The Renee Chronicles

Have You Ever Thrown A Fist Full Of Glitter In The Air?

2012-01-30T10:44:00.000-05:00

Holy GLITTER madness! I'm in the process of doing a crafty swap with my girls. Although I think I've gone a wee bit over board I have to show you some of the magic that is shaping up in my house. I found this from the blog "A Beautiful Mess" And please pardon me as I expound on how awesome this site is!! Its a project paradise and I'm in love LOve LOVE with all of it. Where was all this stuff when I was in my twenties? Oh wait the inter webs did not exist. We were running code on dummy terminals that were black and green and I was using a first edition Macintosh. If you have never seen their goodness it is a MUST. These girls got talent and I am envious!

I made these adorable glitter jars as part of my swaptastic package. I followed this tutorial if you are interested in giving it a try. Here was my end result!

Now what to put in them??

Because the swap occurs sometime around Valentines Day I thought I would go with some lovey dovey goodness. Cause who doesn't like to receive a nice Valentines gift that they can use year after year?? So I decided to make a little banner which I have never done before. Here is what it looks like so far.

What are you crafting???

Munchkin Man

2012-01-27T16:28:00.000-05:00

Erik with his new water slide 1999 / 2000?

Erik is my one of my three nephews. I have two of these pictures hanging in my house. It was taken on my Minolta SLR with b/w 400 speed film. I remember setting up this water slide in our back yard because it was his birthday. It took FOREVER to blow up the sides and assemble quickly. When we completed, I was slightly jealous that I could not join in on the fun. Growing up stinks sometimes.

This is how I will forever see Erik. No matter how old he is. Its sad really. I still call him my little Muchkin Man because he was such a little peanut. When he turned double digits he told me he didn't want me to call him that any more. That made me sad. Secretly I still do call him that. I CANT HELP IT!!

And now?.....

He's a little stud machine rockin it out on the guitar. He plays amazingly well considering a few short years ago he couldn't play a "D" Chord. He sings on Saturdays with the lovely Emily at Cafe KiLiM I'm so proud of how far he has come. If you want to go watch him play you have to order the Mocha Latte` Espresso. It is awesome and the server makes pretty chocolate swirls. He will only put in 3 shots of espresso [not seven as requested by Holly ] They are all very talented kids. Well the ones that actually play an instrument. Its a fun free little concert if you are looking for something to do on a Saturday.

Munchkin Man Rockin it out.

I'm proud of you bud! Keep on Keepin On!

xo AR

Birthday Week Over

2012-01-24T16:21:00.000-05:00

Its official. Birthday Week is over and I am sad. {insert deep pathetic sigh}

But it didn't end without some serious FLAIR.

Geoff and I went to the Portland Pirates game and we had some seriously rockin seats!

It was a super fun time and I can't wait until we do it again. As long as nasty smelling onion girl does not sit next to me giving me the play by play of the game...Showering before going out is beneficial to not only your own personal hygiene but to those around you.

The following day my Sister In-Law Holly took me for a pedicure and a little champagne! Of course we went to Acorn's and they treated us like ROYALTY!...

ooober goober picture but hey! who really cares.

Holly's Hobbit Foot - freshly shaved and painted.

my chubby little flippers. i told amy i could pinch with my toes and she ran away!!

It was a fantastic long weekend! I watched this movie on my day off. If you have not seen it, I HIGHLY recommend it. Now its back to working out like a Mo-Fo! My next race is in FOUR little weeks.

On The Fifth Day Of Birthday Week %

2012-01-21T00:02:00.002-05:00

my true love gave to me.....

a dozen long stemmed red roses. they are beautiful!

Speaking of beautiful. A beautiful work perk is that we get to take our birthday off! It snowed on the night of my birthday so I got up really early before the snow melted. I made a nice hot cup of coffee.

And soaked in the beautiful sun rise in the snow.

It really is such a pretty sight. If you're interested in cute you should see Otto try to catch snow flakes. I have no photographic evidence of this because its early in the morning when we walk. But envision a little liver and ticked gsp puppy jumping in the air to catch them....yup total swoonie swoon. I still have some out door christmas decorations that got covered in snow. The little berries are cute too..

Have a great weekend!! If you're in the North East stay warm this weekend. Its gonna be wicked cold up heah!

The Actual Birthday - The Face of 4 T 1

2012-01-20T00:59:00.002-05:00

Today I woke up and wished that I could bury myself in a LARGE tin of Humpty Dumpty Potato chips with Pickle Dip. I haven't been able to get that out of my head ever since my Sister In-Law told me the recipe. With the heat cranked and about a dozen good chick movies to watch. Such as 1. The Divine Secrets of The Ya Ya Sisterhood 2. Four Weddings and A Funeral 3. Truly Madly Deeply 4. The Notebook 5. Riding In Cars With Boys 6. The Lakehouse 7. Hope Floats 8. Somewhere In Time [Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiichaaaaaaaaaaard!!!!!!!!!] 9. Sweet Home Alabama 10. Steel Magnolias.

In between snacking on bagel bites, tator tots and a 2 litre bottle of COKE!

What a perfect day that would be. One massive movie blubber fest and comfort food. But, I had a new customer coming into today and could not hide myself under the covers. Although future plans may accomplish said Birthday Wish.

I found myself humming the theme song from "The Courtship of Eddies Father" because I was thinking about The Dude. This led me to the Ghost of Mrs. Muir to Family Affair and I was wishing I still had my Mrs. Beasley doll. I use to make my mom do my hair like this.....

and I really did have one of these.....

Mrs. Beasley Doll.

So Geoff is taking me to a Hockey game in Portland and then we will be going out to dinner with some good friends on Saturday. I suppose its not so bad considering I'm 9 years away from being a History Book!

Do you have any birthday traditions??

On The Fourth Day of Birthday Week %

2012-01-19T09:02:00.000-05:00

My true love gave to me......

wait for it...

wait..........

a KIMBER PEPPERBLASTER II

Tomorrow I will be 41. I have mixed feelings about this number.

On The Third Day Of Birthday Week %

2012-01-18T11:28:00.000-05:00

My true love gave to me.....super awesome hand warmers for when I party like a ROCKSTAHH in my garage.

Tonight we went to one of my favorite places WHEN PIGS FLY PIZZA!

I love LOVE their pizza. I also LOVE their amazing beer selection. Tonight I had a Southern Tier Choklat Stout - Brewed by Southern Tier Brewing Company out of NY. Holy Crap!! This beer needs to be served with a little scoop of vanilla ice cream. By far the best chocolate beer evah!

We took our pizza home to watch the Bruins game against Tampa.

Sausage - Meatball on a Margarita with LOTS of hot pepper flakes YUMMMMM. And there are left overs for lunch! Double YUM.

The Bruins lost. Insert sad face. Looking forward to Brad Marchand to return. See you on the ice Saturday!

Today marked the official first walk in the snow. Even though it is gone now and raining. Dudes and I were totally ready.

On The Second Day Of Birthday Week ~

2012-01-17T09:33:00.000-05:00

My true love gave to me....one pair of warm padded running socks to keep my feet comfy and toasteeeeee

Sometimes Dudes need to take time out and cuddle up to their Maaaaaaaahaaa.

On The First Day Of Birthday Week

2012-01-16T11:33:00.000-05:00

My true love gave to meeeeeee: A Fleeceee Headband thingeeeeeeee. So I don't sweat to death with a polar cap on running in the cold weather.

Sunday January 15th marked the offical start of Birthday Week. It is AWESOME! Don't tell anyone but its "almost" as good as Christmas!!

12 For Twelve Part 1 ~

2012-01-15T19:56:00.000-05:00

Saturday I ran in my first race for the 12412 series. My Sister joined me and man was I glad she was there! The weather was a balmy 24 degrees not including the wind. The roads were amazingly icy and I had no idea how to dress for this 5K run.

Geoff drove us to Milford and we left the house at 6 AM. I felt like I was in gymnastics all over again. Having to get up early on a Saturday is something I dread still to this day. We picked up Sarah and we were on our way. My Mom will appreciate this little tid bit. I'm one of those people who have to have Toll Booth money ready 18 miles before the toll. When I sensed we were not going to arrive at my pre-determined time I started going into PANIC mode. Sorry, Geoff...I'm a head case.

We arrived in plenty of time except to use the ladies room!! Not good my friends not good. Nobody wants to run with a full bladder. I'm Just Sayin!!!

Oskar Me and Sarah pre-race Photo - we look way to happy. I love this picture so much.

at the starting line...that's me waving to Geoff!!

here i come to cross the finish line.

About the race....It was really really hard. The roads were super icy and it was mostly up hill. I had a very difficult time half way through. I had to slow way down and was just trying to make it to the turn towards the finish line. During this moment is when I looked up and saw my Dads Jeep. It was so awesome to suddenly look up and see my parents cheering me on. I love you Mom and Dad for braving the weather and coming to see your girls run. It meant so much to see you at that moment you will never know.

I was so close to finishing and I honestly thought about giving up. But I didn't...I kept pushing through. I crossed that finish line in 38min and 30 seconds. [Still under the target time of 40 MIN!!]

And my sister who looks so darn cute in this picture I want to squish her finished in 40 min. NOT BAD!!! considering she hadn't run in about 5 weeks and did this just for me!!!

Lots of love going out in this post. Geoff who encourages me every single day. My sister for joining me and not letting me do it alone. My parents....uggggh I can't even express how awesome it was to have you there.

That completes race #1! Only eleven more to go!

A Posting From The DUDE - Birthday Celebrationmatations!

2012-01-12T14:46:00.000-05:00

So you know sometimes, when you wake ED in the morningofthenations and you think to yourself? Do you ever think to yourself? My self voice is really really loud which may explain why my eyes are always crossedalicous. Kinda like when He-Man shouts "BY THE POWER OF GRAY SKULL I HAVE THE POWER" Self voice is a little dominatatadeding. Dudes digress, again. So, that's how I woke up with my self voice shouting "ITS YOUR BIRTHDAY"!! It must have been really loud too cause maaaahaaaa came in and was singsonging Happy Birthday To Dudes.

Maaahh told me that today of all days was my very special day. Which was weirds to Dudes cuz Dudes feel special everyday. Wait, Dudes R special!! She said that we were going to go to Mill Pond for a big dog walk with my Unkle Greg, Unkle Holly and my nephew Freckled Nugget. Now, if you don't knows about MP its totally awsommmmme. Hill, Rocks, STUFF to sniff. Usually I'm out there for a good half day doin what Dudes do. Sews, we got into My Unkle Gregs travel machine and headed towards one of my favorite spots in the world.

Once we got there my self voice was like WAAAAAAHOOOOOOOOOOO and I was runningah and squeakamating. It was so freakin the best. Up until this guy showed up on a 4 wheelie...

If you don't know by now...Dudes don't wear no leash. A) because Dudes are trained B) because Dudes can't think of any other reason except for being trained.

Dudes didn't even know that Captain Couragous was on his way towards him cause like I said I was having a super good time sniffing shit. You know, coyote, rabbit, deer, varmint, squirrel etc. But I almost got runnned over by this numpty except my maaaah and UH started flappin their arms. Dudes thought maybe they were trying to fly or something. Which is stupid cause my maaaahs feathers are in her coat not her arms.

Well he eventually did stop and told us. "you know the town ordinance states that your dogs must be on a leash" Then he drove off and we kept walking.

Sometime later we ran into Captain Courageous again who was waiting for us on top of the hill, around the corner, on his four wheelie and his little note book.

He said: "You must respect my authoritiY" No he didn't really say that but thats what I heard my maaaH think and Dudes started chuckling cause I thought that was really funny. He proceeded to lecture my peeops about rules, disrespect, how he had been patrolling these woods for eleven years. Which is to bad cause Dudes think anybody patrolling anything for that amount of time deserves a proper badge and real tickets to distribute. So, I had to put my name in his little yellow pocket notebook and walk back. But because Dudes didn't have a leash I had to stay in real close and if I didn't there was going to be big Big BIg BIG troublematations. Which my self voice was like seriously!!! I haven't even had CAKE YET!!!

Then you know how sometimes you get an image of a movie in your head and its not a very pleasant movie?? No? Well maaahhh started thinking about The River Wild with Meril Streep. She's great but I really liked Kevin Bacon in Scoobie Doo. Just sayin. Yeah, so Maaaah started gettin all freak-A-matated out that maybe this guy wasn't really a cop but some freak riding around on his wheelie and now he has our address and how far away is the car really??? And she got to this thought because of this conversation.......

Dad: So you can hunt out here?

CC: Yes.

Dad: With a dog?

CC: Yes

Dad: Without a leash?

CC: Yes

Then Captain Courageous wanted to know if we had poop bags. POOP BAGS! Maaaahaaa wants to know if anyone is running around the woods with poop bags for the coyote, rabbit, deer, varmint, squirrel etc. Dudes are pretty sure that isn't happening and if you want a difinitiiivvivivived answer just ask Otto.

So, we went home and watched the Bruins game. Dudes pretty much don't care and fell asleep. Maaaah mumbled something about Brad Marchand being tossed out of the game and stomped off. Then everyone came over to give me a present!!! But Dudes didn't much care cause me, Knee-C and Otto were all to busy chewing on a bone. Well, Knee-C stole one of my bones and stood in front of the door while Ottos and I chewed on a bone. Good place for her...you know just in case "Captain Courageous" dropped by. Cause apparently my grammma and grumpus were out on the same walk and they got stopped by the same cop!!

Good thing I didn't put down Grumpies name in the little yellow pocket notebook.

Twelve for 12?

2012-01-11T11:52:00.000-05:00

A few years back I made a New Years Resolution to stop making News Years Resolutions. It appears that this is the only one I've been able to stay committed to.

Last year was a year of trials for sure. But I do believe that last year brought on a ton of new challenges for me too. I did things that I didn't know I was capable of doing. Anymore that is. One of those accomplishments was running a race.

I rang in 2012 with my usual flair of craziness but with no weight on my shoulders. No major life changes, no altering who I am to fit the mold of whatever it is "those people" say I should be. THAT, my friends was a really good feeling to have.

In early December I made the executive decision that I was going to attempt to do ONE race per month in 2012. For the simple reason that it will force me to keep running. I run on the treadmill, I'm still doing Insanity workouts mixed with some other workouts and I go for the longest run I can physically do on the weekends. It is liberating. It is powerful. I feel that I have pushed through some mental wall that has been holding me back. That blinded me from me. I stopped liking myself. Or I at least stopped liking who I saw in the mirror.

This Saturday marks the first in a series of [I hope] twelve. I am excited for this one too! Cause any chance I can run and then finish at the BEER tent is good news to me. Just Sayin. If you're interested and want to join me on my year quest and see if I actually cross the finish line or not I will be at the following races. Unless otherwise posted differently.

January 14th - Will Run For Beer - Bedford, NH
February 19th - Freeze Your Buns - Nashua, NH
March 24th - Pursuit of the Holy Grail - Epping, NH
April 15th - 5th Annual 5k To Keep Kids Safe, Portsmouth, NH
May 13th - Moms On The Run - Dover NH
June 9th - Market Square Day - Portsmouth NH
July 4th - Friends On The 4th - Portsmouth NH
August 5th - Hot Air Balloon Rally - Pittsfield NH
September 15th - Western NH Trail Run Series Farnum 5 - Lebanon, NH
October 6th - Apple Harvest Day - Dover, NH
November ?? - Portsmouth Turkey Trot - Portsmouth, NH
December - No Races Confirmed Yet.

