Only 23 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

Another day and another day that my tomatoes would have been just fine left on the vine. But I hear that next week will be a lot colder. Anyway, I made seven pints of green tomato pickles and I have enough green tomatoes to make relish...a lot of relish. If I'd left the tomatoes on the vine, I would have just been postponing the inevitable. I'll be shopping for missing ingredients today.

HTP is waging a mouse vendetta. Orkin came this morning (right at the point when I was frying up bacon for breakfast...so by the time he finally left, we ended up with cold bacon to go with our late, late breakfast or early lunch) so he and HTP had to go out and oversee battle plans. We've had a mouse problem ever since we built this house. It's been seven years now and no-one has been able to figure out where they're sneaking inside. We know...and smell...where they usually end up. HTP has taken up the fight. He is in full battle. I wonder how many dead mice we find next spring?

Murphyism of the Day

Fox on Power

Arrogance is too often the companion of excellence.

Only 24 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

My tomatoes would have survived another night. It was 37°F this morning but it got down to 34°. Regardless, to be on the safe side, I picked all my tomatoes yesterday whether they were ripe or not. Any tomatoes that are even slightly "pink" are now sitting on my window sills soaking in the sun. I have 24# of green tomatoes for relish making. They can sit a while until I get the chance to buy peppers and onions and celery seed and my folks promise that they will supply a few more green tomatoes to the batch from their bushes. I also have some small green tomatoes that I plan to make into green tomato pickles. I can get started on that today.

Murphyism of the Day

Miles' Law

Where you stand depends upon where you sit.

Fibley's Extension of Miles' Law

Where you sit depends upon who you know.

Only 25 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

On the plus side, I didn't have to clean fish last night and HTP still cooked supper. We went fishing but the fish weren't biting. It was windy and cold too. I didn't see any mosquitoes, so that's another notch in the plus column.

I got up this morning to 38°F on the thermometer. I suppose I should have expected this. My tomatoes look OK still because it seems like it only got down to 37°F last night. Unfortunately I think it might get a bit colder tonight. Do I go out and pick the tomatoes today? Should I wait? Should I dig out the sheets tonight to cover them? Maybe it's time to just give up and put the garden to bed.

Murphyism of the Day

Brown's Rules of Leadership

1. To succeed in politics, it is often necessary to rise above your principles.

2. The best way to succeed in politics is to find the crowd that's going somewhere and get in front of them.

Only 26 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

Gone fishing. HTP and I are going to go out fishing again tonight. HTP has gone out to get the bait and the mail from town. I'll clean whatever we catch if we catch anything and HTP promises to make supper for us.

I gave the dogs a bath yesterday. What a difference that makes! My dogs have been rolling in the stinkiest of stuff all summer long. I couldn't stand it any longer. HTP couldn't stand it any longer. Both dogs smell like shampoo. That's a good thing.

Murphyism of the Day

Helga's Rule

Say no, then negotiate.

Only 27 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

Gone fishing. HTP and I went fishing last night. We caught fish. I cleaned fish. I'm making fish for suppertonight. Today was spent enjoying the perfect weather. I set up the hammock and enjoyed the two and a half hours of battery time that my laptop allowed me. Such laziness! Such peace! The weekenders are starting to thin out. I have heard something suspiciously similar to gunshots in the distance but I prefer not to think about that.

Murphyism of the Day

Glyme's Formula for Success

The secret of success is sincerity. Once you can fake that you've got it made.

Only 28 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

It seemed like a good idea at the time. I bought five small packets of mixed bulbs to plant. 100 bulbs all told. What was I thinking?! I tackled this little job this morning after breakfast. I'm being sarcastic. I think I overdid it. By the time my task was completed, you couldn't even see that I'd done anything. And I was feeling a bit sick. Oh well, at least I'll be able to enjoy all my efforts come Spring. I'll have to remember not to buy so many bulbs. One year, one packet, one small packet. Maybe we'll go out fishing later this afternoon. HTP was admiring the weather and the sun.

Murphyism of the Day

O'Brien's Law

Nothing is ever done for the right reasons.

