Stochastic Ruminations

Wordless Wednesday

2007-10-10T10:03:00.000-05:00

Another toy recall??????????

It's too hot to blog...

2007-08-09T06:20:00.000-05:00

Temperatures reached 104 here yesterday...sorry - it's too hot to blog...STAY COOL!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-08-08T06:02:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2007-08-01T06:47:00.001-05:00

Heading to see the NY Sicilians tomorrow. I'll leave the gun and take the cannoli...

Yesterday in My Town (The Media Circus)

2007-07-27T07:38:00.000-05:00

It started out as a beautiful day in the capitol of the Old Dominion:

Then I saw the helicopters circling overhead:

It was a bonified, bodacious media circus:

All because of this fellow and three of his buddies:

They're gone this morning...CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS, ESPN et. al. have packed up their satellite trucks, but they'll return in November. Then it will start all over again.

I may need to go out of town after Thanksgiving...

Wordless Wednesday

2007-07-25T08:03:00.000-05:00

Mr. Vick will be just down the street from me tomorrow to answer his indictment on dog-fighting charges. I have my own opinion but it makes me too sick to even talk about it. To be continued...

2007-07-20T20:45:00.000-05:00

For Matt & Dixie

2007-07-20T06:32:00.000-05:00

“Please Visit Dixie and Matt and Wish Them Well As He Leaves For Parris Island And The Marines on Sunday, July 22, 2007.
Just click HERE.”

A Not So Wordless Wednesday

2007-07-17T19:40:00.001-05:00

My dear friend Amy lost her dad to cancer last night. This is in memory of her dad and in tribute to Amy and her family...we all are sending them our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,

He called it ... Dad

~~Author Unknown.~~

Wordless Wednesday

2007-07-11T05:33:00.001-05:00

Friday - The Fall

2007-06-29T05:37:00.000-05:00

Just found this...the videographer was just to the left of me at Wednesday night's concert. He got so excited that he almost dropped his camera...I couldn't even hold on to mine!!

Enjoy!! Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-06-26T16:10:00.001-05:00

Not much else to say about this one...I snapped it on Las Vegas Boulevard back in May...

Manic Monday...The Word is "GRACE"

2007-06-25T11:00:00.000-05:00

For today's meme (courtesy of Morgen at It's a Blog Eat Blog World), I have a few thoughts on GRACE...

1. At least once a day, I always murmur the John Bradford quote "There but for the GRACE of God go I". I've been doing this every day since I starting my career in health care, and it never fails to remind me how lucky I am that I'm walking, talking, have a job, have my health, and have loving family and friends.

2. Hail Mary, full of GRACE...I try to say at least one decat of the Holy Rosary every night before I go to bed. I always figure a little extra prayer can't hurt, right??

3. Why is Tuesday's child full of GRACE? And why is Wednesday's child full of woe? You can check out the original "Monday's Child" nursery rhyme here and calculate on what day of the week you were born. Hmmmm...I was born on a Sunday...

4. I think of GRACE and I automatically think of swans and ballerinas - GRACE personified.

5. Finally, I always wonder if people still say GRACE before meals (in the South, we call it "the blessing"). When I was growing up, you couldn't pick up your fork before someone said the blessing. My maternal grandfather always said a blessing before every meal and the only words anyone could ever understand were "kingdom come". My siblings and my cousins still laugh about it today and always wonder what Granddaddy was mumbling. We always add the words "kingdom come" to blessings before our gatherings, in honor of Granddaddy.

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you are all GRACED with a wonderful day!

What happens to blogs when life interrupts???

2007-06-22T06:24:00.000-05:00

As you can see, mine has gone down the tubes in the last 2 weeks...GEEZ!!! I don't think I've ever gone this long without posting at least SUMTHIN'...So I'd like to rename myself (at least for today), Piacere, Interrupted. I'm here just to pop in, say hi to everyone, and thank my fellow Hoochie Turnbaby for naming me a Rockin' Girl Blogger. I see that I'm in some fantastic company and feel very honored and humbled that my dear friend has included me in this sterling collective. LOVE YOU TOO, SUGAR PIE!!

Have a good weekend, everyone...I'm working on uninterrupting sometime next week!!

Blogblast for Peace

2007-06-06T04:48:00.000-05:00

Thanks, Mimi...

peace

2007-06-04T09:35:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2007-05-30T06:43:00.000-05:00

I need help, please...

2007-05-29T05:43:00.001-05:00

No TT Today

2007-05-24T09:15:00.000-05:00

Instead, I'd like to share something humorous (IMAGINE THAT!!) about that FOX show that I REFUSE to watch, ever again...

Wordless Wednesday

2007-05-22T18:21:00.000-05:00

Not watching Fox tonight...I already HAVE my American Idol...

Whatta ya gonna do?

2007-05-22T06:37:00.000-05:00

HBO's The Sopranos will be leaving us on Sunday, June 10th. In tribute, I offer you this short clip:

P.S. We don't have no gabagool at our house, either...

Manic Monday...the word is "GRAPHIC"

2007-05-20T18:47:00.000-05:00

This Manic Monday meme is courtesy of Morgen at It's a Blog Eat Blog World...check it out!!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-05-16T05:39:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2007-05-09T04:30:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2007-05-02T06:18:00.000-05:00

Silence

2007-04-30T05:20:00.000-05:00

Friday - The Questions are Finally Answered

2007-04-27T05:56:00.000-05:00

Almost two weeks ago, I decided to jump into the 'INTERVIEW MEME' fray. My buddy Turnbaby gave me the following five questions and I'm finally getting around to posting the answers (sorry it took me so long, Turn!!!). Here goes:

1. What's the most shocking thing you have done and why do you feel it was 'shocking'?

Turnbaby...I have to confess. You asked me this before and I'm sticking with my original answer. I guess I've done a lot of crazy things in my life, but the most shocking thing I've ever done (IMHO) was to hop on plane last August (in the middle of a family vacation, no less) and fly to Birmingham to see Taylor Hicks and all the Soul Patrol peeps that I'd met on-line during the AI season. My whole family thought I was cracked in the head fer sure! Frankly, my life would NEVER have been the same if I hadn't done it...you all make me smile EVERY DAY and I'm a much better person for knowing each and every one of you!!!

2. How did you and 'Guido' meet?

I love to tell this story. 'Guido' did some freelance work for my brother-in-law. I had recently separated from DH #1. My sister was having a gathering at her house one evening and the Redskins were playing the Giants. Everyone present was a Redskins fan except for ONE person...that ONE person was 'Guido'. He was rubbing it in every time the Giants made a good play and rubbed even harder when the Redskins were foiled. I went into the kitchen to get a beer and asked my sister "Who is that a**hole?" Figured (and secretly hoped) I'd never see him again. Fate stepped in...

Fast forward about a year to Super Bowl XXII (Redskins vs. Broncos). Another big party and we find ourselves sitting beside each other at the bar. We had a civil conversation and that was that.

Fast forward three months later. I having a drink with my girlfriends and 'Guido' walks into the bar and sits down beside me. We start chatting and find out that we have a mutual respect for surf fishing on the outer banks of North Carolina. I finish my drink and then head home. Two nights later he calls me for a date. The rest is history.

3. What in the hell is a "Hoochie"?

Random House and Urban Dictionary have their own derogatory definitions, but I prefer to subscribe to the kinder, gentler version. A hoochie is someone who knows what she wants, goes out, and gets it. A hoochie doesn't stand by and let people walk all over her. A hoochie knows how and when to have a good time. In the same light, a hoochie knows how and when to reel it in. Above all, a hoochie shows respect and admiration for her fellow hoochies and will go to any length to help and protect them. Let me just say for the record that I'm proud to be a hoochie.

4. Why do Italians call marinara sauce gravy?

OK, here's how my late mother-in-law explained it to me: There's 'sauce' and there's 'gravy'. Sauce is usually a mixture of tomatoes, spices, garlic, and olive oil - no meat. It's quick and easy to make - cook it 20 minutes with the lid on and 20 minutes with the lid off and you have marinara. Gravy, on the other hand, is a sauce with meat that you cook all day on Sunday and use the leftovers during the week. Hence the name 'Sunday Gravy'. It usually has meatballs made of ground beef and veal and Italian sausage and is served over a big plate of pasta at Sunday dinner. And may I tell you all a secret she taught me? Whatever kind you choose to make, use the 'segreto' (secret) method before serving. After boiling and draining the pasta, add a little sauce or gravy to the pasta to keep it from sticking.

