Sunday, December 31, 2006
New Year's Posting Eve!
I may just get crazy and spam the old year away, be warned!
Before I forget (again), Mike wants me to tell everyone that he is now on LiveJournal as "crabbymike"! He has been so interested in looking at the pictures from all over the world every day on "day_on_earth" that he wanted to be able to post some of his own pictures there. For which he needed his own LJ account.
He has really gotten into the idea and has been putting in some effort to write things to post--which of course I think is fantastic. (Psst, don't tell him it's an educational experience, okay?) So if you need YET MORE pics to look at once you've seen mine, hop over to Mike's place!
I ventured outside again to take more pictures of the blizzard results. It's tricky for me to navigate in the snow and ice, and as I was staggering along, I came to the tentative conclusion that I am having this trouble because I have changed how I walk, because of having the knee problem for so long. I am trying to walk and balance flat-footed, which is okay for smooth ground but not so much for snow and ice. So I will have to get my treadmill cleared off and try to correct this!
Here is the main pic I wanted to take of the apres-storm front porch drift:
That was to match it up with this one from the blizzard of 1997!
Some things changed, some things the same (again)!
Here are two more to compare, one from Friday, the first day of the blizzard and one from today.
See how they've plowed our road? No? THAT'S BECAUSE THEY HAVEN'T YET!
Climber having fun living up to her name in the snow.
"That pole beside the barn is 6 foot high, just for reference. I'm SO glad we don't have any outside animals to take care of at the moment!
Good thing we don't have any vacations planned soon!
A dramatic shot of our sheds Fred and George. (They're all about the drama, you know?)
Before I forget (again), Mike wants me to tell everyone that he is now on LiveJournal as "crabbymike"! He has been so interested in looking at the pictures from all over the world every day on "day_on_earth" that he wanted to be able to post some of his own pictures there. For which he needed his own LJ account.
He has really gotten into the idea and has been putting in some effort to write things to post--which of course I think is fantastic. (Psst, don't tell him it's an educational experience, okay?) So if you need YET MORE pics to look at once you've seen mine, hop over to Mike's place!
I ventured outside again to take more pictures of the blizzard results. It's tricky for me to navigate in the snow and ice, and as I was staggering along, I came to the tentative conclusion that I am having this trouble because I have changed how I walk, because of having the knee problem for so long. I am trying to walk and balance flat-footed, which is okay for smooth ground but not so much for snow and ice. So I will have to get my treadmill cleared off and try to correct this!
Here is the main pic I wanted to take of the apres-storm front porch drift:
That was to match it up with this one from the blizzard of 1997!
Some things changed, some things the same (again)!
Here are two more to compare, one from Friday, the first day of the blizzard and one from today.
See how they've plowed our road? No? THAT'S BECAUSE THEY HAVEN'T YET!
Climber having fun living up to her name in the snow.
"That pole beside the barn is 6 foot high, just for reference. I'm SO glad we don't have any outside animals to take care of at the moment!
Good thing we don't have any vacations planned soon!
A dramatic shot of our sheds Fred and George. (They're all about the drama, you know?)
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Yikesy yikesy yikes! SNOW!
We continue to have a blizzard. The front door will open about 3 inches, due to the huge drift on the porch. Luckily for the dogs, we had better luck with the back door. We managed to force it wide enough to extrude Mike through the gap, so he could shovel back some of the excess and let US get out and have at it. This was not a pretty, efficient sight, since the tools we were able to find before the storm hit were one regular digging type shovel and one snow shovel BLADE....
And of course then I took some pictures. Just for the record, the sidewalk drifts are well over my knees! Welcome to High Plains Ski Country!
I took this one by sticking my hand and camera out that three inch front door space I was just telling you about.
The front porch from outside. Yes, I am insane.
Snow insidiously inserting itself!
Inside looking out the front screen door. All the other doors and windows pretty much show the same scene.
You can see a little bit out this tall skinny window beside the door. I think the heater vent blows on it.
More later, as I am clearly not GOING anywhere today!
And of course then I took some pictures. Just for the record, the sidewalk drifts are well over my knees! Welcome to High Plains Ski Country!
I took this one by sticking my hand and camera out that three inch front door space I was just telling you about.
The front porch from outside. Yes, I am insane.
Snow insidiously inserting itself!
Inside looking out the front screen door. All the other doors and windows pretty much show the same scene.
You can see a little bit out this tall skinny window beside the door. I think the heater vent blows on it.
More later, as I am clearly not GOING anywhere today!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Looks like we might get a little snow....
From the National Weather Service emails:
A DANGEROUS BLIZZARD WILL AFFECT THE EASTERN PLAINS TODAY THROUGH
EARLY SUNDAY. TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL RANGE BETWEEN 15 TO 30
INCHES.
BLIZZARD CONDITIONS HAVE DEVELOPED ON THE PLAINS OF SOUTHEAST
CO. VISIBILITIES WERE DOWN TO 1/4 OF A MILE IN MANY
LOCATIONS & WINDS WERE GUSTING TO 35 TO 40 MPH. REPORTS FROM THE
EMERGENCY OFFICIAL INDICATE SNOW DRIFTS WERE IN EXCESS OF 5 FEET
ACROSS KIA & BACA COUNTIES. SNOWFALL AMOUNTS WERE RUNNING
ABOUT 12 INCHES.
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO GET WORSE TONIGHT & TOMORROW AS THE
WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE TO 45 TO 55 MPH. HEAVY SNOW IS
EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH EARLY SUNDAY.
We managed a few trips to the store ahead of time this time, so as long as the power stays on, we are in good shape, all hunkered in while it blows over. More later!
A DANGEROUS BLIZZARD WILL AFFECT THE EASTERN PLAINS TODAY THROUGH
EARLY SUNDAY. TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL RANGE BETWEEN 15 TO 30
INCHES.
BLIZZARD CONDITIONS HAVE DEVELOPED ON THE PLAINS OF SOUTHEAST
CO. VISIBILITIES WERE DOWN TO 1/4 OF A MILE IN MANY
LOCATIONS & WINDS WERE GUSTING TO 35 TO 40 MPH. REPORTS FROM THE
EMERGENCY OFFICIAL INDICATE SNOW DRIFTS WERE IN EXCESS OF 5 FEET
ACROSS KIA & BACA COUNTIES. SNOWFALL AMOUNTS WERE RUNNING
ABOUT 12 INCHES.
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO GET WORSE TONIGHT & TOMORROW AS THE
WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE TO 45 TO 55 MPH. HEAVY SNOW IS
EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH EARLY SUNDAY.
We managed a few trips to the store ahead of time this time, so as long as the power stays on, we are in good shape, all hunkered in while it blows over. More later!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Back in harness
I had seven orders to fill that came in over the long holiday, so saddled up and hit the PO for the first time since last Thursday. Big conversational topic there was how we are just getting out from under the blizzard and now they are predicting another deep snow on Thursday! Consensus was, however, that building up the snowpack in the mountains for extra moisture in the spring was a Good Thing.
