Word of the Day
Freeality - Combination of freedom and reality.
Happy Halloween!
HTP still thinks that I should have bought a few bags of candy....just in case we get trick-o-treaters. Hah! I know my husband. We will not be getting any trick-o-treaters and we all know what he'd do with those treats. What I'd be doing with those treats.
My fountain is now functional. HTP fashioned a screen to cover my goldfish cave. Now I can buy goldfish that I can actually enjoy seeing because they won't be able to hide in the cave anymore. I scrubbed the fountain yesterday to get rid of all the accumulated desert dust and debris. Today, I made sure that the screen that HTP devised was secure. I installed the plug, filled the fountain and...we have visual and sound. I love it. HTP still has to turn the water on to my frog spitter but I'm sure he'll do that today sometime. He also has to turn on the lights for the backyard. We keep forgetting that but the fountain looks so much better at night when the light hits it. I'm going to spend the day today enjoying the sight and sound of my fountain while reading a book.
My Devil Dog Daughter is flying to Omaha today. She's done with her schooling and it's off to her permanent duty station at Camp Pendleton. She doesn't have to report until November 15th so she'll have time to pick up a load of stuff in Omaha along with her cats and truck, visit with her in-laws, and then drive out to see us here in Arizona before continuing on to California. She's never actually seen our "new" house here in Arizona. Maybe I'll take her over to the clubhouse and she can show me how to use the exercise machines or we'll play a round of pool. Or...we'll just play it by ear. She hasn't had much "me" time and she's earned it. HTP and I figure that she'll want some real Mexican food...and some good hot and sour soup with crab rangoon. Wish my sister lived nearby. She makes the best crab rangoon and hot and sour soup.
At least I know of a pretty good restaurant that serves both that's not too far away.
Murphyism of the Day
Rayburn's Rule
If you want to get along, go along.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
You all will have to endulge me today. My Devil Dog Daughter's husband left for Iraq today. Too often there are times in a Mother's life where there isn't too much she can do when it comes to lightening the burden of her children's lives. Sometimes the only thing we can do is pray.
I Am a Mother's Prayer
I am a mother's prayer. I am sometimes clothed in beautiful language that has been stitched together with the needles of love in the quiet chambers of the heart, and sometimes I am arrayed only in the halting phrases interrupted by tears which have been torn like living roots from the deep soil of human emotion. I am a frequent watcher of the night. I have often seen the dawn break over the hills and flood the valleys with light and the dew of the garden has been shaken from my eyes as I waited and cried at the gates of God.
I am a mother's prayer: there is no language I cannot speak; and no barrier of race or color causes my feet to stumble. I am born before a child is born, and ere the day of deliverance comes, I have often stood at the alter of the Lord with the gift of an unborn life in my hands, blending my joyful and tearful voice with the prayers and fears with the father. I have rushed ahead of the nurse through the corridors of the hospital praying that the babe would be perfect, and I have sat dumb and mute in the presence of delight over a tiny bit of humanity, so overwhelmed I have been able to do nothing but strike my fingers on the harps of gratitude and say, "Well, thank the Lord!"
I am a mother's prayer: I have watched over the cradle; I have sustained a whole household while we waited for a doctor to come. I have mixed medicine and held up a thermometer that read 104. I have sighed with relief over the sweat in a little one's curls because the crisis was past. I have stood by a graveside and picked a few flowers to take home like old memories, and cast my arms around the promises of God just to hang on and wait until I could feel underneath me the everlasting arms.
I am a mother's prayer: I have walked and knelt in every room of the house; I have fondled the old Book, sat quietly at the kitchen table and been hurled around the world to follow a boy or girl who went to war. I have sought through hospitals, army camps and battlefield. I have dogged the steps of sons and daughters in college and university, in the big city looking for a job. I have been in strange places, for I have even gone down into honky-tonks and dens of sin, into night clubs and saloons and back alleys and along dark streets. I have ridden in automobiles and planes and ships seeking and sheltering and guiding and reminding and tugging and pulling toward home and Heaven.
I am a mother's prayer: I have filled pantries with provision when the earthly provided was gone. I have sung songs in the night when there was nothing to sing about but the faithfulness of God. I have been pressed so close to the promises of the Word that the imprint of their truth is fragrant around me. I have lingered on the lips of the dying like a trembling melody echoed from Heaven.
Author Unknown
I Am a Mother's Prayer
I am a mother's prayer. I am sometimes clothed in beautiful language that has been stitched together with the needles of love in the quiet chambers of the heart, and sometimes I am arrayed only in the halting phrases interrupted by tears which have been torn like living roots from the deep soil of human emotion. I am a frequent watcher of the night. I have often seen the dawn break over the hills and flood the valleys with light and the dew of the garden has been shaken from my eyes as I waited and cried at the gates of God.
I am a mother's prayer: there is no language I cannot speak; and no barrier of race or color causes my feet to stumble. I am born before a child is born, and ere the day of deliverance comes, I have often stood at the alter of the Lord with the gift of an unborn life in my hands, blending my joyful and tearful voice with the prayers and fears with the father. I have rushed ahead of the nurse through the corridors of the hospital praying that the babe would be perfect, and I have sat dumb and mute in the presence of delight over a tiny bit of humanity, so overwhelmed I have been able to do nothing but strike my fingers on the harps of gratitude and say, "Well, thank the Lord!"
I am a mother's prayer: I have watched over the cradle; I have sustained a whole household while we waited for a doctor to come. I have mixed medicine and held up a thermometer that read 104. I have sighed with relief over the sweat in a little one's curls because the crisis was past. I have stood by a graveside and picked a few flowers to take home like old memories, and cast my arms around the promises of God just to hang on and wait until I could feel underneath me the everlasting arms.
I am a mother's prayer: I have walked and knelt in every room of the house; I have fondled the old Book, sat quietly at the kitchen table and been hurled around the world to follow a boy or girl who went to war. I have sought through hospitals, army camps and battlefield. I have dogged the steps of sons and daughters in college and university, in the big city looking for a job. I have been in strange places, for I have even gone down into honky-tonks and dens of sin, into night clubs and saloons and back alleys and along dark streets. I have ridden in automobiles and planes and ships seeking and sheltering and guiding and reminding and tugging and pulling toward home and Heaven.
I am a mother's prayer: I have filled pantries with provision when the earthly provided was gone. I have sung songs in the night when there was nothing to sing about but the faithfulness of God. I have been pressed so close to the promises of the Word that the imprint of their truth is fragrant around me. I have lingered on the lips of the dying like a trembling melody echoed from Heaven.
Author Unknown
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Word of the Day
Frayseology - Study of broken English.
I've managed to poke all kinds of holes in my hands. I decided that I needed to continue with my pruning chores. Along with the bleeding holes, I've added a whole new bunch of bleeding scratches too. I know that it's not too smart to try and trim palm trees without using gloves but I hate wearing gardening gloves. They never fit quite right and they always seem to get in my way. Plus, even gloves can't protect you from every spine. There are times that I've done more damage to my hands when I'm wearing gloves than when I've gone without. Palm trees may look all nice and frondy but they can be lethal. These pygmy date palms aren't as bad as some palm trees but they've definitely got their own defense system. It makes pruning a real challenge. I quit after pruning two of them. Actually, I was amazed. Both the palms that I pruned had pups over the summer, so I guess my two actually ended up as eight. Anyway, the pups made pruning all the more difficult. It was hard to untangle all the fronds and just trim what needed to be trimmed without getting stabbed by the spines. Even the pups needed pruning. The palms have also grown a lot taller than I expected. From my experience, pygmy date palms don't grow that fast. I guess they like my yard. I think I'll let HTP trim the rest of the palm trees. There's only three or four more....not counting the pups. He likes to wear gloves and I've lost enough blood for one day.
Murphyism of the Day
Swipple's Rule of Order
He who shouts loudest has the floor.
Frayseology - Study of broken English.
I've managed to poke all kinds of holes in my hands. I decided that I needed to continue with my pruning chores. Along with the bleeding holes, I've added a whole new bunch of bleeding scratches too. I know that it's not too smart to try and trim palm trees without using gloves but I hate wearing gardening gloves. They never fit quite right and they always seem to get in my way. Plus, even gloves can't protect you from every spine. There are times that I've done more damage to my hands when I'm wearing gloves than when I've gone without. Palm trees may look all nice and frondy but they can be lethal. These pygmy date palms aren't as bad as some palm trees but they've definitely got their own defense system. It makes pruning a real challenge. I quit after pruning two of them. Actually, I was amazed. Both the palms that I pruned had pups over the summer, so I guess my two actually ended up as eight. Anyway, the pups made pruning all the more difficult. It was hard to untangle all the fronds and just trim what needed to be trimmed without getting stabbed by the spines. Even the pups needed pruning. The palms have also grown a lot taller than I expected. From my experience, pygmy date palms don't grow that fast. I guess they like my yard. I think I'll let HTP trim the rest of the palm trees. There's only three or four more....not counting the pups. He likes to wear gloves and I've lost enough blood for one day.
Murphyism of the Day
Swipple's Rule of Order
He who shouts loudest has the floor.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Word of the Day
Fractitioner - An orthopedist, a bone doctor.
HTP and I are going out to eat tonight. We've been invited to a dinner hosted by Sam's Town Casino. No gambling tonight though. We've been invited to these events in the past and it's always been fun. Hey! Free food and drinks and we don't even have to avoid costly gambling machines. Tonight's dinner is being held at a local steak place. It sounded a bit fancy to HTP and me. We were afraid we'd have to dust off our best bib and tucker. I called the place, Donavon's Steak and Chop, and found out that we only need to wear business casual...whatever that means. What business? Some businesses are more casual than others. Oh well. I told HTP that he should wear a nice shirt and tie. I'm going to wear dress pants and a nice sweater twin set. Good enough. I doubt that we'll be kicked out. Cocktail hour is at 7:30 PM followed by dinner at 8 PM.
