Wednesday 30 January 2013

Time change

Last night I set my alarm clock so that I'd have plenty of time this morning to take the dog for a walk, clean the kitchen (a Saturday job that didn't get done) and take a shower. I slept in for half an hour so I had to cut back on the dogs walk and did a poor job of the kitchen. When I got out of the shower and yelled at Dan to get up NOW, he said "oh maannn... I hope you haven't changed the clocks yet." Woo hoo!!! An extra hour. I'll finish the kitchen and spend the rest of the time reading my book (Pigs in heaven - Barbara Kingsolver)
Woops, I take that back. The inlaws will be here in a bit and we'll visit over coffee until church time. Oh, the good ol' days.

Monday 28 January 2013

RF Link AVS-5811 5.8GHz Audio and Video Transmission System with IR Repeater

RF Link AVS-5811 5.8GHz Audio and Video Transmission System with IR Repeater


RF Link AVS-5811 5.8GHz Audio and Video Transmission System with IR Repeater
The 5.8GHz wireless video/audio sender consists of one transmitter and one receiver. This device transmits wirelessly vivid video and hi-fi stereo sound from a VCR, TV set, LD, DVD, VCD, Satellite Receiver or cable set top box to any TV or monitor. It can also be used in conjunction with a camcorder or CCD camera and turns into a wireless security monitoring system. As to the transmission capability, the signal can go up to 400 feet clear light-of-sight and even penetrate wall. With the built-in Read More >>


List Price: $ 160.08






And below is why i think all of you should buy this item :
  • Wireless video transmission system
  • Works with digital TV converter boxes to send an A/V signal to any TV in any room
  • Works with camcorders as a wireless surveillance monitoring system
  • Advanced 58 GHz technology avoids interference from any 900 MHz or 24 GHz application
  • Up to 300 feet of range



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Saturday 26 January 2013

Wildview Infrared Digital Video Recorder with 24 IR Emitters, 32 MB Memory

Wildview Infrared Digital Video Recorder with 24 IR Emitters, 32 MB Memory


Wildview Infrared Digital Video Recorder with 24 IR Emitters, 32 MB Memory
Wildview infrared digital video recorder with 24 IR Emitters shoots 15/30/60 second video clips. With wide angle coverage (PIR), 30-Feet range, and 4 time out settings, this camera has the capacity of 640×480 VGA Video. Includes 32 MB memory, captures 5.0 MP still images, USB output for PC download and an LCD status screen. The Burst mode provides a 3 picture pre-set which allows you to take up to three sequential pictures in a three second setting or provide an option for capturing 10 second v Read More >>


List Price: $ 149.99






And below is why i think all of you should buy this item :
  • 4 Time Out Settings and Low Battery Indicator
  • Burst Mode Multiple Exposure or Video
  • External Power Jack for extended field life
  • Shoots 15/30/60 Second Video Clips, 90 sec of video, 5 MB Color Images per Day
  • Wide Angle Coverage (PIR) and 30 ft. Flash Range



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Thursday 24 January 2013

Sleeping

Today is my day off and I wasted it! I can't believe how late I slept. And I even went to bed early the night before so there was no need for it. I haven't done a thing around the house and only went out because Chloe needed to go for a walk. What would I do without the dog? I did end up visiting at my book shop and getting some groceries but it is now 3:00!!! yikes!!! and I still haven't done a thing. I need to unpack groceries, find some way of making pork tenderloin with apple butter and sweet potatoes, and then hopefully clean the bathroom yet today.
I guess I'm just making up for my very productive day yesterday. I don't even have a book I can waste my time with. I think this is all because I'm just waiting around for this weekend.... it looks very fun and promising... I can't wait!
What a random post.

Sunday 20 January 2013

So it's Sunday

And that means there's the chance of Sunday Evening Blues. And of course I've got a good case of it right now. I don't know what is so bad about tomorrow being Monday but I just don't feel like starting another week yet.
So, here comes the comfort food. Remember, my house right now is filled with the most cancer-causing, fat-building, terrible yummy foods. Anything from gummy bears and pop products to kraft cheese slices and street-meat hotdogs (thanks to Dan's end-of-the-year "bonus"). But I feel like eating..... POTATOES! I first cut up a leek (from the community garden I helped with this week), sliced up a potato, and minced half a garlic clove. I slowly fried them up in olive oil with some salt until everything was golden yummy. It was delicious. I'm pairing it with the remains of Friday nights bottle of white, sans wine glass, and am following up with a package of M&M's.
As good as this food was, I still don't feel like starting another week.

