Celestial New Year's Eve Line Up

A delightful display of planets and the moon will occur on New Year's Eve for anyone wishing to step outside and look up just after sunset. Venus, brighter than all other planets and stars, will dangle just below the thin crescent moon in the southwestern sky. It'll be visible -- impossible to miss, in fact -- just as the sun goes down, assuming skies are cloud-free. Soon thereafter, Mercury and Jupiter will show up hugging the south-southwestern horizon (just above where the sun went down) and extremely close to each other. Jupiter is very bright and easy to spot; Mercury is faint and harder to see, but it'll be apparent by its location just to the left of Jupiter.
Jupiter and Mercury will set less than an hour after the sun, so timing your viewing just after sunset is crucial. You'll also need a location with a clear view of the western horizon, unobstructed by buildings, trees or mountains. All the planets, along with the moon and sun, traverse an arc across our sky called the ecliptic, which corresponds to the plane in space that they all roughly share. For this reason, you could draw an imaginary line from the general location of Venus and the moon, down through the other two planets, and the line would point to where the sun went down. This line could also initially help you find Jupiter and Mercury. - Courtesy of Yahoo News.

Our Christmas

Its over.... I can't believe Christmas Day is already gone. We build up the excitement for the day for at least 28 days, and poof, its gone in a flash. And this year, was no different. Although, we do like to think the Christmas feeling lasts all year. It's just not shown in decorations or gifts under the tree. Peace, love, and hope is in our hearts 24/7.

We woke up as early as we could, hoping to get the most out of the day. We were lucky to keep the snow on the ground, even though we recieved a ton of rain Monday and Tuesday, so the white Christmas we wished for was our first gift. We started the morning with our nice hot coffee and cinnamon buns... mmmmmm. Then we noticed the tree was bare, no gifts under it. To our surprise, all of our gifts were moved from the main room, into the den under our smaller tree.

GASP!!!! I KNOW!!! Look at that pile. I guess Jay, KC, Ace, and Makita and I were very VERY good this year.


Here's KC enjoying his new bed. They are soft and comfy.


And Ace as well. If you notice, their Christmas started off with new haircuts and holiday bandanas. God are they cute.

Sadly, with all the excitement of the dogs helping open our gifts, I never once picked up the camera after this. Most of the activity was caught on video, so maybe one day, I'll get that online. We took our time enjoying the morning but of course, all good things come to an end. We cleaned up all the wrapping papers, bags, and bows and headed off to Jay's dad, Gary, house. We spent time opening gifts with his sister and brother, Sarah and Seth, and their mother Annie. They too were getting ready for a nice holiday dinner, but we couldn't stay. We had to come home and get the house ready for a nice holiday dinner here, with Sheila, Bruce and Tita. Jay cooked a great filet and stuffed lobster tail. I shouldn't have ate so many shrimp and pigs-in-a-blanket for appetizers. I barely got halfway through the filet... and I love filet!!!
We ended the night thinking about the day's events and thanking God for our health and safety. We wish that everyone else had a great Christmas Day.

Faces in Places - Bunny Edition

If you haven't checked out the blog, Faces in Places, that I have listed under my favortie links, you should. There are some really clever sightings of finding, well, faces in different places.

Here's my version.... This is the view of Bunny's house from our porch.

I call it : Four Eyes :)

George Christmas 2008

Last Saturday, we enjoyed Christmas with the George Family. This would be Jason's mom, Sheila, family celebration. We were able to spend the holiday with Tita (pronounced Ty-ta) who is Jay's grandmother, his Uncle Allan, Aunt Deb, and their daughters Shayna & Katie, as well as Unlce Jeffrey, who flew in from Florida. That weekend was our first blast of winter weather, so we were very fortunate for him to arrive safely. Sheila & Bruce cooked a delicious pork loin dinner with all the fixins'. We were stuffed. We then spent the rest of the evening opening gifts and enjoying the company of family.

Clockwise starting at top : Uncle Jeffrey, Tita, Uncle Allan, and Sheila.


The tree decorated beautifully with ornaments collected through the years.


Here was a great picture that we couldn't help but post.
From left : Aunt Deb, Shayna, Katie, Tita, and Sheila.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

We wish everyone a very safe, healthy, and joyous holiday season!

We miss and love you all!!! Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Christmas Message

To all our friends and family here in Connecticut, North Carolina, Maine, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Georgia, and the rest of the states, this says it all. Tis the season for sharing and giving.

Share your love, and give what you can to those who need it the most.

