jeez I have a lot to catch up on. That is what happens when you neglect to read up on everyones business here by leaving for a few days. Seriously, there are so many posts to try to read! Glad its been busy around here :)

Trip to Esopus/Kingston was pleasant. Love the area my Unc lives in. Right in the Shaupeneak mountain trails area. Took some pics and all that jazz, will eventually post as long as they fit the size for the site. Not sure what size/res I took them at. My new hikers are super comfy, but also super heavy. I felt like I was dragging my feet at times, but I like them, so its fine.

Now I'm just settling back in from the trip. Always good to be home. Cats stuck to me like velcro- they are kinda needy, especially after Ive been gone for a bit. Yeh, so.. unpacking, putting things away (yuck), cleaning up in general. Very boring day overall. On the plus, I listened to newest Tegan and Sara I picked up yesterday on a Target run while I worked on the after-trip chores. Added a bounce to my step.

Yet my little trip to Target cost waaaaaaay more than I intended. I went in *just* for cat litter. and then saw some cat toys (furry mice, lazer thingy).. and then some CDs ...and then..
uh huh..

then I saw that all seasons of Smallville are on sale...

oy.

I rarely go into stores, and when I do, I am in then out as quickly as possible. I don't know what was up with me at Target.

So off to bed early-- early and long day tomorrow.

Peace!

There is so much going on this coming weekend! I wont be taking part in any of it, as most likely I will be heading out for the weekend to Esopus, NY to my uncle and aunts country home. It located right on the Hudson river. Its gorgeous and surrounded by woodlands and water. I hope to have some quiet time to go off and explore the surroundings with my camera.

I know we'll have a party one night and a Hudson River cruise the other. And who knows what in between. Perhaps a jaunt around Woodstock or Kingston. I thought of heading into the city for a few days as well, as their city home is just over an hour away. I need to make more definite plans for sometime in the near future. Right now, I have a project that needs to be finished, so being gone longer than a weekend isn't doable at the moment. Maybe the following week :)

I am tempted to not go anywhere this weekend, but I also need to get away and its always great to see my uncles and aunt. They are on the top ten coolest, worldly, intelligent, fashionable people I know.

And I could seriously drive to NYC, right? Their place is located on 79th, which the parkway (9A) is pretty much right there. Not that I would drive around once I am there. Half the fun is walking around, the other half is jumping on and off the subway. Its a conversation to have with them this weekend. Not that I have a car that will make it there., Not that I have a car that will make it to the end of my driveway, haha. Not that I would rent one, because all I would be doing is using it to get there, and that would be way too expensive when there are other means. I don't mind the bus nor the train; as long as I have my iPod and the ability to doze off for a bit. I've never bothered with a plane, even though it usually costs the same anytime Ive looked. Its just the hassle.. but hey, I can try that sometime as well. All I know is that I am itching to wander about, meet up with friends, re stock my coffee and tea supply and eat breakfast at my favorite little diner. Not to forget living off of H&H bagels (open 24/7, always warm, fresh and Right around the corner from my uncle & aunts. (YUM!) and picking up yummy tidbits at Zabars. And whatever else I feel like doing; I need my fix!

Ok, enough of that.

• What I will be missing, is the Lewiston Arts Festival. GO THERE if you want something to do-- and if you feel like there was something missing from the Allentown Art festival.. like ART, then yeh, you can check it out here. (sorry Allentown, you've disappointed me these past few years.. )

There wont be ANY "which way to parrot bay" margarita yard chotchky signs.

180 artists or so in areas of ceramics, drawing, graphics, printmaking, fiber, glass, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, watercolor, wood, jewlery. Also a handful of food vendors and Music!

I also enjoy the WNY Chalk Walk Competition, which runs concurrently with the Arts Festival, located within the same area. This year it is Van Gogh themed. Kenmore East, Grand Island, Lewiston Porter (of course), St Josephs, Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, Niagara Falls, Starpoint, Tonawanda, Niagara Catholic and Depew) are all participants.

10-5 (or 6?) on Sat and Sunday.

so yeh, I am bummed over that one. I always find out the stats before hand, and I did this then forgot I was going to be out of town. Last year I didn't go because I was scrambling with finishing up school.

