Essential Oils For the Dog (056/365)

TIME: 4:08 PM
PLACE: Kitchen
SUBJECT: Essential Oils

So – I can tell my kids are older and require less of my time.

How do I know this?
Well, I just spent a couple of hours researching on the internet, made my husband drive to 3 different places and spent  $25 on that small bottle of Geranium Essential Oil.
All so I could mix up an organic concoction to clean my oldest dog’s ears. (I still need some Basil essential oil; I ordered that from Amazon and will add it to the mix when I receive it).   

Stamps (055/365)

TIME: 4:37 PM
PLACE: Schnucks
SUBJECT: Stamp machine

My niece had her 12th birthday party this evening.  I bought her present while we were shopping on Tuesday, but I still I needed to purchase a birthday card.  So on the way to my sister’s, I stopped at a local grocery store to pick one up.

This is right at the entrance. You don’t see many stamp machines like this one around anymore.

I think the corrugated metal provides a nice background.

Jalapeño Is No Bueno (054/365)

TIME: 7:42 PM
PLACE: Downtown – outside Casa Maria
SUBJECT: Squashed jalapeño

Out to dinner with the HH and SD this evening.

This poor, single, mutilated jalapeño was on the sidewalk outside the restaurant.

SD kicked it in the street after I took the picture to put it out of it’s misery.

Back to Work (053/365)

TIME: 8:21 AM
PLACE: Work
SUBJECT: Parking lot view

My vacation ended and I had to go back to work today.

I didn’t want to, but I need those bi-weekly deposits into my checking account.

I park in the same spot everyday.  Since October 17th, I’ve been snapping a picture of this view before I get out of my car.  I hope to continue this for a year – we’ll see if it happens.

 

 Here’s a comparison of my first photo from October 17th with the one I took today.

Wrapper Chain (052/365)

TIME: 2:20 PM
PLACE: Living room
SUBJECT: Gum wrapper chain

At an auction about two years ago, I discovered an immensely long (at least 5 yards) gum wrapper chain in one of the box lots.

Immediately, I was consumed with possessing that wrapper chain.  I persuaded the auction assistant to take it out as a separate item so I could bid on it without having to also take all of the other stuff  in the box.

He graciously did so. I bid $1 and braced myself for someone to bid against me. No one did.  What? Silly people, did they not know the awesomeness of this gum wrapper chain?  I won and he handed me the plastic bag.  Then bonus! I discovered a second slightly shorter chain in the bag as well. It was a Christmas miracle in July. I spread the joy and gave that one to my sister.

The one I kept is long enough to use as a garland for my special ornament tree.

It’s perfect.

Still Shopping (051/365)

TIME: 5:04 PM
PLACE: Kitchen
SUBJECT: Duluth Trading Co. shopping bag

My favorite shopping day – the day after Christmas arrived!

We started at the outlet mall around 8:45 am and returned home around 3:00 pm.

I bought a couple of things – work clothes mainly.

I’d consider It a success.

Christmas Morning (050/365)

TIME: 8:51 AM
PLACE: Living room
SUBJECT: Kids and dogs

Another annual photo tradition.

Kids and the dogs in front of the tree before opening of the gifts.

The dogs were not very co-operative this year – I was lucky to get this one without anyone moving.

Stair Picture 2017 (049/365

TIME: 7:21 PM
PLACE: Dad’s house
SUBJECT: Cousins

We made it to another Christmas Eve at Dad’s house.

The “Annual Stair Picture” was taken.

It looks like it’s getting a little tight.

Twice the StellaDella (048/365)

TIME: 1:28 PM
PLACE: Downtown
SUBJECT: StellaDella

We ran some last minute Christmas errands this morning, then headed downtown to check out the German Market and the shops.

Miss SD was looking good, and the light was nice so HH and I made her pose in front of the mirrored building.  Doesn’t she look so excited to do this?

We may or may not have bribed her with the promise of sushi for lunch.

The line for the horse-drawn trolley rides was pretty long.

We did not ride, but I did get this cute picture of a horse nose.

Not as cute as SD, but still cute nevertheless.

Graffiti Train (047/365)

TIME: 1:36 PM
PLACE: N. Illinois St.
SUBJECT: Train car

I battled the crowds at the grocery store.

