Twenty-Six Days Until We Leave Arizona
Word of the Day
Oliphantocrocosaurus - If your not sure as to what African animal it is or was - use this word! Kids just love it!
One of my favorite comedians (Bill Engvall) has a bit about people who you see at the County Fair. He claims that you see people there in outfits that you wouldn't be caught in cleaning dog mess out of your yard....and it's true. You see the same stuff at the Malls and the grocery stores. That thought came to mind because...that's what I was doing today. Not the County Fair, The Mall, or the grocery stores. Cleaning dog mess out of the yard. Someone's gotta do it. It doesn't just go away on its own. At least...not here in Arizona with our dearth of rain. Sad to say, there is no magical dog poop fairy to remove the offending stuff. The dog mess turns into petrified bits of crap that tends to look a lot like the gravel where it hides. And for some reason my dogs think of it as dog munchies that they need to drag up onto the deck to snack on. But it isn't gravel and it isn't dog munchies and I know it and you know it and EVERYONE knows it so today was my day to clean the dog mess out of the yard. The sad thing is that it isn't always easy to pick out the stuff amongst the gravel. Unfortunately, the dogs seem to see it just fine. No matter how thorough I think I am, they will always find that elusive piece that I missed and they'll drag it out to munch on. Yuck! I do not accept doggie kisses. Oh...and I plan to change my clothes before I go shopping today. I wouldn't want to be caught out in public with my dog poop fairy costume.
Murphyism of the Day
Maryann's Law
You can always find what you're not looking for.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Twenty-Seven Days Until We Leave Arizona
Word of the Day
Oinkment - A healing goo that makes you oink like a piggy.
Today is my sister's birthday! Happy Birthday Sis! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday Dear Sis! Happy Birthday to You! Here's hoping that you have a wonderful day!
I ordered my vegetable plants today from Burpee. First I had to make sure that they wouldn't arrive in Wisconsin before HTP and I got there. So I called the 1-800 number for Burpee and asked. I was assured that said plants wouldn't get to me in Wisconsin until mid-May. Great! I'll be there to greet the UPS guy or FedEx or the USPS guy. Whichever method of delivery Burpee decides to choose. I'll even make every effort to have my garden all tilled and prepped for the new arrivals. I'm going to do some experimentation this year. I've never grown eggplant. There's a reason for that. I never was all that fond of eggplant. However, I've decided that it's not bad if it's cooked the way they cooked it for us in Italy. Really fine slices cooked as if they were sheets of lasagna pasta. Used instead of the lasagna pasta. Same Lasagna recipe...no pasta. It was really good that way. Plus, HTP's Mom loves these Italian Eggplant Pickles. And I'm told that it makes a wonderful hummus-style dip if you roast it. So...I ordered three varieties of eggplant. One actually has white skin. Plus, I got some different varieties of tomato plants. One actually promises that I'll have ripe tomatoes by the 4th of July. And, of course, I ordered some Italian Pepper plants. And some peppers for stuffing. Seeds? I can get those from any of the local stores when we get to Wisconsin. I'm tempted to order a couple of new planters this year too...but I've got time before I need to do that. Your tomato plants end up growing upside down from a hanging container. Interesting. Very interesting. My sister told me about them last year. I wonder if she got any and if so, how well they worked. The Earthboxes that I tried last year worked fine...to a certain degree. I plan to experiment more with those this summer. I'd also like to see how well my tame raspberry plants survived the winter and deer. If they survived, I may decide to order more raspberry plants. I'll still go out and pick the wild raspberries but it sure would be nice to have a handier crop closer to the house. I wonder how my currants did over the winter? The tame raspberries and the currant bushes were last summer's experiments...still in progress.
Murphyism of the Day
Oien's Observation
The quickest way to find something is to start looking for something else.
Word of the Day
Oinkment - A healing goo that makes you oink like a piggy.
Today is my sister's birthday! Happy Birthday Sis! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday Dear Sis! Happy Birthday to You! Here's hoping that you have a wonderful day!
I ordered my vegetable plants today from Burpee. First I had to make sure that they wouldn't arrive in Wisconsin before HTP and I got there. So I called the 1-800 number for Burpee and asked. I was assured that said plants wouldn't get to me in Wisconsin until mid-May. Great! I'll be there to greet the UPS guy or FedEx or the USPS guy. Whichever method of delivery Burpee decides to choose. I'll even make every effort to have my garden all tilled and prepped for the new arrivals. I'm going to do some experimentation this year. I've never grown eggplant. There's a reason for that. I never was all that fond of eggplant. However, I've decided that it's not bad if it's cooked the way they cooked it for us in Italy. Really fine slices cooked as if they were sheets of lasagna pasta. Used instead of the lasagna pasta. Same Lasagna recipe...no pasta. It was really good that way. Plus, HTP's Mom loves these Italian Eggplant Pickles. And I'm told that it makes a wonderful hummus-style dip if you roast it. So...I ordered three varieties of eggplant. One actually has white skin. Plus, I got some different varieties of tomato plants. One actually promises that I'll have ripe tomatoes by the 4th of July. And, of course, I ordered some Italian Pepper plants. And some peppers for stuffing. Seeds? I can get those from any of the local stores when we get to Wisconsin. I'm tempted to order a couple of new planters this year too...but I've got time before I need to do that. Your tomato plants end up growing upside down from a hanging container. Interesting. Very interesting. My sister told me about them last year. I wonder if she got any and if so, how well they worked. The Earthboxes that I tried last year worked fine...to a certain degree. I plan to experiment more with those this summer. I'd also like to see how well my tame raspberry plants survived the winter and deer. If they survived, I may decide to order more raspberry plants. I'll still go out and pick the wild raspberries but it sure would be nice to have a handier crop closer to the house. I wonder how my currants did over the winter? The tame raspberries and the currant bushes were last summer's experiments...still in progress.
Murphyism of the Day
Oien's Observation
The quickest way to find something is to start looking for something else.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Twenty-Eight Days Until We Leave Arizona
Word of the Day
Offvending machine - Drink or food machine that takes your money and supplies no goods.
What happened to yesterday's blog? I forgot. I got busy. I got lazy. There was nothing worth reporting...which, of course, just isn't the truth because one only has to open a newspaper and see that there's a whole lot of stuff happening. Of course my stuff doesn't usually hit the newspapers so.... Actually, I bought three new books at the bookstore on Sunday and that's why I didn't blog. I read all three books. I gulped them down like the true addict that I am. I set down the books only long enough to make meals, eat meals, do the laundry and sleep. I gorged myself, sucking down books like some poor soul who sits down and consumes a pound of chocolate candy in one sitting. I really hate it when I do that....not the chocolate thing. The book thing. I do love chocolate but there's no way that I could sit down and eat a pound of the stuff...even if it happens to be Godiva's truffles. The thing is that now I don't have anything to read until I go back to the bookstore and buy that new Christine Feehan book. It came out yesterday but I haven't had a chance to go out and buy it. Maybe I'll run out later to get it. HTP has the car today so I've got to wait. I suppose I could have ordered it from Amazon but that takes a lot longer than just going to the store to buy it. I reserve Amazon for when we're in Wisconsin. The closest bookstore to us in Wisconsin is a tiny little store front bookstore and their inventory isn't always what it should be. I'm told that I can special order books through them but I can do that through Amazon and I don't have to use a middleman. I'm sure I'll be ordering books aplenty this summer from Amazon, Walmart, and Overstock.com.
Murphyism of the Day
Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle
The location of all objects cannot be known simultaneously.
Corollary
If a lost thing is found, something else will disappear.
Word of the Day
Offvending machine - Drink or food machine that takes your money and supplies no goods.
What happened to yesterday's blog? I forgot. I got busy. I got lazy. There was nothing worth reporting...which, of course, just isn't the truth because one only has to open a newspaper and see that there's a whole lot of stuff happening. Of course my stuff doesn't usually hit the newspapers so.... Actually, I bought three new books at the bookstore on Sunday and that's why I didn't blog. I read all three books. I gulped them down like the true addict that I am. I set down the books only long enough to make meals, eat meals, do the laundry and sleep. I gorged myself, sucking down books like some poor soul who sits down and consumes a pound of chocolate candy in one sitting. I really hate it when I do that....not the chocolate thing. The book thing. I do love chocolate but there's no way that I could sit down and eat a pound of the stuff...even if it happens to be Godiva's truffles. The thing is that now I don't have anything to read until I go back to the bookstore and buy that new Christine Feehan book. It came out yesterday but I haven't had a chance to go out and buy it. Maybe I'll run out later to get it. HTP has the car today so I've got to wait. I suppose I could have ordered it from Amazon but that takes a lot longer than just going to the store to buy it. I reserve Amazon for when we're in Wisconsin. The closest bookstore to us in Wisconsin is a tiny little store front bookstore and their inventory isn't always what it should be. I'm told that I can special order books through them but I can do that through Amazon and I don't have to use a middleman. I'm sure I'll be ordering books aplenty this summer from Amazon, Walmart, and Overstock.com.
Murphyism of the Day
Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle
The location of all objects cannot be known simultaneously.
Corollary
If a lost thing is found, something else will disappear.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Thirty Days Before We Leave Arizona for Wisconsin
Word of the Day
Oddka - A weird tasting and unknown liquor.
Time to take the dogs to the vet. I have an appointment for later today. HTP is going to help me with them. Needless to say, the dogs hate going to the vet. However, I have to bring them in for their vaccination renewals. Both of them need rabies vaccinations. I can't get a license for them in Wisconsin without it. Plus, it's just a really good idea. Bats. Sometimes I wonder if I should get a rabies vaccination. Especially as I rescue yet another batch of stupid bats from the window box on our deck. Thankfully, I've never been bitten for my efforts. Yet. Anyway, that'll be one less thing on my To Do List before heading to Wisconsin.
Murphyism fo the Day
Iles' Law
There is always an easier way to do it.
Corollaries
1. When looking directly at the easier way, expecially for long periods, you will not see it.
2. Neither will Illes.
Word of the Day
Oddka - A weird tasting and unknown liquor.
Time to take the dogs to the vet. I have an appointment for later today. HTP is going to help me with them. Needless to say, the dogs hate going to the vet. However, I have to bring them in for their vaccination renewals. Both of them need rabies vaccinations. I can't get a license for them in Wisconsin without it. Plus, it's just a really good idea. Bats. Sometimes I wonder if I should get a rabies vaccination. Especially as I rescue yet another batch of stupid bats from the window box on our deck. Thankfully, I've never been bitten for my efforts. Yet. Anyway, that'll be one less thing on my To Do List before heading to Wisconsin.
Murphyism fo the Day
Iles' Law
There is always an easier way to do it.
Corollaries
1. When looking directly at the easier way, expecially for long periods, you will not see it.
2. Neither will Illes.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Word of the Day
Obnoxified - Feeling the effects of obnoxiousness.