Then I went to the store and stocked up a little. It's funny how pre-knowledge of a storm affects your buying! There was STILL no milk at the Wal-mart, but at least we have two weeks worth of toilet paper in the bathroom cupboard now!
In other harness-y news, tomorrow is another eBay special price listing day. I have at least been EXPECTING this one, as it is traditional for them to have one in the last week of the year. So you know what I will be doing tomorrow. :/
There's a new, or at least new to me, community on Live Journal which I saw because it was recommended on the LJ start/news page. It's called "day_on_earth" and its a photo record where people post a picture (theoretically interesting and/or artistic) to show what their little slice of the world looks like today. If you like looking at neat pictures, you should check it out!
Today's Neon Hearts is a three-parter, a sort of experimental piece which was co-written by the inimitable Phil Foster!
Part 37--High Spirits at Muir Island: Hank takes Cassie along when he's asked to help repair the damage Nate did, only to find a mystery in progress. Could it really be a poltergeist?
Then I went to the store and stocked up a little. It's funny how pre-knowledge of a storm affects your buying! There was STILL no milk at the Wal-mart, but at least we have two weeks worth of toilet paper in the bathroom cupboard now!
In other harness-y news, tomorrow is another eBay special price listing day. I have at least been EXPECTING this one, as it is traditional for them to have one in the last week of the year. So you know what I will be doing tomorrow. :/
There's a new, or at least new to me, community on Live Journal which I saw because it was recommended on the LJ start/news page. It's called "day_on_earth" and its a photo record where people post a picture (theoretically interesting and/or artistic) to show what their little slice of the world looks like today. If you like looking at neat pictures, you should check it out!
Today's Neon Hearts is a three-parter, a sort of experimental piece which was co-written by the inimitable Phil Foster!
Part 37--High Spirits at Muir Island: Hank takes Cassie along when he's asked to help repair the damage Nate did, only to find a mystery in progress. Could it really be a poltergeist?
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas adventure
I had been reading in the online news that Colorado postal workers had been making deliveries yesterday and today, trying to make up for the blizzard (even though it was totally not their fault!) So I thought I should go up to our mailboxes to see if there was any extra mail. Not TOO likely, but just in case there was, I didn't want them to think they had wasted their overtime.
There's still a big heap of snow left over from the plowing at the corner--yeah, right in front of the mailboxes, good choice, County Road Man!--but the past few days have been melty, and I thought I would do a Good Deed and drive through and smoosh it down a little....
Aaaand we all know how well THAT worked, right? Right. Happily, one of our neighbors had had the same good idea about checking the mail. He got a chain, hooked it to his ancient VW bus, and towed my 30+ years younger 4WD SUV tail out of the snow pile. That's how we roll here in the country, Christmas day and any day. :)
Here's my movie meme! I reloaded a few times, but this one, the first one I got, was the funniest!
Part 35--Crosscurrents and Riptides: Hank argues with Xavier about Cassie. Hank calls his folks and Cassie hears from her agent.
Part 36--Past Tensions, Future Trials: All from Joseph's POV, ending in his learning the truth about his amnesia.
There's still a big heap of snow left over from the plowing at the corner--yeah, right in front of the mailboxes, good choice, County Road Man!--but the past few days have been melty, and I thought I would do a Good Deed and drive through and smoosh it down a little....
Aaaand we all know how well THAT worked, right? Right. Happily, one of our neighbors had had the same good idea about checking the mail. He got a chain, hooked it to his ancient VW bus, and towed my 30+ years younger 4WD SUV tail out of the snow pile. That's how we roll here in the country, Christmas day and any day. :)
Here's my movie meme! I reloaded a few times, but this one, the first one I got, was the funniest!
Listen to them. Children of the neonnurse. What music they make.
Part 35--Crosscurrents and Riptides: Hank argues with Xavier about Cassie. Hank calls his folks and Cassie hears from her agent.
Part 36--Past Tensions, Future Trials: All from Joseph's POV, ending in his learning the truth about his amnesia.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
A REALLY BIG holiday wish!
I got this link from my friend Elaine. Gotta love the artist's handle, Olduvai George. If you want to see more great prehistoric animal art
Start Here!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Feeling holiday-like!
Nothing newsy happening here. Caro, Mike and I are sitting around, each at our own computers, happily making our own fun. Mike tells what his train simulation is doing, Caro shares interesting facts she has just run across about Chinese markets and snake testes, and I read LJ and answer mail and putter.
When I took a break and went out to (*Shhhh!*) sneak in some boy presents, I saw the icicles had reached new astonishing lengths, so I popped back out with my camera.
The Peacock Penned
For anyone following along on the Neon Hearts repost project, I apologize that I fell behind while being sick. I will try to be all caught up and ready to go by the time JaNoWriMo officially starts.
Part 31--Confrontations: Hank, Cassie and several of the X-men go to Silver's for fun, but instead encounter difficulties.
Part 32--Every Stop is a Place to Start: Cassie decides she needs to try harder to fit in. Hank tries to help with a new Danger Room workout. Gambit confronts Rogue about her hostile attitude.
When I took a break and went out to (*Shhhh!*) sneak in some boy presents, I saw the icicles had reached new astonishing lengths, so I popped back out with my camera.
The Peacock Penned
For anyone following along on the Neon Hearts repost project, I apologize that I fell behind while being sick. I will try to be all caught up and ready to go by the time JaNoWriMo officially starts.
Part 31--Confrontations: Hank, Cassie and several of the X-men go to Silver's for fun, but instead encounter difficulties.
Part 32--Every Stop is a Place to Start: Cassie decides she needs to try harder to fit in. Hank tries to help with a new Danger Room workout. Gambit confronts Rogue about her hostile attitude.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Little darlin', it seems like years since it's been clear....
Up and around early this am, so I could drive Caro and Mike to school. Her Nimbus 95 has many virtues, but high ground clearance is not one of them. So it was easier for me to drive than to de-snow both Nimby and the part of the driveway he's parked in.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
A body-part warming Christmas tale
As you all know, yesterday they changed our name from State of Colorado to State of Emergency because of the ice storm/blizzard. I didn't mind the part where the clone, Mike and I all stayed home, seeing as how we had food, shelter, electricity and the internet. But I did have some last minute book orders unfilled and unmailed, some grandkid gifts unsent and some shopping unshopped. So Caro and I decided to take a chance and slide in to town this afternoon.
It didn't take TOO long to chip and melt half an inch of ice off my windshield, and Dreamcloud with his 4-wheel drive MOCKED the 12+ inches of snow in the driveway. Happily, we found the county road crew had been out plowing, so it was an easy drive to the Post Office.
Caro helped me carry in the boxes, then went across the street to the credit union while I finished up. While I was in the car waiting for her, I had one of those moments when you realize you may be a bit too technologically slanted. As I relaxed and watched the still falling snow hit the windshield and melt into hundreds of tiny rivulets, I thought, "That's a darn nice screensaver...."
