Can We Say We Told You So NOW?

Amanda called me yesterday to ask me if it was possible to put a restraining order on someone who lives with you. Uh, don't think so... The last couple of times I have talked to her much of the conversation is about her cousin 'Trisha. There is more and more bad blood brewing between the two of them. Jimmy warned Amanda what she would be getting herself into if she moved back to Edna. He is very familiar with this little town since he lived there for ten years. It's trashy. That's putting it mildly. That is one of the reasons he left. We tried to tell Amanda that she would not be happy there. She had improved her life when she moved to Houston. We were proud of her accomplishments. Her mother told her when she left that she'd never make it in Houston, but Amanda did!

Now we wonder if Amanda decieved us in her reason to move back to Edna. At the time she decided to move she was worried about her mother and her sister. Amanda was afraid that if her sister was put in a "home" because of her mental retardation problems, her mother would not be able to handle the stress. They spent a good deal of time researching homes. But, now her sister is back in special ed and going to school every day. A far cry from the problems of the summer. Was all of this need to move a ruse? We wonder.

So Amanda moved back and is now sharing a house with her cousins Joey and 'Trisha. The house is owned by Joey's mother. Joey and 'Trisha are siblings. As far as I am concerned neither of them is a prize. He has kids from his wife and his girlfriend. His wife had a baby by her boyfriend. And she also does drugs,etc. Real high moral fiber those two have. CPS has been called several times. In short, they act like "white trash". Then there is 'Trisha who, bluntly is the whore of the county. Sleeping around is one of her favorite things to do. Then she whines that no one will help her. Great family, huh.

'Trish and Amanda who were once very close. Now thery barely speak. Amanda says that she hates her. Since they all live in the same house, tensions are high all the time. Apparently 'Trisha got mad and hit Amanda in the head. A fight could have insued, but since there were four kids in the room Amanda did not hit back. I don't think this situation will improve until someone leaves. It could get dangerous. So why doesn't Amanda move in with her mother? Or why doen't she move closer to where she works? She says she can't afford it.

I don't know what will happen. The aunt who owns the house(and is the mother of Joey and 'Trisha) says Joey and Amanda should do what they think best. How? How do they get rid of 'Trisha? Personally we think Amanda needs to get out of that mess before it spirals out of control. There is a part of me that thinks she likes that trashy lifestyle. What's that saying if you sleep with dogs, don't be surprized if you wake up with fleas. We tried to warn her...

How Much Stuff is in the Garage?

The realtor called Friday. We are going to sign lease Wed. I wonder if we will be paying for half the month or will be pay for Dec? Will we be able to start moving things in? Then I have to transfer all the utilities. Looks like we will have some gas, since there are gas meters outside. That's always a clue.

Jimmy decided to start cleaning out the garage where we had a lot of his tools, etc for work. Plus we had our Dickens village stuff and other Christmas stuff. We moved about 5 loads of stuff to the storage building. Nothing from the house. Just stuff from the garage. How come men don't ever want to take time to look through the boxes that haven't been opened for years? To me it makes more sense to make sure what is in the boxes is still necessary. Why make things easier by taking a little time to decide if some thing is really necessary or if some things could be put in one box instead of three? Must be a guy thing. When I suggested he go through his stuff, he said he'd rather just move it and think about it later. Right. Ever notice that later never comes? Hopefully we will have the garage clean this week.I sure hope we will have enough room in the storage building.

I'm a little nervous because Jimmy hasn't seen the inside of the townhouse. I hope he will be happy with it. I've told him that it's not exactly what I would want, but the price is good. I can tolerate it for a year or so. After all many years ago I had to live in a single wide trailer with three little kids. I used to refer that to living in a shoebox.

Then we have to clean out the other storage building. That is full, and I mean full of plumbing stuff. Every thing from pipe, to copper to sink and bathroom fixtures and other bits and pieces are crammed in there. He always saved all that stuff. 1. Might need it later. 2 Save Steve money. Yeah right! The business warehouse is full of stuff that could be reused or thrown away. Unfortunately some things seem to walk away. Other things just sit there. Jimmy had a generator stolen, yet Steve has about $20,000 worth of windows that were ordered for a job but were not used cause they didnt fit. This one reason why Jimmy won't put any of his tools and equipment there.
But what really bites is how wasteful the company is in so many other things. Jimmy has a lot of PVC pipe and stuff that he will probably (hopefully) just throw away. Seems the company always orders new stuff and throw away the stuff that is not used. So how come my garage has a bunch of stuff in it? Seems to be more cost effective to keep some things. After all why order 10 feet of pipe and throw away 6 of it? That is why there is so much stuff that we now have to get rid of. Actually I will be glad to get all of that crap out of our stuff. We have enough junk as it is.