Stopped by a train on my way home.

Garden Glow (046/365)

TIME: 7:15-8:30 PM
PLACE: Missouri Botanical Gardens
SUBJECT: Garden Glow

Forced family fun was implemented this evening at the Garden Glow in the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Half-lit tree

Luminaries

I call this one “The Angel of Death”

But I think the Christmas theme comes with the green light and red (eye) windows?

Maybe I just have a dark sense of humor.

Are we having fun?  It’s hard to tell.
I think a flash was needed here.


StellaDella and MonkeyBoy had fun portraying two of the eight “Maids a Milking”


They all look a little happier here.

I love these guys.

Death of a Nutcracker (045/365)

TIME: 11:21 AM
PLACE: Living room
SUBJECT: Stuffing, chewed noisemaker, Norm the Nutcracker

It only took Mulder 7 days to kill the Nutcracker toy from the Barkbox.

He’s getting quicker.

Blood Drive Today (044/365)

TIME: 10:45 AM
PLACE: Work parking lot
SUBJECT: Blood mobile

Would I give blood just to get out of work?

Why, yes…yes I would.

Home (043/365)

TIME: 5:37 PM
PLACE: Kitchen
SUBJECT: Monkeyboy

My boy is home for Victory Block Leave.

I am one very happy mama.

Mulder is pretty happy too.

Old Dog, Purple Sweater (042/365)

TIME: 2:49 PM
PLACE: Living room
SUBJECT: Oreo

SD decided that Oreo was getting cold and demanded persuaded me to purchase this purple sweater while we were at the thrift store.

It’s a human sweater, thus we had to roll the sleeves up when shoving her dressing her in it.

She looks fabulous.

It’s a good color on her I think.

Spaghetti & Confetti (041/365)

TIME: 8:55 AM
PLACE: Vivianos
SUBJECT: Spaghetti & Confetti

The annual Family Italian/Cookie run occurred this morning.

I have my cheese, bread, salami, wine and cookies.

It will probably all be consumed before Christmas.

Mulder Nose (040/365)

TIME: 10:34 PM
PLACE: Home
SUBJECT: Mulder

He was laying there so quietly.

A rare occurrence.

Makes you want to say “Boop” and poke him on the nose.

Library Stairs (039/365)

TIME: 6:59 PM
PLACE: Library
SUBJECT: Marble stairs

Went to the library tonight to pick up a new book on CD. 
I like to listen to them during my commute back and forth to work.

Our Carnegie library has this fancy marble staircase.

Just think of all the people who have used these steps since the library was dedicated in January of 1916.

What’s in The Box? (038/365)

TIME: 7:40 PM
PLACE: Living room
SUBJECT: Oreo, Mulder and the Bark Box

Yes, I am an overly-indulgent pet owner who subscribes to Bark Box.

But you know what?

They love it.

What’s On Draft (037/365)

TIME: 6:38 PM
PLACE: Otts Tavern
SUBJECT: Beer tap handles

HH and I went out to Otts Tavern for a drink and some food.

I like the Stag beer tap handle.

I did not drink a Stag, instead I sipped on a screwdriver made with some Stumpy's peach vodka.

Pretty tasty.

Beauty Queen (036/365)

TIME: 7:32 PM
PLACE: The rental
SUBJECT: Kitchen sink base

This enameled sink base is one of the few things I like about the rental house.

It was not very nice looking earlier this year – dirty, rusted, discolored, sticky and just plain gross.

I removed the doors and drawers, cleaned and sanded everything. Then I sprayed it all with appliance paint.  Some doors had to be painted more than once.  A bee got himself stuck on the wet paint.  He ruined the finish and his life. Stupid bee

The final product does not have a completely smooth factory finish, but I think I did pretty good for an amateur.

I polished the handles and reattached them.  The “Beauty Queen” logo, my favorite part, received a shine as well.

She looks pretty good for an old sink.

Broken (035/365)

TIME: 10:06 PM
PLACE: Home
SUBJECT: Broken ornament

I finally started putting ornaments on the tree.

In the process, this one fell from a branch and shattered on the floor.

