Redecorating the tree

Yesterday I foolishly told the princess how she kept undecorating the Christmas tree a few years back. It was so bad we hid the decorations until she went to bed Christmas Eve. Well today she proceeded to remove some of the ornaments she had put on the day before. Think she is just teasing me, she's like that. I hid them, I'm like that too!

;-)

Decorating Fun

Skating Forecast part 2,No Snow and it was good

The Rinx Holiday show was teriffic. All the skaters worked hard and enjoyed performing for the full house. The Princess skated to Bette Midler's Mele Kalikimaka. she seemed pleased with her performance. She was nervous before going on but once she was on the ice she was smiling and having a great time.

Today we decorate the tree...

Skating Forecast

The Princess is to skate on Sunday and the forecast is suggesting snow. It's like dejavu all over again. Last year the captain shoveled snow for many hours in order for us to get her there. Planning to broadcast live on my ustream channel. Hope you can join us!

;-)

Just 12 more days til Christmas and I can't wait

The holiday chaos is in full force. That combined with having a child with a December birthday. More fun than anyone deserves to have. My shopping is long completed so I can focus on the princess social calendar(feels like a full time job some days)

We survied the BD party yesterday. Had a goood turnout,what else to do on a rainy Sunday afternoon but have a party at Chuck e Cheese. The guests were generous with not only their gifts, but donations to the local food pantry as well. Maybe they should add sports programmng so the dads can stay with the kids and the moms can go shopping.

The Princess thinks like Macy's parade, she's started planning for next year.

More fun with color

LEGO birthday girl

Here's a fun picture of the princess. There's an iPhone app Lego Photo that does the lego mosaic. Pretty cool.

Holiday Parade

Happy Thanksgiving

Hoping everyone had a great time today,we did. Had a non traditional dinner. Decided to skip the turkey and do something different. Filet Mignon. The princess objected until she started eating. LOL. Simple sides green beans,baked potatoes. Dessert red velvet cupcakes with marshmallow butter creme frosting.

Put out some fun play things, Uno,Lego,old school game boy. The children had a blast. I'm pooped. Skipped dessert at the in laws. the captain and the princess went.

Joked about going out to shop tonight,remembered I'm done shopping. LOL

The Holidays are here...already? Oh $&@?

Have to report the following:

Holiday music heard today on 97.5, WALK

Holiday lights observed In Ronkonkoma. Not Lights of Halloween,past but lights of Christmas future .

;-)

Picture retake/spaghetti day

Yes, I have blogged about this subject before.

Yes, the school served spaghetti today, picture retake day.

Yes, I'm convinced there is a conspiracy here.

;-)

Nick Jr | Pilgrim Hat Cupcakes

http://m.nickjr.com/Pilgrim_Hat_Cupcakes.rbml

;-)

Support your local toy store

Saturday Nov 13 is Neighborhood Toy Store Day go out and support your local toy store.

Turkey anybody?

The hardware

Waiting for the hardware

The princess has skated. Waiting for the competition to conclude and the trophies to be presented. She skated well.

;-)

It's all about the hardware

The princess did a run through for a competition this weekend. We had our usual artistic and creative differences. The costume, the music,the hair. She's my little diva for sure.

Her practice went well. I'll post the outcome and video Sunday

;-)

Age is a number, fabulous is forever

Truer words were never said, to all my girlfriends you are simply fabulous. Celebrate it!

We all had a great time with our Halloween weekend adventures. I am still recovering from it. Classroom party,family fun night,brownie event, trick or treating and pizza party.

Hoping you were all able to vote today. Don't like the new system but change isn't easy. Remember a voting disaster the captain had a while back. Somehow he thought he'd pulled the handle completely when he went it the booth. The darn thing jammed and he got stuck inside. He's leery of voting machines ever since.

;-)

Why do teachers dress like witches?

Attended the class party earlier. The princess commented "why do the teachers always dress like witches?"

Wondering why myself. Three years,three witches.

The class made the following to keep the ghosts and goblins away. A mixture of equal parts:bird seed,oatmeal and cheerios. Sprinkle on the lawn.

Watch out for birds LOL

Happy Halloween

;-)

Happy Halloween

I know it's a little early but I just had to share this with all of you. The above window painting was done by my nephew and two classmates.

