Randomly Speaking

Is the United Nations worth it? Do they actually have the balls to pressure Iran? Does anyone really believe the blustery words between the US and Iran?

Was the ports deal (or no deal) a setup? Who will benefit or be hurt by this failure, or is this a failure. Has the President made us so fearful that we just dont think, we react?

Does anybody in baseball think Roger Clemens will retire? Will he go to another team? Who is he kidding?

Is the World Baseball Classic a good show? Does anybody care?

Does Kinky Friedman really stand a chance to become Texas governor?

Is Bob McNair really going to draft Reggie Bush? How many signatures will be on the petition started by Gallery Furniture owner Jim McInvale to draft Vince Young? After all Mac says to Mr. McNair that Young really will make him money.

Why do people call at 4:00 am to ask Jimmy a question that doesnt need an answer?

After all the waste and slow response from the government and people like the Red Cross after Katrina and Rita, will you be more or less likely to donate?

Am I the only person who thought "Walk the Line" was too slow?

Have you smiled at someone today? What are you waiting for?

It's National Get Over It Day

No, in the grand scope of things it's not really important. Just another excuse to have a "Day". Since it is National Get Over It Day, think about what you need to get over and can you do it?

Let's see---I have gotten over the guy in high school who belittled me by calling me "oswald" in English class. Too bad you didn't read the books that the teacher reqired.

I've gotten over the fact that my sister-in-law does not and will never like me. I rarely see her but I am not going to waste energy wondering why. You have your own problems.

I've gotten over the fact that certain people I know continue to lie and hide the truth from family members. Have fun you guys, maybe you'll write the "Great American Novel"

I've gotten over the fact that the world is full of nuts. Now where did I put that nutcracker?

The Other Shoe

Driving on the highway yesterday I noticed the "trash guys" were cleaning. Ever noticed what is along the highways and byways? We have all seen the mess of a torn up tire or the bag of trash that fell off a truck. Then there is always a beer can or two rolling around. Construction crews frequently lose things like plywood or paint, etc. Every so often I'll see a mattress (or what is left of it) or a broken chair or table. Some times I've seen newspapers and small bags blowing around annoying everyone. But what about that one shoe? So many times I've seen one shoe in the middle of the road. Did someone have a horrible accident that knocked him out of his shoe? Was he throwing away some old clothes and this shoe slipped out of the bag?Was this the joke of some guys riding in the back of a pickup truck? That should make anyone think twice about drinking? Imagine waking up from a nap to discover a coworker thought it was great fun to toss out one shoe. Really, where does that one shoe come from and is there a guy walking around in only one shoe? And how come it's never a woman's shoe? You never see women's dress shoes lying around the roadside.It always seems to be a large shoe that a guy would wear. Hey buddy, I think you lost your other shoe...

Plumbing Supply Trailer 1 Jimmy 0

Wife tells husband the usual early morning missives. "Have a good day" "Be Careful" "Love You". It's said so often you don't even have to think about it.

So Jimmy went to work as usual. Everything normal on the job. Of course that usually means that something isn't going to go right. Just an average day at work. So around lunch time most of the guys take off to get something to eat. Jimmy stayed behind to wait for the plumbing supply company to deliver pipe. Finally, the truck shows up. Since they need to back the trailer up into the jobsite, Jimmy walked into the street to keep the traffic out of the way. As he is doing so, the guy delivering the supplies is watching Jimmy's directions. As he attempted to pull into the job, he doesnot realize how close he is to Jimmy. The next thing the delivery guy sees is Jimmy rolling along the pavement, cars swerving to get out of the way. Seems that the delivery guy hit Jimmy. Luckily Jimmy wasn't hurt although he was bounced around on the pavement. The on-coming traffic had all managed to miss him.

I don't know who was more upset Jimmy or the delivery driver. Jimmy called me to tell me what happened. Of course I nearly flip out. But there was nothing I could do. Luckily Jimmy was just banged up but not seriously hurt. He got up, dusted himself off and went on about his business. Of course by the time he got home he was a lot more sore than he thought he was. Thankfully he didn't even have any scrapes or bruises. It could have been really bad.

Sometimes we all take things for granted. Lots of people say a prayer everyday that their loved ones will be safe on the road or at work. It is just something you do every day. Say a little prayer. I thanked God yesterday. It was not Jimmy's time to go. Thank you God, again.

So, the score remains plumbing supply company trailer 1, Jimmy 0. Don't think there will be a re-match any time soon.

Amanda Gets a Tattoo...Again

Why is there such facination with tattoos? I've seen people with more ink on their bodies than the entire IRS tax codes book. Granted many of these are highly artistic and stylized but I'm really not a fan of covering one's body with permanent pictures, sayings, etc. I threw a fit years ago when I discovered that my son, Pat and daughter, Traci both had them. I was absolutely agast as to why. I still don't understand why people would do this. My father nearly blew a gasket when I pierced my ears over 30 years ago. He suggested I also put a bone through my nose as some tribal groups did. I explained that since clip on earrings hurt, pierced ears would be easier. Now I know a little how he felt. I really don't get why people have to take a perfectly good body and draw all over it.

Amanda already has a tattoo at the small of her back, shoulder, and leg. Now she has one around her wrist. At least those are the ones we know she has. Her father was not happy the first time and is not happy now. But, he continues to try to be quiet.
We really wish she hadn't done any of this, as we wished so for Pat and Traci. We really don't like them .

As a child of the 50's and a teenager and young adult in the 60's-70's,I was led to believe people with body art were sleezy and trashy. My parents would never consider letting me date a guy with a tattoo. I still have a hard time with this because I tend to agree with the trashy look that a tattoo seems to send. Certain businesses won't hire people with them. Some will not allow them to be seen during work hours. I've heard lawyers tell clients before they go to court to make sure to have them covered in the courtroom.

So why do it? Why do young people think it so cool? You can't change your mind. It's not like putting on a different shirt. What happens when a person gets tired of it? From what I've heard it is more involved and expensive to remove. I still remember a pro golfer, Lee Trevino, covering one with a bandaid because it was of a former girlfriend or wife and they were no longer together.

People look at tattoos as artistic expression. Well, Michelangelo did not put a tattoo on "David" or the "Pieta" Thousands of hours have been spent by world famous artists in canvas or marble. Maybe the "Mona Lisa" is smiling about her tattoo? In my opinion, there are places for artwork and the human body is not one of them. I put them in the same context with the gang kids who keep desacrating private property by painting walls, fences and anything else they can spray paint to make their statement to the world or before the cops show up.

Sorry, I just don't think the human body is a good place for permanent "art" I still think it is cheap and sleezy. And to do it over and over is just not a good idea. Thak God I won't be around when Traci, Pat and Amanda are 60, 70, or 80 years old with sagging, ugly tattoos. I guess they just haven't considered how their bodies will change over the years. That butterfly at the small of the back may have migrated to the bottom of the butt and the spider on the calf will be spinning a new web around the side of the foot. Gross!

Cheney Speak

Vice President Dick Cheney said that too many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and need to do a better job of saving. Brilliant deduction Sherlock, what was your first clue. Now just how should we solve this problem? A lot of people are using plastic to make ends meet.Those of us who don't have plastic have to try to live frugally or occasionally dip into savings. That is if we even have savings. With the arrival of each monthly bill we constantly see that companies are raising their rates.Every time you go to the gas station you pay more. Many people who used to be able to budget their expenses, can't do that any more. They resort to charging and hoping to pay it off the following month. But that doesn't always work. So often by the time the bill comes in, people discover they can't pay off the bill as they had planned because some other expense has made it impossible. Frequently people have to borrow from savings to make ends meet. It's the old "borrow from Peter to pay Paul" theory. The trouble with that is that Peter never seems to be repaid.

We could take a cue from the Federal Government. Let's just run our family budget like they do. Just keep charging or adding more debt, promising to pay it later. After all, isn't our government debt in the trillions of dollars? How much saving is the government doing? Oh, yeah, let's cut programs like Medicare, Medicaid and who know what else. Has this balanced the budget? No, Mr Cheney, it hasn't. This is a little like "don't do what I do, do what I say" or the "pot calling the kettle black" mentality. Americans are trying desperately to stay afloat. No one wants to have to borrow money to make ends meet. But when the transportation to work is broken, how do you get to work? Not every one can take public transportation. Just try to take a sewer machine on the bus. That is if a bus runs close enough to your home and you only have one stop to make. Sometimes people have to use their savings.

Yes, Mr. Cheney, Americans should not have to live paycheck to paycheck and save more.Many people do spend foolishly. Clothes do wear out. Children outgrow them. Weather ruins crops, causing prices to rise, costing the public more. And so on and so on. Thanks for overstating the obvious, Mr. Vice President. We do live paycheck to paycheck and don't save enough. What would you suggest we do to solve this? Go quail hunting? Sorry, I can't afford the license fee.

Would You Please Not Talk While I'm Interrupting!

Didn't your mother teach you that it is not nice to interrupt? Have you noticed that panel talk shows like the "View" have hosts that constantly battle for their talk space? They talk over each other so much that I almost forget what they are trying to do. You'd think the director or stage manager would sush them. It's bad enough that you can tell what political side of the fence they are on because they are at each others throats about issues. And if I hear the "I'm a new mom" statement one more time...get over it. This talking over people seems to be everywhere from the talk/entertainment shows to news/talk to news panel shows. Would you guys please shut up! One at a time! You can debate an issue without constantly interrupting each other. Were you absent from class when they taught that? I can understand your passion about an issue, but everyone has an opinion. When,say for example, CNN or Fox News have a discussion of issues, let one person finish before you chime in, you'll just irritate me. And when I'm irritated, I change the channel. Shows talk shows are no exception, either. The guys on some of ESPN's panel shows get so excited they get into intense arguments,too.

Come on people, there are only so many minutes per segment so let people hear the discussion. I have a brain(I think) and I can process information and form my own opinions. But, if I hear another guest or host yell, "let me finish" I may just finish it for you. Game show contestants don't make this much noise. So, quiet please, speak your peace or I will interrupt and change the channel.

Have You Read Your Horoscope Today?

