Progress Report: Next day

 
 
 The amaryllis one day later. 

A Quick Run for Sanity

 
 
I escaped yesterday and went to visit a friend for a few hours. By myself. No little ones around. No cranky 'mom' around. Just me. Me and my friend. And a whole empty house...except for my friend and me. I was wonderful.

I had my own snacks so I could keep all my potential germs to myself. The other picture is of her weekly bouquet of fresh flowers. 

Progress shot: A day later

 
The bloom is opening up quite nicely and with daily progress being made.
 

They're still alive....

'Mom' and the boys stayed the night and all three of them are sick with that horrible cold that is going around.

As of right now I have poop on my bedroom rug (diarrhea accident), puke in my bed, snot on my towels, and dry cereal all over the front room rug. And they are all still alive. Oh... and I have some snot of my own now, too.

I could find a little bit of comfort if I knew when the boys grew up that they would get the opportunity to experience all this bliss with their own off spring... but since they are "guys" they probably won't. Sigh.

So Long, My Friend

Although you will be missed, you will be with us always. God bless you for your kindness and thoughtfulness. I love you.

ZEE BLOOM, ZEE BLOOM !!!

 'Thar is some red cumin out, lit'l pardner!'

Okay... its a bit on the pinkish side, but I'm sure the bloom will be a brilliant red. The box said so and if you can't believe the printed word, then who can you believe? Snort.

Good Friday morning. Its cold but its NOT RAINING! How grand is that?

'Mom' and the boys stopped over yesterday. Darius, the three yr old, came dragging in saying he was tired. Not surprising since 'mom' stays gone and they often don't get naps. The two boys also have colds. D. laid down on the couch, but didn't stay there long.

Being a grandmother, I quickly fixed something for them to eat. ('Mom' had to fix herself something. I'm not her grandmother.)

Vyron, the one yr old, is Mr. Giggles. He found an empty CD case and was having a ball opening it up and forcing it all the way back. That little click sound made him really giggle. Amuses easily, I guess. Eventually, it broke. The two boys then had some fun breaking the plastic up a little more. They're guys. What else would be fun like breaking something.

By the time they left, Darius' had a fever. I laid down for an early evening nap in Darius' name. Unlike him, I stayed there and dozed for a few minutes. 

What a Crazy Day

 
And its not over yet. But the sun is shining. Go Sun!!

What was down, was up... what was, wasn't...what is, isn't... Crazy day. And absolutely nothing happened involving me. All mental stuff, from my point of view.

I was just out having a smoke and talking to the neighbor. She thinks she may be pregnant. 40 yrs old. Tubes tied 13 yrs ago.... and now this. One of those life changing decisions. I'm so glad its not me!! Of course, at my age, how gross would that be?

And I just missed a phone call. Heard the phone ring as I came in, but it stopped before I could get to it. I just have a basic phone setup...can't push a button to see who the last caller was... if it was someone I know personally, I hope they know enough to call back in a few minutes. If it was a telemarketing call, then I'm glad I missed it.

No news is good news.... right?
 

What's Wrong With This Picture.

An advertisement on TV claims to be an anti-depressive medication. One of the side-effects to watch out for is increased thoughts of suicide. What the crap is that about?!? And why is this allowed? But more importantly, are consumers accepting this level of quality??? Gawd, I hope not.

Amaryllis Progress Shot

 
 
 Here's the latest photos of the amaryllis taken last night. (The dark thing is a tree twig waiting to see if its needed to help hold up the bloom.) The bulb hit the dirt on Nov. 15th and there is an update photo on November 24th, if you want to go take a look. 

Christmas

 
 
 
 
Mostly I just forgot to take photos. And people weren't standing still. Here are a few out of a few. The wee one, Vyron, looks so much better with his hair cut short. 'Mom' disagrees... and I don't know why.

When we were leaving "uncle Dave" asked for a hug from the boys. Darius suddenly got shy, but Vyron ran right up to him with his arms opened. Darius, not to be out done, then also gave David a hug.

My one Christmas wish.... That "uncle Dave" would take the boys into his home... with 'mom's' blessing. What's two more children. He will have a total of nine once Nathan is born in April. These two boys really need some stability. Sigh.
 

Thank God That's Over!!

