New and old resolutions

Let's see how I ended the year on my 2013 resolutions:

1. To get down to a certain weight (which will not be mentioned here for all to see) by eating healthy and exercising - Nope.  Score: 0
2. To organize my schedule, my desk, my home, and finish the scanning/organizing of photos.  That means getting rid of stuff and boxing up and storing other stuff. - I think I did this one most of the time.  Score: 6
3. To work on my patience and try to not be so uptight.  To channel my inner Sharons, two people who I think handle life calmly - My kids say I did this one fairly well and that is good enough for me.  Score: 7
4. To get into couponing to save money - Yes.  I can say I did this one in the beginning and in the end, even saving $45 in one day.  I feel confident in saying I rocked this one. Score:  9
5. To contribute more articles to Yahoo and Google and try to earn some cash - Nope. Score: 0

Total:  22 out of 50  - Better luck next year?

My 2014 resolutions:

1. To take control of my life both physically and mentally so that I am a happy, healthy person by the time I turn 50.
2. To treat my blogging as a job so that I am writing more than the previous year.
3. To purchase a new wardrobe and get rid of items that I have held on to for way too many years.
4. To assist in the college process as needed.
5. To seriously change my language so that the "naughty" words are used less.  Yes, this is one I've worked on for years, but if I'm going to take control this one should be controlled as well.

Happy New Year everyone!

NFL Monday football recap week 17

Steelers:  At 8-8 in a conference that rocks with great teams, the Steelers needed a win and three losses from the Dolphins, the Ravens, and the Chargers.  Check, check, and $&*#/. Now I cheer on Peyton Manning and the Broncos.

Le'Veon Bell - What a great first year for the running back.  What a great pick the Steelers made in drafting him.  He was a monster yesterday spinning, twirling, and rushing his way down the field collecting first downs and touchdowns as he ran.  It was a beautiful sight. He broke Franco Harris' record and then set a record of his own by rushing 50 yards in every game.

Troy Polamalu - He too was on his game and all over the offense.  He is the defensive Peyton Manning reading the plays of the opposition and instructing the Steelers defense.  I hope he restructures his contract in the off season and finishes his career with the Steelers.

Defense - They got it together here in the end and it's too bad that they let the Browns score with less then three minutes left in the game.  Ending the season, especially this season, with a shut-out would have been sweet.

Stadium - Heinz Field was minus so many fans I wish I had flown up for the last game.  Except that it was cold and raining.  But then again it was raining here too.  My buddy and I felt like we were already at Heniz Field with our towels, the rain, and the game on a large screen TV. 

Ending - Lawrence Timmons intercepted the ball to end the game.  Love it when the elder guys play the way the media says they can't anymore.

Chargers - My gosh, was this the most watched game EVER?  Usually after the Steelers play I can relax during the next set of games.  But no.  This one comes down to the wire for my boys, the Chiefs hold out 20 of their starters, and still almost pull it off.  Frustrating.  But I give the Chiefs reserves props.  The Bolts?  Lucky to be playing next week, thanks to some home field officiating advantage.

Officiating - Last week Wade Phillips sent in tape on his game to the NFL and claims they came back with a "you're right, we blew the call" result.  I wonder if Mike Tomlin sends in tape this week on the Chargers/Chiefs game concentrating on the too many guys lined up on one side during the last field goal attempt no call and on the overtime call on fourth and two where the Chiefs snatched the ball out of the offense's hand and scored.  While it won't do the Steelers any good now, it might help Tomlin on his defense of his stepping on the field and possibly impeding a score if that take-away-a-draft-pick-punishment crap comes up again.

Twitter - The social media network was crazy during the Kansas City/San Diego game.  It made me more nervous then the actual game which I had to watch on my computer.

Other:

Ravens - So glad that the Bengals kicked them all over the field.  Flacco threw three interceptions, but then again the Bengals' Andy Dalton threw four himself.  The Bengals took their place in the playoffs a lot more seriously.

Miami - There were several teams that finished 8-8, but out of those teams no one choked more then the Dolphins who started out hot, cooled off, got hot for a game here and there, and then just decided that football wasn't their thing.  This ain't the NFC division guys.  Welcome to the AFC.

Hot potato - The Bears and the Packers game mattered as the winner got into the playoffs.  But you wouldn't have known it from their first half play.  In the second quarter Aaron Roger's pass was knocked down.  The Bears messed around with the ball, picked it up and then let it just fall to the ground.  The Packers Jarrett Boykin touched it, rolled it around on the ground, picked it up and stood there holding it like it was a crying baby.  Aaron Rogers, now I see why they put him in again ASAP, yelled at Boykin that the ball was live, told him to run the hell into the endzone, and the Packers casually scored.  Seriously?  NFC...pfft.

Peyton Manning - Take that Wade Phillips and stuff it where the sun don't shine!

Rex Ryan - Did he do enough to save his job?  Was it ever in jeopardy?  Who cared either way.  I like that he told them it was, and I like that they did enough to maybe save him.  That's teamwork.  Then the Jets owner flat out tweeted that Ryan would return next year.  It was a nice way to end the year.

Coaching changes - And now we speculate on who will stay and who will go. Sunday night the Browns fired head coach Rob Chudzinski after only one year. Early buzz is Redskins' Mike Shanahan, and Vikings' Leslie Frazier are out. Other jobs that might be lost are the Titans, the Lions, and the Raiders. Of course, here in Tampa mum's the word. 

Aaron Rodgers - He may not be a personal guy, but the man is money. I didn't agree with the decision to play him. I thought Matt Flynn had done a heck of a job getting them to this point and thought he had earned the right to finish it out with Rodgers coming off an injury. Obviously, the Packers know better. The two teams traded touchdowns, and Rodgers looked a bit rusty with some endzone interceptions, but in the end the main man pulled out a last minute fourth down pass to seal the deal. 

Bears - Fourth down with 42 seconds and you let the receiver run right past you with barely a tap? Somebody forgot what it was like playing against the Packers and Aaron Rodgers. Somebody isn't going to show his face around Chicago for some time. 

Last week - Most years by the last week too many teams are safe and have nothing to play for. This wasn't the case this year, and it made for some fun and exciting football. The only team whose place didn't matter was the Chiefs.  Nothing they did yesterday would have changed their spot so Andy Reid held out his main guys.  Can't fault him for that as injuries occur each week.  But when you are a fan of the teams that need wins to get in it is heartbreaking.  Then again, those teams had 16 weeks to get into the playoffs.  

NFL picks week 17

Last Week -  11 - 5

Overall -156 - 83

Atlanta over Carolina - I don't know.  I just think for the Panthers sake this would be the one to lose.  Winning in a row is hard and eventually you lose; the odds are against you.  I think the odds are against them today.

Baltimore over Cincinnati - The Ravens have to win to even have a chance to continue.  The Bengals are in.  I'm not sure how big a rivalry this team is.  Who hates the Steelers more?

Tennessee over Houston - Is anyone even watching this one?

Indianapolis over Jacksonville - Unless the Colts play their entire second string I don't see the Jags pulling out the win.

Jets over Miami - Perhaps this is wishful thinking?  The Jets play when it doesn't matter.  Miami, like Pittsburgh, is wishy washy.  Miami has the best chance of the teams "in the hunt" in the AFC.  Maybe they play today like they deserve it.  Maybe the Jets play like they deserve it.  Toss up.

Detroit over Minnesota - Uh, yeah.  What happened with the Lions?  No Adrian Peterson today so seriously, the Lions should at least win this one.

Giants over Washington - I don't know.  Another toss up.  I just went with Eli because I like him better then the Redskins second stringer.

Pittsburgh over Cleveland - Could be some of these guys last game in a Steelers jersey, including my boy Troy Polamalu (what will I do with my fathead???).  I think they win.

