Rainy Day Wonderings

Virginia Woolf’s Voice

2010-09-11T00:13:00.000-07:00

This is the only surviving recording of Virginia Woolf's voice. It is part of a BBC radio broadcast from April 29th, 1937. The talk was called "Craftsmanship" and was part of a series entitled "Words Fail Me".
The audio is accompanied by a slideshow of photographs of Virginia Woolf.

Banned Post Cards & More!

2010-08-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

With their fat wives, skinny husbands and embarrassed vicars, Donald McGill's postcards and their cheeky end of the pier humor are known throughout the world. But the authorities of post-war Britain weren’t so enamored with McGill's sense of fun.

The New Donald Mc Gill’s Saucy Seaside Postcard Museum on the Isle of Wight takes a look at how one man and his double entendres became caught up in the absurdity of post-war censorship. Donald McGill was a British institution, whose saucy postcards became an integral part of the British seaside holiday and at the height of his popularity were selling up to 16 million copies a year.

Yet in the 1950s, with McGill almost in his eighties, he was prosecuted for obscenity. He pleaded guilty to avoid being imprisoned and continued to work for another eight years, but the demise of the saucy seaside postcard had begun.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Things I am grateful for…

Waking up this morning to a beautiful day in sunny San Diego.
My dogs, Rascal and Pepper. They protect my home, my family and keep me entertained with their wild antics in the backyard.
My health. I have finally lost an inch around my hips and derrière. Yay me!
To have had the opportunity to put up healthy boundaries with a friend today.
All the experiences that make me ME.
The people who care about me and love me.
For music and it feelings it can cause in me.
Having lunch with my dad today.

What are you grateful for today?

Gothic Beauty

2010-07-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

Hmm... such a sexy couple.

A very cool stranger.

Simply stunning.

Have a great week everyone :)

Seals & Crofts - Summer Breeze Live 1973 Midnight Special

2010-06-22T00:28:00.000-07:00

Awe, summertime...my favorite season.

A Recent Discovery

2010-06-04T00:44:00.000-07:00

“Regret; The Follies of Youth”
By Jessica Ward

11X14’
Graphite and color pencil on paper
Model: Vicky Taylor

♦Available at the “Fables and Follies” group show curated by Creep Machine at The Alternative Cafe June 11th 2010

Guam-born artist, Jessica Ward, is not about to glamorize being a teenage girl with lip gloss and mini-skirts. Her vivid graphite and color drawings of female figures with detached limbs and incomplete bodies are a visual reminder that hidden neuroses can pop up in the prettiest of places. Exposing the paranoia of eating disorders and teens, Ward’s subjects become more monster than teen and illustrate a storybook of inner delusions where hair is a girl’s worst enemy and cats become accepting protectors and symbols of escape.” – Content © L’etoile Magazine 2009

I Am Still Waiting!

2009-04-04T22:39:00.000-07:00

I did what you told me ...
I sent the email to 10 people like you said ..
I'm still waiting for that miracle to happen .

To all my friends who in the last year sent me best 'wishes', chain letters, 'angel' letters or other promises
of good luck if I forwarded something,
NONE OF THAT WORKED!
Next time, could you please just send your treasure, Rum, chocolate,
Bodice Daggers or
Flintlocks instead!
Thank you!

♥ Rain

Thanks for the email dad ;0)

Being Grateful

2009-03-12T22:46:00.000-07:00

“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.” ~ Brian Tracey.
　
Today I am grateful for;

Since my last post BOTH of the computers in my home died. Rainman’s went out first and he offered to pay to get his fixed… with his own money! Wahoo! My computer died last Thursday and I was able to find a HP Pavilion Special Edition A6745F tower for under $500.00 including a two year warranty.
My wonderful and supportive father, who is there for me through everything. I am so lucky to have him.
My previous husband Jim and all the support he has always shown me.
The mistakes I make...daily...and for the people who let me know about them.
Willingness to examine myself honestly [sometimes painfully].
　
Learning to meditate and understanding how significant it is to still my mind so that I can touch my emotions.
Seeing an new perspective through someone else’s eyes.
Being able to distant myself from the actions of others so that everything they do doesn’t directly affect me.
Being in the moment and feeling life around me.
Having the strength to do things that scare me.
The sensual smell of books.
The inspiring notes of jazz music.
Sunshine in the winter days – I take the sun’s rays to be the Universe smiling on me.

How about you, what are you grateful for? Comments are always appreciated

♥ Rain

Random Thoughts

2009-02-16T11:46:00.000-08:00

Trois Nus
By
Jean Louis Forain
Oil on canvas
French

Hello :)

It’s been a long time.
In the last year my life has turned upside down with twists and turns with never a dull moment.
I want you to know that I am under doctors care, I am tested regularly and my health has improved.
I have made changes in my eating habits and I am trying to exercise more.
My medications have changed and been drastically reduced to lower levels and as a result I have lost weight.
Although I have not lost one ounce from my derriere.
I know this because I just checked in the mirror.
It is a curse I tell you!

********

My sex drive is still in high gear and has increased with the reduction or elimination of certain medications.
My love life is…you see, I am dating three men and all of them know about the other.
Yes, you read that right.
There is this one man and his name is Pirate.
I met him at my cousins house when I was nine years old.
We both surfed, rode skateboards and were straight A students.
By the time we graduated high school, he had two children in two different ports.
When I was twenty two, I made the mistake of getting married to my now ex.
At that time Pirate was livin’ a pirates life to the fullest.
I have had the most romantic, sensual and erotic sexual experiences of my life with Pirate.
Yo, ho, Yo, ho, A Pirates Life for Me.

Then there is this other man and his name is D.T.
We met at a July 4th picnic almost three years ago.
D.T is very successful, quick witted and every time I look into his eyes, my knees melt right out from under me.
We have many things in common, the love of the arts, music and we belong to the same church.
We both volunteer and support I Love a Clean San Diego. http://www.ilacsd.org/
Did I mention that he owns his own jet?
Mile. High. Baby!

Finally another man named LJ.
I met him at a dinner party on Christmas Eve two years ago.
LJ is a rugged, hard working man that loves horses.
He comes from a huge family, is sincere, brutally honest and is not afraid to take a risk.
We share many of the same passions, such as cooking, dancing and a very vivid imagination behind closed doors.
Just thinking about it makes my toes curl. Hmmm…

Now my father is 77 years old and he thinks my dating these men makes me a hussy because I don’t want to get married. ;0)
I’ve been there, done that and I am not ready to try it again.
I like being single and I have reminded my father that I reserve the right to change my mind at any time in the future.
And that gives my dad hope and he says that is all he clinging too.

***********

Coming to terms with the fact that my son Rusty may never get out of jail has proven to be the hardest path I have ever walked.
The fact that Rusty has two strikes against him under California law makes it so much easier for Rusty get his third strike on the inside.
Rusty is in the hole and has been for three months for getting into a fight.
Fighting that leads to injury in prison is a felony in State of California.
The DA’s office is still trying to decide if they will prosecute him on a felony or drop it completely.
This means his security level will climb to a level 3 or 4 and they will transfer him accordingly.
I just hope that they don’t transfer him to Pelican Bay or Corcoran.
I feel as though I am the one that has been sentenced and hung out to dry.
Fuckityfuck, that is the life of being a prison mama.

***********

There have been a lot of changes in my house hold in the last three months.
For the first time I spent Christmas Day completely free of children and teenagers.
My youngest son Rainman spent Christmas with his girlfriends family more than two hundred miles away.
The twins Joe and Justin stayed with their sister up in Northern California.
I thought I would get depressed waking up on Christmas morning with no one here except my two dogs Rascal and Pepper.
That was not the case, I actually enjoyed the time alone before heading out to spend the evening with friends.

In January I was given notice that Joe and Justin had finally saved enough money to move out and get an apartment together.
I have had the both of them in my care since they were eleven years old and it makes a momma proud even though I am not their “real mom”.
I am also looking forward to my monthly grocery bills being cut in half.
And my water, gas and electric bills…
Just the thought of walking into my laundry room and being able to see the floor is a wonderful thing.

Speaking of Rainman, he is starting Junior College in the Spring.
He has taken all of the entrance exams and they have set up a schedule complete with tutors to help him.
When he was a child the so called experts told me he would never read or write over a third grade level.
I told them they were wrong and before I die he would read at a eighth grade level or higher.
When I think of all the obstacles that Rainman has faced and the reluctance of the school board to provide him the materials and programs that he would need to achieve that goal…I now know it was the hardest fight we have ever fought as a family.
That dream is becoming a reality and I cry tears of joy just thinking about it.
Now if I can just get Rainman to understand that the floor is not the biggest shelf in the house I can die a happy woman.

*********

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Dubois family, may they find their daughter Amber safe and unharmed.

Have a great day everyone!

♥Rain

Valentines Day

2009-02-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

Valentine Treasures

Valentine treasures are people who
have often crossed your mind, family, friends and others, too,
who in your life have shined
the warmth of love or a spark of light
that makes you remember them;
no matter how long since you’ve actually met,
each one is a luminous gem
who gleams and glows in your memory,
bringing special pleasures,
and that’s why this Valentine comes to you:

You’re one of those sparkling treasures!

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy New Years!!!

2008-12-31T22:37:00.000-08:00

"Nothing valuable can be lost by taking time." Abraham Lincoln

"Time is not measured by the passing of years, but by what one does, what one feels and what one achieves." Jawaharlal Nehru

"Time has no meaning in itself unless we choose to give it significance." Leo Buscaglia

"The hours of folly are measured by the clock, but of wisdom no clock can measure." Willam Blake

First I would like to thank all of my faithful readers

for stopping by and leaving comments...

I love each and everyone of you!!!

Please have a safe and Happy New Year!~Rain

A Pirates Christmas

2008-12-18T11:17:00.000-08:00

May peace an' plenty be th' first T' lift th' latch t' yer door, An' happiness be guided t' yer homeport By th' candle o' Christmas.

Love t' all...Rain

Merry Christmas In Different Languages

Afrikaans: Gesëende Kersfees
Afrikander: Een Plesierige Kerfees
African/ Eritrean/ Tigrinja: Rehus-Beal-Ledeats
Albanian: Gezur Krislinjden
Arabic: Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Argentine: Feliz Navidad
Armenian: Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand
Azeri: Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun
Bahasa Malaysia: Selamat Hari Natal
Basque: Zorionak eta Urte Berri On!
Bengali: Shuvo Naba Barsha
Bohemian: Vesele Vanoce
Brazilian: Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo
Breton: Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat
Bulgarian: Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo
Catalan: Bon Nadal i un Bon Any Nou!
Chile: Feliz Navidad
Chinese: (Cantonese) Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun
Chinese: (Mandarin) Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan
Choctaw: Yukpa, Nitak Hollo Chito
Columbia: Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo
Cornish: Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth
Corsian: Pace e salute
Crazanian: Rot Yikji Dol La Roo
Cree: Mitho Makosi Kesikansi
Croatian: Sretan Bozic
Czech: Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok
Danish: Glædelig Jul
Duri: Christmas-e- Shoma Mobarak
Dutch: Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! or Zalig Kerstfeast
English: Merry Christmas
Eskimo: (inupik) Jutdlime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluaritlo!
Esperanto: Gajan Kristnaskon
Estonian: Ruumsaid juuluphi
Faeroese: Gledhilig jol og eydnurikt nyggjar!
Farsi: Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad
Finnish: Hyvaa joulua
Flemish: Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar
French: Joyeux Noel
Frisian: Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier!
Galician: Bo Nada
Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr!
German: Froehliche Weihnachten
Greek: Kala Christouyenna!
Hausa: Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!
Hawaiian: Mele Kalikimaka
Hebrew: Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova
Hindi: Shub Naya Baras
Hausa: Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!
Hawaian: Mele Kalikimaka ame Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
Hungarian: Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket
Icelandic: Gledileg Jol
Indonesian: Selamat Hari Natal
Iraqi: Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Irish: Nollaig Shona Dhuit or Nodlaig mhaith chugnat
Iroquois: Ojenyunyat Sungwiyadeson honungradon nagwutut. Ojenyunyat osrasay.
Italian: Buone Feste Natalizie
Japanese: Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Jiberish: Mithag Crithagsigathmithags
Korean: Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Latin: Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!
Latvian: Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu!
Lausitzian: Wjesole hody a strowe nowe leto
Lettish: Priecigus Ziemassvetkus
Lithuanian: Linksmu Kaledu
Low Saxon: Heughliche Winachten un 'n moi Nijaar
Macedonian: Sreken Bozhik
Maltese: IL-Milied It-tajjeb
Manx: Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa
Maori: Meri Kirihimete
Marathi: Shub Naya Varsh
Navajo: Merry Keshmish
Norwegian: God Jul or Gledelig Jul
Occitan: Pulit nadal e bona annado
Papiamento: Bon Pasco
Papua New Guinea: Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu
Pennsylvania German: En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr!
Peru: Feliz Navidad y un Venturoso Año Nuevo
Philipines: Maligayan Pasko!
Polish: Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia or Boze Narodzenie
Portuguese: Feliz Natal
Pushto: Christmas Aao Ne-way Kaal Mo Mobarak Sha
Rapa-Nui (Easter Island): Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua
Rhetian: Bellas festas da nadal e bun onn
Romanche (sursilvan dialect): Legreivlas fiastas da Nadal e bien niev onn!
Rumanian: Sarbatori vesele
Russian: Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom
Sami: Buorrit Juovllat
Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
Sardinian: Bonu nadale e prosperu annu nou
Serbian: Hristos se rodi
Slovakian: Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce
Sami: Buorrit Juovllat
Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
Scots Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil huibh
Serb-Croatian: Sretam Bozic. Vesela Nova Godina
Serbian: Hristos se rodi.
Singhalese: Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa
Slovak: Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok
Slovene: Vesele Bozicne. Screcno Novo Leto
Spanish: Feliz Navidad
Swedish: God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt År
Tagalog: Maligayamg Pasko. Masaganang Bagong Taon
Tami: Nathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal
Trukeese: (Micronesian) Neekiriisimas annim oo iyer seefe feyiyeech!
Thai: Sawadee Pee Mai
Turkish: Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian: Srozhdestvom Kristovym
Urdu: Naya Saal Mubarak Ho
Vietnamese: Chung Mung Giang Sinh
Welsh: Nadolig Llawen
Yugoslavian: Cestitamo Bozic
Yoruba: E ku odun, e ku iye'dun!

Please do nay drink an' drive...Be havin' a safe Holiday sea dogs an' land lubbers!

Love Yourself the Way You Arrrr!

2008-11-25T13:26:00.000-08:00

I love this woman, her name is Joy and she is fat and proud!

Enjoy!

Wow it is about time someone had the balls to say this! :0)

2009 Pyrate Week in New Orleans

2008-11-12T22:47:00.000-08:00

a href="http://www.pyratecon.com">

NOLA Pyrate Week

New Orleans, Louisiana

3/28 - 4/5/2009

Nine Days of Pyracy in the French Quarter

Our Mission is to host a History making event. It is our goal to bring an army of pyrates to New Orleans for nine days and nights of celebrating the Spirit of Pyracy in the New Orleans French Quarter and surrounding areas. Our intent is to have Pyrate Week participants engage in “acts of piracy” in the form of volunteering their time and talents to the many volunteer programs in New Orleans. All the while enjoying the hospitality, culture, charm, and excitement of this great City!

Many local individuals, krewes and business establishments of New Orleans have expressed their desire, enthusiasm and eagerness to host and be a part of such a history making event wherein they can show off their beloved city and hospitality.

Our goal is to bring thousands of pyrates to help in the clean-up and rebuilding of this amazing City! In addition, many individuals and krewes of New Orleans have also expressed their interest in participating in an “Adopt a Pyrate” program, wherein they will “adopt” and play host to Pyrates coming in from distant ports.

Additionally the Pyrates coming to New Orleans who volunteer to work will be accommodated with encampment space during Pyrate Week. It is our hope that the volunteers donate their time and talents for three 8-hour days during Pyrate Week. The Pyrate Week organizers intend to feed all the volunteer pyrates at least once a day, every day for the entire run of Pyrate Week. This will be a monumental task. Your consideration and support is deeply appreciated. We expect that expenses should be nominal in that, the individuals and krewes of New Orleans are of a very generous nature and have a good deal of resources.

Transportation to and from New Orleans will be up to the individuals who intend to come and participate in Pyrate Week.

There will be opportunities for local artists, pyrate artisans and vendors to exhibit and sell during Pyrate Week at a number of locations throughout the French Quarter and New Orleans.

Of the many activities scheduled for Pyrate Week, they include:

Dutch Pyrate Dinning in the French Quarter
Rogue Pyrate’s Revel
Haunted Pub Crawl and Tour.
Opportunities for Cemetery and Swamp Tours
Kid Pyrate Gathering in Jackson Square
Historical Pyrate Encampments
Sword & Black Powder demonstrations
Ship to Shore Cannon battle
Pyrate Parade
Charity Auction, Bloke and Wench Auction oh yeah baby ;0)
Premier Edition of the 2009 Pyrate Olympic Games!

I do hope that you be a part of 2009 Pyrate Week in New Orleans! If you can’t make it, we look forward to seeing you next year. Tell all your friends about this fantastic opportunity and history making event; Pyrate Week in New Orleans 2009

Lusty Winds Mates! See you in New Orleans!

Halloween Party

2008-10-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

LD Monster Halloween

Luis Diaz

"For the Miami New Times Newspaper"

Medium: Digital

Posted 04-13-08

It is that time of the year again when my friend Candy and I plan our annual Halloween/Rainman's 19th Birthday Party! Planning a party of this magnitude takes at least a month to get all the decorations, food, drinks and door prizes complete.