Invisible fortune cookie

Last night I picked up some Chinese take out. While unpacking the bag I discovered a sealed but empty fortune cookie package. Left it out for the princess just for fun. She was puzzled and decided the cookie was invisible, she wants to trick her friends with it now.

Timing is everything

I was reading the school lunch menu as to plan for the upcoming week and made a startling discovery. Some of the sloppiest lunches are being offered on picture days. Spaghetti w/meat sauce and sliders. It's obvious that the powers that be did not consult one another when making this plan. The same thing happened last spring. Photo day/messy lunch, maybe they did plan it or are they that obtuse?

Some might think it is a larger conspiracy including the food service department,photographers,laundry detergent companies and perhaps even children's clothing manufacturers. Others would conclude it's just poor planning.

Executive decision:She's bringing lunch on picture day. LOL

Crocodile Rock

Had some fun today with the crocodile puppet. Sang Crocodile Rock to the princess,not as well as Elton John but it will do.

We have the same puppet as Craig Ferguson uses on The Late Late Show. Love these puppets. Want one? The next giveaway will be for a crocodile puppet. Check back for details

Sir Lost A Lot and the quest for the Schwinn chainguard

Sir Lost A Lot has returned from his overnight adventure to the 25th annual Trexlertown Antique Classic Bicycle show. For those of you unfamiliar it's bicycle nirvana for collectors. This annual ritual features grown men searching for the bikes and accessories of their dreams,often by flashlight. The show officially starts Sunday morning at 6:00AM, however many arrive the night before to wheel,deal and talk about bicycles. There are some hardcore collectors that travel a great distance to attend this event.

This was not his first trip to the venue but it was his first alone. In years past both pre and post princess I have accompanied him and functioned as a driver and or navigator. The princess and I had another commitment and were unable to attend. Boohoo. So off he went with overnight gear planning to sleep in his truck,40 degree weather was forecast.


I received a call from him midway through the trip, he'd somehow managed to get off the interstate well short of his intended destination. I was able to get him back on track. He arrived later than planned but he did get there with daylight to spare.

Among the treasures he returned with were two bikes, a pair of handlebars, three tires and lots of stories. He'd been trying to find a chain guard for a Schwinn Stingray he's been working on for over a year.A trip to the show is not complete without a breakfast of ham, egg and cheese on white bread cheerfully prepared by the Goodwill Fire company members.


As with any collection one can get carried away easily. Some visitors liken it to an addiction and another is quoted as comparing the bikes to lost puppies that need a home.

So much for the space gained by the recent disposition of 10 bikes. LOL

Eloise Unplugged...in the lavatory

Received a call from the princess teacher a few days ago. Seems she has discovered that lavatories have fabulous acoustics. She likes to sing and can out scream Jamie Lee Curtis. The speech teacher went in to see what all the racket was about and got to have a live performance of the princess,unplugged. At the conclusion, she was personally escorted back to class where upon the there was much dicussion regarding her perfomance and how it was a to be a "once and only". I found it hard to keep my composure during the phone call that followed shortly thereafter.


I investigated the scene myself the next day at parents night.The speech pathologists room is closest to the girls lav,the princess classroom is the furthest. I told her teacher the first time we spoke,she's your Eloise,good luck. Oh second grade is going to be so much funner.

Fashionista wars

Fall fashion is all around,especially in the 2nd grade. The princess and a classmate from last year are trying to outdress each other

I'd like my orange scarf from Spain today. FYI it's the same scarf worn by WLIW 21's Laura Savini during a recent PBS fund drive.

The scarf went well with her dress but why wouldn't it. She's my little fashionista for sure. Can't wait until tomorrow morning.

;-)

Happy last day of summer

Today starts the first day of fall. It is also the moon festival, a Chinese harvest festival.

This weeks Barefoot Books giveaway is a copy of Lin Yi's Lantern.

Here's the question: What items are on Lin Yi's shopping list?

To find the answer visit the barefoot books website and step inside the book. Post you response here or by e-mail by Thursday September 30 @ 11:59 PM

Winner will be randomly chosen from all correct entries.As always there is no purchase necessary to participate in this giveaway.

