Monk Marathon

Word of the Day

Slavior - The prince of this world, the one who imitates the Savior and promises to save people but instead makes them slaves. Sometimes referred to as the Antichrist.

I'm Alive! With #1 Son here, I didn't take the time to blog. We did LOTS of stuff and stuffed ourselves with LOTS of food. HTP converted my laptop from Vista to Windows 7. We had Thanksgiving dinner here and our niece joined us. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! After dinner we introduced our niece to The Big Bang Theory. She'd never seen it and it seemed very appropriate since she works as a waitress at The Cheesecake Factory here in Arizona. She loved it.

While we had #1 Son here, we took him out to eat for sushi, Indian food, and Mexican food. At home we ate and ate and ate. French dip, turkey and all the fixings, prime rib and all the fixings. I have LOTS of leftovers which I need to freeze because there's no way HTP and I should eat all this food, especially since it looks like HTP and I are going to join the couch potato crowd.

On Saturday, we bought ourselves an early Christmas present A brand new TV. A big TV. HDTV. #1 Son helped HTP and me move our old TV (REALLY HEAVY AND AWKWARD TO LIFT AND MOVE) into the guest room to use as a guest TV and then he helped us lift the new (much lighter) television into our living room entertainment center. It only just fits. But, HTP had already done all the research and size was an issue. He knew it would fit.

This wasn't a spur of the moment purchase. The decision was already made. HTP had done all the research. As a matter of fact, we'd actually purchased this model of TV online but when it was delivered last week, the box was so badly mangled that HTP and I refused to sign for it and the TV was shipped back to the distributor. We were supposed to get another one later this week but we were told that the TV was on back-order. Disappointment. However, this only shows that sometimes a bad thing can turn out to be the best thing. Saturday morning, HTP saw (online) that one of our local electronics stores had the same TV on sale (one day only sale) for even less then the smoking deal we thought we were getting online. Then, when we got to the store, the sales person threw in a free Blue-ray DVD player? Wow! Needless to say, we canceled the online order...after we made sure that we had our bird in hand which cost LOTS less than the back-ordered bird in the bush (online).

The new TV almost hurts my eyes to watch it. I'm reminded of the time I first got glasses and finally got to see how sharp all the edges of everything looked. Weird! It also reminds me of how my Grandma used to turn the color off on her TV because she preferred to watch TV in black and white. Technology sure has come a long way since the days of black and white TV. I watched lots of TV last night and stayed up far later than I normally do and I kept thinking, "Wow! You can see the tiny individual hairs on that bad guys chin! And that actress needs to get a hair cut!" It was fascinating and...a bit distracting...but...kind of cool. There's a Monk marathon today. Guess who's going to park herself in front of the new TV today? I'll be sure to tape a nice shiny red bow to the new TV which HTP and I plan to enjoy...even though it's not Christmas as yet.

#1 Son headed back to his home in the big city last night and was greeted with snow. Plus, he'd forgotten his cell phone in our car. *moan* We can't even do anything about getting it back to him until tomorrow morning. But, thankfully, #1 Son already figured something out so all we have to do is box up his phone, print out the label he e-mailed us and hand it over to the UPS guys. It's nice not to have to worry about it anymore...other than figuring out what box to use.

Random Thought of the Day

Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.

- Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784),

Word of the Day

Skunky - 1. State almost any food or beverage when of an indeterminable origin, age, color, flavor, etc. 2. The state describing an area that has been sprayed by a skunk.

#1 Son is here! HTP and I picked him up at the airport and then we took him to Teakwoods for breakfast/lunch. He was hungry. Afterwards we made a quick trip to the grocery store and then came home to get #1 Son settled in for a short nap before his friend came over to pick him up. When asked whether or not we'll be seeing him again tonight, #1 Son couldn't answer. Oh well...#1 Son is here...kinda.

Random Thought of the Day

A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Anyone who has gumption knows what it is, and anyone who hasn't can never know what it is. So there is no need of defining it.

- L. M. Montgomery (1874 - 1942)

Word of the Day

Skrilla - Money; cash to be spent freely, not saved.

