Monday, October 31, 2005
Halloween...
How Might A Spirit Settle In the Wind?
After death, how might a soul find peace?
Love lasts long after lips and laughter cease,
Leaving only memories behind.
Out of longing one might linen spin,
Weaving well the welkin edged with fleece
Each spirit must from wandering seek release,
Else ever through the weary midnights wend,
Not resting till love's angels dark descend.
Happy Halloween
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Witch Way is Which?....
Twas the night before Halloween
And all who were chic
Were sipping champagne
And been stoned for a week.
Well Halloween is tomorrow...what more can I say? Be safe and hope you take home a sack full of candies and other good stuff. And, don't forget to take your mask off on Tuesday!
Today was un-eventful, except that the 49'ers they actually won a game. I turned my clock back last night, so all was cool this morning. Sure gets dark faster now, I don't like that. I was to chicken to start my car, but I will do so tomorrow. Notice all the re-runs on TV this weekend, what's up with that? Oh well, guess I will listen to Art Bell's "Ghost to Ghost" on the radio.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Be Aware...
Black Cat
A cat as black
As blackest coal
Is out upon
His midnight stroll,
His steps are soft,
His walk is slow
His eyes are gold
They flash and glow
And so I run
And so I duck
I do not need
His black-cat luck
(Unknown)
Friday, October 28, 2005
The scent of....
I read that the air smelled like maple syrup in Manhattan this morning. Not to be out done I would like to report that the air here this morning smelled like turpentine. I'd rather have the maple syrup. I wonder what is causing these assorted smells? Strange. My car's engine whined loudly today, I should call G and ask him to take a look at it again, but I hate to impose, even though he said he would do it. But I need to do something about it soon. I'm thinking of renting Jack Nicholson's The Shinning to watch on Halloween night. That is the scariest movie I've ever seen. Didn't accomplish much today. I tried to download Media Player for the 3rd time...and nothing. I must be doing something wrong but I sure don't know what it is. D is ignoring me, would be nice if I knew why. I am thinking of scrapbooking some old pictures, never tried doing that before, getting ideas ready. Bye
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Questions...
I have burning questions. Why don't the Chicago White Sox always wear white socks? The team wore black socks the other night, and black socks are even sold bearing the White Sox logo. No wonder baseball is so confusing.
Another question. Do pizza places know to much about you? Ever order a pizza, give them your telephone number, and have the person on the other end say "Welcome back (your name), would you like to order another Hawaiian pizza" or words to that affect. It is like the pizza guy knows all about you, sort of creepy. He can spread gossip all around the neighborhood that you are a pizza addict. lol Why does the garbage collector comes late when you have your garbage can at the curb and early when you don't? Why is it that when you are on the phone and pick up a pen to write down some info, that pen is always dry? Why are there so many commercials on tv and when they are on you channel surf and all the stations are running commercials at the same time. Why is it when a solicitor calls you on the phone and you say your are not interested, he keeps talking anyhow. Why is it that when you lose something you always find it at the last place you looked. Enough already. Happy Birthday A..28 today!!
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
I Play Favorites...
I found my favorite motto for this blog:
"Blessed is he who expects nothing for he shall never be disappointed" - Alexander Pope
I think this is my favorite name of any American town:
Rancho Cucamonga (California)
My second favorite has to be: Hoboken (New Jersey)...if you want a webcam view try www.erikthered.com/cam/
My all time favorite name for an actor is: Orlando Bloom
My favorite names given to their children by a celebrity:
Moon Unit and Deweezil Zappa
Maybe this is my favorite crazy song title:
"If your phone don't ring it'll be me" (James King)
I could go on and on.....but I won't...
The Chicago White Sox won the World Series tonight, first time in 88 years!! Hurray!!!!
We had a little rain here earlier, it was nice. My car has now developed a humming sound coming from the engine!! Good Grief. There is always something to worry about!! Guess that's all folks.
"Blessed is he who expects nothing for he shall never be disappointed" - Alexander Pope
I think this is my favorite name of any American town:
Rancho Cucamonga (California)
My second favorite has to be: Hoboken (New Jersey)...if you want a webcam view try www.erikthered.com/cam/
My all time favorite name for an actor is: Orlando Bloom
My favorite names given to their children by a celebrity:
Moon Unit and Deweezil Zappa
Maybe this is my favorite crazy song title:
"If your phone don't ring it'll be me" (James King)
I could go on and on.....but I won't...
