It's October, ya'll!

I cannot believe it's already October!!  It's my absolute most favorite time of the year.  The Demon and I have been out and about so much lately.  We've been going on photowalks throughout local parks and cemeteries.  

Unfortunately, the weather here is - once again - heating up and it makes me want to do nothing more than vege out on the couch watching loads of trashy reality TV.  But, I have so many pictures  to share on here!!  I have to get my butt in gear and upload and edit.  I'm so far behind...

I wanted to stop in here and say HI!  We're still alive.  I'm still blogging.  I'm still taking pictures.  Please continue to bear with me.  I promise to update you all very soon and flood this blog with pictures.  

Until then.. here are some random Instagram photos for your enjoyment!  (excuse some of the quality.. all phone/Ipod pictures!)

 

Make your Tuesday amazing!

Photo Dump V.2

With these "dumps" would you appreciate an explanation for each picture?  Can I assume that you will understand each shot?  Normally, they are pretty self explanatory...but, I guess I can throw in a random explanation if I feel it's necessary.  Right?

I am thoroughly enjoying getting back in the habit of painting my nails!  However, even with a good base coat, 2 heavily applied coats of color, and an excellent top coat - I'm still not getting very much wear out of any color.  Back to the drawing board!

You've all been introduced to Mr. Mao (top left) and Truck (bottom left) but Miss Boots is making her blog debut!  She's my Grannie's cat and while visiting my Grannie I thought I would take the opportunity to steal a shot of her.  She's a bit camera shy...

I let the dog out the other day and noticed how cool the moon looked and attempted to grab a shot.  Eh, not the greatest.  The t-shirt was a surprise the Demon left in my Grannie's dresser drawer.  She thought it was hilarious!  

The weather here, for awhile, was very wet and very stormy!  Thankfully, it's cleared up but good Lord - it's HOT out there now.  How many days until snow??

Enjoy your day!

(most/all of these pictures can be originally seen on Instagram... go follow me!)

Do over!

Okay, I fully admit that I have epically failed my project: 365.  But!! I plan to start over tomorrow.  I mean, I guess I could  go back through all the pictures that I've posted over the last 3 months on my Facebook page  and back date them over on my project: 365 page - but that would take entirely too much time.  Quite frankly, I don't want to waste my time doing that!  Instead, I am beginning fresh, July 1st.  I plan on doing fatmumslim's photoaday challenge and that will ensure I get one picture a day!

Until then, I am going to do another photo dump.  

Enjoy the start to your week!  My pool is officially down and the rocks and sand was removed today.  Now... to figure out how to fill the big hole.

Photo Dump.

It's been a week since my last post and we've been semi busy lately.  We've been balancing our time between visiting Grannie at the hospital/rehab and trying to accomplish a bit of summer fun!  The Demon left town with his dad on Friday so we wanted to all get together for his last day here for a bit.  We hit the Frisbee golf course!  I was stuck playing (I wanted  to only take pictures but I was suckered into participating) so I couldn't get very many shots.  I didn't even bring my camera but I did pull out my phone a couple times.

After that, we were on our way to my back yard for some yummy grilled eats and an adult beverage or 2.

Shortly after we ate the Demon left and the rest of us showered and we left to do some shopping.  Both my Grannie and I are looking for a new refrigerator.  Yikes, they are expensive!   After hitting a few stores we stopped for dinner and on the way out of the restaurant I noticed some beautiful flowers.

Seriously, why do I have such issues keeping flowers alive?  I've seen some really beautiful flowers thriving in the weirdest of places.

Any who.. Saturday we (my brother, the Beast and myself) went to visit Grannie and she is STILL insisting she did nothing wrong to land her where she is... yet, you can see by the look on my brothers face - she's wrong.

My weekend ended with chatting a bit with the Demon online and sharing pictures of the pets with him.

I am sure they miss him like crazy!  I know I do.

Sunday was filled with laundry, cleaning, and visiting with Grannie again.

Finally, I just wanted to share that I am still  heat free when it comes to my hair.  I'm in desperate need of a root dye job, but here is some proof!

I catch myself looking in the mirror and thinking "Wow!"  I remember when I would look at my hair and be so self conscious of how other ppl saw it.  Not anymore.  Most days I throw it up in some messy bun and headband and I'm set for the day!  Less is more when it comes to my hair...and I'm happier because of it.

Enjoy your day!

random camera fun.

I was bored and instead of sitting on the couch and watching another fantastic Seinfeld  I decided to take my camera out and see what flowers are around the backyard(s).  I have  none  in my back yard that I planted.  I am all about low maintenance.  My dream backyard would consist of a patch of grass for the dog to do his business...then concrete.  However,  I have some flowers that have invaded my space by growing through my fence that are just too pretty for me to weed whack away....yet.