I just got Christmas over done with and none too soon, either. Its not that it wasn't pleasant and a nice family get together, because it was. But its something I find myself getting through, an "ordeal" to come through on the other side. I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with the participants... its just me, my internal self. My internal self just doesn't feel at home here.... here in this form. It feels like an interlopator. And I'm not going to look up the spelling!

Hold on a minute. I gotta go see....

Okay, its interloper.

Bah Bah Black Sheep,
Have you any wool?

Someone that's tolerated, by polite society.

I'm still looking for my niche in life. Hell, if I ever find it, I hope I'm still able to bend over and pick it up! That damn floor is getting further and further away.

Ready or Not

 
 
 
 Time waits for no man... and neither does Christmas. But its got great timing this year; a whole weekend, or most of it, to finish up all that last-minute scramble.

The shot of the tree was taken at a friend's house. She was sitting on the floor, just out of the picture, wrapping up her kids' Santa presents. They were next door having lunch. The friend is one of Candace's friends and I feel like she is my friend as well. She has a more mature mindset.

The other shots are of a building I passed as I sat in traffic. (5 mph was a good speed, if and when you could reach it.) When I first noticed the bright yellow arches I thought "McDonald's?" It looks like a temple of sorts. There are a couple of buddist temples in this area of town... perhaps they've put up another one. Or else someone just likes the decor of it.

This afternoon the family gets together... early afternoon. Once that's done, then I, too, will be done with Christmas. Maybe tonight I'll watch my favorite movie again. I think I have watched it ten times so far this season.

In any event, I hope everyone has a lovely little Merry Christmas.
 

Finally... the "family" is reunited at last.

 
 
 
 Little Vyron is finally back in town and has been reunited with his mother and brother. I sure hope they don't get separated again.

'Mom' said when she saw him for the first time he started crying and acting like he was mad at her. I don't blame him a bit, either. Fortunately he gave up the madness. When they came over here, he reached for me right away, which was good news (and it bothered 'mom' a little). I was afraid he had forgotten me. He had warmed up to me just before they left for California. (I think he saw his brother with me enough that he accepted me as one of the good people. I don't know how long I can fool him, but I'll try.)

The boys stayed with me while 'mom' went to get a couple of tires put on her car. They were hungry, too. Fortunately I had a box of cereal and some milk. They finished off both, too... plus the chicken breast I had just finished baking dinner. Burp! It was really good seeing them all back together again.

I have finally discovered (or should that be 'admitting to') my calling. Hermit. Hermit first class. I'm not designed to be around people. Especially little people who don't have any fear in them. Three year old Darius was acting like a little butt head. I don't do butt heads very well. Not well at all. If he was my child, he'd be toeing the line or else I would be in prison. He wants to act like he's thirty-nine and has a shit load of testosterone or something. And Homy don't play that game.

The plan is that 'mom' and the boys will be staying here with me until they leave for California. (I'm assuming that will happen after Christmas... but maybe after the New Year.) And this might begin tomorrow. On the way out to the car, C. did mention she may be asking someone else if they can stay with them, cause she "knows how I am." All I could think was 'oh gawd YES!!' That's when I accepted my hermitness. Actually, I think I embraced it. I clutched it to my chest!!

So... now I have my little apartment back, all quiet. I will need to pick up the mess the boys created, see if I can fix the leg to the end table, and bend the metal at the bottom of the door back into place. Oh yes... please let her stay somewhere else.  

What do ya do....

 
 
 
Whadda do when you're waiting for a drug drop? How do you look "normal" when its obvious you are waiting?

I wasn't sure if this person was male or female, but based on the large purse, my guess was female. This is the second time I've noticed her standing on the corner... waiting.

Nothing much going on here at the ole casa. The family is getting together Christmas eve afternoon. (The oldest grandchild is back from university. She always has a big smile on her face.)

C., my youngest off-spring, got her tire plugged and is back behind the wheel. One of her sisters is going to buy her a couple of used tires today. Ooops. I just had a thought. I should probably pick up the apt. They may be meeting here since C. lives too far away. Pay attention to the small still voice.

As you can see, I'm just grasping at something to post here today. And I've reached the end of my imagination.
 

How Long Has It Been?

 
How long has it been since you've seen gas at this price? It is now history. Treasure the memory.

