What Season Is It?

Okay, so the calendar says one thing (it's officially autumn) and the temps say quite another (85 degrees forecasted the rest of the week). No wonder my front yard doesn't know if it's coming or going! All these pictures were taken the very same day.

 

Autumn:

 

Late Autumn:

 

Summer:

 

Will somebody please tell me what season it is?

:-)

Words to Live By

It is good to have an end to journey toward;

but it is the journey that matters, in the end.

~ Ursula K. Le Guin

picture credit: Allposters.com, Rural Road in Autumn

Favorite Things Friday: Quotes

"The next best thing to being clever

is being able to quote someone who is."

Mary Pettibone Poole

I'm a nut for quotes/quotations. I think my love affair with them began when I was a teenager, but for as long as I can remember, I've always loved words. I love Shakes-peare, Jane Austen and other wordsmiths. I have a love of L.M Montgomery's work and the way she paints pictures with her words.  Yes, I was an English major in college -- how did you guess? I even married a technical writer.  There's no hope for me. Having a blog where I can share a quote at least once a week is actually a relief for me. LOL

 
You can bet I snapped these up when I saw them at at TJ Maxx! Can you just see a rotating display of quotations in a cute frame between these babies? Love it!

Leave me a comment sharing your one of your favorite quotes. (Feed my addiction.) ;-)

I leave you with ...

"Bijou"

Silly gato.

Help Needed for a House O' Dreams

Oh -- did you think I was advertising for a maid? Honey, if I knew I could afford one...I am SO THERE! LOL

So... anyway...there we were, house-hunting, looking for a charming house -- a House O' Dreams. We were blessed to find this wonderful Cape Cod farmhouse... in an even more wonderful neighborhood, filled with good people. This house was built in 1987, which charmed me even more -- that was the year we were married. :-) We bought it, despite much updating inside that needed to be done. This home has been a blessing and a shelter to our family during all kinds of storms, weather or economic! We love this home. We are blessed. (Sorry for the wintry picture; it's the most current one I have of a full shot of the house. (sheepish grin)

After surviving a long jobless stretch, DH and I are starting to feather the nest, inside and out. One project at a time. I'm trying very hard to not let perfectionism take over, like the Nester talked about here. It's hard after waiting and dreaming so long... you get that feeling that with limited funds and with dreaming about it so long, it HAS to be just right!

So how's about a little feedback from the blogosphere? I'm constantly jealous depressed coveting amazed how beautifully decorated your homes are out there! There are some seriously talented, creative, design-savvy bloggers out there. Here are a couple of questions I have:

#1. Where is the focal point in this room? The sofa? The piano? Where would you put a large piece of art? Sofa? Piano? If not, then what would you put over the piano? (BTW, the brown wingchair in the right corner -- its days are numbered.) (sorry for the weird lighting) (and for the nutty sounding questions)

Okay, next...

#2. What do I do with this? It's a trash compactor that currently doesn't work (belt problems, I think). Do I keep it, fix it and use it -- helping me be a little more 'green'? Do I get rid of it? Then, what would I do with that open space in my cabinets? Which also needs to be updated....yes, I know, the floor, too. (One thing at a time!)

I know I'm just a little blog, and I don't get traffic like the big girls, but I would love to hear from as many of you as I can on this. I appreciate your ideas and your feedback!

Apple Pizza

This is a recipe we tried not too long ago. We found in it in the Weight Watchers magazine; it was one of their makeover recipes. It's a little high on the points scale for me -- it's 5 points for a small slice -- but we had  fun making it together and it made the house smell divine! Cinnamon and apples baking in the oven is SO autumn!

The recipe is a little on the long side, but if you have a cold and blustery day outside, this is a perfect recipe to "cook up" together.  (An idea to simplify the recipe would be to use a low-cal version of canned apple pie filling, instead of slicing and peeling and cutting ten apples....) The taste reminds me of the Apfel Kuchen I used to make. Don't think "pizza" here, think tart. It has a cookie crust, cream cheese and a streusel topping. Give it a try. It's dee-lish!

