85 posts tagged “brooke”

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Six more days til Christmas

A good thing I didn't plan to go to the 'Breakfast with Santa' down the street at the Resort hotel with R&L and the kids.  Rich snored so badly last night I had to get up and sit in the lazy boy.  Even with his mask it was hopeless... the mask leaked and sounded like a trumpet.  It wasn't his fault and this doesn't happen all the time, but last night was awful.  So, I didn't get up this AM till 9:30AM....not bad considering I went to sleep at 3:30AM.


Rich jr brought the kids over after the 'Breakfast with Santa'.  Lissa had some Christmas shopping to do.  Brooke set up our Nativity scene, and then put some finishing touches (bows) on our little fibre optic tree.  Trevor showed us some magic tricks and even one he invented himself using a straw and static electricity.  I tried to do a video clip of it, but every time the camera was on...the trick would not work.  After several attempts I told him it must have something to do with the light from the camera and the static electricity.  We don't have it on film, but I did see the trick.

They watched the iMovie I'd made of Trevor, and it was fun to watch their expressions as they saw themselves. They'd forgotten about the little clips I'd taken at basketball games etc.  Even the still shots and especially the sound effects were a hit.  I gave them two copies to keep, and told them to make sure they tell Lissa to watch it.  

I had planned to go to pottery, but the weather was too miserable....high winds and rain.  We're expecting some  snow (maybe a dusting) during the night.  

I talked with cousin Marn in NJ and they already have 10" with more expected.  Cousin Helen called in the AM and I didn't get to talk with her.  She said it was blizzard-like on LBI.  I called her later in the afternoon, but no one answered.  I assume they were talking on the phone, and yet I saw in the AC pressonline that Beach Haven had two power outages.  That would be awful in this cold weather.  Hope they are OK.

Had trouble touching base with Lindsay regarding rescheduling today's lesson.  Her dog ate her laptop cord, so she never got my emails.  I told her I left a phone msg that was forwarded to some voice mail.  She said it didn't show up on her 'missed calls'.  Anyhow, I was glad she was OK.  I will call her in the AM to confirm meeting tomorrow at 2PM.

Cousin Helen called again and they are fine...snowed in big time, but fine.  Also got a nice 'Happy Anniversary' greeting on Geni.com from cousin MaryEllen.  That was a pleasant discovery when I checked geni.  

Made a WW recipe Chicken Paprikash in the slow cooker.  It was good, but I expected much more flavor.  I will make some modifications when I make it again.  It called for an onion, mushrooms, garlic and a red pepper sauteed and added to the cooker with a half cup of chicken broth. Add the chicken...2 breasts cut in half lengthwise.  Later you add some flour which has been added to sour cream.  I was really surprised it tasted rather flat...even with S&P and paprika.   It was only 4 points/per serving.  I used low fat sour creme as opposed to their fat free version so I'll add a half point or so when I track it.


Post a comment Tags: recipes, brooke, trevor

December 13th

I've started.  I actually brought down a few decorations from the attic.  I washed all the Christmas dishes and crystal, and I am getting ready.  


My cousin Marn and I were commenting how it seems many folks have stopped sending cards.  I stopped years ago, but still got quite a few.  So far I have gotten three.  I think it's a good idea to let the card exchange bid farewell.  It's expensive, it makes more landfill, and hurts the trees. Plus it's time consuming.  I've decided to send some electronic cards.  

You pay only $12.00/year and you can send as many as often as you like.  The choices are quite nice too.  Albeit it's not the same as holding a card in your hands...but....it's OK.

I've saved cards from previous years and I put them on a Christmas wreath card holder every year so I have lots of cards to hold.  

I finally finished the iDVD of 'Trevor' and being the second one I've done, I am impressed.  Even Rich said it was good.  It's too large to post here so you'll just have to take my word for it. It's even too large for YouTube.

Here's a short clip of Brooke playing a little Christmas song 'Little Donkey'.  If you listen closely you may be able to hear her sing along.  She played it last week right before she went to see the 'Rockettes' with her mom and me. 
Brooke playing 'Little Donkey'
3 comments

3 comments Tags: brooke

Rockettes

Lissa and Brooke treated me to a wonderful performance of the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes' Christmas show today at the Norfolk Scope arena.  The Rockettes are delightful to see.  Brooke was impressed and said it the best show she's ever seen ...and she's been on this earth a little more than 7 years so she knows a good show when she sees one. ;-)


Lissa and I were both pleased that the show included the Nativity story which was done so well.  The narration, costumes and set were first rate.  In fact the visual effects used for the entire production were outstanding. In one scene they had a back screen of hundreds of Santas dancing behind the live Rockette Santas.  This produced the effect of unending rows of Santas.  