Friday 18 January 2013

Just Arrived VideoSecu 2 Pack Infrared IR Day Night Vision CCTV Surveillance Security Cameras Weatherproof Outdoor with Free Security Warning Stickers CTC

VideoSecu 2 Pack Infrared IR Day Night Vision CCTV Surveillance Security Cameras Weatherproof Outdoor with Free Security Warning Stickers CTC


VideoSecu 2 Pack Infrared IR Day Night Vision CCTV Surveillance Security Cameras Weatherproof Outdoor with Free Security Warning Stickers CTC
This camera is an affordable economic day night vision CCTV CMOS security camera. Built-in 36 infrared LEDs are used for night vision. Capture color pictures at daytime and black & white images at night. The camera has adjustable bracket can be mounted on wall or ceiling. Weatherproof aluminum housing ideal for indoor or outdoor applications. Connect easily with DVR or TV for monitoring. Read More >>


List Price: $ 159.99






And below is why i think all of you should buy this item :
  • 1/4 inch Sharp CCD with 3.6 mm lens
  • Weatherproof housing
  • Wide angle
  • Free power supply and Security Surveillance 1 DeCal 3 inch x 2 inch



Special for our fellow USA citizen, get big discount and fast USA shipping for VideoSecu 2 Pack Infrared IR Day Night Vision CCTV Surveillance Security Cameras Weatherproof Outdoor with Free Security Warning Stickers CTC this month.



Wednesday 16 January 2013

Meditation

I had to come up with some "opening words" for a meeting that I went to last night. I was a bit nervous about that since for most meetings I could come up with a devotion or Bible passage. This was a community meeting though and, for some reason, I felt that it wouldn't be right to bring something overtly Christian. Is that wrong? Probably since the event that I went to on Saturday, hosted by this board, was opened by a prayer from an Imam and traditional spiritual words in Cayuga (a native language). Either way, this is what I found:

From the outside, the monastery garden can be seen as a romantic, sentimental place of sweet spirituality. From the inside, that garden may be an enclosure of interior torments for the monks who struggle with their desires and passions and self-examinations.
At our homes we can evoke the sweet and the tormented monk in our enclosed gardens, with their trellises and gates, their walking paths and their shade. The soul seems to benefit from having an external manifestation of its internal states. The dialogue between the inner and the outer in this way is the very essence of ritual.
Gardening is a monk's way of caring for the soul.
(Written by Thomas Moore in his book "Meditations: On the Monk Who Dwells in Daily Life")

I thought it was PERFECT for both me and the group since this is the board that initiated the community garden. The board chair also brought some opening words and after looking at what I brought said that mine might be "a bit too esoteric". I had no problem with this since I was nervous anyway. I wrote this because I liked the meditation but now, as I'm writing it, I'm kind of confused and annoyed. Esoteric? What is she saying? The smart people at the table wouldn't understand the concept of "caring for the soul"? Or is it just too spiritual? I don't know. I really like the woman and respect her but right now I feel a bit ... dismissed?

Monday 14 January 2013

Just Arrived SecuVox 4GB Motion Detection Night Vision HD Clock Camcorder and Player (Silver)

SecuVox 4GB Motion Detection Night Vision HD Clock Camcorder and Player (Silver)


SecuVox 4GB Motion Detection Night Vision HD Clock Camcorder and Player (Silver)
It is a clock, hd video recorder and player, camera, voice-activated recording, motion detection recording, web camera, and infrared night vision switching. it has all you need. this securix motion detection HD camcorder player and recorder with desktop clock and 2.4 inches lcd monitor and remote is specially designed for frequent travelers, businessmen and store owners. it comes with remote control and supports up to 64gb sd card memory. it is not just a regular digital clock; it is actually a Read More >>


List Price: $ 149.95






And below is why i think all of you should buy this item :
  • Motion detection and voice-activated recording, web camera, night vision, hd video 1280 pixels
  • Play or review or edit or delete recorded files on the 2.4 inches lcd monitor
  • Cycling recording function, never worrying about out of memory, recorded with real time and date
  • Control with key-chain type mini remote controller
  • Support up to 64gb micro sd card flash memory, high rechargeable lithium battery capacity



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Saturday 12 January 2013

Gardening!