We sounded great! Not to break my arm patting us on the back but Momma pin a rose on me and the rest of our woodwind quartet. We played for two services this morning.
After church I drove on over to Barnes & Nobles to see if there was anything there that I hadn't read yet. There was but I didn't buy them out. I limited myself to a few good books and another Suduko book.
While I worked Suduko puzzles, HTP started making our reservations for the return trip to The Lake. We plan on a quick stop in Vegas for our anniversary at the end of April and then on to The Lake. So?
Thirty-One Days Before We Leave Arizona for Wisconsin.
It's Sopranos night. I'm making spaghetti and serving it with a Caesar Salad...lite.
Murphyism of the Day
Gumperson's Law
The probability of anything happening is in inverse ratio to its desirability.
Obnoxified - Feeling the effects of obnoxiousness.
We sounded great! Not to break my arm patting us on the back but Momma pin a rose on me and the rest of our woodwind quartet. We played for two services this morning.
After church I drove on over to Barnes & Nobles to see if there was anything there that I hadn't read yet. There was but I didn't buy them out. I limited myself to a few good books and another Suduko book.
While I worked Suduko puzzles, HTP started making our reservations for the return trip to The Lake. We plan on a quick stop in Vegas for our anniversary at the end of April and then on to The Lake. So?
Thirty-One Days Before We Leave Arizona for Wisconsin.
It's Sopranos night. I'm making spaghetti and serving it with a Caesar Salad...lite.
Murphyism of the Day
Gumperson's Law
The probability of anything happening is in inverse ratio to its desirability.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Word of the Day
Obliment - An obligatory compliment. To give an obligatory compliment.
As DD Daughter would say, I've got a Head Explodie. Too much sun? The heat of the day? Too much Suduko? I have no idea. However, I refuse to give into it. And I refuse to believe that my Advil won't work. It will. Given time.
I'm making a turkey on the grill. I've never done that before. Actually, it's just a large turkey breast but the thing weighs almost eight-pounds. I'm experimenting with some mesquite chips. I'm experimenting for the entire thing. I got a recipe off the internet that claims to know how to do this. So far, so good. It smells good. It's just taking longer than I expected. The heat is hard to judge. So far the thing has been cooking for three hours....and counting. HTP is demanding results. We didn't eat lunch.
It's early to bed for me tonight. I have to get up at the crack of dawn to get to church. I'm playing in a woodwind quartet for two services. My head explodie will settle down a lot faster if I get some sleep.
Murphyism of the Day
Gattuso's Extension of Murphy's Law
Nothing is ever so bad that it can't get worse.
Obliment - An obligatory compliment. To give an obligatory compliment.
As DD Daughter would say, I've got a Head Explodie. Too much sun? The heat of the day? Too much Suduko? I have no idea. However, I refuse to give into it. And I refuse to believe that my Advil won't work. It will. Given time.
I'm making a turkey on the grill. I've never done that before. Actually, it's just a large turkey breast but the thing weighs almost eight-pounds. I'm experimenting with some mesquite chips. I'm experimenting for the entire thing. I got a recipe off the internet that claims to know how to do this. So far, so good. It smells good. It's just taking longer than I expected. The heat is hard to judge. So far the thing has been cooking for three hours....and counting. HTP is demanding results. We didn't eat lunch.
It's early to bed for me tonight. I have to get up at the crack of dawn to get to church. I'm playing in a woodwind quartet for two services. My head explodie will settle down a lot faster if I get some sleep.
Murphyism of the Day
Gattuso's Extension of Murphy's Law
Nothing is ever so bad that it can't get worse.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Word of the Day
Nozone layer - The name for the hole in the ozone layer.
What a difference a day will make. Yesterday was sweatshirt weather. Today? I'm thinking about digging out my shorts and sandals. It's starting to cool down but the temperature outside right now is 83°F. I love it. The windows are open. I'm ready for Spring.
However, not to get ahead of myself. I'm sure I'll have to return to sweatshirts and coats when we get back to Wisconsin. When is that going to be? We're still thinking about it. No firm plans have been drawn up. We're in the planning and thinking about it stage. Right now we're leaning toward a departure on or around our anniversary.
Murphyism of the Day
Farnsdick's Corollary to the Fifth Corollary
After things have gone from bad to worse, the cycle will repeat itself.
Nozone layer - The name for the hole in the ozone layer.
What a difference a day will make. Yesterday was sweatshirt weather. Today? I'm thinking about digging out my shorts and sandals. It's starting to cool down but the temperature outside right now is 83°F. I love it. The windows are open. I'm ready for Spring.
However, not to get ahead of myself. I'm sure I'll have to return to sweatshirts and coats when we get back to Wisconsin. When is that going to be? We're still thinking about it. No firm plans have been drawn up. We're in the planning and thinking about it stage. Right now we're leaning toward a departure on or around our anniversary.
Murphyism of the Day
Farnsdick's Corollary to the Fifth Corollary
After things have gone from bad to worse, the cycle will repeat itself.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Word of the Day
Not-heads - People who say something sarcastic and then exclaim "NOT!" at the end to make sure you knew it was sarcastic.
We've got our car back! Woohoo! I'm going to run right out and use it....NOT! I do have an excuse. It's still too early and I haven't even started breakfast. I did sort through the huge bag of stuff that HTP brought in from the center column holding area in our car. I have a confession to make. I ate the trailmix bar that I found in the bag of stuff. I don't know why it was in the center storage column or who put it there or how long it was there. I will tell you that it tasted really good with my morning cup of coffee. And I did have to check to see if it was stale afterall. I mean, what's the point of keeping stale trailmix bars in your car taking up space? And then...of course, I couldn't just put a started trailmix bar back into the car. That's just gross. Anyway, I put the maps back because HTP loves his maps along with the owner's manual. I returned the service record for the car as well as our proof of insurance. I returned a small packet of tissues and my sunglasses even though I never wear them unless I've got my contact lenses in and that isn't too often. However, that's where I'd really need the sunglasses should I happen to be wearing my contact lenses. So...they're there, just in case. I threw away all kinds of expired coupons which have been shoved there over the years but I set aside our gas receipts for HTP to enter into his computer spread sheet. And I set aside a bunch of screws and nuts and stuff that I have no idea what they are for or where they go. HTP will have to decide. I returned three pencils and two pens and put the twenty others back into our office desk. Don't ask me why we had so many pencils and pens in the center column storage area because I haven't a clue. And you know the kicker? Whenever I need a pencil or pen while we're in the car, I never can find one. I did put a pad of notepaper in the column. There wasn't one in the huge sack of stuff and I hate writing notes on the back of sale's receipts. And I returned the car kit for our XM radio and the car cellphone charger. So...as you can see...there's still quite a bit of stuff in our center column storage/holding area. I'd add a few tools to the stuff but I carry that sort of thing in my purse so there's no reason for duplication. Oh...there's an umbrella in there too. It's a huge center column. Kind of like Mary Poppins' carpet bag purse. Or...my purse. Flashlight? That's in the glove compartment. It's so nice to have the car back in the garage. I feel like someone returned your security blanket. Or they fixed my computer. However. I do indeed plan to go out shopping later today. We need fresh veggies along with whole list of other things. And I need to make another hair appointment.
Murphyism of the Day
The Extended Murphy's Law
If a series of events goes wrong, it will do so in the worst possible sequence.
Not-heads - People who say something sarcastic and then exclaim "NOT!" at the end to make sure you knew it was sarcastic.
We've got our car back! Woohoo! I'm going to run right out and use it....NOT! I do have an excuse. It's still too early and I haven't even started breakfast. I did sort through the huge bag of stuff that HTP brought in from the center column holding area in our car. I have a confession to make. I ate the trailmix bar that I found in the bag of stuff. I don't know why it was in the center storage column or who put it there or how long it was there. I will tell you that it tasted really good with my morning cup of coffee. And I did have to check to see if it was stale afterall. I mean, what's the point of keeping stale trailmix bars in your car taking up space? And then...of course, I couldn't just put a started trailmix bar back into the car. That's just gross. Anyway, I put the maps back because HTP loves his maps along with the owner's manual. I returned the service record for the car as well as our proof of insurance. I returned a small packet of tissues and my sunglasses even though I never wear them unless I've got my contact lenses in and that isn't too often. However, that's where I'd really need the sunglasses should I happen to be wearing my contact lenses. So...they're there, just in case. I threw away all kinds of expired coupons which have been shoved there over the years but I set aside our gas receipts for HTP to enter into his computer spread sheet. And I set aside a bunch of screws and nuts and stuff that I have no idea what they are for or where they go. HTP will have to decide. I returned three pencils and two pens and put the twenty others back into our office desk. Don't ask me why we had so many pencils and pens in the center column storage area because I haven't a clue. And you know the kicker? Whenever I need a pencil or pen while we're in the car, I never can find one. I did put a pad of notepaper in the column. There wasn't one in the huge sack of stuff and I hate writing notes on the back of sale's receipts. And I returned the car kit for our XM radio and the car cellphone charger. So...as you can see...there's still quite a bit of stuff in our center column storage/holding area. I'd add a few tools to the stuff but I carry that sort of thing in my purse so there's no reason for duplication. Oh...there's an umbrella in there too. It's a huge center column. Kind of like Mary Poppins' carpet bag purse. Or...my purse. Flashlight? That's in the glove compartment. It's so nice to have the car back in the garage. I feel like someone returned your security blanket. Or they fixed my computer. However. I do indeed plan to go out shopping later today. We need fresh veggies along with whole list of other things. And I need to make another hair appointment.
Murphyism of the Day
The Extended Murphy's Law
If a series of events goes wrong, it will do so in the worst possible sequence.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Word of the Day
Noshtalgia - Home cooking.
We are still carless but the car repairman just told HTP that the car should be done by tonight. Of course, this doesn't help me too much since I have to be at church tonight at a time which will probably be a lot sooner than the car will be ready. If the car is ready tonight which as far as I'm concerned is a rather doubtful matter. Thankfully, someone in my neighborhood who also goes to the church has promised to give me a ride. If HTP does by any chance get the car back tonight, he tells me that he'll pick me up. Thankfully my neighbor has promised to give me a ride home should the car repairman break another promise.
I made a huge pot of chili yesterday. I've decided that I like my homemade chili a lot better than the store bought stuff. Nothing like a nice hot bowl of homemade chili to warm the cockles. It's been pretty cold here...relatively speaking. The high today is only 65°F. That's cold for here in the desert where I live. Of course, #1 son is experiencing much colder weather in Minnesota. Spring may have sprung but the only flowers in Minnesota are the ones that can be purchased at the florist. I wonder how his houseplants are doing?
My new trees appear to be doing just fine so far. HTP and I still have to stake them better but that'll have to wait for another day. Oh...and I have to dump the 1/8 " of rain out of my rain gauge. It rained yesterday. Just enough enough to wet the sidewalks and move the float in my rain gauge a hair.