It was one of the the ornaments Mom gave me after I moved into my first house.

It hurt seeing it broken – but I keep reminding myself that it’s just a “thing” and that I have other ornaments from her.

Still, I’m a bit sad about it.

Caponi Brothers (034/365)

TIME: 6:29 PM
PLACE: Cousin Kirk’s
SUBJECT: Dad and his brothers

My cousin Kirk and his wife hosted a cousin-get-together.

Not everyone was able to make it, but there were enough Caponi cousins and their kids there to pretty much erase all the wine, beer, bruschetta, cheese, salami, lasagna, garlic bread, Italian cookies and cannoli that was on hand.

We even were able to take some group shots.

The brother’s and some of their grandchildren.  There are ten more of them not pictured!

A pic of the group – hooray for selfie sticks and for Brandi (front, center), who knew how to use it!

Branches, Clouds and Power Lines (033/365)

TIME: 4:20 PM (Tee-hee!)
PLACE: Front yard
SUBJECT: Branches, clouds and power lines

The Husband and I are officially old people.

We left the house to eat before 5pm so we could miss the crowds, get back home and go to bed early.

He went to bed. I let the dogs out.

They escaped the yard and SD, DQ and I had to go searching for them.

After about 15 minutes SD and I located them about 2 blocks away. She shoved them in the car and we brought them home. They showed no remorse for their behavior.

A wild Friday night!

Ledger-flake (032/365)

TIME: 7:49 AM
PLACE: Work
SUBJECT: Paper snowflake

Last year I forced my co-workers to cut out snowflakes from ledger paper I had on hand from my old auditing days.

We also made a paper clip chain for garland.

They went back on the department tree this year.

Salt Lamp (031/365)

TIME: 8:32 PM
PLACE: Living room
SUBJECT: Salt Lamp

DramaQueen brought this home with her.

It’s suppose to boost blood flow, improve sleep, increase levels of serotonin in the brain, and calm allergy or asthma symptoms by releasing negative salt ions when heated.

I’m a bit dubious about those claims, but I must admit, it does look nice.

Super Moon T Plus 2 Days (030/365)

TIME: 9:14 PM
PLACE: Sky view from the back porch
SUBJECT: Super Moon

I’m 2 days late to the Super Moon party.

Story of my life.

Santa Heads (029/365)

TIME: 11:41 AM
PLACE: Kitchen
SUBJECT: Santa picks

Rights now?

This is all the Christmas I have out.

I’m slightly behind this year.

Sunday Funday (028/365)

TIME: 11:59 AM
PLACE: Cherokee Street, St. Louis, MO
SUBJECT: Alley art

DQ has a part-time job at a store on Cherokee Antique Row in St. Louis and invited me and SD to their Annual Cookie Spree. 

So we did.

I may or may not have had some Riesling and a nip of Sherry along with said cookies prior to 11am.

Santa’s not telling.

SD had her portrait done.

She and I had our picture taken with the man on the moon too!

~*~*~*~

TIME: 5:46 PM
PLACE: National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
SUBJECT: SD, DQ and Mulder

In the evening we attended the Tails, Trails and Twinkles at the Shrine. 

We walked Mulder through the lights with many other dogs.  At the end there was a pet blessing. 

Which was good, because he needs all the help he can get!

I was a little worried about him, but he was a pretty good boy.  He was a little excited at times, but behaved otherwise.

Topsy Trees (027/365)

TIME: 8:38 PM
PLACE: St. Louis Zoo
SUBJECT: Trees

My dad’s former employer invited him and his family to their Christmas event which was held at the St. Louis Zoo.  DramaQueen, StellaDella, 2 of my nieces, my sister-in-law, my sister’s mother-in-law and I accompanied him.

After a delicious dinner at the McDonnell Center, we walked through the Wild Lights displays.

It was a mild evening and there were tons of people there – last year it was cold and much less crowded.

Even so, it was nice to see the lights…

…and the kids had a good time.

Crayons (026/365)

TIME: 9:46 PM
PLACE: Living room
SUBJECT: Crayons

I couldn’t find something to take a picture of today.

So here is a badly composed, out-of-focus photo of some crayons StellaDella was using tonight to draw in her sketchbook.