Chilled to the Bone

I'm sorry. But does that say -1 degree? And that is not considering the wind chill?
I just woke up, let the dogs out for their morning business, and have confirmed, its damn cold.
I went for a second opinion and our atomic clock and thermometer agree. -1.
And the funny thing, its going to be 51 degrees tomorrow? WTF?
I swear to the god of skinny punks it better not melt all this snow. We WILL have a White Christmas!!!! You listening Mother Nature?

Play Time

With the first holiday season snowfall, it was a must for us to get out and play.
I got home from work at about 2:30 and found about 4 inches already on the ground. Jay had shoveled once already but it was coming down in a furry. So I changed into jeans and boots and grabbed the kids and went out to the backyard. While playing, Jay got some good shots.


Ace waiting patiently to go back inside. He's not a big fan of playtime, since Makita takes charge.


Even KC joined in the outside games even with his disability. But just like Ace, he had enough of Makita's rules of the game.


I was able to grab Makita for this shot. If you can't tell, her energy level was on high, and all she wanted was to run around, jump, eat snow, and well, bite at your ankles or gloves. At that point, she was no longer making up the rules, it was my turn!

Makita loves to get snow thrown at her or in the air. She'll try catching it in her mouth.

She's very snow-friendly.

When it was all said and done, we got about 10 inches. And more is on the way tonight and tomorrow. YEAH!!!!!

Let it Snow Let it Snow Let it Snow

Its beginning to look like we'll have a white Christmas afterall. YEAH!!!!

Forecasts are calling for us to get 8-12 inches of snow starting at 1pm today and through tonight!

I can't wait to see the white stuff falling from the heavens. We have been wishing and praying for this and Mother Nature and Old Man Winter must have heard our calls.

We made sure to get the shovels out last night and make sure the rest of the outside furniture were covered. We are all set.... we even have a Christmas movie to watch tonight. More pics to come!

Elf Bowling

Its always been a holiday tradition to play Elf Bowling. It goes way back to 1999, when I was working at the Nuke. Our friend Bill Coyer, introduced it to us back then and generally around this time, it would be sent once again in an email to the group of us and we'd all play and laugh at the insults and jokes. If you don't know what Elf Bowling is, well, a player, Santa Claus, attempts to knock down elves who are arranged like bowling pins. Simple as that... hehehehehehe.


In Elf Bowling, Santa Claus gets revenge on his striking elf employees by using them as bowling pins. During the game, the elves say phrases such as "Is that all the balls you got, Santa?" when the player misses their first spare opportunity or "Gutter ball!" in a silly-sounding voice when a ball is rolled into the gutter. Other potential distractions for the user are reindeer that walk up along the bowling lane that you can "hit" with your bowling ball if you press the right buttons, a frog wearing a Santa hat hopping back and forth across the player's field of vision and if you hit him with the bowling ball, his carcass is hauled away from the screen. A white rabbit also jumps and poops across the bowling lane, the elves mooning Santa asking "who's your daddy?" as they do it. Both during the game and after a game finishes, the elves do a macarena-like dance, shouting "Elf elf, baby!" in reference to Vanilla Ice's song "Ice Ice Baby." The elves can also randomly move out of the way of the ball, and one elf can be decapitated by the pin setter. It's a rather fun game. :) And I miss it. Oh well. Its the memories that count. Good times.

A Christmas Story

When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure.
Then Mrs Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.
When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where.
Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.
Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drank all the cider and hidden the rum. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.
Just then the doorbell rang, and irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.
The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?'
And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

Save Me

I was looking for some holiday pics online and came upon this one.

I can't help but feel the pain of this kid. This Santa just doesn't look friendly.

Smile or not, those eyes freak me out. And is it just me or does Santa's right hand look like he's holding on for dear life on the kids overalls? NEXT!

Christmas Trees Year by Year

Since 2004, Jay and I have shared great Christmas memories. I think my favorite memories together are getting the fresh cut Christmas trees. Since moving into the Cottage, we've had great luck at finding wonderful fir's to serve as our symbol of the spirit of Christmas. Our first Christmas in '04 was in the condo, and somehow I don't have a picture of that tree and sadly, its hard to remember what it looked like. But here is a quick view of the trees over the years.

Christmas 2005 - This tree was HUGE!!! And look at the walls. This is before any of the remodeling took place. Those old pine tongue and grooved panels. And that tv? Its as big as the tree! :)


Christmas 2006 - Much slimmer but taller tree. And look... a new tv. :)


Christmas 2007 - We decided to move the tree to the other side of the room next to our new down chairs to feel more cozy. It works out much better, especially when walking in the house presentation wise. Its the first thing you see.

