Good: We are arranging for my niece to stay for a little longer. Three days is not enough for anyone. She missed coming up from N.C./Tennessee during Christmas time due to a royal screw up with cheap tickets.com
So I havent seen her since last June. I have always considered her to be my little sis and have missed her greatly. I'm very pleased that she is here. We did a lot of catching up yesterday, which was most excellent!

Bad: Havent driven my car; really do not want to seeing as I am not able to get it officially checked out yet. I'm working on finding another now. Not sure when that will happen. Also don't know when I will be able to get car into shop. Hmm, lots of problem solving to do surrounding this issue. bleh

Good: Local (Y-Town) book sale is happening soon. I go to that every year. I try to be very selective, but I always leave with more than I really need. I usually have a game plan. Last year is was locating pieces of work written prior 20th century. Other times the search was for particular authors. Sometimes certain knowledge/subject books. I have nothing specific in mind for this years book sale. Toni Morrison and Chuck Palaniuck are two I usually keep an eye open for. I had been recently recommended the author, Evanovich (?) for light brainless summer reading- little sleuth novels from what i have been told. Perhaps I will look for old copies. The books are insanely cheap- .10 to 1.00 if I recall correctly. I know I typically walk out with several bags for a grand total of less than $20. I'll limit myself to $5 this time around.

Bad: Phone rang at 7:53 this morning. Caller Id tells me it is J*, guy I deemed in previous posts as 'Stalker'. It is really limited to phone calls, that I never answer. But it has gone on for over 2.5 years. I did answer once in the past year to tell him to stop calling and to claim that I am not available for any sort of relations with him. That seemed fruitful until this morning. I write about it in here to track the calls/documentation purposes. There are prior posts of this nature.

Amusing: (e:pyrcedgrrl) stopped by for awhile earlier. I have talked her into going camping this year with me. There is a local party in the woods coming up that I have invited her to. Since there will be the typical camping set up, I figured this would be a good introduction to the whole experience. Later on in the season and/or fall, I'd like to really pack it up and head out somewhere to set up camp/hiking excursion.

In college, I was part of an Outdoor Adventures club. It was a lot of fun to plan and participate in activities with a whole bunch of other students. Horseback riding, hiking and camping were my favorites. I also remember sledding, skiing, iceskating and snowman building. There were frequent outings- all of which were fun. The best was just making new friends- hanging out with people with similar interests. It might be fun to have a slew of people go camping again or having more activities planned. perhaps an e peep adventure club!

well, while the sun is still shining, my automobile-less butt will now go back outside and do something semi-productive. Maybe read, draw and/or chat it up with my neighbors. Nights wide open!

later!

1. absinthe is gross. I hate black licorice taste, so anything anise will not be enjoyed. Also, does not matter how many sugar cubes its poured over. ack!
1a. '99' schnapps in any flavor will most certainly be en joyed. yums

2. car is acting ill. Have the issues somewhat pegged, like I am some sort of car whisperer. I think its time for a different car. Ive been saying that for a year. I'll drive it today to see what happens, but I just might have to go without until I save up for another beater. gah.

3. niece is visiting for a few days. I haven't seen her since she left about a year ago. I miss her, and we haven't kept in contact like we should. I wish she would stay here, or be here more often.

4. Its that time of year that hookups seem particularly appealing. Applications are now being accepted, lol.

5. Lilacs do not last long enough. They have an amazing fragrance. There is a bush outside my bedroom window, which the smell works its way through. It seems like they just bloomed and they die already.

6. I've dug up and relocated 42 plants and shrubs in my yard. I do nice work. I'm glad to have gotten most of that done prior to the heat. I love the temps, but I can't imagine doing all that digging, raking, etc. Well, I'd have done it anyways..

7. Lots of parties coming up. I have two that I intend to go to, even if I have to borrow a car.

8. Mojitos. One (or two) would taste good today. I have everything I need for them too!

9. big nasty spiders are everywhere. I hate when I find them in my car while driving. yuck.

10. Jennifer Lancaster's 2nd book will be out any second. The titles are insanely long, so I'm not writing it out. She cracks me up and I can relate on so many levels. Good stuff. Cant wait!