Next on our list of stops was Thriftway, because Caro fancies a ham for Christmas and they had them on sale. The parking lot was pretty full, not just of cars but also of thick, lumpy, half-melted snow and slush. And, despite taking my usual care with how I stepped (bad knees teach you to do that without fail), my heel found a teeny frozen hill...and thumpity-thump-thump, look at Susan go. Down. Into an icy puddle. Butt first.
One thing that has stayed with me from my years of martial arts experience--I am still very good at falling without hurting myself. So there I was, unhurt, but with a soaking wet, icy cold arctic circle where I used to have warm, cozy sweatpants covering my rear.
Another thing you all already know, or should, is that Caro is a queen among clones, not just a genius thinker, but also the kind of stellar friend who will give you the pants off her legs. As I shuffled, dripping, into the store, trying to act natural, she told me she had prepared for our chilly roadtrip by putting on TWO pair of pants, and I was welcome to one, if we could find a place to change.
And that is how this turned into the kind of story where two giggling ladies, driven by urgent need, slipped into a grocery store bathroom and began to undress....
But that's as good as it gets, sorry. After that, all we did was shop and go home.
It didn't take TOO long to chip and melt half an inch of ice off my windshield, and Dreamcloud with his 4-wheel drive MOCKED the 12+ inches of snow in the driveway. Happily, we found the county road crew had been out plowing, so it was an easy drive to the Post Office.
Caro helped me carry in the boxes, then went across the street to the credit union while I finished up. While I was in the car waiting for her, I had one of those moments when you realize you may be a bit too technologically slanted. As I relaxed and watched the still falling snow hit the windshield and melt into hundreds of tiny rivulets, I thought, "That's a darn nice screensaver...."
Next on our list of stops was Thriftway, because Caro fancies a ham for Christmas and they had them on sale. The parking lot was pretty full, not just of cars but also of thick, lumpy, half-melted snow and slush. And, despite taking my usual care with how I stepped (bad knees teach you to do that without fail), my heel found a teeny frozen hill...and thumpity-thump-thump, look at Susan go. Down. Into an icy puddle. Butt first.
One thing that has stayed with me from my years of martial arts experience--I am still very good at falling without hurting myself. So there I was, unhurt, but with a soaking wet, icy cold arctic circle where I used to have warm, cozy sweatpants covering my rear.
Another thing you all already know, or should, is that Caro is a queen among clones, not just a genius thinker, but also the kind of stellar friend who will give you the pants off her legs. As I shuffled, dripping, into the store, trying to act natural, she told me she had prepared for our chilly roadtrip by putting on TWO pair of pants, and I was welcome to one, if we could find a place to change.
And that is how this turned into the kind of story where two giggling ladies, driven by urgent need, slipped into a grocery store bathroom and began to undress....
But that's as good as it gets, sorry. After that, all we did was shop and go home.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Country style Christmas tunes!
Here we are still powered up, snow still coming down. Parts of the state are under a declared state of emergency, with no planes flying or buses running. Down here it's still snowing lightly, with more expected overnight, so who knows if we will be going anywhere tomorrow?
So I've puttered around putting up the last of my Christmas tunes. If you were hoping for an old favorite I didn't post, let me know. I might have it!
I accidentally traumatized a friend of mine when I posted "Two-Step 'Round the Christmas Tree" a while back, not knowing he had already been way over-exposed to it because of having a child practicing for an ice-skating revue. He kindly sent back a suggestion for an alternate selection, which I knew my son Big Sterling () the trucker would enjoy!
Keith Harling - Santa's Got A Semi
http://download.yousendit.com/EC4E7D060C733D92
I can't find any lyrics for it, but you can probably take a wild guess. Good speedy tune!
This one is, for obvious reasons, a favorite of son Mike:
Roger Miller - Old Toy Trains
http://download.yousendit.com/5FCF2DFE03AD3CC3
"Old toy trains, little toy tracks
Little boy toys coming from a sack
Carried by a man dressed in white and red
Little boy, don't you think it's time you were in bed?"
This one is a good one for sons in general:
Clint Black - The Kid
http://download.yousendit.com/5CDE332D5621C536
"It was back when I'd still get things from Santa Claus
Back when he believed in me and overlooked the flaws
That can grow inside
Until it hides
The Perfect little boy inside the man...."
Johnny Cash - O Little Town Of Bethlehem
http://download.yousendit.com/6AD6BB9B734A61E7
You don't get more country than Johnny Cash, and his gravely voice is just somehow perfect for this traditional carol, which has always been one of my favorites.
This one is more upbeat, a cute parody of "Mr. Sandman"!
Suzy Bogguss - Mr. Santa
http://download.yousendit.com/F0CF2A8A3CC47C35
You will probably think this one is funnier if you already know their hit, "Boogie Woogie Choo-Choo Train", but it will still rock your socks off even if you don't!
Tractors - Santa Claus Is Comin' (In A Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train)
http://download.yousendit.com/8F683A2B60207C12
Finally, a thoughtful one, loosely based on a real event of WWI.
Garth Brooks - Belleau Wood
http://download.yousendit.com/28755ECF4AD50914
"Oh the snow flakes fell in silence
Over Belleau Wood that night
For a Christmas truce had been declared
By both sides of the fight
As we laid there in our trenches
The silence broke in two
By a German soldier singing
A song that we all knew
Though I did not know the language
The song was Silent Night
Then I heard my buddy whisper
"All is calm, all is bright"
Then the fear and doubt surrounded me
Cause I'd die if I was wrong
But I stood up in my trench
And I began to sing along
Then across the frozen battlefield
Another's voice joined in
Until one by one each man became
A singer of the hymn
Then I thought I was dreaming
For right there in my sight
Stood a German soldier
Neath the falling flakes of white
And he raised his hand and smiled at me
As if he seemed to say
Here's hoping we both live to see
Us find a better way...."
So I've puttered around putting up the last of my Christmas tunes. If you were hoping for an old favorite I didn't post, let me know. I might have it!
I accidentally traumatized a friend of mine when I posted "Two-Step 'Round the Christmas Tree" a while back, not knowing he had already been way over-exposed to it because of having a child practicing for an ice-skating revue. He kindly sent back a suggestion for an alternate selection, which I knew my son Big Sterling (
Keith Harling - Santa's Got A Semi
http://download.yousendit.com/EC4E7D060C733D92
I can't find any lyrics for it, but you can probably take a wild guess. Good speedy tune!
This one is, for obvious reasons, a favorite of son Mike:
Roger Miller - Old Toy Trains
http://download.yousendit.com/5FCF2DFE03AD3CC3
"Old toy trains, little toy tracks
Little boy toys coming from a sack
Carried by a man dressed in white and red
Little boy, don't you think it's time you were in bed?"
This one is a good one for sons in general:
Clint Black - The Kid
http://download.yousendit.com/5CDE332D5621C536
"It was back when I'd still get things from Santa Claus
Back when he believed in me and overlooked the flaws
That can grow inside
Until it hides
The Perfect little boy inside the man...."
Johnny Cash - O Little Town Of Bethlehem
http://download.yousendit.com/6AD6BB9B734A61E7
You don't get more country than Johnny Cash, and his gravely voice is just somehow perfect for this traditional carol, which has always been one of my favorites.
