Dottie's Place

Sky Watch Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:51:00 +0000

Hi there all,

This week's photo was taken during our vacation. This was taken in the state of Indiana. And...it was taken while the car was moving. I still think it turned out pretty good though.

Enjoy the other great photos at Wiggers World.

Have a fantabulous weekend!

Dottie

Camera Critter Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 03:13:00 +0000

Wow... I can't believe it's already been a month since I participated last in this meme. The nice weather keeps me outside more and away from the computer more. Anyway, today's photo is a picture of my friend's dog, Jasmine. She has made the water fountain my friend put in her yard a personal drinking fountain. I thought it was so adorable! I had to get a picture.

Click on the image above if you have an interest in joining this meme.

Sky Watch Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:59:00 +0000

My apologies for not playing in a while. Things have been pretty busy lately. I've been taking a lot of photos and have been posting them to my flickr site. You can see my flickr badge over in my side bar. I'm no expert or anything, but I enjoy it as a great hobby. The photo below was actually taken with my cell phone camera and it was taken through the office window - so it's certainly not the highest of quality, but it gives a pretty good idea of the view of the sky right now :)

You can check out other beautiful sky shots here.

Today is Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:44:00 +0000

Today is Friday. It's a good day. The sun is peeking out. I can see blue sky and that makes me feel pretty good. We've had to deal with quite a few thunderstorms and such. However, I'm not even going to complain about those considering there is much more devastation in other areas of the midwest.

Have you noticed that I haven't been complaining about work as much? As you may recall, a couple months ago, we got a new boss. In addition he brought M with him. M and I used to work together years ago in another department of the company. She has three kids, the two oldest being the same age as my two kids. It's been nice having someone to chat with now and then. Things are actually going well. And the new boss, C is great too. He believes strongly in making sure the team has adequate training so I'm actually going to some new training classes for Sharepoint in the next few weeks. He's upbeat and funny. It's really been a refreshing change of pace here at work and for that I'm so glad. I'm waking up in the morning and not dreading having to go to work so much. Things have really taken a turn for the better at work. Thank God for that.

By the way, I took a picture (with my cell phone camera) of the sky out the office window and will see if I can post it in another post. Stay tuned.. :)

♥ Dottie

Sad News

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:01:00 +0000

I received word on Friday that my cousin's husband Jeremy was killed in an automobile accident. He was only 30. My heart aches for her and the three boys they had together. I found the article online in the Sweetwater Reporter. I've copied the text. See below.

Two killed in crash Friday
Written by Staff Reports
Monday, 09 June 2008
Two people were killed in a two-vehicle crash shortly after noon Friday in southern Nolan County, according to the Department of Public Safety.
The victims were identified as Roberto Gutierrez Jr., 36, of Temple, and Jeremy Simon Beimers, 31, of Killeen. Both were pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Sharon Gardner about an hour after the crash occurred on Highway 153.
According to the DPS, Gutierrez was driving a 2007 Saturn vehicle that was southbound on the highway when he drove off the roadway and skidded back onto the pavement. The car then collided with an 18-wheeler that had been traveling north on the highway.
Beimers was a passenger in the Saturn vehicle.
The truck was driven by Phillip Dewayne Noey, 41, of Lubbock while his son, Orin, was a passenger in the vehicle. Neither of them was injured.
The crash is being investigated by DPS trooper William Wheat. He was assisted by other troopers, as well as the Sweetwater Fire Department and the Nolan County Sheriff's Office, according to the DPS.

Hello - I'm Here

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:06:00 +0000

Hi there. It's been a few days since my last post. Last week was sick. That is to say that Monday night my hubs came down sick and was sick for a few days. Wednesday night, me and the two girls got sick and I was off work Thursday and Friday. Oh my, it was no fun. I hate the flu. Ginger Ale and popsicles were all I could handle for days.

I did finally feel better by Saturday morning. So that night, hubs, his sister and I went to the races. One of the features this week was school bus races. That was fun to watch. Nobody rolled one this time. They banged them up pretty good though.

I haven't taken pictures in almost a week..talk about a withdrawal. I also haven't made any cards (rubber stamping). Last week was just a do nothing week with all of us being sick. I'm so glad to be feeling better finally.

