Kate's World Blog

9/11 Again

2010-09-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. 9/11. Every year since 2001 I have written an entry in my journal about my feelings on that day. I think it is safe to say that my feelings haven't changed so I'll skip a post this year.

I do hope I never see anything else like that horrible day.

I wish the victims and their families peace and love. I hope each person is resting in the place that made them happiest.

Peace to all.

Spammers Suck

2010-08-08T05:26:00.000-07:00

I really hate the people that try to spam my blogs. I don't write often these days so when I do I don't want moronic imbeciles trying to post their lame-ass crap on MY BLOG.

If you want to post shit

DO IT ON YOUR OWN FUCKING BLOG.

And for anyone that takes offense at my 1. language, or 2. attitude I have but one thing to say to you.

Piss off. What I say and how I say it are my damn business and no concern of anyone else's.

Aidez-moi des chéris !

2010-08-03T01:21:00.000-07:00

I so want to create a new look for this blog. Ugh ugh and triple ugh. If you have any grand ideas, please drop me a note. I did do a post on Kate's Utopia in the mean time.

Toodlepip for now lovies! Or would that be toodle pip or toodle-pip? Hmmm...

Just unreal!

2010-08-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

I can't believe what a hassle getting back into Blogger was. For the last two days I have been trying to get in here to post and simply couldn't figure out what I had to do just to access my damn blogs. **Primal scream here** I really wish Blogger had just stayed as it was before google took it over.

I must redesign! I must!

2010-03-02T16:52:00.000-08:00

I want a blog overhaul. If anyone has any ideas, please drop me a note. I would like it modern-ish but still with my style. My style being, bohemian, Indian, world, cool, funky, hip. Like the woodwork and jewelry in Lord of the Rings, Oriental rugs, a lovely, airy, clean Moroccan market that smells of spices and incense. Indian music, Celtic music and loads more. Those things are me. My style.

Design ideas are most welcome.

WTF? Bad Karma?

2010-03-02T16:40:00.000-08:00

I would really like to know if I am being punished from terrible deeds done during a previous life. That is the only thing I can think of that would give me such crappy karma that nothing ever goes right for me.

I realize that all of us at one time or another will have our share of bad times or troubles but when can I expect it to end? Is there some cosmic timetable that I don't know about? if there is, it would be very nice to have someone jot a note that Kate's time for crappy happenings is officially up. Over with. Kaput. Fini.

I certainly don't know all things but one thing I am sure of - a person can only handle so much heaped on them at once. That being said, I do believe that I have reached my limit.

Someone out there please send me some good karma.

Holidays again

2009-12-15T18:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas

May the spirit and blessings of the season
follow you into the new year and beyond!

Absurd!!

2009-12-15T17:08:00.000-08:00

Well, it's about time! It has taken me at least three weeks of the most stupid shit just trying to get help with a problem with my blogs. JESUS CHRIST. What a pain in the ass this has been.

You can't talk to anyone or write to anyone or call anyone. Who the fuck created a setup like that? Take it from me, that is extremely bad business.

When Google took over I really had a feeling things just like this would happen and to my acute irritation and amazement, I was right. I've never experienced such a total load of horse shit in my life trying to just get through to a person or at the very least have information on the forums that is actually helpful.

No such luck with either.

After much crap - and it finally took Pete over a week including - four (4) hours on Sunday - trying to get things sorted out.

Finally! It's done now so I can at least post things again.

Thank all the heavens.

Perfect Creature

2009-01-17T17:31:00.000-08:00

As usual I'm running behind on a great film of 2006. I finally watched the movie, Perfect Creature today. It stars Dougray Scott as Brother Silus a leader of the vampire brotherhood and Saffron Burrows as a policewoman named Lilly Squires, both are called to a murder scene with other officers and end up in the middle of a fight within the vampire brotherhood.

Filmed in New Zealand, one of my favorite places on earth with its natural beauty and diverse landscapes made it a great atmospheric movie. It looks as if parts of it were set in Victorian times yet has modern touches as well.

It has that Tim Burtonish bluish overcast as well that lends an air of cold and damp to the movie.

All in all, it was a good movie. They left the ending wide open for a sequel which I do hope to hear of at some point.

As most of us know sometimes a movie will come out at the wrong time or will get lost behind some over cluttered, boring movie loaded with over paid Hollywood suck ups with the money and clout of major studio backing.

Situations such as that make for many a great film being lost and it is really sad considering some of the films Pete and I have discovered just roaming through stacks of movies in various stores and online shops.

So, if you have a hankering to see a fun, not over the top movie about vampires and we mere humans, check out 'Perfect Creature'. I think you'll enjoy it.

Hello there! I'm home!

2009-01-16T21:26:00.000-08:00

It's me! Roll out the red carpet and let the bells ring, I'm here!

Sorry for the long absence, I'll post something decent in a few hours but for the moment I've got to go get my World of Warcraft fix. Yeoohh!

World of Warcraft is a great game!

Baby

2008-12-03T03:28:00.000-08:00

Glug, glug...

Presidential Debate 2008

2008-10-09T02:05:00.000-07:00

Watch CBS Videos Online

Presidential Debate - 2008 -

2008-10-08T03:50:00.000-07:00

Since joining the Obama campaign website I get email news on all the debates and developments. I got one last night after the debate too.

Absolutely nothing written in the mail surprises me about McCain.

I have pestered you all to use the rights you were given and register to vote.

Now the time has come, or will on November 4Th, to use that voter registration card and make your mark on history and on America.

My reasons for voting this way are simple. America is drowning and it's dragging us down with it. The only ones that will stay afloat are the wealthy.

We desperately need change in America and I truly believe that Barack Obama will at the very least, get us back on the road that will get the country up on it's feet again.

Unfortunately, last night just as the debate was about to start there was a very weird accident near where I live that knocked the power out for a couple of hours. I don't know if I'll get to see the debate unless CNN or another news site repeats it.

Read the email from barackobama.com below. Donate if you can.

America needs a change before it is too late.

I thought the differences between John McCain and me were pretty clear tonight.

I will fight for the middle class every day, and -- once again -- Senator McCain didn't mention the middle class a single time during the debate.

If you agree that we need to cut taxes for 95% of working families, reduce health care costs, and end the war in Iraq responsibly, then I need your help right now.

And if you heard John McCain push more of the same discredited policies, including tax cuts for the wealthy and giant corporations, tax increases on health care, and continuing to spend $10 billion a month in Iraq, then now is the time to act.

Four weeks from tonight, we'll know which of us will be the next president.

The time to make a difference in this election is running out -- will you make a donation of $25 or more right now?

https://donate.barackobama.com/townhall

Thank you,

Barack

Ok America, let's get busy.

2008-09-27T02:13:00.001-07:00

People if you have not registered to vote, I urge you to do so. This year is a landmark in political history for this country.

While that is a good thing and very exciting and a positive step for America that certainly shouldn't be the reason that you all run out and register or vote for that matter.

What is important is that this country is drowning in a government that for far too long has catered to the rich corporations and the health care system to the point that the people are suffering.

We suffer from unending fees, taxes, uncontrolled credit companies that call the shots and rising health care costs that are simply outrageous.

Everyone talks about America being such a great country - you can go get treatment anywhere... they never turn you away.

Horseshit. They have, they can and they do.

Get a copy of the movie Sicko by film maker Michael Moore, watch it and then tell me with a straight face that America is the best at health care for its citizens. NO WAY.

We Americans that have to deal with the health care system on a monthly basis know that things are not as they should be.

As bad as it is, there is more going on in the USA than failing health care that is definitely there if you have the money to pay for it. If you don't, then you are most likely out of luck.

The changes we need to at least give ourselves a fighting chance to catch up to the rest of the world are in Washington D.C. - not just at the White House but at the Senate and anywhere else our politicians debate our futures.

See, you aren't realizing those crucial words - "our politicians debate our futures" That is exactly what they do. We give them that right when we either vote or we don't vote, stay at home announcing that it is "someone else's problem". Actually, it ends up being every one's problem.

This is why it is so important for everyone to get out there and register to vote then DO IT! CAST YOUR VOTE!

And ladies, never forget Alice Paul and the other women who fought to give women the right to vote. Don't waste your right to be heard!

If you don't know who Alice Paul is, watch the movie, Iron Jawed Angels and it will explain who she was and what she went through to win our right to vote.

Come on people, don't sit this one out. Be part of this history making election. An election that will hopefully help our country take positive steps toward a better future.

Vote 2008

Politics - Vote 2008

2008-09-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I suppose it may seem a tad odd that I haven't made a post in ages and then come straight at you all with a political post on the election this year.

I have no real excuse, you can yell or do our Internet/email version of yelling at me by typing me a note in all caps. You can but it won't help really.

I just took a break from my blogs so that I could get past a particularly nasty bout of flu. Now that I am well, it is crucial that I write about this years election.

Crucial? Am I being overly dramatic or attention grabbing? I don't think so. The election this year is a land mark for all we Americans.

I don't expect to change any one's opinion here but this country badly needs a change.

I know who I'll be voting for and it won't be McCain and that morally inept, educationally challenged half-wit Palin.

This is the first time in United States history that an African-American has run for office. In my opinion, he is the best choice by far.

Keep any bigoted comments off my blog since the precious word is key here, "my" blog.

I grew up with racial hatred all around me and as a child, I vowed to never allow that behaviour when I became an adult. I also vowed to like/love and accept people for the deeds they have done and not what color they are or what religion they are.

America needs to WAKE UP about bigotry and racism and weed that shit out of this country once and for all. I think having an African-American president is a good step forward in that direction.

I'll be posting more.

Follow me to the poles for the historic - Vote 2008!

New Developments in the Megan Meier Case

2008-05-31T01:13:00.000-07:00

As reported December 3, 2007 from People Magazine the case of Megan Meier. A 13 year old girl that was bullied online by an adult led to the child hanging herself.

As a parent I was shocked and moved to tears reading about Megan. Then I got mad. How could this happen? Who could do such a horrible thing to a lovely, 13 year old child just barely beginning her life. A child... like mine had been. Someones little girl. My son's had been 13 once too.

I've waited for the case to come round and see what if anything our government would do about this. Surely I couldn't be the only person, the only parent in this country that choked down tears while I read her sad story.

Now I am happy there is a glimmer of hope. New reports say that finally Megan may have justice for this vicious and cruel crime.

Quoting People Magazine June 2, 2008 edition, "... Using an untested interpretation of federal law, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles announced the indictment of the neighbor mom Lori Drew, 49, on four felony counts, including conspiracy and gaining unauthorized access to a computer."