The music and sound were excellent.  I would have liked to have heard more familiar Christmas music.  There were several familiar songs, but more 'Winter Wonderland' type songs would have added that special touch for me.  

There was another huge movie screen with scenes of NYC e.g. Rockefeller plaza, skaters, huge lit tree, shoppers department stores etc.  In front of the screen and on the stage was a double decker bus with the Rockettes onboard 'touring the city'.  The background film on the screen combined with the on stage bus turning made us feel like we were actually in NYC going up and down the streets.  It was so creative. 

We told Brooke you have to be able to kick to eye level and she showed us that she could do it, and go even higher with one leg.  I told her to do that the rest of her life and her muscles will be so flexible. 

It was good to see the show.  I'd been to Radio City Music Hall in NYC a few times in the 50s and 60s and seeing this show today made me nostalgic to be there once more at Christmas time.  

Here's a video that I shouldn't even post ...it's so bad..we were too far from the stage for my little digital camera.  Our seats however were great for viewing the performance because we were right in the center.  High up, but in the center. Click on it and you can hear the music. 
Rockettes Christmas Show comes to Norfolk, VA
The biggest thing for me was to be with Brooke for this experience.  I think she'll remember this for a long time --that she saw the Rockettes with her Mom and GrandmaPatti when she was 7 years old.   When I look back on this post in years to come this little video will bring back a warm memory. Thank you Lissa. 

Post a comment Tags: lissa, brooke

Here it is via You Tube

The DVD version has a nice opening presentation, but YouTube doesn't upload DVDs.  This version does have all the sound and content.  SKC, I hope you can view it.  BTW, I read in the Pensacola News Journal online that Patrick Madden is retiring from SHH ...looking forward to discussing same with you...another lay person and a woman (yay) at the helm...hmmm. If you watch the whole video (less than 5 minutes long)...be sure to note the credits and see that the studio still has the logo carrying the name of the famous J Wellington Cat.  

Post a comment Tags: brooke

'Courage' poses with his pardon--HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE

Determination kept gnawing at me, and I finally made a movie.  Well it sure is primitive alright, but it's a movie.  I used the MAC iMovie application and taught myself mostly thru trial and error.  I combined some basketball video of Brooke...she's the little girl in white with medium to long hair....the only one wearing pink shoes.....she's her own person that's for sure, and she was just 6 years old during these games.  


Following the video clips I used the Ken Burns effect on some stills.  I also added some music, but I didn't know how to remove the second song with Sammy Davis singing Jingle Bells at the end.....Oh well...next time.

I'm posting it here so I can come back and see if I improve.  

Time to hit the sack...it's nearly 1AM and I'm to make the corn pudding to take to Linda's tomorrow.  

Here's Brooke.  OOPS  it's too big for Vox and won't load so I'll take it to You tube.  I'm not sleepy anyhow, so I think I will.  Here's the You Tube link CLICK HERE and turn up your sound.

BTW, I heard today that 'Courage' the pardoned turkey is on his way to Disneyworld....I wonder if he met up with the Corcoran clan on their way home to Gulf Breeze.  It's now just about 2AM...nitey night.

Post a comment Tags: movie, brooke

Day after yesterday and you know the chant

Last night I called Brooke to tell her I was getting calls from the North Pole.  Apparently the elves are trying to get ideas for gifts.  In particular they wanted to know what small item she would like that would fit in her stocking.  I asked her if she was still into 'Webikins' and she immediately replied "I love Webikins and Littlest Pet Shop".


This was a real plus for me.  I wasn't sure which Littlest Pet characters to get so I checked online and noticed there is a game for Wii called 'Littlest Pet Shop'.  I called Lissa to make sure she didn't already have it...Lissa said she will love it.  They have a Wii platform.  I was quite pleased to see the game was reduced 50% to $15.00 since it's not one of the latest.  However, she won't know that.  I ordered it thru Amazon.  It comes via Target but the local Target store here doesn't have it.  So the S&H for Amazon would be gas for the car.  I was thrilled to find this stocking stuffer I know she'll love.  
Now, I can't wait to give them their gifts.  Talk about schizy...on the one hand I'm totally against giving so many material 'things' and yet I do the same thing.  