I was going to decorate the house today for Halloween but it's kind of hard to get in the mood. We live in an active adult community. No kids allowed. No need to even buy candy to hand out because no-one will be ringing our doorbell. Sigh. I love Halloween candy. Pout. And I don't even have an excuse to buy it now...or sneak some for myself. Maybe I'll see if next year we can propose a new Halloween idea for our neighborhood. I think all us old folks should dress up in costume and go trick-o-treating within our active adult community. Sounds like an absolute blast. I'd even agree to hand out some of that sugarfree stuff for those who are on special diets. Actually, I think there might be a Harvest Dance at the clubhouse this weekend. It's not the same. Besides, I doubt I'd be able to drag HTP over there. All that kicking and screaming tends to discourage any such effort on my part.
Murphyism of the Day
Sixth Law of Procrastination
Procrastination may eliminate the job if the need passes before the job can be done.
Fractitioner - An orthopedist, a bone doctor.
HTP and I are going out to eat tonight. We've been invited to a dinner hosted by Sam's Town Casino. No gambling tonight though. We've been invited to these events in the past and it's always been fun. Hey! Free food and drinks and we don't even have to avoid costly gambling machines. Tonight's dinner is being held at a local steak place. It sounded a bit fancy to HTP and me. We were afraid we'd have to dust off our best bib and tucker. I called the place, Donavon's Steak and Chop, and found out that we only need to wear business casual...whatever that means. What business? Some businesses are more casual than others. Oh well. I told HTP that he should wear a nice shirt and tie. I'm going to wear dress pants and a nice sweater twin set. Good enough. I doubt that we'll be kicked out. Cocktail hour is at 7:30 PM followed by dinner at 8 PM.
I was going to decorate the house today for Halloween but it's kind of hard to get in the mood. We live in an active adult community. No kids allowed. No need to even buy candy to hand out because no-one will be ringing our doorbell. Sigh. I love Halloween candy. Pout. And I don't even have an excuse to buy it now...or sneak some for myself. Maybe I'll see if next year we can propose a new Halloween idea for our neighborhood. I think all us old folks should dress up in costume and go trick-o-treating within our active adult community. Sounds like an absolute blast. I'd even agree to hand out some of that sugarfree stuff for those who are on special diets. Actually, I think there might be a Harvest Dance at the clubhouse this weekend. It's not the same. Besides, I doubt I'd be able to drag HTP over there. All that kicking and screaming tends to discourage any such effort on my part.
Murphyism of the Day
Sixth Law of Procrastination
Procrastination may eliminate the job if the need passes before the job can be done.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Word of the Day
Forevruary - The period of winter that seems to last forever.
I can't think of a thing to write. I mean, I could sit here and type endless phrases and paragraphs that amount to nothing, but it seems so pointless. I'll just share a "funny" that someone sent to me. That'll have to do.
Thoughts for the Day
Birds of a feather flock together and crap on your car.
When I'm feeling down, I like to whistle. It makes the neighbor's dog run to the end of his chain and gag himself.
A penny saved is a government oversight.
The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.
The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.
He who hesitates is probably right.
Did you ever notice: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are " XL."
If you think there is good in everybody, you haven't met everybody.
If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.
There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.
Did you ever notice: When you put the 2 words "The" and "IRS" together it spells "Theirs."
Murphyism of the Day
The Fifth Law of Procrastination
Procrastination avoids boredom; one never has the feeling that there is nothing important to do.
Forevruary - The period of winter that seems to last forever.
I can't think of a thing to write. I mean, I could sit here and type endless phrases and paragraphs that amount to nothing, but it seems so pointless. I'll just share a "funny" that someone sent to me. That'll have to do.
Thoughts for the Day
Birds of a feather flock together and crap on your car.
When I'm feeling down, I like to whistle. It makes the neighbor's dog run to the end of his chain and gag himself.
A penny saved is a government oversight.
The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.
The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.
He who hesitates is probably right.
Did you ever notice: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are " XL."
If you think there is good in everybody, you haven't met everybody.
If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.
There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.
Did you ever notice: When you put the 2 words "The" and "IRS" together it spells "Theirs."
Murphyism of the Day
The Fifth Law of Procrastination
Procrastination avoids boredom; one never has the feeling that there is nothing important to do.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Word of the Day
Foodgitive - Food that falls from your plate or utensil.
I'm losing track of time. I know my watch is somewhere but I can't remember where I put it. This is the result of a campaign that I started long ago when I noticed a watch line and dent in my arm. I no longer wear a watch on my arm. I wear a pocket watch which I clip to my belt loop. Thing is, I have to remember to clip it onto my belt loop and sometimes I'm not wearing an outfit that has belt loops. Ah well...there's always my new atomic clock/wireless thermometer combo.
Shortly after we got back here to Arizona, I bought a new atomic clock/wireless thermometer. I had an old one but it bit the dust. Actually, it never worked all that well at the best of times. I'd bought it as new technology but I guess its new technology hadn't been around long enough to work the glitches out. I don't think it liked our Arizona heat either. But that's old news. It died and I had to buy new...new technology. Why do they make these things so hard to figure out? I'm a college graduate so I can read directions and I do. It sure would be nice if all you had to do was plunk in the batteries and "Woohoo! It works!" Not so easy. We don't have DLS time here in Arizona. No daylight saving time. So...you have to read through this huge instruction book to figure out what you have to do in order to make it go away. I think I've got it but.... My other beef with these things is that you have take four tiny little screws out of the remote sensing device before you can even start to install batteries in the sucker. Do you know how hard it is to find a screwdriver that's small enough to work on screws that size? Good thing my husband keeps a set in the office to use for computer stuff. Anyway, at least they've made it so that the screws don't actually come out now. I guess too many people had to chase after screws and screws that size tend to disappear. Poof! After you've managed to get the batteries installed properly, you have to screw these four tiny screws all back in. I had to do this whole procedure twice because I didn't notice that I was supposed to push a teeny button inside the battery casing that would let me read the temperature in °F instead of °C. D'oh!
Murphyism of the Day
The Fourth Law of Procrastination
Avoidance of interruptions including the assignment of other duties can usually be achieved, so that the obviously stressed worker can concentrate on the single effort of procrastination.
Foodgitive - Food that falls from your plate or utensil.
I'm losing track of time. I know my watch is somewhere but I can't remember where I put it. This is the result of a campaign that I started long ago when I noticed a watch line and dent in my arm. I no longer wear a watch on my arm. I wear a pocket watch which I clip to my belt loop. Thing is, I have to remember to clip it onto my belt loop and sometimes I'm not wearing an outfit that has belt loops. Ah well...there's always my new atomic clock/wireless thermometer combo.
Shortly after we got back here to Arizona, I bought a new atomic clock/wireless thermometer. I had an old one but it bit the dust. Actually, it never worked all that well at the best of times. I'd bought it as new technology but I guess its new technology hadn't been around long enough to work the glitches out. I don't think it liked our Arizona heat either. But that's old news. It died and I had to buy new...new technology. Why do they make these things so hard to figure out? I'm a college graduate so I can read directions and I do. It sure would be nice if all you had to do was plunk in the batteries and "Woohoo! It works!" Not so easy. We don't have DLS time here in Arizona. No daylight saving time. So...you have to read through this huge instruction book to figure out what you have to do in order to make it go away. I think I've got it but.... My other beef with these things is that you have take four tiny little screws out of the remote sensing device before you can even start to install batteries in the sucker. Do you know how hard it is to find a screwdriver that's small enough to work on screws that size? Good thing my husband keeps a set in the office to use for computer stuff. Anyway, at least they've made it so that the screws don't actually come out now. I guess too many people had to chase after screws and screws that size tend to disappear. Poof! After you've managed to get the batteries installed properly, you have to screw these four tiny screws all back in. I had to do this whole procedure twice because I didn't notice that I was supposed to push a teeny button inside the battery casing that would let me read the temperature in °F instead of °C. D'oh!
Murphyism of the Day
The Fourth Law of Procrastination
Avoidance of interruptions including the assignment of other duties can usually be achieved, so that the obviously stressed worker can concentrate on the single effort of procrastination.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Word of the Day
Folicoliosis - The irresistible urge to constantly change the color of your hair.
Recovery Day. I don't know why I always seem to have to the urge to tackle EVERYTHING at once. I may know that Rome wasn't built in a day but I still insist on trying. As I get older, my body doesn't hesitate to let me know when it's had enough of my attempts. All right, all ready. I'll wait until Saturday to finish pruning. I'm sure my fingernails will appreciate the respite.
HTP has run off to research his Italian ancestors at the Mesa Family History Center. After six months in Wisconsin, he's been eager to get at his archival tapes that they have saved on file for him there.
When we were at my folks place in Vegas, my Mom gave me some pomegranates from her tree. I've been really enjoying them. Today I juiced up the last of them. I found a recipe for Pomegranate Margaritas on the net. They sounded great! I still have my own pomegranates on my own tree. I figure they'll be just fine out there. I'll pick them as I want to use them...or if I notice that they may want to split. I'm not sure why my pomegranates didn't split like some of my Mom's pomegranates. Maybe they're growing in a shadier location or more protected location. I wonder if exposure to too much sun or too much reflected sun might be the cause of the splitting?
Murphyism of the Day
Third Law of Procrastination
Status is gained in the eyes of others, and in one's own eyes, because it is assumed that the importance of the work justifies the stress.
Folicoliosis - The irresistible urge to constantly change the color of your hair.
