Later peoples...

Random musings of a "•Twisted Limb•"

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Just somebody you didn't know before.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Ad rem Continuium

Hmmm, I am not certain what that heading might mean to you, but coming from me it really meant "and more of the same".  Maybe a Wiki entry is in order...
Got all the inside housework accomplished and did a couple loads of laundry.  
I don't mind doing laundry and believe it or not, I haven't used my dishwasher for better than 6 months.  I really like doing dishes by hand.  Of course, there is only me so it's not like a monumental chore... Know that feeling Leann??  (what were the magazines?)
I am just about ready to hit Walmart and maybe even Bi-Mart.  Not sure.  I am also thinking about what I might want for dinner.  Nothing here to cook so maybe I will take myself out to dinner.
My Sister is suffering thru an allergy/virus thing that produces sewage in the bronchial passages in her throat.  I hope that the medicine she is taking will clear that up.

A period of 'doldrums' soon to pass

Nothing particularly seems to appeal to me today, even though I have numerous things to do.  Perhaps if the Sun makes an appearance I will liven up.
Funny, sometimes just a blue sky can lift you beyond where you are.  I very rarely ever am down in spirit, but today I just don't have the umph to get it going.
I will do some cleaning inside today as I did most all the outside things yesterday under the umbrella of a beautiful blue sky and moderate temperatures.
I should make a trip to Walmart and buy a decent mop and some TP.  Also I should go to Bi-Mart and check their tomatoes out.  I want to plant 2 of them in the front under the tent flap window.  Enough for now, perhaps I will add more later... maybe not either.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Either fewer Fridays or space em out more

I have a perplexing problem here... I live in a 'time warp'.  Oh I know, you don't believe it, but you will soon find out.  
Ok, I did the math, 365 days in a normal year, 12 months too.  52 weeks and each week has a Friday... right??  Ok then someone please explain to me how my Fridays are only separated by 3 days.
I know it sounds weird but I'm tellin ya.  I start my week on Monday and the very next thing I know here it is Friday again.  This seems to be happening all together more often as I peek at life from further down the Calendar.  Anyone else understand the feeling??
It's not like I have a lot to do or anything and I am seriously beginning to wonder if that isn't part of the problem.
Well, it seems that way to me anyway.  Got both lawns mowed.... what a stunning day it is today.  Maybe I should go take in a movie tonight.. any suggestions on what to see???  What kind are your favorites?  I like most all of them although I don't lean too heavily to the girly ones.
My recent venture into the Insurance swapping fiasco proved to be beneficial to me so AIG is a memory and Sublimity is a reality.
Not too sure what the rest of the day holds but of course, there's always "Friday night Smackdown".
Leann... I liked the picture of the vulture.  You think they act like animals at feeding time.. I used to clean houses on contract and you know whose were hands down the filthiest... Doctors and Nurses...  Please, that isn't a blanket condemnation, just a simple fact.  I'm sure there are plenty more professionals that don't take personal cleanliness to heart.
Hope you have something good planned for your weekend (something Juicy and fun and that tickles ya !!!).

Thursday, May 29, 2008

The Last Hurrrah...Curtain Closing

Great play... we had dinner at J's, both of us enjoyed a Cobb Salad.  She had water to drink and I forced myself to have a pounder of Bud.  (The things a Dad won't do).
About 10 of 7, we headed over to the campus theatre and Melissa introduced me to the director, Ted and we chatted a little bit.  I looked at all the advertisement boards that Melissa designed and put up then inside the theatre, all the stage stuff that she helped put together.
As the play got underway (it was odd, in that the play is somewhat dynamic in that it changes a little each performance).  Melissa actually directed several of the scenes and they were very good.  It is a comedy and sort of a parody of the "3 Muskateers".
Her book, that she put together documenting everything she has done for the past year regarding the play is every bit of 3" thick... tons of typing and compiling of information and historical facts... tremendous amount of work and she is entering it in a competition too.  Which could, thru process of elimination, end up with her winning the National championship and being in WDC.  I hope she gets it.
The play ended about 9:15pm and we said so long as she had work to do back stage and I headed back to Lebanon... Nice evening.