It's amazing what you can read in the stars.Some people will not make a move without checking their horoscope. Nancy Reagan frequently checked with her astrologer before making decisons. I read the different horoscopes today. So, I checked how good/bad my Cancer horoscope for today would be. One site said that if I was having financial concerns that I would have to be creative but I would get help someone I thought was out of the picture. Sure, the only people I knew that had money are all dead. Out of the picture, indeed. That's way out of the picture. What are they going to do? Are they going to come back from the beyond and tell me "by the way I forgot to give you this?" Sure they are. Of course another site said I had every right to smile till my face hurt. Huh? Don't feel guilty, others may be jealous but they will eventually be happy for you. Is that a load of poop or what? Then I checked the Chinese horoscope says I must be more realistic otherwise the sky will fall on my head. Well, that is encouraging, isn't it?

Does anyone really take this to heart? Does your life stop if your horoscope doesnt read the way you hoped? Ever notice that you can read any thing into them you want? But can you really trust them to be true?

Think I will start grining, find that person who isn't in the picture and hide under the table before the sky falls on my head. Well, after all that's what my horoscope said to do, right?

Good Morning America , What a Great American Morning

Is this a great country or what? Where else can we have George Bush taking a trip and Britney Spears on GMA! As I nearly spewed my coffee,there's the shot of Britney visiting a group of young girls. While I'm not a fan, the pre-teen girls enjoyed her visit. Most of what I've seen Ms Spears do, I think, could be done around a pole in a strip club. Just think, young girls learning moves the late "Candy Bar" did. Frightening! Think I'll see what's on Fox News. Hey, Tiki Barber is co hosting the early Fox News show. I think he has a future in broadcasting, really. He holds his own very well, and appears interested in what is being discussed.

Everybody remembers that NBC cancelled "The Book of Daniel" after only a few episodes. Does anyone remember the highly hyped show that ABC pulled after one episode or why they pulled it?

How do you measure the intelligence of a quarterback. Funny, how fast the story about Vince Young got around. Some people are saying that his new agents and advisors did not prepare him for the Wonderlic intelligence test. Apparently the NFL, at the combine, used this test on the future players in addition to all the physical tests. Wildfires erupted when it was said that Young only scored a 6 on the 50 question test. Most of the guys scored 14-16 and quarterbacks in the past have usually scored near 20. Charley Casserly, Texans GM was quick to say the score was erroneous. Wonder what his score would be. Of course most of these NFL hopefuls take the test more than once. Too bad somebody didnt tell Young.

Roger Clemens again warmed up by pitching to the Astros' minor league, including his son, Koby. Koby took Roger for a homer on the first pitch, so Roger repaid him by buzzing the younger Clemens high and inside next time up. Sounds like such fun.

So as the morning erupts, I escort Daisy and Lady on their rounds. The birds are glaringly loud, demanding to be fed. Hey, you guys need to chase that squirrel off your feeder, not me! Yipee, I see that the weed and feed stuff is begining to work. Some of the weeds are already dying off.

The musical "Oklahoma" had a song "Oh, what a beautiful morning" in it. Just think about today...Britney Spears on Good Morning America and later the President gears up to visit the Middle East. Oh, and don't forget the Supreme Court of the United States will hear the ex-playmate Anna Nicole Smith's case against her late husband's estate. Wonder what she'll wear? A day with two blonds and a boob can't be all bad, can it? You figure out which one is the boob. Maybe they all are?

Can I Go Back to Bed, Now, Maybe I Shouldn't have Gotten Up!

Sometimes I gotta wonder how some people manage to always have a positive life. Actually, I'd like to smack them! I'm "so glad" my neighbor finally took the time out of his busy day to stand at the back of his yard and nail 2 boards up to fix the hole in the fence. Wow, it took all of five minutes. Of course he now has re-chained his dog to the tree...This fence wont last too much longer. That's one thing I can't really do anything about. We discovered that the bee family has grown even bigger inside the house siding. I'll be sending a letter with the rent to my landlord.

We are a little bummed out these days. Tax time is fast approaching. I hate to give money to Uncle Sam, he always mis-uses it. I'm still trying to figure out how Mr. Bush's programs are helping the self employed. Even with deductions we still have to pay that wonderfull "Self-Employment" tax.

We have just about decided to see if we can find someplace else to live. We left a second floor apt in a fourplex with no garage and no yard because they were raising the rent. We figured why pay that much on an apt when we could rent a house for the same. Well we made some mistakes. Havent we all. We rented this house on the assumption we would clean out at least on storage building and downsize the other since we could put stuff here. Things kept getting put off and for one reason or another we always seemed to have to spend more money than we have. Imagine that! And we dont use credit cards! After discussing all the problems we have discovered since being here, we dont have much choice. There are just too many problems. Some small, some large, but we can't do it all. When we moved here we thought it would be good because of the yard and extra room when all the family is here. Seemed that when we were living on the second floor, people were always visiting. Now they rarely do. Too busy, too far, too whatever. So, we are looking to downsize both in price and size. Sorry kids, you don't come round enough to merit staying here, it costs too much. So now we have to go house hunting again. Part of me is excited, part of me dreads it. Sleeplessness abounds. Every waking moment brings more questions.

Too bad I can't just wiggle my nose and change things. Where is Samantha when you need her? Can I go back to bed now? Nope, gotta finish the laundry, walk at least one dog, sweep the floors. How does so much from outside endup inside? What's for supper? Is it time to go to bed yet? Some days it just doesn't pay...

Method Acting 101

Let's see, what part will I play today? Going with my feelings, hum. I could be a hamster on a wheel going round and round and round to nowhere. After all, someone once said blessed are those who go in circles, for they shall be called wheels. That's kind of the way I'm feeling. How like an acting class. Walking the dog around the back yard. Around and around...I've heard some obsessive people have certain habits they do over and over. Lady McBeth kept washing her hands. I keep walking in circles waiting for Daisy to do something. Not exactly like "Waiting for Godot" here just waiting for a little poop and pee. Sigh, and I had so much more to say. But, I must get back on the wheel just like the hamster. If I go around enough times, maybe I'll get a reward. Right. Or I could play the "Mash" character Cpl Klinger doing sentry duty in a dress and high heels
around and around. What is the password again? I just dont plan on sentry duty in a dress and high heels in my back yard. Just thinking about that picture is more than I can handle. On the other hand an Emmy would be nice. What do you mean this isn't going to be on TV. But, I've already written my acceptance speech. I was going to thank all the dogs who went before me. Well, at least Daisy. Are you done yet, Daisy? Round and round we go...all the world is a stage, there are no small parts, just small actors. I gotta get a better agent. Walking the dog around like this is not helping me. And just who was that idiot who said Brando was a method actor? Is he playing the part of the tree? Hurry up, Daisy, I'm getting dizzy. Guard duty anyone?

The Long and Short of a Dog's Eye View

Daisy has found a whole new playground since the yard was mowed. She now doesn't have to walk under the weeds. When it's wet outside, she doesn't have water dripping on to her back. Crane flies are now one of her favorite targets. They had been hiding in the high vegetation. Now they are flying around free, looking for places to hide. Daisy thinks this is great fun. But, another one of her targets, bees, have moved to higer areas. Daisy never caught one, what a surprise that would have been. After weed-eating around the fenceline, she has discovered new places to stick her nose. She also, for some unknown reason has discovered that birds sit in the trees and sing. She seemed amazed at the Cardinal's song. Even though some trees are still leafless, others are budding, and this,too, fascinates her. Every sound seems amplified as she cocks her ears at each different one. Being so low to the ground, everything from ants to ginkos catch her interest. Just imagine how you would look at the world if you were less than a foot tall. I'd hate to have to tell her, though, that she'll never catch the planes or helicopters that fly overhead. I don't want to burst her bubble! But really Daisy, how many times must you smell the ground? Sure, you are close to it, but that stuff you keep sniffing will be there tommorrow. She hasn't discovered the squirrels, yet. She is still looking for her pal who disappeared. Whenever we go outside the first place she looks is next door. Can't have everything.

Holy Cow, There's Grass Back There!

Wow, we finally got our yard mowed! With weather and work never seeming to cooperate it's been nearly impossible to mow the yard. Yesterday my son came over to get it started. Must be nice to have muscle. Our back yard had turned into a jungle. When the grass is in peak growing mode it gets so thick it's hard to mow. With the clover, dandelions and other weeds as tall as they had grown, the dogs walked under or around them. Now they can walk the back yard with renewed zeal. It does seem to improve my mood, now that I have a yard again, instead of the jungle.It was getting a little hard for Lady and Daisy to find a good spot for their business. Next step is to start treating the yard with fertilizer/weed killer. Now, if the landlord would just fix the fence.

On another note, my neighbor took his dog off the chain. However, I don't think this was a result of the advice of the animal protection people. Haven't seen the dog, but another neighbor said he saw the dog running loose in the neighborhood. So much for trying to help the animal. Hopefully somebody will find and take care of him.

On yet another note, green grass reminds me... Spring Training is here! Go 'Stros!

Just Try To Buy American

America is being sold down the river and nobody cares. With the controversy about the UAE deal to take over the ports what else is new? I can remember years ago Goodyear ran a commercial touting the pride they had in their product. The tagline spoken was something like "we are so proud of our product that we sign our name to it". Let's see that now. I remember when WalMart proudly said that they saved America money by selling quality products made in America. Seen anything made in Amaerica in WalMart lately? It wasn't that long ago we were astonished to hear that the Japanese were buying prime real estate in the good old USA. We got all huffy over this. Our country has changed a lot in less than 50 years. What happened to the steel industry? Maybe the team should not be called the Steelers anymore. The texile industry has disappeared. Try calling Customer Service with almost any company and you will probably be routed to some place in India. Here in Houston most of the motels being built these days are owned by Indians. Convenience stores are frequently owned and run by Pakistani or Viet or Chinese. Make no mistake these are all American citizens. A lot of construction work in the area is done by Hispanic (many legal residents, others not). Funny how people in New Orleans gripe about "Mexicans" are taking all the work of the rebuilding. Go to a car dealership and look at the sticker on the window of any vehicle. Don't just look at the price or the milage. Look at where the parts were made and where things were assembled.