I've never been fond of cream-style corn. It's one of those foods that end up reminding me of baby food. Texture and taste is paramount with me when it comes to food. I've always felt that cream-style corn came up lacking when it came to both texture and taste. Blech! I happen to prefer chewing my corn off the cob. In a pinch, I'll settle for canned whole kernel corn. Since I've always done most of the cooking in my family, I can probably count on one hand the number of times I bought and cooked cream-style corn. How selfish of me? Well...I happen to love beets and since none of the rest of the family liked them...I never bought or cooked beets...after that one time. I always had to quench my craving for beets at salad bar buffets. However, having said all that, I do happen to like the way HTP's Mom used to cook something she called Scalloped Corn Casserole. Maybe this was because I do like egg custard (another food item that I don't often have the opportunity to enjoy because HTP hates it) and was willing to overlook the addition of cream-style corn. I imagine HTP was equally willing to overlook the egg custardy part of the recipe in order to get to the cream-style corn. Oh well, to each his..or her own. I remembered that HTP's sister sent me her Mom's recipe a long time ago...when I was entertaining HTP's folks for a Thanksgiving dinner but for some reason or other, I just haven't been able to find the recipe that she'd sent me. It's probably sitting on some computer hard-drive somewhere in some landfill. HTP was able to find the recipe that his Grandma used to use which sounded good but HTP's sister came to the rescue. HTP's Mom used a different recipe than HTP's Grandma. So...long story short, I'll be making Scalloped Corn Casserole as one of our side dishes this Thanksgiving.

Random Thought of the Day

Support bacteria. They're the only culture most people will ever have.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Maturity is only a short break in adolescence.

- Jules Feiffer (1929 - )

Word of the Day

Skiffy - A somewhat less derogatory way of referring to someone who the mainstream would refer to as a "sci-fi geek."

I've always thought that shopping was a bit like the sport of hunting. My Mom excels at the sport. Her shopping strategies rival that of world class chess players...or, dare I say, many a military strategist. She has been known to exhaust both my sister and me during any one of her many shopping campaigns. Sis and I have no stamina (we're wimps) when when it comes to shopping if you compare us with our Mom. Me...well...I check the ads, clip my coupons, and figure in the cost of gas while I'm doing my shopping/hunting. After perusing the grocery ads that came with our Wednesday paper, I plotted my route and decided upon two targets for today's shopping expedition. My first stop netted a free turkey. Of course, I needed to spend $100 to get that free turkey but with the price of groceries these days $100 doesn't buy as much as you'd think. By the time I bought all my "fixin's" to make a Thanksgiving dinner, I'd spent just enough to get my free turkey...which I put in my freezer because the free turkey was could only be fifteen pounds and I'd already bought a 23# turkey to serve for my Thanksgiving dinner...but...that's beside the point. I got a free turkey. Plus, the friendly cashier informed me that I'd saved $65 dollars as she handed me my cash register receipt. Score! On to the next hunting spot. My next target was another grocery store on my way back home. What?! $100 didn't cover the cost of an entire turkey dinner. Well...yes, but, #1 Son is coming and I'll need to buy enough groceries to last while he's here. Besides, they ran out of the traditional size marshmallows at my first stop and I knew that I'd be able to buy bread flour for a lot cheaper at my next stop. Then...I stumbled upon some 97% lean ground beef (butcher's special) and a nice roast that will cook up into a couple of nice meals. Roast beef and then French Dip. Score! I still plan another grocery shopping expedition after #1 Son gets here...$6.99/lb. for king crab legs and $5.77/lb. for standing rib roast but I'll wait until I see the whites of my son's eyes and figure out if those particular bargains sound tempting or not. I've got time.

Random Thought of the Day

The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Sow good services; sweet remembrances will grow them.

- Madame de Stael (1766 - 1817)

Gypsy

Word of the Day

Sketch - Something that is of questionable merit or validity. Origins: A modified form of sketchy.

Gypsy is feeling lots better today. She wanted to go for a walk this morning but I decided to wait until this afternoon for any walks. Poor Gypsy kept running to the front door, scratching at it and looking at me longingly all morning. But...I held firm. Good grief! She was still limping around yesterday. There's no way that I was going to risk another visit to the vet. Her eyes lit up and she raced to the front door when I got out her leash this afternoon. We went for a leisurely walk...just around the block and then on to check the mailbox. She was thrilled when one of our neighbors greeted her and patted her. Gypsy loves it when people (other than me and HTP) greet her and pat her. It made her day.

Random Thought of the Day

Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem....

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

If you live long enough, the venerability factor creeps in; first, you get accused of things you never did, and later, credited for virtues you never had.

- I.F. Stone (1907 - 1989)

Word of the Day

Skeptimistic - Optimistic, yet still skeptical that a particular outcome will occur.

