Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Important Information

I can't begin to guess why you would ever be chained to a bunkbed with a velociraptor - perhaps someone's sick idea of a joke or terrible retribution. Who knows. Let me know how you do. As for me, 38 seconds of sheer terror, coupled with excruciating pain, is more than I'd care for!


I could survive for 38 seconds chained to a bunk bed with a velociraptor

Saturday, September 27, 2008

We Ran Away....

We were scheduled to make a four hour drive this weekend for my older daughter's soccer tournament, but due to a rough couple of weeks we dropped our original plans and ran away. Well, drove away, to a much closer and relaxing destination. It takes about an hour and a half to get to St. George Island and escape to another world.

We arrived late in the afternoon and immediately went for a long walk while the sun was setting. The minute we stepped out on the sand we ran into this little guy. We chased him out of hiding for a better look but these crabs are fast! There were lots of them all over - some as small as half an inch, though this guy was about the size of my hand.

My daughter's walked ahead of me down the beach creating a nice photo op for me.

Right next to the hotel where we stayed is a restaurant with outdoor seating where we had a leisurely dinner. When we stepped off of the lighted deck onto the beach we looked up and saw the most amazing night sky I've seen in a long while. As luck would have it we had a moonless, cloudless night and the view of the Milky Way directly overhead was really stunning. We got our beach towels and stared up into the sky for about an hour and a half. I wish I could have captured it in a picture.


Early saturday morning my younger daughter and I got up for the sunrise and took another walk. We saw the slightest sliver of moon not far above the horizon. It looks like a speck next to the clouds in this picture. Please ignore the water spots on my camera lens...I guess I'm not a photographer for a reason!

I meant to get more pictures as the sun came up but we came across a gentleman walking his dogs and that led to lots of conversation and ball throwing. Then we spotted the dolphins making their rounds. Again, no photos because they were not very close in and I am notoriously bad about capturing them. Usually we only see their back fins arching out of the water, but later in the day they were jumping up out of the water - a real treat.

There are a variety of birds,including my favorites, the pelicans. The pelicans fly by like squadrons, patrolling for fish. In the winter you can get great shots of them on the beach but they were further out on the water and they look speckish in the pics I took. I did manage to get several shots of seagulls.



The sky wasn't the only clear view we had. Due to the lack of any storms recently the water was really clear and calm. In fact, I'm not sure I've ever seen it so clear and calm and we've been coming here for about nine years. I heard other people saying the same so I guess it wasn't just my imagination. My oldest had some fun taking shadow pictures in the shallow water.






What's a trip to the beach without seashells? The girls collect them and embed them in the sandcastles that they make.







It's nice that no matter how big and grown up the girls become they still play like children when they get to the beach. They dig holes, catch critters, build castles and moats and play, play, play.






Last, but never least, is Gerbil Thingy. Gerbil Thingy has been a part of our family since my twelve year old was about four. He's had many adventures...I'll have to tell you about them sometime. He jumped up on the rail of our balcony to remind me to get a shot from our room.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

The Farmer and His Wife Take a Vacation


Suzanne, from

athomewiththefarmerswife

took a vacation recently, along with the Farmer, and I received this postcard from her. She gave out hints before the trip, but kept the destination a secret, so it was fun to get this card and see if I had guessed correctly. I have visited caverns in other states before but never Blanchard Springs Caverns. You might think that I would have, since I lived in Arkansas for nearly eight years! I did, however, make several trips to Hot Springs, Arkansas, which was the destination of our traveling farmers.

Arkansas is known as The Natural State, so it's not hard to see why the Farmer and His Wife have property there. Between the Ozarks, the lakes, the hunting and fishing, the diamond mining in Murfreesboro, and the baths at Hot Springs - well, there's a lot for them to enjoy!

