and that's sort of true, but I have a secret way to avoid the crowds and make my shopping trip easy. If you want to shop when the store is virtually empty, shop Monday through Thursday and arrive there when they first open. At least here at the Atlanta store, if you do that, there will be more employees in the store than shoppers and everyone is looking to help you.
Now, no one can go shopping at IKEA and only buy one item and I'm no different. I spotted this adorable monkey and her baby and knew they were perfect for Baby S's jungle room.
In addition I found a really pretty vanity mirror that I absolutely needed for the guest bedroom, thus another purchase added to the buggy. On my way out the door, I did stop and pick up a few of the chocolate bars that Eammon loves so much. That way he too got something out of the shopping trip, other than just the bill.
Over the past few months I have recovered from my addiction of stalking the postman. I now will be away for two weeks without a computer, thus I will have to go cold turkey and
break my blog stalking addiction, so in their place my newest obsession is Sudoku. I only started doing these puzzles in the past week, but already I am almost finished with my first book of 76 puzzles. So, while I was out
shopping, I decided to drop in at the book store and get a new book that I can work on while sunning on the beach. This book has 200 puzzles including the 9x9 puzzles that I have been doing, as well as jigsaw and triplex grids.
Then, just so Eammon wouldn't feel left out, I found a book of Kakuro, which is even more brutal than Sudoku. I love how this book rates the difficulty of the puzzles, It starts out at Level 1 Delicious, moving on to level 2 Pernicious, continuing to Level 3 Malicious and finally ending at Level 4 Vicious. Hopefully this will keep Eammon entertained as he lounges on the beach.
So truth be told, I wanted to go shopping. Now that my desk has been put together, I decided to take a quick trip down to IKEA to pick up this chest organizer thing that fits perfectly between the shelves of the desk. 
I haven't had time to get anything organized in the desk yet and we still need to get a new computer monitor before the computer can be moved, but I love my new desk.
Now you may think that a quick trip to IKEA is impossible, and that's sort of true, but I have a secret way to avoid the crowds and make my shopping trip easy. If you want to shop when the store is virtually empty, shop Monday through Thursday and arrive there when they first open. At least here at the Atlanta store, if you do that, there will be more employees in the store than shoppers and everyone is looking to help you.
Now, no one can go shopping at IKEA and only buy one item and I'm no different. I spotted this adorable monkey and her baby and knew they were perfect for Baby S's jungle room.
In addition I found a really pretty vanity mirror that I absolutely needed for the guest bedroom, thus another purchase added to the buggy. On my way out the door, I did stop and pick up a few of the chocolate bars that Eammon loves so much. That way he too got something out of the shopping trip, other than just the bill.Over the past few months I have recovered from my addiction of stalking the postman. I now will be away for two weeks without a computer, thus I will have to go cold turkey and
break my blog stalking addiction, so in their place my newest obsession is Sudoku. I only started doing these puzzles in the past week, but already I am almost finished with my first book of 76 puzzles. So, while I was out
shopping, I decided to drop in at the book store and get a new book that I can work on while sunning on the beach. This book has 200 puzzles including the 9x9 puzzles that I have been doing, as well as jigsaw and triplex grids.
Then, just so Eammon wouldn't feel left out, I found a book of Kakuro, which is even more brutal than Sudoku. I love how this book rates the difficulty of the puzzles, It starts out at Level 1 Delicious, moving on to level 2 Pernicious, continuing to Level 3 Malicious and finally ending at Level 4 Vicious. Hopefully this will keep Eammon entertained as he lounges on the beach.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Updated look
I decided that my header was boring and that I needed something new, so I contacted Julie who created a new and wonderful look for my blog. Thank you so much for creating such a fun header and for explaining how to make it all work. Hugs, hugs, hugs...Thanks!!!
Spoiled again
Today I received a wonderful package, full of ladybug items, from my CCAI Secret Pal.
There were two books for Baby S, Ten Little Ladybugs and The Grouchy Ladybug. Eammon and I both can't wait to snuggle with Baby S and read the books to her.
Also in the package was the cutest ladybug cell phone charm. I'd never heard of a cell phone charm but after speaking to friends who knew what they were, I feel old and behind the times. But now, I'm hip and I have one too!
There were two books for Baby S, Ten Little Ladybugs and The Grouchy Ladybug. Eammon and I both can't wait to snuggle with Baby S and read the books to her.
Also in the package was the cutest ladybug cell phone charm. I'd never heard of a cell phone charm but after speaking to friends who knew what they were, I feel old and behind the times. But now, I'm hip and I have one too!
Saturday, November 26, 2005
No More food!!!
Wednesday at the aquarium, Eammon ate something that he must be allergic to, because by the time we were leaving he was starting to feel quite ill and by the time we got home he was covered in hives. Poor guy spent Wednesday evening in bed popping antihistamines and rubbing on cortisone cream, while my parents and I dined on leftover chili and prepared the ingredients for my Thursday morning cooking.
Thursday started early as I made tapenade tarts, sweet potato gnocchi in a browned butter sage sauce, pumpkin cheesecake squares, white chocolate raspberry almond fudge, cranberry cake and chocolate raspberry squares. Eammon soaked in the bath, lounged outside in the sun for a bit, tried to get himself going, but in the end, he was still too wiped out to go to our friends home for T-day dinner. So, my parents and I left poor Eammon tucked in bed as we went with home cooked goodies in hand, and enjoyed a lovely and delicious Thanksgiving dinner with about 40 other people at Al & Anita's home. I love holidays at the homes of friends. Not too much family around to cause depression, no childhood angst or repressed rage rearing it's ugly head, just people you choose to be around, an excellent way to spend holidays.
Eammon was so disappointed that he missed out on a really wonderful dinner, but nice wife that I am, I cooked a repeat turkey dinner on Friday. I made turkey, stuffing, roasted potatoes, pecan crusted sweet potatoes and a corn souffle just so that he could have all the goodies of Thanksgiving. Friday's dinner was wonderful but now I am so sick of the taste and smell of anything and everything Thanksgiving, that it will be salad for me for a few days. Eammon still wants his favorite, leftover turkey soup, so that will be the last thing I have to make and will do that this morning.
My parents visit was nice, they were here for six days. At 5:45 this morning, I was driving them to the airport so that they could fly off to Aruba where later this afternoon they will start recuperating from being here, by laying on the beach and relaxing.
Monday, my Dad and I put together my new IKEA computer desk so it was nice to get those boxes out of the family room. I was hoping that during their visit, my dad and Eammon would get the crib assembled, but with Eammon sick for three days, that didn't happen. At the rate of referrals, I don't feel too pressed for time in getting the crib assembled, but would like to get it done already. Maybe over Christmas that will be our project getting us used to putting things together, in preparation for all the assembly needed toys and bicycles in our future.
I haven't decided if I'm even going to decorate the house for Christmas this year. Usually I have the house decorated well before Thanksgiving, because we generally leave for Aruba two days after Thanksgiving, and don't return until a few days before Christmas. But this year we hadn't planned on going away, so I thought I would hold off on decorating until the beginning of December. Now with the change of plans, I have just a week until we fly off, and I have so many things to organize and get done. I just don't have the time, patience or energy to decorate. Then, we get back a couple of days before Christmas, and do I really want to put all the stuff out, only to have to pack it away a few days later. When we return from out trip, I may go buy one of those tabletop Charlie Brown Christmas trees and call it a holiday. Right now I have a week to get myself organized and packed before I can rest on the beach reading my books and indulging in my newest obsession, sudoku.
Thursday started early as I made tapenade tarts, sweet potato gnocchi in a browned butter sage sauce, pumpkin cheesecake squares, white chocolate raspberry almond fudge, cranberry cake and chocolate raspberry squares. Eammon soaked in the bath, lounged outside in the sun for a bit, tried to get himself going, but in the end, he was still too wiped out to go to our friends home for T-day dinner. So, my parents and I left poor Eammon tucked in bed as we went with home cooked goodies in hand, and enjoyed a lovely and delicious Thanksgiving dinner with about 40 other people at Al & Anita's home. I love holidays at the homes of friends. Not too much family around to cause depression, no childhood angst or repressed rage rearing it's ugly head, just people you choose to be around, an excellent way to spend holidays.