I found this beauty over in my Granny's yard.   There are quite a few of these things growing over there.  Are these weeds?  Are these flowers?  Are these deadly!!??  ha!  I do know one thing...they are pretty.

Milkweed?  I posted a picture of one of these last year on my Facebook and can't remember exactly what they are called.  I think Milkweed.  I have no idea how these things just pop up all over the yard.  Maybe it's the little cotton seedy things that blow all around that plant them for the next year?  I'm completely garden/flower/plant stupid...and not afraid to admit that.

As I was snapping pictures the Demon was hollering "you don't know what I did!  come here, look!!!"  I could only put off seeing what trouble he had gotten himself into for so long.  I walked over to where he was motioning, to see this...

HA!  He kills me.  Why would he do this?  Why tear apart stems and neatly tie them in knots and decorate the fence?  "I don't know, I was bored."  I guess it's better he tear apart stems and tie them in little knots versus whatever destructive mischief he's been known to do.

That's it for today! Enjoy your Tuesday.  We're on the hunt for clothes - clothes for graduation for the both of us and an 8th grade formal.  My baby is growing up!

(I really need to get some of these recent pictures transferred over to my Project:365!  I'm embarrassed to admit that I have no idea what day of the year we're currently on right now.)

3.1.13

what the what?!  it's already march?  i guess it's time to play catch up.

i've been MIA from both here and there.  i'm posting now to say - i'm back!  ( i think. )

i just purchased a new camera.  a replacement for the super compact point and shoot that i've been carrying around in my purse.  it's due to arrive today, and i plan on playing with it all weekend and updating my project: 365.  i can't let the fact that i slipped up in february allow me to call it quits! 

this is something that i really  want to do.

i'm passing on my previous p&s to the demon.  he will go through phases where he really gets into taking photos and i love seeing him express his creative side.

speaking of the demon.. we just received the information regarding setting up time to create his high school schedule.  REALLY!?  he's my baby!  it doesn't seem possible that he's going to be a freshman next year.  but, here we are, in a couple weeks, going to the high school and getting his schedule finalized.  

i'm sure i'll need a drink or 4 after that experience.

for the past week or so i've been having awful pains in my left shoulder/neck/arm and i'm self diagnosing it as a pinched nerve.  the problem is.. after ice/heat/anti inflammatory medication it's not getting better - and at  times - it's even worse!  i'm afraid i won't have a choice next week and i'll actually have to call the chiropractor and have him bring the pain.

i hurt so i'm cutting this short.  i hope to update more daily.. even if it is  to post random thoughts/pictures.  if you're still here, following along with my blog, i really appreciate it!  it's not always easy reading someone whine about their life!  :)

my week(s) on instagram.

01.  {street}

02.  i love taking empty track pics.  that usually means i've not been waiting around for a stupid train. :)

03.  {an ordinary moment}

04.  {paper}

05.  mao has an unhealthy relationship with wanting to eat my iPod.

06.  we spent a rainy day at children's filled with check ups.

07.  the demon and i took a walk and i went photo crazy.

08.  this dog STINKS.  thankfully, he is getting groomed next week and the following week his teeth will be cleaned.

09.  {stripes}  

i haven't been as regular with posting these recaps as i would like and i have no other excuse but i'm forgetful.  

i hope everyone has enjoyed their weekend.  i have a day ahead of me filled with laundry a watching my DVD set of Harper's Island.  fantastic day!  i'm not looking forward to heading back to work tomorrow.. we're crazy busy!

my week on instagram

it's been almost a month since i posted any instagram recap.  i miss it, so here goes!

01.  it's not often that you see truck taking a nap!  however, call him to join you on the couch and he's out like a rock.

02.  finally!  a bit of christmas tree bokeh.  i have no idea how i captured this shot, but i'm so very happy i did.

03.  the demon may be 14..but i still get some cuddle time.

04.  look at all those goodies!  i received this set of polish for christmas and i am stunned with the quality of these.

05.  {my view}

06.  i am amazed with how well mao has been feeling.  he's such a pretty kitty.

07.  i've driven past this building for years and over that time it's gradually continued to fall apart.  finally, it's coming down.

08.  {heart}

09.  it had been over a month since i painted my nails.  they had all broken, but finally... i dove back into color.

i had a wonderful weekend.  i really needed reasons to smile, and the beast and demon never fail to brighten my life.  i don't look forward to returning to work tomorrow... we're jumping into tax season and i'm not close to being ready! 

my week on instagram.