We found boxes of tools he hasn't used, but he might need later. He has so many caps I think they are breeding. We had gallon water jugs, some for the fish we used to have, some we had been saving for a hurricane. There is a box of old magazines. Will he throw them out? Will he look at them again? Probably not. I found two big boxes of VCR tapes. Heavy, heavy. Most of this is stuff we taped to watch later then never watched. Why do we still have this? Then I found a box of cassett tapes that probably aren't any good. Toss them? Guess who won't. This is all in addition to all the DVDs we have boxed up in the house. I won't even mention all the old record albums we have. Any idea how heavy 200 record albums are?

We are going to take the boxes of Dickens Village out today. I don't think we will have the room to put the whole thing up this year. Plus I may not have the time. And then there is one of the bedroom closets which is crammed full of Christmas motion characters, china and other decorations. That doesn't even include the tree and the ornaments and stuff that I have been using. I don't use the motion stuff anymore, but for some reason we can't get rid of it. Don't even ask why.

Oh well, I guess we are making progress. Pray for me. I am just inches away from going insane. It will be a short trip.

The Iceman(Dog) Cometh(Runeth), With Apologies to Eugene O'Neill

Don't you just love the weird things our pets do. Daisy drives me nuts sometimes. So what else is new? Every time I go to the garage to get the broom or put trash in the trash can she starts racing around. Sometimes I wonder what she would do if she got hold of the trashbag before I got it to the garage. I'd really rather not think about that mess. She also has decided to chase a bucket of ice.

Jimmy takes his lunch to work in a cooler. I put drinks, lunch and snacks and cool them with ice. So when he comes home I take out the drinks and what ever he didn't finish and put it all back in the fridge. Then I strain the water and remaining ice into a strainer. Then I put the leftover ice in a plastic bucket and put it in the freezer. Hey, I'm part Scott, I reuse. Anyway, I never really paid attention to Daisy's bouncing around. But, then I realized she thought it was great fun to chase the ice bucket. Of course she chases the broom and vacuum cleaner too, but I thought chasing the ice bucket was a little much. So, I started the race. Around and around she went. It quickly melted into who is chasing who and what would happen when someone caught it. Exercise anyone?

So the iceman, I mean dog ran and ran. She had fun, I guess. Says something for the mood I've been in, right? Am I amused or annoyed? I just think of how like small children pets are. Some times it takes so little to amuse them. Of course Lady was watching from her chair. In her "royal" manner, she just stared in obvious boredom. Oh well, maybe we should all have an alter ego so we wouldn't look so foolish. Who me?

Snailing Along

I know it has only been a little more than a week since I talked to Norma, the lady with the townhouse. I know she told me she would call me when it is ready. I know she said it would take about a week to get it ready. So why do I feel that things are moving at a snail's pace? It is now November 9th and on the 1st she said it would take about a week to get it ready. So... Just how long does it take to paint, lay carpet and clean one townhouse? I guess I'm just antsy. I want to be sure that we can make good use of the available help we will get. Plus I hate to have a last minute rush to finish things. When we moved here the last couple of days were exhausting and that was having things boxed up and a moving company doing all the hard work. Realizing that we probably will not have the room to put all our furniture in there, we need to get an idea of what to do. Where will be put our freezer? Currently it is in the garage, before that it was on the covered pation at our other place. I know that we will have to put at least one bed and dresser in storage.

I can't help but feel that things are just crawling along. This makes me nervous. Will I get everything done? It would sure help if I knew just when it would be ready. Right now, I feel like a movie in s-l-o-w m-o-t-i-o-n. Hey, all you snails out there! Wanna race?

We Have A Mandate! Or Do We?

Ah, yes, the political process is done and all is right with the world. The Democrats have taken control of the House and may take the Senate too. Nancy Pelosi is dancing in glee. After trying to watch NCIS, Dancing with the Stars, and House in between the endless scrolling or breaking in with election results, it is over. Yes I was trying to watch all three shows. Finally the people have spoken, almost. Vote counting is still going on because of a couple of Senate races which are too close to call. Not including them election season is over. Or so I thought. Then I hear one of the political pundits say that the race for President is now on! Two more years of vote for me, ugh.

