pamokc

PR ALL STARS SNARK STATION–Street Looks

2012-02-02T21:59:00.001-06:00

A fun challenge. Designers had to find a muse on the streets of NYC, talk them out of their clothes, and then repurpose them into something fashion forward. Now, for the most part, I thought the fashion on the street was better than what was put down the runway. But I digress. It was the challenge.

Michael C. Oh dear lord, son, what did you do? You were bottom two for this stripper wear outfit. Why why why didn’t you do something with the doily outfit you started off with? Why didn’t you leave the cute crochet poncho alone and put it OVER this outfit before sending it down the walk? This was hideous hideous beyond hideous and you were lucky to skim through. Argh! Michael! What a way to blow a comfortable lead in the competition!

Austin was top two for this cute outfit. Which is really just Kinley doing punk rock. But at least he channeled the muse. I liked this outfit and if I were a stick-thin model, I’d have it on for work tomorrow. Yes, Snarkers, am feeling some outrageous change in Pamokc going on. Would love to show up somewhere in this and shake up the establishment. Must be done with the dark shades though. I think my friend Jamie had this outfit in 1987. She did like a zipper. So, I’m saying … not fashion forward. But cute cute cute.

Kara – middle of the pack. Meh.

Mila. Middle of the pack. Meh. But I’d wear this tomorrow also.

Jerrell was bottom three for this. Judges nailed the look as Gwen STefani meets Lady Gaga meets something else. I hated this. But I’m sure Jerrell’s boyfriend will look great in it.

Rami had one of my top two outfits for the evening. I loved his blouse. Not that it shows up here, but it was a menswear inspired feminine ruffle thing. Now THAT was fashion forward to me. I do have to dress for an office (for the most part), and seeing something new in the way of blouses to wear under a suit jacket is inspiring. Plus his jacket and shorts were very cute. Judges made fun of the hat he chose. But he was just channeling the muse. Well done Rami.

Kenley did her best outfit of the season in my book. It is Kenley without being Lucy Ricardo. I like the patch pockets. Would I buy this dress? No. But I get it and think it is adorable. Plus it channeled the muse and fit the challenge. Well done Kenley.

Anthony went home for a variety of reasons. Most of which was that he didn’t use the fabric from the street for at least 50% of his garment. This was another instance where the muse’s outfit was cute enough to stand on its own. While Anthony’s outfit is decent, it doesn’t fit the challenge. And he had that adorable fabric from the street and didn’t use it as a garment at all. He was hands down going home tonight.

Mondo rightly wins for his interpretation of the muse dress, which was cute on its own and I’d like to know where I could buy it right now. And while cute as an outfit (he did lots of work on that jacket) … the hardest part of this dress was matching those diagonal lines in front. Oh wait! He did NOT have to do it. Was already done, wasn’t it, on the muse dress. I deducted points for that in my head. Best outfit of the night.

But Rami brought something new.

Snarks anyone?

LADIES, GO ON. I DARE YOU

2012-02-01T20:50:00.001-06:00

Where is it? I know you all have one. Let’s see it. Come on. I double-dog dare you.

Where’s your Glamour Shot? I’ll go first.

Next, must find the one of me with the Kymster. Now that one is priceless. We look like blackjack dealers in Vegas.

PROJECTS

2012-01-30T21:50:00.001-06:00

All apologies for not being around much lately. Between my obsession with all things Pinterest and some projects of my own and busy season looming at work and the eye surgery, things have been hectic. Not to mention spending quality Caleb time when possible ….

But speaking of projects, I did a bit of Pinteresting around the guest bedroom recently.

Inherited blonde wood-look bookcase from dad’s house. I know! Dated beyond dated. But, the qualify of the bookcase is very good. For flat-pack furniture, it is nice stuff. Goes to show how cheap even flat pack furniture has become since 1982.

Also inherited from dad’s house was the large “art” piece over the bed. Dusty rose is a predominant color, although it doesn’t show up much in the pic. Oh, and the little antique side table, which is real wood. But had absolutely no finish left on it. I have it all thrown in this room because, well, it is what I have and here was a room to put it. But was growing tired of the room looking like mom and dad’s house circa 1994.

So after a couple of months of Pinterest, I was inspired. Found a site that shows you how to paint laminate furniture. So I took the plunge.

Bookcase is now a chili pepper red. Mom’s old flower market scene is in the closet and has been replaced with The Beatles. Side table now painted a very nice semi-gloss black. OH! And a few pillows have been re-cycled from old sweaters that have been hanging in my closet for way too long and would never be worn again.

Also did much de-cluttering in this room. Finally put away some of the old pics of mom and dad that had been sitting around in frames. Put my grandpa’s old retirement clock into a closet. Boxed up some other things that have found their way to me via the clearing of other people’s houses. It was time to put most of it away.

Yes, I know the room still needs help. Most of all wall color. But that’s not going to happen. Someone likes his non-descript painted walls. Yep, Sterling would hate it if we went that far with any changes.

But I’m jazzed with the end result on the bookcase. There are two more in the house that need “doing”. Guess who will be working on those this weekend?

Project Runway Allstars Snark Station–Gelato Challenge

2012-01-26T22:38:00.001-06:00

Fun challenge – design in six hours a garment inspired by a flavor of gelato. Of course, all strange flavors. The short time period did serve a purpose is separating the pros from the pack.

Let’s get started.

Monday was my fave of the evening. His flavor was Cantaloupe. He was literal, but not too literal. How he found the perfect fabric for sleeves is beyond amazing. His eye for putting together the bright color with the pattern? Shoulda won him the day, but alas, it was not to be. He was top two though.

Anthony was bottom three and I can’t remember what his flavor was. Something green and melty. No one liked this but at least he had a thought he tried to execute.

Kenley did what she always does. A Lucy Ricardo dress. Middle of the pack. She needs to step it up soon. Cute can only get you so far.

Rami surprised me. I wanted to hate this but I did not. In fact, could have been top three for me. Not crazy about the color, but the way it all worked together was very good. Putting it into actual use in the real world? Might be challenging.

Mila bored me to tears with her milk and cherries dress. This was a top three? Gimme a break. Not cute, not wearable, nothing jazzed up about this. Hippy girl chic maybe? Me no like. Isaac did, however.

Jerell was robbed for not being a top three. His dress was super cute. Now this one WAS hippy chick chic. Fruits of the Forest? Totally got it with the dress. I loved the bands across the front. Unexpected.

Kara was bottom two with her layered dress that made the stick thin model look preggo. Cute idea. Badly executed. She was lucky to stay.

Michael C once again hits it out of the park with his beautiful gown. Diane Von Furstenburg even wants to interview him after the show ends. He made this ugly, washed out color look elegant and flowy. You might know what you are going to get from him (a draped flowy dress), but he does it very well.

April screwed up royally with her blueberry dress. Too short in the back, and there was no excuse for it. She didn’t have enough fabric and there was no excuse for it. The Mood store was BROUGHT TO THEM this week. Come on, April! How can you buy too little fabric? Plus the dress is AGAIN, what you always do. Ho hum, you need more time to bake. See ya, deserved to go home tonight.

Austin Scarlett also did what Austin Scarlett always does … a grecian dress in Vanilla Madagascar. Beautiful and I loved the length. Right on trend with the white too, but not in a bridal way. But you know what this dress reminds me of? Do you remember the movie Arthur (the one with Dudley Moore). His girlfriend, the one he doesn’t want to marry, wears THIS dress, I swear.

Oh and here is who Austin Scarlett reminds me of this season. You remember him from Christmas when he was on the Rudolph tv show.:

Now, for your viewing pleasure: A series of photos of Lewis Cat helping me watch Project Runway.

Sterling on the Stairs

2012-01-24T10:28:00.000-06:00

Life Lately

2012-01-20T21:50:00.001-06:00

It has been an eventful week. A bit of surgery. On my eye. And let me just say that I am freaky about my eyes. Never could get contacts in because I’m so freaky. A trip to the eye doctor is torture. Someone else putting drops in my eyes is terrifying and traumatic. So you know that if I agreed to having someone stick sharp objects into my eye, my sight was getting to be extremely frustrating.

I took the plunge and had cataract surgery.

Turns out, that, of course, I didn’t have a typical cataract. Mine was under the lens and growing like a snowflake instead of on top of the lens growing like a little old lady’s.

So did a bit of research and found that there is a cataract caused by …. radiation. HMMMMMMM. Like a mega dose given to a thyroid cancer patient type of radiation? Yep, there is a question to ask the doctor next week at the follow up. Sure makes me wonder. He did assure me that all my time on the lounger in the pool working on my tan back in the mis-spent youth did not have an impact. That was going to be my other reason to blame for the condition.

HOWEVER. Let’s talk about what I now can see. It is truly amazing.

The field of view is unbelievable. I’m talking about the range of the lens. Didn’t even know I had been missing peripheral vision. And not just side to side, either. Top to bottom, too! WOOT!
The depth of field is remarkable. The distance I can see is truly fantastic. Didn’t even know how much I hadn’t been seeing.
The colors! Color was missing and I didn’t even know it. Plus, the colors look like velvet. Everything is rich and vibrant and deep and lovely.

Here’s what I can’t see:

Letters on a page. Yet. Well, I take that back. I can see that somewhat. One eye hasn’t been done yet so I still have my bifocal on that side of my eye glasses. Sitting at a computer, if I tilt my head a certain way and look out of my glasses a certain way, I can read. This will be a challenge.

Doctor did not recommend the type of lens that has built-in bifocal type of thing, so I will still be needing reading glasses once this is all over and done. But the results so far have been very worth the experience.

And yes, I’ve been a baby about it all and took a couple of days off to recuperate. And this little guy came over to help me overcome the trauma:

Mama Kymmie is doing good and sends her hellos. As you can imagine, this guy is keeping her occupied. She might just now be catching up on sleep. Certainly, the transition from worker bee to stay-at-home mommy has been an adjustment. This is a whole new type of work! This boy is a time-suck of the highest order, but a sweet personality is the reward. He is now on baby foods and rolling where-ever he wants to go. Should be crawling and teething soon. Here’s a conversation between old mom (me) and new mom (Kym) today:

NEW MOM: So, why is it that if a kid is tired, they don’t just go to sleep? Things would be so much easier if they would.

OLD MOM: You mean, like crying to keep themselves awake?

NEW MOM: Yes, exactly. He’s tired, I know he’s tired, why doesn’t he want to go to sleep?

OLD MOM: (Shakes head and just points back to New Mom). He might miss something.

NEW MOM: Did I do that?

OLD MOM: You were the Queen of Not Wanting to go to Sleep. The princess even.

NEW MOM: Sigh.

Project Runway Allstars–Miss Piggy Episode!

2012-01-19T21:45:00.001-06:00

Oh Snarkers, how do I love me some Miss Piggy. I have long been a fan of her Miss Pigginess. She is a diva among divas and can out-diva the best. Now, I have always thought her very Jayne Mansfield and Mae West rather than Marilyn Monroe or Dolly Parton. She is Divine.

However, having said all that, I was a bit lazy with the pic taking tonight and only did the top three and bottom three. Please forgive. It has been a strange week, you won’t even believe what I’ve been up to, but more on that in another post.

First up: Austin Scarlett. If he wasn’t Austin Scarlett, he’d have gone home this week. This dress was not apropriate for the challenge. It was not flattering even on a stick insect model. Totally agree that it was more Pigs in Space than Red-Carpet worthy Piggy wear. Too too much design to be flamboyant. Hated everything about it.

Rami had a beautiful Southern Belle dress that screamed Piggy. Agreed with the judges that in any other challenge, we’d be thinking WTF … but in this instance, for this client, it was spot-on. Pun intended. The colors were perfect. To me, however, it was a bit TOO MUCH of a Southern Belle look. Methinks Miss Piggy might need a bit more sophistication. He was top two, though, and well deserved.

Gordana went home for the pink dress left below. I actually liked this dress and think if she had fabbed it up with just the right belt and other accessories, this might have worked much better. Very cute dress, but yes, as Joanna Coles said, it was a bit nightgownish. She could have cut a bit more daring of a neckline and glammed this up. Potential, but seeya Gordana, you didn’t go far enough.

Michael C won the challenge with the unexpected – a dress that was not costume but fabulous in many ways. The ribbons/bow on the bustline is diva indeed. The hat was Royal Wedding worthy. The zip up the back was a super-young touch, which face it, suits Miss Piggy because she is timeless. Good on ya, Michael C, everyone always loves to count you out, but you have always been a fave of mine.

Mila was bottom two with this dress that she designed for Marlo Thomas in That Girl instead of Miss Piggy. Cute dress. I’d wear it to work tomorrow just as presented. Love the vibe. But not red carpet Piggy wear at all. Agreed with the judges that she designed a dress for her own collection instead of for the challenge. Which has been one of our criticisms of P.R. many times, eh snarkers? Mila, I’d have sent you home instead of Gordana. Although, come to think of it, Gordana did the same thing. Designed her own thing, not a dress for Miss Piggy. Hmmm. Now I’m confused on who I would send home.

Kenley was Top Three for the cute pink and white bouncy dress with giraffe motif. Cute but not inspired. Predictable in all ways. Loved that Miss Piggy thought she could go home and use the hat for a pot scrubber after the event. Kenley missed a chance to here. She could have ooompfed this up quite a bit. A little bedazzling on the border/top of that bodice might have gone a long way.

I think if anyone bothered to research the client, they would have found that Miss Piggy wears very normal clothing. She vamps it up, for sure. But she also tones it down. While the pink giraffe and pink/orange dots were cute, the clever design was the one that DIDN’T treat her like a Muppet. And that’s what won the day for Michael C.

Miss Piggy is beyond Muppets. She transcends Muppets.

KARL - questions for you!

2012-01-17T15:38:00.004-06:00

Like many others, am mortified, appalled and intrigued with the cruise ship disaster. Am hoping to hear from Karl with his take on this tragedy, and more specifically, about those rescue efforts and the problems the divers are facing in going through the ship -- all the floating furniture and gear. This must be a nightmare of epic proportions. God bless all those who are working on this tragedy. Hollywood couldn't have written a script like this.

Blogger Problems

2012-01-15T22:55:00.002-06:00

Snarkers, sorry for not commenting ... Blogger is being strange and won't let me commenton my own post. Not sure why. I could get on from my little iPod thingie, but can't type big posts from there. SIGH. Blogger.

Anyway, thought I'd beat it at its own game and just post anew. Thanks for snarking everyone, I think it is going to be a fun season. Maybe having the new judges will shake some things up too. Gonna be fab.

Meanwhile, a quiet weekend. Been doing more random de-cluttering. Painted some furniture last week and the result was FAB. Very chuffed about my new living room tables. Which are old tables now with a semi-gloss black finish.