I love this time of year.
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!
We love you all.

I can't believe you woke me up for this!!!!

LilliKat Blog

Check out Lilli's new blog : http://lillikat.blogspot.com/
Find out her latest status and how the family is doing!!!
We can't wait to meet her!!!

Trees of Lights

I took Monday off to get a few things done for myself but also to finish up some of the decorating we didn't get done from Sunday. But the main task, was to decorate the christmas tree.
But first, we always have our little christmas tree in the house, year round. This year, we put it in the den and decided to decorate it as well. Using a bow from our large wreath last year, we topped it and worked our way down. Adding nice white lights, gold and red bulbs, and some bright red cranberry-like garland.


Here is a view into the kitchen. We added some pine garland along the 1/2 wall, with lights and cranberrys and some pointsetta spikes.


And here he is.... the 2008 Cottage on the Rocks Christmas Tree. TA DA!!!
He stands about 8 feet tall and maybe 4.5 feet wide. He's a skinny version this year compared to last years. A view with the lights on.....

Lights off....

Tons of room for all of Santa's gifts this year :)

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Christmas Spirit on the Rocks

Every year, we start our decorating for Christmas the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
We decided to put the stocking up on the loft, for them to hang high above.
It took some cleaning and alot of dusting to get them up there, but I think that's going to be a tradition from now on.

We also go pick out a tree at Angevine Tree Farm in Warren, CT. Here's our pick for this year.
But its only a sneak-peak as he's all wrapped up. I have to get Jay to send the pics from the farm from his phone to post those, so more to come!


Here's a quick look at the entry way.


Garland and lights and big gold bow highlight the mirror in the dining room.
Jason's Santa collection sit on the sidebar. And last but not least, Cozy and Cuddles sit with hurricane lanters.

More on Bryson

Another day older and he's getting more and more attention.

His big sister and big brother were finally able to meet Bryson.

Here's the 3 amigos posing for Aunt Lindsey.

Bryson Henry Hill has arrived

He has finally arrived!!!! Bryson Henry Hill was born yesterday, 12/3, and is a healthy 8lbs 15oz. and 21.5 inches long!!!!! Its like he's already walking!!!! Chas and him are both doing well. And Bryson's big sister and brother are both very excited to get him home for their first Christmas together. With Lindsey on mark to get the first pictures, here he is :

He looks alittle rough at the moment, but who doesn't after going through THAT!!!! :)
Congratulations Chas and Nate!!!! Welcome to the family Bryson!

Love your Uncle Nate and Jay!

Cuddlers

One morning, I heard Makita sneak into the bedroom. Next thing I know, I see her under the comforter and stealing some love from Jay. Too cute, but if you can tell from her face, she wasn't happy I was disturbing her slumber.

This is a rare occurrence... getting all 3 to sleep together. :)
And on camera at the same time.

The kids just love sneaking into the den and stealing our seats on the couch.

Lots of Snow - Trip to East Otto

I decided to take some pics while driving home to East Otto for Thanksgiving. It was rather strange this year weather wise, as I was seeing snow in places I wasn't expecting. Some of the hills were green and sunny, and then small towns along Route 17/I-86 were pummeled with the white stuff.


I thought the pic below was really neat, seeing the snow sit on each branch. I'm just glad I didn't go off the highway taking the picture!


Below you will see my parent's front yard. I believe this was about 30 some odd inches of snow. Pretty, right?


Here's the front porch. Poor little christmas tree was almost covered by one of the snow banks Dad created with the plow. And no, people do not use the front stairs to come in the house. Don't worry.... we believe in Safety First.... now go to the back door, and TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES!

And the last shot I took was of the side yard. This large pine used to be a teeny-tiny tree. Now its this monster... but a beauty. I love how its huge branches catch all the snow. I wonder if I could get rid of the background of the neighbors house and use that as a christmas card? Hmmm...

Going down, down, down

World AIDS Day 2008

From individuals to organizations, from government departments to schools, all people around the world will be called on to stop what they are doing so that the country can come together to focus on how we are going to stop the HIV epidemic, stop new HIV infections and stop deaths.
World Aids Day 2008 will embody the collective commitment of our government and society to adopt a bold and brave new approach to HIV and TB.
We urge you to join us on this day. Act now. Forward this message.
Spread the word! Be safe.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

To each and everyone reading this, we wish you a safe and healthy Thanksgiving, especially if you are travelling to see loved ones. Its unfortunate we only celebrate our thanks one day a year. We thank God for all of you being in our life.