A potpourri of insanity

Pulled the car up, got the bumper stuck on the curb.backed up,ripped it off. Body guy fixed it,gratis.longest 30 min of my day. A potpourri of insanity. Thank you Bruno,you made me laugh

;-)

Book contest winner

Congrats to Fiona,she answered the book contest question correctly.

Next giveaway starts later this week.

Barefoots Books, Book giveaway contest

This weeks question is from Ruby's School Walk. Visit the website(use the ad on this page to get there),step inside the story and answer the following for your chance to win a copy of the book.

Here's the question: What 4 frightening things does Ruby see on her way to school that her mother cannot? Winner will be randomly chosen from all correct entries. Submit your answer here or by e-mail by Sunday,September 19th @ 11:59 PM. One entry per person,no purchase necessary.

FDOS second grade

Subject: FDOS second grade

The princess reports the following:

Teacher wants 3 more folders.

The princess insists that one folder is sufficient!

One student isn't coming to school until their broken arms mend.

She wrote "the first day of school" 100 times in her journal.

Can't wait for parent info night LOL

<:o)

Living like Eloise

Went on a grand adventure in NYC Saturday. Visited FAO Schwarz and played for hours. The little princesses had a grand time. They got to see a puppet show,draw pictures, checked out more toys than they had ever imagined and played on the Big Piano. My favorite was the Barbie Fashion Runway.





We listened to stories at the Barefoot Books Boutique. Ruby's School Walk,Three Billy Goats Gruff and Dragon on the Doorstep.





Then it was across the street to the Plaza. The girls were treated to a ride on a luggage trolley. We shopped the boutiques, including the Eloise boutique. Needless to say the girls were awestruck by everything they saw. They dressed up and had a tea party. Too bad Eloise was in Nantucket for the weekend,she missed a simply fabulous time.





Lunch was at recently opened Plaza Food Hall. We were seated by the pizza station so the girls were able to watch as their pizza was prepared. They even got autographs of the chefs.

Book giveaway

The first BTS book giveaway contest.

The Real Princess A Mathematical Tale is a retelling of the princess and the pea story with a mathematical twist. Go to the barefoot books website and look up the book and step inside to find the answer.

Correctly answer the question and be entered to win a copy of the book. Winner will be randomly chosen from all correct entries posted as responses. Contest ends Tuesday,Sept 7th @ 11:59 PM.

Here's the question: What does the queen keep in her counting house?

Good luck and happy hunting.

Back to school book give away

Now is the time to get ready for the back to school book give away. Each week this month we will be giving a lucky reader a title from Barefoot Books.

Visit the Barefoot Books website to see all the great books and gifts.

More details to follow,keep reading.

;-)

Aloha August

The princess had a great time at her friends luau party. By far one of the best kids parties we've attended. 30 or so wahinis dancing the hula.

By the sea

Yes, we actually did get to the beach this summer.

Caber toss

Live from the Long Island Scottish Games at Old Westbury Gardens.

The princess tries to toss a caber. Lively dance and music,delicious food and lots of fun for all. Can't wait for next year.

BTW she has discovered theat McDonalds is not Scottish food. LOL

What's up next?

An action packed weekend is store.

Scottish Games Saturday www.liscots.org
Real men wear kilts

Mets game Sunday

Maybe the mets should practice throwing cabers and putting the stone LOL
A tartan in mets colors might be interesting.

;-)

Pink marble notebooks

I was starting to believe the princess would begin the school year with last years backpack filled with broken crayons,dried out markers and partly filled composition books. Each time I planned to go shopping I found myself detoured by some semi crisis.

This evening I announced that if I didn't get there she was taking the leftovers from the ghosts of school years past. We made our annual pilgrimage to walmart sans list. Got everything except composition books.

Next stop was kmart but the price was far more than I was willing to shell out.$2.59. not in my weakest moment. I'll get some tomorrow.

;-)

The dentist

Took the princess for her check up; things got a bit more complicated than I expected. Root canal. Tell you she's a tough little kid. I revised our plans for the remainder fo the day. Barbie videos instead of shopping.

Rosemary beads

Went to the post office to check the box. There was a small package addressed to my father. It was from one of the religious organizations he used to send donations to.