Get the day off tomorrow. Then busy season will really hit the fan at work. I have another thing going on this week that I will post about later once I know more about how it turns out.

Hope all is well with everyone and I'll be making the rounds tomorrow!

SNARK STATION ALLSTARS! OPERA DRESS CHALLENGE!

2012-01-12T21:50:00.001-06:00

SNARKERS! So glad to be back with a real reason to blog. Loving me some Allstars. I was concerned about the change in judges and hostess, but these don’t bother me at all. And who doesn’t love them some Isaac M? Oh, and I’m taping that 24 hour runway show that came on afterwards, well, just because.

First up – a few observations:

1. How are these young girls getting their hair to be a perfect color of gray? April’s was fab. Kelly Osborne has been wearing it also. If I could get that color of gray, I might be persuaded to head down that no-hair-color-at-all path. Hmmmm.

2. Yes, Moi, I do believe Sweet Pea has had some work done. She looked very fresh and I think she had lost some weight also. I love her daisy chain tattoo. Not that I would do it, but it reminds me of my little doodles I have done all my life.

3. Austin Scarlett is looking a little …. Robin Hood/Errol Flynn? I miss his big bold yellow hair.

4. Michael C. is still a fave of mine. Such a nice guy.

5. I totally forgot who Kara Janx was and had her confused with Kara Saun prior to watching the show tonight. Oops.

Let’s start snarking.

Loved Kenley’s look – while not very “opera” it was very Kenley and such a beautiful pink. Not Pepto and not Barbie. Well done Kenley. Not a top 3 but good enough.

Gordana. I had totally forgotten about her also. The bodice on this was beautiful. I did NOT like the insets in the skirt that made the legs look bare as she walked. It was a little (as Michael Kors would say) vulgar. But the top was DIVINE.

Rami’s dress was fairly boring, I thought. Maybe a lot of construction to it but, for me, it was meh.

Mila, who is rocking some reddish hair in her Betty Page style, did a very good looking black dress. Not show-stopper but any woman would want this dress. Gorge.Ous.

Sweet Pea. Sigh. Didn’t you know right away that she was going home with this? So many things that are not part of a night-at-the-opera dress. 1. No glamour. 2. Color all wrong. 3. Print all wrong. 4. Silhouette all wrong. Okay, maybe if it was a pregnant woman at the opera, maybe. See ya, Sweet Pea. I wanted to root for you but couldn’t do it.

Mondo’s dress was Fab.U.Lous. Remember that Jackie O challenge a few seasons ago? This would have knocked it out of the park on that challenge. Loved the white on white pattern also. Very classy, elegant, wearable, photographable. Where do I buy one? Not top three, but I will discuss that below. This would have been my white dress choice.

Jerell. Oh yes, I had forgotten about him too. I did like this dress. He was middle of the pack with it. While pretty, it has no real shape. I did like the color combination. Brown? Unusual but in a good way.

Kara borrowed my granny’s drapes from 1984 and made a dress. Or, in the words of my hubby, she needs to “pull herself together.” (Drapery joke.) I hated every single thing about it. What the what that some of the judges liked it? Badgley or Mishka or who? What are they thinking? For the Opera? NO NO NO NO NO. For a picnic in the park in 1985 maybe. Look at those colors? NO NO NO NO NO. What is wrong with this? 1. Boring. 2. Colors wrong for the occasion. 3. I think my mom sewed this same pattern from McCalls for my Pep Club Banquet dress.

Anthony got rave reviews for his white grecian gown. Who else among us could only think of the Columbia Pictures logo?

I rest my case. Nothing new with this. It was cut way too low and wide. Good thing the model had great fake boobs because a normal woman would not be able to wear it. Hated it. Not a top 3 in my humble opinion.

Austin Scarlett was the winner tonight with this beautimous golden creation. The fit on this was impeccable. It glided over her perfectly. The neckline was unusual and stunning. The black tulle overlay was inspired and just the right amount. Total glamour girl. Sophisticated and “TASTEFUL”. Good going, Austin, I agree with the judges that you deserved the win tonight.

April went with red but in a gothic way. Her attempt at the hombre was appreciated by the judges but not executed well enough. She was bottom three and deservedly so.

Michael C sent down a stunning black dress that had a beautiful feathery and sparkly neckline. The back on this was cut down to there and was really breath-taking. It was just ever-so-slightly over-the-top, so I’m thinking the judges were right to vote him #2 for the challenge.

Snark away, snarkers! Can’t wait to hear what everyone has to say. Now I know what has been missing from my life for a while!

I totally forgot about Allstars ...

2012-01-06T23:33:00.004-06:00

I have Project Runway allstars set to tape over the weekend. Totally forgot! Snark Station will be up and running soon.

Meanwhile, here's some random other thoughts.

1. Teen Mom shoots and kills an intruder in small town just 30 miles south of OKC. Makes national headlines. You go, girl. And give credit to my previous boss for the Make My Day law. I talked to him today by phone and forgot to ask him how he felt about this case. So reminder to self and all that. Now the questions are, is she running a puppy mill or not, and why did she marry a man over 40 years older than herself.

2. The President of Argentina. She has what I had. Or had what I had now that she has been surgeried upon. Everyone thinks this is a surgery to remove cancer, then you take a pill and you are supposed to feel like yourself right away. Such a wrong supposition, I assure you. I'm going on five years now ... is that right, five? Never been the same since. Still a life changing event. So even if the President of Argentina is your kind of gal or not, wish her luck on the get well front. I wouldn't wish some of the misery on my worst enemy. One lady we call the Evil-Doer, yes. I would wish it on her. But no one else.

3. We saw my best old good friend KJ tonight. She is the one who lost her husband a few years ago to diabetes, in the same year as she lost her mom ... has had a tough old emotional time for a while, so it was very good to see her out and about and cutting loose a little bit. I think it won't be long before she gets some game going, she was always one to have a string of men on the line. Another you go, girl.

4. New computers at work! Instead of Word 1998, we are now in the new century (12 years late of course) ... oh my, am in love with the new software.

5. And speaking of the new century, does anyone remember from the 60's a show narrated by Walter Cronkite called "21st Century" or something like that ??? It was all about the expected technological advances of the century we are now in. I would love to see what was predicted back in those days that has or has not come true. I need to write CBS and have them find those episodes. Surely they exist in a vault somewhere. And surely they would listen to me about doing a special, don't you think?

6. General malaise. Anyone just feeling icky for no reason? Seems to be lots of folks just not in the mood to feel good right now. Need some spark. Wish I could find it. Maybe I could then get others to spark up also.

Rambling over. Time for bed. P.S. I got to dance tonight to "Do You Want to Know a Secret" by the Beatles during a bad karaoke performance. It was fun.

Cutest Boy Ever

2012-01-03T22:58:00.004-06:00

Just sharing some Baby Caleb .... six months old in a couple of days. One of the fastest six months ever. Cutest boy ever. And yes, Chickie, I saw your comment re Elmer Fudd and, well, all I can say is the "Kill the wabbit, kill the wabbit," because this boy is probably destined to do just that.

However, it was an aviator hat. Like this:

And the boy has about two more days he can wear it before it is out-grown. He is a-growin' like a weed.

Anyway, that is all I have today. Have lots I wish I could talk about but better not. You know how it is sometimes!

Cheers for now, ya'll. Sorry I missed Haiku Monday, hope to be back for it next week. These holidays that fall on Mondays seem to interfere.

Twenty-Twelve

2011-12-31T16:06:00.001-06:00

It is the eve of 2012. Turned down an invite to go out. Turned down another one for last night. Just wanting to hang out and be home and relax. Does this mean I’m getting old? I hope not. Spousal person guy has gone out to get a Papa Murphy’s pizza and some champagne and it is going to be a low key night in for us. Suppose we might still be in recovery mode from our ten days of visitors.

Just spent a couple of hours with Baby Caleb as he was learning to navigate his little walker thingie. Or, in his case, runner-thingie. Because he was up and down the tile entryway like nobody’s business. He is coming back on Monday for baby pics. Can you believe his is almost six months old now? Time is flying.

On a more disturbing level, I’ve been attacked by one of my own cats! Sterling had chased Sallycat down and was trying to get at her. Grabbed him by the scruff of the neck to scold him, and Sterling (being Sterling) whined and howled like he was being beaten (he wasn’t although I did think about it)… when out of nowhere, Lewis came and attacked my leg! I guess he thought I was trying to hurt his wingman. Or, they had a tag-team effort on to get at Sally and since I intervened, I got the Lewis end of things. Or, he thought my leg was a gazelle. At any rate, I have scratches, teeth-marks and bruises on the back of my calf. Poor Sally! No wonder she hisses to keep them away if this is how they treat her. It has been three years since those boy cats entered our life. You’d think they would all get along by now. Can’t be having this type of behavior around Baby Caleb, nosiree.

Don’t have much else for a post for today. Just a wish to all my pals out there in blog world for a wonderful 2012. Let’s hope for prosperous and eventful in a good way. For me, I think it is going to be a get down to business type of year and get a few things accomplished that I’ve been wanting to get done. Oh, and everyone? Stay healthy. That’s another goal.

Christmas Day and the Christmas Guests

2011-12-25T23:32:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas, ya'll!

Greetings from us. It was a most important Christmas – our first one ever with this little guy:

BABY CALEB. Future world class scene stealer.

Yep, a light in my life, this grandboy of ours. Such a schweetie!

We have had a lovely Christmas season. Guests coming in to town have been a lot of fun and definitely took us out of our comfort zone. As most folks know, we have been hosting a couple of boys from the UK. I say boys, but really they are young men, ages 20 and 16. And they want to do things, not just look at things. So we have been On.The.Go.

We have taken them to the gun range to shoot pistols. Well supervised of course. Girl in pink? Nickname: Terminator Barbie. But shooting guns is not something they would get to do in the UK and they were all over it like a rash.

Snow tubing at the Redhawks stadium in Bricktown.

Climbing the land run monuments.

Watched movies on U-Verse.

And the lads are this guy’s new best friends:

And at some point, I will get some rest. I shall be ready. Oh yes.

Christmas Guests–Day Four

2011-12-22T22:47:00.001-06:00

I missed the Day Three outing, having had other things to do. Like check in at the office. But was back on duty for Day Four, which went like this.

Sonic Drive-In. Made the older boy, James, drive and do the ordering. Only one slightly English driving mistake. Meaning, one quick wrong-side-of-the-road episode. Quickly corrected, however. But the full Sonic experience must include actually driving in and pushing the button to order. Shame there were no car-hops on roller skates. Oh well, maybe next time.

Bass Pro Shop. Younger boy, Charlie, loving this store! He has the makings of a bona fide Okie.

Then home for a cup of tea, watch the end of the Tottenham/Chelsea match, pick up the hubby and then we headed for:

Indoor go-kart racing.

Followed by Chicken Wings at Hooters. The guys sure did love the chicken wings.

And the day ended with a tour of the Christmas lights at Chesapeake.

Then home to watch the X-Factor Finale. Am pretty sure Simon rigged it so his girl would win. Am underwhelmed. Josh was my fave, but I thought Chris Rene would take it all. Shows what I know.

Christmas Guests–Day Two

2011-12-20T23:22:00.001-06:00

A trip to the somber OKC Bombing Memorial.

Then off to Penn Square Mall, where this happened.

Oh yes, they did!

Then some pointless driving around until we decided this was the thing to do:

Batting cages!

Look at that swing and follow through. Never swang a bat before today. Natural athletes, both of these guys.

Then it was Thunder time! Where all the guys met the Thunder Girls.

We want these boys going home saying, “God Bless America!”

Christmas Guests - Day One

2011-12-19T23:23:00.000-06:00

Day One:
Looked around the State Capitol, met a few people, toured the History Center, tried on Cowboy Hats and Cowboy Boots. Ate Mexican for lunch; lasagna for dinner.

A tree after all …

2011-12-16T23:17:00.001-06:00

We put up a tree after all this year … in honor of soon-to-arrive company flying in from across the pond. Working fiercely to get things done around the house and office so we will be free to show these lads around. Oh, and am definitely needing some Caleb time. And need to download some video taken last weekend when Caleb was over … sound asleep in his little carrier. Snoring. Yep, there was no mistaking that sound.

Made $30 selling old books to Half Price Book store. Re-spent at least half of it on books I had to have. That’s how they get ya, you know … let you wander the store while they are working up your total. A book worm is a book worm is a book worm. But four boxes of books are gone out of the house. Part of my de-cluttering and feng shui-ing efforts.

Read today where John Lennon wrote “Happy Christmas – War is Over” because he was sick of Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.” I feel vindicated! Am sure we will catch a viewing of that movie at some point. But seriously, one of the gayest movies ever made. And I don’t mean gay as in happy, either. You don’t see Hollywood re-making this one, but it should. Obviously, not a favorite movie. And the song with the silly whistling birds … makes me want to push someone out a window. But can’t wait for “It’s a wonderful life …”

Don’t have much to report for now but might have to do a daily diary of “Oklahoma through the eyes of a newly arrived British Lad.” Gonna be interesting.

Sterling's Christmas Hat

2011-12-13T22:02:00.000-06:00

Found Sterling a hat at the dollar store. Had to have it. Nothing says "Sterling" more than a Naughty Hat. A version of this pic series is our Christmas card this year!

We have worked out more of our agenda for the Christmas guests. Am really getting in the spirit. Amazing what having house guests does for accomplishing tasks around the house also! Maybe we should have company come every month or so, this place would be spiffed up no end.

We have even put up a Christmas tree after all. Strung a few more lights around outside. There may not be as much in the way of gifties this year, but the spirit ... it has arrived.

Christmas has taken a turn around here ….

2011-12-11T22:34:00.001-06:00

Well, as if our Christmas wasn’t going to be interesting enough with new Grandboy Caleb in our lives, we are going to be having two more boys around for Christmas.

Not boys, actually. Young men.

They are the sons of a friend in England … circumstances are bringing them to us this holiday. Will have ten days showing the middlest of middle America to two English lads, ages 16 and 20, who have never been to the States before. And for people who haven’t had a kid in the house for a long time, we are a bit concerned about keeping the boys entertained and, frankly, keeping up with them!

Here’s younger brother Charlie:

And here’s older brother James (on the right). He was my driver the day we were in the parade at the Ford Plant 100 year anniversary event when we were in England this summer. Meaning, he and his dad both have classic Ford cars. John was riding with his friend in dad’s car. That left me with son James in his car. Which is not the green one in the photo below, it belongs to Kate’s dad (Kate being seated in the car). Her boyfriend is blue shirt guy on the left. But the green car was also in the parade. Kate is the daughter of a long-lost friend of the hubby who re-connected this trip. I know, I know. It is confusing. At any rate, James grilled me on all things American.

