I decided on a patriotic theme this year when I planted my window boxes on the deck.


Word of the Day

Retrocarbonic - Any drink machine that dispenses the soda before the cup.

Summer has come and gone...well...not really but the high temperature today stayed below 60 degrees. Along with the overcast skies, it felt more like a fall day instead of the beginning of summer. I'm back in my jeans, long-sleeved shirt, sweater, socks and shoes. And....there's a fire in the fireplace to take the chill out of the air. HTP is complaining that he can't get warm. On the positive side, the mosquitoes and deerfly aren't causing their usual problems.

I captured and transported another critter today. Chipmunk. That brings my deported chipmunk count up to four. I noted that the bean seed that I replanted is starting to come up...finally. Knock on wood, I won't have any more problems with the mourning dove population.

I'm thinking about picking some strawberries tomorrow. We'll see. Sis was going to come with me but she's otherwise occupied this week. I think Sarge and D Buddy helped me pick strawberries last year. I'm not sure how many strawberries I'll be able to pick on my own but there's nothing that says that I can't go out again with Sis to get more. I need some strawberries to make jam. I want some strawberries for dessert this weekend. Sis and I need some strawberries for our wine-making efforts. I'm NOT going to even try to pick all the strawberries that will be needed tomorrow morning. Rome wasn't built in a day and....I'm not going to try and the same goes when it comes to picking strawberries.

Murphyism of the Day

Mercado's Law

After getting client off on a grand theft auto charge, he will steal your car.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

We're not lost. We're locationally challenged.

- John M. Ford

A Glass of Wine and My Rocker Await

Word of the Day

Retox - The act of replenishing toxic substances that may have been depleted over time.

Woodtick Count of the Day - 39

Wow! The word of the day is coincidentally way appropriate today. HTP bought me some weed-killer that claims to kill the weeds in your lawn (actually guarantees this minor miracle) without killing your grass. He bought me the sprayer AND the refill. I had to "replenish" the sprayer with the refill in order to complete my treatment of the entire yard. See? I "replenished" something with a toxic substance. Then, speaking of toxic substances and the replenishment thereof....

I refilled both my wine boxes. One box for white wine (refrigerated), and one box for red (pantry wine). Replenishment meets recycling. Box wines are....OK...but the best thing about them is the air-tight bladder which makes the last glass of wine in the box taste the same as the first glass of wine....at least...to my aging pallet. I've been recycling...making use of and using the air-tight bladder by re-filling it with wines that are a heck of a lot better than that which originally came in said box....not to insult the box wines but...well.... Anyway, this way I can enjoy one glass of a really nice red wine...or white... and I can enjoy the rest of the bottle at my leisure. Even though I can still remember the day when I could drink a whole bottle of wine in an evening...those days have come and gone. My metabolism isn't what it used to be...and...I'm not so cavalier about losing brain cells like I was when my metabolism actually used to...metabolise.

Murphyism of the Day

Storry's Principle of Criminal Indictment

The degree of guilt is directly proportional to the intensity of the denial.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

I have too much respect for the idea of God to make it responsible for such an absurd world.

Georges Duhamel (1884 - 1966)

A Bouquet of Peonies

Word of the Day

Reptiliscope - An instrument specifically designed to observe reptiles.

Woodtick Count of the Day - 39

Nothing new here. Nothing to see. My folks and I went to church....after jumping through multiple hurdles. Hey...nothing worthwhile ever comes easy. We got there...and on time.

I made BBQ pork ribs...smoked...on my grill for supper. HTP got a garden salad to go with his ribs. I enjoyed a salad made with watercress. No complaints were heard...except from Gypsy. She got a bone to chew on but I had to take it away because she was EATING IT. Gypsy has powerful jaws.

The peonies are in full bloom. Unfortunately, no matter what I've done to stake the blooms, they end up drooping down to the ground. These flowers are HEAVY. I ended up snipping off any that were drooping and that was quite the bouquet. Lots of blooms! I'm sure I'll have pedals littering my counter by tomorrow morning.

Murphyism of the Day

The Shoemaker's Children Principle

Law firms' corporate papers are never in order.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

If living conditions don't stop improving in this country, we're going to run out of humble beginnings for our great men.

- Russell P. Askue

Word of the Day

Repihumoror - 1. One who tells the same joke repeatedly to the same people without realizing it, thinking the joke will be funny, again. 2. One who repeats jokes he or she has seen on television or heard on the radio.

Woodtick Count of the Day - 39

We got a bit more rain today...which made things a bit wet and humid. However, despite the 0.50 inches of rain that we received, I still watered both my Earthboxes and my container gardens.

This morning, I cooked up some nectar for my hummingbird feeders and some simpy syrup for the raspberry liqueur that I needed to make for Willie. The liqueur is all ready and only needs a label. I'll work on that later.

I made homemade flour tortillas tonight to go with the venison fajitas that I fixed for supper. Homemade flour tortillas beat store bought tortillas....hands down.

