It was a busy day for me yesterday. My boss and I were judges for the Middle School Science Fair. She has judged in the past but this was my first time judging. We had to be at the school by 8:30 am for a short informational meeting. When I signed us up for this I told the 8th grade science teacher that I had a meeting at 2:00 and hoped that wouldn't be a problem. He scheduled us to be done by noon.
We had 12 teams to judge and they had their criteria that had to be met. First the kids had to have a hypothesis, then they had to show their work with dependent and independent variables and have their conclusion. The student had display boards that showed their work. In our group of 12 only 4 didn't have their display boards and we had one group that was a no show. One kid did come but his partner didn't come to school and the missing partner had the display board. We both felt bad for him but we had to give him a low score because he was missing this.
The kids we had all did a very good job and they chose interesting topics. Ranged from bacteria, mold, sugars, music, heart rates, plants, and cleaners. The ones who did bacteria did their experiment on the drinking fountains at the school. They both said they would never drink water out of those fountains again, drink bottled water. Some of the kids recognized me from tae kwon do. I had 4 that had taken tae kwon do from me that I judged. I was very fair.
The highest score the kids could have on their project was 90 points and we were fairly even staying in the 70 range. The ones who scored lower were the ones who didn't have the display boards. I enjoyed it and the kids were fun to work with. My boss and I then went out to lunch and we got back in plenty of time for our meeting that was in the afternoon.
After work, Gary and I headed to Billings to attend the Couple's Garage Party at the Harley Dealership. We had received an e-mail from the president of the chapter asking for volunteers to sit at the the chapter table at the event. Gary and I volunteered since we were going anyway and he was getting alot of denials. Our new membership officer also manned the table with us.
I have been to a few garage parties before so I know what to expect. We had some snacky type foods and adult beverages to drink along with soda. Gary ended up visiting with our friends while I stayed at the table. We did have a few come and ask us questions. I invited the people to come to our meeting on Sunday to see what we are all about. Handed out the calendar that we did last year to show them how much fun we have. Hope at least one comes.
I did get the chance to wander around. I did the dyna demo at Gary's urging. He wanted to see me get on a bike and start it up and run through the gears. I had done this once before, so I did. This time the bike that was used is the new softail slim, a bike made for people with short legs. Anyway I got all the way through 6th gear and up to 70 mph. Good thing that the bike doesn't move, it would be a whole different story otherwise. Gary even got on the demo bike and he wants one.
There was a photographer there that would take a 5X7 portrait of us on a bike for $5. We paid the $5 and had our portrait taken. We will be able to pick it up on Friday at the dealership. I got to thinking that with my photography class I'm taking, I should be good enough to do something like this and make a little extra money. The photographer didn't have any extra stuff, just a simple background, camera with external flash on a tripod and his computer to download the images. He just took one shot of people so not a hard job at all.
We didn't win any of the prizes this time. We left at 8:30 but stopped at McDonald's on the way home to get something to eat. The snacks didn't fill us up and they were some very fancy stuff that in my opinion didn't taste very well. We each did get a coupon for $10 off our next purchase.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Valentine's Day Date
Saturday Gary and I celebrated Valentine's Day. We have class on Tuesday so it just wouldn't work for us.
We didn't do anything special, went to a movie and had dinner. In between we went grocery shopping. Gary also updated his cell phone.
We saw the movie "Safe House" and enjoyed it. It was playing at the new theater on Shiloh, went to the afternoon matinee where ticket prices are a bit cheaper. We didn't buy any snacks as those are way too over priced anyway.
For dinner we went to Famous Dave's BBQ. We had a gift card from his brother for there and used it. We shared a meal called the American Feast for $35. We got BBQ ribs, chicken and brisket with baked beans, cole slaw and some corn muffins. We couldn't eat it all so had to get to go boxes. There was enough for another meal. It was very delicious.
In between movie and dinner, we stopped at the mall to just wander around. It was quite busy with the boy scouts having their pine wood car derby. We stopped at the Verizon cell phone booth. I told Gary that his phone needs upgrading. His old one has been slowing going downhill. I told him that it would be nice that when I call, he would answer.
The phone he got is called octane. It is a flip phone with a regular keyboard for his texting. He also gets a $50 mail in rebate with it. So far he likes it, still finding all the whistles and bells for it. We did have to change our phone plan, it is basically the same thing just a different name and no changes in the price of the billing.