Pre-Thanksgiving Chatter

A game warden was driving down the road when he came upon a young boy carrying a wild turkey under his arm.

He stopped and asked the boy, “Where did you get that turkey?”

The boy replied, “What turkey?”

The game warden said, “That turkey you are carrying under your arm”.

The boy looks down and said, “well lookee here, a turkey done roosted under my arm!”

The game warden said, “Now look, you know turkey season is closed, so whatever you do to that turkey, I’m going to do to you”.

If you break his leg, I’m gonna break your leg. If you break his wing, I’ll break your arm. Whatever you do to him, I’ll do to you. So what are you gonna do with him?

The little boy said, “I guess I’ll just kiss his ass and let him go!”

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

Happy Thanksgiving!
- From our friends Brian & Joyce ;)

Its Beginning to Look alot like Christmas!

To get ahead of the game, and the weather, Jay and I put up all the outside decorations this past weekend. First we had to do our last fall cleanup and then started the unpacking of all the goodies. We checked each strand of lights, checked Mr. Frosty before assembling him, and made sure the spotlights were in place. Here is the first picture with them on. Yes... I said ON. ;)

Its a year where I think we should start early to help cheer people up and get them in the Christmas Spirit. More to come... so send the snow!!!

Whole Lotta Fowlers

Jackie's sister Nickie has created her own blog finally. YEAH!!!!
You can visit it at http://www.wholelottafowlers.blogspot.com/

Here she is!!!!

Here's the first picture of many to come!!!

Lili Kat!

Lillianna Kaitlin (Lili Kat) - 11/11/2008 5:35

Sean and Heather are the new parents to a little baby girl Lillianna Kaitlin!!!!
Lili was born on Tuesday at around 5:30. Heather started experiencing some headaches and had a Dr appointment anyway, in which the doctor advised her it was time to deliver. Heather has been on maternity leave for the past 10 days already due to preeclampsia, same as she experienced when carrying Lexi. This time, they were prepared. The doctor had already started prepping Lili to grow her lungs faster as a just in case. Good thing they did.
Last I spoke to Sean, they were all doing well and are in Westchester Medical Center.
Once I have more details, I will fill everyone in.
Welcome to the world Lili Kat!

Vet Visit - All Day Event

Well, we went to the vet early yesterday morning to get KC checked out at 8:30.
Our normal vet unfortunately couldn't do any eye pressure testing that is standard on reviewing eye issues. But he advised us to see an optomologist down in Bedford Katonah (which is near Pepsi). I was to make an appointment ASAP. By then it was 9:30, and I needed to be there for a 10o'clock meeting. So I dropped KC off at home and went to work. In the meantime, the vet had already called the optomologist and made an appointment for 12:30. Great! Too bad I was already down here. So I left work at 11:00, drove back home, changed clothes, and drove all the way back. But it was worth it. Dr Mosunic is one of the best in the area. She really knows her stuff. So the evaluation is this : The left eye definitely has some extra pressure that is making the eye kind of buldge out. She gaves us steroid drops to help reduce the pressure. For just the right eye (which is the one that just went blind), she can't tell right now why he's blind. When she looks, there is a small cataract but it shouldn't be causing blindness, so she's afraid it could be pressure as well causing the optic nerve to stretch from the brain and isn't working appropriately or it could be SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degradation Syndrome), which they really have no explanation for blindness. It is really strange, as I met to other ladies at the vet center who recently went through the same thing with their dogs. So we are not alone. But, all in all, we are hoping the series of eye drops (3 in all), will help reduce the chance that this is permanent. Then it was back home to let KC rest as he's been on the go since 8, and it was now 2. I also had to go out and get all the medications, bringing it back to almost 3:30. Just in time for me to join a few meetings by phone. Phew... LONG DAY. But worth it. I just wish we could have seen this coming to prevent it. Lesson learned as Ace and Makita will now be tested frequently on thier vet visits. KC has another appointment today for blood work to analyze what is or is not effecting him. Tick born illnesses, any bacterial or viral infections, etc. KC will also go back in one week to see how his progress is with Dr Mosunic. Keep you posted and thanks for all the well wishes.