There you have it! And you can have this too! For the last few weeks I have not been able to get this song out of my head!!!!! I think its time to make a new running play list.

Today Is Dudes Birthday!!

2012-01-07T08:29:00.000-05:00

Oskar's Third Birthday - He was patiently waiting to blow out his candles and Schultz was ready for the OK to be given!

Today - My little Brown Nugget of Love turns SIX. My, my how the time flys. Its cool though cause Dudes still think they are about eight weeks old with no sense of self or the fact that he now weighs 80 monster pounds. And its all muscle too.

Whats on Dudes Birthday Agenda???

Walk at the MP with his, UH, MUG, SS, Maaaah & Daaaaaad.

make CUPCAKES!!!!!!! for birthday desert. Dudes love!! cupcakes seeeeeeeee.

Then he wants to watch the Hockey Game @ 1PM Bruins vs. Vancouver

Maaahhs gonna make BIRTHDAY PIZZA!!

Presents

CUPCAKES!!!

Happy Birthday Butter Bean - I love you so much.

And Thus Ends The Holiday Break!

2012-01-05T15:10:00.000-05:00

Happy Twenty Twelve! I'm still amazed that we are in a new year. 2011 zzzzzZZZZoomed by. We were busy doing something every single month and I still didn't get it all done!

January 2011 kicked off in Y'bor City, FL with Matt. We spent a fair amount of time at the Tampa Bay Brewing Company. Any place that has a slogan stating Beer Is Your Friend is a must for me.

I turned Four T and I celebrated Birthday Week and capped it off with an amazing dinner at Mimmo's with Don and Velma!

I had a Pie Party aka Pie Palooza - It was friggen AWESOME

And I made napkins with a pie plate as my PRIZE!

In February my Internet crashed and I was out for most of the month. I did however finish my curtains for the kitchen, and joined my very first apron swap.

Geoff made all the lovely curtain rods....they are wooden and beautiful!

My Loot

The Apron I made.

March came with a vengeance and kicked February in the ASS - I snow shoed my existence into the ground and was sick for nearly the entire month. Hence, March sucked.

April brought people out of hibernation well after this horrific April Fools Joke that Mother Nature played on us.

but we finally got visits and spring was inevitably in the air! We purchased a "smoker" went to Trader Joes - Mosied around Tractor Supply and put an addition onto the deck! With Dudes Help of course

In May I had a great visit with the McCluskeys all the way over from England!

We celebrated Gus's FOURTH birthday with Cake and Hats

And Dude hunted Bee's

The flowers began to bloom on the compound and there was hope that the winter months were finally behind us.

In June the Bruins won the Stanley Cup and Geoff and I sat in awe to see it finally happen. The Dynasty is born.

nuff said for June!!

In July we had our annual FOURTH-A-PALOOZA event decked out in full hand made Bruins gear..

Our Stanley CUP!

Geoff in his Bruins Shirt and Utili-Kilt

Matt and I at the Keg - Full poodle skirt and Shirt!

We said goodbye to Muss-Man

We Celebrated Harrison's Birthday at the Beach!! And ate Pizza!

Oh Yeah and it was LIKE 100 Degrees with HIGH humidity for over a solid WEEK!!

In August April came to live on the Compound, I was half way to finishing INSANITY before our vacation to CAMP!! But not before we got hit with Hurricane Irene!

In September - My Niece Cayla Beanbean got Marhied.

In October!!! We celebrated Holly's Birthday with a really YUMMY cake [and dinner too]

I completed the INSANITY PROGRAM and started running!!!

We went to CAMP with amazing friends

and had the best time!! We even celebrated an Early Thanksgiving Dinner together canned cranberry sauce and all!

In November - Otto aka DOUGLAS came home.

I canned like a MoFo!!

Rita and Phyllis hit the Boston Wine Tasting

And my Sister and I ran in the Portsmouth Turkey Trot 5K race on Thanksgiving Day

To close out the year!!! In December Erik shot his first bird, duck hunting with Geoff and The Dude

Geoff celebrated Birthday WEEK with all kinds of crazy goodness.

I crafted and sewed like a sweat shop to make Jammie bottoms for everyone! We celebrated Christmas Eve at my parents house..

My Mom Made this AWESOME HAT

I made these awesome Jammie Bottoms!!

Aaron and I had a photo opp!

And we saw NuNu working on the train to wish him a Merry Christmas!!

Christmas day was Christmas TriFectahhh! with celebrations at all three houses on the compound.

and then.........................

We were back to Florida!

Then....it was 2012!!

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T12:02:00.002-05:00

Still in Florida! Hope everyone had a safe and happy NEW YEAR. More to come when I return.

A Christmas Present

2011-12-23T11:58:00.000-05:00

Sometimes giving a tangible gift doesn't do the trick. And this year especially I feel the need to toss out a handful of glitter and a Magical Christmas Wish.

Most don't really know what it is that I do for my real job. In fact I'm not sure either but I do go to an office every day for the Fifty Cent Coffee and Free Internet. This year my Christmas Wish goes out to my boss. I won't go into the details of why because it is irrelevant but he knows why and that's all that matters.

Dear Santa,

I have had the extraordinary privilege of working with Dana for Twenty years. For what ever reason I managed to convince him to give me a chance. I have pissed him off, made him proud, done what others said couldn't be done. Scheduled the appointments and sent him into never never land. Made a horrific first impression with his wife. [Blame Geoff NOT me!!] Watched him rise and fall. Supported him, gave him pep talks to get his thumb out of his arse to remember where he came from and all that he has accomplished.

In return, he has, worked with me for Twenty years. He has pissed me off, made me proud, done what others said couldn't be done. Thrown me into never never land. Made a hilarious first impression with Geoff. Watched me rise and fall. Supported me. Gave me pep talks to get my thumb out of my arse, reminding me of where I came from and all that I have accomplished.

They say you can't have the sweet without the bitter. Over time, I've come to realize that statement is very true. So during his bitter trials Santa, please help him to remember the following.

He is married to one of the most special people I have had the chance to know. She is strong, kind, caring and supportive. Just don't cross her. That's my favorite quality! And she loves you for you.
He has an amazing and beautiful daughter. You can read her wonderful writings here. And she loves you because your a great Dad. Because you have supported her in all the ways a Dad should.
He has the most precious little Grand Daughter who is not "allowed" to call him Pepe` even though that is what he is now.

Even though it is going to be different this year. He has a network of people all around the world that would drop everything to help him if needed.

You have been a great Boss, Mentor and Friend to my family for all these years. If I'm half of those things to someone in my career I will feel lucky.

I don't know if you can carry those intangible things on your travels Santa. But it would mean a lot to me if you did.

Merry Christmas!!

22 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-02T11:02:00.000-05:00

Thinking of Christmas Past -

me Schultzy - The Dude & Geoff

This picture always cracks me up. * its blurry * Schultz is secretly laughing at Oskar because he does not have to wear the stupid Santa Hat this year. * Schultz is angry with me for putting jingle bells around his neck. * The fake Christmas Tree is about to fall over. Which it did soon after this photo was snapped.

Erik - The Dude and Mustopher

This was the Christmas I cooked a spiral Ham and put the juices on the floor for the dogs. Schultz aka Garbage Gut chowed down, Oskar got WICKED sick and Mustopher stayed away. oooops

My Babies Schultz and Oskar

Looking Cute on a Christmas Eve!

There ALL mine!

Missing you Schultzy....I love you everyday.

Its December??? Wooooooooohooooooooo ~

2011-12-01T10:46:00.000-05:00

I have been so busy I forgot about my bloggie. I KNOW that you are wondering what I've been up to these past few weeks. Well, lets see....

I went to Kingston's Third Birthday Party....

I spent an afternoon at Friendly's with Patty drinking coffee and then we got our HAIR done. At the best place ever! Acorn Organic Salon.

oooohLaLa!!

I ran in the Portsmouth Turkey Trot 5K race on Thanksgiving Day with my Fabulous Sister Sarah...

I finished that 5K race!

I went home and listened to Alice's Restaurant and made food for Thanksgiving Dinner. We ate so much that we didn't even take pictures of the day. [epic fail on our part]

I went to DATT Day [Day After Thanksgiving Thanksgiving] in Haverhill with the Coletti Family.

mumma "C" and "The Dude"

Erik got his first WOOD DUCK with Oskar! Geoff was so very proud of him.

Then, Dudes were tired so we rested for a day.

AND THEN! The Christmas Cactus BLOOMED! you can read little stories about this here and here.

And then....It was December First! Looking Forward to Thirty One Days of SPARKLY GOODNESS!

THE END

I Can't HELP It!

2011-11-16T09:32:00.000-05:00

I can hear jingle bells jingling in the way back of my brain. I envision scarfing down awesome snacks and the smells of turkey, potato's, GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE, squash with cinnamon and butter, homemade bread all swirling around me. I can see myself floating around the house like a cartoon character from Looney Toones.

I cannot wait to make sugary sparkly chocolaty goodness with my favorite people. Team Beer-Pike puts Fanny Farmer to shame!

I cannot wait to go shopping for my Christmas Tree and have the smell of Christmas wafting through my house. I cannot wait to have all my twinkle lights up and bask in how pretty my house looks this time of year. Seriously, my house looks amazing this time of year.

I cannot wait to hang out with my Beer kiddies and slurp hot cocoa and watch a hilarious Christmas movie. I vote for ELF! Do you really know how happy I am that you guys are only 40 min away?

Christmas Margaritas.

Its an entire month and a half enjoying good friends, awesome family and really good food. I can't wait!

Traumatic Incidents

2011-11-08T11:36:00.000-05:00

This is a difficult challenge / post that has been brought up today. And, because I was just discussing with Geoff last night the importance of being honest when blogging, I feel obligated to do just that. I have posted a minor piece of this incident here. I have vowed to never post about this EVER. But I do believe there is a message that should be shared.

When I was younger I fell in love for the first time and ran away to California. I was young, immature and totally clueless. When this relationship ended I was beyond devastated. I was lost, hurt and broken.

I moved back home with minimal self esteem and began dating someone much older than me. Someone who could not remind me physically about what I didn't have. He was the transition guy. A guy that I will never name in this space. EVER.

Abuse comes at you like fog. You sense it there and yet you think you have time to get out before it completely surrounds you. I had attempted once to end the relationship after having a long conversation with a very dear friend of mine. When I came to the conclusion that it just wasn't healthy any longer I made the phone call to explain that we just were not meant to be together. It did not go well at all.

When he arrived an hour later at her apartment with flowers and M&M's in tears I felt terrible. How could I do that to someone? I relented and the relationship resumed. Over the next several months I was on an extremely short leash. I was living in a dump and I felt very suffocated. I was verbally abused on a daily basis. I was ugly, fat, stupid and useless. What I really was, was trapped. I had friends, good friends coming to visit me all the time. They would only come when they knew he wasn't there. I didn't realize that back then. They would try to convince me to leave. I couldn't see what they were seeing.

One weekend I made the decision that I was going to visit a friend for the weekend. I needed air. I needed time away. This visit allowed me the opportunity to finally see what I had been missing. I was missing out on my life. I was planning to make the biggest mistake of my life by marrying someone I had no passion for. I felt whole, I felt like me, I felt free. Driving home that day I knew what I had to do. And believe me when I decide that I'm going to do something move on out of the way. There was no stopping me.

I ended that relationship and moved into my parents house with the promise that I would not be there any longer than two weeks. I found an apartment in a week. 157 Central Ave. It was beautiful, it was all mine and I was living on my own for the very first time in my life. When I saw him coming up the stairs that night I knew it was not going to go well. I was scared and angry all at the same time. How dare you come into my new life and threaten me? The things he screamed at me that night were terrible, humiliating and disgusting. I could only imagine what my neighbors thought of me. It was awful.

My biggest mistake was thinking I could get away with snipping my engagement ring, chipping out the diamonds, taping it to a piece of paper that said: I hope this fits better on your finger then it ever did on mine. I got caught leaving that little gem for him. So when he grabbed me by the throat and threw me against the wall I was a little surprised. The beating that ensued left me blinded with pain. I have failed to mention that I'm at a radio station in a sound proof room where they record the commercials. Nobody could hear me. I thought I was going to die.

I crawled out of that room on my hands and knees and hid under the DJ's desk begging him to help me. I can't even imagine what was going through his head that night. He wanted to take me to the hospital and I just wanted to go home. I had black ribs, hand prints on my neck, wall marks on my back and bruises up and down both arms. I went to see my parents the following day in a turtle neck. Abuse, is so stupid. It makes you think nobody knows what is going on with you.

My mother and I went down to the police station that following day. I was terrified. Wasn't it my fault? I did do a really shitty thing. Did I deserve the outcome? Abuse, takes away your core and leaves you a weakling. I had to show a judge my bruises when I filed for a restraining order. I was mortified. Abuse, makes you feel that going through this process is not worth it. The judge ordered me to go to the hospital where photographs and a physical could be conducted. I was so embarrassed. It wasn't that bad. Abuse, makes you think its not that bad only because your alive to tell the story.

If there is one promise that I have kept to myself it is that nothing like that was ever going to happen to me again. No man, was ever going to put their hands on me that way again.

Mental and Physical Abuse make you deaf. If you are in a situation and you feel hopeless you are not alone. If your gut is telling you this is not right, it probably isn't. If it hurts you physically and emotionally it is not OK. If you are scared I beg you to seek help. If you know somebody who is going through this I urge you with every fiber in my being to make them see their situation. It could save their life.

I hate this post. I'm upset that I've put it out there. That one incident does not and did not define who I am as a person today. It was just one little blip in my time that brought me to bigger and better things.

Finding Balance

2011-11-07T11:55:00.000-05:00

Is there really such a thing? My mind is in a constant state of disorganization. Or maybe a short attention span.

Very early on in my relationship with Geoff we recognized the need to set aside time that was solely dedicated to just us. He was working different hours back then and on weekends. I was doing the 8 to 5 grind with weekends off. Our down time was always spent without each other.

Thursday nights became "DateNight" and I swear we coined the phrase because we were calling it that twenty years ago. This tradition continues today and has been the saving grace on many of an occasion. I love hearing the following question from my husband. " Can we have date night tonight? " We can have date night every night if you want! Although that tends to be a little expensive.

One of the key ingredients in our relationship is that we have always felt a need to keep the lines of communication open. Not that we don't talk on a normal basis but when you make the executive decision to shut the rest of the world out for a few hours and dedicate that time to your relationship it makes a world of difference. Even when we were broke and could only afford Mac-N-Cheese. It was putting the effort in and recognizing that it may not be fancy and ritzy but we are still calling it date night.

Marriage is hard. I love being married but it takes a lot of work to manage yourself sometimes let alone being an assistant manager to someone else. Over the years we have heard so many times, "If I could only find what you two have" It is a complement and an insult all at the same time. There are plenty of times that Geoff doesn't "like" me very much. That coin definitely has two sides. Most of the time we are blissfully happy and stupid but we have our moments. Some of them have been extremely challenging and hard. But with a little work, and a lot of love it usually works itself out.

We try to give each other enough space so that we each feel that we are our true selves. I think it is important to always have that sense of individuality. To do the things that make you, you. I've never wanted to morph into all of Geoff's likes and hobbies because honestly some of them I just don't enjoy. Just like he doesn't enjoy all of mine. The trick is to see how you can take pieces of that and merge them into something you can do together. For instance, he likes to paint duck decoys, I like to paint pictures. Although two different activities it is something that you can do together while doing what you want to do. There are also times when we do things on our own. Sometimes that is needed too.

