Animals are an interesting breed...
We have a tabby named Tina, who is slightly autistic as well as very stunted in her growth, thus she looks like a kitten. She does not like other animals and would prefer to be the only animal in our world. When our dog, Taco, disappeared about a month ago, I swear, Tina did a happy dance! So for about 2 weeks, Tina was the queen of the house. This made her very happy.
Well about 2 weeks, Tina started acting funny, coming in the house with her tail fluffed and acting very perturbed. We noticed a kitten hanging around the house. As we well know Tina, this very much bothered her.
To get to the point, we have a kitty hanging around our yard, dubbed Walmart. She hitched a ride home in my mom's hamster mobile and has been living on the battery in the mobile and hiding in a bush in our yard.. So far, she is a well traveled kitten.
Now Walmart wants to be friends with Tina, but Tina will have none of this. At this time, Tina has allowed her a bush to hide in as well as the car. Tina keeps track of this by patroling the area around the car and keeping the kitten in her area.
We have likened Tina to Mr. Wilson and Walmart, Dennis the Menace. We figured Tina and Walmart would end up being like them as in the movie, Dennis the Menace. Mr. Wilson can't stand that little boy, or so he says until... the boy gets in trouble. Mr. Wilson then shows that he cares and they become best friends.
A situation as this happened the other day to Walmart. Tina was outside with Brit (her kitten) and on guard duty as she is a mighty warrior kitty. Tina heard the cries of a kitty and took off running towards it. She found the Walmart was being harassed by the mean black kitty from the neighbors. Tina fluffed her tail, hissed and possibly let out a meow that, as usual, sounds so off-putting it would scare any cat. Black cat ran away, Tina walked off with her tail fluffed and happy and Walmart ran to her battery, thanking Tina along the way.
Tina was now in a quandry. She doesn't know how to be nice to other animals, nor does not think she can so she did what any good cat would do, went to find a caring soul to mother the kitten.
To our suprise she found Taco (who has been missing for the past month.) Tina knew that Taco, who is old, had gone off to die in peace and to not stink up our yard more than her normal stench. Taco is sweet and caring like that. Unfortunately death was a long time to come to poor Taco and Tina pleaded and begged, saying she could NOT be nice to another animal. She didn't know how and she didn't want to start knowing how. Could Taco please come back and tend to this kitten.
Taco, who found that her stomach was growling thoguht about it for a couple days.. and yesterday, Taco came home.
At this point, Tina is doing a happy dance in her head and showing annoyance outwardly. She is now free to be her usual autistic loner, rebel, who does not want to be touched and Taco, who has to recover some can mother little Walmart.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Trip to Washington DC
My son and I went on a trip to Washington DC for a few days to get to know our Nation's Capitol.
When I was searching out places to stay, how we should get around, what we should see, I had trouble finding anything helpful so I am posting what we did in hopes that if someone finds this, it will help them on their journey to Washington DC.
We planned on driving so I knew we could stay out of the city and close, but not extremely close to the rail.
First off, be sure to take comfortable walking shoes and plan on walking ALOT!
and be prepared to have your Bags Checked at entrances.
Where we Stayed
We stayed outside the city in Vienna, Virginia. That is the last stop on the orange line.
Vienna is a nice little suburb and we got to know it fairly well. We stayed at the Wolf Trap Inn. Our rates were $44 per night, as we went through Expedia. We stayed Saturday through Wednesday. It was an older hotel, but they are remodeling so the rooms are clean and comfortable, bathrooms are being updated and it is close to what Vienna has to offer.
The first night, we walked across the street to PaPa Joes for some Italian. I got up the next morning, went left out and found TWO Starbucks. That made my day and the trip on the rail nice.
Vienna does not have much, but they do offer CVS, Walgreen's, a few other stores and some great shops, along with local restaurants.
One of my favorite things to do it look at the parking lot of local restaurants to see how busy they are at certain times of the day, that is why I had a great breakfast at Armandos. They are a 24 hour restaurant, catering and bakery.
We ate dinner twice at Tequila Grande. Their food is made, mostly from scratch and the guacamole is fabulous!
I also went across the street to Cupcakes, a cupcakery. In this little mall area, there were cute shops and specialty food places, along with a Birkenstocks store, in case you forgot your comfy shoes. It was nice.
We enjoyed great service at all of these places.
