I Have the Evidence

I was looking through some old pictures the other day. Boy, my kids were cute. What happened? Of course there are a lot of baby pictures of the eldest and fewer of the younger. Funny how memory fades. I guess that is why we take pictures. I've got pictures of Traci's first birthday party and the first birthday of Annie and Pat. I made a cake and one half was iced in pink and the other blue. I often wondered if they felt cheated because they had one cake for the two of them. I've got pictures of all of them playing little league. God I used to hate to have to work the concession stand. All those little brats wanting suicides. I was so dumb I had to ask what that was. Snow cones with all the flavors. UGH. Then there was Traci's birthday party. I dont remember the year, but she and Annie had the same pink and grey dress. It was also the party when she had her first "boy friend" Adam Barnett. I dont think she remembers, but I do. Then there was the Halloween party where some of the guests came in costume. One even came in one costume and changed into another briefer one. That was interesting. Then there was the picture of Traci on the riding lawnmover. We had a big yard at the time. She really thought she was something else.
Then I found Traci's graduation picture. She looked so nice. Pat wasn't too into getting pictures taken as he usually flipped me the finger when I tried to take a picture. And the one that made me really mad was when I paid for Annie to have her Senior pictures done, only to find out that she cancelled the order and used my money for herself. I didn't get any pictures of Traci's first wedding cause we werent invited. I didnt get the chance to give her a shower or any thing. Of course she married a jerk. She also refused to tell us the truth about her pregnancy. So much for seeing your firstborn walk down the isle. Now she had been married twice and I still have no pictures. That wedding was also hush,hush. Guess I just didnt rate in her book. Missed my son's wedding because our truck broke down, course the marriage did too. At least Annie had a nice wedding. I hope it was what she wanted. Now I have pictures of the grandkids. Then of course I still have some pictures I have been holding back for blackmail. Yes, I can be evil! Just ask my stepdaughter Amanda. She always tried to hide whenever a camera came out, still does. But she has been caught too. I love having evidence!

Back Off!

Why do people tailgate? I especially hate it when I am in my low-slung sports car and some idiot in an SUV or truck crawls up my ass!. It makes no difference how fast I go, they are smelling my exhaust. That is annoying to us laid back,gentle people. Then they finally get tired of counting the hairs on the back of my head and whip out and roar past me. Well, guess what, just who is side by side at the next light?!I dont know what they think the are accomplishing by following so close, but sometimes I feel like really s l o w i n g down so they will get away from me. There are so many people around here who think that the break pedal is something to slam on at the last minute. Those are the ones that really scare me, especially while they are riding my bumper. This ain't NASCAR guys (and girls). Back off, or I will have to hurt you! As a member of the "fair sex" I must remind you I have a mean streak! Now get off my ass!

Did I Hear That Right?

I was watching ESPN this morning and heard something interesting. Peter Gammons actually said that the Astros are a very good team! Huh? We know that but a lot of sports writers and "media" types tend to ignore our team. Being in what is often described as a "small" market the Astros don't often get the respect they deserve. Of course last year they were 15 and 30 on June 1st. This year they are doing better. Now the sports watchers are saying the team is good. And yet whenever a sports "expert" is asked about the league leaders or who they think will go to and do well in post season, the Houston Astros are rarely mentioned. This is why (of course I am biased)I am pleasantly surprised that at least one national sports watcher thinks we have a good team. Seems someone just discovered that Lance Berkman is hitting the ball hard. So is Craig Biggio, Morgan Ensberg and even Willy Tavaras. Last year Willy T bunted more than he hit. Most of the time he beat the throw to 1st base. Now he is actually hitting some to the outfield! And our very young pitchers are doing very well. Most young pitchers take a while to develope. But without Roger and Andy's slow start, the young pitchers have jumped right into the fire.

Historically, Houston has been a second half team. So, with this good start, what will happen later in the season? It could all fall apart, since they are starting well or they could be on the true verge of greatness! After all last year Clemens said that he felt that the young players needed to step up and take charge. Apparently they have listened. Maybe that's why some sports mouths are now saying the Astros are a good team. Hope so, we'd like a return trip to the Series!

The Birds and the Apache

You can tell it's Spring in my back yard. Of course some of my flowers are blooming and the yard needs mowing every 5 minutes. All the birds are busy. They love it when I finally put some food in their feeder. This is usually when they start squabbling. A lot of them have new families or are chasing around looking for "love". I keep forgetting that the bluejays have a young one. He's still a little awkward. Mom and Dad still swoop down to chase off other birds. Lately there is a constant battle between the Jays and the Grackles. Imagine my surprise when I was walking Daisy around and almost got in the middle of a fight. In a scene reminiscent of Hitchcock's "The Birds" I find myself in the middle of a bunch of birds. Not wanting to suffer the fate of Tippi Hedren, Daisy and I quickly moved out of the line of fire. Zooming and swooping and chasing, it was funny. Grackles, Jays, doves and sparrows vying for dominance and food. Descretion being the better part of valor, I moved to the security of the indoors. There I was assaulted again, this time by the rumble of a helicopter. At first I thought it might be another life-flight chopper going to or from an accident. They tend to be noisy and have a heavy throaty rumble instead of the lighter helicopters. But, this noise was so LOUD that my windows were rattling and we couldn't hear the tv. Curious, I went outside only to see, not life flight on it's mercy mission, but an Army Apache helicopter a few hundred feet off the ground. It was just above the tree tops buzzing around us and the houses around us. I almost expected a rope to drop and the Special Forces unit to charge into the yard. I know we have a lot of Muslums in our neighborhood, but I dont think any of us here are ready to overthrow the government yet! I have no idea why they chose to fly around us, but that was a lot of government money spent to show off! Guess I'll never know, but that really did disturb my peace! Talk about loud! What did you say!
I said that is a really big helicopter!