5. What's the largest number of people you have crammed into a car?

In high school, one of my good friends drove an old Ford Falcon that his parents had given him as a 16th birthday present. I was a varsity cheerleader and our gang decided to go to 'town' after the football game and get some pizza. My buddy (who is now a high $$$ senior partner in a nationally-known law firm) had found someone to buy us beer (Miller pony bottles). We loaded the trunk with our libations and proceeded to stuff 10 people (9 of them were cheerleaders) into that Falcon and head to the big city. The Falcon was never the same, and I had a crook in my neck for weeks!! Sadly, the Falcon was involved in a single car accident with an 8-point buck a short time later. From that day forward, both the Falcon and the buck always held a special place in our hearts.

Thursday Thirteen

2007-04-26T06:13:00.001-05:00

Dixie...this one's just for you...

Thirteen Expressions for Women on High Stress Days

1. You - off my planet.

2. Not the brightest crayon in the box, now are we?

3. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.

4. And your crybaby whiny opinion would be?

5. I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.

6. Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?

7. How many times do I have to flush before you go away?

8. Allow me to introduce myselves.

9. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.

10. I'm just working here until a good fast-food job opens up.

11. I just want revenge. Is that so wrong?

12. Chaos, panic, and disorder - my job is done here.

13. Earth is full. Go home.

Happy Thursday, everyone!!!! Now BACK TO WORK!!!

Manic Monday - the word is "SUN"

2007-04-23T06:06:00.000-05:00

I'm in the midst of grading papers and writing exams, but I couldn't pass this one up...it's only a photo and a caption, but somehow it really works for me today:

This meme is courtesy of Morgen at It's a Blog Eat Blog World...check it out!!

Hokie Nation

2007-04-20T06:19:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2007-04-18T05:31:00.000-05:00

Manic Monday...the word is "TAX"

2007-04-15T17:25:00.000-05:00

In honor of today's meme (courtesy of Morgen at It's a Blog Eat Blog World), here's an actual letter to the IRS...

Dear Sirs:
I am responding to your letter denying the deduction for two of the three dependents I claimed on my 1994 Federal Tax return. Thank you. I have questioned whether these are my children or not for years. They are evil and expensive.

It's only fair, since they are minors and not my responsibility, that the government (who evidently is taxing me more to care for these waifs) knows something about them and what to expect over the next year. You may apply next year to reassign them to me and reinstate the deduction. This year they are yours!

The oldest, Kristen, is now 17. She is brilliant. Ask her! I suggest you put her to work in your office where she can answer people's questions about their returns. While she has no formal training, it has not seemed to hamper her knowledge of any other subject you can name. Taxes should be a breeze.

Next year she is going to college. I think it's wonderful that you will now be responsible for that little expense. While you mull that over, keep in mind that she has a truck. It doesn't run at the moment so you have the immediate decision of appropriating some Department of Defense funds to fix the vehicle or getting up early to drive her to school.

Kristen also has a boyfriend. Oh joy. While she possesses all of the wisdom of the universe, her alleged mother and I have felt it best to occasionally remind her of the virtues of abstinence, and in the face of overwhelming passion, safe sex. This is always uncomfortable and I am quite relieved you will be handling this in the future. May I suggest that you reinstate Jocelyn Elders who had a rather good handle on the problem.

Patrick is 14. I've had my suspicions about this one. His eyes are a little close together for normal people. He may be a tax examiner himself one day if you do not incarcerate him first. In February, I was awakened at three in the morning by a police officer who was bringing Pat home. He and his friends were TP'ing houses. In the future would you like him delivered to the local IRS office or to Ogden, UT? Kids at 14 will do almost anything on a dare. His hair is purple. Permanent dye, temporary dye, what's the big deal? Learn to deal with it. You'll have plenty of time as he is sitting out a few days of school after instigating a food fight. I'll take care of filing your phone number with the vice principal. Oh yes, he and all of his friends have raging hormones. This is the house of testosterone and it will be much more peaceful when he lives in your home. DO NOT leave any of them unsupervised with girls, explosives, inflammables, inflatables, vehicles, or telephones. (I'm sure that you will find telephones a source of unimaginable amusement, and be sure to lock out the 900 and 976 numbers!)

Heather is an alien. She slid through a time warp and appeared quite by magic one year. I'm sure this one is yours. She is 10 going on 21. She came from a bad trip in the sixties. She wears tie-dyed clothes, beads, sandals, and hair that looks like Tiny Tim's. Fortunately you will be raising my taxes to help offset the pinch of her remedial reading courses. Hooked on Phonics is expensive so the schools dropped it. Good news! You can buy it yourself for half the amount of the deduction that you are denying!

It's quite obvious that we were terrible parents (ask the other two) so they have helped raise this one to a new level of terror. She cannot speak English. Most people under twenty understand the curious patois she fashioned out of valley girls/boys in the odd / reggae yuppie / political doublespeak. I don't. The school sends her to a speech pathologist who has her roll her R's. It added a refreshing Mexican / Irish touch to her voice. She wears hats backwards, pants baggy and wants one of her ears pierced four more times. There is a fascination with tattoos that worries me but I am sure that you can handle it. Bring a truck when you come to get her, she sort of "nests" in her room and I think that it would be easier to move the entire thing than find out what it is really made of.

You denied two of the three exemptions so it is only fair you get to pick which two you will take. I prefer that you take the youngest, I still go bankrupt with Kristen's college but then I am free! If you take the two oldest then I still have time for counseling before Heather becomes a teenager. If you take the two girls then I won't feel so bad about putting Patrick in a military academy. Please let me know of your decision as soon as possible as I have already increased the withholding on my W-4 to cover the $395 in additional tax and made a down payment on an airplane.

Sincerely,
Name withheld to protect the innocent

About pumpkins and bunny ears...

2007-04-15T16:24:00.000-05:00

The story of Reedville, Virginia is linked to the commercial fishing industry that developed here in the late 19th century. In 1874 Elijah Reed transferred his menhaden fishing operation from Brooklin, Maine to the Chesapeake Bay. He purchased the land on Cockrell's Creek that is now Reedville. The industry flourished, especially in the early part of the 20th century. Today Reedville is one of the major ports for the landing of commercial fish in the United States, second only to Kodiak, Alaska.

For the inquisitive, Reedville is a fishing village located at the far eastern end of Virginia's Northern Neck, population around 300. It is located in Northumberland County, which has about 11,000 residents and no stop lights. Reedville is named for Captain Elijah Reed, who founded the town in 1874 when he started the menhaden fishing industry, which is still going today.

It features historic Victorian mansions built by factory owners and fishing boat captains. Main Street was known as "Millionaire's Row," home to wealthy fishermen who made their fortunes from the menhaden that was plentiful in the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay. Captain Albert Morris and his wife built this three story Queen Anne styled Victorian house in 1895. It is one of the centerpieces of Reedville architecture. For instance, it is featured by the Reedville Museum in the Christmas lighting season. It is now a bed and breakfast. The elegant lower floor features "a tiled entrance hall and formal living and dining rooms that typify the wealth of the late 19th and early 20th century" industralist/entrepreneur. Captain Morris, along with his brother-in-law James Fisher, owned and operated the Morris-Fisher Menhaden Factory. Captain Morris died in 1903 and was buried in the Roselawn Cemetery on the outskirts of the town of Reedville. His monument has become a magnet for pranksters during each and every holiday that comes down the pike. This author, whose family recently purchased a home in the little town of Reedville, witnessed the bunny ears and cotton tail as Captain Morris' Easter finery. At Halloween, the pumpkin appears on his head as if by magic. Let's see...Earth Day is April 22nd...I wonder what the spirits have planned for him then??? I'll take more photographs as the year progresses to see what's in store for the late Captain Morris, bless his soul. I wonder if he finds the same humor in this as most of the residents of Reedville??? I guess with a population of only 300 and no stop-lights, the adornment of Captain Morris is a true celebration!!!

A continuation of Wordless Wednesday...

2007-04-13T07:45:00.000-05:00

Story to follow - stay tuned!!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-04-11T16:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday!!!!!

2007-04-06T05:51:00.000-05:00

In response to Miss Turnbaby's tag, I'm posting my six word story (and I've included my storyboard, too!).

I think
I'm finally
catching up...

It's Friday and I've Been Tagged...