Well, as typical, I fell asleep 30 minutes into watching Its a Wonderful Life on TV the other night. To be honest, it lost some of its charm what with the interruptions of commercials. So... I watched it today on my computer, thanks to the link I found where free movies are available. (mostly old movies where the copyright time frame has passed.)

Currently, it is 2:15am and Miracle on 34th Street is on the TV. Its the newer version. Middle of the night. Yes, that's the best time to catch the attention of children. But the ads are for sexy girls talking on the phone to YOU! You, if you are a horny guy who believes in miracles. The miracle would be that sexy, drop-dead-gorgeous women don't have a life and are just waiting with heaving breasts to talk to someone on the phone. Have you ever considered owning your own bridge? It could be yours.... it could be yours if you believe enough. And this IS the season of miracles.
 

My "Traditional" Christmas Movie

I've been waiting for it to come on TV... and tonight's the night. I have a video tape of it, but just no VCR to watch it on. What movie, you ask? Why, there's really only one and that is Its A Wonderful Life!



With minimal prompting, I think I could quote every line of dialogue in the movie.



If you miss the movie tonight (NBC) or you want to watch it without interruption, here's a place you can watch it for free. (I just hope you have a large monitor.)

And if you want to read about how the FBI, in 1947, considered this movie to be subversive, read about it here. And don't laugh. The FBI may have a file on you, too.

Progress Shot-II... Amaryllis

 
 
 
 
Some progress shots. I think the first one was taken November 24th and now this one.... 22 days a part.

It looks like its a little over a foot tall. I would have measured for you, but I can't find my tape measure. I have been looking at it in the 'junk draw' for a long time. When I went to get it... nothing. I couldn't find it anywhere. I suspect my daughter took it.

You know how it works... what is hers is hers and what is mine is hers.
 

Suddenly It Hit Me

I'm sitting up here watching a dude in ear rings. Two of them. Sparkly little ear rings. A dude. A straight dude. Jamie Fox on Jay Leno's show. Well, he's straight as far as I know.

HuH

His hands were also covered in rings and I bet there was a necklace or two under his jacket. Fully outfitted in jewelery.

It took me a minute to let it sink in.... then another minute. I wasn't quite sure what I thought about it. It was just, well, just interesting to note it I guess. After all, there was a time when guys wore tights and high heels. At least according to the history books and we all know how accurate they are.

Anyway, it kind of blew me away for a minute.

"Honey, what do you want for Christmas this year?"

"Aw baby... you can get me some ear rings."

(00)

Tuesday (best I could come up with)

I had to go to the bank and store today and its been raining nonstop for days. Forecast says it will continue to rain... for days and days and days. And days. However, today it would be "showers". That means a break now and then. (for those new to the blog, my windshield wipers are dysfunctional. My friends are tired of hearing about it. So am I.) And that's when I would need to make my run... during one of the breaks.

So at 8am I took off. The air was very moist, as was the ground and street, but it was not raining. The morning was still on the darkish side and that set off the few Christmas lights I passed very well. They looked so nice and cheerful. I almost caught it. You know, that spirit thingy... that Christmas spirit thing. Not quite, but almost.

I made it to all my rounds and got home safely. There were a few times I thought I would have to wait out a shower, but it didn't happen. I expressed my thanks to the Universe the whole way.

Now, however, although there are still clouds around, the sun is shining and I can see blue skies in spots. Go figure. If I had waited I could have gone with out the excitement of wondering if I would make it or not. But its the only excitement I have right now. And thats great with me. I don't want any other excitement. Well, except maybe the lottery. You know.

We've got three mountain climbers lost on Mt. Hood and there are blizzard conditions happening. The climbers are from out of state. Two from Dallas, Texas and one from New York. Everyone is still hopeful for a good outcome, but the weather is keeping searchers from going out.

Each year we lose people in the winter snows and in the spring and summer we lose people by drownings. Its so sad.

With the sun now shining, I see its time I vaccum the rug. The windows could use some cleaning too. Little finger prints are showing up.

Hope you are having a good Tuesday.

Some Illustrators I like

Hold on a minute... have to wipe the drool off my chin.

Okay, I'm back.

I've been surfing again, or still, and thought I'd share a few of the sites I came across that I liked. (and these are just a few...there's been many more.)