HTP and I really need to do some grocery shopping if we're going to have company coming over the 4th of July weekend. I'm running out of milk, meat, vegetables and fruit....and flour.

Murphyism of the Day

Chisholm's Distinction

A contingent fee means that a lawyer who doesn't win your suit gets nothing. If the lawyer does win it, you get nothing.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

I will follow the right side even to the fire, but excluding the fire if I can.

- Michel de Montaigne (1533 - 1592)

I HATE TICKS!

Word of the Day

Remembruary - The relative last month, or recurrence of the first month of the year in which people forget to transition into the following year. Often this period ends relative to the person's psychological ability to progress into the new year. This month is known to last as little as an hour and as much as several years in some rare cases.

Woodtick Count of the Day - 39

I had to dig another one of those teeny, pepper flake-sized woodticks out last night. Those things are so tiny you have to dig them out with a needle and a really good tweezers. Sometimes the only way you know that you've got one stuck in you is because whatever they inject you with to suck your blood, makes you itch. Thankfully, so far, I've been able to take care of both times I've had to operate on myself, by myself. I hate it when I have to have HTP operate on me....not that he does a bad job but... As for the itch, I went out to get some meat tenderizer today, while I was out finding a new home for the latest chipmunk I caught in my garden. A paste made with the meat tenderizer does seem to help the itch....for a while.

I really enjoyed my first salad made with watercress...actually...I enjoyed HTP's salad too. He isn't much for eating off the land. His loss, my gain. The watercress salad was perfect with the turkey pesto casserole that I made for supper. It was kind of like a gourmet macaroni and cheese casserole...with turkey and I used fusilli pasta. However, since I used the last of my homemade pesto...and my fusilli pasta, and my leftover turkey....this recipe will go into my permanent file for some future time.

Murphyism of the Day

Mr. Mendelson's Law

Ten percent of your clients give you 90% of your grief.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

I can't understand it. I can't even understand the people who can understand it.

- Queen Juliana (1909 - 2004)

In Search of the Wild Watercress

Word of the Day

Rememberful - Tending to, or likely to remember; antonym to forgetful.

Woodtick Count of the Day - 38

Once again, Sis and I sallied forth, properly armed, in search of....The Wild Watercress. Dun, dun, dun.... Can you stand the suspense?

I'm not sure if it was the exceptionally cold winter or the exceptionally long and cold spring...or a combination of both..., but, Sis and I discovered (after hiking through the thick bush, beating off the flies and mosquitoes, and wading through wild swamps) that the wild watercress was exceptionally prolific this year. We got watercress! And...neither Sis or I ended up sinking to our knees in the quicksand. However, since this spring has been REALLY dry....we may have avoided sinking into quicksand because the swamp wasn't as swampy as usual.

Fair disclosure. I discovered the additional two woodticks of the daily woodtick count last night while getting ready for bed. I'm not sure where I picked them up but....I'm still looking suspiciously at a certain dog....whose name starts with a G. I'm hoping that the woodtick/mosquito spray that Sis and I armed ourselves with will inhibit any additional woodticks....at least...from today's hunting activities.

I've added to my trapped squirrel count. I released my latest squirrel over a mile from here. I hope that a mile will preclude this latest squirrel from returning like the preverbial homing pigeon...um...squirrel.

Murphyism of the Day

The Lawyer Joke Law

The problem with lawyer jokes is that lawyers don't think they're funny, and nobody else thinks they're jokes.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

It is always a silly thing to give advice, but to give good advice is fatal.

- Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900)

Chipmunks eat beans...and raspberries and blueberries.

Word of the Day

Reintarnation - Coming back to life as a hillbilly.

Woodtick Count of the Day - 36

I caught two chipmunks today and transported both before Gypsy could drive both HTP and me crazy with her endless barking. She's SUCH a brave dog....when the critter is in a trap and she isn't.

It's been another really warm and sticky day. I decided to pull the rhubarb before it got too hot and unpleasant outside. The deerfly are back. Hats have become required apparel if you want to step outside...even in the morning. So...I pulled, cleaned and chopped four pounds of rhubarb. I froze three pounds for future use and made the fourth pound into a sugarfree rhubarb pie. We'll have some tonight for dessert.

I noted that we were almost out of bread again. We go through my homemade bread pretty fast. So, this time, I baked two loaves of my whole wheat bread. The cost of store bought bread has gone up dramatically. It is far cheaper to make your own...especially if you care what is in your bread and how it tastes.

Murphyism of the Day

Dalton's Law

A bad lawyer can let a case drag on for several years. A good lawyer can make it last even longer.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Evil is obvious only in retrospect.

- Gloria Steinem (1934 - )

My Peonies are just starting to bloom.

Word of the Day

Regifter - One who gives a gift to another that originally was given to oneself.