Of course, during the parade, we had to drive past all these factory workers from the Ford plant. Everyone looking very stoic and English and proper and all. But, as an American, felt it was my duty to liven the place up, so may or may not have been hanging out of the window waving with enthusiasm. And thus coined the phrase: “Wave like you are an American!”

Trained these lads well, I did.

Did I ever do a post about the parade? Here’s a pic of us on the track. We had the best looking yellow Ford Escort Mexico of the day. Those other two in front were crap compared to us. Oh, and that bank was steep!

Anyway, the lads arrive next Sunday. We will have them for ten days. Anyone have ideas of something they shouldn’t miss while here in the States?

Cute Caleb at Christmas

2011-12-08T18:19:00.001-06:00

Sorry to be a doting Grammy, but have to share some pics of Mr. Caleb getting ready for his first Christmas!

Haiku Monday

2011-12-05T10:25:00.001-06:00

I have a couple of week attempts over at Karl’s page. The subject is “TIME”. Which brought these two songs to my mind and now I will be replaying these videos all day and singing along. Not sure which song speaks to me more, but “Quiet Desperation is the English Way” is often quoted at my house.

Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day
You fritter and waste the hours in an off-hand way
Kicking around on a piece of ground in your home town
Waiting for someone or something to show you the way

Tired of lying in the sunshine staying home to watch the rain
You are young and life is long and there is time to kill today
And then the one day you find ten years have got behind you
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun

And you run and you run to catch up with the sun, but it's sinking
And racing around to come up behind you again
The sun is the same in the relative way, but you're older
And shorter of breath and one day closer to death

Every year is getting shorter, never seem to find the time
Plans that either come to naught or half a page of scribbled lines
Hanging on in quiet desparation is the English way
The time is gone the song is over, thought I'd something more to say

Home, home again
I like to be here when I can
When I come home cold and tired
It's good to warm my bones beside the fire

Far away, across the field, tolling on the iron bell
Calls the faithful to their knees
And hear the softly spoken magic spell

If I could save time in a bottle
The first thing that I'd like to do
Is to save every day
'Til eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you
If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I'd save every day like a treasure and then,
Again, I would spend them with you
[Chorus]
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do
Once you find them
I've looked around enough to know
That you're the one I want to go
Through time with
If I had a box just for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty
Except for the memory
Of how they were answered by you

Orange Power

2011-12-04T10:00:00.001-06:00

After a decidedly one-sided victory over the University of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Cowboys deserve a chance for the big title! I am just saying it here. Yes, they lost one game. But it was that game was on the same day as the news of the plane crash that killed the coaching staff of the OSU women’s basketball team. Sad news, unexpected news, and surely, no one with a heart could expect a school (who has experienced another great loss in a similar way) to not be affected.

All I am saying, is give the ‘boys a chance!

Yes, I went to school at OSU, didn’t graduate back in the day. This is probably the best year they have ever had, would love to see them get a chance to continue.

Love that the game last night wasn’t about just beating OU. It was for the conference title. Hope they get their chance.

Randomness

2011-11-30T20:50:00.001-06:00

I got nothin’ to talk about this week. So am going with randomness to move this page along a little bit and see what comes out.

1. X Factor. I could not be more bored with a program. I got up halfway through it tonight to come in to the computer. I like the big guy and hope he does well but am too bored to call in a vote. I like L.A. Reid and think he is switched on, except I hate his big productions. I’m waiting for Simon and Nicole to start dating once the show is over. Rumors online say that he will take her to the UK for X Factor there and dump Kelly Rowland. Hmmmm. Possibly. Paula is still bat-shite crazy but is stringing a sentence together, not that it is anything interesting in the way of Paula Drivel. And Simon? I am totally off his team after those “home visits” where the “girls” had to sing for him poolside while he is sitting there like Jerry Sandusky eyeing a ten year old.

2. Sandusky. Speaking of Jerry Sandusky, this goes beyond mind boggling. I never never NEVER did like Joe Paterno. He is as creepy as they come. The fact that he would let this go on under his big nose is the most disgusting aspect of the whole case. Molesting the boys? Absolutely disgusting. Knowing about it and ignoring it? Beyond Forgiveable. Is Paterno a Catholic? I would like to know. This is equal to the Pope reassigning a child-molesting priest. If not higher in disgust factor, because it is COLLEGE football, a religion bigger than, say, religion.

3. Religion. Hmmmm. Not saying I’m having doubts about it. But am suffering from a bit of boredom there also. Nothing is drawing me in at the moment. Needing some awesomeness and not feeling it. All seems like too much work.

4. Work. Busy season is drawing near. Things are warming up. The heat up will come in February. Lots of changes in the recent past and one doesn’t look good for the future of yours truly. I either have one year or five years before being dumped if a certain rule doesn’t change. But I’m working on it, I can tell you. Planting seeds where-ever and whenever I can. Not sure if I have the heart to sit and watch some of us get picked off one by one. Note to bosses everywhere: Don’t forget who helped get you there. And I also mean this collectively, as a group. The group of bosses, I mean. Ahem.

5. Political candidates. Phone rang tonight. Caller ID said “Newt 2012.” Didn’t answer. Nothing wrong with Newt and he might end up being The One. Who knows. Who cares. None of them inspire me either. I’m not giving him (or them) money.

6. Money. Getting tighter all the time. No raise in years and years. Not one on the horizon for years and years. Sideline money also drying up. Thinking of trying to get ahead by going with a part-time job the way a friend at work is doing. Get some things paid off, paid down, that kind of thing. Thinking about it. Wish the photo sideline was more $$-ish. So, am I mall bound on the weekends? Perhaps. If I had the energy.

7. Energy. Discussed over on Boxie’s page about energy or lack thereof. Like Boxie, am taking Vitamin D3 in a large quantity and it helps. Need to be consistent with it. Also am taking, when I remember, an adrenal supplement tablet. Have developed a taste and craving for the apple cider vinegar. Am also doing “oil pulling” which I totally buy into … the theory that what is going on in your mouth is indicative of the health of your body as a whole. Swish the oil (mine is currently walnut oil) around in your mouth every morning, spit it out and discard (not down the drain). Helps to pull toxins and nasties out of your body. I think I had lots of toxins and nasties. I am on my third bottle of oil. First was olive oil. Too strong. Made it through though and switched to sesame oil. Not strong enough. This bottle of walnut oil is just perfect for me. And productive. Won’t discuss the nasties brought up. But somehow, about a week into the walnut oil, I really do think everything kicked in and I really believe my body chemistry is changing back to normal. At last. At long last.

8. Troll. What’s he doing in Vegas, announcing someone as winning an award? I looked up conventions in Vegas to see what might be going on but too many to pinpoint. Oh the mystery!

9. Mystery. Have lost certain documents on the new computer. Must stop blogging now and go find. Also, I bought a CD labeling package and must load software. This could be fun trying to figure out and make it look professional and creative. I think I need a logo. Or, a better logo.

10. Christmas. My decorations are ornaments in a coffee table bowl. Lights in a window. We might throw some in an outdoor tree also. We are on the low key bandwagon this year. Only one important person needing pressies in our lives right now. Love that grandboy-child. The rest of us are getting one thing (from me) and that is going to be *IT*.

11. Work Christmas. Today we gathered in the Lounge, glittered up some home-made snowflakes to hang on the tree, and video’d ourselves singing the B.C. Clark Jingle to be played back during our potluck luncheon next week. The jingle has a life of its own. It is OKC tradition. Here’s the lyric.

Jewelry is the gift to give, ‘cause it’s the gift that will live and live.

So give the gift you know can’t fail from B.C. Clark’s anniversary sale.

Most sales are AFTER Christmas, but Clark’s is just BEFORE!

Most everything is marked way down, savings you can’t ignore!

From Oklahoma’s oldest jeweler, since 1892.

So gift the gift you know can’t fail, from B.C. Clark’s anniversary sale.

Sorry for rambling, guess I had more to talk about than originally intended. Hope everyone is well. December is upon us.

For these things, I am Thankful …

2011-11-22T23:18:00.001-06:00

This little boy, who brought us a big scare during his first week on this planet:

This grown man and the places he takes me:

And these characters:

Sterling aka Laser-Lock Boy; Bruiser Boy; Stewart; Stew-ster; Troublemaker; and You Little Bastard.

Lewis aka Inspector Lewis; Lewbie; Loubie-ton; Lewis Hamilton; Number One Cat; The Best Cat.

Sally aka So-So Beans; Mouse Killer; Girlcat; Cat-Who-Lives-Under-A-Chair.

So basically, am thankful for my life, my world, my family, my daughter and son-in-law, my hoobie, my friends, the roof over my head, my ability to make a living, my health and the restoration of my health.

For these things Lord, I am thankful.

Don’t Cry For Me, Il Divo

2011-11-21T17:33:00.001-06:00

I admit to purchasing this CD:

And strangely, for someone who is uncomfortable in a foreign country where I don’t speak the language, and for someone who gets sick of voices at work and doesn’t want to hear them in the car on the way home, there is something about these four voices singing popular songs in a operatic style that just … feeds my soul?

And the one song on the album that surprises me is this:

Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina. It is a woman’s song. I don’t even know what the musical Evita is all about. But I have been listening to this song over and over and over in the car on my commute. If you watch the video, please ignore bossy blonde hostess and snarky male hosts. I didn’t see this episode but it is the best I could come up with for video.

Anyway, I have not much else today. Fighting the blues. Reconfiguring the new PC that I had to buy even though I didn’t want to … the other one just couldn’t be saved. The weather is rainy. Dark and rainy.

But don’t cry for me.

Occupy OKC

2011-11-19T00:02:00.000-06:00

I was downtown late this afternoon and happened across the Occupy OKC movement. This is it. Some tents pitched in Kerr Park. Maybe 20 or 25 altogether. Assuming 2-3 people per tent, maybe less than 100 people are occupying OKC. I'm not overly concerned about anarchy here.

On another note, sad tonight for my OSU Cowboys. They lost a big game tonight after hearing this morning of a tragic plane crash which took the lives of their women's basketball coaches. And a former State Senator, and no I didn't know him, but might have met him at an Old Timer's dinner maybe. Still, the game was a heartbreaker, but not in the same heart-break league as the loss of life. This comes on the heels, seemingly, of the other plane crash that took the lives of several OSU coaches and students about 10 years ago.

Having said that, I will be the first to call fraud if Weeden gets the Heisman ... how can someone 28 years old still be playing college football anyway? This is taking perennial student status way too far.

Computer problems still come and go, so sorry I haven't been around to anyone's page this week. But I have been watching a couple of wonderful video commercials featuring a certain dog and a few chickens and am wondering if Sterling could come up with me a story line so I can hop in the competition also.

Will be Caleb-Sitting tomorrow for the better part of a day! Wish me luck!

How I spent 11-11-11 or the Caleb Report

2011-11-12T20:59:00.001-06:00

He was born on 7-7-11. And I spent a good part of the day with the boy on 11-11-11.

His mommy is exhausted. He might have her number already too, because he watches her moving around the house and does some attention-demanding noises as she goes by … which of course works for him. I told her that if he is dry, not hungry, not hurting, nothing poking him … she better let him cry it out once or twice so that she keeps the upper hand in this relationship. Get your bluff in early, my mom always said!

Caleb is …

Growing like a weed. Might be starting on cereal in a few days if doctor gives approval. I think his parents better get used to feeding this boy. He’s gonna stay honnn-grrry, no doubt.

Not sitting up yet, but getting close. Strong with his legs, he will stand up for a long time while on your lap. And don’t take a bottle away from him before he is ready. It breaks his wittle heart.

And I get to see him for a while tomorrow too! Then I get to go take pics for another new baby born in the extended family, Baby Raife. Don’t you just LOVE that name?

Hope everyone is having a good Veteran’s Day weekend. Not getting lost in the woods. Running up mountains. Getting work orders out. Organizing photos from a European trip. Putting their jorts away for the winter.

Notes from the Epicenter of the Apocalypse

2011-11-09T22:48:00.001-06:00

Computer woes continue. Seems to be narrowed down to video card issues. Geeks in my future. Possibly a new CPU. Heavy sigh.
Baby Caleb is wonderful.
Work has been busy. New boss is cool lady. Wish I was going to have her for a longer period of time.
Herman Cain. Hmmmm. Latest allegations? Sounds like any date I ever went on in the 1980’s. I bet men all over the world are re-thinking their decision to run for president. How many men would pass the “I never tried to feel up a girl in a car” test? Ahem. I rest my case.
Baby Caleb is probably the cutest baby ever born.
Earthquake insurance has been acquired. Had to pass a couple of days on a moratorium for it … but agent says we now have it. If a 5.7 can level buildings in Turkey, a 5.2 here can do the same.
Earthquakes make me nauseous. Pukey even. I had to take a dramamine because I felt so ill after that second one that was so strong. Me no likey.
Tornadoes, earthquakes, floods and hail all in one day is too much, even for us weather-hardened Okies. Everyone is looking for plagues of grasshoppers and rivers of blood next. I mean seriously, how much more, Mother Nature …. HOW MUCH MORE???
How about my Oklahoma State Cowboys? GO POKES! A #2 team in the nation? Good goin’ Gundy! I think he is a man on a mission. Can’t say I like the guy but he has done great things for OSU. Pistol’s blazin’ for my Cowboys! And if OU is the spoiler? Ahem ahem, I guess it would be a payback.
I get to see Caleb on Friday. And he brought me a hamburger yesterday. He’s so sweet that way.
Just realized a day or so ago that I am about a month late in sending birthday wishes to my old friend Bev in Texas. Had drinks with the K&C Survivor Group this week and realized that I had really really really forgotten this year. So Bev, if you are reading this, you are probably caught up with my life anyway, but I do have a pic to send you of me, BevS and Susan from Tuesday night! Diane has had shoulder surgery so she wasn’t there.
Decision time might be upon me …. unplug the CPU and take in for a new motherboard and/or video card and/or fan for video card … or new CPU altogether. And don’t say go Mac … I can’t afford to replace all my software too. HEAVY SIGH.
Is anyone else reading this website? www.pienearwoman.com … OMG hysterical. I happen to like Pioneer Woman’s website, but can see where and why some people don’t think much of her. It doesn’t stop the fact that I also adore a great parody. Especially one done with I Love Lucy dolls. Senator’s Wife, no disrespect to your good friend, I still love her and her site. But I laughed out loud when I read about the MM sandwich on Pie Near. I will admit it. I realize Pie Near is a hater, but those pics are a scream. Lord, I apologize, for thinking it is funny.

UHOH, I think the screen is about to go. Better publish while I can.

Holy Crap, this isn’t California

2011-11-05T23:08:00.001-05:00

Just felt a huge earthquake rattle this place! OHMIGOODNESS, a bit scary! Have felt a slight jolt here and there over the years, but this was a house-rattler for sure.