Murphyism of the Day
Booker's Law
An ounce of application is worth a ton of abstraction.
Noshtalgia - Home cooking.
We are still carless but the car repairman just told HTP that the car should be done by tonight. Of course, this doesn't help me too much since I have to be at church tonight at a time which will probably be a lot sooner than the car will be ready. If the car is ready tonight which as far as I'm concerned is a rather doubtful matter. Thankfully, someone in my neighborhood who also goes to the church has promised to give me a ride. If HTP does by any chance get the car back tonight, he tells me that he'll pick me up. Thankfully my neighbor has promised to give me a ride home should the car repairman break another promise.
I made a huge pot of chili yesterday. I've decided that I like my homemade chili a lot better than the store bought stuff. Nothing like a nice hot bowl of homemade chili to warm the cockles. It's been pretty cold here...relatively speaking. The high today is only 65°F. That's cold for here in the desert where I live. Of course, #1 son is experiencing much colder weather in Minnesota. Spring may have sprung but the only flowers in Minnesota are the ones that can be purchased at the florist. I wonder how his houseplants are doing?
My new trees appear to be doing just fine so far. HTP and I still have to stake them better but that'll have to wait for another day. Oh...and I have to dump the 1/8 " of rain out of my rain gauge. It rained yesterday. Just enough enough to wet the sidewalks and move the float in my rain gauge a hair.
Murphyism of the Day
Booker's Law
An ounce of application is worth a ton of abstraction.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Word of the Day
Nose loaders - Masses of little bugs that swarm in the spring and fall.
I wasn't planning on going anywhere today anyway. I've got laundry that I'm doing. Tuesday=Laundry Day. It's not that I NEED a car sitting out in the garage right now. Why is it that the second you DON'T have a car for even one day, that's when you start getting antsy and seem to NEED a car? Right NOW! The thing of it is, if the car was in the garage right now, I'd find an excuse to stay home. Three times I thought about running off to the store to buy this or that yesterday...but NO...we don't have a car and the nearest store isn't all that near. I'm not up to battling shin splints just to go out and buy a package of hamburger buns and some fresh veggies. I miss the days when we used to have two cars. If one car was stuck in the repair shop, we always had the other car. Not that I would use that car but...it was there if I wanted to use it. Actually, we do still own two cars. One of them is in Wisconsin right now taking up space in the garage there. It's hibernating. But that's besides the point. WE DON'T HAVE A CAR! At least not right now. HTP assures me that we'll have a car again sometime today. Suck it up! He didn't tell me to suck it up. I told myself that. I tell myself that some people would find it a luxury to even own a car. I tell myself that some people take a bus everywhere or *shudder* walk. I can do that. I can walk. I just don't want to walk. And if the car were in the garage right now? I'd be able to go shopping for some milk right now. But...if the car were in the garage right now I'm sure I'd think up a perfectly reasonable excuse why I couldn't go shopping right now. And to quote Gilda Radnor, "It just goes to show you, it's always something. If it isn't one thing it's another. If it isn't another thing it's something else." And today's something? I don't have a car. I don't need a car. I just THINK I need a car. Old Grey Frog is losing her mind but she's fully aware of the fact so that's a plus. My biggest fear is that not having car will force me to clean the house today. NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Car Update : 5 PM
Meskimen's Law
There's never time to do it right, but there's always time to do it over.
Nose loaders - Masses of little bugs that swarm in the spring and fall.
I wasn't planning on going anywhere today anyway. I've got laundry that I'm doing. Tuesday=Laundry Day. It's not that I NEED a car sitting out in the garage right now. Why is it that the second you DON'T have a car for even one day, that's when you start getting antsy and seem to NEED a car? Right NOW! The thing of it is, if the car was in the garage right now, I'd find an excuse to stay home. Three times I thought about running off to the store to buy this or that yesterday...but NO...we don't have a car and the nearest store isn't all that near. I'm not up to battling shin splints just to go out and buy a package of hamburger buns and some fresh veggies. I miss the days when we used to have two cars. If one car was stuck in the repair shop, we always had the other car. Not that I would use that car but...it was there if I wanted to use it. Actually, we do still own two cars. One of them is in Wisconsin right now taking up space in the garage there. It's hibernating. But that's besides the point. WE DON'T HAVE A CAR! At least not right now. HTP assures me that we'll have a car again sometime today. Suck it up! He didn't tell me to suck it up. I told myself that. I tell myself that some people would find it a luxury to even own a car. I tell myself that some people take a bus everywhere or *shudder* walk. I can do that. I can walk. I just don't want to walk. And if the car were in the garage right now? I'd be able to go shopping for some milk right now. But...if the car were in the garage right now I'm sure I'd think up a perfectly reasonable excuse why I couldn't go shopping right now. And to quote Gilda Radnor, "It just goes to show you, it's always something. If it isn't one thing it's another. If it isn't another thing it's something else." And today's something? I don't have a car. I don't need a car. I just THINK I need a car. Old Grey Frog is losing her mind but she's fully aware of the fact so that's a plus. My biggest fear is that not having car will force me to clean the house today. NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Car Update : 5 PM
HTP just got a call from the car repair shop and it looks like we'll be carless for yet another day. I'm off to cancel appointments yet again. We've been promised that it'll be fixed for sure by tomorrow night. Should I hold my breath? You want my guess? I think THEY decided to fix someone else's car instead of ours because someone else made more noise and THEY shuffled our car to the rear. Or am I just being paranoid?
Murphyism of the DayMeskimen's Law
There's never time to do it right, but there's always time to do it over.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Word of the Day
Nonversation - A conversation meant to convey a submerged, often hostile, message, at odds with its surface content.
HTP brought the car in this morning. On our way back to Arizona yesterday, we noted a familiar odor. Anti-freeze. We'd had a bad experience with a leaky radiator one year and were afraid that we were in for another such experience. However, when we stopped to check, no leak was readily apparent. So, we continued on our way home. With the odor still lingering, HTP decided to do a more indepth check on things. Yup. There was indeed a leak. I'm not exactly sure where or what but it was definitely leaking. So off to the repair shop went HTP with the car this morning. I cancelled and rescheduled appointments. We are carless until a fix can be made. At least the car repair place drove HTP home so he wouldn't have to spend the hours upon hours it seems that this repair is taking to repair. They promised to call. They haven't called. HTP called them. Our heater core was leaking and we need a new one....etc. Will we get our car back today? Nope. Tomorrow? Only time will tell and only the repairmen know. Oh well...we need to have the spark plugs changed and some other maintenance before we plan to head off to Wisconsin. I guess we're lucky this happened now rather than half-way through rural Kansas in the middle of nowhere with no cellphone service.
Murphyism of the Day
Young's Law of Inanimate Mobility
All inanimate objects can move just enough to get in your way.
Nonversation - A conversation meant to convey a submerged, often hostile, message, at odds with its surface content.
HTP brought the car in this morning. On our way back to Arizona yesterday, we noted a familiar odor. Anti-freeze. We'd had a bad experience with a leaky radiator one year and were afraid that we were in for another such experience. However, when we stopped to check, no leak was readily apparent. So, we continued on our way home. With the odor still lingering, HTP decided to do a more indepth check on things. Yup. There was indeed a leak. I'm not exactly sure where or what but it was definitely leaking. So off to the repair shop went HTP with the car this morning. I cancelled and rescheduled appointments. We are carless until a fix can be made. At least the car repair place drove HTP home so he wouldn't have to spend the hours upon hours it seems that this repair is taking to repair. They promised to call. They haven't called. HTP called them. Our heater core was leaking and we need a new one....etc. Will we get our car back today? Nope. Tomorrow? Only time will tell and only the repairmen know. Oh well...we need to have the spark plugs changed and some other maintenance before we plan to head off to Wisconsin. I guess we're lucky this happened now rather than half-way through rural Kansas in the middle of nowhere with no cellphone service.
Murphyism of the Day
Young's Law of Inanimate Mobility
All inanimate objects can move just enough to get in your way.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Word of the Day
Nocabulary - A collection of funny, made-up words.
HTP and I are home from Vegas. We had a wonderful time. The luck of the Irish shined down on us. I wore my green. I ate corned beef and cabbage. I listened to a live Irish band and even the mournful cry of the bagpipes. Wonderful!
What can I say about Vegas? I love to people watch. Talking to those people who love to talk is a wonderful way to enjoy Vegas. You get such a mixture. I've observed a multitude of types of gamblers.
There are the gamblers who spend most of their time in front of the TV's in the sport book rooms. I don't know a thing about sports so I avoid that room. I may watch a football game on occasion if a favored team might be playing but it's a rare event. I'm just not into sports.
Then there are the gamblers who spend most of their time at the blackjack tables. I've played blackjack but it's too predictable for me and it holds little interest for me. There's always the serious blackjack players who quietly place their bets and keep try vainly to keep their mouths shut when a "hasn't a clue" player decides to hit when the dealer has a six showing. These novices have a wonderful time losing their money at the blackjack table while never understanding the rolled eyes and groans of the surrounding players. The serious blackjack players avoid the novices by moving to the high limit tables. I tend to break even at the blackjack tables. I know how to play but I refuse to strain my brain cells by counting cards.
I've observed the partying that surrounds the craps tables. Too loud for me. Mostly these seem to be young people who have been drinking too much. There is a lot of screaming and yelling. And I must say they do seem to be having a great deal of fun. I haven't a clue how to play and my rule is NEVER PLAY A GAME THAT YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO PLAY. You might as well hand your money to the nearest casino owner the second you walk in if you break the above rule. That way you can go home and save the tiny amount of time it would have taken for you to lose.
Then there are the slot players. This is where I spend most of my time watching people. I've watched the penny players, the nickel players, the quarter players, the dollar players, and even the five dollar players. There are even $10 slots. I'm sorry. Just thinking about playing with that kind of money makes me blink. Too deep for me. There are reel slots where you play everywhere from one credit to three credits. Video slots where you play one credit to 300 credits a pop. Video poker where you play anywhere from one credit to five credits per hand. Multiply that for triple play poker where you play three hands simultaneously. Even more for five play, ten play, fifty play, and one hundred play.
You've got the novice slot players. These people come in and haven't a clue about how to play. They don't care. They have a great deal of fun watching the reels spin. You know that these people are novices from the squeals of excitement when BAR BAR BAR comes up or when they receive their first flush while playing video poker...and I'm not talking about a Royal Flush. I've often observed how these people play video poker and it truly is a minor miracle how often I actually see them win. And they do win much to the disgust and bewilderment of those who know how to play.
