Lance Corporal Matthew J Fortney

Lance Corporal Matthew J Fortney

Matthew & Autumn Strock Wedding

Matthew & Autumn Strock Wedding
The FAM - Jimmy, Autumn, Matt S., Pammy, Matthew

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

What Kind of Beauty Are You?




You Are a Flawless Beauty!



When it comes to beauty, you spare no expense - and it shows

You're the kind of woman a man would launch a thousand ships for

It's hard for anyone to beat you in the beauty department

But remember, it's okay to show a flaw or too - you've got plenty to spare



hahaha ... I'm not really sure about this ... but I'll take the compliment!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Matt in Iraq

The Trailers
















His Room
















His closet

















Matt relaxing on his bed


Posted by Picasa

Monday, February 9, 2009

What Kind of Pizza Eater Are You?




Your Pizza Says You Aren't a Picky Eater



People may tell you that you have a small appetite... but you aren't under eating. You just aren't a pig.



You aren't particularly picky about pizza. It's so good... how could you be? You fit in best in the Western part of the US.



You like food that's traditional and well crafted. You aren't impressed with "gourmet" foods.



You are generous, outgoing, and considerate with your choices.



You have many conflicting and complementary layers to your personality. You should consider traveling to Australia.



The stereotype that best fits you is geek. You're the type most likely to order pizza to avoid leaving your computer.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

#3 THURSDAY THIRTEEN - 13 Books I Must Have on a Deserted Island










If you want to play stop over at http://thursday-13.com/

1. GONE WITH THE WIND by Margaret Mitchell - My all-time favorite book. I read it every summer ... Who knows how long I'll be on the deserted island.

2. to 8. HARRY POTTER 1-7. I realize this may seem like a cop-out ... but I must have all 7 books ... I mean if I'm going to be stranded on a deserted island ... I need the complete set.

9. IMMORTAL IN DEATH by J.D. Robb - this is the 3rd in the series ... but it is my favorite. This is the one where Mavis is framed for murder and Eve has to clear her best friend ... and shop for a wedding gown.

10. DEAD BEAT by Jim Butcher. Butcher's seventh Dresden Files novel. Harry Dresden, a wizard PI living in Chicago with his half-brother, who's an incubus, and his dog, Mouse, learns that his friend, a Chicago police officer specializing in occult investigations, is being blackmailed by a vampire. To thwart the various ghouls, sorcerers and body-stealers in their evil quest, Dresden must turn for help to a reluctantly heroic medical examiner, Waldo Butters; a pack of werewolves, the Alphas; and a fallen angel, disguised as a bookstore clerk.

11. MR. PERFECT by Linda Howard. This is an older Linda Howard ... but it is still my favorite of hers. I just wish they would release it on cd-unabridged. During drinks one TGIF session ... they come up with a list of attributes for Mr. Perfect. Sam might not be perfect ... but he sure does come close. My favorite scene is him drinking his juice in the morning in the kitchen with the drapes open. Yummm.

12. LOVER ETERNAL by J. R. Ward. I love all of the Black Dagger Brotherhood books ... but I think Rhage is my favorite. The whole beauty vs. the Beast and how Mary tames the beast.

13. SEASWEPT by Nora Roberts. One word: CAMERON!


Links to other Thursday Thirteens! You're next!

Thursday Thirteen hub

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Monday, February 2, 2009

The ABC's of Me

The ABC's Of Me.....Share
Copy and paste and put your own answers. :)

A - Age: 52 - I'll be 53 in July

B - Bed size: Queen

C - Chore you hate: Cleaning the bathroom

D - Dad's Name: Garth

E - Essential start your day item: Coffee with French Vanilla Coffeemate Creamer

F - Favorite actor(s): Michael Caine, Anthony Hopkins, Meryl Streep, Richard Gere, Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock

G - Gold or Silver: Gold

H - Height: 5' 7"

I - Instruments you play(ed): piano

J - Job title: Wife, Mother, Best Friend, Legal Assistant

K - Kid(s): Autumn (26) and Matthew (23)

L - Living arrangements: Me, DH Jimmy and our 2 dogs, Reggie & Toby

M - Mom's name: Noreen

N - Nicknames: THE MOMMA, Momma, Pam, Pammy, Pammy Wammy, Pamuuuulllllaaaaaa, Pamalamadingdong

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: tonsils in 1961 and hysterectomy in 2004

P - Pet Peeve: Rudeness

Q - Quotes you like: Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

R - Right or left handed: Right

S - Siblings: 3 Brothers - Bruce, Mark and Patrick

T - Time you wake up: 6 am

V - Vegetable you dislike: Parsnips

W - Ways you run late: Because of Jimmy - he is such a dawdler

X - X-rays you've had: I can't count that high. I have had so many I should be glowing.