2007-03-30T11:53:00.000-05:00

by this Hottie I know named Bond. Here goes...

LIST FOUR SENTENCES YOU'VE NEVER SAID BEFORE:

I think we need a little less garlic in this marinara.
The Dodge Viper is one of the crappiest cars I’ve ever driven.
Exercise is like, one of my favorite things to do every day.
I wanna have at least 6 kids.

LIST ANY NUMBER OF SONG TITLES THAT DESCRIBE HOW YOU'VE FELT THIS WEEK:

She Works Hard For the Money
Dirty Laundry
Take This Job and Shove It
Losing My Religion

IMAGINE YOU'RE HAVING THE IDEAL PERFECT DAY. WHAT FOUR THINGS WOULD YOU BE DOING?

Swooshing down piste at Snowmass, Colorado behind a snowcat in the fresh powder, then hopping on my private plane and flying to North Carolina to…

Stand out on the point at Cape Hatteras during a blues blitz and feel that familiar tug on my line. After catching a cooler-full of TAYLOR blues, I bust a move to get to the Kitty Hawk airport for my private flight to…

Manhattan, where I stroll down 5th Avenue and notice that Saks is having a BIG sale on Jimmy Choo’s. I can only find 10 pair that I really like, so to cheer me up, hubby and I head to…

The Carlyle for dinner and a couple of sets with Bobby Short (God rest his soul) and then to our room at the Plaza where we get all jiggy with it!!!

MAKE UP FIVE CREATIVE NAMES FOR A NEW ROCK BAND:

Geiger Counter and the Probes
GWARanimals
Jackhammer and the Concrete Jungle
The Village Idjits
Pokemononucleosis

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU GET TO GO BACK IN TIME AND ENSURE THAT THREE SONGS WERE NEVER WRITTEN, THUS SPARING HUMANITY FROM EVER HAVING TO HEAR THEM. WHAT THREE SONGS WOULD GET THE AXE?

Muskrat Love by Captain and Tennille
D.O.A. by Bloodrock
Macarena by Los del Rio

How'd I do??? Have a great weekend, everyone!!!!

A quick Tuesday drive-by...

2007-03-27T05:31:00.000-05:00

Check out Grammar Girl...This site will have a shortcut on my desktop from this day forward!!!

Manic Monday Edition #3

2007-03-26T05:51:00.000-05:00

This week's Manic Monday Theme is Spring (courtesy of Morgan over at It's a Blog Eat Blog World).

I must spring into action this week and finish some important projects at work. If you don't see me around much this week, don't worry - I'm not dead (at least not yet). I'll be back sooner than you can say:

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"
--Robin Williams

Give me liberty or give me death...

2007-03-23T05:19:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's time for a little history lesson this balmy Friday morning in the Old Dominion. You see, on this date back in 1775, a patriotic and quite vocal Virginia attorney gave a famous speech at St. John's Episcopal Church here in my fair city, just a few short blocks from my office.

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Patrick Henry embodied the spirit of American courage and patriotism. He is recognized today, as he was among his contemporaries, as the orator of liberty. His compelling speeches kindled the fires of the Revolution and fueled the effort to secure freedom.

Henry's leadership did not end once the Revolution was won. Perhaps his greatest contribution to the nation was in working toward the adoption of the Bill of Rights. While desiring a more effective government, he was adamant in demanding protection of basic individual liberties.

I generally don't like to mix politics and the blogosphere, but I think we could use a little of Patrick Henry's "stuff" right about now...

Happy Friday!!

Thursday Thirteen

2007-03-22T05:15:00.000-05:00

For some reason, I'm drawing an incredible blank this week. So ask me some questions. I'll pick 13 (within reason, of course) and answer them. I'm waiting here with bated breath...

Question #1 (courtesy of my hoochie, Turnbaby): What is the most shocking thing you have done and why was it shocking to you?

I guess I've done a lot of crazy things in my life, but the most shocking thing I've ever done (IMHO) was to hop on plane last August (in the middle of a family vacation, no less) and fly to Birmingham to see Taylor Hicks and all the Soul Patrol peeps that I'd met on-line during the AI season. My whole family thought I was cracked in the head fer sure! Frankly, my life would NEVER have been the same if I hadn't done it...you all make me smile EVERY DAY and I'm a much better person for knowing each and every one of you!!!

Questions #2, #3 and #4 (from the Hottie, Mr. Bond.

A. What is the weight of an unladen sparrow?

Are we talking the car? The curb weight of a Sparrow is about 1,350 lbs. If we're talking the bird, I'm just guessing here, but I'd say around 1 ounce???? They sure are little things (but they can definitely crap on my car A LOT!).

B. I have heard you are; a professor, a corrections officer, a dominatix and a stay-at-home mom. Which is it and why?

I am actually a jack of all trades. I profess to be a professor, which oftentimes makes me a corrections officer to my students. Dominatrix? Not hardly...I'm meek and mild! Stay-at-home mom? No way, no how. CBC (childless by choice)...I adore kids as long as they belong to someone else. I live vicariously through my nieces and nephews and their kids.

C. Now, the big question...WHY?? Why do I do what I do? Because I've done it for most of my working lifetime and I guess I've gotten pretty good at it...how's that for a smart-ass answer?

Question #5 (another Hoochie, Dixie, sends me this one): What was your first impression of The Hoochies and The Hottie when you saw them in B'ham?

I had already met two of the Hoochies and knew their character and demeanor, so I was ready for them (the groping hand was *poised*). But there was another Hoochie and, of course, THE HOTTIE in the mix. My impression was actually no different than what I had been observing during our on-line meetings in FBB and in the blogosphere. After a couple of drinks, we broke bread and then eventually threw down some Wild Turkey...it was at that point that I knew I had made friends for life. I so wish that you, Nurse Dixie, could have been there to join in the vim, but I'm sure our day will come. Actually, I often wonder what their first impressions were of ME!!

Question #6 (from yet another Hoochie, my dear Miss Maryfly): What is your most current fantasy? details please....(please note that I nixed her first question...my prerogative, right?)

OK, this is CUH-RAZY, but I actually have two. Right this very moment, I want to throw down $25 and get on that damn Grand Canyon Skywalk. DH and I are making a side trip to the Grand Canyon when we head to Vegas in May, and I'M GONNA DO IT!! Don't worry V, I'll take LOTS of pictures for you!!! BWAHAHAHAHA

My other fantasy, one that I've been thinking about a lot lately, is to learn to play the pedal harp. I have volunteered with hospice patients (and I went through the hospice experience with my father, mother, and sister-in-law), and harp music seems to be quite soothing to the patient during the actual dying process. I think the vibrations while playing the harp must feel almost magical. This is definitely something I fantasize about quite often.

OK, six down, seven to go to complete my TT. More questions??? Anyone????

Here we go...another question!!!!

Question #7 (from the Serious & Sexy Hoochie, Anndi):Where would you most like to spend the rest of your days?

Funny that you should ask that one...DH and I were talking last night about how we'd like to buy an Airstream, drive all around the country (and Canada), and see all the things we've missed over the years. But that could only last for so long. After that, I suppose I'd like to spend the rest of my days with a clear head and a healthy body and the people I love - location's just geography, right?

Wordless Wednesday

2007-03-20T19:12:00.000-05:00

Manic Monday...The Word is "CHIP"

2007-03-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

(Many thanks to Morgen for this meme!!)
Ah, the NCAA Sweet Sixteen has evaded Virginia Commonwealth University. After beating Duke on Thursday, they entered the second round in their game against #3 seed Pittsburgh on Saturday evening. But the Sweet Sixteen was not meant to be. Down 41-26 at the half, VCU managed to CHIP away at Pittsburgh and tied the game 67-all with 1:42 left. When the buzzer sounded, the score was 69-69 and thus began the heart-wrenching OT for both VCU and Pittsburgh fans alike. In the end, Pitt prevailed and ultimately recovered after blowing a 19 point lead in the second half. My Rams are coming home, but not before making their name well known in the world of college basketball - a world that more often than not craves a Cinderella team. VCU, unfortunately, dropped their glass slipper in Buffalo and there was no one there to pick it up.

Mike Freeman from CBS SportsLine.com posted a great story about VCU's trip to the NCAA...take a look if you get a chance.

Duke Be-deviled

2007-03-16T05:28:00.000-05:00

The Virginia Commonwealth University men’s basketball team extended its record-setting season Thursday night, knocking off perennial power Duke, 79-77, in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, N.Y.