Green Bay over Chicago - This is a huge rivalry.  It is in Chicago and Cutler and Company play better when there, but I don't know.  The Packers have just plain hung in there without their quarterback, who I hear is playing today (not a good call in my book).  I like them over the Bears.

Denver over Oakland - Peyton adds to his touchdowns today?  Maybe.  Might have to get at least one more to shut up Wade Phillips.

New England over Buffalo - The Pats are on a roll.

New Orleans over Tampa Bay - The Saints have more at stake.

San Francisco over Arizona - I would love to see Bruce Arians take the win, but Harbaugh doesn't like to lose.

Kansas City over San Diego - This is the game to watch today.  Always a good one.  The Chargers could flat out run all over the Chiefs, but then again the Chiefs could just continue to roll right to the Bowl.  Maybe my pick is another wishful thought.

Seattle over St. Louis - The Seahawks don't like losing either so they will play hard to prove to everyone and themselves that they have this path to the Bowl.

Philadelphia over Dallas - Tony Romo is out.  Even with him in the Cowboys don't play like they mean it.  The Eagles will destroy them.

Holiday photos #1

My gift from Kristen, a Groupon junkie.  Love that I have an obsession she can fulfill.

The boxes that arrived from my family before they arrived to wrap them.

Annual trip to E&E Stakeout for drinks and dinner.

Christmas morning

Unwrapping gifts

One of Jay's two gifts (despite picture #2)

Games on the beach

Games in the house

 Our 13 lb. rib roast for Christmas dinner

The aftermath

NFL Monday recap week 16

Steelers:

Defense -  I don't get it.  We do well.  We miss tackles.  We do well.  We allow gains.  We do well.  We let the opposition score.  We do well.  Glad we ended up with that last one.

Run, Ben, Run - I've stated this time after time.  Am I the only one that sees what a possibility this is?  He runs and oh, look, a touchdown.

Big Ben - Dislike him or not, he has had a hell of a year with little fanfare from the media.  If he hadn't messed up early in his career, he could have been one of the greats.  I'm proud of what he has done to turn his life around, and I do recognize his feats this season.

Packers - I really like this back up quarterback Matt Flynn. Yes, he made some mistakes yesterday, especially on that last read, but the Packers are in it still because of Flynn. If they make the post season, and I think they will beat the Bears next week, the question is would you stay with Flynn if Aaron Rodgers is cleared to play? While I think Rodgers isn't healing as quickly as he would like, I wonder if he is getting sweaty on the sideline watching the future. Mike Vick could help him with that one maybe. Eventually it all comes back to you. 

Post season - The media keeps telling us fans we are still in it, but to actually make the playoffs the Steelers have to win and then three other teams have to lose. I think the Dolphins make it into the AFC wild card spot. But that's what is so great about this game, there is always a possibility. 

Officiating - Each week we are getting apologies from the NFL on missed calls from the officials.  I had better see one from that botched call after the Steelers blocked the Packers punt on fourth down and clearly recovered the ball before loosing it and knocking it out of bounds.  Mike Tomlin challenged it, but oh, guess, what?  It was an unchallengeable play.  And why do we have those anyway?  If we are going to go with instant replay, shouldn't we go with instant replay all the way?  Not the best game on play calling.

Other:

NFL Pregame - Interesting piece on the Cowboys and Lions situation with last week's losses with each host weighing in on both teams, but no one said it more sternly and openly then Terry Bradshaw. He flat out said that both coaches are not head coaching material. "A coach has to control in that locker room which means he has to control those players." Right on Terry!

Peyton Manning - First of all, let me say that if you like, respect, enjoy, or are curious about Peyton Manning then run right now to the store and buy the current Sports Illustrated issue.  Manning was named Sportsman of the year by the magazine and the articles are phenomenal, especially the one written about his winning this accolade.  The first word that came to mind after reading the article was WOW.  There is, and will never be, anyone like him in the world of football.  I truly believe that.  And what a shame because the man is amazing.  Amazing.  Go read the article.  

Secondly, yesterday Manning set a record for most touchdowns in a season, bypassing Tom Brady's record of 50.  Manning threw four touchdowns to go one past Brady.  And he still has another game to play.  Of course he owned the title with 49 completed in 2004.  Brady broke that record with 50 in 2007.  "It's probably a temporary record," Manning said.  "Brady will probably break it next year."  Class act all the way.  I love him, love him, love him. No one else like him. I'm telling you. 

Jake Long - The St. Louis Rams left tackle was carted off the field with a possible ACL tear, and I wondered how it was for his dad, Howie Long, to watch that while working the televisions in the Fox studio.

Carolina Panthers - Eleven games won in a row.  Eleven. While Cam Newton looked sluggish during most of the game he got it together when he needed it to win in the last few moments of the game and put the Panthers in the playoffs. Problem with this kind of streak is it is ripe for ending. 

New England - First time I cheered for them to actually win, and boy, did they. Now that's how you clinch. They knew they had it in the bag when the Dolphins choked, but they went on the field and ass whooped the Ravens just to make sure. Can't fault them for that. 

Andrew Luck - I've decided I don't like the Indianapolis Colts. Since the whole Manning debacle I've learned more about owner Jim Irsay, and and I don't like him. Yes, I know it is a business, but there are owners out there that are class acts. Irsay isn't one of them. So I'm done cheering for the Colts. But I do like Andrew Luck, just like I liked Manning. However, that beard of his has got to go. The Steelers Brett Keisal started his "Fear da beard" campaign years ago during a Super Bowl run and now everyone is sporting one. And not everyone should be sporting one.

Da Bears - My husband has two sisters in Chicago, and I've listened for years to the comments on my love for the Steelers. Yesterday one of them texted me a thank you for the Steelers win over the Packers. My nephew, however, had inboxed me on Facebook complaining about the Steelers losing their lead. While he obviously spends time on electronic devices while watching football, I do not. And after that Patriot ass whopping that da Bears received yesterday, I'm thinking my family should be worried less about my Steelers and more on their own lousy team.  

Cardinals - Everyone better watch these sneaky little birds because they are flying under the radar. 

MVP - Now the media is homed in on who is the best of the year. Hard call this year with Peyton Manning and his record breakers, Tom Brady and his comebacks, Russell Wilson and his wins, and in my book Cam Newton and his eleven wins in a row. 

NFL picks week 16

Last Week - 10-6

Overall - 145 - 79

Miami over Buffalo - Too much at stake for the Dolphins to lose.

Cincinnati over Minnesota - The Bengals are coming off a spanking by their AFC division rivals so they will be looking for redemption despite their playoff clinch. The Vikings aren't going anywhere, but they aren't quitting either so they might make the Bengals work for it. 

Kansas City over Indianapolis - Chiefs. I might just be picking them as the Super Bowl champs. They really want it I think and I love that. I want teams to want the win and they look so good right now. 

St. Louis over Tampa Bay - Do I really need to explain this pick? It's a hit or miss with the Bucs and neither team is going further this season, but the Rams aren't quitting while the Bucs aren't sure what they are doing. 

Jets over Cleveland - Rex Ryan is pulling his "I'm going to be fired speech" in the locker room, but I just think the Jets are playing better football then the Browns. 

Dallas over Washington - Tony is another looking for redemption after last week's debacle. The Redskins? I don't even know what to say about their debacle in house. 

New Orleans over Carolina - I would have picked the Panthers if the Saints had won last week, but when Bree's loses one he doesn't want to lose another back to back. Then again the Panthers and Cam Newton are on fire. Should be a good game. 

Tennessee over Jacksonville - Does anyone even know these two are playing? I tossed a coin. 

Denver over Houston - Peyton, Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the year, Manning needs to break Tom Brady's record of 50 TD's and, like Drew Bree's, he doesn't like losing especially back to back. The Texans, on the other hand, are actively searching for a coach and have already ended this season. 