Y - Yummy food you make: Broccoli Bake, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, Grilled Veggies

Z - Zodiac: Leo

What I Have Done In My Life

Monday Morning Meme
Because you have nothing better to do with your time. You know the drill!

Place an X by all the things you've DONE. REMOVE the X from the ones YOU HAVE NOT. This is for your entire life!

Swam in the ocean X
Gone to Washington X
Gone on a blind date X
Skipped school X
Watched someone die X
Been to Canada X
Been to Mexico
Been to Florida X
Been to another country X
Been on a plane X
Been lost X
Been on the opposite side of the country X
Cried yourself to sleep X
Played cops and robbers X
Recently colored with crayons X
Sang Karaoke X
Paid for a meal with coins only X
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't X
Made prank phone calls X
Caught a snowflake on your tongue X
Danced in the rain X
Watched the sunrise with someone X
Blown bubbles X
Gone ice-skating X
Been to the movie's ALONE X

1. Any nickname? Momma, THE MOMMA, Pam, Pammy, Pammy Wammy, Pamuulllaaaa, Pamalamadingdong.
2. Mother's name? Noreen
3. Favorite drink? Turkey Hill's diet green tea with honey & ginseng, and Echo Domani or Yellow Tail Pinot Grigio
4. Piercing? yes, ears
5. How much do you love your job? I am very happy at my new job.
6. Birthplace Germantown Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
7. Favorite vacation? Walt Disney World, April 1-10, 2000
8. Ever been on TV? Yes
9. Have any children? Yes - 2. DD Autumn, 26 and DS Matthew, 23.
10. Ever steal any traffic signs? Technically, we just borrowed it ... and it was aspeed limit sign, not a traffic sign.
11. Ever been in a car accident? Unfortunately, yes. A few of them.
12. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4
13. Can you drive a standard car? Absolutely … and I miss my stick shift L I can also drive 3 on a tree J … that shows you how old I am.
14. Favorite pie? My MIL's homemade PA Dutch Chicken Pot Pie
15. Favorite number? 3
16. Favorite movie? Gone With The Wind, Pride & Prejudice, American Dreamer, I have over 1200 movies … too many favorites to list.
17. Favorite dessert? Chocolate Torte cake with Raspberry crème filling & Chocolate Gnache icing
18. Favorite food? Chinese, Italian, Seafood, and a nice filet mignon (medium) on the grill with grilled veggies, grilled corn on the cob, Jimmy's Caesar Salad, baked potato with butter & sour cream, fresh sliced cantaloupe, blueberries & strawberries ... and for desert, just-baked warm brownies with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge sauce on top. Yummmm … Can you tell I haven't had lunch yet?
19. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
20. Favorite brand of body wash? I use soap - Camay
21. Favorite toothpaste? Crest Sensitive with Whitening
22. Favorite smells? coffee fresh after grinding, clean sheets that were hung outside to dry, a baby after a bath, Honeysuckle in May/June, and my million or so Yankee candles.
23. How do you relax? read, dinner with friends, and I've just started yoga. It actually works.
24. Where do you see you in 10 years? Hopefully, still enjoying my life.
25. What is your favorite breed of dog? Labrador Retriever

Thursday, January 29, 2009

#1 THURSDAY THIRTEEN - 13 Favorite Comfort Movies










If you want to play stop over at http://thursday-13.com/

My 13 Favorite Comfort Movies


It's the cold and flu season. You know what that means! You feel like crap and need to spend the day on the couch with some old friends that make you feel better. So when I have a day like that ... I pick from one of these movies.