I'm always amazed when I hear from both men and women this question. " Geoff is OK with you doing that? " As if I'm doing this without him knowing about it. There isn't anything I go off and do that he doesn't know about. If I want to go cackle with my girlfriends he has the same right to go talk about tools with his guy friends. We all need to feel that we are still connected to the person we have always been. So as much as we need to ensure that we communicate and spend time together. We also need to allow each other the freedom to feel that their sense of self still exist.

Life tends to get in the way more often than not. As far as I'm concerned nobody is going to judge me for how much laundry I completed when I die. There will always be another load waiting to be done anyways. And I've yet to receive a gold star from anyone when ALL the housework is done. That's how we try to find balance in the Pike World.

Now if I could only find that other sock...........

Pen vs. Computer

2011-11-04T15:07:00.000-04:00

Recently I stumbled across multiple journals that I had written from the age of 15 - 21. I was such a tortured soul. Or so I thought. Its funny to read about all my teenage angst and drama. If I ever had the opportunity to chat with my teenage self I would tell her to lighten up!!!

Its interesting the songs that I would write down in my journals. Remember learning the lyrics to a song on the tape recorder? Play - Write - Pause - Repeat. I think the beauty about the journals that I have from that time period is that I never scratched the words out. They were all honesty post. And, in the event that someone happened to read them, "Oh Well". It was my outlet, my pages to vent anger, happiness, sadness, happenings. Mostly it was very dramatic and I know the exact moment that I stopped writing in my journal. I met Geoff. I wrote one maybe two entries about him. But in reality I was to happy to write. So I tucked my notebooks away and never looked back.

I miss writing on scraps of paper and taping them into my journal because I had a sudden flash of what I considered brilliance. I miss the joy of finishing a notebook with all my handwritten entries. The joy of flipping through the pages one at a time pouring over the pages of my life. Knowing that a coffee stain was because I was sitting at the counter of a Dunkin Donuts in Dover NH smoking ciggs and feeling very Artsy Fartsy writing my observations down.

Although I do enjoy my blog even more so. I don't think my blog will ever offer me the same feeling as completing a notebook but it does allow me to add a different feel. Technology has allowed me to show my personality in a way that I could never do before. When I think about the network of people who do blog and share pretty much everything I am amazed! Imagine if we had the access to information then like we do now.

But the ability to share your journal with a group of people was not really a reality in the 80's. Journaling online or on a computer never really occurred to me until Dr. Doogie. Even in those days I thought it was sterile. Storing your most precious thoughts in Word Star, how geekie.

And yet here I am. Geekafying my life. I love my blog. I love writing down whatever comes to my mind. I love that people actually READ it. I love that I'm connected to people that I may not otherwise have the opportunity to be connected to.

But I still love opening those old journals and flipping the ancient pages of my past. Pages that remind me I was right even then. I always told myself that something better would come along. Something so fantastic. And it did. And here I am. Living the life I always wanted to live.

What's In Your Grocery Store

2011-10-31T10:32:00.001-04:00

Have you ever really looked around your grocery store to see exactly what they have hanging in the isles? What you may find is shocking!!!

I've got nothing against Jesus but I'm fairly certain this isn't a product of the Vatican.

You should know that I fell into fits of laughter when I spotted this.

Fall Decorating and Activities

2011-10-20T16:02:00.000-04:00

Its been busy on the compound these last few months! I finally got the opportunity to go Blaisdell Brothers Family Farm which is right down the road from my house. What a great place this is! They have really pretty pumpkins, squashes and ghords to decorate for fall. They even have the added convienience of a little wheel barrel to help carry all your stuff around.

They have blues, greens, yellow amazing organge, small, medium, large all for a good price and it feels good to give my money to a local resource!

It was a beautiful day and I'm sad I missed all the sunflowers in bloom! But I gathered up all my goods to decorate and checked off the sizes I had on my handy little chart.

Then I brought everything home and got all Martha on myself arranging these beauties just so.

Doesn't that just look amazing!!!

Blaisdell Brothers Family Farm is located at 150 Southside Road in York, ME. If you still need to pick up a pumpkin or 2 or 5 or possibly 10!! You better hurry. The farm also has fresh chicken eggs, beef, sunflowers, hay, mulch hay, manure and farm services. Incase you're like me and you really love those fresh eggs.

How do you decorate for fall?

I also finished canning up some goodness! Not to shabby for a first timer. This year I did pickled apples, pickled green tomatoes, salsa and pepper jelly! The display is so pretty I may have to ask Geoff to build more shelves!! [don't worry sweets thats just a little joke ]

Ta-Da!!!!!

And lastly I plucked the remainder "HidetheRanger" flowers from the bush. Look out Martha Stewart I'm on to you!!

Douglas

2011-10-19T09:35:00.001-04:00

This post has layers to it so I will do my best to explain myself without making your head buzz.

As some of you may know, this summer was very emotional with Musman. If you don't know about it you can read it here.

My network of people that exist within the bubble are a good crop of people. I'm lucky. I'm lucky enough to have people that love me. And who I, in return get to love back. So, when life decides to kick you in the pants and screw up your karma I go into damage control. I can't help it. I don't take it on in most situations as my own but, I do whatever I can to support. Whether that is physically or emotionally. Even when my own pain is sometimes overbearing. I can't even believe I'm going to say this however, sometimes it's not always about me.

WHAT?

In the afternoon after that dreadful morning with Mus we gathered at my house and mourned the loss of that little booger. My Sister-In-Law Holly [who I don't blog about to much because she's kinda private] is one of my closest friends, neighbor and part of my family. We spend copious amounts of time together - dog walking - coffee runs - snowshoeing - shopping - gossiping [so, so what we do that!] We're pretty much glued at the hip. And those Pike boys should be grateful cause even though we get in girly arguments it could be a lot worse.

When your furry little friends leave you forever, something changes in you. I don't know if it is a loss of innocence, a crappy knowledge about life but for me anyway I think it hardens you a little. Seriously, how much more can the heart take. I've been through this three times in less than five years. It kinda makes you want to get a gold fish. And when someone experiences this for the first time. It is never ending pain. It is constant confusion, blame, guilt and a big ole bucket of misery and self pity. There is nothing that anyone can say to you that makes it better. There is nothing anyone can do for you that will make you "feel" better. All you want is for God to push the button on the time machine and for once give you one of those miracles they are always talking about in the good book. And then, you're just pissed off at the world.

During those times of excessive crying over Schultz I reached a point in my head that first dreadful day where I actually thought I was going to die from the pain. I couldn't breath, my head was about to pop, I was hot, I felt sick and if someone had given me a baseball bat I would have smashed everything in sight. [ok maybe i need anger management, don't judge me.] When I saw this happening to Holly, I knew I had to do something really fast.

This is when I told Holly that when Douglas arrives it will be a whole new adventure. Not the same, not the replacement but very different. I don't know why I said Douglas, except it seemed such a funny name. It was the only thing that made her laugh that day. THE ONLY THING. I knew at that moment that she was going to be OK and that she was going to have a difficult emotional road ahead of her. But she managed to laugh even though it felt wrong to do so.

I promised my Musman that's what I would do. And that folks is why I'm stuck on Douglas if you must know. Let him be "officially named" anything on paper. He was already in my heart before he arrived and I can't change that.

Without further ado, please allow me to introduce: Douglas The Dominator

And don't think he didn't already get a talking to about the shoes he's filling. This freckled nugget will be at his forever home on November 6th!!

A quote from one of my favorite movies. "Whether we like it or not time marches on and eventually you realize its marchin right across your face."

Working It Out

2011-10-18T14:59:00.000-04:00

Back in April of 2010 I posted that my friends and I were going to start doing P90X. If you want a refresh you can read that post here and here.

Admittedly my desire to continue with this program was at an all time low. And, I didn't feel as good as I hoped I would. Why? Because I was at the very beginning stages of a very very long road. I attempted to start the program over more than once. I would come home from work and dread having to work out for over an hour when I had so many other things that needed to be done. I wasn't eating right and the holidays were rapidly approaching. MY time was limited.

I have to share that something did happen with the completion of this program. I did feel better, I did feel stronger and I constantly felt guilt for not attempting to work out more. This was an odd experience for me since I've quit every gym in the Seacoast area more than once and have never felt an ounce of guilt to go along with that decision.

So my battle to continue, continued. With on and off starts throughout the winter months I felt despair setting in once again. And then I decided I needed a change. I made the commitment to do ONE round of Insanity based on my sister in-laws reccomendation. Its only for 60 days and whats the worst thing that can happen?

Hell....that's what happened.

If anyone ever tells you that Insanity was a breeze I want you to know that they are lying to your FACE! So with the completion of this program I gave myself a GOLD STAR...you're welcome self!

Star is hanging in my workout area as a reminder that if you put your mind to it YOU CAN do anything.

The journey continues. I'm in the process of training to do a 5K race on Thanksgiving Day with my Sister I haven't done a race in well over 10 years. I'm a little nervous.

me and sarah after our first steady 20min run

Portsmouth NH - This is where we had our run!!! Anyone want some chowdah?

Occupy This!

2011-10-17T14:30:00.000-04:00

It is on the rarest of rare occasions that I will actually show any level of intelligence on my pretty little blog. So, try not to be barrelled over by my political prowess and charming sense of narcissistic fortitude.

So here we are again. A new crop of freedom seekers upholding their constitutional right for freedom of speech and begging the capitalistic curmudgeon's to pay closer attention to the 99%. But what is the message really?

Social and Economic Inequality, Corporate Greed and the influence of corporate money and lobbyist in Government. OK...but wait. This isn't news people. When our fine newly elected President rushed to pass a $700 Billion dollar stimulus package WE were saying then that it wasn't going to work. That this was going to push the country further into debt, and that we were going to be worse off for it. WE didn't want the Government involved with bailing out The Big Auto. I didn't see anyone offering a bailout to the small mom and pop shops who couldn't compete with the Home Depots, Hannafords, Wal-Marts or Targets of the country. They got slaughtered and nobody even batted an eye. So why is it that if the American people choose to buy cars that are not from the Big Three who can't produce, we all now have to pluck money out of an already streatched budget to support that? How's that for sucky Economic Inequality?

And when the Libral Leftist and Radical Right Wingers of the news media started reporting that these CEO's and Brokers were raking in massive commissions due to the stimulus package being approved what did anyone do? NOTHING! Its kind of like the average person who finds a wallet on the side walk with $5 Million dollars. Do you return it? Or Keep it? I know we all like to think that our Morales are in tip top shape and we would do the right thing. But, what about that person who has reached the end of their knarley frayed rope?

The fact that we cannot trace where every single penny of that money went is just a tradgedy within the tradgedy. You wanted to be saved and you thought this man was going to save you? You must know by now that nobody can save you but yourself. And who the hell said it was going to be easy? It took me 20 years to haul my ass out of debt. 20 YEARS!!!!

What are you saying to me about Social Inequality? Cause you're broke? I was broke once and I can attest it sucks. But what do you do?

I say, eliminate all colleges and universities leaving Harvard and Yale so we can ALL graduate from the best school. In fact, why even have admissions. Oh, and if you are the first three thousand people its free! Oh, forget it, its free for everyone! And everyone graduates Validictorian. Now that I've flooded the world with highly educated skinny healthy people I guarantee that you're all going to make at least $85,000 a year with zero work experience. Do you think that sounds rediculous?

I hear that all the time from people who just graduated college. I have to make $X to cover my student loans. Hey MILLINIALS I got news for you! For the 99% of you out there trying to make ends meet get use to those Ramen Noodles. What are you looking for? You want jobs? I've had 8 open head count in my organization for 2 months. I don't see any of you knocking down the door because your destitute thats for sure.

What I do see is your unwillingness to do what ever it takes because God forbid you actually lower your standards to gain some experience and a paycheck at the same time to help cover the cost of the English Degree that you will most likely never use. You would rather stand on a street corner than go knocking door to door with your resume looking for a job. But its not my fault! So get your hands out of my pocket because you're to lazy to do what your parents and grandparents have done.

And don't talk to me about your pride and your inability to do something sub-par when there are people I know working three jobs just to make ends meet. Where the strain on their family, marriage, life is greater than yours. You don't know what its like to fight, to bleed to work for it. Because somewhere along the line and down the road of glory "someone" has always been carrying you. With all your education and intelligence I must inform you that you're kinda clueless.

And if you can't find the "dream job"? Well for the love of everything that is sacred go open your own business. Be the little fish in the big pond. Take a chance. But I digress. There are thousands of articles and books on this one subject. Don't blame me I just read them.

Do the lobbyiest and corporate America plump up the pipeline to serve their own personal agenda? Why yes in deed they do. And if you want to be disgusted about the corruption that takes place in our government every single day then by all means stand up and shout! Every elected official is in office because we voted them in. If you don't like what is happening, vote them out. It is our duty as citizens to vote. If you don't vote, don't bitch.

And if it is corporate influence on our government then what does that say about the people running it? We've been duped again my friends. When we go digging for change to pay the toll and don't have enough we get a ticket. Nobody pats us gently on the shoulder if your debit card is declined at the grocery store and you have to pluck items out. When the well is dry we have to wait for payday and hope to Christ that nothing major happens. Government continues to spend and further drive this country into never neverland.

While we are talking about Social Inequality let me close with this. Movie stars assume much more power in their shallow little heads. "You" do not form my opinions. I'm perfectly capable of doing that on my own. The fact that the media allows Michael Moore Fat HEAD to speak to the masses only inflates his already over inflated ego. The misuse of technology to manipulate the masses to push specific agenda's is disgusting and terrifying. Pikeism..

I'll take the red pill please NEO.

Summer In October

2011-10-10T16:18:00.000-04:00

Can you believe we are already into October? Today it was 80 plus degrees outside. I found this pretty little butterfly on the Butterfly Bush in my yard. I'm going to miss you summer.

It was hard taking all the gardens down and preparing them for Mr. Freeze. The crop was pretty good this year with lots and lots of lettuce, tomatos, cucumbers, garlic and a ton of HOT peppers. Looking forward to Thanksgiving already!! Geoff and Dude got TWO Geese! My favorite Christmas Day meal.

What do you like to cook for the Holidays?

The Eye-Touche Posting [life from my iphone]

2011-10-06T21:00:00.000-04:00

This summer I:

saw beautiful sunsets

built cozy fires

grew amazing hot peppers

celebrated Harrisons Birthday

Celebrated Violets Birthday

yes we made these!!!!!!!!!!

hung out with geoff and good friends

Played Dress Up

So did Geoff!!

his shirt is way to big :)

Beaner and Scott got Married!

Made up with MY SISTER

Canned Some Goodness!

THE END

Hurricane Irene Maine August 2011

2011-09-27T13:32:00.000-04:00

It took me FOREVER to figure out how to do this. I took this video prior to going on vacation this summer and apparently right after Snow Goose [my out-laws boat] sunk to the bottom of the ocean!!

Hurrican Irene August 2011 from Renee Pike on Vimeo.

Dear Geek

2011-09-23T14:32:00.000-04:00

Its been five months. I have no idea how you are doing. Do you know that I think about you every day? Why haven't you called me? How long am I suppose to wait? Did you know I had plans to do something "Magical" for you? Its been five months.

Do you ever think about me? Do you even miss me? Just a little? I bought red shoes and thought of you. They look really amazing.

Its been five months.

Do you cry sometimes? I do. Actually I cry all the time. I'm crying even as I write this. I found these really cool vintage posters and thought of you. They would be so perfect for your apartment.

