pickles and chicken

Ah. One of my favorite new traditions: Tuesdays and Chick-fil-a. Yes, yes...I know it's not the healthiest thing in the world (unless you get the number #5 and fruit), but we love it anyway. Economically, it works well because it is a buy one meal get one free with a student ID. I knew there were some hidden benefits to going back to school!!!

On a related note: Tekeru Kobayashi just blew the Krystal burger record away with 96 miniburgers in 8 minutes!!! (Neela came in a close second with 95 and 1/2 burgers.)

Congrats

Congratulations on your engagement Greg and Emily! We'll gladly take credit for hosting your first official "non-date" at our house watching One Tree Hill. We love you guys!










That's us on moving day with Greg, Andy, Theresa, and Emily. The future Mr. and Mrs. Greg Schutt are so cute in their matching green.
P.S. The girls aren't really that short...the guys were on the high side of the hill.

The original "LOST"












This display is literally two streets away from our house.
Some people really work hard at their yard art.

"Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip, That started from this tropic port, aboard this tiny ship. The mate was a mighty sailin' man, the Skipper brave and sure. Five passengers set sail that day
for a three hour tour. A three hour tour."

Under my skin

Raise your hand if you believe that demons can possess a refridgerator.

Yes, that's what I said -- a refridgerator. Holly and I have been plagued by what began as an odd rattle whenever we opened the fridge door. However, for the past 7 days, we have been constantly distracted and frustrated by the horrible sounds of scratchy, shaky, rattling clamor*. For those home repair types, this is what we figured out: the compressor is slowly dying. If it is not repaired, we can expect to find our ice cream melted. Just for fun, I may record the sound and put it here for sympathy.

*SYNONYMS from Answers.com: noise, din, racket, uproar, pandemonium, hullabaloo, hubbub, clamor, babel.

Why I love Birthdays

What do lima beans, babies, jumping dogs, a 6' stuffed monkey, dancing ducks, and wild animals with b-day hats have in common? My birthday video of course! My wonderful hubby gave me the most amazing gift. Since we're low in funds, but rich in creativity and time, he crafted a special video just for me. It was full of friends and family wishing me the best birthday ever. I literally laughed until I cried. I loved seeing how creative some of you are. From the NC State Fair to driving around town, you all made my birthday so special. I loved hearing the various renditions of "Happy Birthday" from my oh-so-talented friends and family. It was so great to see faces and hear voices that I've been missing so much the past 2 months. It reminded me that I am indeed very blessed. I have a wonderful family and caring friends who showered me with love on my special day. I hope you all know how much you are missed and loved by me as well. Thank you for taking a little time to send your love my way.

Ahhh...Fall

So, I'm not usually enchanted by fall weather like most people. I mean, I like it and all. I just prefer Summer and, for me, Fall is the sign that it's over. But, I think that living in New England may just change my mind. This picture isn't even that great. Most of the beauty is along the road and I can't take a picture while I'm driving. You just have to see it. It's quite amazing. Maybe it's the combination of the reds, golds, and oranges complimented by the brilliant green horse pastures. I don't know. I just know that everytime I walk out my door, I'm simply astounded by the sight.

And...

Winter may not kill us after all. Justin has been diligently working with our landlady the past 2 months to get her spa working. He's learned alot about plumbing and electricity becoming quite the handyman. So, come visit and enjoy the 105 degree water with us in the 0 degree weather anytime.

Dog Beach

So, on this unseasonably warm day (upper 70s!), we set out once again for the beach. This time, however, we had our 2 favorite canines in tow. Once October hits, you're allowed to bring pets to the beach. We tried one beach that allows them to roam off-leash, but parking was an issue. So rather than battle parking tickets, we headed back to Cranes Beach which we had visited before. It was busy with families enjoying the Columbus Day holiday and lots of dogs for Montana and Neela to meet. We enjoyed our picnic lunch and spent awhile eavesdropping on the family sitting near us. It would have been easier if we could have understood what they were saying. It seems they were German, or something. Anyway, it was a nice day out. We did some reading, but mostly enjoyed just sitting with the sand in our toes (and paws).

"Where's Maggie?"

We have been humbled by the recent loss of our dear friend Maggie (nickname for the Magellan RoadMate GPS unit that guided us safely throughout New England over the past month). Last week, Holly's car was broken into and Maggie, along with my wonderful iPod, were the victims of theft.

Ironically, Hamilton, MA prides itself on its crime-free neighborhoods.

Good bye Maggie. Goodbye iPod.

Matthew 6:19 - "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal."

Cambridge

Today, we decided to enjoy the nice fall weather and take a trip to Cambridge. We hopped on the T and rode to Harvard. From there, we walked through Harvard Yard and admired the amazing architecture and history of the campus. We ventured out to the surrounding shops and enjoyed a warm drink and double chocolate cookie from Peets. Yum! It was fun to people-watch and wonder if all the people around us are smarter than us. I mean, it's Harvard. There are some intelligent folks up in there. We eventually decided that they are definitely more book-smart, but that our life experience must count for something. Anyway, enjoy these pics from our afternoon in the Hahvahd Yahd.