Sunday Jennifer and I went to the movie "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo". I read the book and am now reading the second one. It was a very intense movie.
We didn't do anything special, went to a movie and had dinner. In between we went grocery shopping. Gary also updated his cell phone.
We saw the movie "Safe House" and enjoyed it. It was playing at the new theater on Shiloh, went to the afternoon matinee where ticket prices are a bit cheaper. We didn't buy any snacks as those are way too over priced anyway.
For dinner we went to Famous Dave's BBQ. We had a gift card from his brother for there and used it. We shared a meal called the American Feast for $35. We got BBQ ribs, chicken and brisket with baked beans, cole slaw and some corn muffins. We couldn't eat it all so had to get to go boxes. There was enough for another meal. It was very delicious.
In between movie and dinner, we stopped at the mall to just wander around. It was quite busy with the boy scouts having their pine wood car derby. We stopped at the Verizon cell phone booth. I told Gary that his phone needs upgrading. His old one has been slowing going downhill. I told him that it would be nice that when I call, he would answer.
The phone he got is called octane. It is a flip phone with a regular keyboard for his texting. He also gets a $50 mail in rebate with it. So far he likes it, still finding all the whistles and bells for it. We did have to change our phone plan, it is basically the same thing just a different name and no changes in the price of the billing.
Sunday Jennifer and I went to the movie "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo". I read the book and am now reading the second one. It was a very intense movie.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Dentist Appointment
Tuesday I had a dentist appointment after missing for nine months. I was supposed to go in July, but had to cancel because of my surgery. I just never rescheduled and then the holidays hit. Figured I had better get in gear and back on track with my dental health.
Made the appointment and it fit for my schedule as I had a HOG meeting later that night. I took the whole day off to spend in Billings. My dental appointment was scheduled for 11:00 am so I didn't have to leave too early. I just didn't figure out the weather.
Monday morning we had freezing rain and the roads were covered in a thin layer of black ice. Made driving and walking very interesting. I was a bit worried but it had warmed up enough during the day to melt all that ice. Tuesday was a bit snowy just a few flurries. The roads were snowy but fortunately not icy. I left for Billings earlier than usual to allow time for the roads. The passing lanes were snowy and had small ground blizzards along the way. Did get into white out conditions when idiots passed me going 80 mph. Pretty much basic winter driving.
I arrived safe and sound in Billings without any problems. Checked in for my appointment, had a wait just a bit as I was early. Fortunately I took my kindle with me so was able to read Bonnie's book. My appointment went fine, survived the cleaning. Teeth weren't too bad after 9 months and I didn't get scolded either.
Had the rest of the day to wander. Didn't do anything exciting or get any therapy, waiting for that when Jennifer and I go shopping for her Korea trip. I did spend time in shops drinking coffee and I finished Bonnie's book.
My meeting was at 6:00 and we got done around 7:30. I just headed straight home and the roads were better going home at night than they were in the morning. All in all it was a nice day.
I had originally planned to spend some time at the zoo taking photos but the weather didn't cooperate for that. Will have to do the zoo thing later in the spring.
Made the appointment and it fit for my schedule as I had a HOG meeting later that night. I took the whole day off to spend in Billings. My dental appointment was scheduled for 11:00 am so I didn't have to leave too early. I just didn't figure out the weather.
Monday morning we had freezing rain and the roads were covered in a thin layer of black ice. Made driving and walking very interesting. I was a bit worried but it had warmed up enough during the day to melt all that ice. Tuesday was a bit snowy just a few flurries. The roads were snowy but fortunately not icy. I left for Billings earlier than usual to allow time for the roads. The passing lanes were snowy and had small ground blizzards along the way. Did get into white out conditions when idiots passed me going 80 mph. Pretty much basic winter driving.
I arrived safe and sound in Billings without any problems. Checked in for my appointment, had a wait just a bit as I was early. Fortunately I took my kindle with me so was able to read Bonnie's book. My appointment went fine, survived the cleaning. Teeth weren't too bad after 9 months and I didn't get scolded either.
Had the rest of the day to wander. Didn't do anything exciting or get any therapy, waiting for that when Jennifer and I go shopping for her Korea trip. I did spend time in shops drinking coffee and I finished Bonnie's book.
My meeting was at 6:00 and we got done around 7:30. I just headed straight home and the roads were better going home at night than they were in the morning. All in all it was a nice day.