The Rams, who are seeded No. 11 in the tournament’s West Region, advanced to face the winner of the first-round contest late Thursday night between No. 3 Pittsburgh and No. 14 Wright State. VCU and that game’s winner will square off Saturday in the HSBC Arena.

VCU increased its school-record win total to 28 with Thursday’s victory, its first in an NCAA tournament game since 1985. A victory on Saturday would give the Rams their first Sweet 16 appearance in eight NCAA Tournament appearances.

VCU won both the regular-season and tournament championships in the CAA this year, setting a new CAA record with 16 conference wins. VCU coach Anthony Grant was honored as the CAA Coach of the Year, and sophomore point guard Eric Maynor was named to the All-CAA First Team.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-03-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Those stinky Bradford pear trees in Birmingham have done me in...just called my broker and bought stock in Kleenex!!

It's time to head south...

2007-03-08T06:47:00.000-05:00

Birmingham (Remastered LP Version)
By Randy Newman
BestAudioCodes.com

Birmingham Breakdown
By Duke Ellington
BestAudioCodes.com

Wordless Wednesday

2007-03-07T06:58:00.000-05:00

A couple of scenes from my alma mater. SEE! I told you I was an old soul!!!

NCAA BOUND!!!!

2007-03-06T06:21:00.000-05:00

Virginia Commonwealth University, the largest institution of higher learning in the Commonwealth of Virginia (yes, even LARGER than the better known University of Virginia), the university that doesn't even have a football team, the university that's my alma mater (X3), is heading to the NCAA tournament. They beat George Mason last night for their second NCAA bid in the last four years.

GO RAMS!!!!!!!!

Thursday Thirteen

2007-03-01T08:51:00.000-05:00

I think I heard somewhere that this meme was dead and buried, but I always like to beat a dead horse...

Here are some interesting thoughts to ponder this Thursday:

How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.

Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride; he sticks his head out the window.

Happy Thursday, everyone!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-02-28T08:33:00.001-05:00

Thursday Thirteen

2007-02-21T21:04:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Differences Between Men and Women (to name a few...):

1. NAMES

If Laurie, Linda, Elizabeth and Barbara go out for lunch, they will call each other Laurie, Linda, Elizabeth and Barbara.

If Mark, Chris, Eric and Tom go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla, Peanut-Head and Scrappy.

2. EATING OUT

When the bill arrives, Mark, Chris, Eric and Tom will each throw in a $20, even though it's only for $32.50. None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back.

When the women get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.

3. MONEY

A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.

A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need, but it's on sale.

4. BATHROOMS

A man has five items in his bathroom: a toothbrush, shaving cream,
razor, a bar of soap, and a towel from the Marriott.

The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337.
A man would not be able to identify most of these items.

5. ARGUMENTS

A woman has the last word in any argument.

Anything a man says after that... is the beginning of a new
argument.

6. CATS

Women love cats.

Men say they love cats, but when women aren't looking, men kick cats.

7. FUTURE

A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.

A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

8. SUCCESS

A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.

A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

9. MARRIAGE

A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.

A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change and she does.

10. DRESSING UP

A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the garbage, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail.

A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.

11. NATURAL

Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.

Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

12. OFFSPRING

Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.

A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.

13. SEX

A woman wants one man to satisfy her every need.

A man wants every woman to satisfy his one need.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Any married man should forget his mistakes. There's no use in two people remembering the same thing.

Note: This has been an equal opportunity meme.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-02-21T07:43:00.000-05:00

I finally met Lucille...

2007-02-20T06:36:00.000-05:00

One of many concerts that has evaded me over the years, I finally saw B. B. King, live and in his 81-year-old glory, this past Saturday night. Nothing could have prepared me for this performance and trip down memory lane with "B". He played, talked, joked, and kept his audience enthralled for over 90 minutes. Read more about it here.

On this Shrove Tuesday, have a listen to The King of the Blues and laissez les bon temps rouler!!!

Let The Good Times Roll (Live (Coconut Grove) Single Version)
By B.B. King
BestAudioCodes.com

Friday Science Lesson

2007-02-16T06:42:00.000-05:00

Which symbol do you think best represents the dangers of radiation?

This one:

Or this one:

The first symbol, the standard trefoil, has been in use since the late 1940's (see its history here).

The second symbol was launched yesterday by the International Atomic Energy Agency as a way "to help reduce needless deaths and serious injuries from accidental exposure to large radioactive sources. It will serve as a supplementary warning to the trefoil, which has no intuitive meaning and little recognition beyond those educated in its significance." Read more about it here.

Note that the United States has no obligation to follow this standard unless directed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The Book of Ratings has an interesting take on warning symbols. They have yet to comment on the new radiation warning sign.

So, what do you think? I tend to prefer this one:

Happy Friday, everyone!! Have a great weekend!!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-02-14T09:47:00.000-05:00

Thursday Thirteen

2007-02-01T07:10:00.000-05:00

So I hear my buddy Turnbaby is feeling poorly and under the weather. To help her feel better, I've listed 13 terrific quotes from one of our favorite movies, Raising Arizona. I hope this cheers her up. Enjoy, Turn-a-roo...feel better soon!!! HSGR!!!

(P.S. Only 13 quotes are listed here...there are MANY others. If you've never seen this film, RUN (don't walk) to Netflix or Blockbuster. It's one of the funniest movies I've ever seen!)

#1
Ed McDonnough: [Sobbing] Turn to the right.
H.I.: What's the matter, Ed?
Ed McDonnough: My "fy-ance" left me.
H.I.: [Narrating] She said her fiancee had run off with a student cosmetologist, who knew how to ply her feminine wiles.
H.I.: [Out loud] That sumbitch. You tell him, I think he's a damn fool, Ed. You tell him I said so - H.I. McDonnough. If he wants to discuss it, he knows where to find me: in the Maricopa County Maximum Security Correctional Facility For Men State Farm, Road Number 31, Tempe, Arizona! I'LL BE WAITIN'! I'll be waitin'.

#2
H.I.: What kind of name is Ed for a pretty thing like you?
Ed McDonnough: Short for Edwina. Turn to the right.
H.I.: You're a flower, you are. Just a little desert flower.

#3
[an old convict and H.I. lying on their prison bunks, passing the time]
Ear-Bending Cellmate: ...and when there was no meat, we ate fowl and when there was no fowl, we ate crawdad and when there was no crawdad to be found, we ate sand.
H.I.: You ate what?
Ear-Bending Cellmate: We ate sand.
[pause]
H.I.: You ate SAND?
Ear-Bending Cellmate: That's right!

#4
H.I.: Edwina's insides were a rocky place where my seed could find no purchase.

#5
Parole Board chairman: They've got a name for people like you H.I. That name is called "recidivism."
Parole Board member: Repeat offender!
Parole Board chairman: Not a pretty name, is it H.I.?
H.I.: No, sir. That's one bonehead name, but that ain't me any more.
Parole Board chairman: You're not just telling us what we want to hear?
H.I.: No, sir, no way.
Parole Board member: 'Cause we just want to hear the truth.
H.I.: Well, then I guess I am telling you what you want to hear.
Parole Board chairman: Boy, didn't we just tell you not to do that?
H.I.: Yes, sir.
Parole Board chairman: Okay, then.

#6
Dot: I'm sure you have the life insurance squared away?
Ed McDonnough: Have we done that honey? We gotta do that honey!
Dot: You gotta do that HI! Ed's got her hands full with this little angel.
H.I.: Yes, ma'am.
Dot: What would Ed and little angel do if a truck came along and splattered your brains all over the interstate?
Ed McDonnough: Yeah honey! What if you get run over?
Dot: Or carried off by a twister?

#7
Dot: [GASPS after seeing Nathan Jr] What's his name?
Ed McDonnough: Uh... Hi... Hi Junior, till we think of a better one.
Dot: Why don't ya call him Jason? l just love biblical names. If I had another little boy, I'd name him Jason, Caleb or Tab.
[GASPS; covers her face with her hands and looks through her fingers]
Dot: He's an angel! He's an angel straight from heaven! Now honey, I had all my kids the hard way. Tell me how you got this little angel. Did he fly straight down from heaven?

#8
Ed McDonnough: You mean you busted out of jail.
Evelle: No, ma'am. We released ourselves on our own recognizance.
Gale: What my brother here means to say is that we felt that the institution no longer had anything to offer us.

