Tonight I was at my friends' house. Tammy and Steve have been hosting this holiday for a few years now. We usually make it a pot luck meal. This year was no different. We all were to bring something green if it was a dessert. I brought Mint Chip Ice Cream. Someone else brought green rice crispy bars. And another person brought green jello cake. It all followed, of course, the main course which consisted of corned beef and hash, Reuben sandwiches, and sour kraut with home made dumplings. I didn't see anyone drinking green beer but alcohol was being consumed! I was seated at the table with several others and it looked like a sea of green with each of us wearing the traditional garb of green shirts. We all tried to get in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day....even if some are not technically from the Irish descent.
It was an unusually nice day today as well. Jackets were not required and everyone seemed to be in a pretty good mood. After all the months of snow and cold this winter, we were welcoming the sun with open arms. There were St. Patrick's Day flags hanging from the occasional porch as I drove through the neighborhoods. Spring is definitely on it's way! Some people were even out getting a head start on their yard work. Not me yet though. I'm afraid I'll jinx the nice days and another winter storm will sail right through!
I'm still a little bit surprised at the fact that it's already March 17TH. Even though our winter hasn't been one to brag about, it has gone fast. We had record snowfall amounts and the cold stuck around longer than any of us liked. But as always, we made it through.
St. Patrick's Day falling on a week day made for an early night. I myself have to get up for work at 3:10AM so I was one of the first to leave and head for home. A few others had left ahead of me. But most everyone in attendance was planning on making it an early night.
This is also one of those days where the cops are out in full force. They are out on the freeways and well traveled streets more during the day than normal and I witnessed several traffic stops throughout the day and night. On my drive home from Steve and Tammy's, I saw two different cars that were pulled over on my short 7 mile drive.
I heard from some on how they celebrated the green holiday. What did you do for your own celebration? I hope you all were safe and didn't get into any trouble! Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Did You Remember?
I always love this time of year. Setting the clocks forward means several things. One of them being that winter is hopefully coming to a close and summer is on it's way! At least in most parts of the country. It isn't exactly a phenomenon to have a snow storm in March or April in the upper Midwest. And the way this winter has gone, it would almost be a shock to not have another storm before the end of March!
But losing an hour of sleep doesn't really affect me only because I don't usually have to get up for work. It's always interesting to see, though, if I am working, just how many co-workers forget to set their clocks! Those of us that make it on time always wonder who's going to be late! But it's frustrating to have passengers for our flights show up late because they didn't change their clocks!
Another thing that this time of year means to me is that soon I'll be able to get back out into my yard and clean it up from Mother Nature's winter fury. And this year She was quite furious! Just raking the grass to remove the remnants of dead branches, leaves and grass clippings makes it look spiffy. Preparing my floral areas for planting also improves the look of the front yard. I can't wait to be able to shop for all my flowers for planting!
A week or so ago, the temps stayed over 30* for over a week straight. All the snow we had accumulated from all our snow storms finally melted enough to expose all my Christmas decorations in the yard. I was able to go out and take all of it down. Just doing that made my house look abandoned after seeing them for several months!
Cookouts with my friends is also something that we do quite often during the summer months. We all take turns having the others over. It's usually potluck and then we eat until we're miserable! The kids can all be outside and wear off some steam instead of being inside the house staring at a TV or computer or hand held game.
Vacations and road trips are another thing that I look forward to in the spring or summer. Although I only have one specific trip that I will make for sure this summer, I'm sure that others will come up! A trip to ND is in the works for McGregor's Centennial in August. I'm planning a trip to Las Vegas in May also.
So you see, this is one of my favorite times of the year! What's yours? Happy spring!
Our First Cookout!
Well, I spoke in my last post of the cookouts that I enjoy so much, along with all my friends. This time of year is when we start thinking about the get together's at each other's houses.
Today we had our first 2010 spring cookout! Dee and Chris hosted all of us. We all brought a side dish and the meat that we were wanting to have grilled.
The weather was cool with a temperature in the 40's but it didn't matter. We all went over and munched on chips and dips while waiting for the other's to arrive. Once we knew that all that were planning to attend were there, Chris fired up the grill. On a warm summer day we would probably all be out on the patio or deck enjoying the weather. Today Chris was alone on the patio! (sorry Mister!)