I have been doing a lot of digging in hard dirt. Today was more intense than other days and in doing so, I am feeling sore already. I also tend to get super energized afterwards, so I want to make sure I am good and knocked out for the night. I had recently purchased a travel size bottle (6 caplets) of tylenol pm to have on hand during my most recent NYC excursion. I didn't need it then but I sure need it now.

After opening the bottle, I noticed that the caplets smell. Well, they smell good. I then actually looked at the bottle and noticed that it is labeled as, Tylenol PM Vanilla Caplets.

Why the vanilla? I didn't really care, so I popped two in my mouth and swallowed with a good chug of cool water. There was a slight vanilla taste before the swallow. I still wondered why a caplet has a vanilla flavor- it isn't in the mouth long enough to need to be flavored. Never thought the caplets needed flavoring before.

I am about set to get to sleep, when the vanilla in questions gnaws at my brain enough to need to look it up.

My questioned isn't answered (I originally wrote, "my answer isn't questioned" caps are kicking in, vanilla flavor or not), but I did dig up some dirt.

kinda.

Tylenol makes a liquid version; Tylenol PM Liquid Crack. Ok, so the company doesn't call it crack, but the reviews of the product say otherwise. I found this blog entry to describe it best:



It must taste super yummy and work really well. People can't seem to put the bottle down. lol, I should have written this before the pill popping, there is so much to be said. I am tempted to suck on a caplet to get a good taste of the coveted sleep enhancer.

Just wait till all the pre teens get wind of this. They can toss the ill flavored Nyquil for a must tastier loopy buzz.

I still don't get why vanilla caplets. Vanilla isn't even listed as an ingredient, just the random term of "flavor".

but whatever, now Im intrigued enough to want to go buy a bottle of the Tylenol PM Liquid.

maybe thats exactly Tylenol's point in making the caps with vanilla flavor- make yo want to know, make you want to try the liquid and become an addict. I can see it.

I'll be buying mine tomorrow.

get your 2$ coupon here, haha



nighty night

its that time of year.. in just a couple more weeks, it all begins:

Thursday at the Square!! YAY!




wow, come to think of it, I have not been in attendance in two summers. I always had a class on Thursday evenings.

Went to a camping/party this weekend. My friend has a cabin within Niagara County with a large plot of land. It sits back at least a mile off the road in the woods. As teen agers, we desperately wanted to be able to use the cabin for our own gatherings and romantic evenings with our dates du jour. However, we were not trusted to use the spot on our own- for good reason. It is funny to think back on that and to know that we now have full access to the land. We still use it for the same reason as we intended so many moons ago, more or less.

The cabin has a generator if electricity is needed for anything. it is full of antiques and other neat things. We didn't sleep inside, instead opting for tents, bonfire pit, coolers and all the other good stuff pertaining to a camp out. Although the entire weekend was nice and sunny, the nights were clear and very cold. I had on bra, t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, another t-shirt, a sweater, a thin hooded sweater and my ever present uni bomber hoody. It worked, although sleeping was a challenge.. under all of those layers and a ton of blankets.

I primarily took pics of the surroundings- I didn't get everybody who was there. To my amusement, one girl took off upon realizing my attendance. Its funny to be someones nemesis.

In short, it was a lot of fun, lots of great conversation and bonding. Bugs left me alone. I ate a ton of junk food. It was fun! I was beat by the time monday rolled around, and pretty much slept the day away. I want to re do some of the shots with my better camera.

and so, without any organization or commentary- here are some pics of this past weekend. Yeh, there's a lot..















roughing it with coordination





my little home











































tree frog! :)



crispy tree frog :(


















































offerings to the cheesy poof god

sky is rumbling and getting crazy dark. I should have spent more time outside today. But instead I was rather lazy, going between the tv and the computer several times over the course of 8 hours. I managed to heat something to eat and straighten up my bathroom; as though either activity rectifies my lazy day.

camping/party this weekend was fun- returned yesterday. Fell asleep early last night and slept in this morning- hence my day of non-function. All screwed up. And when I read (e:mrmike) 's earlier post that ended with, "happy hump day".. I panicked for a moment, thinking I slept for a full day.

well, what i saw and felt through my windows was a really warm and sunny day. *sigh*

finally around four, I got dressed and found my way to some nearby trails. I decided on the spot that the sneaks I wore are no good for anything but smooth terrain. Bummer. They got me through approximately two hours of exploration, thankfully. I need day hikers that can take a beating yet not weigh ten pounds.