Candy and I could use your help (Lyndon?) with the Halloween themed music for the party. This is what we have so far;

Li'l Red Riding Hood by Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs
Halloween Theme by John Carpenter
The Devil Went Down to Georgia by Charlie Daniels
Riboflavin by .45 Grave
Go-Go to the Graveyard by The Deadlines
Monster Mash by Bobby "Boris" Pickett
Strange Brew by Cream
Evil Ways by Santana
The Purple People Eater by Sheb Wooley
Psycho Killer by Talking Heads
Feed My Frankenstein by Alice Cooper
Watery Grave by Frank Petruccelli
Frankenstein by Edgar White
Bo Meets the Monster by Bo Diddley
Shout at the Devil by Motley Crue
It's Coming to Get You by Hit Crew
(Don't Fear) The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult
Horror Movies by The Bollock Brothers
Freaks Come Out at Night by Whodini
The Witch Queen of New Orleans by Redbone
Hell by Squirrel Nut Zippers
Runnin' with the Devil by Van Halen
Coolest Little Monster by John Zacherley
Season of the Witch by Donovan
Friday The 13th by 101 Strings Orchestra
Graveyard by The Devil Makes Three
Thriller by Michael Jackson
Cry Little Sister by Gerard McMann

I would appreciate any suggestions that you may have to add to this list. Thank you!

Weekend Wonderings

2008-10-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

San Diego at Night

I saw this meme over at Lyndonology-Tales of a Coffee Addicted Internet Junkie Please feel free to use this on your own site.

MOUTHOLOGY

Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?

A. Bleu Cheese and Italian mixed together

Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?

A. I enjoy In-N-Out Burger

Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?

A. I love Donovan's Steak & Chop House

Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?

A. The typical 20% or more if the service is really good

Q. What food could you eats every day for two weeks and not get sick of?

A: I can't think of anything I could eat every day for two weeks without getting sick

Q. What are your pizza toppings of choice?A. Sun-dried tomatoes, asiago cheese, bacon and chicken. Trust me, that combination is awesome.*

Q. What do you like to put on your toast?

A: Butter (real, not the synthetic stuff) and shredded cheese

TECHNOLOGY

Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?

A: The Disney Villain’s Halloween Photo

Q. How many televisions are in your house?

A: Two. One in the family room and one in Rainmans room

BIOLOGY

Q. Are you right-handed or left-handed?

A. Right-handed

Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?

A. Three babies :)

Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?

A. In 2004

Q. What is the last heavy item you lifted?

A. A large tool box

Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?

A. Nope

BULLSH*TOLOGY

Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?

A. No. I already try to live each day as though it were my last. Knowing the day wouldn’t really change anything for me.*

Q. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

A. I would switch my first name Jeni with my middle name Raen

Q. What color do you think looks best on you?

A. Cobalt blue

Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?

A. Why yes I have and it is always intentional ;o)

Q. Have you ever saved someone’s life?

A. Yes. I tried by giving CPR until the ambulance arrived unfortunately he was pronounced DOA.

Q. Has someone ever saved yours?

A. Yes, when I was involved in a car accident as a child. My mother's car was teetering on the edge of an embankment and I was pulled out of the car by a Hells Angel seconds before it rolled down the side.

DAREOLOGY

Q. Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?

A. I would never accept money for a kiss unless it was for charity. For the record I have kissed four women and one of those was the best kiss I've ever had ;0)

Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000?

A. Are you frikkin serious, hell no. I’m kind of attached to my body parts.*

Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000?

A. Yes. I would miss me Pirate Queen however I would continue to write in my personal journals.

Q. Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000?

A. It would depend on the magazine; if it were from Picture, B&W: Black & White or Selvedge then my answer would be a definite yes.

Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?

A. After reading a story about a guy who died doing that. I think I’ll pass.*

Q. Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000?

A. It’s tempting. But I don’t really think you can put a value on someone’s life.*

DUMBOLOGY

Q: What is in your left pocket?

A: Usually my cell phone and some loose change.

Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?

A: I thought it was ok, before it became popular. Then it just got annoying to hear people quoting it all the time. Now I just find it boring.*

Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?

A: I have carpet and tile in my home

Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?

A: Well I’m not disabled or a senior citizen yet, I still stand in the shower.*

Q: Could you live with roommates?

A: Yes. But I actually like being alone.*

Q: How many pairs of flip flops do you own?

A: I have... are you ready for this...I own fourteen pairs of flip flops!

Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?

A: I haven’t had a run-in with the cops yet. But I’ve had friends and relatives that have.*

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

A: Loved.*

Q: Who is number 1 on your top 8?

A: No one, I don’t even have a top 8.*

LASTOLOGY

Q: Last friend you talked to?

A: Candy

Q: Last person who called you?

A: Samantha

Q: Person you hugged?

A: Rainman

FAVORITOLOGY

Q: Number?

A: 27

Q: Season?

A: Spring and summer

CURRENTOLOGY

Q: Missing someone?

A: Yes, my son Rusty and my mom.

Q: Mood?

A: Grateful

Q: Listening to?

A: Baby Come to Me by Regina Belle

Q: Watching?

A: The screen as I type my answers *

Q: Worrying about?

A: The economy

RANDOMOLOGY

Q: First place you went this morning?

A: Bathroom.

Q: What can you not wait to do?

A: For Rainman’s birthday a bunch of us are going skydiving and I can’t wait!

Q: What’s the last movie you saw?

A: The Notebook with La Jolla Man

Q: Do you smile often?

A: I try to, but I don’t do it as much as I should.

Q: Are you a friendly person?

A: When you get to know me.

* My answers are the same as Lyndon’s

********

Have a great weekend everyone!

Fairy Tales, Rescue and It's Party Time

2008-10-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

The mudslinging turned so nasty this weekend,

it made my stomach hurt.

I will be so glad when this fucking election is over!

********

After Bailout, AIG Execs Head to California Resort
Rescued by Taxpayers, It's Party Time with $23,000 in Spa Charges
By BRIAN ROSS and TOM SHINE

October 7, 2008

Less than a week after the federal government committed $85 billion to bail out AIG, executives of the giant AIG insurance company headed for a week-long retreat at a luxury resort and spa, the St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach, California, Congressional investigators revealed today.

"Rooms at this resort can cost over $1,000 a night," Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) said this morning as his committee continued its investigation of Wall Street and its CEOs.
AIG documents obtained by Waxman's investigators show the company paid more than $440,000 for the retreat, including nearly $200,000 for rooms, $150,000 for meals and $23,000 in spa charges.

"Their getting their pedicures and their manicures and the American people are paying for that," said Cong. Elijah Cummings(D-MD).

AIG CEO Robert Willumstad and former CEO Martin Sullivan are both scheduled to testify today.

Waxman says there is evidence the two men changed the bonus schedule once the company began to post losses, so that executives under the "Senior Partners Plan" would continue to make multi-million dollar salaries.

"Mr. Sullivan and the other top executives should have had their bonuses slashed due to poor performance," said Waxman.

Congressional investigators also raised question of whether AIG executives sough to "cook the books" and hide negative information from outside auditors.

On Dec. 5, 2007, Waxman said, CEO Sullivan told investors "we are confident in our marks and the reasonableness of our valuation methods."

Documents obtained by the committee show that one week earlier, auditors Pricewaterhouse Cooper had "raise their concerns with Mr. Sullivan…informing him that PWC believed that AIG could have a material weakness relating to the risk management of these areas."

In my opinion we need to vote out of office every Senator and Congressman who voted for this bill. This is exactly why I didn't want the bailout passed in the first place! This is just a bailout for the already wealthy executives who will line their pockets some more while telling all their employees times are tough and they just won't get any raises or bonuses this year. I want every penny of the $400,000 to be paid back and charges filed against every executive that went on this week long retreat.

ARRGH!

What are your thoughts?

Thursdays Meme

2008-09-25T00:56:00.000-07:00

I got this "meme" from my friend Benita in an email. I am not going to tag anyone however please feel free to use it yourself.

I am: really concerned about the economy
I think: I live within my means
I know: that I am worthy
I want: to have sex
I have: danced with the devil in the pale moonlight
I wish: i could hug my mother again
I hate: when people look me in the eye and lie their asses off
I will: help someone in trouble
I miss: my son Rusty
I fear: loosing my sanity
I feel: like I could use my rabbit right now
I hear: the news on the TV
I smell: the 47 rose bushes in my yard
I crave: sex
I search: for the daughter I gave up for adoption
I wonder: if he is thinking of me right now
I regret: I do not regret anything. Life is too short
I love: the simple pleasures in life
I ache: for sexual pleasure
I am not: perfect however parts of me are incredible ;o)
I imagine: myself having sex in odd places.
I believe: in me. If I don't then I cannot believe in anything
I dance: all of the time
I sing: not so much. I can't carry a tune
I cry: rarely and I know it is not healthy
I don’t always: think of sex
I fight: for what I believe in
I write: my name in the sand
I win: most of the time. I am extremely competitive
I lose: my self control while in mania
I am never: late
I never: hurt someone intentionally
I always: want to be treated with respect
I confuse: my wants with my needs and I am working on it
I listen: to all kinds of music
I can usually be found: at Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach
I am scared: rodents, any type of bug or creepy thing
I need: to get my medications adjusted
I am happy: when I can close a case and justice is served

Quote for the day....

"In poverty and other misfortunes of life, true friends are a sure refuge. The young they keep out of mischief; to the old they are a comfort and aid in their weakness, and those in the prime of life they incite to noble deeds. "~Aristotle

Later gators... :)

Today's Forecast

2008-09-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

Gawd I need to get laid!

Foreclosure, Heaven and Hell

2008-09-16T01:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend I found out that my cousin Rob and his wife Carol have lost their home in foreclosure. They have three children, two dogs, a parrot and according to their bank statement they have $45.00 in the bank. They are now living in a homeless shelter until they can save enough money to get a place of their own.

This is breaking my heart, folks.

I want to "fix" this difficult situation because I am a "fixer". I want to wave my magic wand and make everything better if only for the kids sake. They would have their own bedrooms, toys and most of all their pets back. Their children would be back in school with their friends and eating home cooked meals instead of standing in a food line.

ARRGH!

I understand that children are resilient and this experience will teach them how to solve problems and make decisions. Hopefully it will help them deal effectively with both success and failure while encouraging self-discipline, self-control, and responsibility. I know it will promote compassion and interpersonal skills making them better adults in the future.

Still it is a hard lesson for their kids because they have no control over what happens to them. **sniff**

******

While walking down the street one day a US
senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies.
His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St.
Peter at the entrance.
'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter.
'Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We
seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so
we're not sure what to do with you.'
'No problem, just let me in,' says
the senator.
'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders
from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day
in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to
spend eternity.'
'Really, I've made up my mind. I want
to be in heaven,' says the senator.
'I'm sorry, but we have our
rules.'

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the
elevator and he goes down,, to hell. The doors open and he
finds himself in the middle of a green golf Course. In the
distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all
his Friends and other politicians who had worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress.
They run to greet him, shake his Hand, and reminisce about
the good times they had while getting rich at the Expense of
the people.
They play a friendly game of golf and then
dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.
Also present is the devil, who really is a
very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling
jokes. They are having such a good time that before he
Realizes it, it is time to go.
Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and
waves while the elevator rises ...

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door
reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.
'Now it's time to visit heaven.'
So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a
group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing
the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he
realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter
returns. 'Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and
another in heaven. Now choose Your eternity.'

The senator reflects for a minute, then
answers: 'Well, I would never have said it before, I
Mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be
better off in hell.'
So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and
he goes down, down, down to hell.
Now the doors of the elevator open and
he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste
and garbage.
He sees all his friends, dressed in rags,
picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more
trash falls from above...
The devil comes over to him and puts his arm
around his shoulder. 'I don't understand,'
stammers the senator. 'Yesterday I was here and there
Was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and
caviar, drank Champagne , and danced and had a great time.
Now there's just a wasteland full Of garbage and my
friends look miserable. What happened?'
The devil looks at him, smiles and
says.......

'Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you
voted.'

******

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RIP

Richard Wright of Pink Floyd

You will be missed.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and as always comments are appreciated.

TinkleLane Buttsexington

2008-09-11T01:29:00.000-07:00

The Big Fat Quiz

Law

Includes:- lawyers- judges- government- police- criminal law - detectiveYou are an intuitive person who admires honesty and likes to get to the bottom of things. Your negative qualities may be that you are nosy, pestering, and argumentative. You'd be perfect in a law career because you are a good debater, a good listener and an observer of details.

Click Here to Take This Quiz
Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests.

Hmm, I think this test is very accurate with one exception, I am not nosy with my personal circle of close friends. I try and leave the negative qualities at the door when I get home from work.

Here is another....

My Random name is TinkleLane Buttsexington.

Take Ridiculous Name Generator today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Name Generator Generator.

This gave me my first laugh of the day! I wonder if the people that know me in the real world would think it fits? ;0)

Have a day!

Ideal Perfection~Doll Face

2008-09-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

The video Doll Face won the CINE GOLDEN EAGLE: MASTERS AWARD for Best Short Film, Student Category. Watch the new music video for Eric Avery - 'All Remote & No Control' on Dangerbird Records directed by Andrew Huang.

Okay everyone lets have a good week!

The VGT Omnivore's Hundred

2008-09-05T00:33:00.000-07:00

Kitchen Still Life with a Maid and Young Boy

Frans Snyders, painter; Jan Boeckhorst,
painter Flemish, about 1650

Oil on canvas 94 1/2 x 60 in. 78.PA.207
Source: The Getty

As a young boy reaches out with his chubby hand to take a fistful of grapes, a maid reproaches him, placing her hand on his right shoulder. The scene takes place in an abundantly stocked pantry, where various kinds of dead fowl await preparation. The large table upon which the boy sits is laden with baskets, bowls, and platters that overflow with ripe fruit, including apples, peaches, and pomegranates. To complete this picture of domestic life, a cat stands in the window on the upper right, antagonizing two dogs below.

Pantry scenes like this were derived from earlier paintings of town markets, which were appreciated for their display of nature's bounty. This painting is a collaborative work by Frans Snyders, who specialized in still lifes and animal subjects, and Jan Boeckhorst, who painted the figures.

******

Have seen this one a few times now — most recently at Lyndons — and find it rather interesting, so here it is:

The rules are fairly simple enough to follow.

1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten (go here for links if you don’t know what something is).
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.

4) Optional extra: Post a comment at http://www.verygoodtaste.co.uk/ linking to your results. Or you can leave me a comment so I can check out your list as well.

The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:

1. Venison.

2. Nettle tea.

3. Huevos rancheros.

4. Steak tartare.

5. Crocodile

6. Black pudding.

7. Cheese fondue.

8. Carp.

9. Borscht.

10. Baba ghanoush.

11. Calamari.

12. Pho.

13. PB&J sandwich.

14. Aloo gobi.

15. Hot dog from a street cart.

16. Epoisses.

17. Black truffle.

18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes.

19. Steamed pork buns.

20. Pistachio ice cream.

21. Heirloom tomatoes.

22. Fresh wild berries.

23. Foie gras.

24. Rice and beans.

25. Brawn, or head cheese.

26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper.

27. Dulce de leche.

28. Oysters.

29. Baklava.

30. Bagna cauda.

31. Wasabi peas.

32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl.

33. Salted lassi.

34. Sauerkraut.

35. Root beer float.

36. Cognac with a fat cigar.

37. Clotted cream tea.

38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O.

39. Gumbo.

40. Oxtail.

41. Curried goat.

42. Whole insects.

43. Phaal.

44. Goat’s milk.

45. Malt whiskey from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more.

46. Fugu.

47. Chicken tikka masala.

48. Eel.

49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut.

50. Sea urchin.

51. Prickly pear.

52. Umeboshi.

53. Abalone.

54. Paneer.

55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal.

56. Spaetzle.

57. Dirty gin martini.

58. Beer above 8% ABV.

59. Poutine.

60. Carob chips.

61. S’mores.

62. Sweetbreads.

63. Kaolin.

64. Currywurst.

65. Durian.

66. Frogs’ legs.

67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake.

68. Haggis.

69. Fried plantain.

70. Chitterlings, or andouillette.

71. Gazpacho.

72. Caviar and blini.

73. Louche absinthe.

74. Gjetost, or brunost.

75. Roadkill.

76. Baijiu.

77. Hostess Fruit Pie.

78. Snail.

79. Lapsang souchong.

80. Bellini.

81. Tom yum.

82. Eggs Benedict.

83. Pocky.

84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.

85. Kobe beef.

86. Hare.

87. Goulash.

88. Flowers.

89. Horse

90. Criollo chocolate.

91. Spam.

92. Soft shell crab.

93. Rose harissa.

94. Catfish.

95. Mole poblano.

96. Bagel and lox.

97. Lobster Thermidor.

98. Polenta.

99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee.

100. Snake.

********

Okay everyone it has been a very long day and I am going to sleep now. Goodnight :0)

Voices For Recovery 2008

2008-09-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

Join The Voices For Recovery

Recovery Takes Flight 2008

30,000 balloons will be released across the country by CRC Health Group facilities on September 10 at Noon local time creating a wave of recognition honoring recovery.

