Saturday, July 13, 2002
Friday, July 12, 2002
Just a quick..."hi". "Hi" again. Is blogger working now????
Yes, Shirl, blogger is working now. (I can't believe I'm talking to myself....and answering myself. Sheesh!)
Scott has some great pictures from his vacation in Minnesota. Beware the tilted horizon...he says it is part of the Minnesota experience.
Yes, Shirl, blogger is working now. (I can't believe I'm talking to myself....and answering myself. Sheesh!)
Scott has some great pictures from his vacation in Minnesota. Beware the tilted horizon...he says it is part of the Minnesota experience.
Thursday, July 11, 2002
Okay, Susan, I'll play too.
Google! DayPop! This is my blogchalk: English, United States, East Lansing, Spartan Country, Shirl, Female!
Google! DayPop! This is my blogchalk: English, United States, East Lansing, Spartan Country, Shirl, Female!
Ok. This has been a frustrating stupid week. So...what's a girl to do?
1. Drive.
2. Go Shopping.
3. Partake of adult libations.
I drove to the QD by the mall to ransack the ATM machine. In the little strip mall where the QD is located there is a Wild Birds Unlimited and Our Favorite Things that's a scrapbook store. I hit both.
Fortunately, my purchases at Wild Birds were birthday presents, so that was justified spending. I got a butterfly book and a bird cookbook, My Recipes are for the Birds for Mom. (That's how to cook stuff for the birds, not how to cook birds.) For one of the ladies at work I got a Baltimore Oriole from the Backyard Birds Series, with real calls.
Then, on to Our Favorite Things. There were new stickers by Mrs. Grossman. And...there is a grab-bag box. I've avoided it up until now, but today, in such a mood....so I plunked down my 5.00. And now, here I go, seeing what my five bucks purchased....rustle, rustle
Not bad. I have:
20 sheets of 12x12 paper, and I think I can use them all.
3 border strip sticker sets.
8 miscellaneous sticker sets.
Ants. (the Sticker variety).
2 page headers.
1 set of letters (the A's are ripped, bummer. But they are white snowy types, which will go well with my winter pictures....we do have a lot of winter pictures up here in Michigan.)
So...somehow the frustration leveled off, and I DIDN'T go to the mall. I came home, I'm typing, now I'll go eat a soy burger and start laundry and MAYBE get down to #3. Or maybe not.
Later, gators!
1. Drive.
2. Go Shopping.
3. Partake of adult libations.
I drove to the QD by the mall to ransack the ATM machine. In the little strip mall where the QD is located there is a Wild Birds Unlimited and Our Favorite Things that's a scrapbook store. I hit both.
Fortunately, my purchases at Wild Birds were birthday presents, so that was justified spending. I got a butterfly book and a bird cookbook, My Recipes are for the Birds for Mom. (That's how to cook stuff for the birds, not how to cook birds.) For one of the ladies at work I got a Baltimore Oriole from the Backyard Birds Series, with real calls.
Then, on to Our Favorite Things. There were new stickers by Mrs. Grossman. And...there is a grab-bag box. I've avoided it up until now, but today, in such a mood....so I plunked down my 5.00. And now, here I go, seeing what my five bucks purchased....rustle, rustle
Not bad. I have:
20 sheets of 12x12 paper, and I think I can use them all.
3 border strip sticker sets.
8 miscellaneous sticker sets.
Ants. (the Sticker variety).
2 page headers.
1 set of letters (the A's are ripped, bummer. But they are white snowy types, which will go well with my winter pictures....we do have a lot of winter pictures up here in Michigan.)
So...somehow the frustration leveled off, and I DIDN'T go to the mall. I came home, I'm typing, now I'll go eat a soy burger and start laundry and MAYBE get down to #3. Or maybe not.
Later, gators!
I really am lucky.
Sometimes I forget that, so this is a reminder to myself.
I work for a small company. We have three owners, one on site and two others located in another city.
I really like our on-site owner, but there are times when we just really aren't on the same wavelength. It's nobody's fault (well, maybe a little bit mine) but he tends to make me feel inconsequential. (I know, I know, no one can MAKE you feel a certain way, but you know what I mean.) Anyway, whenever that happens, the other owner calls and makes me feel like a million bucks. And there is absolutely no way he could know I'm down...the owners only talk every month or so. It just happened again yesterday. So this is a reminder to self...you are lucky.
Sometimes I forget that, so this is a reminder to myself.
I work for a small company. We have three owners, one on site and two others located in another city.
I really like our on-site owner, but there are times when we just really aren't on the same wavelength. It's nobody's fault (well, maybe a little bit mine) but he tends to make me feel inconsequential. (I know, I know, no one can MAKE you feel a certain way, but you know what I mean.) Anyway, whenever that happens, the other owner calls and makes me feel like a million bucks. And there is absolutely no way he could know I'm down...the owners only talk every month or so. It just happened again yesterday. So this is a reminder to self...you are lucky.
Wednesday, July 10, 2002
Here it is...the Wednesday What! This is week three...GOOD questions, Lynn! Now folks...go visit and grab some questions for yourself!
1. What in the world of insects, gives you the worst "willies"?
hairy spiders...big hairy spiders....ugh
2. What in the world of the mundane, (everyday stuff) would you change, if you could?
I would like to have money without having to go to work????
That's probably not very good. Ummm. I would like clothes to stay everclean.
3. What in the world of epicurean morsels, are you least likely to sample? Snails
1. What in the world of insects, gives you the worst "willies"?
hairy spiders...big hairy spiders....ugh
2. What in the world of the mundane, (everyday stuff) would you change, if you could?
I would like to have money without having to go to work????
That's probably not very good. Ummm. I would like clothes to stay everclean.
3. What in the world of epicurean morsels, are you least likely to sample? Snails
Tuesday, July 09, 2002
Here and there:
My long lost brother Jeeem has a picture of an ugly piece of fruit that he says is also the stinkiest fruit ever. This is the sort of thing Jeeem learns on his world-wide trips. Can't wait to see what he learns in South Africa after his visit to Eve. Speaking of Eve, Jeeem has had her so confused lately that she doesn't know night from day.
Meryl has moved. Not her blog (thank goodness) but herself...moving from New Jersey down to Virginia. She has some lovely posts and some funny posts about moving.
Ava is having a "whatever" day, and for some reason that just tickles me no end! You go, girl!
Lynn handled her tooth extraction with her usual good cheer. She's ahead of me lately in finding quizzes...I need to get up earlier in the morning, I guess! She's participating the the 1000 word project, which is the posting of a new picture each day, and I enjoy seeing where she is pointing her camera each day. Lynn's friend Joni has a fun site that I've been visiting, also.
I've always felt that you could tell quite a bit about bloggers from their writings. Mike Sanders writes about serious things, but I always pictured him good-looking. hehehe...right again! And he's the #1 Mike on Google.
My long lost brother Jeeem has a picture of an ugly piece of fruit that he says is also the stinkiest fruit ever. This is the sort of thing Jeeem learns on his world-wide trips. Can't wait to see what he learns in South Africa after his visit to Eve. Speaking of Eve, Jeeem has had her so confused lately that she doesn't know night from day.
Meryl has moved. Not her blog (thank goodness) but herself...moving from New Jersey down to Virginia. She has some lovely posts and some funny posts about moving.
Ava is having a "whatever" day, and for some reason that just tickles me no end! You go, girl!
Lynn handled her tooth extraction with her usual good cheer. She's ahead of me lately in finding quizzes...I need to get up earlier in the morning, I guess! She's participating the the 1000 word project, which is the posting of a new picture each day, and I enjoy seeing where she is pointing her camera each day. Lynn's friend Joni has a fun site that I've been visiting, also.
I've always felt that you could tell quite a bit about bloggers from their writings. Mike Sanders writes about serious things, but I always pictured him good-looking. hehehe...right again! And he's the #1 Mike on Google.
Opening of Anne Tyler's Back When We Were Grownups:
Once upon a time, there was a woman who discovered she had turned into the wrong person.
She was fifty-three years old by then--a grandmother. Wide and soft and dimpled, with two short wings of dry, fair hair flaring almost horizontally from a center part. Laugh lines at the corners of her eyes. A loose and colorful type of dress edging dangerously close to Bag Lady.
Give her credit: most people her age would say it was too late to make any changes. What's done is done, they would say. No use trying to alter things at this late date.
It did occur to Rebecca to say that. But she didn't.
What do you think...can we "alter things at this late date"?
Once upon a time, there was a woman who discovered she had turned into the wrong person.
She was fifty-three years old by then--a grandmother. Wide and soft and dimpled, with two short wings of dry, fair hair flaring almost horizontally from a center part. Laugh lines at the corners of her eyes. A loose and colorful type of dress edging dangerously close to Bag Lady.
Give her credit: most people her age would say it was too late to make any changes. What's done is done, they would say. No use trying to alter things at this late date.