1. COLD COMFORT FARM
In England in the early 1930's, 20 year old Flora Poste [Kate Beckinsale], recently orphaned and left with only 100 pounds a year, goes to stay with distant relatives on Cold Comfort Farm. Everyone on the gloomy farm is completely around the twist, but Flora tries to sort everything out...




2. NOTTING HILL
Every man's dream comes true for William Thacker, a successless Notting Hill bookstore owner, when Anna Scott, the world's most beautiful woman and best-liked actress, enters his shop. A little later, he still can't believe it himself, William runs into her again - this time spilling orange juice over her. Anna accepts his offer to change in his nearby apartment, and thanks him with a kiss, which seems to surprise her even more than him. Eventually, Anna and William get to know each other better over the months, but being together with the world's most wanted woman is not easy - neither around your closest friends, nor in front of the all-devouring press.

3. WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING
Lucy is a lonely Chicago subway employee whose life consists of living with her cat, avoiding her landlord's boorish son, and nursing a hopeless crush on a handsome commuter who passes her booth every day. Whilst working the Christmas shift, she witnesses him being mugged and pushed off the platform, and manages to save his life - and is mistaken for his fiancé at the hospital. She is duly embraced by the man's warm and welcoming family - except for his suspicious brother Jack, who is not convinced that she's the genuine article.




4. HOPE FLOATS
Humiliated on national television when her best friend and her husband admit they are in love and having an affair, Birdee Pruitt moves back to her mother's home in Texas. Returning home however is not easy. Her young daughter misses her father and she finds that having been the most popular girl in high school - cheerleader, married the high school quarterback - left a bitter feeling among many of her contemporaries. There is one man however who still has feelings for her after all of these years, but can Birdee put her recent past behind her and start a new life?



5. PRIDE and PREJUDICE
In this lavish adaptation of Jane Austen's classical romance, Elizabeth Bennett is a strong-willed yet sensible young woman in a well-off but lower class family with four sisters, a long-suffering but loving father and a mother anxious to marry them to wealthy young gentlemen. At a local ball, she encounters one such wealthy young man, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy - and as Mr. Darcy is arrogant, cold and rude, it is hatred at first sight. As her older sister Jane falls in love with Mr. Darcy's best friend Mr. Bingley, and her youngest sister Lydia flirts with anyone in a military uniform, Lizzie finds herself fighting off the attentions of the unctuous Mr. Collins and quite taken by the charming Mr. Wickham - who also happens to be an enemy of Mr. Darcy. However, as the characters succumb in many ways to pride and prejudice, Lizzie learns that not all is quite as it seems...and that Mr. Darcy might not be so disagreeable after all.


6. A KNIGHTS TALE
Inspired by "The Canterbury Tales," as well as the story of Ulrich von Lichtenstein, this is the story of William, a young squire with a gift for jousting. After his master dies suddenly, the squire hits the road with his cohorts Roland and Wat. On the journey, they stumble across an unknown writer, Chaucer. William, lacking a proper pedigree, convinces Chaucer to forge genealogy documents that will pass him off as a knight. With his newly-minted history in hand, the young man sets out to prove himself a worthy knight at the country's jousting competition, and finds romance along the way.


7. LOVE ACTUALLY
The characters are falling in love, falling out of love, some are with right people, some are with the wrong people, some are looking to have an affair, some are in the period of mourning; a capsule summary of reality. Love begins and love ends. They flirt a lot. They are all flirting with love. At all ages and social levels, love is the theme. Romantic love and brotherly love is the hotchpotch through out the movie. Most of the movie is filmed in London, during Christmas and the characters all ended up at Heathrow airport a very uplifting note.


8. SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE
After his wife died, Sam Baldwin did not think about other women. His 8-year old son Jonah thinks that his father needs a woman in order to get his life back in order and calls in on a nation-wide radio-show. The voice and story of Sam is heard by hundreds of women, including Annie Reed, who is about to marry her fiancé Walter soon. She can't find a rest until she really knows for sure that Sam Baldwin is not the one person for her. Thus, Annie travels to Seattle, where Sam and Jonah live, and there decides that Sam is not the one. The letter she never sent was posted by a friend of Annie, and therefore Jonah, who feels that she's the one for his dad, already booked a flight to New York in order to meet her on the roof of the Empire State building, just like in "An Affair to Remember". Of course, his father follows him instantly...