The princess was curious about the contents so I told her she could have it. There was a set of rosary beads.

Of course she had many questions. Why were they called Rosemary beads? Why didn't grandpa need these ones? (He passed when she was a newborn.)

And what do you do with these anyway and why didn't I use them. Told her to ask grandma P how to use Rosemary beads.

21 days and counting...

Yes,it's true just three more weeks until the princess returns to school. Camp is over at weeks end. So that means there are two weeks for me to fill with adventure.

Oh don't get me wrong I look forward to spending some time not following a schedule. Just thinking about what we can do.

;-)

Old school Mrs Potato Head

From yesterdays day camp festivities.

Summerfest

The princess' dream car LOL 61 vette

Puter tales

Today I have a most important mission before me. I'm seeking a replacement for the lap top I use for work. One of the hinges had been funky for a while. There are just so many choices it,s hard to decide.

Yesterday I was on a field assignment and to make a long story short the other hinge gave put causing the lid to flop over on to the conference table.

The machine while still usable in a stationary setting is no longer practical for use in the field unless I improvise with things to keep the cover propped up, yesterday that was possible during my meeting but I am not always afforded the luxury of a 18" high stack of reports to lean on. Wasn't easy but I made it work. You see I needed to review reports on each stack,five in all. Then move them around while keeping the laptop open. I'm not sure if anyone observed me moving the documents and keeping the lid from flopping over.

I did manage to gather the information required,hopefully I won't have to make too many revisions.

Once I returned home I found a few flash drives and backed up the information I wanted just on case the thing shorts out.

The blue screen of death might have been simpler.
;-)

The great pillow case mystery

It started about a week ago. One morning I found a pillow case on floor the princess' sleeping chamber. I shook it off and put it back on the pillow. The next morning I found the same pillow case on the floor. Once again I returned it to the pillow and went about my day.

Later I asked the princess was she discarding the pillow case for a reason? Had she spilled something on it? She told me the googly bug eyes of the Power Puff girls kept freaking her out during the night. I replaced the pillow case with some thing a little calmer; Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and friends. next morning I discover the replacement pillow case on the floor.

Tonight she's got Hello Kitty and something with roses on it. Will let you know what transpires.

http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/30/betsey-johnson-unveils-eloise-suite-at-the-plaza/

;-)

Ramona and Beezus

Went to the movies and saw Ramona and Beezus. The story is based on the Beverly Cleary series. Ramona(Joey King) has her share of misadventures. Beezus (selena gomez)her older sister is a typical teen. Mom and dad, Bridgit Moynahan and John Corbett deal with their family and contemporary situations. Story regulars Henry Huggins, Howie,Willa Jean and Susan are there as well.The film is appropriate for the whole family. The princess gives it four tiaras

;-)

Dirty and tired

The day camp brochure states "campers will be dirty and tired" I want half the tuition back. She's dirty...at the end of the day. She's got stains on her skates that will not come off. I tried clorox clean up and mr clean magic eraser. If the competition wasn't next weekend I wouldn't be so concerned. Going to try white out next.

;-)

The Barefoot Bowler...almost

Went bowling with the captain and the princess. She got a spare on the 10th frame and removed the bowling shoes not realizing she had another throw. I told her she had another turn, she got up to get a ball, sans shoes. She didn't get far, she retreated and put the shoes back one. Rolled a strike...that's my girl. BTW she beat both of us LOL.

;-)

PJ Day

Pajama Day

Today's theme is pajama day. The princess went off wearing a nightgown and a rain jacket. I know what you're thinking... She ordinarily wears fleece footed pj's or just her undies;neither would be a good choice today.

There are two bathing suits,shorts,t shirt,socks,skating attire and underwear in the bag. Wondering what she'll have on when I see her later.

The Backpack

She got her backpack this morning,life is good.

The counselors told me she was crying for me during the day. Now this is a first. She never did this at pre school or elementary school. She said she was homesick. Maybe so,but I have my doubts.

Tomorrow is pajama day. I overheard the director telling the counselors to keep it respectable. No thongs or teddies were his exact words. I have to remind the princess of this as well.