Only 29 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

It's been one of those drippy dreary days today. It's not raining exactly...just mizzling. There is no real need for an umbrella. Anyway, it wasn't a good day to do much of anything outside so HTP and I drove into the city to go shopping. We had only a few things to buy on our list. Our first stop was in search of a light for the front of our garage, a light to replace the carriage light that fell apart last winter... or was it the winter before last. It doesn't matter. We found an acceptable replacement on display and it was even ON SALE. Have you ever heard of a "Sorry Slip"? I hadn't. Menard's gives out "Sorry Slip"s instead of what was once called "Rain Checks". OK. Cute. The light we wanted was out of stock so we had to obtain a "Sorry Slip". Next on our list was that neato leaf blower/sucker/shredder that HTP wanted. The leaf blower/sucker/shredder was ON SALE. The leaf blower/sucker/shredder was not there. We had to obtain another "Sorry Slip". Sigh. I bought some tulip/hyacinth/crocus/daffodil bulbs that were on display. I'll plant them later this week. Thankfully we had better luck at our next store. The produce was a bit pitiful but I was able to buy some broccoli and some lettuce. But I forgot the cottage cheese when I was sidetracked by the eggs. Oh well...HTP got his diet Barq's Rootbeer. We'll live without cottage cheese for a few more days. We ended our trip to the big city with an All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry. I don't do fish but they also had shrimp and potatoes and salad and dessert. I'm full. I'm stuffed. I hate buffets. I always eat too much. All I want to do now is sit in front of the fireplace, watch TV (if there is anything worth watching) and work on that afghan that I've been meaning to work on. If there isn't anything on TV, I'll just have to listen to talk radio online and play Pogo. Actually...I might do that anyway because then I wouldn't have to actually move.

Murphyism of the Day

Price's Laws

1. If everybody doesn't want it, nobody gets it.
2. Mass man must be served by mass means.
3. Everything is contagious.

Only 30 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

Spring sprang, summer was...kind of, and now Fall is falling. Yup, I have leaves falling. It's a pretty sight. I don't plan on raking any of those suckers. HTP is thinking about getting a leaf blower/sucker/shredder. More power to him. I plan to enjoy the sight...from a distance. I still feel, in my memory , all the blisters that were raised when I raked leaves as a child. I still smell the smell, in my memory, of burning leaves when they still allowed people to burn their leaves. If HTP wants to relive this time in his life, more power to him. I'll just sit quietly inside and enjoy the sight of leaves as they fall and dance in the breeze. The leaves will all disappear when the lawn is mowed. Why stress? But...maybe we could burn just one batch of leaves for old times sake? I wonder if I have to get a permit? I'll think about that later. When all the leaves have fallen. Not yet. No hurry. I plan to enjoy the moment.

Murphyism of the Day

Spencer's Laws of Accountancy

1. Trial balances don't.
2. Working capital doesn't.
3. Liquidity tends to run out.
4. Return on investments won't.

Only 31 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

I'm having a lazy, laid-back day today. I'm finishing up that last little bit of laundry. I'm enjoying the breeze from the lake.

My tomatoes have finally started ripening. I've got a bowl of them sitting on my countertop. Everytime I go by I grab a couple to munch on. I'm already starting to get that "I've been eating too many tomatoes" sore mouth feeling. I love vine-ripened tomatoes. Obviously. I don't think I'll have enough tomatoes to can from my vines, at least none that are ripe, but I plan to enjoy the ones I get.

Today is the first day of Fall? Really? Well, I suppose the trees must have figured it all out on their own. Fall colors are popping up all over the woods. The bees and hornets are stocking their hives for winter. The berries are done.

HTP went into town to pick up the paper on Sunday and felt out of place among all the camouflage-geared hunters. Bow-hunting. Hide Bambi! Hide! I haven't seen any deer. Really! I'm lying but don't tell the hunters. I saw three of them while hiking the logging road the other day. This doesn't mean that I don't eat venison. I just don't want to get to know my food on a personal basis. The venison that my sister gives me is nicely wrapped, cut into steaks and frozen. Her husband hunts. I prefer not to think about it as I'm grilling the steaks.

Murphyism of the Day

Horngren's Observation

Among economists, the real world is often a special case.

Only 32 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

We met with the DNR forester to learn more about the Forest Management Program this morning. Unfortunately, even if we sign all the paperwork today, it won't affect our taxes until 2007. I know. We should have done this two years ago. Sometimes it's best to strike while the iron is hot. We don't have to strike now until July of next year. HTP plans to do plenty of research between now and then but I think we'll be putting at least part of our property here into the program.

Not too much else is going on today. It's raining...again. Laundry day...again. I think I'll make french bread pizza for supper.

Murphyism of the Day

Jeff's Theory of the Stock Market

The price of stock moves inversely to the number of shares purchased.

