Shabby Hammers.....

Yesterday I had an appointment to get our very old piano tuned.

The kids have been complaining about it for a while now,

even one of the missionaries complained about it 

the other day when they were here and he volunteered to play the hymn.

To be honest I don't hear it.

I can't tell it is out of tune.

To me it sounds imperfect, but still very beautiful.

Well, what pushed me to spend the money right now was that 

another key stopped working.

G - 

as in the one in the middle.

The other two were way up high where they are "hardly" ever played.

Our piano teacher here in Satellite Beach,

Holly Jedlika, recommended the technician she uses. 

I was able to get her here very quickly.

I was surprised when I met her.

She is a very slender, beautiful, older lady.

Didn't really look tough enough to man handle pianos if you asked me.

I could see right away that she was disappointed in our piano.

She had a very tough time discovering even how to 

take it apart it was so old.

She was unfamiliar with this Kimball model.

She was highly put out at its bad shape.

She was astonished at the worn down hammers and pads.

She was very vocal in her displeasure.

Wondering why I wanted to put any money at all into this old thing.

Did I have someone with me when we went to purchase it?

no.

Well you should have.

K.

We will next time.

There are way better used pianos out there.

Got it.

It felt like she was going to throw in the towel before she even began.

I was very hopeful she would not choose that option.

I defended the piano....

I let her know we were not in a position to purchase a new,

or even another used one at this time.

I have four children that play on this piano.

Would she please just see what she could do?

I understand she is not a miracle worker,

but possibly she could just get the key that is not working to work,

and try and tune it the best that could be done.

I was planning on paying $150.

Would she just mind staying and doing anything she could do for that amount?

She reluctantly agreed.

I loved seeing inside this old girl.

Quite frankly, for some unknown reason, I love this piano.

I feel very sentimental towards it.

It is part of our family.

This is the piano I hand picked on Space Coast Craigs list.

I knew nothing of pianos, and it is apparently obvious.

I recognized Kimball as a well know piano company,

and went with my gut.

We picked it up in Palm Bay from a gay couple.....

I am thinking around 6 - 7 years ago.

I remember when Kevin and I went in to look at it.

It was not very light in the room, I couldn't see as well as I would have liked.

But, from what I could tell, and hear, it seemed like a keeper.

Come to find out after loading, 

and then unloading at our home, it had a huge crack in one of the legs,

which promptly severed w/ the pressure of moving and being rolled, etc.

That was not a good sign.

With the first, and I am ashamed to say, only tuning we have had

on it since the day we brought it home, the technician jerry rigged and 

tried to mend and cover the bum leg.

As long as we don't move it much,

(no problem there), it is just fine.

The cover over the keys has become week over the years, 

it has a tenancy to fall down on fingers if you POUND...

so again we pass on that.

I am watchful that little visiting children for the most 

part stay clear of pounding as well.

The keys are yellow (another thing I couldn't see in the dark).

But, I still maintain my loyalty to this piano.

It is the piano that our children are learning a precious skill on.

They are developing a talent that will last a life time for them.

I love to hear them practice and improve.
I love to decorate the mantel....we don't have a fire place,
so I kind of think of the top of the piano....(what in the world is that called?)
as a little hearth.
I decorate it with the seasons and change it often.
I love the dark wood.
The upright style.

Look inside.

I think this was a grande beauty in her day.

Coming back to Becky.....our faithful technician.

I was in and out of the room, puttering here and there.

Working in the office, I could hear her letting out 

exasperated sighs and puffs of disgust.

Seriously....it went on for some time.

After again saying that it took her an entire hour

 just to fix the G key, her saying she doubted she could do any good

at all for the horribly out of tune piano.

I asked it she would please give it a try,

anything she could do would be an improvement.

She dug in.

She tuned, and tuned, and tuned.

She was amazing.

No more sighs.

She was bringing this old girl back to life.

I was so impressed and thrilled with Becky's efforts and determination.

She was here well over three hours.