Traveling the Rail
Go to http://www.wmata.com/
Go to rail and click on map to see where the rails go to. This allows you to find areas where you can get on the rail. Some are Park and Ride and some are not. Vienna, VA is Park and Ride. If you do not have a car or at a park and ride location, check out bus routes as well.
Taking the rail. Like I said, we did Park and Ride, which was $4.50 per day. The first couple days we found a spot easily but the last day, we had trouble so we drove to Dunn Loring to find a spot.
I recommend, getting to Park and Rides, on weekdays, around 9:45am to get a reserved spot that opens at 10:00 am. These are tow zones during 2:00 am to 10:00 am. Parking spaces fill fast so these are a good way to get a spot.
As for Rail Tickets, we traveled after 9:30 am to get the $9 day pass, which helped as we train hopped often on our journey. If you buy or travel earlier, expect to spend more on Rail Tickets.
It is best to take the rail to (you will have to switch to the Red Line) Union Station or (we stayed on the Orange Line) the Smithsonian. These both put you near places you want to see, like the Capitol Building, Supreme Court, Washington Monument, etc.
The Blue Line will take you to the Pentagon and Pentagon City. We got off at the Pentagon and literally were standing outside next to the Pentagon. That was cool You couldn't do much because of security, but the vastness was pretty cool.
Where to Eat While Visiting the Monuments
Finding food was hard as well. We recommend the Old Post Office Building as they had a vast selection of food for a reasonable price. Besides that, you were stuck with the Smithsonian Cafes, which were pricey or street vendors, which don't offer much. My first lunch at the Old Post Office was fresh made Japanese Food. It was awesome! My son ate hot dogs hahaha. They also have a small shopping area in the Old Post Office along with Bike Rentals. Take a minute to look up and around at the Old Post Office. The inside is beautiful.
or..
Union Station has a great selection of restaurants and shops as well.
The Capitol Grounds
I suggest getting a map at a visitor center. These are located on the grounds near the Monuments and Memorials. It is a great asset in helping get around.
I enjoyed the Majesty of the Capitol Grounds. It felt like we were a part of United States Royalty.
Take time and really see what is the pride of our country, our Capitol. The architecture is grand and you really feel like you are part of something wonderful.
All these are located together, all the along with the Vietnam, Korean War and World War II Memorials.
You will find the Smithsonian and other Museums along this area as well. We enjoyed the Museum of Natural History. My son was not as excited at the Air and Space as he had hoped. I really liked the little bit of art I got to see. I think that would be great to go to without a teenager, unless they appreciate art.
The Memorials were awe inspiring and gave me more to think about. We walked through in silence as is respectful for those who have passed protecting or fighting for the rights of our country. There were also guides happy to help you learn about the Memorials.
The White House
We got off at Metro Station and walked there. The walk was not bad at all and there we were in the heart of Downtown DC, so there was more hustle and bustle.
Georgetown
I then wanted to go into Georgetown to Georgetown Cupcakes. There are supposed to be people in marked clothes to help, but locals were kinder and helpful to many people. It was very nice to see. If you are traveling by bus, I recommend the Circulator Bus. They have maps and the bus lines run by color. Each line goes to different places. We took the yellow to M Street and walked to Georgetown Cupcakes, which was a couple blocks away. When we got back on the bus, we went to the end of the line before going back downtown. I saw awesome little shops and food places. We then crossed the street and caught the Yellow Circulator all the way back to Union Station. For $1 per person, we got a great site of Downtown DC.
Georgetown is a shoppers and diners delight. If you want to go there, it might be best to leave the children or teenagers at home if you plan on doing shopping. There is so much fun to be had!!!
More to come.....
Where we visited
What I would like to see
What we missed
When I was searching out places to stay, how we should get around, what we should see, I had trouble finding anything helpful so I am posting what we did in hopes that if someone finds this, it will help them on their journey to Washington DC.
We planned on driving so I knew we could stay out of the city and close, but not extremely close to the rail.
First off, be sure to take comfortable walking shoes and plan on walking ALOT!
and be prepared to have your Bags Checked at entrances.
Where we Stayed
We stayed outside the city in Vienna, Virginia. That is the last stop on the orange line.
Vienna is a nice little suburb and we got to know it fairly well. We stayed at the Wolf Trap Inn. Our rates were $44 per night, as we went through Expedia. We stayed Saturday through Wednesday. It was an older hotel, but they are remodeling so the rooms are clean and comfortable, bathrooms are being updated and it is close to what Vienna has to offer.