#9
Nathan Arizona Sr.: If a frog had wings, it wouldn't bump its ass a- hoppin'. Look, it is exactly 8:45 in the PM. I'll be down at that store in exactly 12 hours to kick me some butt. Or my name ain't Nathan Arizona!

#10
Policeman in Arizona house: What did the pyjamas look like?
Nathan Arizona Sr.: I don't know - they were jammies! They had Yodas'n shit on 'em!

#11
Leonard Smalls: Name's Smalls. Leonard Smalls. My friends call me Lenny... only I ain't got no friends.

#12
Nathan Arizona Sr.: Eight hundred leaf-tables and no chairs? You can't sell leaf-tables and no chairs. Chairs, you got a dinette set. No chairs, you got dick!

#13
FBI Agent: Sir, we discovered you were born Nathan Huffheins.
Nathan Arizona Sr.: Yeah, I changed my name. What of it?
FBI Agent: Can you give us an indication why?
Nathan Arizona Sr.: Would you shop at a store called Unpainted Huffheins?

Happy Thursday!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-01-31T10:22:00.000-05:00

Manic Monday Edition #1

2007-01-29T06:55:00.000-05:00

(Note: I took down the "Cruisin'" video - couldn't kill the autoplay for some reason, and it was buggin' me. You can see it here.)

OK, I'll give it a go...saw this on It's a Blog Eat Blog World...the theme word for today, Monday, January 29, 2007 is "cruising". The first thing that comes to mind is getting on a ship and heading down to the islands. I'd like to share some photos from my October cruise to the Bahamas...fun, friends, food and LOTS of rum!

Here's the "tail" of the Carnival Victory:

Docked at Nassau

Looking out at the Atlantic from our Nassau dock

Debarking (sounds like something you'd do to a bad dog, doesn't it?)

Back to the ship after a fruitful visit to the Bacardi rum factory

Now this is what I'm talkin' about...

Friday Focus

2007-01-26T07:24:00.000-05:00

Someone sent me this email and I feel compelled to post it...for me, it speaks volumes...

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter.

"Don't forget your Sisters," she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. "They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them."

"Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. You'll need other women. Women always do."

"What a funny piece of advice!" the young woman thought. "Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grown-up! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!"

But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life.

After more than 50 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:

THIS SAYS IT ALL:

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.
BUT.........

Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach. When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, Auntie's, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Every day, we need each other still.

Thursday Thirteen

2007-01-25T06:47:00.000-05:00

Well, The Couch has gone and labeled me a musicphile 'cuz I know a few tunes. I attribute that label to two things: 1) I'm as old as dirt, so I've heard a few songs and 2) I've always been exposed to a wide range of music, be it by family, friends, husbands, no-longer husbands, or even my own initiative. Bond - thank you again for putting my name in lights! In tribute to my new designation, I've put together a list of my favorite types of music, in no particular order and by no means inclusive of all artists in each category. I have all of these on my iPod and listen to them regularly. And when I find a new genre that I like, I'm usually beating a path to Amazon or iTunes to buy the latest CD. So not only am I a musicphile, but I guess you could call me a good consumer, right??

Here's my list (and a few sample tunes to boot):

1. Classical - all the usual suspects...Handel, Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Rossini, Pachelbel...you name it. I'm particularly fond of Tchaikovsky.

Air On The G String
By Arthur Fiedler
BestAudioCodes.com

2. Big Band - Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Brian Setzer. In another life, I think I was a hostess at a USO club and jitterbugged my way through the war. I'm going to put Frank Sinatra in this group, too - I have most of his CD collections.

In The Mood
By Glenn Miller
BestAudioCodes.com

3. Latin American, particularly Brazilian - Antonio Carlos Jobim is my favorite. Tito Puente is also a keeper.

Garota De Ipanema
By Antonio Carlos Jobim
BestAudioCodes.com

4. Country & Western - yes, I watched Hee Haw and knew all the words to "Where O Where Are You Tonight?". The Last Picture Show got me hooked on Hank Williams, Sr., and I grew up listening to The Old Dominion Barn Dance.

Hey Good Lookin'
By Hank Williams
BestAudioCodes.com

5. More Contemporary Country - here I include my idol, Patsy Cline, although she definitely could land in the category above. There was nobody like her and never will be again. Also, Kenny Rogers, Brooks and Dunn, The Judds, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, Tanya Tucker...just to name a few.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man
By Tanya Tucker
BestAudioCodes.com

6. Reggae/Ska - I was introduced to this in the 70's by a Jamaican buddy. I had tickets to see Bob Marley and the Wailers during his Uprising Tour, but the show was canceled when he succumbed to cancer in 1981.

Three Little Birds
By Bob Marley
BestAudioCodes.com

7. Funk/Disco - ok, slap me silly, but I love it!! Give me some Parliament/Funkadelic, Ohio Players, Earth Wind and Fire, K C and the Sunshine Band any day and I'll dance 'til I drop!

Flashlight
By Parliament
BestAudioCodes.com

8. Jazz - lots of musicians fall under this category, don't they? Stan Getz, Pat Methany, Bob James, Grover Washington, Weather Report, etc. - love 'em all.

Westchester Lady
By Bob James
BestAudioCodes.com

9. Bluegrass - Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, Dolly Parton, Allison Kraus. One of my favorite CD's is the soundtrack from O Brother, Where Art Thou?

I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow
By Alison Krauss
BestAudioCodes.com

10. Rock - this is such a broad category that I can't even begin to list all of my favorite artists. I would be remiss if I didn't at least include Elvis in this category since he still rocks my world! I like to keep an open mind, but I've never been partial to acid rock or punk rock. Maybe somebody new will come along and change my mind.

Rip It Up
By Elvis Presley
BestAudioCodes.com

11. Rhythm and Blues - first and foremost, I must list Ray Charles at the top of this category. I'll also include Jerry Lee Lewis, James Brown, many of the Motown artists, Tina Turner, and Michael Jackson.

Night Time Is The Right Time (2)
By Ray Charles
BestAudioCodes.com

12. Miscellaneous (?) - includes New Age (Kitaro), show tunes from Broadway and movies, Dinah Washington, Sally Oldfield...artists I can't fit into the other categories.

A Sunday Kind Of Love
By Dinah Washington
BestAudioCodes.com

13. OK, here it is...you knew it was coming...MODERN WHOMP...that's right, the latest music genre. Created by Taylor Hicks, it's "like funk, soul, jazz, blues, a little bit of hip-hop beats and rhythms." Can you see why I like it? It's got a little bit of everything, all wrapped up in a bodacious package that has given me a hope that I will start buying new music again. As Taylor said back in August, "it's time to bring some real music back to *** pop music!!!" I think the boy said a mouthful!!!

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-01-24T06:53:00.000-05:00

I have a few questions...

2007-01-19T08:50:00.000-05:00

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?

Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough money?

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?

Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?

Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?

If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?

Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?

Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?

Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?

Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?

How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?

When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"

Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?

In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?

How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

And my FAVORITE......

The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!!

No Time for TT Today

2007-01-18T07:44:00.000-05:00

This song is running thru my head today for some reason (one of my favorite bands of all times, btw):

Dialogue (Parts One & Two)
By Chicago
BestAudioCodes.com

Wordless Wednesday (can you tell where my head is???)

2007-01-17T07:04:00.000-05:00

For Ann

2007-01-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Jacqueline

My brain is mush...

2007-01-16T06:30:00.000-05:00

and I've been trying to think of something clever and witty to write about. Alas, all I can muster is a collection of some of my favorite pithy sayings...enjoy!!!

Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have film.

A day without sunshine is like, night.

On the other hand, you have different fingers.

Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.

I feel like I'm diagonally parked in a parallel universe.

You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be
misquoted, then used against you.

I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be without sponges.

Honk if you love peace and quiet.

Pardon my driving; I'm reloading.

Despite the cost of living, have you noticed how it remains so
popular?

Nothing is fool-proof to a sufficiently talented fool.

Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?

Quantum Mechanics: The dreams stuff is made of.

Support bacteria - they're the only culture some people have.

When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane,
going the wrong way.

The colder the X-ray table, the more of your body is required on it.

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many
is research.

To succeed in politics, it is often necessary to rise above your
principles.

You never really learn to swear until you learn to drive.

The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard.

Monday is an awful way to spend 1/7th of your life.

A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never
tried before.