I've been doing some thinking about the three photo memes that I've been participating in. With the nice weather and me being at the computer less and less it seems, I may not be able to commit to those weekly memes. I may be taking some time away from them. I'll just visit and blog as I can. I do enjoy each of them, but honestly, with the nice weather I find myself outside and doing things much more. The time I am at the computer is usually brief (except at work and I can't very well do my blogging stuff there).

I hope everyone is doing well. I will visit and blog as I can.

♥ Dottie

Monday Already

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Tue, 27 May 2008 01:14:00 +0000

I can't believe this weekend went by so stinking quickly. I'm just not ready to go back to work yet. The weather here has been wonderful and I'm grateful for that. I've seen on the news other areas whose weather hasn't been very favorable - tornadoes and other unpleasant type weather. I pray for those affected.

I took quite a few pictures this weekend. I uploaded them to my Flickr account. Here are a couple...

I know the flower below is blurry. I took the picture through a window. But I kind of like the washed out look.

A Quick Note

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Sat, 24 May 2008 16:57:00 +0000

Hello to all! The day is here. Today is my 17 year wedding anniversary. We are going to a graduation party this afternoon and tonight we are going to the races where they'll have $1 beer and $1 hotdogs.

And - tomorrow... is my BIRTHDAY!!! I can't believe I'm turning 37 already.

Anyway, I haven't been online too often so I thought I'd pop in and wish myself a Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday! :)

I hope all of you have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend.

♥ Dottie

Weekend Snapshot

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Mon, 19 May 2008 18:53:00 +0000

I missed the Sky Watch Friday and the Camera Critter post that I've been doing, but I can post this picture for the weekend snapshot. My dog Sophie had her puppies Friday evening. She had 3 girls and 1 boy. The boy is the light colored one.

Note: The photo quality isn't the best as this was taken with my camera phone.

They are so adorable. And, because we recently lost one of our dogs, we are considering keeping the black female. We haven't totally decided yet, but we certainly might.

Have a splendid afternoon!

♥ Dottie

Spring is Here

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:24:00 +0000

Did you know that aside from the grass getting greener, flowers blooming and the temperature rising - there is another way to know that the weather has gotten a lot nicer?

Curious?

Here's the clue... when your Google Reader has more than 600 reads waiting to be read! You can tell that I've been busy doing other things besides sitting in front of the 'puter. Not to say I don't enjoy the blogging, but the nice weather just pulls me outside. By the time I go in at night, I'm too tired to sit in front of the computer and try to read.

So..in the event anyone was wondering (doubtful), I am okay...I've just been busy living outside the box.

♥ Dottie

Weekend Snapshot-Mothers Day

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Mon, 12 May 2008 01:21:00 +0000

Well, I must say that I feel spoiled! I was struggling a bit with Mother's Day again this year because my mother passed away 2 years ago. So days like this are still a bit emotional for me. However, I must say that my beautiful daughters and husband made me feel special today and I thank God for them. Check out this loot!
Oh and this doesn't include the $150 in gift cards for Michael's. They know I've been totally into making cards and scrapbooking. So they got some stickers and some stamps and ink. The flowers are beautiful and the smell lovely. I truly am thankful and blessed.

If you'd like to join Weekend Snapshot, you can click on the above header graphic.

Camera Critter Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Mon, 12 May 2008 00:54:00 +0000

Here we are again...Sunday already. I picked a couple photos of a squirrel for this week. The first one I really like because he's got a bit of snow on his nose. The second one, my husband is giving him a treat. I was so excited to get these photos. I certainly had fun with it.

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms, grandma, aunts, etc. Oh and if you'd like to join this Camera Critter meme, you can click on the header graphic above.

Sky Watch Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Fri, 09 May 2008 04:48:00 +0000

This is a shot of the sunset I took while we were sight-seeing around Washington DC. We had just finished viewing the Jefferson Memorial. I'd like to take another trip out there sometime and actually spend a few days. We didn't have time to do much. But I did enjoy what we did get to see. It was so nice by the river here. The weather was perfect.

