Just a quick note to wish you well on your first big official overseas trip since you became president Mr.Obama.
I'm not sure what your itinerary is but I'm sure you will be very well received wherever you go.
It is so comforting to believe that you will put the people's business first, not like the last guy. It's also comforting to know that when you speak--you will do us proud and not send us into fits of laughter, or make us want to die of shame, like the last guy did.
So have a good trip, enjoy the food and come home safe and sound.
Tomorrow I will add a few more words about things in this country, that are quite unbelievable.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
The view through my tree!
In the first image--you see a close-up of the new snow on the Olympic mountains as seen through the branches of my tree.
The shot above it shows the long-distance version, just concentrating on the water view, which changes every minute of every day.
The day was misty to start with, and my camera is fairly basic.
Hope you enjoy anyway.
The shot above it shows the long-distance version, just concentrating on the water view, which changes every minute of every day.
The day was misty to start with, and my camera is fairly basic.
Hope you enjoy anyway.
Lights Off around the world!
Apparently this event originated in Australia in 2007 and participation has grown so much, that more than 4000 cities and towns across the world took part last night.
How cool is that? It just shows that we really are all so united when it counts, when we can put aside our personal and political points of view for just a little while and work together towards a common cause--like SURVIVAL!
People in a research station in Antarctica, in Egypt--around the Great Pyramids, the Empire State building in New York City and here in Seattle and the 'burbs'--everywhere we gave our message to the 'powers that be' to fight 'Global Warming' and the associated climate changes it brings.
So I'm proud of my Aussies and all the great folks who turned their lights off last night, and I say thanks to you all!
How cool is that? It just shows that we really are all so united when it counts, when we can put aside our personal and political points of view for just a little while and work together towards a common cause--like SURVIVAL!
People in a research station in Antarctica, in Egypt--around the Great Pyramids, the Empire State building in New York City and here in Seattle and the 'burbs'--everywhere we gave our message to the 'powers that be' to fight 'Global Warming' and the associated climate changes it brings.
So I'm proud of my Aussies and all the great folks who turned their lights off last night, and I say thanks to you all!
Day 69 in the age of Obama and I'm cranky again!
Let me say from the start--I'm not cranky about my beloved president, and there's no way this can be blamed on him--but they'll try--anyway.
What I'm really cranky about (at least for a few minutes) is/was this!
Well,---this morning I woke up early and all exited to see the sun shining through my blinds and curtains.
For a Sunday--when I usually sleep in, I jumped out of bed, put on my walking clothes and shoes and raced to the kitchen to make a quick coffee before heading out to Redondo--at least that was my plan!
As soon as I opened the curtains --I saw snow! It's almost April and it's still cold enough for snow! My heart sank, as I really don't like to walk in snow, unless it's in the mountains and I'm wearing my ski gear.
Around here walking in snow reminds me of broken knees and other sore bones, so it was disappointing. So, instead of walking I started working and although it's still sunny now at 4pm- and I could walk- I don't like walking when there are too many people around--so hopefully tomorrow will be snow-less.
The older I get --the more I appreciate the warmth and heat of our wonderful sun--and I swear I don't want to spend another winter in this State--as much as I love it--I plan to migrate south for the winter, become a "snow bird" I guess.
Oh well that's a way off yet--so we'll see how I feel by then.
What I'm really cranky about (at least for a few minutes) is/was this!
Well,---this morning I woke up early and all exited to see the sun shining through my blinds and curtains.
For a Sunday--when I usually sleep in, I jumped out of bed, put on my walking clothes and shoes and raced to the kitchen to make a quick coffee before heading out to Redondo--at least that was my plan!
As soon as I opened the curtains --I saw snow! It's almost April and it's still cold enough for snow! My heart sank, as I really don't like to walk in snow, unless it's in the mountains and I'm wearing my ski gear.
Around here walking in snow reminds me of broken knees and other sore bones, so it was disappointing. So, instead of walking I started working and although it's still sunny now at 4pm- and I could walk- I don't like walking when there are too many people around--so hopefully tomorrow will be snow-less.
The older I get --the more I appreciate the warmth and heat of our wonderful sun--and I swear I don't want to spend another winter in this State--as much as I love it--I plan to migrate south for the winter, become a "snow bird" I guess.
Oh well that's a way off yet--so we'll see how I feel by then.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Turning off the lights!
I guess I better write a little about that---since very soon I'll be doing just that--turning off all my lights, although I already have all possible light bulbs that are low voltage and considered green.
By that I mean that they don't work everywhere yet, as in those standing lamps with dual bulbs--for instance, but they work really well in bathrooms where there are six or more bulbs at a time. I just use three and leave the other sockets empty and they give out as much light as six of the normal bulbs.
I changed them all about 2 years ago when I found them on sale for 18c a globe at Walgreen's. So I bought a whole box and put them wherever I used light bulbs, expecting to see a huge difference in my power bill down the road. Later, I discovered that the same light bulbs cost about $6.90 at other stores--so I had gotten a fantastic bargain.
The reduction in my power bill never happened--and my explanation is that PSE raised their prices just as I made the switch-over. Oh well--it still made feel better that I was doing a tiny little bit to ease power usage throughout the USA.
By that I mean that they don't work everywhere yet, as in those standing lamps with dual bulbs--for instance, but they work really well in bathrooms where there are six or more bulbs at a time. I just use three and leave the other sockets empty and they give out as much light as six of the normal bulbs.
I changed them all about 2 years ago when I found them on sale for 18c a globe at Walgreen's. So I bought a whole box and put them wherever I used light bulbs, expecting to see a huge difference in my power bill down the road. Later, I discovered that the same light bulbs cost about $6.90 at other stores--so I had gotten a fantastic bargain.
The reduction in my power bill never happened--and my explanation is that PSE raised their prices just as I made the switch-over. Oh well--it still made feel better that I was doing a tiny little bit to ease power usage throughout the USA.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Rachel Maddow
Just a quick question about dear Rachel--why does she always wear those (in my opinion) disgusting glasses whenever she appears on talk shows--other than her own?
Does anyone know?
She is quite beautiful without them and it seems to me that she wants to hide that and appear more butch--but please talk me down --if I'm wrong!
Does anyone know?
She is quite beautiful without them and it seems to me that she wants to hide that and appear more butch--but please talk me down --if I'm wrong!
New Day--New photo--New Me?
I thought it was time to show the real me--since some of you did not like my cheesy smile on the previous image!
It did attract a lot of adds for "teeth-whitening"--as anyone with a mouth that big can imagine.
Three days have passed since my last post and it's day 67 of having Mr. Barack Obama as our president.
One of the things that always worried me about our new prez (even before he was elected)-was his attitude towards the war in Afghanistan, and I wrote on his website and many others-- to give him my point of view as someone who has experienced "the war in Afghanistan" for much longer than I care to remember.
It's one of the side affects of being much older than some of my fellow progressives, and also because I grew up in Australia and read many histories of the British Occupiers and their on-going wars in that region--which, by the way-- were never won by us.
In fact withdrawal from the region, as fast as possible has been the only consistent fact throughout my lifetime and some centuries before.
So I was very worried about simply sending more troops with the hope of changing things --in much the same way we changed our leadership here---it's a fantastic thing--but it's all the actions that have to follow--that create peace and prosperity---as we're finding out now---once more.
I've even exchanged philosophies at DU with people who were there on the ground --and of course we disagreed--since soldiers depend on war for their lively hood--but now--as of today I feel a little less scared of the endless war I foresaw on the day we invaded Afghanistan.
I do believe that President Obama is listening to all our points of view--(and lets face it the worst enemy we all have is Global Warming and Climate Change--and nobody is immune to that--as evidenced even as I write; with the impending flooding of Fargo) and all the other freaky storms all over the world.
But getting back to Afghanistan; he is putting more emphasis on rebuilding that broken country and talking about training their armies and building schools and in short --he's nation building--after the last administration did it's best to destroy it. To me that is the right attitude--at least we must try to undo some of the damage we caused.
Ultimately it may not give us everything we hoped--but lets do what we can and then leave.
All this energy (man -power--not to mention money) should rightly be put into battling the power of nature --a much harder and more important task ahead for all of us.
Well that's all for politics for now--I have some work--Obama's big stimulous package is working--at least for me.
It did attract a lot of adds for "teeth-whitening"--as anyone with a mouth that big can imagine.
Three days have passed since my last post and it's day 67 of having Mr. Barack Obama as our president.
One of the things that always worried me about our new prez (even before he was elected)-was his attitude towards the war in Afghanistan, and I wrote on his website and many others-- to give him my point of view as someone who has experienced "the war in Afghanistan" for much longer than I care to remember.
It's one of the side affects of being much older than some of my fellow progressives, and also because I grew up in Australia and read many histories of the British Occupiers and their on-going wars in that region--which, by the way-- were never won by us.