Jo Gershman


Michelle Waldele-Dick


Kathleen Kemly
(this is one page on a ‘artist network site’)


Debi Hubbs
(I like the bright colors and whimsy)

Expecting a tip?

I was reading another blog where the subject was those damn bastards who don't know how much to tip. What I'd like to say is those damn business owners who don't pay their staff a living wage! But if you think about it, its always the consumers who pay for everything in the end. Its just a matter of how its wrapped. Personally, I'd like it to be wrapped in the overall price so that I don't have to give extra money for buying something.

I mean, if it would help... point me to the kitchen and I'll pick up my own plate. Bus my own table, too. I draw the line at washing the dishes, though. I don't even do that at home. And how many dishwashers get any tips? That's a real question. Do the servers share their tips with the workers behind the scenes? What about the people who clean up after hours. Do they get any tips? Do they get paid a living wage? Somehow I don't think so.

I guess its the cost of living... or at least it could be used as a argument... but an average tip was 5%, then 7%, then ...well, now its up to a MINIMUM of 15% and a lot of tips are 20%. 5% of a $2 bill and 5% of a $20 bill are too different amounts and shouldn't it compensate for the cost of living? I'm just saying.

One of the commenters on the 'tipping blog entry' worked in fast-foods and talked about tips. WTF? Am I really expected to tip someone who turns away from the cash register and picks up a bag and hands it to me? Am I really dense? Don't answer that. If I'm honest with myself, I already know the answer.

I read a magazine article once on tipping. OHMYGAWD.... you are "suppose to" tip EVERYONE. EVERYONE people!!! By the time I got to the end of the list I was almost expecting to read that I should be tipping the people I pass on the sidewalks. I mean if a doorman opens a door for me (when I can open my own door, thankyouverymuch) and I'm suppose to tip him, then why should I not expect to tip those people who 'let me pass' unaccosted. If I go out on my porch, who do I tip?? Who started this crap? I want to string them up. And I'd also like to string up the greedy business owners who are too cheap to pay the staff a decent wage. I want my so called tip to be included in the price of what I'm paying for... I don't want to feel like I have to pay extra.

Now having said this, let me insert this disclaimer. I am assuming that service people get paid minimum wage... I am assuming they are not exempt from this requirement. If this is not the case, then... never mind. Assuming waiters/tresses get minimum wages, what about all those minimum wage earners who are not in a position to be tipped? What about those folks, huh?

I have a true story about a GREAT tip. Fortunately, it wasn't mine. A flakey friend was staying with me during a visit. She worked in the service industry so was very conscious about tipping. She ordered a pizza to be delivered. When it arrived, she gave the driver a bill and told him to "Keep the change." He looked a little stunned and then said 'thank you' in a very sincere manner. He left with a big smile on his face. She thought she had given him a $20 bill for an $18 pizza. Turned out she gave him a $50 bill. Afterwards we both hoped she was 'doing God's work'. Well, it was all we could think of to take the pain away.

So... do you leave tips at Starbucks when you've just paid $4.65 for a cup of coffee? Do you tip at McDonald's. Do you tip at a buffet when you serve yourself...and get the runs afterwards?

All I know is that I'm sure I've been one of those bastards on several occasions, but I plead ignorance. Now I know for sure that I can't afford to go any where. I'm not even sure about going to the mail box in the rain to pick up my junk mail. Should I leave a tip in there for the postal worker?

Don't believe everything you read...

... or hear, or even see.

I was just watching The Early Show on CBS. On the news portion they reported that James Kim died a mile from a hunting lodge where there was enough food to last the entire family for the whole winter.

It is true that Kim was found a mile from a lodge, but it did not contain any food. It was locked up for the season and the owner said there was no food there. (This is based on a news interview of the owner and this is what he said on camera.) Is someone padding the story for a more emotional impact or were they not paying attention? Perhaps a 'fact checker' is in order.

From personal experience of many decades ago, I knew of a family where one of the sons was arrested for stealing bikes. In the news it was reported that there were $10,000 worth of bicycles and bike parts taken. I never saw more than four or five. Could five bicycles be worth $10,000 back in the late 50s?? I don't think so. (I didn't know the bikes were stolen. I was pretty young and dumb at the time.)