All of the things mentioned, should make us think a little harder about what our country has become. We really are a melting pot of various people, cultures and businesses. The future control of some of our largest ports just brings into question, why we have let this happen.How come there is no American company willing to take on the task of port management of American ports? Is it too expensive? Are we incapable of managing our own business?

Then of course Radio Shack is reeling under the news that their CEO lied about his qualifications. This is nothing new. The numbers of people padding resumes is growing and there are not enough people to check these facts. It did not stop the company from giving him a $1,000,000 (small by some standards) severance package.

We have become lazy. We are more interested in arguing which political party is right and who hand is in whose pocket. We pound our collective chests with pride during sports events, but we don't seem to care that our country is being bought, and run not by us but by outsiders. We need to pay attention. Now, this is just my opinion, but having dealt many of these "different" people,the "good old American" way is about to be a thing of the past. Now, let me go make some coffee in my not made in America coffee pot,find a clean un-American made shirt, turn on my made in China printer, and watch my Korean made TV. Later, I'll run an errand in my car which was assembled in places like Canada, Korea, and Mexico.

Tony Parker, Your Young Fans Need the Truth

All-Star Basketball week-end is here. The celebs are here to party and to be seen. It's good for Houston, but it is good for everybody? I dont care one way or the other but children idolize the players and stars that come for all the fun and so on. I was disappointed though in one of the players . Tony Parker (and Eva Longoria) are here. When "stars" commit to something involving kids they need to really try to keep their promises. Now I realize sometimes things dont work out, but sometimes things are a little shaky. Tony Parker kept a group of about 200 kids waiting for him. He was apparently supposed to do the meet/greet and shoot a few hoops with the kids. But he was, according to his spokesman, "too tired" and skipped out on them. These kids waited patiently for a couple of hours to see him. He was not "too tired" to go to a press conference. I can only assume , if he was so tired, after the presser, he went to his hotel and got some sleep. Cough, Cough, what was Eva doing? Kids are impressionable. Maybe they dont care about kids in France. I just think this was rude. But, then again what else is new. No wonder the image of the NBA is not the greatest. Come on, Tony, were you so tired you couldnt stop by and at least say hello to your fans?

Ho-Hum

This is the time of year I find a little boring. Football is over and baseball spring training hasn't really begun yet. I don't follow basketball, although when I am occasionally given a pair of tickets to the Rockets I go. Right now, it's kind of limbo. Jeff Van Gundy is still trying to find a working combination. Gary Kubiak introduced his coaching staff yesterday. Mick Sherman has been named assistant Head Coach. I thought he wanted to be a head coach. No-one will say how or what changes they expect to make to the Texans. The Astros really are still sleeping. Nothing is being said about Clemens or Bagwell. Of course sports writers who are now making their predictions don't include the Astros as a winner of anything. The Olympics bore me. The other networks aren't really showing much, trying to save the ratings games I guess. The weather can't even make up it's mind. Today 80 tomorrow 50. One day winter, one day spring.

Ho-hum, even the laundry is boring. Maybe I'll go outside and watch the weeds grow. Or maybe I'll just go take a nap. After all Daisy and Lady are snoozing on the couch. And naturally, the minute I get up the fight will start. Even Astro is quiet.

I Saw What You Did

I am watching you. I heard the yelping yesterday. I looked out my window and I saw what you did to your dog. You made me angry. You have your dog chained up and yet you punished him at 7:30 in the morning by hitting him in the head with a stick that was longer than a bat (more like four to five feet long). Why? He doesn't deserve that. The reason he gets in trouble is you. First you let him wander the neighborhood until people complained. So then you chained him to the tree next to my fence. He is tearing up your back yard (and my fence) because he is bored. You pay no attention to him. Sure to take him some food and water twice a day. What else do you do for him? Do you play with him? Do you exercise him? No. I don't understand you. He just wants your love. Why don't you have him neutered? Better yet, why don't you give him to someone who would appreciate him? It's not his fault. Sure, he has made me mad because he tears up the fence and wants to get with all the female dogs in heat. Pay attention. I know you left him chained to that tree during Rita. I told my husband, if things got really bad, I was going to go through the fence and free him myself. Please don't hit him again. I am watching. Keep it up and you will be getting a call from the Animal Cops Houston. I have a camera and I have a cell phone with a camera. I don't want any trouble from you. Please don't hurt your dog again. I will protect your dog. Someone had to because you don't care about him. I'm on to you now, I will be paying attention to every noise and every movement.

And He's How Old?

Fathers beware of daughters who say "I'll come by to visit". We had a nice visit with Jimmy's daughter this week-end. We went to lunch at a Mexican food place. So, in the middle of the conversation Amanda says, "well, Daddy, I'm seeing someone." Her tone of voice caught her father off-guard. "He's 38". Sucked the cheeze right off the enchilada with that statement. Not to mention the air out of the room. Even though Amanda has been living on her own for a couple of years now, it was still a shock to learn your 22 year old daughter is dating a 38 year old man. After a lot of ums, ahs, and cigarette drags, the questions began. Divorced, eight year old son, works in the same store with her but not in same department. Makes good money and has good credit. So... as I said "Well, Amanda, you've always had an old soul". What's a father supposed to say? After all he's 47. Keeping it light he started with the "older man" jokes. In the back of his mind, the wheels are turning. Well, this was un-expected to say the least. How old is he, again? I say something about taking her time with this and dont make any quick decisions. I'm wondering if we have enough tums at the house for this. Might have a little heart-burn. Remembered the old movie line something close to "fasten your seat-belts, it's gonna be a bumpy ride". And he's HOW old?

Need a Joke?

The polls are down, the wife is out of town. George can relax. Oops, breaking news, Cheney shoots Quail, not wait it's a lawyer. Now there is a week's worth of jokes for Letterman and Leno etc. Thank goodness he is ok. It could have been much worse. Hunter safety courses will be in demand now. What would have happened had his friend been killed? Happens a lot. When I was in high school the town mayor lived behind us. His younger son accidently shot his friend while hunting. The result was tragic.

But all seriousness aside, this is going to be good...right now we could all use a laugh. But why did it have to be in Texas?

Then, of course, why did they wait 24 hours to say anything? So the hospital and the Armstrong Ranch could get their stories ready? I can just see some of the questions. How many pellets are in the face? Any in the butt? Are these standard size? The hunters were wearing orange vests, right? Why couldn't Cheney shot himself in the foot? After all he is SO good at shooting off his mouth. Sorry, couldnt help myself. It's gonna be a long week.

Let's Be Positive Out There

Husband put the new battery in the car. So, yesterday I had to run an errand. With trepidation I start up and go. Make it back home ok. But, I guess now wehave to get a new alternator cause I notice the battery gauge kept going down. Nuts! Alternators for Trans Ams aren't cheap. At least it would be easy to change out since it sits right on top. Ever looked at how they cram stuff around the engine? I guess it could be worse. Could be hidden under stuff.

My neighbor got a couple of boards out to fix the hole his dog created in the fence. Wonder what he is waiting on, inspiration? He's got them leaning up against the fence. Guess he has to find his hammer and nails. My 10 year old granddaughter could get it done faster, and she doesnt live in Houston!

Now that my dianthus are happily blooming along, we are expecting a hard freeze this week-end. Naturally. I even have a couple of tomato plants that came up in a pot from last year's left overs. There is even a pot of Texas Blue Bonnets growing nicely. At least we wont have snow or ice.

I positively hate those Sonic commercials...positively love Dancing with the Stars.

It is supposed to start pouring down rain any minute now. Such fun. Don't look forward to taking Daisy out in the rain to do her business. She is getting better at walking on a leash, tho.

I'm looking forward to the week-end. Probably wont get done anything that needs to be done. We need to clean out one of the storage buildings. Not much left in it, but we are still paying $100/month for it. And we need to mow the grass, no make that the weeds. They are getting thick and the rain today will just make them worse. Maybe we can at least get those two things done. Now that's really positive thinking!

I keep saying to myself, "it's going to get better, it's going to get better". Am I convinced,yet? Uh... Think positive thoughts...

Let's be positive out there. Tinkerbell needs our help.

Man, Why Didn't I go There?

Well, somebody in Houston is waking up rich. Unfortunately not me. What would I do with 60 million dollars? What would I do with a million?. Sigh. Back to the grind, since we didnt win husband had to go to work... Maybe I live in the wrong neighborhood. Course if I moved someone from this neighborhood would win. My husband's cousin won $12,000,000 a few years ago. That was before you could choose cash option or 20 year pay out. Apparently the payout isn't always the best option. They have to plan ahead and decide what they can live on for the entire year. Apparently the tax issues create a lot of problems. I'd take cash option. But it is a moot point. I gotta win first, right!

Well, so much for getting rich. I need to get the hamburger meat out for supper. Husband put a new battery in the car. Keeping my fingers crossed. Gotta go out in a little while. No point in going to the store where the winning ticket was sold. I don't need to go there, I'm rich in spirit! Now which one do I pick Vodka, gin...

Out of Perfection and Down to Earth

I've been thinking (now that's scary) about the "raising a bastard" child statement made by the mother to her pregnant daughter. I just can't get it out of my head. My first reaction was to feel a little vindicated and evil. After all Amy (the mother) is, in my opinion, a holier than thou, I'm going to Heaven and you're not type. She is a Creationist hard-line Bible thumper type. The times I have spent around her I always felt I had to be watchful of what I said or did. Not wanting to insult or demean her I tried to watch my language, didnt drink and because I dont agree with her religious attitudes I avoided certain topics. We even didnt watch some tv topics cause she disagreed with the content. Couldn't even discuss a National Geographic "missing link" evolution show because she disagreed with it. So naturally my first thought was a little smug. After all, the entire time I have known the daughter I felt she would be the one to break the ties and do her own thing. She always went to the beat of a different drummer. But, I realized spiteful, I should not feel. I was reminded of my own daughter who did not have the courage to tell me she was pregnant. It wasn't hard to figure out, duh. My daughter was 19 when she was railroaded out of college and into marriage and motherhood by a family who did not want the "disgrace" of an out of wedlock child.