Eammon was so disappointed that he missed out on a really wonderful dinner, but nice wife that I am, I cooked a repeat turkey dinner on Friday. I made turkey, stuffing, roasted potatoes, pecan crusted sweet potatoes and a corn souffle just so that he could have all the goodies of Thanksgiving. Friday's dinner was wonderful but now I am so sick of the taste and smell of anything and everything Thanksgiving, that it will be salad for me for a few days. Eammon still wants his favorite, leftover turkey soup, so that will be the last thing I have to make and will do that this morning.
My parents visit was nice, they were here for six days. At 5:45 this morning, I was driving them to the airport so that they could fly off to Aruba where later this afternoon they will start recuperating from being here, by laying on the beach and relaxing.
Monday, my Dad and I put together my new IKEA computer desk so it was nice to get those boxes out of the family room. I was hoping that during their visit, my dad and Eammon would get the crib assembled, but with Eammon sick for three days, that didn't happen. At the rate of referrals, I don't feel too pressed for time in getting the crib assembled, but would like to get it done already. Maybe over Christmas that will be our project getting us used to putting things together, in preparation for all the assembly needed toys and bicycles in our future.I haven't decided if I'm even going to decorate the house for Christmas this year. Usually I have the house decorated well before Thanksgiving, because we generally leave for Aruba two days after Thanksgiving, and don't return until a few days before Christmas. But this year we hadn't planned on going away, so I thought I would hold off on decorating until the beginning of December. Now with the change of plans, I have just a week until we fly off, and I have so many things to organize and get done. I just don't have the time, patience or energy to decorate. Then, we get back a couple of days before Christmas, and do I really want to put all the stuff out, only to have to pack it away a few days later. When we return from out trip, I may go buy one of those tabletop Charlie Brown Christmas trees and call it a holiday. Right now I have a week to get myself organized and packed before I can rest on the beach reading my books and indulging in my newest obsession, sudoku.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Can you say fish?
Today,
my parents, Eammon and I attended the grand opening of the Georgia Aquarium. For all of you who have asked where I get my dark complexion, check out my father! We arrived just before the doors opened at 9:00am to find hundreds of people in the queue. After having our bags inspected and being checked with the security wands, we entered the aquarium. Right away you enter through two wall aquariums filled with beautiful fish. Of course this is only a taste of what is to come. The aquarium is divided into five galleries. For me, the best exhibit was the Cold Water Quest which contained an 800,000 gallon habitat for the Beluga Whales. The picture above does little to show the beauty of these animals. They seemed to dance in the water and seemed so playful.
Speaking of playful, I tried, but couldn't keep my parents off the kiddy rides...Those playful kids, getting ready for their grand-daughter!
After we dragged the parents off the mermaid, we entered our second gallery, 
Ocean Voyager.
This gallery was awesome with a tunnel below 30 feet of water. In this six million gallon saltwater gallery, there were approximately 100,000 fish including the ocean's largest fish, the whale shark. 
After seeing all the big fish, we then went to the food court, where my father got up close and personal with the biggest fish of all, Bernie Marcus, founder of the new Georgia Aquarium.
After lunch we continued our visit going into the Tropical Diver gallery. Here we saw the largest living reef of any aquarium in the United States.
We also saw a mesmerizing display of jelly fish, with the Sea Nettle Jellies being my favorite.
Our next gallery was River Scout. Here again there were fish above and below. It was neat how they showed the river above us, check out the catfish in the display above everyone's head. 
The final gallery was called Georgia Explorer. Here they had a large play area for children with numerous touch tanks full of horseshoe crabs, stingrays, sharks and conch. 
Our visit ended with us waiting in the parking garage for the arrival of AAA. On our way to the aquarium, we got a flat tire. We realized this just before we were exiting the highway, and decided to put the problem off until our visit was complete. AAA came, replaced the tire and we were on our way home.
If you are planning a trip to Atlanta, make sure to visit what is now the world's largest aquarium.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Bonfire night
Saturday night was the fourth get together of local summer LID families. This time we met at the home of Sonia and Hugh for a bonfire chili night. It was an absolutely perfect, cold, crisp evening with clear skies. It was a blast 
sitting around the bonfire with everyone, chatting and having a great time. Especially fun was to watch Seth and Eammon, being little pyros, seeing how big they could build up the fire. Sonia made 2 different kinds of chili, 
both of which were wonderful, and I added my Fruit & Nut Turkey Chili to the mix. We also had grilled hot dogs & kielbasa, mac & cheese, various dips, appetizers, desserts, hot mulled cider and of course s'mores. Delicious food all around. Thank you Sonia & Hugh for hosting a fabulous evening!Lisa's Fruit and Nut Turkey Chili
2 T. olive oil
3 c. onions, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey
3 T. chili powder
3 T. ground cumin
2 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 T. hot curry powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 28-oz. cans crushed tomatoes
2 4-oz. cans diced green chili peppers
2 med.Granny Smith apples, core, peeled and chunked
1/2 c. raisins
2 15-oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 c. slivered almonds, toasted
cheddar cheese
sour cream
In large pot, saute onions in the olive oil until golden brown. Add the garlic and the ground turkey, cook until the turkey is browned. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, cocoa, curry powder and cinnamon. Cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute to bring out the aroma of the spices. Add the tomatoes, chili peppers, apples and raisins stir to mix in well. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook one hour, stirring occasionally. Add the black beans and almonds, heat thoroughly. Serve with cheddar cheese and sour cream.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Toes in the sand
Sixteen out of the past 20 years, I have spent the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas soaking up the sun, obtaining a deep, dark winter tan, as I basked on the pink sand beaches of Aruba. Eammon, being the very white English/Irish boy that he is, has spent 6 out of the past 8 years we've been together, soaking up the sun, obtaining a distinctively pink-milky-white color as he basked on the very same Aruba beach.
But this year, we decided to forgo our beach holiday because we expected to travel to China before Eammon's vacation year ended on April 30th. It was worth saving most of his vacation time for a trip that was far more important and special than another trip to paradise. But, delays in referrals now make travel to China before the end of Eammon's vacation year impossible.
So, last night Eammon and I were talking, saying how bummed we each were over the referral delays. I complained about how I am not enjoying the cold weather, even though we've had maybe two days of it thus far and how I wasn't looking forward to going through the winter looking all pasty white. Eammon said it was too bad we hadn't planned on taking our annual trip and wondered if it was something that we could still do, without breaking the bank.
Much to my surprise and delight, this morning I was able to obtain frequent flyer tickets for both of us to Aruba. Though I couldn't get tickets that allowed us to be down there the full time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we will still have 2 full weeks to soak up the sun. Before booking the tickets, I called my parents to see if they would like some last minute visitors and they said yes, so tickets have been booked!*
Now the upside of referral delays; Aruba in December...Yeah baby!!!
* Good thing I was on the ball and have all of my holiday shopping completed. Being a little obsessive sometimes pays off!
But this year, we decided to forgo our beach holiday because we expected to travel to China before Eammon's vacation year ended on April 30th. It was worth saving most of his vacation time for a trip that was far more important and special than another trip to paradise. But, delays in referrals now make travel to China before the end of Eammon's vacation year impossible. So, last night Eammon and I were talking, saying how bummed we each were over the referral delays. I complained about how I am not enjoying the cold weather, even though we've had maybe two days of it thus far and how I wasn't looking forward to going through the winter looking all pasty white. Eammon said it was too bad we hadn't planned on taking our annual trip and wondered if it was something that we could still do, without breaking the bank.
Much to my surprise and delight, this morning I was able to obtain frequent flyer tickets for both of us to Aruba. Though I couldn't get tickets that allowed us to be down there the full time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we will still have 2 full weeks to soak up the sun. Before booking the tickets, I called my parents to see if they would like some last minute visitors and they said yes, so tickets have been booked!*
Now the upside of referral delays; Aruba in December...Yeah baby!!!
* Good thing I was on the ball and have all of my holiday shopping completed. Being a little obsessive sometimes pays off!
Thursday, November 17, 2005
How to avoid the holiday rush
I don't like crowds, traffic, or having to search for a parking space. Each year I do my best to avoid these situations by planning ahead as best as possible. If I could avoid all stores, grocery included, between mid-November and January 2nd, I would be a very happy girl. So in my attempt to get as far ahead of the game as possible, I made a list of all the upcoming events for which I would need to shop:- Saturday 11/19: Local Adoptive Parents pot-luck bonfire evening.
- Sunday 11/20: Parents arrive for the week...need food in the house!
- Thanksgiving (at the home of our friends Al & Anita, but I am still making lots of yummy things to bring with us.)