Recovery Day. I don't know why I always seem to have to the urge to tackle EVERYTHING at once. I may know that Rome wasn't built in a day but I still insist on trying. As I get older, my body doesn't hesitate to let me know when it's had enough of my attempts. All right, all ready. I'll wait until Saturday to finish pruning. I'm sure my fingernails will appreciate the respite.
HTP has run off to research his Italian ancestors at the Mesa Family History Center. After six months in Wisconsin, he's been eager to get at his archival tapes that they have saved on file for him there.
When we were at my folks place in Vegas, my Mom gave me some pomegranates from her tree. I've been really enjoying them. Today I juiced up the last of them. I found a recipe for Pomegranate Margaritas on the net. They sounded great! I still have my own pomegranates on my own tree. I figure they'll be just fine out there. I'll pick them as I want to use them...or if I notice that they may want to split. I'm not sure why my pomegranates didn't split like some of my Mom's pomegranates. Maybe they're growing in a shadier location or more protected location. I wonder if exposure to too much sun or too much reflected sun might be the cause of the splitting?
Murphyism of the Day
Third Law of Procrastination
Status is gained in the eyes of others, and in one's own eyes, because it is assumed that the importance of the work justifies the stress.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Word of the Day
Foebia - Fear of the enemy.
Today is my Arizona daughter's husband's birthday. Happy Birthday TJ! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday Dear TJ! Happy Birthday to You! And many more.
HTP and I finished planting the rest of the plants this morning. We still have a lot of work to do but...hey...as I said earlier, Rome wasn't built in a day.
Wilma managed to hit pretty close to home today. TJ's Mom lives in Florida. He called me this morning to see if I could call her for him. He wasn't able to reach her with their cell phone. I guess the towers must have been out. I called her and got her answering machine. That could be a good sign, if she HAS an answering machine. Or, if she's got one of those phone company answering systems that aren't wired to your phone? I don't know what she has. I'm hoping that this means that her place is high and dry and that she safely evacuated to her brother's place or a shelter. Anyway, I called TJ and told him that I left a message on his Mom's answering machine. He felt loads better and since it's his birthday, that's a good thing.
Murphyism of the Day
Second Law of Procrastination
Procrastination reduces anxiety by reducing the expected quality of a project from the best of all possible efforts to the best that can be expected given the limited time.
Foebia - Fear of the enemy.
Today is my Arizona daughter's husband's birthday. Happy Birthday TJ! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday Dear TJ! Happy Birthday to You! And many more.
HTP and I finished planting the rest of the plants this morning. We still have a lot of work to do but...hey...as I said earlier, Rome wasn't built in a day.
Wilma managed to hit pretty close to home today. TJ's Mom lives in Florida. He called me this morning to see if I could call her for him. He wasn't able to reach her with their cell phone. I guess the towers must have been out. I called her and got her answering machine. That could be a good sign, if she HAS an answering machine. Or, if she's got one of those phone company answering systems that aren't wired to your phone? I don't know what she has. I'm hoping that this means that her place is high and dry and that she safely evacuated to her brother's place or a shelter. Anyway, I called TJ and told him that I left a message on his Mom's answering machine. He felt loads better and since it's his birthday, that's a good thing.
Murphyism of the Day
Second Law of Procrastination
Procrastination reduces anxiety by reducing the expected quality of a project from the best of all possible efforts to the best that can be expected given the limited time.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Word of the Day
Flusterating - So frustrating that it flusters you.
In the first batch of mail that came to us here in Arizona, we found a notice from our HOA (sent in September and for some unknown reason not forwarded on to us in Wisconsin). We were given ten days to replace our dead and dying plants. Of course, that ten days has come and gone. Pffft! Ah well...HTP and I went out today and bought three plants (along with another to replace a plant that died in our backyard...we don't get dinged for stuff dying in our backyard unless it involves flies and stinky smells). And while I was at it, I bought some annuals and some tomato plants and a couple of pepper plants. I think I went a little overboard. I love going to nurseries and we visited three today. Anyway, the three plants that died in our front yard (lantana, which I'm not all that fond of even when it looks healthy) over the long hot summer have been replaced with three new plants which I hope will prove to be hardier (natal plum, boxwood beauty). I'll plant the hibiscus and the annuals in the backyard tomorrow. I don't want to overdo things on our second day home.
Murphyism of the Day
First Law of Procrastination
Procrastination shortens the job and places the responsibility for its termination on someone else (the authority who imposed the deadline).
Flusterating - So frustrating that it flusters you.
In the first batch of mail that came to us here in Arizona, we found a notice from our HOA (sent in September and for some unknown reason not forwarded on to us in Wisconsin). We were given ten days to replace our dead and dying plants. Of course, that ten days has come and gone. Pffft! Ah well...HTP and I went out today and bought three plants (along with another to replace a plant that died in our backyard...we don't get dinged for stuff dying in our backyard unless it involves flies and stinky smells). And while I was at it, I bought some annuals and some tomato plants and a couple of pepper plants. I think I went a little overboard. I love going to nurseries and we visited three today. Anyway, the three plants that died in our front yard (lantana, which I'm not all that fond of even when it looks healthy) over the long hot summer have been replaced with three new plants which I hope will prove to be hardier (natal plum, boxwood beauty). I'll plant the hibiscus and the annuals in the backyard tomorrow. I don't want to overdo things on our second day home.
Murphyism of the Day
First Law of Procrastination
Procrastination shortens the job and places the responsibility for its termination on someone else (the authority who imposed the deadline).
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Word of the Day
Fleeway - Route taken by an escaping criminal.
We're home in Arizona! My eyes popped open this morning at 5 AM. Jet-lag. No jets involved but I'm definitely having problems with the time-zone issues. This is going to take a little work. Oh well...I got up and made coffee.
My yard! I didn't have much time last night to give my yard and landscaping more than a glance. From that one glance I could see that there's a bit of work to be done. The plants in my backyard didn't get the memo about this being a desert. They've grown. LOTS! Good grief! Where is my lopping shears?! My little pruning shears is totally inadequate for this job. I couldn't help myself. I started on one bush and I could finally see it's inner tree when I finished. One down...a bunch more to go. Actually, I just had to prune that one because it was trying to overtake my fountain. And if I want to actually fill the fountain and enjoy it this winter, the tree that wanted to become a bush had to have an attitude adjustment. I'm eager to get my fountain filled and running again. But first...I have to get some sort of screening to cover the goldfish cave. I still have to prune the palm trees but the rest of the plants can wait until spring. If we get cold temperatures like last winter, they'll survive better if I leave them alone. But come the spring....
Weeds? Yes, I have a few of those too. I'll chase them down with some Round-up. But first I have to shovel the desert dust off the patio and my lawn furniture and my grill. HTP thinks that I can just tackle this problem with a broom. Silly man. Not without a face mask. Where is my shop-vac? Oh...and I think that we've got a few black widow nests too. I hope that nothing worse has decided to move while we were away. I really don't want to think about killer bees.
The problem with having two homes is that no-one can find anything. HTP was looking for something last night and I was amazed that I actually could find it for him. But...I can't find my lopping shears! It takes a couple of weeks to figure out where everything was stored. Patience. Rome wasn't built in a day and I'm not going to get things unpacked and cleaned up here in just one day either.
I've got pomegranate! I'm not sure if they're ripe or not but they're on the tree. They haven't split so I guess that means that they aren't too ripe. I'm going to leave them alone for right now. My Mom gave me a couple of bags of the pomegranate from her tree. Her tree is bigger than mine and it looks like she's going to be shucking out the fruit for some time to come. I'm going to have to do some research and figure out if there is an easier way to tackle that fruit. There has to be an easier way! I also see that I have at least a couple of grapefruit and some tangelos too. I didn't see any lemons or limes. I guess I'll have to buy those.
Ah well...it's still early and you can see that I've got a huge list of things that I want to take care of NOW! but I'll have to be patient. It'll get done. Eventually.
Murphyism of the Day
First Law of Debate
Never argue with a fool--people might not know the difference.
Fleeway - Route taken by an escaping criminal.
We're home in Arizona! My eyes popped open this morning at 5 AM. Jet-lag. No jets involved but I'm definitely having problems with the time-zone issues. This is going to take a little work. Oh well...I got up and made coffee.
My yard! I didn't have much time last night to give my yard and landscaping more than a glance. From that one glance I could see that there's a bit of work to be done. The plants in my backyard didn't get the memo about this being a desert. They've grown. LOTS! Good grief! Where is my lopping shears?! My little pruning shears is totally inadequate for this job. I couldn't help myself. I started on one bush and I could finally see it's inner tree when I finished. One down...a bunch more to go. Actually, I just had to prune that one because it was trying to overtake my fountain. And if I want to actually fill the fountain and enjoy it this winter, the tree that wanted to become a bush had to have an attitude adjustment. I'm eager to get my fountain filled and running again. But first...I have to get some sort of screening to cover the goldfish cave. I still have to prune the palm trees but the rest of the plants can wait until spring. If we get cold temperatures like last winter, they'll survive better if I leave them alone. But come the spring....
Weeds? Yes, I have a few of those too. I'll chase them down with some Round-up. But first I have to shovel the desert dust off the patio and my lawn furniture and my grill. HTP thinks that I can just tackle this problem with a broom. Silly man. Not without a face mask. Where is my shop-vac? Oh...and I think that we've got a few black widow nests too. I hope that nothing worse has decided to move while we were away. I really don't want to think about killer bees.
The problem with having two homes is that no-one can find anything. HTP was looking for something last night and I was amazed that I actually could find it for him. But...I can't find my lopping shears! It takes a couple of weeks to figure out where everything was stored. Patience. Rome wasn't built in a day and I'm not going to get things unpacked and cleaned up here in just one day either.