HTP and I went to Vegas on Wednesday and came back home on Saturday. We picked Gypsy up at the pet-sitter and...Gypsy wasn't acting like Gypsy. She wasn't happy. Her tail was a half-mast. Lethargic. Upon reflection, I now "think" I know what her problem might have been but I didn't know at the time so, to be on the safe side, I took her to the vet...for my own peace of mind. Visits to the vet on weekends are considered emergency visits and therefore cost LOTS more money than if you bring your dog to the vet on a weekday. If I'd waited, I might have reflected upon the fact that Gypsy's treats were all gone. I had sent along a bag of treats that should have lasted through the end of the year. 75 treats to the bag. 3 treats per day? The pet-sitter must have been feeding Gypsy treats by the dozens. I think Gypsy's main problem was a raging case of indigestion caused by an over-indulgence of treats. She's still not 100% back to normal. Poor baby. Plus, the pet-sitter had cats. When I went in to pick up Gypsy the cat smell was HORRIBLE. Needless to say, I don't think HTP and I will be using that particular pet-sitter again. Gypsy doesn't get along too well with cats. I think she may even be allergic to them.

Random Thought of the Day

What would happen if you hired two private investigators to follow each other?

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Literature is news that stays news.

- Ezra Pound (1885 - 1972)

Happy Birthday Willie!

Word of the Day

Skeeve - Unidentifiable filth, usually of a particularly atrocious variety.

It's my favorite brother's birthday today!


Happy


Birthday


Willie!


I hope you have a very wonderful day!


And guess what? My brother is sharing his birthday with that of the Marine Corp.


Happy


Birthday


USMC!


********


I'm doing laundry today. It must be Tuesday. But, after that little chore, I'm packing. HTP and I are going to escape to Vegas for a few days. Will I blog? Maybe...maybe not.

Random Thought of the Day

You know you're getting old when people say you look "Great" and then they add, "for your age"!

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Refuse to be ill. Never tell people you are ill; never own it to yourself. Illness is one of those things which a man should resist on principle.

- Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803 - 1873)

Word of the Day

Siris - A temptress; a beautiful woman, often an actress, who likely dates so many men that she randomly marries one and divorces within a few months of marriage.

Today was my first day back at church, playing my clarinet. Wow! I really need to get my lip back into shape. However, I despite my lack of practice, I don't think I made too many mistakes...at least none that too many people noticed. It was wild getting back into the flow of reading the minds of fellow musicians again. I do love playing my clarinet with a group. Much nicer than playing my clarinet with a CD player as back-up.

Random Thought of the Day

Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Space is big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind- bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it's a long way down the road to the chemist's, but that's just peanuts to space.

- Douglas Adams (1952 - 2001)

Gypsy

Word of the Day

Siplets - To Take tiny sips when one's beverage is scalding hot.

Wow! I guess you may have noted that I'm not doing too well keeping my promise to blog on a daily basis. I can't believe that it's already Saturday! What happened to Thursday and Friday? Obviously, there was nothing worth noting...or blogging about.

Today, Gypsy and I went over to meet and visit with The Pet-sitter. She (The Pet-sitter) lives right here in the neighborhood. She and her Mom live right next door to each other which comes in handy because both of them take care of the dogs, the cats, the rabbits, and the pets. She also owns a miniature dachshund and a cat. I'm not sure what animals The Pet-sitter's Mom owns but I heard mention of a couple of standard poodles and a cocker spaniel....two of which are trained therapy dogs. I surmised that the standard poodles aren't always around. Show dogs? The house has no carpeting...none. It actually looked there had been carpeting at one time but it had been removed and replaced with special rugs that won't slip and slide but can be easily washed should one of the guests have an accident. As long as the animals get along, the house belongs to them. I'm not sure if I could live like that but...whatever. Gypsy won't mind. All I have to do on Wednesday morning, when HTP and I plan to leave for Vegas, is bring Gypsy over there, along with her kennel (because Gypsy actually likes her kennel), a couple of her favorite toys, Gypsy's food and dishes, and her leash (for daily walks). This is a trial run for me and Gypsy. I've never left Gypsy with anyone but my folks. I used to have a pet-sitter (before Gypsy came along) who would come over to the house several times a day, but I'm afraid Gypsy would feel lonely all alone...in between visits. She loves people. Besides, this will be a great opportunity for her to learn how to interact with whatever other animals there might be cohabiting The Pet-sitter's house next week.