The Chicago White Sox won the World Series tonight, first time in 88 years!! Hurray!!!!
We had a little rain here earlier, it was nice. My car has now developed a humming sound coming from the engine!! Good Grief. There is always something to worry about!! Guess that's all folks.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Loopy Tuesday...
Uncle L and R came by today, we looked at a bunch of old pictures, of ancestors we can't recognize, like the one to the left. It is a shame people did not write anything in back of photos, now the relatives names, residences and other info about them are lost forever. If pictures could only talk. Met the new neighbor this morning, as we wheeled our garbage containers from the curb back to our own properties. Mr. B. seems like a nice man, said he is Dutch and that his family has lived in this town for 98 years, his wife is Irish, I didn't meet her yet. Did you read this headline on the internet today? "Cookie mistaken for bomb parts in San Diego Airport" Aren't we all getting a little bit paranoid?
Monday, October 24, 2005
Gas Pump Blues....
I felt like an idiot at the gas pump today...I was at a self serve station, and I couldn't figure out why the pump was not set at $0.00, it was at $28.10. When I tried to put gas in the tank, the $28.10 wasn't changing. So I fiddled around with it, and went back to the cashier to tell him the pump wasn't working. He said "you have to squeeze the handle" like Duh, I did that! I saw him shake his head as I left, giving me that "women!" look. Anyhow, I must have been there for 10 minutes, and then the "light bulb" moment hit me....I was looking at the small bottom price per gallon display window, when I shifted my gaze upward, I saw the gallons being pumped in display twirling away... I felt like a ding head!!!!
Temperture wise it was in the low 80's most of the day, a few leaves are starting to change colors and fall. Cleaned out a kitchen cabinet, threw away a few canned goods, they have been sitting there for maybe 5 years, when I shook the cans, I could not hear any liquid in them, so guess it was time to toss them out. How long can you safely store can goods? I am glad that
Hurricane Wilma was not as bad as everyone predicted in Flordia.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Bat Out of Hell...
The house is decorated for Halloween. I have a plastic black bat in the hallway close to the front door. Last night, I forgot it was there, the lights were dim, I walked past it and that bat made my hair stand up on ends. lol It looked so real, with its squinty little eyes and mouth wide open. I still can't believe I scared myself.
I've said before how some people have a gift for words, and certain words strung together in a sentence can be totally awesome. Here are a couple more examples that I heard last night, lyrics to a song written by Kiki Dee around 1975.
"There ain't no easy way to learn how to fly"
"I feel like sugar on the floor"
If you want to hear these words soulfully sung, check out Etta James' Blues version. It is great.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Mister Perfect
I have been googling for many years for a variety of reasons. Today I happened across a picture of the perfect man. Just look for yourself. I don't know who or where he is, but I can tell you what I observed His long hair is a perfect explosion of red
His complexion is angelicly pale
His classical handsome face is finely carved
He has a stunning pair of bluish-grey eyes that can penetrate a womans's soul
He has a neat closely trimmed beard
He wears an earring of gold
His long fingers are decorated with rings
He is musically inclined and I bet he is artistic
He is strong yet gentle
No woman is immune to his looks..he is gorgeous! Sweet dream ladies! Oh, by the way if any movie studio signs him up, I am requesting at least a "finders fee" lol
Friday, October 21, 2005
Finally Friday....
This is a cool website: www.trevorvanmeter.com/flyguy
Follow directions, keep flying man upward and side ways, make sure you hit various objects enroute...and see what happens, his trip ends on the beach. Have fun.
Today I actually answered one letter first time in over a month, next is a letter to KKG.
Not much news to tell, today was rather boring. I've been doing alright, but tonight I'm feeling down again--hate that! So to conquer my depression I will give you the recipe from my Grandma for "Bruschetta" (This means 'to toast over coals' in Italian)
Toast 6 Italian or French bread slices, then lightly rub each piece of bread with a garlic clove, and drizzle with some virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Cut bread slices in half. Serve warm. You can also top bread with thinly sliced mozzarella cheese and thin tomato slices. This makes a good appetizer. Manga bene!!