Detroit over Giants - The Lions need to prove everyone wrong. The Lions need to win. The Lions need to add to Eli's interception stat. The Lions need to win. 

Seattle over Arizona - The Cardinals are the surprise of the season, but the Seahawks...well those birds are flying high, especially when at home with that stadium and that crowd. 

Pittsburgh over Green Bay - Both teams are "in the hunt", which with those records is laughable. I've had to host Packers die hard fans in my house today, one of whom would only step in as far as the doorway. Surely the Steelers will play like they want it. That is my Christmas wish. That and my brother showing up to surprise us all. 

San Diego over Oakland - The Chargers need it. Not sure what Oakland needs. 

New England over Baltimore - This is the big one. A win for the Patriots locks them into the second seed. A win for the Ravens moves them closer to a lock in the playoffs. I hate both teams, but I'll take Brady over Flacco for obvious reasons. 

Philadelphia over Chicago - The Eagles are the better team.  That team needs to show up today. The Bears need a win to stay in the hunt. Should be a good game. 

San Francisco over Atlanta - I think the Falcons fans have already put a fork in this team. If they haven't yet, they will after today.

Mailbox issue #48

I seem to have a thing when it comes to the mail.  Not the letters or packages that are delivered, but mailboxes and mail trucks.  It is a standing joke with me ever since I had a few incidences with both.  Yesterday I added to the stories.

I took the dog out for some fresh air and saw that my neighbor's garbage can was in the street rolling on its side.  My neighbor, who I've only met a couple of times, is 97 years old.  He is very stooped over and walks with a shuffle and getting that garbage can was not going to happen until his son visited.  So Elliot and I walked down, picked up the can, and walked up his driveway to leave it by his garage.  Elliot was quite excited to be exploring a new driveway and yard and so he went out on his tether and began sniffing.  I slowly started back down the driveway, imagining the little man peering at me through his front window.

Across the street from his house, is my neighbor two doors down from me.  She died three years ago and her house has been sitting there empty while her kids decided what to do with it.  Since then I have picked up flyers, newspapers, trash, and anything else that might have been left in her yard and on her door.  If I didn't get to it, one of the other neighbors did.  Recently the house was sold to a corporation, and when I discovered that said corporation had sent in a lawn guy to strip her wonderful fruit trees before the fruit had ripen (she had the best grapefruit ever and I enjoyed it for months), I stopped cleaning up the yard.  The next door neighbor took over my job and mentioned one time to me that he did this.

As I came down the driveway and looked across the street, I noticed our weekly neighborhood newspaper in her yard near the street.  I thought back to the conversation regarding this things, realized that her next door neighbor was away for the holidays, and because it was the holidays I decided to pick up the newspaper.  I pulled Elliot across the street and gathered up the paper wrapped in its colorful, blue plastic.  But then my brain processed a few other weird thoughts (according to my daughter when I relayed this story to her), and the bottom line of that processing was that I put the newspaper into her mailbox and shut the lid.

Elliot, meanwhile, was up in her driveway now sniffing.  I followed him up the drive and stood while he wandered around.  I wondered if her dog's scent was still there after three years and if Elliot even remembered the dog.  I always think of this when I'm in her yard and sometimes I apologize to her for not taking the dog like she asked us to.  She always said she would come back to haunt the house for fun so I talk to her a lot.  After awhile I got bored and made Elliot come back down the driveway.  As I passed by her mailbox, the lid popped open and the blue plastic covered newspaper could clearly be seen.  I causally used my left hand to flip it closed.  It popped open again.  So I moved the dog leash from one hand to the other, and using my right hand now, I slammed the lid gently so that it would latch.

And the entire mailbox, pole included, fell over backwards into the yard.

I stood for just a few moments in shock, imagining the neighbor next door looking out her window, imagining the neighbor whose trashcan I had picked up looking out his window.  I stood and wondered briefly if I was in an episode of Candid Camera.  Then I went over and picked up the mailbox and its attachments.  The pole was completely rusted and the bottom had at one time broken off from its counterpart that had been once cemented into the ground.  I vaguely remembered that when my neighbor had still been alive another neighbor had run over her and my next door neighbor's mailboxes.  He had replaced them and I remembered something else happening to her mailbox again not soon after that.  Apparently she had solved the problem by driving a metal stake into the ground and zip tying the mailbox pole to the stake in the ground.  There was one zip tie holding the box to the pole and the tie had just worn out from sun exposure and popped into two when I closed the lid.

I was relieved that fixing the problem was going to be easy.  I managed to prop the mailbox up against the stake and Elliot and I went home to get a couple of zip ties.  I then returned to the yard, still figuring people peering out the window at me, and repaired the mailbox better then it was before.  And then Elliot and I took the stupid, blue, plastic newspaper, tossed it into our trashcan, and hid inside the house.

I didn't think much more about it until later that day while on a phone call with my friend.  She was talking about how it was the season to be nice and do nice deeds, and I told her about picking up my neighbor's trashcan.  That, of course, led to the mailbox and she and I couldn't stop laughing as I told the story.  Cara and her issues with postal items.

But now I'm wondering if the ghost of my neighbor was telling me to take that newspaper home to throw it away, which I should have done in the first place.  But then I knew my neighbor better then that.  She would have said, "Throw the damn thing in the yard for all I care.  It isn't our house anymore, and I don't care anymore, I'm dead.  And you should have kicked the mailbox up into the yard too."  But then another part of me thought maybe she was bored and messing with me, knowing I would think the next door neighbor was peering out of her window watching me.  So either way I repaired the damage I had done, possibly made my dead neighbor's day, and showed my peering neighbors that I am certainly a good neighbor to have.

Cheetos, carrots, and packages

After spending a day running around town shopping, wrapping gifts, car pooling children, and creating holiday creations, I sat down on the couch to read my new Jack Reacher that I ordered from the library.  But when I read I need to have something in my mouth whether it be food, gum, or my fingernails, and I remembered that we had bought Cheetos the other day at the grocery.

Darcy:  "Cheetos!  BOGO!  I'll get them."
Me:  "That isn't on the list."
Darcy:  "I know, but I LOVE them and I haven't had them is SO long and please, please, please.  They are buy one, get one."
Me:  "No.  I'll just eat them.  I love Cheetos.  I can't be eating those things right now.  Look at this gut on me.  That is a heart attack gut and Cheetos will add to it."
Darcy:  "You won't eat them.  I won't let you.  Thanks Mom."

I got up off the couch and discovered the bag of crunchy Cheetos had been devoured.  I took the bag of puff Cheetos to the couch instead and settled in with my book.  I ate one and then another and then twenty more.  These are like carrots, I thought to myself.  You should be eating carrots instead.  Then suddenly the mail man appeared at my door delivering another Christmas package.  He peered in at me as he set down the package, and I lifted the Cheetos bag out of the way and waved with my free hand, the one covered in orange dust.  He waved back, but I knew he was disgusted by my gorging.  He left.  I ate another Cheetos.  And then another and another and then twenty more.  You should be eating carrots.  I should be eating carrots! 

I closed the Cheetos bag, got up, and substituted that bag with a bag of baby carrots and leftover greek tzatziki sauce.  Back to my spot on the couch, I went.  I dipped and crunched and felt much healthier.  Carrots are really much better.  Why did I waste those calories on the other orange stuff?  Then suddenly the Fed Ex man appeared at my door delivering another Christmas package.  He peered in at me and signaled that he needed a signature.  I sighed and lifted my bag of carrots and dip, got up off the couch, set the items down by the front door, and opened the door to greet him.

Him:  "I know, I know.  Put down those Cheetos and come and sign for this."
Me:  "Cheetos!  Those are carrots!"  I was quite indignant.  "I'm eating carrots."
Him:  "Oh."  Shamefaced laughter.  "Sorry.  I was kidding anyway."
Me:  "Cheetos.  Pfft.  I'm much healthier then that."
Him:  "Of course you are.  Have a great holiday."

