tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221537962012-02-16T04:17:02.505-08:00Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.comBlogger401100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-21883152447575266922009-03-26T17:51:00.000-07:002009-03-27T08:45:47.450-07:00

This is one of my favorite things, EVER. (click an image to enlarge)

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-64024638479218374292009-03-25T11:24:00.000-07:002009-03-25T11:28:30.929-07:00

A vocabulary exercise from school. Transcription: Certain: I will where [sic] clothesLikely: I will brush my teethUnlikely: Me beat Mario Kart Wii [ed: "I will win at Mario Kart on the Wii"] Impossible: I will be naked tomorrow

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-7576277122082410342009-02-27T19:21:00.001-08:002009-02-27T19:25:49.265-08:00

I woke up one morning a month or so ago and Joe was coughing quite a bit. I went into his room and found he had thrown up, but didn't seem to be feeling too badly otherwise.Mommy: Did you throw up?Joe: Yes.M: Just now?J: Well, the first time was 3:30 in the morning, then again at about 3:50, then about five minutes ago.M: Oh, honey, why didn't you wake Daddy or me up to let us know?J (looking at

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-2683501249349654442009-01-14T17:28:00.000-08:002009-02-27T19:21:00.606-08:00

So, the boys were fighting last night, and I took some time out with each to talk about what happened.Mommy: What was going on?Joe: Andrew called me a name, and I asked him to stop. He wouldn't stop, so I hit him.M: What did he call you?J: A "beep-beep".M: I'd like to know the actual words.J: A "beep-beep".M: He called you a "beep-beep"?J: Yes. But in the 'bad word' way.M: So, what were the

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-30390567717902228122009-01-14T17:27:00.001-08:002009-01-14T17:27:47.949-08:00

Snowflakes falling downblanketing the town with snowmuffling out the sound-Andrew

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-32679073622161995992007-09-19T13:03:00.000-07:002007-09-19T13:05:40.664-07:00

I stopped at the liquor store on the way home from work the other day. Somehow it seems wrong to put the beer and wine in the empty child seat.

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1151414480706572012006-06-27T06:10:00.000-07:002006-06-27T06:21:20.720-07:00

We have heavy street construction going on in front of our house for the next few weeks. Bulldozers, Bobcats, track excavators, things that make little boys forget what they're supposed to be doing. Yesterday, there was a woman driving one of the heavy trucks, and Jim overheard our four-year-old yelling out the window, "MARRY ME!!!!"

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1150820968401933982006-06-20T09:26:00.000-07:002006-06-21T07:46:41.546-07:00

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1150819868698318712006-06-20T09:08:00.000-07:002006-06-27T06:38:52.483-07:00

No one would believe this, without seeing the picture. (Hint: I'm not a good bowler.)

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1145721934350302892006-04-22T09:02:00.000-07:002006-04-22T09:09:38.506-07:00

When I saw this, it reminded me of something you'd see on "Saturday Night Live". But then I realized it was real. Can't wait for the Second Annual Chihuahua Christmas Ornament.

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1144376594037169722006-04-06T19:18:00.000-07:002006-04-07T13:55:52.123-07:00

Here are images of Joe and Daddy, by Joe. The things sticking out of their heads are ears (not arms; I asked).I can definitely see the family resemblance!Funny thing is that the one of Daddy really looks like him, except it has too much hair.

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1143920447661030722006-04-01T11:39:00.000-08:002006-05-01T09:54:19.393-07:00

The letter speaks for itself.

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1143918751850663962006-04-01T11:10:00.000-08:002006-04-01T11:12:31.863-08:00

Yup, it's long-gone. I drove by the site on Washington Ave in Minneapolis the other day, and there's just a sign. Apparently, it became a Marathon, then got torn down. Too bad, but it is an incredible part of town being revitalized because of the new Guthrie and Light Rail.

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1143325913636089722006-03-25T14:05:00.000-08:002006-05-01T09:55:11.533-07:00

Our neighbor--I hate to think of her as elderly, but I guess she is--fell in her garage the other evening, and ended up in the hospital. She apparently hit her head and lay there for a couple of hours (bleeding) until her grandkids found her (thank God it wasn't longer). Refuses to carry her cell phone in the house, and refuses to wear an emergency button. So, what do you do? Let her live her

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1143291945288033682006-03-25T05:01:00.000-08:002006-03-25T05:05:45.300-08:00

Last night, Joseph took a break from being a "sweep sweeper" to be a "weatherman". He gave us the latest weather report:"There's maybe pounds of snow tonight, and maybe this deep [points about neck-high]. And cars will be driving. And people will be walking around and the snow this deep [points about neck-high] will get their snow pants all snowy. And it's partly sunny today. Thank you. [

