got milk?

Many of you know that Greg and I really enjoy our dairy. Between the two of us, we can sometimes go through a gallon of milk a day (skim, of course). Well the new ACME Fresh Market that just opened down the street from us has had a pretty incredible opening special on milk this week. $1.69 a gallon! It’s regularly $3.49. Limit 4 per trip. Well right now we have 9 gallons of milk in the refrigerator. And yes, they all have to face the same direction.

4-day holiday weekend

My 4-day weekend begins now. I checked a book out from work, started reading it on my lunch hour today, and plan to have it finished before I go back to work Tuesday morning. It occurred to me last night, another reason why I really enjoy my job. In the last couple of years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some great authors and celebrities. Like Eve Ensler, Gregory Maguire, Augusten Burroughs, Chuck D and Dave Eggers.

planting day

Today was another perfect day off from work. I would have a 4-day weekend, but I have to go in for an event on Saturday. That’s ok, I’m going to do the big 4-day weekend next week.
Today we ran errands in the morning. Then I made a couple of delicious BLT’s for lunch. After that we ran to several garden centers and picked up some flowers to plant in the beds out front. Greg did a great job of helping me cut back the spring flowers and working the soil. We also purchased the beautiful hanging basket pictured at the top of the page. It looks nice with the flox and the allium. They replaced our faded blue shutters last fall. I wasn’t sure how I would like the new dark green shutters. But as we are planting flowers and plants, they make a really nice back drop. This is the second year for our hostas, and they have grown quite a bit larger and fuller. They really make for a more lush looking landscape.

play ball!

Greg and I had free tickets to the Indians vs. Twins game today. It was a beautiful day for a ball game. Our seats were right next to the pitcher’s bullpen. How exciting! There was a kid a few rows in front of us who kept screaming for Grady Sizemore to come sign his ball. I think Grady was a little busy. We watched three whole innings and then went to get some concession stand lunch items. We had burgers and fries and then for desert, peanuts for me, and cracker jacks for Greg. Then we left and headed over to South Park Mall where we did a spot of shopping and caught a matinee of Spider Man 3. I’d heard that it was bad, but had no idea just how bad. It was awful. But other than that, we had a great day.

goodbye Mr. Falwell

The world lost one of its greatest bigots and homophobes today. He will not be missed.

Here is sampling of some of his more repugnant remarks:

After the September 11, 2001, attacks Falwell said on the 700 Club, "I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen.'" (a sentiment with which Pat Robertson concurred).

"[Vice President Gore] recently praised the lesbian actress who plays 'Ellen' on ABC Television...I believe he may even put children, young people, and adults in danger by his public endorsement of deviant homosexual behavior...Our elected leaders are attempting to glorify and legitimize perversion." People for the American Way, "Hostile Climate", 1998, p.9.
"Someone must not be afraid to say, 'moral perversion is wrong.' If we do not act now, homosexuals will 'own' America!...If you and I do not speak up now, this homosexual steamroller will literally crush all decent men, women, and children who get in its way...and our nation will pay a terrible price!" - People for the American Way, "Hostile Climate," 1997, p.15.

a great weekend

Glorious weather and great friends make for a wonderful weekend. Saturday morning Greg and I woke up at the crack of dawn (6 am) and headed out with our new bikes to the Munroe Falls bike/hike path. We wanted to get there before all the crowds. It was a little cooler than I expected. My hands were pretty cold as we rode, but it was still very nice. Later we met up with Michele, Megan, and Jennie for lunch at Max & Erma’s. Then we were off for a bit of shopping for that evening’s movie night at our place. Tom, Brett and Phil came over. We watched Dejavu, Denzel Washington’s latest DVD release. It was ok. We feasted on pizza, wings, candy, popcorn and a cake in honor of Tom’s birthday earlier this week. Good times.

And on Sunday...we rested. Watched The Queen on DVD. Greg hadn’t seen it yet. Did a bit more shopping and went on a Sunday car ride in honor of the high gas prices.

This week is a short week for me. I’m off on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday we’re going to an afternoon Indians game (we had free tickets). It’s an “education day,” so there will be lots of school children around. We probably won’t stay too long. May swing by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Greg’s not been there yet.

Ooo, also, today was a great mail day. We got our bike rack for the car and Michael sent me a trifle bowl.

we got bikes

We visited Eddy’s Bike Shop today and purchased a couple of bikes for leisure and fitness. I got the blue one (it’ll compliment my eyes) and Greg got the black. Before today, I had not been on a bike since my junior high years on my paper route for the Wooster Daily Record. Three trips around the neighborhood, and I didn’t fall off. So that’s a good start. After some practice, and once we get a bike rack for the CR-V, we hope to take them down to the tow path and on vacation with us to the Outer Banks later this summer.

home town tourists

This morning Greg and I got up early and headed out to the Akron Zoo. They have made quite a few improvements there in the last few years. It was perfect weather for a slow stroll through the park.

Once we were done at the zoo we decided to head over to Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. The tulips were in bloom and beautiful. We did the self-guided tour of the mansion. A first for both of us. Then we strolled the gardens and conservatory. We weren’t permitted to take photos in the mansion. Picture this in your head, ornate rooms with lots of antiques and “do not touch” signs. You’ve got the picture!