She was not happy with her accomplishments....

she said it should sound better after a tuning.

But I was thrilled.

The kids had gotten home.

They could hear the difference.

She said, now you know that you don't just tune a piano and 

then you are done forever.

You have to keep up and maintain it,

or it will go back.

You will need to re-tune w/in 6 months.

Then every year after that.

Well.....I won't make any promises....but I'll try.

I recommend:  

Becky Beerensson

Registered Piano Technician

321-452-7866

She is amazing!

Lastly, one of the things I was doing while she was here was -

Making the MOST DELICIOUS BANANA BREAD ON EARTH.

Tina gave me this recipe...raving...she got it from Colleen...

is that right?

Well, I am here to tell you....YUMMY!!

I will never stray to another recipe again.

Best Banana Bread on EARTH

1 c. sugar

½ c. oil

2 eggs

2 med. Mashed bananas

½ c. sour cream

1 t. vanilla

1 ½ c. flour

1 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

(I added chocolate chips (da) +

Several shakes of wheat germ…

to justify the several pieces of bread I planned on eating)

Grease pans. 

Bake @ 350 for 50 min.

It did not take that long for me….maybe 40ish.

I used one large and one small pan.

Ohhhhhhhh soooooo goooooood!!

Thanks Tina and Colleen!

  

Oh Honey....

Today I am happy because I get to mark something

off my list of important things to do.

Tina and I have been wanting to purchase a bulk supply of Honey

for some time.

I mostly use it to make homemade bread,

but I also wanted to bulk up the food storage with a supply of this sweet stuff.

I really wanted to purchase locally because I have 

heard there are some excellent health benefits 

for those with allergies.

We have a few in our family that suffer.

Since the pollen is produced here by local bees, 

it is kind of like taking those allergy shots....but way sweeter and a lot less 

painful and costly.

Thought it wouldn't hurt to try.

The Honey Man said it is most beneficial if you take at least 

one teaspoon per day.

EASY.

Baking it will take away some of the benefit...it is better raw by the spoon, 

or in a drink (vita-mix)

or on a piece of toast, or over oat meal.....k...I bet you get the idea.

Today I purchased Wildflower (darker), and Orange Blossom Honey.

They are both very different in taste and both

sooooo scrumptious!!!

The WildFlower honey is a bit more advantageous 

for your allergies because it combines the use of several different pollens.

 Here is where we went.

Got a tip from Melissa Wilson -

It was quite the drive....but I think worth it.

You can see if you are near a Locally produced Honey plant by visiting 

the Honey Locator.

I really need to beef up our food storage ....

this a positive step in the right direction.

What have you done lately to keep working on yours????

Please share and MOTIVATE!!!
P.S. in case you were wondering price - it was $100 for four gallons.
(reg. price is $32 each if you buy less than four)

A Deal to Remember......

I'm sorry, I cannot help myself.

I am trying not to make my blog all about my super deals.

But I am for sure not leaving this bad boy shopping trip off.

It started out regular enough.....

 Wanted you to see that I followed through on the 

mini doughnuts for McCauley.

I have a thang for Kozy Shack pudding.

Yu-hum!

 Take a good look at this next one (down below)....this is where the fun began.

I always swing by the tiny clearance rounder at my Publix.

Many times I see great deals, but since I don't know what
is on sale I usually don't 

have the correct coupons to take advantage.

I sometimes consider going back w/ my qs, but actually have never acted on it.

Today I saw 4 - 24 packs of Duracell AA batteries.

I am always keeping my eyes peeled for good battery deals.

Well, they were regular $12.99 each.

on sale for 2 for $12.99 - so half price - that will get my attention as 

a starting point.

I was completely positive that I had several Duracell coupons at home,

and with me I had my Publix coupons to use towards them - 

so $6 came off right then.

I asked the customer service rep if I purchased them now, could I bring 

my coupons back in to get reimbursed??

Sure!

Done.

 I got home.

Took the pics....and started digging.

The first place I always go is to a Coupon Data Base.