- Day after Thanksgiving (because we are having turkey day at Al & Anita's, Eammon would miss out on his leftovers if we didn't recreate the meal!)
- July Dragonfly December Secret Pal Gift. Theme: Welcome to your forever family.
- August China Blossom December Secret Pal Gift. Theme: Welcome to your forever family.
- CCAI December Secret Pal Gift. Theme: Picture frames or albums.
- Miscellaneous holiday parties
- Wednesday 12/14: Neighborhood bunco group holiday party with cookie swap and Yankee swap.
- Christmas Dinner
- Christmas prezzies
- New Years Eve
- July Dragonfly January Secret Pal Gift. Theme: Chinese New Year.
- August China Blossom January Secret Pal Gift. Theme: Chinese New Year.
- CCAI January Secret Pal Gift. Theme: Chinese New Year.
On to the groceries. I realize that I can't do all the grocery shopping now, for the rest of the year, but I can get myself through the end of the month and get pantry items though the end of the year. So, yesterday started my two day shopping frenzy. I started at , list in hand and I got everything that I need, so I am done with that store until 2006. Then last night I made my weekly call to IKEA, to see if my desired desk, which has been out of stock since the store opened, was available. They told me that they had 2 in stock and could only put a hold on one until 9PM! Well, that was at 7:40PM, so I hopped into the jeep, raced downtown and bought my new computer desk! Now we shall see how long the boxes sit in the family room before we get the thing assembled. By 6:30 this morning, I was on my way to Super Walmart to do the majority of my grocery shopping, stocking up on all the pantry items I need through the end of the year! By 8:30am I was at BJ's getting the final big items that I needed...Another store off my list until next year. On Monday, I need to make a very quick run to Harry's to get the turkey, some specialty items, and fresh veggies. Then I am DONE!!!
Now I'm able to sit back, relax and enjoy my newest addiction, tea. A few weeks ago when the MTB meet for lunch, Sonia introduced me to a delightful herbal infusion. Magical Garden Rooibos, a blend of roses, lemon grass, botanicals and rose hips with Rooibos. This infusion is caffeine free and I can drink it even in the evening. While at the tea shop, I found a tea which is truly intoxicating. Winterdream, a blend of black tea, coconut, chocolate, mint and whole red peppercorns. This tea could be dangerous to my precarious sleep situation and I must limit myself to one cup per day, and only before 8am. Though after one cup...OK, as you can see in the picture, a large and quite adorable mug...I can still smell this tea and I crave it all day long. I think I'm addicted! So now I am battling two addictions, blog stalking and tea! Guess it could be worse.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Who loves baby?
This month, the July dragonfly dtc secret pal swap theme was "something for travel to China." Check out all the cool stuff that my pal sent. The book Who loves baby? holds pictures and will be perfect to include in the package we send to Baby S when we get our referral. All the other wonderful items have been set aside, ready to be packed for our trip. Thank you my July dragonfly pal!
Monday, November 14, 2005
100 already!!
Difficult to believe, but this is my 100th blog post!! Just to show that I am not a total slacker, I am showing off my weekend project. After talking for months about needing to work on Baby S's room, I finally got myself motivated. I cut, sewed, stapled, hammered and glued this weekend as I made and installed Baby S's valence and curtains. One step closer to having the room ready for her arrival!
Friday, November 11, 2005
Lions, tigers and bears, oh my!
Well, more like tigers, monkeys, bears and... ducky?
Yesterday I received a fabulous package from my August secret pal. Once again everything was wrapped in gorgeous paper. I am making quite a collection for Baby S's scrapbook with the paper and adorable tags that she adds to each package.
This month's theme was baby bath time and here's the booty.
The outfit will be perfect to bring when we travel to China. It is difficult to see, but the onesie has tigers, monkeys, birds, hippos, elephants, palm trees and my favorite, giraffes!! Also, check out that monkey face on the back of the pants... How cute Baby S will be with that on her adorable bum! The bear tub faucet and handle covers are a soft terry cloth and so fun... Then there's a yellow ducky!! Thank you Secret Pal, Eammon and I love everything.
Yesterday I received a fabulous package from my August secret pal. Once again everything was wrapped in gorgeous paper. I am making quite a collection for Baby S's scrapbook with the paper and adorable tags that she adds to each package.This month's theme was baby bath time and here's the booty.
The outfit will be perfect to bring when we travel to China. It is difficult to see, but the onesie has tigers, monkeys, birds, hippos, elephants, palm trees and my favorite, giraffes!! Also, check out that monkey face on the back of the pants... How cute Baby S will be with that on her adorable bum! The bear tub faucet and handle covers are a soft terry cloth and so fun... Then there's a yellow ducky!! Thank you Secret Pal, Eammon and I love everything.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
277 days
Today marks the three month anniversary of our dossier being logged in at CCAA. Based on original estimates, this should be our half way point 
to referral. Due to the recent slow down in referrals though, it is more likely that we are only 3/8 of the way to referral, or dare I say it, only 1/3 of the way. We started this process 277 days ago, but the past 90 days have felt as if they've taken longer than the first 187 days. When we were paper chasing, there was always something to do, filling out forms, proving we weren't criminals, photo copying, mailing and of course stalking the postman. Now it is sit and wait...Stalk the adoption boards and blogs for rumors of referrals. Guess I could get motivated and work on the nursery, seeing that I haven't made any progress in completing the room!
to referral. Due to the recent slow down in referrals though, it is more likely that we are only 3/8 of the way to referral, or dare I say it, only 1/3 of the way. We started this process 277 days ago, but the past 90 days have felt as if they've taken longer than the first 187 days. When we were paper chasing, there was always something to do, filling out forms, proving we weren't criminals, photo copying, mailing and of course stalking the postman. Now it is sit and wait...Stalk the adoption boards and blogs for rumors of referrals. Guess I could get motivated and work on the nursery, seeing that I haven't made any progress in completing the room!
Monday, November 07, 2005
Isn't it adorable!
Shrimp boil; that is the wonderful culinary delight that Daphne & Greg cooked up Saturday night. Eammon and I always enjoy dinner at their home, as the food is delicious and the company and conversation, fun & interesting. Hopefully Eammon and I didn't make complete piglets out of ourselves. Everything was so tasty, we just didn't want to stop eating! In addition to feeding us wonderful food, check out the adorable outfit that Daphne bought for Baby S. Thanks D & G!!
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Barbarisms & Solecisms
Last night I dined with a group of ladies from my old neighborhood, at the Pinetree Country Club. My critique; the food was wonderful, perfectly cooked and seasoned, especially the asparagus which were divine. The quality of the service though, was truly lacking. My dinner and evening as delightful as there were, are not the subject of this post. This post is an addendum to this interesting conversation.
On my drive to the restaurant I was listening to talk radio. A man called into the show to discuss how people, not in line with his political views and party, are unintelligent and vacuumous! Yes people, he said vacuumous!! I bet his English teacher is proud of him. Not only is he redundant, but he doesn't even know the correct word when trying label others as vacuous. I got so silly hearing this, that I had to call Eammon and share. He and I both cringe, then giggle when we hear such creative words.
Everyone seemed to enjoy when we previously shared our barbarisms and solecisms, so I thought we needed to revisit, share and add to the list of most annoying verbiage.
Just to get you started, here are some delightful George W. solecisms. Please add your personal "favorites" to the comments and give everyone a good cringe.
On my drive to the restaurant I was listening to talk radio. A man called into the show to discuss how people, not in line with his political views and party, are unintelligent and vacuumous! Yes people, he said vacuumous!! I bet his English teacher is proud of him. Not only is he redundant, but he doesn't even know the correct word when trying label others as vacuous. I got so silly hearing this, that I had to call Eammon and share. He and I both cringe, then giggle when we hear such creative words.
Everyone seemed to enjoy when we previously shared our barbarisms and solecisms, so I thought we needed to revisit, share and add to the list of most annoying verbiage.
Just to get you started, here are some delightful George W. solecisms. Please add your personal "favorites" to the comments and give everyone a good cringe.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Tell me it isn't so!!
Melissclued me into this on the CCAA website:
How long will it take approximately the CCAA from the time of accepting the adoption application to thetime of issuing "Notice of Coming to China for Adoption of Children"?