It did occur to Rebecca to say that. But she didn't.
What do you think...can we "alter things at this late date"?
Monday, July 08, 2002
PromoGuy's Monday Mission 2.27
1. Have you had to repair anything lately? Did you do it yourself or have someone else do it? Can't think of anything that I've had to repair lately, knock wood. Usually the problem is my car...I take it to my good friend Sam.
2. Do you work out or exercise? Or is there anything you do each day for your health? I swim 4 times a week and walk 5 times a week...and I always park away from entrances to stores.
3. Are you a modest person? That is, would you be embarrassed for someone (an acquaintance, a friend, a stranger) to see you nude?yep
4. Some smells that I just can not stand are bags of grass clippings that have sat in the hot sun for a few days, burned hair and vomit (although, thankfully, I have not had to smell them all at the same time). What are some odors that you just can not stand to smell? Cooked cabbage
5. Are there any social situations that make you uncomfortable? MOST of them
6. Has a friend or an employer ever asked you to do something you felt was unethical or? What was it and what happened? I can't remember what it was (that's what happens when you get old, but I didn't feel comfortable doing it...so they had someone else do it.
7. (continued) Well, we are not yet at our destination, though the way you described it, it sounds simply amazing. What is the first thing we should do once we get there? set out the beach blanket and just sit and enjoy.
BONUS: In this whole world, what is fair? Weather. It's fair because it doesn't care.
1. Have you had to repair anything lately? Did you do it yourself or have someone else do it? Can't think of anything that I've had to repair lately, knock wood. Usually the problem is my car...I take it to my good friend Sam.
2. Do you work out or exercise? Or is there anything you do each day for your health? I swim 4 times a week and walk 5 times a week...and I always park away from entrances to stores.
3. Are you a modest person? That is, would you be embarrassed for someone (an acquaintance, a friend, a stranger) to see you nude?yep
4. Some smells that I just can not stand are bags of grass clippings that have sat in the hot sun for a few days, burned hair and vomit (although, thankfully, I have not had to smell them all at the same time). What are some odors that you just can not stand to smell? Cooked cabbage
5. Are there any social situations that make you uncomfortable? MOST of them
6. Has a friend or an employer ever asked you to do something you felt was unethical or? What was it and what happened? I can't remember what it was (that's what happens when you get old, but I didn't feel comfortable doing it...so they had someone else do it.
7. (continued) Well, we are not yet at our destination, though the way you described it, it sounds simply amazing. What is the first thing we should do once we get there? set out the beach blanket and just sit and enjoy.
BONUS: In this whole world, what is fair? Weather. It's fair because it doesn't care.
Sunday, July 07, 2002
Weird.
My dreams (that I can remember) tend toward the pedestrian. The one this morning was different for me.
I had lost something on a beach. I finally found it, only to realize that the tide was coming in, and the only way out was up a straight cliff. And of course the tide was coming in really really fast, and really huge (like tsunami huge). And the cliff was very tall, with few handholds. Try climbing, knowing that it will most assuredly end up with a fall back into the surf, or ride the wave that was coming? It was wave for me, a pretty blue strong but not thrashing wave. I didn't hold my breath, and I was swept away. And that is all I remember.
My dreams (that I can remember) tend toward the pedestrian. The one this morning was different for me.
I had lost something on a beach. I finally found it, only to realize that the tide was coming in, and the only way out was up a straight cliff. And of course the tide was coming in really really fast, and really huge (like tsunami huge). And the cliff was very tall, with few handholds. Try climbing, knowing that it will most assuredly end up with a fall back into the surf, or ride the wave that was coming? It was wave for me, a pretty blue strong but not thrashing wave. I didn't hold my breath, and I was swept away. And that is all I remember.
Hmmm. another good thing to do at 3:00 a.m. in the morning. Thank you Lynn, who got it from Kat.
A - Animals: None
B - Best Friend(s): Sheryl
C - Cohabitants: None
D - Desire(s): Peace
E - Eye Color: Hazel
F - Favourite Foods: Potato Salad
G - Games: Trivial Pursuit
H - Habits: Drinking Pop
I - Interests: Reading, Writing, Photography, Camping, Hiking, and computers
J - Job: Information Specialist
K - Kitchen...wonder or blunder?Used to be wonder but now I just blunder
L - Languages: English.
M - Most valued possession: family photographs
N - Name (named after?): Shirley. Named after my grandfather, or maybe after my father's ex-girlfriend, or maybe after that curly-haired moppet. Anyway, one of the last so-named. That name died out in the early fifties.
O - Outfit you love: Black skirt, red top
P - Pizza toppings: ham, bacon and pineapple
Q - Question asked to you the most: Is there a way that the computer can....?
R - Relationship: Old maid amanuensis.
S - Sport to watch: Michigan State University Spartan Football
T - Television show(s): CSI, Survivor
U - Unsavory characteristic: Too touchy
V - Video: A River Runs Through It
W - Webpage: dreamwest.org
X - Xylophone (or other instrument): Piano, violin, and a little bit of gittar picking
Y - Year born: 1952
Z - Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
A - Animals: None
B - Best Friend(s): Sheryl
C - Cohabitants: None
D - Desire(s): Peace
E - Eye Color: Hazel
F - Favourite Foods: Potato Salad
G - Games: Trivial Pursuit
H - Habits: Drinking Pop
I - Interests: Reading, Writing, Photography, Camping, Hiking, and computers
J - Job: Information Specialist
K - Kitchen...wonder or blunder?Used to be wonder but now I just blunder
L - Languages: English.
M - Most valued possession: family photographs
N - Name (named after?): Shirley. Named after my grandfather, or maybe after my father's ex-girlfriend, or maybe after that curly-haired moppet. Anyway, one of the last so-named. That name died out in the early fifties.
O - Outfit you love: Black skirt, red top
P - Pizza toppings: ham, bacon and pineapple
Q - Question asked to you the most: Is there a way that the computer can....?
R - Relationship: Old maid amanuensis.
S - Sport to watch: Michigan State University Spartan Football
T - Television show(s): CSI, Survivor
U - Unsavory characteristic: Too touchy
V - Video: A River Runs Through It
W - Webpage: dreamwest.org
X - Xylophone (or other instrument): Piano, violin, and a little bit of gittar picking
Y - Year born: 1952
Z - Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Saturday, July 06, 2002
Ah, yes. Today a picnic at Gun Lake. My paternal grandmother's childhood stomping grounds. My father's childhood stomping grounds. My childhood stomping grounds. Dang! I should have had kids, if only to pass on the tradition. Oh well.
Friday, July 05, 2002
Well, we're halfway through the long holiday weekend. The store was open today, but with minimal staff, so I was fortunate to have time off today. First time I've done the extend holiday thing in a long time...feels good!!
Sharp Park has fireworks on the third. We usually go to those fireworks, as Mom's Great-Grandma is the Sharp for whom the Park was named. Old Elizabeth was quite the girl. She came to the United States from England with her two sisters in 1855. She married Edward and had two sons. He died (caught cold building the capitol) and she married a Mr. Huxtable. She had two sons with him. Mr. and one of the sons died in the 1860s.
But our Elizabeth kept on. She and the boys cleared the land, and until her dying day she cherished her physical strength.
Come to think of it, Elizabeth represents for me the best of America: a land of opportunity, a land of people who don't quit, a land of people who think outside the box.
I'm messing up big time this morning...better go back to my book.
Second Hand, by Michael Zadoorian.
This is a GREAT book! It is a first time novel, about a second hand dealer, set in Detroit, and it illuminates human nature superbly! Highly highly recommended.
Second Hand, by Michael Zadoorian.
This is a GREAT book! It is a first time novel, about a second hand dealer, set in Detroit, and it illuminates human nature superbly! Highly highly recommended.
Wednesday, July 03, 2002
and it's...tadah...the Second WEDNESDAY WHAT. Hop right over to Lynn's and pick up YOUR copy!
1. WHAT in the world of the Internet, do you find most fascinating about it? The fact that you can interact with real people through the internet, that you can see how the man or woman on the street is coping with life and gather encouragement to carry on. I thought the internet would be more about information, but it actually is more about people.
2. WHAT in the world of phobias do you think would be the worst one to have?Phobias are tough. I think the worst would be agoraphobia though. To not be able to go out at all...argh.
3. WHAT in the world of truths is the strangest "fiction" you've ever heard? Ummm...ummm...can I get back to you on that?
Lynn also points to the 1000 words a day site. All you photographers might want to check it out!
1. WHAT in the world of the Internet, do you find most fascinating about it? The fact that you can interact with real people through the internet, that you can see how the man or woman on the street is coping with life and gather encouragement to carry on. I thought the internet would be more about information, but it actually is more about people.
2. WHAT in the world of phobias do you think would be the worst one to have?Phobias are tough. I think the worst would be agoraphobia though. To not be able to go out at all...argh.