He cooked all the meat we all brought over. Inside the smell of cooking was abundant. Cheesy potatos, fruit salad that had just been cut up, a warm oven that was keeping a strawberry-rhubarb cobbler fresh and various other snacks and dips scents were wafting through the air.
It was so good to all be together for the first of many cook outs!
We gathered early on this Sunday afternoon. The little ones still had to go to school the next morning and many of the adults would be working the next day. I, however, did not! By 7:30 PM, we had all decided it was time to head for home. The children needed to get home! (adults included!) Aren't we just so responsible?
Happy grilling!
Today we had our first 2010 spring cookout! Dee and Chris hosted all of us. We all brought a side dish and the meat that we were wanting to have grilled.
The weather was cool with a temperature in the 40's but it didn't matter. We all went over and munched on chips and dips while waiting for the other's to arrive. Once we knew that all that were planning to attend were there, Chris fired up the grill. On a warm summer day we would probably all be out on the patio or deck enjoying the weather. Today Chris was alone on the patio! (sorry Mister!)
He cooked all the meat we all brought over. Inside the smell of cooking was abundant. Cheesy potatos, fruit salad that had just been cut up, a warm oven that was keeping a strawberry-rhubarb cobbler fresh and various other snacks and dips scents were wafting through the air.
It was so good to all be together for the first of many cook outs!
We gathered early on this Sunday afternoon. The little ones still had to go to school the next morning and many of the adults would be working the next day. I, however, did not! By 7:30 PM, we had all decided it was time to head for home. The children needed to get home! (adults included!) Aren't we just so responsible?
Happy grilling!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Southwest Airlines Celebrates 15 Years in Omaha
March 4TH, 1995 was the first day of Southwest Airlines service into and out of Omaha. I started with them in October of the same year. There are only 7 people still in Omaha that started here that year. I'm one of them. And I've heard stories of how bad the weather was that day. A big snowstorm. What a welcome don't you think? The ramp agents had to drive around on equipment that didn't have any cabs on them yet. Maintenance hadn't put them on yet, for obvious reasons. It was the first day there after all. They had to deal with getting stuck in drifts on the ramp and there wasn't a pickup there yet with four wheel drive to use for plowing. It was all in all an ugly first day.
Now looking back I can hardly believe that it's been that many years already. I remember many milestones that have been met at this airline. And I'm proud to have been a part of it for this long. Many employees have come and gone in the time I've been here and some great friendships have remained.
Representatives from Dallas, TX, the location of our headquarters, came to Omaha on March 4TH and had our gates and ticket counter all decorated with huge balloons to help commemorate the occasion. They also served cinnamon rolls and coffee to the passengers while they waited for their flights to depart. Games were played in the gate area and a DJ was set up to play music from the 90's! How many times do you see so much activity such as these at an airport? We are after all the LUV airline! We love to have fun. Each employee was given a little thank you gift for being an employee and those of us that have been there since that year were given a little something extra as well. The reps from Dallas were taking random pictures of the employees and printing them on the spot for anyone that wanted a copy. We were even out on the ramp next to one of our planes taking pictures. It was a great day! The employees were treated to a meal that was catered in from one of our local fast food joints, Popeye's Chicken.
After arriving at work and before any passengers showed up, I used my cell phone to take pictures. Then I went up to the gate during the day to get more.
Our ticket counter.
By the gate podium.
Before the balloons were all set in place....at our two gates.
The cinnamon rolls were a hit!
Our DJ.
Now looking back I can hardly believe that it's been that many years already. I remember many milestones that have been met at this airline. And I'm proud to have been a part of it for this long. Many employees have come and gone in the time I've been here and some great friendships have remained.
Representatives from Dallas, TX, the location of our headquarters, came to Omaha on March 4TH and had our gates and ticket counter all decorated with huge balloons to help commemorate the occasion. They also served cinnamon rolls and coffee to the passengers while they waited for their flights to depart. Games were played in the gate area and a DJ was set up to play music from the 90's! How many times do you see so much activity such as these at an airport? We are after all the LUV airline! We love to have fun. Each employee was given a little thank you gift for being an employee and those of us that have been there since that year were given a little something extra as well. The reps from Dallas were taking random pictures of the employees and printing them on the spot for anyone that wanted a copy. We were even out on the ramp next to one of our planes taking pictures. It was a great day! The employees were treated to a meal that was catered in from one of our local fast food joints, Popeye's Chicken.