Date：12,Oct,2005 Source: CCAA
The duration from the time the CCAA accepts the adoption application to the time it issues the Notice of Coming to China for Adoption of Children is restricted by various factors, such as the number of foreign adopters’ applications and the number of children who can be placed out for inter-country adoption; whether or not the adopters’ desire could be met; and whether or not the supplementary materials and the feedback of Letter Seeking Confirmation from the Adopters can be received in time, etc. At present, it will take the CCAA about 12 months from the time of accepting the adoption application to the time of issuing the Notice of Coming to China for Adoption of Children.
Local adoptive families meet again
Last night our local group of May-September LIDers met for an Italian pot-luck night at the beautiful home of Jill and Seth. This was our third group get-together and once again, we all enjoyed lots of delicious food & drink, great conversation and 
a fun night was had by all. BTW, we have some wonderful cooks in our group!
Now we are all looking forward to our November get-together where we will be having a bonfire & chili night! If anyone reading this is local and wants to join in on the fun, send me an email.
Thank you Jill & Seth for hosting!!
Friday, October 28, 2005
MTB* Tea (updated with recipe)
Today I lunched at an adorable local tea house with Cindy, Jill and Sonia. As you can see, we adorned ourselves with the appropriate accoutrements of ladies, who do tea...OK, we each wore a fun hat. We talked, laughed and compared notes of our adoption progress all while enjoying a very civilized full afternoon tea.Seasonal fresh fruit
Freshly baked Scones
Lemon curd, lemon curd and a wee bit more lemon curd
(I used everything on the menu as a vehicle to have more lemon curd!)
Amaretto cream
Assorted Tea sandwiches
Miniature Tea desserts
Chicken Salad croissant
Each time our little MTB* group meets for a quick get-together or lunch, it turns into a 3 or 4+ hour event. I am so lucky to have met, through the adoption process, such wonderful new friends. It is fabulous that we live so close to one another, and I can't wait for the day when we can have tea parties with our daughters.
Lemon curd
3/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
3 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Whisk first 3 ingredients together and then strain through a fine mesh sieve into a medium sized metal bowl. Stir in sugar and then set bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (do not allow the bottom of the bowl to touch the water). Whisk constantly until thickened and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the mixture registers 160°F, about 10 minutes. Remove the bowl from over the water. Add butter; whisk until melted. Transfer curd to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the curd. Will keep refrigerated for about a week.
* Moms-to-be
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Misty Morn
In contrast to my previous post. No diamonds on the water this morning, just spooky mist. The pond must be preparing for Halloween. I'm looking forward to temps in the 70's this weekend as the cold weather is getting to me. At night, even the down comforter isn't enough, I have to use this to keep my tootsies warm.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Snug as a bug
Yesterday was our first cold day of the season. While I realize that 
temps in the high 50's/low 60's is still quite warm to some, to many of us living in the south, that is winter. Though unusually cold for this time of year, it was a truly spectacular, sunny day. When I returned home mid-afternoon, I was greeted with what looked like sparkling diamonds on our backyard pond. Just something about the cold, crisp air and the sparkling water made me happy and I wanted to share the view with everyone. Unfortunately though, the picture above just doesn't do it justice.
I have to wonder if Baby S will love to snuggle under big fluffy blankets, or if she'll be a cold weather person. I don't like the cold and I often tell people that the happiest day of my life was the day I sold my snow blower and shovel. I hope that Baby S has a preference for aquatics or sailing as opposed to skiing and skating. We shall see what the future holds, but for now I guess that I'll deal with my southern "cold" weather, especially considering that tonight, New England may experience some snow flurries!
temps in the high 50's/low 60's is still quite warm to some, to many of us living in the south, that is winter. Though unusually cold for this time of year, it was a truly spectacular, sunny day. When I returned home mid-afternoon, I was greeted with what looked like sparkling diamonds on our backyard pond. Just something about the cold, crisp air and the sparkling water made me happy and I wanted to share the view with everyone. Unfortunately though, the picture above just doesn't do it justice. 
I have to wonder if Baby S will love to snuggle under big fluffy blankets, or if she'll be a cold weather person. I don't like the cold and I often tell people that the happiest day of my life was the day I sold my snow blower and shovel. I hope that Baby S has a preference for aquatics or sailing as opposed to skiing and skating. We shall see what the future holds, but for now I guess that I'll deal with my southern "cold" weather, especially considering that tonight, New England may experience some snow flurries!
Friday, October 21, 2005
Trafalgar 200
Today, Eammon and his office mates are celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Trafalgar Day with a Limey (OK... it's lemon) cake that I made, to look like a British White Ensign. So no calling in with complaints of Scurvy.Trafalgar Day is the celebration of the victory won by Admiral Horatio Nelson's British fleet, over the combined French and Spanish fleet, at the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805.
Kikalee & Julie, I added all those links especially for you, because I know you love them and can't stop yourselves from clicking on each and every one!
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Prezzies for all
Today prezzies arrived for each of us! First these beautifully wrapped gifts arrived from my August DTC Secret Pal. We opened the packages very carefully so that we could save the lovely paper, which we will add to Baby S's scrapbook. Once the paper was removed, both Eammon and I were treated to a book.
Eammon is looking forward to starting on his (if I don't sneak and read it first). And mine, well, it is just perfect. Of course Eammon will benefit from my book too because I love to cook and he loves to eat...well so do I. My book gives wonderful descriptions of hundreds of ingredients used in Asian cooking, then at the back of the book there are recipes. I think that Shrimp Coconut Curry with Red Curry Paste is now on the menu for this weekend. I'll let you know how we do with it!
Next, I opened a package from my friends Angela & Rich. They sent Baby S a wonderful book all about London in which Angela wrote a beautiful inscription. Also included was an adorable padded hanger with a Teddy bear on it, from their pup Teddy, who is just as adorable and looks almost like the bear.Thank you August Secret Pal, Ange, Rich and Teddy too. We love everything!
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Come out, come out, wherever you are
We see you lurking... We know you're there. So go ahead, say hello once in a while. We have found it interesting to see who is visiting and following along on our journey. We've had visitors from all 50 states with the most U.S. visits coming from California. Over the past week we have been watching to see where our foreign visitors hail from. Here is the list:
Africa: Mauritius
Argentina: Buenos Aires, Federal- Entre Rios, Mendoza, Rosario-Santa Fe
Australia:
Australian Capital Territory: Canberra, Duntroon, Majura, Weston Creek New South Wales: Abbotsford, Applecross, Bexley, Drummoyne, Garema, Hazelgrove, Helensburgh, Hunters Hill, Lakemba, Lane Cove, Lindfield, Pymble, Seaforth, Sydney, Toongabbie, Tumut, West Pymble, Urayarra
South Australia: Adelaide, Norton Summit , Woodville Queensland: Belmont, Dinmore, Gold Coast, Myrtletown, Pullen Vale, Wacol, Woolooga