I had originally planned to spend some time at the zoo taking photos but the weather didn't cooperate for that. Will have to do the zoo thing later in the spring.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
More Winter
It's official, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today in Pennsylvania. That means six more weeks of winter.
Can't really complain, winter has been pretty mild this year. I think we have had snow twice this winter. Once just before Thanksgiving, but that wasn't very much. Came one day and melted away the next.
Our most recent snowfall was just a couple weeks ago. We got about 2 feet of snow and cold temperatures.
Now we are back having our spring like weather. Keeping my fingers crossed that this trend will continue, but Easter is not here yet.
Can't really complain, winter has been pretty mild this year. I think we have had snow twice this winter. Once just before Thanksgiving, but that wasn't very much. Came one day and melted away the next.
Our most recent snowfall was just a couple weeks ago. We got about 2 feet of snow and cold temperatures.
Now we are back having our spring like weather. Keeping my fingers crossed that this trend will continue, but Easter is not here yet.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Munchie Bowl III
We went to the Third Annual Munchie Bowl at the Harley dealership on Saturday. This time we didn't win any prizes.
For $2 per person we got to sample 13 tables of Super Bowl munchies and then we vote on the best muchie and the best booth. Only a couple were decorated while the rest were just normal food tables. This year the proceeds went to the Billings schools Angel Fund. The money goes to purchase needed supplies for students.
Had a good time and we were able to visit with our friends. We didn't stay long enough to find out who won for best food or booth. Only two tables were holding drawings and we didn't win those. Last year I won the BBQ basket. None of the samples really popped this year. Some were better than others, but not where I would go out of my way to eat.
We made an early day out of it, ate breakfast then ran some errands. Gary filled his prescription for eye glasses that he got from the VA. The VA wouldn't fill the prescription and they won't pay for his glasses. I was with Gary when the eye doctor told him not to let the eye places talk him into getting bifocals as he doesn't need them. I looked at his prescription and told Gary that the eye doctor wrote the prescription for bifocals, but at the same time said he didn't need them.
We filled the prescription at Wal-Mart and he got his single vision lens and frames for a grand total of $47. They should be in at the end of the week. I have been after him for years to get his eyes checked, I knew he needed glasses but he just wouldn't admit it.
He finally admitted that he really couldn't see that clear. I convinced him that since we are now riding alot more, that it would be a good thing that he can see clearly. He still won't admit that he needs to wear glasses all the time, just to read.
For $2 per person we got to sample 13 tables of Super Bowl munchies and then we vote on the best muchie and the best booth. Only a couple were decorated while the rest were just normal food tables. This year the proceeds went to the Billings schools Angel Fund. The money goes to purchase needed supplies for students.
Had a good time and we were able to visit with our friends. We didn't stay long enough to find out who won for best food or booth. Only two tables were holding drawings and we didn't win those. Last year I won the BBQ basket. None of the samples really popped this year. Some were better than others, but not where I would go out of my way to eat.
We made an early day out of it, ate breakfast then ran some errands. Gary filled his prescription for eye glasses that he got from the VA. The VA wouldn't fill the prescription and they won't pay for his glasses. I was with Gary when the eye doctor told him not to let the eye places talk him into getting bifocals as he doesn't need them. I looked at his prescription and told Gary that the eye doctor wrote the prescription for bifocals, but at the same time said he didn't need them.
We filled the prescription at Wal-Mart and he got his single vision lens and frames for a grand total of $47. They should be in at the end of the week. I have been after him for years to get his eyes checked, I knew he needed glasses but he just wouldn't admit it.
He finally admitted that he really couldn't see that clear. I convinced him that since we are now riding alot more, that it would be a good thing that he can see clearly. He still won't admit that he needs to wear glasses all the time, just to read.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Vacation-Use It or Lose It
For the first time in 26 years, I was in a use it or lose it situation with my vacation at work. I always take enough time off during the year to get under my max hours allowed. Not for 2011. My Minnesota vacation was all sick leave, if it wasn't for that I would have been under.
I was 40 hours over. I took one day off with Gary earlier in the month, which left me 4 days. Since we get Martin Luther King day off as a holiday it was perfect, take my remaining 4 days with the holiday. Counting the weekends, I had 9 days off.
I didn't go anywhere, had plenty of time to clean out the back bedroom. This was my sons bedroom and when they moved out a few years ago, stuff just got put in that room that we didn't know what to do with. Soon it got so full that you couldn't walk into the room without stepping on something. Cleaning and organizing was my project for the week.