A Pink Phone? Sure!

Ever look at the junk in your e-mail? Some of the offers are so silly. I really thought a pink phone was funny. Do I really want a pink phone? No. Worse yet suppose I was a guy and got this offer? Well, I guess I'd have to be in touch with my feminine side to want to get one. And just what is a Christian loan company? I've had untold offers for a 42" plazma TV. Sure, if I sign up for something I dont want, I might get it. Do they really think I believe I would get it free? And then there is the survey, do you like CSI or Law and Order better. I dont care. I watch them both, it just depends on which is new or a rerun. Not to mention I can catch them in syndication. Where is my dream date? Yeah I'd like a $1000 credit card. Who wouldn't? What's the catch? Free money? Sure I'll take a couple of mill... What do you mean it doesn't work that way? Oh, and I'll take that gift card, but I dont want to take that 2 hour survey. I don't have a prostate so I don't need anything to decrease it's size, nor do I need the little blue pill to increase my non-existent penis size, either. Do people really get paid for filling my junk mail box with junk? Somebody is making money. Too bad it's not me.

Beware, Sleep Deprived Woman Here!

I am not very happy this morning because Crazy Daisy kept me up all night. On the bed, off the bed. Under the covers, out of the covers, in her bed, on Lady's chair. Back to the bed, jumping over me around Jimmy. All night long she refused to be still.One cold wet nose too many! Finally at 3:10 am I picked up her bed, tossed it into the bathroom, caught Daisy and dumped her into it and shut the door. But, alas no sleep for the weary. The alarm went off at 5:00am. Another night shot, another day begun.

Then as I walked Daisy around the yard at 6:45 this morning what do I find? A shoe up against the gate in the backyard. From the style and pink logo I learned it was a woman's size 81/2. Could belong to one of the girls(or friends)next door. Hey, I don't watch CSI for nothing. Ever since that family moved in, I had feelings that things went on late at night. Now, I know. So what were she(they)doing in my backyard after 11:00pm? I'm already irritated at the the Hispanics. I know the family is from here but sometims the things they do and attitudes irk me. This is in addition to my hearing the mother whipping one of their pit bulls yesterday evening.
I get annoyed everyday when the kids walk across my lawn to their house.

One funny thing last night. The Sports Director for KTRK had an interview with Bob McNair regarding the future of Charly Casserly. There was so much space between the lines, you could read the answer without glasses. Bye, bye Charley. Now Where is Roger? At home working with Koby.

So, if Crazy Daisy pulls her crap tonight she'll find herself in the bathroom, again! Now, where did I put my coffee?

Does Anybody Care About Legal Immigrants?

Large demonstrations are going on here in Houston. We all know that immigrants do a lot of the work that the rest of us do not want to do. Many of the people willing to do this are illegally here from Mexico. But what about the people who have followed the rules? What about the Mexicans and others who have come here the right way? Just because someone crosses the border and gets a job should this person be given all the rights of an American citizen? Our healthcare, welfare and other systems are already overworked because these people send their kids to school and use medical care here. We have already seen the necessity for teachers to be bilingual. Many jobs require an applicant be bilingual. What about all the people who speak other languages? Should the teachers and others be required to speak these? In this city we have in addition to Spanish, we have Korean, Chinese, Vietnameze as well as many other Asian, Middle Eastern and European languages. People who want to become American citizens should have to learn our language and our laws and history. Most other countries dont bend over backwards to speak English if we visit their country. Granted, these illegal aliens make and spend a lot of money here in this country, but some of them send a lot home to their families in Mexico. That doesnt help us. Many of our best citizens are immigrants. But, those who have come legally and become citizens by learning about our country and learning citizenship as well as our language, must have mixed feelings about all these illegals who are demanding that we change the rules for them. Does anyone care?

Is It Time To Punt, Yet?

Oops! Look what the Houston Texans did now! For quite some time the team has been having talks with Reggie Bush. Dispite pleas, petitions, and fullpage newspaper ads, the Texans said they would not draft home town hero Vince Young. Just as fans were grudgingly getting used to the idea that Reggie Bush would be the first draft pick, that choice has been sacked. Yesterday afternoon we learned that talks with Bush had concluded and no more were scheduled. Instead, negotiations began in earnest with Mario Williams, defensive end from North Carolina State. Odd to say the least. The last time a defensive lineman was picked first was a flop. So, fans were concerned at this. Then last night (during the Daytime Emmy Award Show) KTRK ran a crawler on the screen saying the Houston Texans had signed a contract with Mario Williams for 6 years at $54,000,000. What?! Now the fans must know how David Carr feels after being sacked! Talk about knocking the breath out!

One has to wonder if this was percipitated by the problems of Reggie Bush's family and other issues that Reggie Bush has with a marketing and agency company. That story is still unfolding. Did the Texans decide that might be too much of a distraction? Fans are left feeling let down. Right now they are very unhappy. What the mindset of the Texans management is at this point is totally up in the air. Only Bob McNair and Charley Casserly know the reasons they made the decision to draft Williams instead of Bush. The rest of us are left asking a lot of questions.

To muddy the waters up even more, Casserly may be leaving after the draft ends. What does this mean? It is a little strange. Of course we don't know the whole story, yet.
Sounds like it's 4th and half a mile, do we punt or throw a hail Mary pass?

It's Friday!

Finally Friday fought fiercely to follow Thursay. Ok I quit. I'm not a poet and I know it. Ugh...