I've got pomegranate! I'm not sure if they're ripe or not but they're on the tree. They haven't split so I guess that means that they aren't too ripe. I'm going to leave them alone for right now. My Mom gave me a couple of bags of the pomegranate from her tree. Her tree is bigger than mine and it looks like she's going to be shucking out the fruit for some time to come. I'm going to have to do some research and figure out if there is an easier way to tackle that fruit. There has to be an easier way! I also see that I have at least a couple of grapefruit and some tangelos too. I didn't see any lemons or limes. I guess I'll have to buy those.
Ah well...it's still early and you can see that I've got a huge list of things that I want to take care of NOW! but I'll have to be patient. It'll get done. Eventually.
Murphyism of the Day
First Law of Debate
Never argue with a fool--people might not know the difference.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Word of the Day
Flabuless - How one feels after losing some unwanted weight.
Today was a long day. After a quick breakfast, HTP and I loaded up our luggage into the Gator and headed over to my folks' place. At this point HTP reloaded the entire car with all the stuff that we'd left at my folks' place...along with even more stuff. I've learned that the best way to help when it comes to packing the car is to stay out of the way. Works a lot better that way and I don't have to listen to a lot of mumbling and grumbling. After the car was all loaded up, I took the first stretch of driving. I was amazed at how much traffic there was out there on the road today.
We arrived back here in Arizona at around 5:30 PM. We unloaded the car and started the unpacking process. I checked inventory and made a shopping list. After HTP had set up the computers and the cable boxes for the TV, we headed out to get groceries and supplies.
Murphyism of the Day
Truman's Law
If you cannot convince them, confuse them.
Flabuless - How one feels after losing some unwanted weight.
Today was a long day. After a quick breakfast, HTP and I loaded up our luggage into the Gator and headed over to my folks' place. At this point HTP reloaded the entire car with all the stuff that we'd left at my folks' place...along with even more stuff. I've learned that the best way to help when it comes to packing the car is to stay out of the way. Works a lot better that way and I don't have to listen to a lot of mumbling and grumbling. After the car was all loaded up, I took the first stretch of driving. I was amazed at how much traffic there was out there on the road today.
We arrived back here in Arizona at around 5:30 PM. We unloaded the car and started the unpacking process. I checked inventory and made a shopping list. After HTP had set up the computers and the cable boxes for the TV, we headed out to get groceries and supplies.
Murphyism of the Day
Truman's Law
If you cannot convince them, confuse them.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Word of the Day
Feeth - False teeth.
I cheated. I was having so much fun yesterday, I didn't blog. This morning I rolled back the clock and blogged for yesterday. I have the power.
HTP is champing at the bit to go down for breakfast so I'm just going to keep today's blog short. Today is our last full day here in Vegas. Tonight I'll be packing up before my head hits the pillow. We plan to leave tomorrow after breakfast. First stop. My folks' place to reload the car. But then it's on to Arizona and our winter home.
Murphyism of the Day
McNaughton's Rule
Any argument worth making within the bureaucracy must be capable of being expressed in a simple declarative sentence that is obviously true once stated.
Feeth - False teeth.
I cheated. I was having so much fun yesterday, I didn't blog. This morning I rolled back the clock and blogged for yesterday. I have the power.
HTP is champing at the bit to go down for breakfast so I'm just going to keep today's blog short. Today is our last full day here in Vegas. Tonight I'll be packing up before my head hits the pillow. We plan to leave tomorrow after breakfast. First stop. My folks' place to reload the car. But then it's on to Arizona and our winter home.
Murphyism of the Day
McNaughton's Rule
Any argument worth making within the bureaucracy must be capable of being expressed in a simple declarative sentence that is obviously true once stated.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Word of the Day
Faultophatic - Someone who believes that everything that has gone wrong is his fault.
Our first full day in Vegas. My luck was incredible. I actually won! Tax time. My wins weren't huge but anytime I can walk away from Vegas with more money then I had when I arrived...that's a win. Heck, it's a win if I can walk away from Vegas with some of the money I came to Vegas with.
We had supper at Fellini's. Wonderful! Fellini's always has great food. And, since it was comped, we even shared a bottle of wine. Maybe we'll eat at Fellini's again tomorrow night.
Murphyism of the Day
Fairfax's Law
Any facts which, when included in the argument, give the desired results, are fair facts for the argument.
Faultophatic - Someone who believes that everything that has gone wrong is his fault.
Our first full day in Vegas. My luck was incredible. I actually won! Tax time. My wins weren't huge but anytime I can walk away from Vegas with more money then I had when I arrived...that's a win. Heck, it's a win if I can walk away from Vegas with some of the money I came to Vegas with.
We had supper at Fellini's. Wonderful! Fellini's always has great food. And, since it was comped, we even shared a bottle of wine. Maybe we'll eat at Fellini's again tomorrow night.
Murphyism of the Day
Fairfax's Law
Any facts which, when included in the argument, give the desired results, are fair facts for the argument.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Word of the Day
Fanticipation - To eagerly await the presence of your idol.
It rained for the majority of our drive today. We left Gallup, New Mexico at around 7:30 AM. Less than 15 minutes later we crossed one of those magical, invisible, time-zone lines and "poof", it was on 6:45 AM! Time travel is a reality and happens every day.
We arrived in Las Vegas at around 3 PM. After unloading half of our stuff at my folks' place along with our dogs, HTP and I drove on to Sam's Town. We're checked in. They've remodeled and updated at least the room that we're staying in. It's beautiful.
Tonight we plan to have a quiet dinner at Billy Bob's. Wish me luck. I intend to head downstairs and try out the machines before dinner.
Murphyism of the Day
Lord Falkland's Rule
When it is necessary to make a decision, it is necessary not to make a decision.
Fanticipation - To eagerly await the presence of your idol.
It rained for the majority of our drive today. We left Gallup, New Mexico at around 7:30 AM. Less than 15 minutes later we crossed one of those magical, invisible, time-zone lines and "poof", it was on 6:45 AM! Time travel is a reality and happens every day.
We arrived in Las Vegas at around 3 PM. After unloading half of our stuff at my folks' place along with our dogs, HTP and I drove on to Sam's Town. We're checked in. They've remodeled and updated at least the room that we're staying in. It's beautiful.
Tonight we plan to have a quiet dinner at Billy Bob's. Wish me luck. I intend to head downstairs and try out the machines before dinner.
Murphyism of the Day
Lord Falkland's Rule
When it is necessary to make a decision, it is necessary not to make a decision.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Word of the Day
Fanghanger - When a cat yawns a huge yawn.
Road Trip - Day Three
We started out from Liberal, Kansas at around 8 AM. Nothing too unusual. There was that train derailment but we didn't actually witness the event. We just got to see a bunch of railroad cars laying on their sides with what looked like brand new automobiles inside...I suppose they didn't fare too well from such treatment. Then there was that elephant-style graveyard for all the existing trees in that particular part of Texas we were traversing. It looked like all the trees decided to migrate to that place to die. Their white skeletal remains were all that was left in evidence. Kinda spooky looking. Oh...and then there were the stockyards. Cows as far as you can see.
We arrived at Gallup, New Mexico at around 4 PM. We gained an hour when we crossed into New Mexico. One moment it was 11 AM and then....poof, seconds later, it was 10 AM. The miracle of time zones. And guess what? We get to cross another of those miraculous invisible time zones tomorrow too.
Well...the dogs have to go out. I'll try and blog again tomorrow. We'll be in Vegas so...?
Murphyism of the Day
Hendrickson's Law
If a problem causes many meetings, the meetings eventually become more important than the problem.
Fanghanger - When a cat yawns a huge yawn.
Road Trip - Day Three
We started out from Liberal, Kansas at around 8 AM. Nothing too unusual. There was that train derailment but we didn't actually witness the event. We just got to see a bunch of railroad cars laying on their sides with what looked like brand new automobiles inside...I suppose they didn't fare too well from such treatment. Then there was that elephant-style graveyard for all the existing trees in that particular part of Texas we were traversing. It looked like all the trees decided to migrate to that place to die. Their white skeletal remains were all that was left in evidence. Kinda spooky looking. Oh...and then there were the stockyards. Cows as far as you can see.
We arrived at Gallup, New Mexico at around 4 PM. We gained an hour when we crossed into New Mexico. One moment it was 11 AM and then....poof, seconds later, it was 10 AM. The miracle of time zones. And guess what? We get to cross another of those miraculous invisible time zones tomorrow too.
Well...the dogs have to go out. I'll try and blog again tomorrow. We'll be in Vegas so...?
Murphyism of the Day
Hendrickson's Law
If a problem causes many meetings, the meetings eventually become more important than the problem.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Word of the Day
Faddict - One who always tries new fads.
Day Two - On The Road
We started out at 8 AM this morning after eating our free continental breakfast. Gas prices have risen higher the farther we go. Today we bought gas in Cameron before we left and then again filled up in Emporia, Kansas. We've stopped for the night at Liberal, Kansas. The motel isn't the best but it'll do. All we need is a bed, a functioning air-conditioner, some quiet, and free high-speed internet is nice.
We took the diagonal route down 54 through Kansas. This road isn't too bad but you have to slow to 35 mph going through numerous small towns. And heaven help you if you get stuck behind a slow-moving truck.
Tomorrow we plan to continue on our way down 54 until we hit Tucumcari. We will be crossing through Oklahoma and Texas on our way to New Mexico where we'll be spending tomorrow night in Gallup...if all goes well. High-speed internet tomorrow? I have no idea. We'll see. Only if it's free.