This one is more upbeat, a cute parody of "Mr. Sandman"!
Suzy Bogguss - Mr. Santa
http://download.yousendit.com/F0CF2A8A3CC47C35
You will probably think this one is funnier if you already know their hit, "Boogie Woogie Choo-Choo Train", but it will still rock your socks off even if you don't!
Tractors - Santa Claus Is Comin' (In A Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train)
http://download.yousendit.com/8F683A2B60207C12
Finally, a thoughtful one, loosely based on a real event of WWI.
Garth Brooks - Belleau Wood
http://download.yousendit.com/28755ECF4AD50914
"Oh the snow flakes fell in silence
Over Belleau Wood that night
For a Christmas truce had been declared
By both sides of the fight
As we laid there in our trenches
The silence broke in two
By a German soldier singing
A song that we all knew
Though I did not know the language
The song was Silent Night
Then I heard my buddy whisper
"All is calm, all is bright"
Then the fear and doubt surrounded me
Cause I'd die if I was wrong
But I stood up in my trench
And I began to sing along
Then across the frozen battlefield
Another's voice joined in
Until one by one each man became
A singer of the hymn
Then I thought I was dreaming
For right there in my sight
Stood a German soldier
Neath the falling flakes of white
And he raised his hand and smiled at me
As if he seemed to say
Here's hoping we both live to see
Us find a better way...."
Literary singles meet!
Here's something in the news my friends looking to meet other singles can propose to their local libraries! Darn good idea!
Read all about it!
I am happy to report we are all home today. School got canceled for both students and staff, due to an unusual outbreak of good sense by someone in charge....
Now if I could just get my hibernation gene to stop trying to activate, I could get something DONE around here!
Read all about it!
I am happy to report we are all home today. School got canceled for both students and staff, due to an unusual outbreak of good sense by someone in charge....
Now if I could just get my hibernation gene to stop trying to activate, I could get something DONE around here!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
More Christmas Tune Tuesday
Since we are having a sleet storm (I mean seriously! What is up with that?! No one sings "I'm Dreaming of an ICE Christmas"!), I decided to pretend to be warm with some tropical themed songs!
(By the way, if you make any of that peanut/cashew/mixed nut brittle I gave you the recipe for recently? Don't try to save time and double it--it doesn't come out quite as well.)
The Bobs - Rasta Reindeer
http://download.yousendit.com/FDA9991D230B5B68
The Bobs are an acapella group who do some amazing stuff. This is a unique variation on Run Rudolph Run.
Jimmy Buffett - Christmas Island
http://download.yousendit.com/0419414019C60E35
"Let's get away from sleigh bells
Let's get away from snow
Let's make & break some Christmas rules
I know the place to go....
How'dja like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island?
How'dja like to spend the holiday away across the sea?
How'dja like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island?
How'dja like to hang a stocking on a great big coconut tree?"
It's sounding pretty darn jolly to me about now, let me tell you.
Jimmy Buffett - Mele Kalikimaka
http://download.yousendit.com/55DA60E3028E7632
"Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day
That's the island greeting that we send to you
from the land where palm trees sway
Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright
The sun will shine by day and all the stars at night
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way to say Merry Christmas to you."
Wouldn't turn my nose up at this island either!
Jimmy Buffett - Ho Ho Ho And A Bottle Of Rhum
http://download.yousendit.com/942251741BD82326
Even Santa gets a little stressed this time of year!
"Ho Ho Ho and a bottle of rhum
Santa's run off to the Caribbean
He thinks about boat drinks and fun in the sun
Ho Ho Ho and a bottle of rhum
Plastic creations and crass exploitations aren't good
He wants to go back to simple toys made out of wood
Just for the weekend he'd like to be Peter Pan
Get out his long johns and dance with a sword in the sand..."
(By the way, if you make any of that peanut/cashew/mixed nut brittle I gave you the recipe for recently? Don't try to save time and double it--it doesn't come out quite as well.)
The Bobs - Rasta Reindeer
http://download.yousendit.com/FDA9991D230B5B68
The Bobs are an acapella group who do some amazing stuff. This is a unique variation on Run Rudolph Run.
Jimmy Buffett - Christmas Island
http://download.yousendit.com/0419414019C60E35
"Let's get away from sleigh bells
Let's get away from snow
Let's make & break some Christmas rules
I know the place to go....
How'dja like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island?
How'dja like to spend the holiday away across the sea?
How'dja like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island?
How'dja like to hang a stocking on a great big coconut tree?"
It's sounding pretty darn jolly to me about now, let me tell you.
Jimmy Buffett - Mele Kalikimaka
http://download.yousendit.com/55DA60E3028E7632
"Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day
That's the island greeting that we send to you
from the land where palm trees sway
Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright
The sun will shine by day and all the stars at night
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way to say Merry Christmas to you."
Wouldn't turn my nose up at this island either!
Jimmy Buffett - Ho Ho Ho And A Bottle Of Rhum
http://download.yousendit.com/942251741BD82326
Even Santa gets a little stressed this time of year!
"Ho Ho Ho and a bottle of rhum
Santa's run off to the Caribbean
He thinks about boat drinks and fun in the sun
Ho Ho Ho and a bottle of rhum
Plastic creations and crass exploitations aren't good
He wants to go back to simple toys made out of wood
Just for the weekend he'd like to be Peter Pan
Get out his long johns and dance with a sword in the sand..."
Unsettling day
I'm feeling better today, but I still feel like my brain is going "Wut?" most of the time. Caro felt well enough to go back to school today, which meant she was there to be standing in just the wrong spot when a kid carrying a piece of plywood walked by. Luckily she only got hit BESIDE her eye, not IN it, but still, not fun.
Also the snow is not falling in decorative fluffy drifts, but in those measly tiny balls interspersed with sleet. So we basically have ice sheets coating EVERYTHING.
That would have been bad if I had had to drive to town for more medication. Yesterday I had gone to the doc to have my usual blood tests and get paper copies for all my prescriptions, because I wanted to switch them over and get the $4 ones from Wal-mart. My plan today was to sit down and carefully go over the differences. (Sadly, it turns out what with one thing and another, it's only $5 a month cheaper to do it this way.) But to my dismay, I could not find the bottle of my main blood pressure med!
I thought it must have gotten away from the little herd of bottles and fallen off my desk in the night. For a normal person, that would not cause a very challenging hunt, but there is a lot of Stuff all stashed on shelves and in boxes on the floor around me, and we aren't even going to talk about the dog blankets and toys and similar items....
So I spent a couple hours doing some long overdue cleaning and straightening, which was nice in terms of getting something DONE, but I did not find the pills! I went out and looked in my car, and called Caro to see if she'd seen a bottle laying around, and basically did everything I could possibly think of.
But then I looked again and they had been in the little batch of ten bottles all along. Although I was glad to find them, not an outcome to make me very sanguine about the quality of my current mental status.
If I wasn't right in the middle of my day, I would be very tempted to go back to bed and start over.