So, Amanda had to move her furniture and stuff out of her house this weekend. This could be tricky since it is supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow morning. Then she still has to figure out where to take the dead Lumina which Pat had borrowed. When it died they pulled it into the garage, now they have to move it. We dont have room for it here. Maybe they can pull it to the shop. I dont know how much it will cost to fix. Jimmy is hanging on to it, I guess, because it was his mom's car. But at this point it is not even worth $1000. It would cost more than that just to fix the a/c. Then there is the power steering pump for $225. To get it running again???

And to think that the government is toying with the idea of giving us taxpayers a $100 refund because of the high price of gas. Guess we are not worth very much when you compare us to the big oil companies that the government gave $Millions$ to help them. I feel so warm and fuzzy.

HA, HA the Texans have said they will not take Vince Young. He was "shocked". And the "experts" are still saying that Roger Clemens will pitch for Boston!???

Well, at least we got the yard mowed yesterday. Wonder what the odds are of a stiff breeze blowing down our fence?

Can you imagine the National Anthem sung in Spanish? That's just wrong! Happy Friday!

My Life as a Gnome

I live a quiet life here in the yard.Unlike the stories you have heard about the gnome who was stolen and taken on a world-wide vacation, I am not nomadic and have not been any where. I am stuck here in the back yard. By the way, somebody needs to mow the grass.

Hey buddy, get off my head! Oh that's just great! Thanks for the deposit. Now I'll have to wait for rain or somebody to clean that off. Thanks a lot, pal!

You just stay over there dog. I saw what you did to the garden rabbit. That did leave a mark! How would you like it if I chewed on your tail? Don't even think of lifting your leg on me! Go on now, get away. I don't need a shower from you.

Oh,crap, those kids are playing with that big ball again. Please don't kick it over here. Ouch, too late. Somebody pick me up, anybody? Guess I'll just have to wait till somebody comes outside and stands me back up. Maybe I'll take a nap.

Get off me, you moron! Just cause you're an ant you think you can run all over me. And don't bother to call your friends. I said don't call your friends! Man, why don't you just go make a hill somewhere?

Oh, hello, nice to see you. Yes, it is a nice warm day. Better than the winter cold, huh? I must say the Tiger Swallowtail look is wonderful on you. Ah choo, sorry must be something in the pollen you picked up.Off, again? Yeah, the marigolds are nice, but I like the zinnias. See you later.

Yikes, I spoke too soon. Here comes the lawnmower. I just hope I don't get run over. Ok, do you mind getting the grass off me now. It makes me itch. Hello! What about the gnome? Not the birdbath! You don't need to fill the birdfeeder. They're too fat anyway. Somebody get this grass off my face! Finally! Upright and clean again.

Tikki torches? Are you nuts? Have you noticed the wind is blowing? Do you really need those torches? Do you want to burn the house down? I like the yard the way it is, green, not charcoal brown!

It's getting dark out here. The garden light are coming on. What do I see here? Where did you come from? Oh, that's too funny! How does it feel to have a light shining out of your ass? Solar panel, right? Just what we need in this yard. A family of frogs with lights shining out of their butts! And these guys are supposed to be our yard guards? I feel so much better knowing I am protected by lit frogs. Just what have you been smoking?

Yawn, the moon is coming up. Would somebody turn that music down? By the way, the smoke from the barbeque pit is making me cough. You done now? Good. Maybe now I can get some rest. It's been a long day.

Tombstones

Annie and I were talking recently about Jimmy's parents tombstones. Odd subject for sure. But since we had not seen them it a subject of curiosity. They died 10 days apart in August, 2000. As they are buried in Rockdale we rarely get up that way. The last time we went from Houston to central Texas was at Thanksgiving with Jimmy's Aunt Pat. At that time we had planned to go visit their graves but for some reason we didn't get the chance. So since Traci lives around Waco, she and Bobby got some pictures for us. She e-mailed them to all the family members.

I have always had a different view of graves and tombstones. Some people would probably say it is sacrilegious. But I can't help feeling a little creepy. I have gone to very old cemetaries and looked for old or unusual tombstone. I've always wondered about the very old ones and what type of lives the people led. But when it comes to going to visit graves of relatives, I just don't care for it. As a child I never wanted to do it because I thought it was weird. Just like the movies showing someone talking to a "person" who is buried there. I've never been comfortable with that thought. Why talk to someone who can't answer back? Do they even know you're there? How do they know? If a person is religous, usually they believe their departed loved one is in heaven. So why talk to a piece of land with a stone marking it?

Even as a child I thought the whole thing was odd. Then I always wondered what would happen when there was no more land to bury people. In some places people are buried upright to save room. I always felt it was a waste of good ground. I was also one of those weird kids that thought it was a lot of money to spend just to do something with a body. What about poor people who can't afford caskets and grave stones? What about the people who die alone without anyone to care?

I know I was and am weird or at best unconventional. I have always wanted to be cremated. Both my parents were. Their ashes were thrown in East Pass around Destin, Florida. I always thought that was nice and more spiritual. So many people,including my husband, feel the need to go to a grave to visit their departed loved one. I've never really understood why. I guess it makes them feel closer. I would rather my family feel my spirit instead on look at a plot of ground. After all, I always told them I would come back to haunt them! You never know where you might find me! If you bury me near a tree,I'll make sure there is at least one root that will trip you.

In reality just the thought of how much money is involved in burying the dead is outrageous. It is just way too expensive. The only good things about tombstones are the artwork and the history of the very old ones. That is if there is anyone still around who remembers.

Let Me In, aka Bureaucracy (In)action

I've been trying to get on to the State Plumbing Board website to pay for the renewal of Jimmy's plumbing license. Page not found is all I get. This is frustrating. The plumbing board wants plumbers to renew licenses online instead of by mail. They say this will be easier and faster. Right, if I could get in.