 

Apple "Pizza"

6 tablespoons  light stick butter

10 Golden Delicious apples, peeled and thinly sliced

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 (18 1/4 oz.) box yellow cake mix

3 tablespoons fat-free milk

1  8 oz.  package fat-free cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup old fashioned oats

1/4 cup all purpose flour

3 tablespoons packed brown sugar

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a deep 12 inch non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the apples, 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar, and the cinnamon. Cook, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender, about 15 minutes. About 2 minutes before the end of the cooking time, increase the heat and cook until the juices evaporate. Transfer the apple mixture to a large baking sheet and spread evenly. Let cool completely.

3. With an electric mixer, on low speed, beat the cake mix and 3 tablespoons of the butter in a large bowl until a fine meal forms. Add the milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating just until small clumps form. Sprinkle the dough on a 14 inch non-stick pizza pan; press firmly to form an even layer. **

4. With the electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the cream cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a medium bowl until smooth. Spread evenly over the crust, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese mixture.

5. Dice the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and diced butter in a small bowl. With your fingers, blend the mixture until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apple mixture. Bake until the "pizza" is browned at the edges and the center is set, about 45 minutes. Let cool in the pan, on a cooling rack. Cut into 16 wedges.

** If your pizza pan isn't non-stick, line it with foil and spray the foil with non-stick spray before covering it with the dough.

Serves 16.  5 points per slice.

photo credit: "Sweetie Pie", Weight Watchers magazine, September/October 2008 issue, p. 58

Fall's Here!

Today is the first day of Autumn -- it's official! Mrs. B beat me to the punch by posting the *perfect* autumn post today. Go check it out.

I will have to be content with showing you pictures we took last week of the Alpine Loop. The mountains are just 10 minutes away from my house, and the Alpine Loop is a route you can take through these mountains (up, up, around and through -- hmmm, that sounds like Sesame Street, LOL). When we drive it, it starts up in the northern part of our county and comes out about an hour later at the Sundance Resort. The views all along the way are spectacular. In the fall, you can add *amazing* autumn color to the list! IMHO, the color rivals what they've got out east.

The colors are just starting to turn. A promise of things to come in just another week or so. Maybe we'll go up again then. In the meantime, I'm enjoying a perfectly timed fall storm blustering through this morning. I'm off to make a cup of cocoa...  :-)

 

 

 

 

Words to Live By

For each new morning with its light, for rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends, for everything Thy goodness sends.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Gratitude is the best attitude.  Happy World Gratitude Day!

 

Credit:  Art.com, Jessie Wilcox Smith

Avast, me hearties!

I've told you that I like to keep on eye on crazy holidays. Always looking for some fun and a reason to celebrate.  Well, here's a pip!  Today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day!

From the website, Holiday Insights:

John Baur and Mark Summers created the concept of International Talk Like a Pirate Day on June 6, 1995. While playing racquetball, they began to talk to each other in Pirate-speak".  After leaving the court, they decided that there was a need to create this day. After much thought, Mark Summers selected September 19th as the date. This was his wife's birthday. So, he thought it would be an easy date to remember.  And so, International Talk Like a Pirate Day was born.

This sounds so much like what friends or family would do, hanging out together. My brother and I have a similar thing that we do with an Irish accent... er, but that's a post for another day...  (ahem!) anyway...

So, in honor of this day, here are a few places on the Internet to visit and unleash your inner pirate!

Ever wanted your own pirate ship? You can build one here (these are VERY cool): http://www.mrmcgroovys.com/t-plans-cardboard-pirate-ship.aspx

Here's an English to Pirate converter: http://talklikeapirate.com/translator.html

How about a  What's my Pirate Name quiz?

I think we're gonna celebrate by watching Muppet Treasure Island tonight. Maybe a little Pirates of the Caribbean later...

Did you try out the  little optical illusion created by these guys, up above? Squint your eyes to see the Jolly Roger!

Have fun today, land lubbers! Ahoy!

Are There Really Fairies in Our World?