Only 33 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

I finally got the chance to fully reconstruct the entertainment unit in the basement. The pieces have been down in our basement for at least a year. #1 son and his friend set up a TV and DVD player on part of the system which made the project a bit difficult. But now....the same TV and DVD player have left the building and have gone off to college. No more excuses. I took my trusty screwdriver down to the basement with me and tackled the puzzle pieces of the entertainment unit which were scattered about our basement retreat. I hope I got it right. It looks right. I suppose the proof will be when #1 son returns from college next spring with his TV and DVD player.

HTP made me some labels for the blackberry and raspberry vinegar that I made. Again...no more excuses. I bottled up the batch of raspberry vinegar that I'd been marinating in a bowl on the countertop. Now all the vinegar is nicely labeled and ready for gifting. I also started a batch of raspberry schnapps. It should be ready for drinking by Christmas...or it will be really really awful and I'll have to decide what to do with it. I've got a cordial recipe that uses the schnapps recipe as a base.

We're meeting with a forester tomorrow from the Department of Natural Resources. The taxes on our property here at The Lake have become increasingly burdensome. Unfortunately, the tax laws here in Wisconsin seem to favor developement rather then preservation. We're going to see what we can do to preserve.

Murphyism of the Day

Heisenberg Principle of Investment

You may know where the market is going, but your can't possibly know where it's going after that.

Only 34 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

HTP and son have driven off to The Big City. #1 son has left the building with plans to sup with his fellow dorm mates tonight. It was nice to hear about all his adventures to date. Will he be returning to The Lake this year? Most definitely. I'm not sure when but I'm sure that he will have at least a couple more chances this fall while we're still here. Ah, the life of an empty-nester.

I planted Icicle Pansies and Icicle Violas today. They're really pretty and they're supposed to survive even the coldest of winters. Of course I can't be sure of that until we return next spring. I'll keep my fingers crossed. We should be returning to The Lake in time to see the last of the snow melt and in time for me to witness my spring tulips and daffy-dills.

But enough of this talk about spring. I still have time to enjoy things here at The Lake. And I still have to finish that promised afghan.

Murphyism of the Day

Marks' Law of Monetary Equalization

A fool and your money are soon partners.

Only 35 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

Today was a fairly laid back day. Well...it started that way. I made pancakes with bacon for breakfast. Diet pancakes and only one slice of bacon. I won't let anyone bring cereal into the house. It would be so bad if HTP had the will-power to eat a single serving of cereal...but he doesn't so that's the end of cereal in our house. Diet and will-power must go hand in hand. One must remove all temptation that would break will-power. Anyway, we had pancakes...diet pancakes.

I was in the kitchen bottling blackberry vinegar and mixing up a batch of raspberry vinegar. #1 son was mixing up a batch of chocolate chip cookies to bring back to the dorm with him tomorrow. Chocolate chip cookies are not allowed in this house either. I have no will-power when it comes to chocolate chip cookies so they can only be cooked here...not eaten. #1 son had a load of laundry in the washer and a load of laundry in the dryer. HTP was on his computer. And then the phone rang....

My mother called the ask for help. A tree had fallen and smashed their dock. My father was down at the dock, their smashed dock, trying to see what he could do about removing said tree. My mother wanted to know if #1 son and I could come and help them with the tree. I mentioned that I thought that my father shouldn't be doing anything. Wait! Take pictures! Call the insurance company. We're on our way!

#1 son turned off the oven and shoved the bowl of cookie dough into the fridge. He headed for the basement to prepare himself for battle. I covered my raspberry vinegar with plastic wrap. HTP jumped into one of the cars and headed over to the disaster scene. He took his camera. I grabbed my purse and #1 son and I followed in the other car. At this point you're probably wondering why we took two cars. We took two cars because I had to leave to take #1 son into the big city for his haircut at 1 PM.

We arrived at the scene of the disaster shortly after HTP. By this time my father and HTP had both decided that there was no way that any of us were going to shift this huge tree off any smashed dock much less this smashed dock. Over the phone my mother had hinted at a tree with 12" diameter trunk. HAH!!!!! This was no light-weight tree, despite the fact that it was a poplar. This toppler was 20" at its base. Its rotten base. I fear that ants had been munching. Irregardless, the tree had managed to topple in perfect alinement with my folks dock. It was a pitiful sight to see. My father will have to call a professional to remove this tree and only then can we see what can be salvaged from the dock. The ex-dock. Poor dock. At least the boat survived...sans anchor. The anchor is trapped somewhere between the smashed dock and the tree.