So will there be any difference in the next two years in this do nothing group of self absorbed "do gooders". Only time will tell. Texas relected Rick Perry to be the longest serving governor in history. He won without a majority because the Democrat and Independant candidates took a bunch of votes away, but not enough to win. Then there is a funny twist for the Tom DeLay seat. Shelly Sekula Gibbs won the special election to continue the seat but did not win the regular election. She will replace Tom DeLay for two months. Go figure.

But we have a mandate! After all Britney Spears dumped Kevin Federline. If that is not a mandate, what is? Ha!

Ok, ok, I'll go back to reality now. Does Diane Sawyer have to inhale so loudly?

Limbo Moves

Well, today is November 7th. No word yet about when the townhouse will be ready. Not a word from our current landlord either. I can't help be feel like we are in limbo. We still need to pack stuff,but... We have been talking for several months about cleaning out our storage building, nothing done yet. It has a lot of plumbing stuff in it and some of our other stuff. Jimmy was going to take a lot of the plumbing stuff to the office warehouse, but... Since the one we are using now is across town, we've decided that we should get one which is right down the street from the townhouse. I really don't want to pay for two storage buildings, but... Over the weekend we thought we'd go ahead and get one at the place near the townhouse. We thought we start moving some of Jimmy's plumbing stuff from the garage. Well, we cleaned out some trash, but haven't done anything else. Yesterday Jimmy came home from work thinking we would get the new storage building going, but... Maybe we will do it today.

We can't move anything to the house yet, obviously. Every time I look around the house, I cringe because there seems to be so much to move. I think once we get started it will be better,but... Amanda will be coming up next weekend to help move stuff. I hope we have some place to put stuff by then. Then she says she is going to take the last four days of her vacation on the last four days of the month to help. Annie and Jason will probably be here in a couple of weeks. They are moving this weekend. I need to transfer the utilities, but...

I really feel in limbo. I'd like to get something going, but... I'm begining to hear that old song "Limbo Rock".

Window Dressing?

I glanced out the window as the mailman was delivering our mail yesterday. It was then I noticed our neighbor whose car is always parked in front of this house. Apparently he had decided to clean out the back seat of his car. There is nothing spectacular about this. But his attire made me think twice about bending over a car seat. This guy is built a little like a football lineman, broad shoulders, big rear. Ok, let's just say he is a pound short of fat.He had on a white t-shirt and those nylon long shorts. What grabbed my attention was that these shorts had some kind of logo on the back. It was something like a circle or oval with three letters in the middle. The letter in the middle was larger than the ones on either side. Ok, so what. He opened the car's back door and bent over. Target practice anyone? When he bent over the logo on the shorts was directly centered mid-butt. The large middle letter was the perfect bull's eye. I don't think Chippendale's will be calling him any time soon. I realize that we all have the right to privacy at home. But when someone stands at the sidewalk all bets are off. And I used to wonder why my mother never went outside in her housecoat. Wonder what the mailman thought of his view? Maybe I should get a P.O.Box? Reminds me of the day at our other house when I went outside to get the mail and found myself saying hello to my neighbor as she raked leaves in her thong bikini. Maybe I should invest in a blindfold.

This and That

And just how long is a fence supposed to last? Ha! That wonderful new fence is already looking shabby. Some of the boards are already bowing badly. Gaps between the boards are getting bigger and bigger. I can almost put my hand between them. In some spots the fence is so far off the ground Daisy can almost get under it. Sigh...

I called the realtor yesterday. She told me the townhouse should be ready in about a week. Oh fun. I mailed our current landlord this month's rent with a letter telling him we would be moving out. Any minute I expect a call from him. I really don't want to have to talk to him.

Moving on- is the election over yet? I'm soo tired of all the ads. My viewpoint is, if you are a politician, I don't trust you!

The Astros should have some more money to try to get more power. They did not pick up the option on Jeff Bagwell. It is a little sad. Jeff wanted to play but his shoulder wouldn't allow him to do so. Drayton McClain desided to take the insurance claim instead. So Bagwell will just fade away until he is eligible for the Hall of Fame. I think it would have been better if he admitted he couldn't play and work a deal with the Stros so that he could have a "farewell" tour. They could have put him in for one inning just so the fans in the different parks could say goodbye. Too bad, they could not work things out.