The Disease of Addiction

The Facts:

One of every eight Americans has a significant problem with alcohol or drugs, with 40 percent of the group having a "dual diagnosis," or concurrent mental/nervous disorder.
Approximately 27 million Americans either use illicit drugs regularly or are "heavy drinkers." Of these almost 16 million are estimated to need immediate treatment.
By age eighteen, almost 12 percent of all young people are illicit drug users.
An untreated alcoholic's medical costs are approximately 300 percent higher than non-alcoholic's medical costs.
Approximately 70 percent of illegal drug users are employed and contribute significantly to workplace absenteeism, accidents and injuries, decreased productivity, increased insurance expenses, employee turnover costs and on-the-job violence.
The estimated annual direct cost to our society resulting from substance abuse is more than 250 billion dollars.
It is generally accepted that chemical dependency, along with associated mental health disorders, has become one of the most severe health and social problems facing the United States.*

Despite the dire statistics and the failure of "the war on drugs," there is reason for hope and optimism. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of treatment. Chemically dependent people who participate in treatment decrease their alcohol and drug use, decrease their criminal activity, obtain and maintain employment, improve their social and interpersonal functioning and improve their physical health.

Source: SAMHSA (U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

FYI~

Trans Ocean Products Recalls "Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon" LOT No 54933-2 Because of Possible Health Risks

Contact:(800) 290-2722 Monday – Friday 6AM to 5PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON – August 29, 2008 – Trans-Ocean Products, Inc. of Bellingham, Washington is recalling its 4 ounce Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon Lot No 54933-2 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon, 4 ounce packages were distributed to three supermarket chains in seven states: Brookshire Brothers in Texas and Louisiana; Price Choppers in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Vermont; and Giant Eagle in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The product is sliced cold-smoked salmon with black pepper. It is vacuum packaged in a resealable purple plastic pouch and bears the brand name Trans Ocean Products.The lot number is ink jetted on the back panel of the package, just right of center.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by Trans-Ocean Products revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in one 4 ounce package of Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon.

Distribution of the product has been suspended while the FDA and Trans-Ocean Products investigate the source of the problem.

Consumers that have purchased Trans Ocean ProductsCracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Trans-Ocean Products. Call (800) 290-2722 Monday – Friday 6AM to 5PM. Over the Labor Day weekend call (360) 739-4181.

*******

We spent our Labor Day at the beach with family and friends. I am sunburned and I ate way too much food :) How was your weekend?

Scatman John

2008-08-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

It has been a very long week and I am glad that it is Friday.

Come on everyone, get up off your derrières and dance with me!

How was your week? Comments are always appreciated.

Its a Meme

2008-08-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the image Benita!

I saw this meme over at Musings of a chick, who took it from House of Lime and I have decided to post it here. Please go visit both of these bloggers~you will be glad you did!

I give you money and send you into the grocery store to pick up 5 items. You can only pick one thing from the following departments, what is it?

Produce: broccoli
Frozen: Cool Whip
Meat: chicken
Dairy: cheese
Canned goods: I rarely eat canned goods

Let's say we're heading out for a weekend getaway. You're only allowed to bring 3 articles of clothing with you. So, what's in your bag?

Two piece bathing suit
summer dress
short set

If I was to listen in on one of your conversations throughout the day, what 4 phrases or words would I be most likely to hear?

Just give me the facts, please.
Why?
Desperate people do desperate things.
Hold all my calls, thank you.

So, what 4 things do you find yourself doing every single day, and if you didn't get to do, you probably wouldn't be in the best mood?

Taking a shower or bubble bath
Brushing my teeth.
Eating at least one meal
Giving my dogs a belly rub.

You're driving down the road, and suddenly you're hit with this sense of road rage. What 3 factors probably contributed to it?

Uh...traffic? Yes my answer is the same
Having to go pee while stuck in traffic.
People who refuse to use their signals at a light.

Sweet, you just scored a whole afternoon to yourself. We're talking a 3 hour block with nobody around. What 5 activities might we find you doing?

Listening to music while dancing naked.
Reading a book.
Sleeping.
Working in my garden.
Masturbating. What? There is nothing wrong with self pleasure. ;0)

We're going to the zoo. But, it looks like it could start storming, so it'll have to be a quick visit. What 3 exhibits do we have to get to?

Pandas
Bats
Kola Bears

You just scored tickets to the taping of any show that comes on t.v. of your choice. You can pick 4, so what are you going to see?

Sorry I don’t watch much TV

You're hungry for ice cream. I'll give you a triple dipper ice cream cone. What 3 flavors can I pile on for ya?

Orange Sherbet
Vanilla chocolate chip
Sorry I could not eat three scoops of ice cream

Somebody stole your purse/wallet…in order to get it back, you have to name 5 things you know are inside to claim it. So, what's in there?

Club cards
IDs
pictures of my kids
1 full Euro
A fortune that I have carried for ten years

You are at a job fair, and asked in what areas you are interested in pursuing a career. Let's pretend you have every talent and ability to be whatever you wanted, so what 4 careers would be fun for you?

The Captain of the USNS Comfort Hospital Ship
CIA/FBI agent
Professional Ballet Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre
A Fairy Godmother

If you could go back and talk to the old you, when you were in high school, and inform yourself of 4 things, what would you say?

Mom is telling you the truth...run with it.
Stay the hell away from the painter, he truly is your nightmare from hell.
Stop being so hard on yourself and trying to please everyone.
Tell Pirate how you feel and kiss him already.

********

Have a great night everyone

Being Grateful

2008-08-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for;

Knowing that most of the things I am grateful for cannot be purchased. They are experienced.
The life and path I chose for myself at a young age.
I am grateful for my belief in a higher power and creator.
My legs because I love walking and riding my bike for the pure pleasure it brings.
Knowing the sun will come up tomorrow, no matter how grey today is.
Having the strength to do things that scare me
Learning to meditate and understanding how significant it is to still my mind so that I can touch my emotions
Being able to distant myself from the actions of others so that everything they do doesn’t directly affect me
My freedom to walk this earth as I please – this is a privilage many women around the world do not have
Counseling, without which I would have caved long ago to the dark side.

*******

After seeing this video, I really want one of these. Warning this is NOT worksafe!

*******

Okay everyone, have a great weekend!

Telling Secrets...

2008-08-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

My Secrets Survey
What's in your wallet? - Ten dollars and various club shopping cards
What's under your bed? - A treasure box full of items from my past
What's on that way top shelf or in the very far back of your closet? - My mothers wedding gown
What's in your underwear drawer? - Lots of lace and silk
What's in the trunk of your car? - An emergency roadside kit
What's in your desk or locker? - pens, paper clips...the usual stuff
Do you have a super-secret hiding place and what's in it? - I can't tell you that, it would no longer be a super secret :0)
Do you feel guilty about something right now, if yes what? - nope
What is the most embarassing thing in your room right now? - My plastic grass and jelly bean stash
Have you done something recently you hope no one finds out about? - Hmm, I am not telling
What is your last thought before you fall asleep? - Tomorrow is a new day
How long have those leftovers been in the fridge? - Leftovers?? What is that? I have teenagers in my house :)
If I confiscated your computer and took a look around....what would I find? - Lots of top secret stuff
Do you sleep with anything? - nope
What is your midnight snack weakness? - Toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwich
Have you ever you shop lifted? - no
Have you ever vandalized anything? - no
Ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight? - Yes on many occasions
What do you wait until no one is looking to do? - Dip my finger in the frosting on a cake
Have you told the truth in this survey? - Yes
Take This My Secrets Survey and other http://www.quizopolis.com/">Fun Surveys at Quizopolis.com

This is what I'll be doing this weekend....

What are your plans?

California Collectibles

2008-08-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

As most of you already know I collect vintage fruit labels. Here are five of my favorites, all advertising California fruits and vegetables.

Golden Girls Brand Apples
Ghiselli Bros. San Francisco, California Distributors

Plenti Grand
Selected California and Arizona Vegetables in season
Grown, packed and shipped by
J. (Bud) Vukasovich Co.
Watsonville, California

Kreme de Koke Brand
Selected Vegetables
Salinas Growers Exchange
Salinas California

Bikini Brand
Crown Packed and shipped by
Phelan & Taylor Produce Co., INC
Oceano, California

Glamour Girl Brand
"Top Quality"
California Vegetables
Growers and Shippers
Half-Moon Bay Growers Assn., San Francisco, California

Want to know more about the history of Fruit Crate Labels? Please visit here

Have a great week everyone!

Happy Weekend

2008-08-08T23:57:00.000-07:00

These were sent to me in an email and I thought you might enjoy them :0)

When a panel of doctors was asked to vote on adding a new wing to their hospital, the Allergists voted to scratch it and the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.

The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve, and the Obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception.

The Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted; the Pathologists yelled, 'Over my dead body, while the Pediatricians said, 'Oh, Grow up!'

The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, the Radiologists could see right through it, and the Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing.

The Internists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said, 'This puts a whole new face on the matter.'

The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists felt the scheme wouldn't hold water.

The Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas and the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.

In the end, the Proctologists left the decision up to some asshole in administration.

*****
The love story of Ralph and Edna.

Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have. Ralph and Edna were both patients in a mental hospital. One day while they were walking past the hospital swimming pool. Ralph suddenly jumped into the deep end.He sank to the bottom of the pool and stayed there.Edna promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom and pulled him out.

When the Head Nurse Director became aware of Edna's heroic act she immediately ordered her to be discharged from the hospital, as she now considered her to be mentally stable.

When she went to tell Edna the news she said, 'Edna, I have good news and bad news. The good news is you're being discharged, since you were able to rationally respond to a crisis by jumping in and saving the life of the person you love. I have concluded that your act displays sound mindedness.

The bad news is, Ralph hung himself in the bathroom with his bathrobe belt right after you saved him. I am so sorry, but he's dead.'Edna replied, 'He didn't hang himself, I put him there to dry. How soon can I go home?'

Psychiatrists vs. Bartenders

EVER SINCE I WAS A CHILD, I'VE ALWAYS HAD A FEAR OF SOMEONE UNDER MY BED AT NIGHT. SO I WENT TO A SHRINK AND TOLD HIM . . . 'I've gotproblems. Every time I go to bed I think there's somebody under it.I'm scared. I think I'm going crazy.''

Just put yourself in my hands for one year,' said the shrink. 'Come talk to me three times a week and we should be able to get rid of those fears..''How much do you charge?' 'Eighty dollars per visit,' replied the doctor. 'I'll sleep on it,' I said.

Six months later the doctor met me on the street. 'Why didn't you ever come to see me about those fears you were having?' he asked.'Well, Eighty bucks a visit three times a week for a year is an awful lot of money! A bartender cured me for $10.

I was so happy to have saved all that money that I went and bought me a new pickup!''Is that so!' With a bit of an attitude he said, 'and how, may I ask,did a bartender cure you?

''He told me to cut the legs off the bed! - Ain't nobody under there now ! ! ! '

*****

As most of you know I love all things cute...Twin baby moose playing in a sprinkler...check it out ;o)

Take care everyone and have a safe weekend!

My Favorite Veggies

2008-08-06T01:16:00.000-07:00

Five of my favorite vegetables, in no particular order...

Red Potatoes

Asparagus...try this tasty recipe.

Asparagus with Morels and Tarragon

1 pound white asparagus, trimmed, peeled, and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 pound green asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots (2 large)
1/4 pound fresh morels, cleaned and halved lengthwise if large
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Garnish: chopped fresh tarragon

Cook white and green asparagus separately in a 5- to 6-quart pot of boiling salted water, uncovered, until just tender, about 5 minutes for white asparagus; about 3 minutes for green asparagus

Transfer asparagus with a slotted spoon to a colander and rinse under cold water (to stop cooking), then drain again. Pat dry.

Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté shallots, stirring, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add morels and sauté, stirring frequently, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add asparagus, tarragon, salt, pepper, and remaining 3 tablespoons butter and sauté, stirring, until heated through, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Serve immediately.

Avocados...freshly picked from our own backyard.

Strawberry Avocado Salsa

This fresh summer salsa combines heart healthy avocados and sweet strawberries. Serve as a salsa dip with baked tortilla chips or use it as a seafood salsa over grilled halibut or shrimp kebabs.

Ingredients
1 cup roughly chopped strawberries
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/2 small jalapeño pepper, minced
2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 medium avocado, roughly chopped
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparation
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Gently toss until well mixed.

Broccoli Salad Recipe

Ingredients

1 teaspoon salt
5-6 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 pound of florets)
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
1/4 cup of red onion, chopped
1 cup of frozen peas, thawed (or fresh peas if you can get them)
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup honey

Preparation

Bring a large pot of water, salted with a teaspoon of salt, to a boil. Add the broccoli florets. Cook 1-2 minutes, depending on how crunchy you want the broccoli. 1 minute will turn the broccoli bright green, and leave it still pretty crunchy. 2 minutes will cook the broccoli through, but still firm. Set your timer and do not cook for more than 2 minutes, or the broccoli will get mushy. Drain the broccoli and immediately put into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Let cool and drain.

Combine broccoli florets, almonds, crumbled bacon, chopped onion, and peas in a large serving bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, cider vinegar and honey. Add dressing to the salad and toss to mix well. Chill thoroughly before serving.
Serves 4 to 6.

What are your favorite veggies? Have a wonderful day :)

Five Family Photos

2008-08-02T23:28:00.000-07:00

Five family photos...

Rascal...he is so laid back.

Pepper...she keeps our backyard bird free.

Can you guess who Josh is kissing?

My adopted son Daniel, his girl Cathy and son Evan.

Aunt Betty Ann, Alexis and Aunt Sandy.

How is your weekend going?

Happy July 4th!

2008-07-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ~Erma Bombeck

Hope you all have an excellent 4th of July holiday weekend. Be safe, and enjoy all the delicious grilled food. The hot dogs and hamburgers, and cold iced coca-cola, and of course - the fireworks !

Prisoner of Words

2008-06-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

P.O.W

I'm a prisoner
Of words unsaid
Just lonely feelings
Locked away in my head
I trap myself further
Every time I stay quiet
I should start to speak
But I stop and stay silent
And now I've made
My own hard bed
Inside a prison of words unsaid

I am a P.O.W.
Not a prisoner of war
A prisoner of words
Like a soldier
I'm a fighter
Yet only a puppet
Mostly I only say
What you wanna hear
Could you take it if I came clear?
Or would you rather see me
Stoned on a drug of complacency and compromise

M.I.A.
I guess that's what I am
Scraping this cold earth
For a piece of myself
For peace in myself
It'd be easier if you put me in jail
If you locked me away
I'd have someone to blame
But these bars of steel are of my making
They surround my mind
And have me shaking
My hands are cuffed behind my back
I'm a prisoner of the worst kind, in fact
A prisoner of compromise
A prisoner of compassion
A prisoner of kindness
A prisoner of expectation
A prisoner of my youth
Run too fast to be old
I've forgotten what I was told
Ain't I a sight to behold?
A prisoner of age dying to be young
To my head is my hand with a gun
And it's cold and it's hard
Cause there's nowhere to run
When you've caged youself
By holding your tongue
I'm a prisoner
Of words unsaid
Just lonely feelings
Locked away in my head
It's like solitary confinement
Every time I stay quiet
I should start to speak
But I stop and stay silent
And now I've made
My own hard bed
Inside a prison of words unsaid

By~Alicia Keys

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Surfs Up!

2008-06-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

Good grief...

It is 90 degrees in the shade in my backyard!

Rainman and I are off to La Jolla Shores for

some fun in the sun.

Stay cool everyone ;0)

Simple Pleasures

2008-06-09T22:59:00.000-07:00

A few simple pleasures...
Being kissed in the rain.
Folding fresh clean crisp sheets.
Answering the front door and being asked if I could come out to play hide and seek.
Understanding the difference between love and sex.
Being responsible for my own happiness.
Having absolutely no regrets in my life.
Cooking dinner in the nude.
Dancing on a rooftop.
Being told I am beautiful first thing in the morning.
Finding a twenty dollar bill in an old wallet.
Blackberry tea.
Being greeted at the front door by my dogs, Rascal and Pepper.
Lending an ear to a friend.
Being kissed or lightly bitten on the neck and having shivers go down my spine.
Watching the Navy Seals exercise on the beach.
My fathers smile.
A baby’s giggle.
The sexual tension between me and my Luva.
Breakfast in bed.
Learning something new everyday.
Listening to jazz.
Banana popsicles on a hot day.
Watching a high school football game.
Tending to my roses.
Going to church.
Listening to a storyteller.
Putting the secret ingredient into everything I cook...Love.
Watching the ocean.
A random act of kindness.
Home made apple pie.
Watching Pelicans fly.
PB&J sandwiches.
Bubble baths.
Blowing bubbles.
Dancing in the streets.
Getting a manicure and pedicure.
The smell of wet sagebrush.
Looking at photographs.
Cheering any victory small or large.
Taking a nap.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee or tea.
Eating a fresh mango.
Watching the clouds float by.
Stargazing.
Reading.
Delivering food to the homeless and shut ins.
Volunteering to clean the beaches and riverbanks.

What are some of your simple pleasures?

Hunky Mondays & The IRS

2008-04-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

One night, after the couple had retired for the night, the woman became aware that her husband was touching her in a most unusual manner.
He started by running his hand across her shoulders and the small of her back. He ran his hand over her breasts, touching them very lightly. Then, he proceeded to run his hand gently down her side, sliding his hand over her stomach, and then down the other side to a point below her waist. He continued on, gently feeling her hips, first one side and the other. His hand ran further down the outside of her thighs. His gentle probing then started up the inside of her left thigh, stopped and the returned to do the same to her right thigh.
By this time the woman was becoming aroused and she squirmed a little to better position herself. The man stopped abruptly and rolled over to his side of the bed.
Why are you stopping darling?" she whispered.
He whispered back, " I found the remote."

*******

FYI

Check out the IRS's Economic Stimulus Payment Calculator here

************

Have a good week everyone!

Did You Know??

2008-03-31T12:21:00.000-07:00

Did you know...

I am having a awful Monday...

I hope yours is better than mine!