By the time sympathies were properly expressed, it was time to take #1 son into the big city for his haircut. We took the time to do a bit of shopping before and after though we didn't make too many purchases. Nothing was found at the thrift stores that was of interest to us.

After returning home, #1 son returned to his cookie making activities and helped start a batch of "knots". Knots are a favorite of ours. We make them from bread or pizza dough. They are like bite-sized knotted soft bread sticks, slathered in garlic butter. The perfect side to go with the spaghetti we planned for our supper.

It was at the point when I was making my spaghetti sauce that I noticed that I didn't have a key ingredient. Basil. AHHH!!!! HTP had to run out to get some for me. Thankfully he found some...a little...but just enough. I'll have to add basil to my next shopping list.

My folks came just as the knots were coming out of the oven. I dumped the basil into my sauce, drained the pasta and then discovered that I'd forgotten to cook up the italian sausage. You can see where this is going. That's OK. #1 son directed me out to the deck with my mother and a nice glass of merlot. He finished up cooking the sausage and the rest of the meal.

After supper, we all enjoyed the movie The Ladykillers with Tom Hanks. I know a lot of people weren't too fond of the movie but I liked it. I'm not sure if they needed to swear so much but all in all it was a good movie. As my mother said, "It was so Edgar Allen Poe'ish". So true. A dark comedy. I liked it but I suppose I'm just twisted that way.

And so ends another quiet and peaceful day at The Lake and a wonderful evening. I forgot to make dessert. Oh well...#1 son returns to college tomorrow. I'll stay here at The Lake to plant pansies.

Murphyism of the Day

Good's Rule For Dealing With Bureaucracies

When the government bureau's remedies do not match your problem, you modify the problem, not the remedy.

Only 36 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

We left The Lake at 8 AM to pick #1 son up at college and we didn't get back here to The Lake until 8 PM. During this 12 hour period, six hours were spent on the drive to and fro. We dropped our dogs over at my folks for the day, drove to pick up #1 son, went to the bank, went shopping at Target and Home Depot, drove over to pick up HTP's parents to take them out to lunch. The food was awful but the beer was good. We took pictures. We drove HTP's parents back to their home. HTP fixed their computer. We went shopping at Cost Plus Marketplace where I found the bottles that I needed and the chocolate that I craved and #1 son found the frames that he was looking for, we drove some more, we went grocery shopping in the big city, and we went to pick up our dogs from my folks' place. I didn't work on #1 son's afghan at any time during our 12 hour adventure. I really need to work on it. Oh well...I cooked up bratwurst for our late supper, watched some of Monk and then talked on the phone with my daughter who called...in the middle of Monk. That's OK. It was a re-run. Anyway, it's time for bed but I thought I'd blog first. Blog, blog, blog. I'll blog again tomorrow...I hope. Plans for the day are: Drive #1 son into the big city so he can get a haircut. Visit thrift stores to buy and donate. Make a terrific spaghetti dinner for #1 son, HTP, and my folks.

Murphyism of the Day

The Guppy Law

When outrageous expenditures are divided finely enough, the public will not have enough stake in any one expenditure to squelch it.

Corollary

Enough guppies can eat a treasury.

Only 37 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

The weather has improved but now I've got wasps buzzing all around my deck. I think the windy weather of yesterday must have disturbed a nest in one of the trees out in the woods. Either that or they're making hay while the sun shines. However, they appear truly upset and all their buzzing make me and the dogs upset. The dogs don't want to go out on the deck and neither do I. I went outside, armed with wasp spray, thinking that there might be nest building activities under the eaves on the deck. I couldn't find anything to spray....yet. Stupid wasps! I hate them.

HTP and I are driving into The Big City tomorrow to pick #1 son up for the weekend. #1 son wants to pick up some of his stuff, visit some thrift stores, and get a haircut. I need to buy some bottles for my vinegar. HTP failed in his hunt for them the other day. So much for delegation.

Murphyism of the Day

Rusk's Law of Delegation

Where an exaggerated emphasis is placed upon delegation, responsibility, like sediment, sinks to the bottom.

Only 38 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona


And now for today's weather...

A hurricane with the moniker of Ivan the Terrible is fixing to hit the gulf coast later tonight or early tomorrow morning. The news media have already sent their poor correspondents out to stand in the rain and the wind.

Here at The Lake, the weather has been "iffy". There is no way that I would want to be out on the lake today. It's just too windy. We under a tornado watch too. We've had a bit over 1" of rain last night and this morning. Periodically dark threatening clouds dominate the sky. At times the sun shines brightly from blue skies. But always the wind is blowing. Rarely have I seen the wind blow this hard here at The Lake. It's not hurricane force winds but it's pretty dang windy.