9. NANNY MCPHEE
Based on the "Nurse Matilda" books by Christianna Brand comes the story of Nanny McPhee. Cedric Brown is now a widower with seven ill-behaved children who've already chased away 17 nannies. But when a mysterious voice tells Cedric to hire Nanny McPhee, she arrives at the Brown home and the kids learn to behave properly. But when Great-Aunt Adelaide tells Cedric he must be married by the end of the month or she'll separate the children, he tries to find women, but the children run them away. And Nanny McPhee tells Simon, the eldest, that he will face the consequences, so the kids go to Selma Quickly and admit what they did and ask to give their father a second chance and they will be married. Will the kids really find the perfect woman for their father?


10. MY BEST FRIENDS WEDDING
Michael O'Neal and Julianne Potter have been friends for years but when Michael rings Julianne to tell her he is getting married to a lady called Kimberly Wallace she finally realizes he has to him her true feelings, which are that she loves him. When she gets there she can't do it so she tries to do everything to get them to break up.





11. SOAPDISH
Celebrated soap star Celeste Talbert gets support from her niece and from Rose, the script-writer, but is otherwise pretty unpopular at work. In particular, the producer is trying increasingly desperately to write her out of the script on the promise of favours from venomous co-star Montana Moorehead. So Celeste's life is not greatly improved by the re-appearance of an old flame she had insisted was fired from the show twenty years before.



12. COCKTAIL
After leaving the Army, Brian Flanagan (Tom Cruise) tries to get a marketing job in New York. But without a college degree, this was not possible. He then decides to start studying for a business degree at the local City College and gets a part time job as a bartender. He realizes that its not that easy, but when his new boss Douglas Coughlin (Brian Brown) teaches him the secrets of the bar trade and they become the most famous bartenders in town. Both Brian & Doug Coughlin want their own top class cocktail bars someday and Brian's Cocktail Bar is to be called 'Cocktails & Dreams', and in order to get the necessary money to open it, Brian travels to Jamaica to work as a bartender at a resort Tiki Bar, and the pay is good. There he meets Jordan Mooney (Elisabeth Shue), a young and pretty, up and coming American artist on vacation with her girlfriend from New York, staying at the Island resort. Jordan and Brian spend some quality time together and fall in love. But when Brian takes a dare from his old buddy, Doug Coughlin to sleep with an older woman, who is also staying at the resort. Jordan, herself the daughter of wealthy parents back in New York, leaves the Island overnight, after seeing Brian and the older woman together after closing... Will Jordan ever forgive Brian and will they get back together???


13. THE WEDDING CRASHERS
Guided by a set of "wedding crashing rules," Washington, D.C. divorce mediators John Beckwith and Jeremy Grey can charm their way into any wedding...and into the hearts of every bridesmaid...for one night. But at the biggest social event of the year, John breaks the rules and falls for Claire Cleary, the daughter of the United States Secretary of Treasury, William Cleary, and Jeremy is left at the mercy of her "stage-five-clinger" sex-crazed sister Gloria. Being there for his buddy, Jeremy follows John to the family's huge estate for a weekend that may even be too wild for these professional party animals

Links to other Thursday Thirteens! You're next!

Thursday Thirteen hub

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



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Friday, January 23, 2009

JUST FOR FUN

Subject: Just for fun

Six names you go by:

1. Pammy

2. Momma

3. "The Momma"

4. Pamela

5. Pam

6. Mrs. Fortney



Three things you are wearing now.

1. Black, brown, cream swirley shirt

2. Black pants

3. Black ankle boots


Three things you want very badly at the moment:

1. My DS Matthew to be safe during his deployment.

2. Cleaning Fairies to come in and organize my 2 bedrooms and my office.

3. Win Cash 5 - see I'm not greedy ... just a couple hundred thousand would set me fine.



Two things you did last night:

1. Laughed and talked with Laura and Autumn while Autumn and I had our hair done.

2. Listened to DH Jimmy regale me with stories about the great day he had.


Two things you ate today:

1. Just Coffee ...

2. Plan to have a small salad at lunch.



People you last talked to on the phone:

1. DD Autumn

2. DS Matthew



Two things you are going to do tonight.