Day Camp Diva

Lets the games begin. The princess started day camp yesterday. She's already making her outrageous demands regarding camp attire and accessories. Today's theme is Hawaiian Day. She tells me that a Lei can only be worn with a dress. Well she's not wearing a dress today, she's wearing shorts and a floral pattern top. Get over it.



Then there is the the issue surrounding the official camp backpack. The counselors didn't give her one yesterday and she's miffed about it. She's using a rolling backpack. It's the only one big enough(barely) for all of her gear. She has all the normal day camp stuff as well as her own ice skates so her load is larger than most of the other campers. Yesterday the bag appeared as if it was dragged on the ground. Hope she gets her backpack today or I'm going to spontaneously combust.

Fabulous Friday

No idea what that day has in store for me other than the things I have planned,like working.

Quiet for the moment but I know that wont last long. Working from home is sometimes tough when the captain and the princess are roaming around.

The princess announced last night she will need one pc. bathing attire for camp rather than her preferred 2 pc. (belly out) suits. Add another errand to the never ending list. Better get moving while I still have a chance.

Trying to stay cool

Another day near 90. The princess asked at 8:00 am if she could go to the skating rink.

Had a quiet 4th,went to see fireworks by the beach. Grucci did a show out on the Great South Bay. We were able to view from a distance. There was a pretty decent sized crowd.

The traffic for the ferry was crazy. Cars parked everywhere, guess the daytrippers were willing to get ticketed or towed.

Got to go to the pet store later as Mr. Fish passed on quietly early yesterday.

The water park

Visited the town's new water spray park today. They are still working out some of the bugs, just opened a few days ago. No concessions yet but the place is so cute. One of a few cool places to vosot on a hot day.

The horrible hairbrush of terror

That's what the princess calls a stiff bristled hairbrush. Her hair is like mine and her dad's, thick and wavy. Not easily brushed with anything! Her brush of choice is a baby brush,like that's going to work well. She keeps hiding the stiffer brushes which leaves little choice but to use a wide toothed comb. LOL Told her if she couldn't find the horrible hairbrush of terror perhaps a shorter haircut was in order. 70 days until school starts. LOL

The last day of school

The bus was covered with silly string when it arrived. The driver told us the parents at prior stop were the culprits. Just my luck I didn't have a camera with me. Partied with the mommies and the kids. Not sure who had more fun.

Mama I'm a big girl now

This years recital was by far the most exciting of them all. That being said the night went well. the princess had been asking to get her ears pierced. I'd been putting if off until after the big night. Today she woke me and asked when were we going to get it done. kids are so literal. I never expected she'd want to go the morning after the show, but she did. And yes,the dress rehearsal video is now on youtube.

The field trip

The first graders went to delivery the recently hatched chicks to the county farm. The princess woke me @ 4:20,think she was excited? She told me at breakfast there was going to be mud and poop.

She said the trip was great, they fed some animals and some boys fell in the mud. She had a few treasures from the expedition. Some wool,a feather and a ruler.

The snails seem to be faring well in their snailarium (plastic Gabilas knish box). Fed them some homegrown red leaf lettuce which they seem to be enjoying.

Sluggo 2 & Sluggo 3

The princess presented me with two leaves,each contained a snail. Their names: Sluggo 2 and Sluggo 3. We built a snailarium for them. Let's see how they fare. The last one had an untimely demise

Missed the call from the school nurse for an unscheduled wardrobe change, the captain took care of it. Wonder what he took over ther. LOL

The recital is Saturday,I'm exhausted already. Time to get the princess...and see what she's wearing

Hairspray anyone?

Recital countdown. 8 days. Photos were yesterday afternoon. Ran much later than expected. Took a few pics while we were waiting,enjoy.

I don't know nuthing about birthin no chickens...

The chicks started hatching this morning. I saw two earlier that were pecking at each other.

Waiting for the chicks to hatch

Follow the chicks...

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/4233380

A spider farted...

Yes,that's right. A spider farted according to the princess and covered the screen of the laptop in dust. I'll agree with that,how else would there be dust in my house?

Down to four possible music choices for the next skating competition. Artists/Songs are Adele "Right as Rain", Demi Lovato "So far so great", Selena Gomez "Naturally" and Miley Cyrus covering Cyndi Lauper's "Girls just wanna have fun". I should have my readers vote on this one in a poll.