David Carr finally got benched! At least maybe the Texans will learn that no player is untouchable. Carr probably didn't know what to do with himself. The backup QB almost brought the team back. A little more time he might have won the game. This Sunday the Texans will probably be back in playing form-losing! Doesn't matter which Manning they play...

Now I am wondering if it would be better to go ahead and rent the storage building down the street from the townhouse which would mean paying for two or try to clean out the one across town first? We really can't afford to pay for two. What to do, what to do?? Oh well.

Need Money? She Can Work.

Because of our current money woes we have to make some lifestyle changes. We have to move to a cheaper place. We are also thinking of things to cut other expenses like maybe cutting minutes on our cells since we have way more minutes than we actually use. We may look at bundling our cable, phone and internet bills. We are also thinking of changing electric providers since Reliant is the highest in the area. I'm also thinking of going back to work, yuck. I worked at a motel in 2000. I was bored to death since it was 3-11 shift. I quit after about 6 months. Later I looked for a job like I used to do working in doctors offices or hospitals. After dozens of resumes sent I only got a few interviews. But because I'm not a "young thing" any more, I got no offers. I'd rather not work anyway, but... So now, I'm thinking of trying to get a parttime job or a call center job so I can work from home. If I have to work, I rather work from home for about 30 hours a week instead of going out. Since the pay would be equal or better from home, I'd rather stay at home. I just don't know if I would like to stay on the phone that long. But, sometimes you gotta bite the bullet.

All of this brings me to this point. My son and his girlfriend are living in a tiny trailer at the end of her brother's driveway. This thing is so small you can stand at the front and spit out the back. Pat says he is always broke. He's been separated from his wife for two years and still has made no effort to get the divorce going. No money. He still owes Jimmy $700. He is supporting his girlfriend Heather and her son. Her mother pays some of Heather's bills. Apparently her ex-husband doesn't pay child support regularly. The IRS caught up with him, getting Heather $3000. I hear they paid some bills, took a vacation and bought some stuff with it. Yet, Pat still complains of not having any money. So, how come Heather doesn't offer to help? After all, she is not working. She's worked before. Childcare is not an issue. I don't understand. Pat told her she didnt have to work. Huh? If money is such an issue, what is the deal. When Amanda lived here she got Heather at least two jobs. Both of these jobs, Heather walked away from. Guess she didnt like the jobs.

So why doesn't Heather get a job to help Pat? Do they plan to live in that tiny dump forever? Is she going to continue to sponge off her parents? I don't get it. Pat doesn't make that much money. These days a lot of couples have to work to make ends meet. I love not working, but I am going to have to try to bring in some extra money. What is her problem? Heather certainly stands a better chance at getting a job than I do.

Hello Pat? Wake up, tell Heather to help you out. If you are that broke and you work all those hours, maybe it's time she got off her butt. She's not getting any thiner sitting on the couch! If you want to improve your life you need to work together.

I Think I'll Take a Break

In my zeal to get a head start on moving, I've packed boxes of DVDs,CDs,games and such.I've got almost all of my mother's milkglass china packed. I would rather have anything of mine break, just not that stuff. I've also gotten an idea of china and crystal,etc that I never use that I plan to take to the local "I sold it on eBay" store. After all, I have hauled this stuff around for more than 30 years. A lot of the stuff was wedding presents from my first marriage. Gee, the china lasted longer than the marriage! I never use it and I am tired of moving it over and over. I also have some silver plates and trays, and stuff. Some of it came as golf trophies that my parents won over the years they played. I'll never used it. I even found some collectible tea cups and stuff that my great aunt sent me as a kid. Maybe they will have some value? Hey, I've seen the stuff on the Antiques Road Show. Maybe... Plus I've got book sets of everything from the story of civilization to art. No one in my family is interested in any of this stuff. There is no point in giving any of this to my children so I'd rather someone get it because they will use it. I made a mistake years ago when I gave my eldest daughter a "Peter Rabbit" Royal Doulton special edition cereal bowl and mug that my grandmother gave me when I gave birth to her. She left it in a storage building when she and her first husband divorced. So much for family heirlooms.