Woodtick Count of the Day - 36

I hadn't been having any ant problems this spring...until this morning. Sis and Mom have had problems but... HTP found a big black ant crawling on my counter this morning and then I found another one crawling on my paper towel holder. *sigh* I think the rain we got the other day might have started this invasion. Plus, I scrubbed the kitchen floor and swept outside so any poison that I put down last year is long gone. So, I went outside after breakfast and treated the perimeter of the house with my Ortho granules and then I sprayed the inside and the window sills with spray. I've already noted a dead ant from the spray. Hopefully, HTP and I won't see any more ants for the rest of the summer. Those big black ants are nasty looking.

There were three grey squirrels up on my deck this morning. I'm going to have to keep an eye on the problem. As long as they don't start digging in my pots, I don't mind so much. I think they were after the bird seed in my feeders. Gypsy and I ran them off. I forgot to take my birdfeeders in last night and HTP told me we had a visit from the raccoon. HTP chased it off but I know the thing will return. Raccoons are stubborn when it comes to free food.

Something tripped the trap in the garden last night. I suspect that it was a mouse or chipmunk. Whatever it was, it was too small for the trap to hold it. I may have to bait and set out a smaller trap. Something was already digging up the seed that I planted yesterday. This is NOT turning into a good gardening season.

Murphyism of the Day

Parsons's Law

In a town where one lawyer can't survive, two lawyers will thrive.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.

- Victor Hugo (1802 - 1885)

Playing Yahtzee at The Lake - HTP Got a Yahtzee! -
Picture taken by T-Square - June 20, 2009

Woodtick Count of the Day - 36

Word of the Day

Reilliterate - To explain over and over, until the audience has no idea what you're talking about.

So...after breakfast...I went over to Sis' place to split up the leftovers from our Father's Day Bash. It occurred to me that Sis and I spend a lot of time doing things that NO-ONE really have any iota of an idea of what we spend our time doing during any given day. I walked into my sister's place and...the place is perfumed with the aroma of bean soup. How many houses does the average Joe walk into that smell like bean soup? One out of a hundred? Right? I find that she's been cooking up the remains of the smoked turkey we made....she'd been at is since dawn. And will her hubby when he returns home later tonight have an inkling of what she's been doing?...*sigh*...he'll probably be as clueless as my own hubby.

We ( Sis and Me) had planned on spending the morning hunting the wild watercress but...

We've got rain! It rained last night. Real rain. The most rain that we've had since HTP arrived here at the end of April. Gypsy woke me up. She was afraid! The Casablanca fans in the basement glitched and their light kits turned on. HTP had to go down to the basement and turn them off. Meanwhile, I cuddled Gypsy and enjoyed Nature's fireworks display. We got 1.24 inches of rain...according to my digital rain gauge. My non-digital rain gauge recorded 1 3/4 inches of rain. Sis tells me that her rain gauge at the south end of the lake registered 2 1/2 inches of rain but...T-Square tells me that his digital rain gauge (also at the south end of the lake) registered 2 inches of rain. I'm beginning to think I need a new digital rain gauge. I'm losing confidence in the accuracy of mine.

Meanwhile...after making breakfast...after emptying my rain gauge...after loading a trapped squirrel into the car (Yes, I caught a second pesky squirrel that had invaded my vegetable garden)...after picking up the mail in town...after driving over to Sis' place and splitting up the leftovers from our Father's Day get together...and...after releasing said trapped squirrel at an appropriate locations (at the place that used to be called Angus), I returned home. And then...

You see? Let me list all the things I do...did...that no-one will ever notice. *sigh* I made banana bread. Why? Because I had three REALLY ripe bananas sitting on my counter and...waste not, want not. Then...I made a loaf of whole wheat bread because what remained of the bread that I bought at the store was starting to grow hair (it was turning blue...OK...it was moldy). Time to work on the wine. Rhubarb Wine. The must has been strained out and discarded. And...the yeast and sugar has been added. We will have wine, but, Sis will have to help me haul the fermentation buckets to the basement on Thursday. Then...I had to weed the entire garden and re-plant the beans...for the third time... because the squirrels (the ones that I trapped and transported) had eaten the ones that I'd planted the first two times). Knock on wood...three time is the charm? Oh...and I re-set the Havahart trap in the garden for the next critter who decides to mess with my beans. Oh...and I made another huge pot of stew for Gypsy and froze it. Believe me...Gypsy would have noticed if she didn't get her morning 1/2 cup of homemade stew. *sigh* She is soooooo spoiled! Oh well...I don't have to make her special stew again until...until the stuff I made today is gone. End of July?

After making a lunch from left-overs, I decided that I really didn't feel like having turkey for supper so...HTP and I enjoyed the pizza I made while we watched Antiques Road Show and The Big Bang Theory.

Tomorrow? Laundry Day! Oh...and I finished both the Monster Sudoku puzzles that my Mom gave me.

Murphyism of the Day

Oppenheimer's Precept

Ignorance of the law does not prevent a losing lawyer from collecting his bill.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before.

- Robert Lynd (1879 - 1949)

Word of the Day

Remaindeer - Any leftover venison.

Woodtick Count of the Day - 36



Happy


Father's


Day!



