Monster Mini Golf

The last hole, originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

We went out to Monster Mini Golf in Webster yesterday. What a fun place to bring the kids!

If you haven't been there (I hadn't), it's indoor miniature golfing with a monster theme. It's all dark in there. Everything is painted with fluorescent paint and they've got tons of black lights - yippee!! Fun! (see in the pictures)

Apparently, it's a chain with locations in Groton, CT, Webster, MA, Norwood, MA and a few other spots. The flyer says there will be new ones opening around Massachusetts but none near here.

They've got a birthday party room and party packages too. There were some parties going on while we were there and it seemed pretty well organized. The prices look pretty good too - $20 for 2 adults and 1 kid to golf when we went. Check out the site for more information - http://www.monsterminigolf.com.

I got to play "ski ball" - they call it "ice ball". I like to play that game :-)

We won a bunch of tickets and the kids got fun toys. This is Sarah waiting to cash in some of the tickets.

I found out that I'm still completely horrible at mini golf. I AM good at cheating at mini golf though. My particular "talent" was for whacking my ball behind the little gravestone obstacles. Eventually, I figured out that using a field hockey and/or soccer type approach worked better for me. between tapping the ball with my feet and guiding it with the stick I was able to get the ball to the hole. I did actually accidentally get a hole-in-one on one of the holes (legitimately). Good thing we weren't keeping proper score. I would have lost big time!

OM NOM NOM...

candy, originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

Is it wrong to eat this for breakfast?

The tradition of ugly eggs lives on...

Easter 2008, originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

Every year we try to make decent colored eggs and every year they come out pretty bad. This year was no exception. At least we kept the tradition alive.

This year Sarah attempted to "beautify" her eggs by using the crayon on them. The result looked more like bathroom-wall graffiti than Easter Eggs.

We actually get a pretty good laugh out of this whole thing.

Painting Loft has cool videos - like this...

Scott Holloway posts some cool painting tips on his youtube - check it out.

If you haven't seen Scott's work yet, make sure you also check out the Painting Loft web site - it's the portfolio site of Scott and his wife (also an awesome artist), Cindy Woehrle.

Click here, see all those tips in action ;-)

I'm a "beta-tester" for Joffrey's Coffee

I'm a "beta-tester" for Joffrey's, originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

Original post about the beta-test :
Joffry's coffee beta test for bloggers - WOOT!

It’s really official now - I got the coffee and am actually drinking some of it right now. It’s great! They sent me a flavor called “Jamaican Me Crazy”. It seems to have a slight vanilla taste. YUM!!!

I would certainly buy this stuff if I see it. I must confess, I usually do not venture into the “boutique” coffees much. I’m more of a “price-shopper”. This stuff is good for when you want more than just some “liquid-awake” though. It’s for enjoying (as if I have time for that - ha!).

Anyway. I’m off to do a million things that must get done or the universe will implode. Or, more accurately, people will act as if the universe is imploding which is actually more unpleasant than a literal universe implosion because it’s never-ending as opposed to one big catastrophe and it’s over - ugh!!!

Thank you Joffrey’s for the fun taste-test! I’m happy I played along.

Thank you Trainstopping for sending me the link to Joffrey's. Lovin' it!

Why I'm a fan of adopting pets

He thinks we can't see him, originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

This is Chuck. One of our "foundling" pets. He was abandoned in an apartment at about 6 months old. His previous owners left him there when they moved out :-(

Although it's really bad that he was abandoned, it turned out to be great luck for us. He's been one of the best pets I've ever had.

I've written about him before and will do it again because it's important to remind people that there are a lot of animals that get left behind or dumped for whatever reason. These animals need help and homes.

I've heard people say that the animal was probably dumped for a good reason - they blame the animal for it's situation. I've heard people talk about the "fun" of having a new puppy or kitten. There's the "cute" factor that turns people off adopting older animals. As in, older animals just aren't "cute enough". I've got a different point of view.

There are a lot of reasons pets are left and it's all about the owner's problems - financial troubles, owners become too old or sick to care for them, work schedules, family issues - none of which are the animal's fault. Chuck's only "crime" was that he was inconvenient when it came time to move. He was not a "bad cat" that deserved to be left behind.