A Meme and Lykke Li

2008-03-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

While surfing the net I found this gem on my friend Lyndon’s site and I decided to steal it and do it here.

The Basics

Hair Color: Blonde

Eye Color: Dark Blue

Height: 5'1

Profession: Sorry I don't talk about my job

Relationship Status: Single

My Favorites

Favorite Color:

BlueFavorite Car: 1957 Chevy

Favorite Movie: The Devils Advocate

Favorite Hobby: Having sex

Favorite Song/Singer: The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun

Favorite Book/Author: Touched with Fire By Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison

Favorite School Subject: Art History

Favorite Vacation Destination: Maui

Favorite Food: Chocolate

Favorite Animal: Dogs

Favorite Store: Brookestone

Favorite Celebrity : George Clooney

Favorite Childhood Friend: Too many to list here and they know who they are and I love each of them!

Favorite Childhood Memory: When my mom fell into a duck pond while drunk as a skunk!

Favorite Person In Your Life: My boys

This or That

Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate

Big Mac or Whopper: Neither, I hate fast food

Coke or Pepsi : Pepsi

Beer or Wine: Wine

Coffee or Tea: Tea

Apple Juice or O.J.: Orange Juice

Facebook or MySpace: I don't have an account with either of them.

Summer or winter: Summer

Windows or Mac: Undecided

Cats or Dogs: Dogs

Boxers or Briefs: Boxers, however I prefer you naked.

Rain or Shine: Shine

Chips or Popcorn: Popcorn

Salty or Sweet: Sweet

Plane or Boat: Boat, ARR!

Morning or Night: Night

Movie or Play: Play

Walk or Drive: Walk

Money or Love: Love

Breakfast or Dinner: Dinner

Forgiveness or Revenge: Forgiveness

Paint or Wallpaper: Paint

House or Apartment: House

Do You?

Have Any Pets: Yes, two dogs Rascal and Pepper

Have Any Children: Two boys, Rusty 25, Rainman 18

Smoke: When I am stressed the fuck out, yes I will have one

Drink: Never

Exercise: I dance

Play on a Sports Team: I played on a softball team in high school

Belong to Any Organizations: Yes, for my career. Please see profession above

Love Your Job: Yes, I am very fortunate

Like to Cook: I love to cook!

Play An Instrument: Piano and flute

Sing: No, I can't carry a tune

Dance: I love to dance and I don't mind dancing by myself or without music

Speak Multiple Languages: English, Spanish and French

Ice Skate: Nope

Swim: I swim like a fish, I am very comfortable in the water.

Paint: I love to paint with oils and I am taking a class in watercolor

Write: Very poorly on my blog

Ski: Never tried it

Juggle: Nope

Have You EverStolen Anything: I stole a candy bar from a store when I was a child

Been Drunk before Noon: Never

Had Sex in a Public Place: Any time, any place!

Got Caught Telling a Lie: Yup
Got a speeding Ticket: I got a ticket when I was seventeen. I was clocked at 110 mph with my mother in the car.

Been Arrested: Nope

Littered: Yes

Fantasized About A Co-Worker: Nope. However there are a few Bloggers out there that I would lick from head to toe! ;~)

Cheated On A Test: No, I always study for a test

Cheated in A Relationship: Yes, as a teenager

Failed A Class: No

Screened Your Phone Calls: Religiously

Eaten Food off the Floor: Does the five second rule count?

Stuck Gum Under A Desk: No.

Wished You Were Someone Else: No, I like who I am and my life

Cried During A Movie: Yes

Had A One Night Stand: No, although I would not rule it out with the right person

Other

Describe Yourself In One Word: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (yes, I am stealing Lyndon’s answer)

Biggest Fear: Being forced to marry a little person and live on a farm raising toads for a living.

Biggest Mistake: Getting married for all the wrong reasons

Your Proudest Accomplishment: Graduating College and giving birth to my sons.

#1 Priority In Your Life: My family

Dream Job: To be the CEO of Disney

Causes You Believe In: There are many, such as recycling, stopping Child Abuse, keeping our beaches clean, saving endangered species, etc.

Special Talents: I have been told I give really good blow jobs ;0)

Where Are You Right Now: At home, hanging out with Rainman

Where Would You Rather Be: Back in Maui without a care in the world.

Famous Person(s) You Want To Meet: Gloria Yerkovich, Maria Tallchief and
Helen LaKelly Hunt

Place To Visit Before You Die: The Great Wall of China

Song Played At Your Funeral: Anything that you can dance to

Well that was fun and please feel free to copy this and use it on your own site.

**************

This is dedicated to Pirate...

The very first video from Lykke Li. Made by Mattias Montero.

****************
How is your week going?

Hunky Mondays

2008-03-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

One for the ladies...

One for the guys...

Thank you for the images Benita,

you are a peach!

First I would like to say Happy Birthday to Brittnee, Skylar and David! May all your wishes come true!

Also, I want to congratulate my friend Brian over at An Audience of One, he married his childhood sweetheart, Terri in Las Vegas! I wish them both peace, harmony and many hot, steamy nights in the years to come ;0)

Okay everyone, have a great week!

Tell Everyone You Know...

2008-03-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

"I Love You"

Afrikaans : Ek is lief vir jou Ek het jou lief
Albanian : Te dua
Amharic : Afekrishalehou
Arabic : Ana Behibak (to a male) Ana Behibek (to a female)
Basc : Nere Maitea
Bavarian : I mog di narrisch gern
Bengali : Ami tomAy bhAlobAshi
Berber : Lakh tirikh
Bicol : Namumutan ta ka
Bulgarian : Obicham te
Cambodian : kh_nhaum soro_lahn nhee_ah Bon sro lanh oon
Cantonese : Ngo oi ney
Catalan : T'estim (mallorcan) T'estime (valencian) T'estimo (catalonian) T'estim molt (I love you a lot)
Chinese : Wo ie ni (Manderin, Cantonese)
Croatian : Volim te (most common), or Ja te volim (less common)
Czech : miluji te
Danish : Jeg elsker dig
Dutch : Ik hou van jou
Estonian : Mina armastan sind
Esperanto : Mi amas vin
Persian (Farsi) : Tora dust midaram
Flemish : Ik zie oe geerne
Finnish : Mina" rakastan sinua
French : Je t'aime
Friesian : Ik bin fereale op dy Ik ha^ld fan dy (Most commonly used phrase) (the ^ is above the a)
Gaelic : Ta gra agam ort
German : Ich liebe Dich I mog Di ganz arg! (Suebian: South German dialekt.)
Greek : S' ayapo
Gujarati (a dialect of India) "Tane Prem Karoo Choo"
Hausa : Ina sonki
Hebrew : aNEE oHEIVET oTKHA (female to male) aNEE oHEIV otAKH (male to female) Ani ohev at (man to woman) Ani ohevet atah (woman to man)
Hindi: Mein Tumse Pyar Karta Hoon
Hokkien : Wa ai lu
Hopi : Nu' umi unangwa'ta
Hungarian : Szeretlek te'ged
Icelandic : ?g elska ßig
Indonesian : Saya cinta padamu Saya Cinta Kamu Aku tjinta padamu Saja kasih saudari
Italian : Ti amo
Irish : taim i' ngra leat
Japanese : Kimi o ai shiteru
Kazakh : Men seny jaksy kuremyn
Kiswahili : Nakupenda
Korean : Tangsinul sarang ha yo
Kurdish : Ez te hezdikhem
Latin : Te amo Vos amo
Lao : Khoi huk chau
Latvian : Es Tev milu
Lingala : Nalingi yo
Lithuanian: Ash miliu tave
Luo : Aheri
Madrid lingo : Me molas, tronca
Malay/Indonesian : Saya cintakan awak(awak=kamu=you) Aku sayang engkau (engkau=kamu=you)
Malay : Saya cintamu Saya sayangmu
Maltese: Inhobbok! Mandarin : Wo ai ni
Mohawk : Konoronhkwa
Navajo : Ayor anosh'ni
Ndebele : Niyakutanda
Norwegian : Jeg elsker deg (Bokmaal) Eg elskar deg (Nynorsk)
Pakistani : Muje se mu habbat hai
Persian : Tora dost daram
Pilipino : Mahal Kita Iniibig Kita
Polish : Ja Cie Kocham or Kocham Cie (Pronounced Yacha kocham)
Portuguese : Eu te amo
Romanian : Te iu besc
Russian : Y a lyublyu tebya Ya vas lyublyu
Scot Gaelic : Tha gra\dh agam ort
Serbian : Volim te (most common), or Ja te volim" (less common)
Shona : Ndinokuda
Sioux : Techihhila
Slovak : lubim ta Slovene : ljubim te (??????)
Spanish : Te amo
Swahili : Nakupenda
Swedish : Jag a"lskar dig
Swiss-German : Ch'ha di ga"rn
Tagalog : Mahal kita
Taiwanese : Gwa ai lee Tamil Naan Unnai Kadhalikiren
Thai : Phom Rak Khun Ch'an Rak Khun
Tunisian : Ha eh bak
Turkish : Seni seviyorum!
Urdu : Mujhe tumse muhabbat hai
Vietnamese : Anh ye^u em (man to woman) Em ye^u anh (woman to man) Toi yeu em
Vlaams : Ik hou van jou
Welsh : 'Rwy'n dy garu di. Yr wyf i yn dy garu di (chwi)
Yiddish : Ikh hob dikh lib
Zazi : Ezhele hezdege (sp?)
Zuni : Tom ho' ichema

I love you...yes indeedy I do!

XOXO

Rain

Sucky Mondays

2008-03-10T09:08:00.000-07:00

My friend Candy and I have to go to court today

and testifiy against two young women who are facing

five to seven years in jail.

Our hearts go out to the five children that will be left behind either with

family members or in the foster care system.

Also this afternoon I have an appointment to have another (follow-up)mamogram. Just for the record, I do not like having my boobies smashed flat as pancakes and I am not looking forward to the waiting for the results.

That is my Monday, I hope yours will be better.

I Left My Heart in Maui

2008-02-26T20:37:00.000-08:00

BY THE SHORE
By: Edward Carpenter (1844-1929)

ALL night by the shore.
The obscure water, the long white lines of advancing foam, the rustle and thud, the panting sea-breaths, the pungent sea-smell, The great slow air moving from the distant horizon, the immense mystery of space, and the soft canopy of the clouds!

The swooning thuds go on--the drowse of ocean goes on: The long inbreaths--the short sharp outbreaths--the silence between.
I am a bit of the shore: the waves feed upon me, they come pasturing over me; I am glad, O waves, that you come pasturing over me.

I am a little arm of the sea: the same tumbling swooning dream goes on--I feel the waves all around me, I spread myself through them.

How delicious! I spread and spread. The waves tumble through and over me--they dash through my face and hair.

The night is dark overhead: I do not see them, but I touch them and hear their gurgling laughter.
The play goes on!

The strange expanding indraughts go on!

Suddenly I am the Ocean itself: the great soft wind creeps over my face.

I am in love with the wind--I reach my lips to its kisses.

How delicious! All night and ages and ages long to spread myself to the gliding wind!

But now (and ever) it maddens me with its touch, I arise and whirl in my bed, and sweep my arms madly along the shores.

I am not sure any more which my own particular bit of shore is;

All the bays and inlets know me: I glide along in and out under the sun by the beautiful coast-line;

My hair floats leagues behind me; millions together my children dash against my face;

I hear what they say and am marvelously content.

All night by the shore;

And the sea is a sea of faces.

The long white lines come up--face after face comes and falls past me--

Thud after thud. Is it pain or joy?

Face after face--endless!

I do not know; my sense numbs; a trance is on me--
I am becoming detached!

I am a bit of the shore:

The waves feed upon me, they pasture all over me, my feeling is strangely concentrated at every point where they touch me;

I am glad O waves that you come pasturing over me.
I am detached, I disentangle myself from the shore;
I have become free--I float out and mingle with the rest.

The pain, the acute clinging desire, is over--I feel beings like myself all around me, I spread myself through and through them, I am merged in a sea of contact. Freedom and equality are a fact. Life and joy seem to have begun for me.

The play goes on!

Suddenly I am the great living Ocean itself--the awful Spirit of Immensity creeps over my face.

I am in love with it. All night and ages and ages long and for ever I pour my soul out to it in love.

I spread myself out broader and broader for ever, that I may touch it and be with it everywhere.

There is no end. But ever and anon it maddens me with its touch. I arise and sweep away my bounds.

I know but I do not care any longer which my own particular body is--all conditions and fortunes are mine.

By the ever-beautiful coast-line of human life, by all shores, in all climates and countries, by every secluded nook and inlet,

Under the eye of my beloved Spirit I glide:

O joy! for ever, ever, joy!

I am not hurried--the whole of eternity is mine;

With each one I delay, with each one I dwell--with you I dwell.

The warm breath of each life ascends past me;

I take the thread from the fingers that are weary, and go on with the work;

The secretest thoughts of all are mine, and mine are the secretest thoughts of all.

All night by the shore;

And the fresh air comes blowing with the dawn.The mystic night fades--but my joy fades not.

I arise and cast a stone into the water (O sea of faces I cast this poem among you)--and turn landward over the rustling beach.

*******

I had such a great time in Maui and I now know what it feels like to be treated like a queen ***giggles***. Have a great night everyone!

Happy Birthday to Me!!

2008-02-18T12:09:00.000-08:00

Candy, Angel and I are off to Maui

to celebrate my birthday to tomorrow!

May the debauchery begin...

It is the weekend!

2008-02-16T00:28:00.000-08:00

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Enjoy the video and have a great weekend everyone!

Hello, I am back!

2008-02-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

Wow, it has been a long time in between posts!

Thank you for the emails and comments, I appreciate all of them.

I have missed all of you :0)

National Diet Month

2008-01-07T21:49:00.000-08:00

'Twas The Day After Christmas

Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.
When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).
I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."
As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt---
I said to myself, as I only can "You can't spend a winter
disguised as a man!"
So--away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
"Till all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won't have a cookie--not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.
I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore---
But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

[Thanks to Rose Vos]

*******

Have a good week everyone!

Looking Forward

2008-01-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

MR. CRAYOLA
Don Marco..... The Master Crayola Artist

Don Marco was born in Northern Minnesota in the late 1920s. His interest in art was evident even before starting school. As a young adult in the Army Air Corp, he began his life's career in Air Traffic Control, which continued until his retirement from Honolulu International Airport in 1973. Much of his spare time was spent as a professional artist. Before retirement, Don started developing a technique to create fine art, using Crayola Crayons. Shortly after retiring, he published his first print. Living in Southern California, his work was in demand, including commissions from Burt Reynolds and a one-man show at his Dinner Theater in Florida. Hard to imagine these are done with crayons!!!

Christ

John Wayne
Eagle

Burt Reynolds
Geronimo
Apache
Bear Bull
Black Eagle

Chief Red Wing

End of the Day
Clint Eastwood
Tom Selleck
Mountain Man

High Country Morning

Sioux Warrior

River Elk

Navajo Meeting

James Arness

I think Mr. Crayola work is amazing, don't you? Want to see more? Please visit The Master Crayon Artist

*******

Happy New Year Everyone! I know I am a little late, sorry I have been really busy and it looks like posting is going to be sparse until Jan. 15th. Some of you have sent me emails and I want you to know that I have not forgotten about you and I love each and everyone of you!

Update on my son Rusty...He just turned 25 on Christmas Day! His sentencing is scheduled on Jan. 10th and he has run out of continuances so there will be no more delays. After one year and four months the emotional roller coaster that my family and his victims have experienced will finally be over. Let the healing process begin! Sniff.

Take care everyone!

Christmas Bells & FYI Recalls

2007-12-21T01:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas Bells

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."

************

FYI...

Top Line Specialty Produce of Los Angeles Ca, is voluntary recalling its 12 x 1 pound boxes of "Green Paradise label" Fresh Italian basil, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with this organism often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with "Salmonella" can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), Endocarditis and arthritis.

The recalled "Green Paradise Basil" was distributed to Food Service Distributors through direct shipping on 12/06/2007 in Southern California, Illinois and Texas.

The product comes in a 12 x 1 lb box marked with lot # 1219 on the side of the box.
Consumers who have purchased the affected boxes of "Green Paradise Italian Basil" are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-213-747-9200.

Trader Joe's Company of Monrovia, California is voluntarily recalling 1,000 cases of 12 oz jars of Trader Joe's Pinjur (a traditional Macedonian condiment made with roasted peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes), UPC 00529068, Best By 10/2009. The Best By date can be found printed on the top of the lid. The product is being recalled because customers reported finding small pieces of glass in the product.

Trader Joe's Pinjur was potentially sold from Trader Joe's retail stores in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.
Upon discovery of the problem, the product was removed from sale in all Trader Joe's stores and put on hold in all Trader Joe's distribution centers.

The product should not be consumed. Customers should discard it, or return it to any Trader Joe's store for a full refund. Customers with questions may call Trader Joe's Customer Relations at 626-599-3817, or write Trader Joe's through their website at traderjoes.com.

********

Have a safe weekend everyone! :)

Christmas Meme and Love

2007-12-19T00:17:00.000-08:00

Your Christmas Sprit Level: 85%

Your Christmas spirit is almost as big as Christmas itself. Christmas is definitely your thing.

You celebrate Christmas with enthusiasm. You love every minute of the holidays.

Your Christmas spirit is inspiring to everyone who runs into you during the holidays.

You make everyone's day just a little bit brighter. And that's what the holidays are all about!

Do You Have the Christmas Spirit?

You Should Have a Blue Christmas Tree

For you, the holidays represent a time of calm, understanding, and peace.