It's June already,holy crap

So much to do,never enough time. Happy 1st of June,happy Tuesday. Suffering with some sunburn on my arms and neck. Thank goodness it's not all over me. Chased the princess around with the sunscreen,didn't put enough on myself. LOL ouch.

A few more weeks until school is over,much fun to be had before then.

Nike Jones Beach Sneakers

Read a story in the local paper about these shoes. Pretty neat idea. There's just on thing that bothers me. The image of Long Island on the sole. To me the western most part of the island should be at the toe and the forks at the heel however it's reversed. You be the judge. Post a response.

http://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/nike-s-jones-beach-sneakers-return-to-local-shops-1.1956253

Happy Memorial Day

Hope everyone has a safe and fabulous weekend.

Keeping close to home ourselves. The princess has been so busy with dance and skating. The competition was fantastic,video is on youtube; she's now preparing for the next one.

The recital is in three weeks go to find the *&%$ earrings. LOL I can't go to the studio director and tell her we misplaced another pair. I've replaced accessories on more than one occasion so I must be diligent in my quest to rediscover them.

Have fun and keep reading!

Hey,It's the Princess and Mr Met

Attended GKR's Pitch In for a Good Cause Mother's Day event today. Everything was terrific,Lynn Cohen outdid herself organizing the event. If only the Mets had won it would have been perfect.

We entered citifield at the opposite end of the park and walked the entire suite level. The princess asked if we were in a hotel. Citifield is a spiffy place,get there if you can. For more information about upcoming GKR events follow the link on our page.

Happy Mothers Day

To all the faithful followers make it a great day. We're spending the day at a GKR event. details later...

The past week has been busy. Homework, skating,party,dancing,more skating, more homework,another party.

Competition is next weekend. Scouted out the rink last weekend. Never been there before. There was a family having a birthday party. The princess was asked to join them for pizza and cake. Hope she doesn't think that will happen again

Some new bath time alter egos the princess has invented soaparella and princess soapia.

Hoping to stay up long enough for Betty White on SNL tonight.

One day I'll figure out how to update this from my iphone LOL.

The Ladies Who Lunch LI style

Got together again yesterday. There were 7 of us,best time we had yet. Planning our next adventure. Cheesecake anyone?

The Princess has a boyfriend

Was chatting with some of the other mom's at the ice rink this afternoon. A little boy skated towards me and very excitedly blurted out that my daughter has a boyfriend. I leaned over and asked the little boy was he jealous?(The mom's laughed) He looked at me with a puzzled expression so I asked him was it the boy in the red hockey sweater. He replied Yes, I said oh that's so and so,he's OK I like him. Thanks for telling me,now go skate.

Five Dollar Bill

The princess asked for some money to purchase a snack last week at the skating rink. The smallest I had was a five. I told her this is a five dollar bill and she'd be getting change from her purchase. To be sure she understood I asked her how much had I given her,she replied "five dollars". When I asked who's picture was on the bill she replied "Five Dollar Bill.

Princess and the Stars(where is Evan Lysacek?)

Went to Smuckers Stars on Ice. the Princess had a great time,kept asking when was Evan Lysacek going to skate. Sorry Jonas' Brothers you've been dethroned in our house.

She was jumping around in the stands to The Black Eyed Peas(and others) during the final number of act one. Was hoping she wouldn't fall down the aisle onto the ice. It was a distinct possibility. Enjoy the photo.

Boarding pass groups are useless

Discovered this during our trip.

We regret that you were disappointed with your experience, and we thank your for the opportunity to respond to your correspondence.We regret learning of your disappointment with our seating policy. In all honesty, we've never outlined a policy for or against the saving of seats. That said, we generally discourage the saving of seats unless special circumstances exist, for instance, parents traveling with small children.Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We appreciate your patronage.
Sincerely,
Kimberly, Southwest Airlines

I called Southwest after receiving this response to let them know I was disappointed with their lame response. Spoke to a nice lady named Claudia who was of no help whatsoever. Explained to her that the reaponse was not appropriate to the complaint.