In fact withdrawal from the region, as fast as possible has been the only consistent fact throughout my lifetime and some centuries before.
So I was very worried about simply sending more troops with the hope of changing things --in much the same way we changed our leadership here---it's a fantastic thing--but it's all the actions that have to follow--that create peace and prosperity---as we're finding out now---once more.
I've even exchanged philosophies at DU with people who were there on the ground --and of course we disagreed--since soldiers depend on war for their lively hood--but now--as of today I feel a little less scared of the endless war I foresaw on the day we invaded Afghanistan.
I do believe that President Obama is listening to all our points of view--(and lets face it the worst enemy we all have is Global Warming and Climate Change--and nobody is immune to that--as evidenced even as I write; with the impending flooding of Fargo) and all the other freaky storms all over the world.
But getting back to Afghanistan; he is putting more emphasis on rebuilding that broken country and talking about training their armies and building schools and in short --he's nation building--after the last administration did it's best to destroy it. To me that is the right attitude--at least we must try to undo some of the damage we caused.
Ultimately it may not give us everything we hoped--but lets do what we can and then leave.
All this energy (man -power--not to mention money) should rightly be put into battling the power of nature --a much harder and more important task ahead for all of us.
Well that's all for politics for now--I have some work--Obama's big stimulous package is working--at least for me.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Obama's second official press conference
On day 64 of his presidency, Barack Obama talked to the Press at the White House for the second time.
I must admit that I've been a bit angry with the president---because I think he's not doing his duty by letting the last administration off the hook. They were war criminals--undeniably so--and must be brought to justice!
Not to fully back this need is nothing short of condoning these activities and is close to being criminal in itself. I know that we are in crisis mode in every which way, but we cannot set a good example unless these war criminals are brought to justice.
The law must be followed by everyone, especially by the people at the top, and I'm extremely disappointed that this is not happening here. Speaking out about Cheney's treacherous comments was a start, but please President Obama, you must stick to some of your campaign promises--if you want a second term.
Those were my feelings until I saw you again today!
But as soon as you began talking--I felt your incredible power--which comes through your wonderful intellect and empathy--and somehow becomes a soothing, comforting almost fatherly voice, whom I trust with my life--even though I am almost old enough to be your mother. Once again I can feel proud of America and hopeful for the future of this wonderful place.
I'm not letting you off the hook n the Torture prosecutions--but I am giving you a lot more time to deal with it....that's the best I can do for now.
I wish that there were a few more worthy members of the press to ask you questions next time---and please keep coming out in public!
That is the best way to go because you'll always have the people on your side.
We see through all those idiots who constantly pick on you, saying that you're taking on too much/too little/, you are too glum/too cheerful,too liberal/not liberal enough and so on it goes.
I don't remember that the press ever questioned the last prez this way---ever.
He took us to an unjust, unnecessary war and spent the rest of his time holidaying on his fake ranch. What a change!
So I just want to say it again, thank you President Obama, for everything you're doing and trying to do too..
I must admit that I've been a bit angry with the president---because I think he's not doing his duty by letting the last administration off the hook. They were war criminals--undeniably so--and must be brought to justice!
Not to fully back this need is nothing short of condoning these activities and is close to being criminal in itself. I know that we are in crisis mode in every which way, but we cannot set a good example unless these war criminals are brought to justice.
The law must be followed by everyone, especially by the people at the top, and I'm extremely disappointed that this is not happening here. Speaking out about Cheney's treacherous comments was a start, but please President Obama, you must stick to some of your campaign promises--if you want a second term.
Those were my feelings until I saw you again today!
But as soon as you began talking--I felt your incredible power--which comes through your wonderful intellect and empathy--and somehow becomes a soothing, comforting almost fatherly voice, whom I trust with my life--even though I am almost old enough to be your mother. Once again I can feel proud of America and hopeful for the future of this wonderful place.
I'm not letting you off the hook n the Torture prosecutions--but I am giving you a lot more time to deal with it....that's the best I can do for now.
I wish that there were a few more worthy members of the press to ask you questions next time---and please keep coming out in public!
That is the best way to go because you'll always have the people on your side.
We see through all those idiots who constantly pick on you, saying that you're taking on too much/too little/, you are too glum/too cheerful,too liberal/not liberal enough and so on it goes.
I don't remember that the press ever questioned the last prez this way---ever.
He took us to an unjust, unnecessary war and spent the rest of his time holidaying on his fake ranch. What a change!
So I just want to say it again, thank you President Obama, for everything you're doing and trying to do too..
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Just One More thing!
I just couldn't help laughing yesterday when I heard Bob Dylan's toilet mentioned again on the radio.
This time it was on the Thom Hartmann show... and rather hilarious if not a little embarrassing to someone like me--a huge Dylan fan ---forever!
This is what I heard verbatim: " As the Mayor of Malibu County--I refuse to get involved in the on-going dispute about Bob Dylan's toilet!"
Come on Bob--surely it's not your doing---but hasn't anyone told you that your porta-potty needs emptying---or something?
Come on--Bob--I want to continue having sweet dreams about you---not stinky nightmares!
Til tomorrow!
This time it was on the Thom Hartmann show... and rather hilarious if not a little embarrassing to someone like me--a huge Dylan fan ---forever!
This is what I heard verbatim: " As the Mayor of Malibu County--I refuse to get involved in the on-going dispute about Bob Dylan's toilet!"
Come on Bob--surely it's not your doing---but hasn't anyone told you that your porta-potty needs emptying---or something?
Come on--Bob--I want to continue having sweet dreams about you---not stinky nightmares!
Til tomorrow!
One of a kind!
For what it's worth---I just learned that there is only one of me (name-wise) in the whole of the United States. Pretty remarkable really.
Although I found someone with exactly my name--(first and surname)---on Facebook-- I guess that person does not live in here in the States, and I have avoided facebook so far.
Neither do I twitter--it seems I spend enough time on machines of various sorts and find it hard enough to text, so for now I'll resist.
So I'm starting a daily count of crankiness, and I have just learned that it's day 61 since President Obama was sworn in as our president--and I must say --and so must my multitudes of readers ---that my blog is no longer valid under its current name.
I might have to call it the Not So Cranky Woman's rant after all.
Since I don't really want to give all those idiots on the 'far right' the web time and space, there won't be so many angry and cranky mornings, since it feels so much better waking up to President Obama.
And Kudos for starting an organic garden in their back yard.
How about putting some new solar power panels back on the roof too--Mrs.Obama? Or maybe you have some other new kind of power in mind? Windmills?
One more thing...I was so happy to hear the the Prez isn't going to demolish the tennis courts at the White House...but use those portable hoops we see in the suburbs.
Hope he or Michelle want to actually play tennis as well...or the girls...they're still young enough to be really good...(although they Mom and Dad could be tennis gods for all I know).
Although I found someone with exactly my name--(first and surname)---on Facebook-- I guess that person does not live in here in the States, and I have avoided facebook so far.
Neither do I twitter--it seems I spend enough time on machines of various sorts and find it hard enough to text, so for now I'll resist.
So I'm starting a daily count of crankiness, and I have just learned that it's day 61 since President Obama was sworn in as our president--and I must say --and so must my multitudes of readers ---that my blog is no longer valid under its current name.
I might have to call it the Not So Cranky Woman's rant after all.
Since I don't really want to give all those idiots on the 'far right' the web time and space, there won't be so many angry and cranky mornings, since it feels so much better waking up to President Obama.
And Kudos for starting an organic garden in their back yard.
How about putting some new solar power panels back on the roof too--Mrs.Obama? Or maybe you have some other new kind of power in mind? Windmills?
One more thing...I was so happy to hear the the Prez isn't going to demolish the tennis courts at the White House...but use those portable hoops we see in the suburbs.
Hope he or Michelle want to actually play tennis as well...or the girls...they're still young enough to be really good...(although they Mom and Dad could be tennis gods for all I know).
So long Roger--until the next time!
I don't know why I'm always so deeply affected by a loss of one of my favorite tennis champions---it started with Pete Sampras and is continuing with Roger Federer...and it's very sad for me--probably sadder for me than for Rog--since he is younger and has so much tennis to look forward to in the near future. Like next week in Miami--and lets face it as far as tennis goes for me--I can't imagine ever getting much better--and I'm OK with that.
But it looked like Rog was on his way to win in the third set--until Andy Murray slipped and looked hurt for the briefest moment--after that Rog just went to pieces and didn't win another game. Does he have too much empathy for some of his opponents to win again--when it really matters?
I don't know and now several hours later I guess I've come to grips with his loss. I half-heartedly watched the next semi-final and saw a lot of disgruntled looking Federer fans in the crowd. I guess there is a bit of comfort knowing that half the tennis world is sad for a little while--while the other half--especially the fans in Great Britain are ecstatically happy to finally have a promising new champion to play for them.
So it's Andy M and Nadal tomorrow--and somehow I think Nadal will win--judging by the way he beat Andy Roddick in 2 sets today.