I retrieved my bag of carrots, waved them at him as he headed back to the truck, and I walked back into the kitchen to put my snacks away.  It wasn't until I opened the refrigerator that the humor of the situation caught up with me. 

Me:  "I sure hope he doesn't meet up with mailman tonight for a drink!"

Holiday shopping and more

1. Every year I say that I am going to start shopping earlier so that by the week before Christmas I will be done.  I will be relaxed.  Every year I fail at that.  I am not done.  I am not relaxed.  My kids keep adding people that need gifts to my list.  My strategy of Monday shopping locally and Tuesday shopping at the mall fell to pieces.  I hit both places on Monday and then again on Tuesday.  I wandered.  I hate wandering.  I need direction for the holidays.  Today I made a list and stuck to it.  I completed it.  I think I see the end in sight, but now I'm confused and wonder if the end is really a bend in the path.  I have one week.  NO.  Less then one week.  Panic is starting to settle in.
2. I shall wrap each gift as I buy them.  Another promise I make to myself every year.  This year I have done fairly well at sticking to this one.  The problem is now I'm not sure what is under the tree.  Does one child have more gifts to unwrap then the other one?  I tried to keep a list.  I wrapped a present and put it on the list.  But the list is on the computer, and that meant sitting down at my desk, and that led to adding things to the list that weren't yet purchased and therefore not wrapped, and so I created a system of putting purchased, wrapped gifts in bold print to distinguish between those not purchased and not wrapped, and oh, my gosh why aren't these presents wrapped yet?
3. Life doesn't stop just because it is Christmas and I must get holiday stuff accomplished.  No.  Life goes on.  School is still in session which means dealing with my girls.  Soccer is still going on and that means practices and car pools and games.  Darcy and Tom had a Jingle Bell concert that lasted until almost midnight in Tampa.  Connie needed groceries.  The dog is loving the cooler weather and just wants to be outside please dammit.  And guess what?  Make sure Christmas is the best ever this year, mother.
4.  I don't have a Christmas card done.  I didn't do one last year.  I started thinking about doing one at the beginning of the month.  I planned for it, but again that darn life.  Tom wants a family photo which means a photographer.  I want a beach picture because we live in Florida which means going to the beach with the photographer.  The photographer has a life of her own and has a small window of opportunity for picture taking on Saturdays only.  Unfortunately, soccer games happened, a district thespian meet happened, and a holiday party happened.  "Oh, but how about late afternoon on Sunday?" says the photographer.  Really?  Sorry, but Sundays are football days.  Bah humbug!
5.  I want to bake holiday goodies.  I hate baking holiday goodies.  I tried.  I remember doing it with my nanny when I was really young.  I remember figuring out that if I licked my fingers while sprinkling the colored sugar on the cookies the sugar would stick to my fingers.  The only way to remove that sugar was to lick it, thus completing the cycle.  But the nanny caught me and scolded me and suddenly baking and decorating wasn't as fun.  I blame her.  And my laziness.  Baking involves standing and that hurts my back, and it is messy which means standing at the sink and washing dishes and that hurts my back.  But I want Christmas goodies.
6. People will be at my house for the holidays.  I have to clean my house, and schedule time from life and shopping to so.  But the dog needs to go out.  Again and again and again.  So I left the door opened for him to go out on his own.  Then I left the house to pick up kids and grocery shop and forgot the door was open.  Luckily, the guy with the gas can didn't discover that.
7. My credit card is smoking from the use. Yet I don't worry that one of the vendors will hand it to me with a sad look on his/her face and tell me the card has been rejected. BECAUSE PEOPLE...I HAVE MORE WHERE THAT ONE CAME FROM.  If I could just find money the same way all would be good.

NFL Monday recap week 15

Steelers:  I taped it and opted to watch the finale of Survivor. We have a group that watches that show and no matter hard we tried we couldn't come up with an alternate day to watch the ending. Originally I insisted on it, but as the week went on I caved. I always have faith, how ever little it might be, in my boys, but I didn't expect them to play like they did.

First quarter - 21-0 by the end of the first fifteen minutes. 21-0. Who saw that? The Steelers were fierce. The Steelers were powerful. On defensive. On offense. I recognized those guys. I just hadn't seen them in a long time. 

No huddle - It has worked in the past. The Steelers are down. It's crunch time. The offense goes into a no huddle and Big Ben takes charge. It has worked more often then naught. Someone recognized that and so the Steelers started this game with it. Ben called the plays and led the offensive and it worked. Still wondering about offensive coordinator Todd Haley? Hmmm...this says something, doesn't it? Also reminds me of another quarterback who called his own plays too. A man by the name of Bradshaw who has four rings on his fingers. 

Antonio Brown - The man ins certainly earning his big paycheck. His touchdown catch from Ben in the end zone was pure poetry. Ben had all the time in the world to throw, but Brown had to escape from his defender three different times, down the field, to the right, and finally cutting back to the left and between two Bengals to open himself up for the catch. Great read and great teamwork. 

Bengals punter - Not a good night for Kevin Huber. First there was the windy weather conditions that caused the ball to shift during a hike which in turn caused Huber to miss the ball. He picked it up and got moving forward just enough to miss a safety call when he was tackled in his own end zone. Then there was the hit he took from Steelers LB Terence Garvin while trying to stop the punt return from Antonio Brown. That hit left him with a fractured jaw and he was done for the day and the season. 

Ike Taylor - Ah! He is great. He is awful. He makes great tackles. He misses tackles. I wish he would stay focused more on the greatness. 

Other:

Week for the weak - Steelers over the Eagles. Vikings over the Eagles. Rams over the Saints. Packers over the Cowboys. Someone didn't get the memo that the season was over. 

Redskins - I liked RGIII's enthusasium on the sideline. I liked Kirk Cousins' leadership. But five fumbles and two interceptions aren't going to get you the win. What is happening in D.C.? That's two quarterbacks now that the veteran coach has benched in the last three years. Hey, maybe it isn't those leaders we should be looking at as the problem. 

Jamaal Charles - A beast. The man was so hot yesterday that he was smokin'. He caught balls with one hand. He weaved and ducked and blew past defenders. He acted like he was the only man on the field. Five receiving touchdowns. One rushing touchdown. In the history books as the only player to do it.  It is the stuff dreams are made of. Whoop. 

Patriots  - They have come from behind the last three weeks, but eventually you knew it was going to come to an end. Better now then in the playoffs I say. Tom Brady almost had another notch on his belt, but the Miami Dolphins defense stopped him and the Patriots, eventually ending things with a pick in the end zone on fourth down. 

Eli Manning - I'm thinking maybe he needs to get to an opthamologist ASAP. Five picks that were just plain awful and that he can't blame on the same colored uniform. Manning just kept slinging the ball high in the air and down the field...into the wrong hands. Not the sort of record any quarterback wants to set. 

Packers - I wonder if Aaron Rodgers is getting nervous for his job? Matt Flynn isn't exactly Nick Foles, but sometimes leading a team back from a deficit for the win is just as good. I'm impressed with the kid. Nice to know the backups are earning their keep. 

Tony Romo - Not how you want to be known as predictable. Another interception for the Dallas Cowboy's quarterback in the last minutes for a loss. Someone isn't getting the memo that the backup quarterbacks on other teams are killing it. 

Jay Cutler - And some have read the memo and taken it to heart. The Bears quarterback returning from a hiatus of four games had some rusty moments in the beginning with two interceptions, but he kept calm and kept his job by pushing his team down the field and keeping the Bears in the playoff hunt with a late half win over the Cleveland Browns. Cutler isn't always popular in the windy city, but he plays the part of the little engine that could quite well. 