Hot Springs has a main street known as bath house row. Way back in the day you could go and get a bath in water from the natural hot springs, at any number of these places. You can visit there now and take a tour to learn all about the healing qualities and history of the bath houses. They still have one open for bathing and I tried it out a few years back. The experience consisted of several bath/shower/massage stages after which I felt quite relaxed. My eldest daughter went about a year ago, while visiting there, and partook of the ritual. She later exclaimed to me about the 'butt bath' that she had! I explained to her that she might appreciate something like that someday when she's had children of her own.

The main street now has all sorts of shops to visit as well as a wax museum. On the visit when my eldest had her bath experience, she and her sister also visited the wax museum. On their way out of the building, Eldest was apparently overcome with curiosity and touched a wax replica of a fireman that was in the window display. As luck would have it, said fireman immediately toppled over and she let out a scream. Thankfully no harm was done and the folks who run the place thought it had just fallen on it's own - which my daughter did not dispute. I wonder if he had a history of falling?

Anyway, I hope that The Farmer and His Wife didn't tip over any firemen, and I'm betting they had a terrific time all along their journey to Hot Springs and back.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Chimps Prefer Cooked Food

Well, it had to happen. Some curious researchers did a study to determine whether chimps prefer their food cooked or raw. I know this is something I've been wondering about nearly my entire life! You too? I know, right??? I can die at peace knowing that chimps prefer cooked food. Those lucky chimps probably thought they hit the jackpot. There they were, minding their own monkey business, when along came some friendly people with food.

The chimps in the study were given cooked and uncooked versions of carrots, sweet potatoes and beef. Said chimps showed a preference for the cooked foods. Well dang, I prefer cooked food too - especially if somebody else cooks it for me! I wonder if they got Banana's Foster for dessert? I suppose the next step is to teach them sign language so they can order up their food. You know, from the 'Zoo' Chef...

In an attempt to duplicate the researcher's results I did an independent study of my own. My study involved asking Sock Monkey what he thought. Since he can't talk, (he is a monkey after all) he ran out to the kitchen and showed me via monkey display just what sort of cooked food he prefers. That's right. Even monkeys prefer pepperoni pizza!

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Miniature Men!


"And that means FUN! They can tumble, juggle, sing close harmony, perform countless difficult household chores, execute pranks and mischief, and generally make life more frolicsome. Millions of people use them regularly, just thing what they can do for you!"

Back around 1980 or so I was shopping for a birthday card and, as so often happens, I found an unrelated card that I couldn't resist. I didn't buy it with any particular recipient in mind but I was sure I could think of someone who would appreciate it. Two or three times I pulled it out of my desk drawer, intending to send it to a sister or friend, but I just couldn't part with it. Finally, I found a clear frame for it and I've had it hanging around ever since. During the early 80's it hung around my dorm. In the early 90's this picture was hanging in my office. These days it lives in my kitchen. How about those little guys!

I have a collection of cards in my desk drawer that I still add to. I have something to suit most occasions. Sometimes I actually mail one out! How about you? Anyone else collect cards? Or are you all sensible people who purchase only what you need and then send it out?

Thursday, September 18, 2008

The Ballad O' Anne Rackham



Ahoy, me hearties! Shiver me timbers, but a fine, good day fer sailin' this be! The briny deep's a-callin', so come join me Brethren O' the Coast, set the sails and sharpen yer cutlasses fer plunderin' (and killin' bilge rats)! T'is a bit of a journey, so pour some grog and listen up as I regale ye with the Ballad O' Anne Rackham, me namesake:



THE BALLAD O' ANNE RACKHAM


Draw nigh me hearties and I'll tell ye the tale
o' plunder and love, o' fortune and fame.
This be the tale o' the pirate Anne Rackham.
This be the woman whence comes me name.

In the county o' Cork, in Ireland fair,
to a man and his mistress a young lass was born.
Away to America, these illicit young lovers,
went with wee Anne to escape spite and scorn.

At the tender, young age of only thirteen
t'is said our dear Anne first wielded the blade.
A servant displeased her with unkind remark
and was stabbed in the gut, the unfortunate maid!