My advice to Roger and my wish for him too---Please get a coach to help you for the rest of the season, since you seem too young to stop being the champion of the world.
When you remembered to play more aggressively--you won most points--like when you came in to the net and shortened the rallies. Also I think your confidence would go way up if your serve got some help right now. Not that it's bad--but it goes up and down with your mood, which is just wrong.
So you couldn't get Killer Cahill--but there must be lots of other great coaches would give their eye teeth to help you improve and continue your romp as the best tennis player ever.
What about Justin Gimelstob--he seems like somebody who would love to work with you? He used to be a fairly good player, knows the game pretty well and has been more or less right in predicting your mistakes--and I'm sure there are many others players too!
To a novice like me --(who watches far more tennis than she should), it appears that all great players suffer from the reluctance to change their game--when they stop winning. Roger did it and today Andy Roddick also reverted back to some of his old mistakes!
Anyway so much for tennis.....until tomorrow!
But it looked like Rog was on his way to win in the third set--until Andy Murray slipped and looked hurt for the briefest moment--after that Rog just went to pieces and didn't win another game. Does he have too much empathy for some of his opponents to win again--when it really matters?
I don't know and now several hours later I guess I've come to grips with his loss. I half-heartedly watched the next semi-final and saw a lot of disgruntled looking Federer fans in the crowd. I guess there is a bit of comfort knowing that half the tennis world is sad for a little while--while the other half--especially the fans in Great Britain are ecstatically happy to finally have a promising new champion to play for them.
So it's Andy M and Nadal tomorrow--and somehow I think Nadal will win--judging by the way he beat Andy Roddick in 2 sets today.
My advice to Roger and my wish for him too---Please get a coach to help you for the rest of the season, since you seem too young to stop being the champion of the world.
When you remembered to play more aggressively--you won most points--like when you came in to the net and shortened the rallies. Also I think your confidence would go way up if your serve got some help right now. Not that it's bad--but it goes up and down with your mood, which is just wrong.
So you couldn't get Killer Cahill--but there must be lots of other great coaches would give their eye teeth to help you improve and continue your romp as the best tennis player ever.
What about Justin Gimelstob--he seems like somebody who would love to work with you? He used to be a fairly good player, knows the game pretty well and has been more or less right in predicting your mistakes--and I'm sure there are many others players too!
To a novice like me --(who watches far more tennis than she should), it appears that all great players suffer from the reluctance to change their game--when they stop winning. Roger did it and today Andy Roddick also reverted back to some of his old mistakes!
Anyway so much for tennis.....until tomorrow!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thank you Roger....!
What a joy to watch Roger Federer win again--even though I still got nervous when Verdasco broke him twice--but I somehow felt that he would win in 2 sets and he did!
Now at this late hour I'm going to watch our president ---yes--President Obama on the Tonight show with Jay Leno!
It's the first time ever that a sitting president is appearing live on such a show!
It's a brilliant way of reaching millions of people, and keeping them on his side --and a great way to counteract all the BS from the other side--- being promoted by the MSM.
So all those other topics will have to wait until tomorrow!
Now at this late hour I'm going to watch our president ---yes--President Obama on the Tonight show with Jay Leno!
It's the first time ever that a sitting president is appearing live on such a show!
It's a brilliant way of reaching millions of people, and keeping them on his side --and a great way to counteract all the BS from the other side--- being promoted by the MSM.
So all those other topics will have to wait until tomorrow!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
So much to be cranky about--especially my pc.....
WHAT CAN BE WORSE FOR A BLOGGER THAN HAVING A NON-FUNCTIONING PC?
If you can think of something please let me know!
I can't even think of all the great topics I've missed in the last couple of days--like the political situation, the AIG bonuses, the Pot situation, the Tennis, the weather, like the President going on Leno, the strange behavior of one of my cats ...well I'll start with that, since I have to live with them!
Okay--my cats are sisters who were born in my bed 13 years ago, and one of them was the runt of the litter--born last and the other was born 2nd in the pecking order of five- but has always been very timid, which was why we kept her.
Even after 13 years--Blackie is still timid and really only allows me to touch her, while the other one (the runt by the name of Turtle) grew into a gorgeous long haired beauty that you've seen in my posts. She is very outgoing and adores my son who is away for a few months. Now starved for attention --she follows me around and even sleeps with me--and that's what the trouble is all about. She is making Blackie crazy with jealousy, and I often see her hissing at Turtle, who has done nothing but love me.
Until the unfortunate death of their mother late last year--they have gotten along fairly well, as she used to discipline them if they got out of hand, but now-- Blackie has taken on the dominant role and acts very bossy a lot of the time. When these two were kittens they used get on my feet under the covers together--and play like crazy,totally ruining my feet with their sharp little claws, and eventually fall asleep together -exhausted from their crazy antics.
Blackie has kind of continued to sleep there--when and if she feels like it. Once under there--she becomes the most loving--demonstrative cat you can imagine--but that doesn't translate into anything more than just a temporary affair with my feet, and if I have to move them --even ever so slightly--she leaves.
Now, there have been a couple of times that she wanted to go there recently, but Turtle had beaten her to it, and it really pissed Blackie off.
Ever since then she's had a bad attitude.I didn't want to stop Turtle from sitting on my feet--since it's been so cold anyway--just in case her 'Majesty' decides to deign my feet with her presence! I thought there was plenty of room for them both--and hoped they'd both be happy there--but not so!
I don't know what Blackie did to Turtle--but the following night she was nowhere to be seen at bed-time, and Blackie made sure that she was on my feet as soon as I hit the hay, and she seemed back to her normal self, until the next time --a few nights later.
Any way--I try to give them both the same amount of attention--and I truly love them both the same--so I don't know what to do. Even as I write, Blackie is sulking on the couch--while Turtle is sitting behind me on the chair--purring softly and massaging my lower back with her paws--I hate to get up!
On another topic--there's some more outrage about Jon Stewart--and I just signed some kind of supportive letter to keep the so called 'liberal media' hones and this is what I said:
"I love Jon Stewart--have been watching his show forever and it sucks that he has to play "Policeman" for the "liberal" media--who is deeply embedded in the pockets of the corporations-- but I'm glad that he has the gonads to speak out--among several other great comedians on the progressive front."
As for Tennis--Roger won once more and he plays Verdasco tonight--so of course I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Roger.
Andy Murray is waiting for the winner and Nadal gets to play Del Potro next, which leaves Roddick to fight it out with Djokovic tomorrow. Exciting stuff--I just wish I could see all the matches--so I'm still cranky about that.
Actually if Roger loses tonight-( which I really doubt-considering how sharp he looked against Gonzalez)-I really hope that Andy Roddick wins --it's been a long time since an American won, Andre Agassi being the last one in (2001 I think not sure about the year!)
I'll have to write about pot and politics later--since I have some work to do now.
If you can think of something please let me know!
I can't even think of all the great topics I've missed in the last couple of days--like the political situation, the AIG bonuses, the Pot situation, the Tennis, the weather, like the President going on Leno, the strange behavior of one of my cats ...well I'll start with that, since I have to live with them!
Okay--my cats are sisters who were born in my bed 13 years ago, and one of them was the runt of the litter--born last and the other was born 2nd in the pecking order of five- but has always been very timid, which was why we kept her.
Even after 13 years--Blackie is still timid and really only allows me to touch her, while the other one (the runt by the name of Turtle) grew into a gorgeous long haired beauty that you've seen in my posts. She is very outgoing and adores my son who is away for a few months. Now starved for attention --she follows me around and even sleeps with me--and that's what the trouble is all about. She is making Blackie crazy with jealousy, and I often see her hissing at Turtle, who has done nothing but love me.
Until the unfortunate death of their mother late last year--they have gotten along fairly well, as she used to discipline them if they got out of hand, but now-- Blackie has taken on the dominant role and acts very bossy a lot of the time. When these two were kittens they used get on my feet under the covers together--and play like crazy,totally ruining my feet with their sharp little claws, and eventually fall asleep together -exhausted from their crazy antics.
Blackie has kind of continued to sleep there--when and if she feels like it. Once under there--she becomes the most loving--demonstrative cat you can imagine--but that doesn't translate into anything more than just a temporary affair with my feet, and if I have to move them --even ever so slightly--she leaves.
Now, there have been a couple of times that she wanted to go there recently, but Turtle had beaten her to it, and it really pissed Blackie off.
Ever since then she's had a bad attitude.I didn't want to stop Turtle from sitting on my feet--since it's been so cold anyway--just in case her 'Majesty' decides to deign my feet with her presence! I thought there was plenty of room for them both--and hoped they'd both be happy there--but not so!
I don't know what Blackie did to Turtle--but the following night she was nowhere to be seen at bed-time, and Blackie made sure that she was on my feet as soon as I hit the hay, and she seemed back to her normal self, until the next time --a few nights later.