Victoria: Armadale, Ascot Vale, Box Hill, Campbell, Derrimut, Essendon , Hallam, Keilor, Laverton
Western Australia: Perth
Austria: Fritzens-Tirol, Linz- Oberosterreich, Vienna- Wien, Werndorf- Steiermark
Belgium: Boekhout-Brabant, Brussels- Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Vilvoorde - Brabant
Bermuda: Hamilton
Brazil: Adrianpolis-Rio de Janeiro, Campos- Rio de Janeiro, Cordovil- Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba- Parana, Lapa- Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre- Rio Grande do Sul, Salvador- Maranhao, So Paulo- Sao Paulo,
Brunei Darussalam: Bandar Seri Begawan
Bulgaria: Sofia Grad Sofiya
Canada:
Alberta: Calgary, Canmore, Edmonton, Hobbema, Medicine Hat, Morinville, Okotoks
British Columbia: Britannia Beach, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Cowichan Bay, Gabriola, Kelowna, Macalister, Nanaimo, Qualicum Beach, Summerland, Trapp Lake, Vancouver, Victoria, White Rock, Williams Lake
New Brunswick: Aroostook, Fredericton, Saint John
Northwest Territories: Cambridge Bay
Nova Scotia: Digby, Halifax, Mahone Bay
Ontario: Barrie, Bridgeport, Don Mills, Elora, Guelph, Ingersoll, Kanata, King City, Kitchener, Leitrim, London, Mimico- Port Dalhousie, Ottawa, Scarborough Township, Simcoe, Stoney Creek, Stratford, Streetsville, Swansea, Thornhill, Toronto, Willowdale
Prince Edward Island: Charlottetown
Quebec: Beaconsfield, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Gatineau, McMasterville, Mont-Royal, Montral, Outremont, Pont-Viau, Richmond, Roxboro, Sainte-Foy, Thetford Mines, Waterloo
Saskatchewan: Regina, Saskatoon
Cayman Islands
China: Beijing, Beiqiao- Shanghai, Imjanjpo -Heilongjiang, Shandong- Fujian, Shenzhen- Guangdong, Tianjin
Chile: Porto Alegre- Rio Grande do Sul, Providencia- Region Metropolitana, Rinconada- Tarapaca, Santiago- Region Metropolitana, Valdivia- Los Lagos
Colombia: Bogot- Cundinamarca
Denmark: Copenhagen-Staden Kobenhavn, Frederiksberg- Vestsjalland, Glostrup- Kobenhavn, Tranbjerg Arhus
El Salvador: San Salvador
Finland: Helsinki, Jyvskyl, Karabacka, KoivistoKylml, Mankans, Rahola, Soidinsuo, TampereVaasa
France: Amiens- Picardie, Angers- Pays de la Loire, Arche- Limousin, Avregny- Rhone-Alpes, Bazoches-sur-Guyonne Centre, Boulogne-Billancourt, Caen Basse-Normandie, Cesson Ile-de-France, Clichy Ile-de-France, Fouju Ile-de-France, Grenoble- Rhone-Alpes, Levallois-Perret Ile-de-France, Lyon Rhone-Alpes, Noyelles-Godault- Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Orgon- Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, Orlans- Centre, Paris Ile-de-France, Pinet Languedoc-Roussillon, Poitiers Poitou-Charentes, Puteaux- Ile-de-France, Quincieu- Rhone-Alpes, Roubaix Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard- Centre, Seichebrires- Centre, Vieux-Maisons- Ile-de-France, Ville-d'Avray- Ile-de-France
French Polynesia
Germany:
Baden-Wurttemberg: Degerloch, Feuerbach, Gundelfingen, Kornwestheim, Malsch, Neidlingen, Rintheim, Stuttgart, Ubstadt-Weiher, Viesenhuserhof
Bayern: Altenburg, Grafing Bei Mnchen, Moos, Munich, Regensburg
Berlin: Gartenfeld, Tiergarten Brandenburg: Wolfslake
Hamburg: Hinschenfelde, Neu Lokstedt
Hessen: Bellersdorf, Hoxhohl Niedersachsen: Bad Salzdetfurth, Heine, Oldenburg, Veltenhof
Nordrhein-Westfalen: Bonn, Brusterhfe, Bockholt, Bottenbroich, Dortmund, Dsseldorf, Kleinehhe, Paderborn, Schwerte
Rheinland-Pfalz: Gabsheim, Herschberg, Kaiserslautern, Mainz, Nauort, Rieschweiler, Schmitshausen, Wackernheim
Sachsen: Dresden
Thuringen: Erfurt
Guam
Hong Kong: Caroline Hill, Choi Hung, Happy Valley, Ho Man Tin, Sheung Wong Yi Au
India: Bombay-Maharashtra, Delhi, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Jaipur- Rajasthan, Madras- Tamil Nadu
Ireland: Drumcondra- Dublin, Dublin, Letterkenny- Donegal, Limerick, Luttrell's Cross Roads- Dublin, Naas- Kildare, Rockbrook- Dublin, Waterford
Israel: Haifa- Hefa, Ramat Gan- Tel Aviv
Italy: Busiago- Veneto, Cadine Trentino-Alto Adige, Cesena Emilia-Romagna, Marcigliana- Lazio, Mariano Comense- Lombardia, Milan-Lombardia, Musocco- Lombardia, Orta Nova- Puglia, Rome-Lazio, Villaverla-Veneto
Japan: Akasaka- Tokyo, Asagaya- Tokyo, Asahi- Chiba, Bamba- Tochigi, Ebisucho- Kanagawa, Fukagawa-Ishijimacho Tokyo, Fukiage-Saitama, Fukushima, Hommokucho- Kanagawa, Itsukaichi- Tokyo, Konan- Aichi, Morowa- Aichi, Sarugakucho- Tokyo, Shimo- Saitama, Toyama, Wadahommachi- Tokyo, Yamagata
Kuwait
Malaysia: Kampong Pandan Quarters- Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur - Wilayah Persekutuan, Puchong Batu Dua Belas- Selangor, Salak Selatan - Wilayah Persekutuan
Malta: Mdina, San Gwann
Mexico: Cuernavaca- Morelos, Las Vigas - Nuevo Leon, San Miguel Amantla- Distrito Federal, Santa Mara Ticomn- Distrito Federal, Tianguistongo, Zapopan- Jalisco
Morocco: Beni Brour- Rabat-Sale, Hajja- Rabat-Sale, Rabat- Rabat-Sale, Sidi Bouqnadel- Rabat-Sale
New Zealand: Auckland, Brightwater
Netherlands: Arnhem-Gelderland, Amsterdam Noord-Holland, Berkenwoude Zuid-Holland, Beverwijk Noord-Holland, Delft Zuid-Holland, Goyse Dorp-Utrecht, Hilversum Noord-Holland, Nekkeveld- Gelderland, Nijmegen-Gelderland, Leijenbroek-Limburg, Ridderkerk Zuid-Holland, Roeleveen Zuid-Holland, Rotterdam Zuid-Holland, Schiedam Zuid-Holland, Spijkenisse Zuid-Holland, Tilburg Noord-Brabant,Utrecht, Veendam- Groningen, Wageningen Gelderland
Nigeria
Norway: Vevle - Hordaland, Forus - Rogaland, Lillehammer- Oppland, Tretten- Oppland
Oman: Ruwi- Masqat
Panama: Camino El Comercio
Peru: Lima
Philippines: Makati- Rizal, Philippine- Benguet
Poland: Pogwizdw- Rzeszow, Warsaw- Warszawa
Portugal: Aores- Aveiro, Cortegaa- Aveiro, Monte Da Carvalheira- Beja
Republic of Korea: Chungnam Ch'ungch'ong-bukto, Seoul Seoul-t'ukpyolsi
Russian Federation: Tomsk
Saudi Arabia: Riyadh - Ar Riyad
Singapore: Bukit Batok New Town- Dakar, Kampong Sungai Jurong-Dakar, Windsor Park Estate-Dakar
South Africa: Cape Town- Western Cape, Parow- Western Cape, Pretoria- Gauteng
Spain: A Corua- Galicia, Barcelona - Cataluna, Cabanabona- Cataluna, Ciempozuelos- Madrid, Granollers- Cataluna, Guaro - Andalucia, Hmera- Madrid, Ibiricu- Navarra, Ibiza-Islas Baleares, La Joyosa- Aragon, Las Palmas De Gran Canaria- Canarias, Los Maridos- Andalucia, Madrid, Santander- Cantabria, Sevilla- Andalucia, Valencia Comunidad Valenciana
Sri Lanka: Colombo
Sweden: Biel-Bern, Gteborg-Vastra Gotaland, lvs- Vastra Gotaland, Mrsta- Stockholms Lan,Jnkping-Jonkopings Lan, Sdertlje- Stockholms Lan, Sjulsarvet- Dalarnas Lan, Stockholm- Stockholms Lan, Therwil Basel-Stadt
Switzerland: Bern, Dbendorf- Zurich, Massagno- Ticino, Saint-Prex Vaud, Sornetan- Bern
Syrian Arab Republic: Damascus- Dimashq
Taiwan: Chiencheng- T'ai-pei , Taichunghsien- T'ai-wan
Thailand: Bangkok- Krung Thep
Togo
Turkey: Antalya, Trk- Burdur
United Arab Emirates: Dubai-Dubayy
UK: Abingdon- Oxfordshire, Accrington- Blackburn with Darwen, Basingstoke- Reading, Birmingham, Bletchley- Milton Keynes, Bloomsbury- Newham, Bracknell-Bracknell Forest, Brighton, Bristol, Chiddingfold-Wiltshire, Coatbridge-East Dunbartonshire, Croydon, East Kilbride-East Renfrewshire, Elmton- Rotherham, Harold Wood-Havering, Hebden Bridge- Calderdale, Hoxton-Newham, Ickenham, Isleworth, Kings Walden-Norfolk, Kingston On Soar- Nottingham, Kingston Upon Hull, Lancaster-Blackpool, Llandudno- Conwy, London-Lambeth, Maidstone- Kent, Milton Keynes, Newbury West Berkshire, Radlett, Reading, Rossington-Doncaster, Rusper- Birmingham, Saint Johns Wood- Newham, Sheffield, Shenley- Redbridge, Salford, Shoreham-by-Sea Birmingham, Slough, Stevenage-Norfolk, Stockport, Stoke-on-Trent, Tadley- Reading, Telford, Walford-Shropshire, Warrington,Walsall
Uruguay
Venezuela: Caracas
Vietnam: Hanoi, Dac Lac
Some of our U.S. visitors live in places where the city name just tickle me:
Amf Ohare, Illinois
East Wenatchee, Washington
Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
Homosassa, Florida
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Olive Branch, Mississippi
Ooltewah, Tennessee
Orem, Utah
Owasso, Oklahoma
Passumpsic, Vermont
San Juan Capistrano, California
Swisher, Iowa
Wantagh, New York
Weehawken, New Jersey
Thank you to all our visitors, for following along on our journey and for all the comments, emails and support. Something that this list has made me realize though, is that I need a major geography lesson!!