Broadway in Monmouth

Well I am a lucky dad !!!!!, I get to take my daughter, Melissa, out to dinner at J's restaurant in Monmouth and after dinner, attend the play that she has so diligently worked on as part of her Theatre degree requirements. Her title is a "Dramaturg" and she is very knowledgeable about theater history and actually quite well spoken of in the theater industry at not only Monmouth, but also at the Broadway Theatre she worked at as an intern in NYC this past Summer. She is very talented and extremely dedicated to her trade.  She directed 4 scenes in the play. Whatever school she decides to teach at will be lucky to have her. She follows in her mothers footsteps in that she is entering the education field... primarily she wants to teach theater but also will be degreed in English Composition or it might be Literature  (I think). The play will be good and I'm sure she will be happy that it is finally over as it's taken the majority of her free time. Her dedication is to be envied. She makes both her mother and I quite proud.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Some new Toys...

I've created a couple of new Blogs for your viewing pleasure... one is a 'Food' blog that will have recipes on it plus you can add to it if you have some family secret recipes you want to share or some tidbits you've found. The other is a Blog that will hopefully become a repository for fixit hints on all kinds of subjects.. I started it with a half dozen categories but it will grow and all your suggestions, cures, hints and ramblings will be appreciated...

Damn... I love a good deal

Talked to Don and wouldn't you know it, he was able to save me over $100 bucks a year on the combined insurance for Melissa and I.  
When I originally switched to AIG, they beat Rhodes Warden but now, things have changed and I get a better deal by going back to where I started.
Like I told Don, I (and any of you) owe no sense of loyalty to an Insurance company.  They will gladly accept your monthly premium payments till the day you die... if you NEVER ever make a claim you still pay the same..
But, that said, if you do happen to find yourself in the position to have to make a claim and by some chance it is substantial... hang on, you could easily find your premiums increased or as happened to me with Prudential, CANCELLED.  
They are really only your friends whilst things are nice and quiet and you don't NEED to use their services...  Now, that said, I will admit that not ALL insurance companies are created equal and some will actually stick by you in times of adversity.  But the truth is this:  More don't, than do.
It is horrible to know that the LAW is what requires you to carry it... period.
No rain yet, but I gotta say, it's missing a helluva good opportunity.

New guy in towne

If you look just below the heading of this Blog, you will see a link that will take you to the other Blog that will primarily deal with recipes and food ideas. ••• disclaimer ••• (I own NONE of these recipes.) They came from sources such as "Food" network or other sites...

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

The Hungry are Fed...

Monday the center for feeding the elderly and lame was closed. Today I stood in for Gene and had 18 clients. The obvious lack of comments portends the early demise of this blog. Those who flaunt friendship and deliver nothing as an example really torq me off. You want friendship... offer something worth salvaging. You know who this applies to, I don't have to assign a name. It is cloudy and a little cool today and the forecast is not promising either. Lollie and Gareth should be headed back to EDH sometime today. I am sure that they will find many things needing their attention once they arrive home. Tomorrow, I will stop and talk to Don and see how well he can attack the overcharges by a certain Insurance Co. Perhaps a change is in the air.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Horrors... Saw IV I shall see...

I've rented Saw IV. The last in the series of disturbing horror shows.. I've seen all the earlier ones and my demented side enjoyed them all. But, fear not, I can just as easily cry watching a good old tear jerker... The Humanity of it all. Hopefully those of you who visit here are having a good day. Mine is, uneventful so the TV is getting some long neglected usage. Chicken wings and Potato salad will comprise the menu this afternoon and likely nothing tonight. I await your invitation to come for dinner...

Sunday, May 25, 2008

The Hill was too high...

Another attempt at happiness has fizzled out and failed to come to fruitation. Odd, isn't it that as we mature, we become less appealing. I would never had thought it would be like this. Of course, had I been able to save my last relationship I wouldn't be in this situation at all... Hindsight is something we should have access to before we need it. I've posted again, on CL, with the hopes that some poor unsuspecting Lady will respond. I don't believe that my expectations are at all unreasonable. I simply don't want to spend the rest of my life alone. I am capable of love and respect and mutual honesty... Perhaps I need an agent!! Or, maybe a complete makeover with an instant rewind on the Calendar... That would produce some interesting results I'm sure. No problem my children, I am on yet another Quest and I've polished up the Sword and tightened the scabbard. My trusty steed awaits and the supple saddle lies empty awaiting my pompous ass's arrival... Hail to the King and may the Queen rule forever... Tada :-)

It's over and beginning again...