That way I am not searching blind.

Huge time saver, because I can put any item in that I am 

looking for a coupon for and bingo,

if there is one, it will pull up.

I will find out if there is a printable one to get,

as well as any booklets, tear pads, or blinkies that I may have stuffed in my binder.

Plus, the best part is they give the source date and 

coupon insert that they are in as well.

So I was able to come up with 

4 - $2 off Target coupons

4 - $1.50 off manufacture coupons

All told I got back - $14.48

I spent $6 on 96 BATTERIES!!!

Spent $24.99/ Saved $133.04 on the trip.

PLUS.....get this....this is the icing on the cake...

or maybe the dip on the celery....

Three of the battery pacs came w/ a sheet of $20 in P&G COUPONS!!

They are high value and do not expire until 2012!!

BooYa!

Score.

Yes, I do have a big fat head now.....

here is a picture to prove it.

Ryker just walked by and whispered ugly...wha?

17.....

Class was very good today.

I am still shaking from exertion...I think that is a positive sign.

Numbers going up....Seventeen today...

better up than down.

I am getting better with names,

here are a few more nick names I have added:

Vera - wang

Dirty - Sandy

I -Vana - trump

Model - Michelle

Lean - Irene

Sommer - time

Blanche - my vegetables

Marilyn - Monroe
Judy - Bloom

One of the things I really like about my class is that they 

are so good about offering up their ideas.

I have asked them to throw them out there.

I say I will be watching...

we will be working away

at some exercise in a particular form

and someone will add a new incline, or rotation that I 

can point out.  This helps us to hold it longer,

work a muscle in a different way 

and add variety.

They are smartie pants and I love it.

Remember :

EXERCISE TO ENERGIZE!

WHOOOOO-HOOOO!

Let me here you!

......and I "quote"

Yesterday McCauley and I made a quick run 

to Publix.  It was after school and I 

thought she might like to join me and get a free kid cookie.

She did.

I was going, hoping to find a specific new coupon book so

we could stock up on Kleenex tissue.....Ryker is on his last box and

it is go time.

We did locate them, as well as one other booklet to boot!

Sweet!

The weird thing was that the booklets were behind the service desk in their

display box....just out of reach....hmmmm.....unless I wanted to really reach

up and over that back counter.......I am pretty sure I can take it no prob,

but no...I didn't attempt it.

I asked the young man behind the counter if he wouldn't 

mind grabbing me a few.

He was like sure, and took a thick stack out.....

"how many would you like"?

well, as many as you'll give me....

(anticipated....hoped for four)

He gave me the ENTIRE stack.

Ho!

I thank you sir....and I love you!

Now I would never do that on my own.....but, well, he was the man 

in charge behind the desk.

If it is ok with him, it is certainly ok with me.

McCauley is my little helper.

I really enjoy having her with me on my store trips to Publix.

She got right on clipping the coupons I needed for the tissue.

She sits in the cart and I start loading the goods.

We purchased 18 boxes at .08 cents each.

Our bill totaled $9.78 - 

18 boxes Kleenex

milk

cheese

2 Gourmet McCormick spices

.........

We were happy.

While we were in line checking out with Cathy....fav cashier....

I was organizing and counting out our coupons, 

making sure the cash was ready,

watching the total go down, down....

McCauley asked, "Mom, what are those doughnuts 

doing at the end of the counter?"

I was like what?.....the doughnuts???  ummm

well, they are there for people to buy silly.

I had noticed the little stand of mini doughnuts by the 

check-out and assumed she meant those.

We get to the car and settled in and as we drive from the store 

McCauley says, 

"Mom, I have never stollen anything in my life".

What?....well certainly not honey.

I should hope not...I didn't think you had.

never.

Sheesh...where did that come from?

So we get home and I am pumped to throw our stash on the counter

to snap a quick photo.

In the last bag there was something that threw me off.

hmmm?

Where in the world did this little pack of doughnuts come from?

I was all befuddled....I ran for the receipt.

