On Yarn Swifts

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After searching for a yarn swift that not an umbrella swift, I came across this one from The Oregon Wood Worker I received it a few weeks ago, and just love it. I really like that I don’t have to clamp it down to anything in order to use it. It comes with a non-slip mat to put underneath, and it works like a charm. The swift is economical and quality USA made! Can’t go wrong with products from the Pacific NW! I actually enjoying winding up balls of yarn now :-)

On a Vocal Smoke Detector

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I saw this smoke detector on the news tonight. I am glad they at least gave the name of the company, because when I went to their “newslinks”, and even the “must have gadgets”, I couldn’t find the url. Anyway, unlike the typical smoke detector, the parent records a message and when the detector senses smoke, it will go off. Instead of the shrill siren sound, the household will hear, ” :child’s name: there is a fire! Get up!” over and over.

I ordered two.

On a new apple: Grapple

I had a great apple today. It’s called a GRAPPLE… grape+apple. OHMYGOSH… this apple is a total sensory experience!!!! First, it’s nicely shaped, red and very round. And then the smell… this is like such a sweet perfume, it’s hard to describe, but after eating one, I keep smelling the apple’s smell and it’s wonderful! Tasting it is a pleasure! If there is one downfall… $$$$ Here’s a website that talks about it http://www.getfitfoods.com/grapple_story.html and actually Get Fit Foods is the company that I see put out the apple. Now, this isn’t your ordinary apple. It comes in a recycleable plastic molded container–which holds four apples. Reading the “Ingredients” list on the label, I am a bit disappointed to NOW read that the ingredients are “Apples, Artificial Grape Flavor”. I am deflated!

This is from the website above which describes what the Grapple is:
The Grapple is a Washington State Extra Fancy Fuji apple. This is the only apple that currently meets the strict Grapple standards. The Fuji is bathed through a patented process and in a few days the entire apple takes on the essence and mouth-watering taste of Concord grapes. The combination is outstanding.

As I first stated above, it is a total sensory experience. But adding anything artificial to a natural food, that does turn me off. I guess the jury is still out on how I like it now. If it were all natural? No problem there! but….

To date… my favorite this year is the Honeycrisp. Tastes just like the name: crispy and delicious. I guess you could say that I am an apple snob :-) Can’t help it when you are from Washington State… so many choices!!

On Garlic

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Christopher Ranch peeled garlic is the best product EVER! I bought a big container of it at Costco, and will have to say the fact that it’s so easy to just pull out a clove of garlic now, makes it sooo easy to use it in everything :-) Yeah, I don’t mind having to peel the individual cloves, but this is like a luxery–already having the cloves peeled. I am giving this product rave reviews!

Looking at Christopher Ranch website, I see they have a link for various garlic recipes. Will have to give some a try. For those that can’t get enough of garlic, then hitting the Garlic Festival may just be right up your alley! I have even heard that they offer garlic ice cream. Hmmmmm…. not so sure that is an item I would love to endorse, but it sounds interesting at least! LOL! Gilroy Garlic Festival

Again on Blaine Larsen and “How Do You Get That Lonely”

I have been getting quite a few hits regarding my entry about Blaine Larsen and his single “How do you get that lonely”. So many have been touched personally by suicide, and this song brings forth the emotions connected with that subject. The lyrics ask the questions that not many other songs have concerning suicide. I am sure many have been written, just offhand I can’t think of any singers that touch on this subject. Lyrics below.

On reading a site dedicated to a victim of suicide, I came across this quote that really says a lot: “To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world” (Author unknown).

Lyrics: “How Do You Get That Lonely”
Written by: Rory Lee Feek and Jamie Teachener
**Dedicated to Lance Emmitt***

It was just another story written on the second page
Underneath the Tiger’s football score
It said he was only eighteen, a boy about my age
They found him face down on the bedroom floor

There’ll be services on Friday at the Lawrence Funeral Home
Then out on Mooresville highway, they’ll lay him ‘neath a stone…

How do you get that lonely, how do you hurt that bad
To make you make the call, that havin’ no life at all
Is better than the life that you had
How do you feel so empty, you want to let it all go
How do you get that lonely… and nobody know

Did his girlfriend break up with him, did he buy or steal that gun?
Did he lose a fight with drugs or alcohol?
Did his Mom and Daddy forget to say ‘I love you son?’
Did no one see the writing on the wall?

I’m not blamin’ anybody, we all do the best we can
I know hindsight’s 20/20, but I still don’t understand…

How do you get that lonely, how do you hurt that bad
To make you make the call, that havin’ no life at all
Is better than the life that you had
How do you feel so empty, you want to let it all go
How do you get that lonely… and nobody know

It was just another story printed on the second page
Underneath the Tiger’s football score…

On Upcoming Movies

Hold on to your roof top Frostys, because it’s finally happening this November!!! If you have read “Skipping Christmas” by John Grisham, then you will also be looking forward to the release of Christmas With The Kranks on November 24th in theaters! Starring Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan Aykroyd, Erik Per Sullivan, Cheech Marin, Jake Busy and M. Emmet Walsh.

I have read the book, and listened to it on an audio book, and I hope they have kept it as close to the story as possible for the movie! I can’t wait to see it :-)

On Blaine Larsen — A New & Exceptional Country Music Voice

blainelarsen.jpg If you haven’t heard his voice yet, click on the image to the left and LISTEN!! Blaine Larsen has a voice that is older than his 18yrs, and the lyrics will appeal to a wide range of listeners. On his debut album “In My High School”, Blaine Larsen has written/co-written six of the ten songs. His music has already taken Seattle-area listeners by storm, and soon nationwide country music listeners will hear his single “How Do You Get That Lonely” very soon! “How Do You Get That Lonely” is a song dedicated to Lance Emmitt, who’s life ended too early. As I understand it, the song has been reworked a little bit for it’s release. I’ve heard both versions, and will say that both are exceptional.