1. Date night with Jimmy

2. Laundry - Maybe get lucky ;)



Your favorite beverages:

1. Coffee made at work

2. Pinot Grigio

Thursday, January 22, 2009

45 ODD Things about you! If you opened this, FILL IT OUT! Learn 45 things about your friends, and let them learn 45 things about you!

1. Do you like blue cheese? ... Dressing ... Yes ... Yum ... with wings please.
2. Have you ever smoked? ... Yeah ... I was very stupid in my teens and early 20's.
3. Do you own a gun? ... No. But my son does ... One really big one attached to his MRAP and one he carries. He thinks he's such a bad ass - LOL
4. What flavor Kool Aid was your favorite? .... Black Cherry - I still drink it in the summer.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? .. of course ... doesn't everyone?!
6. What do you think of hot dogs? ...Love them BURNT and crispy! Smothered in ketchup.
7. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? ... Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia
8. Favorite thing to drink in the morning? ... MUST HAVE COFFEE!!!!
9. Can you do push ups? ... hahahahahaha - No.
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My necklace that Jimmy bought me for Christmas. It was the beautiful woven silver necklace that I fell in love with in October at Nora's Inn Boonsboro Gift shop.
11. Favorite hobby? ... Reading, photography, scrap booking, cross stitch
12. Do you have A.D.D.? I think I do. But I'm not sure. What was the question?
13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? ... I am a pushover ... I let people walk over me. I need to grow a backbone ... some year.
14. Middle name ? ... Anastasia
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment.
1) I need more coffee.
2) Thank God It's Friday
3) OMG - It's hot in here ... Damn Hot Flashes!

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? ... coffee, diet green tea, pinot grigio
17. Current worry? ... Will Matthew be deployed for 8 months or 24 months?
18. Current hate right now? ... I don't hate.
19. Favorite place to be? ... With my family. 2nd place - TTP with my girls!
20. How did you bring in the new year? ... Our annual dinner at Mary's house with our dinner club. We were actually out later than Matthew. We didn't get home until 2 am. We were playing Domino's ... We are old farts! hahaha
21. Where would you like to go on a shopping spree? .... Barnes & Nobel, Dress Barn, Macy's
22. Name three people who will complete this? ???
23. Do you own slippers? ... Yes ... several pairs ... depending on the time of year.
24. What shirt are you wearing? ... Black, Brown and Cream swirly shirt with 3/4 sleeves from Dress Barn
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? ... hell no - I would slide right off the bed!
26. Can you whistle? ... Nope. I always wanted to learn though.
27. Favorite color? ...Royal Blue
28. Do you want to be a pirate? .. Arrrrgh Matey! Drink up, me hearties!
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? ... Mostly disco ... Bad Girl, I Will Survive, Ring My Bell, Knock on Wood ... All the standards. ;)
30. Favorite Girl's Name ? ... Autumn, Emma Rae
31. Favorite boy's name ? ...Matthew, Luke Michael
32. What's in your pocket right now? ... Ain't got no pockets.
33. Last thing that made you laugh? ... Last night at Laura's when Autumn and I were getting our hair done. Laura has the best stories. The kind that makes you snort your drink up your nose and spit it out.
34. What vehicle do you drive? ... 2002 Black Acura 3.2 TL-Super
35. Worst injury you've ever had? ... Concusion and broken arm when my horse threw me in 1978.
36. Do you love where you live? York is okay ... but I'd ratther live in State College - my home town.
37. How many TVs do you have in your house?... 2
38. Who is your loudest friend? I would have to say it is me. I'm always being told to use my "inside voice." lol
39. Do you have any pets? ... 2 - a yellow lab Reggie and a chocolate lab Toby. Also I have 2 granddoggies - Autumn's dogs Riley - a chocolate lab and Maggie a greyhound/black-tan coonhound mix.
40. Does someone have a crush on you?? .. Jimmy. 29 years and we're still driving each other crazy. ;0
41. Your favorite books ?...Nora Roberts / J.D.Robb, Jim Butcher, Donna Kauffman ... the list goes on and on ...
42. Do you collect anything? ... Books, Santa Clause's, Angels, Snowmen, Cat's Meow Village Buildings.
43. Favorite Sports Team? ... DUH - PENN STATE Football Team
44. What song do you want played at your funeral? ... Amazing Grace, On Eagle's Wings, and Elton John's Funeral for a Friend.
45. Do you have a secret? ... Yup. But you'll never know - hahahahaha

Monday, January 5, 2009




You Are a Chick Rocker!