If you would like to join the Sky Watching fun, click here.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Dottie

Camera Critter Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:37:00 +0000

Sorry I'm a bit late on this. The weather has been nice and I've just been a little busy lately. This week's photo is one I took of a female mallard duck 'shaking it up'. You can even see some water droplets flying off by her bill.

Enjoy.

Sky Watch Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:27:00 +0000

I can't believe, we are at Friday again! Time certainly is just flying by. My photo today fits that saying appropriately :). I took this while on vacation. We were at a park next to the Ronald Regan National Airport. You can just sit and watch these jets come in like every 2 minutes or so. I thought it was just incredible because...well I live in a small town in the boonies so I don't get to see this stuff very often. I swear I acted like a little kid every time one flew over. I took this shot as it was coming toward me. The sky itself was a bit gray.

Join the Sky Watching Fun!

Happy Sky Watching! Have an excellent weekend!

Gentle Reminder

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:03:00 +0000

Do you ever go through those times when all you do is whine and complain and think that either your life sucks or something about it sucks anyway. The complaining goes on and on and you begin to irritate others with your whining and get angry when you can't have it your way. You ask those questions - Why Me? What did I do to deserve this? I've kind of been that way lately - mostly about my job. But after doing some reading on a couple blogs, I've begun to have a change of heart. I've actually begun to feel guilty.

Why guilt? Because I have so much and yet I was complaining a lot. These blogs I've found I want to say have really put me in my place so to speak. A reminder that as awful as I think my life is...things certainly could be a lot more upsetting. These bloggers are amazing people. The things they've been through...leave me in tears mostly. How can I complain so harshly about my job when this young woman is going through what she is? How selfish am I being?

Confessions of a CF Husband is a site I only discovered today through my reading on Gavin's Voice. I do not know any of these people, however, their stories have touched my heart and I can't help but to take a step back and rethink the way I've been acting.

Regarding work - I spoke with my new boss today and I am not able to work the four days like I had hoped. Atleast not yet anyway. He indicated that he would like to learn more about the team and the direction of the team first. I can understand and respect that. Having the other new girl on the team has been nice actually. It's been so extremely long since I've been able to girl-chat at work that it's been quite refreshing actually.

My life is not perfect, but boy things could be worse and I'm truly thankful and gracious for everything I have. The bumps in my road have made me who I am. Why should I feel like that's so bad? It's so hard sometimes to see the blessings in what appear to be such negative happenings. But I'm going to work on that.

Peace and Love to you,
Dottie

Weekend Snapshot

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:35:00 +0000

This weekend went fast as usual, but it was fun. Friday night we saw a movie (Baby Mama), Saturday night we went to the races and one of our friends took first. That was exciting. I didn't bring my camera though so I have no pictures of that. Sunday, my daughter and I went to the high school play (Wizard of Oz). That was very good. And, then I decided to make a few cards because it was a bit too chilly to sit outside and watch birds :). So here are the ones I made. It should be noted, I'm still in my beginner stage at card making.

Camera Critter Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:16:00 +0000

Good morning! Once again, it's time for Camera Critters! I'm such a fan of this because it give me a chance to share photos that I've taken. I take lots of photos of critters so this is just a perfect fit for me. Thank you Misty! for starting this.

This week, I'm posting a picture of Peaches. She was called to Doggie heaven while we were on our spring break vacation a few weeks ago. I miss her so. She was such a sweet little dog who was afraid of her own shadow at times. She would do some quirky things at times...like walking backwards. She would look downstairs at something and proceed to walk backwards all the way back through the kitchen. She's the only dog of ours that I've seen do that. Anyway, this is Peaches.

Sky Watch Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 01:54:00 +0000

This is another photo taken during our spring break vacation. I took a few different shots of the memorial, but I just really like this one - the way the sun is shining and the flag is flying in the sky. By the way, it was a beautifully perfect day while we were there.

Join the Sky Watching Fun!

Happy Sky Watching!!

One Word Survey Meme

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:34:00 +0000

Many thanks to Autumn for tagging me on this one.

Without further ado...the one word survey (self-explanatory).