 

Poor DH is at the dentist today, and it's not going to be a fun visit. The Sweet Girl and I are scheduled to go in next week, so I have teeth on my mind!

This reminded me of something far more pleasant -- a story I heard recently from one of my kindred spirits, Heidi. Her daughter (just starting kindergarten) asked if there were really fairies in our world. :-) She had a few questions about the Tooth Fairy! Heidi wanted her child to believe in fairies a little longer, and went along with the conversation. As it continued, her daughter started to make all sorts of plans on how to SEE the Tooth Fairy. Doesn't that just make you smile? :-) It brought back many memories of my kindergartner girl, and her fun with the Tooth Fairy.

Our Sweet Girl very much liked to believe in magic and fairies, so we had fun with the Tooth Fairy. We sprinkled a magical trail of glitter that would lead from my daughter's pillow to the window; we also put very tiny, sweet notes from the Tooth Fairy along with money under her pillow. I still remember my Sweet Girl's sparkly eyes as she would run to me in the morning to tell me all about what she had found! She would curl up in my lap as we would read the Tooth Fairy's note over again. My heart took a picture.

Some parents would say that believing in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy and magic is telling children lies. I belong to the other camp; I believe that childhood should include magic, wonder, imagination and miracles. The world can be a dark and scary place at times. We need imagination, magic and wonder, and especially miracles.

Even now, the official line at the house at Christmas is... "those that don't believe in Santa, don't get presents from Santa!", followed with a wink and finger laid aside your nose. The Sweet Girl to this day has never cornered me, demanding the cold, hard truth. I think she wants to believe, still. I hope she does.

What are your Tooth Fairy stories?

Which camp do you belong to?

Soft Oatmeal Bread

There is nothing in this world like fresh bread out of the oven. Add a little butter, a little honey, and you're in heaven. Homemade bread is the ultimate in comfort food, and therefore, perfect for fall!

I like to cheat and make the dough in the bread machine, and then take it out and bake it in the oven. My sister and I originally found this recipe in a cooking magazine. Since then we have both made it many times for our families.

Enjoy this family favorite.

 

Soft Oatmeal Bread
(bread machine recipe) (3 points per slice)

(Check your bread machine's directions for what order to add your ingredients)

 
First add:

1 ½ cups water (needs to be between 70° and 80°; the temperature is important -- it needs to be warm, but not hot)

¼ cup sugar

¼ cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon lemon juice

 Then add remaining dry ingredients:

3 cups bread flour

1 ½ cups of quick cooking oats

2 ½ teaspoons yeast

 

Choose light crust, makes a 2 lb loaf. The dough will be quite sticky, but this bread is especially moist and tender. A favorite recipe with many people.

To make in oven: Select dough cycle on bread maker. When done, take out, knead and shape, and place into greased loaf pan. Let rise until double in size. Bake in 375º oven for 45-50 min. Shield top of loaf with foil if crust cooking too quickly.

image courtesy of Taste of Home, Simple and Delicious magazine

What's on Your Nightstand?

Thanks to the black plague the flu, I've been spending some quality time in my bedroom, resting. This wasn't the 'bon-bon' kind of resting -- this was the 'somebody put me out of my misery' resting. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little bit. :-) I did feel pretty bad, but DH took really good care of me, even when he wasn't feeling so hot himself. I did have time to catch up on some reading... my nightstand is usually piled pretty high with a stack of things I want to read, but hardly ever have time for.

So... what's currently on my nightstand? Hmmm. This is gonna be a snapshot of me and my life right now!

**My scriptures

**My church magazines (sometimes going back a few months) *sheepish grin*

 

The latest issue of Victoria magazine: this is my little get-away. The pages are filled with inspiration, great articles and beautifully shot photographs. My "snippet" version of ..."Calgon...take me away!"

 

The Change Your Life Quote Book , by Allen Klein. "Over 600 wise and wonderful quotes to inspire and motivate". I'm a nut for quotes anyway, but at this "bend in the road" time in my life, these really do inspire me. Don't be surprised if you see a few of these quotes here on the blog.