You avoid family fights, and you don't get too stressed out - even when things are crazy!

You like to make Christmas about making everyone's life a little bit better.

You don't get caught up in greed or commercialism. You're too sincere for that.

Your blue tree would look great with: Lots of silver tinsel

You should spend Christmas Eve watching: It's a Wonderful Life

What you should bake for Santa: Chocolate chip cookies

What Color Christmas Tree Should You Have?

You Know a Lot About Christmas

You got 5/10 correct

You know tons about the history and traditions surrounding Christmas.

When you celebrate the holidays, you never forget their true meaning - or all the little fun details.

Random Christmas fact: Some people believe that all animals can speak on Christmas Eve. But it's bad luck to test this superstition.

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

******

I was sent this in an email from my friend Benita

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

1. Wrapping or gift bags? I love to gift wrap! I also like to make my own bows for the gifts.
2. Real or artificial tree? I love the smell of a fresh tree however Rainman and I decided to use a fake tree this year.
3. When do you put up the tree? I try to decorate my home before the 10th of December.
4. When do you take the tree down? Before New Years Eve.
5. Do you like eggnog? Oh gross, I can't even stand the smell of it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? I am changing this one to the best gift I have EVER received. The best Christmas present was the birth of my son Rusty at 9:20 a.m. on Christmas Day in1982. He was so small just 4lbs, 3 oz. I really miss him, sigh.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes.
8. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I've never received a truly bad gift. However, once I got a gift wrapped in duct tape at each end from my EX.
9. Mail or email Christmas cards? Email. I know it is not as personal as a handwritten note however it saves trees.
10. Favorite Christmas Movie? It’s A Wonderful Life.
11. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I bought my first Christmas gift this year in August.
12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? EVERYTHING! Even though I am a diabetic, I do not deprive myself, I just eat in moderation.
13. Clear lights or colored on the tree? I like white, but the fake one that we are using has multi-colored lights on it.
14. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night and Jingle Bells
15. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home is where the heart is.
16. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Yes, can you?
17. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
18. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning? When the boys were young we would open presents at the crack of dawn. Now it is before Christmas Brunch.
19. Most annoying thing about this time of year? People trying to out give each other and listening to them complain about their credit card bills when they start coming in the mail.
20. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme or color? When I have a real tree I use a theme. With the fake one I just use gold and burgundy glass balls.
21. What do you leave for Santa? Cookies and milk
22. Least favorite holiday song? Feliz Navidad, the radio stations in San Diego over play it and then it gets stuck in my head.
23. Favorite ornament? I was given a Disney ornament featuring the Villains. I love it!

Okay, I’m tagging everyone who reads it.

*****

Today I have the day off and I will be spending the entire day baking for upcoming Christmas parties! I will be making seven different kinds of cookies, and chocolate mint, orange and cream fudge and divinity....Yummy ;0) Have a wonderful day and drive safety!

Hunky Mondays and Whisky

2007-12-17T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hunky Mondays

One for the guys...

And one for the girls....

CHRISTMAS CAKE RECIPE
sent to me by Julie B.

You'll need the following:
1 cup of water
1 cup of sugar
4 large brown eggs
2 cups of dried fruit
1 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of brown sugar
Lemon juice
Nuts
1 bottle of whisky

Sample the whisky to check for quality. Take a large bowl. Check the whisky again. To be sure it's the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink. Repeat. Turn on the electric mixer, beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar and beat again. Make sure the whisky is still OK. Cry another tup. Tune up the mixer. Beat two leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit. Mix on the turner. If the fired fruit gets stuck in the beaterers, pry it goose with a drewscriver. Sample the whisky to check for tonsisticity. Next, sift two cups of salt. Or something. Who cares? Check the whisky. Now sift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Spoon the sugar or something. Whatever you can find. Grease the oven. Turn the cake tin to 350 degrees.

Don't forget to beat off the turner. Throw the bowl out of the window. Check the whisky again and go to bed.

Have a great week everyone. Go Chargers!

Sherbet Snicker Doodle

2007-12-14T23:06:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the image Benita!

Someone sent me this Meme a while ago and for the life of me I can't remember who it was or what its official name is...sorry. If you sent it to me please let me know so I can link back to you.

1. MY ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car),
Borjon Fusion

2. MY GANGSTA NAME: (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite cookie),
Sherbet Snicker Doodle :)

3. MY DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal),
Blue Dog

4. MY SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born),
Raen Pocatello

5. MY SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink),
The Green Tea

6. MY NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers),
Charles Ross

7. MY WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names),
Blanche Wayne

8. MY TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter),
Whitrock Wichita (No I did not make this up!)

9. MY SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower),"
Christmas Sweet Pea... Hmm, I like it!

10. MY CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Orange Bootie

11. MY HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree),
Banana Willow (you really have no idea how much this name "fits" me ;0)

12. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”),
The Sexual Rain Tour...What? It says my favorite hobby!

I must admit this was fun! I am not going to tag anyone with it, please feel free to use it on your own site. :)

****
FYI...

YOU can recycle CELL PHONES! Your old cell phone can be harmful to the environment if thrown into the trash. Cell phones contain materials such as lead, arsenic, nickel, cadmium other materials which can pollute the ground and water. One cell phone, tossed into a landfill, can pollute up to 40,000 gallons of groundwater! Now there's a new way for you to recycle your unwanted cell phone and protect California's environment...Recycle That Phone! Click here to learn more.

*****
The 3 Stages Of Life

1) You believe in Santa Claus
2) You don't believe in Santa Claus
3) You are Santa Claus

*****
Have a safe weekend everyone!

X-Rated Christmas!

2007-12-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the image, Benita!

20 Ways To Make HIS Xmas... XXXmas!

1. Trim his tree.
2. Lick his luscious candy cane.
3. Be his "ho-ho-ho" for the holidays.
4. Polish his christmas balls.
5. Ride him like a reindeer.
6. Taste his sweet egg-nog.
7. Deck the halls with moans of pleasure.
8. Fa, la, la, latio- la, la, la, la.
9. Spark his menorah with a hot strip tease.
10. Request a stiff stocking stuff-her!
11. Make his Kris Kringle tingle.
12. Gift wrap yourself in sexy lingere.
13. Unwrap his package.
14. Hang mistletoe from any place you want kissed.
15. Rock his jingle bells in the frosty air.
16. Make your Rudolph's hose as red as his nose.
17. Heat him up with a snow job.
18. Give the Christmas carolers a show of your own.
19. Dress up as Santa's nasty little helper.
20. Make sure you're naughty, so it's nice.

******

Have a great "hump" day! ;0)

Prayers for Those in Oklahoma & Missouri

2007-12-10T00:24:00.000-08:00

My #1 favorite Christmas movie is.......

"Its A Wonderful Life" (1946)
Starring: James Stewart and Donna Reed

George: What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary.
Mary: I'll take it. Then what?
George: Well, then you could swallow it, and it'd all dissolve, see? And the moonbeams'd shoot out of your fingers and your toes, and the ends of your hair... Am I talking too much?

"Clarence! Clarence! Help me, Clarence. Get me back. Get me back. I don't care what happens to me. Only get me back to my wife and kids. Help me, Clarence, please. Please! I want to live again. I want to live again. I want to live again.....Please, God, let me live again."

Trivia for it's a Wonderful Life;

Films made prior to this one used cornflakes painted white for the falling snow effect. Because the cornflakes were so loud, dialogue had to be dubbed in later. Frank Capra wanted to record the sound live, so a new snow effect was developed using foamite (a fire-fighting chemical) and soap and water. This mixture was then pumped at high pressure through a wind machine to create the silent, falling snow. 6000 gallons of the new snow were used in the film. The RKO Effects Department received a special award from the Motion Picture Academy for the development of the new film snow.

As Uncle Billy is leaving George's house drunk, it sounds as if he stumbles over some trash cans on the sidewalk. In fact, a crew member dropped some equipment right after Uncle Billy left the screen. Both actors continued with the scene ("I'm all right, I'm all right!") and director Frank Capra decided to use it in the final cut. He gave the clumsy stagehand a $10 bonus for "improving the sound."

James Stewart was nervous about the phone scene kiss because it was his first screen kiss since his return to Hollywood after the war. Under Frank Capra's watchful eye, Stewart filmed the scene in only one unrehearsed take, and it worked so well that part of the embrace was cut because it was too passionate to pass the censors.

The movie drew fierce criticism for its political statements about post-WWII society when it was released in 1946. Even the FBI labeled it a "subversive" movie and charged that its use of a nasty, Scrooge-like businessman "was a common trick used by communists".

James Stewart was nervous about the phone scene kiss because it was his first screen kiss since his return to Hollywood after the war. Under Frank Capra's watchful eye, Stewart filmed the scene in only one unrehearsed take, and it worked so well that part of the embrace was cut because it was too passionate to pass the censors.

The movie drew fierce criticism for its political statements about post-WWII society when it was released in 1946. Even the FBI labeled it a "subversive" movie and charged that its use of a nasty, Scrooge-like businessman "was a common trick used by communists".

The Motion Picture Association of America's strict production code in 1946 censored such phrases and words as "nuts to you", "impotent", "dang", "lousy", and "jerk". But Capra managed to bypass the production code stipulating that criminals be punished for their crime: Potter never met justice for stealing the $8,000. Capra noted several times that he had received more mail about this point than anything else in the film.

The set for Bedford Falls was constructed in two months and was one of the longest sets that had ever been made for an American movie. It covered four acres of the RKO's Encino Ranch. It included 75 stores and buildings, main street, factory district and a large residential and slum area. The Main Street was 300 yards long, three whole city blocks!

While filming the scene where George prays in the bar, James Stewart has said that he was so overcome that he began to sob right then and there. Later, Frank Capra reframed the shot so it looked like a much closer shot than was actually filmed because he wanted to catch that expression on Stewart's face.

The scene on the bridge where Clarence saves George was filmed on a back lot on a day where the temperature was 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This is why James Stewart is visibly sweating in a few scenes.

Please go here to watch the entire movie for free!

********

FYI...

If you live in San Diego, take a look around and you will see this all over the county!

Toyon or Christmas Berry

Toyon, or "Christmas-berry," one of the more distinctive shrubs of Southern California's native chaparral plant community, has begun to flaunt clusters of red berries. Here in coastal San Diego, toyon can be found wherever large patches of native vegetation survive, but especially in the thick chaparral covering some north-facing slopes. Toyon branches may look inviting to cut as a Christmas wreath -- but don't cut them, they're protected by California state law.

*******

I had a great weekend! On Friday C. and I, along with Candy and Manny went to Balboa Park December Nights. Despite the rain we had a wonderful time!

The park with all its sparkling lights was absolutely beautiful! (I forgot my camera, darn it!) There was theatrical and music entertainment and exotic food and spirits throughout the park. All the museums were open free to the public and a display called "My Ancestor's Village" that shared the culture of San Diego's Native American community was not only educational but beautiful to look at.

Best of all...I got my first kiss under the mistletoe for the Christmas season! It was really romantic and the kiss made my knees melt ;o)

*****

The San Diego Chargers won against the Titans 23-17 Wahoo!

****

Oklahoma utilities said some 400,000 customers were blacked out as power lines snapped under the weight of ice and falling tree branches, and utilities in Missouri said more than 100,000 homes and business had no power there. Roughly 11,000 were blacked out in southern Illinois.

I can not imagine what it is like to deal with a ice storm or a snow storm because I have never experienced either of them. Yes I know I have led a sheltered life! I am keeping all of my readers in Oklahoma and Missouri (there are a lot of you) in my thoughts and prayers. I hope all of you are alive, safe and warm {{{hugs}}}

How was your weekend?

Inspiration and Hope

2007-12-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

I try to be a good father. Give my kids mulligans. Work nights to pay For their text messaging. Take them to swimsuit shoots.

But compared with Dick Hoyt, I suck.

Eighty-five times he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in Marathons. Eight times he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a Wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and Pedaled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars--all in the same day.

Dick's also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back Mountain climbing and once hauled him across the U.S. On a bike. Makes Taking your son bowling look a little lame, right?
And what has Rick done for his father? Not much--except save his life.This love story began in Winchester , Mass. , 43 years ago, when Rick Was strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him Brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs.

"He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life;'' Dick says doctors told him And his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. "Put him in an Institution.''

But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes Followed them around the room. When Rick was 11 they took him to the Engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was Anything to help the boy communicate. "No way,'' Dick says he was told. "There's nothing going on in his brain.''

"Tell him a joke,'' Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a Lot was going on in his brain. Rigged up with a computer that allowed Him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his Head, Rick was finally able to communicate. First words? "Go Bruins!'' And after a high school classmate was paralyzed in an accident and the School organized a charity run for him, Rick pecked out, "Dad, I want To do that.''

Yeah, right. How was Dick, a self-described "porker'' who never ran More than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles? Still, he Tried. "Then it was me who was handicapped,'' Dick says. "I was sore For two weeks.''

That day changed Rick's life. "Dad,'' he typed, "when we were running, It felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!''

And that sentence changed Dick's life. He became obsessed with giving Rick that feeling as often as he could. He got into such hard-belly Shape that he and Rick were ready to try the 1979 Boston Marathon.

"No way,'' Dick was told by a race official. The Hoyts weren't quite a Single runner, and they weren't quite a wheelchair competitor. For a few Years Dick and Rick just joined the massive field and ran anyway, then They found a way to get into the race Officially: In 1983 they ran another marathon so fast they made the Qualifying time for Boston the following year.
Then somebody said, ``Hey, Dick, why not a triathlon?''

How's a guy who never learned to swim and hadn't ridden a bike since he Was six going to haul his 110-pound kid through a triathlon? Still, Dick Tried.

Now they've done 212 triathlons, including four grueling 15-hour Ironmans in Hawaii . It must be a buzzkill to be a 25-year-old stud Getting passed by an old guy towing a grown man in a dinghy, don't you Think?

Hey, Dick, why not see how you'd do on your own? "No way,'' he says. Dick does it purely for "the awesome feeling'' he gets seeing Rick with a cantaloupe smile as they run, swim and ride together.

This year, at ages 65 and 43, Dick and Rick finished their 24th Boston Marathon, in 5,083rd place out of more than 20,000 starters. Their best Time? Two hours, 40 minutes in 1992--only 35 minutes off the world Record, which, in case you don't keep track of these things, happens to Be held by a guy who was not pushing another man in a wheelchair at the Time.

"No question about it,'' Rick types. "My dad is the Father of the Century.''

And Dick got something else out of all this too. Two years ago he had a Mild heart attack during a race. Doctors found that one of his arteries Was 95% clogged. "If you hadn't been in such great shape,'' One doctor told him, "you probably would've died 15 years ago.'' So, in a way, Dick and Rick saved each other's life.

Rick, who has his own apartment (he gets home care) and works in Boston, and Dick, retired from the military and living in Holland, Mass. , always find ways to be together. They give speeches around the country and compete in some backbreaking race every weekend, including this Father's Day.

That night, Rick will buy his dad dinner, but the thing he really wants to give him is a gift he can never buy.

"The thing I'd most like,'' Rick types, "is that my dad sit in the chair and I push him once.''

Article was originally written by Rick Reilly of Sports Illustrated. Video courtesy of youtube.com.

And the video is below....

I hope you all enjoy the video and the story, it certainly gives me pause for hope and inspiration.

How is your week going?

Christmas Suggestions

2007-12-04T05:40:00.000-08:00

The following was sent to me in an email from my friend Samantha. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

For all of you that don't know what to get someone for Christmas, here are some interesting ideas!

For that special someone that can't have their porridge, hm I mean

their noodles to hot.

Have a long commute? Try this nifty hat so that your special someone does not get neck strain.

I am not really sure what to say about this one except,
I don't want it for Christmas!

Know someone that feels lonely?
This can help them feel safe and secure!

Have your floors cleaned instantly!

An accessory that is both a fashion statement and protects their shoes!

This one is will keep you on your toes!
It also doubles as a weapon.

I know at least ten women that would want
one of these! Just in case you are wondering,
I do not want one of these because I love to
play in the "Rain".

*****
Someone has stated that the three phrases that best sum up the
Christmas season are:

"Peace on Earth"
"Goodwill to Men" and
"Batteries not included."

Isn't that the truth!

****

Now that my boys are no longer children, I am noticing so many cool toys in the Sunday paper that are inexpensive and would be fun to play with. Sadly I don't know any one with young children to buy for anymore. Sigh.

****

Did you know?

San Diego is the nations largest producer of avocados. San Diego produces over 40% of California's avocados which account for 95 percent of the avocados produced in the entire United States. Guacamole anyone?

To quote one of my favorite bloggers...

"That is all, have a day"~ aka_Monty

Christmas Joy

2007-12-01T20:48:00.000-08:00

Thank you for the image Benita!

Recipe For Christmas Joy
Ingredients:

1/2 cup Hugs
4 tsp Kisses
2 cups Smiles
4 cups Love
1 cup Special Holiday Cheer
1/2 cup Peace on Earth
3 tsp Christmas Spirit
2 cups Goodwill Toward Man
1 Sprig of Mistletoe
1 medium-size bag of Christmas Snowflakes (the regular kind won't do!)

Method

Mix Hugs, Kisses, Smiles and Love until consistent. Blend in Holiday Cheer, Peace on Earth, Christmas Spirit and the Good Will toward Men. Use the mixture to fill a large, warm heart, where it can be stored for a lifetime. (It never goes bad!) Serve as desired under mistletoe, sprinkled liberally with special Christmas Snowflakes. It is especially good when accompanied by Christmas Carols and family get-togethers. Serve to one and all.

*******

Have a safe and happy weekend everyone!