We've got the elderly players. I often see elderly married couples play on the same machine. This is a mixed experience. Some are very much in love and they share the experience of playing. First one will play until a hand is lost and then the other will play. It's wonderful to watch. I'm not so fond of watching the wife with the control freak know-it-all husband. This man never plays video poker however he's played poker with his buddies so he knows EVERYTHING. (not) Anyway, poor little wifey spends a hapless time being coached as to what she should hold and what she should toss with the husband in constant critical mode. I usually try to escape so I don't have to witness these displays. Then there is the addict man or woman who has parked themselves in front of a machine. This is THEIR machine. They've already put hundreds of dollars (according to them) into the machine and THEY ARE NOT LEAVING no matter what their spouse demands. And once I saw a wife played on a machine, on and off, for three days and nights. She brought her poor husband who was obviously suffering from old-timers disease. She plunked him down on the seat beside her while she played. He sat quietly and watched. On occasion she praised him for being such a good boy. It made my stomach turn to watch.
There are some very serious players who I see everytime I visit the casino. They sit all by themselves. They do not want to talk. Their eyes are glued to their machine. Their hands flash faster than you can actually imagine anyone can move. Sometimes they play two machines or even three at the same time. Never play the minimum and dare to win on a machine in their vicinity. They have been known to get up to yell at a person who would have won a jackpot if they'd just played with maximum coin. I've seen it. I have to admit that I have been known to comment to my Mom and my Dad on occasion when they would have hit the jackpot if they'd had more than a single coin in at the time. Mentally, I'm screaming in pain. But...I do understand.
My folks fall into the category of locals who like to play but they aren't all that serious. They live in Vegas. If you live in Vegas, you can't spend too much time in the casinos. I had one lady tell me that she loves to play and if she played with the maximum that is required for a jackpot, she'd run out of money and she'd never get to play...or not for long. She knew how to play and she was happy with her royal flush...even if it didn't pay her the jackpot. My folks are just as happy. For the most part, people like my folks play for fun and to rack up comps for free food. They come in for the free money that the casinos give them to lure them into the casinos. They spend the free money and head on home. They come for the free presents that the casinos give them to lure them into the casinos. They pick up their presents and head on home. Food? I swear that my Mom would never have to cook if she didn't want to cook. I'm pretty sure that if I actually lived in Vegas, I'd either become one of these folks or I'd continue only visiting the casinos on a occasional basis as I do now...just so I could play the max and have a chance at the elusive jackpots. Maybe I'll become a mixture.
This last visit I noted an increased number of really old people. People with walkers. People on those mobile scooters. People in wheelchairs. Women with HATS? When did wearing hats and turbans come back into style? Then there were the kids running free or with a harried Grandmom or Dad or Mom riding herd. I swore I heard the nasal laugh of Fran Drescher (The Nanny) the last night that we were in Vegas this time but I didn't get up to check. At one point I got up and left a whole section of the casino when I saw a woman, complete with those funny nozzles in her nose and oxygen tank, light up a cigarette. Now, that's a gamble I just won't take. I watched really obese people wheel their way in their mobile scooters to the nearest casino buffet line. And I enjoyed watching this fragile older woman with white hair and beautiful parchment skin playing on a machine next to her son. She was so lady-like sitting there playing on her machine, pressing the buttons with her embroidered handkerchief.
Sometimes people watching is wonderfully rewarding and amusing. Sometimes it's depressing. Sometimes it's just scary and sad. A warning. A lesson. See that person? Could I get like that? Thank goodness my husband isn't like that one. There is no way that I'm going to start wearing one of those funny hats or turbans. Well...maybe if I lose my hair...or it turns green. PLEASE! Someone please tell me not to dye my hair some peculiar shade of red or pink. Never let me eat myself to the point where I can't walk anymore. And why do men feel that they have to light up a stinky cigar and park themselves right next to MY winning machine?
Note to Mom: Neither HTP or I play addictively. We never break our own unwritten rules when it comes to gambling. If I told you the rules, then I'd have to write them down and then they wouldn't be unwritten. HTP and I enjoy our time in Vegas. We play with a limited amount of money each day. We enjoy our freebies. We enjoy the company of you and Dad. We love to share the comps we've earned with family and friends. For a few days I don't have to cook or worry about calories. I can indulge my people watching habit for the short time before it would actually send me insane. And then? We head on home. Three days is as long as we can tolerate in one stretch. Oh...and the casino invited HTP and me to a steak dinner at a local restaurant here in Arizona this Friday. Woohoo! Another freebie! I'm my Mother's daughter.
Murphyism of the Day
The Rockefeller Principle
Never do anything you wouldn't be caught dead doing.
Nocabulary - A collection of funny, made-up words.
HTP and I are home from Vegas. We had a wonderful time. The luck of the Irish shined down on us. I wore my green. I ate corned beef and cabbage. I listened to a live Irish band and even the mournful cry of the bagpipes. Wonderful!
What can I say about Vegas? I love to people watch. Talking to those people who love to talk is a wonderful way to enjoy Vegas. You get such a mixture. I've observed a multitude of types of gamblers.
There are the gamblers who spend most of their time in front of the TV's in the sport book rooms. I don't know a thing about sports so I avoid that room. I may watch a football game on occasion if a favored team might be playing but it's a rare event. I'm just not into sports.
Then there are the gamblers who spend most of their time at the blackjack tables. I've played blackjack but it's too predictable for me and it holds little interest for me. There's always the serious blackjack players who quietly place their bets and keep try vainly to keep their mouths shut when a "hasn't a clue" player decides to hit when the dealer has a six showing. These novices have a wonderful time losing their money at the blackjack table while never understanding the rolled eyes and groans of the surrounding players. The serious blackjack players avoid the novices by moving to the high limit tables. I tend to break even at the blackjack tables. I know how to play but I refuse to strain my brain cells by counting cards.
I've observed the partying that surrounds the craps tables. Too loud for me. Mostly these seem to be young people who have been drinking too much. There is a lot of screaming and yelling. And I must say they do seem to be having a great deal of fun. I haven't a clue how to play and my rule is NEVER PLAY A GAME THAT YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO PLAY. You might as well hand your money to the nearest casino owner the second you walk in if you break the above rule. That way you can go home and save the tiny amount of time it would have taken for you to lose.
Then there are the slot players. This is where I spend most of my time watching people. I've watched the penny players, the nickel players, the quarter players, the dollar players, and even the five dollar players. There are even $10 slots. I'm sorry. Just thinking about playing with that kind of money makes me blink. Too deep for me. There are reel slots where you play everywhere from one credit to three credits. Video slots where you play one credit to 300 credits a pop. Video poker where you play anywhere from one credit to five credits per hand. Multiply that for triple play poker where you play three hands simultaneously. Even more for five play, ten play, fifty play, and one hundred play.
You've got the novice slot players. These people come in and haven't a clue about how to play. They don't care. They have a great deal of fun watching the reels spin. You know that these people are novices from the squeals of excitement when BAR BAR BAR comes up or when they receive their first flush while playing video poker...and I'm not talking about a Royal Flush. I've often observed how these people play video poker and it truly is a minor miracle how often I actually see them win. And they do win much to the disgust and bewilderment of those who know how to play.
We've got the elderly players. I often see elderly married couples play on the same machine. This is a mixed experience. Some are very much in love and they share the experience of playing. First one will play until a hand is lost and then the other will play. It's wonderful to watch. I'm not so fond of watching the wife with the control freak know-it-all husband. This man never plays video poker however he's played poker with his buddies so he knows EVERYTHING. (not) Anyway, poor little wifey spends a hapless time being coached as to what she should hold and what she should toss with the husband in constant critical mode. I usually try to escape so I don't have to witness these displays. Then there is the addict man or woman who has parked themselves in front of a machine. This is THEIR machine. They've already put hundreds of dollars (according to them) into the machine and THEY ARE NOT LEAVING no matter what their spouse demands. And once I saw a wife played on a machine, on and off, for three days and nights. She brought her poor husband who was obviously suffering from old-timers disease. She plunked him down on the seat beside her while she played. He sat quietly and watched. On occasion she praised him for being such a good boy. It made my stomach turn to watch.
There are some very serious players who I see everytime I visit the casino. They sit all by themselves. They do not want to talk. Their eyes are glued to their machine. Their hands flash faster than you can actually imagine anyone can move. Sometimes they play two machines or even three at the same time. Never play the minimum and dare to win on a machine in their vicinity. They have been known to get up to yell at a person who would have won a jackpot if they'd just played with maximum coin. I've seen it. I have to admit that I have been known to comment to my Mom and my Dad on occasion when they would have hit the jackpot if they'd had more than a single coin in at the time. Mentally, I'm screaming in pain. But...I do understand.
My folks fall into the category of locals who like to play but they aren't all that serious. They live in Vegas. If you live in Vegas, you can't spend too much time in the casinos. I had one lady tell me that she loves to play and if she played with the maximum that is required for a jackpot, she'd run out of money and she'd never get to play...or not for long. She knew how to play and she was happy with her royal flush...even if it didn't pay her the jackpot. My folks are just as happy. For the most part, people like my folks play for fun and to rack up comps for free food. They come in for the free money that the casinos give them to lure them into the casinos. They spend the free money and head on home. They come for the free presents that the casinos give them to lure them into the casinos. They pick up their presents and head on home. Food? I swear that my Mom would never have to cook if she didn't want to cook. I'm pretty sure that if I actually lived in Vegas, I'd either become one of these folks or I'd continue only visiting the casinos on a occasional basis as I do now...just so I could play the max and have a chance at the elusive jackpots. Maybe I'll become a mixture.
This last visit I noted an increased number of really old people. People with walkers. People on those mobile scooters. People in wheelchairs. Women with HATS? When did wearing hats and turbans come back into style? Then there were the kids running free or with a harried Grandmom or Dad or Mom riding herd. I swore I heard the nasal laugh of Fran Drescher (The Nanny) the last night that we were in Vegas this time but I didn't get up to check. At one point I got up and left a whole section of the casino when I saw a woman, complete with those funny nozzles in her nose and oxygen tank, light up a cigarette. Now, that's a gamble I just won't take. I watched really obese people wheel their way in their mobile scooters to the nearest casino buffet line. And I enjoyed watching this fragile older woman with white hair and beautiful parchment skin playing on a machine next to her son. She was so lady-like sitting there playing on her machine, pressing the buttons with her embroidered handkerchief.
Sometimes people watching is wonderfully rewarding and amusing. Sometimes it's depressing. Sometimes it's just scary and sad. A warning. A lesson. See that person? Could I get like that? Thank goodness my husband isn't like that one. There is no way that I'm going to start wearing one of those funny hats or turbans. Well...maybe if I lose my hair...or it turns green. PLEASE! Someone please tell me not to dye my hair some peculiar shade of red or pink. Never let me eat myself to the point where I can't walk anymore. And why do men feel that they have to light up a stinky cigar and park themselves right next to MY winning machine?
