Music is Magic

​For some people, music isn't a huge part of their lives. At the most they'll listen to the radio in the car, or when the alarm clock goes off, but really no more than that.  For me however, music is a huge part of my life, and I think it stems from my upbringing and what I was exposed to from an early age. 

My Dad was in a band when he was younger with some cousins, they had a group called "Dukes of Earl".  My Dad's cousin was the lead singer, who as it happens is a huge Elvis Presley fan as I am. Dad plays the guitar, banjo, drums and piano.  I played piano, so did Mom.  When I heard or discovered a song I really liked, typically I'd go and get the sheet music so I could learn it on the piano. 

Music accompanies my life daily.  Monday - Friday at work, when I am working on an order entry project, I love having my music playlist keeping me company.  On the weekend, when its housework time, I can't do it without music.  When I am playing with my ipad, playing a game or whatever, if the TV isn't on, I have music playing. My husband and I ride share, and we have an hour commute. We both have a diverse taste in music, so we almost always have music on. 

There really isn't a genre of music I dislike, but I will admit to not being a HUGE country fan, but some I do like. ​

​When I am sad, anxious or upset music will nearly always pull me out of whatever issue I am dealing with mentally. 

I'm sure you've surmised by now if you've read this blog,, that I am a huge Elvis Presley fan.  I also however enjoy many other genres - metal, rock, pop, classical, alternative, blues, jazz and oldies to name a few. 

Are you a music fan?

The Joy's of Owning a Fish Tank

Since I was a teenager I have almost always had some sort of aquarium or fish tank.  When I lived at home, I had one in my bedroom, then later moved it out to the kitchen.  

When John and I moved into our first apartment together, I brought my aquarium with me, and had one at nearly each of the locations we lived thereafter.  

Fast forward to our current residence.  

I again had a large aquarium and stand (that was given to us for free), and decided to set it up with fish, as its been a while since I've had a set up. Initially, I wanted fancy goldfish, mostly because they're easy to care for, you don't need a heater because they're cold water fish, they're not expensive and they're pretty.  A friend of mine reminded me that goldfish are always looking for food, and will constantly disrupt the gravel making a mess.  Okay, so I reluctantly went the tropical fish route.  

I chose lots of little fish, tiger barbs, etc, and John wanted to pick a fish or two also, so he chose a tiny little Oscar. (uh-oh). 

Loved the set up we had, and wow, did that Oscar grow fast!  Some of the fish I had in my tank I referred to as "Fishing Lure" fish, due to the fact they were little, shiny and resembled a fishing lure.  

One day we came home from work, and I was looking at my fish, and huh...seemed like there was a fish missing...maybe I'm wrong, or maybe he's hiding.  Whatever.  

Few days later, I am again admiring my fish and upon closer inspection, another fishing lure fish was missing. I checked the floor around the aquarium, to make sure there were no jumpers...nope.  I checked the filter, in case he got sucked into it. Nope. Weird. 

THEN I looked a little closer at my Oscar, it looked like there was something stuck in his mouth...OMG. What I was seeing in the Oscar's mouth was the tail of one of my fishing lure fish! DAMMIT!! 

Ok, so our plan of attack was to try and get larger fishing lure fish and feed the oscar more.  

By the end of the year, all my fishing lure fish were gone, and all I had in the tank was one super large (FAT) oscar, a algae sucker guy, and another white oscar. 

Eventually, I gave the oscars and the algae sucker fish away on craigslist for free and got rid of the fish set up. 

The only fish I have now is a little blue betta in a fish bowl. 

While I'd love to have another aquarium set up, my avaiary really takes up a lot of my time and money, so am going to forgo fish for birds, but I do miss the cute little swimmy fishing lure fish. The oscar? Not so much. 

The Story of the Escaped Boa Constrictor

Before my husband and I moved into our first house (townhouse actually), we lived in an apartment in Blaine.  

One day, we came across the startling revelation that our baby rainbow boa constrictor had escaped her aquarium. (insert extreme panic here) 

We did a cursory search, and found nothing. 

More panic. 