Follow directions, keep flying man upward and side ways, make sure you hit various objects enroute...and see what happens, his trip ends on the beach. Have fun.
Today I actually answered one letter first time in over a month, next is a letter to KKG.
Not much news to tell, today was rather boring. I've been doing alright, but tonight I'm feeling down again--hate that! So to conquer my depression I will give you the recipe from my Grandma for "Bruschetta" (This means 'to toast over coals' in Italian)
Toast 6 Italian or French bread slices, then lightly rub each piece of bread with a garlic clove, and drizzle with some virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Cut bread slices in half. Serve warm. You can also top bread with thinly sliced mozzarella cheese and thin tomato slices. This makes a good appetizer. Manga bene!!
No comment....
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Don't quote me....
The following are random quotations I read today:
"Art is the illusion of spontaneity"
"The wisest man follows his own direction"
"Set yourself as the standard"
"Tiger father begets tiger son"
"To know the road ahead, ask those coming back"
Never let a good quote go to waste....that is what I say. lol
For a person who didn't have anything to say, I chatted with D for 41/2 hours today, and was not disconnected once. That is a rare occurrence. I don't know what I did right. Trying hard not to worry about the car...I can't control what will happen next, that is my problem maybe I am sort of a control freak? One more thing that I read today and have not thought about in years.
I add this only because it is pumpkin season.
"Peter - Peter pumpkin eater
Had a wife but couldn't keep her
Put her in a pumpkin shell
There he kept here very well"
"Art is the illusion of spontaneity"
"The wisest man follows his own direction"
"Set yourself as the standard"
"Tiger father begets tiger son"
"To know the road ahead, ask those coming back"
Never let a good quote go to waste....that is what I say. lol
For a person who didn't have anything to say, I chatted with D for 41/2 hours today, and was not disconnected once. That is a rare occurrence. I don't know what I did right. Trying hard not to worry about the car...I can't control what will happen next, that is my problem maybe I am sort of a control freak? One more thing that I read today and have not thought about in years.
I add this only because it is pumpkin season.
"Peter - Peter pumpkin eater
Had a wife but couldn't keep her
Put her in a pumpkin shell
There he kept here very well"
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Whoa...
"Learned Helplessness" I casually researched this subject today and wonder if it is the souce of all my problems? I seem to fit the diagnosis.... man, that is a sobering thought. I also goggled transmission leaks, and maybe my car's problem is a gasket or seal...I will keep an eye on how much it leaks and when, then take it to a shop. I want to know what I am talking about before I do that. First the engine problem and now this...bring back the horse and buggy. I emailed SJ chapter 3 of my story to read, anxious to hear SJ's remarks and opinion....well, maybe not!! lol The "new" people are moving in across the street, I haven't met them yet. California had 2 minor earthquakes today, hope they are not a sign for more to come. I am such a pestimist! The glass is always half empty in my world. Some senior citizens from a nursing home are going to walk through R's almond orchard tomorrow for exercise. Anyhow, at least tonight for an hour I can dwell on LOST and forget my problems.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
My Area....
Useless information because I have nothing better to do. Ever wonder what other people have in their houses...what they see as they type on the computer? I will answer these questions for you without delat. Where is my computer located? Living room. My computer faces the window. What do I see outside my window? Junipers, gravel, Japanese bamboo plants, more gravel, oine tree, 2 ash trees, white ground cover flowers, sidewalk, a 2 lane street, sidewalk, the house across the street, with a white panel truck and a white pickup truck parked in the driveway. What is to my left? Another window, my copier sitting on the coffee table. What do I see outside this left window? gravel, small fence, various trees and bushes, next door neighbors house.What is to my right? a small round table table lamp, 4 white poodle dog figurines, table fan, boombox, cds and tapes in 2 baskets, gold winged chair, artifical green plant in a basket small hallway leading to the front door. What color is the door? Dark mahogonay. What color are the walls? off white. What color carpet? a dark gold/sort of. Isn't this interesting? Have any questions just ask me.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Blue Nun....