The following event is the basis of my complaint:

On our return flight there were two teenage passengers using crutches who were preboarded along with their parent(s). They took their crutches,laid them across several rows of seats in order to save them for their teammates who were at the end of the line. The flight attendant did nothing to stop this even after it was brought to her attention. So the other dozen or so passengers were able to sit with their buddies even though they weren't entitles to preboarding privileges.

Disney transportation

We tried several of the different modes of transportation throughout our stay. Buses,monorail and watercraft.

The most unusual was the magical express motor coach back to the airport. Our driver Paul spoke to the passengers in a tone of voice generally heard in a preschool story time. It was kind of creepy.

The resort buses were busy,during one trip, traffic was at a standstill while a mother duck and her ducklings were allowed safe passage across 6 lanes of traffic. Many of the passengers watched in awe. Guess they'd never seen that before except maybe on TV. It's quite common around here. We have ducks that summer with us every year.

The monrail is always a treat. Too bad they won't let passengers sit in the front car anymore. No honorary monorail pilot's card for the princess.

We liked the boats best. Used them to go to the Polynesian,Wilderness Lodge and from the Boardwalk to Hollywood studios.

Next the parks

Eating our way through Disney

Got back a couple of days ago from the happiest place on earth. Apparently the person that coined that phrase wasn't there last week. There were moderately content people. The parks were at capacity several days. Don't get me wrong,we had a great time, weather was good. Not too hot,not too cold.

We visited all the parks,not the same day though. Parkhopper passes aren't a consideration for us. Tough to do with a six year old.

We literally ate or way through Disney. Did the deluxe dining plan. Used it for a dinner show,meals at three signature restaurants,several of the character buffets and other table service establishments. The only meal that wasn't included in the plan was Rainforest cafe at Animal Kingdom. That was paid for with a gift card I earned reading a lot of e-mails. We ate breakfast every day at our hotel. we managed to use all but one of our meal credits. Not sure how that happened. I sat down and calculated the cost paid for the plan vs the meals eaten and we definitely came out ahead. Our discretionary expenditures were primarily for tips and chotchkies and pins for the princess.

Next installment,transportation.

Skating update

Pleased to announce the princess placed 1st in her group in the competition last weekend. She wants to do another in May. I'm seriously not considering it for the simple reason that she needs more free time. Not able to post any new video of her skate on you tube due to unresolved software issues.

Asked the captain to get out the luggage for our adventure to the happiest place in the world next week. He suggested I go shopping to get a few things for myself;don't have to ask me to do that a second time. Just not sure when I might be able to fit it in. Suppose I could skip something unimportant like cooking or sleeping.

Have a long list of things to attend to between now and when we depart. I will spare you the details,you probably know what they are anyway.

Happy Thursday

Two days until the princess skates in her first competition. Two days for me to find the software for my camcorder. LOL Rather busy yet uneventful day.

Girl's day out

Got together again at lunchtime with some of the other moms. The kids were at school. we spent 2hrs chatting and bowling. I recommend this to anyone who can,get together with your girlfriends and do something fun. Wonder what we'll do next time? Rock climbing anyone? LOL

St Patrick's Day Rice Krispie Treats

Slacker that I am, I decided to try the microwave recipe. Scorched the butter and marshmallows. Added green food coloring. Next time I'll make them on the stove. They look awful but still taste good. certainly can't send them to school though. Have no choice but to eat them. LOL.

Happy March 15th

Which of these quotes are associated with today,March 15? Name the author and piece of literature it originates from.





"Beware the jabberwocky"



"Beware the ides of March"



"Beware the gonzo"



"Beware of greeks bearing gifts"

I should have gone ice skating today.

Words uttered by the princess today at the movies. Took her to see Alice In Wonderland. While Alice was falling down the rabbit hole the princes was rethinking her choice of activity for the afternoon.

The talent show was fantastic,alas my video of her performance was not. There was a rather loud young person sitting behind me. I'm trying to find a copy from another family,hopefully I will.

Post theater dinner was at a local chinese restaurant. All the princess favorites. Steamed dumplings,plain lo mein and white rice.

She asked for a pink drink,I ordered her a Shirley Temple. She's never had one before so it was a BIG DEAL.

We fared well from the storm, there is a considerable amount of damage in the area. I was out during the storm,twice. Once to take the princess to her friend's birthday party then later off to the grocery store for comfort food. Pastrami,rye bread,root beer and garlic dill pickles.

