Happy Thanksgiving

I grew up in a family where Thanksgiving was not so much about the food, but about the time spent together. The time spent together making the food and catching up with everyone. It was the one time of the year that everyone gathered in one location, usually my grandmothers house. There was never enough places for everyone to sleep and never enough bathrooms for everyone to use, but none of that mattered because we were all together just having fun. We would stay up late talking or playing a rowdy game of spoons.

My grandmother has long since passed and the family has gone in separate directions, but I am still thankful for the memories she created and the sense of family she instilled in all of us. I am also very thankful for a wonderful husband, a good job, and a great family (both mine and my in-laws).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Errand Day

Today was errand day. We started our day going by the post office to buy stamps, then off to a store I really love called Things Celtic. I was hoping to find a pewter St. Bridget's Cross for our new house. It is supposed to bless and bring luck to anyone who crosses the threshold. They didn't have what I was looking for, but we still spent a good bit of time looking at everything there. They import most of their stuff from Ireland and Scotland. The store is super packed, but feels very relaxing. Their store cat is beautiful and he likes to stare at himself in the mirror.

Next was a stop by Walgreen's to get meds for the dog, then we were off to the mall. The mall was total chaos. People were already in full swing with their holiday shopping. The place was completely packed. We went straight to Macy's to pick up the item we were after and then back out. Unfortunately, we were in such a hurry to get out of the mall that we didn't realize until we got home that we purchased the wrong item. So, back to the mall I headed to exchange it for the right item this time.

I really like the holiday season, especially when it is cool and misty like it was today. Unfortunately, it seems to bring out the worst in other people. Hopefully they will catch the holiday spirit too and leave their Grinch selves at home.

Photo Phriday

I absolutely hate to clean; if it weren't for my husband my house would be a total mess all the time. However, I do really like my broom vac. This is the best invention ever. Hubby bought this for me in April when I had back surgery. I wanted to feel like I was helping out, but I couldn't push the vacuum and I couldn't bend to use a dust pan. This lovely gadget lets me do both. Now, even though I can use a vacuum and a dust pan, I still go for my handy broom vac.

Pogo

I really like playing games on Pogo. It is a way to unwind for me and to talk to people from other places around the world. Sometimes in the middle of the night when I can't sleep, I will sign on and play games. I have such a competitive personality, that some of the games get really addictive. If you've never checked out Pogo, give it a try (www.pogo.com). You can play games without paying a membership fee, but there are extra games if you do become a member.

Bond, James Bond

My favorite James Bond was always Sean Connery, but now he has moved to number 2. He is being replaced as number one by Daniel Craig. There is something about his personality that seems to really capture the dark side of Bond that is very appealing.

Who is your favorite Bond?

Christmas Carols.....Seriously?

Last night I turned on the radio to fall asleep as normal, but the music playing was not the normal tunes - it was Christmas Carols. Christmas Carols, like Christmas trees and lights should come on the day AFTER Thanksgiving. Now, don't get me wrong, I love holiday music as much as the next person. Dominic the Donkey, Christmas Shoes, and Transiberian Orchestra are among my favorites; but if they play them constantly, it begins to ruin the fun of the song.

I guess for now I will have to change my radio station until after Thanksgiving.

We Did It!

Well, hubby and I have finally taken the first step in to home ownership. We signed the contract on a house. We were very specific in what we wanted and what we were willing to do for a house. We wanted no down payment and no closing costs. We had a fantastic realtor who understood our needs and got us exactly what we wanted. He found us a new build spec house with LOTS of upgrades. It has all appliances (even washer and dryer), fully sodded yard front and back, covered back patio, upgraded tile, island kitchen, separate shower/tub and an over-sized yard for the dogs. Since he found it in one of the rural communities, it qualifies for the USDA loan which will give us the 100% financing we are wanting. As a bonus, USDA does not require mortgage insurance.

The only requirement is that we cannot close until late January when the USDA changes their income restrictions (we make too much for the 2008 limitations). Waiting until January actually works well for us and gives us plenty of time to pack and prepare.

We have already completed the pre-qualification, now we just need to go through the formal approval process. There should not be any last minute surprises, but we will wait until the close date to celebrate.