Life throws a mean curve ball sometimes.  I remember when I was younger and my Dad used to tell me that just when I had all the answers to lifes questions, they would change all the questions... It is so very true.  We wander around this planet in search of success and happiness and we taste from many different wells in that quest.
Years ago, the bucket would reach the water easily as the well was very full and the water very fresh... Now I find that there is barely enough rope on the crank to allow the bucket to reach the water and if it does reach, then the water is no longer fresh, but rather stagnant with age.
I've almost decided to walk the rest of the way home alone, consoling myself with the thoughts of many wonderful memories formed over the years over numerous relationships.  I have friends and I thank God for them but in the end, it is me and God who traverse this road.
This is not a bad place to be, there are many who have so much less and yet travel on they do.  I am certainly no less than they and I go forth with head held high and expectations yet unrealized.
 
Every day is a new challenge with it's own disappointments and it's own opportunities.  I continually seek the pearl in the oyster of life. In my life, there are no "Half empty glasses"...
To those of you who may read this, cement your happiness in life by being dedicated to the prize.  Never lose sight of the reason you began the search.  Happiness is something you create regardless of where you are.  Never depend on another for your happiness, depend on yourself to provide happiness.  
Never give up hope, and always show appreciation to those who are kind to you and those you value.  Friendship is a priceless commodity not to be carelessly squandered or taken for granted.  Rather it is like a valued plant, something you continually nurture and water and care for...
Enough of this, the cauldron runs dry for this issue... Take care and God bless.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Green Saturdays are good...

After having some coffee at the local Mcdonald's this morning, I sojourned back home and had a muffin and washed it down with my typical morning treat, some hot chocolate... stuff is habit forming for sure.
Lazed around most of the morning then decided I would mow the yards as it's managed to stay dry.  Got that done and pulled a slew of weeds from around the tent.
Surprised how nice it looks with the sand all raked and the camel droppings piled in the corner. (make good generic bowling balls).
Leann, I sent you the map... No, the real one.  Anyway now you at least know what is on the East side of I-5 now.
Hey, I didn't know you were ## (numbers hidden.. gentlemen don't tell) , I would have thought about 35.  Anyway, sure has been a slowdown in the emails lately... Maybe I need to post another thought provoking item on CL.  You must still be asleep...
Well enough rambling for now, hope all who see this are having a good day.  I'm going to go out for Chinese food this evening.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Been 7 days since my last "Friday" post

Well duh !!!  I am willing to put a bounty on the WeatherMan... what in the sane world could he have been thinking, saying that "Memorial Day" would be really nice?? As compared to what??, a Typhoon, maybe a Hurricane???
What I really can't figure out is why the weather bureau spends sooooo much money on the latest meteorlogical measuring equipment when all they gotta do is look out the window or for even more accurate weather prediction, ask Mrs. Bitchenbox how her 'corns' feel?? 
Years ago, people relied on the Farmer's Almanac... and ya know something, their predictions were a lot more accurate than what we get now. 
Not that any of us could possibly afford the gas to "Go" anyplace nice anyway... gotta save that petrol to get to work...  I'm already workin on a 3rd mortgage so I can fill up the Harley... Thanks GW, I appreciate that.
Well one good thing is it's Friday.  I don't know about ya'll, but the rain does give me a pretty good excuse to kick back and watch a good flick.  "I Love Red Box".
SmackDown tonight so that will blow off at least 2 hours... Leann, you must surely be working tonight or something.  Haven't heard a peep out of you.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Just a 'Wellness" note...

Better now, it's about 4:30 and finally, the headache appears to have meandered to some other place far away from me. The weather sucks, grey and overcast and damp. I thought they predicted nice weather for Memorial Day... Ya, right on. Falls right in line with the attitude adjustment the Oil companies provided for the Holidays. B@$@##$'s anyway. Terminal Diarrhea would be a fitting reward for GWB and his ill shooting co-conspirator me thinks. May Omar's sickest camel come defecate in your pillow case.