Note to Mom: Neither HTP or I play addictively. We never break our own unwritten rules when it comes to gambling. If I told you the rules, then I'd have to write them down and then they wouldn't be unwritten. HTP and I enjoy our time in Vegas. We play with a limited amount of money each day. We enjoy our freebies. We enjoy the company of you and Dad. We love to share the comps we've earned with family and friends. For a few days I don't have to cook or worry about calories. I can indulge my people watching habit for the short time before it would actually send me insane. And then? We head on home. Three days is as long as we can tolerate in one stretch. Oh...and the casino invited HTP and me to a steak dinner at a local restaurant here in Arizona this Friday. Woohoo! Another freebie! I'm my Mother's daughter.
Murphyism of the Day
The Rockefeller Principle
Never do anything you wouldn't be caught dead doing.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Word of the Day
Medification - Adjusting your medications.
I know! Surprise! I decided to blog despite the late hour. Despite the late hour, please note that I continue to warn that I may not blog again while we're here in Vegas. I might but I might not. It's better to assume the worst and thus be surprised by... OK...my blog isn't the best but it is a blog.
We left our home in Arizona at around 7 AM and arrived in Vegas at around 12 noon. After a quick stop at my folks' house, we continued on to Sam's Town. Traffic wasn't a problem. There wasn't any Dam traffic.
HTP and I had lunch at The Harvest Cafe. HTP and I both thought the French fries were awful. Despite the fact that I ordered a baked potato, I got the same awful French fries that HTP received. Thankfully, our waitress, upon realizing her mistake, brought me a promised baked potato. I didn't have to eat the dreaded French fries.
So far, so good. I'm a bit ahead...money-wise...for this trip. After a wonderful supper at Billy Bob's...OK...it wasn't magnificent but it was pretty good and it was free...I returned to the room. It's late. Normally, Arizona-time, I'd be in bed already. Anyway, I'm sitting here, blogging, with a glass of wine leftover from supper. As per our request, our hostess arranged to have a small fridge in our room so all left-overs...food-wise...are safely stowed in said fridge. I ate the lobster tail but I've never been fond of Billy Bob's filet mignon. Arizona daughter tells me that the chef or undocumented kitchen help must have "poked it" thus letting all the wonderful juices leak out. Somehow a bloodless piece of rare meat just doesn't cut it for me. Call me vampira but I need the blood.
Murphyism of the Day
Frothingham's Law
Urgency varies inversely with importance.
Medification - Adjusting your medications.
I know! Surprise! I decided to blog despite the late hour. Despite the late hour, please note that I continue to warn that I may not blog again while we're here in Vegas. I might but I might not. It's better to assume the worst and thus be surprised by... OK...my blog isn't the best but it is a blog.
We left our home in Arizona at around 7 AM and arrived in Vegas at around 12 noon. After a quick stop at my folks' house, we continued on to Sam's Town. Traffic wasn't a problem. There wasn't any Dam traffic.
HTP and I had lunch at The Harvest Cafe. HTP and I both thought the French fries were awful. Despite the fact that I ordered a baked potato, I got the same awful French fries that HTP received. Thankfully, our waitress, upon realizing her mistake, brought me a promised baked potato. I didn't have to eat the dreaded French fries.
So far, so good. I'm a bit ahead...money-wise...for this trip. After a wonderful supper at Billy Bob's...OK...it wasn't magnificent but it was pretty good and it was free...I returned to the room. It's late. Normally, Arizona-time, I'd be in bed already. Anyway, I'm sitting here, blogging, with a glass of wine leftover from supper. As per our request, our hostess arranged to have a small fridge in our room so all left-overs...food-wise...are safely stowed in said fridge. I ate the lobster tail but I've never been fond of Billy Bob's filet mignon. Arizona daughter tells me that the chef or undocumented kitchen help must have "poked it" thus letting all the wonderful juices leak out. Somehow a bloodless piece of rare meat just doesn't cut it for me. Call me vampira but I need the blood.
Murphyism of the Day
Frothingham's Law
Urgency varies inversely with importance.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Word of the Day
Nicktator - One who insists on referring to his friends and family by a nick name.
I've got trees! The nursery came and brought the trees this morning. They look great! Now...let's see if I can keep them alive. HTP and I supervised the planting from a safe distance.
The laundry is almost done. My bags are packed. Tomorrow HTP and I are off to Vegas to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Actually, we usually try to avoid holidays but we're keeping our fingers crossed that there won't be too many crazy people at Sam's Town to celebrate either St. Patty's Day or Spring Break.
Do I need to remind you about my rules when it comes to blogging and Vegas? If you don't see me blog, it doesn't necessarily mean that I've died or jumped off The Dam. It means that I'd rather spend my time and energies doing other things. It means that I hate dial-up modem speeds...or lack thereof. It means that maybe I'm having a spot of luck. Maybe....maybe not. We will have the laptop with us but that doesn't mean that we'll be spending endless hours online.
Murphyism of the Day
The Chi Factor
Quantity = 1/quality; or, quantity is inversely proportional to quality.
Nicktator - One who insists on referring to his friends and family by a nick name.
I've got trees! The nursery came and brought the trees this morning. They look great! Now...let's see if I can keep them alive. HTP and I supervised the planting from a safe distance.
The laundry is almost done. My bags are packed. Tomorrow HTP and I are off to Vegas to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Actually, we usually try to avoid holidays but we're keeping our fingers crossed that there won't be too many crazy people at Sam's Town to celebrate either St. Patty's Day or Spring Break.
Do I need to remind you about my rules when it comes to blogging and Vegas? If you don't see me blog, it doesn't necessarily mean that I've died or jumped off The Dam. It means that I'd rather spend my time and energies doing other things. It means that I hate dial-up modem speeds...or lack thereof. It means that maybe I'm having a spot of luck. Maybe....maybe not. We will have the laptop with us but that doesn't mean that we'll be spending endless hours online.
Murphyism of the Day
The Chi Factor
Quantity = 1/quality; or, quantity is inversely proportional to quality.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Word of the Day
Nerb - Neither a noun or an adjective, but something in the middle.
I've done absolutely nothing today. There's plenty that I probably should but I'm having a lazy day. I'm storing up energy for tomorrow.
Tomorrow there is lots and lots of stuff happening. My trees are coming and I'll have to make sure that the nursery people plant them correctly. HTP and I already have the proper staking materials but we'll wait until all the planting is done. We may even wait until next week. One more week with splinted trunks won't make all that much difference.
And then tomorrow is laundry day. On top of that, I'll have to dig out the suitcase and pack. We're going to be heading off to Vegas on Wednesday morning. And I'll want to wash my hair and that'll take half the day.
So you see, I have to store up energy for tomorrow. Besides, I'm just feeling lazy. It's not like I didn't feed the dogs or make breakfast or put away clean dishes or stuff that I do every day and don't count because I do them every day. It's just that I should be doing so much and I don't feel like it. So I won't, and you can't make me.
Murphyism of the Day
Higdon's Law
Good judgment comes from bad experience
Experience comes from bad judgment.
Nerb - Neither a noun or an adjective, but something in the middle.
I've done absolutely nothing today. There's plenty that I probably should but I'm having a lazy day. I'm storing up energy for tomorrow.
Tomorrow there is lots and lots of stuff happening. My trees are coming and I'll have to make sure that the nursery people plant them correctly. HTP and I already have the proper staking materials but we'll wait until all the planting is done. We may even wait until next week. One more week with splinted trunks won't make all that much difference.
And then tomorrow is laundry day. On top of that, I'll have to dig out the suitcase and pack. We're going to be heading off to Vegas on Wednesday morning. And I'll want to wash my hair and that'll take half the day.
So you see, I have to store up energy for tomorrow. Besides, I'm just feeling lazy. It's not like I didn't feed the dogs or make breakfast or put away clean dishes or stuff that I do every day and don't count because I do them every day. It's just that I should be doing so much and I don't feel like it. So I won't, and you can't make me.
Murphyism of the Day
Higdon's Law
Good judgment comes from bad experience
Experience comes from bad judgment.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Word of the Day
Neologophobic - The fear of coining new words.
The sun is shining again. Temperatures have dropped. Right now it's only 56°F. That's cold. All said and done, the rain gauge in my backyard reads that we received 2 1/2 inches of rain. That's a lot. I suppose I should go out and empty the rain gauge.
I got up early because I had an early morning practice at the church. Four of us are playing a woodwind quartet on March 26th. Should be fun. Anyway, today was the first practice. Unfortunately only three of us were at the practice. We'll be having another practice next Sunday.
Tonight is the first episode of the 6th and new season of Soprano's. HTP and I are addicted to the show. After church, I went shopping. I decided that we need to have a party for two to celebrate the new season. I'm making Italian spaghetti with Italian sausage. Tossing out the low/no carb rule, we're having garlic bread too. Maybe the Caesar salad will make up for the carbs. Oh...and Iindulgedd myself with a nice bottle of red wine to wash it all down.
Murphyism of the Day
Lackland's Laws
1. Never be first.
2. Never be last.
3. Never volunteer for anything.
Neologophobic - The fear of coining new words.
The sun is shining again. Temperatures have dropped. Right now it's only 56°F. That's cold. All said and done, the rain gauge in my backyard reads that we received 2 1/2 inches of rain. That's a lot. I suppose I should go out and empty the rain gauge.
I got up early because I had an early morning practice at the church. Four of us are playing a woodwind quartet on March 26th. Should be fun. Anyway, today was the first practice. Unfortunately only three of us were at the practice. We'll be having another practice next Sunday.
Tonight is the first episode of the 6th and new season of Soprano's. HTP and I are addicted to the show. After church, I went shopping. I decided that we need to have a party for two to celebrate the new season. I'm making Italian spaghetti with Italian sausage. Tossing out the low/no carb rule, we're having garlic bread too. Maybe the Caesar salad will make up for the carbs. Oh...and Iindulgedd myself with a nice bottle of red wine to wash it all down.
Murphyism of the Day
Lackland's Laws
1. Never be first.
2. Never be last.
3. Never volunteer for anything.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Word of the Day
Nagivate - One who incessantly assists with directions in an overly critical manner.
Rain ! Finally!
It's finally raining in The Valley of the Sun. My apologies to those people who would have preferred a sunshiny day. My rain gauge if finally living up to its potential. I can clearly see that we've already had nearly one inch of rain. Woohoo! And it looks like we're going to get more. One thing about rain here in Arizona is that drivers react to it in a similar manner as drivers reacting to the first snowfall of the season in Minnesota. On top of that, there's always at least one stupid person who insists on trying to cross a flooded area in their car. And...of course...they get stuck and need to be rescued. I was pleased when Arizonans finally passed a Stupid Idiot Law. That's not what they actually call it but you get the idea. The Stupid Idiot Law was passed so the smart Arizonans don't have to pay to rescue the stupid Arizonans and tourists. If you're stupid enough to drive into a flooded wash, then YOU pay for the cost of the rescue people coming to scoop your sorry a** off the top of your flooded vehicle. If you're stupid enough to go climbing one of our surrounding hills and mountains and then suddenly figure out that it's harder to climb down, especially after dark, then it is to climb up, than YOU pay for the cost of the rescue people and helicopters, that have to swing into action to pluck you off a mountaintop. I love the Stupid Idiot Law. Don't you all wish your state had one?