Today, about a month to late, I finally got my garden started. After tilling it about 3 weeks ago I finally bought some manure, herbs and vegetables. Opa gave me about 8 tomato plants that he had extra and had repotted into nice large containers. At least my tomatoes are a seasonal size right now. I picked up 6 different herbs (at crazy high prices), 4 red peppers and 4 brocolli plants. I knew that I wouldn't be able to fit much into that garden but I was surprised how it filled up. It looks so empty still but hopefully those plants all fill out and take up their "36-48 inches" that the tags insist upon. I'm worried about the quality of the soil. After the first tilling I expected to have to do it a few more times just to keep the weeds down. I only had to till it this morning once to till in the manure. There wasn't a single weed up. I only got 3 bags of manure (Dan had a hard time spending money on shit, ha ha ha) and so I really don't think there's many nutrients around the roots. I'm going to have to get a few more bags of compost and hill a bit up around each plant. Oma said that the herbs like poor soil so maybe they will at least do well. I got parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme. I've never grown or cooked with sage before but my Jamie Oliver cookbook uses it a lot so I thought I'd give it a try. Oma and Opa also have some sage at their place and I was really impressed by the smell. When I've got more of a permanant place I'd love to grow some bay leaf and "whatever-that-leafy-soup-herb" plant is that Oma and Opa have growing by their door. I LOVE the smell of it. I've even picked a bunch and put it in my car before. I know that mom and dad have a big plant of it too.
I've tied up a bunch of strings above each of my tomato plants instead of staking them. I'll ask dad W. tonight what the proper way of tying a tomato is. Until then, the poor plants are just bent down from the wind. It is so windy here. I don't know if it's always like this or if this is just the summer for it. Luckily the small plants are shielded a bit by the sandbox walls. Once the plants are all properly tied up I'll take some pictures. It looks pretty desolate right now though.
I've been addicted to this once salad lately. Brocolli, raisins, red onions, bacon, all tossed in a mayo/sugar/red wine vinegar dressing. mmmmMMMM! You're supposed to throw in seseme seeds with it but I wouldn't want to ruin it with seeds or nut so I'm just keeping it at that. Mom and I made it a few weeks ago and since then I've been craving it almost everyday. I picked up a head of brocolli just to make a whole salad for myself. Crazy, eh? And for lunch today I made quesadillas. The recipe is a mix b/w my mom's recipe and what we had on hand. Chicken, half a pepper, red onions, a clove of garlic, 1/2 tsp chili powder and a few good shakes of cuury powder (it was supposed to be cumin). I topped the quesadilla off with cheese and parsley. mmm. It was supposed to be for mom too but she didn't come home for lunch. Dan didn't get the option to eat it so I just enjoyed it on my own. And there's leftovers for whoever wants it.
I guess I'm in an agrarian mood so I'm going to do some cheap book shopping online and see what I find. I have my eye on a few already.