I wish I was more signifigant to you. I wish I wasn't so easy to cast aside. Its not fair.

Its been FIVE months.

Everyone misses you and wants to know how you are. I tell them you are doing fine and all the amazing things you did this summer with dance and plays etc. Did you know that I knew? Do you even care? I tried not to care but it didn't work.

Seriously.......ITS BEEN FIVE months.

I'm going to see you soon and I'm worried that you are going to smash a pie in my face and take my awesome red shoes. They are not wicked witch shoes which is what you were thinking....they are not as fantastic as ruby slippers. Do people bring pie to formal affairs?

Gus died over the summer and I really needed to talk to you. It made it worse. I needed a fat coffee and lots of talk. Have you ever wanted to call and talk to me? Do you really not need me anymore? Ever? For ever and ever and ever ever?

You pissed me off. Did I piss you off? Yes? Then we agree on that. Wouldn't you say? Out of your life? Forever? Can five months be forever? Did you know that five months FEELS like forever?

Well - I guess it doesn't matter. But I'm here waiting. Forever.

Nerd

Craft-TASTIC Moooo-LA-LA Give Away!

2011-09-22T15:04:00.002-04:00

September I Have Failed You

Talk about not being inspired. I have the blues setting in already and it isn't even officially fall. I am working on a few things. I have places and people that I want to interview and share with all my awesome readers. I will be Designing a Craft Room this fall in preparations for the cold months. Lots of ideas for a wrapping station. I believe everyone needs this space in their house.

Here are some ideas I found from BHG.

Starting October 1st I will be on the move. I can't commit to showing photos while its in the works but I will show a before and after for sure!! If you have any ideas on a craft room please send me an email. I would love to hear your ideas!! In fact I would love to hear them so much that I'll be giving away a Gift Certificate for $100 to Jo-Anns Fabric!!! I know there are some of you out there who love that store almost as much as I do.

I must tell you a few years back before I was over run by the crafty buzz I was in that store for what felt like decades with my sister. It wasn't until I heard the sound of a small child crying that I realized I felt exactly the same way. So I did what any kid does in these situations and laid down on the floor and began wailing..."WHEN ARE WE GOING TO LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAVE".

Here is an idea of how the room is set up. The roof is pitched so space on the side walls with storage is limited.

Entries are due in by October 8th. The winner will be announced on the 11th! Good Luck and Happy Crafting!!

Chapter One

2011-08-31T00:00:00.000-04:00

She sat alone with her thoughts on the rocky beach. Her legs exposed to the setting sun. They were slightly numb and she hadn't realized how long she had been sitting there. Waiting always waiting to be moved or inspired by something or someone. And yet, it never seemed to come. It was as if everyone around her felt serenity and she was lost in her own turmoil.

I best be moving on then, as she stood up to take the long and winding beach trail that would lead back home. The salt and sea filled the air while gulls hovered overhead looking for any piece of scrap that may have been left behind. Stupid dump ducks, she thought, what is your purpose? She pulled her large oversized flash light out of her bag as was customary for this time. The path was getting dark and although she could find her way home blind folded, she found it better to have light. She was heavy into her own thoughts again when she heard the unceremonious sound of a very loud engine screaming up the road. Stupid motor heads what is the point? A mystery of the man world she would never understand even growing up with two older brothers.

The evening started as they all did. Still unmotivated to write the last chapter of her novel she stood staring blankly out the bay window as she sipped on a glass of Pinot Grigio and wondered out loud. How did I get here? It was the unanswered question that was driving her half mad. It was only after the brutal attack that had stripped her of her dignity and pride that she succumbed to the depression that was always lurking in the shadows. It had been almost a year and the fear lingered, sitting in the pit of her stomach. A constant ache, that never subsided even in the comfort of friends and family.

Enough of this! She slammed her wine glass down on the table. And as if she was being tugged by a force greater than hers she found herself prepping for a night out. Unskilled in the ways of applying makeup she forced herself to do something to cover the dark circles and the protruding cheek bones. She applied eye shadow that was more to accent then to add color. Her eyes had a way of changing color depending on what she wore and tonight she wanted them to be gray blue. Sparingly, she applied a swipe of black eyeliner to further attain the goal.

Her hair was long and to her waist. Not so much by choice but really by necessity. Hair styles cost money and money wasn't pouring into the bank account these days. She was built with an athletic figure and attempted to do some form of exercise daily, if only to drown out her own thoughts. After picking out an inappropriate pair of jeans a pink top and boots, she grabbed her wallet and headed down to Stella’s. As she was leaving she turned around to look at her small space in the universe. Twinkle lights sparkled in her windows year round, illuminating the windows with a warm light. She sighed and thought, it’s not all that bad. Sometimes.

When she entered through the heavy red painted door of Stella's, Welcome To The Jungle was blaring through the bar. There was no need to smoke at this particular bar. The room was heavy with it. It always made her think of her favorite book Poodle Springs. There is a part when Philip Marlowe is greeted by a woman and he thinks to himself, "Her perfume hit me like a Rhinoceros." it made her chuckle just to think about it.

She found her usual spot at the bar was being occupied by what looked to be a man who walked straight out of 1955. Not the clean cut flat top type but the brooding bad boy type. He was holding a pool cue in one hand and tossing a drink back with the other. She couldn't quite make out the features of his face and decided that it was definitely nobody she knew. Quickly she surveyed the bar for an empty seat and found one in the far left corner under a ridiculous blinking beer sign. She sighed and resigned herself to unwelcoming seat.

Frenchie! She heard from across the bar. And before she had a chance to reply a shot of bourbon was sliding across the bar in her direction. She smiled. She loved Jack. He had been tending bar at Stella’s for as long as she could remember. He was a burly hulk of a man with dark sad eyes. She almost got him to tell the full story one night while they were doing shots and he was suppose to be cleaning up the bar. He couldn't and she never pressed him on it again. What she did know about Jack led her to the conclusion that he was a good man. Honest and caring for the most part but had a temper that gleamed red hot if provoked. Jack was her savior. Had he not forgotten the left over steak he had set aside for Luther she would be dead. She shuddered at the thought.

She tossed her bourbon back shook her head from left to right to left again and slammed the glass down on the bar. How ya been Jacks? It’s been quiet around here without you Frenchie, I was wondering if you were ever coming back. Well you know, she said with out knowing. I've been busy with finishing my book. Oh, I see. Jack said to her leaning over to dab her nose as if she were two years old. And if I were a bettin man I'd say your nose just grew a foot! He half chuckled at her and half sighed. Frenchie, he said as he poured another bourbon. I see you up on those rocks every day. I leave you alone because its not my nature to go pokin bob cats. But you've got to get past this. You look like dog shit.

In her heart she knew this conversation was coming. If she hadn't come to Stella's he would have come to her. Maybe that was the driving force for just coming out tonight. I know Jacks and I'm trying, I really am trying. She was so grateful for his friendship and all that had happened over the last year. And it was all starting to hit her at once. She felt her face flush and her chin turn into the likes of a walnut. What is this? Jack boomed. I'll have none of it. Now, take this beer and take your skinny ass over to the pool table. There's a good game going on over there. You may just learn how to play yet! And with that he went back to taking care of those people from away.

Jackass! She shouted at him with a smile. He was right she did suck at playing pool but really did enjoy the game itself. She took a long hard drink of her beer and it was then that she saw him looking directly at her. Ahhh, she thought the dangerous man has an even deadlier face. Unsure about what was happening, she slowly put her mug down on the bar. Why was he staring at me like that? Does he have x-ray vision and can see something hanging out my nose? She hated when this thought popped into her head. It was an automatic reflex that made her swipe at her nose in a very un-lady like way. The Dangerous Man chuckled and began walking in her direction.

No no no no no! I can't do this. Panic had filled the already fear infested belly. This is why she hated sitting in this seat. You had no where to run, nowhere to hide. The Dangerous Man was standing before her now. The only thing audible was the maddening sound of her heart. If it beats any faster I may die she thought. His hair was dark brown, almost jet black. It was difficult to see because it was all slicked back in a pompadour style. It fit him she concluded. What was distracting her more were the color of his eyes. They were hard, judgmental eyes but she could stare at them all day long. Is it wrong to tell a man he has pretty eyes she wondered? Are you going to be sick? he asked her. Wha What? No! She snapped. Already this was going as predicted in her head. I'm sorry he said back to her. You just got really pale and you were staring right through me I thought something was wrong. The color immediately came flooding back into her face and she was again uncomfortable. Jack tells me that you could use some help learning how to play pool. He handed her the cue. I gotta few tricks up my sleeve I can show you. Reluctantly like a three year old who has to go to bed, she slid off her bar stool and walked over to the pool tables with the hottest man she had ever laid eyes on. I knew he was dangerous and she tossed back the rest of her beer.

Nerves were getting the best of her but slamming back another shot of bourbon wasn't going to make the situation any better. She looked up to see Jacks smiling at her. She flipped him the bird and tried to focus on the game of pool that was in her opinion an epic fail. After seven scratches and two wrong eight ball calls she decided to call it quits. It was getting late and she had promised herself that she was going to wrap up the loose ends of her book. The publishers were breathing down her neck for the last part. I've got to go she said more gruffly than she meant to. Why did her nerves make her sound like a bitch? He turned to her and she was not sure what to expect next. His eyes hooked her again into that dream like state. What was behind those eyes, she wondered. What were they seeing in all her awkwardness? Please, he said. Allow me to walk you home. It’s not that far she replied. I can manage it on my own. Suddenly ill at ease and wishing that she never came out. It is dark out he said. And my father would never forgive me if I allowed someone as pretty as you to walk home alone in the dark. Christ, she thought he's chivalrous too? He reached out his hand and brushed her hair away from her eyes. She felt flush again.

They stood there for a long moment just looking at each other. The only thing that came to her mind was the movie Made in Heaven with Kelly McGillis and Timothy Hutton. As if she had spent life time after life time with this man. She took his hand and looked at him with a devilish grin. Fine! Walk me home! But that’s it and she gently punched him on his arm. He feigned a wince and grinned. Satisfied with himself he picked up the cues to put them back on the wall. She walked up to Jacks. He's going to walk me home Jacks, if I don't call you in fifteen minutes come find me ok? Jack winked at her. Don't worry kiddo you're safe. I've known that guy a long time. Use to play hockey with my little brother until he blew his knee out. To bad, he was a great skater. Fast as the wind that guy. Got it Jacks, but I'm still gonna call you. She blew a kiss and turned to go.

They walked in silence feeling awkward. The liquid courage that had started the pool game was wilting away. What was it about this man that made her feel so comfortable and terrified? She began searching for memories that provided a similar feeling as the one she felt right now. She couldn't find one.

So, Jack tells me that you're a writer? Yes she replied startled by the sound of her voice and annoyed that she had let herself slip into her own mental fertilizer. I write crime novels. Really? He replied. She laughed out loud at his apparent shock. What? You think I write Harlequin "soft porn" books for the desperate house wife? It was meant to be a joke and came out like a bark. He was surprised by the verbal assault but apologized regardless. I'm sorry he said sheepishly. I didn't mean to imply, and she cut him off. No, no. I'm sorry I didn't mean to snap at you. I anticipate people to say that so I'm automatically on the defense. I'm the one who is sorry. She stopped abruptly and turned to look at him and without realizing it had reached out to hold his hand. Apology accepted and he gave her a little wink.

He had remained true to his word. He walked her to her door waited for the sound of the lock to click and left. She leaned her back to the door and let out a sigh. She was tired and mentally exhausted. The night had proven more interesting than she planned. She thought of Jacks and how good it was to see him. He was a good friend, her only friend. She placed her wallet and keys in the large seashell on the table and it hit her. She never got his name. You’re such a moron! She said out loud. Proof, that she had zero ability to participate in the game. She phoned Stella’s and informed Jack that she was home safe. With a shaky voice she said to Jack. I need to ask you something and if you laugh at me I’ll come right back down there and kick your ass. Jack paused trying to figure out the seriousness of her tone. Like I said Frenchie, it’s not in my nature to poke a bob cat. She couldn’t help but smile. The man I was playing pool with. What is his name? Jacks roaring laugh came crashing into her ear. Ohhhh Frenchie he replied. You are funnier than you know. With that, she hung up the phone, humiliated and went to bed.

August 28th

2011-08-28T00:00:00.004-04:00

63,113,852 seconds

2011-08-25T00:00:00.003-04:00

I have thought of you for every single one of them. Your physical presence in our lives is a hole that nothing seems to fill. Your leaving has changed us forever. I often wonder at your ability to still impact us. We have never stopped loving you. Not for 63,113,852 seconds and not for many more to come.

You have made some funny transformations over the past year. You have become the Great Punami who demands three wishes for himself. We've donned you with Genie pants and a giant turban with a blinky collar around it. You are, in our thoughts, as funny as you were in life.

I have been thinking a lot about when we first brought you home. Those first few walks on the ole stomping grounds just me and you. When you found the dead cat and I screamed out loud, heart pounding. Only to have some guy appear from nowhere and ask me if I was OK. I wasn't sure which one actually scared me more.

I can still see you running up the hill at The Dodge Farm with its high green grass that nearly swallowed you whole. Your determined face and stride to stay in front of me. And your pure exhaustion when getting to the top.

I drove you around in my Volkswagen, you in your crate trying to acclimate you to riding in a car. You barked incessantly regardless of how long I drove or how long I sat in the parking lot of Wal-Mart in hopes that you would stop!! You never did.....NEVER.

I see you pouncing that shrub. I'm not exactly sure what that shrub did to you but you were fairly consistent with your daily beatings of this thing. Until of course it died. Mission accomplished.

I was terrified in those days of taking the walks we did. Especially when it got dark. I was afraid of every noise and of you getting lost. The photo of us with my GIANT flash light looking for you over my shoulder. You looking right at the camera with glowing eyes laughing at me. Your voice rings loud and clear - "Look at her Dad.....Stupid"

I can still see you all fluffy and furry at our first dog show. You were so little and so stubborn even then.

I can remember the nights I lay in bed. You curled up snoring by my side. You were a loud snorer. I would think about the day that was to come. It hurt even then. I was sure that I would break from the experience. You, who came into my life as if you were always there. As if it were meant to be. And yet I somehow allowed myself to think that the day would never come. That you would actually be with me forever.

And yet.

You are with me forever. Just not in the way that I want you to be.

Today, I remember all the wonderful things you gave me in the short 13 years we had together. Love, Patience, Friendship, Understanding, Courage, Compassion and Strength. You made me a better person Schultzy. I will continue loving you for every single second of my life.

Forever comes in many different ways fuzzy pants.
I love you,

Mummy

Schultzy's Song

Goodnight Irene.......

2011-08-24T14:02:00.000-04:00

We are going on vacation....of course there is a hurricane coming.

Portsmouth, N.H., and Portland through Down East Maine
The eye wall of Irene is forecast to pass close by late Sunday and Sunday night. However, periods of heavy rain, gusts of hurricane force (80 mph) and well above-normal tides can occur. Expect widespread power outages and flooding.

Portsmouth NH Hurricane, Gusts 80 mph, Rain fall 4-8 inches, Storm Surge 2-4 feet.

Crap.....

What Are The Rules?

2011-08-19T08:26:00.000-04:00

The other day while driving home I almost hit a human being. Irregardless of his iridescent neon green walking shirt, water bottle and tight walking pants. I nearly grazed this man with the front end of my bumper. Now I have written about this very topic once before. You can read my incensed rant here.