Probably a bunch of passed-on Sooner fans turning over in their graves because the Oklahoma State Cowboys should be #2 in the college rankings. Just an observation.

We’ve been having some small earthquakes out east of OKC, but there was a big one last night about 2AM (4.5 on the scale). It wasn’t enough to wake me out of a sleep. I wonder what this one we just felt will rank on the scale.

Holy crap. Scary.

UPDATE: News reports saying it was a 5.2 on the scale tonight. ACK!!

UPDATE #2: USGS upgrades this earthquake to a 5.6. Holy Moly!

HAPPY HALLOWEENIE!

2011-10-31T14:19:00.001-05:00

The Fourth Floor Zombies had a great time doing a flash-mob dance to Thriller, led by our former NBA Cheerleader aka Michael Jackson. But, alas, we were beaten in the costume contest by these guys:

The Fifth Floor Dome Gnomes. Song stealers and with more participants in their own flash mob, they had more votes. Among themselves!

But a great time was had by all.

The Protester Guy … Again

2011-10-29T23:31:00.000-05:00

My favorite protester guy who lives not so far from us has had a passel of old school desks delivered and dumped in his front yard. And when I say passel, I mean probably a few hundred. Here’s a pic of a few of them, taken through the car window.

He obviously has an ongoing war happening with a local realtor and the City Council. I’ve posted about him a time or two before when he puts something interesting out on the property. I could not pass up taking pics of these recent signs!

Let’s look closer at the white sign. Yowza.

Now, get this. Who is the proud owner of one of those school desks now? Me. Yep, me! Sitting in my garage. I happened by this guy’s property one day when he was driving his Bobcat out to dump those school desks and thought … I need one. Now. So my car turned itself into his driveway and I caught his attention. I told him I admire his protests. He said most neighbors don’t. I told him that I don’t drive by his house often enough to be annoyed by him. He liked that answer.

And I got me a school desk. For one dollar. Bargain!

And can I say when husband went with me to pick up the desk, we got on and off that property as fast he possible. But me and protestor guy are pals now.

His feud with the city is over zoning. He has two acres that he purchased to build a home on and at the time was told that his corner lot had ‘commercial potential.’ The city council has never approved any business idea he has had. So now he is in the scrap metal business, whether it is out of necessity or to annoy the hell out of the realtor lady who is pushing the fancy houses down the road … the behind the gate kind of houses, you know what I mean.

Anyway, the lengths this guy goes to with his protests … just gotta admire it! Unless you lived across the street in that gated community.

PROJECT RUNWAY SNARK STATION–FINALE FINALE

2011-10-27T23:07:00.001-05:00

Snarkers, it might be that I’d been out tonight for a couple of beers and to listen to my friend play some Irish music down the pub and was having a fun time … but got home to watch PR and was completely underwhelmed. Kinda thought I would be, but didn’t expect so much underwhelmingishness. Let’s snark.

Kimberly showed first, with some bright colors and general ho-hum designs. If this is edgy Brooklyn-wear, then I have the wrong idea about NYC in general.

Below? Looks like a hot air baloon to me.

Tim Gunn tried to tell her about the awful pink skirt, but no, she went forward. This thing might have lost her the competition.

I did like this above, strangely enough for not being a fan of the pink pants, but that top is very Pam.

The back on this sparkle gown is divine. Kimberly did a good job but not a great job. I don’t get her color statement. She didn’t delete the grandma print. It is her own fault that she wasn’t final two because she certainly had (among this group) enough of whatever it is that makes a person a designer.

Whinging Whiner Boy Joshua did his usual Wilma Flintstone dress:

Then chose some sort of Las Vegas grandmother at the slot machines print to put together in his collection. What the wha? Oh, and everyone was raving about the drape on Wilma’s dress. I’m sorry but look at this from the back. This isn’t going to make any man do a double-take.

And for this he was a final two person? I don’t get it or him at all. He has no taste whatsoever. Yes, he uses unusual materials. Taste level comments, Nina? Where were they?

Let’s look closer at the print. Nope, I’m right. It is still grandma-at-the-nickle slots to me.

These shorts that Nina thought were very editorial? UGH UGH UGH. And this is coming from someone who just painted an old rocking chair a similar shade of green. No one but a streetwalker would wear these shorts in public. Lawsy. Cool in idea maybe, but not many of us are hookers. What I did like was the top he put with them. That top had potential. But no one was talking about it.

The gown above was among my faves of his, if I had any faves, which I didn’t have much. Not sure why I liked it enough to take a pic now that I look closer. And of course, even in the agony of defeat, he has to throw out some bitter comments. Predictable.

Victor Lazlow Luna aka Perverted Professor did a great job. Everyone loved this dress below. I thought it was a little Lucille Ball myself. But did love his purple prints.

He found a way to do this zipper skirt so that it didn’t look over the top. Judges didn’t like his black see-through numbers. I didn’t think they were bad but were not in the quality league as his printed efforts.

Loved love LOVED the blue dress below. Oh to be 18 and wearing this out and about.

Above was my fave from Victor. Love this and the way the print is used … horizontal as vertical. Very clever.

And then it was Anya’s turn. When this creation glided down the runway, I knew who the winner would be. And I wasn’t wrong. Way to go Anya! Gorgeous. It was a Michael Kors fave also.

Loved this one also. Anya definitely has a way with prints. She got criticized for all the vee-neck pieces, but hey, they are generally flattering on all women, as would be these dresses.

However, haven’t we seen these designs, now that I think about it, from that German girl designer a few seasons ago? I think so! What was her name? I bet she could beat Anya in the print dress department.

Anya pulled a few creations out of her bum at the last minute also …. AGAIN …. and very well done. I think she was a clear winner tonight. So what, her winning wasn’t about her sewing abilities, but her design eye and branding potential.

Having said that, I didn’t like all she sent down the runway. But am soooo glad it wasn’t Joshua. What’s not to like about Anya? I want to hang out with her and Kimberly in Tobago and sip Mai Tai’s. An hour with Joshua and I’d be getting out the razorblades. However, I do hope someone calls him for a job and gives him direction.

Oh well, snarkers, it hasn’t been the best of seasons of PR, but we have allstars to look forward to. And Project Accessory does look interesting … the craftsmanship aspect is very intriguing. But I don’t think I will follow it enough to do a snark station so will leave that up to Moi or whoever else might want to do it.

But will be back for PR Allstarts Snarking as soon as it airs! Congrats Anya.

Pam’s Product Review–Paint Zoom versus Can of Spray Paint

2011-10-25T19:48:00.001-05:00

It was a late-night infomercial. Designed for people like me. And I bought it, hook, line and sinker. But I had projects, you see, that I wanted to get done. No inspiration to do them until … the Paint Zoom entered my life.

Researched it a bit, thought it inexpensive enough, placed the order. Of course, they get you with some add-ons.

And what they don’t tell you is this: You have projects that are going to cost you money other than just the paint job. Furniture strippers, rags, TSP wash, etc.

So there I was, at the Ace Hardware, buying furniture stripper and scrapers so that I could get my projects ready for the arrival of the Paint Zoom.

Project #1: Mom’s old rocking chair.

I almost donated this thing last year but then we found out about grandboy-to-be, so kept it around. This pic is after the furniture stripper, but the chair itself was 1985 medium wood look which wasn’t much different than shown here. Used an orange-based product to strip the varnish, which was a bit harder to do than anticipated.

Paint Zoom arrives, so me and Project #1 get started. Decide that the way to liven up this old chair is to go for a bright color. Then I could haul it out into a field if I got the chance to do kid pics.

Assemble Paint Zoom, get an extension cord, thin the paint (important), put out the drop cloth and go to town. A few initial problems were:

Unit was hot enough that wearing over shoulder wasn’t practical.
Powerful to the point of blowing the little hose off the unit. Solved by twisting hose back in a little crooked.
Paint seemed to bead up instead of spray evenly.

Looking back now, am thinking I should have diluted the paint a bit more and then built up layers better. I was throwing it on thick and heavy, up close. But, it was working and I was happy!

Finished version of Project #1:

Yes, it is bright. But I think it is a huge improvement. I liked that tequila green color so much, I sprayed this little stepstool while I was at it.

PROJECT #2 – ANTIQUE SCHOOL DESK

This desk was another acquisition from mom’s house. A “supposed” antique school desk that has been around the attic for yonks. Sometimes antique just means old and beaten up. But, would it make a fun little table for kids’ tea party pics if I get the chance? You betcha! Testing this table was a can of good ol spray paint in a bright turquoise blue.

End result?

Yep, was having so much fun that I pulled out an old fold-up chair and painted it also. I have since put on a black/white houndstooth fabric seat cover on that chair! Again, I know the colors are bright, but that was the intent.

Now for the comparisons:

Paint Zoom cost – $99 plus extras.

Spray Paint cost – $4.95 plus tax.

Paint Zoom handling – awkward with the cord and the hose and the heat and diluting of paint. But satisfactory end result.

Spray Paint handling – one little nozzle and no learning curve needed. Although I did have to give my ID to purchase it because I guess the store was monitoring the graffiti artists.

Paint Zoom end result – good for my purpose! Not sure a professional painter would want this unit. But for someone like me doing 2 or 3 projects every once in a while, I had a good time with it. Will take any paint or stain so that makes it versatile. The little gun portion was easy to handle, but certainly not as easy as shown on tv.

Spray Paint end result – also good for my purpose. Limited choices of colors. A bigger job than my little desk would have resulted in jammed painting fingers.

What would I do different? I would have done thin layers with Paint Zoom and built up the surface. Maybe next time around I will be more patient.

Ultimate questions:

Is Paint Zoom better than Spray Paint can? No. More fun? Possibly. More expensive? Definitely and by far. Could I have done the same job with the spray paint? Yes. Am I glad I bought the Paint Zoom? Oh yes, it was great fun and got me inspired to get a few things off the to-do list. But maybe inspiration will come to another person for about $100 less.

Pam’s purchase advise? Save your money and go with the Rustoleum or other store brand of spray paint. Result will be the same and you will only have sore spray-paint fingers to worry about.

Oh and P.S. Here’s Sterling’s latest butterfly massacre:

We did “free” the butterfly. But as it was fluttering off, Sterling knocked it down out of mid-air again with a fully-clawed paw and an amazingly quick delivery. He might be a real cat one day.

UPDATE FOR CHICKIEBOOM:

Photos of project furniture in semi-action:

Blue chair with houndstooth seat cover. See what I mean that it needed a bolder statement with the pattern? This is fine, but not what I was after. Also, please disregard that seat isn’t firmly attached to chair. That is a job for husband and better screwdriver at a future date.

Green chair, white bear and Sterling Cat. But would he look at the camera? Of course not. Once the green chair is out of the bright sun, color not so obnoxious.

Close-up of area that needs a bit of touch-up. When I say I was up close and spraying it on thick, I mean it. I had concerns about how it would dry, but after a day in the hot Okie fall sun, the paint cured just fine.

These paint jobs are not perfect, but fine for my purpose. Which is, as you can see, little photo props that can double as something useful in the meantime.

Since I know nothing about painting anyway, I am very pleased with the results. Someone who knew what they were doing might have other opinions!

Oh and P.P.S. There should be, around this house somewhere, three other chairs just like blue one above. Am thinking of doing each chair in a different bright color. Have purchased these bits of fabric to cover the seats.

Am thinking I might go back and do the b/w checkers on the blue chair. The other bright blue I bought (more blue, less turquoise) to have the red dots. Or would the bright yellow be too much for that? And haven’t decided about the burgundy with black swirls. That was bargain basement priced and is actually the reverse side of the fabric, which was red on red swirls. I like this side better. There is a yellow/white chevron print over at Hancocks (or as my friend Johana’s mother used to call that store back in the day … Footpu**ies) … these were meant to be low dollar projects, so I don’t want to be spending any more money on them.

Sterling, that rascal

2011-10-23T22:32:00.001-05:00

He did it again today. Ate a beautiful butterfly.

What? What? Don't let this intense look fool you. He will be distracted again in about two seconds.

Project Runway–Finale Episode One

2011-10-20T22:03:00.001-05:00

Snarkers! Finale time. Designers go home to do their collections, Tim Gunn comes to visit and meet the family and/or gay boyfriend, and then everyone goes back to NY to select a mini-show of three garments to try and impress the judges, who will select three of the four designers to show at Fashion Week. Whewsh. Running on, I know.

Anya did Glamorous Carribean and only had one garment that the judges loved, which was the print dress. The bathing suit was meh. Cover-up was okay, but still meh. The Grecian gown? I thought it was Joshua’s. Anya really did not do well tonight and the judges were very tough on all the contestants. This gold is just so un-Anya to me. Of course, she was bottom two and the big “twist” is that guess what, all FOUR designers will go to Fashion Week. So we sat through everything just to get to that conclusion. Oh well.

My girl Kimberly let me down this week. I didn’t like anything she sent down the walkway. Maybe the black sparkle dress. But that print? My grandmother, circa 1964. Talk about mommsy. I don’t care how cute the back of the top was, that print was horrible. The pink skirt? Shoot me now. Not only a huge bubble butt … the front of it was not well done at all. Everything pulled and looked off center. It is a great big ‘look at my pubic region’ style in a hot pink hot mess. The little rings were a cute idea but no no no, not in these colors. Hated it. Kimberly is lucky to still be in the running.

Victor Lazlow aka The Perverted Professor stepped up his game. He was my fave of the evening, although he did go in for the over-kill. Judges were right on in their critiques of him. I liked the zippy skirt myself but didn’t realize it went OVER something else. I was thinking … uh, versatile! Strange, but versatile! I loved his self-made prints and his little story about going back to Mexico and using his photos to create the fabric. And then there was this, which changed my mind for me:

Obviously, Victor never wore white pants to junior high school on a day when his period decided to show up unexpectedly. I’m sorry, but what woman wants a big purple stain in her crotch? NONE! I can’t believe the judges didn’t bring this up. Yikes and yowza. Of course, he is designing for gay men, who would love to have the eye drawn to the crotchington area, no matter what the circumstances. Thank goodness this is purple and not red, that’s all I’m saying. Snarkers, you know what I mean. It’s happened to us all.

Sigh. Joshua, who I just am creeped out by more and more as the weeks drag on … well, of course, he was first to make it through. I didn’t like anything he sent down either. His LBD and meh for sure. The modesty panel that Michael Kors couldn’t stand was the most interesting thing in my book. Did anyone else notice the other black texture and the way it horse-shoed around the hips from the back? Hated it! (Using my best Men on Film voice). The hot pink is awful. The jacket got rave reviews and, maybe I just don’t like Joshua, but I didn’t think much of it either. Maybe if it was over the LBD it would stand out. But I can’t keep from looking at the hot pink, which is blinding me. The ONLY thing I liked about his three was the neckline and alternative fabric choice for the long black garment, or BBD as I was calling it.