Any way--I try to give them both the same amount of attention--and I truly love them both the same--so I don't know what to do. Even as I write, Blackie is sulking on the couch--while Turtle is sitting behind me on the chair--purring softly and massaging my lower back with her paws--I hate to get up!
On another topic--there's some more outrage about Jon Stewart--and I just signed some kind of supportive letter to keep the so called 'liberal media' hones and this is what I said:
"I love Jon Stewart--have been watching his show forever and it sucks that he has to play "Policeman" for the "liberal" media--who is deeply embedded in the pockets of the corporations-- but I'm glad that he has the gonads to speak out--among several other great comedians on the progressive front."
As for Tennis--Roger won once more and he plays Verdasco tonight--so of course I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Roger.
Andy Murray is waiting for the winner and Nadal gets to play Del Potro next, which leaves Roddick to fight it out with Djokovic tomorrow. Exciting stuff--I just wish I could see all the matches--so I'm still cranky about that.
Actually if Roger loses tonight-( which I really doubt-considering how sharp he looked against Gonzalez)-I really hope that Andy Roddick wins --it's been a long time since an American won, Andre Agassi being the last one in (2001 I think not sure about the year!)
I'll have to write about pot and politics later--since I have some work to do now.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Federer won--Yeah!
You might have gathered that I'm pretty much a Roger F. fan...and sometimes I can't bear the tension during a match if he's playing someone who might be a threat, and today he played such a person.
Although I didn't get to see the match--I just read how Roger beat Karlovic in 2 sets--I remember that Roger did get beaten by this giant at some point. Now it seems that they've already played nine times and Roger won eight of those--so the odds are pretty much in Rogers favor...which I'll try and remember for next time.
At this point it looks like Rog will run into Andy Murray again soon--so we'll see how that goes--but from what I have seen of Roger this time around, I'd say he looks more confident and happier in general, so I'd bet on him.
I guess he has other things to think about now as well--like fatherhood. Of course that could prove to be a two-sided thing, and distracting no matter what.
Well I wish him the best of luck in every way,and hope he wins this and every other slam this year--- as do all his fans around the world--I know.
And if not this year than next year and so on.
Winter storms ar still in action as I call this a night.
Although I didn't get to see the match--I just read how Roger beat Karlovic in 2 sets--I remember that Roger did get beaten by this giant at some point. Now it seems that they've already played nine times and Roger won eight of those--so the odds are pretty much in Rogers favor...which I'll try and remember for next time.
At this point it looks like Rog will run into Andy Murray again soon--so we'll see how that goes--but from what I have seen of Roger this time around, I'd say he looks more confident and happier in general, so I'd bet on him.
I guess he has other things to think about now as well--like fatherhood. Of course that could prove to be a two-sided thing, and distracting no matter what.
Well I wish him the best of luck in every way,and hope he wins this and every other slam this year--- as do all his fans around the world--I know.
And if not this year than next year and so on.
Winter storms ar still in action as I call this a night.
New photos!
The two images I have on my post today are taken from the house next door to me and once again cannot convey the absolute beauty of the view, just a few dozen feet removed.
It is such a pleasure to have made a new friend--right next door--after living here for over three years--and keeping to myself pretty much all of the time.
Although it took a bit of courage to take the initial step to knock on the door---I am so glad I did, and would encourage anyone to reach out to their own neighbor, if they feel so inclined.
Don't let shyness stand in your way--if they don't want to see anyone--they won't open the door and you have lost nothing in the attempt.
Of course it helps--and I would strongly advise that you actually have met that person at least in passing, lest you attract someone you'd rather not.
Anyway getting back to the photos--they are both from last night, about two hours apart--and I'm sorry about the reflections --it's the first time I've ever noticed that with a digital camera.
They were taken in between the storms, and it's obvious which one came first.
It is such a pleasure to have made a new friend--right next door--after living here for over three years--and keeping to myself pretty much all of the time.
Although it took a bit of courage to take the initial step to knock on the door---I am so glad I did, and would encourage anyone to reach out to their own neighbor, if they feel so inclined.
Don't let shyness stand in your way--if they don't want to see anyone--they won't open the door and you have lost nothing in the attempt.
Of course it helps--and I would strongly advise that you actually have met that person at least in passing, lest you attract someone you'd rather not.
Anyway getting back to the photos--they are both from last night, about two hours apart--and I'm sorry about the reflections --it's the first time I've ever noticed that with a digital camera.
They were taken in between the storms, and it's obvious which one came first.
Freaky weather continues! Crankiness returns!
I can't wait for a few calm days --be it sunny or rainy--just take away the snow, hail and winds--please weathergods--isn't it about time?
Another reason I'm cranky right now--is that I can't watch any tennis! WTF? You'd think I pay enough in cable fees to have one of the Master tournaments available--without having to fork out another small fortune to be able to watch it directly from my PC.
But not so, no I only got teased a little with two days on the Tennis Channel--which I was so happy to have--but it's really hard to get into some classic match from 30 years ago--when Roger Federer is playing the giant Karlovitch right at this moment in this country--in my timezone!
Fox is supposed to be showing it; but they prefer to only show college basketball at all times--giving nothing to the tennis fan!
And now --I feel like a real drongo--I just called my cable provider and they actually--quite by accident had the right answer to my question--the correct channel--the only one I never checked--so all is well on the tennis front--although
I'm not sure I can wait until 11pm to find out if Roger won--and if he didn't I may not even want to watch the match--and then this whole post would have been a total waste of time--some probably already think that anyway--so what--I like writing.
Another reason I'm cranky right now--is that I can't watch any tennis! WTF? You'd think I pay enough in cable fees to have one of the Master tournaments available--without having to fork out another small fortune to be able to watch it directly from my PC.
But not so, no I only got teased a little with two days on the Tennis Channel--which I was so happy to have--but it's really hard to get into some classic match from 30 years ago--when Roger Federer is playing the giant Karlovitch right at this moment in this country--in my timezone!
Fox is supposed to be showing it; but they prefer to only show college basketball at all times--giving nothing to the tennis fan!
And now --I feel like a real drongo--I just called my cable provider and they actually--quite by accident had the right answer to my question--the correct channel--the only one I never checked--so all is well on the tennis front--although
I'm not sure I can wait until 11pm to find out if Roger won--and if he didn't I may not even want to watch the match--and then this whole post would have been a total waste of time--some probably already think that anyway--so what--I like writing.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Freaky Weather today!
Seems that that's I can ever talk about these days--but I have to say that I truly did not expect these rapid changes in the weather to come quite so soon---and I'm talking about global climate change.
Snow in March?
I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw my beautiful Jasmin covered in snow and ice this morning. After carefully tending it all winter long and sheltering it from any direct contact with snow.
I finally felt it was safe to do this after all the rain and mild conditions we had yesterday--I couldn't have been more wrong.
And if that wasn't bad enough after the snow and ice we got high winds and absolute sheets of hail rapidly filling every space on my balcony and even coming into my dining room, about ten feet into the interior--through a tiny 6x6 inch space --no less.
Oh well, back to winter I guess--and later I will get into all the other stuff that's been going on in the world.
Good stuff like seeing Roger Federer play and win his first match since the Aussie Open, and other stuff --not so good in the world of politics.
But for now that will have to wait--cause I'm going to be busy doing something else I like--eating and drinking!
Snow in March?
I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw my beautiful Jasmin covered in snow and ice this morning. After carefully tending it all winter long and sheltering it from any direct contact with snow.
I finally felt it was safe to do this after all the rain and mild conditions we had yesterday--I couldn't have been more wrong.
And if that wasn't bad enough after the snow and ice we got high winds and absolute sheets of hail rapidly filling every space on my balcony and even coming into my dining room, about ten feet into the interior--through a tiny 6x6 inch space --no less.
Oh well, back to winter I guess--and later I will get into all the other stuff that's been going on in the world.
Good stuff like seeing Roger Federer play and win his first match since the Aussie Open, and other stuff --not so good in the world of politics.
But for now that will have to wait--cause I'm going to be busy doing something else I like--eating and drinking!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Typical rainy Washington day
I must say I'm glad its raining today--it makes the perfect background for my lazy indoor activities so far!
Must get some exercise now before I dazzle the world with my latest insights and views!
Must get some exercise now before I dazzle the world with my latest insights and views!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Tim’s Trap--- Part Three
Tim’s Trap
Part three
Tim woke up late, and as far as he knew-- alone in the house, which was filled with a sweet and pungent scent. He wasn’t sure what it was, but thought it was either frangipani or maybe gardenias, both of which flourished around here.
He staggered into the kitchen, where he found a note from Monica giving directions to the field where the picking was being done. She had also left some breakfast for him in the fridge. He ate the fruit platter and made some toast and coffee, after which he set off on foot to find her.
He couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw the huge fields of Marijuana extending as far as he could see. Most of the plants were well over eight feet tall and he guessed that there were at least three acres of them.