Then, I sat down on the floor in front of where her aquarium was, and closed my eyes, and tried to "think like a snake".  If I were a snake, on the lam, where would I go first upon aquarium escape?  I looked around the room, and about 2' from where the aquarium was, is a heat vent along the baseboard of the wall. Hmm. Right by the corner where the two walls meet, was small opening, between the wall where the heat vent / pipe thing was.  Bingo.  If I were a snake, that would be the first place I'd go.  I got a flashlight and sure enough. There she was. (well shit)

Prior to this discovery, we were getting ready to go to my parents lakeshore home, where they were hosting a party. Halt in plans. 

So, we went to a pet store, and got a live "fuzzy" baby mouse, the though being we'll lure the snake out with a yummy fuzzy live baby mouse.  It took several hours, but through lots of waiting, and very still watching, the snake slowly came out of the wall to grab the fuzzy snack.  John got her, and she was safely put back in her aquarium.  Holy crap that could have ended badly.  Never assume the lid is secure on the snake cage lid unless you are 100% positive. 

We currently have 3 pythons at home, and all 3 of their aquariums have LOTS of weight on the tops of their aquairums. 

Lesson learned!

Teapot

So, I was talking to Kim, and mentioned that yesterday I had a cup of Aveda Comforting Tea and that it was great, I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed it, as I hadn't had it in a while. 

Kim then asks me if she has given me a teapot yet ...

(yet? is this some sort of friendship thing that happens between friends after a while? you give teapots to each other? began to wonder if I'd missed some milestone or something)

I said no, I am a teapot free gal. Then she goes on to describe the 3 (yes 3) teapots that she has and went over the features and benefits of each, I was impressed, she could have sold a teapot to the Keurig peeps I was so impressed with her passion.

I then asked her if it the teapot was short and stout?

Kim responded: "No, its tall and handsome"

Well damn! 

I'm gonna get me a tall handsome teapot. Nice. 

(will it look like David Boreanaz? Jensen Ackles? Luke Perry? Elvis Presley?) 

Love ya Kimber!

Political stuff

So, I normally don't post about political stuff on my blog, but I just gotta get this off my chest. 

Okay, here's the thing.  No one is going to agree on who is better or why. 

Everyone is going to have their own opinion, and really, don't we all know that?  I mean, its not a radical concept is it? 

So why do we have to shit all over each other for differing opinions? Can't we just support who we want to support, and may the best candidate win?  Does it really have any effect on the election if we are assholes to each other? NO!

Believe what you want to believe, and let others do the same.  

Holidays

Last year at this time, it was days away from me getting the news that my Ozzy had cancer.  

My previous Boston Terrier, Katie, lived to be 13.  I assumed that I'd have at least that much time with Ozzy.  I lost my Ozzy 3 days after his 7th birthday. I feel I was cheated and didn't get a fair amount of time with him. 

I still think of him not only daily, but more often.  

Would John and I like another dog? Yes and no, for a variety of reasons, and this is going to sound absolutely childish, but if I can't have my Ozzy, I don't want another dog. I want Ozzy. 

We didn't put up the Christmas tree this year, and we are not exchanging gifts. Partially because money is tight (thanks to the new hot water heater), and partially because without Ozzy, it feels pointless. 

We did get some nice gifts for my in laws, and I pleased about that....

November Osbourne Update

Greetings & Salutations! (anyone know which movie that particular greeting comes from?)

Recently, we've had some rodent issues in the lower level of our house.  We initially discovered it because we have a series of cameras in our home that are triggered by motion.  One morning I was checking the alerts for the camera, and there was a few around 1:30am in our downstairs. Ok. I clicked on the video and damn was I surprised to see a mouse literally RIGHT in front of the camera.  Another time I was using the downstairs bathroom, and I happen to glance to the left to the hallway and saw a mouse run by.  Ok. Yep. Its time to get some traps.

We got a bunch of sticky traps and traditional mouse traps and this week we've killed 6. SIX!! Funny, John inspected each kill and determined they were 3 different species of mouse. The other day he was taking a sticky trap with 2 mice on it outside to the trash, and the second the cold air hit the mice, they both started to wiggle.  I would have dropped it an ran. LOL

I'm getting close to borrowing one of my BFF Kim's 4 cats.