So, for me tonight, the only designer I felt did a very good job was Victor. He’s not without some issues in my book, but far and away above the other three. Kimberly needs to quit second guessing herself. Anya needs to start having fun again. Joshua needs to go away.

Any snarkers out there this week? And, are we going to be snarking on the accessory show? I have to admit that I am not an accessory person. Love that stuff on other people but I never think to put it on. Much like lipstick in my life. Once in the morning and I never think of it again for the rest of the day. So not sure I will be getting into the accessory show. We’ll see.

Snark away, pals!

Wales

2011-10-14T22:57:00.000-05:00

Everyone's travel adventures inspired me to go re-visit some vacay photos and talk about some of the places we visited. Let me first explain that our trip overseas was to see family. And friends. Then we work in a few sight-seeing opportunities. But this was the 20th Anniversary tour, so we did do a couple of extra-special things.

One of the places we loved best this trip was Cardiff, Wales. What a happening little city! Very vibrant and youthful. A cafe-society vibe during the day; pub culture early evening; interesting restaurants that we would love to try. And I hear about exciting nightclubbing in the late evenings. We didn't do any of the latter. Nor did we bother to visit the local castle or nearby castles. We had intended to go out to explore the countryside. But we loved Cardiff so much, we just hung around!

This is the main road leading down from the castle.

And here is where we hung out on this street:

The Goat Major pub. Very old-style pub. Someone was in pub heaven.

The Goat Major has to do with the Welsh Guards. During the Boar (?) War, the Afghans gave the regiment a goat. But it wouldn't shut up that night. Kept bleating and bleating and woke up the soldiers. Who then discovered that the Russians were coming. So credit was given to the goat for saving their lives. Queen Victoria heard about it and invited the goat to the palace. She decreed that forevermore, a goat shall be the mascot of the Welsh Guards.

And the name of a cool pub in Cardiff.

And where else are you going to get the opportunity to buy these things? Ahem.

More of the trip soon.

Project Runway Snark Station–Collection Challenge

2011-10-13T22:22:00.001-05:00

Well, snarkerettes, I must have missed a lot of the season while on vacay, because it seems early to me to be down to the final challenge. Designers received $500 to make three looks in a collection and were given a helper aka already expelled designer from this season.

Let’s snark:

Whinging Joshua did an Edyta from DWTS dress (aka bedsheet gown … no wait, half a bedsheet gown), which was boring as hell but everyone loved for some reason despite judges thinking it was cheap as all get-out looking. The baton twirler dress was going home worthy for me. Gawd-awful. How he could stand there and defend that thing is beyond me. The white dress? ZZZZZZ. I was hating him tonight and think he is lucky to have gotten through. Only because he has ideas. Not because he has taste. He doesn’t. Have taste. Crybaby. I don’t know which one of these is worse, #2 or #3. He is one lucky diva tonight.

My fave gal Kimberly made it through by the skin of her teeth. She did three interesting works, I thought. Judges hated her coat. I liked it myself. Also liked the cocktail dress. The top and skirt was a bit too strange for my liking but it looked like a collection. Yes, the middle dress was a bit like the top she designed for Nina, which I didn’t catch until it was pointed out. What Kimberly needs to do is settle down and quit worrying. If she had quit changing her mind, things might have looked more polished. Nevertheless, she’s through to the next round. A possible top 3 – four designers are through, only 3 will show at Fashion Week.

Richie Rich Girl goes home this week. She only had one strong look, which was the gown on the left. I can’t say I liked it but at least it made a statement. The jacket is very Joan Collins, but it has a shape. Skirt does nothing for it. The circles were just too too too much. Look #3? I kinda liked it. If the girl had boobs, this might have worked better. Now, how about this snarkers … if she had put those circles over the #3 fabric in some way and skipped the jacket in #2. I can’t look at #1 without thinking doilie. She should have brought better tonight so it is not a wrong decision to send her home.

Anya pulls it out again. Even the other contestants had to give her credit and said they believed she should go to the final. While I didn’t love these garments, felt they were all wearable and appropriate and attractive. I loved the solid colors. When she is able to match what goes on in her head with what comes out on the sewing machine, good things happen. Definitely worth going through to the next round.

Victor Lazlow played it safe and is lucky to get in, to my way of thinking. Yes, Michael Kors was right in that these were the most commercial clothes presented. They were also among the most boring. Yes, I wish I had #1 above to wear to work tomorrow. Very secretarial? Well, that’s me. The drapey jacket? Maybe not this one, but would like it in another color. The LBD was just a big yawn. He should have showed us something we hadn’t seen. But he has been consistent and polished and basically flawless every challenge. He might take home the trophy, actually.

Who will be the three to show? I could stick to my guns with Victor, Anya and Kim; but I think Kim might get the sack and they put Whineyboy in because, well, he’s flamboyant. Kimberly better be exquisite in her tailoring to beat out Joshua.

Meanwhile, back on the ottoman …

Sterling says hi to everyone. He watched PR with me tonight. In fact, he stole my blanket.

Inspector Lewis inspects the studio

2011-10-11T22:52:00.001-05:00

So, here’s my project lately. A little photo studio set-up in my office! I’m pretty pleased with this. Found the “beginner” continuous lights for the lowest price possible. Bought one box of the cheapest of the cheap laminate floor from the local Habitat for Humanity Renovation Station. Stepstool has been around since forever. Had to move a piano to get this done. Not too pleased with location of light sockets, but have to live with what is available!

But of course, Lewis, had to make sure we did everything correctly. Little did he know, however, that he was a test subject! These are un-retouched pics. Of a black cat. I’m pretty pleased with the lights as far as his features coming up with no extra work!

Thinking about that step-stool … will he do it? Yes, he will!

Hmmm, but now I have a shadow.

Yes, Lewis, I will adjust that light stand down a bit. Just for you.

How’s this working for you, Lewby??

I’m pretty pleased with my little studio. Got to try it out this weekend when nephew Erik was over for a BBQ. He is back state-side after his FOURTH tour in Iraq. But now he has a promotion, some classes to do, and then he gets a state-side job for a while.

Baby Caleb and Baby Beans

2011-10-07T20:21:00.001-05:00

Just ‘coz I haven’t posted about Baby Caleb in a while … was over to their house on Wednesday to help with baby duties. The Kymster and hubby have taken the steps so that she can be a stay-at-home mommy for a while. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they make this adjustment! Things will be tight for them, I’m sure, but what mommy would want to leave this little guy at a day care center? Their attempt to do so didn’t last a week. A friend then watched him for a couple of weeks while she gave her official notice at the job. So now, Baby Caleb has a full time mommy. She has signed up to be a consultant for a line of products and hopefully that will take off a bit and she can run it from the house.

And speaking of Kymmie, this little doll turned up this week. Baby Beans. I was digging around in the attic for a thing or two and ran across this little babydoll in a box of stuff. Pulled it out, brought it downstairs and let her know of the discovery. When I took it over on Wednesday, she was grabbing for it like she was three years old. Baby Beans was the absolute most favorite doll, with the possible exception of Bruce the Cabbage Patch, of which I also found a pic recently:

Look at that Retro Diet Pepsi can! Aren’t you glad they are bringing that back. No, it was and still is the beverage of choice. Wait a minute! Who does Bruce the Cabbage Patch look just like? Ahem ahem cough cough.

Project Runway Snark Station – Exotic Bird Challenge

2011-10-06T22:28:00.001-05:00

Snarkers~!!! Finally a challenge with some interest. Inspiration was lame – exotic birds. Teams of two. But here’s the kicker: Just compete against your teammate. This brought out some pretty good stuff this week. Let’s start!

First up: Sally Cat. No, she isn’t sleeping. She isn’t *pretending* to sleep (as she usually does to fend off Sterling) … she is actually in a stalking mode! Fed up, she is, with Lumpy Sterling. Things might get interesting around here soon. Several mouse kills in the garage seem to have emboldened her. (Sorry but she was sitting beside me as we watched PR tonight.)

First up was Victor Lazlow, inspired by a cockatoo. I bet he has been inspired by a …. Or two. Sorry, bad joke, I know. Anyway, I loved this dress myself. Beautiful shade of yellow and the work that he did to put those feathers together. Lovely lovely.

He was beat, however, by Kimberly who pulled this dress out of her butt with three hours to spare. It was split up to there and I really liked the asymetrical cut-out in the bodice. Mr. Kors did not like the pearl border. I did. Thought it misplaced, however. I’d have been more traditional and put it across the top. At any rate, being able to pull this off in the time frame was pretty amazing. Kimberly was having a bad time of it throughout the challenge.

Bert went home for this train wreck above. Inspired by a bright green parrot, we get gray from Bert. I’m with Heidi that the splash of color as a surprise could have been done very well. But he didn’t do it well. The Wonder Woman bodice though?? So long Bert, it’s been good to know ya. Clearly and by far the bottom design of the night.

Whiney Joshua’s parrot inspired dress turned out to be orange. Thank GOODNESS he didn’t send his green/green/green overworked hot mess of a dress down the runway. All the judges and Tim Gunn loved this dress. I did not. Looks like a beach towel to me. Meh. Might be that I just don’t like Joshua (and his whining), but this is too Wilma Flintstone for me.

Anya was the star of the show tonight. Despite criticism about her sewing skills, look what she put together. Wowza. Inspired by a Raven … she pulled off this silhouette. Yes, a little Joan Jett.

Now, let’s talk literal because they judges thought it wasn’t. How about you guys, snarkers? I thought it was totally literal. But the way it was put together was ahhmmayzing. Now if it only had a back zipper … but they can do that in production.

Unfortunately, we did NOT get to see this little number make it down the runway. The minute she pulled that … what was it? Netting of some sort? over the mannequin, I was In.Love. Ooooh, did I want to see that up close. Talk about a potentially original dress. First dress of the season that intrigued me in the construction phase and that I was looking forward to watching it go down the runway. Oh well, it wasn’t to be.

Anya was the clear winner tonight. And is now $20K richer.

Richie Rich girl also did Raven and got nailed by the judges for being too literal. Stereotypical black leggings. But, I gotta tell you … I’d have this jacket in a heartbeat. In.A.Heartbeat. Loved the colors, the neckline, the make-up. Oh girl, if I had my pick of an outfit of the evening’s design, this one has Pam written all over it. With less tight trousers, however.

Snark station is up and running … snark away!

POST-SCRIPT: Speaking of exotic birds and JORTS. Here’s a little self-depricating fashion humor. Pam somewhere near Laguna Seca, California, circa 1989. Not a good look. Tan Keds and little white socks? Wardrobe staples. Also, please forgive the hair. It never did take crunchy-mall perms very well.

Best Idea I’ve Heard this Year.

2011-10-03T16:43:00.001-05:00

Hmmmm. I heard this really great idea last week. Have been looking for time to write it down and talk about it some. It involves Walmart, or other big-box stores, that we all hate and deplore.

Small towns hate it when Walmart (or similar store) moves in. Says it destroys their downtown areas.

Here’s the idea:

Have Walmart move IN to downtown. Why couldn’t they open up boutique style shops along Main Street and keep those historic buildings going?

Why couldn’t Walmart open their automotive store where the one used to exist back in the ‘60’s?

Why couldn’t they open a dry goods store (or linen department) where the JC Penney used to be?

Why couldn’t the hardware department be located where the hardware store used to be?

Same with kids clothing; women’s clothing; men’s clothing …. all those stores USED to exist on Main Street.

Customers still park up and walk to different “departments” … but it supports the town and heck, might even help restore and build up the town.

Just food for thought. Such a simple idea, yet …. brilliant? Instead of trying to keep Walmart out, invite them in … but on Main Street instead.

Anyone?

PROJECT RUNWAY– SOPHISTICATED 70’S CHALLENGE

2011-09-29T22:18:00.001-05:00

If there was a decade that defines me, it is the 70’s, so I looked forward to this challenge … knowing how bad the designers would screw it up.

Anyone else still snarking with me? Challenge – spend $100 and make an outfit of separate. Surprise challenge – spend $50 and make a one-piece something. All channeling the 70’s.

Kimberly did these two above and was middle of the pack. I liked #1 above and the jumpsuit was really cute … menswear plaid in a little vest configuration. But yes, middle of the pack.

Anthony Ryan … hmmmm. He went home for this. Wouldn’t have been my choice to go home, but probably not a wrong decision. I thought his long dress was very 70’s. His mistake was in not giving it a shape. The red outfit was just dreadful and nothing 70’s about it.

Bert, who did live through the 70’s and had some rather risque comments tonight, did hot pants and a disco sparkle top for his first outfit. I didn’t love. Didn’t even like it much. In fact, I thought it looked like a negligee. Am surprised he didn’t get slammed more for the Goldie Hawn on Laugh-In look. His show-stopper was the simple dress, which Piperlime loved so much they picked it up for production. The back was a gold material, the front a silverish. Super simple. And in a good way. Versatile and chic. 70’s-ish? Hmmm. Can’t decide.

Richie Rich girl did two of the same thing. #1 above got nailed for the outlandish print paired with the b/w chevron top. I loved the print myself. It just didn’t, in any way, shape or form, need to be paired with the black and white on top. What was she thinking? She carried on with the chevrons on #2, which was a decent outfit, but boring. I didn’t hate either out, but Nina isn’t feeling it for Richie Rich girl. She will be gone soon.

Joshua. Sigh. What can I say. I hated his #1 outfit. The top has nothing to do with anything. He might have gotten by with the plaid pants, until the model turned to leave the runway. Then we got this:

HORRORS!!!! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If you, as a designer, have the ability to make these stick-insect women look like they have a huge buttowski, you need to leave. This tragedy was definitely go-home worthy in my book. Plus I’m sick of his whinging. And I’m sure Victor Lazlow is sick of his stealing ideas.

Anya had the make it work moment of the year, of the entire series, really, when she lost her $100 at Mood and had to rely on the kindness of others, $11, and some muslin. She pulled it out, too. Both looks were very well done. I didn’t mind the muted red of the top she dyed and the tailoring of it was lovely. She did get the best Michael Kors line of the night – “It looks like someone’s used Dentyne gum underneath your seat.” The jumpsuit was the winner of the challenge and will be produced for Piperlime. What made this jumpsuit for me was how it flowed as the model walked. So breezy and yes, updated 70’s. Good job Anya. I was worried for Anya since the episode was so much about her … that is usually an indication of who goes home.

Victor Lazlow did boring colors but well made garments. His safari jacket was a very updated version of a usually shapeless kind of thing … safari jacket? But this isn’t Born Free, it really had shape and style. His other outfit was meh as far as I was concerned, good but not a standout.

