Brought to you by the Letter "F"

New game, fellow bloggers -- I commented on Teresa's "V" post and she assigned me the letter "F". Comment on this entry and ask and I will give you a letter. Write ten words beginning with that letter in your journal, including an explanation of what the word means to you and why, and then pass out letters to those who want to play along.

Ford -- My family has an addiction to Fords. My dad has his collection, a '29, a '32, a '66, a 2005 ... my mom has a '66 ... I have a couple '66s ... my brother has a '40, a couple '66s, and a '68 (and probably more).

Family -- I am incredibly close to my mom. We talk several times a week and I am so grateful to have her. My dad and I didn't always get along, but we have both come a long way in our relationship. He is an *awesome* grandpa and my kids adore him. My brother? Well, we are not so close but I think we are both working out our own reasons why and we are no longer blaming each other, so that's a start. My dad's mother is still alive and I talk to her a couple of times a week as well. My mother's mother, sister, and brother are all certifiable lunatics and I can't stand any of them. 'Nuff said.

Funky -- I am generally a pretty reasonable person, fashion-wise. Not a risk-taker, really. I like what I like and I won't wear it if I don't like it, no matter how stylish it is. And if I like it I really don't care if you do, frankly. But I LOVE funky clothes and shoes -- not way out there, just stuff that is a little eye-catching. And I have red hair, but I dye it to keep it a fun, bright shade that is *just* beyond natural. I have also had purple hair but that went away fast because everyone assumed it was for the Minnesota Vikings. I was bitter about that. Still am, in fact. Would love to dye my hair fuchsia -- any tips?


Farm -- My dad "bought the farm" in 2001 (I think). Well, he and my mom bought it. About 5 acres, with a bunch of buildings in which to keep his many vehicles and parts. My kids LOVE that place. It has no power and no running water, however, which means (sorry dad) I DON'T love it. If it had a lake I would deal with outhouses and flashlights but since there is no water, well, I only go because it makes my kids happy to be there. I did all that hard-core stuff in the Army. No need to go back again, in my opinion.

Frank -- as in Sinatra. I tried to name one of our kids Frank (after Bruce fell through). Rob wouldn't go for it though. I love the name, I love the music ... he just makes me smile.

Friends -- I have been so lucky to have such great friends in my life. Since we've been in California I have heard from many people that I am a unifying force in my friendships -- I am the glue that keeps everybody connected. Probably because I feel uncontrollable urges to throw parties or have potlucks at my house where we fit entirely too many people into my house and yard and have a great time. this was a great compliment -- and I can't wait to get back to Rochester and start throwing parties again. Who's coming?

Furniture -- My furniture refinishing days are almost at an end. Okay, until I get the next wild hair (I think I have a screen that will get a coat of crackle medium and a coat of ivory paint soon). The drawer (the evil drawer that I accidentally dripped, that I had to re-sand and re-stain) is in the garage. And if I can find the Ziploc bag holding the 2 knobs and screws that go onto the drawer I can put it together, put some clothes in it, take a picture, and post it on this blog. Thank god.

Frogs -- I haven't mentioned it yet but we have frogs in our house. Well, sort of. They are tadpoles (or polliwogs -- which is a lot more fun as far as words go). I got a lovely glass vase a few weeks ago and it hasn't held flowers yet but it is a great home for polliwogs. Got 'em from my friend Sandi and we will let the li'l guys go as soon as they have recognizable legs. They are funny creatures. Believe it or not (!) I am sort of enjoying having them around. (Don't get any ideas, the only acceptable pets in my house are still fish or a dog. No birds, no reptiles, no amphibians as permanent residents, certainly no cats, and absolutely no vermin of any kind, including but not limited to hamsters, rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, rats, mice, ferrets, or other disgusting creatures. Ewwwww.)

Fondue -- Santa brought us a fondue pot for Christmas and we have enjoyed using it. We've done oil fondue dinners with friends, chocolate fondue, cheese fondue for dinner ... the kids get a kick out of it and it has proved to be a great "family night" thing.

Floozy -- My name is Jennifer. In order to get my mother to agree to naming me Jennifer, my dad had to promise that I would not be called Jenny. It seems that my mother had a negative association with the name Jenny. Her grandma had a friend named Jenny who was a floozy. So Jennifer it is. If you call me Jenny I will assume you are talking to a floozy and I will not answer you.