Rich himself called the Dermatologist's office to see if they had a cancellation so he could be seen.  They did and he was seen at 3:15PM.  And yes it was a pre cancerous lesion...probably another squamous.  It was burned off about 6 mos. ago, but would not heal.  So, I'm glad we nipped this in the earliest of stages.   He's had other skin cancers so we try to be vigilant. 

I stayed up way too late last night....like 3:30AM.  I'd been trying to complete the DVD I was working on earlier in the day.  I was sure this last attempt would be the right one.  It wasn't.  I'm not giving up tho'...I am determined to get it right.  

Pottery class this time was spent 'trimming' the base of various pieces.  I was going along trimming here and there, when I pushed too hard and made a big hole in my otherwise 'Lladro' ;-) quality bowl.  Lindsay kindly said it's happened to her many, many times.  I brought home 3 pieces we glazed last week, and even I can see where I am improving.  I think I'll go again on Saturday.  Will probably begin twice a week sessions after the holidays.

Tomorrow I get my routine lab work done and no plans for anything special at this point.  I'm sure something will come up.  

Cousin Helen called this evening and we talked for ages.  She had a wonderful birthday celebration with all four of her children in town to surprise her.  All but one of her 7 grandchildren made it.  Two of her children came in from CT, one fro NJ and the other from Wisconsin.  She was surprised and thrilled.  They even brought their own sheets so she wouldn't have to do any prep or clean up.  The day was totally to celebrate her and that they did.  She had no idea they were coming.....the best gift of all.

Post a comment Tags: brooke, pottery

Halloween

Got to the eye doc for an eye exam so I could get more contacts.  They wouldn't re order them when I called the other day because it was more than a year since my last exam.  I've had other eye exams, but not for contacts since '07.  I'm tellin' ya they have more ways to make money.  I was there on time for my 2:45PM and didn't get seen till 3:45PM.  I was afraid I wouldn't get back home in time to meet Rich so we could go over to Norfolk to see the kids in their costumes.


I called Rich and he said we could meet at Rich and Lissa's rather than me backtracking by coming home first.
He got there about 10 minutes before I did.  Lots of activity in that house.  They'd been out partying all afternoon at Waterside and the party goes on.  After Trick or Treating they go to a civic league party...Lissa's the President of their little civic league so she has to make an appearance.  The whole family will go.  Here's a video of preparations before a night of begging.
Preparing for Trick or Treating
And here's a shot of me with Trevor and Brooke.
GrandmaPatti with Brooke and Trevor
GrandmaPatti with Brooke and Trevor
It was fun to see all the excitement.  Halloween was always a fun time for me when I was  kid.  Here's Trevor with his mask.
Brooke&Trevor in costume
Brooke&Trevor in costume

Post a comment Tags: lissa, brooke, trevor

Monday

Never heard back from the 'Product Specialist' at Apple.  Not a good sign.  Guess I'll have to call tomorrow.


Spent too much time on the phone trying to get the billing office at our primary care office to explain to me why we were billed for the 'shingles' shots we got in August.  Apparently Medicare does not cover the 'shingles' shot and we must pay.  I could not decipher the billing statement from the office and the billing person persisted on telling me I had to pay.  She could not explain why and referred me to Medicare.  Calling Medicare is like calling a giant box in the sky.  However, I was pleasantly surprised to find they have made inroads into their robot answering machines.

Medicare referred me to Tricare4U.  I told that person I was looking at an EOB that said on the bottom that our balance was $0.00.  She then said it was a computer glitch and we did have to pay. I called the primary office's billing person back to tell her she indeed was right.  There was a glitch in Tricare's computer.

I was ticked that no one in the doctor's office told me Medicare did not cover the shingles shot.  Maybe the doctor did....but I don't remember it.....and I think I would remember $194.00 for a shot of vaccine and then $31.00 for the LPN or Medical Assistant to give me the shot.  Now that is a major rip off.  I realize we always sign a financial statement when we sign in, but it's part of several papers we must sign.  I think someone should tell the patient...'Medicare will not cover this and it cost $225'.  They should have you sign another form so it would ring a bell..'hey I'm going to have to pay this'. 

I noted on the caller ID Ken and Rosie called yesterday. I called today and enjoyed talking with my former Pensacola neighbor now living in Illinois.  She said they had a dusting of snow yesterday ...oh boy.  Winter is on it's way for them.