The first night, we walked across the street to PaPa Joes for some Italian. I got up the next morning, went left out and found TWO Starbucks. That made my day and the trip on the rail nice.
Vienna does not have much, but they do offer CVS, Walgreen's, a few other stores and some great shops, along with local restaurants.
One of my favorite things to do it look at the parking lot of local restaurants to see how busy they are at certain times of the day, that is why I had a great breakfast at Armandos. They are a 24 hour restaurant, catering and bakery.
We ate dinner twice at Tequila Grande. Their food is made, mostly from scratch and the guacamole is fabulous!
I also went across the street to Cupcakes, a cupcakery. In this little mall area, there were cute shops and specialty food places, along with a Birkenstocks store, in case you forgot your comfy shoes. It was nice.
We enjoyed great service at all of these places.
Traveling the Rail
Go to http://www.wmata.com/
Go to rail and click on map to see where the rails go to. This allows you to find areas where you can get on the rail. Some are Park and Ride and some are not. Vienna, VA is Park and Ride. If you do not have a car or at a park and ride location, check out bus routes as well.
Taking the rail. Like I said, we did Park and Ride, which was $4.50 per day. The first couple days we found a spot easily but the last day, we had trouble so we drove to Dunn Loring to find a spot.
I recommend, getting to Park and Rides, on weekdays, around 9:45am to get a reserved spot that opens at 10:00 am. These are tow zones during 2:00 am to 10:00 am. Parking spaces fill fast so these are a good way to get a spot.
As for Rail Tickets, we traveled after 9:30 am to get the $9 day pass, which helped as we train hopped often on our journey. If you buy or travel earlier, expect to spend more on Rail Tickets.
It is best to take the rail to (you will have to switch to the Red Line) Union Station or (we stayed on the Orange Line) the Smithsonian. These both put you near places you want to see, like the Capitol Building, Supreme Court, Washington Monument, etc.
The Blue Line will take you to the Pentagon and Pentagon City. We got off at the Pentagon and literally were standing outside next to the Pentagon. That was cool You couldn't do much because of security, but the vastness was pretty cool.
Where to Eat While Visiting the Monuments
Finding food was hard as well. We recommend the Old Post Office Building as they had a vast selection of food for a reasonable price. Besides that, you were stuck with the Smithsonian Cafes, which were pricey or street vendors, which don't offer much. My first lunch at the Old Post Office was fresh made Japanese Food. It was awesome! My son ate hot dogs hahaha. They also have a small shopping area in the Old Post Office along with Bike Rentals. Take a minute to look up and around at the Old Post Office. The inside is beautiful.
or..
Union Station has a great selection of restaurants and shops as well.
The Capitol Grounds
I suggest getting a map at a visitor center. These are located on the grounds near the Monuments and Memorials. It is a great asset in helping get around.
I enjoyed the Majesty of the Capitol Grounds. It felt like we were a part of United States Royalty.
Take time and really see what is the pride of our country, our Capitol. The architecture is grand and you really feel like you are part of something wonderful.
All these are located together, all the along with the Vietnam, Korean War and World War II Memorials.
You will find the Smithsonian and other Museums along this area as well. We enjoyed the Museum of Natural History. My son was not as excited at the Air and Space as he had hoped. I really liked the little bit of art I got to see. I think that would be great to go to without a teenager, unless they appreciate art.
The Memorials were awe inspiring and gave me more to think about. We walked through in silence as is respectful for those who have passed protecting or fighting for the rights of our country. There were also guides happy to help you learn about the Memorials.
The White House
We got off at Metro Station and walked there. The walk was not bad at all and there we were in the heart of Downtown DC, so there was more hustle and bustle.
Georgetown
I then wanted to go into Georgetown to Georgetown Cupcakes. There are supposed to be people in marked clothes to help, but locals were kinder and helpful to many people. It was very nice to see. If you are traveling by bus, I recommend the Circulator Bus. They have maps and the bus lines run by color. Each line goes to different places. We took the yellow to M Street and walked to Georgetown Cupcakes, which was a couple blocks away. When we got back on the bus, we went to the end of the line before going back downtown. I saw awesome little shops and food places. We then crossed the street and caught the Yellow Circulator all the way back to Union Station. For $1 per person, we got a great site of Downtown DC.