Untested? Untested? How long has the Internet and chatting - which I have done myself since 1994 - been around?

This just goes to show that our government needs to seriously pick up the pace and start taking care of online bullying and online crimes especially those against children. What happened to Megan is a sad example of how much influence another person -talking- just talking can have on a child.

The online community is here to stay. It's not going anywhere people. Children especially need protection from online bullying and cruelty just as Megan experienced.

There need to be reasonable laws setup just for the protection of children online. I would like to see it called, Megan's Law.

As an American citizen I am calling on our government our legislators our people, students, parents, everyone to help get this going.

Make Megan's Law not just words but a real force of parents, teachers, students, government officials, everyone that cares for children - something the bullies of this country will never forget.

And please, please remember what I have said before... If you talk online remember to take care in what you say because you never know how the outcome of your words may affect someone else. Especially a child. Remember Megan Taylor Meier.

In Memory of Megan Meier

2008-05-31T00:51:00.000-07:00

I am reposting this as there have been new developments in the Megan Meier case.

Below is my original post. The new post is next.

A sad case of online bullying resulted in the death of a 13 year old girl with a history of depression.

After receiving a particularly cruel and hurtful email, she went to her room and hanged herself in her closet.

The teen had suffered from depression since third grade and did take medication for her condition.

When she set up her MySpace account, Megan was happy to talk to the cute 16 year old boy named "Josh" she had met online. Only the "boy" wasn't a boy at all. Megan was actually talking to the mother of a girl she knew that lived just a couple of houses down from her.

Megan died a year ago but the FBI asked her parents to keep the story quiet until they could investigate. Her parents have since split up.

This is a horrible, horrible crime that has left a lovely girl just barely beginning her life dead and her family shattered and destroyed.

And no one is held accountable? That just shows what is happening in the United States today. This entire country is going down the toilet one cruel joke at a time and the government is holding the handle waiting to flush.

We all need to stop online bullying any time we see it. If we can't, then each person should make it their business and take the time to report it to someone who can do something about it.

Yoooo I am Seether's number 1 fan. Yep, right here!

2008-04-18T02:46:00.000-07:00

You guys have been listening to me whine about Seether for a long time now. I mean come on - my picture here? I am for certain Seether's biggest fan. I love their music! Course, I'll still love their music even if I don't win but it's fun to try. LOL... Share the love - Vote for me.

Give me a 10 for Seether's "Biggest Music Fan"

SEETHER - Fade Away

2008-04-02T03:22:00.000-07:00

I love Seether. I would say they are my favorite group. Without a doubt. I'm going to see them at the Denver Fillmore April 8th. WoooHooo!

Shaun Morgan is awesome!

Doctors and landlords and moving oh my!

2008-03-22T00:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's my turn to talk a little about what's been going on with me of late.

I have to have surgery March 27th and I'm nervous about that. I am so sick of Doctors it's not even funny! I'll be glad if I can ever get to a point where I don't have to see them very often.

We also have to move. The landlord has decided to sell the house so we have to move out in 6 weeks. This is going to be a real stretch since I am having surgery March 27th and there are only the two of us to move everything. Comments beyond that will be withheld for the moment.

Did I mention that the landlord is an asshole? There are a lot of things that were promised and suppose to have been done to the house and property when we agreed to move into this house that have not been taken care of. But that brainless oaf still wanted his rent money on time every month.

The government needs to take control of things like this so that people stop being cheated all the time. It's not fair and most likely any other country would see that and do something about it but not America. Which in my opinion, figures and doesn't really surprise me.

Money is a constant worry. I am so sick of being broke all the time. I wish I could hit the lotto just enough to get out of debt and buy a decent house and car. As it is I don't even have a car to go look for a job. Ugh! Drag and double drag!

If anyone has any lucky lotto numbers please share them with me and if I win I will share with you. Say a prayer and wish me luck! I need it all the way round.

Hospitals and Chickens

2008-02-09T05:15:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted because I've been in the hospital. God - what a fucking drag. I've got to get my health on track so I've been walking on our treadmill. It will take me a bit to get myself going good, in a routine I mean but then it's easy.

Keep your fingers crossed that I can get healthier and get well.

Until I think of a good post, don't let the chickens in!

Captive Care of the Russell's Viper

2008-01-24T22:06:00.000-08:00

Look at this article about the Russell's Viper From VenomousReptiles.org

There is no way in hell I would handle one of these. These really scare me.

While polyvalent antivenin (AVS) may work well, I'm not in India and am not sure I could get it. In any case, I would still not want to be bitten by this snake.

A favorite song

2008-01-20T01:33:00.000-08:00

Tokio Hotel "Don't Jump"

On top of the roof
The air is so cold and so calm
I say your name in silence
You don't wanna hear it right now
The eyes of the city
Are counting the tears falling down
Each one a promise
Of everything you never found

I scream into the night for you
Don't make it true
Don't jump
The lights will not guide you through
They're deceiving you
Don't jump
Don't let memories go
Of me and you
The world is down there out of view
Please don't jump

You open your eyes
But you can't remember what for
The snow falls quietly
You just can't feel it no more
Somewhere out there
You lost yourself in your pain
You dream of the end
To start all over again

I scream into the night for you
Don't make it true
Don't jump
The lights will not guide you through
They're deceiving you
Don't jump
Don't let memories go
Of me and you
The world is down there out of view
Please don't jump
Don't jump

I don't know how long
I can hold you so strong
I don't know how long

Just take my hand
Give it a chance
Don't jump

I scream into the night for you
Don't make it true
Don't jump
The lights will not guide you through
They're deceiving you
Don't jump
Don't let memories go
Of me and you
The world is down there out of view
Please don't jump
Don't jump
And if all that can't hold you back
I'll jump for you

SEETHER LYRICS

2007-12-09T00:32:00.000-08:00

Seether is my favorite group. Their lyrics are from the soul and make me think and feel what is in my spirit that I just can't say.

"Never Leave"

Will I fall again into dismay?
Will I be ashamed of crying?
And I know it's never been the way that I described
But I am afraid of trying
She's the one who keeps me all excited
She keeps me begging for more
She's the one who deems me uninvited
Now it's over

Never leave me, and don't deceive me
I'll keep on crawling my friend
Never tease me and don't leave me here
It's all the same in the end

Now I find that I am weaker fare
That I am ashamed of lying
And I know things never feel the way that's right inside
And I am afraid of dying
'Cause you're the one who keeps me all excited
You keep me begging for more
You're the one who keeps me uninvited
Now it's over
Never leave me, and don't deceive me
I'll keep on crawling my friend
It's only a symbol you've got me falling away
And I am afraid
Take back what I said
It's all the same in the end
It's all the same in the end
It's all the same in the end
It's only a symbol

Igloo Building 101

2007-12-07T23:19:00.000-08:00

Class is now in session. If you are late to my class then feel free it remain in the hall way. Anyone besides myself ever have a Professor like that? If you haven't or didn't then consider yourselves lucky. Ha!

My son Donny (in the dark jacket) and his friend Chris are building an igloo with a very cool block tool that Chris found at an outdoor shop somewhere. It's a bit tricky to create the first layer since all layers after that will follow that one so that the top can be closed completely.

Donny kept scooping snow with Chris's big snow shovel filling the mold to make each block. The blocks all have to be tilted in at a slight angle because of the roof. This igloo wasn't covered completely because of the angle of the first layer of blocks.

The igloo is almost finished now. They just have to create a doorway. This is actually a very interesting thing to do. It is amazing that people can survive in these and quite well too. I'm sure they have hide coverings on the floor as well as to cover the doorway. From what I understand they can get quite warm inside when
properly built.

This is just too cool for words! I think they really did a great job for a first time! They have since been out and built other igloos. Chris wants to leave a note pad and pencil in it and see if people will sign in and just leave a note where they are from. Very cool idea! Watch out people of Colorado, if you come across a real igloo then sign the sheet.

Now your class in igloo building 101 is over, class dismissed.

In Memory of Megan Meier

2007-11-30T01:37:00.000-08:00

A sad case of online bullying resulted in the death of a 13 year old girl with a history of depression.

After receiving a particularly cruel and hurtful email, she went to her room and hanged herself in her closet.

The teen had suffered from depression since third grade and did take medication for her condition.

When she set up her MySpace account, Megan was happy to talk to the cute 16 year old boy named "Josh" she had met online. Only the "boy" wasn't a boy at all. Megan was actually talking to the mother of a girl she knew that lived just a couple of houses down from her.

Megan died a year ago but the FBI asked her parents to keep the story quiet until they could investigate. Her parents have since split up.

This is a horrible, horrible crime that has left a lovely girl just barely beginning her life dead and her family shattered and destroyed.

And no one is held accountable? That just shows what is happening in the United States today. This entire country is going down the toilet one cruel joke at a time and the government is holding the handle waiting to flush.

We all need to stop online bullying any time we see it. If we can't, then each person should make it their business and take the time to report it to someone who can do something about it.

I gotta be meeeeeee, I gotta be meeeeeeeee

2007-11-16T21:31:00.000-08:00

What else can I be but me. Indeed.

I want to be totally shellfish (I think I'll be a prawn today. Cod knows I've earned it) and write about me. All about me. Me me me me... mememememe... Won't that be nice? OK, mostly about me.

Actually, I don't know if it will be nice or not but it will most certainly be fun for me. YeeeHaaa, hat-flingin' type fun too, not your boring ordinary sorta fun. But gut-twisting, (Is that heaving I hear?) silly ass fun.

I had asked Deek to be silly with me but he never answered me in regard to whether he would join in the chaotic fun. Seeing as how that is the case, I'll just take up the slack from my slacker friend. Har har har. I bet I'll hear about that one.

OK fine, I don't actually think you're a slacker Deeky. I know you work like a madman with an angry weasel in your trousers. Wow, there's a vivid image isn't it?

Actually, if anyone can send me a photo of an angry weasel I would really appreciate it. I need one. I also need a photo of Shaun Dooley. He's one of my favorite male actors. And it's nothing to do with the fact that I think he's really handsome.

Not at all. Not in the slightest. Not for one moment. Well OK, maybe for one moment but not a second longer. Wait, is a moment longer than a second? Or is it the other way round? Hmmm...

Well there you go, that will be something interesting or at least incredibly boring for a later post. Aren't you all so very lucky? Course you are.

I am now ending this post with one of my favorite Python funnies.

Click here for the hilarity.