HTP and I are driving into the big city to celebrate Father's Day with his Dad today. We celebrated a combined Father's Day/Mother's Day with my Dad and Mom yesterday. Sis and I served LOTS of food. We enjoyed the smoked turkey we made on Friday, some awesome German potato salad, baked beans, a couple of salads and...enough food for two meals. And...we played Yahtzee. Sis' hubby won the first game. I won the second! Sis and I sent the leftover cake home with Dad. There wasn't much lemon pie left. Sis and I will split up the rest of the leftover food...Monday. Lots of turkey. Maybe I'll see if I can buy some cranberries. I love turkey sandwiches with tart cranberry sauce.

Mea culpa about yesterday's missing blog. Exhaustion had set in by the time I got home. Turkey induced coma. Gypsy greeted me at the door and we spent the rest of the evening cuddled up with one of the monster sudoku puzzles my Mom gave me.

Murphyism of the Day

Jefferson' Prescient Principle

It is the trade of lawyers to question everything, yield nothing, and talk by the hour.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.

- Sir Arthur Eddington (1882 - 1944)

Word of the Day

Wormelskirchin - The name of a guy I used to date.

Woodtick Count of the Day - 36

Sis and I smoked two turkeys today...OK...we only smoked one turkey. The other turkey we took over to my folks' place (up the hill a pace...a few paces) and roasted in their oven. We got a bit concerned about inviting Sam and Ella to our party because one of our turkeys weighed in at over 20 pounds.

We enjoyed part of the twenty pound turkey (roasted) tonight with supper. (Oh crap, I forgot to bring my camera again!) We'll be enjoying more turkey tomorrow when we celebrate Father's Day I tomorrow afternoon.

Murphyism of the Day

Old Grey Frog's Laws of Turkey Roasting

1. Your turkey is always bigger than the roasting pan you want to put it in.

2. If the turkey is supposed to be oooked in six hours...it will be done in four...and the cook hasn't even started thinking about getting the potatoes scrubbed and baked.

3. If the turkey is supposed to be cooked in four hours...your guests will be twiddling their thumbs while they're waiting another four hours for the turkey to arrive on their plates.

4. If you are roasting your turkey in someone else's oven, the drippings will spill over onto the bottom of the oven.



Corollary I

If you spill drippings onto the bottom of your hostess's oven, she will inform you that she doesn't own a self-cleaning oven.

Corollary II

You will only spill dripping in an oven that isn't self-cleaning.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Things could always be worse; for instance, you could be ugly and work in the Post Office.

- Adrienne E. Gusoff

Change the date and...it's what Sis and I did today. (Picture taken in 2007)

Word of the Day

Reflectuous - Used to describe someone who spends too much time in front of the mirror.

2009 Woodtick Count - 36

Sis and I spent most of our day wining. We started seven batches of rhubarb wine and racked the grape wine. Isn't it interesting that I can describe something that takes several hours and lots of effort in two sentences? *sigh* I should have taken pictures. Maybe tomorrow.

I've been doing my sprinkler dance but Mother Nature only rewarded my efforts with a scant .06 inches of rain...soooo...the sprinkler dance continues. HTP helped my efforts when he bought me a new length of hose to replace the one that was leaking (flooding) the area by the hosebib. He bought me a hose that is guaranteed not to kink. It's supposed to be really heavy duty. I hope so. We drive over that hose on a daily basis. It needs to withstand this sort of punishment. The last hose (the leaky hose) didn't seem to have any problems with the car thing. I'm not sure what happened to it....but it wasn't the cars. I suspect it was just getting old. Sadly, age and leakiness appear to go hand in hand.

Murphyism of the Day

First law of Spelunking

Never try to crawl through a hole smaller than your head.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Sitting at the table doesn't make you a diner, unless you eat some of what's on that plate. Being here in America doesn't make you an American. Being born here in America doesn't make you an American.

- Malcolm X (1925 - 1965)

Sis and Me - A Summer Brunch in 2008

Word of the Day

Reflectuate - To fall in love with oneself or one's reflection.

I was promised some rain. It doesn't look like we're going to get even a smidgen of rain...just a small rise in the dewpoint. I guess it's time to resume my sprinkler dance.

Sis and I went shopping today after we spent a bit of time planning our Mothers' Day/Fathers' Day Brunch. When we totally exhausted ourselves with shopping, we returned to Sis' place to boil up some brine and get the turkeys all settled in said brine until they're ready for smoking on Friday.

In the meantime, Sis and I will be working on various side dishes and desserts while we're starting our next wine-making project and continuing another. There's never a dull moment here at The Lake.

Murphyism of the Day

Emily's Rule of Sporting Events (the Super Bowl Principle)

The more highly anticipated the sporting event, the less exciting it will be.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

People ask for criticism, but they only want praise.

- W. Somerset Maugham (1874 - 1965)

Got Him!

Word of the Day

Redonculous - Excessively ridiculous; Head-smacking ridiculous.