In the infinite wisdom of the state of Texas, the Plumbing Board has been revamped. More efficient, less expensive they say. So how come the price of licenses keep going up? Last year it was $175, this year $198. The board cut staff in a move to cut costs and streamline the process of the Boards work. So, as a result, the Board incourages plumbers to renew their licenses one-line. Real timesaver there guys. How can I renew the license if I can't get on your site! Let me in, I'll be glad to pay your renewal fee! It's hard to pay for it if I can't get there!

Snail mail is not encouraged because the board says it will take longer for plumbers to get their licenses. A week to 10 days as apposed to 3 to 5 days on-line. Bureaucracy in action, or should I say inaction. Government, don't ya just love it!

Rain

Finally got some rain this morning. Of course it had to start just a Jimmy was getting ready to go to work. At least the rain helped take care of the pollen which has been heavy this spring. The dogs refused to go out. Lady does not like to get wet. Daisy is terrified of loud noises like thunder or fireworks. Astro has been so loud lately that we have threatened to put him outside. Wonder what he would have thought? He had better count his lucky feathers cause he is really getting on my nerves!

At least we did not have any wind damage as some areas did. I keep waiting for a high wind to blow over part of the fence. I watched the next door neighbor nail back some boards that his dog had torn up. Fat lot of good that did. The dog just tore them off again and dug the hole under the fence deeper. Then I noticed last night while I was walking Daisy around, the other side neighbor's dogs have knocked off a board on that side. I feel at this point it is a losing battle.

But at least the grass will start growing again. Downside, mowing again. The flowers have perked up. A few of my gladiolas are going to bloom soon. I keep having to prop them up. The dianthus just keep on blooming. Finally the elephant ears and caladiums got a big dose of water.

Guess I gotta be happy about something. Now if I can just think of that something!

Mysteries of Life

I recently got an e-mail from Annie. That in itself is not earth shattering news but the content was totally unexpected. She wrote, in part, "I don't know what we would do without you guys. We can count on you to help us when we need it and sometimes when we don't! If you have it to offer us, you have always done so for us. I am greatful to have both of you in my life." At first glance Jimmy and I had to wonder what got into her and when was the other shoe going to drop? Then again, miracles occasionally do happen. Once in a while you do learn that your hard work paid off. Jimmy and I decided to reprint the letter on nice paper, frame it and display it. Sometimes kids really do remember what you have tried to do. Thank you Annie.

Then there is Amanda. She's doing well after her surgery and can go back to work Monday. However, her father and I are scratching our heads at her thought processes.She's gotten into a lot of debt for several reasons. The house she rented had a lot of problems with AC/heat and waterline which her landlord did not correct. This caused high electric and water bills. Then she is renting a 42 inch tv. She got a ticket for expired plates on her truck and no insurance. Things piled up for various reasons and now she's up to her ears with problems. Her daddy suggested that instead of looking for another place to rent now, she should work on getting out of debt by staying here for a few months. Then, he said, she could clear up her bills and save some money to move. So why sell her truck and buy another vehicle? Her truck is paid for. She has a truck loan in her name now but her brother is making the payments. Another bill? Why?

Yet another mystery of life. One unexpected thank you letter and one unexpected bill. Go figure. Now where is that other shoe. I know it's going to drop sometime soon.

Life's Little Annoyances

Little things tend to annoy us all at one point or another. Thinking back, way back, my ex used to wait till the grass(and weeds) was embarrassingly high before he mowed it. Just one reason he is the ex. Then he would occasionaly get a wild idea to fix pancakes and leave the kitchen as if an entire bag of flour had exploded and knocked down every plate, bowl and untensil in the kitchen all over the counters and floor. "I cooked it, you clean it up" he used to say. Another one of the many reasons he is the ex. Some woman have household males who never remember to put down the toilet seat. Thankfully, I no longer have that problem. Jimmy always puts the seat down. I can remember when my kids were living at home. They had a nasty habit of grazing through the food chain after school or during breaks. They always left dirty dishes in the sink. I hated to come home from work and find this. As a matter of fact I usually went ballistic. Why couldnt they clean up their mess? After many fits of anger Annie finally got wise and made sure the dishes were done before I got home. Never mind that she usually did this about five minutes before I got home, at least they were done. When they were old enough, the kids were responsible for doing their own laundry. Unfortunately, they usually performed this task at some time late at night. Then they always left clothes in the dryer. I'm a believer in getting the clothes out of the dryer as soon as possible. I hate to iron, so getting the clothes out as soon as possible cut down on time spent ironing. So, imagine how annoyed I would be to get ready to do my laundry only to find clothes left in the dryer. This always annoyed me. I used to take their clothes out, fold them neatly and put them on their bed. But they didn't seem to get the message, so I usually ended up tossing all the wrinkled clothes onto the bed. I don't know why I found this so irritating.

So I go to start my laundry this morning. What's in the dryer? Amanda's clothes which she has washed about the time I went to bed last night... De ja vue all over again.

First Cows Then Squirrels

A while back Annie called me with a question about cows. Seems that some cattle had escaped their pasture and moved to Annie and Jason's lawn. Will they hurt me?, she asked. How do I know which one is male or female? I saw one licking a calf. Do the females have horns? Having been to the Houston Rodeo a couple of times and growing up in a mostly rural area, I thought it was funny that she had forgotten all about cattle.I'm not a livestock fan either, too much smell and droppings for me. I told Amanda about the call and of course she had to turn it into a family joke. She even emailed her a picture of a cow. Poor Annie...