A scurrilous rogue, the sailor James Bonny,
met and married dear Anne when she was sixteen.
But Calico Jack Rackham, a true buccaneer,
soon caught Anne's eye and they departed the scene.

Now, wenches were barred from sailin' the deep-
considered bad luck by a true buccaneer.
So Anne dressed like a man, and swore like one too
and her fightin' and plunderin' filled hearts with fear!

As luck would have it, one fellow discovered
Anne's true identity, and threatened to tell.
So she ran the rogue through without hesitation
and sent the man down to a watery hell.

Many a year did Anne and Jack sail,
pillagin' and livin' a life on the deep.
Their exploits were legend, their treasures were many
then fate took a twist, one to make a man weep!

Our lovers crossed paths with one Captain John Barnet
they crossed swords as well and fought a brave fight.
Alas, sweet victory was not theirs this battle
and their ship, crew and pride were lost on that night.

When Anne had been captured, her belly she pled -
for she was carryin' the babe of Calico Jack.
The courts would not hang a woman with child
and so to the jail, Anne was sent back.

Before he was hung Jack was privileged to see
his beloved wench Anne who had this to say,
"If ye'd fought like a man, you'd not hang like a dog!"
Fine parting words on a man's dying day!

Some say Anne went back to her home in Carolina,
and married again, bearin' many a child.
Some say she ran off and found a new ship
and continued her pillagin' and livin' so wild.

Methinks at the end of her hail, hearty life,
somewhere down below in the briny, blue deep
she cast off her life, and all of her treasures,
and in Davy Jones locker does Anne Rackham sleep.

- Red Anne, aka Significant Snail-

(This fine portrait o' Anne Rackham was reproduced from an early woodblock, edited and colorized by BlindKat Publishers)

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Avast Me Hearties...


Beware, me Buccaneers and Wenches! The day fer talkin' like pirates draws nigh! Ye have but another day after this one to get yerself shipshape! Move along handsomely now, hoist yer Jolly Roger and prepare to weigh anchor! Tis nearly time for leavin' behind yer land-lubbin ways!

As ye can see, me Brethren o' the Coast are prepared to help ye walk the plank, get a floggin' with me Cat-O-Nine Tails, or learn the meanin' o' keel-haulin' should ye fail to consider me warnin'!

Godspeed!
Red Anne Rackham

Monday, September 15, 2008

Be Ye Warned!


Be ye warned! On Friday, the Nineteenth day of September, it be Talk Like A Pirate Day! Prepare, me matey's, by perusing the following locations:

Ye may find yerself in need of a proper piratey name, such as mine:




My pirate name is:


Red Anne Rackham



Passion is a big part of your life, which makes sense for a pirate. You have the good fortune of having a good name, since Rackham (pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham) is one of the coolest sounding surnames for a pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network


Ye might also need to learn the jargon, so as not to be found out for the land-lubber that ye are!

www.talklikeapirate.com/howto.html#basic

www.io.com/~sj/PirateTalk.html


All things piratey may be found at:

talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html

Friday, September 12, 2008

Junk Drawer Extravaganza!



According to the fine folks at American Greetings today is Junk Drawer Day. They have creative-minded people there that have come up with a section called Celebrate the Date. You can go there and e-mail greetings to whomever you'd like, everyday! In honor of Junk Drawer Day it's only fitting that I should take a look through my junk drawer and see what's there. Oh, and I'm bringing you along for the ride.

As I was taking pics of all this crap stuff I couldn't help but wonder what some archaeologist in the future would learn about us by examining the contents of my junk drawer. I think a disclaimer is in order: Please don't judge all mankind by these contents!


First off we have $2.00 Canadian, and some coins from Canada, Russia, Chuckie Cheese and the U.S.; batteries, various plastic parts, clips, manicure scissors and file; hairpin, safety-pin, jewelry, jewelry parts and a Rosarie ring (small, represents one decade of the full Rosarie).