NFL picks week 15

Last week - 10 - 6

Overall - 135 - 73

Denver over San Diego - Yeah, yeah, I went against my brother's team because, well, because I think they are losers.

Atlanta over Washington - The Redskins coach wanted to quit, but didn't.  The quarterback is benched for the rest of the year because the coach thinks he is naughty.  The back up quarterback is saying all of the right things.  The owner is oddly quiet.  I guess we shall see how the rest of the players respond.  Just in case I took the Braves.  It was a toss up.

Chicago over Cleveland - The Browns aren't sure what they are doing.  Da Bears have Cutler back.

Indianapolis over Houston - Another team that is in disarray is the Texans.  The coach had a mini stroke.  Their free agent safety jumped ship.  The quarterback is defensive and well payed.  The owner fired the coach.  I took the Colts because they haven't won in awhile and their players seem to be happier with their coach and quarterback.

New England over Miami - Because the Patriots are on a roll and have a leader that actually leads and wants to win.

Philadelphia over Minnesota - Because the Eagles are on a roll and have a leader that actually leads and wants to win.

Seattle over Giants - Lose two in a row?  I can't imagine it.

San Francisco over Tampa Bay - Because we never know which team will show up in Tampa and the 49ers are down to the wire and have a coach that motivates them.

Buffalo over Jacksonville - I'm not sure my thinking on this one except that Jacksonville surely can't keep winning now, can they?

Kansas City over Oakland - The Chiefs are fighting for homefield advantage.  The Raiders are fighting for what?

Carolina over Jets - I took the better team with the better quarterback.

Dallas over Green Bay - Aaron Rogers is still hurt.  Dallas lost last week.  The Packers are out of things.  The Cowboys have a shot at maybe something.  

Arizona over Tennessee - The Cardinals are out to prove they are worthy.  No one believes them.  That is motivation right there.

New Orleans over St. Louis - The Rams?  Pfft.

Cincinnati over Pittsburgh - I always have hope and belief, just not enough to bet with them this week.  The Bengals want to put this in the bag and what better way to do it then beating a division rival on their home turf?  The Steelers?  I don't know what they want.

Baltimore over Detroit - I'll be cheering for the Lions, but one can not count those birds out.  They have drive, I'll give them that.

Role reversal

Since my mother has become wheelchair bound and in need of caregivers, against her wishes, she has become like my third child.  I ask her where she is going, what she is doing, and why she is doing things.  I tell her not to do things.  I try to teach her to be respectful to the people that are helping her, and I scold her when she isn't.  I have told her a million times to stop leaning over in her wheelchair to pick things up off the floor.

Me:  "Who cares if you drop some crumbs?  Ask your caregiver to run the vacuum later."
Me:  "Who cares if you drop something?  Ask your neighbor to pick it up when he brings the mail."

Monday night she knocked over a container of pens and pencils.  She leaned over and picked them up, and in putting them back on her table, she knocked over a container of odds and ends.  She leaned over and picked up those, and  in putting them back, she knocked them both over again.  Third time was not the charm.

In picking up those two containers she leaned too far in the chair.  The wheelchair tipped, Connie couldn't get her footing, and down to the ground she went.  She broke her fibula in the left leg, the leg with the foot wound.  She heard it pop.  She managed to work awhile to get the phone to fall off the table into her hands where she dialed her neighbor for help.  He came immediately and helped get her back into the wheelchair.  She calmed him down.  Calmed herself down.  Her caregiver arrived and together they cleaned up wounds and carpets and containers.  Her leg hurt, but she insisted it was just sprained, despite the pain.  She did not bother me with it.

The next morning I arrived to get her ready and to take her to a scheduled doctor's appointment. I heard the story.  I refrained from yelling and reminding her of the millions of times I've told her not to do what she did.  We managed to get down the 15 stairs to the car.  Luckily for us, this doctor had X-ray equipment and he discovered the fractured fibula.  He got us into an orthopedic doctor for later that day.  That guy, an elder gentleman who spent more time cursing Obama then he did discussing broken legs, didn't even touch her.  His people took another X-ray, he came into the room and seated himself on the exam table like we were all buddies in a dorm room, and announced the "good news".

Him:  "The break isn't all that bad.  Could be worse.  It's the fibula, a non weight bearing bone.  We don't do anything for that.  Go home and heal.  We won't need to see you again.  Good Luck."

Huh?  We don't do anything for broken legs?  I could have sworn a lady in the waiting room had a cast on her leg.  Turns out her break was closer to the ankle.  Connie's is closer to the knee and a different bone.  No one worries about the fibula.  This doctor didn't even care that it was on her somewhat good leg, the other leg being the one with the bad hip.  He didn't care that she had to climb 15 stairs.  He did tell her she would probably heal less faster then someone else what with all her COPD issues and poor circulation and poor healing skills (this he said pointing to the charcot foot).

Connie:  "That is not true.  I DO NOT have poor circulation.  Why would you say that?  Everyone says that and it is NOT true.  It is SO annoying."  Looks over at me.  "I'm a good healer above the ankle.  Sir."

Well, at least she might be listening somewhat.  Ho, Ho, Ho.

Darcy aka Ms. Weston

The addition of Netflix streaming to our monthly entertainment bill has opened up the world of spying and detecting to my youngest daughter.  She started out watching seasons of Psych on her cousins' recommendation and gradually worked her way through various shows, ending up on Burn Notice.  She lives and breathes the ways of Michael Westen.  Lately her obsession is picking locks.

Darcy:  "Mom, can you put this zip tie around my wrist?"
Me:  "What?  Why?"
Darcy:  "Because I'm going to get out of it using this bobby pin.  I learned how to do it on Burn Notice."
Me:  "Is that why you bought those bobby pins yesterday?"
Darcy:  "Maybe."

That is her standard answer to my questions where the answer is really "yes" and she knows I know it and she knows it will annoy me.  I zipped up on wrist and she promptly got loose using her bobby pin.  She was very proud of herself.

Me:  "You do know that any bad guy will zip tie both of your wrists, right?"
Darcy:  "Maybe.  Maybe not."
Me:  "Well, they will.  And most likely both hands will be behind your back.  If you really want to be a spy you should practice getting out of that."
Darcy:  "Yeah, well, that will be hard."
Me:  "Yeah, well, that is how I would tie you up every time you answered "maybe" to my questions, but the law won't allow me to do that."
Darcy:  "Okay, okay.  Zip tie my hands behind my back."
Me:  "No.  How about I zip tie both wrists in front first.  Work your way to the back slowly."

I zip tied her wrists in front of her and turned back to my computer to work.  Ten minutes later she was still zip tied.

Darcy:  "Okay, cut me out."
Me:  "No."
Darcy:  "What?  Seriously.  I can't do it."
Me:  "Would Michael Westen just give up like that?  If you are really in a bind like this, you're telling me you would give up and let them torture you or kill you or whatever?  What kind of a spy are you going to be?"
Darcy:  Sigh.

She kept working for a good twenty minutes.  She went through several bobby pins that all ended up with chewed ends on my carpet in front of her feet.  By the time I swiveled in my chair to tell her I would help her out she had a pair of scissors turned backwards cutting herself out.  She was quite proud of that.

Darcy:  "Yes!  Yes, I did it!"
Me:  "As long as the bad guys leave a pair of scissors out in plain sight you will be good.  Of course, you're hands will be behind you so that might take some time."
Darcy:  "True.  Tie my hands behind my back and I'll try to get out with these scissors."
Me:  "No.  I draw the line there."