So yesterday she called me. First thing she said was Mom, dont laugh but...So what is the first thing anyone is going to do when someone says that? Laugh. She tells me that there is a squirrel in her garage and that she had just called Jason to come home from work to get rid of it. More laughter bordering on hysterical laughter. She said it was near the side where they had stored the baby's crib. She was afraid it would get into the house. She said that when Jason
got there she was going to make him stay so that she could take a shower since she was afraid to take one in case the squirrel came into the house. Finally Jason got home. He was laughing too. I can just see the office jokes now! Poor Annie. Jason did manage to get not one but two of the little rodents out of the garage, thus saving the damsel in distress. Now they have to get someone to fix the hole that the squirrels were using to get in and out.

Well, what can you expect? The squirrels were just looking for some nuts. Annie and Jason apparently fit the bill!

Well I guess tomorrow Annie will call me about the clowns. She doesn't like clowns either. Snakes dont bother her.

Wish I could have seen all of this going on. Reminds me of the old Dick Van Dyke show. "Oh, Rob!"

I'm Still Alive, I Think

Let me check my pulse... yes it's there. I'm tired. We got Amanda home from the hospital. Since she can't drive she's staying with us. In the middle of this Pat and his girlfriend found a place to live and baled out of the moneypit house they shared with Amanda. Now Amanda is stuck trying to figure out how she will get her stuff out and where to put it. She wants to be out of the house by the end of the month since she cant afford to stay there anymore. While she's been gone, Pat and Heather have moved there stuff out, but left a Big mess form Amanda. They promise to help her move her stuff to storage. Of course she can't do anything because of her surgery. Of course that is irritating her. She's not a stay at home, do nothing type of person.

So Annie and Jason and their two boys came to visit this past week-end. At least Amanda had a week's rest before they came. Jason and Pat moved a few of Amanda's things in here. Small things like her computer desk and some other things that would fit in a bedroom. And they moved her 42 inch tv into the living room. The rest of the weekend was a typical weekend with a 3 year old and a 1 year old. Then Amanda had Pat bring over her dog, a pitbull named Midnight. Two dachsunds and a pit...? So Midnight just could not understand why we would not let her "play" with the other two. She tried so hard, but one swipe of her paw would send either one of the little ones reeling. Daisy had already jumped on Lady and hurt her to the point that Lady was having trouble walking and, at one point, could not climb stairs without crying.
Mix this with two kids and 5 adults and you have a recipe for chaos. Amanda got mad at me because I smacked Midnight in the nose for getting too rough while kids and dogs were all trying to occupy my small kitchen space. Talk about nerve wracking!

So, since Amanda is not able to move back on her own yet, she will be staying here so that she can save some money. Right now she can't do much anyway. She can't go back to work for a while. She wants to get a one bedroom apartment. She had found one that was on special $99 move in, but couldn't get it since she just had surgery. I told her she might have a problem since her "big dog" is a pit. Some places will not allow them.

Then Jimmy had to do some work in Port Arthur. He drove one day and decided that was too much so he thought it better to just stay there for the rest of the week. Then Pat, who had been working with him, got rehired at his old job. Better for him since he'll make more money. Maybe he will be able to get his finances straight. He seems to owe everyone in the world, including us.

Then Heather decided, apparently, to quit her job at Lowe's where Amanda works. She had already quit her job a Pappa John's. Both jobs she got thanks to Amanda. I feel that this may come back to bite her because she didn't give proper notice at either job. She just stopped going to work. Not a good idea at least in my mind. But what do I know? She's apparently nevery worried about money because she could always get what she needed from her parents. I will refrain from voicing my opinion...

At least baseball is back! The Astros unveiled their National League Championship Banner and received their rings. It was nice to see the long, long, long standing ovation for Jeff Bagwell. So far, so good. But it's a long season. My SIL Jason says 162 games is too long! He is not a baseball person, basketball is his thing. Go figure! Preston Wilson and Lance Berkman have started the season as a good tandum. Everytime one hits a homer the other one does too! But, who knows what will happen now since the rhythm has been disrupted due to rain in San Fran. Again and again. Enough already.

By the end of this month we'll be broke. I hate to pay taxes! Especially when my hard earned money goes for stupid things.

Oh well, hope springs eternal. I just hope I live long enough...

And my goodness, I can't forget Cheyanne. Annie and Jason stopped by Waco to bring my 10 year old (going on 30) granddaughter too. She spent most of the weekend on the computer playing games. She got the lucky chore of taking the Christmas presents we had bought back to Waco since her parents didn't stop by at Christmas. She's always a delight.

Put Me In Coach, I'm Ready To Play

Opening day for the Houston Astros! Finally, baseball is back in Houston. Roy Oswalt will start. With back to back 20 game seasons, who else could start? Brandon Backe has been a little shakey this spring but he should be ok. Of course we are without Roger Clemens, but we have a young rookie Taylor Buchholz who has shown much promise.
The rotation is not set in stone as yet, since we have a young untried staff with the exception of Oswalt and Pettitte.

It will be strange and a little sad to not see Jeff Bagwell at first base. Lance Berkman will now play there. Bagwell may have surgery to remove bone spurs from his shoulder. Most likely he will have to retire, since his fielding and throwing just has not come around. But we do have our returning young guys and with the addition of Wilson we should have some extra power. Only time will tell.

But the team will unveil the NL Championship banner and they will also receive their Championship rings. While this pales in comparison to the celebration for the Chicago White Sox, we'll enjoy our own. Hopefully the season will go well. Last year's 15 and 30 start led to the Astros first appearance in the World Series. Can we do it again? Only time will tell. But at last it's time...Play Ball!

What Next?

Well the fence is a holey mess again. I feel so sorry for the dog. He tore more holes and I found him on the fence and later in the yard. Just before it started raining again he was standing by the hole looking forlornly for help. He was covered in ants. What next? The owner has already been fined $2000. So it's back on dogy patrol and leash for mine dogs.