I think the biggest disappointment in life is that nobody tells you about all the ass-holes festering in the universe. Then again nobody told those ass-holes that I was coming so I suppose the balance remains in tact. However, I'm making a right hand turn, I'm looking to my left, Twinkle Toes is nowhere in sight and then like the butler from Mr. Deebs....there he was. My first thought was to put the car in park, get out and kick him right in his padded tights. Cause if you think I scared you!!! Riddle me this readers...Who walks in front of a car with its blinker on to turn right and can visibly see that the driver is looking left?? Wouldn't you wait to at least acknowledge the fact that the driver does indeed see your Protective Crossing Guard wannabe shirt??? Maybe walk behind the vehicle? There are two cops in my town I'm sure they are not going to write you up for J-walking - I'm pretty sure they can see you from space in that shirt. And I'm all for safety people really I am. But when did it become my responsibility to worry about my actions and the actions of stupid people. Stupid People and Assholes although similar in nature come from two VERY different islands of despair. Sometimes when I read news articles about someone flipping out on a person because they have 20 items in the 12 or Less express lane I think. How long has that person been responsible for Stupid People and Assholes actions? How Long?

I consider myself a well rounded, well adjusted person. (Just ask me, I'll tell you so) I think my parents did an ok job of not f'boming my life up so I can't blame them for EVERYTHING!!! Which is really a shame cause it takes all the fun out of it. My siblings took care of where my parents fell short so I suppose not all is lost. But, I can't take these people anymore. Can we put a chip in them? Tag them somehow? I can download an App for Stupid-People and Assholes. It will let me know how many I've passed and direct me to safer havens. Maybe it will have a laser in it and I can just faaaaayyyyyyyZser them out of my sight. Maybe it will speak like a MIGHTY Sorcerer and shout at them...YOU ARE A STUPID ASSHOLE [insert lightening cracks and thunder]

There easy to spot. Outside of the NEON GREEN safety shirt. Which, by the way was created by a Stupid Asshole to protect Stupid Assholes who sold the rights of this shirt design to some Indonesian sweat shop for millions of dollars and bitches about the fact that we don't support or stimulate our local economy enough. Save that work for the tourist. There the people that never laugh. There the ones who listen to everything "they" say. They fret and worry about everything materialistic and tell you how YOU should live YOUR life because that is what THEY said to do and then get hit by a car because they didn't wait to see if the driver saw them.

You see it is a vicious cycle and I'm convinced that Stupid People and Assholes will keep reproducing at a higher level of ignorance then before.

In closing - I think Zombieland had it right - Zombies are Stupid People and Assholes...therefore if you run into a Stupid Person or an Asshole you'll be ready. "Just Sayin"

Rule
# 1 Cardio
#2 - Double Tap
#3 - Beware of Bathrooms
#4 - Seat belts
#6 - The Skillet
#7 - Travel Light
#8 - Get a Kick ass Partner
#12 - Bounty Paper Towels
#15 - Bowling Ball
#17 - Be A Hero
#18 - Limber Up
#21 - Avoid Strip Clubs
#22 - When in Doubt Know Your Way Out
#29 - Buddy System
#31 - Check The Back Seat
#32 - Enjoy The Little Things
#33 - Swiss Army Knife.

The People That You Meet....When You're Walking Down The Street

2011-08-18T10:32:00.000-04:00

Sing it with me folks.

I'm dedicating this post to two friends and former colleagues, the wonderfully talented and loving Mr. & Mrs. McLaughlin.

Some time ago when I was working for that really BIG technology company I met and worked with some very funny people. The sales department that I worked in was unique to say the least. After 20 or so years, technology has afforded me the opportunity to re-connect. So awesome.

The first time I met Dave he was standing at the front door of my apartment building with his brother. Just picture "Men in Black". I thought they were FBI Agents. This immediately made my intestines squirm and hands shake. I can't remember which one asked in a gruff authoritative voice, "Are there any apartments for rent here?" The rest of that conversation has long withered up and died in my little head.

Not long after this incident I saw the two of them walking into the office where I worked. They ARE!! FBI Agents. I knew it. What are they looking for? I quickly went through the list of people that lived in my building yet none of them worked here with me. What was going on? Unfortunately it was less dramatic and they were just two guys who happened to work for the same company and were going to work. I have an over active imagination..... Dave however got relegated to the land of misfit toys or what was known as The Service Contracts Department.

So you do what you normally do when you have an FNG in the department. Start asking a million questions. Come to find out that him and his brother were grew up in Manchester NH, lived on the same street as we did, played with my brothers and there is a vague memory of me as an infant. Very WEIRD indeed.

I will do my best to describe the scene. Our Department was set up with two rows of desks, two desks facing each other per set up. On top of these desk were these horrific shelves made out of wood that enabled us to store a whole bunch of crap. We each had a full sized file cabinet etc. Dave and Lori shared an office space. Dave and Lori were dating each other. Dave and Lori made out in their office space. I had to move my file cabinet to block the porn. Dave and Lori fell in love.

When our department was lucky enough to be moved to the second floor. Apparently where the "real" sales happened. We were squished into the tiniest space you could possibly imagine. I'm going to guess that it was roughly a 12x6 cubical with five people jammed into it. Amber, Lori, Deb, Miz Piggy[who, by the way Lori I ran into a few years back and it was really really creepy. Think Hannibal Cannibal...."hellllllloooooo Claireeeeeeeeee"] and ME. Deb and I are still working together today. And I can't begin to explain how much I loved working in that small space with those ladies. I never quite enjoyed work as much as I did during that time. We worked hard and laughed our asses off every single day.

When Dave decided that he was going to pursue his dream of being a Stand Up Comedian we sent him off to LA with a "Mike and a Stand". He kept us all laughing and it was exciting and sad to see them go.

Recently I stumbled on this clip and I'm telling you right now.......Its F'n hysterical!!

To see more of Dave you can go HERE! I'm not sure where he will be performing again but if he is ever in your area....he is a must see.

And for all you pet lovers out there go check out Lori's USA MADE PET Store!! She will thank you and so will your dog!!

Best of luck to you my friends!

A Posting From The Dude: "Pretty Girls"

2011-08-01T11:14:00.000-04:00

My Maaaaahhhh said I needed to writeamanation something on the blogaruuuuu because she was not feeling motivated or funny. Which is funny cause sometimes mostly all the time I find my maaaaaaahhhh is pretty funny. Funny in the ways like when I start howling and carrying on she always joins in the fun. Its cool until she hits that really high note...that one hurts my ears. She's pretty funny when we do obedience and says catch the cookie and she hunkers all down to throw a cookie at me. Sometimes I wonder if she thinks my ears are broken cause she talks real slow and says it over and over. "caaaaatch thheeee cooooookie"

But Dudes digress: I have a new neighbor!! I stoleamatated this photo from Grammie Lesesssiz web site cause Dudes are NOT!! allowed to touch the camera and my maaaaaahh didn't have one with her. Although I tried to remind her and instead she just repeated back to me what I just said. She doesn't know DoodAneeeZ that well so I forgive her. Again Dudes digress: Humans and Gentle DOGS please allow me to introduce MY KNEE-C!! no really she's my niece. Some folks call her April, I think I might call her October-Festamanations. Hard to say.....

Isn't she pretty??? Dudes are in love and are contemplating moving to Farmington due to the limited amount of branches on the family trees in that area. I wonder if my Grumpus will notice his motorcycle is missing? Dudes also like flowers....did anyone else know that or is that just me? So, I gaveamatate my last pay check to my maaaaah who went out and got her a new bikini and a CHUCK-it. Maaaah says all girls need something pretty and Dudes say who cares as long as you got a CHUCK-it........

She has a lot of things to learn cause I'm the BMOC [big dude on campus] but she's kinda cute and I think I may just like her.....you know, sometimes.

Mr. Deebs

2011-07-11T11:01:00.001-04:00

This past week on the Compound has been the longest and most painful 7 days of our lives. I'm truly at a loss for the right words and not sure they will ever come correctly. As I sit here looking at Oskar gazing out the window from the kitchen couch, I cannot help but feel my heart crack for the millionth time this week.

There are a limited few who understand in its entirety the mass amount of love that I have for the dogs in my life. There are quite a few who don't and I'm OK with that. Because they don't know what they are missing out on.

Gus, Gus-a-mus, Musman, Gustopher, UG the younger, came crashing into everyone's life like hell on wheels. He was literally more stubborn than Schultz and I had a twinge of "you guys don't know what you're in for" towards Greg and Holly. Quickly followed by a maniacal laugh. I was privileged to make the voyage of picking that little guy up with Maaah, MUG and The Kid. Their wait was finally over.

We went to training classes together with the Dudeman and I got such a laugh watching Holly and Gus together. "Cause nobody controls UG.....C?" Admittedly the worst dog in class but the funniest too. He had a fire in his eyes that was nothing less than trouble but he could melt my heart in a beat when he chose to.

We had numerous morning walks together all four of us wondering what kind of adventure we were going to have today. With all the skunks, p-pines, things that make noises that must be as big as a dinosaur [or a chipmunk], screeching birds, hissing massive nuclear sized owls, ducks, snakes, geese, sandpipers and seagulls nothing was ignored. The talent that Gus had jumping up and around a p-pine was nothing short of spectacular. It was terrifying to watch and yet somewhat amazing. I will always be convinced that he was trying to get Dudeman into trouble and would sound the alert as soon as Holly and I approached the scene of the crime.

He didn't start off right away playing ball. That came after a long stint with a busted leg and 8 weeks in a harness. I can still see him dragging Holly across the yard in the snow. When the addiction set in, Musman had his own set of rules. He would hide under, around or behind anything he could find. You would literally be calling out to him because you had no idea where he went. And after a mild panic attack you would turn around and he would be "right here C!!"

On his good days he would wiggle like a worm or as we termed it "the ding-a-ding" and nothing was more welcoming then his face at the door anticipating a belly bump and an ear piercing bark. The race down to the car in the morning before our walks so he could get a cookie and leave no room for Oskar to get into the car. He was, by all accounts, a Jerk....but I love him for it. I always said he got all his bad habits from Schultzy.

I don't know how they create the magic that they do. I never knew that my heart had that much ability to love. And to Holly I say this: "Nothing but love Maaaah" [inside joke]. I feel lucky to have experienced what they bring into my life more than once. And I would do anything to take away the hurt, pain, sadness, anger and loss.

It isn't fair.

As I whispered into his fuzzy little ear that he needed to stay strong for just a little longer and that when he closed his eyes Schultzy, Ivan, Boris, Baxter and G-baby would be waiting for him so he wouldn't be alone. And I promised him that I would take care of MUG, The Kid and Maaah so he didn't have to worry about them. I knew looking into those amber eyes he understood.

I will love you forever Mustopher. I will miss seeing your face every single day. I hope there are MB's, Ice Cream, Slim Jims, Steak Tips and NO RICE where ever you are. I hope you find lots of birds, tennis balls, large roaming fields to run and bark and nap in. And one day I will see you again....And I'll remember to bring the Chuck-IT!!!

Half Stash and Red Neck Teeth February 2010 Fort Foster

AR & UG

And because they all get a song: For Musman May 2007 - July 2011

Is It Any Wonder?

2011-07-01T13:24:00.000-04:00

I never knew the Gambler died on the train after stubbing his smoke out and doing a shot??? Whats up with that Blair?

Happy Faces!

2011-06-27T16:35:00.001-04:00

Dad, Aaron & Mom

Trying Something New - Momma Angies

2011-06-15T19:46:00.001-04:00

This is a new place right next to My favorite Chinese place. The food is way over priced. The service is horrible. And we couldn't be more disappointed.

I always take issue with staff that pay more attention to my husband and discard me as an after thought. Not making eye contact with the good looking guys wife never earns a lot of points. Not only that, I could not get her attention to place a drink order while she sat and gazed at the Red Sox game. Geoff had to get her attention to order my drink. As a side not to this. Nobody drinks Guinness out of a can. PLEASE present a glass when serving this beer.

The menu looked fantastic but it was a little pricey I thought. They had all the filling pasta dishes that make you want to scarf down a loaf of bread and sauce. However, we were presented with a menu and then proceeded to wait almost 25 min before we were asked if we needed anything. I was officially irritated. We asked for the check and left.

The sad part? The owner of this restaurant Mr. DiGiacomo has passion for what he is doing..based on this article that I found. Poor customer service can kill a restaurant. And based on the food that was being served to the couple next to us it looked and smelled really good. I also feel very strongly about supporting local establishments. JJ always took good care of us and when we ran into him at Greenleaves prior to the opening he came right over to chat with us. I suppose we expected to much.

Questions, Comments, Concerns can be directed to ren@thereneechronicles.com

This iPhone is HipstaMatic!

2011-06-08T00:00:00.002-04:00

I recently found a camera app called HipstaMatic it is the coolest thing I've ever used. In fact I've been using this app far more than my Canon SLR. How sad is that?? You can purchase a number of different films, flashes and cases. I have to be honest...when I have the opportunity to create vintage looking photos on the fly it is very very hard for me to resist.

JUST LOOK!!!

The Apple Tree in my back yard....

my grass infested rock garden - i have to look around but i'm certain i have a picture from 1950 something that looks exactly the same.

seriously who thought you could make that face any sweeter??

I'm in love with this photo......

the grill sadly covered....again.

the tree and lilacs right before they withered away

the dude

the dude again

I want to blow this up....isn't that amazing???

my chandelier off my umbrella...

I "strongly" recommend this app! If you love taking photos this is definitley for you. Now......how do I change the date thing on the photos?????

The Tree

2011-06-07T00:00:00.001-04:00

is in full bloom.....isn't that just gorgeous?

The Marathon Session

2011-06-06T10:57:00.000-04:00

WHAT an incredible weekend this was! My yard is rediculously gorgeous at the moment. Thanks to Geoff for putting in all the muscle power. You are the best and you treat me like a QUEEN. Lobsters and a clam bake were made and it was a feast to behold! The Bruins lost. N'uff said.....

I replaced the umbrella that flew away Mary Poppins like and came crashing down in pieces. I played guitar until the very bright light of dawn with an ole pal.

Songs Learned: Bring It On Home - Little Big Town

Free Fallin - John Mayer

Songs Played:

Whats UP

Please Forgive Me

Three Little Birds

Angel From Montgomery

Boondocks

Teach Your Children

Dead Flowers

Last Kiss

And then we SKYPED with Goody in Florida still playing songs and picking on the guitar. Technology is a wonderful thing.

my little chandalier hanging off the umbrella ~ again, thanks to Geoff for taking EVERY little idea I have and makin it happen!!

Gettin On The G-Train

2011-06-03T16:33:00.000-04:00

Friday night tradition at the Pike house is going to Green Leaves Chinese Restaurant & Lounge

Geoff's Sign

Renee's Sign

Oddly enough Dudes sign is DOG!!

They are the best! We don't even have to place our order any more they just enter it in as soon as we walk through the door. Direct us to the bar and voila` our beverages are served. I'm fairly particular about my Chinese Food. First of all I love it. Favorite Chinese Restaurant growing up. The China Dinah which is really The China Diner which eqauls The China Palace. Only people from Rochester NH will understand what I'm talking about.

If you are ever in York ME and you don't want a Lobstah I highly recommend this place. They will take great care of you I promise.

Favorite foodie item. Dumplings - rediculously good along with the Beef Teryiaki. Like buttah.

What Would You Like For Dinner?