Cajun Christmas and a Rant

2007-11-27T22:56:00.000-08:00

12 Days of Christmas Cajun Style

Day 1 Dear Emile, Thanks for da bird in the Pear tree. I fixed it las night with dirty rice an it was delicious. I doan tink the Pear tree would grow in de swamp, so I swapped it for a Satsuma.

Day 2 Dear Emile, Your letter said you sent 2 turtle dove, but all I got was 2 scrawny pigeon. Anyway, I mixed them with andouille and made some gumbo out of dem.

Day 3 Dear Emile, Why doan you sen me some crawfish? I'm tired of eating dem darned bird. I gave two of those prissy French chicken to Mrs. Fontenot over at Grand Chenier, and fed the tird one to my dog, Phideaux. Mrs. Fontenot needed some sparring partners for her fighting rooster.

Day 4 Dear Emile, Mon Dieux! I tole you no more of dem bird. Deez four, what you call "calling bird" wuz so noisy you could hear dem all da' way to Lafayette. I used they necks for my crab traps, and fed the rest of dem to the gators.

Day 5 Dear Emile, You finally sent something useful. I liked dem golden rings, me. I hocked dem at da' pawn shop in Sulphur and got enough money to fix the shaft on my shrimp boat, and to buy a round for da boys at the Raisin' Cane Lounge. Merci Beaucoup!

Day 6 Dear Emile, Couchon! Back to da birds, you coonass turkey! Poor egg sucking Phideaux is scared to death ah dem six goose. He try to eat they eggs and they pecked the heck out ah his snout. Dem goose are damm good at eating cockroach around da' house, though. I may stuff one ah dem goose with erster dressing to serve him on Christmas Day.

Day 7 Dear Emile, I'm gonna wring your fool neck next time I see you. Ole Boudreaux, da mailman, is ready to kill you, too. The crap from all dem bird is stinkin up his mailboat. He afraid someone will slip on dat stuff and gonna sue him. I let dem seven swan loose to swim on da bayou and some stupid duck hunter from Mississippi done blasted dem out da water. Talk to you tomorrow.

Day 8 Dear Emile, Poor ole Boudreaux had to make 3 trips on his mailboat to deliver dem 8 maids-a-milking & der cows. One of dem cows got spooked by da alligators and almost tipped over da boat. I doan like dem shiftless maids, me. I told dem to get to work gutting fish and sweeping my shack--but dey say it wasn't in their contract. They probably tink they too good to skin all dem nutria I caught las night.

Day 9 Dear Emile, What you trying to do? Boudreaux had to borrow da Cameron Ferry to carry these jumping twits you call lords-a-leaping across da bayou. As soon as dey got here dey wanted a tea break and crumpets. I doan know what dat means but I says, "Well la di da. You get Chicory coffee or nuthin." Mon Dieux, Emile, what I'm gonna feed all these bozos? They too snooty for fried nutria, and da cow ate up all my turnip green.

Day 10 Dear Emile, You got to be out of you mind. If da mailman don't kill you, I will. Today he deliver 10 half nekkid floozies from Bourbon Street. Dey said they be ladies dancing" but they doan act like ladies in front of dem Limey sailing boys. Dey almost left after one of them got bit by a water moccasin over by my outhouse. I had to butcher 2 cows to feed toute le monde (everybody) and get toilet paper rolls. The Sears catalog wasn't good enough for dem hoity toity lords. Talk at you tomorrow.

Day 11 Dear Emile, Where Y'at? Cherio and pip pip. You 11 Pipers Piping arrived today from the House of Blues, second lining as dey got off da boat. We fixed stuffed goose and beef jumbalaya, finished da whiskey, and we're having a fais-do-do. Da' new mailman drank a bottle of Jack Daniel, and he's having a good old time dancing with the floozies. Da' old mailman done jump off the Moss Bluff Bridge yesterday, screaming you name. If you happen to get a mysterious looking, ticking package in da mail, don't open it.

Day 12 Dear Emile, Me I'm sorry to tell you--but I am not your true love anymore. After the fais-do-do, I spent da night with Jacque, the head piper. We decide to open a restaurant and gentlemen's club on the bayou. The floozies--pardon me--ladies dancing can make $20 for a table dance, and the lords can be the waiters and valet park da boats. Since da' maids have no more cows to milk, I trained dem to set my crab traps, watch my trotlines, and run my shrimping business. We'll probably gross a million dollars next year.

Thanks Mikey!

*******

My son has been on lock down for almost two weeks so I was unable to talk to him on Thanksgiving. I can't even begin to tell you how much that hurt, I missed him and although I had a great Thanksgiving, it was just not the same without Rusty sitting at my table.

Being a "Prison Mama" really sucks and I don't ever want to "get used to it" or become comfortable with the situation. My fear is that I will become an institutionalised "Prison Mama" like some of the moms that I have met recently online. I refuse to become so comfortable with the role that I begin writing to other prisoners and adopting them as my own "boys". I will not open my heart or the front door of my home to any other prisoner -I don't care how long the "boys" have been cell mates. I will not accept the excuses or the 'form letter' apologies to justify the behavior for the crimes that have been commited. I will not put money on their books, purchase televisions or send them stamps "so they can have the small comforts of home. I believe that these women are fooling themselves and have become involved in a bullshit scam.

Now don't get me wrong, I have accepted my sons pending fate and I have stopped detaching myself from the situation. I am forcing myself to deal with the roller coaster emotions, medication adjustments and doctors appointments. Dealing with reality is gut wrenching, painful and I just want the healing to begin. I believe in Rustys future... as well as my own.

It's the Weekend... Wahoo!

2007-11-24T12:09:00.000-08:00

Have a good weekend everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T10:16:00.000-08:00

When the Frost is on the Punkin
by James Whitcomb Riley

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock,
And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin’ turkey-cock,
And the clackin’ of the guineys, and the cluckin’ of the hens,
And the rooster’s hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;
O, it’s then’s the times a feller is a-feelin’ at his best,
With the risin’ sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,
As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes out to feed the stock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock.
They’s something kindo’ harty-like about the atmusfere
When the heat of summer’s over and the coolin’ fall is here—
Of course we miss the flowers, and the blossums on the trees,
And the mumble of the hummin’-birds and buzzin’ of the bees;
But the air’s so appetizin’; and the landscape through the haze
Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days
Is a pictur’ that no painter has the colorin’ to mock—
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock.
The husky, rusty russel of the tossels of the corn,
And the raspin’ of the tangled leaves, as golden as the morn;
The stubble in the furries—kindo’ lonesome-like, but still
A-preachin’ sermuns to us of the barns they growed to fill;
The strawstack in the medder, and the reaper in the shed;
The hosses in theyr stalls below—the clover over-head!—
O, it sets my hart a-clickin’ like the tickin’ of a clock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock!
Then your apples all is gethered, and the ones a feller keeps
Is poured around the celler-floor in red and yeller heaps;
And your cider-makin’ ’s over, and your wimmern-folks is through
With their mince and apple-butter, and theyr souse and saussage, too! ...
I don’t know how to tell it—but ef sich a thing could be
As the Angels wantin’ boardin’, and they’d call around on me—
I’d want to ’commodate ’em—all the whole-indurin’ flock—
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock!

Source:

"The old swimmin'-hole" and 'leven more poems.: Neghborly [!] poems on friendship, grief and farm-life,/ by Benj. F. Johnson, of Boone (James Whitcomb Riley)Riley, James Whitcomb, 1849-1916.Indianapolis, Ind.: The Bowen-Merrill co., 1891.

In 1877 an unrecognized poet James Whitcomb Riley received another letter of rejection from an editor. He decided to avenge. Riley took one of his poems and passed it as if it was a newly discovered work of Edgar Allan Poe. This poem was, of course, published and soon recognized as a masterpiece. The editors could not tell the poet, whom they had rejected, from Poe. And what about you? Can you tell Poe from Riley? Take this quiz to find out.

After each verse chose the poet. Hit the Submit button when done. The quiz will be graded and you will see the correct answers

I missed two on this test...he had me fooled!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

It's Back with a Vengeance

2007-11-18T23:53:00.000-08:00

I am so looking forward to Menopause.

Signs of the Times

2007-11-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Signs of the Times
by
Paul Laurence Dunbar

Air a-gittin' cool an' coolah,
Frost a-comin' in de night,
Hicka' nuts an' wa'nuts fallin',
Possum keepin' out o' sight.
Tu'key struttin' in de ba'nya'd,
Nary a step so proud ez his;
Keep on struttin', Mistah Tu'key,
Yo' do' know whut time it is.
Cidah press commence a-squeakin'
Eatin' apples sto'ed away,
Chillun swa'min' 'roun' lak ho'nets,
Huntin' aigs ermung de hay.
Mistah Tu'key keep on gobblin'
At de geese a-flyin' souf,
Oomph! dat bird do' know whut's comin';
Ef he did he'd shet his mouf.
Pumpkin gittin' good an' yallah
Mek me open up my eyes;
Seems lak it's a-lookin' at me
Jes' a-la'in' dah sayin' "Pies."
Tu'key gobbler gwine 'roun' blowin',
Gwine 'roun' gibbin' sass an' slack;
Keep on talkin', Mistah Tu'key,
You ain't seed no almanac.
Fa'mer walkin' th'oo de ba'nya'd
Seein' how things is comin' on,
Sees ef all de fowls is fatt'nin' —
Good times comin' sho's you bo'n.
Hyeahs dat tu'key gobbler braggin',
Den his face break in a smile —
Nebbah min', you sassy rascal,
He's gwine nab you atter while.
Choppin' suet in de kitchen,
Stonin' raisins in de hall,
Beef a-cookin' fu' de mince meat,
Spices groun' — I smell 'em all.
Look hyeah, Tu'key, stop dat gobblin',
You ain' luned de sense ob feah,
You ol' fool, yo' naik's in dangah,
Do' you know Thanksgibbin's hyeah?

*******

FYI

Roaming Tarantula Spiders are occasionally seen this time of year crossing rural roads or marching through some of San Diego's canyon-bordering neighborhoods. Doggedly searching for a mate, a male will try to hold its course despite your best effort to deflect or hinder him. Docile in temperament, most tarantulas will tolerate gentle handling; they may bite, however, if provoked. Despite their fearsome reputation, tarantula venom is less powerful than a bee's.

*******

Let the Thanksgiving preparations begin!

I have checked my pantry, freezer, cupboards and made my shopping list. I am determined not to forget anything this year. Last year it was cinnamon and the year before that I forgot pearl onions. I do know one thing; I have a good supply of the “special ingredient” that I put in everything I cook...lots of love! Yep, that is my secret to a great meal.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Jewelry and Prostitution

2007-11-14T00:06:00.000-08:00

Necklace, ca. 1900

By
René Jules Lalique (French, 1860–1945)
Gold, enamel, Australian opal, Siberian amethysts;

Overall diam. 9-1/2 in. (24.1 cm)

9 large pendants: H. 2-3/4, W. 2-1/4 in. (7 x 5.7 cm)

9 small pendants: H. 1-3/8, W. 1-1/4 in. (3.5 x 3.2 cm)

René-Jules Lalique was born in the Marne region of France. As a young student he showed great artistic promise and his mother guided him toward jewelry making. From 1876 to 1878 he apprenticed with Louis Aucoc, a noted Parisian jeweler. By the 1890s he had opened his own workshop in Paris and become one of the most admired jewelers of the day.

Lalique avoided using precious stones and the conservatively classical settings favored by other leading jewelers of the time. Rather, he combined semiprecious stones with such materials as enamel, horn, ivory, coral, rock crystal, and irregularly shaped Baroque pearls in settings of organic inspiration, frequently accentuated by asymmetrical curves or elaborate flourishes.

He designed this powerfully evocative necklace for his second wife, Augustine-Alice Ledru, around the turn of the century. The repeats of the main motif — an attenuated female nude whose highly stylized curling hair swirls around her head and whose arms sensuously curve down to become a border enclosing enamel-and-gold swans and an oval cabochon amethyst — are separated by pendants set with fire opals mounted in swirling gold tendrils.

Dragonfly woman corsage ornament, c. 1897-1898
By René Lalique
gold, enamel, chrysoprase, moonstones, and diamonds
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon

At the end of the nineteenth century, jewelry underwent a radical transformation--the Frenchman René Lalique was at the heart of it.Unlike traditional jewelers, who relied almost exclusively on precious stones for effect, Lalique used a variety of materials to create incredibly rich sculptural objects that are works of art in their own right. For the head and body of the woman in this glittering brooch, he chose semiprecious apple-green chrysoprase; the dragonfly wings are made of enamel set with gold and irregular moonstones, ringed with diamonds to convey the iridescent character of insect wings. Notice how the wings are hinged in four places and the tail bends, allowing this enormous brooch to adjust to and move with the body of the person who wore it.

The brooch embodies many of the themes that characterize the Art Nouveau style. Nature, metamorphosis, and eroticism are all expressed in this disturbing, fantastical image of a bare-breasted woman emerging from a large dragonfly. When it was shown at the Paris World s Fair of 1900, one English visitor to the fair commented, "Very remarkable and startling to the observer, but is it jewelry?"

Metamorphosis, or change from one physical form to another, was a major theme for many Art Nouveau artists. Here, woman and insect are fused into an almost menacing creature with golden claws. The idea of the femme fatale, or dangerous woman, was a recurrent theme in many Art Nouveau creations.

"Victoire" hood ornament Francec. 1928
Manufacturer: Lalique et Cie, Cristallerie French, founded 1909
Designer: René Jules Lalique French, 1860 - 1945
Molded glass
Dallas Museum of Art

Following the success of the automobile exhibit at the 1925 Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, the Citroen Company commissioned René Lalique to design a series of over twenty-five "mascots," or radiator cap ornaments. Victoire (Victory), dubbed "Spirit of the Wind" by British customers, features an androgynous head with a plume of sharply tapered, geometric hair intended to evoke the automobile's speed and power. Purchasers had the option of illuminating it from within by means of a light controlled by the automobile's engine. As the car accelerated and decelerated, the intensity of the light would change correspondingly

"Tourbillons" Vase, ca. 1925
By René Jules Lalique (French, 1860–1945)
Glass and enamel; 8 x 8 1/2 in. (20.3 x 21.6 cm)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Want to know more? Please visit...
World Collectors Net

Mondays Crapola

2007-11-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my monday, arrgh!

Grateful Friday

2007-11-09T15:35:00.000-08:00

Gratefulness and simple living go hand in hand. When we are grateful, we appreciate life’s free gifts: friendship and solitude; movement and rest; Nature’s bounty and her spare winter introversion; our own alternating sonata movements of joy, sorrow, and joy’s resurgence. Through this appreciation, we find contentment."--gratfulness.org

Today I am grateful for;

For the gentle fall breeze blowing through the trees.
To have been loved by my Mother.
The smell of chocolate chip cookies baking inside my stove.
That I am refusing to get sucked into a whirlwind of unfulfilled desire.
The wonderful gift to be able to let go of old ideas and old ways of doing something. I have learned by letting go I do not have to be miserable and I can have peace in my heart anytime or minute. I let go of what ever I am holding on to that causes me pain.
The heat and excessive humidity had finally broken.
For the people in my life who loved me and raised me, gave me their time and shared themselves with me.
For a car to drive to the grocery store, the money to buy groceries, a refrigerator and pantry to store them in. I am grateful for electricity to see with, to cool the house, to cook with. I am grateful I even have a house.
Having received the greatest gift we all receive in this lifetime; the ability to love ourselves and share that love with others.

What are you grateful for?

FDA Sexual Energy Recall & Meme

2007-11-07T00:23:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the image Benita!

The other day I was visiting one of my favorite bloggers James who happens to be a very sexy pirate, over at Letters from the Sanitarium. I found this in his archives and I stole it...ha! It's my treasure now...go on over, have a lookise and tell him I sent you. Be sure to check out his art...especially if you enjoy or support "Outsider Art", like I do.

20 Questions

1.What's in your wallet? My ID, medical cards, one credit card, seven club cards, two condoms and $40.00.
2.What's under your bed? A dust bunny or two, a baseball bat, one thigh high stocking and a treasure box full of memories.
3.What's on that way top shelf or in the very far back of your closet?A hat box full of love letters written by my dad to my mother.
4.What's in your underwear drawer? Hmm, thongs, lingerie, two sachets and my very favorite toy ;0}.
5.What's in the trunk of your car? Sorry nothing in there except an emergency kit.
6. What colour is the under ware your wearing at this moment? I am not wearing panties. I only wear them when it is absolutely necessary like when I go to the doctor's office.
7. Do you have a super-secret hiding place and what's in it? I can’t tell you that...it is a secret! You can not get it out of me...I am zipping my mouth shut and throwing away the key!
8.Do you feel guilty about something right now, if yes what? No. I stopped carrying those heavy loads years ago.
9.What is the most embarrassing thing in your room right now? My room is dusty, I need to clean it.
10.Have you done something recently you hope no one finds out about? Hmm, nothing that I can think of at the moment. However I must warn you I can be sneaky sometimes ;)
11.What is your last thought before you fall asleep? Amen.
12.How long have those leftovers been in the fridge? What leftovers? I live with two male eighteen year olds, pfft.
13.If I confiscated your computer and took a look around....what would I find? You would definitely find out about my naughty side ;0)
14.Do you sleep with anything? Nope, just me in my natural naked state.
15.What is your midnight snack weakness? My Luva. Oh and the occasional peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
16.Have you ever you shop lifted? No.
17.Have you ever vandalized anything? Nope.
18.Ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight? Yes, last weekend and he made me feel like the most beautiful and sexiest woman alive.
19.What do you wait until no one is looking to do? Usually, I masturbate but I do like an audience ;) Okay I know it is exactly what James said, LOL
20. What no number twenty? What kind of meme ends on the odd, unsettling number of 19?? Alright, I'm going to take it upon myself to ask one final question to even this thing out. When did you lose your virginity? Hmm...age 14. It was not my choice; I wanted to wait until marriage.