Sad Day

Saturday morning was like any other. Jay and I were up and doing our thing. The dogs were enjoying their breakfast. Around 3, we left to go to Lexi's Birthday party which you can view soon on her blog. We had a great time. When we returned home, everything still seemed normal. By 9pm, I sat down to have some ice cream, which usually means the dogs smothering me for a lick or two. But this time, only Ace and Makita followed. I looked over at KC, and he seemed to not even notice. Earlier in the summer, KC's left eye had gone blind due to cataract issues. There was nothing we could do. But today, as I got closer, I could see the start of this also in his right eye. As I got closer, he didn't react at all. When I touched his nose lightly, he was completely startled by it. KC has gone blind. It has broken Jay and my hearts to have this happen. Especially that quick. We have a vet appt early today to get him checked out and see if there's any hope. In the meantime, we have to coach him to go outside, down the steps, to re-learn how to step down, or step up, and make his way around the house by sound and touch. But all in all, he's still the same dog, now just has to have some extra patience. We'll keep you posted on the vet visit.

First National Spot

Its a happy day!! Jay just found out he got his first National TV spot as a voiceover. :)
Its a quick 4 second tag line for Wrangler Jeans George Strait collection. The commercial is still in production mode but we hope to see it within the next 1-2 months. We will keep everyone posted. We are so excited and I am so proud of him. I can't wait to see what he accomplishes next.

It's Official!

Barack Obama is president-elect of the United States, affirming that "change has come." Lets just hope he follows through on his plans and can bring positive changes to the economy, middle-east conflicts, health care, homeland security and to the GLBT community. If your kids ever ask if they can do something or be something, this is your mark in history that shows.... THEY CAN. Anything is possible.

GET OUT AND VOTE

Voting is our given right, which men have died to keep.
Voting shows our peoples might, so our country won't get into deep.
But there are those who never vote, and constantly seem to complain.
Patriotism they don't promote, and their rights they choose to abstain.
Every vote does really count, to let our officials know.
For their actions they must account, or their ratings will never grow.
So come next election time (TODAY), go cast your vote with pride,
Voting doesn't cost a dime, plus the out come you help decide.
- Bernard Howe

4th Anniversary

It almost feels like yesterday that I picked up Jason to go on our first date. 4 Years ago today. Or in other terms, that's 48 months. That's my current lease! :) That's 1460 days... 87600 minutes... or 5,256,000 seconds. WOW. Now it feels like a long time.

But seriously, the days & months fly by. I don't know if its because our time has been split between different work shifts & half-shared weekends or not, but I'd like to think its because our relationship isn't hard.

Its not work. It luckily, just comes easy. The way it should be.

Yeah, we have our days that we disagree on something, but most of the time that lasts an hour or so and we move on. I am lucky I found him. I thank God he brought him into my life. He's my best friend who shares everything with me, the good the bad and the ugly. And Jason knows he's lucky to have found me. I can say that cause its true :) Love ya sweets!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Its already October 31st.... UNBELIEVABLE!

Get out there and TRICK OR TREAT!

Thril the World

I heard this on the news today and couldn't help but post on it.
LOVE IT. A worldwide call to get as many people to register and dance to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" song. They have the world record this year, doubling last years numbers of registrants. You can watch video's from around the world here.
This is something I would do... only if Mandy, Jackie, Elizabeth and Jaime would do it with me. HA!

Danbury Pennysaver - WNY Ad

Earlier this week, Bunny was looking through the Danbury Pennysaver and noticed an ad for cigarettes. ( I know, I know... Bunny doesn't smoke but she's always looking for a deal for us). Anyway, as we don't read the Pennysaver, she found quite a deal that spiked my interest. The ad was for Steamburg Smokeshop in Salamanca. I couldn't believe it was in our paper here in CT. Of course, we haven't ordered anything from there as I am too chicken-sh*t to try and order something like that over state lines. Until I learn more on the legality of the tax-laws, buying on the internet, etc, I'll stick with our gas station here. But all the same, am still amazed how far they are reaching out for customers.

The Tank is Never Full

Its that time again for another gas price update.
$2.61 on Saturday. That is down from $2.68 from Wednesday. We are loving this.
Sadly, my coworkers over in NY are still paying above $3.00. Must be the state tax that is killing them. Anyway, I only put in $25.00 when I get to empty because every day it seems like the price goes down, down, down. All gas stations around here compete very closely so it doesn't matter where we stop anymore. Coming or going, we have at least 4 good choices. We hope everyone else reading this is seeing the same drop. **** UPDATE**** I just ran down to the gas station ( oj, milk and cig run) and its $2.58!!!!!!!!!!

We want the Funk!

Jackie recently posted her favorite commercial... well this one is mine. I can't help but look at the blonde kid and think "God, that was me!" HAHAHAHA. Ask my mom... I was "funky!"