You're living proof that chicks can rock.

You're inspired by Joan Jett and the Donnas.

And when you rock, you rock hard.

(Plus, you get all the cute guy groupies you want!)

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Friday, December 26, 2008

ADWOFF'S FRIDAY FIVE DEC 26TH

Suggestion from the author's two sons for today's Friday Five
Channeling James Lipton's Inside the Actor's Studio

1. What is your favorite curse word?


SH*#

2. If heaven exists what do you want God to say to you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

Good job! All is forgiven. We're happy to see you. Everyone you love is here too!

3. What turns you on?

Unexpected kindness.

4. What turns you off?

Rudeness.

5. What is your least favorite word?


Can't.

Monday, December 22, 2008




You Are Whimsical and Imaginative



You approach the holidays with creativity and imagination.

For you, it's yet another opportunity to express your glorious view of the world.



Whether you're decorating your house or baking cookies, you like everything to have your personal touch.

You do your best to make the holidays a unique and special time for everyone around you.



Of all the types, you are the most likely to give delightfully surprising and interesting gifts.

You're also the most likely to wrap your gifts in an quirky, beautiful way.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

My Christmas Song Is ...




Your Christmas Song Is "Santa Baby"



Santa cutie, and fill my stocking with a duplex

And cheques

Sign your 'x' on the line

Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight



You're a bit of a greedy kid this Christmas...

You'd like for Santa to be your personal sugar daddy!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The Christmas Tree I Am Is ...




You Are a Bright Christmas Tree



For you, the holidays are all about fun and seasonal favorites.

You are into all things Christmas, even if they're a little tacky.

The Christmas Movie I am Most Like:




Your Christmas is Most Like: A Very Brady Christmas



For you, it's all about sharing times with family.

Even if you all get a bit cheesy at times.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Monday Morning Meme

Monday Morning Meme
Because you have nothing better to do with your time. You know the drill!

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy this entire post and paste into a new post of your own. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then leave a comment with your link so we can all go and read your answers......Tis the Season to be NICE!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Depends on the size and type of gift. Either way, I like to make both the wrapped gift and the gift bag special.

2. Real tree or Artificial? I would love a real tree, but back in 1986 I gave in to DH Jimmy and we bought our first artificial. Who knew in 2008 we'd be considered green and our carbon footprint was less because we switched. ;)

3. When do you put up the tree? The weekend after Thanksgiving, since we don't have to worry about if the tree is going to shed needles and die before Christmas.

5. Do you like Egg Nog? Yes, but I like to thin it out with skim milk. I just can't drink anything "thick" like that anymore.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? When I was 10, I got my new teal & silver Schwinn 28" 2-wheel bicycle. It was awesome … and took me on all my adventures far from home.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My mom and MIL. They both have pretty much everything they want.

8. Easiest person to buy for? DD Autumn and DS Matthew. They have always provided me with a huge list to work from. It is amazing how many items on their lists they would get. Damn spoiled brats. ;)

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No. I would love one, but we never had the safe place to set it up - between kids and dogs … but maybe next year I can find one that would work on our mantle.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. & if you ask my DH Jimmy, I send out too many. ;) But it's my thing ... so he puts up with it with minimal grumbling.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Well, I guess the worst would be none. There were many years we just didn't have the money, so Jimmy and I wouldn't exchange gifts.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? All of them are my favorites. I watch them over and over again. But if I just could only pick one .. it would be SCROOGED with Bill Murray.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? The day after Christmas. LOL … I start hording gifts right away for the next year. Sometimes I find them a few months after Christmas that I forgot to get out and wrap. I've done that more times than I'll ever admit.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Only because the person (dd Autumn) wanted it and so I just gave it to her. That happens a lot too.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? my MIL's chocolate fudge