Anyone ready to call a Top Three? I’m thinking Victor, Anya and Kimberly. Kimberly is turning into a fave with me … she is normal. She designs normal clothes with an edge. I like her stuff. Which is probably the kiss of death for her in the competition.

Snark away, snarkers!

Tower of Devon

2011-09-28T15:51:00.000-05:00

Remember last year when I posted a pic of a hole in the ground that would soon be our new skyscraper? You don't? Well, if i could take two minutes and find the link (but I shan't) I would repost it here.

Anyway, I was driving through downtown this morning on the way to work. Happened to have a camera with me. The tower has topped out at 50 stories. What is amazing to me is not just the height, but the girth of the building. I think most other buildings are about 1/4 of the ground area. See the tallish building over on the right? I used to work in that building. It was, at that time, the tallest structure in downtown OKC. I say that because it is DWARFED (dwarved?) by the new Devon Tower.

I think the Devon Tower is glad to see us.

Random Things and Vacy

2011-09-25T19:08:00.001-05:00

Happy Sunday evening, everyone! Been a busy weekend here. Two little afternoon parties to go to … one a family baby shower. It is extended family growth time, for sure.

Anyway, all of this means that I got to see Caleb on Satuday AND Sunday, both. Makes me happy.

On the way to the baby shower, passed my friend Jamie and her beau on the highway, riding their Harley, and not wearing helmets. No camera, drat it.

Now, back to vacay. Here was a highlight!

We had two days with no plans, so booked a last minute Eurostar ticket and spent a day in Paris. Again, another place I never thought I would visit. I know I have been leading a blessed life with the amount of travel we’ve done over the years.

Anyway, Paris impressions:

Not as big a place as I’d have thought.
Eiffel Tower more brown than black. I had thought it was like wrought iron furniture for some reason.
A surly waiter can be a fun thing. “No, I order for you, you will love!” He was right. We did.
I love tourist souvenirs. I can’t help myself.
We didn’t climb to the top of anything but walked by as much as we could. Only thing we missed was the Sacre Coeur area.
Realized that a person sitting next to me on a train might be planning a terrorist attack and I’d never know it … just have not picked up the French language, either written or oral. Luckily, no terror attacks happened to which I would have had to testify.
Expensive for no good reason, but when in Rome …
When on the Metro, skip the big stations and go to the next one down the line. Much easier to maneuver.
Don’t expect protein at breakfast. Croissant and jam. Underwhelmed on this.
Muslim women can’t cover their faces in France these days. But they can wear huge fashionable sunglasses day and night for a next best effort.
They also read in Arabic on their Iphones. I know this because I looked over shoulders on the subway system.
Pam’s Rule #1 for growing older ladies on a tour of France. Never pass a restroom because you might not find another one. Secret plan (A) for Rule #1 … cafes. Sit down an order a drink. Then you will be able to use their hidden facilities.

If you had one day in Paris, what would you want to see or do?

PR Snark Station–Rock Star Challenge

2011-09-22T22:26:00.001-05:00

Hi Snarkers. I’m back and would like to personally thank the fabulous MOI for filling in as Head Snarker while we were on our 20th anniversary tour. I still haven’t had a chance to watch the back episodes but from a quick perusal of Moi’s write-ups, I don’t think I missed much. If anyone is watching, snark away.

Teams of four for a rock band of four. Create a look. Doesn’t have to be cohesive. Problem #1? These are not gay men. Unlike guest judge, The Glambert, who we all remember from AI and hasn’t changed his look any either.

Team Harmony Band look – hmmmm. Undecided.

This designer above used a “wood” look print, wimpy fringe vest, and wimpier white jeans. Did not like.

Anya got nailed for the Pocahantas look and rightly so. Should have gone home for this. Atrocious. Grade school Thanksgiving pageant stuff, is this. Now, of course, without question, I remember the 60’s and 70’s when guys did wear the hippie Indian guru type shirts, but it was manly … this is just beyond description. Oh wait, yes there IS a description. Reggae Jesus about sums it up. Thank you Mr. Kors.

Richie Rich girl did this look above. Guy wanted red jeans and she gave it to him. Crushed velvet jacket? Totally okay in my rocker look opinion. The purplish color? Not so much. Her mistake here is the tank top and not making it super-fitted and tight and showing off the guy’s physique. Maybe not the greatest physique, but he has enough to pull off more than a baggy tank top.

Bert, my man Bert, did a great outfit as far as I was concerned. Hair braids, hated them. The pin-striped jeans? LOVED them. Reminded me of a pair I had back in the day that I dearly loved. Yet these looked modern. The soft jacket was dyed perfectly. Again, a tighter tank would have worked better but the guy looks manly. And rockerish. Good job, Bert! This was my pick as winner because of those striped pants. Call me crazy, but they totally took me back to 1972 in a good way.

Team Untitled Band Look: Ooops, forgot to take a pic.

The best thing about the look above was totally the shirt, which is covered up with a cliche fringe vest. The exposed zipper in the pants was a good rock touch but I don’t like the white pants. But the outfit isn’t totally gay, which I approve.

This poor drummer guy. Sigh. Kimberly dodged a bullet on not going home for this dreadful bowling shirt. I can’t believe the guy was such a good sport as to actually put it on and wear it on stage. Cliche 70’s colors. The neckline made me want to slit my wrists. What a wasted opportunity.

Victor Lazlow won for his perfectly fitting jeans that were well tailored and well fitted. A printed shirt that was not feminine, and an interesting fringe <p>leather jacket in the right shade of brown. Anything unexpected? No, but everything he did was done well. A deserving win.

And shall I just say that the right designer went home … Oliver. Oh. My. Good. Lord. In. Heaven. What has he done to this poor man? #1, I don’t know any straight man who would EVER wear that pattern. Those patch pockets are burning my eyes just looking at the pic. What shade of baby-puke blue IS that? Those aren’t western-wear pockets. The pants are awful. Again, what a good sport in rocker guy actually going on national tv wearing this get-up. ARGH.

Oh, and designers? This is how you do the kaftan bohemian super cool drummer look. See below.

My drummer cousin Roger, circa 1973ish, is my best guess. His family was living in the far east at the time and one year my aunt brought us all back those Indian prints where you fold them in half and cut out the center and sew up the sides … very Jimi Hendrix kind of shirts.

Again, thank you Miss Moi for filling in for me, I much appreciate it. Didn’t think about getting it set up with you before we left and to let you know we would be gone so long. So am very grateful to you!

Am glad to be back in the saddle for the rest of the season if any snarkers are still snarking.

So much for getting caught up

2011-09-19T23:25:00.001-05:00

There I was, bright and early this morning, first thing at the office. Trying to write a haiku to enter today’s contest.

Then the phone rang. And rang. And the e-mails came. And the newish boss had things needed doing. Got arrangements for all her things to come through me. I’m a great filter that way.

Got home. Started editing second batch of vacay photos. Also need to work on some of Caleb.

Someone wants to run up to the local off-the-beaten path pub in the MGB for a quick bite. Come home and watch some of the dvr shows we missed while on vacay. Caught the Hell’s Kitchen winning episode. Yay Paul. Am up to the last two Design Stars. Haven’t even tried to catch up with Project Runway yet.

Now it is 11:16 p.m. I’ve sat down at the computer too tired to work on photos. Checked FB for emergencies and … just as I started this post, realized that I never got a haiku written. Or even thought about again since 8:30 this morning.

Ack.

Have I gotten around to everyone’s pages? No. Is my desk up to speed? No. Is it time for bed? Yes. But maybe not before a haiku.

Dance.

Waltz, not a quick step

here at the end of the day.

Tempo picks up soon.

Out Among the English

2011-09-17T07:10:00.001-05:00

The 89th birthday celebration for mother-in-law Elsie. All the family were there except two nieces and those back in Oklahoma. Elsie is more frail every year but is getting around pretty good. She has a new love in her life. No, not the sweet elderly man named Jack (age 94) to her right. It is this:

The Stair Lift

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I’m sure if anyone else insisted she install one of these, she would have resisted. But it was all her idea and it has been, in her words, a boon. What a fantastic contraption. I rode it myself.

Happy 89th to my sweet mother-in-law, Elsie, who would never have let her husband squander that separation pay from the military after WWII in a pub had she known him at that time! What fun and unexpected stories she comes up with when I see her.

Home from Vacay

2011-09-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone and anyone who might happen by my page from time to time. Sorry for the long break, but we have been overseas to see the English side of the family. I thought there would be better chances to use the internet and do a post from time to time, but alas, those things never work out like you think it will.

I promise to get around and catch up on Project Runway and everything else, but it is back to work today and then the pile of laundry is looming.

The hubs’ mom turned 89 this year and he felt very compelled to make the trip over. We worked in a few other things, of course!

Photo above is coming into Heathrow from DFW one bright morning … you can see the London Eye and Big Ben if you look carefully.

Here’s my usual shot of Stonehenge at 40 MPH and yes, it really is this close to the road and we can’t get to mum’s house without going past it.

And here for your enjoyment is a typical English village view … pub sign and church tower.

Caleb has more souvenirs than anyone else. Can’t wait to get my hands on that boy!

More later, more catching up! Hope everyone is well and anticipating the Troll movie coming out soon.

IN AND OUT

2011-08-23T10:20:00.001-05:00

I will be having a very busy next few weeks, so was wondering if anyone else could take over the PR Snark Station? I will be in and out and not in a consistent way ….. if not, I will pick it back up when things settle down.

Will post more later!

A little bit of Caleb in my life...

2011-08-20T09:18:00.000-05:00

A couple of unedited pics. Don't know why babies photograph so red, but they do.

I heart this boy very much.

Project Runway–Nina Garcia Challenge

2011-08-18T22:52:00.001-05:00

Be afraid Snarkers, be very afraid. It is the design-for-Nina challenge. Ooooh, she was specific about what she wanted and it was NOT a runway full of black and gray. I think she’s been reading our Snark Station because we’ve been complaining about that forEVER. The outfit should be wear-to-work with the ability to go out to an event in the evening.

Let’s get started.

Cute but meh. Work-ability is marginal at best. Nothing to glam it up for evening. Oh, and here’s a close-up at the finishing on the collar. Did he just leave this with a frayed edge on purpose? Please tell me this was a joke.

Bert the old guy did a black cocktail dress. Fine for evening, but not for work. Nina didn’t want black, remember? But he was middle of the pack and safe. Plus the front slit on this dress was a little daring. I expected comments from Nina about it being vulgar.

Below? UGLY. More gray. Some sort of tone-down Michael Jackson jacket. Ugly. But he was safe. Whoever he was. Wouldn’t have been safe in MY bottom three.

Interestingly, two designers had the same choice of fabric. Some drama was involved but both were middle of the field and safe. The gay guy who chose the fabric did this design, which was very cute. Again, I don’t see it as office wear. Have these folks ever BEEN in a business office?

Betsy Ross used the same fabric and did this design below. Much more of a work dress. I feel it is a little too young for Nina but really liked it. Gray and black and beige though. Meh. And where’s the glam for evening? Nowhere.

Kimberly the Black Girl won the challenge with this gold top and blue pants outfit. When I first saw the gold, I thought, uhoh, no can do. But it ended up being really cute. So much structure to the top, interesting lines, and, as Nina said, very strong. A rightful winner, in my opinion.

Cecilia was bottom two for this below. She gave up at the fabric store, let alone when she hit the sewing room. Nothing office-like about this one either. As far as design, I didn’t hate it and in some circumstance the gold and gray might work. Christmas party, yes. Regular party, no.

Anya made the cute cute jumpsuit below. The back neckline was a deep vee and she totally had her act together in dying the fabric away from the original mustard color that Nina hated. What she didn’t have together was the sewing. She was totally bailed out by Richie Rich girl. This is a building drama that should play out soon.

Danielle was bottom three for this awful green blouse and pants outfit. “Unless you are going to a Joan Crawford St. Patty’s Day party,” this is a big miss. One – Nina would never wear this awful green. Two – nothing to take it up a notch for evening. This is boring office wear of my own variety. Blouse and pants – it looks like a government office worker, yes?

Julie the artsy designer did this coat dress. I can kinda see the potential but she totally blew it. She went home for this, and rightly so. Icky color of khaki. The orange is strangely placed. The neckline seems unfinished. The opening is meant to be off-center, I suppose. But if this had been very tailored and seamed perfectly as a proper coat dress – yes potential. Otherwise, seeya. Hot mess.

Bryce Black did boring black. Middle of the field but not a stand-out dress. Meh.

Richie Rich girl did another bright green dress. For Nina? I just don’t picture her in green at all. Plus, she specifically did not want a mini dress. But look at the see-thru bits in the skirt! Ahem ahem, a mini might show less. I didn’t like this at all, but she was mid-pack and safe.

Viktor Lazlow did a black two-piece outfit that was a top three contender. I did like this because it had a lot of interesting lines, not that you can see in this pic. Very structured and well sewn. Agree with Michael Kors that the sleeve might date it very soon. But a good look.

Pam’s Opinion: This challenge had Fishy potential all over it. Just exactly what she was saying last week. A challenge where it is a design for a grown woman who has a day job and an evening event to attend. I think most missed the mark. Where was the coat dress with stunning details that could be slipped on over a simple shift? Or the skirt and top for the office, but turn the top inside out and you have a going-out-on-the-town kind of top? Where was a fantastic belt to throw on over a skirt and blouse to take the outfit into evening? Where was the day-to-night look in any of these …

Except for Kimberly’s gold top. None of the designer’s “got it” with this week’s projects.

Snarkers? Weigh in!

Random Wednesday

2011-08-17T09:39:00.001-05:00

Sterling Cat caught a frog last night. Wish I had a pic to post. Evidently, it did not taste very nice as he had a snarly expression for the rest of the evening.
We have rain. Not much, but every little bit helps. Because ….
In July, we were the hottest place in the U.S. Hotter than the desert SW or Houston. Sheesh. An official record. If it isn’t extreme weather, we don’t get it here in OK.
I keep getting a blue-screen of death on my computer at home, which isn’t very old. It is telling me to delete recently added software. Not sure what I have added that caused the blue screen, but am hoping the ‘puter hangs in there. Don’t want to be buying new computers. If it dies, I might just go off the grid.
Do yourself a favor and see (on cable), The Lincoln Lawyer, with Matthew McCanaughey (or however you spell it) … very good movie, one of the best we’ve bothered to watch in a long time.
Is anyone else watching Design Star? Our little Edmond, Oklahoma gal is doing very well. Kelly. She seems very normal and I like her ideas. I’m also loving Meg and the blonde from Dallas. None of the guys seem to interest me. But I bet Mark wins it because he looks good on camera and isn’t flamingly gay.
I get to see my grandboy today. I heart him very much.
Am thinking of disconnecting our home phone before election season heats up. We are already getting calls from the NRA about 2012 issues. I don’t think I can handle it.
I’m tired of being hot. It just affects everything.
Our new skyscraper has topped out at 50 stories. The cranes will soon be gone and the finishing of the exterior will begin. Wish I could see inside! Looks magnificent. Now if only the road construction would be completed, life could be normal again!
I think Moi should go test-drive that car. To my house. And then we can go fizzy around for the rest of the summer. Anyone else ready to play hookey from life for a while?