I can only hope that Amy will realize that shaming her daughter into something she does not want will ultimately fail. I actually fee proud that the girl wants to raise the child herself. Shame and bitterness is not the Christian way. Now is the time Amy needs to call upon her religion to aid and comfort her and her daughter. Back off Amy, compassion is the key here. No body is perfect. Mother/daughter ties break too easily. Pushing issues can and frequently do backfire. Trust me, I know.

Funny how I wanted to shake my finger and say "serves you right", Amy. I realize I cannot take any perverse joy in this (Oh, how I want to). I'm going to take the high road and hope for the best for all of them.

In Other News

The El Paso kids are no more, having moved to Brownwood this weekend. With excitment in her voice Annie called to tell me they found a 2 bedroom house to rent in Brownwood. They moved over the week-end. Jason started his job yesterday. I hope he will get along with his co-workers since he tends to be a know-it-all. I have not heard so much relief and happiness in Annie's voice in a long time. I know she's glad to be away from her MIL. Now they will truly be on their own. Their future is truly theirs without interference from inlaws. I wish them the best.

Annie told me that Jason's younger sister who is in her early 2o's is pregnant, but doesn't intend to marry the father. Her mother in true fashion(you just have to know this woman to understand)asked her if she was going to raise the child as a bastard or would she get married. So much for the Christian in Christian Conservative... I've always been on the girl's side. I wish her the best.

Lastly, the worst kept secret of the family has been finally exposed for all to see. The Aransas Pass family have moved to Waco. Though Bobby spoke of the possibity during the Thanksgiving visit in Cameron, Traci kept it a deep, dark secret from those of us unimportant people. Seemed as if her "Lep" and blog buddies knew more than her family. Oh well. Funny they also moved over the week-end. Wonder when she'll let us know her new phone number and address. After all I still have Christmas presents waiting here since she was supposed to "visit" the day after Christmas. I've already gotten Annie's new info. This should be yet another interesting saga...

Now, I'm off for another cup of coffee. That is if Daisy will leave me alone long enough to go to the kitchen.

I'm Officially Irritated Now.

The funniest thing about this weekend was the fact that ABC used the 5 second delay to change the sexually explicit lyrics out of the Stones... Could not make out what they were singing anyway but they did.

So I let Daisy out Friday morning. She does her usual thing run around bark.. Then I dont hear her. For some reason,something told me to go downstairs and check on her. Go out to the back yard, cant find her! Well, the little brat has escaped into the next door neighbor's yard. This is the same yard with the tree that drops all it's leaves in my yard and has the big "lover" male dog that they have chained to that tree next to my fence. I have spent a lot of time trying to block the holes created by that dog. So I spy little Daisy running to her heart's content in that yard. I wonder what my blood pressure was at that point. As I slithered through the fence in an effort to capture my wayward dog, she runs into the yard behind. This has holes in it thanks to guess who, the big dog! Naturally, as I look like a fool, chasing my dog through two yards Daisy stays just out of my reach. The more she runs the madder I get. I was waiting for some one to run outside with a gun and start shooting at me.

Finally, I capture the little brat dog. Spanked her butt. Like that really did any good! Furious does not describe what I was feeling. Why my neighbor had to chain his dog up to the tree that is so close to the fence. They do not do anything with that dog except feed and water it. I guess the dog gets bored and chews on the fence for something to do. You'd think they'd see the holes and broken slats their dog has created. Of course, after chasing Daisy through the yard, I could not help but notice how full of junk and trash their yard is.

The neighbor on the other side had 2 pit bulls. He apparently breeds them. And of nosey Daisy has to bark at them too.

So,now I am forced to walk Daisy on a leash in my own back yard! Since she is still puppyish, she wants to go out about every 2 hours! The rest of the time she spends circling the den, over and over because she wants to go out and be nosey. I also have to go out with the Grand Dame,Lady, but she is old and doesn't move fast any more. But, I can't take the chance that Lady might get loose too. That probably wont happen cause Lady is lazy. But I am really ticked that I have to do this now. I didn't create this problem. I'm not going to pay to fix the fence either. The land lord is supposed to replace it. But, like everything else, nothing has been done.

I'm officially irritated now. Actually I am running rapidly out of patience. I could move from pleasant to bitch in less time than it takes for a gnat to blink!


P.S. I only thought I was irritated. I'm REALLY irritated now. Just went to WalMart do get an errand done only to discover my battery dead when I get back in my car! Got it jumped so I could get home. With all this lousy luck, God must have something REALLY good for me soon. Please, God...

Let's See Game or Commercials or Mick?

Question of the weekend- do I watch the Superbowl or the commercials? Do I watch the Rollings Stones? I like both teams so I really don't know who I would want to win. I like the Seahawks. I think it's time they got some respect, but the Steelers seem to be the favorites. I do hope Jerome Bettis does well. If this is his last game, it would be a Super end for a great career and a Good Guy. It's a toss up for me. At this point, I just hope it will be a game worth watching. Some many of the games were snoozers. Then maybe I'll pay more attention to the commercials. Sometimes they are more intertaining than the game. Too bad some TV shows aren't as good. Then of course there are the endless pre-game activities. I know that it is an "honor" to do the pre-game, half-time and National Anthem but sometimes I wish there was a little less of some parts. We all remember Houston's Superbowl Show with Janet and Justin. I know people look forward to seeing their favorites singing and dancing. Do real people really move like that? My husband likes the Stones so I guess he'll be playing air guitar... Not me. I am probably the only person on the planet who doesn't like the Stones. Never did, don't now, never will. I think the OB should have slapped Mick's mother when he was born. I know beauty is subjective, but come on how can anyone say Mick Jagger is good looking? How come beautiful women are attracted to him? Maybe I'll pick that time to go to the bathroom.After all, don't want to miss the game or the commercials.

Phil Isn't Phooling Me

So Phil saw his shadow. Well, with all those cameras and lights I guess he would. Six more weeks of winter he says. Where? Houston? Uh, don't think so. I've got the best crop of clover and weeds I've ever had. It's going to be close to 80 degrees today. My little friend Woody the red bellied woodpecker is back drinking from the hummingbird feeder. The azalea trail tour isn't scheduled until March yet some of them are beginning to bloom. In order to stall the blooming the azalea tour people are putting ice around the base of these plants in hopes of slowing them down. Won't be much of a tour if they bloom too early. Gardening stores are hoping for brisk sales since the weather has been so warm.

So, Phil, six more weeks of winter? Please don't tell me we are going to have a Big Surprise of a deep freeze in three to four weeks. You sly dog, I mean groundhog. Maybe Phil needs a vacation. After all it did snow in Hawaii.

I remember the TV show "Alice" in which the character of Flo frequently said that something would or wouldn't happen "when pigs fly". Dare I look up?

Ok, I'll Bite

Well I watched most of the Speech in between the Flight 93 movie. I guess some people liked it. I noticed the obvious partisan applause. For me though, I didnt see any thing to get excited about. And to think this speech was rewritten 30 times. To me it just seemed like a rehash of old speeches including some that President Clinton gave. Who wouldnt want to fix things like dependence on oil, social security and get better math and science teachers? These are good ideas but how do we achieve them. One of our biggest problems is how do we do good things responsibly? Even Sen McCain said that. We really need to figure out how to pay for things without all the pork. I just paid my rent, now I'm broke till payday. What do I do? Dont buy anything! Cant buy if I dont have money. What does the government do? Keep borrowing. Now that is what I call setting a "good" example for us to follow in our own money matters. But on the whole the speech left me blah. So what do we do now?

Are We That Dumb?

Lately I have been wondering about a couple of things. As a natiion, are we dumb? Why are we so clueless about things. Take a spouse who doesnt realize that the other half is having an affair. Are they that dumb> Eventually the truth will come out. Deny it or belive it. Too many people apparently cant see the elephant in the room. Here in Houston, the Enron trial has started. So many people assumed everything was going fine. That is if you believe the speeches by people like Ken Lay. Every thing is fine, keep buying our stock (while I dump mine). This is why I am a little scared at the proposals of letting people invest in the stock market as part of their retirement social security etc. Most people dont know how to invest. They assume their companies or the government will make good choices for them. Wake up. Even Oprah was duped. Then I saw on TV that our Secretary of State as well as the EU and other allies were stunned to see the landslide victory of Hamas. Hello, pay attention! If the intellegence communities in our country cant/ or wont even talk to each other, what are we, the dumb public, supposed to think. For years, our intel people have complained to and about each other. One doesnt know what the other is doing and if they find out it is a crisis. Where does this leave us? I am not just talking about the current administration either. This is not a new thing.Why do we let ourselves get lulled into false security? We had better learn quickly that we cant depend on the government to help us. We all know what happened with Katrina and Rita. Seems like every time we turn around, another report of fraud and deception surfaces. I know that both Houston's Mayor White and Governor Perry have made demands that some body needs to get things straight. They are right. And we need to learn to take charge of ourselves, because unfortunately our country as a whole will not help, at least to this point, there have been more questions than answers. Months after these disasters there are still more questions than answers. And now we have more questions about what will happen to the Middle East. Are we really so dumb that we didnt see things coming? Just imagine that one of our allies or our own spokespeople will say the wrong thing or say something that is taken the wrong way. I just dont understand. We need to pay attention.

Did I Sleep Through Winter?

What happened to winter- I think I missed it. That is all except the electric bill. Our house is all electric which is bad enough cause the electric company is showing that we used 1000 kwatts more than we did last year for the same billing period. I dont see how they figure that since it hasnt been anywhere near as cold as last year...but they are impossible. And the people who have natural gas are getting sticker shock on their bills. Once again the energy company is saying they cant help it because their costs are up and they have to pass it on. If you are not home for 2 weeks and have everything turned off during that time plus the weather has been so warm, how do they figure that the bill should be more?

I dont know if I should start on the flower beds or not. Some of my plants are already starting to bloom or put on new growth. Some of the trees are starting to put on new leaves. What gives? Did I miss winter? Are we going to be hit with a sudden cold snap in Feb or March and kill all the new growth? Now I wouldnt mind if the weeds like dandylion and clover etc would get knocked out by a freeze. That is the greenest part of my yard right now. Somehow I feel like Rip Van Winkle. Maybe I did sleep through winter...