16. Lights on the tree? white and blue.

17. Favorite Christmas song? This is so hard. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas music. I start on Thanksgiving Eve listening to my Christmas music and don't stop until the first work day after the holidays. This year … that will be Monday 1/5/09. So to pick my favorite Christmas song ??? I would have to say MERRY CHRISTMAS DARLING by The Carpenters.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? When the kids were little and my step-daddy and FIL were alive, we would travel non-stop. Now it's stay at home.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Absolutely … Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen & Rudolph.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel. My crystal angel that DH Jimmy bought me back in 1986 when I agreed to switch to an artificial tree.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Eve with Jimmy's family, we open the gifts from the in-laws for the kids … and the sister-in-laws swap gifts amongst each of us. Of course now it's on Sunday, not Christmas Eve. All other gifts are opened on Christmas Day after we get back home from mass.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? People who are grumpy and don't even try to have the Holiday Spirit.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? my ornaments are crystal balls, and navy, burgundy, rose, silver and gold glass balls. Also we have the traditional "first" ornaments for our family.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? We have many different meals that DH Jimmy and I are responsible for. The Fortney Christmas get-together is no longer on Christmas Eve, it's the Sunday before Christmas … that way the individual families can have their own Christmas at their homes.

So this Sunday 12/21/08 Jimmy and I are making: roasted beef tenderloin on the grill, a spiral ham and a roast turkey breast (sliced for sandwiches), pretzel rolls, potato roles, broccoli bake, sweet potatoes, potato salad, macaroni salad, red beet eggs, filling balls, and an assortment of deserts and candy.

Then on Christmas Eve we are going to our dear friends' Holly and Doug's house. I'm not sure what is on the menu yet, but we will be bringing at least 2 dishes for the festivities.

On Christmas Day it will be a repeat of the Fortney Christmas get-together, since DS Matthew won't be home in time to attend, and all those foods are his favorite.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? the whole family together... and if Jimmy would want to get me a new digital camera, that would be nice too!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Which of Santa's Reindeer Am I?




You Are Dancer



Carefree and fun, you always find reasons to do a happy dance.



Why You're Naughty: That dark stint you had as Santa's private dancer.



Why You're Nice: You're friendly. Very friendly.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

What Do The Holidays Mean To Me?




What The Holidays Mean to You



For you, the holidays are about celebration. You enjoy all the fun and fellowship that the holidays bring.



You celebrate the holidays in a minimalist style. You are likely to only give one great present and decorate your house with a few special items.



During the holidays, you feel magical. You love all of the decorations and how happy people are. You like to sit back and take it all in.



You think the holidays should be nostalgic and sweet. The holidays bring out your inner child.



Your favorite holiday memories strongly evoke your senses. You are vividly aware of all the tastes, smells, and sounds of the holidays.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Denim Day for Soldiers' Angels


At work we have Denim Days on most Fridays.

Employees who have been associated with a particular cause such as in the past:
  • Pink for the Cure
  • Muscular Distrophy
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • American Cancer Society
  • Make a Wish

and many others have held Denim Days. You donate $5 to the cause and you get to wear your favorite denim outfit on a specified Friday.

Today's Denim Day is sponsored by Cindy Hinkle and her cause is Soldiers' Angels. Because of Matthew, my son, being in the service, this particular organization grabbed my heart. See the explanation below:


Denim Day on Dec. 12 Benefits Injured Soldiers

A firmwide Denim Day on Friday, December 12, will help raise money for an interesting project that assists injured U.S. soldiers returning from the Middle East. For a donation of $5 or more, wear your favorite denim outfit and help out
Soldiers' Angels. (Checks may be made out to Soldiers' Angels Project Valour-IT Fund, and as always, donations are tax-deductible.)

The organization has a number of projects in the works that benefit U.S. troops. Our Denim Day will raise money for "Project Valour-IT."