Africa: Mauritius
Argentina: Buenos Aires, Federal- Entre Rios, Mendoza, Rosario-Santa Fe
Australia:
Australian Capital Territory: Canberra, Duntroon, Majura, Weston Creek New South Wales: Abbotsford, Applecross, Bexley, Drummoyne, Garema, Hazelgrove, Helensburgh, Hunters Hill, Lakemba, Lane Cove, Lindfield, Pymble, Seaforth, Sydney, Toongabbie, Tumut, West Pymble, Urayarra
South Australia: Adelaide, Norton Summit , Woodville Queensland: Belmont, Dinmore, Gold Coast, Myrtletown, Pullen Vale, Wacol, Woolooga
Victoria: Armadale, Ascot Vale, Box Hill, Campbell, Derrimut, Essendon , Hallam, Keilor, Laverton
Western Australia: Perth
Austria: Fritzens-Tirol, Linz- Oberosterreich, Vienna- Wien, Werndorf- Steiermark
Belgium: Boekhout-Brabant, Brussels- Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Vilvoorde - Brabant
Bermuda: Hamilton
Brazil: Adrianpolis-Rio de Janeiro, Campos- Rio de Janeiro, Cordovil- Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba- Parana, Lapa- Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre- Rio Grande do Sul, Salvador- Maranhao, So Paulo- Sao Paulo,
Brunei Darussalam: Bandar Seri Begawan
Bulgaria: Sofia Grad Sofiya
Canada:
Alberta: Calgary, Canmore, Edmonton, Hobbema, Medicine Hat, Morinville, Okotoks
British Columbia: Britannia Beach, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Cowichan Bay, Gabriola, Kelowna, Macalister, Nanaimo, Qualicum Beach, Summerland, Trapp Lake, Vancouver, Victoria, White Rock, Williams Lake
New Brunswick: Aroostook, Fredericton, Saint John
Northwest Territories: Cambridge Bay
Nova Scotia: Digby, Halifax, Mahone Bay
Ontario: Barrie, Bridgeport, Don Mills, Elora, Guelph, Ingersoll, Kanata, King City, Kitchener, Leitrim, London, Mimico- Port Dalhousie, Ottawa, Scarborough Township, Simcoe, Stoney Creek, Stratford, Streetsville, Swansea, Thornhill, Toronto, Willowdale
Prince Edward Island: Charlottetown
Quebec: Beaconsfield, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Gatineau, McMasterville, Mont-Royal, Montral, Outremont, Pont-Viau, Richmond, Roxboro, Sainte-Foy, Thetford Mines, Waterloo
Saskatchewan: Regina, Saskatoon
Cayman Islands
China: Beijing, Beiqiao- Shanghai, Imjanjpo -Heilongjiang, Shandong- Fujian, Shenzhen- Guangdong, Tianjin
Chile: Porto Alegre- Rio Grande do Sul, Providencia- Region Metropolitana, Rinconada- Tarapaca, Santiago- Region Metropolitana, Valdivia- Los Lagos
Colombia: Bogot- Cundinamarca
Denmark: Copenhagen-Staden Kobenhavn, Frederiksberg- Vestsjalland, Glostrup- Kobenhavn, Tranbjerg Arhus
El Salvador: San Salvador
Finland: Helsinki, Jyvskyl, Karabacka, KoivistoKylml, Mankans, Rahola, Soidinsuo, TampereVaasa
France: Amiens- Picardie, Angers- Pays de la Loire, Arche- Limousin, Avregny- Rhone-Alpes, Bazoches-sur-Guyonne Centre, Boulogne-Billancourt, Caen Basse-Normandie, Cesson Ile-de-France, Clichy Ile-de-France, Fouju Ile-de-France, Grenoble- Rhone-Alpes, Levallois-Perret Ile-de-France, Lyon Rhone-Alpes, Noyelles-Godault- Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Orgon- Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, Orlans- Centre, Paris Ile-de-France, Pinet Languedoc-Roussillon, Poitiers Poitou-Charentes, Puteaux- Ile-de-France, Quincieu- Rhone-Alpes, Roubaix Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard- Centre, Seichebrires- Centre, Vieux-Maisons- Ile-de-France, Ville-d'Avray- Ile-de-France
French Polynesia
Germany:
Baden-Wurttemberg: Degerloch, Feuerbach, Gundelfingen, Kornwestheim, Malsch, Neidlingen, Rintheim, Stuttgart, Ubstadt-Weiher, Viesenhuserhof
Bayern: Altenburg, Grafing Bei Mnchen, Moos, Munich, Regensburg
Berlin: Gartenfeld, Tiergarten Brandenburg: Wolfslake
Hamburg: Hinschenfelde, Neu Lokstedt
Hessen: Bellersdorf, Hoxhohl Niedersachsen: Bad Salzdetfurth, Heine, Oldenburg, Veltenhof
Nordrhein-Westfalen: Bonn, Brusterhfe, Bockholt, Bottenbroich, Dortmund, Dsseldorf, Kleinehhe, Paderborn, Schwerte
Rheinland-Pfalz: Gabsheim, Herschberg, Kaiserslautern, Mainz, Nauort, Rieschweiler, Schmitshausen, Wackernheim
Sachsen: Dresden
Thuringen: Erfurt
Guam
Hong Kong: Caroline Hill, Choi Hung, Happy Valley, Ho Man Tin, Sheung Wong Yi Au
India: Bombay-Maharashtra, Delhi, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Jaipur- Rajasthan, Madras- Tamil Nadu
Ireland: Drumcondra- Dublin, Dublin, Letterkenny- Donegal, Limerick, Luttrell's Cross Roads- Dublin, Naas- Kildare, Rockbrook- Dublin, Waterford
Israel: Haifa- Hefa, Ramat Gan- Tel Aviv
Italy: Busiago- Veneto, Cadine Trentino-Alto Adige, Cesena Emilia-Romagna, Marcigliana- Lazio, Mariano Comense- Lombardia, Milan-Lombardia, Musocco- Lombardia, Orta Nova- Puglia, Rome-Lazio, Villaverla-Veneto
Japan: Akasaka- Tokyo, Asagaya- Tokyo, Asahi- Chiba, Bamba- Tochigi, Ebisucho- Kanagawa, Fukagawa-Ishijimacho Tokyo, Fukiage-Saitama, Fukushima, Hommokucho- Kanagawa, Itsukaichi- Tokyo, Konan- Aichi, Morowa- Aichi, Sarugakucho- Tokyo, Shimo- Saitama, Toyama, Wadahommachi- Tokyo, Yamagata
Kuwait
Malaysia: Kampong Pandan Quarters- Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur - Wilayah Persekutuan, Puchong Batu Dua Belas- Selangor, Salak Selatan - Wilayah Persekutuan
Malta: Mdina, San Gwann
Mexico: Cuernavaca- Morelos, Las Vigas - Nuevo Leon, San Miguel Amantla- Distrito Federal, Santa Mara Ticomn- Distrito Federal, Tianguistongo, Zapopan- Jalisco
Morocco: Beni Brour- Rabat-Sale, Hajja- Rabat-Sale, Rabat- Rabat-Sale, Sidi Bouqnadel- Rabat-Sale
New Zealand: Auckland, Brightwater
Netherlands: Arnhem-Gelderland, Amsterdam Noord-Holland, Berkenwoude Zuid-Holland, Beverwijk Noord-Holland, Delft Zuid-Holland, Goyse Dorp-Utrecht, Hilversum Noord-Holland, Nekkeveld- Gelderland, Nijmegen-Gelderland, Leijenbroek-Limburg, Ridderkerk Zuid-Holland, Roeleveen Zuid-Holland, Rotterdam Zuid-Holland, Schiedam Zuid-Holland, Spijkenisse Zuid-Holland, Tilburg Noord-Brabant,Utrecht, Veendam- Groningen, Wageningen Gelderland
Nigeria
Norway: Vevle - Hordaland, Forus - Rogaland, Lillehammer- Oppland, Tretten- Oppland
Oman: Ruwi- Masqat
Panama: Camino El Comercio
Peru: Lima
Philippines: Makati- Rizal, Philippine- Benguet
Poland: Pogwizdw- Rzeszow, Warsaw- Warszawa
Portugal: Aores- Aveiro, Cortegaa- Aveiro, Monte Da Carvalheira- Beja
Republic of Korea: Chungnam Ch'ungch'ong-bukto, Seoul Seoul-t'ukpyolsi
Russian Federation: Tomsk
Saudi Arabia: Riyadh - Ar Riyad
Singapore: Bukit Batok New Town- Dakar, Kampong Sungai Jurong-Dakar, Windsor Park Estate-Dakar
South Africa: Cape Town- Western Cape, Parow- Western Cape, Pretoria- Gauteng
Spain: A Corua- Galicia, Barcelona - Cataluna, Cabanabona- Cataluna, Ciempozuelos- Madrid, Granollers- Cataluna, Guaro - Andalucia, Hmera- Madrid, Ibiricu- Navarra, Ibiza-Islas Baleares, La Joyosa- Aragon, Las Palmas De Gran Canaria- Canarias, Los Maridos- Andalucia, Madrid, Santander- Cantabria, Sevilla- Andalucia, Valencia Comunidad Valenciana
Sri Lanka: Colombo
Sweden: Biel-Bern, Gteborg-Vastra Gotaland, lvs- Vastra Gotaland, Mrsta- Stockholms Lan,Jnkping-Jonkopings Lan, Sdertlje- Stockholms Lan, Sjulsarvet- Dalarnas Lan, Stockholm- Stockholms Lan, Therwil Basel-Stadt
Switzerland: Bern, Dbendorf- Zurich, Massagno- Ticino, Saint-Prex Vaud, Sornetan- Bern