If you think nobody cares about you, try missing a couple of
payments.

How many of you believe in telekinesis? Raise my hands....

I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Everybody repeat after me....."We are all individuals."

Love may be blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener.

Borrow money from pessimists--they don't expect it back.

Half the people you know are below average.

A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good.

If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for
you....

Just Some Friday Stuff...

2007-01-12T06:33:00.000-05:00

Heard this on the news this morning on my way to work and found this article in the local paper:

Panel's in tune with ban on 'phony' bands
Bill would protect the rights of original recording artists

BY GREG EDWARDS
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER

Jan 12, 2007

Count the tears, up on a roof or under the boardwalk, if you play a music gig in Virginia and call yourself The Drifters but you're not.

If you're doing that kind of thing, Del. David B. Albo, R-Fairfax, a self-described'70s metal head, wants you to feel the pain.

Albo's Truth in Music Advertising Act was endorsed by the House of Delegates Commerce and Labor Committee yesterday afternoon by a 20-1 vote.

The legislation carries a penalty of between $5,000 and $15,000 for anyone advertising or holding a live musical performance in Virginia making false or misleading connections between a performing and a recording group.

"Say you want to see The Drifters," said Albo. "[And] there's not a single guy in that band who was ever in The Drifters. It's consumer fraud. It happens all the time."

Albo's bill, which heads to the House floor, would not apply to performing groups that:

* own a registered trademark;

* have at least one member who was in the original recording group that has a legal right to the group name;

* give a performance identified in all promotional materials as a tribute to the original group or that could not be confused with the recording group.

Albo said he is also trying to protect the original recording artists who would find it too costly to go to court to defend their rights. "A lot of these guys I know didn't make the kind of money you'd think they would," he said.

The legislation came to Albo by way of former Sha Na Na singer Jon Bauman, a.k.a. Bowzer, chairman of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame's Truth in Music Committee.

Bills similar to Albo's have been enacted in Pennsylvania, South Carolina and five other states and are making progress in three more states, Bauman said in a phone interview from Connecticut yesterday.

Albo's bill -- appropriately numbered 1969 -- did not spin its way through the committee like a 3-minute, made-for-radio song. Some lawmakers questioned the need for the bill, and others made minor changes to it.

For example, at the urging of Del. Terry G. Kilgore, R-Scott, the bill was amended to make it clear that people booking a performing group could not be fined unless they knew the group was misrepresenting itself.

Bauman said the law in Pennsylvania has been applied in a couple of cases, and promoters were forced to change their advertising and offer refunds. Concert venues will be more careful whom they book and will become the first line of defense against the phony groups, he predicted.

The legislation has drawn bipartisan support across the country with small opposition coming from the promoters of phony groups, Bauman said. "What we're fighting here is a sophisticated form of identity theft," he said.

So, whadya think...????? I have my own opinion. I'm not against the basic premise of this proposal, but I question wasting time on something like this when there are much more pressing issues in this Commonwealth(ummm...let's see...transportation, taxes, gang violence, education, yada yada yada). Enuff said...

Thursday Thirteen #4

2007-01-11T06:32:00.001-05:00

This meme is in memory of my sweet mother, who would have been 88 years old on January 9th. She went to heaven in May of 2005, and I think of her every day and still miss her terribly.

Thirteen Important Things I Learned From My Mother

1. How to stretch a dollar.

She could make money last longer than anyone else I've ever met - she definitely got that trait from my grandfather. She was forever "hiding" 20 dollar bills from herself and was tickled when she'd "find" them.

2. How to keep a clean house.

You could always be sure that our house was as clean as a whistle, and she was a firm believer in a thorough spring and fall cleaning. I must say that I've fallen down on the job a bit in this regard (especially since last January, when Taylor Hicks came into my living room!), but I've made a resolution to do much better in the "neat and tidy" realm during 2007.

3. Practice good handwriting.

My mother's handwriting was absolutely flawless, and she was schooled at a time when cursive handwriting was a must. I have many of the cards and letters she sent me over the years and I still marvel at her penmanship. I definitely inherited that trait from her, as I pride myself on my handwriting.

4. Study hard in school.

I never had problems in school because she was so encouraging and helpful, especially during my high school years.

5. How to sew.

I learned a great deal from my grandmother on this front, but my mother sewed most of my clothes when I was a child and encouraged me to take Home Economics in high school (EGADS!!!). I am very thankful for that encouragement...I can still make a dress from a pattern (if I only had the time!) and recently made some drapes for a friend.

6. How to bake.

OK, I'm no Julia Child, but I can make bread, biscuits, cakes, pies, cookies, and my mother's fabulous potato rolls. She taught me how to knead the dough, let it rise (correctly), and pinch off just enough to make the perfect size dinner roll.

7. Have a strong work ethic.

My mother grew up during the Great Depression, and she watched firsthand as her parents struggled to make ends meet. Although she did not work outside the home while my siblings and I were growing up, she later became a U.S. Postmaster and continued working well past retirement. I feel fortunate to have been witness to the dedicated work ethic of both of my parents.

8. Be strong in times of adversity.

I have never met a stronger woman in my life. When times were hard, she managed to rise above those difficulties. I so wish I had even one ounce of her strength.

9. Laugh at the silly things in life.

She taught me never to take things too seriously and to see the fun side of life. Hmmm...I think I need to get better at this one...

10. Make a MEAN macaroni and cheese and Thanksgiving dressing.

There's definitely an art to this, and my brothers and sisters and their kids are forever asking me for the recipes. How can I tell them that there's really NO recipe? I watched my mother make these, and she never wrote down how to do it. It was all in her head, and now it's all in MY head.

11. Follow your dreams.

When my mother graduated from high school, she wanted to become a nurse. Her father was (for some reason) very much against this, so my mother went to business school and worked as a secretary until she married. Mother always told me that I could be anything I wanted to be, and encouraged me when I wanted to go to college and enter the health sciences/medical field. I will always be grateful to her for this encouragement.

12. Say your prayers.

From as far back as I can remember, she stood by me as I said my "Now I lay me down to sleep..." Every night, before my head hits the pillow, I still say my prayers. Thanks, Mama.

13. Have strong faith.

My brothers and sisters and I watched as Alzheimer's slowly took our mother away from us. We could not have done it without a strong belief in God and his incredible power and mercy. And we got that from our mother.

I love you Mama...

Wordless Wednesday

2007-01-10T09:49:00.000-05:00

Explanation here...

Thursday Thirteen #3

2006-12-21T09:39:00.000-05:00

I am WAY late with my 13 today...

Sooooo, I just finished decorating our Christmas tree on Tuesday night (I'm a little "behind" this year...). Our tree has no particular theme or design...I've collected most of the ornaments over the years and I buy new ones from time to time (one of my favorite Christmas stores is in Rochester, NY. I always make a trip to Ridge Road Station when we're up that way visiting friends in the fall). For my Thursday Thirteen, I want to share some photos of thirteen of my favorite ornaments (and these are in no particular order):

1. I love the beach, and this hoochie momma flamingo always reminds me of those summer days...ahhhhhhh...

2. Barbie and I have always had a very special relationship. I had a Barbie doll case just like this one, way back when...this brings back wonderful memories:

3. My dad had season tickets to the Washington Redskins games at RFK stadium when I was growing up. Needless to say, I have always been a diehard fan (ok, don't laugh...). They haven't done too well in the past few years (actually, they haven't done that great since their glory days of the 80's), but I still love 'em and root for them every week, come hell or high water. And it's particularly fun since the Sicilian is a NY Giants fan (at least he doesn't cheer for Dallas - THANK GOD!) My two favorite NFL teams are the Washington Redskins and whoever's playing Dallas...BWAHAHAHA!!!

4. Self explanatory (if you look really close, you can see the year):

5. Thalhimers, a local department store in town (out of business in the early 90's - swallowed up by numerous mergers and acquisitions), brought us the legendary Snow Bear stuffed animal (I have the larger version that lives on the bed in the guest room):

6. Old dawg's little bone ornament made by my niece several years ago:

7. My little Shizt Zu's ornament (trust me, he doesn't look a thing like this but I couldn't find an ornament with a puppy-cut):

8. This one hangs in memory of our Buddy, who went to heaven in September:

9. One of my grandmother's hand painted ornaments from the early 1900's:

10. Every tree needs a Christmas pickle...it's suppposed to bring good luck (or so they say). Per instructions, it is hanging in a secret spot...