Another week has come and gone..another week closer to Christmas!  I have still not started shopping yet.  Yikes!  I also didn't get anything accomplished this weekend that I had hoped.  I wanted to do salt dough ornaments.  I wanted to do white chocolate peppermint bark.  I got as far as purchasing the supplies - on both projects - and that's it!  ugh.  We did manage to have fun this weekend despite not doing exactly what was on my list.  

01-03.  I found and hung old ornaments and fought with the tangled mess of hooks.

04.  {black + white}

05.  {something you held}

06.  Yes, that was really the temperature on Monday.  Just,...ridiculous!

07.  I thought by putting the gate up it would kept the cats at bay

08.  ... I was wrong.

09.  This has to be the largest crouton I've ever eaten!  Apparently, I missed the fact that the bag said "jumbo".

01.  Since it's been so warm we're getting rain instead of snow.  BOO.

02.  {up}

03.  {star} The Demon made this ornament years ago at the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo.

04.  I was looking through the pictures on my phone and ran into some older aquarium pictures from our vacation.  Jellyfish are beautiful!  I especially love how I can see through the tank to the Demon and my brother.

05.  {out + about}  We finished up our weekend with a family trip to Friday's... on a Sunday.

06.  {someone I love}  My brother thought it was hilarious to get this picture.

07.  Spike?  Mao had another trip to the vet this week for a steroid shot and apparently Spike likes to sleep in the cage when we're lazy and leave it in the living room.

08.  One of my favorite finds over this last year are these flower air fresheners from Staples.

09.  Judging from these very bare trees (and the fact that it's finally cold outside!) Autumn is nearly officially over.  And, I'm ready for snow!

St Nick's Day was last Thursday and the Demon found this...in his stocking.

I love it!  If you want to follow me on Instagram you can find me at raisingkane1.

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.  I wanted to bust out my camera and practice taking low light, indoor pictures because the Demon has his Christmas performance tomorrow evening.  That never happened.

Enjoy your Monday!

my week on instagram

well, we did it.  we got through thanksgiving.  the day was filled with lots of people watching at cracker barrel, a bunch of yummy foods, and loads of laughs.  i love browsing the country store as we wait to get our seat.  i refrained from buying anything!  a big win when it comes to me and my impulsive shopping ways.

i found myself taking more pictures this week..so let's see!

01.  my hair is getting crazy long!

02.  as soon as we walked out of the house last tuesday i noticed how beautiful the sky was and had to snap this shot.

03.  i've been reading Thirteen Reasons Why.  it's a great book- but it's been difficult for me to follow the style of writing.  (silly when you consider it's meant for teens!)  the demon asked for this book for his birthday and i wanted to read it first.  

04.  the demon made me a new thanksgiving turkey!  i love these and i regret not having him do one each year.

05.  spike!

06.  this was our thanksgiving day picture.  i've been wanting to get a picture with the both of us for awhile.

07.  freakin' trains.

08 & 09.  some of the goodies i saw as we waited for our names to be called at Cracker Barrel.

01.  one of the prompts for #fmsphotoaday was "awesome".  what's more awesome than a new pair of sunglasses?

02.  the beast and i had dentist appointments on friday and the demon was bored.  i looked over at him trying to get comfortable to take a nap.

03.  spike!  (again... trying to avoid the camera)

04.  the demon had a check up at the dr's office and he was sleepy.

05.  the two of us having some camera fun while waiting for said doctor appointment.

06.  i've been trying a different look with the part in my hair... it's not easy trying to "retrain" your hair!

07&09.  the beautiful trees that are on display in the store at Cracker Barrel.

08.  the demon pretending to be asleep.. we both love lazy saturdays.

i hope everyone has had a great week.  it's back to work tomorrow.  i suppose i should start thinking about christmas shopping and decorating the house?

my week on instagram

another week has come and gone.  i am slacking - big time - with the blog.  for those that read and enjoy, i apologize!  i promise to do better for the remainder of the year...even if it's just checking in at the end of the day with a "hi!".

next week is thankgiving!  i can't believe how the end of the year always seems to fly by so quickly.  i hope to put the christmas tree up on wednesday.  i haven't been able to listen to christmas music just yet... 

anywho.. let's take a peak back on the week through instagram.

01.  over the summer i tried and tried to find a "nude" nail polish and i just never was able to get it on nicely.  even this one by Essie.. didn't make me completely happy.

02.  i just love my quilt.  it's perfect for my room temperature.  i wish it were possible to get this exact one in a small throw size to keep in my living room.  i shall start my hunt,.... now!

03.  i ordered my first non fat hot chocolate!  it's weird, i've ordered another since and it seems they aren't filling the cups up as full as in the past?  has anyone else had that experience with Mc Donalds?

04.  after playing for hours in the back yard shooting hoops..the demon came limping into the house with one shoe off.  he showed me this long nail that had embedded itself in his shoe!  thank god it didn't go all the way through... he survived!