Care for a little Blue Nun?.
Not the fine wine....but these blue nuns. >>>>>>>>>>>
I have been so depressed the past few days that I haven't felt like writing, I am worrying about everything and when I'm not worrying, I worry because I'm not worrying. Anyhow, I found this picture and it sort of made me smile. The weather remains warm and in the lower 80's. C is flying to Seattle tomorrow to visit J who is ill. R is starting bible study on Wednesday and I am searching the classifieds for a part time job. I hope to find something no one else wants.
Car Update: leaking oil and maybe transmission fluid now.I wish I could afford a new car.
I wish for a lot of things that I can't have....
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Hugh Sale....
I passed this yellow garage sale sign..Hugh Sale...was Hugh for sale? Is he single? How much is he asking? lol I am not the world's greatest speller, but misspelled words always make me chuckle. I remember once where someone had written "sing here" instead of "sign here" all over an important document. I thought perhaps I should stand up at sing at those intervals.Car update: Got it back, the tailpipe no longer leaks oil but oil is dripping from under the middle of the car now. Sometimes I just can't win, no matter how hard I try. Temperatures have cooled off here today and it is breezy. There is a LOST re-run on TV tonight, this Hurley episode wasn't that great, but for me still worth a review.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Mia Italia...
I would rather be in Italy...si...I want to drink vino in Tuscany,
photograph the Leaning Tower of Pisa, shop in Milano, see the ruins of ancient Rome and the stray cats who make their home in the coliseum, I want to see the art museums in Florence, and ride fishing boats in Naples, eat pizza in Sicily. I want the men to call be "bella" and pinch my butt as I pass by. I want to ride a Vespa through narrow alley ways, and sit at a towns square learning Italian from the old folks. I want to talk with my hands and laugh and sing and dance in the street. I want to be anywhere than here...I want to be anyone except myself. I want to fly like an eagle and be free. Si...Maybe someday? Ciao a tutti.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
No Dogs Allowed...
I took this picture at a local farmer's market, it is apparent this dog is a rebel or he can't read English. lol Anyhow I thought it was funny.Car update: nada
It was a warm day here, 87 degrees, forecaster said temperatures will go down by the weekend.
I did some more yard work and other boring stuff, to boring to even write about here.
I took my fake pumpkins down from the closet and scatter them around the family room for Halloween/Autumn decor... Last year I put the pumpkins away in such a safe place it took me until today to locate them.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Christmas in October?....
Boo's and thumbs down to Carnival Vacation Cruises Christmas tv commercial already being aired!!! This is way to early to start Christmas commercials. Do we all need to be reminded the holidays are coming on October 12th? Boycott Carnival Cruises!! Enough is enough already!! Car update...nothing new. But C is upset with me because I'm having G give my car
the once over.. asking.his opinion etc. Sometimes I just can't win. LOST was good tonight, but not enough air time for Sayid. Hope he will get a meatier role in the coming weeks. Sawyer was great, he can give me his evil look anytime and anywhere...lol I trimmed back the holly berry bushes today, planted the geranium cuttings, finished cleaning out the shelves in the garage etc.
Tried to get my tape recorder to work, but not having much luck... Guess that's all for tonight folks.
the once over.. asking.his opinion etc. Sometimes I just can't win. LOST was good tonight, but not enough air time for Sayid. Hope he will get a meatier role in the coming weeks. Sawyer was great, he can give me his evil look anytime and anywhere...lol I trimmed back the holly berry bushes today, planted the geranium cuttings, finished cleaning out the shelves in the garage etc.
Tried to get my tape recorder to work, but not having much luck... Guess that's all for tonight folks.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Just Another Day...
Car update: No news is good news!! I haven't heard anything more. Today Uncle L, R and O came by, we had a nice lunch, Philly steak and cheese sandwiches. Uncle L sang some old Italian songs and told stories, R brought along some more wedding pictures, and O had her hair dyed a Burgundy red color, she pulled that off very well, and I liked it. After they left I washed out some flower pots, R gave me 3 cuttings of different colored leaves from geraniums, and I want to try and grow them. But I looked at the white geranium I have in a pot, and something is eating the leaves!! I was under the impression bugs did not like geraniums... The weather feels like summer, it must be near 90 today. It is official Marty Casey and the Lovehammers have signed up to be INXS lead act on their world tour. I feel very happy form him. D called me from southern California tonight, we used to work together and it was great talking to him, we are always able to joke around... and he is the only guy I know that knows how to gossip...I really miss "surfer dude" since he moved away.