Yourself: Caring
Your Partner: Wonderful
Your Hair: Thinning
Your Mother: Deceased
Your Father: Buda*
Your Favorite Item: Camera
Your Dream Last Night: None
Your Favorite Drink: Margarita
Your Dream Car: None
Your Dream Home: Expensive
The Room You Are In: Office
Your Fear: Snakes
Where Do You Want To Be In 10 Years: SelfEmployed
Who You Hung Out With Last: Hubby
What You're Not: Thin
Muffins: Carrot
One of Your Wish List Items: Lens
Time: Fast
Last Thing You Did: Blog
What Are You Wearing: Clothing
Your Favorite Weather: Mild
Your Favorite Book: Huh?
Last Thing You Ate: Wendys
Your Mood: Blah
Your Best Friends: Few
What Are You Thinking About Right Now: Food
Your Car: Caravan
Your Summer: Work
What's on your TV: Disney
What is your weather like: Sunny
When Is the Last Time You Laughed: Today
Your Relationship Status: Married

*Buda is my dad's nickname. My father is not someone that can be described in just one word.

I don't tag for meme's, but if you want to do this go for it. Just let me know so I can see your answers!

Have a good one,
Dottie

What a Sweet Surprise

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:27:00 +0000

Madeleine of Madeleine's Book Blog owns a black and white Jack Russell Terrier and today's post includes a picture of her Oliver and my Zoey. How cute are they? Ok...head over there and take a gander at her April 22 post. Go now!

What a cute couple huh? Thank you Madeleine. That was very sweet of you!

Weekend Snapshot

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:24:00 +0000

I'm happy to say that most of my weekend was actually spent relaxing. Today was absolutely gorgeous out! It was in the 70's and a light breeze. I sat outside and watched the birds and of course took photos too! It was SO relaxing. I loved it.

I took lots of pictures, but I'm just going to post one of a Robin. The other is a photo of the bird bath I have out for the birds.

Have a great week!

Camera Critter Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 02:24:00 +0000

This is an exciting meme because I LOVE ANIMALS. Not only that, I just love Misty who is responsible for coming up with this most awesome meme. My first entry for this is a shot I took at the zoo about a month or so ago. I was looking through my photos and when this one was on the screen, my hubs says "I like that one. Just the way he's looking up at you, it's like he awoke from his nap just so you could get a picture." Yeah, maybe. I don't know; to me the look kind of says "what do YOU want? Oh, lady with a camera. Take your shot and be done now. I'm still tired." Anywho...chose the picture because hubs thought it was cute.

If you want to join Camera Critters, click on the header image to go to the Camera Critter site and see what the fun is all about.

Great! I'm Fruity!

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:12:00 +0000

You Are Fruit Flavored Gum

You are quirky and independent. You don't tend to follow any one style or rule book.

You are a mix and match type of person, and you draw inspiration from many sources.

While you're definitely a bit unusual, you get along well with other people.

You're eager to welcome anyone into your world. You are not judgmental at all.

You form close bonds with your friends, and your relationships tend to be very secure.

You hold firm to your beliefs and values, and you don't let anyone talk you into compromising them.

What Flavor Gum Are You?

The Name Game

noreply@blogger.com (Dottie) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:54:00 +0000

I saw this over on Tammy's blog and thought it looking kind of fun.

The Name Game (rated PG 13)

1. Your rock star name (first pet, current car)....... Lady Caravan

2. Your gangsta name (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe)...... Mocha Sneakers

3. Your Native American name (favorite color, favorite animal).......... Yellow Dog

4. Your soap opera name (middle name, city where you were born)......Marie Grand Rapids

5. Your Star Wars name (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name)...........Hen-Do

6. Superhero name (2nd favorite color, favorite drink)......Green Margarita

7. NASCAR name (the first names of your grandfathers).......Herbert Robert (this is actually my brothers name)

8. Stripper name (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy).......... Apple Chocolate.

9. TV weather anchor name (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)........ Smith Seattle

10. Spy name (your favorite season/holiday, flower).......Autumn Lilac

11. Cartoon name: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now)......Mandarin Orange Shirt

12. Hippie name (what you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)....... Burrito Burch

13. "Adult Film" star name (first pet, first street where you lived)............Lady Arianna

Let me know if you decide to do this meme so I can read your names.