Re-vamping my site

2007-11-11T03:32:00.000-08:00

Re-vamping? Isn't that like repeat vampire-type vamping? OK, I guess not. lol...

Seriously, for those of you who have visited my site before you will notice that I have made some changes. There are more to come so stay tuned.

I am stopping for the night because I can barely see! I've worn myself out trying to decide how to re-do my site. Suggestions are most welcome.

By the way, check out Kate's Utopia as well. It's brand new. :o)

A penny for the guy.

2007-11-05T06:06:00.000-08:00

Remember, remember the fifth of November the gunpowder treason and plot. I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes

London, 1605

Christmas shopping made easy

2007-10-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

By Kathrine Ford

Christmas time is here again. And with the arrival of the busy season, it is important to me to always choose just the right gift for each person on my list. You can visit any store in any town and hunt and hunt for that perfect gift or you can do what I’m doing this year and give the easy way. Looking around the house, it occurred to me that there are so many items just laying around, why not give furniture, appliances and kitchen utensils as gifts?

This idea got me going on the front burner as I immediately began my list of family and friends that would be receiving these fine (albeit slightly worn) household items. As I tidied up the house I thought, “Now there’s just the thing for my youngest son, a brown recliner!” And since he loves to eat, a refrigerator and matching spoon, spatula and meat fork set. Gosh, that was just too easy! No muss no fuss, and best of all, the stuff is already delivered.

I found lots of other gift ideas too, like a picture of a samurai warrior made of inlaid wood. That would be perfect for my oldest son since he is war-like anyway. Also for my oldest son who’s really into guns and cars, a lovely dinner fork in stainless steel. I’m going to bend back the outer two tines for an added treat. And to really give him a thrill for the car lover in him, a rustic creeper complete with molded headrest. When I say molded, I mean like penicillin mold. But hey, what are Moms for? That’s an extra surprise treat right there! The mold. He won’t have to go for that penicillin booster shot after all! This just keeps getting better!

In the excitement of all this I have to remember that, well, kids are kids and they like to know they are both getting the same number of gifts. One kid got an extra gift? Hey, no problem at all. There’s a nice blue rubber hot water bottle for the youngest son. This will make an excellent addition to the kitchen set he’s already receiving.

As for candy in the stocking, well there is a fix for that too. Make sure you have onions and potatoes on hand to drop into the stockings for a treat. Friends and family can make their own French fries and onion rings for Christmas dinner! Brussel sprouts are nice gifts too because they keep well. But only if they are fresh. The frozen ones thaw out too fast. Turkey drumsticks are nice stocking stuffers too. And after roasting, there’s no need for wrapping it up, it can be eaten right out of the stocking. And there’s nothing quite like walking around the house looking at your gifts while knawing on a turkey drumstick. Ahhh. what bliss!

There are as many gift ideas in the house as there are family members. Why just look at this coffee table, it just screams Aunt Martha. And a nice new come-along! Just think, Aunt Martha can use it to hoist that coffee table and save her hernia a lot of aggravation. Using the come-along will also help with medical expenses. This is turning out to be the best Christmas ever! All the extras that you would have to pay a lot more money for at a retail store. But then that’s what Christmas is all about- making loved ones happy.

And what better way to see that gloriously happy look on Uncle Leon’s face when he sees his gifts, than a nice garbage can! It’s already broken in with it’s own unique blend of potpourri, so there’s never that “new plastic” smell to irritate sinuses. And a shower curtain too. Completely pre-scummed to protect Uncle Leon’s delicate nasal membranes. He’ll love it!

This has all been so exciting for me to get the best gifts and to get all my shopping done early this year. I know the gifts I’ve chosen will last a lifetime. Well, maybe a second lifetime but hey, it’s the thought that counts. So on Christmas morning if you open one of your gifts and find a shiny soup spoon staring back at you, you’ll know that your loved one has taken my shopping advice and done the shopping right in their own home. But then home and family is what Christmas is all about.

SEETHER I love their music!

2007-10-22T00:31:00.000-07:00

Thinking...

2007-10-21T22:49:00.000-07:00

Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?
Or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail?
Out of whose womb came the ice?
And the hoary frost of heaven,
who hath gendered it?
The waters are hid as with a stone,
and the face of the deep is frozen.

The Book of Job

Shackleton and the crew of the Endurance

2007-10-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted anything in ages and after seeing the A & E movie Shackleton, starring one of my all-time favorite actors, Kenneth Branagh I wanted to tell you all how good it is.

If you love adventure stories this movie is for you. The best thing is that this all really happened and very closely to what this movie shows as well. Some of the cast members bear an uncanny resemblance to the real men they portray.

On August 9,1914 a crew of 28 men left from Plymouth England aboard the ship Endurance heading to Buenos Aires to await Shackleton's arrival and then depart for the Antarctic.

Named the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition by Shackleton the men finally left on December 5, 1914.

I can relate to Shackleton's love of adventure and his dislike of things that are easily gained without cost of one's self. As well as his love of the dark at night because he can relax. His inability to choose a path in life that suits him and his restlessness about it. I understand how he felt all too well because that's me too.

The crew of his ship Endurance stood by their boss and watched as the ice crushed the ship. They watched as it sank, disappearing without a trace beneath the icy Antarctic waters leaving them with three small boats to drag along with supplies across the jagged, frozen land.

This is one of the best adventure stories I have ever seen and was made based on Shackleton's diaries as well as from film and photos from the ship's photographer, Australian Frank Hurley. Hurley's photos and film were retrieved by him at great risk to his life.

Two other crew members held his feet as he went into the icy water inside the sinking ship to get the film canisters that in Hurley's words were the only record of the year in theirs lives that would tell what had happened to them.

In the end Hurley was right - He and Shackleton agreed on 150 glass plates to be kept as a record of their amazing journey across the ice.

If you haven't seen this film, do so. It is absolutely one of my all-time favorites.

To Sir Ernest Shackleton and the crew of the Endurance, "Fortitudine vincimus" (By endurance we conquer). You are not forgotten.

Great Bar-b-que is the key to long life!

2007-08-08T23:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, maybe bar-b-que isn't really the key to long life but it sure is the best way I know of to spice up meats and veggies and give them their own unique tastes.

That being said, if you are looking for recipes that will make your taste buds sing, then look no further people.

Check out Dawg's BBQ Blog!

I've been drooling over those recipes and photos for an hour and now feel compelled to go grill a cow or at the very least a 100 pound fish.

Seriously, If you love great bar-b-que, which I do, then check out Dawg's page. His recipies are kickin'.

Grab some Bar-B-Que,slap on a Stevie Ray Vaughan cd and we're ready to party Southern style!

And for those of you that have alcohol driven bar-b-ques, don't forget the brewskis!

Kate's Bar-b-que menu for a smokin' good meal

This feeds a lot of people so invite family and friends or do this on a holiday. You can pick one main meat or another but I like to do at least two different sorts so that everyone can choose what they like. Variety is the key!

Chicken
Beef short ribs
Turkey sausage
Salmon
Cole slaw
Potato salad
Fresh Corn on the cob
Fire Roasted vegetables

Kick back and enjoy!

Colorado Renaissance Festival

2007-08-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

Stone Face Plaque

Hello out there! I am peased to say that I have recently uploaded more images from this year's Ren-Fest. If you would like to look at more, follow the link listed here and follow the instructions. It's easy.

Go to: http://photo.epson.com/index.html Where it says, "Visit albums" just key in my email address, k.ford@mindspring.com then click the "go" arrow.

Click "Visit Albums" then "Shared Albums" with a list of album categories of my pictures. Just click whichever album you want to look through first.

I am not a professional photographer but I do try to take some nice shots and for
the most part, I think I do fairly well.

Enjoy my work and feel free to drop me a note regarding any photos. Please keep in mind that my work is copywritten.

If my spacing etc doens't look good then it is bloggers fault not mine.

Top ways to annoy people in the office

2007-06-10T03:37:00.000-07:00

1. Leave the copy machine set to reduce 150%, dark, 17-inch paper, and 99 copies.

2. In the memo field of all of your checks, write "for sensual massage".

3. Specify that your drive-through order is "to go".

4. Insist on keeping your car windshield wipers running in all weather conditions "to keep them tuned up".

5. Reply to everything someone says with, "that's what YOU think".

6. Practice making fax and modem noises.

7. Highlight irrelevant information in scientific papers and "cc" them to your boss.

8. Finish all your sentences with the words "in accordance with prophecy".

9. Signal that a conversation is over by clamping your hands over your ears.

10. Adjust the tint on your TV so that all the people are green and insist to others that you "like it that way".

11. Repeat the following conversation a dozen times: "Do you hear that?" "What?" "Never mind, it's gone now."

12. As much as possible, skip rather than walk.

13. Ask people what gender they are.

14. While making presentations, occasionally bob your head like a parakeet.

15. Sit in your front yard pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down.

16. Sing along at the opera.

17. Go to a poetry recital and ask why each poem doesn't rhyme.

18. Ask your co-workers mysterious questions and then scribble their answers in a notebook. Mutter something about "psychological profiles".

19. Send this list to everyone in your e-mail address book even if they sent it to you or ask you not to send things like this.

Long time gone and I don't mean Dickie Betts.

2007-06-10T02:17:00.000-07:00

I thought I would take a much needed break from the online world since I had the need to rest. I'm posting a photo and will try to catch up and write at least a post or so and get it out there for others to read within a day or so.

I've had a lot going on and while I have had the time I simply haven't had the um mph to actually think of anything I might want to write or talk about. Still, I have missed blogging.

There is something to be said for baring one's soul to anyone even slightly interested in reading about it so I suppose writing on a blog is therapeutic. More than that, its fun. Freedom of speech is a beautiful thing.

I am finally away from Texas (Colorado now) after many years of trying to figure out a way to move away from the place. Not my cup of tea with the excessive heat and such throughout most of the year. I like cooler temperatures. We haven't seen any real snow as yet but I know it's coming in winter. I can't wait. I haven't seen loads of snow since living in New York in the 80's.

While I do love the mountains and snow I love the beach equally as much. I can walk along in the sand for hours on end and entirely lost track of time. In fact my step sister and I did that once and ended up so far away we felt it necessary to hitch a ride back to our camp site.

Fortunately for our naive teen minds (not to mention everything else) it was a very nice Grandfatherly sort of fellow that happened to pick us up. However, rather than drop my step sister and I off where we had asked him, took us both directly to my Father and Stepmother.