Next we have two switchplates (SpongeBob!), various empty wrappers/packaging, and a camera booklet; wooden knobs, parts of a clothespin, and a 'business card' from Halloween that has my daughter's name and "Killer For Hire - Don't Call Me, I'll Call You".





Behold our walkie-talkies, brown plastic pot-scrapers (they really do work well),various sizes/types of magnets (fun!!) and a pocket knife (with the requisite broken blade); key rings/holders, a watch, car plug thingie, a cirlce of frogs and my marbles(you probably thought I lost those!).




Now we are on to screwdrivers, feathered cat toy, zip-ties and a couple of rubber-bands; florist tape, regular tape, double-stick tape and fun-tack; packet of googly eyes, scissors, florist scissors and a bottle of touch up paint for who knows what. Oh, and a piece of purple pipe-cleaner.




No junk drawer is complete without a variety of pens, pencils, a paint-brush and a crayon; a pencil eraser, pen cap without a pen and a special wood-tone marker for covering scratches on wood. They look much nicer fanned out than in the drawer, don't they?





Furthermore we have twist-ties, a clear ruler, rocks and a trilobite (fossil that looks like a rock!), labels, buttons and beads; band-aid, metal Easter egg holder, purple and orange post-it notes, and a metal ring game (in plastic); Geico gecco tattoo, and a fortune from a cookie (Time is precious, but truth is more precious than time).



Finally there is the usual assortment of paperclips, nails, screws, picture hangers, a wing-nut, miscellaneous metal pieces and thumb-tacks. All very fitting items for a junk drawer.



Well then, that's it. Now you know what's in my junk drawer. I propose that tomorrow be designated Junk Swap Day, wherein everyone removes a random piece of junk from their drawer and swaps it with their neighbor. It would be kind of refreshing to open that drawer and see something new! I'm really thankful that it's not Junk Closet Day! Come to think of it, you probably are too...

I've Never Cried Over Gas...

I've never cried over gas but this afternoon just about did me in. You see, with Hurricaine Ike bearing down on Texas, a few of the local gas stations took it upon themselves to pre-emptively raise prices...'cause, you know, there could be a short supply in the future. People around here began to panic when they got word that some stations bumped up their prices, and chaos ensued.

As luck would have it, my gas light came on when I was headed back to work from my lunch break. Not wanting to be late, and not realizing people were flipping out over gas already, I figured I would stop after work for gas. BIG MISTAKE! When I got off work I drove to station after station hoping for even a gallon of gas. Many already had their pumps shut down because they were sold out, while those that still have gas have very long lines. I haven't seen lines down the road like that since the '70's. Eventually I realized that I was going to run dry before I could A) find a station with gas or B) wait through a line. To make things worse, people were driving around like maniacs looking for gas, so traffic was terrible. Seriously, we are our own worst enemies!

As I'm having this "holy-crap-I'm-going-to-run-out-of-gas!" revelation, I realize that I'm also not going to be able to pick up my younger daughter after school. I was stuck in heavy traffic, unable to get gas, possibly not going to make it home, and I can't get to my daughter. As I said, I've never cried about gas before but at that point my hands began to shake and the tears started to form in my eyes. I called my older daughter to see if she had a ride, and to ask if they could pick up her sister as well. Easy solution to part of the problem, right? Not exactly, you see most places these days will only release a minor to the adults whose names are on file. Since my older daughter is under 18 she is not on the 'approved' list for pick-up, and the other adult on the list is a good friend of mine who was in line at a station across town.