3. WHAT in the world of truths is the strangest "fiction" you've ever heard? Ummm...ummm...can I get back to you on that?
Lynn also points to the 1000 words a day site. All you photographers might want to check it out!
Tuesday, July 02, 2002
Not to be crass, but there actually is a market for fireflies. That luciferin is pretty valuable stuff.
Monday, July 01, 2002
Monday Mission 2.26 via promoguy.net, naturally
1. In the United States of America, it was recently ruled that the phrase "one nation under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional. Do you agree with this ruling? Should the phrase "under God" be removed? Why? I haven't read the ruling to understand the fine points of it. However, I believe there is a lot of precedent for leaving it in (and I do understand that it was added in 1954) starting from the original Declaration of Independence and moving right through our history. But again, I haven't read the specifics of the ruling. I also have to ask...why now? Why did this lie dormant for 48 years and all of a sudden pop up? And to me, it seems that the people who object to the phrase also object to the pledge as a whole. So...why don't they just not say it? Anyway.....
2. When was the last time you took a road trip? Where did you go and what did you do? Up to Boyne City to see the relatives in February. Stopped at Hartwick Pines on the way up, Jordan River Valley on the way back. (oh yeah, we say up for north and down for south here in Michigan)
3. Do you have any vacations planned for this summer? Already gone? Where to and what? Going to Montana, In August, Can't wait. Glacier Park, Great Falls, The Start of the Missouri...you know, good old Lewis & Clark stuff.
4. What is the most drastic change to your appearance that you have ever made? Are you brave enough to post a photo? Accidentally when I had surgery on my neck. Here, but try not to be scared.
5. Tell me about something to which you are committed? I am committed to helping people learn to read better. I am a Literacy Volunteer. Oops, that reminds me, I have to call my new victim tomorrow.
6. Now tell me about something you just flat-out gave up on.Figure Skating.
7. (new saga) I've had it, this place is just wearing me out. You too? We need a break! Let's head out and go someplace new. You make the plans, I'll get things ready. So what do you have it mind, and did you want me to pick up anything special to pack for the trip? Oh, yes, let's go to Good Harbor Beach up in the Little finger. It is so beautiful, overlooking the Manitou Islands in Lake Michigan, and so ... so.... uninhabited. Do lets go. I'll pack a hamper of finger food, would you bring the frisbee and the suntan lotion?
BONUS: Where is my hairbrush?
Wherever you left it.
1. In the United States of America, it was recently ruled that the phrase "one nation under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional. Do you agree with this ruling? Should the phrase "under God" be removed? Why? I haven't read the ruling to understand the fine points of it. However, I believe there is a lot of precedent for leaving it in (and I do understand that it was added in 1954) starting from the original Declaration of Independence and moving right through our history. But again, I haven't read the specifics of the ruling. I also have to ask...why now? Why did this lie dormant for 48 years and all of a sudden pop up? And to me, it seems that the people who object to the phrase also object to the pledge as a whole. So...why don't they just not say it? Anyway.....
2. When was the last time you took a road trip? Where did you go and what did you do? Up to Boyne City to see the relatives in February. Stopped at Hartwick Pines on the way up, Jordan River Valley on the way back. (oh yeah, we say up for north and down for south here in Michigan)
3. Do you have any vacations planned for this summer? Already gone? Where to and what? Going to Montana, In August, Can't wait. Glacier Park, Great Falls, The Start of the Missouri...you know, good old Lewis & Clark stuff.
4. What is the most drastic change to your appearance that you have ever made? Are you brave enough to post a photo? Accidentally when I had surgery on my neck. Here, but try not to be scared.
5. Tell me about something to which you are committed? I am committed to helping people learn to read better. I am a Literacy Volunteer. Oops, that reminds me, I have to call my new victim tomorrow.
6. Now tell me about something you just flat-out gave up on.Figure Skating.
7. (new saga) I've had it, this place is just wearing me out. You too? We need a break! Let's head out and go someplace new. You make the plans, I'll get things ready. So what do you have it mind, and did you want me to pick up anything special to pack for the trip? Oh, yes, let's go to Good Harbor Beach up in the Little finger. It is so beautiful, overlooking the Manitou Islands in Lake Michigan, and so ... so.... uninhabited. Do lets go. I'll pack a hamper of finger food, would you bring the frisbee and the suntan lotion?
BONUS: Where is my hairbrush?
Wherever you left it.
New Pacman high score: 20,050 22,750 on 7/7. See what happens when the Monday Mission isn't ready when I am????
Oh great, I seem to have a problem here. I seem to have developed insomnia, but ONLY ON SUNDAY night?!?!? I've been in bed for 45 minutes, but no dreamland yet. ARGHHHH!!
I tried cutting out caffeine for the weekend, thinking that would might be the problem. No such luck.
Maybe it really is that I just can't face Monday Monday!
Well, friend Google has something to say about Sunday Night Insomnia.
There is this from MedBroadcast.
The common experience of "Sunday night insomnia, Monday morning blues" is caused by ignoring this rule. The sleeper goes to bed at progressively later times during the weekend, and sleeps in the following morning. By Sunday night, the adapted circadian rhythm is expecting to begin the sleep period beginning at, say, 1:00 a.m. and end at 09:00 hours. However, on Sunday night the sleeper wants to go to sleep at 11:00 p.m. and awaken for work at 07:00 but is unable to fall asleep until the reset time of 1:00 a.m. Thus, he or she awakens, relatively sleep deprived, at 07:00 with "the blues." Ruhro...they may have caught me.
Sleepnet has the same suggestion.
And DoctorJob takes a smiling look at the problem.
The joy of the 'net...the answers are only a click away.
Oh, and a reminder from Q...first day of the month.
Rabbit, rabbit. There, that should do it.
Good night!
Do not believe that post-time over there -->
It is really 1:11 a.m. on Monday. The wizard can't tell time.
Good night again!
I tried cutting out caffeine for the weekend, thinking that would might be the problem. No such luck.
Maybe it really is that I just can't face Monday Monday!
Well, friend Google has something to say about Sunday Night Insomnia.
There is this from MedBroadcast.
The common experience of "Sunday night insomnia, Monday morning blues" is caused by ignoring this rule. The sleeper goes to bed at progressively later times during the weekend, and sleeps in the following morning. By Sunday night, the adapted circadian rhythm is expecting to begin the sleep period beginning at, say, 1:00 a.m. and end at 09:00 hours. However, on Sunday night the sleeper wants to go to sleep at 11:00 p.m. and awaken for work at 07:00 but is unable to fall asleep until the reset time of 1:00 a.m. Thus, he or she awakens, relatively sleep deprived, at 07:00 with "the blues." Ruhro...they may have caught me.
Sleepnet has the same suggestion.
And DoctorJob takes a smiling look at the problem.
The joy of the 'net...the answers are only a click away.
Oh, and a reminder from Q...first day of the month.
Rabbit, rabbit. There, that should do it.
Good night!
Do not believe that post-time over there -->
It is really 1:11 a.m. on Monday. The wizard can't tell time.
Good night again!
Sunday, June 30, 2002
Firefly Update
Hey, there, Jeeem the Tranceman...it was all worth it. The high-fliers have arrived!
I just had an awful thought. What if they were here all the time, and were just down low boogeying with the girls? Hmmmm.
It is hot here, folks, and I've had a very restful day. Dinner at Mom's, photo shoot in her garden, and watched Trading Spaces (ghastly swap, oh my). Home again home again...have a great week!
Hey, there, Jeeem the Tranceman...it was all worth it. The high-fliers have arrived!
I just had an awful thought. What if they were here all the time, and were just down low boogeying with the girls? Hmmmm.
It is hot here, folks, and I've had a very restful day. Dinner at Mom's, photo shoot in her garden, and watched Trading Spaces (ghastly swap, oh my). Home again home again...have a great week!
Saturday, June 29, 2002
I decided I would give myself a summer day at home. I've been lazing on the balcony, reading Summer Light by LuAnne Rice, drinking juice and water and sunburning my feet. A few chores have been done, but basically I have shifted to a different time warp. Summer is here.
Another Creative Outlet.
Here is Haiku Blog. A photo is posted, and haikus may be submitted. I'm really big on haiku right now, as it was one of the challenges during our Firefly Day. Now remember, 5-7-5. Link via Tales of a Kitchen Witch. Still chicken to do this one, too, but at least I'll be able to find it again when I'm feeling brave.
Here is Haiku Blog. A photo is posted, and haikus may be submitted. I'm really big on haiku right now, as it was one of the challenges during our Firefly Day. Now remember, 5-7-5. Link via Tales of a Kitchen Witch. Still chicken to do this one, too, but at least I'll be able to find it again when I'm feeling brave.
Friday, June 28, 2002
Around the blogosphere.