11. One of the first ornaments I ever purchased for myself. It hung on my first little tree in my first apartment:

12. An ornament that my mother had when she was a child (circa 1920). It always hung on our tree when I was growing up, and now it's been passed on to me.

13. This ornament, made by a dear friend, expresses the true meaning of Christmas and has a very special place on my tree:

That's it - I did it...another Thirteen under my belt...

Hugs and kisses and Merry Christmas, everyone...ok, back to wrapping...Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

Just Another Wordless Wednesday

2006-12-20T08:36:00.000-05:00

An archeological team, digging in Washington DC , has uncovered 10,000 year old bones and fossil remains of what is believed to be the first politician:

Idiosyncratic Ruminations

2006-12-19T21:06:00.000-05:00

Looks like my fellow hoochie, Turnbaby, has tagged me to reveal six weird things about myself. Hmmmm...this shouldn't be too difficult...

1. I collect cookbooks. My particular favorites are those published by Junior League organizations from around the country (still don't have one from Birmingham), and I have scores of others. At last count, my collection in my kitchen numbered a little over a hundred, and I have more in storage that I rotate from time-to-time. Why my fondness (ok, I'll call it an obsession) with cookbooks? Was I deprived of cooking as a small child??? Maybe it has something to do with #2...

2. During my senior year of high school, our class was administered an aptitude test to find the the "Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow" for our county. I was shocked to learn that I had received the highest score on the test, which not only covered cooking and sewing, but also many aspects of modern homemaking (remember...this was the 70's...). The Sicilian still laughs his head off whenever I bring up that distinguished honor, but he shuts up when I roll a perfect cannoli shell.

3. I'm pretty sure I had past lives. I haven't confirmed this with a reading by Shirley MacLaine, but sometimes the hair stands up on the back of my neck when I read about life in merry old England during the Restoration (I often think I was a bar wench) or listen to big band music (I feel certain I was a hostess at a USO center in the 40's). Maybe next time I'll come back next time as a Taylor Hicks fan...oh, wait a minute...

4. I'm a certified makeup-a-holic. I can't go by a makeup counter or display without buying something. My first trip to Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan was a religious experience. Bobbie Brown and I are on a first-name basis.

5. I carry the same trait that my tagger possesses...I love me some shoes!!! I have in excess of 100 pairs. Put me in Manolo Blahnik's and I feel all warm and fuzzy inside (I have a pair that my friends call "roach in the corner" shoes - they just don't understand...). When Saks or Nordstrom's has a shoe sale, I'm waiting at the door with my nose pressed up against the glass until they open. My latest purchase was a beautiful pair of Stuart Weitzman pumps that I'm wearing right now...oooooooooo...heaven!

6. I have a phobia...a BIG phobia. Some people are afraid of snakes, spiders, heights, closed-in spaces, wide-open spaces, etc. I am afraid of birds...that's right...BIRDS. They can be alive or dead, big or small...I don't like them. I can be in the room with a bird in a cage, but if he gets out, I crumble. When I'm walking down the street and I see a pigeon on the sidewalk in front of me, I'll cross to the other side. I guess I wouldn't do too well in Trafalgar Square...

OK, there you have it...six weird things about Pia. I'm not tagging anyone else 'cuz I think all of my blogging buddies have already been hit. Just beware - I'll get you next time!!!

This just in...

2006-12-18T20:02:00.000-05:00

NEW OFFICE POLICIES FOR 2007

Dress Code:

You are advised to come to work dressed according to your salary.

- If we see you wearing Prada shoes and carrying a Gucci bag, we will
assume you are doing well financially and therefore do not need a raise.

- If you dress poorly, you need to learn to manage your money better, so
that you may buy nicer clothes, and therefore you do not need a raise.

- If you dress just right, you are right where you need to be and therefore
you do not need a raise.

Sick Days:

We will no longer accept a doctor's statement as proof of sickness. If you
are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work.

Personal Days:

Each employee will receive 104 personal days a year. They are called
Saturdays & Sundays.

Bereavement Leave:

This is no excuse for missing work. There is nothing you can do for dead
friends, relatives or co-workers. Every effort should be made to have
non-employees attend the funeral arrangements. In rare cases where
employee involvement is necessary, the funeral should be scheduled in the
late afternoon. We will be glad to allow you to work through your lunch hour
and subsequently leave one hour early.

Bathroom Breaks:

Entirely too much time is being spent in the toilet. There is now a strict
three-minute time limit in the stalls. At the end of three minutes, an alarm
will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, the stall door will open, and a picture will be taken. After your second offense, your picture will be posted
on the company bulletin board under the "Chronic Offenders" category.

Anyone caught smiling in the picture will be sectioned under the
company's mental health policy.

Lunch Break:

- Skinny people get 30 minutes for lunch, as they need to eat more,
so that they can look healthy.

- Normal size people get 15 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to
maintain their average figure.

- Chubby people get 5 minutes for lunch, because that's all the time
needed to drink a Slim-Fast.

Thank you for your loyalty to our company. We are here to provide a
positive employment experience. Therefore, all questions, comments,
concerns, complaints, frustrations, irritations, aggravations, insinuations,
allegations, accusations, contemplations, consternation and input should
be directed elsewhere.

The Management

Is That All There Is?

2006-12-14T23:05:00.001-05:00

The immortal Peggy Lee sang that famous Leiber & Stoller song in the late 60's. Almost 40 years later, a possessed group of music fans (include a large number of "fawning middle-aged women") is singing the same tune. Seems that pre-sale tickets for the Taylor Hicks concert tour went on sale yesterday at 2:00 p.m. and a select few managed to grab tickets here and there. Unfortunately, many SP'ers were left out in the cold. Ticket sales for most of the venues will resume at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. Wanna bet the Ticketmaster server is gonna be blown off the planet (at least temporarily)??? My finger is poised (F5, F5, F5, F5)...news at 11...

Addendum: I would have never thunk it, but bestaudiocodes.com DID NOT have the code on this tune. If you've never heard it, go to iTunes and hear a sample...it's a keeper...

Thursday Thirteen #2

2006-12-13T21:02:00.000-05:00

Here I am, smack-dab in the middle of the East Coast. This is a place where we have SEASONS...you know...winter, spring, summer and fall??? Well, today's high will be 70°F, and they're expecting these temps to continue until the middle of next week. Those of you who are freezing your butts off might ask "Why is she complaining?" My answer would be a very simple "I WANT SOME SNOW!!!!!" And we all know it ain't gonna snow when it's 70 degress outside, right? So, to make me feel better (and stop whining - right?), my Thursday Thirteen is a list of places I've snow-skied in the U.S. If that won't make me think of snow, nothing will.

1. Massanutten, Virgina - the first place I ever skiied (NO, I didn't use wooden skis...). Some prefer to call it "Massa-nuthin", but for those of us who can't head up north or out west at the drop of a hat, it rocks.

2. Wintergreen, Virginia - OK, so they sometimes have to make snow there, but I can jump in my car and be there in about 2 hours. The have a great black diamond (would probably be a "blue" out west) called "The Highlands".

4. Snowshoe, West Virginia - terrific natural snow and wonderful runs and trails. You can hear John Denver singing in your ears as you swoosh down piste. They also have some bodacious tubing here for the non-skiers.

5. Park City West, Utah (now called "The Canyons") - a sweet little mountain next to huge Park City Resort where I saw my first snowboarder.

6. Park City, Utah - the home of the U.S. Ski Team. Awesome long runs and beautiful terrain. The Sundance Film Festival is held here every year.

7. Deer Valley, Utah - the valets come up to your car when you pull up, take your skis off the rack, and carry them to the slope for you. Fabulous houses are built along the slopes, and the food is to die for.

8. Copper Mountain, Colorado - tough, tough terrain. The hardest skiing I ever experienced.

9. Keystone, Colorado - fabulous bowl skiing, and they have a spot at the bottom of one of the slopes for sunbathing.

10. Beaver Creek, Colorado - another great Colorado ski resort. They have a quaint little store near the resort called "Beaver Liquor" (I'll show you my T-shirt sometime!).

11. Vail, Colorado - THE BOWLS, THE BOWLS, THE BOWLS. Huge resort, so much to do and see, and unparalled skiing. There's a huge restaurant at the bottom of one of the black diamond slopes where everyone rates the best falls down the hill (kinda sick, huh?).