And to make things worse? I haven't been able to get onto Pogo this afternoon. What am I paying for?

Murphyism of the Day

Rule of Defactualization

Information deteriorates upward through bureaucracies.

Only 39 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

I need bottles. I made another batch of blackberry vinegar and I haven't even got enough bottles for the first batch that I made. I'm also trying a blackberry schnapps recipe. HTP has gone out to see if he can find some bottles for me today. I delegated the hunt because today is laundry day. Besides, HTP has been going a bit stir crazy here at The Lake. He's running out of things to do. I, on the otherhand, have lots to do. Homemakers never retire. I may no longer have children to raise but I still have laundry to do, houses to clean, cooking to do, blogs to write, games to play, and afghans to crotched. Not only that but I have to start thinking about landscaping the backyard of our place in Arizona.

And in the news today....

I'm getting awfully tired of politics. Things are getting really really nasty. In my humble opinion, the mud-slinging has become almost humorous. The only problem is that none of the major issues that I'm concerned about are being discussed. Neither party wants to talk about securing our borders. Nobody seems to have a viable health care/insurance solution. Quite frankly I don't give a hoot if two members of the same sex want to get married. But I'm getting tired of the obnoxious habit I'm seeing from the Dems who arrogantly insult my intelligence. Unfortunately it comes down to who I can trust for the next four years. I don't trust John Kerry. Mr. Tell Them Whatever They Want To Hear And Whatever Will Get Me Elected. I suppose this leaves me with George Bush. This weird CBS, Dan Blather...oops, Dan Rather, scandal stinks of a nasty bit of crud that I thought we'd never see again after the Watergate scandal. When did Network News become Tabloid News?

Murphyism of the Day

Evan's Law

If you keep your head when everyone about you is losing his, then you just don't understand the problem.

Only 40 Days Left Before We Leave For Arizona

I picked the tomatoes...though that didn't take all that long. I went berry picking...again. I walked all the way to my folks place via the old logging road. I made blackberry vinegar. And I finally got a hold of some of my Dad's artwork. Yes! I am now the proud owner of three nude studies. Grin! I'll get them framed when I get back to Arizona. I can't wait. From all the hemming and hawing from my folks, you'd think that...well I could only imagine. I don't suppose they are to everyone's taste but I like them.

I still have to clean the berries that I picked today. Blackberries and pudding for dessert. I'd rather have chocolate but we're still dieting. Oh well. I'm going to make more blackberry vinegar too. I'm planning to give some as gifts.

Murphyism of the Day

Lee's Law

In any dealings with a collective body of people, the people will always be more tacky than originally expected.

I went out berry picking with the full knowledge that the berries are pretty much done for the year. I was right. I was able to get enough for dessert tonight...for two...so that was worth the one mile hike up and down the driveway. As I walked I found and snacked on a few late raspberries but we'll be having blackberries and sugarfree pudding for dessert tonight. I may make a batch of jam next week from some of the berries that I froze but that'll be it for the jam making this summer too. I'll bring two quarts of blackberries back to Arizona with me to make wine over the winter. The remaining four quarts I'll leave here to make into wine in the spring. It should be interesting to see how the two batches vary but we won't discover that until 2006. Wait a minute....maybe I'll make blackberry vinegar from the frozen berries. I'll have to do some research but it sounds good to me. I love to experiment.

I haven't seen any goldfinch at the feeders for a few weeks now. Only the occasional chickadee. The hummingbirds are few and far between too. I won't be refilling the feeders again this year. I think it's best to encourage them to head for warmer climes. I saw geese flying south yesterday. The leaves on the trees are just starting to turn. I've been hearing the snapping sound as the acorns drop from the oak trees out in the woods. HTP and I will finally have the opportunity to stay here to enjoy fall. It would be nice to remain until after Thanksgiving but promises were made and must be honored.

Murphyism of the Day

The Watergate Principle

Government corruption is always reported in the past tense.

Where were you when....? Has it been three years? It doesn't seem like all that long ago when foreign terrorists shook the core of our world. We felt safe and secure. How arrogant, how naive! We heard about all the bad happening in the world, but it was all so distant. It was happening over there. So we read the paper, grabbed a cup of coffee and we went to work. It started out so quiet...so normal.