Eve had a good week, Lynn has a new kitty, and Jeeem is too busy to come out and play. Meryl's pledges have hit$1624 $1750 . Cold Marble is on vacation: I bet the pictures will be super! Bobbi's cat has come home (and she has a wonderful new toy), and Ava's computer is back up and running again (except for the sound card). Scott is no longer throwing SQL errors, and Mike stays the course. And me, well...I'm very thankful it is Friday.
Eve had a good week, Lynn has a new kitty, and Jeeem is too busy to come out and play. Meryl's pledges have hit
Thursday, June 27, 2002
Okay, Blogathon 2002 is coming. For those who don't know, this is where bloggers can sign up to blog for charity. Other folks sponsor the bloggers, and the money goes to a charity specified by the blogger. (Must be a 'net contributable charity.) This is blog as in "24-hour" blog, with 1/2 hour postings. Last year Lynn tried it, and is considering it again. I'm thinking about it.
But this post is about someone who is signed up for Blogathon 2002, and I'd like to point you to her site. That would be Ms. Meryl, who will be blogging for Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem. An admirable charity, I thought, when I first read it, but I felt I would save my sponsoring for my own choice of charities.
That was before I got my Newsweek yesterday. The article "Code Blue In Jerusalem" brought into sharp focus the reality of what the trauma physicians are facing as they deal with the effects of the terrorist plague in Israel. The discussion of the massive internal injuries victims face, which may leave them almost unscathed on the outside but shredded within, moved me intensely.
So Meryl, here I come to pledge for you...now you'd better stock up on the caffeine, ma'am!
But this post is about someone who is signed up for Blogathon 2002, and I'd like to point you to her site. That would be Ms. Meryl, who will be blogging for Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem. An admirable charity, I thought, when I first read it, but I felt I would save my sponsoring for my own choice of charities.
That was before I got my Newsweek yesterday. The article "Code Blue In Jerusalem" brought into sharp focus the reality of what the trauma physicians are facing as they deal with the effects of the terrorist plague in Israel. The discussion of the massive internal injuries victims face, which may leave them almost unscathed on the outside but shredded within, moved me intensely.
So Meryl, here I come to pledge for you...now you'd better stock up on the caffeine, ma'am!
Want an interesting exercise in creative writing? Potkettleblack has an interesting page on contexts. Pictures are posted. You choose a picture, then write about it. I've been chicken to do it, but I've enjoyed reading what other people have written.
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
Okay, folks, direct to you from my good buddy Lynn:
The first Wednesday What?
1. WHAT comes to mind when you hear the word "annihilate"? Evilness. Pure evilness. To annihilate someone is so much worse than to kill them.
2. WHAT do you do when you see a child alone and crying? Stand by, ask questions, scout the area for the responsible adult.
3. WHAT smells, or sounds evoke pleasant memories? Oddly enough, swamp smells always remind me of my grandparent's cottage when I was a kid.
Be sure to check Lucid Dreaming for the Wednesday What each week!
The first Wednesday What?
1. WHAT comes to mind when you hear the word "annihilate"? Evilness. Pure evilness. To annihilate someone is so much worse than to kill them.
2. WHAT do you do when you see a child alone and crying? Stand by, ask questions, scout the area for the responsible adult.
3. WHAT smells, or sounds evoke pleasant memories? Oddly enough, swamp smells always remind me of my grandparent's cottage when I was a kid.
Be sure to check Lucid Dreaming for the Wednesday What each week!
Tuesday, June 25, 2002
Decisions, decisions.
Montana is coming up in August, but, DANG, I wish Amtrak wasn't so iffy right now. We usually take AMTRAK from Chicago to East Glacier. Will it still be available in August, do you think? Glacier National Park was developed by James J. Hill, train baron of the Burlington Northern. Training in is the traditional way to get to the park, but I guess all good traditions come to an end. *sigh*.
In related news, they're still clearing the Going-to-the-Sun Road. If we had gone this month, as originally planned, we would be looking at piles of snow.
Montana is coming up in August, but, DANG, I wish Amtrak wasn't so iffy right now. We usually take AMTRAK from Chicago to East Glacier. Will it still be available in August, do you think? Glacier National Park was developed by James J. Hill, train baron of the Burlington Northern. Training in is the traditional way to get to the park, but I guess all good traditions come to an end. *sigh*.
In related news, they're still clearing the Going-to-the-Sun Road. If we had gone this month, as originally planned, we would be looking at piles of snow.
Last Tuesday of the Month.
This is our "charity" day at work. For the last three months we've paid to wear slippers on this day and have brought baked goods to sell to the installers. Today we wore funky headgear instead. Jane won the prize...she had a halo, and of course we all had to rib her about the appropriateness of that! We collected 63.70 today, which brings our total up to 137.10. This round of collections goes to the Council Against Domestic Assault. Next month our collection starts toward the United Cerebral Palsy Association.
What fun. And it is about to storm.
This is our "charity" day at work. For the last three months we've paid to wear slippers on this day and have brought baked goods to sell to the installers. Today we wore funky headgear instead. Jane won the prize...she had a halo, and of course we all had to rib her about the appropriateness of that! We collected 63.70 today, which brings our total up to 137.10. This round of collections goes to the Council Against Domestic Assault. Next month our collection starts toward the United Cerebral Palsy Association.
What fun. And it is about to storm.
Monday, June 24, 2002
Monday Mission 2.25 via PromoGuy.net
1. Do you wear glasses/contact lenses? If so would you consider going through Lasik surgery? (Or if you already have, please tell us about it) I wear glasses, and am considering the Lasik surgery. My brother had it, and really liked the results. The eye doctor says they can't correct me back to perfect, but it's nice to know they can clear things up a bit if I wish.
2. Did you ever have to wear braces? How are your teeth? (any cavities, any pulled teeth, root canals, etc.) Waah. Yes, yes, yes, yes, I think some of us are just blessed with nasty teeth. I had one that had a filling, then had a root canal and a crown, then the roots broke and I just had it extracted last Monday. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
3. What (if any) recent movies have moved you emotionally? Which one and how so? The Sum of All Fears, because we are such a good, big-hearted, open society...and that makes us hateable and vulnerable. I know, I know, we're not perfect, but geeeez...we try to be so accepting.
4. I visited my dear Mema in the managed care facility Sunday and while she is doing well, I was sad for her. Living out your final days/years someplace like that seems so lonely to me. Would you rather live the remainder of your golden years in a rest home, or pass away before it came to that? Whatever the Good Lord decides. I just hope to have courage and grace to carry it off either way.
5. Sometimes, but not nearly often enough, I will just stop and marvel at the amazing planet on which we live. The eco-system, life and death, nature, the perfect balance that keeps us alive, the universe, it can all be mind-boggling if you let your mind get carried away. What natural creation or phenomenon just flat-out leaves you with a sense of wonder? Appekunny Trail, Glacier National Park. I think God stood there to create the earth.
6. Have you ever been in a fist fight or a situation where you had to get physically violent with someone else? How did that come about? Any consequences? No, but I'm thinking about it *grin*. Could do wonders for my image.
7. Many times I look back in hindsight and think of how I should have handled a situation. Are there any recent happenings that you wish you would have handled differently? What happened and what do you wish you'd done? Two different occasions where I SHOULD HAVE SAID YES!!!! Dang
BONUS: How far away can you go, and still be dancing with me?
as far as i can sense the beat of your heart.
1. Do you wear glasses/contact lenses? If so would you consider going through Lasik surgery? (Or if you already have, please tell us about it) I wear glasses, and am considering the Lasik surgery. My brother had it, and really liked the results. The eye doctor says they can't correct me back to perfect, but it's nice to know they can clear things up a bit if I wish.
2. Did you ever have to wear braces? How are your teeth? (any cavities, any pulled teeth, root canals, etc.) Waah. Yes, yes, yes, yes, I think some of us are just blessed with nasty teeth. I had one that had a filling, then had a root canal and a crown, then the roots broke and I just had it extracted last Monday. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
3. What (if any) recent movies have moved you emotionally? Which one and how so? The Sum of All Fears, because we are such a good, big-hearted, open society...and that makes us hateable and vulnerable. I know, I know, we're not perfect, but geeeez...we try to be so accepting.
4. I visited my dear Mema in the managed care facility Sunday and while she is doing well, I was sad for her. Living out your final days/years someplace like that seems so lonely to me. Would you rather live the remainder of your golden years in a rest home, or pass away before it came to that? Whatever the Good Lord decides. I just hope to have courage and grace to carry it off either way.
5. Sometimes, but not nearly often enough, I will just stop and marvel at the amazing planet on which we live. The eco-system, life and death, nature, the perfect balance that keeps us alive, the universe, it can all be mind-boggling if you let your mind get carried away. What natural creation or phenomenon just flat-out leaves you with a sense of wonder? Appekunny Trail, Glacier National Park. I think God stood there to create the earth.
6. Have you ever been in a fist fight or a situation where you had to get physically violent with someone else? How did that come about? Any consequences? No, but I'm thinking about it *grin*. Could do wonders for my image.