 The IT Girl's Guide to Blogging with Moxie, by Joelle Reeder and Katherine Scoleri. Got this book a little while ago, 'cause I'm a newbie blogger and trying to learn all about the blogosphere. A sassy, brassy tech guide written for women. It's a hoot to read, and I found it really useful. Like the authors say, "Being a geek is oh-so chic!" :-)

 
Loving Firmess, by Corrie Lynne Player, M.ED. The tagline is 'successfully raising teenagers without losing your mind." LOL Love this book. Not that the Sweet Girl is anything but my sweet girl, but....she is a teenager. This book's schtick is to use tough love, balanced with deep affection and a soft touch. She has a profound understanding of the teenage brain. The author has a great way with words. This is my go-to book  for parenting teens.

Do What You Are, by Paul D. Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger. This book allows you to explore career planning through your personality type (Myers Briggs personality types). I'm getting ready for the next bend in the road for me... Interesting reading.

 

So, that's me in a nutshell. What's currently on your nightstand?

Under the Weather

We're still feeling the effects of the flu that hit our house this last week with a vengeance. It knocked the whole family out! We're definitely in the getting better stage, and those that are feeling better first are busy helping those that still feel under the weather.

Under the weather seems to be the theme this last week. My heart ached for the people of Texas this weekend, as they have truly been under the weather! Hurricane Ike hit my old stomping grounds over the weekend. I grew up in East/Central Texas -- Aggieland for those of you who bleed maroon out there. :-) My old hometown is only 90 minutes northwest of Houston. Not too far, when you're talkin' Texas...

Over the weekend, we brought up our old local news station on the internet and watched live streams of news and weather reports as Ike hit. It was hard to see neighboring cities and towns I'm so familiar with, deal with the flooding and destruction from Ike. (Conroe was getting 10 inches of rain at one point. Unbelievable!) My hometown only suffered power losses and lots of trees down and some property damage, but housed many evacuees from the Houston and Galveston areas.

Aggieland and that part of Texas is always going to feel like home to me. My thoughts and prayers are with the folks down there. God bless y'all -- especially those in the Galveston area -- as you deal with the aftermath of Ike.

Words to Live By

There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort. 

                                                                    ~Jane Austen

 

Still feeling under the weather, but getting lots of TLC. 

Autumn Inspirations: Time to Cozy Up

My Sweet Girl was sick in bed earlier this week and now I've caught whatever she had -- and all I want to do is cozy up and rest. So, one last little autumn inspiration for the week: it's time to cozy up!

One easy way I like to cozy up for fall and winter is change out the bed linens with the season. I have a light, airy blue quilt for spring and summer; and this deep red quilt for fall and winter, always sticking with the rose theme, because my bedroom is my haven.  I use white eyelet lace sheets and pillows underneath for both seasons, keeping Fru-Gal happy.  No matching sheets sets to buy.

Now, I'm off to cozy up with some peppermint tea, a blanket and some Kleenex...

Autumn Inspirations: Jack O' Lanterns

I know it's only the second week in September, and it might be a little on the early side to start talking about pumpkins and jack o' lanterns, but I've been seeing pumpkins EVERYWHERE lately. I can't go into *any* store without seeing them.  I gotta add pumpkins to my autumn inspiration list! Just for fun, here are some fun jack o' lantern ideas...hey, it's never too early to start making plans...October will be here before we know it.

 

 

 

I just *loved* this creative idea! The door and windows are belt buckles; the top -- a lamp finial. Here and here are where you can find the instructions for making Cinderella's pumpkin coach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think Mr. Pumpkin here is dapper and fun, although I don't think the little ladies around him agree with me... Instructions for him and the little ladies are found here.

    

 

 

 

 

Don't lose your head, Madam! Ooops....too late! :-)

I love the spooky Victorian look! Here's the how to for this idea:

Madam Lost Her Head

You'll Need
Knife
1 large pumpkin
Small (4-ounce) paper cup
Gauze, crepe paper or ribbon
Craft glue
Pair of vintage cotton gloves
Small dried beans (like lentils or split peas)
Dried Spanish moss

1. Cut two eyes and a mouth in the pumpkin. Use the paper cup covered with gauze to make a hat. Glue the hat to the pumpkin.
2. Fill each glove with beans, and arrange the hands so that they’re holding the pumpkin.
3. Surround with Spanish moss.