2009 Woodtick Count - 36

Mystery solved! I caught a really destructive squirrel in the trap. Unfortunately, Gypsy wouldn't stop barking at him so I had to transport him immediately...so...no photos. Please feel free to use your imaginations. I took him for a ride and released him at the Senior Center in town. Since I didn't see any nearby gardens, I feel sure that he can't do too much damage...I hope.

I felt like cleaning yesterday. This feeling doesn't hit me often so when it does, I clean. Should you wish to dine off my kitchen floor...you can do so without worrying about catching some weird disease. However, having said that, I spend a great deal of time cleaning my kitchen floor...please don't spill anything on it. However, you can drink out of my toilets...should you care to do so. I also cleaned the toilets. I also vacuumed...but...I have a dog and people do live here. Though...I'm not sure how so much stuff can be tracked in so fast. It's truly amazing...kind of frightening if you think about it. While Ms. En was here...I felt the need to vacuum EVERY SINGLE MORNING. I know...that's just scary.

Murphyism of the Day

The McGwire Principle

The biggest plays occur when you're out buying beer.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Just because you are blind, and unable to see my beauty doesn't mean it does not exist.

- Margaret Cho

Could this be my mystery invader?

Word of the Day

Redogdant - Describing the behavior of naming one's new dog after their old, and now passed, dog.

2009 Woodtick Count - 36

HTP drove to the big city again today. He offered to take me with him but I decided to stay home this time. I didn't feel like spending the six hours of travel time, stuck in a car. Besides, we'll be going to the big city on Sunday. I did pack up most of the pizzelle that I made yesterday so HTP could bring them to his Mom and Dad.

I'm going to give the bean seed that I planted/replanted in my garden a few more days to sprout. It hasn't been quite a week since I re-seeded my beans. Unfortunately, something is still digging around in my garden. I don't think it actually means to dig up my seeds because it's leaving them lying on the surface of the garden...uneaten, and I found an acorn stuck into one of the holes. I took care of the bird problem but... I re-baited my trap with fresh bait but haven't caught the culprit as yet. Squirrel? Chipmunk? Anyway, the mystery invader has been digging...leaving gaping holes in my garden. Not a good thing. I'd like to catch it before I attempt replanting for a third time.

Murphyism of the Day

The Stadium Service Principle

The quality of food and service varies inversely with the number of alternative sources available.

Corollary

When there is only one concessionaire, the price will be exorbitant.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

The prime purpose of eloquence is to keep other people from talking.

- Louis Vermeil

Pizzelle are not just for Christmas

Word of the Day

Rediculous - Slightly more than ridiculous.

My folks and I went to church this morning. Second time for me here at The Lake. Although I prepared for frigid morning temperatures, it was quite pleasant...almost warm. I really didn't need the winter jacket and scarf but...I didn't have to wear the gloves that I had stowed in my pockets. I'm not sure if someone talked to the intern that is serving at the church this year or not but...the sermon this Sunday was almost too abbreviated this Sunday. Mind you, I'm not complaining. My Dad thought it might have been that with all the VBS (vacation Bible school)activities, she didn't spend as much time preparing her sermon. I did get to meet the Pastor of the church. Oh my goodness...he kind of looks like my nephew Chris! I think I'm old enough to be his Mom. One more of the realities of getting older.

Again, there was a very nice continental breakfast served after the service. I found myself discussing bamboo cane poles with the other people at our table. My first serious fishing pole was a bamboo pole that my Mom and Dad bought for me from one of the numerous outside stands where one could readily purchase such things. My Mom rigged it for me. I still remember the intricacies of how one rigs a bamboo fishing pole. Sadly, the only bamboo I've seen lately is sold for purely decorative purposes or for gardening purposes. Again...I date myself. Bamboo cane poles were awesome! Perfect when you were trolling for crappies. *sigh*

HTP bought me a Pizzelle maker...online. We lamented the lack of a pizzelle maker last summer when we were asked to bring something to an Italian family reunion. I love pizzelle. I may not be Italian, but those waffle cookies are addictive. I've never been fond of anise but.... I made a batch of pizzelle today. I'm going to send most of them with HTP for when he goes to see his Mom and Dad tomorrow. But...I plan to keep some for HTP and me. There's something about sipping on a glass of red wine while nibbling on these anise seed laden confections. Not too sweet...just right.

Murphyism of the Day

Anton's Law of Stadiums and Arenas

When they keep the price of tickets down, the cost of parking goes up.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Call on God, but row away from the rocks.

- Indian Proverb

Cute Little Destructive Bunny

Word of the Day

Rediculadundent - Having done or said something stupid over and over again.

2009 Woodtick Count - 36

Weird! I haven't seen any woodticks lately. Ummmm...wait for it. I was tromping down the high bushes around my garden today. If I don't see any additional woodticks after doing that... Could we have seen the end of woodtick season? Knock on wood.

I noted the other day that a rabbit had gotten into my garden. Cute little destructive bunny. I baited and set my Havahart trap and...I caught a bunny. I'm not sure if it was the same bunny that I saw but.... Anyway, since I set the trap inside my fenced in garden, the bunny was not where it should have been. The minute it entered my garden it became an illegal border crosser and had to be deported. Gypsy agreed. She doesn't like rabbits any more than she likes DD Daughter's cats. She went into a frenzy of barking when she saw the bunny. I'm not sure who was more scared, the bunny or Gypsy.