Murphyism of the Day
Issawi's Laws of Committo-Dynamics
1. Comitas comitatum, omnia comitas.
2. The less you enjoy serving on committees, the more likely you are to be pressed to do so.
Faddict - One who always tries new fads.
Day Two - On The Road
We started out at 8 AM this morning after eating our free continental breakfast. Gas prices have risen higher the farther we go. Today we bought gas in Cameron before we left and then again filled up in Emporia, Kansas. We've stopped for the night at Liberal, Kansas. The motel isn't the best but it'll do. All we need is a bed, a functioning air-conditioner, some quiet, and free high-speed internet is nice.
We took the diagonal route down 54 through Kansas. This road isn't too bad but you have to slow to 35 mph going through numerous small towns. And heaven help you if you get stuck behind a slow-moving truck.
Tomorrow we plan to continue on our way down 54 until we hit Tucumcari. We will be crossing through Oklahoma and Texas on our way to New Mexico where we'll be spending tomorrow night in Gallup...if all goes well. High-speed internet tomorrow? I have no idea. We'll see. Only if it's free.
Murphyism of the Day
Issawi's Laws of Committo-Dynamics
1. Comitas comitatum, omnia comitas.
2. The less you enjoy serving on committees, the more likely you are to be pressed to do so.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Word of the Day
Faction - The opposite of fiction.
Woohoo! Free High Speed Internet! I can blog. At least I can tonight. Tomorrow? We'll have to wait and see.
Road Trip - Day 1
We left The Lake at 8 AM and met up with my folks in Menomonie. OK...I'm not sure about the spelling of that town but...it's close...or it's right. But I am sure that we met up with my folks there at around 9:30 AM. From there we proceeded to Woodbury where HTP and I filled up our gas hog. Apologies to all you environmentalists and radical anti-gas hoggers but believe me when I tell you that our SUV is packed from top to bottom with nary a space left-over to more then breath....and not too deeply at that.
We stopped for lunch at Clear Lake. Culvers...of course. Can't beat those butter burgers. And I had the flavor of the day for their frozen custard. Naughty me.
Our next gas stop was in Des Moines. Filler up. I took over driving my folks' car and HTP continued on. I drive faster than HTP so passed him up and lead the way to Cameron. We arrived at our motel at around 5:15PM.
We had supper at a steakhouse here in Cameron. CT's. Very Good! I'm just writing this so I can remember should we decide to stop there again some day. It'll be an early night tonight because we'll have an early start tomorrow.
Murphyism of the Day
Law of Triviality
The time spent on any item of the agenda will be in inverse proportion to the sum involved.
Faction - The opposite of fiction.
Woohoo! Free High Speed Internet! I can blog. At least I can tonight. Tomorrow? We'll have to wait and see.
Road Trip - Day 1
We left The Lake at 8 AM and met up with my folks in Menomonie. OK...I'm not sure about the spelling of that town but...it's close...or it's right. But I am sure that we met up with my folks there at around 9:30 AM. From there we proceeded to Woodbury where HTP and I filled up our gas hog. Apologies to all you environmentalists and radical anti-gas hoggers but believe me when I tell you that our SUV is packed from top to bottom with nary a space left-over to more then breath....and not too deeply at that.
We stopped for lunch at Clear Lake. Culvers...of course. Can't beat those butter burgers. And I had the flavor of the day for their frozen custard. Naughty me.
Our next gas stop was in Des Moines. Filler up. I took over driving my folks' car and HTP continued on. I drive faster than HTP so passed him up and lead the way to Cameron. We arrived at our motel at around 5:15PM.
We had supper at a steakhouse here in Cameron. CT's. Very Good! I'm just writing this so I can remember should we decide to stop there again some day. It'll be an early night tonight because we'll have an early start tomorrow.
Murphyism of the Day
Law of Triviality
The time spent on any item of the agenda will be in inverse proportion to the sum involved.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Word of the Day
Fizzyologist - Soda jerk
I'm posting this blog earlier than usual because today's the day that we need to break down our computers and get them ready for the trek down south. Because it's so early, it's kind of hard to think of anything to write, despite the fact that I'm on my second cup of coffee. HTP already brought in the computer boxes so I think he's eager to get going on this computer project. I hope he at least leaves me the laptop but....
Only a wake up and we'll be on the road. I'll try to blog along the way but some hotels just don't lend themselves to computer usability. If I blog, I blog. If I don't, I don't and you'll know why. We plan to load everything but our overnight bags and the dogs into the car tonight. Tomorrow, we'll be up early so we can prep the cars that will be stored in the garage over winter before we hit the road at 8 AM. There isn't too much that'll have to be done. We just have to make sure that the battery cables are disconnected. Anyway, I tell you all this so that you know that if I can blog tomorrow...it won't be until late.
Murphyism of the Day
Shanahan's Law
The length of a meeting rises with the square of the number of people present.
Fizzyologist - Soda jerk
I'm posting this blog earlier than usual because today's the day that we need to break down our computers and get them ready for the trek down south. Because it's so early, it's kind of hard to think of anything to write, despite the fact that I'm on my second cup of coffee. HTP already brought in the computer boxes so I think he's eager to get going on this computer project. I hope he at least leaves me the laptop but....
Only a wake up and we'll be on the road. I'll try to blog along the way but some hotels just don't lend themselves to computer usability. If I blog, I blog. If I don't, I don't and you'll know why. We plan to load everything but our overnight bags and the dogs into the car tonight. Tomorrow, we'll be up early so we can prep the cars that will be stored in the garage over winter before we hit the road at 8 AM. There isn't too much that'll have to be done. We just have to make sure that the battery cables are disconnected. Anyway, I tell you all this so that you know that if I can blog tomorrow...it won't be until late.
Murphyism of the Day
Shanahan's Law
The length of a meeting rises with the square of the number of people present.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Word of the Day
Fizzability test - A test used by Product control at Coca-Cola™.
Laundry. Packing. Cleaning. One more supper to cook because we can't leave Wisconsin without partaking of one more Friday Fish Fry. One more lunch to make. One more breakfast because we plan to hit the road before breakfast on Saturday. I've vacuum sealed anything that might get freezer burnt. My refrigerator is all scrubbed and only those food items that we'll be eating.
We'll load the car tomorrow night. I hope everything fits. HTP is washing the car right now....Why? I haven't a clue. It'll just get really dirty on our 2000 mile drive. But...whatever makes him happy.
I finally got to talk to the guy that mows our lawn who brought the guy who owns the local nursery here in our little town. I arranged to have my lawn guy come in and mow the lawn one more time this fall...before the snow flies...to get rid of the leaves. I also should be getting a quote on some yard work that we need to have done next spring from the nursery guy. And our lawn guy, who also does almost everything, is going to give me an estimate on how much it'll cost me to have the deck stained and my wooden lawn furniture. Something that should have been done this summer but the driveway broke the budget so it'll have to wait until next summer.
Murphyism of the Day
Old and Kahn's Law
The efficiency of a committee meeting is inversely proportional to the number of participants and the time spent on deliberations.
Fizzability test - A test used by Product control at Coca-Cola™.
Laundry. Packing. Cleaning. One more supper to cook because we can't leave Wisconsin without partaking of one more Friday Fish Fry. One more lunch to make. One more breakfast because we plan to hit the road before breakfast on Saturday. I've vacuum sealed anything that might get freezer burnt. My refrigerator is all scrubbed and only those food items that we'll be eating.
We'll load the car tomorrow night. I hope everything fits. HTP is washing the car right now....Why? I haven't a clue. It'll just get really dirty on our 2000 mile drive. But...whatever makes him happy.
I finally got to talk to the guy that mows our lawn who brought the guy who owns the local nursery here in our little town. I arranged to have my lawn guy come in and mow the lawn one more time this fall...before the snow flies...to get rid of the leaves. I also should be getting a quote on some yard work that we need to have done next spring from the nursery guy. And our lawn guy, who also does almost everything, is going to give me an estimate on how much it'll cost me to have the deck stained and my wooden lawn furniture. Something that should have been done this summer but the driveway broke the budget so it'll have to wait until next summer.
Murphyism of the Day
Old and Kahn's Law
The efficiency of a committee meeting is inversely proportional to the number of participants and the time spent on deliberations.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Word of the Day
Fingoes - Long toes that could be fingers.
Time is flying by yet again. I suppose I could put a countdown ticker on my blog but I'll just tell you that our Saturday departure is looming way faster than one would expect. Time is really strange that way.
I started five quarts of strawberry schnapps yesterday. Blink! NO! I'd be dead right now from alcohol poisoning if I'd drunk that much. Let's see if I can phrase that better. I have a recipe that tells you how to make your own strawberry (any berry) schnapps. I used this same recipe last summer to make wild raspberry schnapps and blackberry schnapps and both turned out so well I thought I'd try the recipe with strawberries. It takes one whole month to make but the longer it brews the better so I may just let this stuff sit until Christmas. I got the process started. You mix Everclear (190 proof...yes, it's legal here in Wisconsin) with strawberries and then occasionally shake the jar ( we're down to 95 proof now). After a month or more you strain the mixture and you have Strawberry Schnapps. From there...I have recipes for making Cordial using the schnapps which will cut the alcohol content down to a more manageable 45 proof.
This morning I finished making my pickled fish which I'm bringing back to Arizona. I think it'll turn out great and far easier to transport than frozen fish. I've started of list of things in the fridge that I need to bring along in our cooler. The pickled fish is one of the items on the list.
I also cleaned out the fridge because our last garbage collection is tomorrow morning. Any garbage that we produce after tonight will have to come with us to be dumped as soon as we find a suitable dumpster. I really hate throwing away good food. One of the hardest things to do each year when we start getting ready to leave for the year is getting rid of all the food that will go bad. I swear I've gained 10 pounds already because I really hate getting rid of the perishable food.