So, now with boxes all over the place, I need to take a step back. As my husband said, we need to be able to get some of the smaller chairs and furniture out. Can't have too many boxes in the way. When we get word that the townhouse is ready, we are going to try to take some of the stuff that we can handle by ourselves out first. That will hopefully make it easier when my daughter and son in law come to help us move the big stuff. Our big couch is really heavy because it is a sleeper sofa. Then there is my china cabinet which is one really large piece. It is huge and heavy, with glass doors, drawers and shelves. I cringe at the thought of moving it. The glass doors scare me as well as the fact it is on feet. In other words it is a monster to move.

Time to take a break before I stress myself out. The townhouse won't be ready for a couple of weeks. I'd love to be able to just pick everything up and go, but I can't get ahead of myself. After all I still have to tell my son that he will have to get our washer and dryer out of Amanda's storage building. I can just hear the whimpering now. But Mom, they are all the way in the back... Yeah, time for another cup of coffee.

Boxes and Boxes...of Pictures

As I roam through closets and drawers, I keep finding pictures. I think they have been breeding in the dark recesses of the boxes. A year or so ago I went through the thousands of pictures we have all over the house. I needed to cull out a lot of them. Let's face it 15 pictures of the dog under the tree is a little much. And of course there are a lot of pictures of the kids when they were little. There are pictures of flowers, birds, the Christmas tree and presents. I've got kids in every stage of dress, school pictures, Santa pictures and on and on. I've got pictures of class projects that the kids "worked" on, and just what grade did I get on it? I've got pictures of flower gardens and vegetable gardens from start to finish. Birthday cakes and presents, including Traci's first boy-girl birthday party. I could blackmail some kids with pictures of that Halloween party where one of the girls came dressed (or well covered)only to change into less. I've got concert pictures and rodeo pictures. Is Barry Manilow's nose really that big? Was Gretchen Wilson really here for the party and how come we weren't invited? There are pictures of the Christmas tree going up and decorated. There are pictures of our Dickens Village from start to finish in every place we have lived.

When I last went through all (I thought)the pictures I made a collection of pictures of all of the family. These were framed and hung on the wall which we have referred to as the "Wall of Shame". From when the kids were little to the kids with their kids and memories of all the other family members who are no longer with us. I have a lot of respect for the guys who have to decide what pictures will go into a magazine, now. That is a lot of work trying to get a good family grouping.

I thought I had gone through all the boxes. And yet the more I dig, the more I find. I thought I went through that box. I don't remember this box of pictures. Seems like every where I look I find another box. That doesn't even include all the framed pictures that are in drawers or other boxes. And I won't even discuss all the pictures that Amanda had in many,many, many frames under her bed.

Maybe I should just stop looking for a while. Are pictures like rabbits? How does one box of pictures become four boxes? Enough all ready. I quit!

Moving On-slowly

Well, we put a deposit on a cheaper place to live. We'll be moving from a large house with a yard and two car garage to a two bedroom townhouse with no yard and no garage.It will be quite a change from having a living/dining room, den, 3 bedrooms and an office. It's not what I really wanted. I at least wanted one garage. But since we dont have money to spare, it will have to do. The price is right. Cheap! We can pay the rent out of a little more than one paycheck instead of two plus checks. We looked at apartments and townhouses. It is amazing the prices for tiny apartments! Some complexes had townhouses in them. But to get enough square feet it costs a lot!Plus you have to pay extra for a garage! Then there is the crime element. Seems that every day there is news of crime in these complexes. Our new place will have less of that. There are three buildings of four townhouses each set right at the front of a very nice residential neighborhood. The building we will be in just got a new roof and our unit will be repainted and have new carpet.

So, I've been packing and tossing out things. The last time we moved, we hired a moving company. That was nice, but since we can't afford a moving company this time, we have to do it ourselves.Thankfully, my daughter and son in law who live in Brownwood have said they will help us. Funny, how the child who lives the farthest away will help us and the son who lives here in Houston is too busy. Little does he know he is going to have to get our washer and dryer out of Amanda's storage building. Gee, I wonder how long that will take. I'm still waiting for Amanda to come get the rest of her stuff. She's always too busy too. She only lives an hour away, hum...

I really dread having to do all this. Every time I think I am accomplishing something, I discover more to do. Do we really have all this stuff? Where am I going to put all this? I really do appreciate your help, Annie. Bless you.

The Toilet Paper Queen Strikes Again!