Random Thought of the Day

He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

It's odd that you can get so anesthetized by your own pain or your own problem that you don't quite fully share the hell of someone close to you.

- Lady Bird Johnson (1912 - 2007)

Word of the Day

Silly-bo-dilly - A person who is either oblivious to a situation or causes some attraction that appears funny and/or ridiculous. Usually used in a friendly manner.

My Alltel cell phone account (Pay-per-minute) has officially morphed into a Verizon account. HTP and I were a bit concerned about this forced transition but...all is well. No surprises other than having to set up a new profile on a Verizon website in order to view my account or purchase more minutes. A rose is a rose by any other name. I'm promised that my account will remain the same until mid-July 2012. I'm not sure what will happen at that point but I'll worry about that sometime in June of 2012. The cell phone that I currently carry around is a no frills, no thrills model but...it works for me.

Random Thought of the Day

Remember, half the people you know are below average.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Exercise ferments the humors, casts them into their proper channels, throws off redundancies, and helps nature in those secret distributions, without which the body cannot subsist in its vigor, nor the soul act with cheerfulness.

- Joseph Addison (1672 - 1719)

My Mom and Sandy

Thanks Sis for taking the photo. I'm told that T-Square and my Mom have decided to call their new puppy, Sandy...not Annie. However, since Orphan Annie's dog was named Sandy, the new name seems oddly fitting.

Word of the Day

Signoramus - Someone who drives along in their car unaware that their signal light is flashing. Similarly, one who is ignorant to signals from potential love interests.

With the laundry done, I can't figure out another excuse for not blogging. *sigh* Of course, one excuse might be that I don't have anything of interest to blog about....which is too true. However, I need to get back into the habit of blogging and stay the heck away from Facebook. I've been spending entirely too much time working on my farm in FarmVille and trying to beat my own time at BeJeweled Blitz. *argh* I'm finding myself rushing around doing mundane tasks around the house...all due to the hyper-activity necessary to reach a decent score in BeJeweled Blitz. Right now I'm finding myself typing faster than I really need to type about absolutely nothing worth typing about.

HTP and I missed our favorite show last night. Big Bang Theory. A friend of ours called. She had a death in her family. Her computer died. She called me and begged for HTP's help. Unfortunately, by the time we got to her house, there wasn't much HTP could do. The patient remained in a comatose state despite all HTP's efforts. The diagnosis was that her hard-drive was bad or... HTP wasn't willing to operate...just in case he should accidentally cause further harm. Do no harm. Anyway, HTP recommended that the computer be brought into Data Doctor for further testing. Our friend, unfortunately, had the equipment to back up all the data on her computer but...she never got around to actually using that equipment. We're all hoping that her data can still be retrieved...surgically.

Tonight? Our friends, the ones with the comatose computer, are coming over after supper to discuss and explore the possibilities of buying a new compute...with HTP's guidance. HTP pointed out that it might be cheaper to buy a whole new computer than just replacing a hard-drive on an old computer.

Random Thought of the Day

Have you ever noticed how many people never think about backing up the data on their computer until after they've had their hard-drive crash?

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

You can't choose the ways in which you'll be tested.

- Robert J. Sawyer (1960 - )

Word of the Day

Siftware - A multitude of programs found on a magazine cover disk, often found to be completely useless.

You'll be happy to hear that the Casablanca fan in our living room is now fully functional. I have no idea why the intelli-touch computer board inside the main fan unit failed but...I sure hope it doesn't ever fail again. HTP and I make a good team but standing on top of ladders on our tippy toes isn't one of our favorite activities.

After racking my final batch of pomegranate wine yesterday, I'm pleased to say that I won't be needing to mess with any of the wine until the end of the month...or maybe the beginning of next month.

Breaking News! Sis tells me that my folks have adopted a puppy. I saw a picture of her and she looks really cute. I think they're going to call her Annie...due to her curly red/blond hair. She's a purebred Cockapoo. I imagine she gets her curly hair from the poodle half of her pedigree.

The music director from our church dropped my music off for next Sunday. I was assured that nothing in the music will be in the least challenging. Thank goodness! I haven't even blown the dust off of my clarinet all summer. However, I do plan to run through all the music before arriving at church on Sunday morning.

Random Thought of the Day

99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

To punish me for my contempt for authority, fate made me an authority myself.

- Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)