After arriving at work and before any passengers showed up, I used my cell phone to take pictures. Then I went up to the gate during the day to get more.
Our ticket counter.
By the gate podium.
Before the balloons were all set in place....at our two gates. 
The cinnamon rolls were a hit! 
Our DJ.I don't know how many of you have ever flown on SWA but if you ever get the opportunity to do so, take it! Some of our flight attendants make it pretty fun! They sing songs, recognize birthdays or anniversaries, and play pranks! I hear from alot of people that have taken SWA for business or pleasure and almost always have a great story to tell of their flights.
Just last week SWA was ranked #12 in Fortune Magazine as one of the World's Most Admired Companies! How about that? Of only two airlines to make the list we ranked higher than Singapore Airlines! Kudos!
Just last week SWA was ranked #12 in Fortune Magazine as one of the World's Most Admired Companies! How about that? Of only two airlines to make the list we ranked higher than Singapore Airlines! Kudos!
It's been a great flight the past 14 1/2 years and God willing this flight will continue another 14 1/2 years! I Luv this job..... 
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Birthday Party for ME!
Well, I can't believe it came around again but my birthday has come and gone for another year. Amazing how fast a year can go by!
I had been informed by a couple of my friends that we were going out that night to celebrate. I had been trying to figure out just what to do that would be more fun than just getting together at my house for food and drink. So this solved that little matter. The plan was to go to one of two locations called DJ's Dugout in Bellevue, NE. They have two grand pianos set up on stage that the best dueling piano players from all over the country fly in to play and entertain. Different players are there every week so it's never the same show. They call it Blazing Pianos or Dueling Pianos.
Some of us went early enough that we could eat there first. The piano players were to start at 9PM sharp. So we wanted to be done in time for that. I had made an angel food cake with home made no-cook marshmallow frosting (a recipe that Beverly gave me....yummy!) and took it with me so we could all have a taste.
Of course because they play strictly by the requests that are brought up to them, one of my friends let them know that it was my birthday. There was also another guy there with a huge group celebrating his birthday as well. I was called up on stage and one of the players had me sit next to him on the piano bench. He sang a song that was virtually about he and I (I've never met him before!) and it was a little dirty to say the least! But it was so funny! He gave the crowd the choice of keeping it clean or making it a little "bad", if you know what I mean. They voted for dirty! After that, the whole bar sang "Happy birthday" to me.
Then later the other guy was called up and they had a different version of embarrassing him for his birthday. It's all in good fun. Early on there were two guys standing up there, but I'm not sure what the occasion was, and they had to pose and sing the song "I'm a Little Tea Pot." Remember the little kids song? One arm is the spout and the other arm is the handle. Yep, they made that one a little dirty too! Just watching two grown men stand there and tip themselves to one side like the children do when they learn it was rather entertaining!
The songs that you request can be anything. Of course they're more apt to play them for you if you include a bit of a tip with it. The more money you add, the earlier they play it. I'm simply amazed by how many songs they know from memory. And not only on the piano. The lyrics as well. I've been to several dueling piano bars. One time I visited my sister Cathy in Oregon. We went to one in Portland that got the bar included in a couple of songs by dividing the crowd into two sections. It was a competition to see which group could be louder.
Of course it goes without saying that pictures were taken. I'm not the only one that loves to have the camera on hand. Several of my friends do too. I had my camera along that also takes videos. So one of my friends got my honorary tribute on video. But that won't be posted!
Tina and I
Some of my friends.
Me and Trisa
Chris, Dee and Tim. Chris and Dee are married. Tim is Chris's brother.
The girls.
The piano players. I sat next to the guy closest in a red shirt.
Guess who?
Angie, DeeAnn, Me, Trisa, Susan, Tammy, Tina
Some of my friends....
Here I am being sung to.
I had been informed by a couple of my friends that we were going out that night to celebrate. I had been trying to figure out just what to do that would be more fun than just getting together at my house for food and drink. So this solved that little matter. The plan was to go to one of two locations called DJ's Dugout in Bellevue, NE. They have two grand pianos set up on stage that the best dueling piano players from all over the country fly in to play and entertain. Different players are there every week so it's never the same show. They call it Blazing Pianos or Dueling Pianos.
