Home Sweet Home

I was a religious watcher of the Wizard of Oz as a child.  You see where I'm going with this.  Home really is the best place to be.  Indeed, there's no place like home.  Dave and I made the trip out to Utah last week for a wedding/graduation/family picture-filled weekend.  It was more than busy, but so much fun.  I got to see lots of friends that I haven't seen in forever.  We all went down to Provo with Grandma Lane in tow for Tyler's graduation, then looked at Nepal photos the rest of the night.  Saturday we endulged in Cafe Rio, then played with baby Kate.  Then, of course, the family picture.  We made out with no family fights and what I think will be potentially good family pictures.  That night I got to see all of my cousins and Grandma and Grandpa Waterfall.  And what would a trip to Utah be without going to the Flowrider in downtown Ogden.  Dave pulled it together and looked pretty confident out there.  He did great!  My mom, Megan, and I just hung out, watched the other Flowrider patrons, and wiped the humidity from our faces (it was so steamy in there).  Thank you family for a fun weekend -- love you and miss you!

Nemesis

While my mom was out here a couple of months ago, we headed to our local Wal-Mart to purchase a bird feeder, then off to Costco to buy (what I thought would be) a lifetime supply of bird seed.  We hung the little feeder off the tree just outside my kitchen window.  The first week we had the feeder, there wasn't much business.  The birds were taking stock of the new feeder, I guess.  But since then, I think every bird and small rodent frequents the feeder.  Lots of bright red cardinals come hang out at the feeder and eat.  And now we have a bird's nest in nestled in the motion lights on the house next to the feeder.  And yes, I said small rodents.  

The small squirrels who were once hibernating through the winter are now 5 lbs. overweight and feeding from the feeder.  They climb up the tree, hung upside down, and eat to their heart's content.  I'm afraid the tree limb is going to snap one of these days because they've gotten so fat.  Needless to say, I'm not sure our bird seed supply is going to last as long as we had intended.  

Beer, brats and baseball

The St. Louis way of life.  

Though I don't drink beer, and I don't love Bratwurst (nor will I ever), I do like Cardinal baseball.  We went to a game just the other night to watch the Cards defeat Milwaukee.  Though we donned fleece and rain jackets, it was the nicest day/night of the year.  I am tired of the cold and so ready for spring weather!  

We ate peanuts, of course, and a hot dog (the only time I ever make an exception to mystery meat is at a baseball game).  

If you're ever in town this summer, it's certainly worth it to head down to Busch Stadium and subscribe the the St. Louis life for a day.  

When in doubt, throw it out

We're told we should take time for ourselves and develop our talents.  I took the liberty of doing that this weekend, and I found it to be very enjoyable.  I re-organized the filing cabinet, discarding unnecessary documents and removing all 2007 paperwork.  I organized photographs and frames, and started on another Goodwill bag.  I'm not musically inclined.  I wouldn't call myself an artist by any means.  I'm not the best cook, or the best sportswoman; nor do I have any major hidden talents.  However, one thing I would say I'm good at is simplifying, de-cluttering, and basically throwing things away.  It's something I take pride in.  Instead of shying away from a closet full of junk, I jump at the opportunity to get rid of and/or share my stuff.  This talent of mine has many benefits.  Not only is my home or room more organized and liveable, I feel a sense of accomplishment, instant gratification, and sometimes even end up with a Goodwill receipt in hand.  It's a win-win.  

Now this talent is not a cover up for waste, mind you.  But if an item has served its purpose, perhaps another person can find a use for it.  Otherwise, to the trash!

Fast one

That's what The Hills pulled tonight with only a half hour show.  There are few shows that I make a point of watching; I was terribly disappointed to have my Hills fix cut short.  What's the deal?!

Forget diamonds

...shoes are my best friend.  How could I they not be?

I remember as a child rummaging through my grandma's basement closet with my sister and cousins and losing count at the number of shoe boxes she had.  It was amazing!  I can safely assert that "Maggie" is a shoe lover, and this love has been passed on to me.  

No other item of clothing fits regardless of weight gain/loss.  No other accessory finishes an outfit like a unique pair.  And with so many options -- flats, heels, sandals, sneakers, loafers, boots -- I hope I have a spare closet just like Maggie's one day.