“Monica, where are you?” he called out after seeing people moving in and out of the plants, which were grown in rows just like wheat or corn. He noticed that one field had already been picked and the plants were tied together in bundles waiting to be moved. There was a big barn at the end of one field, and he guessed the crop would end up there.
“She’s over there, in the first lot to your right.” Gisella yelled back. “You’d better put some suntan lotion on, it’s really burning down today.”
“Yeah, I will, thanks Gisella.” he replied, thinking that he’d be just fine without it, since he was wearing his bush-hat, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. There was hardly a spot where the searing sun could touch him. He really hated that messy goop on his skin, but he supposed she was right, anyway. Nothing worse than getting burnt—it had happened too many times to ever forget, least of all the pain.
He caught up with Monica, who was busy pulling out the plants in her row, her hands and parts of her face were covered in black resin from handling them. He could hardly wait for the beautiful fresh hash she would make from it later, simply by rubbing her fingers until it came off in little blobs. Then the blobs would be added to each other to create a series of irregular beads, or a block if there was enough of it.
They had learned this technique while trekking through the outer regions of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, where Marijuana grew wild in some places and was also cultured by the locals.
Once, when stopped for the night in a tiny monastery high up on a steep outcrop, Buddhist nuns had shown them how to use the whole plant. Starting at the outer leaves, which they used to brew a delicious tea right down to the tiniest seeds, which were ground to make flour. The nuns smoked the fresh hashish during religious ceremonies and were rather amused at the traveler’s constant need to inhale smoke—of whatever kind.
“Good morning love. How’d you sleep?” she asked now, bringing his mind back to the present.
“Too long, I think. I had a few nasty dreams about Smokey. I can’t seem to keep him out of my mind.”
“About that, I was talking to Gisella about it, and she thinks you should do it here. Get him up here as soon as you can, and we can set him up. Clear the matter up once and for all. What do you think? Keep the spiders out of our house, right? There are plenty of them around here, shouldn’t be hard to catch a few. What do you say?”
“I say come here you luscious thing so I can get a bit more of you!” Tim replied grabbing her breast, and getting unbearably hard. ‘
“Come and get me then!” she giggled happily, as she ran into the bushes, with Tim hot on her heels.
Smokey was surprised to get the call from Tim and a little suspicious too. He had met that bitch Gisella a couple of times and thought that she was stuck up. Now she’d invited him up to stay for a few days, or as Tim had put it, help with harvesting and be amply rewarded. Why now? Hadn’t he offered to go with Tim in the first place and been rebuffed?
Maybe he shouldn’t worry about it and just think about the offer. How hard could it be to pull a few plants out of the ground, and get a whole pound of the best at the end of it? Not to mention the added bonus of a few days of getting stoned and drinking with a group of people he could impress. Also it seemed that Tim had stopped being suspicious about the fucking hash. About fucking time!
After all, Tim and Monica were happy and stoned, traveling in India for months, while expecting me to face all the music here, if something went wrong. Why shouldn’t I get my cut? I fucking deserve it. And what they gave me wasn’t nearly enough. Wasn’t it my idea in the first place, to pull that shit off?
Motherfuckers, and Monica especially, god I hate he and her bitchy girlfriends. Those eyes of hers, it’s like they see right through me. Still I’ll do this picking shit and then sell the stuff as quickly as possible. Then India here I come! Fuck, if only I hadn’t given Trish so much of that hash to, I ‘d be out of here already. But she’s worth it-- might even take her with me, if she behaves herself.
He picked up the phone and called her, but she didn’t pick up the phone, even after several tries. Fuck it, she’s probably out of it. I haven’t got time for this shit.
He felt like shooting up before his flight, but changed his mind. I mightn’t make it to the airport, since this last stuff is so fucking strong. I’ll save it for tonight. He rolled himself several hash joints, adding a sprinkling of heroin to one, which he smoked on his way to the airport.
To be continued
Part three
Tim woke up late, and as far as he knew-- alone in the house, which was filled with a sweet and pungent scent. He wasn’t sure what it was, but thought it was either frangipani or maybe gardenias, both of which flourished around here.
He staggered into the kitchen, where he found a note from Monica giving directions to the field where the picking was being done. She had also left some breakfast for him in the fridge. He ate the fruit platter and made some toast and coffee, after which he set off on foot to find her.
He couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw the huge fields of Marijuana extending as far as he could see. Most of the plants were well over eight feet tall and he guessed that there were at least three acres of them.
“Monica, where are you?” he called out after seeing people moving in and out of the plants, which were grown in rows just like wheat or corn. He noticed that one field had already been picked and the plants were tied together in bundles waiting to be moved. There was a big barn at the end of one field, and he guessed the crop would end up there.
“She’s over there, in the first lot to your right.” Gisella yelled back. “You’d better put some suntan lotion on, it’s really burning down today.”
“Yeah, I will, thanks Gisella.” he replied, thinking that he’d be just fine without it, since he was wearing his bush-hat, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. There was hardly a spot where the searing sun could touch him. He really hated that messy goop on his skin, but he supposed she was right, anyway. Nothing worse than getting burnt—it had happened too many times to ever forget, least of all the pain.
He caught up with Monica, who was busy pulling out the plants in her row, her hands and parts of her face were covered in black resin from handling them. He could hardly wait for the beautiful fresh hash she would make from it later, simply by rubbing her fingers until it came off in little blobs. Then the blobs would be added to each other to create a series of irregular beads, or a block if there was enough of it.
They had learned this technique while trekking through the outer regions of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, where Marijuana grew wild in some places and was also cultured by the locals.
Once, when stopped for the night in a tiny monastery high up on a steep outcrop, Buddhist nuns had shown them how to use the whole plant. Starting at the outer leaves, which they used to brew a delicious tea right down to the tiniest seeds, which were ground to make flour. The nuns smoked the fresh hashish during religious ceremonies and were rather amused at the traveler’s constant need to inhale smoke—of whatever kind.
“Good morning love. How’d you sleep?” she asked now, bringing his mind back to the present.
“Too long, I think. I had a few nasty dreams about Smokey. I can’t seem to keep him out of my mind.”
“About that, I was talking to Gisella about it, and she thinks you should do it here. Get him up here as soon as you can, and we can set him up. Clear the matter up once and for all. What do you think? Keep the spiders out of our house, right? There are plenty of them around here, shouldn’t be hard to catch a few. What do you say?”
“I say come here you luscious thing so I can get a bit more of you!” Tim replied grabbing her breast, and getting unbearably hard. ‘
“Come and get me then!” she giggled happily, as she ran into the bushes, with Tim hot on her heels.
Smokey was surprised to get the call from Tim and a little suspicious too. He had met that bitch Gisella a couple of times and thought that she was stuck up. Now she’d invited him up to stay for a few days, or as Tim had put it, help with harvesting and be amply rewarded. Why now? Hadn’t he offered to go with Tim in the first place and been rebuffed?
Maybe he shouldn’t worry about it and just think about the offer. How hard could it be to pull a few plants out of the ground, and get a whole pound of the best at the end of it? Not to mention the added bonus of a few days of getting stoned and drinking with a group of people he could impress. Also it seemed that Tim had stopped being suspicious about the fucking hash. About fucking time!
After all, Tim and Monica were happy and stoned, traveling in India for months, while expecting me to face all the music here, if something went wrong. Why shouldn’t I get my cut? I fucking deserve it. And what they gave me wasn’t nearly enough. Wasn’t it my idea in the first place, to pull that shit off?
Motherfuckers, and Monica especially, god I hate he and her bitchy girlfriends. Those eyes of hers, it’s like they see right through me. Still I’ll do this picking shit and then sell the stuff as quickly as possible. Then India here I come! Fuck, if only I hadn’t given Trish so much of that hash to, I ‘d be out of here already. But she’s worth it-- might even take her with me, if she behaves herself.
He picked up the phone and called her, but she didn’t pick up the phone, even after several tries. Fuck it, she’s probably out of it. I haven’t got time for this shit.
He felt like shooting up before his flight, but changed his mind. I mightn’t make it to the airport, since this last stuff is so fucking strong. I’ll save it for tonight. He rolled himself several hash joints, adding a sprinkling of heroin to one, which he smoked on his way to the airport.
To be continued
Cranky Rant's Everyday Mission
As a cranky old woman-- my mission is to change my mood every time I write something here, and in that process make my friends and loved ones feel better too.
For those who read me on a regular basis --you'd have noticed that I'm not nearly as cranky and angry as I used to be--so maybe it's time to change my blog name?
What do you guys think?
I wish I could have a poll, and decide that way--but for now I'll just stick to what I've got!
Just learned that Roger Federer and Mirka are expecting a baby--so all you tennis fans should be happy at the prospect of a new little wee Federer on the court one day!
And for those who enjoy my serialized novella--I'm posting another chapter.