Some of us went early enough that we could eat there first. The piano players were to start at 9PM sharp. So we wanted to be done in time for that. I had made an angel food cake with home made no-cook marshmallow frosting (a recipe that Beverly gave me....yummy!) and took it with me so we could all have a taste.
Of course because they play strictly by the requests that are brought up to them, one of my friends let them know that it was my birthday. There was also another guy there with a huge group celebrating his birthday as well. I was called up on stage and one of the players had me sit next to him on the piano bench. He sang a song that was virtually about he and I (I've never met him before!) and it was a little dirty to say the least! But it was so funny! He gave the crowd the choice of keeping it clean or making it a little "bad", if you know what I mean. They voted for dirty! After that, the whole bar sang "Happy birthday" to me.
Then later the other guy was called up and they had a different version of embarrassing him for his birthday. It's all in good fun. Early on there were two guys standing up there, but I'm not sure what the occasion was, and they had to pose and sing the song "I'm a Little Tea Pot." Remember the little kids song? One arm is the spout and the other arm is the handle. Yep, they made that one a little dirty too! Just watching two grown men stand there and tip themselves to one side like the children do when they learn it was rather entertaining!
The songs that you request can be anything. Of course they're more apt to play them for you if you include a bit of a tip with it. The more money you add, the earlier they play it. I'm simply amazed by how many songs they know from memory. And not only on the piano. The lyrics as well. I've been to several dueling piano bars. One time I visited my sister Cathy in Oregon. We went to one in Portland that got the bar included in a couple of songs by dividing the crowd into two sections. It was a competition to see which group could be louder.
Of course it goes without saying that pictures were taken. I'm not the only one that loves to have the camera on hand. Several of my friends do too. I had my camera along that also takes videos. So one of my friends got my honorary tribute on video. But that won't be posted!
Tina and I
Some of my friends.
Me and Trisa
Chris, Dee and Tim. Chris and Dee are married. Tim is Chris's brother.
The girls. 
The piano players. I sat next to the guy closest in a red shirt.
Guess who? 
Angie, DeeAnn, Me, Trisa, Susan, Tammy, Tina
Some of my friends....
Here I am being sung to.Many of us still had to work early the next morning so by the time 11PM came around, we were all leaving for home. The night was so much fun and I received many gifts from all my friends. Thanks to all those that came out and helped me celebrate! I had a great time!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Happy Birthday Mom
Today is my Mom's birthday. As anyone would know that has lost a loved one, you never forget these special days. It's especially memorable to me in that my birthday is only 4 days from now. Typically our relatives would visit our home when I was little to celebrate both of our birthdays together. We got to share photos with cakes that were made for both of us. I think my Aunt Penny would even decorate the cakes with that cake candy that said "Happy birthday Mary Ann and Sandy!".
So in honor of Mom and for me too, I made an Angel Food cake yesterday. I will frost it with a sweet frosting that is just like eating marshmallow cream right from the jar! Thanks to Beverly for giving me the recipe! It's so delectable.
Another memory during this time of year as a youngster was the fact that snowmobiling was a huge part of our upbringing. We had two machines for the longest time and eventually got a third. We also had what was called a Cat Cutter sleigh or sled. (Artic Cat was the brand of machines we rode, thus the name Cat Cutter.) It was pulled behind a snowmobile and my siblings and I would ride in it. (it has no motor) We rode all the time. Never mind the fact that the weather was usually 10-20* below zero. We belonged to a club called the Battleview Trailblazers. Many neighbors gathered together every Sunday during the winter in the central location of Battleview, a little tiny town in ND only a couple miles from my Dad's farm. We all brought food to contribute to a pot luck meal that would be eaten later in the evening. Then we would go out riding all our snowmobiles on a 2-3 hour ride on no particular route. Sometimes there were as many as 15 machines. (was there ever more than that Dad?) One of the men would lead the pack and we would ride in coulee's and meadows, across creeks and bridges and eventually make a huge circle out in the country and end up back in Battleview. The meal was usually ready to eat along with plenty of hot chocolate and coffee. Some of the ladies of the club that didn't ride would always be waiting for us and had it piping hot! Then after the meal, many of the adults would sit and play cards while the kids went back outside to play and maybe ride the snowmobiles again. Soon it was time to ride the machines back home and get to bed as we had school the next day. These were the best days.