Several days later she submitted her Christmas wish list and number one was "lock picking set".  A few days after that we were driving home from her Aunt's house where we had been visiting with the cousins here from Chicago.  She and Madison were in the back seat talking about how big their cousins were and what everyone had talked about and then I heard this exchange:

Madison:  "Did you even try?"
Darcy:  "Yes.  Aunt Julie has really terrible locks.  There wasn't a door in her house that I couldn't pick."
Me:  "What?  What?  You were picking locks on doors at Aunt Julie's house?  With what?"
Darcy:  "Bobby pins.  I could do every door that had a lock on it."
Me:  "Oh, for god's sake, Darcy.  Please tell me you aren't going around to your friend's houses and picking their locks."
Darcy:  "No, Mom."  Silence.  "But I could."

After Thanksgiving, I hauled out the Christmas decorations and started working on the outside of my house.  The girls came home from school and I continued working, listening to Christmas music to try and get into the spirit despite the 80 degree weather.  From the outside I moved into the inside with a few trinkets and was stopped short at this sight:

Me:  "What the hell are you doing?"
Darcy:  "Picking the lock."
Me:  "And how long have you been doing that?  How's it going?"
Darcy:  "Well, not so great.  That's why I need a lock picking set.  If I had that I would've been in the house already."
Me:  "Let me guess.  You're using bobby pins."
Darcy:  "Yep.  And I've already gotten into four boy's lockers at school using bobby pins."
Me:  "Please tell me you are kidding about that."
Darcy:  "No, really.  I picked all of them." 
Me:  "What?  This is school we are talking about.  You can't pick the locks on lockers at school!  You can be kicked out of school for doing that.  Are you crazy?  When did this happen?"
Darcy:  "During lunch.  They all knew it, Mom.  I'm not stupid.  They dared me that I couldn't.  I got into      's locker, and      's locker, and        's locker.  (Names have been covered for security reasons)
Me:  "And the fourth locker?  You said four lockers.  The fourth boy knew too, right?"
Darcy:  "Maybe."

I just hope Homeland Security isn't watching my Internet searches and my purchases.  I'm concerned they just might show up at my door for the holidays.

Tis the season

Last night in my comfy home with my lighted Christmas tree tucked in its corner, I reclined on my couch after dinner watching my flat screen television mounted to the wall. As I caught up on shows recorded on my DVR, I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye in the vicinity of my front door. It was dark outside, but my front door was open so that Elliot could peek out the storm door every so often in hopes of catching Tom's headlights as he pulled into the driveway. It was after eight o'clock.

The girls were busy with homework, one in her bedroom, the other sitting at the dining room table next to the lighted tree. She had a clear shot of the front door and we both squinted out of it into the night. A figure was approaching my door by way of my front lawn.  He appeared out of nowhere from the left side of my house from the street. My porch light was on, my storm door unlocked. In his hand he held a red gas can. Immediately, my dog was at the door as he sensed a person nearing and he began barking loudly. 

I got up from my nice position, paused my television program, and met the man at my door. I did not open the door, but instead opened the window of my storm door. It is one of those doors with a hidden screen. The door is completely glass, but when the top portion of the pane is slid down it reveals a screen. This is the way I always talk to people I don't know at my front door. Especially ones who appear in the dark after hours. The dog just kept barking. Loudly. 

To give the guy credit, he did stand back from the porch. He didn't appear threatening, despite his holding a gas can, and he was young, possibly late twenties. He began speaking as soon as the screen appeared. His car was just down the road with his wife and kid in it. He was out of gas and needed help. He seemed very believable with a touch of panic in his voice and a desperate need to be helped. He had nothing but trouble and I had all of the above, the security, warmth, and comfort of a home during the holidays. Wouldn't I help?

I wanted to. I pictured a woman in a car with two small kids on the side of the road. They were huddled in the back seat, headlights of approaching cars beaming into their rear window and then there was nothing but darkness as they sped on, leaving the three snuggling in their down coats for warmth waiting for the father/husband to return with help. I thought about his struggle, trudging through the neighborhood, worrying about his family, trying desperately to return to them, the hero. 

Then my TV viewing instinct kicked in. This is Florida, it is 78 degrees, and down the road is not a busy highway.  Who drives around with a gas can in his car? There is a gas station within walking distance of my neighborhood. Why is he here and not there? Is my back door secure? While he is talking to me is someone at the back of my house? Dammit, my storm door is not locked. My kids are here in the house. My husband isn't. This dog isn't exactly a killer. 

Me: "Did you try the house over there?" I pointed to my neighbor, the retired cop, the one with an arsenal in his house. He seemed better equipped to respond to a stranger in need. 

Him: "I did. He didn't have any gas "

I seized on that. I didn't have any gas either. I was sorry. I actually thought about offering to drive him to the gas station down the street, but it was a fleeting thought. I couldn't leave my kids and I wasn't crazy. He gave me a pitiful look and asked instead for money. A couple of dollars just so he could get back home to a city south of here. Such a long way. It was as if he forgot the script of the broken down car and was acting from the one where he needed to return to his home oh so far away, the one that a group in our area uses while panhandling at local gas stations.

Was he casing my house?  Sizing me up?  Or, for heaven's sake, was he a man in true need?  What could a couple of dollars hurt if he was?  But to get said dollars I would need to leave the front door.  The front door that wasn't locked.  To give him the said dollars would require my opening the door toward the outside.  Both of these options left me and my family vulnerable.  Left us exposed.  I've seem too many shows where the women did just that and it never ended well.  Had he come to my door during the daytime I might have felt differently.  I declined to give him money.  I was sorry.  I suggested he try my next door neighbor, the retired fireman with an arsenal in his home.  I wanted to help (my neighbor was not happy with me for that) if he truly had a family stuck on the side of the road.

But when I said no to the money, he gave me a look, turned away, and marched back the way he had arrived down through my lawn to the street.  I had seen that look before.  A month ago as Darcy and I returned from a sports event at nine o'clock in the evening, as I drove into my one car garage and exited it out into my darkened driveway, a man and a little girl about nine years old appeared before me.  He stayed back at a distance not threatening to us and he told me in a hurried voice how his daughter was collecting money and participating in Jump for Heart, a contest for the American Heart Association, and would I donate to help her out.  I explained that I did indeed support that organization via the daughter standing next to me.  He didn't care.  Would I give to his daughter?

I could barely make out his features in the darkness, but when I declined to help the disgust and anger on his face as he pulled the girl away and marched down the driveway was quite clear.  He was furious.  It scared me.  I wanted to call out to him to come back during the day, at an hour more suitable.  I wanted to tell him I wasn't lying, I rarely carry cash.  I rushed Darcy into the house, closed my garage and locked my front door.

Now as I stood staring at the back of the retrieving man through the screen I began to wonder if he was the same man.  Was this some kind of job he was pulling monthly?  I closed my main door and locked it.  I worried he was mad enough to use the gas can and whatever gas he might have collected to burn down my house.  I thought of my friend, Robin, who had experienced a similar man with a gas can in Indiana.  I wanted to call the sheriff's office.  I realized then that I should have offered to call the sheriff for the man to help his wife and children.  That would have been the smart thing to have done, but as usual I thought of it too late.  Then I just got mad.

I didn't want my door closed.  My house is a dark house anyway and the addition of my storm door has made my house a tad lighter and not closed me off from my neighbors.  At night I keep the door opened for the dog who watches and waits for my husband and at this time of the year to enjoy my neighbor's holiday lights.  I didn't want to have to close myself off in my dark house because of a stranger.  Yet here I was.  Holed up and feeling fearful.

I found it ironic that this was happening now since in November I had read a great article in my favorite blog, Girls Gone Child, about this same thing.  Her daughter was learning about stranger danger in school and didn't understand why she said good morning to people she didn't know on the street.  It is a fabulous article and worth reading if you have children.  I liked that the author refused to be hidden in a shell from other people, despite what we know about evil.  Suddenly I understood it even more as I stood behind my closed, locked door.  I wanted to open it up, trudge outside to find the man.  I wanted to tell him that I give to various charities throughout the year.  That we worked hard for the home we had and that we didn't look down upon anyone that wasn't as fortunate as we know we are.  That I would certainly help a person in need and that I would be happy to call the sheriff's office to have a patrol car assist him and his family in getting their car started again.  And I wanted to ask him how he would feel if the roles were reversed and it had been his wife on the other side of the door at this time of night.  But I didn't do any of that. 