This was really fun! Although I am not going to tag anyone, please feel free to take it and share on your own site.

*****
FYI..

FDA Requests Recall of Illegal 'True Man' and 'Energy Max' Drug Products
FDA has asked America True Man Health Inc. to recall its True Man Sexual Energy Nutrient Capsules and Energy Max Energy Supplement Men's Formula Capsules because the agency considers the products to be illegal drugs that contain potentially harmful ingredients. The products are often advertised as "all-natural" alternatives to approved erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs, but they contain substances similar in structure to approved ED drugs.

Animal Product Recall:
One lot of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats
Reason for recall: possible Salmonella contamination

*****
How is your week going?

Mondays Blah

2007-11-05T10:45:00.000-08:00

Blah.

Diabetes and Novembers Pirate

2007-11-01T00:32:00.000-07:00

Novembers Pirate

Artist Unknown

Maitz?

Thanks for the image Benita!

Sam Bellamy and his boarding party take possession of the Whydah gallery from Captain Prince in Febuary 1717. the slave ship was captured off Long Island in the Bahamas sailing from Jamaica and bound for England. Loaded with treasure after delivering live cargo, the Whydah was appropriated by Black Sam Bellamy to become a pirate ship. She later wrecked off Cape Cod.

On November 18, 1720, Captain Calico Jack Rackaham is hung on a gibbet at Plum Point, Jamaica, for acts of piracy.

November 22, 1718, Blackbeard dies of multiple wounds sustained in a shipboard battle fought in the shallows of Ocracoke Inlet, NC.

November 28, 1720 Anne Bonney and Mary Read are tried for acts of piracy but are not convicted to hang because they are pregnant.

*******

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading 501(C)3 nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association conducts programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reaching hundreds of communities.

The mission of the Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

To fulfill this mission, the American Diabetes Association funds research, publishes scientific findings, provides information and other services to people with diabetes, their families, health professionals and the public. The Association is also actively involved in advocating for scientific research and for the rights of people with diabetes.

******

Diabetes Myths

Myth #1 You can catch diabetes from someone else. No. Although we don’t know exactly why some people develop diabetes, we know diabetes is not contagious. It can’t be caught like a cold or flu. There seems to be some genetic link in diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle factors also play a part.

Myth #2 People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate.If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes. They are no more “off limits” to people with diabetes, than they are to people without diabetes.

Myth #3 Eating too much sugar causes diabetes. No. Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. However, being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.

Myth #4 People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods. A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is the same as that for everyone – low in fat (especially saturated and trans fat), moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on whole grain foods, vegetables and fruit. Diabetic and “dietetic” versions of sugar-containing foods offer no special benefit. They still raise blood glucose levels, are usually more expensive and can also have a laxative effect if they contain sugar alcohols.

Myth #5 If you have diabetes, you should only eat small amounts of starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes and pasta. Starchy foods are part of a healthy meal plan. What is important is the portion size. Whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice and starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, peas and corn can be included in your meals and snacks. The key is portions. For most people with diabetes, having 3-4 servings of carbohydrate-containing foods is about right. Whole grain starchy foods are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your gut healthy.

Myth #6 People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses. No. You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you have diabetes. However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu shots. This is because any infection interferes with your blood glucose management, putting you at risk of high blood glucose levels and, for those with type 1 diabetes, an increased risk of ketoacidosis.

Myth #7 Insulin causes atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and high blood pressure.No, insulin does not cause atherosclerosis. In the laboratory, there is evidence that insulin can initiate some of the early processes associated with atherosclerosis. Therefore, some physicians were fearful that insulin might aggravate the development of high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. But it doesn’t.

Myth #8 Insulin causes weight gain, and because obesity is bad for you, insulin should not be taken. Both the UKPDS (United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study) and the DCCT (Diabetes Control & Complications Trial) have shown that the benefit of glucose management with insulin far outweighs (no pun intended) the risk of weight gain.

Myth #9 Fruit is a healthy food. Therefore, it is ok to eat as much of it as you wish. Fruit is a healthy food. It contains fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals. Because fruit contains carbohydrate, it needs to be included in your meal plan. Talk to your dietitian about the amount, frequency and types of fruits you should eat.

Myth #10 You don’t need to change your diabetes regimen unless your A1C is greater than 8 percent.The better your glucose control, the less likely you are to develop complications of diabetes. An A1C in the sevens (7s), however, does not represent good control. The ADA goal is less than 7 percent. The closer your A1C is to the normal range (less than 6 percent), the lower your chances of complications. However, you increase your risk of hypoglycemia, especially if you have type 1 diabetes. Talk with your health care provider about the best goal for you.

*****

As most of you already know I am a diabetic so this cause is very important to me. I was first diagnosed with diabetes in January of 2004. Both of my parents have adult onset diabetes so I was aware of the symptoms before my diagnoses. In 1987 my mother died as a result of diabetes and cancer. My father was diagnosed in 1989 and through exercise and diet he is no longer taking any medications for diabetes. Way to go Dad! :0)

With your help the American Diabetes Association will find a cure for this disease. Please take a moment and consider making a donation here.

****

Take care everyone!

A Fright Night Spooktacular

2007-10-31T10:04:00.000-07:00

Yvonne De Carlo

The witches fly

Across the sky,

The owls go, "Who? Who? Who?"

The black cats yowl

And green ghosts howl,

Have a Spooktacular Halloween Everyone!

It is Party Time

2007-10-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

You Are A Vampire

You have a real thirst for bliss, and you consider yourself a true hedonist.
And you're not afraid to walk alone in life, if it means getting what you truly crave.
You truly enjoy entrancing people. Not to mention the ensuing pleasures of the flesh.
Your tastes have been called decadent and bizarre. You usually give in to your temptations, no matter how primal

Your greatest power: Your flawless ability to seduce and charm

Your greatest weakness: Human flesh

You play well with: Werewolves

http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofmonsterareyouquiz/">What Kind of Monster Are You?

You Are Apple Cider

Smooth and comforting. But downright nasty when cold.

http://www.blogthings.com/whatpartoffallareyouquiz/">What Part of Fall Are You?

Halloween Horoscope for Cancer

You're usually the one who gives out the best candy in your neighborhood.
And you really get into the halloween spirit decorating your house.

Costume suggestions: A witch, wizard, or angel

Signature Halloween candy: Mini peanut butter cups

Scary movie you should celebrate Halloween with: Evil Dead 2

What's" Your Halloween Horoscope?

What Your Halloween Habits Say About You

A bit of an introvert, you like the special occasions just as much as everyone else. You just have your own unique way of celebrating Halloween.

Sneaky and devious, people should really watch out for you. You are usually underestimated and forgotten.

Your inner child is stubborn and a bit bossy.

Your fears are irrational and varied. It's hard to predict what you may be afraid of on any given day.

You're prone to be quite emotional and over dramatic. Deep down, you enjoy being scared out of your mind... even if you don't admit it.

You are unique, expressive, and a trendsetter. Your ideal Halloween costume is over the top and one of a kind.

What's" Your Halloween Personality?

Halloween Tips
Although children look forward to tricks, treats, and ghoulish garb, Halloween can be fraught with fright for parents, with candy given to their kids by strangers and a legion of masked and costumed trick-or-treaters at the door. However, following a few safety tips can ensure safe fun for kids and candy-givers alike.To ensure that trick-or-treaters, you, and your house stay safe, remember the following tips.

Clear your yard and sidewalk of any obstacles or decorations that may be hard to see in the dark, lest someone go bump in the night.
Keep your house well lighted, both inside and out; you wouldn’t want to miss any particularly good costumes, would you?
Ask your Neighborhood Watch or local citizen’s group to haunt (patrol) your community.
Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your police or sheriff’s department.
To make sure even the scariest costumes are safe, keep the following in mind when buying or designing one.
Try makeup instead of masks; it’s more comfortable and doesn’t obstruct vision the way masks can.
Check to ensure that costumes are flame-retardant so that young ones are safe around jack-o’-lanterns, candles, and other flames.
Keep costumes short to ensure that the only trip taken is the one around the neighborhood.
Look for brightly colored costumes, attach reflector strips to costumes and bags, and remind trick-or-treaters to carry glow sticks and flashlights.
If a costume involves any sort of fake weapon, make sure that it is made of a flexible material such as cardboard or foam. Or, avoid the whole problem of weapons by challenging your child to design a costume that is scary without one.

Keep in mind the next few tips to make sure your trick-or-treater’s night in the neighborhood will be safe and fun.

Older kids should trick-or-treat in groups; kids walking around alone are never as safe as those in groups, and especially not at night. Younger kids should be accompanied by a parent or trusted neighbor.
Review the route for trick-or-treating beforehand and set a time set when kids should be home. Also, have a plan if your child gets separated from his or her friends or from you.
Remind your children not to enter strange houses or cars.
After a successful and safe night around the neighborhood, remember that the treats still need scrutiny before anyone eats them.
Remind your children not to eat treats until they’ve come home. To help ensure this, feed them a meal or a substantial snack before they go out.
Check all treats at home in a well-lighted place. Be especially wary of anything that is not wrapped by the factory or that is no longer sealed.
Remind kids not to eat everything at once, lest they be green even without the makeup.

The following was sent to me in an email. Thank you Benita :0)

Halloween Superstitions

• Going in for dumb supper, meaning that nobody will talk while having supper, encourages the spirits to come to the table.

• It is believed that if an unmarried girl keeps a rosemary herb and a silver sixpence under her pillow on Halloween night, it is quite likely that on that very night, she would dream of her future husband.

• It is said that if you hear someone's footsteps behind you on the Halloween night, you should not turn back because it may be a dead following you. And if you commit the mistake of looking back, it is likely that you might join the dead very soon.

• People believe that if on the Halloween night, a girl carrying a lamp in her hand goes to a spring of water, she will see the reflection of her life partner in water.

• People have a superstition that if an unmarried girl carries a broken egg in a glass and takes it to a spring of water, she will be able to catch the glimpse of not just her future husband, by mixing some spring water in the glass, but also she can see the reflection of her future kids.

• There is the old saying that "black cats are bad luck". It was once believed that black cats were the devil, or consumed by evil spirits.

• People used to believe that Satan was a nut-gatherer. Nuts were also used as magic charms on the day of Halloween festival.

• If you put your clothes on inside out as well as outside walk backwards on Halloween night. At midnight you will see a witch in the sky. People used to believe witches were the devil, or that they were consumed by evil.

• There is also an old saying "if the flame on your candle goes out on Halloween celebration; it gives you the meaning that you are with a ghost".

• If you ring a bell on Halloween it will frighten evil spirits away.

• Many people used to consider that owls would dive down to eat the souls of the dying on Halloween. They used to think if you pulled your pockets out, and left them hanging, they'd be safe.

• It has been said if a bat flies into your house on Halloween, it is a sign that ghosts or spirits are very nearer, and maybe they are in your home and let the bat in.

• People used to believe that if bats are out early on Halloween, and they fly around playfully, then good weather is to come.

• If a bat flies around your house three times on Halloween, death is very soon to come.

• To ward off evil spirits on Halloween, you can bury all the animal bones in your front yard, or even put a picture of an animal very close to your doorway.

• People used to believe you could walk around your house three times backwards before sunset on Halloween, and that would take care of all evil.

• It could be the spirit of a dead loved one watching you if you watch a spider on Halloween.

****

My weekend was wonderful and full of exciting experiences. ;0) I will try to write about them at the end of the week. In the mean time I am busy planning two parties, a birthday party for Rainman and a Halloween bash.

How was your weekend?

Being Thankful, Fires and Sex

2007-10-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

Fire on Mount San Miguel

So close to my home...

Today I am thankful for;

The five thousand firefighters working on the fire lines in San Diego County. Also our thoughts and prayers go out to the fifty firefighters that have been injured in the line of duty. Firefighters are my heroes.
The Santa Ana winds have died down and an increase in humidity have allowed the firefighters to gain some control with the fires. This is also sending the smoke and ash the in the opposite direction of my house and making it easier for all of us to breathe.
My father was evacuated (see post below) and was allowed to go back to his home today. There is no damage to any homes in his neighborhood. Thanks to Big Ernie.
Volunteers and the Red Cross. San Diegans have given their time, food, clothing, money and even opened up there houses to strangers that needed to evacuate their own homes. I am amazed at how this city has come together and it makes me proud to call the City of San Diego my hometown.
Every police officer in San Diego County. They are working twelve hour shifts to keep us and our properties safe.
As of today the Harris Fire is 84,000 acres and 20% contained. Cost to date $5.4 million.
The Witch Fire is 200,000 acres, and it is now 30% contained, with full containment expected on October 31st and full control on November 5th. Cost to date $7 million.
The Rice Fire is still 9,000 acres and now 40% contained, with full containment expected October 28th, and full control November 5th. The Poomacha Fire is 38,500 acres and 30% contained, with full containment expected October 29th. Cost to date $1,619,000. Control line has been tied in to the Witch Fire.

*****

I was watching the news and a local news station were interviewing a couple who had sadly lost their home in Rancho Bernardo. Unfortunately the couple admitted that they did not have insurance on their home and at the time had no plan as to what they were going to do next. Now I want to make it clear that I empathize with them, I understand that insurance can be costly and I will pray for them. However, living in San Diego or the State of California for that matter, means that you make the choice to live where there is a long history of wild fires burning out of control. Insurance is a must, I am just sayin...

******

Horses stand in a pen as fire threatens the Bonita neighborhood Oct. 23, 2007, in San Diego, Calif. You can help our response to this disaster -- and others in the future -- by making an emergency gift today. (Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images).

******
I have been looking forward to this weekend for a long time...no responsibilities, kids or chores to do. Oh what should I do? Well there is one thing, I have been offered an opportunity to fulfill a sexual fantasy of C’s...I may write about it in a future post however, if you want a hint it is mentioned in the Rockstar video above. ;0)

Have a great weekend everyone!

San Diego Fires

2007-10-23T14:40:00.000-07:00

My favorite local news anchor Larry Himmel, lost his home this morning to one of the fires currently blazing out of control in San Diego. Our hearts and prayers go out to him and his family, as well as any others who have lost their homes in the last three days.

No one in my home got any sleep last night; we were all outside watching the fire that was less than six miles from our house. All of my neighbors were outside keeping a vigil wondering if we where going to get the call to evacuate our homes. Last night I was really frightened and I could not show it because I have to be strong for both Rainman and Joe. The only thing I really wanted last night was a hug from my mom. Sniff.

It is now 2:30 PM our time and I just got a call from my dad; he has been told that he has twenty minutes to evacuate his home.

Please keep us in your prayers.

Pinups

2007-10-22T11:05:00.001-07:00

I love pin ups from the 1940's and 1950's! I hope you enjoy the video. ;0}

I had a wonderful weekend and I will post more about it later on this week.

How was your weekend? Take care everyone...

Der Vampyr and "Bodies...The Exhibition"

2007-10-19T00:40:00.000-07:00

Peter Joseph von Lindpainter, a German musician who also adapted the vampire for the German stage, was a violinist who had studied at Augsburg and Munich prior to becoming the Music director of the Isarton Theater in 1812. In 1891 he moved to Stuttgart as the Kapellmeister of the city’s orchestra, where he would remain for the rest of his life. Throughout his long career he was among the country’s most honored conductors, although he was known more for his technical proficiency and dramatic effects rather than originality. He spent a period in the 1850s as the guest conductor of the New Philharmonic Society in London.

During is long life, he composed 28 operas, Der Vampyr being among the two or three most successful. He set the plot in France and named his vampire character Graf (or Count) Aubri. In the plot, Aubri convinced the father of Isolde, the object of his desire, to break off her engagement to his love, Graf Hippolyte, and allow him to marry her. In the end, Hippolyte fatally wounded him, but as he lay dying, he made Hippolyte swear not to reveal his death until midnight. He had still hoped to prey on Isolde, but she protected herself by claiming God’s protection. As his time ran out, without the needed blood, Aubri died.

Then it first appeared, several months after opera of Heinrich Marschner, Lindpainter’s production competed successfully with the other Der Vampyr, but it was forgotten through most of the twentieth-century until the vampire revival of the 1980s aroused interest in both composers.

*****

This weekend Rainman and I are planning to go see "Bodies...the Exhibition" that features more than 250 "real, whole, and partial human body specimens...dissected and preserved," providing up-close looks inside skeletal, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory, other human body systems. Many whole-body specimens "are dissected in vivid athletic poses."

The Floss Silk Tree, a conspicuous "autumn bloomer" here and there around San Diego, has been showing off its pinkish or purplish, hibiscus-like flowers for at least a month now. The broad, heavy trunks of this South American import, studded with fat, cone-shaped spines, make it easy to identify. Take a look around...the show of flowers is spectacular!

Please visit;

Susan G. Koemen for the Cure~ Garth Brooks and Komen
Joining together in the promise to end breast cancer forever.

Okay everyone have a wonderful weekend!

The Halloween Countdown

2007-10-17T02:32:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Halloween Phrases That Sound Dirty

10. She's a goblin!
9. I'd like to get a little something in the sack.
8. Let me see your bag....OH! You're having a great night!
7. Just get on your hands and knees and bob your head.
6. She's got a couple of nice pumpkins on her porch.
5. If you just lick it, it'll last longer.
4. Show me your JuJuBees and I'll let you see my Zagnuts.
3. Have your mom check it before you put it in your mouth...
2. You scared me stiff!