Also the snow is not falling in decorative fluffy drifts, but in those measly tiny balls interspersed with sleet. So we basically have ice sheets coating EVERYTHING.
That would have been bad if I had had to drive to town for more medication. Yesterday I had gone to the doc to have my usual blood tests and get paper copies for all my prescriptions, because I wanted to switch them over and get the $4 ones from Wal-mart. My plan today was to sit down and carefully go over the differences. (Sadly, it turns out what with one thing and another, it's only $5 a month cheaper to do it this way.) But to my dismay, I could not find the bottle of my main blood pressure med!
I thought it must have gotten away from the little herd of bottles and fallen off my desk in the night. For a normal person, that would not cause a very challenging hunt, but there is a lot of Stuff all stashed on shelves and in boxes on the floor around me, and we aren't even going to talk about the dog blankets and toys and similar items....
So I spent a couple hours doing some long overdue cleaning and straightening, which was nice in terms of getting something DONE, but I did not find the pills! I went out and looked in my car, and called Caro to see if she'd seen a bottle laying around, and basically did everything I could possibly think of.
But then I looked again and they had been in the little batch of ten bottles all along. Although I was glad to find them, not an outcome to make me very sanguine about the quality of my current mental status.
If I wasn't right in the middle of my day, I would be very tempted to go back to bed and start over.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Croak!
I didn't mean to drop off the face of the Earth! But you know that feeling I had, that I was getting sick? I was. Friday and today I managed to get out and shuffle around a little bit, but I spent most of the weekend in bed. So yeah, now I am WAY behind!
And tomorrow it's supposed to start snowing and dump 4-8 inches all over us!
Of course, that means that (so long as the power stays on!) I can sit here at home and catch up some LJ and email stuff! Wow, Santa, just what I wanted! And early, too!
Since Christmas is almost here, I am going to have to get going on my list of Christmas songs I wanted to share with everyone. Today, kind of an eclectic mix.
Jackson Browne - The Rebel Jesus
http://download.yousendit.com/DDBAA9DB53E52731
"We guard our world with locks and guns
And we guard our fine possessions
And once a year when Christmas comes
We give to our relations.
And perhaps we give a little to the poor
If the generosity should seize us,
But if any one of us should interfere
In the business of why they are poor
They get the same as the rebel Jesus."
For a rather jaundiced yet funny view of family holiday get-togethers:
Elvis Costello - The St. Stephen's Day Murders
http://download.yousendit.com/6F02F6AA73A16FBC
"And the carcass of the beast left over from the feast,
May still be found haunting the kitchen.
And there's life in it yet, we may live to regret,
When the ones that we poisoned stop twitchin'."
Both of the above are from the truly excellent Christmas CD, The Chieftains, The Bells of Dublin
Now, we head to the Great White North for a classic!
Bob & Doug McKenzie - Twelve Days of Christmas
http://download.yousendit.com/D24921D0078F433D
This one is surprisingly sweet, and even uplifting, whether or not you have the "magic dust" that makes the reindeers, and Santa, fly. :)
Cheech & Chong - Santa Claus and His Old Lady
http://download.yousendit.com/D82316FF6123F2BC
If you are starting to feel a little crazed and desperate, this is the one to download and listen to!
Geezinslaws - Lighten Up, It's Christmas
http://download.yousendit.com/6237471437D0B843
More tomorrow for the REAL Tune Tuesday!
And tomorrow it's supposed to start snowing and dump 4-8 inches all over us!
Of course, that means that (so long as the power stays on!) I can sit here at home and catch up some LJ and email stuff! Wow, Santa, just what I wanted! And early, too!
Since Christmas is almost here, I am going to have to get going on my list of Christmas songs I wanted to share with everyone. Today, kind of an eclectic mix.
Jackson Browne - The Rebel Jesus
http://download.yousendit.com/DDBAA9DB53E52731
"We guard our world with locks and guns
And we guard our fine possessions
And once a year when Christmas comes
We give to our relations.
And perhaps we give a little to the poor
If the generosity should seize us,
But if any one of us should interfere
In the business of why they are poor
They get the same as the rebel Jesus."
For a rather jaundiced yet funny view of family holiday get-togethers:
Elvis Costello - The St. Stephen's Day Murders
http://download.yousendit.com/6F02F6AA73A16FBC
"And the carcass of the beast left over from the feast,
May still be found haunting the kitchen.
And there's life in it yet, we may live to regret,
When the ones that we poisoned stop twitchin'."
Both of the above are from the truly excellent Christmas CD, The Chieftains, The Bells of Dublin
Now, we head to the Great White North for a classic!
Bob & Doug McKenzie - Twelve Days of Christmas
http://download.yousendit.com/D24921D0078F433D
This one is surprisingly sweet, and even uplifting, whether or not you have the "magic dust" that makes the reindeers, and Santa, fly. :)
Cheech & Chong - Santa Claus and His Old Lady
http://download.yousendit.com/D82316FF6123F2BC
If you are starting to feel a little crazed and desperate, this is the one to download and listen to!
Geezinslaws - Lighten Up, It's Christmas
http://download.yousendit.com/6237471437D0B843
More tomorrow for the REAL Tune Tuesday!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Good ol' precognition strikes again
Last night I had to zoom to town to help Caro. Despite us giving her Nimbus '95 a whole new battery for Christmas, EARLY, he was once again stubbornly refusing to start. Happily it was still working hours for Rick the Car Doctor. They had Caro rolling again in 45 minutes!
But probably because the office person was hurrying to get us out of there so everyone could go home on time, she had made a small mistake on the bill. So I went back today to get the difference charged back to my card. She was apologetic, but I told her, "Don't worry, you should see some of the mistakes *I* make."
Got home and whipped out the print-out from our account at the credit union, to figure out why I bounced a check when I should not have...and found out why we had seemed to have so much more money than usual at the beginning of the month. I thought it was just good sales...but actually I forgot to figure in the house payment.....
OH WELLLL.
(And PS just to really make my day, I am sick with some kind of coldish, sore throat, cough-y thing.)
But we plug on as cheerfully as we can, because...that's what I do. And plus also it's the Christmas season. With that in mind, I took a picture in the office at the car repair place last night to share with you all!
Here's some more local color for your amusement, from the Police and Sheriff reports as seen in the online version of the Lamar Daily Snooze.
December 8 - 4:05 p.m. Traffic hazard - Deputy Nordyke was notified that one of the railroad arms at County Rd. 19 was down and there was not a train around. BNSF was notified.
8:28 p.m. Theft - Officers responded to 400 block of East Olive to a report of a theft. The subject stated somebody had stolen beer out of her vehicle while she was in the store.
December 9
7:41 a.m. Found Property - An officer responded to the 900 block of Everett St. on a report of a wheelchair in the street. The wheelchair was placed into storage for safekeeping. An owner was not located.
9:11 a.m. Traffic hazard - Deputy Nordyke was dispatched to the 3000 block of County Rd. LL on the report of hogs out in the road. The owner was located and the hog was put up. A summons was issued.