Fifteen minutes later my dog alerted me to the fact that he needed out.  Madison came with us and as we exited the house the sheriff's office was driving slowly down the street in a Ford Explorer with a huge search light that he shone up and down the street and into our yards.  Someone had called them.  Tom spoke with the deputy, who was still searching the neighborhood two hours later.  He told Tom there was no broken car, no wife, and no children.  Another car had been spotted dropping the man off in the neighborhood and that the car and men had come from the parking lot of our local grocery.

Christmas carols happily urge us to give this holiday season.  Charities are desperate for us to do so.  People tend to be more jolly and kinder this time of the year, and maybe all of that just makes it easier for people who don't have good intentions to take advantage.  Maybe in the midst of all of our talk about the reason for the season, and being good and kind, we should also talk about our safety, and as Girls Gone Child blogger said, instincts.  If something doesn't feel right, trust those instincts, go with your gut even if it means shutting yourself inside your dark house.  Because hopefully doing so will allow us to eventually open the door once again.

NFL Monday recap week 14

Steelers: I had to listen to it on the radio and even that was hard to get online. You would think with all the money the NFL is pulling in on fining players (and coaches) they would help out those fans that don't live in the city of their teams. Who does get that money?

Last ditch effort - How great would it have been if that last play would have worked? Six different throws and laterals and Antonio Brown makes it into the end zone, but steps out of bounds...on the sideline. The SIDELINE. Is this just going to be a haunt now?

Polamalu - First he intercepts the ball and makes a crazy jump into the end zone which has to be reviewed before officially becoming a score. Then he screws up and misses a tackle that I could have made, allowing the Dolphins to score. WTH?

Tomlin on the sideline - The Steelers coach is fined $100,000 dollars for his step on to the field while watching the Jumbotron on a kick return. His little side step and jump back interfered with the Ravens return, possibly stopping a touchdown. The big question all week was if Tomlin did it on purpose. Every football expert said that it wasn't  Tomlin's style. Who knows. 

I go back and forth on it. The Ravens hate the Steelers. Or I should say John Harbaugh hates the Steelers. I read the Sports Illustrated article a few years back where the reporter heard the filth Harbaugh spewed in his locker room speech before taking the field against the Steelers. That doesn't sit well with players and coaches. It didn't sit well with Tomlin. So, who knows? In the heat of the moment... Not an excuse, but we've all done something stupid. Problem is he did it at work and he is suppose to be the professional, having been chosen to sit on the NFL competition committee. 

Despite whether it was intentional or not the word is that the NFL still might take a draft pick from the Steelers depending on how the Ravens do in the next few weeks. Are you $/&) kidding me?  Do you know what a can of worms that will open up? The Patriots got a slap on the back and a fine for spying against players? How many other impediments have occurred between bad officiating, hits, and missed calls? Are they just nuts? You fined him a crazy amount of money. Let that be the end of it, and if necessary send word out that draft snatching is on the table for acting like a horse's butt from now on. 

Something tells me if we dig further on why this is such a big deal John Harbaugh's name might just pop up. 

Other:

Patroits onside kick - Holy Moley their fans have to be pumped. How many games does this make that New England has come back in the last seconds to pull out a win?  Yesterday down 14-26 against the Browns Tom Brady steps,up and scores. 26-21. They try the onside kick, the Browns touch it, and bam the ball belongs to the Patroits. With the help of a questionable pass interference call and a missed 58 field goal attempt by the Browns, the Patroits take home the win. They have had tons if injuries, like the Steelers, but unlike the Steelers they are fighting back and winning. Gotta appreciate that whether you are a fan or not. 

Gronkowski - The Patroits tight end took a hard, nasty hit to the knee. Could be career ending. Do we fine that hit?

Broncos kick - The Denver kicker, Matt Prater, sets a NFL record with a 64 yard kick with 3 seconds left before the half and down by 4 to the Titans. Of course, we can't celebrate that huge accomplishment because the media is wondering if coach John Fox, returning to the field and his job after heart surgery, should have even gone for it with seconds on the clock. I just shake my head. I could have sworn that the point of the game was to score and win. 

Cold weather Manning - A comment was made this past week that Peyton Manning doesn't play as well in cold weather. The stats show this to be true. Hey, he played most of his career tucked under a dome in Indianapolis. But that did not go over well with Manning who got a tad irritated during a press conference and who supposedly told a Denver radio station that, "whoever wrote that narrative can shove it where the sun don't shine."  Gasp! Peyton said that? Well whether he did or didn't he showed what he could do in 18 degree weather in Denver throwing for 4 touchdowns and 397 yards. So, hey, opposing teams...just thinking...if I were you I wouldn't say anything that might piss off Peyton Manning. Just saying. 

Nick Foles - Whoop! Threw his first interception. Well, that is out of the way now. 

Reggie Bush - The Lions running back who missed practice due to a calf injury slipped in the snowy field during pre-game warm-ups and re-injured his calf. The Lions then went on to lose to the Eagles. Hmmm...makes those indoor stadiums not seem so pussy-fied now, huh?

Mike Shanahan - Reports came out before yesterday's game that the Redskins coach almost quit last year because he didn't like how owner Dan Snyder favored RGIII and gave him special treatment. Hmmm...is that why Shanahan kept Griffin in the playoff game last season despite an injury that later required surgery? Hey, maybe the NFL should look into that and consider a fine. 

Adrian Peterson - He left in the second quarter with an injury, and later tweeted his dissatisfaction with the Ravens fans who he said threw snowballs at the Viking players. Think the NFL will look into that? 

NFL picks week 14

Last week - 13 - 3

Overall 125 - 67

Cincinnati over Indianapolis - Last year it was the Ravens and this year it is the Bengals.  That division is just plain superior.

Atlanta over Green Bay - This was a toss up.  Green Bay?  No.  Atlanta?  No.  Green Bay?  Yes.  Atlanta?  Yes.  I finally just picked Atlanta because my Packer loving friend said they would lose.

New England over Cleveland - Listen, that Tom Brady is just darn good despite his pretty boy looks.

Oakland over Jets - I'm just not up on either of these teams so I picked the team I almost never pick.

Philadelphia over Detroit - I'm going with the Eagles and Nick Foles, this year's Colin Kaepernick.

Pittsburgh over Miami - Mike Wallace will want to come to Heinz Field and have a banner day.  It is do or die for the Steelers.  Who will want it most?  I just hope it is the Steelers.

Tampa Bay over Buffalo - Because this week the Bucs will win that is why.

Kansas City over Washington - The Chiefs won't lose four in a row and the Redskins have issues.

Baltimore over Minnesota - Suddenly the Ravens have decided they want to win and shake off the Super Bowl Champ curse (the one where you suck the year after winning the whole enchilada).  The Vikings?  They just don't have that feeling.

Denver over Tennessee - Surely no one is picking the Titans over the Broncos, right?

Arizona over St. Louis - The Cardinals are the little team that could.  Could just make the playoffs if they keep winning.

San Diego over Giants - The Giants are improving, but this week Phillip Rivers will get it together since winning in the end with a great comeback tasted so good last week.

Seattle over San Francisco - I just don't think Colin Kaepernick can beat my boy Russell Wilson.  

New Orleans over Carolina - I really wanted to pick Cam Newton and company.  I really did.  But I chickened out.  Can they really win 12 in a row?  Odds are against them.

Dallas over Chicago - I've lost the status of Jay Cutler, but the Cowboys really have to win this one.