I took it is small steps, just sections at a time. Monday was spent throwing out garbage. For some reason we had boxed up old magazines and was going to keep them for something, not sure what, but to the garbage they went. I spent two hours each day working on a section.
In the afternoons I watched my Harry Potter movies. For Christmas I bought the 8 movie collection, I had watched some of the movies already when I had time off for holidays, just had three more left to complete the series.
Tuesday Jennifer and I went to Billings for some shopping. She needed new work shoes and I bought two book cases for the room. One to display the knick knacks I got from Grandma, the other for all my books. I had them packed in boxes. We had a good time, the weather was nice and we got it done before the storm.
I needed help getting the book cases into the house, so they just stayed in my car until Saturday. The weather got nasty, the storm hit on Tuesday night and it snowed until Friday morning. Most of the snow came on Wednesday, it had let up some on Thursday and by Friday morning we got another 3 inches. The storm also brought in very cold temperatures. Perfect weather to get my project done.
I finished cleaning on Thursday. Found an extra air mattress that I didn't know we had. It was stuffed in the closet. Boxed up a bunch of clothes to take to Good Will and threw out some more garbage. I got as far as I could, just needed the shelves before I could clean up some more. It is so nice to be able to see the floor and walk into the room.
Helped Gary clear snow off the sidewalk and also cleared snow from the parking lot at our Tae Kwon Do school. We didn't get all of it, but most of it. After we shoveled, the snow plows came by and plowed all that right back onto the sidewalk. By this time, it was very heavy and we got what we could. Temperatures are warming up so hopefully most of this will melt soon. Thankfully, Mmom's neighbor cleared her sidewalk. All I had to do was her front steps. Whew!!!
I got my shelves put together on the weekend. My original plan was to drive to Meeteetse, but the roads were not the best and we were to get some freezing rain on Saturday afternoon. Will have to go down later. Called Mmom and they didn't get any of the storm in Wyoming.
All I have left to do is sort the china out of boxes that Mmom and I brought back from Spuddies a couple years ago. The room looks nice and will get the tv and home theater system hooked up in there.
I was 40 hours over. I took one day off with Gary earlier in the month, which left me 4 days. Since we get Martin Luther King day off as a holiday it was perfect, take my remaining 4 days with the holiday. Counting the weekends, I had 9 days off.
I didn't go anywhere, had plenty of time to clean out the back bedroom. This was my sons bedroom and when they moved out a few years ago, stuff just got put in that room that we didn't know what to do with. Soon it got so full that you couldn't walk into the room without stepping on something. Cleaning and organizing was my project for the week.
I took it is small steps, just sections at a time. Monday was spent throwing out garbage. For some reason we had boxed up old magazines and was going to keep them for something, not sure what, but to the garbage they went. I spent two hours each day working on a section.
In the afternoons I watched my Harry Potter movies. For Christmas I bought the 8 movie collection, I had watched some of the movies already when I had time off for holidays, just had three more left to complete the series.
Tuesday Jennifer and I went to Billings for some shopping. She needed new work shoes and I bought two book cases for the room. One to display the knick knacks I got from Grandma, the other for all my books. I had them packed in boxes. We had a good time, the weather was nice and we got it done before the storm.
I needed help getting the book cases into the house, so they just stayed in my car until Saturday. The weather got nasty, the storm hit on Tuesday night and it snowed until Friday morning. Most of the snow came on Wednesday, it had let up some on Thursday and by Friday morning we got another 3 inches. The storm also brought in very cold temperatures. Perfect weather to get my project done.
I finished cleaning on Thursday. Found an extra air mattress that I didn't know we had. It was stuffed in the closet. Boxed up a bunch of clothes to take to Good Will and threw out some more garbage. I got as far as I could, just needed the shelves before I could clean up some more. It is so nice to be able to see the floor and walk into the room.
Helped Gary clear snow off the sidewalk and also cleared snow from the parking lot at our Tae Kwon Do school. We didn't get all of it, but most of it. After we shoveled, the snow plows came by and plowed all that right back onto the sidewalk. By this time, it was very heavy and we got what we could. Temperatures are warming up so hopefully most of this will melt soon. Thankfully, Mmom's neighbor cleared her sidewalk. All I had to do was her front steps. Whew!!!