2:35 p.m. Animal problem - Deputy Nordyke was dispatched to the 3600 block of County Rd. LL on the report of a hog in the road. Upon arrival the deputy found the hog back in the pen. A summons was issued.
December 11 - 11:40 a.m. Civil complaint - Undersheriff Trowbridge took a report of a civil matter involving the sale of a road grader to two different people.
And in conclusion, the new meme going around. I HAD to include it, because I was so tickled by the final line!
But probably because the office person was hurrying to get us out of there so everyone could go home on time, she had made a small mistake on the bill. So I went back today to get the difference charged back to my card. She was apologetic, but I told her, "Don't worry, you should see some of the mistakes *I* make."
Got home and whipped out the print-out from our account at the credit union, to figure out why I bounced a check when I should not have...and found out why we had seemed to have so much more money than usual at the beginning of the month. I thought it was just good sales...but actually I forgot to figure in the house payment.....
OH WELLLL.
(And PS just to really make my day, I am sick with some kind of coldish, sore throat, cough-y thing.)
But we plug on as cheerfully as we can, because...that's what I do. And plus also it's the Christmas season. With that in mind, I took a picture in the office at the car repair place last night to share with you all!
Here's some more local color for your amusement, from the Police and Sheriff reports as seen in the online version of the Lamar Daily Snooze.
December 8 - 4:05 p.m. Traffic hazard - Deputy Nordyke was notified that one of the railroad arms at County Rd. 19 was down and there was not a train around. BNSF was notified.
8:28 p.m. Theft - Officers responded to 400 block of East Olive to a report of a theft. The subject stated somebody had stolen beer out of her vehicle while she was in the store.
December 9
7:41 a.m. Found Property - An officer responded to the 900 block of Everett St. on a report of a wheelchair in the street. The wheelchair was placed into storage for safekeeping. An owner was not located.
9:11 a.m. Traffic hazard - Deputy Nordyke was dispatched to the 3000 block of County Rd. LL on the report of hogs out in the road. The owner was located and the hog was put up. A summons was issued.
2:35 p.m. Animal problem - Deputy Nordyke was dispatched to the 3600 block of County Rd. LL on the report of a hog in the road. Upon arrival the deputy found the hog back in the pen. A summons was issued.
December 11 - 11:40 a.m. Civil complaint - Undersheriff Trowbridge took a report of a civil matter involving the sale of a road grader to two different people.
And in conclusion, the new meme going around. I HAD to include it, because I was so tickled by the final line!
On the twelfth day of Christmas, 
neonnurse sent to me...
neonnurse sent to me...Twelve kids drumming
Eleven blogs piping
Ten auctions a-leaping
Nine comics dancing
Eight progressives a-milking
Seven politics a-swimming
Six books a-writing
Five old hi-i-i-ighways
Four yard sales
Three falsifying statistics
Two road trips
...and an ebay in a photography.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Christmas Tune Tuesday!
It occurred to me that if I only posted one Christmas tune a week I would NEVER get all the good ones shared in time! So I decided to go with a theme instead. This week, Cowboy Christmas!
But first, my other Christmas joke before I forget.
Q. What do English teachers call Santa's helpers?
A. Subordinate clauses!
Yeah, yeah, don't quit my day job, I get it. On to the tunes!
Jeff Carson - Santa Got Lost In Texas
http://download.yousendit.com/9404D12F27A6C8DE
In which Santa, lost in Texas and looking for his last gift stop, meets up with a lone cowboy ridin' herd and says:
"'You're pretty dumb like me,' he said, 'to work in the wind and frost.'"
'I'm pretty dumb like you,' I said, 'But Mister, I ain't lost.'"
Bellamy Brothers - Jingle Bells (A Cowboy's Holiday)
http://download.yousendit.com/5DC936D97CB28897
"Jingle bells, Happy Trails, yippie-o-ki-yay,
God Bless ol' Gene Autry, it's a Cowboy Holiday."
Michael Martin Murphey - Christmas Trail
http://download.yousendit.com/604E43E479306587
I had trouble finding lyrics on these--just too many hits and weird sites to plow through. Basically this is a very poignant coming of age song of a young cowboy coming home for his first Christmas after going out in the world to work.
Michael Martin Murphey - Corn, Water and Wood
http://download.yousendit.com/70648C5C2AA621E2
Very nice New Mexican flavored version of the gifts at the Nativity.
Michael Martin Murphey - Cowboy's Christmas Ball
http://download.yousendit.com/A1F28F8C11ADE77A
Just a fun, light-hearted song about a holiday dance on the prairie.
John Denver - Christmas for Cowboys
http://download.yousendit.com/459BFEE761A24C91
"Tall in the saddle we spend Christmas day,
Drivin' the cattle on the snow-covered range.
All of the good gifts given today,
Ours is the sky and the wide-open plains."
Now for something completely different (than songs, I mean.) Did I ever mention that my ideal pick for the actor to play Professor Xavier would have been Anthony Hopkins? Patrick Stewart was just too darn nice.
Part 28--Initiation: To try to settle some of his doubts, Xavier has an after-dinner chat with Hank and Cassie.
But first, my other Christmas joke before I forget.
Q. What do English teachers call Santa's helpers?
A. Subordinate clauses!
Yeah, yeah, don't quit my day job, I get it. On to the tunes!
Jeff Carson - Santa Got Lost In Texas
http://download.yousendit.com/9404D12F27A6C8DE
In which Santa, lost in Texas and looking for his last gift stop, meets up with a lone cowboy ridin' herd and says:
"'You're pretty dumb like me,' he said, 'to work in the wind and frost.'"
'I'm pretty dumb like you,' I said, 'But Mister, I ain't lost.'"
Bellamy Brothers - Jingle Bells (A Cowboy's Holiday)
http://download.yousendit.com/5DC936D97CB28897
"Jingle bells, Happy Trails, yippie-o-ki-yay,
God Bless ol' Gene Autry, it's a Cowboy Holiday."
Michael Martin Murphey - Christmas Trail
http://download.yousendit.com/604E43E479306587
I had trouble finding lyrics on these--just too many hits and weird sites to plow through. Basically this is a very poignant coming of age song of a young cowboy coming home for his first Christmas after going out in the world to work.
Michael Martin Murphey - Corn, Water and Wood
http://download.yousendit.com/70648C5C2AA621E2
Very nice New Mexican flavored version of the gifts at the Nativity.
Michael Martin Murphey - Cowboy's Christmas Ball
http://download.yousendit.com/A1F28F8C11ADE77A
Just a fun, light-hearted song about a holiday dance on the prairie.
John Denver - Christmas for Cowboys
http://download.yousendit.com/459BFEE761A24C91
"Tall in the saddle we spend Christmas day,
Drivin' the cattle on the snow-covered range.
All of the good gifts given today,
Ours is the sky and the wide-open plains."
Now for something completely different (than songs, I mean.) Did I ever mention that my ideal pick for the actor to play Professor Xavier would have been Anthony Hopkins? Patrick Stewart was just too darn nice.