05.  one of the prompts for the #fmsphotoaday challenge was "in your bag".  i bought this new purse last sunday.  it goes against almost everything i am to own anything this pink, but I couldn't resist the bag.

06.  after a day full of shopping with my brother, the beast and the demon...we refueled at Long John Silvers.

07.  i went through a long period when i wasn't hitting any trains as i drove to and from work.  i thought maybe it was because of the time change.  however, lately it seems as if at least once - daily - i'm getting stopped.  maybe it's because i'm running more late than normal.

08.  it's still looking a lot like fall around here.  our weekend temperatures have been perfect.  but, i am ready for cold temps and freezing evenings spent at the festival of lights.

09.  the demon appears to have taken a turn for the better with his grades.  i sure hope so!  he is so excited about going to high school (which is also a new feeling for him) and i don't want his school struggles to lessen that excitement.

i love that i've started doing this weekly recap.  it really helps to remember that,  even though i'm stuck in the funk, looking back - it's never as bad as it seems. 

enjoy the rest of your sunday.. i'm watching the bengals and expecting a win!

my week on instagram

i started a new photoaday challenge and i'm already behind! oh well, i grab the shots when i think about it and when i have a good opportunity for that particular day.  

mao still seems to be going strong.  he has his days where he's not too interested in eating but all we have to do is jiggle the lazer pointer and he comes running to play.  i pray that we get one more holiday season with him!

i hope everyone is having a great sunday.  the weather here is chilly, but, beautiful.  we're planning on having cake and ice cream today and the Demon will receive his gifts.  he never asks for much... this year?  1 book.  while that sounds terrific, it makes it very difficult to guess what else he may like for his birthday or Christmas!

the bengals game just ended with yet another loss.  that makes 4 in a row... it sure is hard being a cincinnati bengal fan!!  i'm off to switch up laundry and get the house ready for the family.  :)

my week on instagram

♦ my brother surprised me with an early birthday gift.. i love it!

♦ showing off a new headband - all fall like.

♦ the rain decided to show up right before the kids were released from school.  unfortunately, for the demon, his mom stays dry while other mom's greet their children with umbrellas.

♦ mao is just amazing.  he's behaving completely normal :)  maybe the vet doesn't know what he talking about.

♦ american horror story anyone?!  

♦ just another evening spent doing my nails.

♦ if you have never experienced the cool touch kleenex your nose is missing out.  they are heavenly.

♦ one of the prompts for #fmsphotoaday was "frames" - you know i couldn't pass up showcasing momma's favorite.

♦ i was suffering through a rare flat hair day and decided to show it off to the instagram world.

i hope everyone is enjoying their sunday.  mine is going to be filled with laundry, cleaning house and a bengals game!

my week on instagram

my week included:

♦ trying to figure out how to get fingernail polish to last more than a day
♦ waiting in a chilly hospital while the beast had knee surgery and visiting him at home as he worked that knee
♦ a very cute air freshener.
♦ i got an amazing new quilt for my bed
♦ another trip to the attic which led to this
♦ another broken nail (see: above &@#$)
♦ getting through the day in sunglasses because of allergies
♦ work

i completed the photoaday for august with only a couple missing days.  i was stumped on a couple of the prompts.  today is day 2 for the month of september and the prompt for today is "father"...and i'm stumped again.  i think i'll pick back up on the challenge on the 3rd! 

500, empty promises and no excuses.

This is my 500th blog entry!  what the whaaaaaaaat!?  i am amazed with myself.  i know i could've done better over the couple years that i've had this but i am beyond happy with myself.  i'd be even happier if all my blogs still had all their pictures... but whatever.

as far as being MIA over the last few days i have no real excuse.  life is a little busier than normal during the day that by the time evening comes around the last thing on my mind is editing pictures and putting together a post.  i follow a ton of blogs and i'm jealous at their dedication!  i gotta find my blogging mojo, i'm sure it's still in there somewhere.  so, i apologize for always hoping and promising blog posts and then not coming through when i say i hope to.. they will happen but i have to realize it will happen when i can make time.  i want them to be quality posts and thoughts.. not just thrown together sentences because i feel like i have to blog.  i want it to be a want.. a fun time!

on a different note, i have been super diligent with taking a photo each day for the #photoadayaug  challenge that i set for myself.  here are just a few of what i've taken this month and if you're interested in following along you can find me on instagram @raisingkane1.  if you want to participate head on over to fat mum slim and jump on into the fun!

finally, i want to take this time to welcome any new readers!  i know you're out there :)  and to send a huge "thank you!!" to those of you that regularly visit this little part of my world. it really means a lot to me that you care enough to come back... especially after reading my crazy.

here's to another 500 posts!