HTP and I transported (deported) the bunny to the outer edges of a farm....twenty miles from our home. Two birds with one stone...HTP and I had some shopping to do. I needed some netting to cover my fenced in vegetable garden. The birds have been snapping up the seeds I plant faster than they can sprout.

After breakfast, HTP and I installed the bird-netting we bought yesterday over the entire ceiling of the garden. This was definitely a two person job. As it was, we had a hard time keeping from getting tangled. However, I'm hoping this will take care of my bird vs. seed problem. Once the seeds become viable plants, there shouldn't be any more bird problems. I didn't have this problem during the previous years but the gal at the store told me that her father encountered the same problem when he planted his corn this year.

Murphyism of the Day

Gilbert's Law of Sports

Wherever you park, your seats will be on the other side of the stadium.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Magnificent promises are always to be suspected.

- Theodore Parker (1810 - 1860)

Our log pile up on the old logging road


Word of the Day

Rebootilence - 1. An uncomfortable amount of time one has to wait while rebooting their computer. 2. Any uncomfortable period of time taken to restart one's computer while one is on the phone with technical support.

2009 Woodtick Count - 36

HTP and I decided to see how difficult it was to split logs today...using just a log-splitting wedge and the heavy mallet side of our axe. We really thought it would have been a lot more difficult and were seriously thinking about renting a gas-powered log-splitter. However, it didn't take us long to get into the rhythm of the thing, and with a little teamwork, we managed to split and load up the entire rear end of the Sidekick with logs. After returning home and stacking our load of newly split oak logs onto the wood pile in our garage, I can see that we managed to split enough wood to more than make up for all the wood we've burned this spring...and probably last spring too....and we hardly made a dent in our pile of oak logs up on the logging road. I'm not even sure we need to split any more logs this summer. On the other hand, if HTP feels up to splitting more wood....well...no more today. Of course, next time, I think I'll spray myself down with mosquito and tick spray. I haven't found any new woodticks today as yet but...I wouldn't be at all surprised if the woodtick count goes up by the time I blog tomorrow.

Murphyism of the Day

Thomas's Law of Board Games

The one who least wants to play is the one who will win.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Until you've lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was.

Margaret Mitchell (1900 - 1949)

The picture I took this morning....


A picture that #1 Son took in 2002 (His camera does telephoto)

Word of the Day

Realizement - A revelation, an epiphany. Something becomes clear or understood after being previously puzzling.

2009 Woodtick Count - 36

Bunny Alert! While taking Gypsy for our daily perimeter check, I saw a small gray fuzzy bunny in my garden...munching on my radishes. The bunny hadn't even waited until the radishes were big enough to do anything. I guess this bunny likes radish sprouts. I wonder if it likes bean sprouts too? Have I maligned the blue jays? Before I even made breakfast, I got the Havahart trap out of the garage, baited it with peanut butter, dog food, and bird seed and set it out in the garden. I have zero tolerance for illegal border crossers. That cute little bunny ate my radishes!

I spotted my first Pileated Woodpeckers of the year this morning...before breakfast. There were two of them on one of the trees between our house and the lake. They looked like they were performing some sort of mating dance. I tried to take a picture of them but...my camera doesn't do telephoto very well. As a matter of fact, I couldn't even get a picture of the two of them at the same time. They kept dancing around the tree...one on either side.

A lot happens before breakfast here at The Lake. You snooze...you miss out.

HTP and I got a call from Sarge yesterday. Surprise! They were calling from Arizona and wanted to stop by our house to crash for a couple of hours because check-in at their hotel wasn't until 3 PM. I guess Sarge and D Buddy had decided to take a spur of the moment, quick trip to Arizona to pick up some stuff that D Buddy had left in storage. Spontaneity...the spice of life. So...HTP and I made a bunch of phone calls so they could get into our Arizona house without someone calling the cops. HTP and I wouldn't want life to get too spicey. I plan to make another call today. I'm sure they turned off the AC, locked up and re-set the burglar alarm but....

Murphyism of the Day

Law of Bridge

It's always the partner's fault.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

If the Phone Doesn't Ring, It's Me

- Jimmy Buffett

Preserved Lemons...and that scorpion that I caught before it could catch me.

Word of the Day

Randomosity - Something displaying the state or quality of being very random.