HTP and I were in Italy on a genealogy expedition. Our group was small. We woke in the morning and joined our fellow travelers for a cup of "American" coffee and pastries provided by the wife of the owner of the small hostel where we were staying. We chatted quietly with each other, discussing the plans we had for our day. After breakfast, we all piled onto the small tour bus which took us to a city on the coast of Italy. We walked on the beach and enjoyed the sun and the sand. We made plans to go shopping. This was our "free" day. No church tours, no castle tours, no municipio visits pouring through musty records in search of ancestors long gone. This was our day to just enjoy. The lunch we had was wonderful. We all laughed and joked at a long table sitting in the yard of a local restaurant. Plate after plate of food was brought for our pleasure. Wasps buzzed hungrily. After this feast, our driver and some of us played at the foosball table that was sitting in the corner of the yard.

The first indication that this day was anything but normal was a quiet interruption of a cellphone. Our head guide called all the other guides to her side for a hurried but quiet conversation as we remained oblivious, polishing off that last crumb of dessert while we chatted about the coming shopping expedition. I remember thinking that I wanted to look for a coffee mug, just like the one that I was currently drinking my coffee from. I never got a chance to shop for that mug. Our guide came and quietly told us that she'd been told that someone had attacked the United States. But we really didn't know what had happened. Someone had called our guide to tell her that a plane had been crashed into the White House. Rumors flew. None of us really knew what had happened. None of us felt like the shopping expedition that was planned for the remainder of the day but still we all piled into the bus to go shopping because that was what we were supposed to do. But the only shopping we did was to find "news". Our country had been attacked. What? Where? Who? Why? Why? Our group split up and we went shopping...for news. HTP and I and a couple of our fellow travelers chanced upon a bar that had a TV. Everyones eyes were fixed on the screen. No-one shooed us away as we were drawn in to watch in horror. The commentary was in Italian. None of us spoke Italian but the pictures were horribly clear. We sat in stunned disbelief, struggling to make sense of the commentary. How many planes? Where? Why? The Pentagon? When we returned to the tour bus, no-one had any parcels. No-one had gone shopping for "things". Everyone had gone shopping for information and it was poor at best. We were all worried. HTP and I sent frantic emails home to our son, our daughters, my folks, our friends, that night. What? When? Where? Why?

It wasn't until the next morning that we received replies. HTP and I hovered near the computer screen in the lobby of our hostel. My Dad had sent us an email detailing the events of that day and so did my teenage son, September 11, and I read the emails aloud to our fellow travelers. Everyone was anxious for news instead of rumor. My daughter emailed that she had picked #1 son up from school and taken him to church for a special service that afternoon, because she knew that is what we would want. #1 son told us not to worry. Our Pastor and his wife called #1 son to make sure he was "OK".

And life went on. Our tour continued but our thoughts were directed elsewhere. Our world had changed. Has it really been three years since then?

Murphyism of the Day

Alinsky's Rule for Radicals

Those who are most moral are farthest from the problem.

Do you ever crave chocolate? Are you a chocoholic? I know can definitely answer yes to both of those questions. I have a friend who told me that once she had a craving so bad that she actually picked out and ate all the chocolate chips from a chocolate chip cookie mix that she had stored in her pantry. If I had any chocolate chip cookie mix in my pantry right now I just might pick out and eat those chips today. I would kill for some deep dark chocolate right now. I prefer See's dark chocolate or Godiva would do. MMMM. Unfortunately, I don't have any of either in the house and I would have to drive to THE BIG CITY to get either...actually, I won't see and See's until I get back to Arizona. I don't use a mix when I make chocolate chip cookies so there is no hope of that in my pantry. Oh well...I settled for an old Hershey's chocolate bar left over from when we had company and #1 son made S'Mores. There was just one bar left. I ate it. I don't like milk chocolate much but it had to do. Milk chocolate is better then no chocolate. White chocolate isn't even chocolate so you won't find any of that ever in my house. There are chocolate chips in the pantry...I think...because #1 son told me not to touch his chocolate chips before he left for college. They may belong to #1 son but they are definitely in jeopardy right now. MMMMM....CHOCOLATE!!!!!!! Nothing gets in the way of a chocoholic and chocolate....except maybe a request from #1 son. The kid must be psychic or know his mother too well.

Murphyism of the Day

Chocolate cravings generally occur when there is little or no chocolate of value in the house.

#1 son seems to be enjoying his time at school. How do I know this? He's already decided to stay at school this weekend instead of coming home to see his folks. He's got plans. How do I feel about this? I feel wonderful. Really! I mean it. I was worried about how he'd get along there at the University and it seems like he'll do just fine. Besides, I'll see him next weekend. I'm holding his guitar hostage.