Another exciting week ahead;figure skating competition next weekend. Guess where I'll be most days after school.

Talent Show Dress Rehearsal

PTA Talent Show dress rehearsal. The princess was so excited but she didn't sing loud enough into the mike. The show is tonight,will post her performance on You Tube later.

Math Carnival

Spent the morning at the princess' school. I was helping out at a Math carnival. There events were Olympic themed and included biathlon, curling,luge,snow ball toss,speed skating and an estimating station. I ran the snowball toss, didn't have chance to get any pics too busy. Was decked out in a Vancouver Olympic shirt; had to get in to the spirit of things. Working with the kids was great fun.

Llama on skates,

Getting in to the olympic spirit, figure skating llama.

Fashion week

The designer and her models.

Happy Valentines Day

Took the princess to a Valentine's Day Event at a local college. Student athletes representing several NCAA Div 2 East Coast conference schools ran a carnival with games and activities. The young men and women represented their respective schools proudly. All were enthusiastic and patient with the kids.

Also lost a tooth just prior to arriving at the event.

blizzarama

Snow,snow,snow; when can I go outside?now?,no,snow,snow,snow.

No snowmageddon for us, and I'm glad

The princess woke up quite early today in the hopes of having some snow to play in. She'd made tentative plans with a neighbor for a snow date.

She informed me there was no snow, I suggested she go back to bed and let me sleep. Yeah,right.

Why does this child not want to get up on a school day and is up at the crack of dawn on the weekends?

Disco Party Lights

Driving home on the parkway last night, a police cruiser was presenting a motorist with a safe driver reward aka summons.

The princess commented on the flashing blue and red lights on the police cruiser. "Disco Party Lights!" No disco party I want to attend was my response.

Groundhog's Day

Happy Groundhog's Day. What did the groundhog predict for your area? Six more weeks of winter or an early spring? We're looking for 6 more weeks of winter here acording to the local groundhogs Holtsville Hal and Malverne Mel.

I'm going to be your Eloise

While checking in to the Hilton New York this past Saturday, the princess informed the desk clerk that she was going to be their Eloise. She then approached another family checking in and invited their son to be the prince like in Eloise At Christmastime.

The princess was true to her word. She knocked on doors of several other guests announcing she was room sevice,attempted to board an elevator alone and splashed quite a bit in the tub soaking the floor. The family of her "prince" was staying on the floor below us,hope they didn't get wet. Good thing there were no visible mail slots on the floor.

She tried to leave the elevator on the third floor to attend an event going on on the ballroom. The captain stopped her thereby sparring Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and other MLB players the pink princess experience. I can see it now on page 6..."Eloise crashes the Baseball Writers Dinner."

Ice skated,really

A little play on words, but it's true I laced up a pair of skates and skated with the princess. It's been a while and it's not exactly like riding a bike, at least not for me. I will post the pictures once I find a cable for my iphone.

That's a really big duck

Took a drive last weekend to see a model train show. One of the train layout had landmarks of LI on it and the princess noticed a large duck. The captain told her there really was a big duck,not far from where we were, so you know we had to go and show it to her. She didn't believe us until she saw it for herself. She wanted to go in but it was closed.

For those of you unfamiliar with LI, the duck has been around since the 1930's. First as a duck and egg stand and now as a seasonal souvenir stand. As children, my sisters and I begged our parents to go past the Big Duck on our adventures "out east". For more info about the Big Duck go to http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2173

Mommy,what is a faux?

The princess asked what kind of fur was on the hood of her coat and I replied,faux fur. She asked what kind of animal a faux was. Should have said fun fur.

Dressed and ready to go to grandma's at 7:00 AM Sunday. Just a few problems. Dinner was at 4;she was wearing a communion dress and veil. Yesterday was even better; skating dress to go play indoors at the neighbor's across the street.

I know I haven't posted much,life was getting in the way. LOL The snow and the holidays Still have a busy schedule. Dancing, skating and occasionally work to pay for it.

My older sister is celebrating a milestone birthday today. The princess sent her a candy cane and a .60 coupon for tea. I sent her a ZhuZhu pet; yes I did.