Holiday pics

Thanksgiving came and Thanksgiving went.  Family visited.  We were expressive of thankfulness.  Why is it that this only happens at the end of the year at these holidays?  Shouldn't we be thankful all year long?  Shouldn't we be visiting family all year long?  Just saying.

We had a good visit with Tom's sister and family from Chicago.  I didn't do a good job of taking pictures.  We did a lot of eating.  We played putt putt.  The kids played tons of cards and various games.  We ate.  We celebrated Madison's birthday. 

Behold the photos that I did take:

Putt Putt - Girls played against the girls and boys played against boys.  I kept score.

Nancy won in the girls round.  Michael won in the boys round.  Brea, above, worked hard at winning, but alas, I wouldn't let her cheat more than a few times.

Eli putting

Joey helping Darcy search for her ball that went off the green and off the path and into these bushes that were hiding a bank that led to a pool of water.  Michael finally went down the bank and retrieved the ball.

We thought it funny that Maddy played with her purse strapped to her body.

The boys

Apparently there are alligators at this putt putt place.  Real alligators.  You can pay to feed them.

We did.  Quite the entertainment.

We all went to dinner at our favorite restaurant and then the next day we celebrated Madison's birthday with cake and cookie cake and ice cream.  She raked in the dough and gifts.

 We were sorry to have to say good-bye.  

Monday NFL recape week 13

Steelers:  They have only won once on Thanksgiving day so I should have known.

4th and whatever - We go for it on fourth down and we run.  Everyone knows we are going to run.  It never works.  Is there some reason why Ben doesn't sneak it in?  Hell, put in Polamalu and have him jump over everyone like he does in the defense. 

Le'Veon Bell - He had a great game.  Problem was he got knocked out when we needed him most.  Bell's helmet came off prior to scoring a touchdown and because the NFL wants to protect players the game is suppose to stop when a helmet pops off.  So the touchdown was voided and the ball placed at the point where the helmet came off.  Bell had to be taken off the field, his head ringing.  We scored, but only after three attempts and without our prized running back.

Shaun Suisham - Sigh.  I always feel for the kickers.  They have a job and usually it is boring until when it isn't and the game is on the line.  Suisham has usually been solid gold, but this year he has shown some tarnish.  On Thanksgiving he kicked when the ball wasn't even there and then he muffed an onside kick.  When that happens I expect the kicker to come out in the next game thoroughly polished.

Mike Tomlin - He is the most photoshopped man after getting caught standing too close to the sideline during a kick off return that may or may not have impeded the Ravens returner Jacoby Jones.  Tomlin was watching the return on the jumbotron, his back to the action, when he realized he might be in trouble.  He jumped out of the way, but by that time Jones had decided to avoid Tomlin by cutting back in, thus getting caught himself by a Steelers defender.  Tomlin was not awarded a penalty.  A flag wasn't even thrown and had NBC not shown the whole thing we wouldn't have even known.  But because they did the NFL is now involved and a fine is said to be coming and possible a loss of a draft pick.  Are you kidding me?  And the NFL wonders why no one thinks they have any brains.  As for Tomlin?  I don't think he did it on purpose, but why are these players and coaches that close to the line?  I say draw another line a foot from the sidelines like in soccer and make them stand behind it.

Jacoby Jones - He was quite the gracious interviewee while hoisting a cooked turkey leg after the game.  When asked about Tomlin he shrugged, bit into the leg, and said it didn't matter he should have scored.  From all I've read Jim Harbaugh tries really hard to get his team to hate the Steelers.  Nice to see Jones ignore all of that and show class.

Others:

Down to the wire - After the NCAA Alabama and Auburn won-at-the-last-minute game on Saturday, the NFL must have felt like they had to add to it.  We had the Minnesota/Chicago and the Atlanta/Buffalo games that went into overtime, the Chiefs/Bronco game that went from blow out to comeback to tie to win, and the Eagles and the Patroits who won by the skin of their teeth.

Peyton Manning - Another great performance by the great quarterback who started out slow with two interceptions, but who got it together and helped his team score 28 points to get back into the game.  But have you ever noticed how Manning looks like he has been beaten up when he removes his helmet at the end of every game?

Knowshon Moreno - The Broncos running back's eyes were caught on camera leaking water like a fall.  The announcers seem perplexed at the replay, but I wasn't sure if that was because CBS insisted on replaying it a million times or because it was the oddest thing ever.  On Twitter it was posted that he cried during the national anthem.  I don't know what it was all about, but that man's eyes can cry!

Adrian Peterson - He surpassed 10,000 yards rushing and ran for 211 yards, his fifth such 200 yard rushing game. 

Nick Foles - The Philadelphia Eagles back up quarterback (bet we won't be saying that next year) has yet to throw an interception this year since taking over for an injured Michael Vick.  And that sentence right there just calls for one next week.

NFL picks week 13

Last Week - 10-5

Overall 112 - 64

 

Detroit over Green Bay - Without their leader the Packers are just plain lousy.  The Lions have lost two in a row.  This is a no brainer.

Dallas over Oakland - Think the Cowboys are the better team.

Pittsburgh over Baltimore - Do I think this will happen?  If the Steelers want to continue their season, it must.

Cleveland over Jacksonville - The Browns were hot in the beginning.  I don't think they plan on giving up now.

Indianapolis over Tennessee - I just can't imagine that Andrew Luck is having enough trouble to lose another one over a mediocre team.

Minnesota over Chicago - No Jay Cutler again.  The Vikings are not good.  I'm not sure what I was thinking here, but I must have felt something.

Miami over Jets - The Dolphins aren't sure what they want to be, but now that Mike Wallace is playing the way he played in his heyday with the Steelers they appear to be winners.  The Jets?  Who in the heck knows.

Philadelphia over Arizona - The Cardinals played a heck of a game last week against a decent team.  I thought about picking them this week, but I keep figuring a week off ought to make you play better.  So far that hasn't panned out for me in my picks.  I apparently have learned that.

Carolina over Tampa Bay - I went back and forth on this one.  I mean suddenly the Buccaneers are playing like everyone thought they would play in the beginning of the year.  Probability wise the Panthers have won 7 and its time for them to drop one.  If ever there was the game for that to happen, I figured it would be this one.  Then again...it is the Bucs.

New England over Houston - Yeah, I've learned my lesson.  No more Texans.  Now watch them win.

Buffalo over Atlanta - Several weeks ago it was which team will earn a first round draft pick.  I think the Falcons are close to earning that title.

San Francisco over St. Louis - I think I thought Jim Harbaugh was the better coach here.  That's why.

Denver over Kansas City - Two weeks ago I picked Denver to beat the Chiefs with the understanding that I would pick the opposite this week.  But then the Broncos lost to New England and I've had to rethink things.  It will be a tough away game for Denver, but I think they pull out the W.

Cincinnati over San Diego - The Chargers sometimes win and sometimes lose and can't make up their minds.  Philip Rivers is either on or off.  Last week was awesome for the Chargers.  But this week they are playing a team that is leading its division, but is feeling the heat from the four teams breathing down their necks.  While the Chargers needs this win it won't be easy.

Giants over Washington - I took this one as my wild pick.  Could go either way.  I thought more people would take the Redskins in our pool so I went with the opposite.

Seattle over New Orleans - Maybe I should have taken this one as my wild pick.  But its in Seattle, a hard stadium with the crowd.  And I follow Russell Wilson on Instagram and he is so nice.

Happy 17th

I can't believe my first baby girl is already 17 years old!  How in the world did that happen?  In my head she still looks like this:

We celebrated by visiting Grandma Connie for the day and then ordering Thai food for dinner with Kelly.

Darcy and I got this cake when it was just going to be the family after dinner.  But then the cousins visiting from Chicago called and said they would join us for cake and present opening after dinner so we had to add to the dessert.

The day was a good one.  The night even tastier.  Happy Birthday Madison!