7. Many times I look back in hindsight and think of how I should have handled a situation. Are there any recent happenings that you wish you would have handled differently? What happened and what do you wish you'd done? Two different occasions where I SHOULD HAVE SAID YES!!!! Dang
BONUS: How far away can you go, and still be dancing with me?
as far as i can sense the beat of your heart.
They are here. The fireflies are lighting up.
There might be a problem, though. Supposedly the boy fireflies fly high, the girls low. I only see low flying bugs. Hmmmm.
New high on PacMan....18,020.
Ummm. Saw Minority Report this weekend. I wasn't impressed, but I'm not a Spielberg or Cruise fan. I did think the robot spiders were mighty cute.
There might be a problem, though. Supposedly the boy fireflies fly high, the girls low. I only see low flying bugs. Hmmmm.
New high on PacMan....18,020.
Ummm. Saw Minority Report this weekend. I wasn't impressed, but I'm not a Spielberg or Cruise fan. I did think the robot spiders were mighty cute.
Sunday, June 23, 2002
Saturday, June 22, 2002
After all the talk about identity on certain sites, anonymous tickled me.
HelenJane does haiku.
Gary Turner is wayyy too funny. Go vote, please...and keep USA on top! All in fun folks! All in fun.
Update at noon:
Lucky lucky morning. I haven't had to fight anyone for the laundry room.
I'm heading to a High School open house this afternoon. I read somewhere that the HS open house trend is a regional thing. Are they important where YOU live?
HelenJane does haiku.
Gary Turner is wayyy too funny. Go vote, please...and keep USA on top! All in fun folks! All in fun.
Update at noon:
Lucky lucky morning. I haven't had to fight anyone for the laundry room.
I'm heading to a High School open house this afternoon. I read somewhere that the HS open house trend is a regional thing. Are they important where YOU live?
Thursday, June 20, 2002
Wednesday, June 19, 2002
HmMmMm.
Twenty-five Eligible Bachelors. ewwww. I can't believe who #1 is. Link via 40 something, which looks interesting.
Twenty-five Eligible Bachelors. ewwww. I can't believe who #1 is. Link via 40 something, which looks interesting.
Firefly Day Report.
The Second Annual Firefly Day was a rousing success except for the lack of um...fireflies. We never let details like that stop us from having fun.
Firefly Day is a gathering of the cousins (my nieces and nephews) and the sibs (my brothers and sister). It consists of games: this year there was a scavenger hunt, two relay races with tasks ala Survivor to perform, and a trivia contest.
The games were followed by an "Owwee" meal. This consists of scads of finger food, combined however anyone wishes.
Sparklers had to stand in for the fireflies. My mother's home has a deep backyard. The kids decided they would scare themselves silly. They lit sparklers, ran to the back of the lot and waited for the sparklers to go out. They would then stand in the dark until someone started screaming, and then they would all run up to the house, where we were watching. Fortunately, no one called the police.
One of the tasks in the relay was to write haiku. Here is one stellar example:
My head feels funny
My stomach is acting strange
Oh no I threw up.
The Second Annual Firefly Day was a rousing success except for the lack of um...fireflies. We never let details like that stop us from having fun.
Firefly Day is a gathering of the cousins (my nieces and nephews) and the sibs (my brothers and sister). It consists of games: this year there was a scavenger hunt, two relay races with tasks ala Survivor to perform, and a trivia contest.
The games were followed by an "Owwee" meal. This consists of scads of finger food, combined however anyone wishes.
Sparklers had to stand in for the fireflies. My mother's home has a deep backyard. The kids decided they would scare themselves silly. They lit sparklers, ran to the back of the lot and waited for the sparklers to go out. They would then stand in the dark until someone started screaming, and then they would all run up to the house, where we were watching. Fortunately, no one called the police.
One of the tasks in the relay was to write haiku. Here is one stellar example:
My head feels funny
My stomach is acting strange
Oh no I threw up.
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
Blogathon is returning. July 27. You have been warned *grin*.
Basic RSS.
Blog.elements.again. Must check out.
Basic RSS.
Blog.elements.again. Must check out.
Identity and Blogs.
Oh drat. I have to disagree with Mike Sanders. In "Blogging Identity Fallacies" he says:
I think we are making a big mistake by attaching identity to blogs. A glimpse of our feelings on certain subjects, yes. A way to meet new people, definitely. A medium for self-expression, granted. But attaching identity to a blog is a big mistake for both the blogger and the blog reader.
Sorry, Mike, but I'm always attaching identities to blogs. I think the written word gives us a window into what is important to a person, shows us how they treat other people, and provides us with a whole different set of cues than we would receive when meeting people face to face. As an example, I think Mike is a kind, considerate person, earnest, single-minded, totally devoted to his family. He's always presented a very egalitarian yes, I do like that word viewpoint. And there is no chance anyone would mistake how he feels about Israel.
And Mike, if you read this, I get even worse. If there are no pictures of people on their site, I match them with a certain celeb style/look. Among your group, you would be a brown-haired Robert Redford, Golby would be a John Saxon type (well, that was my original thought, but Jack Nicholson would work), Burningbird would be Shelley Long (now maybe that's part the name), Emptybottle would be Howdy-Doody, and Meryl...well, gosh, hadn't thought of a match-up for Meryl, but mebbe...oh, she'd look the way I imagined Jo in Little Women to look. See how silly we get out here in the midwest? It's the long winters.
Oh drat. I have to disagree with Mike Sanders. In "Blogging Identity Fallacies" he says:
I think we are making a big mistake by attaching identity to blogs. A glimpse of our feelings on certain subjects, yes. A way to meet new people, definitely. A medium for self-expression, granted. But attaching identity to a blog is a big mistake for both the blogger and the blog reader.
Sorry, Mike, but I'm always attaching identities to blogs. I think the written word gives us a window into what is important to a person, shows us how they treat other people, and provides us with a whole different set of cues than we would receive when meeting people face to face. As an example, I think Mike is a kind, considerate person, earnest, single-minded, totally devoted to his family. He's always presented a very egalitarian yes, I do like that word viewpoint. And there is no chance anyone would mistake how he feels about Israel.
And Mike, if you read this, I get even worse. If there are no pictures of people on their site, I match them with a certain celeb style/look. Among your group, you would be a brown-haired Robert Redford, Golby would be a John Saxon type (well, that was my original thought, but Jack Nicholson would work), Burningbird would be Shelley Long (now maybe that's part the name), Emptybottle would be Howdy-Doody, and Meryl...well, gosh, hadn't thought of a match-up for Meryl, but mebbe...oh, she'd look the way I imagined Jo in Little Women to look. See how silly we get out here in the midwest? It's the long winters.
Apparently I am not the only leftover Pac-man addict in the world. Daypop Top 40 includes this. Ah, the memories.
Monday, June 17, 2002
Lynn and I are leading parallel lives at the moment. We're both 50's people, we both had cranky days on Friday, and we both are in the process of tooth extractions! Mine was this afternoon, I'm home now and doing fine. Hers is tomorrow...stop over and wish her luck!
She's got the Monday Mission up...beat me again. Here comes mine.
Monday Mission 2.24 via PromoGuy.net
1. What does Father's Day mean to you personally? My father passed away 20 years ago, so it is a time of remembrance.
2. Was there a Father, or a Father Figure in your life as you grew up? Oh yes, the very best of Fathers, a real Dad type. He turned down more lucrative jobs so that he could spend more time with his family. He was at every football game, every concert, every baseball, he was the supreme chaffeur. My second brother had cerebral palsy. Many times a handicapped child will be too much of a burden for a father, and he will split or withdraw. Not my dad. He just told Jeff, "you can do anything anyone else can do, you just might have to do it a little differently or at a different pace". We took family vacations, and Jeff was always right there in the middle of them, riding on my father's back when we had to cover distances. Riding on his back until he got too tall (Dad was only 5-6") and then my next brother took over totin' duties.
When my father passed away, his funeral was the largest that funeral home had ever held. They had to have a police escort for the funeral procession. Pretty good stuff for a "family man".
3. a) If you are a parent, is the father of your child(ren) involved on a daily basis? Is that even important?
or if you do not have children
b) Would you like to become a parent? Would you be good at raising your own children?
Probably my greatest regret, that I did not become a parent. I would not have been very good though...and I am a perfectly WONDERFUL aunt owwee.
4. With Rosie, Callista, Jodie and Camryn all raising children without Fathers, Hollywood seems to be sending a message that children do not need male role models. Do you agree? Are these "stars" sending a good message to the young adults who admire them?
I believe that children (both boys and girls) need good male role models. The trouble with any message that "stars" send is that they live in such a fake world. Real world is a whollllle lotta heapa different.
5. Do you think the absence of a loving, caring father in the life of a child could have any influence on their sexual preferences when the child grows up? Doubt if it would affect sexual preference, but has to be detrimental to relationships.