Georgetown is a shoppers and diners delight. If you want to go there, it might be best to leave the children or teenagers at home if you plan on doing shopping. There is so much fun to be had!!!
More to come.....
Where we visited
What I would like to see
What we missed
Monday, January 3, 2011
Valentine's Day Chocolates
I think I like 3 choices
Strawberry Cream Cheese
Raspberry White Chocolate
Cherry Black Forest
Strawberry Cream Cheese
Raspberry White Chocolate
Cherry Black Forest
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Chocolates..
How much fun.. I have made regular truffles, peanut butter truffles and mint truffles.
I am making testers to hopefully try to sell.
Also making fortune cookies for the military ball.
I am making testers to hopefully try to sell.
Also making fortune cookies for the military ball.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
ROTC Ball
I so enjoy helping with this kind of stuff..
This year feels much simpler... easier to plan.
Woo!
I am a bit scared to make hard candy!!! I think it's the formation at the end that scares me.. Where is Shurrah!
Update.. made yummy smelling and tasting raspberry hard candy.. Now have to figure out how to get it out of the metal pan. I wonder if silicone will work ok next time. It was pretty easy to clean up so I will try again soon!
This year feels much simpler... easier to plan.
Woo!
I am a bit scared to make hard candy!!! I think it's the formation at the end that scares me.. Where is Shurrah!
Update.. made yummy smelling and tasting raspberry hard candy.. Now have to figure out how to get it out of the metal pan. I wonder if silicone will work ok next time. It was pretty easy to clean up so I will try again soon!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Holy Cow!
So last night I was driving back from Knoxville. Had to take my Brittany back to school cause the stupid bus left on time and we were stuck behind STUPID OLD PEOPLE DRIVERS!
As I was driving home, nothing..
Anyways, stopped off at Applebees and the waitress was totally hitting on my by calling me sweetheart and telling me to come back and stuff. It was kinda awkward cause I like boys and I am married. Now I don't have my wedding ring on cause it had to be SHANKED!
Ok so anyway....
I had to stop off in Kimball and get gas.. and hope more people didn't try to hook up.
Got back on the interstate and came upon a car that was swerving really bad. It drove into the shoulder a few times, crossed the center lane as well. Well I flashed my lights at it hoping that if it was a crazy tired driver it would wake them up a little. I then passed them rather quickly. Well after I passed I looked in my rear view mirror and saw the car almost go off the road into a ditch again. It then flucuated speed and everything so I called 911. While on the phone with 911, this car went across the center line and almost went in the middle, went on the shoulder various times, almost going off the road again, drove down the middle of the road, fluctuated speed from 30 to 60 and at one point almost rear ended me. Thankfully my car can speed up. So I drove in front, watching it just in case it went off the road. Then noticed a car following it. They probably had the same idea. .. Anyway, that car made it, somehow, all the way up the mountain and thankfully with no accidents before it was finally stopped by the police. I got a call from the state trooper last night saying thank you for calling and that they had arrested that person for drunk driving! It was most tense because I was so worried for that person getting hurt.
As I was driving home, nothing..
Anyways, stopped off at Applebees and the waitress was totally hitting on my by calling me sweetheart and telling me to come back and stuff. It was kinda awkward cause I like boys and I am married. Now I don't have my wedding ring on cause it had to be SHANKED!
Ok so anyway....
I had to stop off in Kimball and get gas.. and hope more people didn't try to hook up.
Got back on the interstate and came upon a car that was swerving really bad. It drove into the shoulder a few times, crossed the center lane as well. Well I flashed my lights at it hoping that if it was a crazy tired driver it would wake them up a little. I then passed them rather quickly. Well after I passed I looked in my rear view mirror and saw the car almost go off the road into a ditch again. It then flucuated speed and everything so I called 911. While on the phone with 911, this car went across the center line and almost went in the middle, went on the shoulder various times, almost going off the road again, drove down the middle of the road, fluctuated speed from 30 to 60 and at one point almost rear ended me. Thankfully my car can speed up. So I drove in front, watching it just in case it went off the road. Then noticed a car following it. They probably had the same idea. .. Anyway, that car made it, somehow, all the way up the mountain and thankfully with no accidents before it was finally stopped by the police. I got a call from the state trooper last night saying thank you for calling and that they had arrested that person for drunk driving! It was most tense because I was so worried for that person getting hurt.
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