Part 28--Initiation: To try to settle some of his doubts, Xavier has an after-dinner chat with Hank and Cassie.
Monday, December 11, 2006
More fun than humanly possible
You know, by now I don't even remember what we were doing Friday? Not enough, I'm sure. But that's normal.
Saturday I was in the middle of packing books to mail when Caro called from the auction she had gone to "just check out". "Can you empty out Dreamcloud and come?" she asked, somewhat breathlessly.
She was breathless from carrying her wins to her own little pile by the door in between bidding. This auction was being held at our county fairgrounds sale and show barn, which is about the size of an average high school gym, and it was PACKED with stuff. Packed with everything but bidders, seemed like, and the goods were going off at crazy cheap prices. Like, a 7 1/2 foot tall LIGHTED Christmas tree, bought new last year...one dollar.
We had to fill her little station wagon, and fill my Explorer TWICE (this is why I have an SUV, by the way), to get it all home. Then came the fun of sorting and carrying and trying to find a place to put. Plus checking the trees (we ended up with two smaller ones as well) for completeness and run condition and continuing with the NEVER ENDING PROCESS of DECORATING!!!!
So that's why I didn't do much online the last few nights. My brain got tired of hearing my body complain and went on its own little vacation.
Here's a fun holiday pic for your amusement. It's a record we picked up at some point in time--possibly at an auction! I don't know what it sounds like because we haven't had a record player in quite a few years. But the cover is the good part anyway. Doesn't that Santa look like he lost the bet at the studio Christmas party?
On our future shopping list is one of those newfangled turntables with a USB hookup so you can copy all your old vinyl records to computer music files. Wouldn't you know Best Buy would be sold out when I went looking!?
Part 27--Comforts of Home: Hank settles back into his lab routine. Bishop gets clued in on the facts about PMS.
Saturday I was in the middle of packing books to mail when Caro called from the auction she had gone to "just check out". "Can you empty out Dreamcloud and come?" she asked, somewhat breathlessly.
She was breathless from carrying her wins to her own little pile by the door in between bidding. This auction was being held at our county fairgrounds sale and show barn, which is about the size of an average high school gym, and it was PACKED with stuff. Packed with everything but bidders, seemed like, and the goods were going off at crazy cheap prices. Like, a 7 1/2 foot tall LIGHTED Christmas tree, bought new last year...one dollar.
We had to fill her little station wagon, and fill my Explorer TWICE (this is why I have an SUV, by the way), to get it all home. Then came the fun of sorting and carrying and trying to find a place to put. Plus checking the trees (we ended up with two smaller ones as well) for completeness and run condition and continuing with the NEVER ENDING PROCESS of DECORATING!!!!
So that's why I didn't do much online the last few nights. My brain got tired of hearing my body complain and went on its own little vacation.
Here's a fun holiday pic for your amusement. It's a record we picked up at some point in time--possibly at an auction! I don't know what it sounds like because we haven't had a record player in quite a few years. But the cover is the good part anyway. Doesn't that Santa look like he lost the bet at the studio Christmas party?
On our future shopping list is one of those newfangled turntables with a USB hookup so you can copy all your old vinyl records to computer music files. Wouldn't you know Best Buy would be sold out when I went looking!?
Part 27--Comforts of Home: Hank settles back into his lab routine. Bishop gets clued in on the facts about PMS.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Plug-o-rama
The clone, being an innovating educator type, has a project going for a class she's teaching at the middle school. As part of her plan to get her kids to do descriptive writing and real life math, she got some people to donate a few interesting Christmas-y items. The kids wrote up descriptions and she combined them into one readable piece. I took some photos and we put the items up on eBay, using the account we started just for fund-raisers like this called NoBakeSales. Catchy, no?
If the items should actually SELL, and if the kids keep their individual class grade out of the basement, they are going to have a pizza party before Christmas break! So if you need some costume jewelry Christmas pins, or a Black Dancing Santa figurine, or a mini-tree with bead ornaments shaped like chili peppers....
CLICK HERE!
If the items should actually SELL, and if the kids keep their individual class grade out of the basement, they are going to have a pizza party before Christmas break! So if you need some costume jewelry Christmas pins, or a Black Dancing Santa figurine, or a mini-tree with bead ornaments shaped like chili peppers....
CLICK HERE!
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Christmas 2006, Day Eleventymillion
I'm glad Christmas comes but once a year, because too much fun could kill a person. But the giant inflatable tree is now up, as are the garlands and a good chunk of the ornaments on the primary tree.
Christmas Joke: What union do Santa's helpers belong to?
The AF of Elves.
As is appropriate for Christmas, a new star has appeared. On my eBay page, not in the heavens, but still. As you may know if you hang out there much, users get different colored stars as they accumulate feedback points. I have had a red star for several years now (Comrade) but today I ticked over to 5,000, and now my star is a sickly Grinch green. Oh, well, all I have to do is get another 5,000 positive feedbacks and I will have a nice yellow shooting star!
Not only is my star a funny color now, I did NOT reach my personal goal of getting to 5,000 with no negative feedback. A year ago some jerk bought a video from me on Half.com (the sister site to eBay) that he was unhappy with, but instead of asking to return it or something, he just up and negged me! So, no perfect score for me. *sigh* Missed it by THAT much.... < /Maxwell Smart-quotes >
Speaking of eBay and my specialty, book-selling, I had to laugh at this quote today by Robertson Davies:
"To be a book-collector is to combine the worst characteristics of a dope fiend with those of a miser."
Since it is the Christmas season, Tune Tuesday will be reflecting that for a while. Here's a personal favorite!
Michael Martin Murphey & Suzy Bogguss - Two Step 'Round The Christmas Tree
http://download.yousendit.com/3DCF0EB667022EDD
"Waiting 'neath the mistletoe, you'll never get a kiss,
I never move that slow, there's too much I could miss!
'Cause a western girl can't keep still
and a silent night is not for me,
Roll back the rug so we can two step 'round the Christmas Tree!"
Part 26--Girl Talk: In which Hank is compared with Fabio, and general female bonding occurs.
Christmas Joke: What union do Santa's helpers belong to?
The AF of Elves.
As is appropriate for Christmas, a new star has appeared. On my eBay page, not in the heavens, but still. As you may know if you hang out there much, users get different colored stars as they accumulate feedback points. I have had a red star for several years now (Comrade) but today I ticked over to 5,000, and now my star is a sickly Grinch green. Oh, well, all I have to do is get another 5,000 positive feedbacks and I will have a nice yellow shooting star!
Not only is my star a funny color now, I did NOT reach my personal goal of getting to 5,000 with no negative feedback. A year ago some jerk bought a video from me on Half.com (the sister site to eBay) that he was unhappy with, but instead of asking to return it or something, he just up and negged me! So, no perfect score for me. *sigh* Missed it by THAT much.... < /Maxwell Smart-quotes >
Speaking of eBay and my specialty, book-selling, I had to laugh at this quote today by Robertson Davies:
"To be a book-collector is to combine the worst characteristics of a dope fiend with those of a miser."