My stepdaughter had surgery yesterday. She was very apprehensive but she did ok. Strange thing is her mother wanted to make sure I was with her saying that I've been as "much of a mother to her" as she had. Huh? From a woman who doesn't like me this is sort of a compliment. Odd!? Then two of Amanda's aunts came to visit her in the hospital and thanked me profusely for being with her. Now I am really stunned. As Jimmy said, when is the other shoe going to drop?

Amanda's friend, Heather, is going to take Amanda home from the hospital today. Heather took off a couple of days from work to help out. The plan was to bring Amanda over to our house Sunday night cause Heather would have to go back to work Monday. So I got a warning call this morning from Jimmy. Heather will be bringing Amanda to our house today instead. Seems their electricity was cut off...

Pat and Heather are planning to move out of the house they share with Amanda next month cause they need a cheaper place to live. And of course Amanda will have to do something cause she cant afford that house by herself. She was hoping they all could wait until the lease was up in August. Don't know what will happen now. I know they have had major problems with the heat/ac and water department. None of these problems are theirs. The landlord wont respond even the water people and the ac people have told her that she needs to fix the problems cause they are not caused by any thing the renters have done. I can not even hazzard a guess what Amanda will do. She's been talking about moving into a 1 bedroom apartment after the lease is up. That may be hard since she has a pit bull for a pet. Sigh...

I'd love to leave this place. But my I cant pay taxes and move too. Grrr... I hate the government, epecially at tax time. I always feel that I'm getting screwed without a kiss. I wish I could find some free money. It is so much easier to do things...

But at least George Clooney is on Regis and Kelly today. I can at least enjoy a few minutes.

And of course the oldest daughter has made no effort to ask how Amanda is doing. Stepbrother came by the hospital after work and the other sister kept in touch all day. Some people are just too self absorbed.

Now let me see, where did I put the vodka. It's going to be a long day, weekend, month, and so on.

A Non-Squeaky Squeaky Toy?

Wish I had thought of that. Finally a squeaky dog toy that I don't have to listen to over and over. Someone finally came up with a squeaky dog toy that only the dog can hear! Yipee, how fast can I buy one? I dont know how many times I have resorted to hiding my dogs soft squeaker toys. As soon as I would sit down, into the chair with the toys...squeak, squeak. So now, only the dog can hear that infernal noise! One question I have though, what about the stuffing? My dogs love to pull the stuffing out of the toys while they try to get to the squeaker. Well I guess you cant have everything. And they are not too expensive either, from $5.00 to $10.00.

Then there is the fish school. Apparently fish get bored swimming aimlessly in the aquarium so they can now have something to do. They can now play soccer and throw the ball over a hoop or go through it. They can even do the limbo. At least that is what they are supposed to do. Maybe we should just send those guppies to Sea World.
People will actually pay money for this. Next thing you know they will be sending the fish to a "Fish Shrink" tp explore their inner child.

And to think someone will make a bunch of money from this.

Is Something In The Air?

Ever have one of those days? We all have them. Blah, depressed, down, sad... Somehow my get up and go left town. For a person who's natural tendency is to be negative, I always have to try hard to be positive. Some days are more difficult than others. What's odd is that I have noticed over the last few days is that I am not the only one..Duh. Hey, nothing escapes this broad. So, as I've been checking around the blogs and elsewhere and I have found that there seems to be a pattern going on here.People who are usually upbeat or funny seem to be less than their usual sunny selves. What gives here? Why are so many of us feeling less than chipper these days? It is spring. The flowers are blooming. The grass is growing. Oh crap, now I gotta mow it again. The taxman is coming. At least some people should look forward to that. How I would love a refund. Must be nice to get one. So why is everybody in such a blue mood? Is the pollen causing this? So why don't we all dig in and fight back? How hard can it be, after all no matter where we are there is always someone worse off. On the other hand, I feel some kinship to that song "my give a damn's broke." Must be something in the air.

Tacos Anyone?

So people are demonstrating all over the place in favor of the Latino immigrants. At one of the high schools here in Houston, students left their class rooms and went on a march. What about the people who follow the rules and came here legally? What do we say to them. Sorry folks, we are going to let all these people from Mexico jump the fences and borders, but you just keep waiting. So the illegal population says they do the jobs no one else wants. These are the same people taking up space in schools, medical facilities, liquor stores, street corners. While they are willing to do jobs that we native born and legal immigrants dont want, it does not make up for the fact they are not legal residents. Why should we give our entire country over to people this way. Many people say our immigration policies should be changed to allow these people to stay here as "guest workers". Why don't we just change our country name to North Mexico? If a person wants to become an American citizen what is wrong with them learning about our country and it's laws and government, not to mention learn English. I am one of the few people who believe that English should be our language. We bend over backwards to cater to anyone who comes to this country. The Hispanic population in many of our cities has outgrown both the white and Aferican-American populations.

Before you know it we will have to sing our National Anthem in English and Spanish. And just wait till you need to talk to them. Since many dont speak English and apparently dont want to it makes it difficult to communicate. Sure they do what we dont want, just wait till they get their way. Equal rights for everyone? Right! Tacos anyone?