Murphyism of the Day

Kamin's Law

When attempting to predict and forecast macro-economic moves of economic legislation by a politician, never be mislead by what he says; instead--watch what he does.

I didn't do anything today. OK. I played Pogo. I read a book. I made pancakes for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch and I'm making supper right now as I blog. So I guess I did do something. It's just been one of those days when you don't feel like doing anything. Maybe I'll be more ambitious tomorrow.

Murphyism of the Day

Todd's Two Political Principles

1. No matter what they're telling you, they're not telling you the whole truth.

2. No matter what they're telling you, they're talking about money.

HTP finally got all the borders raked. Now we're all ready for fall...and then we have to do it all over again. I planted three perennial columbine in the border near the house. I hope they survive the winter. I know. It's not winter yet...or fall even. But it feels like it.

I cleaned #1 son's room and did the laundry. I still have to "clean" it and the bathroom downstairs but that can wait. #1 son called to tell us how his first day of classes went. I think he's going to have to tweek his schedule a bit but other then that (knock on wood) everything sounds like it's going just fine.

Murphyism of the Day

Law of Legislative Action

The length of time it takes a bill to pass through the legislature is in inverse proportion to the number of lobbying groups favoring it.

Where does one put 30 quarts of tomatoes? I brought some of them down to the basement to store and the rest of them I put in boxes to bring back to Arizona. HTP wondered why I was putting boxes of canned goods in the living room. I told him that I didn't think I wanted to take them all down to the basement and then bring them all back up when we packed to go to Arizona. Made sense to me. Anyway, he wants me to stick them in the closet. I will...if we have company. In the meantime, they can stay in boxes in the corner of the living room. I put all the jam that I plan to bring to Arizona in that corner too. I'm going to bring two quarts of canned blackberries back to Arizona too. I'm going to try and make some wine when I get back to Arizona.

I was trying to think about what I was doing at this time last year. Checking my blog from back then I find that I was winterizing my garden. I won't have to do that until after first frost now. Good thing. My garden is just starting to produce. I'm looking forward still to tomatoes and more green beans. I won't be making pickles this year but I can enjoy cukes for salad and zucchini and summer squash on our table. I'm glad I'm not having to put my garden to bed. That can wait for at least a few more weeks, Mother Nature willing.

I picked berries again today and didn't see a single mosquito...or even a fleet of them. The blackberries are at their prime. I picked enough for dessert for the next few nights and another quart that I canned. I was going to go and check the garden for more green beans but it's Labor Day. In honor of Labor Day, I don't plan to pick any beans so I won't have to can any beans. I'll worry about that tomorrow. After I start the laundry and clean #1 son's room. Yes, he left his room in the basement in total disarray. It's a mess.

Murphyism of the Day

The Sausage Principle

People who love sausage and respect the law should never watch either one being made.

I finally finished canning the tomatoes that I bought the other day. I don't think I'll have to buy any more tomatoes for canning. My own tomatoes are just starting to ripen. When they start getting out of hand, I'll can some of those. I may have to can some green beans too. I picked a colander full of them yesterday. I love green beans but I don't think HTP and I will be able to eat all that are coming from the garden as fast as they are coming from the garden. What we can't eat, I'll can and bring back to Arizona with us.

It's been a wet dreary day today. I suspect that we'll be getting another line of showers soon. I won't complain. Florida is having lots more rain right now with Hurricane Frances. I've only got 2" in the rain gauge right now. And here I was thinking about watering the garden yesterday. Now I don't have to...right away.

Murphyism of the Day

Law of the Lie

No matter how often a lie is shown to be false, there will remain a percentage of people who believe it true.

The Continuing Cronicles of an Empty Nester

I peeled, seeded, and canned 18 quarts of tomatoes. I canned three quarts of blackberries. I picked the beans and prepped them for supper. Waste not, want not...I drained all the "tomato water" off the tomato seeds that I tossed and made Bloody Mary's. I've got 1 quart of "tomato water" cooling in the fridge for future Bloody Mary's. I have another half bushel of tomatoes to can but that will have to wait until tomorrow. I have to make supper. I have no idea what to make for supper but I'm sure I'll figure out something....after I finish my Bloody Mary.

Murphyism of the Day

Hartz's Law of Rhetoric

Any argument carried far enough will end up in semantics.