It's been a long good day--so I'm kicking back til tomorrow--when we can once again tackle the world's problems and try to solve them as only we know how!
For those who read me on a regular basis --you'd have noticed that I'm not nearly as cranky and angry as I used to be--so maybe it's time to change my blog name?
What do you guys think?
I wish I could have a poll, and decide that way--but for now I'll just stick to what I've got!
Just learned that Roger Federer and Mirka are expecting a baby--so all you tennis fans should be happy at the prospect of a new little wee Federer on the court one day!
And for those who enjoy my serialized novella--I'm posting another chapter.
It's been a long good day--so I'm kicking back til tomorrow--when we can once again tackle the world's problems and try to solve them as only we know how!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Not so Cranky Rant
Hello Ladies and Gents!
How inspiring to find out that there are people actually reading my posts (apart from my kids). It's one of those odd side effects that blog writers don't actually have any data on how many readers they have.
So thanks to all who do!
You are helping the economy--and keeping it green too.
It's also very inspiring to gaze out of my window and see so much new life in the brilliant sunshine we have for the second day running, and to appreciate just how lucky I am to have such a view---so that when I'm biking I always have some kind of nature show going on in my backyard. I wish I had a video camera set up 24-7, so I could see everything, but I'd run out of actual time --wouldn't I?
Spring is in the air--even though it's colder today than even on the day it snowed last--Monday!
Any way this will have to stay short--since I have things to do- my own issues to deal with- and demons to face---but before I go ---I just want to say it once more!
President Obama!
I'm just amazed at all the issues he is taking on--and so happy to see it--now the latest --his desire to revamp the whole education system---fantastic!
Even though I don't agree with some of the details he proposed---the mere fact that he recognizes the importance of education in general, is great.
Thank You President Obama, what a great beginning!
How inspiring to find out that there are people actually reading my posts (apart from my kids). It's one of those odd side effects that blog writers don't actually have any data on how many readers they have.
So thanks to all who do!
You are helping the economy--and keeping it green too.
It's also very inspiring to gaze out of my window and see so much new life in the brilliant sunshine we have for the second day running, and to appreciate just how lucky I am to have such a view---so that when I'm biking I always have some kind of nature show going on in my backyard. I wish I had a video camera set up 24-7, so I could see everything, but I'd run out of actual time --wouldn't I?
Spring is in the air--even though it's colder today than even on the day it snowed last--Monday!
Any way this will have to stay short--since I have things to do- my own issues to deal with- and demons to face---but before I go ---I just want to say it once more!
President Obama!
I'm just amazed at all the issues he is taking on--and so happy to see it--now the latest --his desire to revamp the whole education system---fantastic!
Even though I don't agree with some of the details he proposed---the mere fact that he recognizes the importance of education in general, is great.
Thank You President Obama, what a great beginning!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Unbelievable new snow storms swirling around as I write
Here is one shot--the lower one from yesterday, and the upper one from this morning.
Enough already--I want spring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Enough already--I want spring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Back to those last two images....
The one on top is simply a close-up of the other one--as seen through the branches of the giant in front of my window.
It is a tree that reminds me of myself--I might have said it before, strong but slightly twisted, ever swaying in the wind.
It is a tree that reminds me of myself--I might have said it before, strong but slightly twisted, ever swaying in the wind.
No politics today--!!!!!!!!!
Just a word about those last 2 photos--that's the view from my windows and no photographic image ever really captures the incredible light, created by the sun going down. It's different every night--even in more than 3 years --I've never seen it the same.
I also saw two blue birds today--not sure if they were Jay hawks whose wings black appear blue when open --or actual Bluebirds of Happiness--I'm guessing the latter!
I also saw two blue birds today--not sure if they were Jay hawks whose wings black appear blue when open --or actual Bluebirds of Happiness--I'm guessing the latter!
Well hello!
What?????
I now have 4 followers?
I can't believe it but they say numbers don't lie--so it must be true.
Yesterday my phone images and my email uploads just did not get along--so here they are now--for those who've been waiting with bated breath.
Actually I don't recall the water ever looking so clear, maybe we are doing something right for the earth and all the sea-dwellers too!
My new girlfriend is from Kenya, from a small village where they still use a well to collect their daily water. I can't tell you her name--because I don't want to embarrass her--but it's beautiful. Like most people I meet--she's ten years younger--but a grandmother--which somehow makes her seem more my age.
I'm trying to get this place ship-shape for another new friend who's coming over for dinner tomorrow --but I think I'll just do all the vacuuming then.
Today it's been freezing--with a storm blowing tree branches onto my newly cleaned balcony, and it's snowed and the sun has shone too--it's like an April day in March,(somehow fitting since our daylight saving begins tomorrow) and my fingers are freezing as I type --so I'm off to close the studio window and to make some hot, hot tea.
Have had disc 1 of Dylan's Tell Tale Signs on repeat all day--what a great album--tomorrow disc 2!
Will be uploading more images as soon as I'm warm enough. Have actually turned the built in heater on for the first time in weeks.
I now have 4 followers?
I can't believe it but they say numbers don't lie--so it must be true.
Yesterday my phone images and my email uploads just did not get along--so here they are now--for those who've been waiting with bated breath.
Actually I don't recall the water ever looking so clear, maybe we are doing something right for the earth and all the sea-dwellers too!
My new girlfriend is from Kenya, from a small village where they still use a well to collect their daily water. I can't tell you her name--because I don't want to embarrass her--but it's beautiful. Like most people I meet--she's ten years younger--but a grandmother--which somehow makes her seem more my age.
I'm trying to get this place ship-shape for another new friend who's coming over for dinner tomorrow --but I think I'll just do all the vacuuming then.
Today it's been freezing--with a storm blowing tree branches onto my newly cleaned balcony, and it's snowed and the sun has shone too--it's like an April day in March,(somehow fitting since our daylight saving begins tomorrow) and my fingers are freezing as I type --so I'm off to close the studio window and to make some hot, hot tea.
Have had disc 1 of Dylan's Tell Tale Signs on repeat all day--what a great album--tomorrow disc 2!
Will be uploading more images as soon as I'm warm enough. Have actually turned the built in heater on for the first time in weeks.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Too good a day to be cranky!
Wow, what a day---no I didn't get any work and financially speaking --well I don't want to talk about that at all.
So instead I want to note, that today the sun shone with a spring-like intensity that would have brightened anybody's spirits, but especially those of us who live in cold climates and know how sun can alter one's mood very quickly.
Just to sum things up quickly now--because I started writing this about 2 hours ago--when a phone call from a friend in Texas interrupted me--but it was good to hear from him --and then another call from Sydney, Australia came through--so I ended up chatting for ages.
But back to my day here--I made a decision on how to spend an hour of my time, solely based on the weather, even though it meant losing an MP4 player with all the goodies--just to spend some time out in nature and it turned out beautifully---because I made a new friend.And I'll leave it at that, to comment on some other good things happening hear today.
President Obama has declared that we will now be able to study stem cell research with the full support of the government for starters!
Secondly, our new president has begun to overturn most of the last minute decisions Bush made, in regard to the well being of the planet, like global warming and stuff like that....
Things are getting better, and when I finally eat some dinner--I'll be able to write some more and post some images.
So instead I want to note, that today the sun shone with a spring-like intensity that would have brightened anybody's spirits, but especially those of us who live in cold climates and know how sun can alter one's mood very quickly.
Just to sum things up quickly now--because I started writing this about 2 hours ago--when a phone call from a friend in Texas interrupted me--but it was good to hear from him --and then another call from Sydney, Australia came through--so I ended up chatting for ages.
But back to my day here--I made a decision on how to spend an hour of my time, solely based on the weather, even though it meant losing an MP4 player with all the goodies--just to spend some time out in nature and it turned out beautifully---because I made a new friend.And I'll leave it at that, to comment on some other good things happening hear today.
President Obama has declared that we will now be able to study stem cell research with the full support of the government for starters!
Secondly, our new president has begun to overturn most of the last minute decisions Bush made, in regard to the well being of the planet, like global warming and stuff like that....
Things are getting better, and when I finally eat some dinner--I'll be able to write some more and post some images.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Ok now that I have my photos on
I just want to say that can we please enter the 21st century already and get a health care plan passed by congress?
Can you please make it a single payer plan, based on the one in Australia?
I have written about this continually and don't understand why no one listens to me.
Of course it may be that I don't have enough readers yet--but just in case somebody new reads this--here's how it works -- basically!
Everybody has free basic health care, and there are also insurance companies if you want to use them. They are good if you want a private room in a hospital or you want have multiple boob jobs for purely cosmetic reasons, and so on and so forth.
Admittedly I haven't lived there for 19 years, but both my kids are there now and they've never complained about the cost of anything medical, and although there my be other reasons for private health insurance, there are many free services available.
I have heard consistently over the years how this could never work here--because there are so many more of us here, but if you divide us into the states and give each the same templet and federal support to kick it off, I don't see any good reason for it to fail.