Our hot water heater kicked the bucket, so that was a delightful unexpected expense.  The last item in our house that needs replacement is our furnace, that came with the house when it was built in 1996.

As far as work goes, I'll quote Kevin Arnolds Dad from the TV show "The Wonder Years" :

Work is work.

Beautiful

This is for Ozzy -

Take your memory with you when you go

So I wont have to think about

The lonely nights I'll be without

Someone to hold me when the cold wind blows

Take your memory with you when you go 

Walk the floor and wonder what went wrong

Try to find a way to carry on

But don't you leave before the heartache starts to show

Take your memory with you when you go 

So I wont have to think about

The lonely nights I'll be without

Someone to hold me when the cold wind blows

Take your memory with you

So I won't have to miss you

Take your memory with you when you go 

John Sabbath Osbourne = King of the Husbands

So, John and I rideshare to work, since I work in Roseville, MN and he works just outside of downtown Saint Paul.  

We were about 20 minutes into our drive, (I was half asleep), and he suddenly exclaims "SHIT!" 

I was instantly more awake, thinking there was some crisis, and I'm like "What??"

He says: "I forgot my cell phone at home"

I was a little surprised at his irritation, as its not like uses it for his job, and before I could respond, he said in a defeated tone, and sighed: "Now I can't text you and tell you I love you today" 

I melted on the spot. 

King of the Husbands folks. 

I'll Take Love

Some people think that pot of gold

Is all they ever want to hold

But there's a treasure, I think more of

Measure for measure .. I'll take love

Some people think that their success

Is all they need for happiness

But there's a pleasure, I think more of

Measure for measure .. I'll take love

Pound for pound oh yeah and

Ounce for ounce love is all that really counts

So let them have their wealth and fame

Eat caviar and drink champagne

You're all the treasure I'm dreaming of

Measure for measure .. I'll take love

my step-son Johnathan

When my step-son Johnathan was a little boy, I'd often take him and my niece Kathryn to my parents home for the weekend. 

While in Brainerd, MN where my parents have a lakeshore home, we'd quite often make our way to the local coffee shop called "The Cocoa Moon".  Usually, when you bring a kid to a coffee shop, they typically order something along the lines of hot chocolate.  

Johnathan was looking at the menu and decided he wanted a Cappuchino. My Mom and I exchanged looks, and I asked Johnathan if he was sure that is what he wanted, he assured us that is what he wanted, he has had it before. Mom and I again exchanged doubtful looks, but ordered what he wanted.  

Ok, so we're all sitting down, drinking our coffee.  Johnathan takes a sip of his, and declares: "I need to get some more sugar for mine"....okay -  he gets up and gets a few packets of sugar and pours it into his drink and mixes it up.  Few minutes later, he gets up and says he needs a little more.   This happened about 5 times.  I figured there was at least 2 inches of sugar at the bottom of the cup by the time he was done.

As we were leaving, he tossed his coffee and stated that they must make coffee different there.  

I don't know why I thought it was a good idea to give a 10 year old kid espresso and lots of sugar, but I guess hindsite is 20/20

Piano

When I was a little girl, my parents paid for me to have piano lessons. From early elementary school to around the time I met John, I took lessons. 

Certain songs I really enjoyed playing, and memorized.  Anytime I hear those songs, my fingers still remember (mostly) just what to do. Surprisingly, it even causes me to long to play a piano, although I do not own one. 

I've tried playing eletronic keyboards in the past, and I feel sort of dumb for saying this, but the keys feel different. I mean, sure, the skillset is still there but its somehow not as enjoyable...or something than playing on a normal piano.  

I remember the type of Piano it was, it was a Whitney Kimball.  If the day ever comes where I have the time and inclination, I'd like to pick up playing again.  

I was pleasantly surprised how man free piano's are available on craigslist!