Wednesday 9 January 2013

A very detailed account of babysitting Jaela

Here I am, it's 7:58 and I've been babysitting now for about... 3 hours. Larissa and James are gone to a wedding, so are mom and dad, Dan is working and Caleb has run for cover in some quiet corner of the house. I promised that I'd be GREAT at this. In fact, all week I've been saying "oh, I can't wait till Saturday". A chance to babysit Jaela. Not that I haven't seen her a lot or that J&L haven't been dropping her off here regularly when they are out. I just haven't been left with Jaela, by myself, without some other family member to take over when things hit "red alert". I've been warned and warned.... evenings suck!
Sure there have been a few shaky moments but as of this moment, phew.... we're okay... cross fingers... knock on wood... send up a little prayer.
4:45 - James and Larissa leave for the reception. Jaela is sleeping. I do my round of internet surfing for a bit and then pull out my book.
5:15 - Jaela is waking up but I resist the urge to snatch her up the second she flickers her lashes.
5:30 - She's definately up now and has her bottle. Larissa left an already made bottle in the fridge so I warmed it up a bit and she drinks... sparatically. I'd love to see the day where she grabs the bottle and drinks it down. The way she gulps (you can actually hear the fluid hit her stomach!) you'ld think that the ounces would just depleat like crazy! She drinks for a while and when she finally spits out out and I'm burping her, I notice that she's barely had more than an ounce.
6:30 - Caleb came up for a bit and noticed a happy Jaela so he took his turn cuddling and feeding her (another 1/16 oz. gone). She's seems unsettled but not really grumpy... like she just wants to move around. I rocked her out to some Neil Diamond for a bit, changed a diaper (again... i don't know when you're supposed to this... it was wet though) and tried to feed her another 1/16 oz.
7:00 - yup.... so now she's gruuuuuumpy.
7:30 - Larissa says that around this time, when she's starts getting this way, she makes sure she's not hungry (check), gassy (check), full diaper (check) and then just lays her down to cry for a bit... after which she falls asleep. Caleb strongly opposed this idea but I'm going to take a stab at it.
YIIIKKKKKEEEESSSS..... I'm sure it works better when it's in her crib, by her mom and in her own house. My goodness this girl has lungs.
I let her cry for the suggested time (I won't say how long but I did have the timer on the microwave set) and finally picked her up. Aww... she's damp and sweaty for crying so hard. I'm so sorry Jaela.
I pick her up and after a few gulps and sighs, she falls asleep. I sat outside with her on mom's swing and watched the rain till I was sure she was asleep. At this point I should have put her down to keep sleeping but instead, I held her while I started writing this post.
8:30 -My sister calls (cheap flights!!) and Jaela wakes up. She's not as grumpy and the 2 oz. that I make for her goes down while I'm on the phone. She would have drank more but mom and dad's water is cold and she doesn't like the next 2 oz. That's okay though cuz right now she is just giggling and squirming and smiling like crazy. What a kid. And Dan thinks I have mood swings. wow.
8:40 - she's sneezed 5 times in the last 5 minutes.... should I not have brought her outside?!!!
9:25 - I ate, Caleb took his turn again, she's grumpy again and I think I'm going to try laying her down again
9:59 - ELATION! I did it. She screamed for the whole timer, I picked her up, sat outside again and rocked her while she cooled down (she was definately properly wrapped up but the air is refreshingly cool). She fell asleep and this time, i super super super carefully laid her down. whew. elation!
11:21 - .... still sleeping....
11:47 - And my job is done!!!

It really was a good night... a fun experience... and really, it wasn't good birth control.

Saturday 5 January 2013

I definately didn't want to write this post

Last week Friday morning I miscarried. It was a very traumatic and sad. Dan was the best husband in the world. I've got great friends and family around me and (because Dan has rightfully insisted) I have taken the week off to recuperate (whatever that means).
Most of you know that Dan and I did not try at ALL to keep the pregnancy a secret. Before we got pregnant we had breifly discussed the issue of to tell vs. not to tell. We both wanted to tell. And when the tests came back positive there was no holding us back anyways. I rarely hold back what I'm feeling and need to talk to others when something is on my mind. And how would I be able to make it a whole THREE months without talking to people about it?! Another reason, we figured if we did miscarry, we would once again want to talk to others about it. The third reason is purely out of practicality. After the second time of turning down a drink everyone would know anyways.
And now that we miscarried do I regret telling people? Not at all. People have been so supportive. Mom has spent lots of time with me and on the phone. Both friends and family have been there to do whatever I have needed them to do/not do. Cass sent me beautiful flowers and family friends have called. I'm not reluctant to talk about it and, in fact, if people ask will explain what we went through just to help avoid the shock and trauma that scared me half to death.
So, we had 12 weeks of looking forward to this baby. I'm happy that I had that time and I'm grateful that we could share with everyone and enjoy the pregnancy as long as we did. Thank you everyone. Thanks for the prayers and support.

Thursday 3 January 2013

January

Nothing like clothes drying on the line... in January.

Today is a cleaning day. It seems like I haven't cleaned the Timmies cups up for the last week! And now that Dan is done work (yeeeaaaahhh!!!) before he starts his next job (yeeeaaaaahhhh!!!!) he will be able to help. I'm hoping that by tonight I will be sipping wine with mom W, eating a good meal in a clean house.