2009 Woodtick Count - 35

I didn't blog yesterday because there really wasn't anything to blog about....and I decided to waste most of my computer time on Pogo and sudoku puzzles. It rained. We actually received almost a 1/2 inch of rain yesterday. It was one of those dreary, drippy days. No storms. No lightning, no thunder. Just the perfect soaking rain that my garden and lawn needed. It was another of those days which would have been perfect to have a fireplace fire...or to bake cookies. Since I already baked two huge batches of cookies on Saturday, I figured that I had enough cookies...even if I give half to my folks. I didn't build a fire in the fireplace because we need to split logs or...buy a cord of wood. However, I did make a double batch of homemade chili for lunch with leftovers for future lunches and a Moroccan recipe for chicken (I substituted country-style pork ribs) using preserved lemons, green olives, and raisins. Raisins? Actually, it turned out great!...even without the turmeric. Even though I'm not fond of turmeric, this recipe called for it. If I'd had any in the house, I would have used it. The raisins were good so maybe the turmeric would have been good too. As for the preserved lemons...I made those last winter from the lemons my neighbor gave me and they added a faint lemony flavor to the recipe that was wonderful. I'm going to add this recipe to my permanent file.

Today? The sun peaked out and I was able to wander out to the garden to see what was what. Only about a third of my green beans came up. They all should have been up by now. I think the blue jays got some of them. Plucked them right out of the ground as soon as they started to sprout. I noted that some of the others had simply rotted in the ground. It's really been a bit too cold for the green beans to grow. Hopefully, the seeds that I planted this morning have a better chance of growing and thriving. I did note that 3/4 of the Italian green beans had sprouted and were doing fine.

As far as the rest of my garden goes (grows), the lettuce is up and so are the radishes. My tomatoes are blossoming and so are the pepper plants. I had to re-seed a couple of my zucchini. I only planted four zucchini this year....in an Earthbox. I've got onions growing in with my tomatoes. As for the herb pots, I've been using my basil, cilantro and parsley. The Moroccan recipe that I made last night called for fresh cilantro and fresh parsley.

I found myself looking out at the lake this morning and thinking that it looked like perfect fishing weather. But then I'd have to bail out the boat and I've got laundry to do. *sigh* Maybe later.

Murphyism of the Day

Shedenhelm's Law of Backpacking

All trails have more uphill sections than they have level or downhill sections.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

It is hard to believe that a man is telling the truth when you know that you would lie if you were in his place.

- H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)

I'm going to have to split some wood this summer.

Word of the Day

Rampriot - Free-for-all that erupts as soon the flight attendant utters the phrase, "please remain in your seats until the plane has come to a complete stop."

2009 Woodtick Count - 35

It's been a perfect day to have a fire in the fireplace AND watch campy B movies on the Sci-Fi Channel. Oh man, some of these movies are REALLY bad. Since I couldn't just sit and watch just campy movies on TV while sitting in front of the fire, I also baked cookies. Yummm!!!!!

Murphyism of the Day

Michehl's Rule for Prospective Mountain Climbers

The mountain gets steeper as you get closer.

Frothingham's Corollary

The mountain looks closer than it is.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Where any one body of educated men, of whatever denomination, are condemned indiscriminately, there must be a deficiency of information, or...of something else.

- Jane Austen (1775 - 1817)

The wildflowers are blooming on the hill by my garage.

Word of the Day

Ramblehouse - To hobnob or schmooze, generally used in reference to political functions.

2009 Woodtick Count - 35

I didn't spend much time outdoors today. I'm beginning to think that my sprinkler dance may be related to some kind of rain dance. I decided to suspend sprinkler dancing until the rain stops. We haven't actually had all that much rain (.14 inches) but...I remain hopeful. At this point, I'm not ready to put away the sprinkler.

Murphyism of the Day

Porkingham's Second Law of Sportfishing

The worse your line is tangled, the better the fishing is around you.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

It's not the hours you put in your work that counts, it's the work you put in the hours.

- Sam Ewing

Thanks T-Square!


I Was Off My Rocker(s)...but, I'm Back on My Rocker Again!


Word of the Day

Radish - Awesome; cool; somewhat radical.

As I wrote in yesterday's blog, HTP and I spent yesterday in the big city. My folks looked after Gypsy while we were out and about. We shopped, we enjoyed All-You-Can-Eat Sushi, we visited with HTP's folks, and then we returned to our little cabin in the big woods...The Lake.

Today? Sprinkler Dance. I'm not going to worry or do anything about watering the grass but I still have to preform the sprinkler dance. My blueberry bushes on Blueberry Hill, my rhubarb plants, my iris transplants, my currant bushes, my raspberry bushes....they all need water. NOW! We're supposed to get some rain this weekend but so far every prediction of rain has fallen short of expectation. If I don't get those poor plants some water, they aren't going to produce any fruit. I feel bad about the grass but...not so horribly bad. Crisp grass doesn't grow and grass that doesn't grow doesn't have to be cut and if it doesn't have to be cut, I don't have to pay someone to cut it. However, I've still got my fingers crossed that we'll get some much needed rain this weekend....Please!