The songs I memorized that I really liked to play are: 

​Can-Can

Music Box Dancer

You're A Grand Old Flag 

You Are My Sunshine 

I also ​picked up the simple sheet music for "My Heart Will Go On" and taught myself that one on my own before finally giving up on playing.  

the irritation of having an incurable disease

​So, the other day, John asked me what would happen if I stopped taking the medication I take (the list is irritatingly significant). I gave it some thought and answered him, but it got me thinking...about how close I could come to kicking the bucket without them, and its quite startling. ​

So here we go: 

Immuran - Crohn's Disease immune system suppressant

Humira - Crohn's Disease shutter offer (for lack of a better description)

Metropolol - blood pressure

Omeprozole - acid reflux

now here is the fun ones:

Seroquil - depression/anxiety/panic

Zoloft - depression/anxiety/panic

Wellbutrin - depression/anxiety/panic

Xanax - self explanatory 

So, the first drug that is going to wear off (and I know this because I've missed a day taking it) will be Omeprozole. Acid reflux will come roaring back - really painful. I'd have to eat a constant stream of antacids for minimal comfort

Second drug that is going to wear off is the blood pressure one, Metropolol

Next will be the anti-depressants, and that is where EVERYTHING will make me sad, to the point I am crying over anything and everything. Then I'll begin to have extreme anxiety and panic, functioning will become difficult.  At one point, a doctor I was seeing tried to change the anti-depressants I was taking, so I KNOW this is what is going to happen, because I've done it already.

Finally, the Crohn's drugs.  Not hard to imagine at this point, as now is not a good time for me with Crohn's.  No appetite, non-stop diarrhea (think 10+ times a day), which will eventually lead to nutritional deficiencies, and dehydration, progressively getting worse. 

Then at some point down the road from this, my body won't be able to handle all this anymore and shut down.  

Doesn't that sound horrible? The Humira costs 14,000 per injection, which I take twice a month. No idea what the other drugs cost, pretty sure they're pricey though - to the point I'd not be able to afford them for long with no insurance. 

Its worth mentioning - nothing will ever change how I feel on this next statement, ever. 

I will NEVER EVER consent to have my large intestine removed and being fitted with a colostomy bag. NEVER. 

Would I rather die than having a shit bag attached to my abdomen? 

YES

I've had to give this idea thought since I was diagnosed in 2001, so this isn't a new determination, I've had years to think about this. 

The answer is no and it always will be. 

What a Blotch

The other day, my BFF Kim and I were listening to "The Dave Ryan in the Morning Show", specifically "War of the Roses" 

When we listen to this, she is usually getting ready for work at home and I am at work listening to it.  We frequently text each other commentary on what we're hearing.  

Here is a snippet of a texted conversation:

Kim: How are you?

Me: Currently being bitched at by a customer

Kim:  Why are people so blotchy?

Kim: Bitchy

Me: LOL - I hate blotchy people

Me: I was super nice and professional. Blotch

Me: LMAO - new insult by Kim - such a blotch

Kim: My new word I guess, LMAO

Look out blotches of the world!

Spring 2019 update

Greetings Land of Osbourne readers! (all…2 of you? LOL)

My last post was regarding my Boston Terrier, Ozzy and his trip to the Rainbow Bridge. I haven’t posted since, because I had nothing to say, really.

I still struggle with the loss of Ozzy. I can’t look at his picture without tears welling in my eyes. I can’t think of him without terrible sorrow. Even as I type this, I find tears in my eyes…..I guess for now, that’s all I really can say. 

In other news, we are quickly approaching the date that my best friend and I are going to Orlando, Florida for a Disney Vacation. I can hardly believe I am doing it, going on a trip without my John with me.  It’s a testament to my love, trust and friendship with Kim that even allows me the strength to do this. 

We will be staying with a friend that we both went to high school with (meaning not paying for a hotel), he will be picking us up and shuttling us around (no transportation fees), and he has season passes to the Disney parks (meaning free admission), so all Kim and I will ultimately have to pay for is food. I think I can handle that. I even gave Kim permission to take as many pictures of me as she wants. (for me that is HUGE, I hate having my picture taken, I feel ugly). 

My beautiful white Camaro is out of storage, and I’ve been driving it for the last month. Can I just say how much I love it and love driving it? The fact that it has a fantastic stereo system is a nice perk as well. 