Jeff's Judgement

Tuesday is an important day in the lives of Jeff Bagwell and the Houston Astros. That is the deadline for the Astros to file a claim on the insurance they have on Jeff Bagwell. This wont be easy on anyone. Bagwell has been driving hard all off season to get in shape to play. He insists he will be going to spring training and fully intends to play. Managment has it's own crunch time decision. By the end of the month they will make the decision on the insurance claim of some $11,000,000 of Jeff's $17,000,000 contract. This is creating some hard feelings. While Bagwell had worked hard in rehab with the obvious goal of being able not only to hit, but to throw. Since first base is such an important position he must be able to throw quickly and accurately. That is the basic question. Since baseball is a business the Astros need to know if he will be able to do this. Since the team has the policy on him they need to know now, not later in spring training. The general manager has already hinted of problems. He's said that Bagwell's shoulder is arthritic and there is no way around it. I wish that this matter could be easily solved. Unfortunately, this may turn into a battle none of us who love the "stros and Jeff Bagwell want to see. One can only hope that this will work out to the benefit of everyone. The Astros are a class organization and Jeff Bagwell is a class guy. Let's hope this does not turn into a bitter battle.

Where Do We Go From Here?

I know that I am in the minority here, but I liked "The Book Of Daniel" on NBC. I also know that "groups" complained about the show before it ever aired. Is this a form of censorship? Well... I guess that is a personal opinion. I thought the show was pretty good. Sure it was over the top with so much disfunction in one family but, I think, this could have been eased a little. But come on, we all have problems. Granted, pillpopping, drinking, and homosexuality are problems, but its how we deal with them that helps us learn. Notice how many children learn things from TV more than their own family. I enjoyed Daniel's conversations with Jesus. They were the best parts of the show. After all God knows none of us is perfect.Through God, we learn how to be a better person, not through a group of scared people who are not willing to try to see things from another point of view. I grew up in the segregated South and survived integration without scars. Humor is a great teacher. Is this a wake up call? Maybe. We had better be carefull because there are groups who have a lot of influence on everything from politics, privacy, and what we should or should not watch and read. Obviously some "groups" dont like the new movie about the gay cowboys. That group apparently includes Prresident Bush. If we can not take a humorous look at ourselves, we are all in trouble.

As it is NBC has some big programing problems. Personally I dont think "Earl" is funny. How come nobody is complaining about the gay story lines of "Will and Grace"? NBC really doesnt have that many good shows and the few they are being scrambled around to the death walk. Apparently they are planning to move one of the "Law and Order" shows to be opposite "Lost" and "Las Vegas" to the dead zone of Friday. Some times controversy is good, but if no one sees it, how is any one to be able to make an informed decision?

Where do we go from here? In the future will we have freedom of choice? Will conservative groups become so powerful that they dictate to us what we can do? Let's see, I shouldn't go see "The Da Vinci Code" when it comes out. "Sponge Bob" could be a problem. How do we explain that Emily has two mothers? I can make up my own mind about things, at least I thought I could. People liked Hitler and Charles Manson had a following too. We have a right to be liberal or conservative in our views and I will always defend that right, but dont take my right to chose away. I would like to make up my own mind on things!

I Hope I Never Have to Do This Again

I now have a healthy respect for the handicapped. While I was taking apart the Dickens Village somehow I sprained my hand. I did not even know until my hand swelled and became painful. After wearning a splint for 3 days, I have decided I really dont want to have to do this again. At least it was my left hand and I am right handed. You dont even think about how much you use both hands until you cant use one. It's very frustrating to try to do things from holding a cup of coffee to buttoning shirts, pants, or tying shoes. Then I thought, imagine if I had to live my entire life this way... I am very independent and hate to ask for help. What a bummer. Just the thought of having to do this for the rest of my life was sobering. I know people who complain about everything. Yet, look at people with handicaps trying to handle their lives without complaint. As a kid I was an orthopedist dream and a mother's nightmare. At 7 I broke my arm, and at 14 I was kicked by a horse and broke my thigh. I spent a long time in a cast. When I was 22 I broke my ankle 6 weeks before my wedding. Looking back, maybe that was a sign cause the marriage didnt last... So I applaud the people who have a good life despite handicaps. As an adult, I discovered so many things I do on a daily basis that were harder or nearly impossible to do without help. How do people who dont have help cope? On the other hand, would I want to spend my whole life that way? No!

Then my moden crashed...

Then I just learned that NBC pulled the plug on "The Book of Daniel" Too bad...I enjoyed the humor. Apparently the Christian Conservatives who had not even seen the show applied enough pressure on the network to ax it. What next?

iPod as Theology

A local Baptist church is having a month long discussion of the theology of the iPod. I didn't know this was possible. It does make you think. How is this possible. Well, the sermon titles include "inovation" Of course the iPod is innovative. But what does this have to do with religion? Are we supposed to be innovative in prayers?What does that mean? The other sermons include discussions of simple, small and synchronized. Ok, but how does this work with God. Does it mean that ministers will now be having sermons available for downloading to an iPod? And how is the iPod synchronized as to God. Granted we should all be so in tune with our religion and spirituality, but how does this relate? Maybe he is trying to say that we need to get back to the basics with our relationship with God. Are we to compare God with an iPod? Maybe he is trying to remind us that if we are in synch with God, we should know what to expect and be thankful for the small, simple things? It is an interesting analogy.

I'm Thinking Apathy

Did you ever had one of those days where you just dont care? Sounds like a good day for it. I'm tired of everything thing and everybody. It's kind of like " I've heard it all before, you asked me and I told you. Enough." Yesterday the little dog drove me nuts all day long. A two year old child behaves better. Everything on TV irritated me. I got tired of all the talking heads talking over one another to the point I just wanted to yell at the screen "Shut up"

Our ice maker is caput so I called around for prices on a new one. Came to the conclusion that why should I pay $90 for a new ice maker on a 10 year old refrigeration. Especially, since the fridge occasionally makes noises like it is about to go out. Looking a prices of new ones is depressing. We bought our current one used, so we've gotten our money out of it. I can get another one a lot cheaper than a new one. So we decided to, for the time being, spend a couple of dollars on some prehistory items called ice trays. Why bother with an ice maker with the whole fridge may be about to go.

When we moved to this house, we gave our washer/dryer to mystepdaughter because our house came with a set. Of course the dryer takes longer and longer to dry the clothes. So, that leaves yet another question of if we buy another dryer,what do I do with the what that is already here? I dont want to take it downstairs to the garage, I need the space. The laundry room is upstairs with the bed rooms.

Lately we started discussing the possibility of looking for a cheaper place to live. We will have been here 2 years in June. We discovered, since renting this house, that we live in a money pit. Since the landlord has not done much to correct anything, I dont plan to spend money on his house. Try, finding out in 30 degree weather that there is very little insulation, making the house hard to heat and cool. Plus, we left a second floor apart in a nice four plex cause the new owner raised the rent and we had thought since the kids came frequently it'd be nice to have a yard. Hump. Now we rarely see them, or they say they are coming and never show up. Why keep this big house?

So, since nothing suits me today, I guess I just feel apathic. Why bother? The season opener of 24 was pretty good. Of course opposite, wife swap, inane comedy, and the blathering on at the Golden Globes... How many times can you pat yourself on the back?

Then I get up this morning to discover that the moronic Mayor of New Orleans says his city should be a "Chocolate" city!? Huh? Then he tries to spin that statement be saying milk with chocolate makes a good drink. He also said his city's majority is black. Which is it ethnically diverse or back. Is God really mad and sending all these hurricane to punish us?

Sounds like a good day for apathy. Right now I really dont care. Everybody seems to have all the answers, fix it yourself. Think I'll take the day off and read a book.

This Could Get Ugly

Well maybe...But I have to wonder about the future for the Houston Texans. No matter what they do, a lot of people will be upset. When the dust finally settles and the Broncos have gone as far as they can, the worst kept secret in the NFL will be announced that Gary Kubiak will be the next head coach. A lot of people thought that announcment would be made this weekend until the Broncos won. It really doesnt matter who gets picked as the first player in the Draft, because it is very unlikely that it will be Vince Young, although he has basicly been campaigning to be picked by the Texans. An overwhelming number of fans have voiced their opinion and depending on who you listen to 75 to 80 percent(or more)want Young. I am not holding my breath, but I may stay off the streets on draft day. It could get ugly. If I were Bob McNair I'd change my phone number and RUN. Realisticly speaking, we wont get Young. We need a lot of help, especially in the offensive line. That has been proven time and time again as David Carr's sacks keep piling up. No wonder he always looked as blank as a sheet of paper during games. Supposely, Carr could benefit from better coaching. Duh. Casserly has said the Texans will pay Carr's bonus in March. Could this be a ruse just to cover up what is really planned? The Texans keep saying that they are sticking with Carr. If they dont draft Young will they draft Bush? Will they go for some line help? Hell, why dont they just start over! Ha! So when ya get through, Gary, put on your armor, you're going to need it.

Hello, Are You Gonna Leave That Hole?

It seems that our water district is on a mission to find all the sewer lines in the neighborhood. Or maybe they dont have enough to do. For the last few days, I noticed the district's white pickup truck roaming the area. At first I thought they were just doing their meter reading. That was until I discovered they were going into everyone's back yards. The meters are in the front. Now it is not unusual for these guys to scour the neighborhood for broken waterlines so that they can bring out their heavy equipment to dig around the fromt yards. They apparently have a lot of fun doing this cause it takes several people to accomplish this. Then, they always promise, they have to come back and replace the grass they dug up.Sometimes I wonder just how much they actually find. Especially when there is no obvious sign of a problem, like a soggy front yard or water running down the street. So the other day, the dogs started barking. As I looked out my kitchen window there are two guys digging(make that one digging, one standing around)in the back of my back yard. Then, they left, got into the truck and moved on to the house next door. Nosey as I am, I went out to see what they had done. As I peered into the hole, I saw the sewer line, Now why did they do that? Next question, Hey guys when are you coming back to cover this hole? Two days later, the hole is still there. While this is not a serious problem for me as I dont have small children or elderly people here, this could be a problem. Just imagine one of my grandkids running around and falling because of that hole. One good (evil) thing,one of the guys stepped in dog poo. Ha Ha! Now I have questions. Why were you doing this? When will you be back to cover the hole. By the way, you'll need to bring some extra dirt, since it has rained. Why did it take two of you when only one of you dug the hole? Did you go to A&M? Or is this just busy work? Come on guys, you need to fix that hole!