It's a beautiful day! If the same weather was happening in Wisconsin, I'd have a different attitude. However, in Wisconsin, I'd probably start a roaring fire in the fireplace and sit quietly crotcheting or reading a book. We don't have a fireplace in our house here in Arizona. Pollution Laws won't let you build real fireplaces anymore here in the Phoenix area. You can have the gas type of fireplace, complete with fake logs, but you can't have a real fireplace. HTP and I decided to forego the fake fireplace since we can enjoy the real thing when we're in Wisconsin. Besides, there aren't many days when it's chilly enough to enjoy a real fireplace fire here in Arizona. Arizonans love weather like this for the very reason that it just doesn't happen all that often. It's a rare event. I don't need to turn on the news to see if the kids are all out splashing in the puddles. They are.
Murphyism of the Day
Borkowski's Law
You can't guard against arbitrary.
Nagivate - One who incessantly assists with directions in an overly critical manner.
Rain ! Finally!
It's finally raining in The Valley of the Sun. My apologies to those people who would have preferred a sunshiny day. My rain gauge if finally living up to its potential. I can clearly see that we've already had nearly one inch of rain. Woohoo! And it looks like we're going to get more. One thing about rain here in Arizona is that drivers react to it in a similar manner as drivers reacting to the first snowfall of the season in Minnesota. On top of that, there's always at least one stupid person who insists on trying to cross a flooded area in their car. And...of course...they get stuck and need to be rescued. I was pleased when Arizonans finally passed a Stupid Idiot Law. That's not what they actually call it but you get the idea. The Stupid Idiot Law was passed so the smart Arizonans don't have to pay to rescue the stupid Arizonans and tourists. If you're stupid enough to drive into a flooded wash, then YOU pay for the cost of the rescue people coming to scoop your sorry a** off the top of your flooded vehicle. If you're stupid enough to go climbing one of our surrounding hills and mountains and then suddenly figure out that it's harder to climb down, especially after dark, then it is to climb up, than YOU pay for the cost of the rescue people and helicopters, that have to swing into action to pluck you off a mountaintop. I love the Stupid Idiot Law. Don't you all wish your state had one?
It's a beautiful day! If the same weather was happening in Wisconsin, I'd have a different attitude. However, in Wisconsin, I'd probably start a roaring fire in the fireplace and sit quietly crotcheting or reading a book. We don't have a fireplace in our house here in Arizona. Pollution Laws won't let you build real fireplaces anymore here in the Phoenix area. You can have the gas type of fireplace, complete with fake logs, but you can't have a real fireplace. HTP and I decided to forego the fake fireplace since we can enjoy the real thing when we're in Wisconsin. Besides, there aren't many days when it's chilly enough to enjoy a real fireplace fire here in Arizona. Arizonans love weather like this for the very reason that it just doesn't happen all that often. It's a rare event. I don't need to turn on the news to see if the kids are all out splashing in the puddles. They are.
Murphyism of the Day
Borkowski's Law
You can't guard against arbitrary.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Word of the Day
Multidigitate - Repeatedly hitting the crosswalk or elevator buttons in the vane hope that it might speed things up.
Still No Rain - 143 Days and Counting
We are supposed to get some rain this weekend. None so far. It has become rather windy and the temperatures have dropped to the mid-60's. But still now rain.
Green Eggs and Ham. That thought just popped into my head. I'm trying to decide what to make for supper tonight. Last night I made baby back ribs. They were so wonderful that we had the left-overs for lunch today. Now I've just got to figure out something creative to make for supper tonight. Something that's on the diet. Ribs weren't but I'm trying to use up some of the stuff that's in the freezer. Sometimes cooking can be really boring when it's just the two of us. HTP and me. Oh well, I'm sure I'll think of something to make...eventually.
I finished up the last of the contest books last night. My results are in their envelope and ready to be mailed. Now I can read something that I really want to read. Or re-read. Or work on more Sudoku puzzles.
Murphyism of the Day
Mae West's Observation
To err is human, but it feels divine.
Multidigitate - Repeatedly hitting the crosswalk or elevator buttons in the vane hope that it might speed things up.
Still No Rain - 143 Days and Counting
We are supposed to get some rain this weekend. None so far. It has become rather windy and the temperatures have dropped to the mid-60's. But still now rain.
Green Eggs and Ham. That thought just popped into my head. I'm trying to decide what to make for supper tonight. Last night I made baby back ribs. They were so wonderful that we had the left-overs for lunch today. Now I've just got to figure out something creative to make for supper tonight. Something that's on the diet. Ribs weren't but I'm trying to use up some of the stuff that's in the freezer. Sometimes cooking can be really boring when it's just the two of us. HTP and me. Oh well, I'm sure I'll think of something to make...eventually.
I finished up the last of the contest books last night. My results are in their envelope and ready to be mailed. Now I can read something that I really want to read. Or re-read. Or work on more Sudoku puzzles.
Murphyism of the Day
Mae West's Observation
To err is human, but it feels divine.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Word of the Day
Moodifying - Something which changes your current mood, either for good or bad.
Still No Rain in The Valley of the Sun - 142 Days?
But...I'm told that we stand a good chance of getting rain any day now so I won't take in my rain gauge yet.
HTP and I went out last night to get stakes for our new trees. We won't actually have these trees until next week but it's best to be prepared. The thing is, nurseries always stake their stock of trees up with a single stake in such a fashion that this stake resembles a splint for a broken leg more than a stake to support the trunk of a tree. This is fine for while the plant is sitting at the nursery in a pot waiting for some person to adopt it but when you get a tree home you need to remove the splint. This is when you notice that the trunk will often flop like a wet noodle. Like a broken leg, the trunk needs to get it's strength back. You need to give the tree a bit of physical therapy. This is done by staking the tree, loosely, between two stakes. Letting it sway back and forth (within limits) so that it's trunk will develop a bit of muscle.
Besides the stakes for the trees, we bought a Rainbow Blue Hibiscus to replace the dreaded bouganvillea. Actually, it's not a Hibiscus at all. They just call it that. It's not even related to the Hibiscus. In reality, it's a Alyogyne huegelii. (I can now actually see my Mom running off to grab her plant book to look up Alyogyne huegelii). However, now you know why they call it a Hibiscus. I can't even pronounce Alyogyne huegelii. Anyway, it's got beautiful midnight blue flowers that are as big as Hibiscus flowers. Now, if you know anything about Hibiscus, you know that they don't have blue flowers. Hibiscus flowers come in a variety of colors but blue isn't one of them. Aside from that, the leaves are different. I'm told that my new plant loves the heat and it doesn't mind the dryness of our desert climate. Another plus? It will survive our occasional cold during the winter. It's hardy down to 23°F. Oh...and it blooms all year round and will grow to be six feet tall and four feet wide and NO NASTY SPINES.
So, early this morning before breakfast, HTP and I went out and dug up the bouganvillea. No sooner than we heartlessly ripped it from its desert bed, than I dragged it off to the garbage can. Don't feel too bad. With the root system that sucker has, I'm sure that it will plant itself firmly and decorate our landfill. My new Ayogyne huegelii has taken its place in our front yard. And it has one huge, gorgeous blue flower waving in the breeze with promising buds of more to come.
Murphyism of the Day
Perrussel's Law
There is no job so simple that it cannot be done wrong.
Moodifying - Something which changes your current mood, either for good or bad.
Still No Rain in The Valley of the Sun - 142 Days?
But...I'm told that we stand a good chance of getting rain any day now so I won't take in my rain gauge yet.
HTP and I went out last night to get stakes for our new trees. We won't actually have these trees until next week but it's best to be prepared. The thing is, nurseries always stake their stock of trees up with a single stake in such a fashion that this stake resembles a splint for a broken leg more than a stake to support the trunk of a tree. This is fine for while the plant is sitting at the nursery in a pot waiting for some person to adopt it but when you get a tree home you need to remove the splint. This is when you notice that the trunk will often flop like a wet noodle. Like a broken leg, the trunk needs to get it's strength back. You need to give the tree a bit of physical therapy. This is done by staking the tree, loosely, between two stakes. Letting it sway back and forth (within limits) so that it's trunk will develop a bit of muscle.
Besides the stakes for the trees, we bought a Rainbow Blue Hibiscus to replace the dreaded bouganvillea. Actually, it's not a Hibiscus at all. They just call it that. It's not even related to the Hibiscus. In reality, it's a Alyogyne huegelii. (I can now actually see my Mom running off to grab her plant book to look up Alyogyne huegelii). However, now you know why they call it a Hibiscus. I can't even pronounce Alyogyne huegelii. Anyway, it's got beautiful midnight blue flowers that are as big as Hibiscus flowers. Now, if you know anything about Hibiscus, you know that they don't have blue flowers. Hibiscus flowers come in a variety of colors but blue isn't one of them. Aside from that, the leaves are different. I'm told that my new plant loves the heat and it doesn't mind the dryness of our desert climate. Another plus? It will survive our occasional cold during the winter. It's hardy down to 23°F. Oh...and it blooms all year round and will grow to be six feet tall and four feet wide and NO NASTY SPINES.
So, early this morning before breakfast, HTP and I went out and dug up the bouganvillea. No sooner than we heartlessly ripped it from its desert bed, than I dragged it off to the garbage can. Don't feel too bad. With the root system that sucker has, I'm sure that it will plant itself firmly and decorate our landfill. My new Ayogyne huegelii has taken its place in our front yard. And it has one huge, gorgeous blue flower waving in the breeze with promising buds of more to come.
Murphyism of the Day
Perrussel's Law
There is no job so simple that it cannot be done wrong.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Word of the Day
Monetious - Often attractive from a distance, but appearing quite the opposite at a closer inspection. ( French painter Monet (1840-1926) who perfected the Impressionism style with highly pixelating his art.)
Drought in Arizona. 140 Days and Counting Without Measurable Rain in The Valley of the Sun.
We haven't had a drop of rain since HTP and I returned to Arizona. While this is a good thing for people who have planned outdoor weddings and parties, this isn't too good for the plants. We have irrigation but the poor plants were looking a bit dusty and forlorn before I gave them a bath the other day. We do live in a desert so a dirth of rain isn't too surprising. However, we do get rain and the 140 days without the wet stuff has broken all records. People from Arizona don't expect a rain like Wisconsin or Minnesota or Oregon or Washington, but we do get rain on occasion. Such occasions will find Arizonans racing outside to enjoy the sight. The other day I walked to the mailboxes with a neighbor and he swore that he felt a drop or two of rain from our overcast skies but I think he was just hopeful. Dire predictions of wildfires have been made. Of course, the same occurs when we get too much rain in the spring because all the resultant vegetation dries in the summer heat and then becomes combustible. So, I guess, rain or no, dire predictions of wildfires will always occur. It would be nice to get some rain though.