There they were.....  

MIN CHO DNT 

1@2 FOR 1.19 = .60

awwww.....hence the interesting comments.

I spoke with little M.

I was not upset, but just said that was not the right choice

and certainly she did not get to have the doughnuts.

She said she knew that...and that is ok.

The boys over heard and went out of their minds,

they had never done anything like that in their lives.

They had never even considered something so sneaky.

and on, and on....Ethan especially wanted to bring it 

up every few minutes...

I said if he mentioned it again he was going to 

have a major problem to deal with.

It was no big deal.

Our night went on.

We ate, got Ethan to baseball tryouts.

Boys to scouts....and so forth.

I read M the Velveteen Rabbit and she was off to bed.

Eth had gotten home late and was hungry due to missing dinner.

I wanted to force some leftovers on him for the third night

in a row, so I bribed him with the little doughnut pack 

so I could end it with the chicken divan already!

He took me up on it,

downed a massive bowl,

and enjoyed his reward.

Well, even later when K got home from night flying.

I was telling him about the day.

The amazing shopping deal,

and M's little stunt.

He was like....You gave the doughnuts to Ethan????

Why?

What about McCauley???

I think she really wanted one!!!

How could you not give one to her?

um.

Well.....it was a natural consequence.....wasn't it?

Oh my gosh....I felt so bad.

Went and looked at my sleeping, little sweet deprived innocent angel.

My coupon helper.

She always asks for a pack of gum, or doughnuts, or anything

as we check out.

I almost always say no.....but I also point out the other yummy treats and

goodies that I already did get for her/the kids

that were on sale/with coupon.

Anyway....

she is a sweet heart.

I happen to know that Sweet Sixteen Doughnuts 

go on sale tomorrow, BOGO....

I will have an opportunity to get her doughnuts 

w/out her having to try and sneak them.

We will all be happy.

Let me introduce....

My Family

Today was Martin Luther King Day.....we all had the day off.

Whoohooo!

Yippie....we decided to make one final trip to 

Universal Studios in Orlando before our annual passes expire.

We were off at 8:30am....

about half way there we (Kev) started to have doubts about the trip.

It was getting very overcast and dark out.

It began to rain.....

and rain....

and rain.

I kept pushing the idea, saying positive things like, 

we are lucky, no one else will be there.

We can just stop and purchase umbrellas...which we did.

Four new black ones.

The kids were getting down, and pretty soon everyone was against the idea 

of sloshing through the rain with our umbrellas at Universal.

I finally gave up.

We just went to the Orlando Burger King and turned around and headed back home.

Sooooo....our holiday did not start out that amazing.

But all in all I think we enjoyed our day.

The kids ended up having a playdate and Kev got some important stuff done on the truck.

I read a lot...so I am not complaining.

Anyway, I had a little time to sneak off to the computer....

thought I would introduce you to the rest of my family.

This is the whole gang.

We had planned to get a "professional" family photo this year...

but once we got this shot together in front of the neighbors pine tree.....

traipsing through mounds of cat pooh, and other dramas,

we all kinda just gave up the idea.

It sounded like way too much effort....and heck...this one wasn't half bad.

One of the best things that took place on our trip home this year

for Christmas was that the boys finally learned how to 

tie their own ties!!

Hallelujah!

Finally they no longer have the excuse to wear their sports tie 

every single week "because it is the only one that is tied."

Their cousin Seth actually taught them.

Way to go Seth!

My mom is really into gag gifts at Christmas.

She spends all year coming up with just the right 

insane purchase for the select individual.

My youngest brother Chuck got a really cool biker hair - bandanna this year.

Chuck is in the red tee -

the rest of the guys had to get a piece of the hot hair action.

I really think it was very complimentary on just about everyone.

Look how studly K looks!!

Ow - Owww!

These are my siblings...

Amy....

She is the most talented person I know.

She paints and creates all the time.

She is an excellent esthetician, massage therapist, 

master eye brow sculptor, waxer extraordinaire.