Twenty Years

2011-08-14T22:52:00.001-05:00

Today is our anniversary. Twenty years! How’d that happen? I guess it is true that time flies when you are having fun.

So how did we celebrate?

Got home on Friday and was told to not make plans for the weekend. Surprises were in store! Checked in Saturday at the local fancy hotel, the Skirvin.

As we were checking in, ran into Kathie, the bride from a wedding I was supposed to attend that day, but didn’t attend because I was told to not be making plans! The bride and groom were staying there also!

We went down to the piano bar for an afternoon cocktail and ran into one of my favorite former Senators and current lobbyist from work, who was also staying in the hotel because his wife had a business conference upstairs and he’d been helping her out.

Then went and got all dressed up and ready to go to the fancy restaurant, when the horse and carriage arrived at the door to the hotel. Who was it for? Us!

Clippity clopped our way to the restaurant, Mickey Mantle’s Steak House, where we had a reservation.

But a little two-piece band was setting up in the bar area and a booth was available, so we grabbed that instead. Told the waitress to drop the reservation, we’d stay where we were. So as soon as that happens, the staff starts un-doing a table they were doing up right next to us. Husband asks if the Swedish Bikini Team had just cancelled. No, waitress says, Bob Stoops’ (OU football coach) favorite table wasn’t available and they were making him alternate arrangements here in the bar area. But then a table DID just open up so Bob was taking that instead. Uh, we now think Bob Stoops owes us big time for the table! We didn’t see him though, however, I did peak into the main restaurant on a trip to the ladies’ room.

The complimentary dessert from Mickey Mantle’s. Dinner was a big, huge, yummy Pittsburgh style steak with creamed spinach. Diet out the window this weekend!

Then surprised next day with mimosas in the Bride & Groom glasses from our reception way back when. These things have not been out of the cabinet since … uh, I have no idea since when.

Then a light brunch at another favorite little trendy restaurant, Cafe Nova, where our waitress turned out to be a favorite waitress from another restaurant we used to frequent more often, Flip’s, and now she works at this place instead.

Then it was home for a rest and then a quick visit to see Kymmie and family, where I got to play with my sweet grandboy and take a few pics.

Sigh. What a great weekend. What a wonderful life. Real world starts again Monday morning.

Project Runway–Creepy Weird Stilt Design Challenge

2011-08-11T22:35:00.001-05:00

Strange challenge tonight snarkers. Models on stilts. And the judges didn’t expect costumes? Let’s get started. But keep in mind that I am not sure who designed what necessarily. If I can get it right, I will mention the designers.

Above was a bottom three design because it was costumey. Oh come on. It wasn’t THAT awful. Oh wait, it was. Matador jacket/cape mixed with this loud pattern = awful. However, there is something inside me that secretly loves the pattern on the pants. Sort of reminds me of that big rick-rack we used to wear on our 1960’s shift dresses.

Bert & Ernie, I mean Victor, did the drapery dress. Victor wanted a Victorian corset, which Bert did in his awful curtain fabric. Predictable stuff. However, this fabric on the skirt was beautiful, and the model worked it. Why was Bert safe? This had going home written all over it.

Last week’s bottom two did the design above – and Shirley MacLaine fell apart and couldn’t cut or sew a bodice for the dress out of the polka dot fabric. What I didn’t understand is why this did not come out during the judging. Bryce did not throw her under the bus for messing up the bodice and therefore requiring him to make the simple top that he got ripped for. Ripped bodice, get it? Sorry, it’s late. Anyway, the outfit was awful but the judges did like Shirley’s little hat. However, her contributions were too little and she was the one going home tonight.

Kim the Black Girl and ??? the Blue Hair Girl did this David Bowie outfit above. All they needed to do to make it work was if they had sprayed the model’s hair bright red. Did no one else see this was David Bowie, but me? Judges totally missed it. Also, it followed Tim Gunn’s instruction to be inspired by fashion drawings --- the exagerated long legs, etc….. Anyway, cute enough but nothing to write home about.

Oliver and Anya were middle of the pack and safe for the one above. Which I hated. Abhored. The colors of the skirt were pretty, but the bodice was dreadful and had nothing to do with the skirt. This was pure bottom three for me but … who’s with me? End of season top designers? Two will be Oliver and Anya.

Danielle and ??? did this outfit, which was somehow a top three design. Probably because it was made with chiffon and very well sewn. Otherwise, it is fugly fugly. Judges liked this color combination? What the wha? The color of those pants is very strange to me. The proportions were good, color is strange. Who could wear this shade of brown and not look washed out? The top was meh. I like the teal but think it is a strange mix with the brown. Me don’t get it.

The show stopper was this red creation by Richie Rich girl and ???? This was beautiful. A perfect red and love that the bodice went darker. Agree with Michael Kors that this could be scaled back to a something that could be worn by a real woman (not on stilts). It doesn’t show, but there was a little sheer connecting bit between bodice and shoulder petals. It sort of shimmered as it was coming down the runway which I thought made for an interesting touch. Hands down, the winner, and rightly so. Unfortunately, next week, Richie Rich girl has immunity.

Now, let’s talk about guest judge Kim Kardashian. She was surprisingly frank and honest with her critiques. And could string a sentence together. And is stunningly beautiful. I don’t keep up with her on a general basis, but what I would give for those cheekbones and jaw line. Sigh.

Next week: Design for Nina Garcia. Be afraid, be very afraid.

NEWS FROM LONDON

2011-08-09T09:59:00.001-05:00

From my Super-Cool London Niece, Joanna.

Riots.

Hey Pam,

What a crazy time in London. In a nutshell a guy who was in possession of a gun was shot and killed by police on thursday. There was an immediate investigation by the independent police commission but answers weren't given to the family members of this man as to what exactly happened.

On saturday afternoon in tottenham the family held a peaceful protest outside the local police station. They waited for someone to come and speak to them, no one came. more and more people joined, police came out in numbers by the time there was 300 peaceful protesters. There was a skuffle between a girl and a police officer and that was the spark that let off the firework.

The family very quickly retreated home and mindless thugs from all over London came to tottenham to set fire to shops and homes and fight with the police.

It spread to hackney and wood green. These kids (and they're between the ages of 14 and 25 mostly) are just fighting. Its nothing to do with the guy that died anymore. That was saturday night. Then Sunday night was more of the same in north London.

Last night it started in south London. Lewisham had cars on fire, fireworks being thrown at the police and at local buses. They closed all the roads.

very very scary on the news watching my old streets rioting. Also I have lots of friends who live in the area and I have a lot of friends who are in the police.

My friend Gemma had her baby greyson on July 2nd, so he is a very similar age to caleb. Her husband James had his first shift back from paternity leave on Sunday. He worked for 34 hours straight. He is a policeman.

Spoke to dad last night and mum this morning. They're all fine, a little nervous but fine. Mum was worried about me at work but in knightsbridge there aren't the shops that these kids want to loot. They're going after electrical stores, mobile phone shops and sports wear shops.

Anyway! Hopefully we'll get a bit of rain later today which will calm things down. Its just so tense here!

Lots of love to everyone

X x x

Caleb’s Dad

2011-08-08T12:11:00.001-05:00

He’s 6’4, but I think baby Caleb might one day meet him eye to eye. Hmmmm, we’ll see.

PROJECT RUNWAY!!!! PET STORE CHALLENGE

2011-08-04T22:05:00.001-05:00

Okay, I have to admit it. Love challenges like this. Pet stores should have had lots of interesting materials. A few picked up on it. A few did not. Let’s snark.

Cute above. Predictable maybe, but cute.

This designer (the young Shirley MacLaine lookalike ~ and how ironic that another dressed was mentioned as being very Shirley MacLaine plays a hooker) … anyway, I didn’t hate this. I’m ready for fall so didn’t hate the colors. But it was predictable also. The designer needs to buck up because she now has a big ol’ target on her back.

Heidi’s fave for the winner – all birdseed. Presumably over a muslin dress form. This was very good. The neckline sold it for me. Nina didn’t like the length. Oh come on, Nina. There’s been short-a** dresses go down that runway a million times. I can’t believe you chose sherpa over birdseed. But more on that later.

Last week’s winner, Bert, had immunity and it is a good thing. I think he might have gone on a bender to celebrate his win because this thing is atrocious.

Now then. The girl you think WOULD make a sherpa coat did not. She made an outfit from dog food sacks. I had a Halloween party once (the infamous Dog Party ~ people still talk about it) where a couple came in wearing dog food sacks. They looked better than this. The weaving was reminiscent of those potholder thingies we did back in 3rd grade. Could anyone ever tie those things off? I couldn’t. This was dreadful and how it was NOT bottom three, I do NOT understand.

This one above was my personal favorite. Not a great photo but this was so cute. Very wearable. The colors worked great together. I love the halter styling. Loved it. Middle of the pack for the judges though.

Holy moly. Wee pads in a hankerchief skirt. No imagination whatsoever. He was bottom three and shoulda gone home. Shoulda should. This is by far the worst thing to go down the runway in many a season. At least the other guy who used the wee pads changed the color.

Boring and a rip-off of the one I liked above. Only less well done.

Josh went home for this design above. I didn’t hate it, myself. I totally missed the puppies on the puppies. Judges felt he used conventional materials in a conventional way. Ahem. When is the last time YOU made a dress out of an umbrella, NINA? Yes, the whole thing is predictable, but is it worse than Pee-Pad dress? NO NO NO NO NO.

This one above is HOW you do a pee-pad dress. He used the inner part, discarded the water-proof outerliner, and dyed it all in a fun color. This could have looked like a mummy, but it is very cute.

Meh. Middle of the pack. Who among us doesn’t have a top with that neck and shoulder line?

Unbelievably, and against all reason, the judges gave the Sherpa top honors tonight. What the wha????? I don’t think so, scooter. Hamster bedding skirt done in an “ombre” (or is it “hombre”) … okay, but 27 others did the same thing tonight. But SHERPA top? NO NO NO NO NO. Maybe because it is 112 degrees here for the last two weeks, and two more weeks to come, but dog bed top does not do it for me. Okay, so he put darts on the waist band to make it fit. And he made a top instead of a jacket. Yes, it is a cute enough outfit, but not the winner. I don’t know HOW they came to this conclusion over bird seed dress, which took much more time and talent to put together. I could sew dog bed top in about an hour. What were they thinking? Plus he should have lost for asking the make-up guy to do those eyebrows.

Blue-hair artsy gal Betsy Ross did a Rose Parade float and made middle of the pack. If not so many designers right now, she might have been bottom 3.

This is from the socialite richie rich gal who tried making a skirt out of a dog-cone (so dog can’t lick private parts after surgery cone) … and luckily had the good sense to do away with that atrocity. She used cat-scratch material and made a skirt. And actually pointed out that she was one of the few that did NOT use any fabrics, but ALL unconventional materials. I am not a fan of hers, but can appreciate what she is saying. She rose to the challenge.

This one was another fave of mine. Aquarium Rock Top. If his skirt had been a little more something-something, he might have won. This top was fab. The swing style was cute, the pattern of the rocks was beautifully done. Just no inspiration on the skirt. However, it was more interesting than most everyone else who sent down a little pencil mini.

Snark away, snarkers. You know it is your favorite night of the week! Anyone?

Quickie Post

2011-08-01T23:20:00.001-05:00

Oh Hai there Caleb! How are you today? You are doing very well? That is fantastic. Everyone will be glad to know that you are a big strong healthy growing man-cub. Grammy loves you.

Meanwhile, Kymmie is also getting better. They have had a time of it and, as my friend KJ says, they have earned their parent stripes already. There is no reason to think that things have not or will not resolve. Maybe one day I will get to tell everyone what all it is that has happened over the past month.

Did I mention it has been hot around here? I think we are on day 38 of over 100 degrees. Even the weeds are curling up and turning yellow. And this week is supposed to be the hottest yet. It has been said before … there are many things to love about Oklahoma, but the weather is not one of them.

So that’s life lately. Sweet grandboy. Super-hot weather. Ridiculous hot weather. Sweet grandboy.

And I appreciate you all.

Project Runway Premier

2011-07-28T22:33:00.001-05:00

Ooooh, fun, Project Runway is back on and is promising to be a great season. We have an old guy; a lady who just learned how to sew, a guy who is color-blind, and enough interesting characters that there is bound to be drama. Hopefully no Gretchens!

I won’t post all the designs tonight to save room, but will hit on the ones I loved or hated the most. The challenge was a ‘come as you are party’ .. meaning pajamas and a bedsheet. Make it work!

Ahem. This one above. She had this cute nightie and this is all she did with it? I had hope.

I thought this black and white number was very chic. I do actually like sheeting type shirts, so a shirt-dress (which is usually a no-no!) seemed very appropriate use of the fabric.

Meh. She may be more “blue-haired” than she thinks.

Very J-Lo above. She is kind of into those big bell sleeves and minis. Didn’t hate it but didn’t love it.

I did love this top above. Very cute. Wish I had the toned arms to pull it off. I think this is the designer who has only recently learned to sew. She has huge potential and might be one to watch.

This designer above got slammed for not thinking outside the box on her pj bottoms. Not a good look. She was bottom 3 and rightly so. In fact, I might have sent her home. Now what would have I done with those PJ bottoms? Used it as a border or maybe turned it inside out so pattern not so obnoxious. Or used the dye. She needs to get better, this is very Dollar General.

I think her PJ’s are cuter (above).

This one above was inspired. I don’t know how he achieved the dying process. Very clever.

This guy went home. He got Tim Gunn’ed and warned to be more creative. He didn’t want to show messed up hair and wasn’t wanting to use his head scarf as part of the design. And when he did, it was dreadful. But those pants, no forgiveness for their awfulness. Seeyabyebye.

My pick for winner was this one above. I thought the black and white was very cute and interestingly done. The yellow sash was a perfect accent. The skirt had a bit of a bubble to it, but not so much to be junior department. Very cute indeed and I would wear this. In fact, I wish I had it to take on vacation. Plus, the clown puking rainbows? LOVE.

Winner was The Old Guy with this very cute dress. He used his boxer shorts as part of the bodice and did a great job dying the sheet. I must be old also (given) because I didn’t see anything wrong with his styling of the model, although all the judges did. Am glad he won and has immunity next week. He shows great potential. My second fave of the night, but can see why it won … very sophisticated.

These two (above and below) both could have lost also and I think they were lucky someone else was more horrendous.

Where HAS this month gone?