And lets not talk about how thoroughly political corruption runs rampant in our so called democracy. Its just too scary. I just watched a program on public TV about the Abramoff corruption.... and Abramoff made over 400 visits to the White House.

Corporate Lessons

Corporate Lesson 1:

A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next door neighbor. Before she says a word, Bob says, "I'll give you $800 to drop that towel." After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 dollars and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, "Who was that?" "It was Bob the next door neighbor," she replies. "Great!" the husband says, "Did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?"

Moral of the story: If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

Corporate Lesson 2:

A priest offered a lift to a Nun. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?" The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?" The priest apologized "Sorry sister but the flesh is weak." Arriving at the convent, the nun went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, "Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory."

Moral of the story: If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.

Corporate Lesson 3:

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, "I'll give each of you just one wish." "Me first! Me first!" says the admin. clerk. "I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world" Poof! She's gone. "Me next! Me next!" says the sales rep. "I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life." Poof! He's gone. "OK, you're up," the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, "I want those two back in the office after lunch."

Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.

Corporate Lesson 4:

A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day. A rabbit asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?" The crow answered: "Sure, why not." So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow, and rested. A fox jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very high up.

Corporate Lesson 5:

A turkey was chatting with a bull. "I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, but I haven't got the energy." "Well, why don't you nibble on my droppings" replied the bull. "They're packed with nutrients." The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found that it gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, there he was proudly perched at the top of the tree. Soon he was spotted by a farmer, who shot the turkey out of the tree.

Moral of the story: Bullshit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.

Searching for James Kim

All I do is wait for Breaking News on the TV saying they have found James Kim. He is the young San Francisco father of the family that was lost in the Oregon wilderness since November 25. The mother and two young daughters were found on Monday in their vehicle. The father had gone to look for help the previous Saturday. He was not dressed for the snowy weather, or the rugged landscape. Tennis shoes and jeans.

Everyone is holding out great hope for him, but when you counting up the days on your fingers, it is hard. I believe in Miracles. I believe in Miracles. I do, I do, I do.

The terrain where they are searching is a full-blooded forest and all that is associated with a true forest. Thick and heavy underbrush. Cliffs and sheer drop-offs. Wild animals. Lots and lots of trees.

The searchers feel they are right on his heels, so to speak... but spotting him has not happened. They feel he has left clues as to where he has gone... pieces of clothing. They've dropped "care packages" all over the area with the hope that James might find one. (dry clothing, food, etc.) If they discovered him from the sky it would still take some time before they could reach him.

If you've a mind to, please think strong positive thoughts for the outcome.

Update: They found him, but he did not make it. The people in charge of the search is having a very hard time even talking because of the emotions they are feeling.

Sunday... that's about all I've got.

I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me.

~Hunter S. Thompson

"Hi. I'm Brian from Dish Network!"

Oh Brian, I bet you have no idea how much I wanted to get my hands around your little automated neck and twist it until you screamed "God Help Me!"

I have been bombarded with automated sales calls from "...Brian, from Dish Network!" A lot of these automated calls give you an option to press a number to be removed from their calling list. Brian didn't give me that option. And today he hit me at the wrong time. I pressed #1 so I could talk to a live representative. After acknowledging that the person I would be talking to is just doing their job, I was going to leave a message for Brian that might cause me to have someone knocking on my door from the federal communication authorities. (It would have been worth it.)

Fortunately for the 'live representative', it was at this point where I was given an option to press #2 to be removed from their call list. Normally, I would have pressed 2 and hung up immediately in anger... but this time my hunch said to stay on the line to see if there was a message. There was. I had to leave a message consisting of my phone number. (DOH) Okay, so I'm not the sharpest crayon in the box, but I am still colorful. Right?

If I ever find myself in a postion to get some kind of extended TV service, you can bet good money it will not be for a DISH. I sometimes vote that way, too. If there is a position (or candidates) that I don't have an opinion on, I may vote for the 'other one' based on how much I am harrassed by automated phone calls.

I'm exposing my ignorance here so that if you are like me and have pressed a number to be removed from a call list and then hung up immediately, next time be sure to stay on the line long enough to find out if there is anything else you need to do.

I hope I don't meet anyone named Brian in the near future. I might not give myself a chance to like them.