Work is….the same I guess.  The guy I trained in back in late November left the company in March, so I am back to scheduling for a guy in Chicago.  Apparently I’m doing an adequate job…

John and I had our 22^nd wedding anniversary on April 17^th. Realized that I have been with him since I was a TEENAGER. Jeeze that makes me feel old. When I mentioned that fact to his mom, she replied: “You think that makes YOU feel old?” HA!

That’s it for me for now, enjoy your spring!

My Ozzy, time to say goodbye...

Hello, 

By now you've undoubtedly surmised that I have a little Boston Terrier named Ozzy, whom I love to pieces.  John and I love him and spoil him in every way. 

About a month ago, he miscalculated while attempting to jump on the bed, and he fell off. He didn't miss a beat, he jumped right back up on the bed to give me kisses.  I didn't notice anything unusual until 2 weeks later, I saw a large swelling on his hind right leg. I assumed it was a bruise from falling off the bed.  

Naturally, me being who I am, I worried about it quite a bit, so John took him to the vet to have them look it over. They agreed that it was a bruise and that it would go away in time.  3 days after that appointment, the vet called, asking to bring Ozzy back in, so they could aspirate some of the mass to make sure it isn't a Mast Cell Tumor, which my Ozzy has had 2 of and had surgery to remove in the last 2 years, this mass is the 3rd.  The surgery was hard on him and hard on me too. 

Yesterday, I had a terrible anxiety attack about this whole thing, so John and I took a day off work, to take Ozzy to the vet to get it checked out one more time. 

My baby has cancer again. The vet we go to is unable to perform the surgery due to the size and complexity. She referred us to a local canine surgeon to see what all would be involved for that to take place. 

I can't be selfish and put Ozzy through another difficult and painful surgery, knowing it is very likely another tumor will appear soon. What is breaking my heart, is he is acting normal. He doesn't understand why his Mom and Dad are crying, and petting him and cuddling him more than a few days ago.  He gets upset when I cry, so I  was trying to cry quietly in the other room, he heard me and came charging in to lick all the tears away.  Based on the size of the tumor, and how quickly it grew in size, makes me scared....where else has it spread?  I'm terrified that we will come home from work and he will be gone. 

We didn't even know it was our last Christmas with our Bubby. 

We didn't know that his birthday next Wednesday will be our last with him. 

He is turning only 8! Katie, our previous Boston lived to be 13, so we mistakenly assumed Ozzy would likely live around the same. 

Reality of us coming home from work, with no gate at the top of the steps, no little face looking at us, happy to see us. 

No wiggly little butt, no more puppy of a thousand kisses. 

No more snorey little dog keeping me awake, no more kicky doggy feet when he is hogging the bed. 

No more hopeful eyes when he wants to go with us to get coffee, so he can go for a ride in the car. 

No more groans when we're eating because he really wants a taste. 

To quote the Tin Man, from the Wizard of Oz: "Now I know I've got a heart, because its breaking" 

Land of Osbourne UPDATE!

Friends, Romans, Countrymen...

Hi All. How was your summer and fall? Good I hope. 

John started a new job on Tuesday, and so far is quite happy, and significantly less stressed. We're still able to ride-share which was a very important aspect for both of us, not only for the obvious reason of saving money and not having to drive 2 cars, but we enjoy the time to and from work together as well.  

Things are good at my work also. Found out I'm NOT going to the National Sales Meeting in February, which is just fine with me. I'm not a huge fan of travelling solo if I can possibly avoid it. . . LOL...so I was recently requested to fly to Colorado to train in a new guy.  I get to go on 11/25 - 11/28 to Colorado. I've always wanted to see the Broomfield location, which I've heard is HUGE. I also heard the Denver airport is massive as well.  

My little Ozzy is doing fantastic, spoiled little guy that he is.  

That's about all that is new and shaking in my world. Hope all is well with you! 

Take care readers! 