Much to our acute irratation we were both grounded for two days over the incident. We didn't see anything wrong with getting a lift back even if it was from a complete stranger! Ahhh the ignorance of youth. Maybe that isn't the right word here. Oh well...

Anyway, I need mountains, snow and oceans and beach. So if anyone knows a place where I can get the best of both worlds - breathtaking mountains and beautiful beaches with perfect temperatures that don't scorch your bum when you sit on a park bench please do let me know where it is.

I keep thinking California might be like that but you have to be rich to live there and I happen to be otherwise. Ha! Hawaii? I have my suspicions that prices and cost of living are much the same there as in California or possibly worse.

I need beauty and decent cost of living. Is there such a place? The lines are open and no one needs a lift home. Still, it's great to be away from Texas and so far Colorado is a pretty place and it's good to be back on my bloggy.

My bloggy celebrates a birthday soon but that is another post.

Just another takeover.

2007-02-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

Well this sucks. Right off the bat I don't like what they have done moving the normal blogger and invading with google.

As usual they can't just leave things the fuck alone.

This is an interesting concept but try to keep up - IF SOMETHING WORKS DON'T FUCK WITH IT. Some of us like simple and easy. Some of us like not having to sign up with google in order to get to our blog, a blog that I created and have been writing on for several years now.

I was going to post one of my photos but I don't think I will now. I normally don't waste my time or share my work with those that aren't intelligent enough to appreciate it and with the way the blog all changed I figure that speaks for itself.

I'll leave it as is for now until I find a new home.

One of my Washington, D.C. photos

2007-02-07T12:28:00.000-08:00

It is only the first part of February and already warm and stuffy here in the Dallas area. I long for cool air!

When I took this photo last October in Washington, D.C. it was a nice day. It began bright and then the sky turned several incredible shades of blue and grey then it rained until we got into Maryland.

The cool and the rain were so wonderful after such a long dry summer in Dallas. I will be thrilled to move.

Thankfully Colorado is nice and cool. Cold as hell sometimes? You bet. Do I care? Not me. I love snow.

Incidentally this photo belongs to me and I do not give my consent or permission for anyone to print or use it. You may however enjoy it on here.

Have a nice day anyway.

Electric Roses

2007-01-25T16:04:00.000-08:00

One of my original pieces of art created from some of my own photographs. Simply done but I like the way they came out when I played with the hue, saturation etc.

Total Crap Service

2007-01-06T03:46:00.000-08:00

To any and all potential Time Warner subscribers, beware!

Time Warner is the company that has bought out Comcast cable TV and internet in the area where I live so other than dial-up, which I still have via Mindspring, there really isn't anything else. So much for Big (boring) Dallas eh?

Bloody hell! For what we pay for this? And we get total crap service? I can't even get my friend's email?! This is absolutely outrageous! Deeks sent to the bloody SPAM folder? ....Aaarggghhhh! ...primal scream!.....

Every month we have to call several times about the DNS not working or a poor cable signal... it's one thing or another every month. Pete is far more forgiving than I am. I will never buy any service from them again at any time once we find another company.

And if they try to get cute and disconnect me for writing this stuff? Go right the fuck ahead. I'll log right back on with Mindspring and AN ACTUAL WORKING CONNECTION THAT DOESN'T PUT MY FRIENDS EMAIL INTO THE BLOODY SPAM BIN.

Your Mail Server Doesn't Like Me

2007-01-06T03:30:00.000-08:00

This message was created automatically by mail delivery software.

A message that you sent could not be delivered to one or more of its
recipients. This is a permanent error. The following address(es) failed:

k.ford@XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
SMTP error from remote mailer after MAIL FROM:< XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX > SIZE=3430:
host gateway-a.comcast.net [204.127.225.26]: 550 194.217.242.92 blocked by ldap:ou=rblmx,dc=comcast,dc=net -> BL003 Blocked for spam. Please see http://www.comcast.net/help/faq/index.jsp?faq=SecurityMail_Policy18627

------ This is a copy of the message, including all the headers. ------

Return-path: < XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX >
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by anchor-post-34.mail.demon.net with esmtp (Exim 4.42)
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for XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX; Sat, 06 Jan 2007 11:08:01 +0000
Mime-Version: 1.0
Message-Id:
In-Reply-To: <000301c7317d$08672940$0301a8c0@Everest>
References: <000601c72c0d$c83b8790$0301a8c0@Everest>
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<003601c72f5f$fd0c2a60$0301a8c0@Everest>

<000301c7317d$08672940$0301a8c0@Everest>
Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 10:29:45 +0000
To: "Kate Ford"
From: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Subject: Re: home
Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="============_-1044040814==_ma============"

--============_-1044040814==_ma============
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed"

>Are you home yet or still in Amman? How is it? Can't you give me details?
>
>K.

i give all details here

i think you're just after extra!

I Can't Email You

2006-12-15T01:33:00.000-08:00

For some reason Comcast is blocking me...

So, via blog:

I hope you got the disk I sent. Did you? I know it wasn't a pro thing just really something I wanted to put together for Donny and Sandra. I think they liked it. - says you.

Got it! Lovely! Now I'm off to Jordan / Jerusalem!

Bye!!!!!

http://www.pompeii.com - I'm going to be here.

love

D.

Local store sells stroppy meats!

2006-12-07T18:05:00.000-08:00

I have always been bothered by very poorly written ads mainly because it doesn't take that much to do it correctly however some of them really are funny like the one I've posted above.

YUM! I know I want to try roasting one of these! A pork shoulder butt roast! Wow!

Now that's what I call having your ass on your shoulders.

It's a Mad World

2006-11-30T21:42:00.000-08:00

I scanned this Mad cover to show my patriotism. All I need is a warped version of "Hail to the chief" to play along with it.

I would love it done by the same old group of Nashville acquaintances that did the extremely odd version of the song "Night Train".

By odd I mean the song was played just enough off key with all the musicians playing the same way that everyone noticed but couldn't quite put their finger on what was wrong with the song. Some of the looks and facial expressions of other listeners I saw were priceless.

Needless to say it was hilarious and got a great many laughs.

Come on Deek, I know you can do that one. I have faith in you.

Happy Pointless Holiday!

2006-11-22T23:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Fart-Making Artery-Clogging Indigestion-Causing Turkey-Slaughtering Holiday Everyone! (except Native Americans, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Communists, and Married Gay People!)

And remember: A Free America Means Genocide!!

Go Figure...

2006-09-09T02:48:00.000-07:00

This is suppose to be my personality. Check it out:

My Personality


Neuroticism	83
Extraversion	68
Openness To Experience	97
Agreeableness	50
Conscientiousness	40

Test Yourself Compare Yourself View Full Report

MySpace Surveys, Bebo and MySpace Layouts by Pulseware Survey Software

You are sociable, outgoing, energetic, and lively. You prefer to be around people much of the time. You can be very easily upset, even by what most people consider the normal demands of living. People consider you to be extremely sensitive and emotional. Novelty, variety, and change spice up your life and make you a curious, imaginative, and creative person. You have some concern with others' needs, and are generally pleasant, sympathetic, and cooperative. You are reasonably reliable, organized, and self-controlled.

Episode 1 - Chad Vader, Day Shift Manager

2006-09-08T18:54:00.000-07:00

This is something you guys have got to check out. The first two episodes are the funniest but three is pretty good too. These short films are put out by BlameSocietyFilms and are easily seen on You Tube.

You check out episodes two and three listed under explore more related videos. This is funny stuff and worth the look!

TIME - Pink Floyd

2006-09-08T01:57:00.000-07:00

Another of my all-time favorite songs is Pink Floyd's "Time" from the Dark Side of the Moon album.

Such a great song and David Gilmour (whoa) is still just so damn excellent even after all these years.

Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day
You fritter and waste the hours in an off hand way
Kicking around on a piece of ground in your home town
Waiting for someone or something to show you the way

Tired of lying in the sunshine staying home to watch the rain
You are young and life is long and there is time to kill today
And then one day you find ten years have got behind you
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun

And you run and you run to catch up with the sun, but its sinking
Racing around to come up behind you again
The sun is the same in the relative way, but you’re older
Shorter of breath and one day closer to death

Every year is getting shorter, never seem to find the time
Plans that either come to naught or half a page of scribbled lines
Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way
The time is gone, the song is over, thought I’d something more to say.

Home, home again
I like to be here when I can
And when I come home cold and tired
Its good to warm my bones beside the fire
Far away across the field
The tolling of the iron bell
Calls the faithful to their knees
To hear the softly spoken magic spells.

I won't forget about this again.

2006-09-08T01:29:00.000-07:00

Time after time while surfing blogs I come across these blogs and banners for blogs with pictures of women with their tits or their ass hanging out.

I would just like to say that I think the ones that do that look like what they are - uneducated, ignorant, low class trashy whores. Have you no dignity? No decency at all? No pride as a woman?

We aren't slabs of meat. Learn to act like it and maybe we will be treated better.

If you want people to like the real you why not try to sell your fucking MIND rather than grabbing attention with slutty pictures.

If you want to be a slut, be one where it counts - in the privacy of your own bedroom/where ever with your love/partner.

What is inside is infinitely more important. If you can't see that then you are sad indeed.

And by the way, if you don't like my fucking language, get the fuck off my blog.

For the ones that understand me and even those that don't, you all have a nice day anyway.

Kate's Fractals

2006-09-07T23:45:00.000-07:00

This is a down-sized version of one of the fractals I've created. The original image looks much better since it is far larger and looks great on my desktop.

Kickin'

Cool wallpapers for your desktops get 'em while their hot!

2006-09-07T23:22:00.000-07:00

Yo people, check this out - RealityDreamShip has some really cool desktop images that you can download.

I got most of them and am currently displaying the plug hd wallpaper on my system. It looks awesome! But then they all look awesome, the plane and the ipod wallpapers and all the rest.

Damn! I really need to get myself a Mac for my photography and graphic work.

Oh and by the way, I think Germaine Greer sucks.

Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin Dead

2006-09-03T22:40:00.000-07:00

Since this story is one that means a great deal to me as an animal lover I am posting it here as well as Animal Realm.

This is a loss for anyone who has ever loved an animal and wanted to protect it. It is a loss for those of us that don't think animals are decorations.

It is a loss for those of us that know that all creatures deserve our love, respect and protection.

While I always knew those facts, Steve Irwin reinforced those ideals in me over the many years that I have watched his shows and specials. I will never forget him or what he taught me through his work. He will always be missed.