This is another reason I remember birthday time so much. When relatives would visit to celebrate with us, the snowmobiles never sat still. The kids rode for hours. Sleds were even pulled behind on occasion to change things up a bit. It was fun to be riding on the sled and make jumps over the drifts, big and small. But it was even more fun to be the driver and see the sled rider go through some of the fluffy drifts and get all covered with snow! Remember that Cathy and Kevin? It didn't matter how cold it was, we enjoyed the outdoor toys!
So, on that note, happy birthday Mom. As always, we think of you often and miss you. I do especially during our birthday time. I know you won't mind if I eat your share of the cake!
So in honor of Mom and for me too, I made an Angel Food cake yesterday. I will frost it with a sweet frosting that is just like eating marshmallow cream right from the jar! Thanks to Beverly for giving me the recipe! It's so delectable.
Another memory during this time of year as a youngster was the fact that snowmobiling was a huge part of our upbringing. We had two machines for the longest time and eventually got a third. We also had what was called a Cat Cutter sleigh or sled. (Artic Cat was the brand of machines we rode, thus the name Cat Cutter.) It was pulled behind a snowmobile and my siblings and I would ride in it. (it has no motor) We rode all the time. Never mind the fact that the weather was usually 10-20* below zero. We belonged to a club called the Battleview Trailblazers. Many neighbors gathered together every Sunday during the winter in the central location of Battleview, a little tiny town in ND only a couple miles from my Dad's farm. We all brought food to contribute to a pot luck meal that would be eaten later in the evening. Then we would go out riding all our snowmobiles on a 2-3 hour ride on no particular route. Sometimes there were as many as 15 machines. (was there ever more than that Dad?) One of the men would lead the pack and we would ride in coulee's and meadows, across creeks and bridges and eventually make a huge circle out in the country and end up back in Battleview. The meal was usually ready to eat along with plenty of hot chocolate and coffee. Some of the ladies of the club that didn't ride would always be waiting for us and had it piping hot! Then after the meal, many of the adults would sit and play cards while the kids went back outside to play and maybe ride the snowmobiles again. Soon it was time to ride the machines back home and get to bed as we had school the next day. These were the best days.
This is another reason I remember birthday time so much. When relatives would visit to celebrate with us, the snowmobiles never sat still. The kids rode for hours. Sleds were even pulled behind on occasion to change things up a bit. It was fun to be riding on the sled and make jumps over the drifts, big and small. But it was even more fun to be the driver and see the sled rider go through some of the fluffy drifts and get all covered with snow! Remember that Cathy and Kevin? It didn't matter how cold it was, we enjoyed the outdoor toys!
So, on that note, happy birthday Mom. As always, we think of you often and miss you. I do especially during our birthday time. I know you won't mind if I eat your share of the cake!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Another Birthday Already?
Remember this birthday post from a year ago? Well here we are again. Gavin is now 6 years old! I can hardly believe it! His birthday is February 15TH but they had a party on the 18TH.
To celebrate, Trisa and Jamie (Gavin's Mom and Dad) had his little friends (and some big ones!) join them at BounceU. It's similar to the place we went to last year. But at BounceU the adults can join in the fun of bouncing. I had my camera so I didn't bounce.
After an hour of bouncing and playing, we went to a party room where ice cream cake, cookies and soda were served. Here are a few pictures.....
Gavin having a great time!
The Ninja Turtles cake
Waiting for cake
Some of the girls
Jamie at the top teasing the kids when they tried to slide down!
Waiting for cake....do you want ice cream with your ice cream cake?
Walking up to the top....little soldiers.
Gavin waiting for the candles to be lit.
Being silly in the birthday chair.
To celebrate, Trisa and Jamie (Gavin's Mom and Dad) had his little friends (and some big ones!) join them at BounceU. It's similar to the place we went to last year. But at BounceU the adults can join in the fun of bouncing. I had my camera so I didn't bounce.
After an hour of bouncing and playing, we went to a party room where ice cream cake, cookies and soda were served. Here are a few pictures.....
Gavin having a great time! 
The Ninja Turtles cake
Waiting for cake
Some of the girls
Jamie at the top teasing the kids when they tried to slide down!
Waiting for cake....do you want ice cream with your ice cream cake? 
Walking up to the top....little soldiers.
Trisa and Jamie
Gavin waiting for the candles to be lit.
Being silly in the birthday chair.He's growing up way too fast! I hope you had a great birthday Gavin!
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