Brain cell destruction •

I hate it when I get a headache... rare though it may be, disaster is what it wreaks when it comes to visit.  Excedrin, my old standby, is failing me on this one...
It's not a pounder, but a nagger that wants to extend it's visitation rights a bit longer.  Perhaps I just need to "think it out" of my mind and it will go cowering away on it's own with it's pointed tail between it's scurvy little legs...
Funny (not) it's located along the temples rather than the forehead or the base of the neck and just lies there festering and scabbing the interior of my skull.  My stomach is a shade of green also and that could be indicative of something... 
Can't be the Caakies as I've not made any.  Maybe I need some... *grin* "need what" you ask... I will leave that answer to your twisted mind to conjure up.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Here and There and Here again...

Twas good, but of course, how else could it be??  The lady was there and the Lady was faire.  Good conversation is always something we can and should enjoy with another.  

It was nice to put a real time face with a real Lady and that is appreciated for certain.  We talked and laughed and got some idea of who we each are and what we are about.  

We departed Shari's about 4:40, her in her focus and me in the Toy.  Back here at the tent and with chisel and hammer I knock out yet another rendition of collective thoughts.  The day has turned nice, but for how long is a matter of pure speculation.

Cats remain her favorite and dogs will forever be mine... Nothing insurmountable but interesting just the same.  We, neither of us, know if we will replace our pet companions once they are no longer with us...  I suppose, it's something I will have to revisit once that happens.

The iced tea I had was pretty good and the pie and ice cream was better.  Life goes on.  We will enjoy the race and then a good dinner on the 27th..  Thanks God, for today.

Charging off on Sir Gallahad's Steed


With rusty sword in hand and a vexing smile doth I proceed to swoon the faire maiden... Likely scenario, actually a cup of coffee and glib conversation will likely be the case..

When the unknown engenders a pause in ones step or a quickening of the pulse, a bridle on the tongue is oft the best course of action. Today, I shall proceed with said caution and of course put forth hopefully my best foot (if I can keep it from the confines of my mouth).

New venture with the upmost hopes for a gleeful and happy ending. This is just the beginning I hope and the first of many enjoyable encounters. The hour approaches and even in the lusty heart of your favorite conqueror doth the butterflies flutter. Egads, this sound like some tripe from a 17th century conquest. Anyway, hope the pie is good, I already know of the coffee.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Filler 'yup' ain't it so???



Gads, I'd love to tell ya it ain't so, but we all know the feeling and it ain't likely to change any time real soon.

My guess is that the Oil reserves down in Crawford, Texas ain't quite topped off yet but come January, 09 the free flowing cash reserves of the American Public will cease to flow into the gates shown below...



GWB Oil Reserves

home sweet home

Makes me pretty happy to know that neither of the Demopublicans are heavily invested in the Oil industry with the possible exception of the Giant SUV's they probably drive.

Ya gotta believe that McCain has oil interests... if not him, perhaps the lady who shares his name has some (but not here, in OUR country).

Anywhew, it's up there and you can yuk it up a little and maybe, it made light of your day and creased your face with a smile...

The "Caakies" Bakearama Event...

Catchy name eh?? Thought so myself... Well here's the real deal Vern. For those of us too lazy to do it the old fashioned way.
Ingredients include:
(1) box any (and I mean any) cake mix 18.25 oz. size. (2) clucker droppings (eggs). (1/2) cup garden variety vegetable oil.
Process thusly:
Mix the above mentioned ingredients (and only those ingredients) in an average sized bowl until blended nicely. (you can add nutz, raisins, chocolate chips, almonds, pecans... you name it) Drop cookie sized dollops onto a ungreased baking pan/sheet. Crank the heat to about 350˚ and bake till light brown color (8 -10 mins). OK partner, there ya got it "Caakies" cookies for the rest of us Life is good and the caakies should be too...