Jackie's Weekend Visit

I was lucky enough to have one of my best friends get in her truck and drive 5 hours, well, make that 7 hours, from Maine to CT. I say 7 hours only because she got "sidetracked" on her way down. Boston isn't the best place to be at 5pm on Friday ;)
We hadn't seen each other in more than 2 years. I blame her constant moving as her husband is an officer in the Army. She can blame me for laziness and she'd be right. But its not like we don't talk.... we email everyday to each other, multiple times. Its like we are neighbors. We didn't miss a beat when she got here. As I didn't take any pictures and as Jackie is the queen of her new camera, I'll just forward you to her blog so you can see our trip to the Blue Jay Orchards with our friends Sean and Heather, and their daughter Lexi. We had a great time while she was here.
I will make sure its not another 2 years before seeing her again.
http://themisadventuresofaaronandjackie.blogspot.com/2008/10/danbury-pumpkins.html

Faces in Places

I don't do much other blog reading unless it comes from our friends or a quick link in the news. Well, somehow I came across this blog and couldn't help but smile. Its contagious. Take a look and see if you use all 17 muscles to turn that frown, upside down. www.facesinplaces.blogspot.com

Connecticut OKs gay marriage

The court's ruling made Connecticut the third state in the country, behind Massachusetts and California, to legalize gay marriage through the courts. What does this mean to us?
As you know, Jason and I have already entered into a civil union in CT on September 25, 2006. This allows us to be recognized by the state as legal partners and are guaranteed the same rights as married straight couples. But at the same time our union is not recognized by other states if we decided to move. 

Further more, the right to marry is not just about the actual legal ceremony, but an equal right to the extensive list of legal protections awarded to married couples. These benefits given to legally married couples range from tax relief to medical decisions and economic protection. We do have one benefit that isn't state or federally mandated, but is more of an option that makes a huge difference in our lives today. Pepsi offers us the benefit to cover Jason under our my medical coverage. But being able to see a doctor and me being by Jay's side if he was hospitilized is only valued in Connecticut. Civil unions and domestic partnerships may seem like equal unions, but the protections they give to registered couples is often far less than that of marriage. So, why do we need gay marriage and not just civil unions? Here are a few reasons specific to us:

Tax Relief:

• Marriage: Couples can file both federal and state tax returns jointly.
• Civil Unions: Couples can only file jointly in the state of civil registration.

Medical Decisions:

• Marriage: Partners can make emergency medical decisions.
• Civil Unions: Partners can only make medical decisions in the registered state. Partners may not be able to make decisions out of state.

Gifts:

• Marriage: Partners can transfer gifts to each other without tax penalty.
• Civil Unions: Partners do not pay state taxes, but are required to report federal taxes.

Death Benefits:

• Marriage: In the case of a partner's death, the spouse receives any earned Social Security or veteran benefits.
• Civil Unions: Partners do not receive Social Security or any other government benefits in case of death. In the case of the death of former Congressman Gerry Studds, his partner of 15 years was denied the government pension that would have gone to a legally recognized spouse.

The list could go further, but those are the most important benefits we recognize. You can search further for more info and learn more by visiting Love Makes a Family ( www.lmfct.com ).

Keeps on Dropping

I came around the corner last night to see the gas station sign... it was almost like it was surrounding by a bright light. $2.91 !!!!! That's a drop of 44 cents in the last week!!! Can't wait to see what it is Thursday when I know I will have to fill up the truck. Finally, some savings!

London Bridge - 37 Years Ago

Ok, so I found this a bit odd, yet insightful. Back in the day, growing up, I think we all remember the song "London Bridge". Its a weird tune, quite short, and well, sad.... I mean, a bridge in London is falling down, and you are the one signing it to a fair lady!!! But now... here is the real story that I heard on Fox News Report "This Day in History".
In 1962, the London Bridge was falling down. Built in 1831, the bridge couldn't handle the ever-increasing flow of traffic across the Thames River.

The British government decided to put the bridge up for sale, and Robert McCulloch, Founder of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and Chairman of McCulloch Oil Corporation, submitted the winning bid of $2,460,000. The bridge was dismantled, and each stone was numbered. Everything was shipped 10,000 miles to Long Beach, California, and then trucked to Lake Havasu City. Reconstruction began on September 23, 1968, with a ceremony including the Lord Mayor of London, who laid the cornerstone. On October 10, 1971, the new bridge was dedicated.

WHO KNEW????