HTP and I took care of the backyard landscaping cleanup this morning. It was a perfect morning for such a spring cleaning. The sun was out but the temperature was still cool enough so we weren't having to run in and drink copious amounts of water. While my son in Minnesota talks of snow and cold, here in Arizona it's time to get the yardwork done. I always feel energized right after this kind of work. However, I know I'll feel it later so I need to hurry and take care of stuff that I won't feel like taking care of due to sore muscles later on.
I don't want to think about the fact that it won't be too long before I'll be doing yardwork at our house in Wisconsin. The yardwork there is always a challenge. Stuff grows with no problem. Green. Lots of green. My Mom actually accused me of planting grass by her cabin one year. Honest. I didn't. It grew up all on it's own. There is never an area that won't turn green with moss or grass if you cut away the trees and the weeds. No desert landscaping there. Lots and lots of constant weeding or spraying for weeds. The rule in Wisconsin is to pull at least ten weeds every time you go outside to walk the dogs. And that's just so they don't take over, demand the vote, and ultimately decide they should be the rulers of the world. Have you ever seen how the ancient Mayan ruins have been overwhelmed and hidden in the jungles? Overwhelmed by green vegetation. Weeds. I have no doubt that such would be the fate of my house in Wisconsin if I wasn't constantly vigilant with my weeding.
Murphyism of the Day
Hane's Law
There is no limit to how bad things can get.
Monetious - Often attractive from a distance, but appearing quite the opposite at a closer inspection. ( French painter Monet (1840-1926) who perfected the Impressionism style with highly pixelating his art.)
Drought in Arizona. 140 Days and Counting Without Measurable Rain in The Valley of the Sun.
We haven't had a drop of rain since HTP and I returned to Arizona. While this is a good thing for people who have planned outdoor weddings and parties, this isn't too good for the plants. We have irrigation but the poor plants were looking a bit dusty and forlorn before I gave them a bath the other day. We do live in a desert so a dirth of rain isn't too surprising. However, we do get rain and the 140 days without the wet stuff has broken all records. People from Arizona don't expect a rain like Wisconsin or Minnesota or Oregon or Washington, but we do get rain on occasion. Such occasions will find Arizonans racing outside to enjoy the sight. The other day I walked to the mailboxes with a neighbor and he swore that he felt a drop or two of rain from our overcast skies but I think he was just hopeful. Dire predictions of wildfires have been made. Of course, the same occurs when we get too much rain in the spring because all the resultant vegetation dries in the summer heat and then becomes combustible. So, I guess, rain or no, dire predictions of wildfires will always occur. It would be nice to get some rain though.
HTP and I took care of the backyard landscaping cleanup this morning. It was a perfect morning for such a spring cleaning. The sun was out but the temperature was still cool enough so we weren't having to run in and drink copious amounts of water. While my son in Minnesota talks of snow and cold, here in Arizona it's time to get the yardwork done. I always feel energized right after this kind of work. However, I know I'll feel it later so I need to hurry and take care of stuff that I won't feel like taking care of due to sore muscles later on.
I don't want to think about the fact that it won't be too long before I'll be doing yardwork at our house in Wisconsin. The yardwork there is always a challenge. Stuff grows with no problem. Green. Lots of green. My Mom actually accused me of planting grass by her cabin one year. Honest. I didn't. It grew up all on it's own. There is never an area that won't turn green with moss or grass if you cut away the trees and the weeds. No desert landscaping there. Lots and lots of constant weeding or spraying for weeds. The rule in Wisconsin is to pull at least ten weeds every time you go outside to walk the dogs. And that's just so they don't take over, demand the vote, and ultimately decide they should be the rulers of the world. Have you ever seen how the ancient Mayan ruins have been overwhelmed and hidden in the jungles? Overwhelmed by green vegetation. Weeds. I have no doubt that such would be the fate of my house in Wisconsin if I wasn't constantly vigilant with my weeding.
Murphyism of the Day
Hane's Law
There is no limit to how bad things can get.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Word of the Day
Misunderestimate - To underestimate wrongly.
Woohoo! I finished the yucky book. On a scale of 1-9, with 9 being the highest score and 1 being the lowest. I gave the yucky book a 3. What I'd like to know is, how did this book ever get published? Honestly? Maybe I should have given the book a 1 or 2 but I'm giving the benefit of the doubt to the author and the fact that I may just be getting prudish in my old grey frogginess. I'm going to read a book that I know I'll like...to get the taste of the last one out of my mind. Then...if the next book isn't impossible, I'll finish my judging for the year and get the results into the mail before the end of the week. I think I'll request NOT to judge for this category next year.
Murphyism of the Day
Dude's Law Duality
Of two possible events, only the undesired one will occur.
Misunderestimate - To underestimate wrongly.
Woohoo! I finished the yucky book. On a scale of 1-9, with 9 being the highest score and 1 being the lowest. I gave the yucky book a 3. What I'd like to know is, how did this book ever get published? Honestly? Maybe I should have given the book a 1 or 2 but I'm giving the benefit of the doubt to the author and the fact that I may just be getting prudish in my old grey frogginess. I'm going to read a book that I know I'll like...to get the taste of the last one out of my mind. Then...if the next book isn't impossible, I'll finish my judging for the year and get the results into the mail before the end of the week. I think I'll request NOT to judge for this category next year.
Murphyism of the Day
Dude's Law Duality
Of two possible events, only the undesired one will occur.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Word of the Day
Mirth-control - Trying not to laugh.
HTP and I spent some time in the front yard. He discovered a second lawn-blower/sucker in the garage. I won't go into how many times I told him that it was there. Anyway, these things both blow and suck but it's not easy to switch them from blower to sucker. So...HTP set the one on suck and the other on blow and then...away we went. We ended up blowing the stuff out of the neighbor's yards too because our stuff ended up blowing EVERYWHERE. It's kind of hard to control where the stuff blows and then the wind wasn't exactly cooperative either. Anyway, the front yard is looking really nice now. HTP even spritzed the weeds. Note that the backyard is still waiting. We aren't as worried about the backyard because the HOA can't touch us for anything that goes on back there. We'll get to it but not for a bit more. We finished cleaning up the front yard to avoid getting a letter from the HOA and because we didn't want to tackle the project next week. Makes sense to me.
I'm still reading on that third book. It just hasn't gotten any better. I am, however, getting quite an education on stuff that I'd have preferred not knowing about. EWWW! GROSS!
I didn't watch the Oscars last night. Quite frankly, I can't think of one movie lately that I'd want to see. I like comedies. I don't even watch TV much. I'd rather read a good book. Emphasis on GOOD.
Murphyism of the Day
The Cardinal Conundrum
The optimist believes we live in the best possible worlds.
A pessimist fears this is true.
Mirth-control - Trying not to laugh.
HTP and I spent some time in the front yard. He discovered a second lawn-blower/sucker in the garage. I won't go into how many times I told him that it was there. Anyway, these things both blow and suck but it's not easy to switch them from blower to sucker. So...HTP set the one on suck and the other on blow and then...away we went. We ended up blowing the stuff out of the neighbor's yards too because our stuff ended up blowing EVERYWHERE. It's kind of hard to control where the stuff blows and then the wind wasn't exactly cooperative either. Anyway, the front yard is looking really nice now. HTP even spritzed the weeds. Note that the backyard is still waiting. We aren't as worried about the backyard because the HOA can't touch us for anything that goes on back there. We'll get to it but not for a bit more. We finished cleaning up the front yard to avoid getting a letter from the HOA and because we didn't want to tackle the project next week. Makes sense to me.
I'm still reading on that third book. It just hasn't gotten any better. I am, however, getting quite an education on stuff that I'd have preferred not knowing about. EWWW! GROSS!
I didn't watch the Oscars last night. Quite frankly, I can't think of one movie lately that I'd want to see. I like comedies. I don't even watch TV much. I'd rather read a good book. Emphasis on GOOD.
Murphyism of the Day
The Cardinal Conundrum
The optimist believes we live in the best possible worlds.
A pessimist fears this is true.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Word of the Day
Mirrorcle - Looking in the mirror while making a wish.
Church. I played with the children's choir and with the contemporary group. Twice blessed. I love playing my clarinet especially when others are playing along with me. A soloist I'm not. I had to laugh at the comments made by the kids. "You're a professional. It's so cool that we get to sing with a professional clarinetist." Poor kids. Hate to disillusion them but...I'm no professional. I just love to play.
I broke down and read two more chapters from that third book. Yuck! It just doesn't get a whit better. At this rate the book will take weeks to read. I checked. There's 24 Chapters....24 LONG chapters. All filled with blech. I've read 10 of them. *Shudder*
Murphyism of the Day
Murphy's Saving Grace
The worst is enemy of the bad.
Mirrorcle - Looking in the mirror while making a wish.
Church. I played with the children's choir and with the contemporary group. Twice blessed. I love playing my clarinet especially when others are playing along with me. A soloist I'm not. I had to laugh at the comments made by the kids. "You're a professional. It's so cool that we get to sing with a professional clarinetist." Poor kids. Hate to disillusion them but...I'm no professional. I just love to play.
I broke down and read two more chapters from that third book. Yuck! It just doesn't get a whit better. At this rate the book will take weeks to read. I checked. There's 24 Chapters....24 LONG chapters. All filled with blech. I've read 10 of them. *Shudder*
Murphyism of the Day
Murphy's Saving Grace
The worst is enemy of the bad.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Word of the Day
Mirrmaids - The group of teenage girls who congregate in front of the mirror in restrooms.
Gag me. I started reading the third book that I need to judge for the contest and....
I just had to put it down. This one is going to take a bit of slogging to get through. I've read through eight chapters already and I now know more than I've ever wanted to know about personal "toys". The sister of the main female character designs them. Oh...and they're all in shades of neon...don'tcha know. What did this author do? Go visit an Adult's Only Store? Castle Boutique? Geez...see Old Grey hop off to go wash her hands...
I've since decided to hold off finishing this book until Monday...or Tuesday. I will have to finish the dang book but....Blech! I am not a prude. I'm not. I'm just not sure I want to read all about how these toys will be woven into the story. And yes, I imagine that this is what the author probably does. The worst part is this is a story where I still haven't been drawn in by the author to feel an ounce sympathy or ANY FEELING for ANYONE in the book as yet. And I've already read EIGHT CHAPTERS. IF I had by any chance moment of insanity bought this book, I would, with not a moment of hesitation, throw this book in the garbage. I'll give another go at reading it on Monday. I refuse to read this book on a Sunday and I've already read too much of it for today.