Anyway--go. Its a short drive from B-lo. 190 N over Grand Island Bridge, exit 24.. sure there are directions in that link above.

• also missing a book sale (ok, I can get over that one, but I EAT books, I can always use more more more) Also baked goods and chinese auction.

• "Leap Frogs" to land at Fort Niagara Youngstown-- Uh huh- 15 man group parachute team comprised of US Navy SEAL and SWCC commandos (mmmmm going commando, perhaps?! please?!) They do all sorts of really neat stuff at jumping out at 12,500 ft. Then they make themselves available to the public for questions and sign autographs. (damn damn damn) This is Friday mid morning. I think they will also be at Niagara Falls air show.

• Artillery demonstration at military fortification (not fornication, Carey). Not so much a fan of the weapon stuff, but since I'm from this history rich area (Y-town), its neat to see and listen to stuff that I had absolutely.no.interest. in as a kid.

• Youngstown friday night summer concert-- Custode and Prarisi-- Jazz and Swing music. I dig it!

I don't think there was anything else. I don't want to know if there is!

I will be enjoying myself across the state surrounding by this:
(taken from Esopus site):
* 40 Square Miles
* Population of 9,500
* Bordered on 3 sides by water
o 10 Miles of Hudson River Shoreline to the East
o Rondout Creek to the North
o Walkill River to the West
* Lush Woodlands and Sparkling Lakes

my Gmail (used for subscriptions and random crap) has been quiet all day. My one and only message is a piece of spam that managed to slip through the filter.

"Isn't it about time you screwed like a Champion?--- Really Lay Some Pipe next time you Bang a Chic"

followed by a link to that- something with the word of 'bigshlong' (I'll pass on this one, thank you--but if any of you are interested, I can forward it to you, haha).

The sponsored links include one for "ADT Home Security" and "Knoxville Local Jobs"

??? hahahaha

Anyone else get a kick out of seeing what sponsored links are listed along the side?

I'm in the mood to curl up on the couch in my basement, watch a movie and or continue reading Jen Lancaster's most recent book, Bright Lights, Big Ass: A self Indulgent Surly Ex Sorority Girls Guide to Why It Often Sucks in the City or Who Are These Idiots and Why Do They All Live Next Door to Me?" while eating something really good- or something I havent had in awhile. Lately its been something light and simple that I find in my cupboard ie; half a large can of peaches.

Anyway, Jen is great. A must read is her first book:
"Bitter is the New Black, Confessions of a Condescending Egomaniacal Self Centered Smart Ass or Why You Should Never Carry a Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office"

I'm sure Ive mentioned it before.

Sarcastic to the bone; gawd I love her!

I havent given myself a full day off in quite some time, not sure when I will. Not much else to do at the moment. Its been thundering on and off all day with threat of rain. I like that its cloudy- a welcome change from digging, dragging, wheel barrowing, shoveling, planting, mulching, sweating sort of sunny, humid and hot 8 hr day that was yesterday. So I'm home now having to run an errand- and since I am now cleaned up, I don't feel much like going back out and getting myself covered in grossness- primarily because I don't know if I have more clothes to put on, and I can't put on what I was wearing earlier. Once its peeled off, it gets tossed down the laundry shoot. Guess doing a load of laundry is on my friday night itinerary. yay

hmm there is another job I can do that isn't so dirty, so thats a possibility. But oh, ordering in food and a book sounds really really good. I think I can do both. Its early enough.

k, off to find food.

The AC adapter for my laptop is on the outs. I've taped it up several times to keep the exposed wires guts in place. So, eventually I will need a new one. In all probability--much much sooner than later. yikes.

Now, I know pretty much where and how to find one (ok, simple yahoo search), but I have some questions.

I need a Toshiba Tecra A series ac adapter- PA3283U-1ACA. I know some are compatible, some are not- like, I don't need that particular one. I'm looking for cheap. I'm finding some in the range right now of 25-60 bucks plus shipping. I want cheaper if possible.

Now, my question is.. is there somewhere in particular (online or physical store) that I should buy from? And... is there some universal sort of adapter that I may not be aware of.. or a place I can buy just the piece I need (the part that plugs into the laptop is beat). Or something I can hack, splice, cram together with chewing gum? So I toss it out to you, fair peeps. Must be somethiing I havent thought of!

thank you in advance

:)