The first song that KMPS listeners heard from Blaine Larsen, was “In My High School”. Even if you are way beyond the school walls, the song is a great one. Another one that has had a lot of play time in this area is “The Best Man”, which is for his dad. Awesome song! I really like the entire CD, there is humor in “Off To Join The World” and “Yessireebob” (love this one!), and I think my favorite song on the CD is “The Man He’ll Never Be”.

Blaine, congratulations on getting national airtime, and on signing with the new record label! You are on your way, and I will bet you won’t need to be saying “If Merle Would Sing My Song” much longer! :-)
Lyrics to “How Do You Get That Lonely”

On Camera Phones

Picture001.JPG Picture002.JPGThis weekend, Kevin and I upgraded our phones. About four years ago, we decided to join the cell phone crowd following a medical emergency with my dad. Before that, we had ditched our cell phones for about three years. The cell-free years were nice, we will admit that. But we are in the here-and-now again :-)

Anyway… back to the phone upgrade. Kevin wanted a phone with a camera (also wanted one that is Bluetooth enabled, but the one Verizon had was spendy), and I wanted a flip phone. So we found a buy-one-get-one-free that we both liked (Verizon’s LG VX6000. click here for a review ). I wish it had preloaded games… I like being able to play a cheesy game while waiting to pass the time on occasion :-) but if I want games, I have to pay. Oh well. And ringers! Sheesh… isn’t there a NORMAL ringer out there anymore? ok, what’s normal? I don’t know, but it seems that my phone has anything but :-) Today I did purchase a ringtone (The Great Escape), it’s from a war movie of the same name… and it was one of my dad’s favorites. Anyway, I liked the chipper, almost humor-filled tone of it, and it didn’t sound “tinny” like so many of the tones are. Every time I hear the song, I can see James Garner’s face :-) Little childhood memories.

Back to the camera part… I took a pic of Daniel on Saturday and today, quick snapshots. I haven’t played with it enough to get an idea if the color and quality is typical. Not bad shots, but Daniel does look pretty yellow in the second image. Neither have been retouched, so you can get an idea of what a camera phone image looks like. I did, however rotate the second image. First one was taken on Saturday in the late afternoon, second one was taken today at about noon. Seems to have focused on the front of his car seat… perhaps I just need to become a better photographer? :-)

On Hunter Douglas Cordless Shades

hddc.jpg I am so happy that I found and decided to try out Hunter Douglas Duette cellular shade with LiteRise. These shades are so great because of the fact that you don’t have a cord hanging down–tempting kids or pets to hurt themselves.

I happened upon these merely by accident. I never knew that a cordless option was out there. Upon receiving these shades, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy they are to lift and lower! these aren’t like those roller shades where it’s sometimes hit and miss if the shade will roll up. My husband can attest that the shades are very easy to install as well. So far, we have shades up in both boys rooms and in my studio. I wasn’t thinking ahead when I ordered to purchase for Kevin’s office, so I am about a week away from receiving that one. I am thinking that after we get new windows installed in the kitchen, that I will also put these blinds in there too.

I have also found that yourblinds.com is a great company to order from. It takes approximately 2-3 weeks to receive your order, but yourblinds.com keeps you up to date on the progress of shipping. Also, their prices are very comprable–if not better than other ebusinesses.

On Ski Boots

I received my Daleboots yesterday, and after trying them on, I immediately took one down to the ski shop to get my bindings on. They fit very well, but there are a few adjustments to be made. The inside upper really digs into my calve when my foot is seated all the way down, but that will be easy to fix–Kevin is going to simply cut away that portion. Also, I need to get new straps that work with the buckle, because when it is set on the tightest, it’s still not tight enough. So I need a shorter strap. That is also an easy fix. Overall I am pleased with my Daleboots.

I really wish that the ski boot companies would start making boots for large calves. When I saw the “new” feature with the boots in the shop where the strap could be extended, it seemed simply like a quick fix. Boots need to be molded for your leg, not simply attached. I have talked to several people who have had the same problem as I do, concerning ski boots that don’t fit their calves correctly, and for those of us that are “mature”, we need to start requesting the companies to start creating boots that fit. Our legs don’t stop growing at age 18 (well, at least mine didn’t :-)
Also, the problem with my current boots digging into my inner calve, I think the problem there is that the boot should actually be shorter for the female leg.

Anyway, if you have problems with not properly fitting into “off the rack” ski boots, I would suggest giving Daleboot USA a try.

On Ski Gear

I mailed off our Christmas dvd and cards this morning. I hope people like them :-) Also, we are going to go play in the snow this weekend. I picked up Daniel’s skis and they are just too darned cute! I hope he enjoys skiiing. I am looking forward to getting my customized boots… having ski boots that fit will be a novel idea! I used to have problems with my shins, and the boots I have had were never truly comfortable. I will have to wait another week to get them though… and then waiting to get the bindings on. I should be able to try them out after Christmas.

Anyway… try Daleboot USA for customized boots! I also just received my ski pants and parka today as well. They are a perfect fit, very warm and comfortable! They size your clothing by your measurements, so you are assured a perfect fit. Greater Salt Lake City Clothing

I am sure we’ll have many pictures to post afterwards :-)