The Artful Dodger aka Lying is a Way of Life

Ever wonder why people lie? Why are some so good at it and others not? Must be an art. According to the Ten Commandments we are not supposed to lie. Then again, Jesus has forgiven us for our sins. Boy I am sure glad he is so forgiving. Don't know if I could be so gracious. I have watched our politicians lie, who hasn't? How many times have children lied to parents? Probably too many to count. I know that we all tell "little white lies" to our bosses, friends and family. Sometimes, I guess this is an effort to avoid hurting someone or being punished. Then there are the professional liers like spys and other members of "national security" members. Then there are criminals and their lawyers. Not to give lawyers a bad rap but...you know what I mean. Then there is always a friend or family member who just can not tell the truth. They weave and dodge around an issue so skillfully that you must admire their ability to keep all the stories straight and remember who they told what and when. Maybe they could become writers, they tell stories so well. I am not sure though when these Artful Dodgers are close friends or family members how to or why bother confronting the issues with them. As I used to tell my children long ago, I'll always find out. One of my favorite phrases I used on them when they lied to me was from a popular commercial of the day "It's not nice to fool mother nature!" Too bad some people never learn, and I still find out!

Do you know an Artful Dodger? I do. Tisk, tisk, Sigh.How do you explain yourself to the people who trust you the most? I gave up a long time ago, it wont be long before others will blow your cover. Risky business, indeed. Artful Dodgers could face bigger problems in the future. Who will trust them then?

And the Winner Is..

Once again, it is the start of award season. Golden Globes, People's Choice, Oscars and on and on to infinity. So, for the very first time I am presenting my own awards which are not annual,semi-anual or on a time schedule. Actually, these awards are a figment of my fractured imagination and may recur or may not. I just think it is time to honor, or not, what I feel has made a significant impact on life as I know it.

So, here comes the Jilly Awards, dedicated to nothing special and everything in general.

The first award is for the most obnoxious noise maker I know. The winner is (drum roll, please): Astro, the Double Yellow Headed Amazon, who by the way does not have two heads.His performance of loud raucous parrot speak, frequently making it nearly impossible to hear what anyone says prompting the quick throwing of the blanket over his cage earned him this. Congratulations Astro!

The next award goes to Daisy for creating havoc by barking and picking at Lady as soon as I leave the room. Nice work Daisy.

The next Jilly goes to Lady for standing at the door whining and scratching to get out the minute I leave the room.

Next, we have the Jilly for the Most Irritating Display of affection, love and silliness on the planet. That has to go to TomKat by a landslide.

Moving on to the sports section of the Jilly Awards. There are three awards in this group. The first goes to the Houston Texans for the Worst Portrayal of a Professional football team. Moving right along comes the Jilly for the Best Performance by a College football team. Obviously this must go to the University Of Texas Longhorns for its un-defeated National Championship season. Are you watching,Texans?And our last sports one goes to the Houston Astros for taking a team that was,by some, pronounced dead on June 1st,2005, to its first ever World Series.

The next award is a lilttle more serious. My land lord earns this for not fixing the fence as he had promised, as well as ignoring the bees who have taken up residence under the siding on the house. The lack of up-keep on the insulation and the 20 plus year old AC and Heating systems also helped earn him this honor.

And now for the final(until I think of something else) Jilly. For the Best Ruining of a day in les than thirty seconds, the Jilly goes to my electric company. Sending me the highest bill ever just two weeks after Christmas earns this award.

Congratulations to all my Jilly Award winners. You are all deserve your awards!

I Wonder

I wonder how much trash is generated from fireworks. As I drove thru the neighborhood the other day I noticed residue from all the fireworks people used during the holidays. Our neighborhood does not have a streetsweeper going thru like some areas do so this stuff just lies there mainly on the streets. Got to be a lot.

I wonder what makes a good spy. I happened to catch part of an interview with a woman who had written a book about her life as a spy. It sounds interesting. Obviously a spy has to be a quick thinker, duh. How about the ability to lie. If the ability to lie were the only qualification, I know someone who could be the best spy in the world. This person has years of experience. I have often wondered how all the lies are kept straight and how to remember who was told what. Mata Hari would be proud.

I wonder about the FBI. Apparently, they are looking for a few good computer geek types. Guess all that wire tapping is getting harder to do, so they need the help. I know some people who are super good techno-geeks.

I wonder why someone who is a Republican can decide to "put politics aside" and run as an Independent for the Governor of Texas. Carol Keeton Strayhorn has decided to do that. What does she do with her allegiance to her Republican party if she gets elected? Would she remain an Independent or would she switch back to her roots once elected? If re-elected which side would she be on?

I wonder why some kids are "10 going on 30" and some adults are "30 going on 10"

I wonder why no-one has come back from the "other side" to tell us what it's like.

What is Alternative...Anything?

So, I'm a little behind the times...well maybe a lot. I remember when music was either standards and big band a la Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey or top forty rock and roll or country. As I watched the news this morning, the anchor was discussing the upcoming announcment of the artists who will be performing at the Houston Rodeo. I had never heard the term "alternative" country. Now I have heard of traditional or classic country, this being the older stuff. I see that we now have this plus contemporary and alternative country, huh? Man I got lost at adult contemp rock and alternative rock and for some reason, to me, Christian Rocks seems odd. Obviously I dont get out enough. I wont even discuss what I feel about Hip Hop and Rap. There must be 10,000 people doing this. Where is the music? And why must the guys always grab their crotch? I guess I just dont get it. But, on a whole what is "alternative" music mean, anyway. Is the next thing going to be alternative jazz? How about alternative classical. What else should we call alternative? We already have alternative lifestyle. I guess we could call counterfeit money, alternative? We could change the political scene by saying that a candidate an alternative Democrate or Republican or maybe the Christian coalition should call themselves the Alternative party. No wait a minute, that would be the Independants... I'm getting a headache. Guess I'll just go dig out my old fashioned Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond.

Well, the Dynamics Just Changed

Vince Young has just annnounced that he will be entering the NFL Draft. So, where does that leave Reggie Bush? Young had already said he would love to play in Houston. So...Houston has some thinking to do. Prior to this, obviously the Texans were leaning toward the no brainer pick of Bush,but now the whole dynamic just changed. We will have a new coach for sure and maybe a new first round pick. And what about David Carr? Does he see handwriting on the wall? Are his days as a Texan numbered? Or will the Texans pick Young and then trade him? Every person in Houston who has followed the Texans and Vince Young know how much he'd like to play here. The fans would love. If nothing else, having Young as quarterback, would re-energize fan intrest and attendance at the games! So many decisions...

A comment on Reggie Bush. He is a class act. He and several of his USC teammates got permission to visit the Longhorn locker room before the game to shake hands with the Texas team. After the Horns beat the Trojans, these same guys went back to congratulate the Longhorns. Now, that is Class!

So, this could get interesting as the Houston Texans take steps to improve the team. Mr. McNair is willing to spend the money necessary to find the coaching staff and the players necessary to get a winner. The Texans already have one of, if not the best facilities in the NFL. This could get interesting!

Is he Nuts?!

Does Pat Robertson have a brain tumor? When people continually make strange statements, it sometimes because they have a brain tumor. Wouldn't that be a kick in the head? (pun intended). I just can not imagine a Man of God making so many statements that would seem to go against the teachings of God. He is certainly not endearing himself to what I would call Christian people. Actually I can't really see how any one could find what he has been saying lately as rational. Maybe we should pray for him. Seems he has lost his way. From suggesting murder, to telling a whole town not to call on God for help to his latest rant against Mr Sharon. Retribution indeed! I thought Jesus told people to turn the other cheek and to love one another. It does not matter what religion we follow, I just don't think this is the way to show love and compassion. We all have problems at one time or another. Maybe the Pope will pray for Pat. Heaven knows he needs the help, if for no other reason than to keep his mouth shut. After all, if you can't something nice, don't say anything at all.

Burnt Orange Sky at Night---Longhorn Delight!

The UT tower is basking in the Orange light as it does after every Longhorn victory.This one is special. The whole tower is lit, not just the top. National Chanpionship full glow! I bow to the altar of Vince Young! Though he ran and passed for 467 total yards by himself, I admit I was nervous. The Horns just kept making mistakes. Like many others, I was in doubt as they were down 12 points. It didn't look good. So I took the dogs outside, then headed upstairs to bed. Turning on the TV,I discovered that Vince Young had opened the Vince Young playbook, frequently called, Let's get it done. He did. Now for the Vindication of Vince and Mac Brown. I remember it wasn't that long ago that the alumni wanted Brown out cause the Horns couldn't win the Big Games and had no National Championships. How fitting that the Natiional Championship was held at the grand old Rose Bowl. Do the pro scouts still question Young's arm? Though he has said he'll be back, Will he? Will he change his mind and turn pro? Is it time for a long Longhorn win streak?

Why does ESPN show Scrabble and the National Spelling Bee as "sports"?

What will the Texans do now?

And last but certainly not least-- Astros pitchers and catchers report to training camp on Feb. 17, 2006. Spring training is looming on the horizon.

From Oranges to Burnt Orange Hopes

Man, I watched the Orange Bowl last night. I have always admired Joe Paterno. I was begining to think nobody wanted to win. Kickers have got to have nerves of steel and a personality to match. They are always either the hero or the goat.

Now all the "Eyes of Texas" are upon the Rose Bowl. Apparently no one gives the Horns a real chance to win. That is if you listen to the media in Califoria. Mac Brown won't have to work hard to fire up the team, since nobody thinks UT can win. Most people seem to think the score will be around 38 to 31 USC. But, USC might find a few thorns in that Rose Garden. Back to back championships are hard enough to get, let alone 3 in a row. Plus a 35 game win streak is prime for cutting. I was at the game the last time Texas won the National Championship. I hope the game will be a good one. Just remember USC..."the eyes of Texas are upon you.." Hook 'em Horns!!!