Ear Worm of the day: Tommy Roe - Sweet Pea

I don't know when or if I heard it, but over the weekend this song got permanently stuck in my head, the following verse specifically:

I finally got to whisper sweet words in her ear

Convinced her that we oughta get away from there

We took a little walk I held her close to me

Underneath the stars I said to Sweet Pea

"Oh sweet pea, I love you can't you see? love you love you love you can't you seee? Oh sweet pea, won't you be my girl..." 

I posted it on my blog, forwarded it to my cousin...lets see if this will shake it loose...maybe I should hear that 1-877 kars for kids commercial? HA!

A Post for my younger sibling....reminder

Rachel

I am posting this on my blog to clear a few things up, on the off chance you stumble this way and read it.  

I know what happens when I email you.   

First and foremost, you need to know that I will never forgive you.  Nothing you say or do will ever change that. Additionally, although you're my sister biologically, not only do I not recognize you as such, and never will, I also no longer feel any sort of kind or loving emotion towards you at all.  

That will also never change. 

You know, and I know that Bernie GAVE me Susie's wedding ring. 

He didn't give it to you, he gave it to me.  

I know the EXACT date he gave it to me, the occasion and why he gave it to me. 

John was there, as was Marilyn.  

In the past, I've asked you to return it to me. You vehemently refused numerous times and finally said that if I gave you "Mike's File" back, you'd give me the ring back.  I sent the file to Mom. YEARS AGO. 

You recall the email you sent me: 

"If I pawned it why do I have it stupid selfish bitch your informants are pieces of shit just like u!" 

This email included a picture of said ring and a receipt with the date and time. 

(this actually qualifies as evidence of you owning stolen property BTW)  and I still have that email. (dated Monday August 19th 2013 3:58pm) 

Of course knowing you and your core personality, I do realize that there is a very good chance I will never see it again. 

(How sad is it that Mom has asked you numerous times to return it?  Nicely done Rachel)

I have accepted this situation in its entirety.   

John has not. Nor will he ever. He will NEVER let this go.  This is not a threat, its simply the truth. 

Evidently, you're incapable of seeing the damage you've done over this. (I wonder....was it worth it Rachel? Was it?)

This is in Gods hands now. My conscious is clear. 

Cuckoo Clock

My Uncle Bernie gave me this great old Cuckoo Clock a few years before he died, he had it when I was a little girl, and I always use to think it was magic. 

I love it, and it hangs in my living room, and I can’t help but think of him every time I glance at it.

No matter how fast or slow the pendulum is moving, that clock is determined to be fast. If John or I don’t continually adjust it, it will always be off by about an hour. 

💜

Unconditional Love

Unconditional love is, in essence, true love -- so different from the kind of love most of us have known all our lives that it deserves a  definition of its own. 

Unconditional love is caring about the happiness of another person without any thought for what we might get for ourselves.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Finding out that this type of love you assumed you'd always have from someone isn't there anymore is painful.

How do you respond to this realization? 

Blame yourself?  

Blame the other person?

Keep trying to get the love back that never should have gone away to begin with? Which could wind up being an effort of futility and end up causing more pain?

Learn a lesson from the entire experience and move forward with the knowledge it has shown you...

On the other hand, what if they suddenly decide all is okay and suddenly they feel its time to "forgive and forget"?

Each person is going to feel and decide how to handle this based on their own experience in the situation and how it effected them.

Having been in this situation first hand, I know the pain. I know the sorrow it brings.

At one time, I would have probably "forgive and forget", but not only the pain itself, who it was from, and not only the thought behind the action, as well as lack of thought for the other person involved has given me a new perspective on this.

Can I forgive? No. Not anymore.

Can I forget? No. I will never forget the pain it caused me emotionally, and more importantly, mentally.

I have to protect myself and my heart from those whom I should never have to do so from.

Lesson learned. A very very painful lesson, one I am sad to have to have gone through at all.

The decision by the other party was selfish, childish, and no thought was given to the long term results or the feelings of others involved. 

For that reason, I will NEVER allow this to happen to me again. If pressed, "Why can't you just let it go?"

Because it should have never happened to begin with, and as its happened once from someone it NEVER should have come from, sadly it could happen again.