Daisy has a thing for toilet paper! I've learned to not put a roll on the toilet paper hanger any more. I have to put it on the back of the toilet tank. Most of the time this works, although she has grabbed it off there once, and pulled and shredded it all over or bathroom. I first discovered her trick one day when I accidentally didn't close the downstairs bathroom door good. She pushed the door open and pulled the paper off the roll and shredded it all over the floor. Then she did it in our bathroom. That's when I took the toiletpaper off the holder and put it on the back of the toilet. As I said, that didn't work too well, either. So since I usually put her in our bathroom when we know we are going to be gone for a while, I have to move the paper. I just have to remember to put it back before using the toilet!

Now I have had to make sure the downstairs and hall bathroom doors stay completely shut so she won't push the door open. Imagine my surprise while I was cleaning the tub in the hall bath. As I scrubbed down the walls and tub, I didn't see Daisy sneek in. I turned around to see her pulling the paper into the hall. I yelled at her to stop. I wonder if she would have pulled it all the way down the stairs? Talk about bold moves! Daisy has no fear... Too bad I didn't have a video camera going as she pulled the paper out of the bathroom and into the hall. She could have been on America's Funniest Videos!

What Do You Mean Thanksgiving?

Jimmy and I are not in very good moods lately. Since Steve cut Jimmy's pay(and lying about the supposed agreement) we can barely pay our bills. We're still looking for a cheaper place to live. I need to find some parttime work to make up the difference in the loss of Jimmy's income. I've been stressing over what to do. We need a cheaper place to live, we need extra money. Who will help us move? We can't depend on family to help us move, so we will have to hire someone. Do I try to get a job while we are still here or wait till we get settled? If I get a job now, how will I have time to pack up everything. Remember I have no help. Jimmy said he'd help but he is tired when he gets home from work. Plus he has been saying he was going to clean out his closet for 4 months. We need to clean up our storage building so we can have room to put our things that won't fit where we will be living. Depressing thoughts and daunting tasks keep filling my mind. When they appear, I find myself getting angry at Steve yet again. Bosses who lie really make me mad! And this guy is a multi-millionaire...

So in the middle of my irritation and stress, I get an e-mail. What are your plans for Thanksgiving? We want to see you. Thanksgiving! You must be kidding! I will not have the room for extra people and no money for food. Right now we are reaching the end of stuff in the freezer. All the stuff that you buy and then decide that you really dont want to eat that now, you'll fix it later. Later is now! The way things are going right now, we are having to buy cheap tv dinners. Don't think we'll be buying a turkey any time soon. Let's see turkey or electricity, which one do I choose? Thanksgiving is not high on my priority list these days. Putting a roof over my head and trying to find enough money to pay the bills it. Jimmy needs a new tire on his truck, don't think a turkey will roll very well at highway speed.

Ever Seen A Fence That Runs Up Hill?

Ah, yes, the smell of new wood permeats the air as I walk Daisy around the yard. It's been raining here. This morning many areas of Houston have flooded or the roadways around town are impassable due to high water.

I noticed that part of our fresh, new fence seems to be running up hill. Huh? Some of the boards are leaning. This gives the impression that it is running up hill. And the guy worked so hard to make sure the boards were all the same height! Of course making them all look the same height means that they have gaps at ground level. With all the rain, the ground where he dug the holes for the posts is sinking. This added to the many holes dug by the dog that used to live next door dug makes a wavy looking bottom. Some of this is only an inch or two deep, other areas are a lot more. On top of that, they dug up some of my bulbs and just left them on the ground.

Oh well. Right now I am just hoping to find some place else to live. And the soon the better. The old saying about too much month left at the end of the money is alarming getting nearer. I wonder if the Big Guy upstairs can help us in our quest? Not getting much interest here.

Fence Finals

Well, the fence is finally up. I'm glad I didn't have to pay for it. The only good thing I can find about it is that the dog that used to live next door won't be digging under or climbing over it. For the amount of time it took to do this little project, it's not very good. There are gaps under it where the ground is uneven. The boards are not all standing straight. They seem to lean in various directions. On top of this, they knocked over or pulled out some of my elephant ears and other plants. There is dirt all over the yard where he dug the post holes. Actually, now the dirt is mud, since it rained. But, for what it is worth (not much) it is up.

You must be kidding!