Reposted from Animal Realm:

My son came and told me that he had heard that Steve Irwin had been killed today. I simply didn't believe him so I checked online. Unfortunately my eyes read what my heart wasn't ready to hear.

According to news.com.au

Quoted from the story:

WORLD EXCLUSIVE by reporters from The Courier-Mail,
Brisbane September 04, 2006 01:56pm

"THE Crocodile Man, Steve Irwin, is dead. He was killed in a freak accident in Cairns, police sources said. It appeared that he was killed by a sting-ray barb that went through his chest, Queensland Police Inspector Russell Rhodes said"

Read the entire story on one of the world's most well known and loved animal activists.

For the rest of my life I will mourn his loss as an educator and animal conservationist as well as a human being that showed such a love and zest for not only life in general but for the lives of the animals he talked of so often.

I will do my best to do at least one thing in my life that will help to carry on Steve's message of animal conservation and I know that I will never forget him.

A rose by any other name

2006-08-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of a rose I took and then played with in photoshop. I like the way it came out.

This copy is small so you can't see the detail that I can on my big monitor. Still, it's a cool piece of photo art.

I am a huge fractal fan and found a couple of good programs that look great for major fractal creation and experimentation. I found those programs thanks to another blogger whose name I can't remember.

How, I will make the effort to find the page and post it here. Her fractals are excellent.

Pod Of Funk

2006-08-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

If you haven't listened to Pod of Funk Number Nine then now is your chance.

It's got some excellent tracks on it as well as the one and only, the unique, the incomparable, smackin' it down across the airways, Deek Deekster himself guiding us though the podcast.

But I warn you, Deek's not in the best of moods with the shitty war. There is some explicit albeit very appropriate language and who can blame him? We're all pissed about the war.

If you haven't subscribed to POF click on the link above and do it. Deek's own description of the musical content: "Classic, rare and eclectic funk, jazz, trip hop, and more from London."

All the podcasts so far have been great and are well composed and produced by Deek Deekster.

A Man of Honor

2006-08-15T04:10:00.000-07:00

If you have seen the film, Men of Honor starring Cuba Gooding Jr, then you most likely know who Carl Brashear is.

I have only just read that he has passed away. His life was one of great importance to us all because he fought to simply be equal and do the very best that he was capable of. He was a man to admire and respect.

I am sorry I never had the chance to meet Master Chief Brashear himself. It would have been quite an honor.

This following is a partial post copied from Wavy.com. Read the full story there listed under, Top stories, Military News section.

A funeral for retired Master Chief Carl Brashear will be conducted at 1 PM Saturday at Little Creek Amphibious Base Chapel with Elder Conley White officiating. He will then be laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Brashear, whose accomplishments and feats were chronicled in the film "Men of Honor", died Tuesday at Naval Medical Center. Portsmouth at the age of 75.

Carl Brashear, the first African-American Navy Diver, died today at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. He was 75 years-old.

A spokesperson for the hospital said he died at 2:35 PM of respiratory and heart failure.

Master Chief Brashear joined the Navy in 1948 at age 17. He was the first black deep sea diver, first black master diver and first person in naval history to be restored to full active duty as an amputee.

He held the position of Master Diver in the US Navy from 1975 to 77. His son, Chief Warrent Officer Phillip Brashear, who is a helicopter pilot in the Army, was here on emergency leave from Iraq to be with his father.

According to his official Navy biography, Carl Maxie Brashear was born on January 19, 1931 was the first African-American to become a United States Navy diver, in the early 1950s. On January 17, 1966, he suffered an accident while on duty, which left him without a leg. After a long struggle, he became the first amputee to be certified as a diver, in April 1968.

He was born in Tonieville, Larue County, Kentucky (USA). Brashear retired from the U.S. Navy in 1979 as a Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9) and Master Diver. He then served as a civilian employee for the government and retired in 1993 with the grade of GS-11.

No memorial arrangements have yet been announced.

A history on the Website of the U.S. Naval Institute follows:

Brashear grew up on a farm in Kentucky as part of sharecropper's family.

After being educated in small segregated schools, he enlisted in the Navy in 1948 and underwent recruit training at Great Lakes, Illinois.

After initial duty as a steward, he began handling aircraft for squadron VX-1 at Key West, Florida, and was subsequently rated as a boatswain's mate.

He served in the escort carriers Palau (CVE-122) and Tripoli (CVE-64) and began taking training in salvage diving. Other duties were in USS Opportune (ARS-41); Naval Air Station Quonset Point, where he escorted President Dwight Eisenhower; Ship Repair Facility Guam; Deep-Sea Diving School; the submarine tender Nereus (AS-17), and Fleet Training Center Pearl Harbor.

He also had temporary duty with Joint Task Force Eight for nuclear tests in the Pacific.

He served in the USS Coucal (ASR-8), USS Shakori (ATF-162), and USS Hoist (ARS-40).

While on board the latter in 1966 for the recovery of a nuclear weapon off Spain, Brashear was badly injured in an accident; as a result, surgeons amputated his left leg below the knee. He refused to submit to medical survey boards attempting to retire him as unfit for duty.

After demonstrating that he could still dive and perform his other duties, he served in Harbor Clearance Unit 2, Naval Air Station Norfolk, Experimental Diving Unit, submarine tender Hunley (AS-31); USS Recovery (ARS-43), Naval Safety Center, and Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity Norfolk.

In 1970 he qualified as the first black master diver in the history of the U.S. Navy.

No memorial arrangements have yet been announced.

Copyright wavy.com

Music and Seether

2006-08-15T01:29:00.000-07:00

It is a fact that I absolutely love music. I try to be fair and give almost any type a listen. In doing so I have learned to appreciate many types of music. That being said none will ever come as close to my heart as rock music. I suppose because I loved it for so many years that it just stuck.

I grew up listening to everything from Elvis Presley, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme and their ball room style music to old tunes to country music, opera music and classical, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys and anything rock... Cream was a favorite as was Joe Walsh, The Grateful Dead and Steppenwolf and three Dog Night. Then came Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Elton John, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Santana and almost anything with the Motown label. In other words you name it and I listened to it.

For the most part that is still true with me. I'll listen to anything once and there is a lot of good music out there. That being said my heart always comes back to rock and alternative music.

One of my absolute favorite groups is Seether. I love all the CD's they've done so far but the first, "Disclaimer" is my favorite. I love all the songs on the CD but "Broken" just tears me up. The music is beautiful but sad.

Here are the lyrics to "Broken".

I wanted you to know I love the way you laugh
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain away
I keep your photograph; I know it serves me well
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain

Because I'am broken when I'am open
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
Because I'am broken when I'am lonesome
And I don't feel light when you're gone away

The worst is over now and we can breathe again
I wanna hold you high, you steal my pain away
There's so much left to learn, and no one left to fight
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain

Because I'am broken when I'am open
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
Because I'am broken when I'am lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away

Because I'am broken when I'm open
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
Because I'am broken when I'am lonesome
And I don't feel light when you're gone away.

If you haven't heard the South African group Seether, pick up one of their CD's. Disclaimer is my favorite but all of them are great. If you like good rock you won't be dissapointed but be warned - they do have explicit language in a good number of their songs.

I don't mind that. In fact I could care less since I curse quite a lot myself and it really is only expression. I figure if the worst a person does is use curse words then they are doing much better than a lot of people.

Wow, this year is flying by.

2006-08-08T02:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't written a new post in billions of years. That isn't true. I wrote one a few days ago. Still, I have to write a new post since it's now August. Wow another year almost gone. Where did it go?

I am hoping that next year will be a better year and definitely a happier year. At some point I want to sit down and actually make a list of the things that would make the new year better, when I do I'll post it here as well. If anyone has any good ideas feel free to share with me.

I do hope to travel more in 2007 since I miss it very much. I'm afraid that I don't consider driving around Texas for three, four or even five hours straight without seeing anything of any real interest to actually be travel. It's BORING.

I love the atmosphere in Europe. Germany and Austria are both great and I love them. I really enjoyed my visit there and I do hope to get back at some point. The German people certainly know how to party and the beer is the best. Hands down the best.

Atmosphere is important to me too but not the sort that one might find in an expensive hotel room. I like the, "travel on a shoestring" sort of trips, then if you splurge on a fancy meal or hotel room it makes the whole hotel thing better.

Getting spoiled at some posh hotel where everything one could possibly hope for is provided might be great but it rather spoils things for the ordinary person like myself. Still, I wouldn't mind being spoiled rotten in a posh hotel.

This is kind of off the mark on why I was writing. I meant to write something about the new year being a better year. And while traveling to Europe to be spoiled with the, "Peel me another grape Helmut" sort of attitude does sound rather appealing, I suppose I should look at possibilities closer to home.

Colorado is on the list for certain. It's not too far that we couldn't drive there so Pete and I do hope to get up that way. And of course we love Virginia and want to visit my son Donny again. The Navy doesn't give him enough time off which really isn't in their best interest but there's nothing I can do about that.

Let's all hope that the rest of 2006 is safe and good and that the quickly arriving 2007 is a great year all round.

Hot stuff

2006-08-02T23:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo I took of a bunch of peppers on my kitchen counter. I thought the bright colors were pretty and tasty looking despite their deadly heat.

I actually grew some small peppers once that we thought were bell peppers mainly because the little plant tag at the greenhouse had said that was a California Wonder bell pepper.

Unknowingly I grilled some with some chicken and popped one in my mouth - they were small so I thought they would work well with the veggie stir fry I made to go with the chicken - and the heat immediately sent flames across my face. Never again.

In fact, that was such a bad experience I glare at anything that resembles bell peppers in the plant houses now. Needless to say, I threw away the entire plant. Evil things they were.

Snakes and another year goes by

2006-06-29T01:10:00.000-07:00

And here another year has come upon us with this bloglet. I have been horrid about posting but I will make the effort to be better.

The snake story is a good one, very interesting! A color-changing snake, wow.

Ok, more later after I sleep.

Happy second year little blog.

Chameleon Snake found in Borneo

2006-06-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

A water snake has been found that changes colour something like a chameleon. Dr Mark Auliya made the discovery by accident when he placed the red-brown snake in a bucket of water, and found that the snake had changed to almost completely white a few minutes later.

Read all about it...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/5118778.stm

Music notes

2006-04-04T01:49:00.000-07:00

This has long been one of my favorite songs. I love the lyrics, they have much meaning for me but the guitars are just soo awesome. They really make the song. Find it and listen. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed.