2011-06-02T00:02:00.000-04:00

Grilling is an art.....tonight we had two different pizzas...

a grilled pesto w/ mozzerella and a margarita which slice would you like???

and just to try something different with the AMAZING GOODY Ceasar Salad we grilled some romaine.

it was freakin awesome!!!!!

the good news is....NO MAJOR STORMS! just a creepy yellow glow and a funky haze sitting in the air.

What is your favorite grilling recipe???

JUNE 1ST

2011-06-01T16:58:00.000-04:00

handsome dudeman

I'm catching a cold......blaahhhh

Game 1 is tonight - GO BRUINS

Geoff and I are cooking a grilled pizza and grilled ceaser salad

If the weather holds

28 days until Fourth-A-Palooza

28 days until GOODY is here!!

Spring Time in Kittery Point 2011

2011-05-23T13:00:00.000-04:00

Free Form Friday: Mixed Messages

2011-05-20T00:00:00.043-04:00

The other day as I was preparing to go to work, I heard something on the news that infuriated me. There are a group of parents irate with some model for photos that "send the wrong message" to young girls. Before I go into my little rant I need to say this.

I don't believe that young girls or boys should be so self conscious during their "tween years" when they should be out riding bikes [do kids play outside anymore]. It pains me to see kids "dieting"

But isn't our country on an "Eat Right" bandwagon right now? One school has gone so far as to install cameras in a cafeteria so that parents can watch what their kids are eating. Are you kidding me? What kind of control freaks do we have out there? I must say that if it were me eating in front of that camera I would have waved the giant snickers bar in front of it going HA HA HA!

I'm not OK with any institution dictating to me what I as an adult should eat and not allowing me to make a conscious decision for myself. I understand that there are folks out there who have some challenges. But I don't need to change my actions in order to help the few that do. If I had a large enough podium I could spout out ridiculous arguments and eventually end up sitting on the Today Show in an effort to help the country understand, that if you eat to many fruits you might poop your pants. We all know that right?

Over the course of my life it is no longer OK to eat eggs, red meat, salt, dairy, potato's, white flour, soda, salad dressing [unless made from vinegar and oil] monounsaturated fats or is it poly?, butter, whole milk, corn syrup and a litany of other things that forayed onto the black list.

But it is OK to eat, egg whites, tofu, mrs. dash, pureed cauliflower, wheat flour, water, i can't believe its not butter, soy milk and splenda. Are you [insert GIANT F-BOMB] kidding me? You go off and live your soy infested feaux mashed potato's life and leave me alone. In fact I'll take an extra helping of sour cream [but please make it low fat].

Are we so disillusioned to the fact that moderation is the key to EVERYTHING! The quote exist in the universe telling us that "To much of a good thing is a bad thing." Pretty soon we'll have speakers hooked up on every corner, bus stop & home telling us what to do, how to function, how to dress and bottoms up America!!! Drink your Metamucil for proper colon function!! We cry when we see the farmer go out of business. WE PUT THEM OUT OF BUSINESS!! Last time I checked a chicken still shot an egg out of its back end not a carton of egg whites. If you want to make smarter choices then don't cram processed garbage into your gullet.

Here's a thought folks - why not go for a nice walk, go dancing, do some jumping jacks DO SOMETHING!! Food is not the enemy and sometimes - SOMETIMES! Its pretty darn tasty to chomp down on a quarter pounder with cheese and french fries. How can we expect young kids to have high self esteem if their older generation doesn't have self worth? Suck it up peoples. If you hate the way you look then I'm sorry, I'm sorry that everyday is a constant battle of self esteem for you. But your government, news media, media in general shouldn't be involved with your inability to make smart or dumb food choices. And if we want to tie it all back into health care.....I hate to tell you but we are ALL going to die one day. I'm fairly certain that my Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great Grandparents had no concern what so ever about the debt they were going to leave behind. In the years of 1944 - 1945 the taxes on wages earned was at 94%. It sickens me when I hear how taxing this disease is on our healthcare. Maybe we should stop pouring billions of dollars into Research and we can all die at a younger age. Today with all the freeloading in this country the taxes are at a "mere" 37.9%. Back off - leave me alone. In fact leave us all alone. Go secede from the union. Create your own Zen of Democracy. I'm happy with the one I have now thank YOU very much.

It just grinds my gears......

% The McCluskey's %

2011-05-19T00:00:00.003-04:00

Geoff and I were fortunate enough to have a very special dinner with amazingly dear friends. Sarah is my best bud from high-school. I've written about here previously here. We cooked an amazing feast of rib eyes, potato's and squash bombs. Laughed the entire night away with stories of their kids and lives. I miss them so much! I love you guys. I hope it is not another 10 years before we can see each other again.

Dudes Go to a Birthday CelebrationoftheNATION ~

2011-05-18T00:00:00.003-04:00

My dumbdummy brother turned 4. I was forced to eat cake and ice cream. The only enjoyable part was that I got to put on a party hat!!! Dudes look fantastic. I'm available ladies!! Just sayin.

red velvet AND!! a red hat.

UG!!! get this hat off of ME!!!!!!!!

ohhhhhh cupcakes....DUDES LOVE CUPCAKES!

"behold the GREAT DOOODEENIE!!

Springtime: By The Dude

2011-05-17T00:00:00.002-04:00

So, you know, sometimes....when the tweetie birds start to tweetamanate? Well they do. And they are also very hungry too! Sometimes I like to sit in the warm sun and just watch them. I've tried hanging from the feeder upside down but that didn't end so well for me. My bestest yard friend CHIPPER!!! also comes by for snacks. He's my favorite. I keep asking him if he wants to ride on top of my head but he always runs away!

So this sometime my mahhh was taking pictures of me. I'm very photomagentic.

dudes are roun and brown....shhhhh don't say anything about it i'm very sensitive.

where are you chipper???

hello little chick-a-dee.....wait Dudes sense there may be something else lurking....

see...sometimes i start to hear buzzing sounds and i think its the noise that my brain makes when its sleeping. but what my mahhh didn't know, was that i was not watching the birds at all!!! I was stalking mr. bumbles...Dudes LOVE bumbles!

i am handsome.....come back mr. bumbles!!! bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

My Apron Goodness

2011-05-16T10:25:00.000-04:00

Remember that Apron swap that I participated in? I'm finally getting around to posting the amazing stuff that I received. My SWAP Pahhtnah was the talented Jen Saia Thank you Jen! You ROCK!!

"the opening of the box"

i immediately put everything on

dinner anyone? not sure why the pen is in my mouth....

forget cooking....lets drink some wine instead and plan a party!

A Current Theme Song ~

2011-05-05T08:16:00.001-04:00

At first I was afraid

I was petrified

I kept thinking

I could never live without you by my side

But then I spent so many nights

Just thinking how you'd done me wrong

And I grew strong

I learned how to get along

So now you're back

From outer space

I just walked in to find you here

Without the look upon your face

I should have changed my fucking lock

I would have made you leave your key

If I'd have known for just one second

You'd be back to bother me

Oh now go,

Walk out the door

Just turn around now

You're not welcome anymore

Weren't you the one who tried to break me with desire

Did you think I'd crumble

Did you think I'd lay down and die

Oh no, not I

I will survive

As long as I know how to love I know I'll be alive

I've got all my life to live

I've got all my love to give

I will survive

Yeah, yeah

It took all the strength I had

Just not to fall apart

I'm trying hard to mend the pieces

Of my broken heart

And I spent oh so many nights

Just feeling sorry for myself

I used to cry

But now I hold my head up high

And you see me

With somebody new

I'm not that stupid little person still in love with you

And so you thought you'd just drop by

And you expect me to be free

But now I'm saving all my loving

For someone who's loving me

Oh now go,

Walk out the door

Just turn around now

You're not welcome anymore

Weren't you the one who tried to break me with desire

Did you think I'd crumble

Did you think I'd lay down and die

Oh no, not I

I will survive

As long as I know how to love I know I'll be alive

I've got all my live to live

I've got all my love to give

I will survive

Yeah, yeah

The Winner IS!!

2011-05-03T16:55:00.000-04:00

Jessica S. From Southern California wrote:

She says if the earth shatters, and we're thrown to the sea,
Nothing else matters, just home-bound, carry me.
And if you're unsure of where to go,
Just ask somebody, where is Mexico

Thanks Jessica!! Please email me your contact information and I'll send your print right out! For other cool prints please go take a look at Judy Kaufmanns Illustration on Etsy!

Eye Spy Weekend Adventures - And a GIVEAWAY!!

2011-04-26T10:21:00.000-04:00

It rained like a motha on Saturday - apparently some places got snow! I'm so happy that it wasn't here or anywhere that I was. I'm done with you Mr. Freeze until next season!!! The Mister and I went out and did a little shopping on Saturday. We are in prep mode for FOURTH-A-PALOOZA. My second favorite holiday next to Christmas.

Of course prior to our shopping adventures we needed a little sustenance. I took the Mister to Mikes Clam Shack! I know two weekends in a row!

Then we were off to Tractor Supply I secretly love this place because it is chalkah-block full of home garden goodness. They also had these cute little chicks and baby ducks that you couldn't touch. Stupid rules.

Then it was off to purchase the "SMOKAH" in preperation for Fourth-A-Palooza 2011. Matt will be making the trek up from the South and we couldn't be happier about it! We figured the airlines would frown on a smoker being brought on as a carry on item so we got one for him. By the way...if you've never had Matts food from the grill you are missing out. If you want to experience awesomeness then I suggest you show up on July 2nd!!

we had to try it out!

We then ventured over to [please insert singing choir of angels] TRADER JOE'S

I felt like I was in vintage heaven. And, they have the best prices for wine anywhere!!

hello beautiful cupcake box's of love......

And one last piece of sunshine...Easter Sunday was AHHHHMAAAZZZING! Just look.....

THE RENEE CHRONICLES SPRING GIVEAWAY

I found this artist from another blog that I read called Mint [or you can find her link on my sidebar] She is wonderfully creative and I basically want to purchase everything that she post. I was introduced to Judy Kaufmann's Etsy Store she has a fab array of prints that are just stunning and today one lucky winner will have the opportunity to hang this beauty on their wall. Please leave a comment!! Entries will be accepted until May 1st 2011 at Midnight EDT.

GOOD LUCK!!

Free Form Friday % Renee's Adventures In Skiing ~ Part One

2011-04-22T10:00:00.002-04:00

In the not so distant past I had a pon-chon` for skiing. Like most things in my pink universe I woke up one day and said: "I want to try skiing....again". So I did. However, there is a back story about the VERY first time I went skiing at Sugar Loaf with my Aunt/Uncle and cousins. Who, by the way, have skied pretty much everywhere. Which automatically qualifies them as expert, professional or Olympic skiers to me.

Once Apon A Time........while vacationing in the great upper regions of Northern Maine,

I survived the terrifying whip of the chair lift and was griping the rail like a calf to slaughter when it occurred to me that I had no idea how to unclench my fist. Nor did I have the knowledge of what to do when I was suppose to get off said death trap chair that was blowing madly in the wind taunting me with its creaking and swaying. My instructions were, "to keep your tips up and push yourself off the chair when your feet hit the ground." I thought to myself, Ummmm OK! how about I just jump onto your back now and we can pretend that this day is never going to happen.

That little bump where you hold the tips of your ski's was like Mount Vesuvius. I could smell my own fear. Maybe it was something else, its hard to say in times of sheer terror. Then came lesson number two. These words came at me more like the Xerox dude rattling off whatever that man rattled off. "When your feet hit, point your tips towards each other, bend your knees, dig in until you stop."

Here are my list of concerns for the next 15 seconds of my life:

what happens if I don't make it off the chair?
will the chair hit me and cause me to die?
can the tips of my skis actually poke into that little bump of snow?
how do I lift, push, point, bend and stop at the same time?
are you sure you know how to teach a person to ski?
can I have a list of previous clients that are currently skiing the Swiss Alps?
does anyone within arms length know CPR?
can 14 year olds have heart attacks? I'm pretty sure I'm having one right now.
I think I have sweated through my wind proof gloves and my hands are stuck to the metal.
I'm also pretty certain that my ass is stuck to the seat.
can't I just whip around and get back to the bottom that way?

So with much reluctance I hoisted my tips up held my poles like two machine guns, shoved my fanny of that chair, bent my knees and turned my tips in. If I were Nadia Comaneci I would have received a perfect 10. And there I stood with all my appendages attached feeling as if I had just concurred the world. I was rewarded with, "Not bad!! Great Job!!! Now I want you to use your poles and push yourself towards me." No problem - push push push Voila`!

My next task: "Renee,It is important that you keep your tips pointing towards each other. If you want to turn left lean onto your right ski. If you want to turn right lean onto your left ski." I'm to french to change my right to left and left to right. In reality, I already confuse my left to right and need to remind myself to use my OTHER right. I'm terrified because I'm wearing mittens and I have to hold my hands up to figure out my left from my right. I'll have to use my visualization techniques and hope for the best. Next lesson: "Renee, It is also important that you never NEVER let your ski's come together. Got it?" No....I don't got it? Whats going to happen to me if my ski's come together? I just conquered the tipup-n-shove off technique cut me some slack.

Just don't let it happen.

As my eyes finally decided to take a look around it had occurred to me that the Sun was just millimeters from my grasp. Not to steal a quote but I'm fairly certain I could see Russia from where I was standing. With my stomach lurching, my visualization techniques showing me which hand makes the L, I once again...shoved off. I slowly curved to the right, then slowly to the left. Hmmmm I can do this! Look at MEEEEE I'M SKIING!!

And then it happened. I looked down at my skis and they were parallel. My skis had united and were now on a mission to end my life. To make this story more realistic I was creating sonic booms as I whizzed by people. Or maybe it was the terrifying scream that was exploding from my body. MY SKI's are TOOOOOGETHHHHHEERRRRRRRRRRRRR GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Down the slope I went faster than Mario Andretti trying to figure out what to do. The voice of God then came slamming into my nugget of a brain advising me if you turn you'll stop going down the mountain. So I did, except there was a giant towering hunk of steel snickering at me and I wasn't going any slower. I could hear people screaming at me to stop but I hadn't got that far in my lesson plan. So I leaned to the left so I could hopefully escape splattering myself like Daffy Duck. This turn didn't help because I was picking up speed at a remarkable rate and the edge of the mountain was looming....like Wile Coyote except I'm certain there wouldn't be a little poof of dust when I hit bottom. And then it occurred to me to just drop to the ground because I didn't know what else to do. At that moment I proceeded to induce a massive sled wedgie that left a permanent scar on my fragile tail bone.

When the cheering and clapping stopped my cousin informed me that I was "totally embarrassing him" and "shoved off" I was still alive and was not dangling from a tree off a cliff. M-O-O-N that spells safe.

I'm not exactly sure what type of skill I presented during the remainder of the morning but it was obviously enough for my Uncle to drag me up to the highest mountain top slash BLACK DIAMOND trail where I was then presented with my next life challenge.

MOGULS

{insert scary - horror movie music now}

I wanted off this mountain and I wanted to get away from these crazy people. How could my parents leave me in the care of these maniacs? I now had the whatever it takes mentality. Whatever I have to do to get off this mountain that's what I'm going to do. I was turning the page to chapter 5,984 in my Learn How To Ski In A Day workbook [subtitle - caution you may die today] when I said NO! I am all done with this. I'm all done with your lies and terrorizing. I'm going down this mountain and I'm NEVER coming back!