Questions, questions, questions

Why is it every time I go to a store check out I end up in the slowest lane? Why do guys wear bootcut jeans so long, stilts wouldnt help? Why do people still insist on wearing big, baggy clothes that three other people could get in with them? If a person drowns while wearing bling, it the bling a cause of death? How can my serving spoon fall from the top of the stove into the back of the oven? If a tree falls in a forest, does anyone care? Why does my dog go outside for an hour and come in to poop?Why do women ask, "does this make me look fat?" Why did Dom Capers always have his mouth open at the games? Why are some kids smarter at 10 then their parents are at 30? Why do I care? Why do stores put their Christmas decorations on sale except for some decorations that were not available before or after Christmas? Why does the driver behind me think he can get there faster by passing me? We always meet at the next light. Why does parrot food always have stuff the parrot wont eat? Why can't I find my car when I come out to a parking lot? What would happen if Reggie Bush decided to stay in school? Ha Ha! Why is the murder rate in Houston gone up? Why does any body live in California? Why does anybody live on the gulf coast? Why is television so boring? Why do comics have to use so much profanity? And why do we still think they are funny? What can we learn from Dick Clark? Why don't I just shut up?! Ok.

Notes from a Lost Week-end

Note to myself... figure out how to get Daisy to go do her business while fireworks are in full Blast. Even Lady was a little rattled. We decided to try and stay up to bring in the New Year. As in previous years, we didnt make it. We did make it till 11:50 before giving up. Just trying to get Daisy off the patio in the midst of all the noise was about as wild as it got. She totally freaked, ran from side to side and tried to go back in the house.I even had to carry her out to the back of the yard but she kept racing back to the back door. Oh well. We tried. As we watched Dick Clark we kept looking at the clock. Is it time to go to bed yet? I guess you could say our party days are over, can't stay up all night anymore. Of course, any day I wake up and discover that I'm still alive is ok, I guess. Kind'a like the saying on coffee cups in the funeral museum here that say something like "Any day above ground is a good day". Saw a story on that museum on a plane from Phoenix to Denver a few years ago. The irony of the story was not lost on me while flying.

So, it's going to be nearly 80 today. I just don't know. The weather does not look good for the Rose Parade today. Hope that it's not an omen for the Horns. So every one thinks SC will win. We'll see. Hook 'em Horns! Oh yeah, and Roll Tide!

The other shoe drops today when Bob McNair fires Dom Capers. Who will be the new coach? Watched the Texans lose the last game of the season. Can't belive they actually came close to winning it. That would have been a disaster. If they had won, the mathmatical calculatiions of who would get Bush would be enough to get a sports fan a headache. Imagine the collective Texan fans thoughts... just lose the game and be done with it!

So, starting today, it's Couch Potato Heaven. Bowl game after bowl game.Remotes on fire from channel changing. So many games, so little time. Jimmy is not happy cause the boss decreed that Monday was a workday as he took off for his long week-end. Hey, it's the New Year man, bah, humbug time is over!

I didn't make any resolutions, gave that practice up years ago. Never keep them anyway. My resolutions are just like my plans.They always get changed, sometimes for the better, more often for the worse. And they usually get changed to facilitate plans for someone else who in the long run never appreciate it anyway. Oh well, life is short and I must move on. Now I must get busy undecorating.

Ok, ok, I'll rake the leaves, maybe

Walking out to get the mail the other day I noticed that the front yard was covered in a blanket of snow, or should I say leaves. Watching the wind blow the leaves of the oak tree, it did resemble a snow storm. So many leaves were blowing, not falling, onto the ground that I could not longer see the lawn. I had already swept them up once. As I looked up there were still a lot of leaves left on this deciduous (big word for a blond)tree, even with the wind pushing them off the tree. Gotta rake again, I guess. After going back into the house, I noticed something else. The tallow tree in my neighbor's back yard. Now this tree sits right at the fence between our two back yards. I am not a real fan of tallow trees. They grow fast and provide quick shade in the summer, but they have annoying fruit/nuts that seem to be around all year long. They really create a mess and have a tendency to propagate the entire neighborhood, kind of like the horny dog the neighbor's have. That's odd, I thought as I looked out the kitchen window. The tallow tree had decided this would be a good day to throw up on my back yard. I guess it held on as long as it could. But the rush to relieve itself of it's leaves was just too much for it. So, there in the corner of my backyard lay yet another blanket of leaves. Funny how they weren't there the previous day. Yet again I am reminded why I dont like tallow trees. Of all the leaves covering the yard, these are the ones that blow around the most and stick to the shoe bottoms the most. In the morning when it is wet is when they seem to enjoy visiting the inside of the house. Like the mother-in-law who wont leave they seem to be a constant reminder of the trouble they have produced. So, I guess I have to rake the back yard now. Maybe I can pull a Tom Sawyer act on my son. Oh Pat, this is such fun, dont you want to help?

Annoying toys and psychology

Why do people buy the kids and/or grandkids annoying toy? Simple. Our kids annoyed us with loud,obnoxious toys usually given by relatives. I still remember the Tuneyville Choo-choo that my ex- sister in law gave my kids. That thing never shut up. Sometimes is goes back to as Erma Bombeck said"just wait till you have kids of your own". While I love my children and grandchildren, sometimes I just gotta do it! The psychology of it, since my kids pestered and bugged me about everything, is that now I can get back at them. Can't spank them anymore. Can't tell them anything cause they dont listen or think they know it all. It has been suggested that certain toys have been left "accidentally" at Grandma's house. Sometimes Mom says to the kid that the toy broke when she really took out the battery. This works right into the plan. If it annoys the mother that much..ha,ha. Serves you right for sticking your toys at me all the time when you were a kid. Let's be honest here, not all kids are little angels. Mine weren't. Oh they did all the usual stuff that little kids do. As they got older I kept telling them what would happen...they didn't listen. Painting the high school at 13 was really fun, till one got caught. One not only stole change, money and jewelry, she would take the car for joy rides. When asked she always said "I didn't do that" No? You have the longest legs and I do not listen to that radio station. And since I work out of town I know how much gas should be in the tank. Just you wait till you have kids. Yeah I admit I look for annoying toys, toys with lots of parts, and toys that are maddening to get out of the box. If that is the worst that happens to you and your kids, you will be lucky. Pay attention to them, they won't be little long. There is a method to my madness. Made you think!

The Art of the Gift

Some gifts just keep on giving...headaches. And just who is the sadistic person responsible? Not the gift giver, unless you are me and love to annoy people. But you are not me, he he. So, have you ever recieved a gift that was difficult to get out of the box? This is usuallly something from a very nice department or speciality store. For example, the gift basket from a bath shop. The gift is presented so nicely, wrapped in ribbons and secured in a pretty basket. Just try to get the bath stuff out of that basket.You'll run out of hot water before you can get the shower gel out! The company secures the items with globs or rubber glue. I defy anyone to get stuff out of the basket. Dont tear up the basket, please. Some times they stick the bottles and tubes into plastic and glue. Trust me, patience and time might make it easy. Then again, maybe not, just dont try to take the bath products out when you're in a hurry.

Then of course some people like to buy children the playsets with LOTS of pieces. Actually, I'm one of those evil people who buy these toys on purpose. After all, it's all about payback! Yes, I go to the store looking for the doll set or toy car set that will surely drive the parent nuts! They look so nice in the store. All those small pieces or dolls that have to be freed from the plastic covers and all the ties behind that are curse worthy while trying to free them for the child. I think these play sets are harded to open than they were when my kids were little.

And of course, there is always the question of regifting. It's been said that the term regifting was coined by the cast of the Seinfeld TV show. I don't really know. I was probably the one person in the country who never watched that show. But, regifting isn't new. My grandmother, who died in the early 1980's was an expert. No one really every knew what to get Grandmother. After all, what do you get someone who has been around forever and doesn't like anything. It didn't matter what the family gave her for her birthday and Christmas, most of the gifts ended up in "the closet". Grandmother had a closet in her den which always smelled like mothballs. Guess where the gifts went? She had an uncanny ability to know when and who to regift. You never got your gift back. It didn't matter. The gift could be hankerchefs, brooches, earrings, perfume, books or whatever. Some lucky person would eventually be the reciepent of a regift. Maybe we should have just bought her a case of beer. She loved beer. Hey, Daddy, why don't we get Grandmother some beer? At least she'd use that. But, if you got a gift which smelled like mothballs, you'd been regifted! She was a Master!

Gift giving...aint it great!

Wait...slow down!

Christmas is over. We had a nice visit with my stepdaughter and my son, his girlfriend and her son. Annie and Jason went with his parents to be with his family. Traci and her family did not show. Annie had said she was told Traci & family would be here the day after Christmas. I suspect she must have meant next week end. Heaven knows we heard not a word from Traci. Any way, Jimmy and I watched the new Batman movie and the unrated Dukes movie. Then we watched them again when Pat, Amanda, Heather and Logan were here. I think I am way to critical about the current crop of movies. I liked the Batman one ok but I still like the TV version was the best. I was not impressed with the unrated Dukes. Again, I still like the TV one better.

So where is time going so fast. Christmas is over. Wasn't it just summer? The new year will soon be here. I would rather slow down time. I blink and another year has gone. What happened to winter. The week before Christmas the weather people were teasing us with the slight possibility of snow at Christmas, Today we may reach 80.Did I miss a season? Baseball spring training is right around the corner and the NFL draft is not far behind. Slow down will ya. You're driving me crazy too fast. Not that it would be that far of a trip.

I did get a laugh from Queen Latifa's WalMart commercial continuation.Clever way to push her movie.

I am ready to take all the decorations down now. Funny, seems that once the presents are opened and the meals are eaten, I am ready to move on. Maybe I need to slow down too. If only I could. Time moves too fast now. Slow down a little, please!

Drayton McLane--Have You Lost Your Mind?