ARTIST: The Outlaws
TITLE: Green Grass and High Tides

In a place you only dream of, where your soul is always free
Silver stages, golden curtains, filled my head plain as could be
As a rainbow grew around the sun, all the stars I've loved, who died
Came from somewhere beyond the scene you see, these lovely people played just for me

Now if I let you see this place where stories all ring true
Will you let me past your face to see what's really you
It's not for me I ask this question as though I were a king
For you have to love, believe and feel, before the burst of tambourines take you there

Green grass and high tides forever
Castles of stone, soul and glory
Lost faces say we adore you
As kings and queens bow and play for you

Those who don't believe me, find your souls and set them free
Those who do, believe and know that time will be your key
Time and time again I've thanked them for a peace of mind
That helped me find myself amongst the music and the rhyme that enchants you there

Green grass and high tides forever
Castles of stone, soul and glory
Lost faces say we adore you
As kings and queens bow and play for you

Weekadoodloo

2006-03-30T21:47:00.000-08:00

"Weekadoodloo" - the lusty mating cry of the Indian Cockabindi bird which, once a week during the pre-monsoon mating season, gives vent to the sweetest of its guttural, hoarse cries in its search to find a mate. This effort is so puny however that it generally serves to repulse even those prospective partners who are in earshot. Thus the cockabindi rarely succeeds in attracting a mate, and this is perhaps the cause of its tragic decline in numbers.

"If the Cockabindi was responsible for romance, none of us would be here." - David Attenborough.

Sunny Weather

2006-03-06T15:33:00.000-08:00

Hello today world. It is a bright, sunny 83.3 F or for our British friends and the rest of the world, 27.4 C. Needless to say we have the air conditioning on already.

I would wish that we could have a bit more winter with snow and all that sort of thing but someone might send me evil notes shaming me for wishing cold weather on them. Still there are positives to having warm weather already.

1. One needs far less clothing in warm weather.
2. It is fun to be outside in the sun providing we have on 500 sunblock.
3. I love to swim and prefer to do so in warm water.
4. One doesn't slip and fall on sunrays and possibly may on ice or snow.
5. Clearing and airing burnt cooking is far better in warm weather.
6. In the event that clearing and airing isn't sufficient, it is more pleasant to sit outside in warm weather.

If any of you want some fun stuff to look at click here (or click the link to the right) and check out the latest from the real, the genuine, the one and only John Cleese's site. Very funny stuff. Enjoy!

In the event that John doesn't have anything that you think is particularly funny posted, listed or otherwise, stay tuned the hilarity will come forthwith.

Lemurs. Cuddly creatures or naughty little pervs?

2006-03-03T18:57:00.000-08:00

You be the judge.

It seems that I have stumbled upon some rather scandalous activity among lemurs.

It would also seem that they have a spectator. Naughty lemurs.

Near and dear to my heart.

2006-02-28T17:09:00.000-08:00

Palestinian and Israeli men will climb Mt. Everest together in world peace climb.

Read the full story here. Everest Peace Project.

A shelter kitten

2006-02-24T23:20:00.000-08:00

I took this photo at the Richardson Animal Shelter.

All their kittens and cats need good homes.

Morons of the animal kingdom. Oh wait - those are humans!

2006-02-24T23:07:00.000-08:00

I have to post a note after reading Deek's last post. I fail to see any humor in some sick son of a bitch using any animal sexually.

As for the Sudanese man being forced to marry a goat, that part is at least funny because the thoughtless shithead that felt sexually molesting the goat was alright got his just desserts.

Well, at least now he has something to keep his little pecker busy. Oh and it's all nice and legal since they are married. HAHA...

The other guy, gay or not is just as bad. I am sure that were he to try he could find a partner somewhere. Can you say, "Moron"?

If all of it is untrue then mores the pity since someone thinks that sort of shit is funny. Animal deserve respect too.

A Special Love For Animals

2006-02-24T13:57:00.000-08:00

There's this delightful, touching story, romantic and rather special....

and there's this one... which is a different kind of beast altogether.

What do you reckon?

I reckon it's as old as the hills...

Deek Deekster Mauled by Cockabindi for second time!

2006-02-11T05:17:00.000-08:00

Yes folks you read it here first. Deek Deekster has again been mauled by an irate Cockabindi. This attack comes weeks after another similar attack.

When asked what happened this time Deek is quoted as saying, "The bird looked stupid and I told it so. I didn't realize the Cockabindi simply couldn't take hearing the truth."

After the last mauling our readers might think that Deek had learnt his lesson but this is not the case.

Here are a few tips when dealing with Cockabindi:

1. Never insult them.
2. Don't mention their toenails.
3. Don't comment on their plumage.
4. And never speak of broccoli.

Those tips won't save you in a real pinch but they might help in lesser cases.

Best of luck Deek for a speedy recover and keep away from those Cockabindis.

Face Found in Corn & Pea Mixture!

2006-02-02T10:04:00.000-08:00

This face was found in a mix of corn and green peas. It could have religious significance or it could be the face of Alfred E. Newman.

And now for something slightly different.

2006-02-02T08:31:00.000-08:00

Ok first things first because I've been gone for about a thousand years. Ok, ok maybe that is a tad bit of an exaggeration but still, I haven't done a proper post in ages.

There are several things I want to address in this post. One is, when you see all these "please donate" buttons on sites where you get icons and cool desktop images what is a decent and fair amount to donate without the artist getting ripped off and without me getting the shaft as well while people laugh and say stuff like, "she paid how much for those icons? What a maroon!"

Another thing I want to mention is the fact that toothpaste marketing people like to make us think that their container is brand new and totally unique. No, it is not. Their statement is a gross infraction of the truth. Maybe I should say the tooth. Har har...

And what the hell kind of peppers do Chinese cooks use? We had Chinese the other night and my son Jc got some General Tso's Chicken. When I went to hand him his I got a bit of the sauce on my finger. Not a lot, just a tiny small bit so I licked it off.

This was a huge mistake. My entire tongue and the right side of my face burst into flames. Damn. Well it felt like it anyway. My son who is 23 looked at me and grunted,"it probably isn't really that hot."

If he ate that stuff and still felt that way then I may need an exorcist fast because Satan himself couldn't eat that without a gallon of milk handy to extinguish the flames.

Whatever those peppers were, they could be used as a very effective weapon. We could load them into a pepper gun and shoot them at people that piss us off on the highway. Here in Dallas that is a lot of drivers.

Now I'll have Dallas residents riding around town reading this via their PDA's saying, "what the hell does she know anyway?"

Another thing on this post is the subject of closets. I have figured out that American designers want to drive people like me insane with the tiny closets they put in all the houses. Some day I hope to have two houses. One will just be a big roomy closet that I can wander through with a dazed, vacant look on my face while I marvel at all the space. I await the day people.

My other son Donny - who I miss dearly - is on his ship and will leave port in a few days for a month (Refer to my earlier post of The Navy Hymn) at sea. While I am very proud of my son, sometimes it's hard to be a Navy Mom. ...(sighhh).

Happy New Year for 2006

2006-01-02T21:07:00.000-08:00

I wish you all a wonderful new year and I hope we all find love, peace, happiness and success.

I am in the process of writing a decent post since I haven't done so since November but I have also had a nasty flu for the last week or so and I haven't felt like writing or anything else for that matter. I do have a draft saved now though and will hopefully finish it and post it soon.

Ok, I have shared one of my photos, and it is mine- I took the picture so please don't try to sell it since it belongs to me but you can feel free to send it to mom's, sister's, wives, girlfriends, grandma's, boyfriends, husbands etc. You all get the idea. :o)

Sputnoef

2005-11-12T13:58:00.000-08:00

During the 1960s, cold war Paris was awash with spies, with espionage carried out at the highest level. The Russian KGB were among the most technically inventive. Sputnoef was the name given to a egg-sized bug resembling the Russian Sputnik satellite which was found in the Chilean Embassy in 1962, hidden in a bowl of fruit at a dinner attended by Charles de Gaulle.

Deekster Attacked by Cockabindi!

2005-11-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

Yes folks it appears to be true. Our own Deek Deekster has been attacked by a large bird with gaudy plumage. It is said that Deek made some sort of remark in regard to the bird's plumage and this set off a verbal attack which in turn set off a physical attack which Deek very narrowly escaped.

As it is, Deek took a hell of a beating from the brute bird having been repeatedly pounded while the bird terrorized him with loud obnoxious squawks. Although pictures would help, we readers can only imagine what horror Deek must have gone through.

Our healing thoughts are with you on this journey Deek.

P.S. At least Deek wasn't attacked by a large blancmange.

P.S.S. Does anyone have a tranquilizer handy?

Cockabindi

2005-11-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

Cockabindi is large bird from the Indian sub-continent whose call has been described as "harrowing" "blood-curdling" and "a sound inspiring mortal fear". Plumage resembles nothing other than a bundle of bright rags splashed with paint.

"In the unfortunate queue of species destined for early extinction, Cockabindi is surely at the front." - Mahatma Ghandi.

MMFR DRH

2005-10-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

For my son

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep;
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea.

O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy word,
Who walked'st on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea.

Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea.

O Trinity of love and power!
Our brethren shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe'er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

A Massage From The Swedish Prime Minister

2005-10-19T00:09:00.001-07:00

Gravel Jobs, Monty Python and Yogurt

2005-10-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

Gravel Jobs are great as I'm told especially if you like gravel and enjoy playing in large amounts of it. I do but not enough to work with it everyday. I would still rather have a travel job. Ahh yes, that's right I said "travel job". It's all in the spelling.

There are a few things I'd like to mention. First off about the gravel job. I've done that one so let's move on to number two. That would be Monty Python. I adore anything Python. If I had one wish that could come true it would be to meet the rest of the pythons or at least a couple of them (Graham Chapman I could go talk to I suppose but I can't really meet him right now) so I could see what they are like in person.

Maybe see if any of them are funny in person too. After being funny all day can someone be spontaneously funny at home too?

Sometimes I wonder if comedians are so funny at work that they lose the ability to be funny after work. Is that possible? ..."Thwow him to the floow Centuwion and vewy woughly!"...

I would also like to know what it means with yogurt that has these words printed on the container. "Live and active cultures". Is that the yogurt creatures inside with their tidy tennis whites saying things like, "Well Fred and I play at the club three times a week so yes, I'd say we were fairly active."

Or the model-type yogurt with a skimpy leotard and huge white teeth saying, "WOW!! WE'RE REALLY LIVE AND ACTIVE TODAY! LET'S GET THOSE ONE CELLED ORGANISMS MOVING!"