Daisy Dear Dumb Dog

Daisy my dear you nearly drove me nuts yesterday. As the "Supernanny" would say, "You've been very very naughty." Yet you have no clue what you did or how dangerous it was. When I went to the mailbox, the house door must have blown open. It was then you decided you needed some adventure. Out the door you went. Unbounded by leash or backyard, you explored and raced down the sidewalk and yards. I called to you but you refused to pay attention. You made me chase you all over the neighborhood. The closer I'd get to you the farther you would go. You had no regard for the dangers lurking everywhere.You just thought it was fun to stay just out of reach everytime I tried to get you out of harm's way. You thought your adventure was fun, I feared for your life! You have not concept of what could hurt you. Daisy, trust me, you are not bulletproof. You are lucky that orange and white cat only arched it's back and walked away from you. You thought it would be fun to run after it. You don't know anything about cats claws. Lady could tell you a story about her face off with a cat. Get her to tell you about how one swipe of a clawed paw can hurt. You don't realize how big cars are or what they can do to you. As I tried in vain to convince you to come to me, you kept running through yards and crossed streets. I could only pray that a car would not drive by and strike you. I have to take care of you because you don't know how dangerous it is out there. You thought your little romp through the neighborhood was a great adventure. All I could see was danger and possible disaster. Please don't do this again, you may not be so lucky the next time. I know you are curious about the world. Trust me, you are a little dachshund, not a superdog. You could be hurt or killed. Listen to me, when I call you, come!Don't continue to run free. You are not capable of running free. So, listen up Dumb Dog, you have a great life here. You have a nice warm bed, food and your own people. You are lucky, don't blow it! You hear me Daisy!

Grackles Be Gone!

While on my daily early morning dog duty my ears are assaulted by the incessant raspy chorus of the grackle gang. They've been here a while now, to the annoyance of every member of the local bird families and me. Enough already! It's time to go,you've overstayed your welcome. You are like the house guests who won't leave, or worse, the grown kids who won't leave home. We are ready for the "empty nest" guys. Our backyard family is tired of you interrupting our lives and getting in the way. The doves, sparrows, and cardinals can't get to the food because you are in the way. The rest of the neighborhood birds just sit in the trees pleading for me to do something to get rid of you. I have tried to encourage you to leave by taking away your food but you continue to irritate everyone. Even Daisy is tired of you. Don't you have some place else to go? You really need to move on so that the rest of us can get on with our lives. Nobody wants your opinions and you eat too much! You have gotten into fights with the doves and the sparrows are afraid of you. You have even made the bird feeder fall and crack. I miss the sweet sounds of the cardinals early in the morning and the soft calls of the doves as they gather for mealtime. The sparrows are angry and crabby because they can't get their share of the food. Beat it, scram, get out of here. I want my yard back!

It's Not What You Say, It's How You Say It

Our President speaks, we listen. Or at least the media is forced to so they will have something to report. Maybe it is just me because I don't care for him but I am so tired of his combative, smart ass attitude. To listen to him speak,I feel like he is talking down to everyone. I have heard many Presidents speak, going way back to Eisenhower. Some talked very business-like, some folksy, others like a parent. Some even like an old friend. George Bush just seems to always irritate me. I don't care what he says. He seems to have contempt for the public. I always feel that he is telling a load of BS to the public and the reason his polls are so low is that we are smart enough not to believe it all. I think he knows that nobody really wants to hear what he has to say.

People say the media doesnt give him a chance because they are already against him. But come on, if I had to sit in the press room and listen to him I'd probably want to smack him. How many times can he argue with a reporter?

Then if worse comes to worse after he has blathered on with his "we are going to stay the course" junk the spin doctors have to go to work. Look at how many times after a presser or speech his spin doctors like Cheney, Runsfield, or even his wonderful alter ego of a press secretary have to come along and rephrase it.

Then again, who is waiting in the wings to run in 08? Does any body care?

A Wild and Sometimes Western Weekend

Ok, so I thought this was going to be a quiet weekend. Saturday Jimmy had CE hours so I spent some quiet hours. Nothing on tv so I settled in with a book. After Jimmy finished we went to the store. On the way out we talked to our neighbor. We talked about how we finally got the bee problem done. I noticed that our neighbor had some extra cars in his drive way. There was going to be a party later that day. The balloons filling the entire back of the suv were a dead give away. Didn't think anything about it until 10:00 when I tried to take Daisy out. She refused to do her business because the yelling kids and the fireworks going off scared her too much. Later that night amid more yelling kids we discover more cars everywhere. There was even a truck parked in my driveway! Sunday at 7:30am as I took Daisy out, I discovered a new hole in the fence. The question is who did it? I thought it was the chained up dog. When I looked through the hole, I saw two more holes in the neighbor's fence and the dog was still chained. Now did the dog get loose and get re-chained later or did something else happen? Then I saw what appeared to be a footprint on an overturned flowerpot right by the hole in my fence. I don't remember it being there before. Could the kids having the party have done this? I did see another strange thing that makes me wonder. The house where the kids live has two fig trees in the front yard. All the fruit was torn off the trees and tossed all over the yards. Odd?

Then Sunday we went to the final day of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. I don't really care much about livestock. Eau de Pig just doesn't do anything for me. I did like some of the exhibits. I mostly watched the people. Everything from the high maintanence, latest, glitziest flashy western wear and Cowboy hats to the real cowboys in worn jeans and boots. I still don't know what people think it's cute to wear matching western shirts. Later in the evening we saw the calf roping, bull riding, bronco riding etc. Having no real interest in this I was somewhat bored. Plus, that is really painful to watch on Jumbotron screen-ouch! At last Gretchen Wilson did her show. I liked her but the sound system was really loud!!! And there were fireworks which made me jump out of my skin. The seats were very good. If we had been at a Texans game we would have been on the 50 yard line field level. Reliant Stadium is very nice.

The bathroom trip before and after the evening was another thing all together. As many facilities as they have there is still a line. So many women slaming stall doors, I couldn't help but feel the stalls were about as stable as the Texans offensive line! And there is nothing more "interesting" than watching drunk women,decked out the shining glittering western outfits trying to be cool. I swear there were at least 20 women who escaped from a Ronco Rhinestone volcano. They would never make it through a metal detector!