Of all the bonehead, dumb moves that should not have been made this is it! The Houston Astros are replacing their radio color man, former Astros catcher Alan Ashby!No one expected this, least of all Ashby! After playing for the team for 11 years and broadcasting for 8, he was told he was no longer needed. He was blindsided as were his friends, family and fans. The local media is outraged. Alan Ashby is one of the really nice guys and this is how he gets treated? Since Hall of Famer Milo Hamilton at 78 will only be doing the home games, the team needed another broadcaster. Ashby obviously knows the team very well and has a wonderful history with them. In addition to his playing days prior to radio, he was the bullpen coach in 1997. Having been interviewed for the vacant road play-by-play job, he was called to the ballpark for a meeting thinking he was about to get good news. Instead, he was completely shocked to learn that he was not going to be retained. "I made the assumption I was getting the play-by-play job. They told me they were going in an extremely different direction and I was not going to be retained for 2006. I was titally blown away and surprised, and I'm devastated." Talk about a kick in the gut!

The new team of Brett Dolan and Dave Raymond will be paired with Hamilton for his 22nd season of Astros broatcasting. These guys have experience in Minor League broadcasting. Neither has any knowlege of the Astros. Dolan comes from the Triple A Tuscon Sidewinders. Raymond has Major League experience with the Orioles and Giants. Last year he broadcast the Brocton Rox of the Independent Can-Am League in Brocton, Mass.

I don't like this change at all. Ashby knows the team very well and had a good relationship with Milo Hamilton. Why would "fix what aint broke"? The TV/Radio sports guys are just stunned. They let McLane know what they thought of the change. And it wasn't pretty. Talk about dumb moves. Drayton, What were you thinking? What a boneheaded, stupid move. It smacks of the move former owner, Dr. John McMullin made when he sent Nolan Ryan on up the road to the Rangers where he went on to make more history. Can you say No-Hitter? Dumb,Dumb, Dumb!

To be honest...to tell you the truth?

Ever notice that some phrases make you stop and wonder about what the person is really saying? How many times have you heard an interview with a politician (Ha), sports star or expert who says something like "to tell you the truth" What does that mean? Were the first 10 minutes not the truth? Same thing for people who, in a discussion, will say "to be honest or if the truth be told..." I dont know why but I starting thinking about these phrases the other day. I was watching an interview with a professional basketball player at the time he said one of these phrases. It stuck in the useless interest part of my mind. Makes you wonder why people say these. We all do it. These phrases all beg the question about the real truth of the conversation. It is almost as if the person has only said things untrue to that point. I couldnt resist thinking that if we say these things what does it say about
what we really mean?

Signs of the Season

We all know the signs of the season. Christmas trees, wreaths, wrapping paper and so on. Some people actually have snow. Here, we just get teased with the possibility (or lack of it)of snow. Turkeys and hams abound in the grocery. The malls have been decorated for quite some time. People are frantic, trying to find just the right gift. The kids are now out of school for the holidays. Christmas music and commercials have been playing for a Long time. But, it is never really the Christmas season until you see two commercials (or actually find one in a store) for, ta da, drum roll, please... Chia pets and clappers. Every year it seems that just before Christmas these things start getting a lot of air time. Does anyone actually buy a Chia pet? Some how I can't see me clapping to turn of a light or turn on/off the TV but these two items seem to be advertised a lot just before crunchtime. Yes, those last few days when you have exhausted your brain trying to thing of something to get Aunt Martha who hates everything. Does any body actually grow a Chia pet? Does it really work? Or is it something for people who can't grow anything? At least now I can finally say it is Christmas time. The true signs of the season are here. Let's all run right out and get someone a gift of a Chia Pet or Clapper! Especially some one we don't really like. Ha,Ha!

Crunch Time

First I must say Thank God for small favors. Finally Jason may have a job. If he passes the background check they can move to Brownwood where he would work with the USAD processing rural home loans. He did this on a temp basis a while back. Now to show just how organized our wonderfull federal government is he has to pass a background check. Funny, he had applied for a job in their Angleton office where they did a background check. Now they need to do another one for the same job but in a different location? Huh!? But, that our tax dollars being well spent!

So, we are almost done with our shopping... This year cheap is the code word. Sorry kids, no TVs or DVD players this year!

We will have most of the family here Sunday for dinner. Amanda will go to her mother's on Sat and here Sunday. My son and his girl friend will come over Sunday. He is so glad he can come here this year, after having to visit his almost ex-wife's family every year. The El Paso bunch can't come since they came for T-Giving. The one thing that gets me, however, is my daughter in Aransas Pass. How come she can tell Annie in El Paso what we can expect but she can't tell me? I found out from Annie last week that Traci and her family will be here the day after Christmas. Of course this is the woman who wont call, would rather e-mail usually when She wants something. I checked my e-mail this am to see if she had e-mailed me her plans. Of course not Grrr!

Ah, So Peaceful

I love this time of the morning. Had my first cup of coffee, the dogs are quiet. That is to say that Daisy has not decided to start yapping at Lady and Astro is not yelling yet. Husband is off to work and I am here in the peaceful quiet. Love it. Then I start to think of what I should be doing... Maybe I will maybe I wont. Finished the tree yesterday. Had to buy some plain ornaments in purple cause I have too much white and red. I was looking for some pretty green, but couldnt find any I liked. Well maybe I'll find some tomorrow. Man if you have not done a tree by now you are just about out of choices for decorations as I have discovered. I might have to go to Michael's or Garden Ridge for some green that I like. Then again I may just wait till next year. Husband's party is this afternoon. Wonder what the menu is? Beer, beer, beer??? They usually cater either turkey, ham or Mexican. Yesterday the weather guys were predicting a little snow on Tuesday (fat chance) but now it maybe too warm. Last year we had a light dusting but I guess not this year. We had 5 inches of rain the other day. At least that's what my rain gauge said. Ah, the peace is about to be broken. I hear Lady whining downstairs. So much for peace and quiet.

Almost Done

Well finally after a week and a half and some 60 hours I finally finished my Dickens Village.Climbing on 2 tables made of 4 x 8 plywood is not my idea of fun. My knees and elbows are sore. But I'm done. At last I threw the snow on the village. That's the best part. The village is the most tedious and time consuming part of Christmas decorating. Now it's time to do the tree, the bathrooms, the kitchen, the den as well as clean up the mess. Whew, I might be finished next year. Oh and I still have presents to buy. I dont look forward to that. My stepdaughter called the other night looking for ideas of what to get her dad. Of course he says nothing. Maybe a shirt, a video or a Kinky Freedman doll. Does Kinky get the money for that $30 doll. I have a couple of Madame Alexander dolls that didnt cost that much. Then again, they were bought in the 1950's. I just saw some in a store at the prices from $50 to $100! How does anybody afford to buy presents? Yeah, I did manage to buy early one year. Had everything bought, wrapped and hidden by the end of October. But then I forgot where I hid some of them. I'm very good at hiding things, just not good at remembering where. Well, I'm off again to do whatever...

What to do with my ashes?

Guess I'm it after being tagged by Shellie at the life & times of the 5 C Clan .Cute
So I hear today that you can now have your ashes mixed with concrete and made into a bench. Gives new meaning to "sit on your face" Personally, if I were to do anything with my ashes I would rather have them mixed with concrete and used to make a new "coral" reef. I cant see making jewelery out of them. Then there is always shooting me into space. Isnt there enough junk there now? Never have wanted to be buried. Why waste the land. I've always felt a little creepy going to a grave site. Does any one get an answer when they talk to their dearly departed? I always told my kids that I would come back to haunt them. Maybe as a tree with roots they would trip over. Ok. so I am a little twisted. Just wait till you have kids of your own!Ha Ha!

Decorating Diva and other Dreams

Crabby woman has left the building. After some peace and quiet and a little rest, it's time to get busy making this house look forward to Christmas. My cold is better, though my nose still seems to run faster than an F-16 can fly. So we put up the tables and I am now standing, climbing and crawling under, over and around to get the Dickens Village going. Got to get old London going. Then the tree and other decorations can go up. My mother was an artist and I inherited the "artist eye" but not the ability. So it really takes some effort. My one track mind is in overdrive trying to get all this done. After all, got to speak to Santa. Havent done any shopping. Funny we talked about doing it early, somehow like everything else, not done yet.

So, we watched the Texas destroy Colorado in the Big 12 Championship. How did Colorado get there anyway? Talk about a laugher! It really looks like the Rose Bowl will be a very good game! Can't say the same for the Houston Texans. Once again for the second week in a row, the Texans found a new way to snatch defeat out of the mouth of victory. It's embarrassing. Wonder who will be the coach next year?

Well, it's time to take the clothes out of the dryer. Then when I finish my coffee,it's back to the tables, then I need to clean up the mess. Who says I can't multi-task? Gotta get it done, gotta get it done. All right already!

Crabby Woman Warning

I'm crabby today. I rarely get sick, in fact it been a few years since I had so much as a sniffle. As a result, I'm crabby. I feel like my head is a fish bowl minus the fish. Yesterday I decided to get started on the Christmas (excuse me-Holiday) decorations. I put out some decorative candles. That's as far as I got. I have boxes of stuff to work on and have no desire to do any of it. We've been thinking of not putting up our Dickens Village but I may have to anyway cause the kids always want to see it. It's not Christmas without Mom's Village. Because I am crabby nothing suits me and little things are irritating me. Daisy is barking furiously at Lady. Better watch out dog! I'm making soup in the crock-pot today. It had better come out good! Annie calls me last night to ask if Pat is mad because she accidently went back to El Paso with his girl friend's DVD movie. Pat and Heather are mad.He says cause Annie borrowed a movie and it took nearly 2 years to return it. Not my problem man. I asked Annie why she didnt just send it back and she said she had not had a chance to go to the post office and didnt know his address. Jeez!! I'm still mad about the way Traci and Bobby are treating Cheyanne. Grrr. So in between sneezes, nose runnings and occasional coughs I have to do the laundry and figure out how I am going to get all the decorating done and buy and wrap gifts. I have no real desire to do any of it but I have to keep moving. Then, when I went out yesterday I forgot to get wine, so that has me pissed off. I don't like to waste time going out for just one thing. Then I see the story of Tom Cruise buying the sonogram machine for his private use. Those things are dangerous to a fetus if used too often. God, he's such an idiot. Sorry, I'm being crabby again. Thank God I am on the no-call list. I pity the telemarketer who would try to call me today. Oh well, sooner or later it will get better. And Santa Claus said he'd bring me a million dollars! Right!