I did a full air borne somersault after hitting the first mogul and jammed the back of my skis up to my bindings in snow. Didn't matter....I just had to wait long enough to start breathing again and insure that I could wiggle my toes and fingers. I was on my way. Up I went trying to snow plow through snow mines of danger and destruction. Then, it happened again. Those tips conspired against me one last time and I was now on a suicide run to the finish. I hit the first mogul and launched about 5 ft. in the air. I braced for my landing and was flying like a lawn dart down the slope. I hit the second mogul 20ft up. Mind you, I'm terrified beyond belief and screaming like a raped ape but I am all done with this mountain. By the middle of this run I am amazingly still up on two legs and I see my Aunt standing at the bottom. Like metal to a magnet I was heading right for her with the speed of a freight train gone wild. It must have been an amazing site to see. I imagine it was like a Pepe` le Pew chasing after his Me Amore [only not as calm] as I was bouncing like a rubber ball higher and higher into the air. As I sped closer to my Aunt I could see the look of terror on her face. I kept yelling at her to move out of the way, I didn't know how to stop. Like a deer to a set of head lights my Aunt just stood there.

Some how by the grace God that day I survived. I shushed to a stop as if I had been skiing all my life. Terrified and slightly dehydrated I looked at my Uncle and informed him that I would never again grace a mountain side with my being and limped off to find my parents.

Stay Tuned for Part Deux...

Flirty Apron Swap - SENT

2011-04-20T09:47:00.000-04:00

I wasn't going to post any picutres until the swap was officially completed. I can't wait any longer. I have all this crazy anxiety. So below are some photos that didn't come out so hot because I took them with my phone. My package went out in the mail with all of its lovely goodness tucked inside. Its kind of like Christmas!! And if you read my blog you know how much I love Christmas!!!!.

i personally love the polk-a-dots

a somewhat full view......

a behind the scenes view...

wrapped up and ready to GO!!!

Breathe In Breathe Out.....

2011-04-18T11:43:00.000-04:00

This is what Oskar was doing Saturday morning standing in front of the door. Think of someone who is trying to remain calm. Dudes had a little upset stomach but I couldn't stop myself from laughing at him.

SO MUCH has been going on!

First - We had dinner with Sarah and Jason McCrusty oops I mean McCluskey. They are here visiting family and friends and what a wonderful visit it was. It is so wonderful being able to spend time with them and we laughed the entire night away. I love them and wish we weren't so far apart. The dinner menu was spectacular. [because I was cooking]
Delmonico Steaks
Squash Bombs
Baby Potatoes
And - horrible nasty feaux cheesecake things which we didn't eat.

The best part about the night? Was just taking a moment to listen to my husband and Jason laughing away. And having one of my closest friends sitting just an arms length away. So so special.

I can't say that I didn't wake up with a little storm cloud circulating in my head but there was much to be done in the yard!! We were up and at it first thing Saturday and what a job we did! Some time ago I was discussing with Geoff all the things I wanted to do in the yard. And ladies believe me when I tell you this guy makes it all come true.

First up was the garden box for the larger vegetables like squash - leeks - tomato's etc. Geoff helped me with all the measuring but I put the whole thing together myself. Power Tools and ALL!!

the box with a heavy tarp to keep stuff from popping through.

no photo would be complete with out a little help from The Dude

And do you see that box to the right??? That is my little hot house for seeds that Geoff made me! It totally rocks!

Once we were done with that it was back to raking the remainder of the yard. The final section in the front was completed with multiple wheel barrel runs...ooooooof! I'm glad that part is finally over. I then had to turn my attention to Geoff as he was working away adding a little length to the deck. And before you knew it we were done!!!

the old deck

The new deck!!

lots of room for FOURTH-A-PALOOZA

Then I had to get cracking on my flirty apron swap and find all the little sweet tuck ins to go with it. That included a trip to MARDENS with Mom and a little lunchie lunch afterward at Mikes Clam Shack. I'll post pictures after the swap but for now I've got to get that package in the mail.

Photobucket

2011-04-13T14:17:00.000-04:00

Photobucket - you say that only 2% of your users are being impacted by what is obviously a massive blunder. Maybe you should consider adding an SLA for your paying customers who are actually loosing money based on the incompetence of your IT staff. Can you please explain to us what that 2% equates to in dollars lost for your customers...? I'll be interested to know how your Venture Capital companies will react to the drop in service once this over. Can you calculate those dollars? Are they willing to compensate for the money we the PAYING USER lost? Are continuing to lose? So a rough guess is 460,000 customers are without access to their information for 3 days. Do you think your Venture Capital companies would be willing to compensate $100 a day for each customer? Do you think that they would be willing to take a $138,000,000.00 hit? That is what 2% should mean to you.

Flirty Apron Swap Part Deux

2011-04-10T08:55:00.000-04:00

Things are rolling along nicely in my little Apron World...And people are very curious as to what I have picked for fabric. Rest assured my little sewing bees!! I have something FANTABULISTIC! but I can't post yet. It will blow my cover and my swapping partner will TOTALLY know. I promise I will post when the time is right. heee heeeee SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!

Prezzies In The Mail

2011-04-06T10:45:00.000-04:00

Nothing says ole school like.......

it works too!

I got this little gem from The White Tide on Etsy. She has some great finds so go and check her store out!

Surprise Visits

2011-04-04T13:14:00.000-04:00

Nothing pleases me more then having visitors just come by. Especially friends that you have not seen in over a year. Sarah and Matt Milliken are so awesome and when the four of us get together it is always a laugh fest of epic proportions. It becomes a: who can say what the quickest and we were all on our game today.

We had a fantastic dinner @ The Shipyard Brew Pub in Eliot, ME

It was a great time to catch up - laugh ALOT!!!! and be out with really great friends.

me & mrs. m

the brothers

Flirty Apron Swap

2011-04-02T10:37:00.000-04:00

I've joined my first ever swap!! And heading on out today to get super fab material.

The snow is melting HURRRRAY!! but no outside work can be done. BOOOOOOOO. So, its running errands and then hittin the sewing machine like a rock-star. [well in my head i'm a rockstar]

COME ON! ENOUGH ALREADY!!

2011-04-01T08:28:00.000-04:00

No Joke Folks - this is what it looked like when I got up this morning. [except for the green hue....i added that in!]

I'm Dreaming of....

2011-03-30T08:20:00.000-04:00

The Challenges Of Being Sick

2011-03-27T09:51:00.000-04:00

I have done nothing in almost two weeks. I'm going out of my mind with total boredom. Tuesday allowed me a trip to the doctors where they prescribed a litany of drugs + x-rays to find out that I have a good case of pneumonia. Which isn't to surprising considering my office is currently festering with the bubonic plague. So, after several days of antibiotics, steroids and inhalers I do believe that I see light at the end of the tunnel.

Yesterday defined "puttering" around the house. You can't tell me to do nothing. Although I get in contact with my lazy self quite often I have determined that I'm not all that lazy. I can only take so many days of watching On-Demand movies which included but are not limited to: The Fighter [awesome movie], The Notebook, Made In Heaven, Jack-Ass 3D which made me laugh so hard I actually felt worse for watching it. I've played X-Box Tiger Woods Golf longer than I ever imagined I would but Geoff still kicks my butt. Can't he let me win just once.

I've sketched out garden plans for this year. Found the ends of the inter-webs and have realized that when you sit on Facebook for days on end people just are not updating fast enough. I need news people!!! I've started several types of pepper and tomato seeds and then catch myself just staring at those little pods as if I can actually see them grow. In fact I think I have. I've eaten more grilled cheese sandwiches that I may not poop for the rest of the year. I know...I know but when you hit a certain age these things start to matter.

I've taken my last antibiotic this morning. All of my appendages are crossed in hopes that this round will be successful and there is no relapse. Honestly if there is death is the better option. Dude hates me as I've not walked him in two weeks. I think he is plotting my exit strategy as I type this.

Spring is crawling into New England but I have high hopes that I'll be raking leaves and working outside soon enough. That's where I've been these last few weeks. Hopefully the blogging will continue on a happier and more upbeat note.

Until then......

I am Sick - I love Infomercials

2011-03-18T10:43:00.000-04:00

I've been home sick for 3 days now. uggggg. My Boss man - bless him kicked me out of the office this morning...which led to me weeping all the way home. Hello Fever, I thought you left the arena yesterday. Blast YOU!!!!

So, in my drug induced state I've managed to watch a lot of TV....Did you know that for just .35 cents a day you can do a ton of stuff???

plan your funeral
take care of hungry kids
purchase magazines from publishers clearing house
plan your spouses exit strategy
join nutri-system
buy an ab-shredder
buy dentures from aspen dental

ooooof the choices they give us! good thing my credit cards reside in the other room as i'm to feeble to get up and order:

new knives
SHAM-WOW
pure essentials make up
pro-active
no no hair removal system
magic bullet

I now have a major addiction to Thera-Flu and Infomercials. If I were tech savvy enough I would create an app that would notify me when new infomercials are released. Product is a woman's second best friend and anything that will make my wrinkles disappear, make me look fabulous, clean my house, make my whites whiter including my teeth has my attention...drugged or not.

I'm Renee Pike and I love INFOMERCIALS!

SATURDAY - DOG WALKS

2011-03-13T10:49:00.000-04:00

SPRING is in the air.....and it feels awesome. Today was the first time in a long time we got to enjoy a nice long dog walk without 20 below wind gust.

A QUICK SMILE BEFORE....

THE GEESE STARTED HONKING..AND THEN

WE DID A LITTLE MOLE HUNTING....

but the best part....

i got to wear my pretty flower mud boots by bogg!

Bogs Women's Classic Mid Paisley Boot,Blue,11 M US

What did you do outside today?

+ i have a crush +

2011-03-08T16:00:00.000-05:00

geoff @ fourth-A-palooza 2010

i'm not even sure he knows that i have a crush on him. he attends my fourth-A-palooza party every year. drinks all of my beer but that's ok i keep buying more so he'll stick around. he should have been a music scout, he finds really cool artist that are new.

sometimes in the summer i will stalk him because he likes to make boats. i'll just sit there and watch him as he pieces wood together and suddenly he has made the frame of a boat. plus he is super sexy man doing super manly stuff. i wonder if he ever see's me spying on him.

i wonder if i can convince him to ask me out on a date this week. i imagine that it would be someplace super romantic. last night i asked him to marry me and he said yes....then i asked him again to make sure it was real.

i wonder if he knows that i have a super crush on him? i'll have to get up the nerve to ask.

Acorn Organic Salon With Doctor Laura

2011-03-06T10:14:00.000-05:00

Dudes came to the salon to make sure the job was getting done right!

Dudes Buddies

2011-03-02T10:01:00.000-05:00

Dude lost another friend the other day so he asked me to post this picture. We will miss you G-Baby and all your grouchiness. I know that Schultz, Baxter and Boris will take good care of you.

Greta - 1998 - 2011

MARCH!!! is in the house

2011-03-01T09:42:00.000-05:00

The cold is never ending. And I'm grateful that February is behind us. I miss walking on the ground and I refuse to put my snow shoes on one more time this year. I've been buying plants to somewhat satisfy my need to plant and pluck leaves and flowers.

What do you do to keep yourself from going crazy???

Begin Again

2011-02-25T14:05:00.000-05:00

"I was dreamin' of tomorrow so I sacrificed today

And it sure was a grand waste of time"

Oooops - gone longer than I intended. I've got a major case of winter blues going on and I haven't been able to come up with one creative thought for my blog.

this guy has helped get me through it.

In September [which I do not want to come that quickly] the Mr. and I will be having our photos done by the AMAZING!!!!!! folks from

So exciting!! You should definitely check their site out. I cannot wait to meet them! There are lots and lots of you out there hitting this little ole BLOG!!! I almost capped the 2,000 mark and I haven't blogged all month. Whoever you all are thanks for dropping in! I'm amazed.

I promise to get back on track....And I would love to hear from all of YOU!

I'll see you in MARCH.

Inter-Webs Are Broken

2011-02-01T09:38:00.000-05:00

Internet is out until Saturday - I'll be back then!

Hey Mon!!! We Be Goin To Reggae Fest In Da Osmobile Mon!

2011-01-31T00:00:00.001-05:00

I should start this off by saying: Mom, you may not want to read this....but it was an ACCIDENT!!!!!

In honor of borrowing Dads car week! [oh this is just the tip of the iceberg folks] This frantic call came from the payphone at camp as the car we were going to take broke down.

Me -"Dad! Can I please borrow the car for the weekend?"

Dad - "Where are you going?"

Me - "Reggae Fest in Burlington VT on Saturday"

Dad - "OK Ren I'll drop the car off on Friday"

There are two things I would like to point out here. A) Honesty that the under 21 daughter fully tells her parents where she is going and B) Had they really known what Reggae Fest was all about I'm pretty sure they would have given a harsh NO! [hence my theory in it never hurts to ask!]

This was a collective group from Bernadette and Fatima going up to Vermont. The 4 hour drive up - The 12 hour stay - The drive back to Wolfboro.

Our descent into Burlington was equivalent to a prisoners 24 hour furlough. We all had to be back at base with in 36 hours. We packed an unlimited supply of cheap Vodka, MGD and possibly some other illicit substances that were not in MY possession. We set up shop with a massive picnic spread, sat in a circle Koombieyah style and proceeded to each carve out a pineapple for our Vodka drinking enjoyment. We listened to music and breathed in the sweet sweet well you know......It was nothing less than extraordinary.

A few hours into it I recall sitting there on my little blanket fest of love thinking....I'm hungry. Well, I must have said the words out loud because the hand of God came from above and handed me.....

a brownie.

You know the scene from Pulp Fiction when John Travolta says "I've never tried a $5 shake?" and then he takes a sip and says "That's a good f'n shake". That's pretty much my experience with eating this brownie.

Needless to say I woke up about 8 hours later...First I opened my eyes to see light fluffy clouds and then music and then confusion. I sat up and my blanket circle of friends all started clapping. I was most embarrassed and couldn't figure out what had happened. Its very difficult to have a group of twenty drunk people all reenact me taking the brownie, falling over, passing out laying on the blanket laughing their asses off. But they all stayed to make sure I was still breathing. Thankfully!

The rest of the day was spent drinking a ton of water and not taking any more hand outs from the group next to us as they too! were getting quite the laugh. This was the day I learned to NEVER take brownies from strangers. This was also the day I was introduced to watching my friend do a giant whip-it from a balloon. As we were packing folks up and searching for missing parties I came across {I'll call her Sue - because I'm not sure she wants to be mentioned in this} Sue, running towards me going....you've got to try this!!! I then proceeded to watch Sue in-hale off this massive romper room balloon, her face turned purple and she fell backwards to the ground.

I'm not a certified EMT but I'm pretty certain this can't be good. So we all go running over and she's laying there laughing and clutching onto that balloon for life. Sue!! what the hell are doing?? You gotta try it.....that, is awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwesssssommmmmmmmmmmme dude. Ahhh, I've had enough adventure for one day thank you very much. We scrapped Sue off the ground and brought her back.

Here is the interesting part - As we were getting ready to go I ran into a girl who had locked her keys out of the car. One of my friends who was staying in Burlington knew that there was a Lock Smith downtown. So we picked her up and brought her downtown. MANY years later my Sister in-law is telling me a story of how she went to Reggae Fest and locked her keys out the car and someone brought her to the locksmith. I said did she drive a Red Sentra? Yes. Yeah this is gonna sound weird but that was me. Funny how paths cross isn't it?