We to use up all the beer too. We're making a truly heroic effort to get rid of all our beer before we hit the road. LOL...that came out bad. Let me re-phrase that. Our goal is to finish up all the beer by Friday night (We don't leave until Saturday). We do not plan to hit the road loaded with anything more that ourselves, our dogs, and our boxes and boxes and boxes and suitcases of stuff.
I am mostly packed...at least as packed as I can be without living out of a suitcase. I'll finish up packing the rest of my stuff on Friday. Tomorrow's laundry so I'll have more stuff to pack after that too. HTP has gone off to buy some of our favorite Butternut coffee to bring back with us. More stuff to pack into our car but you can't buy Butternut coffee in Arizona. I have no idea why but you just can't.
Murphyism of the Day
Putt's Law
Technology is dominated by two types of people:
1. Those who understand what they do not manage.
2. Those who manage what they do not understand.
Fingoes - Long toes that could be fingers.
Time is flying by yet again. I suppose I could put a countdown ticker on my blog but I'll just tell you that our Saturday departure is looming way faster than one would expect. Time is really strange that way.
I started five quarts of strawberry schnapps yesterday. Blink! NO! I'd be dead right now from alcohol poisoning if I'd drunk that much. Let's see if I can phrase that better. I have a recipe that tells you how to make your own strawberry (any berry) schnapps. I used this same recipe last summer to make wild raspberry schnapps and blackberry schnapps and both turned out so well I thought I'd try the recipe with strawberries. It takes one whole month to make but the longer it brews the better so I may just let this stuff sit until Christmas. I got the process started. You mix Everclear (190 proof...yes, it's legal here in Wisconsin) with strawberries and then occasionally shake the jar ( we're down to 95 proof now). After a month or more you strain the mixture and you have Strawberry Schnapps. From there...I have recipes for making Cordial using the schnapps which will cut the alcohol content down to a more manageable 45 proof.
This morning I finished making my pickled fish which I'm bringing back to Arizona. I think it'll turn out great and far easier to transport than frozen fish. I've started of list of things in the fridge that I need to bring along in our cooler. The pickled fish is one of the items on the list.
I also cleaned out the fridge because our last garbage collection is tomorrow morning. Any garbage that we produce after tonight will have to come with us to be dumped as soon as we find a suitable dumpster. I really hate throwing away good food. One of the hardest things to do each year when we start getting ready to leave for the year is getting rid of all the food that will go bad. I swear I've gained 10 pounds already because I really hate getting rid of the perishable food.
We to use up all the beer too. We're making a truly heroic effort to get rid of all our beer before we hit the road. LOL...that came out bad. Let me re-phrase that. Our goal is to finish up all the beer by Friday night (We don't leave until Saturday). We do not plan to hit the road loaded with anything more that ourselves, our dogs, and our boxes and boxes and boxes and suitcases of stuff.
I am mostly packed...at least as packed as I can be without living out of a suitcase. I'll finish up packing the rest of my stuff on Friday. Tomorrow's laundry so I'll have more stuff to pack after that too. HTP has gone off to buy some of our favorite Butternut coffee to bring back with us. More stuff to pack into our car but you can't buy Butternut coffee in Arizona. I have no idea why but you just can't.
Murphyism of the Day
Putt's Law
Technology is dominated by two types of people:
1. Those who understand what they do not manage.
2. Those who manage what they do not understand.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Word of the Day
Fictumentary - A movie inspired by actual occurrences but having taken creative license with some events.
I took down all the hummingbird feeders yesterday. And it wasn't easy. There was at least 1/2 cup of dead wasps in one of them. That isn't something that I care for so I may have to see if there is something I can do next year about replacing that feeder. Yuck! I ended up having to take out the wasp spray to kill the wasps that just wouldn't go away before I could even touch the feeders. Then...I had to clean the windows because the wasp spray got all over the windows. Anyway, the feeders are all washed and ready for next year's hummingbirds.
Today I took down all the windchimes, my windsock, the rain gauge, and the seed-feeders and I brought in the one hose that I keep on the upper deck. Oh...and I cleaned and took in the lawn furniture that had been left out on the downstairs patio. I know, I could have left most of that for later in the week but now it's done and I don't have to think about it. Besides, it's really nice to be able to check off things from my To Do List.
My Dad brought his van over this morning. We store my folks' van in our garage here over the winter along with our boat and one of our cars. Good thing we have a fairly large garage. I'll have to make sure to remind HTP that my folks' van has two batteries and both of them need to be disconnected over the winter. I know that he knows this already but it makes me look intelligent when I tell him things like that.
Murphyism of the Day
Law of Socio-Economics
In a hierarchical system, the rate of pay for a given task increases in inverse ratio to the unpleasantness and difficulty of the task.
Fictumentary - A movie inspired by actual occurrences but having taken creative license with some events.
I took down all the hummingbird feeders yesterday. And it wasn't easy. There was at least 1/2 cup of dead wasps in one of them. That isn't something that I care for so I may have to see if there is something I can do next year about replacing that feeder. Yuck! I ended up having to take out the wasp spray to kill the wasps that just wouldn't go away before I could even touch the feeders. Then...I had to clean the windows because the wasp spray got all over the windows. Anyway, the feeders are all washed and ready for next year's hummingbirds.
Today I took down all the windchimes, my windsock, the rain gauge, and the seed-feeders and I brought in the one hose that I keep on the upper deck. Oh...and I cleaned and took in the lawn furniture that had been left out on the downstairs patio. I know, I could have left most of that for later in the week but now it's done and I don't have to think about it. Besides, it's really nice to be able to check off things from my To Do List.
My Dad brought his van over this morning. We store my folks' van in our garage here over the winter along with our boat and one of our cars. Good thing we have a fairly large garage. I'll have to make sure to remind HTP that my folks' van has two batteries and both of them need to be disconnected over the winter. I know that he knows this already but it makes me look intelligent when I tell him things like that.
Murphyism of the Day
Law of Socio-Economics
In a hierarchical system, the rate of pay for a given task increases in inverse ratio to the unpleasantness and difficulty of the task.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Word of the Day
Caterpallor - The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.
I'm ahead of the curve when it comes to packing. At least I hope that's the case. I think I've got most of the stuff that I don't need until I get back to Arizona packed into boxes and taped shut and I've even made headway on packing the bag that I'll be needing for our nights on the road. Anything that I've forgotten, I'm sure to remember before we leave on Saturday. HTP always thinks I'm a bit nuts when it comes to packing. He never can understand why I let packing drive me so crazy and why I feel I have to start packing things weeks in advance. Hah! Fooled him this time. I only started packing 6 days in advance this time. Is that an improvement or am I slowing down in my old age? Probably the later but regardless, with my list, I should get everything packed before Friday. I decided to do laundry on Thursday so I can talk HTP into loading up the car on Friday night. No excuses about waiting for that final load of laundry to come out of the dryer.
I still have to do something with the plants and the bird-feeders. I can't take care of the hummingbird feeders until the wasps go to bed in the evening. Gotta avoid those nasty yellow jackets. They deliver a mean sting...repeatedly. I may see about tackling that project tonight. Yuck! Somehow wasps got inside the hummingbird feeders and drowned. Serves them right but what about me? I have to clean up the mess they left behind. Oh well...it's on my To Do List. All I have to do is DO it and then I can mark it off the list...until next year.
Murphyism of the Day
Jones' Law
The man who can smile when things are going wrong has thought of someone he can blame it on.
Caterpallor - The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.
I'm ahead of the curve when it comes to packing. At least I hope that's the case. I think I've got most of the stuff that I don't need until I get back to Arizona packed into boxes and taped shut and I've even made headway on packing the bag that I'll be needing for our nights on the road. Anything that I've forgotten, I'm sure to remember before we leave on Saturday. HTP always thinks I'm a bit nuts when it comes to packing. He never can understand why I let packing drive me so crazy and why I feel I have to start packing things weeks in advance. Hah! Fooled him this time. I only started packing 6 days in advance this time. Is that an improvement or am I slowing down in my old age? Probably the later but regardless, with my list, I should get everything packed before Friday. I decided to do laundry on Thursday so I can talk HTP into loading up the car on Friday night. No excuses about waiting for that final load of laundry to come out of the dryer.
I still have to do something with the plants and the bird-feeders. I can't take care of the hummingbird feeders until the wasps go to bed in the evening. Gotta avoid those nasty yellow jackets. They deliver a mean sting...repeatedly. I may see about tackling that project tonight. Yuck! Somehow wasps got inside the hummingbird feeders and drowned. Serves them right but what about me? I have to clean up the mess they left behind. Oh well...it's on my To Do List. All I have to do is DO it and then I can mark it off the list...until next year.
Murphyism of the Day
Jones' Law
The man who can smile when things are going wrong has thought of someone he can blame it on.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Word of the Day
Applelanche - A pile of apples tumbling to the floor.
It's been a long day. My Caeser Salad was a hit. My spinach dip was a hit. Tom's brother made lasagna...from scratch. Tom's sister brought an apple crisp. It was like a Sunday dinner at the Soprano's except there were no mob bosses or made men, and we didn't drink wine.
#1 son hitched a ride back to his dorm from his cousin. They both go to the same college. HTP and I walked the dogs and then hit the road back to The Lake.
Tomorrow and everyday next week will be really busy. I packed up my canned goods. Packing continues tomorrow. I'm going to make some strawberry schnapps too or at least get it started.
I'm going to skip the Murphyism of the Day today. Instead I'm heading off to bed and one of my favorite radio shows. Matt Drudge
Applelanche - A pile of apples tumbling to the floor.