Someone 'splain this to me ok? The lines are open.

Gravel Job

2005-10-12T01:46:00.000-07:00

Selling big heaps of small stones would be good.

Looking for a travel job

2005-10-09T16:20:00.000-07:00

I need suggestions for jobs that include a lot of travel. I don't mind going out of the country in fact, I prefer it. Local travel is ok too.

If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, write and let me know please. It would be very helpful to me. Now comes the hard part. What kind of work.

I am a fair writer and a pretty good photographer. I'm a good AA (Administrative Assistant) so if you guys have ideas, let me know.

A Month Lost

2005-10-08T00:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, I've been taking a short break from this as well as many other things. I'll write some decent posts soon and maybe post a picture or two.

Won't that be nice?

Dodgeball

2005-08-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

Hello out there to all the people that come across this. It is 10:32 pm central time here in Dallas on Sunday night. Let me tell you it's boring. I might watch a movie but I doubt that I'll get the laughs like I did off the movie Dodgeball.

If you have seen it then you know some of the laughs I'm talking about. I laughed hysterically at the scene with "Patches" throwing (referred to as "spanners" in Britain) wrenches in order to teach the players how to dip , duck, etc so as to keep out of range of the ball.

Important Cultural Note: Pete has just explained to me that people in Britain will know what I mean when I say "wrench" but that in Britain a wrench is a type of spanner. I stand corrected.

Ben Stiller was goofy and very funny as usual so this movie is a hit with me. If you haven't seen it, it's worth watching for a laugh.

Can you believe it?

2005-08-23T23:52:00.000-07:00

I'm sure everyone has seen what is in the news about Pat Robertson but I just had to post something.

Can you believe the sheer stupidity of this man? In a country that hammers on about terrorism he is allowed to get away with a comment like that is simply beyond me.

If some ordinary Joe/Josie blow talked that way on a street corner, he or she would undoubtedly be arrested for it on some charge or the other. Not so with the religious zealots. They can get by with what they want. Which figures.

It just proves something I've known all along. It doesn't matter how much some people spout off about being "christian" that just doesn't always make it true.

In any case, I hope he will at least get some sort of nasty reprimand from the higher ups.

New TV Technology

2005-08-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I love movies. I also enjoy watching them at home and other than the screen size, I prefer watching movies in the comfort of our home more than sitting in a theater. This brings me to the point of this post.

I often look at the sale papers that are in the mailbox for some of the local stores. There is usually more than one ad listing all the different TV's the store has. There are so many things about TV's now that I have no idea what is better and what gives you the best picture for the money etc.

I feel like the TV manufacturers are creating a language that only they understand. Well them and the chosen ones that are privy to the TV lingo. If any of you understand the details in buying a new plasma TV, please leave a note on my blog so my brain won't implode from the stress.

Shitty Spammers

2005-08-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody! After having gotten a crappy spammer leaving their shitty comments in my comment field, Pete suggested that I choose the setting that will force people leaving comments to have a security word so that automated spammers have no way to leave messages.

If that helps then that's great. If not, I'll still delete what the ignorant fucks leave on my site. I make it a policy to never buy anything that is sent via any kind of spam. That includes people calling me on the telephone too.

Invariably at dinner time everyday some shit head calls our house trying to get us to buy something or use their shit products or give them donations. I have no problem at all in telling them all that I never, never buy anything or give donations when people call my house. If they want something from me, they can send it via regular mail then I will at least consider it. If they get snotty on the phone then I generally cuss them out and put them in their place. Which is where they belong anyway.

I think if more people would put their foot down and do the same sort of thing and simply refuse to give donations or use services/products, a lot of the spamming would stop. But as long as people are ignorant enough to use the shit these fucking retards push, the spammer morons will keep on. Not me my friend.

I won't cater to their needs regardless of what it is and I hope more people will pick up my lead and do the same.

Rockin' with the stones

2005-08-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

I fooled you with the title didn't I? I'll bet you thought you were going to read about some fabulous concert with the Stones eh? No such luck. I only wish it were that kind of stone to which I refer.

This month has been simply unbelievable. I haven't posted much because I have been in and out of the hospital so much, I think I've been there more than at home.

As many of my readers and friends know, I was having trouble with a 10 mm kidney stone that simply refused to be removed. No matter what the Doctors tried, it just wouldn't budge. With my kidneys in danger of serious damage, The Doctor decided to put a tube into m kidney and then go in via the tube and remove the stone.

The second Doctor that was to put the tube in place tried for over two hors only to find that the collection area of my kidney is only about half the size of most other people. I had twelve (12) holes in my back where he tried to figure out a way to get the tube in place. Needless to say it never worked.

One week later, my regular Doctor that handles this put me back in the hospital and used a laser to finally get the little bastard out.

Hooray, this time he got it! Hip hooray for me! If I live to be 100, I hope I never have another kidney stone again. God they suck!

I wish I had asked him to save any bits of the stone he could so that I could put them in a baggy and then run them over with the car.

I have a question for any health care workers that read this. Why is it that nurses and technicians all feel that even being in serious pain I should be friendly and in a good, jolly mood? Let me tell you, that will never happen with me. I am a horrid patient. Hands down, I fully admit it.

I am every nurses nightmare. At least the nurses here in Texas. They all want to be chatty which I didn't feel like being. Now I am not ugly or mean to anyone but I simply don't want to talk, chat or be around anyone when I am in pain. I prefer to talk only when necessary that way I am less likely to say anything rude to anyone. I think that is fair and isn't too much to ask.

I detest being in any situation where I must ask anyone for help. I like to do for myself and I like being able to handle things myself. I don't want someone holding my arm while I walk to the bathroom or someone looking in the door while I try to have a wee. I much prefer to be the one helping someone else. And unlike some people, it doesn't bother me if someone is grumpy or crabby to me when they are ill or in pain. Hey, shit happens right?

So, I now am on the mend finally and I hope to never have any more problems with kidney stones again. I will consider myself a fortunate woman if that happens.

Until later, enjoy your stone-free life and if you happen to have a kidney stone, you have my sincere sympathy.

George Bush Loyalty Test. Ha!

2005-07-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

I took the test that Pete has linked on his blog Augmented Reality but I will post the link right here so you all can do the test yourself if you like.

Go here to take the George Bush loyalty quiz. I'm happy to report that I failed mine miserably. Kudos to me! Here are my results. And no I did not copy Pete's answers in any way. I chose what I wanted to say. It's not my fault that we dislike him equally.

Your score is 0 on a scale of 1 to 10. You hate Bush with a writhing passion. You think he is an idiot, a liar, and a warmonger who has been a miserable failure as president. Nothing would give you greater pleasure than seeing him run out of the White House, except maybe seeing him dragged away in handcuffs.

So who do we want to vote into office in 2008? Ideas are most welcome!

A great joke

2005-07-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

I know it's probably been seen already because most of my jokes are ages old and everyone knows them except me but I still have to post this one. I hope you all get a good laugh.

Far away in the tropical waters of the Caribbean, two were swimming
around in the sea - one called Justin and the other called Christian. The prawns
were constantly being harassed and threatened by sharks that inhabited the area.

Finally one day Justin said to Christian, "I'm fed up with being a prawn, I wish
I was a shark, then I wouldn't have any worries about being eaten."

A large mysterious cod appeared and said, "Your wish is granted", and lo and
behold, Justin turned into a shark. Horrified, Christian immediately swam
away, afraid of being eaten by his old mate. Time passed (as it invariably
does) and Justin found life as a shark boring

and lonely. All his old mates simply swam away whenever he came close to
them. Justin didn't realize that his new menacing appearance was the cause
of his sad plight.

While swimming alone one day he saw the mysterious cod again and he thought
perhaps the mysterious fish could change him back into a prawn.

He approached the cod and begged to be changed back, and, lo and behold, he
found himself turned back into a prawn. With tears of joy in his tiny little eyes
Justin swam back to his friends and bought them all a cocktail.

Looking around the gathering at the reef he realized he couldn't see his old
pal. "Where's Christian?" he asked. "He's at home, still distraught that his
best friend changed sides to the enemy and became a shark", came the reply.

Eager to put things right again and end the mutual pain and torture, he
set off to Christian's abode. As he opened the coral gate memories came
flooding back. He banged on the door and shouted, "It's me, Justin, your old
friend, come out and see me again."

Christian replied, "No way man, you'll eat me. You're now a shark, the
enemy, and I'll not be tricked into being your dinner." Justin cried back
"No, I'm not. That was the old me.

I've changed."... "I've found Cod. I'm a prawn again Christian".

Summertime once again

2005-07-01T02:08:00.000-07:00

While the calendar may still be saying spring the temperature gauges outside are now registering close to and on several days already over 100 degrees here in Richardson. I think that is about 41c for the rest of the metric world. One day maybe America will try and catch up. Here in Texas we'll bake while we wait thanks.

Anyway, my point is why are we still living here in these hot house temperatures? I feel like an oven baked chicken when I go outside longer than 10 or 15 minutes at a time. Forget mowing grass and all that, I refuse to do that kinda thing until 7 or 8 pm when it's cool enough to breath. I am now going to check the temperature in the Seattle Washington area for comparison.

Check out the differences yourself. Here in Texas we are a mile from the sun. Seattle is a bit further to the north.

Seattle, Washington

Richardson, Texas

Frankly I'm still hoping for a miracle so we can move up there. Keep your fingers crossed everybody! It's too hot for me in Texas. Happy Solstice everyone!

Happy Solstice All

2005-06-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

Have a great midsummer!

Have a great day fellas!

2005-06-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my blog

2005-06-17T15:28:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to bloggy, happy birthday to bloggy! Happy birthday dear bloggyyyy... happy birthday to you!

My, my (...wiping a tear away...) they grow up so fast don't they?

I am happy to say that my blog has turned one year old this week. It certainly doesn't seem that long ago that I began blogging at Deek's suggestion. Why it seems like only yesterday Deek was pestering me to get busy with blogging. Oh wait...that was only yesterday. Anyway, I must say that this has been very enjoyable even though lately I haven't been updating as often as I normally do.

I could make up something really cool and interesting sounding like, Ohhh let's see... I was walking to the store and this space ship swooped down out of nowhere and three little aliens came out and ran after me trying to suck my brain out with a turkey baster. They chased me into the store and finally caught up with me at the fresh vegetable stand. There was a great sale on squash, mushrooms and avocados.

It was the sale that slowed me down. When I realized the aliens were near I began pelting them with small root vegetables and bottles of blue cheese salad dressing. I find turnips and parsnips work rather nicely on these occasions and blue cheese goes with pretty much everything.