1. He's got Candy spread out on the living room floor! ;0}

Top 10 Reasons Why Trick-or-Treating Is Better Than Sex

10. You're guaranteed to get at least a little something in the sack.
9. If you get tired, wait 10 minutes and go at it again.
8. The uglier you look, the easier it is to get some.
7. You don't have to compliment the person who gave you candy.
6. The person you're with doesn't fantasize you're someone else.
5. If you get a stomach ache, it won't last 9 months.
4. If you wear your Batman mask, no one thinks you're kinky.
3. It doesn't matter if kids hear you moaning and groaning.
2. You have less guilt the next morning.

1. IF YOU DON'T GET WHAT YOU WANT, YOU CAN ALWAYS GO NEXT DOOR!

Good night everyone ;0)

Hunky Monday

2007-10-15T01:15:00.000-07:00

One for the girls.....

Looks like a tasty pumpkin to me ;0)

One for the guys....

This one came to me in an email labeled

"Pirate Booty"

Weekend Discoveries

“It's a relationship characterised by rejection, deceit and too much perfume. An affair played out not on the pages of a gossip magazine, but among Australian insects and plants. Researchers have discovered that an ancient plant species that grows in southeast Queensland uses its natural scent to manipulate the insects it relies on for pollination.” Here

*****
This award comes as no surprise to anyone living in “Americas Finest City". Dog Fancy magazine recently named San Diego America's most dog-friendly city. Here:

*****

A new Web site offers dozens of video clips of autistic kids contrasted with unaffected children's behavior. Some of the side-by-side differences can make you gasp. Others are more subtle.
The free site, debuting Monday, also defines and depicts "stimming," "echolalia" and other confusing-sounding terms that describe autistic behavior. Stimming refers to repetitive, self-stimulating or soothing behavior including hand-flapping and rocking that autistic children sometimes do in reaction to light, sounds or excitement. Echolalia is echoing or repeating someone else's words or phrases, sometimes out of context.

The new site is sponsored by two nonprofit advocacy groups: Autism Speaks and First Signs. They hope the site will promote early diagnosis and treatment, which can help young children with autism lead more normal lives. The site was to be available to the public starting Monday on the Autism Speaks Web site

********

The San Diego Chargers Won...

LaDainian Tomlinson had four rushing touchdowns as the San Diego Chargers defeated the Oakland Raiders, 28-14, at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday. Wahoo! Go Chargers!

Please visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation

How was your weekend?

Male or Female?

2007-10-12T00:02:00.000-07:00

How quickly the years pass!

*******

Male or Female? You might not have known this, but a lot of non-living objects are actually either male or female. Here are some examples:

FREEZER BAGS: They are male, because they hold everything in, but you can see right through them.
PHOTOCOPIERS: These are female, because once turned off; it takes a while to warm them up again. They are an effective reproductive device if the right buttons are pushed, but can also wreak havoc if you push the wrong Buttons.
TIRES: Tires are male, because they go bald easily and are often over inflated
HOT AIR BALLOONS: Also a male object, because to get them to go anywhere, you have to light a fire under their butt.
SPONGES: These are female, because they are soft, squeezable and retain water.
WEB PAGES: Female, because they're constantly being looked at and frequently getting hit on.
TRAINS: Definitely male, because they always use the same old lines for picking up people.
EGG TIMERS: Egg timers are female because, over time, all the weight shifts to the bottom.
HAMMERS: Male, because in the last 5000 years, they've hardly changed at all, and are occasionally handy to have around.
THE REMOTE CONTROL: Female. Ha! You probably thought it would be male, but consider this: It easily gives a man pleasure, he'd be lost without it, and while he doesn't always know which buttons to push, he just keeps trying. ;0)

*******

Have a good night everyone!

Holding on For Life

2007-10-10T06:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my world.

Hunky Monday

2007-10-08T00:41:00.000-07:00

Photo Source: Miss Cellania

Photo source: SFC

"Shall I go to heaven or a-fishing?"
Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862), U.S. philosopher, author, naturalist.

Please visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation

Have a great week everyone! :0)

Classic Nudes and the Worst Week Ever

2007-10-06T00:10:00.000-07:00

It is my personal opinion that these photos do not do justice to any of these paintings. I believe that it is always better to see these paintings in in a gallery or a museum to truly appreciate their artistic beauty.

A Favorite Custom 1909
By Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema
Dutch Painter, 1836-1912
Victorian Classicism

Victorian Classicism was a British form of historical painting inspired by the art and architecture of Classical Greece and Rome. In the 19th century, an increasing number of Western Europeans made the "Grand Tour" to Mediterranean lands. There was a great popular interest in the region's lost civilizations and exotic cultures, and this interest fuelled the rise of Classicism in Britain, and Orientalism, which was mostly centered in continental Europe.

The Classicists were closely associated with the Pre-Raphaelites, many artists being influenced by both styles to some degree. Both movements were highly romantic and were inspired by similar historical and mythological themes -- the key distinction being that the Classicists epitomized the rigid Academic standards of painting, while the Pre-Raphaelites were initially formed as a rebellion against those same standards.Frederick Leighton and Lawrence Alma-Tadema were the leading Classicists, and in their lifetimes were considered by many to be the finest painters of their generation.

This painting is my favorite of all the Classic Nudes shown here.
Girlfriends, 1916-17
By Gustav Klimt
Austrian Painter, 1862-1918
Symbolism/ Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau is an elegant decorative art style characterized by intricate patterns of curving lines. Its origins somewhat rooted in the British Arts and Crafts Movement of William Morris, Art Nouveau was popular across Europe and in the United States as well. Leading practitioners included ,Alphonse Mucha, Aubrey Beadsley, Gustav Klimt and the American glassmaker Louis Comfort Tiffany. Art Nouveau remained popular until around the time of World War I, and was ultimately replaced by the Art Deco style.

Symbolism is a 19th-century movement in which art became infused with exaggerated sensitivity and a spooky mysticism. It was a continuation of the Romantic tradition, which included such artists as John Henry Fuseli and Caspar David Friedrich. Anticipating Freud and Jung, the Symbolists mined mythology and dream imagery for a visual language of the soul. More a philosophical approach than an actual style of art, they influenced their contemporaries in the Art Nouveau movement and Les Nabis.The leading Symbolists included Gustave Moreau ,Puvis de Chavannes and Odilon Redon.

Attempting the Impossible, 1928

Maybe it is just me but the model and the painter look like they could be brother and sister.
By Rene Magritte
Belgian Painter 1898-1967
Surrealism

Surrealism is a style in which fantastical visual imagery from the subconscious mind is used with no intention of making the work logically comprehensible. Founded by Andre Breton in 1924, it was a primarily European movement that attracted many members of the chaotic Dada movement. It was similar in some elements to the mystical 19th-century Symbolist movement, but was deeply influenced by the psychoanalytic work of Freud and Jung.The Surrealist circle was made up of many of the great artists of the 20th century, including Max Ernst, Giorgio de Chirico, Jean Arp, Man Ray, Joan Miro, and Rene Magritte. Salvador Dali, probably the single best-known Surrealist artist, broke with the group due to his right-wing politics (during this period leftism was the fashion among Surrealists, and in fact in almost all intellectual circles).

The Three Graces, 1504-05
By Raphael ( Raffaello Sanzio)
Italian Painter, 1483-1520
High Renaissance

The High Renaissance was the culmination of the artistic developments of the Early Renaissance, and one of the great explosions of creative genius in history. It is notable for three of the greatest artists in history: Michelangelo Buonarroti, Raphael Sanzio and Leonardo da Vinci.By about the 1520s, High Renaissance art had become exaggerated into the style known as Mannerism.

La Chambre de Cathie, 1933
By Bathus
French Painter, 1908-2001
Dada/ Surrealism

Dada was a protest by a group of European artists against World War I, bourgeois society, and the conservativism of traditional thought. Its followers used absurdities and non sequiturs to create artworks and performances which defied any intellectual analysis. They also included random "found" objects in sculptures and installations.The founders included the French artist Jean Arp and the writers Hugo Ball and Tristan Tzara. Francis Picabia and Marcel Duchamp were also key contributors.The Dada movement evolved into Surrealism in the 1920's.

Young Girl Defending Herself Against Eros, 1880
By William-Alophe Bouguereau
French Painter, 1825-1905
Academic Classicism

Academic Art is the painting and sculpture produced under the influence of the Academies in Europe and especially France, where many artists received their formal training. It is characterized by its highly polished style, its use of mythological or historical subject matter, and its moralistic tone. Neoclassical Art was also closely associated with the Academies. The term "Academic Art" is associated particularly with the French Academy and the 19th century salons at which art was submitted for display and prizes were awarded. Artists such as Jean-Leon Gerome and Bouguereau epitomize this style.

******
Today's recipe

Baked Stuffed Chicken
6-7 lb. baking chicken
1 cup melted butter
1 cup stuffing (Pepperidge Farm is good.)
1 cup uncooked popcorn (Orville Redenbacker's Low Fat)
Salt/pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush chicken well with melted butter, salt, and pepper. Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn. Place in baking pan with the neck end toward the back of the oven. Listen for the popping sounds. When the chicken's ass blows the oven door open and the chicken flies across the room, it is done.

And you thought I couldn't cook . *giggles*

*****

For years, Marion Jones angrily denied using steroids. Today she admitted it was all a lie. The three-time Olympic gold medalist pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators when she denied using performance-enhancing drugs, and announced her retirement after the hearing. Jones also pleaded guilty to a second count of lying to investigators about her association with a check-fraud scheme. I am so disappointed with Jones and disgusted with her actions.

****

San Diego Experiences the Worst Week ever...

On Sept. 30~ A 3.0-magnitude earthquake hit the area early Sunday morning.
The earthquake was centered three miles south of Balboa Park. Before you ask, yes I felt it and I am happy to report that no damage was reported.
On Oct. 04~ San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders declared a state of emergency Wednesday night after a landslide forced the evacuation of more than 100 homes in the upscale La Jolla area.
Also on Oct. 04~ Ingraham Street Water Main Break
The cause of the soggy mess was a 16-inch cast-iron water main that broke Thursday around 2 p.m. For hours, water flooded nearby roads, backing up traffic for miles and stranding residents. Crews were able to shut the water off about two hours later, just as a 6-inch water main pipe broke on the 100 block of Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach.

*****

I went to the Adams Avenue Street Fair last weekend with Candy, Angel, Thana, Misty and Samantha. Unfortunately I did not bring my camera however you can see the sights here To the very sexy guy standing on the corner of Adams Ave and Felton. You know who you are...Six foot two, green eyes, bald, muscled and toned. Your ass made me weak in the knees. Thank you.

Have a great weekend everyone! Comments are always appreciated :)

Being Grateful

2007-10-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

October is...Please visit NBCAM

Joe and Michelle

Today I am grateful for;

The small amounts of measurable Rain that San Diego County received last week.
The Community Watch Program that is active in my neighborhood. Without it I would no longer have my recyclables. Recycling adds almost eighty dollars month to my emergency savings fund.
I was able to visit and speak with Rusty for the first time in almost four months. Since Rusty’s arrest back in October 2006, he is now drug and alcohol free, has regained the ability to put coherent sentences together and has gained almost ninety pounds. Wahoo!
Our justice system with all of its flaws, it is still the best in the world. Rusty’s criminal case had three continuances last week. After a lengthy discussion with Rusty’s attorney I understand his reasons and agree with them.
Joe’s girlfriend Michelle left San Diego to start College at UC Riverside. Michelle is intelligent, has a good head on her shoulders and has the potential to become a professional writer. I have no doubt that she will be a positive influence in society and we wish her the very best in her future endeavors.
The comfortable silence between the closest of friends.
Coming home... and knowing you're welcome.

Tonight I am going to see Hootie & The Blowfish at Humphreys Concerts by The Bay. I love their music, it is powerful and passionate Rock N Roll with a soulful message. Australian born, San Diego based, singer/songwriter Kai Brown will open for Hootie & The Blowfish. Yay me!

I would like to take this time to thank Bill and James for your emails concerning the post below this one;

Bill~ My heart goes out to you and I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for kind words and encouragement.

James~ You are very naughty ;) It is good to know that I am your favorite pirate girl...oh and "the girls" are very real and natural.

Okay everyone have a great hump day!

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2007-10-01T00:20:00.000-07:00

Octobers Pirate...

Sorry I've decided to take this photo down.

Me and my girls in support of...

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Most of you already know that I had quite a scare earlier this year after having my first mammogram (here). Recently a very good friend of mine Cheri, was diagnosed in the early stages of breast cancer. My Aunt Yvonne died in 1990 after a ten year fight from breast cancer and her daughter, Leonie is a breast cancer survivor. I am sure that most of you reading this either has a family member, friend or a co-worker that has had breast cancer. Early detection will increase your odds of surviving breast cancer. This post is not just for women, men can get breast cancer also.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Learning about the diagnosis and treatment options available may help you to make decisions about your care. The first step in the learning process is a conversation with your physician. Every woman's breast cancer diagnosis is different. What a physician recommends for one woman may not be right for another. Developing a list of questions to ask is a good first start to addressing concerns and getting information. Here is a list of basic questions on advanced breast cancer to get the conversation started.

ABOUT BREAST CANCER

What stage is my breast cancer? What does this mean?
What are my chances of responding to treatment?

ADVANCED BREAST CANCER

Is my breast cancer hormone receptor positive?
Why has my breast cancer recurred?
Does this mean my treatment will have to change?
What are my chances of responding to treatment?

TREATMENT OPTIONS

What are the treatment options for my stage of breast cancer? Why or why not would these treatments help me?

Surgery
Radiation
Chemotherapy
Hormonal therapy
Biologically targeted therapy
Clinical trial participation

What treatment options, oral or injectable, are available for me as an advanced breast cancer patient?
What treatment do you feel will work best for me? Why are you recommending this treatment?
What are the possible side effects of this treatment? Will it make me feel sick? What kinds of food will help me? Or where can I get advice on meal planning?
Will this treatment allow me to continue to be involved in my normal daily activities? If not, would another treatment be better for me so I can remain active?
Will the treatment affect my family? What do they need to know?
Will the treatment affect my appearance? If so, are there other options that will not change the way that I look?
What if my current therapy does not continue to benefit me? Are there any other options?
What types of hormonal therapies are available to me? Will it be beneficial? Is there any treatment I could be prescribed that does not have to be taken daily?
What are the latest advances in hormonal therapies?
How often will I be able to see my health care professional?
How will I know if the treatment is working?
What are the side effects?
How can I manage side effects?
What side effects should I tell you about?
Will I need follow-up care?

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
What studies are currently under way for women with advanced stage breast cancer?
Do you recommend a clinical trial for me? How can it help?
Where can I get further information on my stage of breast cancer?
Where can I find additional support?
Please be sure to let your doctor know all the medications (prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements) you currently take. Also, check with your doctor before starting any other medication.

Want to know more?

Please visit NBAM

*****

Once again I have a very busy week ahead of me, I will be in court three times to support Rusty. I will be so happy when these issues are resolved. Sigh.

Have a great week everyone!

Pressure

2007-09-28T19:59:00.000-07:00

Pressure

It has been a very difficult week in the Rain household.
Court dramas, family issues, broken hearts and
the never ending piles of fucking laundry...arrg!
I am going to go take a bubble bath and put myself in "time out".
Goodnight.

Vincent starry starry night

2007-09-25T00:55:00.001-07:00

What is ecphrasis?
Ecphrasis has been considered generally to be a rhetorical device in which one medium of art tries to relate to another medium by defining and describing its essence and form, and in doing so, relate more directly to "you", the audience through its illuminative liveliness. A descriptive work of prose or poetry, a film, or even a photograph may thus highlight through its rhetorical vividness what is happening, or what is shown in, say, any of the visual arts and in doing so, may enhance the original art and so take on a life of its own through its brilliant description.

The Starry Night
by Anne Sexton

That does not keep me from having a terrible need of—shall I say the word—religion. Then I go out at night to paint the stars.
Vincent Van Gogh in a letter to his brother

The town does not exist
except where one black-haired tree slips
up like a drowned woman into the hot sky.
The town is silent. The night boils with eleven stars.
Oh starry starry night! This is how
I want to die.
It moves. They are all alive.
Even the moon bulges in its orange irons
to push children, like a god, from its eye.
The old unseen serpent swallows up the stars.
Oh starry starry night! This is how
I want to die:
into that rushing beast of the night,
sucked up by that great dragon, to split
from my life with no flag,
no belly,
no cry.

Anne Sexton, “The Starry Night” from The Complete Poems of Anne Sexton (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1981).

Now tell me what you think...Does the piece of literature visually describe the artwork? Do you find the description accurate? Does the literature draw conclusions or make interpretations of the artwork? Could you reconstruct the artwork from the literature without ever seeing it? Does the author focus on some aspects of the artwork but ignore other parts? Do you think the poet or the songwriter better captures the feeling and mood of the painting?

TGIF

2007-09-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received a phone call from my son Rusty; he is back in San Diego! It was so good to hear his voice and I will be able to visit him sometime tomorrow. Wahoo!

As I said before (here) I have had to put a gag order on myself concerning Rusty’s criminal case for his victim’s safety as well as ours. Hopefully by the end of the month my family as well as Rusty’s victims will finally have some closure from this horrible ordeal.

I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend and I will be supervising a list of 'to do' chores that need to be done by Rainman and Joe around the house. Afterwards I want to take them out to dinner and take in a movie.

Have a good weekend everyone!