What does an empty-nester do with her time? I got up as usual. Made coffee as usual. Took care of the dogs as usual. Made breakfast for two instead of for three. After breakfast, HTP and I drove over and picked up a couple of bushels of canning tomatoes from one of the local farmers. After that we went shopping for groceries since we were so close to the big city anyway. When we got back I made lunch after putting the groceries away. Then I donned my berry picking armor and went out berry picking. I worry about picking the beans tomorrow. HTP tells me that #1 son left his room in a bit of a mess downstairs. I'll worry about that next week when I do the laundry. Anyway, in answer to my initial question, I do pretty much the same stuff now that I did before I was an empty-nester. Tonight I'll work on the afghan the I'm making for #1 son while I watch TV with HTP. Oops. Maybe not. I have to clean the berries. Maybe just a couple of rows. But right now I have to go make supper. I'm making State Fair Corn Dogs because HTP loves them and we couldn't go to the Minnesota State Fair this year.

Murphyism of the Day

Hutchins' Law

You can't outtalk a man who knows what he's talking about.

We left for The Big City before breakfast. It took all kinds of manuvering to get all the stuff that #1 son thought he'd need at college all packed into our car (a huge gas guzzling SUV). Word to the wise: Get out your old Tetris game and practice. HTP is pretty good at loading a car (I'm better but why should I tell him?) so I just opened and closed the door as #1 son brought load after load after load after load of stuff up the stairs from the basement and out to the car.

Three hours later, we arrived at the college campus. This was supposed to be EARLY move-in. I've never seen so many kids and so much luggage and so many cars and so few places to park. HTP and I both went to college at this campus and we both lived in dorms at this campus. We had never seen this much madness. I'm glad we won't be there for REGULAR move-in this Saturday. I don't even plan to think about it.

There was a line of kids trying to get their room keys. There was a line of kids hoping to get a cart to help with the transfer of all the multitude of worldly goods that these kids think they NEED up to their miniscule rooms. When did these rooms shrink? I didn't go up to see #1 son's room but HTP assured me that the room was a lot smaller then he remembered and the hallways were barely passable with the carts of stuff these kids think they need. I must say that I was rather amused as I watched some stuff come back to be piled back into parents' cars. Apparently some stuff just won't fit. I saw a 7' couch being carried by and I just smiled. I don't know what happened to the recliner that was waiting to be toted upstairs. WE didn't have to bring any of #1 son's stuff back home with us but this may come to pass next weekend after #1 son and his room-mate have time to assess things. #1 son's room-mate doesn't move in until Saturday....or Sunday. HTP and son were able to bring all #1 son's stuff up to his room using a cart and a dolley that we brought from home (we did bring the dolley home with us but that was planned.)

It was exciting to see all the energy and activity that I observed as all these kids prepare for a new stage in their lives. I told #1 son that I envy him. He has so many experiences to look forward to and friends to make. I remember fondly my years at college. I met some of my best friends there. One of those best friends introduced me to my husband, HTP. My son took her daughter to prom. My room-mate is still one of my best friends. I look forward to visiting with her this fall on my way back to Arizona. I'm hoping that we can get together again this year for another Vegas Gal weekend.

After making sure the #1 son was "settled" properly, HTP and I ran out of steam. We drove back to The Lake, picked up our dogs from my folks' place, and collapsed. I only seem to have enough energy to blog and watch the Republican Convention. I want to watch George W. Bush's speech tonight. I hope I can keep my eyes open long enough.

Murphyism of the Day

No matter how well you think you remember something, facts are eager to slap you in the face with the reality that your recollections are never accurate.

I'm still doing laundry. We went shopping to pick up those last forgotten items that #1 son might need at college. We took the dogs over to my folks place since we'll be in The Big City tomorrow taking #1 son to college. No worries. None at all. Really.

We saw four deer by our driveway and another crossing the driveway as we drove back in tonight. Only HTP and I saw them as #1 son was back home packing. Pretty soon people are going to think that HTP and I are losing our marbles. I tell you all about the wonderful wildlife up here and no-one ever sees it but HTP and me. There's never any wildlife about when we have guests. None. Not even any chipmunk. Did I tell you that I saw a bald eagle perching on a tree by the dock? I ran to get the camera but it took off before I could focus enough to take the shot. Argh! I did see it. Really. And all #1 son could ask was, "Was it white?" all because I told him about that beautiful white tree frog I saw while berry picking. Grumble, grumble. I did see a white frog. (None of the deer were white....except for their tails.)

Murphyism of the Day

Courtois' Rule

If people listened to themselves more often, they would talk less.