All those folks who are against it don't need to use the system as they can keep to their own paying systems.
I may be over simplifying--but I thinks this will work better than anything else, because it would encourage small (minute) business owners like me -- to grow and employ people, which could never happen if I have to cough up health coverage.
Can you please make it a single payer plan, based on the one in Australia?
I have written about this continually and don't understand why no one listens to me.
Of course it may be that I don't have enough readers yet--but just in case somebody new reads this--here's how it works -- basically!
Everybody has free basic health care, and there are also insurance companies if you want to use them. They are good if you want a private room in a hospital or you want have multiple boob jobs for purely cosmetic reasons, and so on and so forth.
Admittedly I haven't lived there for 19 years, but both my kids are there now and they've never complained about the cost of anything medical, and although there my be other reasons for private health insurance, there are many free services available.
I have heard consistently over the years how this could never work here--because there are so many more of us here, but if you divide us into the states and give each the same templet and federal support to kick it off, I don't see any good reason for it to fail.
All those folks who are against it don't need to use the system as they can keep to their own paying systems.
I may be over simplifying--but I thinks this will work better than anything else, because it would encourage small (minute) business owners like me -- to grow and employ people, which could never happen if I have to cough up health coverage.
Photos from recent sunsets
I'm having a lot of problems trying to get my photos on tonight--so please be patient--there's only one more right now--a close-up of the same shot--more or less.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Oh My GOD! The Fucking Republicans!
I cannot believe the gall of the republicans!
For eight long years they have broken the world in every possible way and I'm beginning to think that it's all far more deliberate than we could ever have imagined!
How the fuck dare they come out with all this crap of suddenly "knowing" how to solve our problems.
Where were they when Bush was in charge?
Did they ever question a single scent of all the billions that were lost during his administration?
I just can't stand listening to the lies and crap that people like Nancy Pfotenhauer..and Lars Larsen are currently telling on the Larry King Show.
I wouldn't even be watching if it wasn't for Stephanie M and Adrianna H weren't on.
It's just unbelievable--they're calling it the Obama Recession--and blaming Clinton. for creating it in the first place.
How the hell are we ever going to recover from this mountain of bulshit they are espousing on the top of their horrifically shrill voices.
Please put me down--I can't stand it!!!!!
For eight long years they have broken the world in every possible way and I'm beginning to think that it's all far more deliberate than we could ever have imagined!
How the fuck dare they come out with all this crap of suddenly "knowing" how to solve our problems.
Where were they when Bush was in charge?
Did they ever question a single scent of all the billions that were lost during his administration?
I just can't stand listening to the lies and crap that people like Nancy Pfotenhauer..and Lars Larsen are currently telling on the Larry King Show.
I wouldn't even be watching if it wasn't for Stephanie M and Adrianna H weren't on.
It's just unbelievable--they're calling it the Obama Recession--and blaming Clinton. for creating it in the first place.
How the hell are we ever going to recover from this mountain of bulshit they are espousing on the top of their horrifically shrill voices.
Please put me down--I can't stand it!!!!!
Why does everyone give Rush everything he wants?
Obviously he wants to be the center of attention at all times--does he not?
So why give it to him--he's not fascinating---he's a big, fat, racist bully!
And the best way to stop him is to ignore him, don't talk about him as if he matters.
I'm sick of hearing about him!
Sick sick sick!
So why give it to him--he's not fascinating---he's a big, fat, racist bully!
And the best way to stop him is to ignore him, don't talk about him as if he matters.
I'm sick of hearing about him!
Sick sick sick!
Jimmy Fallon
I thoroughly enjoyed Jimmy Fallon's new show, even though he was obviously nervous at first. The little skit with Conan still there in his room, packing his belongings, seemed more real than funny--although it worked in the end--raising some laughs. Maybe it was just me --but it made miss Conan just a bit.
His band The Roots is very cool and his guests were great--how sweet to see Robert De Niro support a fellow New Yorker and Justin Timberlake is really good at impressions of other singers, and I especially enjoyed the encore of the Barry Gibbs duet with Jimmy.
I think Jimmy will do very well--and I wish him well --just because.
When Van Morrison sang a song from one of my all time favorite albums "Astral Weeks", it brought back some really good memories, on a day that began with extreme crankiness on my part. So it's fitting to go to bed with that music in my head.
Van is still a fantastic singer, with his voice hardly changed at all--if anything it's even smoother and more mellow now.
Thanks Jimmy!
All in all a great beginning for Jimmy and I'm sure he'll iron out the kinks as he goes along.
His band The Roots is very cool and his guests were great--how sweet to see Robert De Niro support a fellow New Yorker and Justin Timberlake is really good at impressions of other singers, and I especially enjoyed the encore of the Barry Gibbs duet with Jimmy.
I think Jimmy will do very well--and I wish him well --just because.
When Van Morrison sang a song from one of my all time favorite albums "Astral Weeks", it brought back some really good memories, on a day that began with extreme crankiness on my part. So it's fitting to go to bed with that music in my head.
Van is still a fantastic singer, with his voice hardly changed at all--if anything it's even smoother and more mellow now.
Thanks Jimmy!
All in all a great beginning for Jimmy and I'm sure he'll iron out the kinks as he goes along.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Tim's Trap---part 2 of my novella. Copyrighted
Tim had met Monica's friend Gisella only briefly, when she visited them at their waterfront house in Sydney, but he had liked her instantly. She was the physical opposite of Monica, who was a petite brunette, with big brown eyes and a body like a belly dancer.
Gisella looked like a Nordic goddess, tall, big-busted, with blond wavy hair that almost reached her bottom and eyes that shone like emeralds. She had a host of men chasing her all the time, but after one failed marriage she was currently living by herself.
Technically, she was not alone, as she was sharing her house in Byron Bay with several friends, keeping only one room to herself. The house was large and often sat empty during the winter months, but now at the end of summer it was crowded. Apart from her unforgettable looks, Gisella was known for her expertise in Marijuana growing, something that made her more popular than ever.
She was one of the few people (out of dozens of Tim’s friends) who were succeeding in growing stuff that packed a powerful punch. She’d been growing it since 1975 and after four years of trials and errors, was finally producing enough to keep a lot of people very happy.
Now it was harvest season and she had asked several friends to help her with this process. Their reward would be a bag of her best and Monica and Tim looked forward to their compensation. Tim had stayed behind to take care of a few things, and got his brother to move in while he and Monica were away.
They were due back in Sydney in about a week, hopefully laden up with lots of psychedelic potions to share with their other friends at home. The gold-topped mushrooms found in the cow-paddies were incredible and locating them in the paddocks was part of the fun, although Monica refused to touch them until they had been well washed.
But Tim wasn’t sure if they’d have enough time for that kind of adventure on this trip, having other, more serious things on his mind. Another sign flashed past, this time saying Grafton, from where he had to get onto the small coastal road leading to Byron Bay, only a hundred miles away now.
His mind switched back to Smokey and his story about the hash. A voice in his head insisted that his friend was lying to him and no matter what-- he couldn’t rid himself of doubt. He wondered what Monica would think of his idea and hoped she wouldn’t think him crazy. Well, he’d tell her about it tonight and find out just what she thought.
It had been a long time since he’d been spider hunting, and hadn’t even thought about it since he was a teenager-- but knew he could still do it if he really had to. Funnel-webs would be best, but a few red-backs among them wouldn’t hurt either, if they didn’t eat each other!
Winding his way down the hilly country road, he saw the sparkling lights of Ballina in the distance and knew that he was almost there. When he finally pulled into the long and winding driveway he heard Bob Dylan sing “Long Train Coming” and saw people lounging around the huge veranda of the Victorian-style farmhouse.
Monica ran out to meet him and seconds later, was in his arms, with a big joint in her hand. Several deep kisses later, he took a long drag, and held the smoke in until he began to cough.
“Wow baby, is this the latest crop?” he gasped between puffs. “It tastes fantastic, just like Buddha-sticks!”
“Sure is sweetheart. Isn’t it great? Here have some more! How was your drive ?”
“You know, awfully long without you there.” He smiled at her happily and swept her up, spinning madly until she shrieked.
“Enough of that now, babe! You’ll get yours later. Come and see Gisella and meet some of the guys who’ll be helping us pick the grass.”
After the introductions were made, somebody handed him a beer and another joint, (to catch up with the others,) who’d been drinking and smoking for several hours.
There were three new guys there, and a stunningly beautiful woman. She was naked from the waist up and dancing around the porch in rhythm to Jackson Brown’s Late for the Sky, lost in a world of her own.
Tim thought that her name was Jane or Rain, he wasn’t sure, as he was terrible at remembering names and too embarrassed to let on. Later he heard her boyfriend John call out to her and confirm the latter. John was a photographer of some renown and Rain was his live-in model and an old friend of Gisella’s modeling days in London.