Project Valour-IT provides voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to support troops recovering from serious injuries to their hands, head injuries and other severe traumas. The project supplies:
  • Voice-controlled laptops that help servicemembers stay in touch with loved ones or just write down their thoughts during recovery.
  • Wii video game systems that have been very successful in engaging servicemembers during physical therapy, helping them to increase mobility and speed recovery.
  • Handheld GPS devices that build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and other challenges related to brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Denim Day organizer and Pittsburgh attorney Cindy Hinkle has a particular connection to the project because it was started in honor of a friend, Maj. Chuck Ziegenfuss, who was injured by an IED in Iraq three years ago.

Of course I sent more than the requisite $5.
And of course, I forgot to wear my jeans today.
Another Senior Blonde Moment!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

#2 - Thursday Thirteen - 13 Christmas Picture Cards of the Fortney Family













Thirteen Things about
NitneeLion aka Pammy




My 13 Favorite Pictures of my daughter, Autumn Marie and my son, Matthew James.

They are now 26 and 23 ...

Autumn is a CPA for the largest accounting firm in Harrisburg, PA

and

Matthew is a LCpl in the Marines heading over to Iraq in February. He is a gunner on an MRAP.



1.... Christmas 1985




2…. Christmas 1987

3…. Christmas 1989

4...Christmas 1992


5. Chrismas 1994

6…. Christmas 1997

7. July 20008…. Christmas 2001



9…. Christmas 2002



10…. Christmas 2003



11…. Christmas 2004


12...The Wedding ... May 2007





13... September 2007

And a bonus one of the last time Matthew was home on leave from 29 Palms... September 2007




Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Wednesday, December 10, 2008

A-Z Movie List

List 26 movies, one for each letter of the alphabet. My movies are ...

Arthur

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Cocktail

DOA

Everafter

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Ghost

High Fidelity

Interview With The Vampire

Joe vs. The Volcano

Kindergarten Cop

Ladyhawk

Moonstruck

No Way Out

Officer and a Gentleman

Peggy Sue Got Married

Quick Change

Rear Window

See of Love

The Truth About Cats and Dogs

Undercover Blues

Volunteers

When Harry Met Sally

Xanadu

Year of the Comet

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

So ... What's is your list?

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

What Kind of Gift Giver Are You?




You Are a Practical Gift Giver



Your gifts are useful, appropriate, and custom tailored to each person.

In your opinion, the best gifts are gifts that someone will actually use.

Your gifts may not be the most glamourous, but they are always appreciated.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Chrismas Tree Set Up ... Check

On Tuesday night I harangued Jimmy into setting up the tree and putting on the lights. Our usual Christmas Tree Bickering ensued - 2 hours - and the tree is now set up in the corner of the living room. (Picture to be posted later tonight)

On Tuesday 12/23 - Matthew's first evening home - we will decorate the tree with our crystal balls and icicles and the special family ornaments that we have collected over the years.

Why is the Christmas Tree in the corner ... instead of the same place it has been for the past 22 years?

Well ... The front door has been accessible for the past 10 years, due to Jimmy breaking off the key in the lock (only exit is possible). Since space is always tight in the living room at Christmas time after setting up the tree, I decided to rearrange things this year.

As a reboot to the organizing and purging stuff from our house, I have packed up all 650 VHS tapes of my movies in boxes. I was going to just pitch them, as they are movies I have taped over the past 20 years from HBO and Showtime - usually three movies on a tape. However, Neighbor Deb saw them and claimed them as hers. Her mom hasn't upgraded to the DVD format and she can't rent VHS tapes from Blockbuster anymore. So her mom will have enough movies to keep her busy for a lifetime. I printed down an alphabeticl and numerical list of all the movies and she'll have a good ol' time

The bookcases that housed the VHS tapes have been re-arranged. One is now for the sole purpose of my DVD collection - which continues to grow. The other is for my photograph/scrapbook albums (50+). The other bookcase was taken upstairs to be stored in one of the bedrooms until after the holidays when I can begin to sort through both of the extra bedrooms and begin to organize my library and guest room.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

What Holiday Food Are You? I am Eggnog




You Are Eggnog



Rich, sweet, and probably a little drunk. Everyone who knows you tends to get a little fatter.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

What Christmas Ornament Are You? I am an Angel




You Are an Angel



A truly giving soul, you understand the spirit of Christmas.