Abigail VanBuren

Sometimes it seems that boys never really grow up, their toys just become more expensive. My twenty three year old son has given me his Christmas list and it has a lot of electronic equipment on it. Along with a new camera he wants to be sure he has plenty of Sony Camera Batteries. I do not know what the difference is in sony cybershot batteries so I think I will do a little research on the subject. It also appears that a sony cybershot battery charger is available.

I love the idea of rechargeable batteries, and I am so glad they are available now. Batteries can be so expensive and sometimes inconvenient to replace. We have had batteries die at the worst time, right in the middle of a family holiday when we wanted to take a lot of photos. Unfortunately we have missed several wonderful memories.

I miss the days when purchasing his Christmas gifts was easier and I could stroll the toy aisles in the stores and pick fun things for him.

Of course he also has video games and game equipment on his list. Like I said, it seems boys never really grow up.

It’s that time of year to plan for and shop for a meal that takes all day to cook and just a few short minutes to inhale. It is however, one of the few times that my family sits down and enjoys a meal together so I enjoy it even though it doesn’t last long enough. I am going semi traditional with a turkey breast instead of a whole bird, whipped potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, a vegetable, rolls and of course pumpkin pie. While our meal is cooking we will watch the New York parade on TV, a long time beloved family tradition.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Aaahh It’s that time on Sunday evening when I realize how much I had intended to do but didn’t get done this weekend, and now I’m thinking about Monday and what’s waiting for me at work! It is difficult being a strong woman and trying to keep all the balls up in the air. There are home issues, house work that seems never ending, groceries to buy and meals to cook, and then there is the job that is so demanding. Being part of the sandwich generation I take care of my mother, and then I also have my children in the mix. Oh well, my life!!

My son’s radiator blew up today while traveling on the highway at 60 miles per hour.  Antifreeze spewed everywhere, and the engine was steaming.  It was quite dramatic!  We added water and more antifreeze and radiator “Stop Leak” but the fluids were still pouring out of the bottom.  We ended up limping up the road, about 25 miles, stopping and letting the engine cool every so often and attempting to add more fluid.  Luckily, even though it took hours, and was very stressful,  we finally got it to a repair shop and left a note and the keys so that it can be repaired tomorrow.  Hopefully nothing too expensive!!

I want a new car.  I am currently driving my mother’s Honda since she is no longer able to drive. It’s not bad and has very low mileage and will probably last a long time.  It just has no pizzazz and I like a car that has a little flash.  I had a Camaro convertible in the past, now there is a car with much pizzazz but not very practical.    A few years ago there were several styles that I really liked particularly a Ford Focus and Hyundai Sonata.  Since then, however I have noticed that those body styles have changed a lot and are no longer as attractive to me.   Perhaps the body styles will change again next year and I’ll find something i like!

It was rainy and cold today and everyone was complaining.  I love Fall.  I love the changing colors of the trees, and the cool air makes me feel calm.  I love layering clothes and layering blankets on the bed at night.  I like to drive to the mountains and pick apples.  I like planning and preparing Thanksgiving Dinner, truly one of my favorite meals.  I like decorating my yard for Halloween.  I have tomb stones lined up in front of my flower garden.  The neighborhood kids like them too!!  I like to rake leaves and come inside for a yummy cup of hot chocolate.    The only negative thing about Fall is that Winter follows – definitely my least favorite season!!

I consider myself a peace loving person but there is one situation I face daily that causes me a lot of stress and certainly some anger!  On my way home, there is an intersection with two lanes turning left and two turning right.  Drivers ride the left lane all the way down then pull into a right turning lane at the last moment.  I don’t mean one driver or two, I mean 95% of the drivers taking the left lane.  Even the local buses do it!  I wait patiently in bumper to bumper traffic in the right lane, I don’t understand why those drivers cannot.  When they try to get in front of me, I don’t let them.  I ride the bumper of the car before me and dare someone to cut in!  I have also honked my horn many times.  Once I get through this intersection I am fine!  I so want to ask these drivers WHY?  Why can’t they wait?  Why do they think it is ok to cut in?   I just don’t think people have manners anymore!!