I made it home and put in a call to the after-school folks and the girls arrived home a short time later. My friend, who was in line at the station, will send her husband over with a gas can as soon as reasonably possible. Sometime after that, when the stations have gotten their tankers in, and the frenzy is over, I will go out and get some gas. If it weren't 91 degrees of hot (and humid) outside I would walk to the store and buy some ice-cold beer. I may go ahead and do that anyway. And yes, I will be more careful in the future....I hope!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Never Forget

Seven years ago today, on September 11th, 2001, our lives here in the U.S.A. changed forever. Moreover, the lives of the family and friends of all of the victims were forever changed. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers today and for all our sakes, Never Forget.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

The Ubiquitous Love-Bug


Fall is just around the corner. I can tell because the love-bugs are out. If you're fortunate enough to live in a place that's love-bug free, congratulations to you! What could be so bad about a bug named for it's amorous ways? Let me tell you.

To begin with, love-bugs are not attractive. Not like, say , ladybugs. Neither are they the ugliest bugs you'll ever see. The problem does not really lie in their okay-for-a-bug kind of looks, though. The problem is that they breed twice a year. Mid air. This isn't any 'mile-high' sex club we're talking about, this is in-your-face, on-your-windshield, every-time-you-go-outside sex. Furthermore, they get stuck together for a while and fly around that way. Small children have been heard to exclaim, "Look at those bugs! Their butts are stuck together!" Mmmm-hmmmm....Through the magic of the internet, and thanks to Wikipedia, you can see what I mean.

Love bugs don't bite or spread disease. We have mosquitoes for that! They are not particularly tough. In fact, they smoosh quite easily. Too easily, like when you brush them away from your face, or your picnic table. They are especially good at sticking to cars and will ruin your finish. Really, they readily stick to anything and would be a good source of glue. It's been rumored that love-bugs were bred in a lab; a scientific experiment that went wrong and escaped. Not true, but if it were, maybe we could send them to CERN to put them in the Large Hadron Collider. Perhaps when the protons collide they could send these buggers into an alternate dimension. Just a thought...

As a side note, when I was looking on line for a picture to show you these amorous insects I found some drawings (bug porn!)of the male and female sex organs of love-bugs. They were totally bizarre. They were labeled with descriptions like, "9th abdominal segment and associated structures in P. americana". Associated structures! There's a nice way to say it. I wish they would associate their structures in private! I feel sorry for the bug-ologist that had to view and draw those bits. All in the name of science, right? If you want to see for yourself, and learn all about love-bugs just give a click below. If not, just take my word for it and avoid this place for a couple weeks.

www.creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/misc/lovebug.htm

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Beatnik Follow-Up and Hot Dog Day

Well, the poetry reading apparently went well. With my daughter's approval, I sent in snack mix and mixed nuts, washed down with non-caffeinated drinks (the school requests that we keep things 'healthy'). I was at work so I didn't get to see what went on, but I was informed that the windows were draped with dark cloth and there was a lamp for proper mood lighting. Oh, and they did snap instead of clap!! The theme this month was family. The students were asked to write their own poem or find one to read. My daughter chose to write a limerick about her grandfather:

My Grandpa's Hair

My grandpa’s in love with his hair,
If you touch it you’d better beware!
He’ll catch hold of you,
And tickle you blue,
Then laugh and say, “Don’t touch the hair!”

She's already considering what poem to use next time.

By the way, the folks at American Greetings have declared September 9th to be Hot-Dog Day. Not sure why, but what the heck. Enjoy a hot-dog today. Have it grilled, boiled, fried, or just go ahead and explode one in the microwave! Just not in my microwave! My new, beautiful, spotless microwave.

Speaking of hot-dogs, I was home from college for a visit once and my mom had fixed some hot-dogs. I took a bite and thought I would gag! Some sort of goo came oozing out and I informed her that the hot-dogs must be bad. What did she do? She laughed. A lot. Seems someone at Oscar Mayer had the brilliant idea to make hot-dogs with cheese inside them. I guess it's not a bad idea so long as you have some warning!