/mini-rant
Yes, I do sound a bit upset with the people who left him and I am. They were students who knew they'd be moving out. They should have made sure they were going to be able to care for their pets for life before they picked up cute new kittens (Chuck had 2 sisters abandoned with him - all were adopted and are happy. They were lucky.). Cats live for a long time - longer than 6 months.
/end mini-rant

If you are thinking of getting a new pet, PLEASE check the shelters and rescue leagues before heading out to get a brand new baby animal. If "bonding" is a concern I can understand that but I can also offer our experience with Chuck. He couldn't be more part of our family if we had gotten him at 8 weeks old. It actually seems that he appreciates us more and is more affectionate because of his ordeal. (I'm just comparing him to the many other cats I've had. I've never had one more focused on being part of the family.)

As for "cuteness" that does wear off for all pets. The upside of him being older was that he was beyond the crazy destructive kitten thing. You cat owners know about that stuff - the chewing, the curtain climbing, the wailing kitten in the night, the furniture destroying, the child clawing - ugh!!!! That's right dog owners, cats are a bundle of trouble when they are babies too ;-)

Anyway, that's it. I just need to post my "support pet adoption" thing every so often. It's a good thing to do.

Some helpful links

Pet Rock Festival
Pet Rock is a festival and ongoing project of Charlene Arsenault. I'm sure if you check their site, you can find lots of advise on how to adopt a pet or how to find a home if you cannot keep a pet. Pet Rock has an annual event, visit their site for information or to learn how you can support Pet Rock: http://www.petrockfest.com/

The Cat Hostpital of Auburn
If it's a cat you are looking for, The Cat Hostpital of Auburn always has adoptable cats. They post pictures on the site so you can have a look at who needs a home.

Related 'I'm From Worcester Posts'
Animals! Post about a pregnant cat that was dumped at our complex.
Update post This one was an update to the "Animals!" post.
Final update on "Animals!" Yes, The abandoned cat found a home.

Here's another site that can help you find an adoptable pet:
Pet Finder. You can find info. about adoptions, pet care, adoptable pets - you get the picture.

Everybody loves Twister

2008 St. Patrick's Day Parade, originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

Twister is great! The kids love him. He shows up at all the important events around the city. He's very entertaining at the Tornadoes games. I just have one question. What is Twister?? He looks like he could be a dog or a bear or maybe some type of panther/cat-type animal. I decided to take a poll to see what everyone else thinks. I've also allowed for an "other" option for those of you who think he's some other type of animal - please do share what you think it is, it'll be a lot more fun that way.

I don't want to leave out the other super-awesome mascot of Worcester, Finz. Everyone loves Finz too- check out the crowd of kids all trying to give him a hug. But I am also very sure that Finz is a shark so no big questions about him ;-)

2008 St. Patrick's Day Parade, Worcester, MA

We went out to the parade yesterday. Everyone else who was out there knows it was freezing, windy and a lot of fun. It's really something that you should get out and experience. The crowds were huge but from what I could see, mostly really well behaved. People seemed to be in a good mood and having a great time.

There were a lot of people dressed in parade appropriate gear like this awesome guy who was nice enough to let me take his picture. I LOVE his hat!

There were also a lot of great bands. This is the Worcester Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums - WOW!! They totally rock!

I saw some people I know. This is a great guy I used to work with driving a truck in the parade. Hi Mike!

And there were a lot of funny moments too. This officer was doing his job and suddenly had some help from a dragon.

I've got a totally stupid amount of photos on my Flickr. I actually have a bunch more than what is up there but haven't had time to post. Soon... I hope.

A sign of Spring?

The swans are back, originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

I sure hope so! Yesterday morning I saw 2 swans in the pond at Institute Park. Yippee!!!

"The Eclectic Word" hosted by Victor Infante

"The Eclectic Word" hosted by Victor D. Infante
Poet and editor David Lehman discusses "Best American Erotic Poetry," the "Best American Poetry" series and his own work.

To my relatives in California...

We're having more snow! yippee!!!

Actually, I'm pretty sick of coldness. I'm ready for Spring.

Also, a special "thank you" to YouTube for mangling my video ;-)

Link love!

Thank you Jeff @ Wormtown Taxi!