Syrian Arab Republic: Damascus- Dimashq
Taiwan: Chiencheng- T'ai-pei , Taichunghsien- T'ai-wan
Thailand: Bangkok- Krung Thep
Togo
Turkey: Antalya, Trk- Burdur
United Arab Emirates: Dubai-Dubayy
UK: Abingdon- Oxfordshire, Accrington- Blackburn with Darwen, Basingstoke- Reading, Birmingham, Bletchley- Milton Keynes, Bloomsbury- Newham, Bracknell-Bracknell Forest, Brighton, Bristol, Chiddingfold-Wiltshire, Coatbridge-East Dunbartonshire, Croydon, East Kilbride-East Renfrewshire, Elmton- Rotherham, Harold Wood-Havering, Hebden Bridge- Calderdale, Hoxton-Newham, Ickenham, Isleworth, Kings Walden-Norfolk, Kingston On Soar- Nottingham, Kingston Upon Hull, Lancaster-Blackpool, Llandudno- Conwy, London-Lambeth, Maidstone- Kent, Milton Keynes, Newbury West Berkshire, Radlett, Reading, Rossington-Doncaster, Rusper- Birmingham, Saint Johns Wood- Newham, Sheffield, Shenley- Redbridge, Salford, Shoreham-by-Sea Birmingham, Slough, Stevenage-Norfolk, Stockport, Stoke-on-Trent, Tadley- Reading, Telford, Walford-Shropshire, Warrington,Walsall
Uruguay
Venezuela: Caracas
Vietnam: Hanoi, Dac Lac
Some of our U.S. visitors live in places where the city name just tickle me:
Amf Ohare, Illinois
East Wenatchee, Washington
Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
Homosassa, Florida
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Olive Branch, Mississippi
Ooltewah, Tennessee
Orem, Utah
Owasso, Oklahoma
Passumpsic, Vermont
San Juan Capistrano, California
Swisher, Iowa
Wantagh, New York
Weehawken, New Jersey
Thank you to all our visitors, for following along on our journey and for all the comments, emails and support. Something that this list has made me realize though, is that I need a major geography lesson!!
Monday, October 17, 2005
You can't always get what you want.
But sometimes it works out even better. After my five blissful hours of sleep Thursday night, I had hopes and dreams of future restful nights, but that was not to be the case. But luckily for me, Saturday night was the invasion of the Shannons so I didn't end up wandering the house all night, aimlessly and alone. Late Saturday afternoon, after their long drive that morning from the Carolinas to Atlanta, followed by a brief 8 hour shopping spree at IKEA, fellow bloggers Shannon and Shannon arrived at our home for an overnight visit. This was the first time we have met in real life and OMG what a hoot these two girls are, playing off one another like an old married couple. Shannon R. had us in such a state, with stories of her life and times, that Eammon and I struggled not to pee in our pants whilst holding our tear stained cheeks which ached from laughing so hard. For some reason while talking to Eammon, with his London accent, Shannon R would lapse into her version of an English accent. Sorry Shanny, not only are you not going to win American Idol with your singing, but you have no hope of doing international voice overs. It was so funny as her words started in Dick Van Dyke cockney and ended some where in Pakistan but not before taking an unscheduled tour of New Zealand. It was soooo fun.
It was a gorgeous evening and we sat outside until after 11P.M., eating, talking and laughing. By that time all of us were full and quite tired so we all went off to bed. But for me, sleep proved elusive yet again. I heard one of the Shannons up and wandering around so I got out of bed and joined Shannon R. in the family room where we talked and laughed until 4 a.m. when she finally was ready to sleep. I crawled back into bed and managed 45 minutes of sleep before deciding to call it a night and start my day. Sunday morning proved a slow start for all of us, but after sitting around and chatting some more, then a light breakfast, the Shannons bid their farewells and headed back to the Carolinas with their car loaded down with IKEA booty. Thanks for the visit girls and for all the fun loot.
It was a gorgeous evening and we sat outside until after 11P.M., eating, talking and laughing. By that time all of us were full and quite tired so we all went off to bed. But for me, sleep proved elusive yet again. I heard one of the Shannons up and wandering around so I got out of bed and joined Shannon R. in the family room where we talked and laughed until 4 a.m. when she finally was ready to sleep. I crawled back into bed and managed 45 minutes of sleep before deciding to call it a night and start my day. Sunday morning proved a slow start for all of us, but after sitting around and chatting some more, then a light breakfast, the Shannons bid their farewells and headed back to the Carolinas with their car loaded down with IKEA booty. Thanks for the visit girls and for all the fun loot.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Five delightful, blissful, glorious hours
Well, not all in one go...But I did actually sleep for a full 5 hours last night. That's the most sleep, within a 24 hour period, that I have had in over 2 months! I can't tell you how wonderful it is to finally get some sleep!!! I hope that my bout of insomnia is winding down, and maybe tonight I'll get 6 or more hours!
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Bobbie and the bean stalk
Eammon and I have been living in Georgia for 6 years and we are currently in our 3rd home. (Please, No more local moves!!) Two years ago we sold our home in gun city Kennesaw to a woman named Bobbie. Now, each time I go by the house and see its current condition, I find myself depressed. 
I knew when we met her that she wasn't going to do anything good for the house or the neighborhood, but I never thought it would be as bad as it is. Before we moved, all the exterior window frames were freshly painted and the gardens and beds were all weeded and looked really good. Our backyard was a park like setting with a beautiful flower and vegetable garden near the house. Now, the backyard and garden is an overgrown mass of weeds and kudzu. All the window sills as well as the entire back portion of the house, are covered in mold. In the picture above, that side of the house was lined with beautiful, lush daylillies which put on a show to stop traffic. Now it is a mess of weeds and what is with that bean stalk?? That thing got that big in 2 years and it's going to damage the foundation...which I am sure will be *my* fault. See Bobbie blamed me for all her problems when she bought the house and it all started at the closing.
Though the years, between buying, selling and re-fi's, I've probably participated in over a dozen closings and never has one taken more than an hour. Well, that was until Bobbie and her incompetent agent Ken, where the closing took 6 1/2 hours!!! Ken informed us that ALL of his closings take 4 or 5 hours so this was nothing new!!! Can we say useless, incompetent boob! Why they hadn't reviewed the closing documents and didn't have her funding in place was beyond me. Had we not been doing 3 closings back-to-back, I'm sure that we would have walked out. So when did the blame Lisa game start? Well, that would be on the Monday after the closing, when I dropped off the keys to her.