 

 

 

Going for less spooky? How about this cute mouse house? Instructions here. Just click on the mouse house picture.

 

 

 

 

 

If sewing's your thing, you'll probably take a 'notion' to decorate some pumpkins this way! Are these clever, or what?

 

...and here are some more traditional ideas. I love the hypnotic look of the white pumpkins -- those crazy eyes... Aunt Hattie there requires no carving at all! Just some dress-up fun...and do you recognize the Home Alone pumpkin? He looks like he's seen a ghost! Just put this guy on top of a pair of stuffed garden gloves. Done! Easy.

 

So....which ones are your favorites?

 

...wait, the pumpkins tell me it's only fair that they get the last word...

Cinderella Pumpkin Coach. Mr. Pumpkin, Madam Lost Her Head, Mouse House pumpkins: Hallmark Magazine, Sept./Oct. 2008, styled by Betsy Gantt Stewart, photography by Scott Gibbons

Sewing Notions, Beribboned Bewitchment pumpkins: Better Homes and Gardens, Holiday Crafts 2008, designer: Suzanne Stirling, photography by Matthew Benson and Greg Scheidemann

Traditional Pumpkin Collage,Better Homes and Gardens, Halloween Tricks and Treats 2008, Designs by Kristin Cleveland and Wade Scheere, Photography by Greg Scheidemann

Autumn Inspirations: Fall Recipes

Food is a big part of Fall. Soups and homemade breads, pumpkin and apple recipes, bubbly casseroles -- ooh, it all sounds so good when Autumn rolls around again. The rest of this month I'll share some Autumn recipes my family loves. Soft Oatmeal bread, Pumpkin Cake Roll, Apple Pizza (more of a cake or a tart, if you ask me) to name a few -- all super-yummy and good for you, too!

You know it's gotta have low/reasonable points AND the yummy factor to pass muster with me!

 

Pumpkin Cake Roll
(makes 12 servings, 4 pts. per serving)

3 eggs

3/4 cup sugar

2/3 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon plus 1 cup confectioner's sugar, divided

6 oz reduced-fat cream cheese

1 teaspoon butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

1.  Line a 15 inch x 10 inch x 1 inch baking pan with waxed paper. Coat the paper with cooking spray; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs for 3 minutes. Gradually add sugar; beat for 2 minutes or until mixture becomes thick and lemon-colored. Beat in pumpkin extract. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, ginger and salt; fold into pumpkin mixture. Spread batter into the prepared pan.

2.  Bake at 375 degrees F, for 10-15 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. (Do not overbake). Cool for 5 minutes. Invert onto a kitchen towel dusted with 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar. Gently peel off waxed paper. Roll up cake in the towel jelly-roll style, starting with a short side. Cool completely on a wire rack.

3.  For filling, in a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla and remaining confectioners' sugar until fluffy.

4. Unroll cake; spread filling evenly over cake to within 1/2 inch of edges. Roll up again. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

 

Oh my -- the house is gonna smell SO good! (BTW, this recipe is easier than it looks.)

 

Go here for a video demonstration on cake rolls.

 (Heidi Reinhard's recipe, Healthy Cooking, Oct/Nov 2008, p. 66)

*For a frozen dessert, replace the filling with reduced-fat vanilla ice cream.

Autumn Inspirations: Crafts to Fall For

I love to make things that are big on looks, and teeny on price and skill. :-) I found this project in the September/October 2008 issue of Victoria. Autumn leaf place cards. Gather some fall leaves, cardstock paper, a pencil, some twine and ribbon. Trace one of the leaves onto the cardstock, making as many paper leaves as you'll need. Write the person's name on the paper leaf. Add two of the real leaves, one in front, one in back.

Wrap the leaves with twine, and then tie the twine around ribbon to create an easy but beautiful place card. I love the way they look with the deep brown napkins.