She is a black belt in Judo??  I think this is correct.

Growing up we always called her the Brick....because she is solid and ULTRA strong.

I could work out until I am blue in the face and completely ripped in all the right places

(like that will ever actually happen)

and she would still be able to kick my butt in an arm wrestle.

Which she did again this trip.

I HATE (that is too strong a word)

physical

 competitions with her....because she always wins!!!

She has three young children, Archer, Avery and Elle. and her husband 

is Lance.  He and I graduated high school together.

I guess I should have gone in order, but there in the plaid shirt is my older brother Jason.

He is really into his facial hair,

he can pull it off though.

He is married to my good friend Melanie, we also graduated high school together.

They have three wonderful kids, Josie, Seth, and Abbey.

They live in Kaysville.

He works for the Union Pacific Railroad like my dad did.

He is a mad cyclist.....he bikes hundreds of miles in a stretch,

which I think is amazing.

He is definitely still my older brother.

Some things never change.....which for some reason has surprised me.

He still thinks I am an idiot when I do dumb stuff, and is sure to tell me.

The gas output remains in full force.

I still look up to and admire him....always will.

Chuck is my youngest sibling ....he is 30!!

Wow!  That makes me so old.

Actually, truth be told, the older my younger siblings get,

the funnier I think it is, and the younger I feel.

Somehow it seems like they are catching up w/ me and Jason.

I love it!

Chuck is back in school and working on his career.

The nieces cannot get enough of Uncle Chuck.

Hug....she is my blog mate.

My writing partner.

I never knew she was such a talented writer....

I love our daily/weekly contact online.

one of my favorite of her posts is her 

Christmas Re-cap - she really captured the night.

She is probably the smartest one in the family.

She is practical, always has good insight and rational.

I have noticed she doesn't just blurt it out though....you really have to 

go after her opinion....gotta ask.
She is married to Travis....who (you guessed it) I graduated HS with.

Keri is my youngest sister.

She is a fine beautician...she is our resident stylist.

She still travels back to Las Vegas once a month to do her clients hair.

She and her husband Golden (whom I did not graduate with thankfully)
have recently had their first baby...

a beautiful little girl...Siree. 

Keri is a wonderful mother,

very fun to watch her in action.

Families are the Best!!

Kev's will come next time.

I am sure you need a break after this extended read....if you even stuck with it!

Tell me more.......!

I just returned home from the gym.

I finished teaching my first Body Sculpt class.

January 13, 2011

This feels significant to me.

A goal met.

....................

The thinking about.

Wondering if I should.

Wondering if I could.

Thinking about.

Writing it down in my book.

Picturing it in my head.

Asking Maria if she could use me.

Taking the first step.

.....................

I loved it so much.

I love my little class.

I love my grannies.....Little Liz and Miss Betty.

I loved that Shelly surprised me and did come after all....

John gave her a free pass.....THANK YOU!

She was my stabilizer....asked probing questions....

Now how should a squat look????...etc.

love you girl.

I made my way around my class while we did biceps and met every one.

I am going to come up with little nick names for every one....

otherwise I will never remember.

Several, the second they told me their name I forgot.

But so far I have Lemon-Aida..

Shells - Bells (not you Shelly...the other one)

I will keep adding more each week.

I think I had 15 in attendance.

I received very positive feed back.

One lady, Elien....I think (not giving a nickname until I make sure),

she asked if I would be back every week......if so, she would tell her other

friends to come to class because she loved it!

Whoohooo!!!

There was a positive happy feeling.

Our class moto is....

We

"EXERCISE TO ENERGIZE"

We will start on time, utilize every minute, work as hard as we can.

Push further than we thought we could.

We will feel the burn with every exercise.

No timers or bells and whistles.....we will work it until we feel it.

Ohhhhhhh, we felt it today!

I feel happy and excited for next time.

Shell and I will be at the gym tomorrow at 5:45am to go over the next routine.
.....meet us there if you can!