The drive home that night was forever long. Nothing is more boring than driving down Interstate 89 with 4 other people sleeping in the car. I've never been a fan of Jersey Barrier's and Orange buckets on the highway and I'm glad at least one person stayed awake to keep me company. It was the moment that I looked up and thought I was about to run into the back end of an 18 wheeler and realized it was road sign. DAM!! I thought I was OK!!! A few moments later I hear this........

You know Renee, I think I'm still wasted.....I thought that sign was giant truck!!!

The Dead Are Coming!!

2011-01-28T00:00:00.001-05:00

[this story will be the beginning of Becoming Me. imagine telling a story after a few glasses of wine where you segment off to million other things. that's how this series is going to start off]

In my younger days I was quite the little tree hugger. And after working a couple summers at Camp Bernadette as a counselor I forged some amazing friendships with some very special people. Working at camp was one of the best experiences I ever had. A good amount of the people who worked there had spent their entire childhood years at this camp. I was most definitely coming in as "a stranger". For whatever reason Camp and I were meant to be and it was as if I had been going there my entire life. During my stint at Bernadette I became great friends with Mary Gruetzke and Margot Messier.

Now that you know all of that irrelevant information let me tell you about the time I borrowed my dads car to go see the Grateful Dead.....

Me - "Dad! Can I borrow the car to go see the Grateful Dead with Mary? They are coming up and we are going to drive down to see them together.

Dad - Sure

Our plan was that I would leave on Friday drive down to Rhode Island hang out at her house and we would leave early Saturday morning to drive down to Baltimore, stay overnight and leave early to drive back to Rhode Island and New Hampshire Sunday. As I'm preparing to leave on Friday:

Dad - "So, I'll see you tomorrow night?"

Me - "No, the show is tomorrow night, today I'm driving to Rhode Island and then we are driving to Maryland."

Dad - "WHAT???" "I thought you said they were coming up?" "Maryland is not coming up!"

Me - "Well, they are coming up to Maryland. Its not that far."

Dad - "Its 13 hours away!"

Me - "Can I still use the car?"

Dad - "grumblegrumblegrumblegrumblegrumblegrrrrrrrrrrrrr yes." "You need to be careful! Drive safely" "Don't let the car overheat!!" "Call me if anything goes wrong".

So off I went. The drive down to Rhode Island was completely uneventful. The drive to Maryland was another story.

I-95 will take you any place you want to go on the Eastern Seaboard. Our bags were packed and our tickets were in hand. We were off to see The Dead...until suddenly as we were about to cross the George Washington Bridge the car started to over heat. I saw a Citgo station right off the exit before crossing over and made an abrupt turn off the highway.

I blindly turned my car into the Citgo station and said, "I'll be right back." I trotted over to the attendant in my hippie skirt and long hair and said to the very large black man behind the bullet proof glass [how odd] that I needed a gallon of anti-freeze. No response. "Excuse me, sir? May I please purchase a bottle of anti-freeze?" As he stood there looking right at me with no response I suddenly saw in the reflection of the window 5 large black men. All in aviator sunglasses one with a beret`. One of them spoke to the man behind the bullet proof glass and then to me as I very slowly turned around and tried very hard to stop myself from pooping like an infant.

"What is it that you need Miss?" I ahhhhhh just need a bottle of anti-freeze. What was taking place in my head was. "Holy crap Jesus please get me out of here. I have no idea where I am. I think we are going to die. I'm pretty sure they don't want my Grateful Dead tickets...where gonna die....where gonna die.....where gonna die......

The two men corresponded back and forth in some other language and then Mr. Beret guy said to me. "Twenty Dollars". Sure here....here is Twenty American Dollars for a $2.99 bottle of anti-freeze. Yes sir here it is please take it and please don't kill me in the process...are they carrying guns??? WTF? Its broad daylight? Where the hell am I??? Don't look, don't look, don't look just hand the money over try not to have shaky hands and hope to God above that I get that bottle of anti-freeze. The man behind the bullet proof glass unlocked the window and slid it back just enough to jam the bottle through and immediately slammed the window shut.

[insert loud PTHTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!! noise here]

I took the bottle of anti-freeze and turned around to the Mr. Beret man and thanked him for helping me. He replied with this. "You are welcome Miss. Now hurry up! You have less than five minutes to put that in your car and get the hell out of here. Any longer than that and I cannot be responsible for what is going to happen to you." "You must be nuts to pull your car into the middle of the Bronx Miss. Hurry up and get out of here."

What transpired next is a bit of a blur. Jamming the hood open, the sound of a clock ticking in my head. Mary freaking out in the car. Trying to get the key into the ignition and having no idea how to get back onto the highway. It was like having a target on the car. HEY LOOK AT US!!!! WE'RE FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE!!!!! Mary telling me to hurry up and get us out of here.

Oi! I don't think we stopped the car that day until we got to the hotel. But we made it to the concert and it was amazing! It is the only show I ever went to where they played Scarlet Begonias. In fact below is the set list from the entire show!!

Capital Centre, MD

March 16 1990

Let the Good Times Roll

Touch of Grey

New Minglewood Blues

Peggy-O

Queen Jane Approximately

Loser

Black-Throated Wind

Bird Song

Blow Away

Scarlet Begonias

Estimated Prophet

Ship of Fools

Man Smart/Woman Smarter

drums

The Other One

Stella Blue

Sugar Magnolia

This Could Be the Last Time

We experienced what all Dead Heads experience at a show. It was awesome and I'm so glad I had the chance to experience it with Mary. I will never ever forget it. And neither will my Dad as he still asks. "Hey Ren! Are The Dead coming up?" aaaaaahhahahahahahaha. Thanks for the car Dad!

On Deck - Borrowing "the car" to go to Reggae Fest in Vermont....Holly?

Get Back To Where You Once Belong......

2011-01-27T09:55:00.000-05:00

"Get back Loretta!!!"

OK - So I must confess, I have had a massive case of blogger block. Sometimes you can over complicate the smallest things in your life. And then, I had an epiphany!! As an interjection to my everyday life post I'm going to work on writing more about well, ME. I thought I may have used up all my funny stories but I assure you there are quite a few that have bubbled up to the surface lately. I will label this segment: Becoming ME. You will be introduced to a cast of characters that have greatly impacted my life and greatly influenced my ever so amazing sense of humor. Never hang out with people who don't make you laugh. What's the point in that?

As an update and homage to my AMAZING husband I have to share with you birthday week. And all the wonderful people who contributed in making my transition into a new decade special.

Birthday WEEK was awesome. And now that he has raised the bar I will expect nothing less going forward.

Monday January 17th - On the first day of birthday week my true love gave to me....MAC OSX 10.6

Tuesday January 18th - On the second day of birthday week my true love gave to me.....A ZIPPO Lighter which he swore he would never buy for me again if I lost my other one. Technically I didn't. I had that lighter for over 16 years and dropped it down the nasty drain hole in the garage. So I know exactly where it is.

Wednesday January 19th - Official Birthday - I came into work with lovely flowers on my desk...cards that made me smile, a beautiful hammered and letter stamped bracelet, a wonderful lunch with my colleagues and longtime friends. Geoff cooked me dinner - I had carrot cake to which Geoff sung happy birthday to me in all of the dogs voices. And a brand new pair of Ray Ban Aviator sunglasses. [wooooooooooosh - i know totally spoiled!!!!!!]

Thursday January 20th - On the fourth day of Birthday Week my true love gave to me.....a thick pair of marino woolie socks. And my Mom made me amazing socks that are all cabled and totally gorgeous!!!!!!! plus a new cast iron skillet for muffins and other yummy things.

Friday January 21st - On the fifth day of Birthday Week my true love gave to me....a sound chord for my computer and some fleecy fingerless gloves...[that are awesome and i love them very much]

Saturday January 22nd - On the last day of Birthday Week my true love gave to me....Surprised me with friends coming over and taking me out to my favorite Italian restaurant Mimmos!

Thank you so much Geoff for making my birthday so special and amazing. I love you. And a big thank you to everyone who remembered me on my birthday. I'm so lucky to have amazing people in my life.

Is it Good or Is it Bad?

2011-01-20T10:07:00.000-05:00

This post is more of a thought swirling around in my head so I apologize up front for its lack of formality.

Dog walks are currently very hard. We have to snow shoe our way through it. I love to snow shoe. However, the amount of concentration, energy and effort it takes at 5 AM to do this can sometimes reduce your inner self to a crying toddler on the floor of Wal-Mart. The pace is not a nice leisurely walk. We are on a time crunch. On a normal pavement walk we can make it in half an hour. Snow shoe days add an additional 10 min. These 10 minuets are normally spent guzzling down a fresh hot cup of coffee. And without enough coffee to jolt my system I tend to be a giant wanniewanniewoowoo pain in the but. It is hard to get up and walk the Dude sometimes. Especially when you know the challenge that awaits you. But his face and the sense of accomplishment that immediately comes over you when you finish are "always" so worth it.

Due to recent events that I just can't discuss I have been sitting back and observing a lot of things. More so about me because lets face it people I am narcissistic. This entire blog ooozzzes it like molasses. I'm secure in that. So, in case you haven't been told - Life is a well coordinated jazz fest. My marriage is my greatest accomplishment to date. And I know that Geoff would agree with me on this because we've discussed this mulitple times. Anyone who tells you that marriage is easy has never been married. Marriage is awesome please don't get me wrong. Marriage is work. Does anyone want to know what the golden ticket is?

Communication. If you can't share everything and I mean everything then it won't work. I can't believe that Geoff and I have been together for 20 years! The only other thing I've done longer than that is live. And we have had as most couples do some murky lakes of burning oil that we needed to swim through. For Better or Worse. Nobody tells you that the worst is nearly debilitating. And when you reach the other side you've either learned something or you haven't. I can assure you that when you stop talking to each other you are definitely in trouble. Sometimes its a challenge - but just because it isn't shiny and happy doesn't mean that its bad. [for the most part]

Gardening is a total challenge and admittedly sometimes they look pretty bad. So what does that mean? Do you stop doing it because it didn't come out the way you hoped it would? Well if you had a neighbor like mine who's yard is immaculate your answer would be no. However I designed my gardens my self. I'm certain he had "someone" design his. His gardens are static - mine are dynamic!!! I always want them to look amazing and sometimes I get a little OCD about the whole thing. Weeding is not my bag. I love pruning and plucking and watering but I hate weeding. And sometimes when you want to toss the towel in because you completely overloaded the vegetable garden and there isn't enough room for stuff to grow. Someone will say - that is so pretty! I've always wanted to do that. Or hand you a framed picture set of all your flowers in bloom. And you think awesome! And attack it again the following Spring. [oh spring....please hurry up]

I suppose I could go on and on. I'm not sure I even know what point I'm trying to make. Does there have to be a point?

As a side note I'm looking for some sponsers!!! So if you would like to have some free space I'm planning on opening that up in the next few months. If you're interested please email me! ren@thereneechronicles.com

Today I'm Four-T

2011-01-19T15:15:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking a lot about this post over the last few months. I have such anxiety about leaving behind my 30's and starting another DECADE. What I find most discomforting is I don't feel 40...I feel more like 16 - 20 - 25. Certainly not 40. Here is what I've concluded

In my younger years I was always searching searching searching. Although it wasn't really clear to me what I was searching so hard for.

When I was 16 I met the definition of what I wanted

When I was 18 I stole my fathers car and ran away to California.

When I was 19 I came home from California

When I was 19 I made the biggest mistake of my life

When I was 20 I met the best thing that ever happened to me.

I'm acutely aware of how quickly it is all moving. I look at myself and I feel the same. I got some girth compared to my svelte 20 self but not to shabby. I have Geoff, an amazing Dude man, family, friends, job and life. And it scares the crap out of me. Now, I'm not searching. I found it. And its going way to fast. My life has gone to plaid!

It hasn't come without its struggles and hardships. Although I like to think that my life has been gifted to me on a platinum platter, I've certainly put my best foot forward. I've always been determined to get what I want no matter how hard I have to work for it. And for the most part that has worked out for me. And this got me thinking about how I got to be who I am today. I don't really know the answer to that but I have some theory's.

When I was 9 I was attacked by our family dog. I had a ridiculous amount of stitches in my face and under my chin. A week later I begged my mother to take me into school so I could get my things and see my friends. I walked right into that class room like, see?? no big deal folks just a couple scratches but no big deal. NO BIG DEAL???? REALLY???? I never saw my scars. I never looked at my face and thought it was flawed. I got bit by a dog what do you expect? And do you know to this day some dummy will ask me: What is that on your chin?? A hickey? And my response has been the same all these years. No ass-hole I got bit by a dog? There do you feel stupid now? Good!

I baby stepped my way through my career. But I worked my fanny off proving myself along the way. No was never an option unless of course it was a "hard" NO! Nobody handed me anything or made it so easy that it was a no brainer. I'm good with that. I never got in trouble with out a consequence. Thus I learned to not get caught..[sorry mom and dad, some things must remain sacred]

I've been squashed, punched, kicked, verbally assaulted and I never gave up. I never give up. So now that I stopped "searching" I would also like it if time slowed down just a bit.

No wonder when you are elderly you can't remember things! It goes by so fast you can't believe that much time has gone by. And that bridge game you played with Phyllis didn't that just happen last week?

I've set no ridiculous goals for this year. I think the most important thing to do is to be sure that I'm looking outside the bubble and enjoying as much as I can!

Don't you????

What a WEEK!

2011-01-18T10:20:00.000-05:00

There are lots of things going on right now that have literally pulled me away from my space on the inter-webs. We got socked with 2 ft. of snow last week so I suppose that means WINTER is here. I'm ready for spring, but I'm trying to stay busy with things to do so that I don't get the winter blues. I've already missed my goal of blogging daily and its only January. What have I been up to?? Well let me tell you!

I'm planning for my pie party that will be happening on January 25th! Please check out

The Cooking DIVA web site for some really fantastic PIE recipes.

The G-man [Geoff] has had a miserable cold since we got back from FL. Poor guy already finished a full round of "Black Ops". He is however feeling better.

I have totally slacked on my laundry duties and can't quite seem to get back on track. This happens to me every winter. I go through this major spurt of organization and then it all seems to fall apart on me. I sometimes don't manage my life very well. Which is sad really because I'm always complaining how I want people to exactly that!

Snow = lots of snow shoeing especially for the morning walk. I must say my buttocks are a little sore.

And Wednesday I turn FourT. Buggah........Buggah! Buggah! Buggah! But G-man and the Dude have decided to make this week "The Six Days of Birthday" which I am totally loving that idea. I have recently upgraded the ole MAC BOOK to 10.6 hurray for me!!!

Oh....and its snowing again.

Changes in Latitudes - Changes in Attitudes

2011-01-12T10:43:00.000-05:00

Nothing remains quite the same

I just got lost and slept right through the dawn

And the world spins madly on

If you're tired of the same old story,

turn some pages

You can hide neath your covers

And study the pain

For all our mutual experience

Our separate conclusions are the same

And the world spins madly on

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

So that he may know where I am sleeping

And perhaps he'll weep for me

Wherever I am you'll always be

More than just a memory

And the world spins madly on

I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round

I really love to watch them roll

Running over the same old ground

What have you found

Its only half past the point of no return

The tip of the iceberg, the sun before the burn

And the world spins madly on

You cry lonely

And I come runnin

I come to your rescue

And chase your blues away

When I go through Hell tonight

Jesus gonna ride shot-gun

And the world spins madly on.

And the world spins madly on.....on and on....on and on.