Since it is the Christmas season, Tune Tuesday will be reflecting that for a while. Here's a personal favorite!
Michael Martin Murphey & Suzy Bogguss - Two Step 'Round The Christmas Tree
http://download.yousendit.com/3DCF0EB667022EDD
"Waiting 'neath the mistletoe, you'll never get a kiss,
I never move that slow, there's too much I could miss!
'Cause a western girl can't keep still
and a silent night is not for me,
Roll back the rug so we can two step 'round the Christmas Tree!"
Part 26--Girl Talk: In which Hank is compared with Fabio, and general female bonding occurs.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Still decorating
Y'know, 12 bins of Christmas stuff MAY be a little too spirited.... But we persevere.
Are you going to need to take something fancy and snacky to a get-together? Here I come to save the day! I got this recipe when I did something I almost NEVER do, participate in a chain letter kind of thingie where you put in two email addresses at the top and send copies to ten friends with a good recipe attached. They send a recipe to the top name, then take it out, add their own name in the second spot, and so on it goes. Theoretically. I only got a few recipes, but THIS ONE was a DOOZY!
Microwave Peanut Brittle
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup white corn syrup
1-1/2 cups roasted salted peanuts
1 teaspoon butter (I only use real butter for candy)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
In 1-1/2 quart microwave safe bowl, stir together sugar and syrup. Microwave on HIGH 3 minutes. Stir in peanuts. Microwave on HIGH 3 to 5 minutes or until brown.
Add butter and vanilla, blend well. Microwave on HIGH 1 to 2 minutes more. Add baking soda and gently stir until light and foamy. Pour onto lightly greased foil lined cookie sheet. Let cool, then break into pieces. Store in air tight container. Makes about 1 pound.
***
I didn't think the 1 tsp of butter looked right, so I made it 1 tablespoon. Also, instead of peanuts I used CASHEWS! Oooooo. It would be even FANCIER with MIXED NUTS! But let me tell you, this is EXCELLENT. I am going to have to hide it from myself or it will be gone in one day!! And the microwave cooking makes it SO fast and easy!
All of a sudden I know what a LOT of my small, friendly gifts to teachers and such are going to be!
Part 25--Simple Gifts: Finding a present to suit someone's personality is often tough. When it's the whole X-team....
Are you going to need to take something fancy and snacky to a get-together? Here I come to save the day! I got this recipe when I did something I almost NEVER do, participate in a chain letter kind of thingie where you put in two email addresses at the top and send copies to ten friends with a good recipe attached. They send a recipe to the top name, then take it out, add their own name in the second spot, and so on it goes. Theoretically. I only got a few recipes, but THIS ONE was a DOOZY!
Microwave Peanut Brittle
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup white corn syrup
1-1/2 cups roasted salted peanuts
1 teaspoon butter (I only use real butter for candy)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
In 1-1/2 quart microwave safe bowl, stir together sugar and syrup. Microwave on HIGH 3 minutes. Stir in peanuts. Microwave on HIGH 3 to 5 minutes or until brown.
Add butter and vanilla, blend well. Microwave on HIGH 1 to 2 minutes more. Add baking soda and gently stir until light and foamy. Pour onto lightly greased foil lined cookie sheet. Let cool, then break into pieces. Store in air tight container. Makes about 1 pound.
***
I didn't think the 1 tsp of butter looked right, so I made it 1 tablespoon. Also, instead of peanuts I used CASHEWS! Oooooo. It would be even FANCIER with MIXED NUTS! But let me tell you, this is EXCELLENT. I am going to have to hide it from myself or it will be gone in one day!! And the microwave cooking makes it SO fast and easy!
All of a sudden I know what a LOT of my small, friendly gifts to teachers and such are going to be!
Part 25--Simple Gifts: Finding a present to suit someone's personality is often tough. When it's the whole X-team....
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Happy Holiday Whoosh o' Stuff
I already forget what-all we have been doing these past few days. Last night was the Parade of Lights, I know that. Typically traditionally cold yet jolly. Today Caro went to an Open House for the 100 year anniversary of Lamar's Public Library, and her car battery celebrated by konking out dead. So she and the Nimbus '95 got a new battery as an early present.
We tried to find the Christmas tree lights today, but no luck, so tomorrow we are going to haul every blessed holiday bauble up from the Basement o' Doom and SORT it all FINALLY...and get the tree decorated before Mike expires from frustration and thwarted decorating desires.
***
I know everyone gets the phishing emails like this one supposedly from Paypal:
"We recently noticed one or more attempts to log in to your account
from a foreign IP address."
I already know these things are always fake, but even if I didn't, the saluation would have given it away:
"Dear Costumer,"
Except for fitting Mike out for Halloween now and then, I haven't done any heavy-duty costuming in YEARS!
***
WARNING! Experimental thingie here!
http://www.neonnurse.net/Blogs/MVC-001V.MPG (under 400K)
If you click on that link, it will download a little movie file. I think. If you DON'T click on it, I think it will just sit there innocently....
I came across a box of unlabeled 3.5 disks and sorted through them on Friday. They were from when I had a Mavica camera that stored the images on nice, handy, cheap disk media. That one is a very short film I shot from my front porch of a tornado that touched down half a mile from our house in May, 2001. The sound quality is surprisingly good; you can hear hail tinging on our metal roof and the sirens wailing in town. And me talking a little, as well.
Part 23--Family Matters: Hank meets Cassie's grandmother, cousin and oldest friend, and sees a new side of his Western gal.
Part 24--Homeward Bound: One last, strange shopping event, which makes for an awkward meeting at Hank's home airport. Bobby receives a traditional squelching.
We tried to find the Christmas tree lights today, but no luck, so tomorrow we are going to haul every blessed holiday bauble up from the Basement o' Doom and SORT it all FINALLY...and get the tree decorated before Mike expires from frustration and thwarted decorating desires.
***
I know everyone gets the phishing emails like this one supposedly from Paypal:
"We recently noticed one or more attempts to log in to your account
from a foreign IP address."
I already know these things are always fake, but even if I didn't, the saluation would have given it away:
"Dear Costumer,"
Except for fitting Mike out for Halloween now and then, I haven't done any heavy-duty costuming in YEARS!
***
WARNING! Experimental thingie here!
http://www.neonnurse.net/Blogs/MVC-001V.MPG (under 400K)
If you click on that link, it will download a little movie file. I think. If you DON'T click on it, I think it will just sit there innocently....
I came across a box of unlabeled 3.5 disks and sorted through them on Friday. They were from when I had a Mavica camera that stored the images on nice, handy, cheap disk media. That one is a very short film I shot from my front porch of a tornado that touched down half a mile from our house in May, 2001. The sound quality is surprisingly good; you can hear hail tinging on our metal roof and the sirens wailing in town. And me talking a little, as well.
Part 23--Family Matters: Hank meets Cassie's grandmother, cousin and oldest friend, and sees a new side of his Western gal.
Part 24--Homeward Bound: One last, strange shopping event, which makes for an awkward meeting at Hank's home airport. Bobby receives a traditional squelching.