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1143170088315632922006-03-23T19:13:00.000-08:002006-04-11T08:28:02.573-07:00

I forgot about this closing. Not too many web references.El Monterrey, Clovis, NM

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1143169322600967172006-03-23T17:55:00.000-08:002006-03-23T19:10:11.636-08:00

The Liquor Depot on Washington Ave N has closed. Some people thought it was the best liquor store in the metro area. I used to work across from it; it was quite a place. Dated, full of everything you could want, including some real characters. Nearby was a Total station with a hot lunch counter. Yup, that's right--a Total gas station with a hot lunch counter. Teeny-tiny little convenience

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1142647788130505172006-03-17T18:04:00.000-08:002006-03-17T18:09:48.140-08:00

Leech E. Disfigurements e-mailed me today with some special offers for personal enhancement medication. Somehow, I think that even if I wanted these products, I wouldn't have a great deal of confidence in personal enhancement medication from someone name Leech E. Disfigurements. Wonder what the E. stands for. Embolism, perhaps?

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1142612703300701272006-03-17T08:19:00.000-08:002006-05-01T09:56:55.020-07:00

The other day, we had seven deer in our backyard...there was no photo taken, but yesterday there were four. It's an odd thing to see, since we live basically in the city. But they're so beautiful I can't imagine why anyone would want to shoot one of these things for sport.

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1142098184261963922006-03-11T09:25:00.000-08:002006-03-11T10:47:10.883-08:00

The Koziol Audrey Tea Strainer. Great design; here's why:It's functional - the flower rests in the leaf stand. Lift it out and set it in a cup. The petals suspend it over the cup. After steeping, the flower sits in the leaf stand. It makes better tea than metal infusers. And it's sturdy.It's attractive - shiny, bright and cheery. The loose tea looks like the center of a

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1141593059770055412006-03-05T13:02:00.000-08:002006-03-05T13:17:24.703-08:00

You say "Parrano", and I say "Dutch Parrano"...Several years ago, my friend Ward introduced me to Dutch Parrano at Surdyk's in Minneapolis. This is, basically, aged Gouda. Used to be hard to find--it's easier these days in good cheese shops. It's close to parmaggiano reggiano, but a bit creamier and not so harsh. Very nutty and wonderful. This is a hard cheese that you shave off and eat

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1141361703041654642006-03-02T19:51:00.000-08:002006-03-05T12:22:47.733-08:00

In November, Fernando Cabrito, The Goat Cheese Chef, was our "host" for the evening, for my friend Norah's birthday. Fernando made the most awesome baked goat cheese and tomatoes (among other things) at The Sample Room in Minneapolis.We saw the chef and asked if he was the goat cheese chef. He replied that he was.We took movies (quicktime) of our abscondtion. They were silly.Norah says: [...

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1141310443158378652006-03-02T06:39:00.000-08:002006-03-02T06:40:43.170-08:00

Earl Abel's in San Antonio is closing.Dang.

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1141090464947774342006-02-27T17:30:00.000-08:002006-02-27T17:34:24.963-08:00

Another conversation on a theme, from Mr. Fry-tucky Fried Chicken:Joseph: I've finished my supper, Mommy. I want some ta-ssert.Me: What are you going to have? Chocolate brownie, or a Girl Scout cookie?(Pause)Joseph: I want one of those...fatbread cookies.Me: Do you mean "shortbread" cookies?Joseph: Yeah, shortbread.

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1141045571287900422006-02-27T05:04:00.000-08:002006-02-27T05:06:11.303-08:00

My aunt just sent this to me; I suspect it came from Jay Leno, because there's a watermark for NBC on the bottom, but I don't know the source. I also suspect that it's from the South.

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1140878266787302212006-02-25T06:12:00.000-08:002006-03-23T17:55:25.226-08:00

In a previous post, I mentioned that zappos would probably fail miserably because I think it's genius. Let me explain.I seem to have this curse: things that are dear to me have this habit of being discontinued. (My husband fears the implications of this phenomenon--either he isn't dear to me, or his untimely demise is due any day now.) For example:Unfrosted Cherry Pop-Tarts. One day I

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1140876745184020472006-02-25T06:00:00.000-08:002006-02-25T13:41:20.796-08:00

Many people know that I have been using zappos.com for years now. I'm an evangelist for this site (which unfortunately means it will probably fail miserably). Here's why I love zappos.com: I can search for size beige vegetarian 8.5 women's sale boots, then read reviews on them, as well as fit advice, add them to a wishlist, and then order then with free shipping AND...free return shipping.Yup,

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1140655691457286892006-02-22T16:40:00.000-08:002006-02-23T07:01:40.550-08:00

We were so sad to hear of the demise of the 2nd Avenue Deli in New York. We have enjoyed the cookbook for years, and just this year, I had the pleasure of a visit "in person". OMG, the greatest chicken soup with matzo balls. Tbe greatest homemade pickles. The greatest giant meat stacked sandwiches. The most wonderful atmosphere, with this wonderful automat located just inside the front door.