Group Portrait
I had to share this photo, it has been in an old family album for many years. I do not know who is in the picture, but I think it was taken sometime around 1918-1920, in Massachusetts. Old time glamour girls and one lucky sufer dude!! Enjoy.Monday, October 10, 2005
Car Update....
Car update: G stopped by this afternoon to look at my car, and his opinion is that the engine looks good. Worn valve guiders and Jiffy Lube putting 15W40 oil in the car that is to thin and part synthetic may have caused the oil to leak out of the tailpipe. It also needs spark plugs and a couple other things....but that sure beats spending $3300+ of money I don't have! The mechanics were all to quick to say I needed a rebuilt engine, is it because I am a woman and we all know that they take advantage of women, or is it because it is more money in their pockets? Anyhow, I hope whatever G does to it will do the trick. I will keep my fingers and toes crossed. G will keep the car for a day or two. Since car was gone, I cleaned up the garage a little, threw away some jars I had saved, old cleaning products that dried up and junky stuff like that. I still feel stressed haven't been able to relax yet.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Pumpkin Patch...
We have many pumpkin patches around town this time of year, the photos are from one. I think the pumpkins look so vivid orange and the white ones they call ghost pumpkins.I bought a medium sized pumpkin, maybe I will even carve it.
Trying hard to think logically and make the right decision about my car. Yesterday I was a total mess, I couldn't sleep last night, today I am a semi-mess and my head hurts
Saturday, October 08, 2005
A Bad Day...
'If it wasn't for bad news...I'd have no news at all' as the old Hee Haw song stated. The bad news is that my car needs a rebuilt engine, the cost of which will deplete my savings account. Needless to say I am depressed. I wish I was a bird so I could fly away somewhere...I am so tired of worries, and trying to find solutions, I'm tired of everything. I have lost some much in recent months, my mom, my job, now my car....I don't know what to do. Maybe some ideas will come to me by Monday....in the meantime I will stress out...and cry in my beer for a few hours. :-(
Friday, October 07, 2005
Attack on the tomatoes...
There is nothing like waking up to the smell of tomato soup in the air!!! The Campbell soup cannery is not very far from our house, this time of year if the wind blows in right direction, the soup smell is in the air. I hate tomato soup!!! I doubly hate the smell.
Using weapons of mass destruction, ie: shoe, broom, and can of Raid, I killed a black widow spider by the mailbox this afternoon. All spiders give me the creeps, but black widows freak me out. I looked around the area for more, but did not see a spider invasion, I fear they do not travel alone, and I will have to be on guard for sometime for the creepy crawlers.
Watched the news tonight on BBC and it was totally depressing, I never heard so much bad news in a brief time span of a half hour before...I am glad I am not a tv news reporter. but I always thought being a foreign journalist would be a cool job. I love learning about people, countries, and doing research...I just can't write right...and put it all down on paper. lol
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Harvest...
My harvest of red and yellow onions and garlic!!Some kids rang the doorbell today, they had a carton of kittens to give away. It took all my will power to tell them no. R's friend has offered me a pup, all I know is that it is long haired and small. I like the "small" but with my allergies and lack of funds to take the dog to the groomers on a regular basis, I am debating what to do in my mind over and over again. It is a difficult decision. I need to take my car to the garage, oil
spurting out of the tailpipe I think is not a good thing.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Sunflowers....
I took this picture in late August of sunflowers in a field. There were acres and acres of the them, they looked so pretty.
Saw this bumper sticker today: "Iraq is Arabic for Vietnam" How true is that?
I bought myself a small frozen pizza for dinner...I will enjoy it as I watch LOST.
Hey, the City picked up the tree branch today...
hurray!!!
I am doing better today...hope it continues for awhile....
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Just Talking....