First let me tell you, in Georgia, closings and the transfer of the home is done a little differently. We had our closing on Friday...all frikkin day!! <~~ feel the anger even 2 years later! Saturday, the people whom we were buying from, moved from our new home into the new home that they had just purchased. Sunday was our day to move from Bobbie's home into our new house and then Monday, Bobbie was able to move into her new home. I have never lived anywhere other than here, where the transfer of the home didn't occur at the closing, but oh well. About a week before the closing, I contacted the electric and gas companies to inform them of our move and get the services for both our old and new homes transferred as of the Monday after closing. Bobbie was required to contact the companies too, as she had to be the one to set up service in her name.
Monday morning I meet Bobbie at our old house to give her the keys and the garage remote. She tried the remote and nothing happened so she said to me in her very snotty voice, "guess you couldn't be bothered to put in some fresh batteries, could ya?" I knew that the remote had worked the day before, so I told her that maybe Eammon put the opener into locked mode for safety and that we could check it. So, we went in through the house, out to the garage and there was no little red light. So I thought maybe a circuit tripped, so I went over to the box and turned on the light and *nothing*. Light dawns on Marblehead here, and I asked, "did you have your electricity turned on?" Out comes the snotty voice again where she informed me that she called the electric company and that since I wasn't having the electricity turned off until Monday, she couldn't have her electricity turned on until she called the office on that day. I said that she could have asked for continuation of service and all they do is read the meter. Then I thought to ask her...When did she call? Oh yesterday,(Sunday!!) she "didn't want to pay for me living in her house and using her elecrticity!!" Well OK...maybe that's why the opener didn't work, not the batteries you B****! So, I gave her the keys and she signed off that we didn't do any damage to the house during our move out and I went on my merry way.
Two days later, 5am Wednesday morning our phone rings and it's Bobbie!! She wanted to know what *we* did to her water heater before we moved out, as she needed to take a shower and go to work and there was no hot water. Luckily my brain was was working and immediately asked if she had her gas turned on. Yes, Tuesday they turned it on. So, trying to be nice I let her know that the pilot light was out. Then, she wants me to tell her how to "turn it on"!! No frikkin way!! Just my luck she would do something wrong and it would be my fault. So, I politely inform her that I am no longer the owner of that home nor am I a service technician. If she has a problem with her gas, call the gas company, call a friend, but she was never to call me again. Ahhhh...life without Bobbie!!! Yeah!!!
I knew when we met her that she wasn't going to do anything good for the house or the neighborhood, but I never thought it would be as bad as it is. Before we moved, all the exterior window frames were freshly painted and the gardens and beds were all weeded and looked really good. Our backyard was a park like setting with a beautiful flower and vegetable garden near the house. Now, the backyard and garden is an overgrown mass of weeds and kudzu. All the window sills as well as the entire back portion of the house, are covered in mold. In the picture above, that side of the house was lined with beautiful, lush daylillies which put on a show to stop traffic. Now it is a mess of weeds and what is with that bean stalk?? That thing got that big in 2 years and it's going to damage the foundation...which I am sure will be *my* fault. See Bobbie blamed me for all her problems when she bought the house and it all started at the closing.Though the years, between buying, selling and re-fi's, I've probably participated in over a dozen closings and never has one taken more than an hour. Well, that was until Bobbie and her incompetent agent Ken, where the closing took 6 1/2 hours!!! Ken informed us that ALL of his closings take 4 or 5 hours so this was nothing new!!! Can we say useless, incompetent boob! Why they hadn't reviewed the closing documents and didn't have her funding in place was beyond me. Had we not been doing 3 closings back-to-back, I'm sure that we would have walked out. So when did the blame Lisa game start? Well, that would be on the Monday after the closing, when I dropped off the keys to her.
First let me tell you, in Georgia, closings and the transfer of the home is done a little differently. We had our closing on Friday...all frikkin day!! <~~ feel the anger even 2 years later! Saturday, the people whom we were buying from, moved from our new home into the new home that they had just purchased. Sunday was our day to move from Bobbie's home into our new house and then Monday, Bobbie was able to move into her new home. I have never lived anywhere other than here, where the transfer of the home didn't occur at the closing, but oh well. About a week before the closing, I contacted the electric and gas companies to inform them of our move and get the services for both our old and new homes transferred as of the Monday after closing. Bobbie was required to contact the companies too, as she had to be the one to set up service in her name.
Monday morning I meet Bobbie at our old house to give her the keys and the garage remote. She tried the remote and nothing happened so she said to me in her very snotty voice, "guess you couldn't be bothered to put in some fresh batteries, could ya?" I knew that the remote had worked the day before, so I told her that maybe Eammon put the opener into locked mode for safety and that we could check it. So, we went in through the house, out to the garage and there was no little red light. So I thought maybe a circuit tripped, so I went over to the box and turned on the light and *nothing*. Light dawns on Marblehead here, and I asked, "did you have your electricity turned on?" Out comes the snotty voice again where she informed me that she called the electric company and that since I wasn't having the electricity turned off until Monday, she couldn't have her electricity turned on until she called the office on that day. I said that she could have asked for continuation of service and all they do is read the meter. Then I thought to ask her...When did she call? Oh yesterday,(Sunday!!) she "didn't want to pay for me living in her house and using her elecrticity!!" Well OK...maybe that's why the opener didn't work, not the batteries you B****! So, I gave her the keys and she signed off that we didn't do any damage to the house during our move out and I went on my merry way.
Two days later, 5am Wednesday morning our phone rings and it's Bobbie!! She wanted to know what *we* did to her water heater before we moved out, as she needed to take a shower and go to work and there was no hot water. Luckily my brain was was working and immediately asked if she had her gas turned on. Yes, Tuesday they turned it on. So, trying to be nice I let her know that the pilot light was out. Then, she wants me to tell her how to "turn it on"!! No frikkin way!! Just my luck she would do something wrong and it would be my fault. So, I politely inform her that I am no longer the owner of that home nor am I a service technician. If she has a problem with her gas, call the gas company, call a friend, but she was never to call me again. Ahhhh...life without Bobbie!!! Yeah!!!
Monday, October 10, 2005
Desperately seeking...
As of today, CCAA has had our dossier logged in to their system for a full 2 months. I think of our dossier with all its pictures and official, notarized, certified & authenticated documents, just sitting there in a huge pile surrounded by hundreds of other dossiers, waiting until it becomes eligible to move into the coveted Matching Room<~~~oooohhh, ahhhhh. So, am I anxious about this whole process and wait? Well that was the question raised yesterday when I lunched with other local adoptive Moms-to-be, Cindy, Jill and Sonia. We were discussing anxieties and stress related to the entire adoption process and especially now, as we are all experiencing the long wait for our referrals. I said that I am just going with the flow, but then had to wonder about that statement. Maybe I think that I'm not stressing or don't openly realize it, but could that be the underlying cause of my current bout of insomnia?
I have so much to do before the arrival of Baby S, but with my lack of sleep and an energy level of zero, nothing is getting done. If push came to shove and miraculously someone said that our baby would be ready for us in 2 weeks, trust me, we would have the crib together and the nursery though not perfect, more than ready for her arrival. I am amazed though at how some parents-to-be are so organized and ready with nurseries complete. I sit with a painted room and some furniture...and of course a lot of pretty clothing but nothing practical. I have been asked to set up a baby registry at some stores so that people will know what we need. The problem is, I don't know what we need! What are the necessary items for an approximate 12 month old girl? It is soooo overwhelming. We have the crib & changing table, a stroller as well as his & her carriers. I know we need a car seat and a high chair, but after that, where do we go?
So my blogging buddies, help out your poor, disorganized, uninformed, insomniac friend and let me know what things Baby S and her parents *must* have. Also, if you're stressing, how do we deal with it?
Thanks!!
L~~
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Prezzies!!!
Last night Daphne & Greg joined us for dinner. They arrived, arms filled with gifts! Baby S now has her first Sonya Lee doll...Actually it is her very first doll of any kind. They also brought a little baby leather giraffe for Baby S's room, which is currently hanging out with my other leather giraffes. On top of that, they brought Eammon his first Harley Davidson t-shirt! It was a fun evening, and thanks for all the prezzies!
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