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1139794335821236272006-02-12T17:31:00.000-08:002006-02-23T11:45:06.510-08:00

Where else would someone think they need 18 bug foggers IN AN APARTMENT?

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1139793080893765022006-02-12T17:10:00.000-08:002006-02-14T09:02:43.173-08:00

Andrew is a selective eater. He doesn't eat ice cream. For years, I've said he never even tried it. Now, I can no longer say so.

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1139793028521766622006-02-12T17:09:00.000-08:002006-02-12T17:10:28.523-08:00

Joe and his dad were talking at breakfast this morning when he asked, "Daddy, what does God look like?""What do you think He looks like?""I think He looks like snow. He has white hair, black skin, and He has an ark.""An ark? Like Noah and the ark?""Yes. I think sometimes God likes to travel in water.""What if He's not in water?""He likes to walk." Also, the night before, I asked him how

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1139792980326134872006-02-12T17:08:00.000-08:002006-02-12T17:09:40.326-08:00

Joseph calls KFC "Fry-tucky Fried Chicken". Out of the mouths of babes.

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1139792901147498672006-02-12T17:07:00.000-08:002006-02-17T11:05:48.906-08:00

Andrew made a booklet for Mother's Day. My favorite page described what his mother has taught him. See the gunk fly out of his nose.

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1139792677024420242006-02-12T17:02:00.000-08:002006-02-12T17:07:09.173-08:00

This audition notice was recently placed in our local newspaper. So, has someone actually shown up for an audition unprepared or unwilling to actually audition?

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1139792563267353962006-02-12T17:01:00.000-08:002006-02-12T17:02:43.276-08:00

Like most people, I receive hundreds of spam messages from people with fake names. Vern Lockett, Lisa Street, Marie Hobbs, Monte Woods, Thomas Addison, Ryan Woodward, and so on. Now, I know a lot of people. It's amazing to me that I have never--NEVER--had a spam message from a name that matched the name of someone I know.An update from 9/26/04: My new favorite: Epifania Ho. An update

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1139790652511277082006-02-12T16:30:00.000-08:002006-02-12T16:39:31.026-08:00

I was e-mailing my brother today about reminiscences about our grandmother. I was thinking about how I'll never forget the smell of each of my grandparents' homes, but what is almost more vivid to me is the sound of each front door opening and closing. Let me explain.Each set of grandparents built a new home in the 1950s, in different small towns in Texas: one in the Panhandle, and one on the

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1139790608884867302006-02-12T16:29:00.000-08:002006-02-12T16:30:08.886-08:00

I got an e-mail today from "Roxie Pendergrass" which began: "Robbie and me were talking about you...". I wanted to respond that none of my friends says "Robbie and me", so it's obvious that I don't know you and this is spam. I get a kick out of the messages that say, "Susan, increase your length". I wonder "Length of what? How many men are named Susan?"

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1139789017949729232006-02-12T16:03:00.000-08:002006-02-12T16:29:11.410-08:00

Abscond, absconding, abscondtion: it's a very good thing. My friend Norah absconded with me the other night for a late evening out. While I was one of the oldest people in hip, Uptown Minneapolis on a Friday night, it was loads of fun. My advice, however: let your husband know how late you will be out, so he doesn't think your friend has driven you both into a ditch.

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1139788830129505152006-02-12T15:59:00.000-08:002006-02-12T16:05:37.083-08:00

This past week, our five-year-old son lost two baby teeth. It has been an interesting process to observe, as an adult. Somewhere along the way, he internalized that this is a positive thing: part of being a big boy, and growing up. The grown-up-colored glasses I wear now don’t show it as a particularly pleasant experience. Nonetheless, he has been very excited and proud, as each tooth worked

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22153796.post-1139425162096115592006-02-08T10:58:00.000-08:002006-02-26T04:16:17.226-08:00

I continue to have the most remarkable experiences as a Microsoft MVP. This is a community of people representing somewhere around 78 countries who volunteer their time to provide technical support and assistance for users of Microsoft products. I am consistently heartened by the warmth of this group of people--as wellas the 'Softies (as they're sometimes called) who support the program. I have

Susan Hodges Ramletnoreply@blogger.com0