If you care to, leave me a comment about how you prefer your hot-dogs: relish (sweet or dill?), sauerkraut, onions, ketchup, mustard? Chili, cheese, hot peppers? I like them all different ways but right now I'm thinking chili-cheese dog with chopped onions...mmmmm!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Middle School Beatniks

"The first man to compare the cheeks of a young woman to a rose was obviously a poet; the first to repeat it was possibly an idiot." -Salvador Dali

My younger daughter's 6th grade literature class is going to be having a monthly poetry reading. We parents were asked to help out by providing some sort of food for their poetry readings. You see, their teacher is going to transform the classroom each month to provide 'atmosphere' and everything is better when a snack is involved, right? Immediately an image pops into my head of the quintessential 1950's Beatnik coffee-house. Complete with bongo drums, black turtleneck sweaters, beret's, goatees, dark sunglasses and cigarettes. (Note: I didn't create the image on this page...it's just one I've seen around the internet).

Naturally I signed up to bring food for the first reading, which is tomorrow. I suppose coffee and cigarettes are out of the question, so I have to think of something age appropriate. Chex Mix and bottled water might please the masses but that doesn't seem jazzy enough somehow. I guess I'll go wander the store later and see what kind of inspiration I get. Maybe something from World Market - food with an international flair, if you will. I'd love to find some cocktail napkins with a Beatnik theme - how fun would that be? I suppose I could go to the craft store and find a rubber stamp that says 'cool' and make my own. Am I getting carried away? Probably.

Interestingly enough, I asked my daughter what she thought I should bring and she said, "Mixed nuts. Aren't there always nuts at a coffee house?" She was serious. That was a difficult question to answer without laughing! Perhaps I will send nuts. And we actually do own bongo drums...

In the fine tradition of poetry reading everywhere, I'll leave you with a poem. I read somewhere that he wrote this as a response to some criticism of poets in a newspaper. I can't verify that but it sounds right. Put on your shades, Daddy-O, and give us a recitation:

Epigram

Sir, I admit your general rule,
That every poet is a fool,
But you yourself may serve to show it,
That every fool is not a poet.

-Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Are You A Good Omnivore?

I found this list on a website called Very Good Taste that was referenced at Dear Alison, dearalib.blogspot.com/. VGT says:

"Here’s a chance for a little interactivity for all the bloggers out there. Below is a list of 100 things that I think every good omnivore should have tried at least once in their life. The list includes fine food, strange food, everyday food and even some pretty bad food - but a good omnivore should really try it all. Don’t worry if you haven’t, mind you; neither have I, though I’ll be sure to work on it. Don’t worry if you don’t recognise everything in the hundred.."

Here’s what I want you to do:

1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.

The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper - I'm not crazy!
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with(out) a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu - only if someone tasted it for me first!
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads - do you want to see me vomit?
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake

Friday, September 5, 2008

And Now For A Moment Of Silence...


Funeral Tribute
Originally uploaded by florist_hill


Let us pause now and share a moment of silence out of respect for my deceased microwave oven. Yes, it's true.. my microwave died today while heating my lunch. Hang your oven mitts at half mast. I thought maybe the bulb just burned out. But no, she's gone, along with all the convenience she provided! Thankfully my lunch was mostly warmed before the old girl gave out.

I suppose I should take this as a sign that we should eat out tonight. Unfortunately that money will be needed to replace the appliance. Yeah, add microwave to the list of modern conveniences I don't want to live without. Seriously! Not just me, either. The kids can fend for themselves quite well in the kitchen when needed, without me worrying about fires.

Reminds me of I time years ago. My little brother liked eggs and learned at an early age to get up and cook his own. We had eaten chicken the night before and the bones were in a paper bag on the stove top, waiting to be thrown out. Don't know why they didn't go out that night...maybe dogs or ???? Anyhow, as you've probably guessed, the edge of the bag was right next to the burner my brother chose to use and - Voila!! Fire! I believe one of us threw water all over while we screamed for my parents to wake up and put out the fire. Microwave ovens keep that kind of worry far from my mind.

Alas, poor GE, I knew her well.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

My Cooking Is Scary!


