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Went for a run at lunch today.  A little frigid (44 F).  But, I'm so glad I did ... because I met a crazy little critter I wouldn't have met otherwise.  A black squirrel.

This wasn't him - this guy is courtesy of google images.  But this is just what he looked like.  At University of Texas we had billions of squirrels - and a few of them were albino.  But, I've never seen a black squirrel.  Wikipedia reveals why ... they're common in the midwestern US, northeastern US, Canada, Sweden, and Britain.  Not Texas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_squirrel
Now, what to make on a cold December Friday for a nice cozy dinner at home???? who said chili? 
Happy Friday everyone. 

witch-crafty

I've been inspired by a certain someone to pick up my crafty endeavors again.  Even though, it can be painfully slow progress when work is this crazy.  One thing I'm trying to finish before winter sets in is a knitted scarf.  Here is the progress so far.

Sandy & Shiva

sandy: frankenstorm, hurricane sandy, superstorm sandy. a storm by any other name would hit just as hard. sandy generally took the path that it was supposed to & it's hitting a lot of areas pretty hard. i'm listening to the wind whoosh by the house with what sounds like a lot of speed (and power).  but, other than a lot of wind and rain, we're still hanging in there.  i think kona is bored to tears.  and taking her potty is becoming increasingly tricky.
we've still got hours of storm to come, so wish us luck.

shiva: update on the fantasy football trophy for the halsor-bomkamp league. ("shiva" is what the winner's trophy is called on the FX show "the league")
everything you see is attached/in place/secured.

i can't decide if i should call it done or if it needs more "stuff".
and as the lights are flickering ... i think i'm going to sign off. :)

fall in DC :)

yay! it's fall.  the weather has been fabulous!  and the scenery is amazing.  so, it's possible that last friday i skipped lunch and metro-ed down to the national mall to take a few pics of the changing foliage.  enjoy
(ok, actually, the first picture is from old town alexandria.  but, i thought it was really cute too)

SJSU vs Navy

Rob & I were lucky enough to snag a few friends that are graduates of the naval academy.  They invited us to hang out at a navy game & tailgate.  It's always FUN to go to a football game live!  Navy had a tough game.  Their D held up really well, but the offense wasn't able to put up enough points.  However, they have had a great stretch since this game.
Anyways, it was a great afternoon hanging out with Ben, JoEllen & Ella, Kelsey, and Danny.
FEAR THE GOAT

a few summer stragglers

below are a few pictures of stuff i love, that didn't warrant their own post. 

 

black eyed susans at the old apartment.  state flower of MD

 

 

For our 5-year anniversary, I bought Rob a new desk chair.  Because his old one was SKANKY!  We had a little fun taking it to the dumpster.

 

 FOOD!  One of my favorite things to make (and eat) is chalupas!  Rob discovered that he prefered them in mini nacho form instead of large-chalupa-shell form.  YUM!

 

 and i tried out a spinach and tomato quiche.  which i liked, but rob said "tasted like breakfast".  so, probably not going on the list.  but, it was still good.

 

 Kona did a series of 6 hydratherapy sessions at gunny's rainbow in bethesda, MD.  the girls there (laurie & halle) were fantastic.  and i think that they really helped koni.  she lost some weight and strengthened her legs swimming laps.  Kona olympics!

 

 i have no idea what this flower is.  it looked a little bit like a penta.  but, i'm not very convinced.  it was very pretty. and it attracted the butterflies & bees like crazy.

 

 and last but not least, i've found a few (what i think are) wild strawberries growing in the backyard.  it's kinda fun inheriting a back yard with the rental property.  it's like a box of chocolates.  you never know what you're going to get. :)

SAIC family picnic day

Well I guess Rob's company is pretty damn cool. ... and rich.
They reserved the six flags in Bowie for the whole day!  It was so much fun.  It's been forever since I've ridden a rollercoaster.  Oh, and there was FREE BEER!  what is up?!
It was a great day, that ended in a downpour.