It's been a long day. My Caeser Salad was a hit. My spinach dip was a hit. Tom's brother made lasagna...from scratch. Tom's sister brought an apple crisp. It was like a Sunday dinner at the Soprano's except there were no mob bosses or made men, and we didn't drink wine.
#1 son hitched a ride back to his dorm from his cousin. They both go to the same college. HTP and I walked the dogs and then hit the road back to The Lake.
Tomorrow and everyday next week will be really busy. I packed up my canned goods. Packing continues tomorrow. I'm going to make some strawberry schnapps too or at least get it started.
I'm going to skip the Murphyism of the Day today. Instead I'm heading off to bed and one of my favorite radio shows. Matt Drudge
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Word of the Day
Beelzebug - Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
It's my Devil Dog Daughter's Birthday today! Happy Birthday LCpl Mink! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday Dear LCpl Mink! Happy Birthday to You!
What a year she's had! I never imagined that since her last birthday she would have enlisted in the Marines, that she'd survive bootcamp and we'd get to see her proudly receive her Eagle, Globe, and Anchor pin as she became an official U.S. Marine, that she would survive MCT despite injuries, that we'd get to proudly watch as she married her GI Joe, that she'd have experienced your first hurricane, that she's receive her first promotion from PFC to LCpl.,....I mean the list of things that she's seen and done since her last birthday is enormous.
Happy Birthday LCpl. Mink! We love you very much!
So...what am I doing today? I made spinach dip to bring over to HTP's brother's place tomorrow, an appetizer, and I cut up all the ingredients that I need to make a Caesar Salad that I'm going to bring. I'll toss it all together when we get there. Done and did. And, because #1 son is home for the weekend. Laundry. I'm going to break from tradition next week too. I'm going to do laundry on Friday next week because we'll be hitting the open road on Saturday. One must have clean clothes to wear.
Murphyism of the Day
The Army Axiom (I suppose this would apply to any branch of the military)
Any order that can be misunderstood has been misunderstood.
Beelzebug - Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
It's my Devil Dog Daughter's Birthday today! Happy Birthday LCpl Mink! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday Dear LCpl Mink! Happy Birthday to You!
What a year she's had! I never imagined that since her last birthday she would have enlisted in the Marines, that she'd survive bootcamp and we'd get to see her proudly receive her Eagle, Globe, and Anchor pin as she became an official U.S. Marine, that she would survive MCT despite injuries, that we'd get to proudly watch as she married her GI Joe, that she'd have experienced your first hurricane, that she's receive her first promotion from PFC to LCpl.,....I mean the list of things that she's seen and done since her last birthday is enormous.
Happy Birthday LCpl. Mink! We love you very much!
So...what am I doing today? I made spinach dip to bring over to HTP's brother's place tomorrow, an appetizer, and I cut up all the ingredients that I need to make a Caesar Salad that I'm going to bring. I'll toss it all together when we get there. Done and did. And, because #1 son is home for the weekend. Laundry. I'm going to break from tradition next week too. I'm going to do laundry on Friday next week because we'll be hitting the open road on Saturday. One must have clean clothes to wear.
Murphyism of the Day
The Army Axiom (I suppose this would apply to any branch of the military)
Any order that can be misunderstood has been misunderstood.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Word of the Day
Arachnoleptic fit - The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
I bottled my blackberry wine. It's cloudy. I'm hoping that it'll clear up....eventually...maybe by Christmas? Anyway, the labels that HTP made for me look great! If the wine turns to vinegar, I'll have lots of blackberry vinegar but I guess that's OK too.
My next project was making pickled fish out of the frozen filets that I had in the freezer. I like pickled fish and I won't be able to transport frozen fish back to Arizona but pickled fish will make the trip just fine...as long as I keep the cooler filled with ice. This I can do. I have just enough time to fit this project into the schedule before we have to hit the road.
My youngest daughter called last night. She and her husband are all moved and settled into their new apartment. They had to buy a cell phone because it's going to take two weeks for the phone people to get around to hooking up a landline for them. But...at least they have a phone number where they can be reached, cell phone though it may be. Unfortunately, this means no computer until the landline is hooked up. Now that would drive me nuts.
HTP has gone off to pick #1 son up from college. This is his last weekend here at The Lake this year. After Sunday, HTP and I won't have a chance to see #1 son until Christmas. We'll all be driving to The Big City on Sunday to see HTP's relatives and help celebrate HTP's Mother's birthday. Gasp! I forgot to sing her Happy Birthday in my blog. Her birthday was on October 5th. Oh well...she doesn't read my blog anyway so I guess she'll never know. Shhhh! Don't tell.
Murphyism of the Day
H. L. Mencken's Law
Those who can, do.
Those who cannot, teach.
Martin's Extension
Those who cannot teach, administrate.
Arachnoleptic fit - The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
I bottled my blackberry wine. It's cloudy. I'm hoping that it'll clear up....eventually...maybe by Christmas? Anyway, the labels that HTP made for me look great! If the wine turns to vinegar, I'll have lots of blackberry vinegar but I guess that's OK too.
My next project was making pickled fish out of the frozen filets that I had in the freezer. I like pickled fish and I won't be able to transport frozen fish back to Arizona but pickled fish will make the trip just fine...as long as I keep the cooler filled with ice. This I can do. I have just enough time to fit this project into the schedule before we have to hit the road.
My youngest daughter called last night. She and her husband are all moved and settled into their new apartment. They had to buy a cell phone because it's going to take two weeks for the phone people to get around to hooking up a landline for them. But...at least they have a phone number where they can be reached, cell phone though it may be. Unfortunately, this means no computer until the landline is hooked up. Now that would drive me nuts.
HTP has gone off to pick #1 son up from college. This is his last weekend here at The Lake this year. After Sunday, HTP and I won't have a chance to see #1 son until Christmas. We'll all be driving to The Big City on Sunday to see HTP's relatives and help celebrate HTP's Mother's birthday. Gasp! I forgot to sing her Happy Birthday in my blog. Her birthday was on October 5th. Oh well...she doesn't read my blog anyway so I guess she'll never know. Shhhh! Don't tell.
Murphyism of the Day
H. L. Mencken's Law
Those who can, do.
Those who cannot, teach.
Martin's Extension
Those who cannot teach, administrate.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Word of the Day
Dopeler effect -The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
I'm going to be bottling my second batch of blackberry wine tomorrow. I soaked off the labels from eight wine bottles this morning and made sure that they were sterilized and ready to go. Not fun. Now I smell like DeSolvit and though it doesn't smell nasty, the smell is starting to get to me. Blech!
We got a visit from our local deputy sheriff this morning. He's also a friend and neighbor of ours and he keeps an eye on the property when we're in Arizona. Still, I know it's stupid, but when that police car/SUV comes driving down our driveway, my heart leaps into my throat. Just for a second. It's not like I've ever had any trouble with the law or anything but it's just that momentary knee-jerk reaction. And then...Oh..."It's just Brian." And then, he plays his role to the hilt by wearing those mirrored sunglasses that make him look like such a cop. I swear it's enough to make the most innocent of people confess. "I did it. I'm bad. Where's my ticket?" He just stopped to check to make sure we were OK after that deluge we had here at The Lake (lots of local flooding) and ask after my parents because he didn't find them when he was over at their place. He wanted to tell us that he'd cleared the trees off the old logging road and he thought that my folk's driveway needed some work because the rain had done a real job on it. I told him that I'd seen the problem yesterday and I'd e-mailed my folks and my sister. Then, knee-jerker that I am, as soon as he left, I called my Dad. See? I'm not the only one that thinks that the driveway needs fixing before someone breaks an axle.
I was thinking about making cookies (diet cookies) today. We'll see. That smell of DeSolvit is still haunting me. Maybe if I change my shirt and wash my hands again, the cookie-making mood will return.
Murphyism of the Day
Iron Law of Distribution
Them that has, gets.
Dopeler effect -The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
I'm going to be bottling my second batch of blackberry wine tomorrow. I soaked off the labels from eight wine bottles this morning and made sure that they were sterilized and ready to go. Not fun. Now I smell like DeSolvit and though it doesn't smell nasty, the smell is starting to get to me. Blech!
We got a visit from our local deputy sheriff this morning. He's also a friend and neighbor of ours and he keeps an eye on the property when we're in Arizona. Still, I know it's stupid, but when that police car/SUV comes driving down our driveway, my heart leaps into my throat. Just for a second. It's not like I've ever had any trouble with the law or anything but it's just that momentary knee-jerk reaction. And then...Oh..."It's just Brian." And then, he plays his role to the hilt by wearing those mirrored sunglasses that make him look like such a cop. I swear it's enough to make the most innocent of people confess. "I did it. I'm bad. Where's my ticket?" He just stopped to check to make sure we were OK after that deluge we had here at The Lake (lots of local flooding) and ask after my parents because he didn't find them when he was over at their place. He wanted to tell us that he'd cleared the trees off the old logging road and he thought that my folk's driveway needed some work because the rain had done a real job on it. I told him that I'd seen the problem yesterday and I'd e-mailed my folks and my sister. Then, knee-jerker that I am, as soon as he left, I called my Dad. See? I'm not the only one that thinks that the driveway needs fixing before someone breaks an axle.
I was thinking about making cookies (diet cookies) today. We'll see. That smell of DeSolvit is still haunting me. Maybe if I change my shirt and wash my hands again, the cookie-making mood will return.
Murphyism of the Day
Iron Law of Distribution
Them that has, gets.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Word of the Day
Glibido - All talk and no action.
All told, we got a bit more than eight inches since yesterday morning. We've had a bit more rain today but I think we're done with the heavy stuff. Even though they were predicting snow for tomorrow, I have my doubts...even if it is snowing in The Dakotas and parts of Minnesota.