2011-07-27T21:06:00.001-05:00

It has been devoted to this little precious bundle of boy. Just looked up and realized the whole month was mostly over! What a ride it has been. Wish I could say things have settled down, and they have somewhat, but not completely yet.

Is anyone still in for the low-light challenge? Mine will be, guess what, baby pics.

Oh wait, I do have this saved up for one night at dusk:

Someone might have liberated a pair of work glasses for the evening.

I will sign in and see if anyone has posted anything for low light challenge. Or if not, then maybe we can skip July and head to August. Anyone? Anyone?

Well I’m off to go catch up on everyone’s pages. Hope you’ve had a great July!

Life Under the Heat Dome

2011-07-23T12:57:00.001-05:00

I swear to God, I had never heard the term before this summer. Heat Dome. I thought it was just summer. What do I know?

It has been over 100 degrees for so long now, I don’t even remember when it wasn’t 100+ degrees. Even the weeds are drying up and turning yellow. Breaks my heart to see a lot of big trees in distress from lack of water. A lot of shallow rooted pines are just goners. We stay in as much as possible, keeping the house mostly darkened. Neither of us do well in the heat … since the thy-surg, I certainly don’t have a proper heat regulator in my body! Oh well, thank goodness for A/C everywhere we go. And steering wheel covers.

Now, thanking everyone again for their prayers and thoughts and kind words during that first week with Baby Caleb. He’s a big strong lad, and gave us quite the scare, but he did have good check-up this week, or so Kymberly reports. I got to watch him on Wednesday when she had some doctor appointments of her own. LE SIGH! LE PURR! Loved it. Now as for Kymmie, she has had her own complication or two, probably from doing a little too much in the early days after the c-section. But nothing, and I mean NOTHING, was going to keep her away from the baby’s side, and if it means a longer recovery period of time for her, that is how it will be.

Sorry I haven’t been around to everyone’s pages in a while, I hope to be back on regular schedule soon. Here’s a few random thoughts also.

1. The Norway situation. OMG, betcha anything it is a Tim McVeigh kind of situation – disgruntled young man with no real reason to do what he did. So sad. I really feel for those folks, am sure they thought they would be immune from things like this.

2. Amy Winehouse. Well, that was bound to happen, wasn’t it? Instant Janis Joplin or Kurt Cobain status for her. Tortured genius and a great big what could have been.

3. We are up to about 1100 e-mails on the Caylee’s Law proposal. Wish folks would read that someone IS going to be carrying this issue and let me get on with my life.

4. Feng Shui-ing is continuing, slow but sure. Have been getting rid of clutter … almost every morning going through some things to toss out. Also boxed up a bunch of stuff in my office that came from mom’s house … love you mom, but those things were yours, they are not mine, and I don’t need them out to remind me of you.

5. Now, let’s talk about Caleb. He is just beautiful. I think he is going to be fairly calm and laid back. He likes to look around and I swear to the bear, that as I had him pulled up to my chest giving him a burp, he just decided he would rather be looking out and about, so inched himself over into the cradle of my arm instead. If that makes no sense, I apologize. What I mean is that he flipped himself over somehow all on his own. He’s two weeks old. With a mind of his own. Heh. I hope he is as hard-headed as someone else i know.

I’m on my way over to see him now, so will report back in later. I promise to go visit everyone’s pages soon. Life slowly getting back in the normal lane. Praying for some rain and cooler temps to all of us living under the Heat Dome. Or summer, as I call it.

Just had to do it ….

2011-07-19T07:54:00.001-05:00

Okay, I can’t stand it any longer … here’s a bit of Caleb!

Sweet sweet baby boy. Adjustment period is on the go … Kymmie doing well but has had a few problems along the way. Keep those prayers coming for this new family … baby’s health seems to be doing very well. Thanks everyone for your kind remarks.

Quick things #2

2011-07-16T22:32:00.000-05:00

Someone isn't ready to start posting about Baby Caleb yet, so I'm not going to be the first to do it .... so meanwhile, here's a photo of part of the nursery. A little Chickie art next to the closet door, and a little Grammy craftiness diaper stacker covered in fabric and hanging from over the closet door. No, she isn't using cloth diapers either, although that is what is in the contraption at this moment. We call those "burp rags." This is one sweet baby, by the way, and I'm not just saying that because he is of our family. Can't wait to post more.

Baby is doing very well. Mommy has had a setback or two but is on the mend. Daddy is a Trooper. Papa John has even sprung into action to help when needed.

It takes a village, after all! What a week!

A few quick thingies …

2011-07-12T23:15:00.001-05:00

Baby Caleb continues to improve daily. I might get a chance to see him tomorrow (Wednesday), wish me luck! He is still in the NICU but things are progressing very well …. keep up with the prayers for the progress to continue, thank you!
Kymmie is doing very well, btw. Strong character in that girl, and it is matched by her hubby.
We are up to over 200 e-mails requesting a “Caylee’s Law” be implemented where it makes it a crime to not report a missing child.
I’ve been feng shui’ing a little bit. Anyone have tips or care to make fun of me? I think a bedroom lacks a money corner.
Is anyone else watching “Wilfred”? The man in the dog suit, but he’s really a dog, but he creates havoc for his owner’s neighbor, who is Frodo? I find this show absolutely hysterical.
Design Star started up again … watched my DVR episode tonight. A lady from Edmond, OK, is on it so now I must go look her up.
Yes, obviously, tonight was catch-up night on tv viewing. But tomorrow I am called back into Grammy/Mummy duty and will be driving Kymmie to see the baby and then do some other errands with her.
That’s about it. Me tired. Bedtime. Night all.

Baby Caleb

2011-07-10T10:01:00.001-05:00

Caleb James arrived on his due date, Thursday, July 7, 2011, at 4:27 p.m., weighing in at 8.098 pounds and (if I am recalling correctly), 22 inches long. With a scalp full of sandy blondy browny hair. Mom is doing great.

But it hasn’t been all rainbows and butterflies yet.

I finally have permission from Kymmie to do a post about all that has happened. So here’s the summary for blog world.

Day One:

She had been to the doctor on Wednesday morning and discussed/arranged for inducement on Friday morning. But Wednesday night she had a bad back-ache that wouldn’t go away, so I told her it might be simply a back ache, or it might be labor, and to be paying attention!

Thursday morning, she and hubby (I will now call him Dad!) went to the hospital to get checked and it was decided to admit her for delivery. Things were going very well, she got the epidural, was given all the appropriate monitors and drugs and whatever.

People were coming and going – I was there as soon as I could once I heard she was being checked; her dad came in; her sisters from her dad’s house came in (one preggie herself); StepDad John came in; everything going good.

One sister left for work; step-mom went back to work; Dad and preggie sister went to get a bite to eat; John and I took a walk around the building.

Got back and she was having a pain she shouldn’t have been feeling, doctor called in and she said that there might be a better and safer way to get this baby here (preparing us) and if things were not calmer in a few minutes, it would be a c-section.

Sure enough, things were not calmer. Baby showing signs of distress. Emergency C-section, here we go! Dad handed me his cell phone, I texted Kymmie’s dad for him saying “C-Section right now!” …. they grabbed their check from the restaurant and got back to hug on Kymmie as they were wheeling her down the hall.

Soon enough, Dad came out to see us through the nursery, but without the baby. Said they were working on him. And we all peered through the cracks between the closed window blinds in the nursery trying to get glimpses of Baby Caleb being worked on over in the corner. It took forever.

Here’s the complication: At some point, Caleb had breathed in some fluid. Most likely the normal fluids that circulate in babies while in utero. He had had a *movement* in utero and they feel that it was this fluid that he aspirated into his lungs. Might have been amnio fluid. Doesn’t matter. It was something.

So they worked on him. And worked on him some more. And some more. First they were going to transfer him to another hospital, then they thought they should keep him there. Eventually, later in the evening, it was decided to go ahead and move him to another hospital nearby that has a comprehensive neonatal ICU.

When they came in and told us they thought he should be transferred, very scary, let me tell you. They sent for a transport unit. It was taking a while, so went to check on things. But Baby Caleb is definitely Kymmie’s child, he was not cooperating at all. They put a tube in his nose, he pulled it out. Took them a while to get him hooked up for moving.

Went back to give Kymmie the update and told her she is going to have to be strong like she has never been strong before.

They brought him to her room (she’s recovering from c-section, remember, and is very VERY loopy on drugs) … He was in a little portable incubator looking contraption and she was only able to stroke his little arm before he was whisked away.

Grammy Pammy packed up and headed to the other hospital, telling Dad that I would be there so he could go back and forth between Kymmie and baby as he felt he needed to do. Met the crew coming in the door of the ICU unit with him and watched as they moved him to his room and started working. Sent Dad a note saying they thought it would take about two hours or so to do their tests and get him settled.

Then went and camped out on the sofa outside in the main hallway. If something was going to happen, I was going to be there. Grammy was just a few steps away.

So meanwhile, they have Baby Caleb on a ventilator. How this aspiration works is that the moisture causes the sides of the lung sacs to stick together, much like moisture in a plastic bag causes the sides to stick together. Like how the plastic sticks to the moisture on a bottle of milk that you bring home from the grocery store. This is what was happening to his lungs. His little heart was working hard to make up for what his lungs weren’t able to do yet.

They had to work him up from a c-pap type machine to a small ventilator, then to a larger ventilator.

About 5AM, I was becoming non-functional, so went to stay with Baby Caleb for about 30 minutes before heading home for a bit of rest. Felt VERY strongly that this little baby was going to be fine. Just might take a while for him to get fine, but he was going to get there. Then went home for about 2 hours of sleep, a shower and a plan for the next morning.

And that’s the end of Day One!

Day Two (Friday):

Go to Caleb’s hospital and check on him. Dad is sitting there watching vigilantly. He has been a trooper of all troopers and I could not be more proud of how he has handled things. I tell him that my mission for the day is to get Kymmie up and around and get her up here to see the baby. And she may have to stay off her pain meds to do it.

So I leave and go help her get up and into the shower and move around and clothes on (jammies) and all that sort of stuff. She is able to get a pass to spend as much time there as possible but I am still very mindful of the fact that she has her own issues. However, my girl is strong of mind and very determined and if seeing the baby means staying off pain meds, she can do that. Although they did give her a darvoset about an hour before we left.

Long story short, she got to spend about two hours with the baby that day. I may or may not have had “words” with a nurse who was trying to throw me out of the NICU, which I was trying to leave anyway because we had Kymmie there and was wanting to get her settled in and make sure she wasn’t falling apart at the sight of her baby on a ventilator. I got back to the main desk and realized I had her cell phone, so sent John back in to give it to her (only 3 allowed at a time), see the baby briefly and then we would go to the snack bar and wait for her to let us know she was ready to go back to HER hospital.

Except the Nazi Nurse had other plans. I was to leave immediately. Certainly couldn’t loiter in a hallway. Then they buzz in Kymmie’s step mom and I tell her that we aren’t allowed back there because there are already 3 and they won’t let us stay in this hallway, and then a doctor came and put me straight on what was going to happen. Ahem.

But you know what? Once baby and mommy are reunited, things start improving.

Day Three (Saturday):

More improvements all around. Caleb’s ventilator is moved down a size and his numbers keep improving. Kymmie gets to see him that afternoon. Dad is still running back and forth between both hospitals. Since I can’t see him at the one hospital, I just go straight to Kymmie to help her get around. Uh, not needed on that situation, she is moving just fine and has plans of action in place. Sister Carole is there with a sock monkey hat that I had insisted on, and will post pics of that soon. When it is time for Kymmie’s plan of action to start happening, I head back home for some rest. Before bedtime, get news that Caleb’s numbers have continued to improve.

Praise the Lord!

Day Four (Sunday / Today):

We’re taking it easy but on call if needed! Kymmie will be released from her hospital today, but she was already almost packed and ready to go when I heard from her this morning. Am assuming they will stop by to see Baby Caleb on the way to get her settled at home, but at least she and Dad will be able to be mobile together, not with him one place and she another.

Can I just say this? The internet may have its faults but it has been an amazing place … just a few notes over on FB giving updates and prayers started pouring in. Pouring in. Family and friends asking THEIR friends, who don’t even know about Caleb, and prayers are coming from everywhere. It is very powerful and uplifting.

Kymmie has a great group of friends that care deeply about her. Dad’s two best buddies were up there on Night One. As much as there has been tension over the years with us and her dad’s side of things, I’m telling you they were all there for her and continue to be. I’ve been concerned with her having so many visitors, but it is comforting to her and is keeping her occupied and not worrying or fretting so much.

But if you are the praying kind, please keep Baby Caleb in your thoughts and prayers. He is still on the ventilator and that isn’t something to take lightly, even though he is improving. We haven’t had our hands on that baby to cuddle him yet and we are all anxious to do so! And while you are at it, pray for continued strength for Caleb’s mom and dad, they are going to need it as this process continues. Looks like baby might stay in NICU as long as two weeks.

Meanwhile, we hear stories of this same situation happening to others and keep hearing of good results and no future problems. And there is an answer to a prayer itself.

Dear Lord: I pray today that you take care of Baby Caleb, hold him in your hand and give him the strength he needs so that his body can heal. Our faith is strong. Amen.

July’s Low Light Challenge

2011-07-06T20:13:00.001-05:00

Anyone want to try this technique? Sparklers anyone?

Found these examples here, but I’m sure there is more info out there on this technique.

Must try this soon before fireworks can’t be found any more!

4th of July Weekend

2011-07-03T23:12:00.001-05:00

Happy 4th Everyone!

It has been a great weekend around here. While we are still on Baby-Watch (waiting), a couple of invites to BBQ’s turned up, so it has been brisket, burgers and beer most of the weekend so far! Plus two long bike rides (the longest of the season), and tomorrow we’re thinking of heading down to the river and seeing how we do on their bike trails. Later on Monday (the 4th), have a few family over for more burgers and beer. Holidays as they should be spent!

Today we were over at another foreigner’s house – Brett, who is from Australia and has a similar get-together every year. He and his wife have a new baby. You know what that means! Pam took her camera.

But the most fun of the evening was watching the kids play … wading pools were set up …

A trampoline was seeing heavy duty action … (how’s this for stop action?)

But the hit of the evening was the dirt pile. With a wagon found from somewhere. Oh yes, this was entertainment.

A friend and his new hot girlfriend. There has to be more to this story.

And you-know-who.

And an attempt at low light action. Brett has a workshop set up in the backyard where his band gets together and plays. Definitely a low light situation in there tonight …

Will have to look at the EXIF data and see what I did to get this pic. I tried several settings and of course, do NOT remember. Definitely didn’t want to use a flash which would mess with the ambience of the workshop/studio.

Anyway, hope to be posting baby news soon!

Merry America to everyone! Boom! Boom! Oooh! Ahhh!