6. Was there ever a time when your father became "uncool." Or maybe embarrassed you? Oh sure, that's part of their job.
7. Are you ever too old to kiss your Dad? Nope...Wish I could give his ol' cheek a smooch right now.
BONUS: When you coming home, dad? awww.
She's got the Monday Mission up...beat me again. Here comes mine.
Monday Mission 2.24 via PromoGuy.net
1. What does Father's Day mean to you personally? My father passed away 20 years ago, so it is a time of remembrance.
2. Was there a Father, or a Father Figure in your life as you grew up? Oh yes, the very best of Fathers, a real Dad type. He turned down more lucrative jobs so that he could spend more time with his family. He was at every football game, every concert, every baseball, he was the supreme chaffeur. My second brother had cerebral palsy. Many times a handicapped child will be too much of a burden for a father, and he will split or withdraw. Not my dad. He just told Jeff, "you can do anything anyone else can do, you just might have to do it a little differently or at a different pace". We took family vacations, and Jeff was always right there in the middle of them, riding on my father's back when we had to cover distances. Riding on his back until he got too tall (Dad was only 5-6") and then my next brother took over totin' duties.
When my father passed away, his funeral was the largest that funeral home had ever held. They had to have a police escort for the funeral procession. Pretty good stuff for a "family man".
3. a) If you are a parent, is the father of your child(ren) involved on a daily basis? Is that even important?
or if you do not have children
b) Would you like to become a parent? Would you be good at raising your own children?
Probably my greatest regret, that I did not become a parent. I would not have been very good though...and I am a perfectly WONDERFUL aunt owwee.
4. With Rosie, Callista, Jodie and Camryn all raising children without Fathers, Hollywood seems to be sending a message that children do not need male role models. Do you agree? Are these "stars" sending a good message to the young adults who admire them?
I believe that children (both boys and girls) need good male role models. The trouble with any message that "stars" send is that they live in such a fake world. Real world is a whollllle lotta heapa different.
5. Do you think the absence of a loving, caring father in the life of a child could have any influence on their sexual preferences when the child grows up? Doubt if it would affect sexual preference, but has to be detrimental to relationships.
6. Was there ever a time when your father became "uncool." Or maybe embarrassed you? Oh sure, that's part of their job.
7. Are you ever too old to kiss your Dad? Nope...Wish I could give his ol' cheek a smooch right now.
BONUS: When you coming home, dad? awww.
Saturday, June 15, 2002
Just surfing around picking up a few more questions for the trivia contest later tonight in the "Firefly Dinner". We have rain, so who knows what we'll see...but we're an adaptable bunch.
Did you know that the female firefly sits in the grass, and the male is the one flying around? The male has a different signal than the female firefly (that sounds familiar). There is an Asian firefly that beats in sync with other fireflies in the area. Links from here.
Also, did you know that Britney Spears' mom is Lynne and Christina Aguilera's is Shelly? Me neither. We have to find trivia questions that will appeal to all ages *grin*.
The lighting agent in fireflies, luciferin, can be used to detect bacteria. It is used in medical work, and NASA is even considering using it to detect for life on other planets.
Did you know that the female firefly sits in the grass, and the male is the one flying around? The male has a different signal than the female firefly (that sounds familiar). There is an Asian firefly that beats in sync with other fireflies in the area. Links from here.
Also, did you know that Britney Spears' mom is Lynne and Christina Aguilera's is Shelly? Me neither. We have to find trivia questions that will appeal to all ages *grin*.
The lighting agent in fireflies, luciferin, can be used to detect bacteria. It is used in medical work, and NASA is even considering using it to detect for life on other planets.
Friday, June 14, 2002
Last night was perfect. It was my brother's daughters' dance recital.
When I was young we didn't have the money for dance or gymnastics, and so I grew up a with a bit of a chip on my shoulder about the "cheerleader/dance/gymnastic" crowd. That chip is gone now. My nieces are great kids and of course I'm absolutely NOT biased and dance has given them great poise. And seeing Hann with toe shoes, with a beautiful end-of-dance lift...she's not a little girl any more. *sigh*
When I was young we didn't have the money for dance or gymnastics, and so I grew up a with a bit of a chip on my shoulder about the "cheerleader/dance/gymnastic" crowd. That chip is gone now. My nieces are great kids and of course I'm absolutely NOT biased and dance has given them great poise. And seeing Hann with toe shoes, with a beautiful end-of-dance lift...she's not a little girl any more. *sigh*
Thursday, June 13, 2002
A special edition of the Thursday Threesome.
Special Edition: CLUE
The Answer: Miss Scarlett in the Library with the Lead Pipe.
Onesome. Miss Scarlett, what makes your face turn red? When someone infers I'm stupid.
Twosome. The Library. What books are a must in your opinion for a personal library? Chronicles of Narnia, Dummies Books
Threesome. The Lead Pipe. Ever have a plumbing related woe? Tell us all about it... Let's just say...I learned how to make a plunger work.
Doing these at work 'cause I'm in a major bad mood.
Special Edition: CLUE
The Answer: Miss Scarlett in the Library with the Lead Pipe.
Onesome. Miss Scarlett, what makes your face turn red? When someone infers I'm stupid.
Twosome. The Library. What books are a must in your opinion for a personal library? Chronicles of Narnia, Dummies Books
Threesome. The Lead Pipe. Ever have a plumbing related woe? Tell us all about it... Let's just say...I learned how to make a plunger work.
Doing these at work 'cause I'm in a major bad mood.
Wednesday, June 12, 2002
Fireflies?
As I mentioned, Saturday is our Second Annual Firefly day. Trouble is, will the fireflies be out?
Usually I've seen them the night of the nieces' ballet recital. It makes me smile to see the sweet brief dance of their lights the same night as the children dance across the stage. The recital is tomorrow. Our weather has been weird this spring: will they or will they not show?
Jeeem writes of his childhood introduction to fireflies at the age twenty-nine or thirty. Jeeem, have I mentioned that one of the things I like about you is your agelessness?
As I mentioned, Saturday is our Second Annual Firefly day. Trouble is, will the fireflies be out?
Usually I've seen them the night of the nieces' ballet recital. It makes me smile to see the sweet brief dance of their lights the same night as the children dance across the stage. The recital is tomorrow. Our weather has been weird this spring: will they or will they not show?
Jeeem writes of his childhood introduction to fireflies at the age twenty-nine or thirty. Jeeem, have I mentioned that one of the things I like about you is your agelessness?
A week ago in the Monday Mission the question came up about conserving water. This is a site dedicated to saving water. Interesting reading.
Wow!
We had originally planned to go to Montana / Glacier National Park next week. They haven't busted through the big snowdrifts on the Going To The Sun Road...so it is a good thing we're going in August.
We had originally planned to go to Montana / Glacier National Park next week. They haven't busted through the big snowdrifts on the Going To The Sun Road...so it is a good thing we're going in August.
That was WEIRD!
I stopped at the local QD last night on the way home. I needed to use the ATM and get some milk. Two other people were in line for the machine. The person right ahead of me was...A MAN IN A DRESS!!! I've never seen such a thing at 6:00 p.m. in the middle of a QD (24 hour convenience store). He was tall, looked like a messed-up Nick Nolte, had on a white sweater thingee with a little black skirt, pantihose, and low heels. His legs were pretty good (WAY better than mine) but the outfit clashed with his tattoo. I've just never seen such a thing!
I stopped at the local QD last night on the way home. I needed to use the ATM and get some milk. Two other people were in line for the machine. The person right ahead of me was...A MAN IN A DRESS!!! I've never seen such a thing at 6:00 p.m. in the middle of a QD (24 hour convenience store). He was tall, looked like a messed-up Nick Nolte, had on a white sweater thingee with a little black skirt, pantihose, and low heels. His legs were pretty good (WAY better than mine) but the outfit clashed with his tattoo. I've just never seen such a thing!
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
Hey there! Can we talk about hot days at heating & air conditioning companies? It has been nutsy up here, and we haven't even had a ninety degree day yet. SHEESH!!!
Now 90 would seem like nothing to someone from the south, but up here...well, as humid as it gets, it is NOT a pretty sight. We have a game at work to guess the first 90 degree day, 'cause it makes our phones ring off the hook. They've been doing a pretty good job at 88, but just you wait! oh, no, wait...just ME wait.
Now 90 would seem like nothing to someone from the south, but up here...well, as humid as it gets, it is NOT a pretty sight. We have a game at work to guess the first 90 degree day, 'cause it makes our phones ring off the hook. They've been doing a pretty good job at 88, but just you wait! oh, no, wait...just ME wait.
Monday, June 10, 2002
PromoGuy.net presents Monday Mission 2.23
1. Do you have a side of the bed on which you prefer to sleep? Do you sleep on that side even when traveling or does it matter? Usually the left, but when traveling the side closest to the bathroom.