The 'Sky' opened this morning

Water... how wonderful to have it today, considering I fertilized yesterday and had it not come, my yards would have burned to a crisp.. A friend went to the Coast, I've not been this year, but would like to go at some point. I want to introduce her to the $20 leather store... A grand place to drop a few bucks. Old towne beckons also with their shops and unusual items. Watching from the Docks is also a neat thing to do. My Sister is having computer problems, I hope they get solved soon... we both have the same type of computers (Apple iMacs). I've had no problems but she has... perhaps not all generated by the computer but who knows. Along side the rain rides the gloom of the grey pony... no sunshine to be seen. Amazing how it tempers our outlook. I don't mind some of it, but when it is continual, it is dismal and for some, very depressing. Grey is one of my favorite colors... just not in the sky.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Darkness dances in the distance...

Well, the evening has snuck up on me and enveloped the house and the sky is no longer blue... Time seems to slide by as easily as an ice cold bud slides down... I wish I could put on the brakes sometimes. Talkin to my Sis right now, nothing special, I think she just likes to exercise her jaw once in awhile. They're eating late tonight. Their days start about Noon and go from there. It's hard to adjust to their hours when I visit but I love them so I accommodate their style. Quiet night, WWE was OK, but basically the SOS. I am a creature of poor taste I guess. But it's mine so byte me. Leann... you are so very obviously absent... My imagination works wonderfully. Anyway, I am going to watch the tube for a bit then see where the Sandman will direct my journey...

If you 'fertilize' they will 'grow'.

This morning, much earlier than I wanted, I was out on the front lawn disbursing copious amounts of "come here and get it and die you beast die" mixture for the benefit of the residents of my yard. I had hoped for a little heavier dew, as I didn't bother to "wet the lawn" prior to putting it on. We are supposed to be blessed with some water this evening and more tomorrow... if not, my green oasis will resemble the Sahara desert in a couple of days. Never had a green thumb, unless you count that time I flattened it with a hammer and didn't see a Dr. Amazing what a little turpentine and steel nerve will accomplish. Reminds me of when I used to cure poison oak with a little gasoline and a brillo pad.. Sure glad it never got to my face. I got a new Hummingbird feeder today and concocted a batch of red feed for them so will install that in a bit and see if I can lure the little buggers... I love their colors. Specially the red from the 12 gauge. *grin*

Sunday, May 18, 2008

A time to murder...

Well that should have your attention anyway. Actually, I just returned from buying some weed and feed for the yard and the post title is for the benefit of the DandyLions and clover. Nice out today, not quite as hot and a shade on the overcast side. I can deal with that. Spaghetti sauce is thawing so hopefully by dinner time it will be ready to go. No emails from anybody today, I suppose it is truly a day of rest for all. Those I thought I might hear from have been conspicuously absent and of course one only wonders why??? work I hope...

Saturday, May 17, 2008

The "green machine" rules...



Well, although we didn't make a substantial trip today, I did sit astradle the old fashioned saddle and rode the 'Iron Maiden' down to the end of the street and back.

My arm feels better, but will be a long time in the healing process. I don't think it would affect my riding, it's more of a question of 'what if'. Me and the what if group don't get along too good anyway.

The sounds of the dirt track racers is wafting into the house thru the open flap of the tent. Thinking about dinner and what I might have.

Oh total coolness... I am getting the bamboo steamer Monday and also a wok... heck of a deal... now I just need lessons on using them... any good volunteer teachers out there.... hmmmmm??


Maybe tomorrow will bring more of a ride but then who knows for sure?



Blue Sky and Apple pie...

Lord I thank you, Beautiful day... warm, more than I like but beautiful just the same. Clynton came over this morning while I was cleaning the "Patton" fan... he and Dalton stayed for a while then meandered back across the trail to their tent. Got the fan all clean now and it still works so that is a plus. Later, Clyntons cousin came over to his place and they are putting on new brakes on his Nissan 4X4. Hot outside... I took over the fan for Clynton to use. Not sure what is happening this afternoon, Fred said he was coming over for a beer, but I've heard that one before too. Be nice if he bought some once in a while. Actually he does. Emails are scant for the last day or two... must be something in the water or lack of. Actually I suppose they've been pretty busy... Checked out the CL postings and it's becoming obvious to me that animals have learned to use the computer. How in the world can someone claim to be an "Educator" and be unable to spell the simplest of words... NO FREAKIN PRIDE... Dalton has some birthday party this afternoon according to Clynton... Good thing for kids to do.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Yet another "Friday"... what now?