I was cooking dinner tonight and my 12 year old wandered in, and then immediately left and returned with the camera. She calls this, "The Screaming Spill." I don't know if it's screaming because my cooking is scary or just because the stove top was hot. Either way, it's an interesting shot. At least we think so!

Now you all know that I'm a sloppy cook. It's true. I don't care, though, because clean up is just a part of cooking. Besides, what really matters is whether or not you can eat the finished product. I'll admit that sometimes I try something different and, well, the results don't always get raves. Tonight I was making spaghetti.

Yeah, that's right. Doesn't look like any kind of spaghetti spill does it? That's because I was brewing tea and got sloppy stirring in some sugar. In this part of the country your iced-tea has to be sweet. I like to dissolve the sugar into some hot tea and then pour over ice. Not that you care, but there are apparently 'right' ways and 'wrong' ways to make iced-tea. Not sure which category I fall into. Out West I didn't sweeten my iced-tea at all. At any rate I managed not to drip any spaghetti sauce on the stove top. Aren't you proud of me?

Monday, September 1, 2008

September Blog-O-Scope

Blog-O-Scope is back by popular (or not) demand! Once a month I will do my utmost to provide you with insight regarding your star sign so that your blogging will be one with the cosmos, your chakras will align, your harmonics will converge and, ummm, never-before-seen things will happen...or not.

This month we'll begin with your very special (and individual) star sign colors. It may seem to you that I just randomly chose these colors but be assured that I was guided by the stars in making these selections. Or it could have been the wine...

Take a look at your color here:

List of colors - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



Aries The Ram: Sprinkle some Razzmatazz throughout your life and your blog to Jazz things up! This color is especially helpful for inciting comments. Include foods of this color in your daily diet and watch the verbiage flow!


Taurus The Bull: Your gonna get a blast out of blogging and so will your readers when you use Atomic Tangerine! Peel away your blogging inhibitions and juice your imagination for all it's worth.


Gemini The Twins: Don't be timid - use Safety Orange and come out of your shell! Wearing sunglasses this color will inspire you to reach new blogging heights and cause others to see you differently. Very differently.


Cancer The Crab: Expand your horizons with Papaya Whip. Use this versatile color to inflict pain, or conversely to keep things light and fluffy. This color is especially powerful when used in Hawaii. Go there. Use it.


Leo The Lion: Drink a cocktail or two made with Harlequin colored liquor before writing your next post. This color is guaranteed to stir things up in your post. If you prefer shaken, you should have at least three drinks.


Virgo The Virgin: Tyrian Purple is a very influential color! Paint your keyboard this color and you're sure to leave your mark on the blogosphere. Let the paint dry first, though, or extremely colorful words will flow.


Libra The Scales: Give your blog a jolt of energy with Cosmic Latte. As an added bonus, Juan Valdez and his donkey will visit you and provide you with some mountain grown advice. Free!


Scorpio The Scorpion: Nothing says 'I'm choosy' like Selective Yellow! Choose to surround yourself with this color and you will find yourself with many bright ideas for writing. Be sure to wear sunglasses to avoid a glaring headache.


Sagittarius The Archer: People 'round the world will read your blog when you liven it up with International Klein Blue. In fact, you should change the name of your blog to International Klein Blue then sit back and watch the comments roll in.


Capricorn The Sea goat: Zinnwaldite is a color name that says it all! You know how you love a big word, so go ahead and use Zinnwaldite in a sentence in your blog, preferably in a big font created in this color. Say it all. Say it!


Aquarius The Water Bearer: When you change your background color and font to Magic Mint your readers will be mesmerized! They won't believe the verbal sleight of hand they're not seeing. Nobody works the magic like you. Nobody.


Pisces The Fish: Never underestimate the power of Smalt! Ever!! Think about this color, dream it, live it, write about it. Walk in circles while saying it out loud, repeatedly until it makes sense.

Go forth and blog knowing that the forces of the universe are guiding you!