2. What is your favorite "Theme Park?" How come and when was the last time you were there? EPCOT center. Haven't been there in ages, and it might not be the same now...I understand that there are French waitresses as well as waiters in the France exhibit.
3. What is your most and least favorite thing about staying in hotels? Most favorite...room service. Least favorite...noises that I can't identify.
4. Did you ever take family vacations that required looooooong car rides? Were siblings involved ("Stop touching me! Don't cross this line!)? Were the trips just unbearable or did you make up some "car ride games" to pass the time? oh yeah, as a kid that was how we got to see Yellowstone and Washington D.C. and other points. Throw all of us in the car (that would be eight counting Mom and Dad) and away we'd go. My favorite vacation picture is of our old green station wagon, three seated in front, four seated in mid, and Boo-boo riding on top of the camping gear in back, with the red ice chest strapped on to the top of the car. *sigh...now THOSE were the good old days**
5. With all the drilled peep-holes and spy-cams we hear about on the news, have you ever felt self-conscious about taking off your clothes in a hotel bathroom? Has wondering if someone was on the other side of that mirror on the wall above the dresser made you think twice about "gettin' busy?" Um, nope. I must be a bit of a show-off.
6. Describe the most romantic vacation you have ever taken or if that does not apply ;) (), tell me about the worst vacation you have ever taken. Most romantic...that would be the weekend at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
7. (continued) After a full tummy and four days of sleep, I'd say I've never felt better. Since it is nearly noon, how about you come over and we'll hang out on the deck. I have a pool, hot tub and lotsa eats and drink. But feel free to bring whatever else you think we need! How should we spend this fine afternoon at the pool? Listening to classical music and showtunes from the Rodgers & Hammerstein period; talking about anything and everything under the sun; jumping in the pool when we need to cool off; being silent and not worrying.
BONUS: Have you got it, do you get it, if so, how often? Yes, yes, and not often enough.
1. Do you have a side of the bed on which you prefer to sleep? Do you sleep on that side even when traveling or does it matter? Usually the left, but when traveling the side closest to the bathroom.
2. What is your favorite "Theme Park?" How come and when was the last time you were there? EPCOT center. Haven't been there in ages, and it might not be the same now...I understand that there are French waitresses as well as waiters in the France exhibit.
3. What is your most and least favorite thing about staying in hotels? Most favorite...room service. Least favorite...noises that I can't identify.
4. Did you ever take family vacations that required looooooong car rides? Were siblings involved ("Stop touching me! Don't cross this line!)? Were the trips just unbearable or did you make up some "car ride games" to pass the time? oh yeah, as a kid that was how we got to see Yellowstone and Washington D.C. and other points. Throw all of us in the car (that would be eight counting Mom and Dad) and away we'd go. My favorite vacation picture is of our old green station wagon, three seated in front, four seated in mid, and Boo-boo riding on top of the camping gear in back, with the red ice chest strapped on to the top of the car. *sigh...now THOSE were the good old days**
5. With all the drilled peep-holes and spy-cams we hear about on the news, have you ever felt self-conscious about taking off your clothes in a hotel bathroom? Has wondering if someone was on the other side of that mirror on the wall above the dresser made you think twice about "gettin' busy?" Um, nope. I must be a bit of a show-off.
6. Describe the most romantic vacation you have ever taken or if that does not apply ;) (), tell me about the worst vacation you have ever taken. Most romantic...that would be the weekend at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
7. (continued) After a full tummy and four days of sleep, I'd say I've never felt better. Since it is nearly noon, how about you come over and we'll hang out on the deck. I have a pool, hot tub and lotsa eats and drink. But feel free to bring whatever else you think we need! How should we spend this fine afternoon at the pool? Listening to classical music and showtunes from the Rodgers & Hammerstein period; talking about anything and everything under the sun; jumping in the pool when we need to cool off; being silent and not worrying.
BONUS: Have you got it, do you get it, if so, how often? Yes, yes, and not often enough.
Sunday, June 09, 2002
My Bloginality is INTP!!!
Interesting. For years it has been INFP. Changes are afoot perhaps, or was it the brevity of the test?
Link from Dervala.
Interesting. For years it has been INFP. Changes are afoot perhaps, or was it the brevity of the test?
Link from Dervala.
Saturday, June 08, 2002
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.
I made it to the matinee today. GREAT movie! Some of the comments on IMDB compared it less than favorably to movies such as Fried Green Tomatoes or Steel Magnolias: I found it better than those two movies as it didn't use the hanky-wringer of someone dying to elicit emotion. Living is so much harder to do.
Ellen Burstyn is simply amazing. She's 69, and she looks more beautiful in this movie then she did back in 1974's Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. Come to think of it, that's the movie I would use as a comparison piece. Always did love Kris Kristofferson in that movie...been looking for someone like him for a long time.
I made it to the matinee today. GREAT movie! Some of the comments on IMDB compared it less than favorably to movies such as Fried Green Tomatoes or Steel Magnolias: I found it better than those two movies as it didn't use the hanky-wringer of someone dying to elicit emotion. Living is so much harder to do.
Ellen Burstyn is simply amazing. She's 69, and she looks more beautiful in this movie then she did back in 1974's Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. Come to think of it, that's the movie I would use as a comparison piece. Always did love Kris Kristofferson in that movie...been looking for someone like him for a long time.
Testing. Ok, Pro-1 is publishing again now.
Yesterday was one of those days. One of our employees had a 40-year-old son who had succumbed after a long battle with juvenile diabetes. Lynn and I had to represent the company at the funeral. It was so sad. His mom and dad had invested so much into trying to get him back on his feet: the father had even been trying to give him his kidney, despite the fact that he had had a stroke and heart attack himself. But it was not to be.
I got back from the funeral in time to join up with the posse at the Chili Cook-Off down at the Riverside. Woohee! We got into it, and mouths were soon aburning.
Unfortunately, we forgot to watch the time, so we missed Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. The later showing was sold out already, too, so we ended up seeing Bad Company. This wasn't all bad: Chris Rock is too funny! And I liked seeing the USA saved by an old white guy who can't run very fast and a hip young goofy black guy.
Yesterday was one of those days. One of our employees had a 40-year-old son who had succumbed after a long battle with juvenile diabetes. Lynn and I had to represent the company at the funeral. It was so sad. His mom and dad had invested so much into trying to get him back on his feet: the father had even been trying to give him his kidney, despite the fact that he had had a stroke and heart attack himself. But it was not to be.
I got back from the funeral in time to join up with the posse at the Chili Cook-Off down at the Riverside. Woohee! We got into it, and mouths were soon aburning.
Unfortunately, we forgot to watch the time, so we missed Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. The later showing was sold out already, too, so we ended up seeing Bad Company. This wasn't all bad: Chris Rock is too funny! And I liked seeing the USA saved by an old white guy who can't run very fast and a hip young goofy black guy.
Friday, June 07, 2002
Uh, Jeeem? At least I've never killed a lawnmower. You get to feeling better, hear?
Oh crap. Blogger is throwing this error:
Error: Object required (server:disco). Please try again.
Ok, it's four hours later and it is still throwing that message. Drat.
AN IDEA!
Try publishing from the other pro version.
Oh crap. Blogger is throwing this error:
Error: Object required (server:disco). Please try again.
Ok, it's four hours later and it is still throwing that message. Drat.
AN IDEA!
Try publishing from the other pro version.
Thursday, June 06, 2002
How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?
This phrase keeps popping up. I had it posted on my office door three weeks ago. Two weeks ago my brother quoted it at a picnic. And just now I found Cold Marble pointing to it here.
Answer for me: most days, in my early 40's. When I'm playing with the nieces and nephews, about 15. When I've sat too long, 85. How old would YOU be if you didn't know how old you are?
This phrase keeps popping up. I had it posted on my office door three weeks ago. Two weeks ago my brother quoted it at a picnic. And just now I found Cold Marble pointing to it here.
Answer for me: most days, in my early 40's. When I'm playing with the nieces and nephews, about 15. When I've sat too long, 85. How old would YOU be if you didn't know how old you are?
Depth of Field.
I know, a photographic term. But it seems I've lived my life with a rather shallow depth of field, and now, in my fiftieth year, I'm learning to focus in a different manner.
I know, a photographic term. But it seems I've lived my life with a rather shallow depth of field, and now, in my fiftieth year, I'm learning to focus in a different manner.
I was introduced to Meryl Yourish's blog through Mike Sanders blog at Keep Trying. I started reading Mike when he was a "Blog of Note" on Blogger. His posts back then were on people and the nature of blogging. Blogs of this nature aren't usually my cup of tea, but the clarity of Mike's writing and the egalitarianism he brought to his discussions hooked me.
As he says in his post of June 4, the nature of his blogging has changed, and with the change has come some fall-out from those in his community. I've been impressed with his reaction to criticism he has received, and with his ability to "keep trying" to understand different viewpoints.