Anyway after a brief few moments the isles were littered with enough vegetables to stock a small country and the aliens were doing the blue cheese shuffle slipping their way past the screaming hordes of customers and running for the hills. Or as in this case, running for their can-shaped space craft. They all beat a hasty retreat back where they had come from.

There. Wasn't that loads more fun than hearing about my ill-tempered kidney and it's attitude problem? Yes of course it is. Now behave before I pelt you with parsnips, mushy fruit and salad dressing.

Oh and that bit above about Deek pestering me yesterday was a blatant lie. It was a gross infraction of the truth. It was in no way correct or even close to semi-true. It was a tacky big fat honking lie. So there. Deek was good. Mostly.

My tarot cart photo and readings.

2005-06-07T23:03:00.000-07:00

This is a photo that I took (this isn't free to print and use, the photo belongs to me) at Scarborough Faire. I really loved the colors of the tarot cart with the flowers and all.

I posted this because it brings me to something interesting that I am starting, that being card readings. I am not sure what I will charge for it but it won't be very much for certain. If anyone has specific cards that they would like readings from, feel free to leave a comment and let me know which ones they are. I have several different types that I will be reading from.

I like the idea of this and it works well for me as I do my own readings. As I get closer to having the whole thing set up I will let everyone know the URL and any other pertinent information.

Also if anyone would like to share general ideas, please feel free to send me an email or leave a comment. I appreciate your thoughts on the subject.

Freedom of speech and blogging

2005-06-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

This is a post in response to a comment left on my blog. Those being the key words here, "my blog". If someone doesn't like that I post over the voting or anything else for that matter, they are free to surf elsewhere. I am open to respect everyone else's ideas and personal thoughts and feelings and I expect the same. Unfortunately not everyone feels that way.

Still, I write about whatever I feel like writing and will certainly continue to do so. It makes no difference to me that anyone else might think that my feelings over the voting is "definitely not worth bloggin over either!"

Since this is my blog, then whatever I choose to write about is worth blogging. Anyone that feels like Nazi-ing their way into another person's blog - forget mine - because that kind of shit isn't welcome here.

Those of you who respect the personal thoughts of others are always welcome here.

Strange challenge combinations and

2005-05-28T23:57:00.000-07:00

The other day I thought I would do one of those challenges that BE has set up now. I thought what the hell, I'll give it a go. Well as I figured, my blog lost.

One reason is because the person that accepted was a photography site. Ok, I only have a few years college as opposed to say 7 or 8 but really, in reading any or even all of my posts which are normally nothing really to do with photography (I have on occasion put up a photo of my own such as my tuberose and that *is* copyright and no one has permission to use that ever for any reason)other than photos of my own like that do you see my blog listed as a fucking photography site? No? Well geee what a surprise.

BE should really do a little fixing so that the people who accept a challenge are actually in the same category as the other one. At least reasonably so. If someone likes pictures better than actually *reading* someone's posts, then guess what? The photo site will win it. I think I'll skip that shit till BE reorganizes the thing so that general/misc sites are challenged with general/misc.

So anyone hard up for points with a blog that has vastly different content than mine will just have to do without me until like sites are challenges. Thanks and you have a nice day anyway. HAHA...

Anyway, here is a joke for Sunday. Enjoy!

These are taken from real CVs and cover letters and were printed in the
July 21, 1997 issue of Fortune Magazine:

1. "I demand a salary commiserate with my extensive experience."

2. "I have lurnt Word Perfect 6.0 computor and spreasheet progroms."

3. "Received a plague for Salesperson of the Year."

4. "Reason for leaving last job: maturity leave."

5. "Wholly responsible for two (2) failed financial institutions."

6. "Failed bar exam with relatively high grades."

7. "It's best for employers that I not work with people."

8. "Let's meet, so you can 'ooh' and 'aah' over my experience."

9. "You will want me to be Head Honcho in no time."

10. "Am a perfectionist and rarely if ever forget details."

11. "I was working for my mom until she decided to move."

12. "Marital status: single. Unmarried. Unengaged. Uninvolved. No
commitments."

13. "I have an excellent track record, although I am not a horse."

14. "I am loyal to my employer at all costs... Please feel free to
respond to my resume on my office voice mail."

15. "I have become completely paranoid, trusting completely no one and
absolutely nothing."

16. "My goal is to be a meteorological. But since I possess no
training in meteorology, I suppose I should try stock brokerage."

17. "I procrastinate, especially when the task is unpleasant."

18. "Personal interests: donating blood. Fourteen gallons so far."

19. "As indicted, I have over five years of analyzing investments."

20. "Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chain
store."

21. "Note: Please don't misconstrue my 14 jobs as 'job-hopping'. I
have never quit a job."

22. "Marital status: often. Children: various."

23. "Reason for leaving last job: They insisted that all employees
get to work by 8:45 am every morning. I couldn't work under those
conditions."

24. "The company made me a scapegoat, just like my three previous
employers."

25. "Finished eighth in my class of ten."

26. "References: none. I've left a path of destruction behind me."

News stories on Coach Kinne and Mary Oliver

2005-05-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

Normally I don't do a lot of news reporting since it tends to depress me. However, a reader out of the USA asked about a couple of local stories so I will add links to whatever information I can find on the stories.

On the Coach Kinne shooting, here is a link from station KLTV Channel 7, Tyler-Longview, also MSNBC News.

The Houston Chronicle as well as USA Today also carry stories on the shooting.

On the Mary Oliver/Paulette Baines story, the news links are as follows.

American Renaissance News.

Boston.com And CHUD.com

After reading over both these stories it proves to me that this society is far too violent. I have not got the patience to teach kids but if I did, I certainly wouldn't tolerate being beaten in my class room by a psychotic parent. I do hope the court orders psychiatric testing for her.

In today's fast-paced modern society this is the very last thing a bunch of very impressionable kids need to see. It only reinforces violence with adults abusing other adults. I hope this is dealt with very quickly.

I don't know what the very latest information is on either case but I will post whatever I happen to find in the future.

Movies, acting & snogging

2005-05-24T02:21:00.000-07:00

I have often wondered what it would be like to work as an actress. It must be loads of fun traveling and having people know who you are. Not to mention spending the day kissing someone like Colin Firth. Gosh I know I would just hate that. You believe me right?

Let's see, traveling all over the world to beautiful cities, meeting lots of famous people, snogging lots of handsome guys (ohh come on, you guys know you would love snogging the lips off all those gorgeous Hollywood ladies)and not to mention making huge piles of money. Wow what a way to make a living.

I suppose there are other great ways to earn a living, I just don't know what they would be. Your ideas are most welcome. Seriously, write and let me know if you have a great idea for money making. I need a job. Preferably one that makes huge loads of cash and is still fun. Does that sort of job actually exist? The lines are open.

Nepalese Yak Jokes.

2005-05-24T02:02:00.000-07:00

While I write a new post, I'll share some of my favorite jokes with you all. There are no actual Nepalese Yak jokes here but I thought it was catchy and yaks are interesting and have an odd name.
____________________________________________________________________

A waiter brings the customer the steak he ordered with his
thumb over the meat.

"Are you crazy?" yelled the customer, "with your hand on my
steak?"

"What" answers the waiter, "You want it to fall on the floor
again?"
____________________________________________________________________

A man calls home. The maid answers the phone.

He says, "can I speak to my wife?" The maid says, "No, she's upstairs with her boyfriend"

--He's mad-- says, "Ok, go to the hall closet and take out my shotgun. Go upstairs and kill both of them." Being the loyal maid, she says "ok"

Five minutes later she picks up the phone and says,"Ok, their both dead. What should I do with the bodies?"

He says, "Throw them into the pool, I'll take care of them when I get home." She says, "We don't have a pool!" He says, "Is this 574-8293?"
____________________________________________________________________

Remember, things could be worse.

You could:

1. Wake up face down on the pavement.

2. Put your bra on backward and it fits better.

3. Call Suicide Prevention and they put you on hold.

4. See a "60 Minutes" news team waiting in your office.

5. See your birthday cake collapse from the weight of the candles.

6. Have your son tell you he wishes Anita Bryant would mind her own business.

7. Turn on the news and they're showing emergency routes out of the city.

8. Have your twin sister forget your birthday.

9. Wake up and discover your waterbed broke and then you realize that you
don't have a waterbed.

10. Have your car horn go off accidentally and remain stuck as you follow
a group of Hell's Angels on the freeway.

11. Have your boss tell you not to bother to take off your coat.

12. Realize that the bird singing outside your window is a buzzard.

13. Walk to work and find your dress is stuck in back of your pantyhose.

14. Call your answering service and they tell you it's none of your
business.

15. Have your blind date turn out to be your ex-husband/wife.

16. Put both contact lenses in the same eye.
__________________________________________________________________

Buick Titanic - Ships of the highway

2005-05-22T05:06:00.000-07:00

Riding around in Dallas we had this absolutely enormous car pass us. It was one of those old Buicks - you know the ones that are actually more like ships of the highway? Like a 1974 Buick Titanic. Complete with several engineers in the back shoveling coal into the engine boilers.

Anyway, the car whooshed past us and as I saw the driver I thought the end of the car would soon come but to my astonishment it didn't. The car kept going and going and going. It was like watching a cruise liner glide past. I was actually looking out for anyone who might be playing shuffleboard on deck and thinking, "Wow, I'd like to take a cruise someday".

You could have an accident in one of those and it would take the police 2 hours just to figure out which deck of the car/ship you are in. I wonder if a band would stay on and play as the car went out of sight? Maybe one of those Beach Boys car songs. Little GTO or Little deuce Coupe? Little Red Corvette?

I've just been informed that a Corvette is also suppose to be some sort of ship. See? See??(...pointing my finger...) I'm not nearly as far off the mark as most people think I am. Ha!

And then there are the pirates of the highways. You might get one of those Buick Titanics with a skull and crossbones on it and another one coming over a hill. And the battle begins...

All the guys in both cars would be jumping out saying, "Avast ye highway swab dogs! Give us yer ship and ye may see thee marrow!" "Yarrr!" And "Yarrr, I'll be havin' that Beach Boy's cd too ye devil dog!"

Then the winning pirates take the ship back to their personal dock and strip it of it's best shiply goodies and give all the left over car/ship personnel the option to either be tied to a chair and forced to listen to Celine Dion or to make them walk along the high five in Dallas as punishment. Most of them would choose the high five.