How many times have you seen this truck? How many times have you seen the white solid arrow in the logo? I admit before C pointed the arrow out to me, I never saw it. Look between the "E" and "X" it has always been there! Funny how our minds can play tricks on us.
Sad news, I was told that J's health is very bad right now, J's cancer returned and J is in the hospital. J just turned 40 and has been fighting this valiantly for 15 years. J is always upbeat and positive, a pleasure to know. Some people can accept what life hands them so graciously, and others.... So, please say a prayer for J in Washington state if you read this. Grazie. There is a slight breeze here today, the cooler temps feel so nice. I need to attach the broom handle to the new patio broom, so I can sweep leaves off the walkway. You may think this broom handle thing is an easy job, but the directions have me confused. You can stop laughing now!!! R nay have found me a dog...but the dog has long hair, and needs trips to the groomers, I have to tell R I can't afford doing that, all I want is a small short haired dog-dog.
Amazing Race is on TV tonight, not as exciting with little kids in the race...oh well....
Monday, October 03, 2005
Small Talk...
I just discovered the mortgage pop-ups, with the little monkeys and school kids etc. If I drag the mouse in front of them, the little critters jump up and down, the kids eyes follow the mouse and so on. What fun for 2 seconds!! Speaking of computers, I mysteriously lost Java-Script and just as mysteriously got it back. Why do these things happen? I wish I understood computers.
It was a lovely day here in the valley, sunny and breezy, and I didn't do a darn thing. I don't even have any thing to write about here. I had nighmares last night, like one after another, I remember people were trying to break into the house...and then I was lost in some huge department store. I don't know what caused the nightmares, I didn't watch any scary movies. Happy Birthday Grandma Z
It was a lovely day here in the valley, sunny and breezy, and I didn't do a darn thing. I don't even have any thing to write about here. I had nighmares last night, like one after another, I remember people were trying to break into the house...and then I was lost in some huge department store. I don't know what caused the nightmares, I didn't watch any scary movies. Happy Birthday Grandma Z
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Petra....
D has told be a lot about Petra. The ancient city west of Wadi Araba in Jordan, near the Red and Dead Seas. The city 2000 years ago was carved from sandstone cliffs by the Nabatalans, it had temples, tombs, houses, halls, altars and aqueducts. It was the cross roads of the ancient world.
Today as I channel surfed I saw a Christian documentary about the the ancient city, The TV preacher said things I never heard before, and I am a Christian. He said when the anti-Christ tries to finish off Israel, the 12 tribes of Israel will flee to Petra and hide. The narrow entrance to Petra, known as the Sig, will close due to a earthquake, and the 12 tribes will be protected supernaturally for 1260 days. No one will be able to enter Petra, it can not be bombed etc. The "chosen people" will remain until Jesus Christ's second coming at the end of times, and then be delivered into the "promised land". He claimed this was all found in the Bible. I would like someone to explain to me what happens to the rest of us? Will only Israeles be saved? Religion is so confusing. God/Allah help me!!
Saturday, October 01, 2005
John & Charley...
Currently I am reading Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck. I have read it before, but I enjoy reading it again. It is set in the 1960's when Steinbeck was 60 years old, he traveled with his large poodle named Charley in search of America. He outfought a hurricane in NY, drank cognac in Maine with gypsies, attended a witches Sabbath in New Orleans, tried to get Charley to marvel at California's giant redwoods etc etc. Steinbeck's observations still hold true today. and if you plan to drive across America I suggest you first read this book. In the 60's there were no cell phones, ipods, internet maps, advance planning and so forth..life was more relaxed not knowing the news instantly or the weather 200 miles down the road. There were fast food joints where every meal tasted the same, excellent interstate highways, and America was fast becoming a throw away society. Life was an adventure. (Sometimes I wish we could go back to that time) I also wanted to say that Steinbeck passed away 6 years after completing this journey. All his novels are great, he knew people from the inside out. I am sounding like a book reviewer, that would be great if I wasn't doing it 45 years to late. lol Pictured are John Steinbeck and Charley.
October....
Listen! The wind is rising,
and the air is wild with leaves,
we have had our summer evening,
now for October eves!
(Humbert Wolfe)