As he says in his post of June 4, the nature of his blogging has changed, and with the change has come some fall-out from those in his community. I've been impressed with his reaction to criticism he has received, and with his ability to "keep trying" to understand different viewpoints.
Wednesday, June 05, 2002
I can't tell if that is you or not, Mom. Oops, it is a rotating picture. Dang. I know that building isn't you.
Tuesday, June 04, 2002
Howdy to those stopping by from Meryl's site.
Only thing is, she's a little bit wrong...she didn't owe me anything. Her writing is payment enough for any perceived favor say, did you catch the allusion to navel lint last week? That was in response to a double-dog dare. Go Girl! Meryl's heart is big and full and she shares what it is to be Jewish and concerned about the Mid-East in the twenty-first century
.
The world is a small place. Turns out Meryl was in my neck of the woods back in...um...the last century. She attended the Clarion Writers Workshop at Michigan State University. So it is highly possible that our paths crossed sometime, perhaps at Jocundrys Book Store or the Pretzel Bell restaurant. I'm glad we've met on-line.
Only thing is, she's a little bit wrong...she didn't owe me anything. Her writing is payment enough for any perceived favor say, did you catch the allusion to navel lint last week? That was in response to a double-dog dare. Go Girl! Meryl's heart is big and full and she shares what it is to be Jewish and concerned about the Mid-East in the twenty-first century
.
The world is a small place. Turns out Meryl was in my neck of the woods back in...um...the last century. She attended the Clarion Writers Workshop at Michigan State University. So it is highly possible that our paths crossed sometime, perhaps at Jocundrys Book Store or the Pretzel Bell restaurant. I'm glad we've met on-line.
Monday, June 03, 2002
PromoGuy's Monday Mission 2.22
1. Who or where do you go to when you need help for web-related problems? Lynn, if it is a blog thing, otherwise to Dummies Manuals I have scattered around the apartment.
2. There is a big mess of gossip going on in some Blogs out there due to revelations about a very popular Blogger. I got very caught up in reading all the links to links about it until I stopped myself realizing it was none of my buisiness. Do you ever get caught up in gossip, either speading it or listening to it? How does it make you feel? Or have you ever been the subject of gossip?
hehe...Usually I'm the subject. Just a fact of life.
3. In a relationship, when your other takes a dig at you (read: a fight), do you go for the jugular and get "in their face" or try to peacefully smooth things out and have a calm discussion?
I duck and run. What can I say?
4. A friend once told me "You can tell when someone is bored with what you are saying to them when they reply with 'That's interesting.'" And I have found this to be pretty dang true. How do you know when someone has lost interest in what you are saying? That's interesting
5. Ever get jealous of the popularity other Blogs? no, I'm not the jealous type
6. What is your favorite dirty word? (those who don't curse can pick your favorite happy word)F*ck
7. (the continuing story...) OK, we are definitely doing that again. But seeing as it is nearly 6am now, how about breakfast? Anywhere you'd like to go or should we fix our own? What do you like? Or is there something else we need to do first? We BOTH need a shower. Shall we skimp on water?
BONUS: What have I done to deserve this? Some people are just blessed, is all I can say
1. Who or where do you go to when you need help for web-related problems? Lynn, if it is a blog thing, otherwise to Dummies Manuals I have scattered around the apartment.
2. There is a big mess of gossip going on in some Blogs out there due to revelations about a very popular Blogger. I got very caught up in reading all the links to links about it until I stopped myself realizing it was none of my buisiness. Do you ever get caught up in gossip, either speading it or listening to it? How does it make you feel? Or have you ever been the subject of gossip?
hehe...Usually I'm the subject. Just a fact of life.
3. In a relationship, when your other takes a dig at you (read: a fight), do you go for the jugular and get "in their face" or try to peacefully smooth things out and have a calm discussion?
I duck and run. What can I say?
4. A friend once told me "You can tell when someone is bored with what you are saying to them when they reply with 'That's interesting.'" And I have found this to be pretty dang true. How do you know when someone has lost interest in what you are saying? That's interesting
5. Ever get jealous of the popularity other Blogs? no, I'm not the jealous type
6. What is your favorite dirty word? (those who don't curse can pick your favorite happy word)F*ck
7. (the continuing story...) OK, we are definitely doing that again. But seeing as it is nearly 6am now, how about breakfast? Anywhere you'd like to go or should we fix our own? What do you like? Or is there something else we need to do first? We BOTH need a shower. Shall we skimp on water?
BONUS: What have I done to deserve this? Some people are just blessed, is all I can say
Sunday, June 02, 2002
Evening folks!
Well, it appears that Jeeem has his next adventure planned: he's going to South Africa to meet Eve. Jim just got back from China last month...I'm not sure when the South Africa trip is planned. His archives links aren't working right now, so I'll just point you to his current page. He has a great restaurant review he and Louie ate at the same restaurant but in different towns???, the latest gossip from his burg, his lost tomato story, and of course...all about Eve! Check her blog out too!
Jeeem likes to style himself as a "rogue". He told the story of sending a fellow scout to the hospital. Well, Mr. Jeeem, even we upstanding uptight girl scout types have been known to send folks to the hospital. Yep, it is true. I was seven that summer. We were staying at Grandma's farm because Grandpa had died the previous year. A hay wagon was parked in the side year, and some of the neighbor kids and I were jumping off it. Well, I got silly and got in the way of one of the boys as he went to jump...and smack...down he went. They I don't remember who, I was only seven carted him off to the hospital, while I was sure that I had killed him, because, you see, I knew I had killed my Grandpa. mmmhmm, I was sure of it, because the week before he died I had dropped a yardstick down the grate which of course I wasn't supposed to be playing with and I dreamed that he died going to rescue the yardstick and I never did see him again, because he did die but not because of the yardstick (which was sitting by the back porch for the next dozen years) and I was only a kid so how could I know I hadn't really killed him? *oops, take a breath, Shirl* Anyway, I didn't kill the kid either, thank goodness. To this day I can remember sitting on Grandma's lap as she talked on the phone and hearing that he only had a broken arm. Talk about relief.
So anyhoo, Mr. Jeeem rogue guy...beware of stuffy stiff Girl Scouts when jumping off hay wagons.
Well, it appears that Jeeem has his next adventure planned: he's going to South Africa to meet Eve. Jim just got back from China last month...I'm not sure when the South Africa trip is planned. His archives links aren't working right now, so I'll just point you to his current page. He has a great restaurant review he and Louie ate at the same restaurant but in different towns???, the latest gossip from his burg, his lost tomato story, and of course...all about Eve! Check her blog out too!
Jeeem likes to style himself as a "rogue". He told the story of sending a fellow scout to the hospital. Well, Mr. Jeeem, even we upstanding uptight girl scout types have been known to send folks to the hospital. Yep, it is true. I was seven that summer. We were staying at Grandma's farm because Grandpa had died the previous year. A hay wagon was parked in the side year, and some of the neighbor kids and I were jumping off it. Well, I got silly and got in the way of one of the boys as he went to jump...and smack...down he went. They I don't remember who, I was only seven carted him off to the hospital, while I was sure that I had killed him, because, you see, I knew I had killed my Grandpa. mmmhmm, I was sure of it, because the week before he died I had dropped a yardstick down the grate which of course I wasn't supposed to be playing with and I dreamed that he died going to rescue the yardstick and I never did see him again, because he did die but not because of the yardstick (which was sitting by the back porch for the next dozen years) and I was only a kid so how could I know I hadn't really killed him? *oops, take a breath, Shirl* Anyway, I didn't kill the kid either, thank goodness. To this day I can remember sitting on Grandma's lap as she talked on the phone and hearing that he only had a broken arm. Talk about relief.
So anyhoo, Mr. Jeeem rogue guy...beware of stuffy stiff Girl Scouts when jumping off hay wagons.
Saturday, June 01, 2002
Happy Birthday, Lynn's Blog!
Lynn's blog at Lucid Dreaming is one-year-old today. I think I must have started reading it right after it was born...that first page looks very familiar. I was new to blogging myself, and it was great to find someone to read who was closer to my own age. (Though Lynn is by no means as old as I am *grin*.) Lynn was a great help to me when I fell a bit apart after turning fifty...I often think of her advice, and it really works. So...Happy Birthday, Lucid Dreamer!
btw, visiting Lynn's site will probably make you hungry...she's done wonders with fruits...yum!
Lynn's blog at Lucid Dreaming is one-year-old today. I think I must have started reading it right after it was born...that first page looks very familiar. I was new to blogging myself, and it was great to find someone to read who was closer to my own age. (Though Lynn is by no means as old as I am *grin*.) Lynn was a great help to me when I fell a bit apart after turning fifty...I often think of her advice, and it really works. So...Happy Birthday, Lucid Dreamer!
btw, visiting Lynn's site will probably make you hungry...she's done wonders with fruits...yum!
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