Whoohooo!!!!!

Show Stopper.......

 Last night I had a tough time sleeping.

I was way too pumped up about my "real" practice session for my 

upcoming class on the 13th.

I have permission from Maria to use the 

aerobics room any time there is not a class scheduled

to go over my routine.

This is great news and very needed.

While we were in Utah for those three weeks I was able to attend several 

excellent body sculpting classes.

They were very difficult.
 I had a lot of fun taking in the 

different instructors styles and ideas.

I have put together a few different workouts to try out here.

I have them down on paper, but I now I need to actually 

try them out.

(sure I can do that at home, but I have no large ball, or step, or mic, or.....

see what I mean??)

Well, Bingo on finding the perfect slot this morning at 5:30am.

If you look at the schedule you see "Bootcamp" but that is across the 

street at the beach.

Elmer usually has a step class at 6:00am, but clearly he does not

have one on the 10th!

Whooohooo!!

I called my good little workout buddy, Shelly, and offered her 

a deal she could not refuse....

a ONE WOMAN SHOW!!!

A PRIVATE CLASS ALL TO HERSELF.

Really I was just hoping she would critique me like crazy and help

me fine tune and tweak.

I woke up at 4:30 and just decided to stay up and get ready to 

PUMP IT UP!!

  Our Club Health & Fitness Center  

  Group Exercise Class Schedule

                     Jan 10- 16 2011                      

	Mon 10	Tues 11	Wed 12	Thurs 13	Fri 14	Sat 15	Sun 16
5:45 AM 6:00	Bootcamp Maria	Step     Interval  Elmer	Bootcamp Maria	Step  Interval Elmer
7:00	30 min. Yoga Jon		30 min. Yoga Jon
7:30	Pilates Diane	7:15         Yoga Jonathan	Pilates Cheryl	7:15     Yoga    Jonathan	7:15 Yoga Jon
8:30	Zumba  Ana	Body Sculpt Elena	Zumba     Dianna	Body Sculpt _ _Melissa__   Cycling    Elena	Zumba    Jennifer____  Beg. Cycling        Maria	8:15 Pilates Kristin

(Look.....see my name??!!!  That's my class!!!!)

Well, I get there a little early, I don't want to make my class

wait while I try and figure out the sound system.

Took me a bit, but with a tiny bit of help from the guy at the front desk

I got her up and running.

Shell got there and we started pulling together our "toys".

I set up on the stage of course.... got my water w/in

easy reach.  Set my jacket aside.  Got my step centered, two sets of weights and a bar.

YEAH!!

We were kind of jamming out, getting ready to dig into tough....

when a nice elderly lady came shuffling in.

Oh....I say, I'm sorry, Elmer is not here today, we are just in here practicing.....

she apologized and scadadled out.

We are really going to get going now.....jeesh....!

Well, there is someone else for Elmer's class....I try the same speech,

she was not buying it.

She is a regular and I recognized her from class.

She was like, Elmer was gone last week...he will be here today.

Me and Shell were like, no the schedule says..........

By now I am starting to panic...I am getting crazy eyes...because one thing I didn't

mention before is that I forgot to bring a triple A battery for the mic which I am now wearing and 

speaking into for great fun and effect.

I had to borrow Elmer's battery out of his little cubby drawer

(shown below...haven't got mine yet)

Oh my heck!!!

I have got to get all this crap off the stage and get his battery put back if he is 

going to be walking in here in TWO MINUTES!!!

I am racing off to make the change.

Shelly was like Meliss.....HE IS NOT COMING....TRUST ME!

Let's just do it.

Heck no....I am not insane!

Just as I finish placing my bench in a normal place on the floor by Shelly...

Low and Behold, in walks our teacher.....ELMER!

We clap and cheer....look here he is.....fantastic....we were worried....and wondering....!

 Anyway, we had a fine step class....but I am one day closer to my own class and still 

have not really tested it out.

Our next plan is for Wed.....Keep your fingers crossed.

(Here is the head set)