Well, pickles in the woodpile.. here we go with another beautiful weekend and my arm is not yet to the point where riding the 'Hog' would be advisable... Damn I am dumb sometimes. This afternoon, I will mow the yards and it will be hotter than the devil but the requirement is knocking on my mental door so I must address it... Tomorrow I will invest some money in Sam Walton's retirement center and get the stuff to kill off the moss and the clover and dandylions that seem to have taken up permanent residence in my yards... Damn them!! Maybe I should salvage them for some Dandylion wine?? Anyone know how to make it?? I've heard that the greens are good in salads too but I've never gotten the nerve to try it. Anyone reading this like "Peanut Butter Cookies" *big smile* You know who you are, don't you !!
Brownsville park... gotta check that out for a future date... right??

Hell on Earth... here and now.

Wow, I suppose that was a pretty rough title, but then again considering the "Hell" that heat puts me thru. The day is absolutely beautiful, gorgeous blue sky with wispy white clouds but therein lurk the murkiness of humidity... that which drains the strength of Atlas and Goliath and, unfortunately me. Heat Stroke times 2 in VietNam left me with little tolerance for muggy hot weather. There are those who would tell you that you acclimate to different weather situations but I can tell you that after living in Virginia Beach for 9 years... It just damn well didn't happen.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

There goes the bucket

Money, though commonly thought of as the root of all evil is in all honesty just another vehicle we use to get from one state to another state... in that I mean "in debt to out of debt", from "have not to have"..

Granted, it's often used for immoral purposes and even illicit purposes but in my case today, it's purpose is to keep the wolves at bay. Now, freshly fortified by the dispersal of copious amounts of cash, I can hold my head high and bark at the moon. The critters are sated and life progresses.


Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Hidden Salvation ~

Ah, the sweet sound of exhaled frustration when the solution was so near all the time. She is happy now and life has once again become a good thing. Some day, with the Lords help, she may decide to listen to me... God knows how I've tried to convince her of her erroneous ways but it is always the crisis that brings her back... I love her because

Up the Down slide

Lack of organization... the inability to control one's environment, the total loss of any type or style of order. This might be a very apt description of a relative of mine. Sadly, she feels that she has everything under control, and those things she isn't in control of have no business in her life to begin with. I am not a organization freak, but on the other hand nor am I haphazard in the structure of my daily living. People like this lady blow my mind. Yet, I am the one she calls. Time and time again for the same type things... Sanity, how dost thou leave me in my time of strife???

Varying degrees of insanity

Today is another in what seems like a never ending succession of dim witted days in which I've managed to accomplish nothing that made much sense. I will say that I've re-organized this Blog and included some things that were missing. Now the secret is to have someone other than me read it. Ladies, dear sweet ladies... how you befuddle my mind. Anyway, so much for now with more coming at a later time... thanks for the visit.

The 'dog' is coming...

Ralphy will get his summer cut today... he acquires a totally new persona after the groomer takes away his hair. He is an Aristocrat among animals. His eyes convey the love and adoration that he has for his family. Yes, odd that I consider myself part of his family, but for nearly 12 years now he's been with us, it's only for the last two that he has had two different households to call home. it will be nice to pick him up tomorrow and spend the day with him... He won't be around too much longer, Golden's don't usually live much beyond 13 or 14 years. I will be sad when he leaves.

The Other Side...

I often wonder what it is that attracts different women to men... I've posted ads and had replies and read the ads of others. It oft reads like a christmas shopping list. How is it that we think we can pick and choose and find the "Just right" person?? People, mates, friends, are all trained thru exposure to our mental environment. They act and react based upon what they know and believe we will accept. We all know the limits of our friendships and our lovers. We know what buttons to push and which to avoid. All of which boil down to acquired knowledge of the other. The training happens behind the scenes, in the background of our relationship. Much like a small child that learns not to touch a hot stove... until they do it once, they cannot really know the result... until we step on our friends, we don't really know that it would be offensive or hurt them. We often don't realize where the tender spots lie. Life, the pursuit of which I dearly love, does indeed provide challenges. Question is are we up for the task?? I hope so.