At this point, I can be grateful for my husband, John. I am grateful for Heather, my cousin who is the sister of my heart, and finally, my best friend Kim, who is there for me ANY time I need her. Without the support of these 3 I don't think I would have the strength to have gotten through this at all.


Onward and upward!

April 17th 1993 - April 17th 2018

Greetings ! 

So, back in 1993 when I began dating my husband John, he drove a 1985 Berlinetta Camaro. (white, T-tops, fast, loud...you get the picture).  I have been a fan of Camaro's ever since. I particularly like that body style, as later on I owned 2 of them myself, a 1987 (which was totaled when I was in a car accident), and then its replacement, a 1988 Camaro.  

Fast forward to April 17th, 2018. Our 21st wedding anniversary. 

My husband has/had a 1999 Harley Davidson Fatboy I bought HIM for his 40th birthday.  He enjoys riding it, I enjoy it as well, but with so many distracted drivers, older drivers, younger drivers and foreign drivers, he just didn't enjoy it as much and I was constantly worried for his safety anytime he went out.  

He sold his Harley and bought me a WHITE CAMARO. 

Granted, its not a 1985, but its as reasonably close as we're going to get and I love it. 

Its not a V8 (good!), has high miles (fine), and its not mint condition (even better!) 

When John told me this was his plan....disbelief, shock, then awe.  Every time I look at it, I remember what he did to get it for me and I just melt.  

King of the Husbands = John Osbourne 

Do not quit

No matter what you do or what happens, just do not quit. Posted: 31 Jan 2018 06:29 AM PST How does self-improvement apply to each of us? There is no one system or technique which applies equally across the board. There are numerous books, articles, teachers, techniques and schools of thought to guide us in our quest for self- improvement. There are a number of common threads running throughout all of these. Here are just a few of them: * Treat others as you wish to be treated. * You become what you constantly think about. * You determine what you are and what you will be by the choices you make. * When you honestly and deeply believe something it will become true. * Eat, breathe and live as though you were wealthy and you will become wealthy. * When your main focus is on lack and poverty you will continue to be poor and lacking. * Visualize what you wish as though it were true right now and not at some future date. * Take action on your wishes (dreams, desires). * Life is but a journey which is taken one step at a time. All we ever have is the step we are currently taking. * The Kingdom of Heaven is within (know thyself, go into yourself to seek the truth, the inner journey is the most important). All of these and the other common threads will apply to and be used by each of us in a different manner. What works for one person may not necessarily hold true for another. While it is true we can learn from others, we alone can make our journey. Nobody can do it for us. We must take these teachings and doctrines and adapt them to our own unique needs, desires and wishes. We do this through self-study and observation to find those areas in which we need growth and development. In conjunction with this, we need to research and study many different doctrines and teachings. From these we can determine those things that attract us and strike the note of truth within. You will know when something has the ring of truth to it. A whole doctrine or line of teaching may only contain one or two principles which will apply to you, however these may be critical to your development. Try to be as open-minded as possible, but always verify the truth of the principle for yourself. Never accept anything as being the truth for you until you have verified it for your own purposes. Another's truth may well be the direct opposite of your truth. So long as you seek self-improvement and development you cannot fail. You will undoubtedly become discouraged at times because of a lack of any perceived gains. Should you feel you have hit a brick wall, simply regroup and try another technique or strategy. No matter what you do or what happens, just do not quit. Those who continue to seek self-development and growth always win. It is simply a matter of time. I wish you great satisfaction in your journey through life. Robert Taylor

Minnesota Winter Driving

​So, as you've no doubt surmised by this point, I live in Minnesota, land of 10,000 lakes (its actually closer to 14,000 lakes), and 10,000 feet of snow every winter. (slight exaggeration) 

When I was young and stupid, I drove a Camaro, and the first year I owned it I made the not so bright decision to drive it during the winter. Its worth noting that my husband John has driven Camaro's in the winter as well. 

Camaro's are rear wheel drive, and are NOT designed for winter travel in any way shape or form. ​Regardless if you put lots of weight in the rear end (another winter time must) it will simply not do well.  