I drove over to the other side of The Lake to check on family members' cabins. I had to draw on an old science lesson to clear one tree off the driveway. It was a lot heavier than I was expecting and my saw didn't want to cut through it. I found a nice solid branch to use as a lever and levered the log off to the side of the road...bit by bit. Hey! It worked.
With all the rain that came down in such a short period of time, water must have been released from the dam. The water level in the lake has risen. I'm glad we pulled our dock last weekend. The water level has risen to the top of our bottom concrete stair and is lapping at the wheel of our dock. That's a full foot higher than it was on Saturday which I suppose makes sense since I hear that other areas got even more rain then we did.
HTP went off to visit the dentist today. Our Orkin guy told us that one of the roads that HTP had planned to use to get to the dentist, was flooded so he had to use an alternate route today. Maybe things will have cleared out some by tomorrow.
Murphyism of the Day
Match's Maxim
A fool in a high station is like a man on the top of a high mountain; everything appears small to him and he appears small to everyone.
Glibido - All talk and no action.
All told, we got a bit more than eight inches since yesterday morning. We've had a bit more rain today but I think we're done with the heavy stuff. Even though they were predicting snow for tomorrow, I have my doubts...even if it is snowing in The Dakotas and parts of Minnesota.
I drove over to the other side of The Lake to check on family members' cabins. I had to draw on an old science lesson to clear one tree off the driveway. It was a lot heavier than I was expecting and my saw didn't want to cut through it. I found a nice solid branch to use as a lever and levered the log off to the side of the road...bit by bit. Hey! It worked.
With all the rain that came down in such a short period of time, water must have been released from the dam. The water level in the lake has risen. I'm glad we pulled our dock last weekend. The water level has risen to the top of our bottom concrete stair and is lapping at the wheel of our dock. That's a full foot higher than it was on Saturday which I suppose makes sense since I hear that other areas got even more rain then we did.
HTP went off to visit the dentist today. Our Orkin guy told us that one of the roads that HTP had planned to use to get to the dentist, was flooded so he had to use an alternate route today. Maybe things will have cleared out some by tomorrow.
Murphyism of the Day
Match's Maxim
A fool in a high station is like a man on the top of a high mountain; everything appears small to him and he appears small to everyone.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Word of the Day
Decafalon - The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
It's raining, it's pouring....OK....the old man isn't snoring but you get the gist. We've had more than two inches of rain since early this morning and it's still coming down. Why we couldn't have received some of this rain over the summer, I have no idea. On top of all this? I think we actually might get some snow flurries on Wednesday. It's becoming more and more obvious that it's getting to be time for these snowbirds to fly south for the winter.
Devil Dog Daughter Update
I'm proud to announce that my Devil Dog Daughter received a promotion yesterday. She is now LCpl (Lance Corporal) Mink.
Murphyism of the Day
Jay's Law of Leadership
Changing things is central to leadership, and changing them before anyone else is creativeness.
Decafalon - The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
It's raining, it's pouring....OK....the old man isn't snoring but you get the gist. We've had more than two inches of rain since early this morning and it's still coming down. Why we couldn't have received some of this rain over the summer, I have no idea. On top of all this? I think we actually might get some snow flurries on Wednesday. It's becoming more and more obvious that it's getting to be time for these snowbirds to fly south for the winter.
Devil Dog Daughter Update
I'm proud to announce that my Devil Dog Daughter received a promotion yesterday. She is now LCpl (Lance Corporal) Mink.
Murphyism of the Day
Jay's Law of Leadership
Changing things is central to leadership, and changing them before anyone else is creativeness.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Word of the Day
Karmageddon - It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.
Everyone is in an uproar in Washington D.C. and elsewhere. President Bush dared to nominate a woman that he KNOWS! Harriet Miers. From Texas! GASP! Not only that, she's never been a judge before! GASP! GASP! Both the Right and the Left are upset. Both the Right and the Left are burning up the internet as I write this. Research! Who is she really?! What?! She's a Christian? Can't have that. Evangelical? OH NO! Meanwhile, the Right is all upset because she's not a known Conservative quantity.
OK. That's all the politicing for one day.
I finished canning the rest of the garden tomatoes. No more canning here at The Lake this year. The rest of the day will be spent storing away all my canning supplies. And...I have to figure out the best way to bring this year's canned goods back to Arizona. HTP pointed out that I still have wine brewing in the basement. That doesn't count as a canned good. That's wine. It should be ready for bottling on Friday. Ready or not. I'm bottling it on Friday.
HTP finished siphoning off the gas from the boat. Now all he has to do is "winterize" it before we push it into the garage.
We're still dealing with the ladybugs. On top of that...I've never seen so many wasps. I had to dip the dead and dying ones out of the dogs' waterdish this morning so the poor dogs could get something to drink without getting stung.
Murphyism of the Day
Truths of Management
1. Think before you act; it's not your money.
2. All good management is the expression of one great idea.
3. No executive devotes effort to proving him or herself wrong.
4. If sophisticated calculations are needed to justify an action, don't do it.
Karmageddon - It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.
Everyone is in an uproar in Washington D.C. and elsewhere. President Bush dared to nominate a woman that he KNOWS! Harriet Miers. From Texas! GASP! Not only that, she's never been a judge before! GASP! GASP! Both the Right and the Left are upset. Both the Right and the Left are burning up the internet as I write this. Research! Who is she really?! What?! She's a Christian? Can't have that. Evangelical? OH NO! Meanwhile, the Right is all upset because she's not a known Conservative quantity.
OK. That's all the politicing for one day.
I finished canning the rest of the garden tomatoes. No more canning here at The Lake this year. The rest of the day will be spent storing away all my canning supplies. And...I have to figure out the best way to bring this year's canned goods back to Arizona. HTP pointed out that I still have wine brewing in the basement. That doesn't count as a canned good. That's wine. It should be ready for bottling on Friday. Ready or not. I'm bottling it on Friday.
HTP finished siphoning off the gas from the boat. Now all he has to do is "winterize" it before we push it into the garage.
We're still dealing with the ladybugs. On top of that...I've never seen so many wasps. I had to dip the dead and dying ones out of the dogs' waterdish this morning so the poor dogs could get something to drink without getting stung.
Murphyism of the Day
Truths of Management
1. Think before you act; it's not your money.
2. All good management is the expression of one great idea.
3. No executive devotes effort to proving him or herself wrong.
4. If sophisticated calculations are needed to justify an action, don't do it.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Word of the Day
Hipatitis - Terminal coolness.
It's been a really quiet day. HTP left at around lunch time to take #1 son back to The Big City. There's no mistaking the signs of Fall. The leaves are falling and blowing around. Ladybugs. The garden is in. I've almost done all my canning. Only two more weeks and we'll be locking the door and setting the alarm for the last time this year. Time to fly back south for the winter. I plan to spend the time I have left here at The Lake, enjoying the smells and colors of Fall.
Murphyism of the Day
Law of Communications
The inevitable result of improved and enlarged communications between different levels in a hierarchy is a vastly increased area of misunderstanding.
Hipatitis - Terminal coolness.
It's been a really quiet day. HTP left at around lunch time to take #1 son back to The Big City. There's no mistaking the signs of Fall. The leaves are falling and blowing around. Ladybugs. The garden is in. I've almost done all my canning. Only two more weeks and we'll be locking the door and setting the alarm for the last time this year. Time to fly back south for the winter. I plan to spend the time I have left here at The Lake, enjoying the smells and colors of Fall.
Murphyism of the Day
Law of Communications
The inevitable result of improved and enlarged communications between different levels in a hierarchy is a vastly increased area of misunderstanding.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Word of the Day
Inoculatte - To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
We managed to pull the boat. Not bad for a bunch of novices. It's sitting outside on the driveway right now because HTP has to take it in to have it winterized and he wants to drain out the gas in the tank. #1 son got his feet wet but I think we know how to do it so no-one gets wet next year.
After we finished getting the boat in we made our first attempt at pulling the dock. We're going to have to try again because it isn't in far enough. Oh, my aching back! Right now we're trying to figure out how to tackle our second attempt at this while #1 son is still home to help.
We're being invaded today. Ladybugs everywhere. OK. I know that they're really not ladybugs. They're some sort of Asian beetle that people imported to take care of plant-eating bugs in their gardens but they look like ladybugs. Unfortunately, they don't act like "lady" bugs. They bite. And...they've been fruitful and they're all over my house.
Update on The Dock
Law of Probable Dispersal
Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.
Inoculatte - To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
We managed to pull the boat. Not bad for a bunch of novices. It's sitting outside on the driveway right now because HTP has to take it in to have it winterized and he wants to drain out the gas in the tank. #1 son got his feet wet but I think we know how to do it so no-one gets wet next year.
After we finished getting the boat in we made our first attempt at pulling the dock. We're going to have to try again because it isn't in far enough. Oh, my aching back! Right now we're trying to figure out how to tackle our second attempt at this while #1 son is still home to help.
We're being invaded today. Ladybugs everywhere. OK. I know that they're really not ladybugs. They're some sort of Asian beetle that people imported to take care of plant-eating bugs in their gardens but they look like ladybugs. Unfortunately, they don't act like "lady" bugs. They bite. And...they've been fruitful and they're all over my house.
Update on The Dock
We did it! We could have and should have had at least two additional burly men (other than HTP and #1 son) but with brute force, HTP in the water and #1 son lifting from the center section and me pulling, lifting and dragging from the shore end...we FINALLY managed to drag that dock up onto the first concrete step and out of the water. I quickly tied her off and maybe we'll think of an easier way of doing this before next fall. We've got one engineer and a engineering student that will have a whole year to think about it.
Murphyism of the DayLaw of Probable Dispersal
Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.