I got my shelves put together on the weekend. My original plan was to drive to Meeteetse, but the roads were not the best and we were to get some freezing rain on Saturday afternoon. Will have to go down later. Called Mmom and they didn't get any of the storm in Wyoming.
All I have left to do is sort the china out of boxes that Mmom and I brought back from Spuddies a couple years ago. The room looks nice and will get the tv and home theater system hooked up in there.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Red Lodge Weekend
Last weekend we were invited for an overnight party in Red Lodge. Our friends had won a weekend in Red Lodge to stay at one of the new condos. They invited us to spend a night with them. There were four couples in all.
The condo has four bedrooms, naturally our hosts got the master bedroom, the other three were on a first come basis. We were to be there at 4:00 pm, but if we got their earlier that was fine. We got there around 3:00 pm and we were the second guests to arrive. So we had a choice of two bedrooms, naturally I took the bigger one. Good thing, another couple arrived 10 minutes behind us.
For dinner I took two salads, a macaroni and potato salad. Our hosts fixed a baked ham. Our other friends made a home made German chocolate cake, the other couple brought dinner rolls. We all had to bring our own alcohol. Had a great time visiting. Later on in the night, us women sat in the hot tub. It was very peaceful sitting is the nice hot water with Rock Creek gurgling. The guys stayed inside and watched the football games.
We stayed up and visited. Laughed alot. One of our friends is going through a very difficult time right now. Her son was killed in an accident just right after Christmas. He lived in Florida, so she just made it home before the party.
In the morning, we had ham & cheese omelets in a bag. It was very fun to make. What a wonderful idea, no mess. I brought fruit cocktail, there were muffins and we even had mimosas.
We had to be out of the condo by 11:00 am, so it was time to clean up. We all had to strip our beds. Our hosts car battery died on them, so the guys had to push the car out of the garage. Gary has an emergency car kit in the pickup. We just got that a week ago when we went to our bank. Got them up and running.
We made it to Billings with plenty of time to spare. Sunday was our HOG Chapter meeting. It was late by the time we got home. First there was an accident on the interstate that shut down both lanes of traffic for a time. The accident was on the Pryor Hill, second we stayed and watched the football games. By the time we left for home, the interstate was open.
Had a very good time and so glad that our friends invited us to share in their weekend. The guys decided that we could rent this condo later in the year and it wouldn't cost very much for each couple.
Our friends get another free weekend at the condo in April, however they will be sharing that with their children. We tried to talk them into inviting us again, but they already told their children, so that is out of the question.
The condo has four bedrooms, naturally our hosts got the master bedroom, the other three were on a first come basis. We were to be there at 4:00 pm, but if we got their earlier that was fine. We got there around 3:00 pm and we were the second guests to arrive. So we had a choice of two bedrooms, naturally I took the bigger one. Good thing, another couple arrived 10 minutes behind us.
For dinner I took two salads, a macaroni and potato salad. Our hosts fixed a baked ham. Our other friends made a home made German chocolate cake, the other couple brought dinner rolls. We all had to bring our own alcohol. Had a great time visiting. Later on in the night, us women sat in the hot tub. It was very peaceful sitting is the nice hot water with Rock Creek gurgling. The guys stayed inside and watched the football games.
We stayed up and visited. Laughed alot. One of our friends is going through a very difficult time right now. Her son was killed in an accident just right after Christmas. He lived in Florida, so she just made it home before the party.
In the morning, we had ham & cheese omelets in a bag. It was very fun to make. What a wonderful idea, no mess. I brought fruit cocktail, there were muffins and we even had mimosas.
We had to be out of the condo by 11:00 am, so it was time to clean up. We all had to strip our beds. Our hosts car battery died on them, so the guys had to push the car out of the garage. Gary has an emergency car kit in the pickup. We just got that a week ago when we went to our bank. Got them up and running.
We made it to Billings with plenty of time to spare. Sunday was our HOG Chapter meeting. It was late by the time we got home. First there was an accident on the interstate that shut down both lanes of traffic for a time. The accident was on the Pryor Hill, second we stayed and watched the football games. By the time we left for home, the interstate was open.
Had a very good time and so glad that our friends invited us to share in their weekend. The guys decided that we could rent this condo later in the year and it wouldn't cost very much for each couple.
Our friends get another free weekend at the condo in April, however they will be sharing that with their children. We tried to talk them into inviting us again, but they already told their children, so that is out of the question.
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