The two guys were brothers Greg and Allen, local farmers with a taste for good weed, and obviously for women. They had taken time off from their own place to help with the harvesting.
Tim was worn out and after he finished his beer he and Monica went to their room. They made love and afterward Monica asked how things had gone with Smokey.
Tim began, “I don’t know anything more, but I still don't believe him. I’ve had this idea. Tell me what you think of it.”
“OK. Shoot.”
“Well, I haven’t worked out the details yet, but we’re going to get a big bag of dope from Gisella, right?
So what if we put Smokey into a position where he gets to know where we keep all our new stuff? We could do it right after we get back to town and tell him that we have to go away again for a couple of days and ask him to look after the house, right? Are you with me, baby?”
“Yeah, so far. But I don’t see how that would prove anything. Let me see now, you want him to know where the stuff is, and somehow find out if he gets into it, right?”
“Yeah, absolutely! But listen to this, what if we give him some really good stuff, you know as payment, so he wouldn’t run out, all right? He’d have no reason to look for the other stuff unless he wanted to rip us off.”
“That could work, I suppose, but we'd have to give him so much stuff--are you sure you want to? I guess you could weigh the other bag and see if he takes some. And if he does, you’ll know once and for all if he’s the true friend you hope he is, or not.”
“You’ve got it sweet Monica! But I did have something a bit more sinister in mind, as far as proof is concerned and I’m not sure what you’ll think of me once I tell you.”
Monica's dark brown eyes shone with excitement,
“Oh go on Tim. You should know me well enough by now to realize that I’m not as sweet and innocent as I look. Tell me, I’m all curious now!”
“Well I thought that I could put a few nasty surprises in with the dope.”
“What, like a mousetrap or something?”
Tim laughed and squeezed her boob.
“Actually no. But now that you mention it, that might work too. But it would be really hard to set up. And in the end, it wouldn’t really prove anything, ‘cause he’d see what I was up to. No, what I thought would be more unexpected and a bit more dangerous. Spiders!”
Monica raised her eyebrows and let out a big sigh. “Spiders? What do you mean, spiders?”
“What if I was to put some Funnel-webs and a few red backs into the bag? Then if he started farting around in it, he’d get bitten, don’t you think?”
“Eek! I don’t want to have any spiders in our house. What are you thinking Tim?”
Instantly downcast, Tim lit a cigarette. He gazed at her and thought that his first instinct had been right. His idea was preposterous. He should have known better. What kind of a person did Monica think he was now? But to his surprise she said,
“Actually darling, you might have something here. I just wouldn’t want to do it at our house. Let me talk to Gisella in the morning, she might be able to help us.”
She giggled and reached for his cock, hungry for more after being deprived for a few days.
“OK. I know what you want you little vixen.” He responded by turning her over and kissed her well-rounded belly.
To be continued.
Gisella looked like a Nordic goddess, tall, big-busted, with blond wavy hair that almost reached her bottom and eyes that shone like emeralds. She had a host of men chasing her all the time, but after one failed marriage she was currently living by herself.
Technically, she was not alone, as she was sharing her house in Byron Bay with several friends, keeping only one room to herself. The house was large and often sat empty during the winter months, but now at the end of summer it was crowded. Apart from her unforgettable looks, Gisella was known for her expertise in Marijuana growing, something that made her more popular than ever.
She was one of the few people (out of dozens of Tim’s friends) who were succeeding in growing stuff that packed a powerful punch. She’d been growing it since 1975 and after four years of trials and errors, was finally producing enough to keep a lot of people very happy.
Now it was harvest season and she had asked several friends to help her with this process. Their reward would be a bag of her best and Monica and Tim looked forward to their compensation. Tim had stayed behind to take care of a few things, and got his brother to move in while he and Monica were away.
They were due back in Sydney in about a week, hopefully laden up with lots of psychedelic potions to share with their other friends at home. The gold-topped mushrooms found in the cow-paddies were incredible and locating them in the paddocks was part of the fun, although Monica refused to touch them until they had been well washed.
But Tim wasn’t sure if they’d have enough time for that kind of adventure on this trip, having other, more serious things on his mind. Another sign flashed past, this time saying Grafton, from where he had to get onto the small coastal road leading to Byron Bay, only a hundred miles away now.
His mind switched back to Smokey and his story about the hash. A voice in his head insisted that his friend was lying to him and no matter what-- he couldn’t rid himself of doubt. He wondered what Monica would think of his idea and hoped she wouldn’t think him crazy. Well, he’d tell her about it tonight and find out just what she thought.
It had been a long time since he’d been spider hunting, and hadn’t even thought about it since he was a teenager-- but knew he could still do it if he really had to. Funnel-webs would be best, but a few red-backs among them wouldn’t hurt either, if they didn’t eat each other!
Winding his way down the hilly country road, he saw the sparkling lights of Ballina in the distance and knew that he was almost there. When he finally pulled into the long and winding driveway he heard Bob Dylan sing “Long Train Coming” and saw people lounging around the huge veranda of the Victorian-style farmhouse.
Monica ran out to meet him and seconds later, was in his arms, with a big joint in her hand. Several deep kisses later, he took a long drag, and held the smoke in until he began to cough.
“Wow baby, is this the latest crop?” he gasped between puffs. “It tastes fantastic, just like Buddha-sticks!”
“Sure is sweetheart. Isn’t it great? Here have some more! How was your drive ?”
“You know, awfully long without you there.” He smiled at her happily and swept her up, spinning madly until she shrieked.
“Enough of that now, babe! You’ll get yours later. Come and see Gisella and meet some of the guys who’ll be helping us pick the grass.”
After the introductions were made, somebody handed him a beer and another joint, (to catch up with the others,) who’d been drinking and smoking for several hours.
There were three new guys there, and a stunningly beautiful woman. She was naked from the waist up and dancing around the porch in rhythm to Jackson Brown’s Late for the Sky, lost in a world of her own.
Tim thought that her name was Jane or Rain, he wasn’t sure, as he was terrible at remembering names and too embarrassed to let on. Later he heard her boyfriend John call out to her and confirm the latter. John was a photographer of some renown and Rain was his live-in model and an old friend of Gisella’s modeling days in London.
The two guys were brothers Greg and Allen, local farmers with a taste for good weed, and obviously for women. They had taken time off from their own place to help with the harvesting.
Tim was worn out and after he finished his beer he and Monica went to their room. They made love and afterward Monica asked how things had gone with Smokey.
Tim began, “I don’t know anything more, but I still don't believe him. I’ve had this idea. Tell me what you think of it.”
“OK. Shoot.”
“Well, I haven’t worked out the details yet, but we’re going to get a big bag of dope from Gisella, right?
So what if we put Smokey into a position where he gets to know where we keep all our new stuff? We could do it right after we get back to town and tell him that we have to go away again for a couple of days and ask him to look after the house, right? Are you with me, baby?”
“Yeah, so far. But I don’t see how that would prove anything. Let me see now, you want him to know where the stuff is, and somehow find out if he gets into it, right?”
“Yeah, absolutely! But listen to this, what if we give him some really good stuff, you know as payment, so he wouldn’t run out, all right? He’d have no reason to look for the other stuff unless he wanted to rip us off.”
“That could work, I suppose, but we'd have to give him so much stuff--are you sure you want to? I guess you could weigh the other bag and see if he takes some. And if he does, you’ll know once and for all if he’s the true friend you hope he is, or not.”
“You’ve got it sweet Monica! But I did have something a bit more sinister in mind, as far as proof is concerned and I’m not sure what you’ll think of me once I tell you.”
Monica's dark brown eyes shone with excitement,
“Oh go on Tim. You should know me well enough by now to realize that I’m not as sweet and innocent as I look. Tell me, I’m all curious now!”
“Well I thought that I could put a few nasty surprises in with the dope.”
“What, like a mousetrap or something?”
Tim laughed and squeezed her boob.
“Actually no. But now that you mention it, that might work too. But it would be really hard to set up. And in the end, it wouldn’t really prove anything, ‘cause he’d see what I was up to. No, what I thought would be more unexpected and a bit more dangerous. Spiders!”
Monica raised her eyebrows and let out a big sigh. “Spiders? What do you mean, spiders?”
“What if I was to put some Funnel-webs and a few red backs into the bag? Then if he started farting around in it, he’d get bitten, don’t you think?”
“Eek! I don’t want to have any spiders in our house. What are you thinking Tim?”
Instantly downcast, Tim lit a cigarette. He gazed at her and thought that his first instinct had been right. His idea was preposterous. He should have known better. What kind of a person did Monica think he was now? But to his surprise she said,
“Actually darling, you might have something here. I just wouldn’t want to do it at our house. Let me talk to Gisella in the morning, she might be able to help us.”
She giggled and reached for his cock, hungry for more after being deprived for a few days.
“OK. I know what you want you little vixen.” He responded by turning her over and kissed her well-rounded belly.
To be continued.
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