12. Aspen, Colorado - tough terrain, but great for people watching (I sat next to Michael Keaton at a bar there).

13. Snowmass, Colorado - my A-#1, top favorite ski resort of all time. The most beautiful scenery anywhere, and in the early morning, you can follow the snow cats down the slopes during their grooming sessions. I think I did some of my best skiing ever at this wonderful place.

So...Happy Thursday, everyone...THINK SNOW!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2006-12-12T17:39:00.000-05:00

Here's Richmond, Virginia's own "Legendary Santa"...I'll be making a visit to see him tonight with a passle of nieces and nephews...can't wait!!!! (P.S. I took this picture last year - isn't he a sweetie???)Here's a slide show of our Santa through the years...

On another note, there's been a HUGE brouhaha here in town about a high school art teacher who uses some...um...unusual "tools" in his creative process. Here's a short video of exactly how he does it (don't worry - it's PG rated). How do you feel about this, after reading the story?? Inquiring minds want to know...

Finally, a little hoochie holiday humor for everyone (teeheehee):

Hell of a Day, Isn't It?

2006-12-12T06:51:00.000-05:00

It's been almost 11 months to the day since I first saw Taylor Hicks audition for American Idol. I had never watched the show before, and when he opened his mouth, I pretty much knew that even if he won AI or not, I was going to do my best to find out more about him and his music. His freshman CD was released today at 12:00 a.m. Although I've actually had my copy since Saturday (thanks to Sony On-line Music Store), I just think this is one HELL of a day. And with that, I'll close with a WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)

2006-12-10T22:26:00.000-05:00

Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)
By Kenny Rogers
BestAudioCodes.com

Let's see...it was the week of April 2, 2006. We were all speculating which song Taylor would sing that week on American Idol. Tuesday night finally rolled around and we all got a look at the guest star for the week - the legend, Kenny Rogers. All those songs he sang came flooding back...The Gambler; Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town; Lady; Lucille; Coward of the County; Islands in the Stream...the list goes on and on. We remembered the chiseled, bearded face...the cowboy...the rough-rider. Then, we saw him. What had he done to himself? Had he stumbled into some bad plastic surgery? This was not the Kenny we remembered. There was probably more talk about Kenny's face than about Taylor's song choice that week ("Country Roads" - we 'll never forget that one!). Later reports indicated that even Kenny wasn't too happy with his most recent foray into the world of face-lifts.

Fast forward 8 months to last night. DH and I are sitting in a stadium here in town (we managed to score some floor table seating that included dinner and drinks). We're sipping our so-so table wine and waiting for the 25th annual "Kenny Rogers Christmas and Greatest Hits" show. Me? I'd never seen him live in concert but had always loved his hits and those damn "Gambler" movies (how many were there, anyway???). DH remembered spinning his "First Edition" tunes as a DJ in the late 60's. We're stoked, albeit a little unsure of what to expect "up close and personal." The moment he walks out on the stage, we forget all about the face. Now remember: the man is 68 years old...68 YEARS OLD! Last night, he delivered a yeoman's performance. The first half of the show was devoted to "hits". And he delivered them, one after the other. While singing "The Gambler", he strolled out onto the floor and stopped at each table to sing a few notes. DH managed to snap a few close-ups with his camera phone as Kenny approached our table (still waiting for the downloads...check back later).

After an intermission, the audience was treated to a Christmas songfest, complete with a Norman Rockwell set and big Christmas tree...everything was red and green and cozy. There was audience participation (11 lucky peeps were pulled on stage to sing "The Twelve Days of Christmas") and the second set included the beautiful voice of Kenny's touring partner, Linda Davis, and a local high school choir and children's group (Kenny makes it a point to include local kids in all of his shows). Throughout the set of both secular and non-secular tunes, the man delivered. It was over before I knew it, but I have to tell you...this did more to put me in the Christmas spirit than anything else that has crossed my path this season. I usually don't get all schmaltzy about stuff like this, but I would highly recommend it to anyone who has the chance to see it. You won't even notice the plastic surgery...

My First Thursday Thirteen...YIKES!!

2006-12-07T06:34:00.000-05:00

And I thought this was gonna be easy...

I really need to get into the Christmas spirit after the past few days (work has been a living hell - it involved federal inspectors - enuff said). So here's a list of my thirteen favorite Chrismas carols:

1. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - the lyrics to this song are insightful, and the melody is absolutely my favorite.
2. Away in a Manger - my grandmother taught me the words to this when I was a small child. I love to hear children singing this - it makes the true meaning of Christmas a little clearer.
3. Go Tell It On the Mountain - this is one of my favorites at midnight Mass.
4. The Christmas Song - of course, only the Mel Tormé version will do.
5. White Christmas - gotta have Bing Crosby singing this.
6. O Come All Ye Faithful - I learned the lyrics in French to Adeste Fidelis in high school - still sing it every year and can't figure out how I remember this but can't recall how to diagram a sentence...
7. Jingle Bells - my father sang a version that had the same melody but involved shotgun shells and Grandma's Chevrolet.
8. I'll Be Home for Christmas - Anne Murray's version gives me chills.
9. Winter Wonderland - I remember my sisters listening to the Johnny Mathis version when I was a kid, but I prefer the one by Perry Como.
10. Here Comes Santa Claus - another one my dad used to sing to me.
11. The 12 Days of Christmas - why is it I always get the lords a'leaping and the pipers piping days mixed up?
12. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - my grandad's name was Rudolphus - I could never figure out why they named a reindeer after my grandfather...
13. Silver Bells - always makes me think of NYC at Christmas.

Cheers!!!

Oops - this just in...may I call it the TTA? (Thursday Thirteen Addendum)

CHRISTMAS CAROLS FOR THE DISTURBED

* 1. Schizophrenia -- Do You Hear What I Hear?

* 2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are

* 3. Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas

* 4. Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

* 5. Manic -- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets
and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees
and.....

* 6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me

* 7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an
Open Fire

* 8. Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm
Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why

* 9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooh look at
the Froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?

* 10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder --- Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
Jingle Bells, JingleBells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells ...........................................................................

Smelly dog, smelly dog...

2006-12-03T16:21:00.000-05:00

Rumination #1
I've spent most of my weekend trying to figure out how to make a smelly dog smell better. Old Dawg (almost 13) has chronic skin problems and lately has been smelling like...well...I can't even describe it. We've been to the vet ($$$$$$$$), bought lots of different shampoos (more $$$$$$$$), bathed her every week, and she STILL STINKS. Today I spent about an hour on the internet Googling "Smelly Dog" and my search came back with lots of possible solutions. I won't bring them up here since many of them aren't fit for friendly conversation. Suffice it to say that Old Dawg will be visiting the groomer this week for another bath and some "adjustments" to her hind end (those of you with canines will surely know of what I speak). And if any of you out there have other creative solutions (we'll have no pound talk!), by all means please share. Our noses (and the carpet) will be most appreciative!

Rumination #2
I've been trying to figure out exactly where I'm going with this thing called a blog. I'm so envious of you out there who actually have a flow; a direction; a raison d'être. I truly can't wait until "Wordless Wednesday" and "Thursday Thirteen" - at least I'll know where to begin on those days. All others will definitely be a crap shoot - I could go most anywhere. So for those of you who chose to read this mess, please bear with me. I promise to proofread (as best I can); to stay away from certain dirty words (insert any and all here that you may or may not have used one time or the other); to have an open mind and be respectful of others' opinions (within reason); to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong...wait a minute...that's the Girl Scout Law (and I was never a Scout!) Aw heck, you know what I mean - I'll figure it out one way or the other and I'm sure I can look to all of you to keep me in line. In fact, I'm counting on it!!

I've been assimilated...

2006-12-01T22:08:00.000-05:00

What I probably should have said is "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in." (Michael Corleone). I've been reading web logs for several years, but just in the past couple of months, I've found that I simply can't begin my day without a peek at one or two of my favorites. Suffice it to say that, thanks to my Soul Patrol friends et. al., I am now an official blogger - ARRRGGGHHH!!!!! I would have never thunk it, not in a million years. I still haven't quite figured out where I'm going from here. Perhaps the name of my blog, Stochastic Ruminations, will make more sense as I embark on this new adventure. I'll explain that in more detail later. I'll simply end my first entry with one of my favorite sayings:

"Life's journey is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "Holy Cow...What a ride!"

Hmmmm...let's just see what happens...