 

Another quick autumn idea is from Holiday Crafts, 2008 issue. White ball pins change plain pillar candles into Autumn/Halloween messages.  The directions say, "If you've got a steady hand and you're fearless, eyeball the position of the pins. Otherwise, use a computer-printed letter and prick placement holes into the candles before pushing your pins in place."

By the way, look on page 26 in Holiday Crafts, 2008: you'll find a plate that Kijsa from Ask Kari and Kijsa did! Find it here on their blog.

Two projects with the perfect mix of Martha and Fru-Gal -- enjoy!

Autumn Inspirations: Bringing Autumn Home

Last weekend, we had an autumn storm that really put me in the mood for fall . We had a few blustery, cold, damp days --  and I loved every minute of it!  I *love* autumn. I know it's too early for things to stay cool; in fact we have 80's forecast for the coming week or so, but I can't stand it anymore! It's officially fall this weekend at my house, no matter what the thermometer says...I'm going to pull out my fall decorations this Saturday.

I've been inspired by several sources as I've looked around for some new ideas to bring Autumn home. I thought I'd share a few with you to get you in the mood...

Look at this lovely, simple idea from Pat at Back Porch Musings. Her blog is bee-yew-ti-ful. I wish I had her talent; heck, I'd settle for the talent she's got in her little finger! I love this simple idea: just an arrangement of faux leaves and pumpkins in a large crock bowl that sits on her farmhouse-style table. Wait until you see some of her other fall decorations!

 

Melissa at the Inspired Room is doing a whole Fall Nesting Week. Find incredible autumn ideas here, here and here . One of my favorite ideas was the heritage nook. On Melissa's Fall Nesting Week post, there are links to tons of other blogger's fall decorating ideas -- Martha Stewart even chimed in!

From the pages of Country Living's October issue:  look at those wheat sheaves. What a  great autumn centerpiece; arranged in two heights down the center of the table.  To make them: get some wheat at a floral shop or green-market.

Twist it and secure it with rubber bands, then wrap it with a generous length of satin ribbon. Easy-peasy.

I did some browsing at  Target over the weekend: twig pumpkins, lanterns, harvest centerpieces, wreaths...ooh, lots of autumn eye candy! :-)

 

 

 

 

How about this easy idea of small gourds stacked in a hurricane vase...

(Family Circle magazine, Oct. 1, 2008 issue)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...and don't you just love the jewel tones in this autumn arrangement?

(Country Living, October 2008 issue)

 

 

 

 

 

(happy sigh...I just love fall!)

Words To Live By

 

This stone from Scotland now resides in my area; it has inspired great leaders,
and the small and simple like myself.

Be Late for Something Day

Well, at least we have an excuse today...

thanks to Tracey for letting me borrow her White Rabbit

Southern Oven "Fried" Chicken

Here's another low-cal favorite at our house. This recipe will satisfy your craving for fried chicken, and is finger-lickin' good!  5 points per serving.  Enjoy!

 

1/2 cup fat-free buttermilk

1/2 cup cornflakes, crushed

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 pounds chicken parts, skinned

4 teaspoons canola oil

 

1.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F; spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

2.  Pour the buttermilk into a large shallow bowl. On a sheet of wax paper, combine the cornflake crumbs, flour, salt and pepper. Dip the chicken into the buttermilk, then dredge in the cornflake mixture, coating completely. Place the chicken on the baking sheet; drizzle with the oil. Bake 30 minutes, then turn the chicken over. Bake until cooked through, 15-20 minutes longer.  Makes 4 servings.

** If you like a bit of heat, add a few drops of hot red pepper sauce to the buttermilk before coating the chicken.

 

Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook, p.151

ISP AWOL...Me? MIA!

That alphabet soup title says it all.

Thanks to a very blustery, cold storm that passed through over Labor Day weekend, we lost Internet access, and it's been down for days and days! I felt positively disconnected -- like I was marooned on a desert island. 

No email, no blogging ... :-(   Isn't it interesting how having internet access has gone from a luxury, to a utility? It's something we really count on!