Murphyism of the Day
The Unapplicable Law
Washing your car to make it rain doesn't work.
Mirrmaids - The group of teenage girls who congregate in front of the mirror in restrooms.
Gag me. I started reading the third book that I need to judge for the contest and....
I just had to put it down. This one is going to take a bit of slogging to get through. I've read through eight chapters already and I now know more than I've ever wanted to know about personal "toys". The sister of the main female character designs them. Oh...and they're all in shades of neon...don'tcha know. What did this author do? Go visit an Adult's Only Store? Castle Boutique? Geez...see Old Grey hop off to go wash her hands...
I've since decided to hold off finishing this book until Monday...or Tuesday. I will have to finish the dang book but....Blech! I am not a prude. I'm not. I'm just not sure I want to read all about how these toys will be woven into the story. And yes, I imagine that this is what the author probably does. The worst part is this is a story where I still haven't been drawn in by the author to feel an ounce sympathy or ANY FEELING for ANYONE in the book as yet. And I've already read EIGHT CHAPTERS. IF I had by any chance moment of insanity bought this book, I would, with not a moment of hesitation, throw this book in the garbage. I'll give another go at reading it on Monday. I refuse to read this book on a Sunday and I've already read too much of it for today.
Murphyism of the Day
The Unapplicable Law
Washing your car to make it rain doesn't work.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Word of the Day
Minglish - Combining English with another language.
OK. I admit it. I've been doing anything and everything to avoid reading anymore of the books that I'm supposed to be judging. So...I got up this morning, heated up a cup of yesterday's left-over coffee, brewed a fresh pot, fed and took care of the dogs, made breakfast, I took my vitamins, I reset my watch to reflect the proper date because for some reason it thought that this was a leap year....all more delaying tactics, but in my mind the entire time I knew that I had to face the inevitable. Sigh. I solved three more Sudoku puzzles as I watched the news, checked the blogs and the Marine support boards and then I dug out another book and settled into it.
Surprise! I mean really! I finished it in one sustained gulp and it was GREAT! I loved it. There was humor. There was a real live story with conflict. Both the hero and heroine could have walked off the page of the book, and the supporting cast of characters were wonderful! I really loved it. And now? I refuse to drag my present mood down by reading another of the books that may wreck things. Tomorrow is soon enough...or maybe Monday. I don't have to have the other books read INSTANTLY. I've got until the end of the month.
So...I did my duty. I read my second book for the contest and I was rewarded with a really good book. And now, maybe I'd better take a look at that music that I'm expected to play this Sunday at church.
*Murphyism of the Day
Ferguson's Precept
A crisis is when you can't say "let's forget the whole thing."
*Please note that the majority of my Murphyisms are taken from a wonderful book written by Arthur Bloch. Murphy's Law, The 25(6)th Anniversary Edition. This book can be purchased from most booksellers. I got mine online from Amazon.com. I'm a firm believer in the rule that one should give credit where credit is due.
Minglish - Combining English with another language.
OK. I admit it. I've been doing anything and everything to avoid reading anymore of the books that I'm supposed to be judging. So...I got up this morning, heated up a cup of yesterday's left-over coffee, brewed a fresh pot, fed and took care of the dogs, made breakfast, I took my vitamins, I reset my watch to reflect the proper date because for some reason it thought that this was a leap year....all more delaying tactics, but in my mind the entire time I knew that I had to face the inevitable. Sigh. I solved three more Sudoku puzzles as I watched the news, checked the blogs and the Marine support boards and then I dug out another book and settled into it.
Surprise! I mean really! I finished it in one sustained gulp and it was GREAT! I loved it. There was humor. There was a real live story with conflict. Both the hero and heroine could have walked off the page of the book, and the supporting cast of characters were wonderful! I really loved it. And now? I refuse to drag my present mood down by reading another of the books that may wreck things. Tomorrow is soon enough...or maybe Monday. I don't have to have the other books read INSTANTLY. I've got until the end of the month.
So...I did my duty. I read my second book for the contest and I was rewarded with a really good book. And now, maybe I'd better take a look at that music that I'm expected to play this Sunday at church.
*Murphyism of the Day
Ferguson's Precept
A crisis is when you can't say "let's forget the whole thing."
*Please note that the majority of my Murphyisms are taken from a wonderful book written by Arthur Bloch. Murphy's Law, The 25(6)th Anniversary Edition. This book can be purchased from most booksellers. I got mine online from Amazon.com. I'm a firm believer in the rule that one should give credit where credit is due.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Word of the Day
Mindsight - A vision of something to come as opposed to perfect vision of what should have been.
I attacked winter-damaged bouganvillea with a lopping shears. All told, I think I escaped with minimal damage. For those of you who don't know bouganvillea, they have spines that rival those on some of the meanest cactus. At least cactus spines aren't camouflaged with leaves. Despite the gloves that I wore, the spines got in a few good pokes. Thankfully the soles of my shoes are fairly thick. Even as careful as I was, spines made a dogged attempt at piercing my feet. Nasty bush. I still want to dig that bush out but it may have to wait a bit longer. The cost of buying six trees made me want to think about it a bit longer. However, the blood-letting from trimming the dang bush made me long for a spineless substitute.
HTP and I bought six new trees that will be delivered and planted on March 14th. I didn't buy the Live Oak that I'd researched because they didn't have them at the nursery. I bought Brazilian Pepper trees...which I also researched. Two of the four are multi-trunked and will be planted in my backyard. The other two (single-trunked) will go in the front yard. Hah! I know that they're females because they have berries. I guess this tree is also known as a ChristmasBerry tree. The berries are used in Christmas decoration. I bought two oleander trees too. Those will replace the thevitia. I looked for something to replace the bouganvillea but...I couldn't find anything that stood out as an obvious replacement.
So, I did all the trimming for the frontyard. The backyard will have to wait a bit. Exhaustion sets in. Despite all this activity, I still don't feel like starting on the second of four books that I need to read for the judging. I'll get to it. Maybe tonight. Maybe if I fortify myself with a nice glass of wine it won't be so painful.
Murphyism of the Day
Coit-Murphy's Statement on the Power of Negative Thinking
It is impossible for an optimist to be pleasantly surprised.
Mindsight - A vision of something to come as opposed to perfect vision of what should have been.
I attacked winter-damaged bouganvillea with a lopping shears. All told, I think I escaped with minimal damage. For those of you who don't know bouganvillea, they have spines that rival those on some of the meanest cactus. At least cactus spines aren't camouflaged with leaves. Despite the gloves that I wore, the spines got in a few good pokes. Thankfully the soles of my shoes are fairly thick. Even as careful as I was, spines made a dogged attempt at piercing my feet. Nasty bush. I still want to dig that bush out but it may have to wait a bit longer. The cost of buying six trees made me want to think about it a bit longer. However, the blood-letting from trimming the dang bush made me long for a spineless substitute.
HTP and I bought six new trees that will be delivered and planted on March 14th. I didn't buy the Live Oak that I'd researched because they didn't have them at the nursery. I bought Brazilian Pepper trees...which I also researched. Two of the four are multi-trunked and will be planted in my backyard. The other two (single-trunked) will go in the front yard. Hah! I know that they're females because they have berries. I guess this tree is also known as a ChristmasBerry tree. The berries are used in Christmas decoration. I bought two oleander trees too. Those will replace the thevitia. I looked for something to replace the bouganvillea but...I couldn't find anything that stood out as an obvious replacement.
So, I did all the trimming for the frontyard. The backyard will have to wait a bit. Exhaustion sets in. Despite all this activity, I still don't feel like starting on the second of four books that I need to read for the judging. I'll get to it. Maybe tonight. Maybe if I fortify myself with a nice glass of wine it won't be so painful.
Murphyism of the Day
Coit-Murphy's Statement on the Power of Negative Thinking
It is impossible for an optimist to be pleasantly surprised.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Word of the Day
Mined reader - Ore inspector.
HTP and I have finally accepted the fact that we're going to have to replace our winter-damaged trees. No-one at the HOA has complained but I'm sure that will be coming soon. It's best to be on top of these things. Besides, I want to make sure that the plants have a good start before we return to Wisconsin for the summer. Although I can see some improvement on one of the trees (a minor, inexpensive tree...figures...Murphy's Law rules. In balance, whenever there's a possibility that an expensive item or an inexpensive receive damage, the expensive item is the one that takes the hit.) , we have decided that dancing with sheets whenever the weather decides to dip below freezing is a thing to be avoided. Even should the one tree survive, do I really want to baby it every single winter? I've done some research and I've decided to replace these cold sensitive trees with hardier breeds. Southern Live Oak seems to be the answer. We'll see. Just because I find the tree in a book doesn't mean that it'll be sold at the nurseries. Anyway, it seems to like the heat and, just as important, the cold. Plus, it doesn't seem to have any disadvantages like other varieties that I've been researching. OK. That'll take care of four of the trees. I'm going to replace the two minor trees with Oleander trees. They seem to be hardier than the Thevitia. I'm also looking to replace the bouganvillea. My neighbor hates that bush. I'm not fond of it either. It looks icky right now. It's frost tender. Out it goes. I haven't decided on its replacement. Maybe I'll see something at the nursery that strikes a positive note. So...it's off to the nursery for HTP and me.
Murphyism of the Day
First Postulate of Iso-Murphyism
Things equal to nothing else are equal to each other.
Mined reader - Ore inspector.
HTP and I have finally accepted the fact that we're going to have to replace our winter-damaged trees. No-one at the HOA has complained but I'm sure that will be coming soon. It's best to be on top of these things. Besides, I want to make sure that the plants have a good start before we return to Wisconsin for the summer. Although I can see some improvement on one of the trees (a minor, inexpensive tree...figures...Murphy's Law rules. In balance, whenever there's a possibility that an expensive item or an inexpensive receive damage, the expensive item is the one that takes the hit.) , we have decided that dancing with sheets whenever the weather decides to dip below freezing is a thing to be avoided. Even should the one tree survive, do I really want to baby it every single winter? I've done some research and I've decided to replace these cold sensitive trees with hardier breeds. Southern Live Oak seems to be the answer. We'll see. Just because I find the tree in a book doesn't mean that it'll be sold at the nurseries. Anyway, it seems to like the heat and, just as important, the cold. Plus, it doesn't seem to have any disadvantages like other varieties that I've been researching. OK. That'll take care of four of the trees. I'm going to replace the two minor trees with Oleander trees. They seem to be hardier than the Thevitia. I'm also looking to replace the bouganvillea. My neighbor hates that bush. I'm not fond of it either. It looks icky right now. It's frost tender. Out it goes. I haven't decided on its replacement. Maybe I'll see something at the nursery that strikes a positive note. So...it's off to the nursery for HTP and me.
Murphyism of the Day
First Postulate of Iso-Murphyism
Things equal to nothing else are equal to each other.