Woohoo! I've been off my rocker(s) ever since the rocking part of my rocking chairs broke last year! I bought these two rustic, outdoor rocking chairs, the first summer after HTP and I built our home at The Lake. I LOVE THEM! They fit. Unfortunately, although rustic and built for the outdoors, my poor rocking chairs have been having a hard time surviving Wisconsin winters. The rocking part of one of the chairs rotted through the previous summer and T-Square made me a replacement. Unfortunately, the remaining three rocking "arms" rotted through last summer and T-Square just didn't have the correct tool to make me new ones until he and my Mom collected the much needed equipment from their home in Nevada. Woohoo! T-Square made me four new rocker arms...bars?...the part that miraculously transforms a mere "chair" into a Wondrous Rocking Chair. I was so excited to have the new rocking arms that HTP helped me install them right away. I am no longer off my rocker(s)and there's nothing nicer than sitting out on the deck in the evening, feet up, gently rocking in the evening breeze while bald eagles soar and hummingbirds jealously guard their feeders. Thanks, Dad!

Murphyism of the Day

Porkingham's First Law of Sportfishing

The least experienced fisherman always catches the biggest fish.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Do not speak of your happiness to one less fortunate than yourself.

- Plutarch (46 AD - 120 AD)

Willie cleaning fish at Sis' house - Summer 2007

Word of the Day

Radicalotion - The aftermath of applying pressure to a clogged bottle of lotion.

2009 Woodtick Count - 35

HTP and I are spending the day in the big city....and in the car for six hours getting to the big city and back home from the big city. HTP has an eye appointment. I've got a shopping list and my sudoku puzzle book. We decided that we'd get in our sushi fix while we're there.

I wonder if we'll meet my brother on the road to the big city. He showed up at The Lake yesterday to open his cabin for the summer but planned on returning to his home in the big city today.

Murphyism of the Day

The Rule of the Rally

The only way to make up for being lost is to make record time while you are lost.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Being in the army is like being in the Boy Scouts, except that the Boy Scouts have adult supervision.

- Blake Clark

Meet Ms. Clone Head
...and this was after I had at it with a stiff brush. Thankfully, my hair grows pretty quickly.

Word of the Day

Racetred - Hatred for someone because of their race.

2009 Woodtick Count - 35

Sis and I are going into the city today. Shopping and...it's time for a hair cut and...dare I hope...style. I'm really not all that good at whacking away at my own bangs. I can do it. I shouldn't do it....but cutting my own bangs is as far as I'll go. I won't and can't cut the rest of my hair. I don't have the necessary qualifications...or the extra pair of hands. I can only hope and pray that the person who ends up my hair today is qualified. Similar prayers going up to include the person who will be whacking at Sis' hair.

I've been trying to remember the last time I had my hair cut...professionally. Christmas? My birthday? I can't remember. I suppose I could check my blog archives. Sis told me that the last time she got her hair cut was after the first of the year. January.

It's time to bite the bullet and let someone whack at our hair with a sharp implements as we sit passively and let them try to sell us hair products that we don't want or need. I hope I don't return home today looking like a clone head. Clone head? A clone head is someone who enters the beauty parlor looking like a distinct individual but upon exiting the beauty parlor looks exactly like everyone else who is exiting that particular beauty parlor. Cookie cutter clones. Same haircuts, same colors, same styles. The clone heads exit the beauty salon wearing the exact same wigs. Scary.

Murphyism of the Day

Dorr's Law of Athletics

In an otherwise empty locker room, any two individuals will have adjoining lockers.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.

- Alexander Pope (1688 - 1744)

Beware the Woodtick Magnet

Word of the Day

Quotimer - One who insists on quoting from other instant messenger conversations to make a joke in another.

2009 Woodtick Count - 35

Aside from washing and folding laundry...lots of laundry because all the sheets I used to cover the plants the other day had to be washed and folded, and finishing a baby blanket (one more to go), and marinading some chicken breasts for supper...it's just another lazy day at The Lake. Somehow it doesn't seem quite fair that I still managed to pick up two more ticks. I think it's all Gypsy's fault. Ms. Gypsy (low to the ground, woodtick magnet)has been Frontlined so all the ticks that jump onto her, jump off as soon as they find a tastier target. Unfortunately, that tasty target seems to be me.

Murphyism of the Day

Wagner's Law of Sports Coverage

When the camera isolates on a male athlete, he will spit, pick, or scratch.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone.

- George Eliot (1819 - 1880)

My dwarf lilacs are just starting to pop.

Word of the Day

Quipple - Zero or none, referring to wealth.

2009 Woodtick Count - 33

I decided to be lazy today, confining my activities to the bare necessities. There are still plenty of items on my To Do List but other than watering the garden, making breakfast, lunch...and later tonight...supper, and working on a baby blanket, I decided to take a lazy day. I'll work on increasing the woodtick count tomorrow.

We received 0.02 inches of rain last night which explains the need to water the garden. I thinned the radishes; and, my lettuce, peas and beans have all begun to sprout and the container gardens and Earthboxes on my deck are doing fine. I'll tackle the weeding and transplanting tomorrow...maybe.

Murphyism of the Day

Stenderup's Law

The sooner you fall behind, the more time you will have to catch up.

Noteworthy Quote of the Day

Seize opportunity by the beard, for it is bald behind.

- Bulgarian Proverb