The ringing in my ears has finally stopped. It's time to get back into my jeans and t-shirt. Oh, wait a minute, that's what I wore yesterday. I absolutely refuse to dress "western". I think I hear the washer calling me.

So the Astros Fans Stomach Still Turns

Yeah, it's only Spring training. The games don't count. Looks like there could be some good future pitchers. Will we keep them? Roger is singing the same song he's been singing for the last few years. Hinting at retirement again. Let's see, radio guys, Dean and Rog bribed him with a Hummer, what will it take this year? Or will this be the year he finally hangs up the cleats? We are going to need at least one more pitcher, maybe more should Roger really retire.

Bagwell is still iffy. Can't tell from his comments. And of course if he hasn't done any real first base throwing, he can't know. Put him in coach, see if he's ready to play. If Bagwell can't throw to his satisfaction, will he retire? There are several good young players who can play more than one position. The question is where they would play if Bagwell can or can't play.

Won't be long till the regular season starts" Go 'Stros!

I Hate St. Patrick's Day

Not being Irish, I've always been annoyed at the length silliness people go to for this. I know all about the history of it... Right now I'm mad because some snake has screwed up the blog. Would not let me on!! HTTP 403 error???? How in the world do I fix it?

Obviously, I don't have the "luck of the Irish". After all I'm French, German, Scottish, English, not Irish. So, I think a little Irish leprechaun is pulling tricks on me. Either that or the "ides of March" are a little late.

Victoria's Secret's Newest Model?

How could I miss this? I have a camera and a cell phone camera and yet I missed it! I did get a good laugh and so did Jimmy when I told him. I have found Victoria's Secret's newest model. She works cheaply too. Maybe I shouldnt say that, as her agent I get 10%, right?

I was downstairs yesterday when there came a scratch at the door. Lady wanted in. Lately I have to wait for her to decide when she wants to honor me with her appearance. Most of the time she stays upstairs in her chair to avoid Daisy. Over the last week or so she has taken to hiding in the dirty clothes basket in our bathroom. I guess she thinks Daisy wont bother her there. As I opened the door I noticed something around Lady's neck. After closer examination I discovered it was a bra. As she had been lying in the clothes basket I guess she managed to get into one of the straps. Now how she made it down the Runway, I mean the stairs without falling I dont know. I haven't figured out her cup size yet. Body by dachsund, bra by Ipex. Maybe she could model the "Secret Embrace" bra, or maybe the "Miracle Bra".

Gisele and Heidi, don't look behind you. I've got the next great model. Stop the presses which one of the major publications will vie for exclusive coverage? Tyra, you might want to book her on your talk show.

A Cold Nose in the Back

I've known people who have talked behind my back and been stabbed in the back. But I don't recall having a cold (wet) nose in the back. As I sit here writing I have a "ghost writer" behind me. Surely there is a best seller in here somewhere. Who is the "ghost writer"? Daisy has figured out how to go from the couch to the computer chair. Not into my lap but behind me. Maybe she'll become a computer geek. Couldn't be any worse than the dogs in my family who think they know everything about computers and walk on two feet. It's a good thing I don't make a habit of writing in pj's or nude. Of course I can't imagine typing in the nude. I'm sure there is someone out there who does though. But, since Daisy has discovered how to join me in the chair, it could be a little unnerving when a cold wet nose pokes me in the back. Right now, she is behind me poking her nose at me. Wonder what she is trying to tell me? Maybe she is studying to become a literary critic? Hey, so long as she brings home the big bucks. Do critics have agents? At least I don't have to worry about the POS or even a spouse over my shoulder, but a dog in the back? Maybe she has a nose for "news". More likely she just wants to go outside to see her neighbors.

Note to self...make sure Daisy does not figure out how to get under my shirt.

Can A Dog Be An Omen?

After a rather disappointing, depressing week-end, I was looking forward to a little positive action to start the week. Daisy has been doing a little better in her house training. Except for occasionally chewing up the carpet. She's even done better at night. Hasn't pooped on the bathroom floor at night although she still pees there. But, this morning when I opened the door to let her out so that I could take her outside she was sitting in her bed. Usually she is standing at the door waiting for me. She had a rather guilty look on her face. It was then I saw why. The great flood was nothing compared to how much pee was on the floor. Sighing, I let her out and quickly wipe up the mess and run down stairs to take her out. She was waiting patiently at the door for me, and so was a pile of poop. Man! Well, now there was almost no point in taking her outside. But I did anyway. As we made the obligatory turn around the yard, it was obvious she was not interested. So, we went back inside. "No treat for you". She knows that if she does both her jobs first thing in the morning I give her a treat. But today she also knew that was not to be. So, I went on about my chores. Later, as I got the second load of clothes into the washer, I saw Daisy sitting in the hallway which is not her normal choice of where to sit. Then, I noticed more poop. I am not happy. She looks at me as if to say "I'll show you, woman." So, is the rest of my day going to the dogs or will it get better? Is this an omen? As pessimistic as I have been for the last couple of days, it seems like a bad omen. The term "shitty day" comes to mind. Sometimes it is hard to be positive when everything around me seems to turn to shit. I am trying to believe that everything happens for a reason and that good things will follow. Sometimes I feel like I am reciting a mantra trying to convince myself that things will turn around for the better. Then sometimes I wonder why bother. After this morning I have to wonder if dog poop is an omen.Is this good or bad. I'd like to think that this is the bottom of the barrel and things will get better. Then I step in a load and wonder if this will ever end. I grasping for a good luck straw, nothing else seems to work. Wonder what the pooper readers (as apposed to the palm readers) would say? Good news or continued bad? I could really use some good news.

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?