well, the dark scary clouds are over my head- a few flashes and increasing rumbles are my cue to exit. and ever since being hit while in my car, I am feeling rather freaked out by the impending storm. I like them a lot when I am with someone, not so much all alone- now I shall go huddle in the corner. ;)

bunch of pics to come sooner or later- so much to catch up on.

later!

fixed the link:


site cracks me up. Nothing like a little sarcasm to bring about a good snicker.

ok, so..
Gorgeous the past few days- sunshine, warmth, cut grass, thoughts of summer. Pretty much good stuff.

but the May flies have got to go. Gross. Little blackish beasts that hang out in swarms. Cousin to the sand flies. Live a day and die. They can skip straight to the latter. Closer to the water, the thicker the patches become. gross; and there is no escaping them, well, other than staying home- venturing away from the water.

so I did.

The treadmill isn't as scenic, but it always helps to decrease my insane energy levels. To get my nature fix with out the flying beasts, I simply head into another direction. Today it wasnt so bad. I was able to cover quite a bit of ground and hills before walking into them. They can't be shooed away. They are so dainty they squish on contact- a good thing if there is one. Not so great when there are a million to replace it. all i could do is walk with my eyes shut, holding my breath and hope to not have too many nestled into my hair, ears, clothes and cleavage. gah, can't imagine what is in my hair.



bugs. It takes me awhile to get over their existence every year. Bees, various flies, spiders, carpenter ants and other wildly large creatures of unidentifiable bug origin find me. gross.

The terror eventually resides considerably- replaced with eeks and other pathetic mutterings. And my taking pictures to share with all of you, mwhahahahha!

who knew there is May Fly humor?

I forgot about a slew of pics on the camera I used for my recent Florida trip. I think they will be placed in an online photo album instead of loaded onto here. Maybe on (shhhhhh) My Space. I forget my flickr and photobucket account info. However, I do have a few below as I have NO IDEA what kind of bird this is. Other than its big. well, tall. Jeez, it stands taller than the garbage cans. I am no ornithological aficionado. I know seagulls, robins, and blue jays. Ok, ducks and a few other things with wings. Chickens. mmm grilled barbecue chicken wings. I know those. I'd like to know about a dozen of them right now. What else? Owls. Cardinals. Flamingos of the plastic pink variety. Ok, thats the extent of the bird breed awareness list. I'd recognize those. But this tall creature- nope.

Any ideas? should I know what it is? is it that obvious? please, enlighten me. Thanks in advance :)



















maybe i'll back post the remaining pics.

1. Interesting textures and colors along this little stretch of land.





2. Bridges intrigue me.





3. Swirls in the sky, reflections on the water.




4. There is always more to see than the initial view.





5. the ever ubiquitous bird




6. Single intensity before the explosion of colour





7. layers of color stretch across the visual canvas




8. settling





9. Elements of nature and industry; lights, steel, water, sky.





10. end of day, beginning of night



Bird Island Pier Buffalo New York


neat historical link:

After spending about a week in NYC, I have a lot to catch up on around these (e:strip) parts. So many posts to read! I only used my pocket pc to check email on occasion, other than that, I was immersed in roaming around Manhattan.

I head out there as often as possible- never staying in the same place twice and always enjoying myself and feeling like I am in my element. I havent claimed a favorite section as of yet. I spend time exploring wherever I feel the whim to go. A recent trip allowed me the opportunity to stay in Greenwich Village; gritty, artsy, replete with NYU college kiddos and corner pizzerias. The village is just charming. This past week I stayed on Riverside Drive, a quaint section of the upper west side. With the Hudson River across the street in one direction and the rest of the city in the other, it felt like home. I'd sleep there again and again. I simply like being in the city, and although I go when I can, it always feels like its been too long in between trips. A few months is too long. I want to go monthly. At this very moment in time, rent price is the only thing that keeps me from moving out there for a bit- for the day in and day out experience.

I was lazy with my cameras, as I tend to be when I am not in "photographer mode". I snapped a few here and there, which I will eventually share- perhaps a few stories as well. *yawn*, I am too tired to do more than peck at a few letters on the keyboard.


I returned earlier today and am quite tired, after several days of not enough sleep. My body is energetic, but my brain is not. Tonight, I veg on the couch with my kitties.

just wanted to check in :)