We went over to Rich and Lissa's with our gourmet cupcakes for everybody to sing Happy Birthday to Rich sr, Rich jr and Lissa...all of whom have birthdays in October.  Brooke insisted on giving GrandpaBuck(Rich) some little animal figurines.  He didn't want any gifts, but she persisted.  GrandpaBuck made a big fuss over the cards she designed and made for him.  She told us she made all the cards and shopped for the gifts and cards.  I told her Trevor will have her doing that from here on in.  

The kids were delightful.  Trevor told us about his campaign for Treasurer.  Here he gives a glimpse into his 'schtick'.  
Trevor's campaign poster
Some of the letters on the above poster aren't visible--the V in his first name and the E in the last name are missing.  I thought the fake money on the poster looked like real money.   He lost by one vote.  He said he broke up with his girlfriend because he found out she didn't vote for him...What?  She told him she did, but one of his friends saw her vote and said she voted for 'Charley'.  Hmmm.  They talk about 'going out' with so and so, but Lissa said they don't go anywhere...they just use the language.  I thought 10 year old 5th grade boys thought girls were yucky.  I guess I'm getting too old to understand these modern times.  

The cupcakes were super good and a big hit.  It was different than a cake.  Choice of flavors made it special too.  

When we got home Brooke called to tell me she forgot to give me a gift she made especially for me.  She wouldn't tell me what it was.  She suggested I come to her soccer game Saturday and she'll give it to me then.  She knows I don't get up til late, but she thought 11AM should be OK for me.  I'm supposed to be at WHRO to help with the October phone-in fund raiser, but I'm sure I can change my day.  We'll see.

Post a comment Tags: imac, brooke, trevor, things that irritate me

More about pottery

It was good to be back in the studio.  For one reason or another Lindsay (teacher) and I couldn't meet for a class over the past few weeks..  


I was pleased she had me made go over the earlier lessons and I can tell I'm getting the hang of it.   She is  such a good teacher.  She demonstrates and explains what she's doing then lets me try.  She gives just the right amount of praise, and amazes me how she can tell exactly how and where I've placed too much or too little pressure. 

I was proud of myself today.  When she went into the other room, I completed my sugar bowl.  I then took the wire and carefully placed it  under the bowl as the wheel was turning, and I was successful in lifting the bowl from the wheel.  Yes!

All the pieces are being 'fired' today in the kiln.  This is the first 'firing' aka 'bisque firing'.  Next week we'll learn to glaze and then one more firing.   

KIm the owner was there and we talked about a show.  She plans to have one and says I'm to be in it too.....LOL....me in an art show.  I'll post a photo of my pieces after the final glazing.

Brooke and Lissa were arriving as I was leaving.  Brooke had her first soccer game today and wasn't able to get to the studio til late afternoon.  

I stopped at the library to renew my card and picked up two DVDs...one is 'Angela's Ashes'  ...I didn't know it had been made into a film.  The other is 'The Kingfisher' with Rex Harrison and Wendy Hiller.  

Very nice day today.  

Brooke called this evening to tell us she "loves the wheel"  that we'd given her for her birthday.  She's already made a few pieces and can paint them in a day or two.  I was so pleased to hear that the unit works so well for her.  It was a child's pottery wheel I'd purchased at 'Michaels', and I was a bit leery.  I think it is perfect for her.  She's been to regular pottery classes and now knows the basics.  Maybe I will purchase a regular wheel and set it up upstairs.  She can then come over and continue her pottery making.  Just a thought.

Post a comment Tags: brooke, pottery

Sunday

Pretty day today.  Didn't do much.  Had a nice long telephone chat with my God-child niece Rosemarie.  I think we covered the waterfront so to speak.

She's studying for her final certification test in medical coding.  She, John and Kristina will be going to visit Terry in Austin the first week in October following a couple of nights in AC.  It's Kristina's 21st birthday celebration trip.

We went over to R&Ls to celebrate Brooke's 7th birthday.  She was thrilled to receive the pottery wheel and wanted to use it right away.  I think her mom persuaded her to wait 'til later.  You really have to set up a space with newspaper or brown paper...canvas would be better to 'wedge' the clay.  We had cake and ice cream...I just had the cake and too much icing, but it was fun.

Travis called this morning to tell us his wife delivered last evening...their 2nd little girl.  I'd told him to call us and he did.  Travis does our painting and general house repairs ....we've known him now for 10+ years.   He also does work for R&L. I told him his baby was born on the same day as Brooke...September 12th.  That's also the same birthday of my bestest friend, former boss SKC.  

Post a comment Tags: niece, brooke