A few years down the road, I also owned a really nice Mustang. Having driven a Camaro in the winter, John and I knew it wouldn't do well, so we had no plans of driving it, however we did have to move it from one parking lot to another one winter day and we were shown how poorly Mustangs do. Worse than Camaros in fact. 

So, if you see a sports car this winter driving in the snow and ice, cut them some slack. It takes a LOT of patience and skill to drive one of these cars in the winter.  

I will say it did make a difference in how I drive in the winter after that, as I drive much more carefully than I think I normally would, and I can say with complete certainty that John is the best winter driver I've ever known. I think the sports car driving in the winter really made all the difference. 

Friends

 

People who claim to be your friend do not do the following:

• Talk negatively about you to anyone
• Speculate about your actions to others without fact based information
• Do not support you in things they do not agree with

Hard lesson to learn, painful. 

However it was an important lesson for me to learn, for I learned through experience recently who my "friends" truly are. 

Its lonely from time to time, but I am strong. 

I have had to be strong for a long time, and I will continue to do so in the best way I know how. 

I have learned now who I can trust and who I can not. 

I will continue to be nice and polite to all, but sharing with people who simply do not care makes no sense. 

Bottom line?  If you're my friend, thank you. I appreciate you. 

If you are one of the ones who did the things I listed above? 

Your actions are not what people who are "Friends" do.  Thank you for sh0wing me your true colors. I wish you the best.

Cambridge City Park 9/2017

Osbourne Back Yard 10/27/17 1st snow of the year

Minnesota

Osbourne Family Update, Fall 2017

Hello Land of Osbourne Readers, 

How was your spring and summer? Ready for Fall and Pumpkin Spice everything? Me too. Fall is my favorite time of year. The cooler weather, crunchy falling leaves, fall colors, all the good stuff.  

John and I had a great summer. Maybe not quite as productive as I would have liked, but what the hell. We work Monday - Friday, 1 hour commute each way every day. I guess its okay if we didn't reach all of our home-owner chore goals for the summer of 2017.  

Next comes Winter. In Minnesota, it can begin anytime from October - December. I don't mind the cold temps, but I HATE driving in snow and ice.​ My "winter" car, Freddy has new tires, and will soon have new brakes and rotors, then we'll be ready to tuck Frank into the garage for the winter and drive Freddy. Knock on wood, my little silver car makes one more winter. If not, we can always pull Frank out and drive him. 

(Yes, I name my cars) 

My sweet Boston Terrier, Ozzy is doing well also. We recently found another little lump on his neck - had it checked out - Vet seems to think its nothing (whew) 

Have a wonderful end of summer, beginning of Fall and winter in the not too distant future. 

Love to you, 

The Osbournes

May We Meet Again

Once Is Enough

All you got is one life
Living once can be rough
But if you live every day all the way
Once is enough

You can own just one suit
Worn and torn at the cuff
But if you're livin' the life that you love
Once is enough

What's the good of reaching ninety
If you waste eighty-nine
You got one life so live it
If you don't it's a crime

Life's a playful puppy
You can grab by the scruff
And if you live every sec' what the heck
Once is enough

Never wait until tomorrow
What if it never comes
Life is a seven layer
Don't you settle for crumbs

Life's a playful puppy
You can grab by the scruff
And if you live every sec' what the heck
Once is enough
 

My Purple Petunias from 2017

Susie, my Mohave Ball Python

Minnesota State Fair 2017

Ride in the car day for Ozzy! 6 year old Boston Terrier - Cambridge Minnesota USA

Far Side Favorite #2 - Bla Bla Bla Ginger

Far Side Favorite # 1 - SO much for the unicorns

Whatever

So, recently I've noticed a few people "un-friended" me on Facebook. 

While at first I was a little surprised, after giving it some thought, I came to the conclusion I don't really care, which is somewhat unlike me. Of course I feel bad that the people no longer wished to communicate with me, but feel no remorse either.

If you think that unfriending me on facebook is going to crush my spirit, or "that'll show her", I'm sorry to tell you your mission wasn't successful. 

Bottom line: If you want to be my friend, and be in my life in some manner, great.  I'm happy you're here.  If you don't like me, then unfriend me. Life is too short to deal with such petty bullshit.