I really thought that the moron who is putting up the new fence would not show up yesterday. After all, it was going to rain. But, no...He showed up around 11:30 in the morning armed with 2x4's, a saw and a nailgun. You'd think this guy would notice the dark, angry skys. Oh no, he starts sawing on the boards and nailing them to the tops of the posts he had put in Sunday. Then Mother Nature let him know who is the boss! Thunder, lightning, heavy rain, high wind. That'll learn ya! He grabs his tools and flees. Imagine that. Why did he even attempt to "work" anyway. Severe weather warnings and radar pictures of the impending storms were all over the news. It was so dark, it seemed like night. Still this idiot attempts his task. I guess when the trellis and some planters flipped over in the rain and wind, he decided to run. Serves him right.

This could get interesting. With a lot of luck and God's blessing, we might move to a different house before he finishes. Only time will tell. Wonder if he will show up today??

We Are Not Amused!

The war on two fronts groans on. The fence dude (or dud) didn't come by yesterday and I don't expect to see him today since it's going to rain.

Currently we are $450 down in pay so far. The bills are coming due and there is not enough money to pay them. Thanks Steve! So how come you haven't paid Jimmy his full pay since he has done plumbing only for three weeks and counting? We have come to the conclusion that this pay reduction is directly connected to Richard the Whiner. "Richard the Lionhearted" he isn't! Richard is a constant source of irritation to the entire company. He is always complaining to Steve or calling Pam to crab. He is also a pot-smoking slacker who never works a full eight hours. Work hours are from 7-3:30. He always leaves about 2:30 so he can take his "labor" home. Yet he reports his pay at a full eight hours a day.

Richard is also nosey. Occasionally one of the guys will pick up the paychecks on Friday and take them to the job site. When Richard has done this he snoops to see who is getting how much. Funny, every where I've worked an employee's pay was private! This is apparently why he whined to Steve that Jimmy was making more money than he was and wasn't doing "anything". Many times a licensed plumber must be on the job site for inspections, resulting in down time for "work" while he waits for the inspector to approve the work. Richard has a habit of opening not only paychecks but also paychecks to vendors or clients. So why does Steve not care?

This paycheck peeking brings up another question for me. Pam does the payroll. Instead of sealing the pay envelopes she tapes them shut! This just makes it easy for someone to sneek a peek. Why she won't seal the envelopes is a mystery to me. Is she allergic to the glue? Is she afraid of a papercut on her tongue?

I also find it interesting that Pete buys a new truck every couple of years. Guess who makes the payments! Not Pete. Steve pays Pete's truck payments. Hum...Does Pete have something on Steve? I think Richard must have something on Steve too.

Please pardon my rant, but I don't understand. The employee who is on time, never takes off, never stretches the truth and whose license the plumbing is done under gets screwed. In seven years, Jimmy has never taken a vacation. Pete takes at least two weeks, some times more, every year. Jimmy is always too busy. He's taken less than five days sick time while Richard last year took over a month. He said the VA doctors told him he was terminally ill. He's still here! Jimmy took a couple of days off when his parents died and 2 days off when we moved to this house. What is wrong with this picture? Why won't Steve keep his promise? I told Jimmy he ought to go sit in Steve's office and irritate him until he gets some answers cause Steve won't answer his phone or return calls. But, Jimmy is too busy doing plumbing. We are not amused!

Erecting a Fence at a Snail's Pace

My landlord is from India. Not that there is anything wrong with that other than sometimes understanding what he says. I have noticed that when I have had to call him to repair or fix something he calls his other Indian friends to do the job. When we first moved in here the AC fan went out. He sent his buddy out the next day. This guy replaced the ailing fan. Of course I could not understand half of what he said.

So now, two weeks after my landlord said he would, someone showed up Friday to "fix the fence". Great, I thought, finally I can let the dogs out in peace without wondering if they will accidentally knock down the fence. Let face it, one squirrel running along the top made it wobble.

So the guy, who showed up about 11:30 am introduced himself and his wife. They would be fixing the fence. Ok. So, between 11:30 and 2:30 pm they knock down the fence, board by board. Wonder how hard that was? She tapped the boards with a hammer and took down each board and put them in a pile in the neighbor's yard. He dug seven holes for the fence posts. Then they filled buckets of water and poured them into the holes. The ground was real hard and dry he said. Three hours to do that. Then they left and said they would be back the next day. Ok... But they did not come back Saturday. He came back Sunday at 11:30 with some posts and concrete. It took from 11:30 until 4:30 for him to set seven poles. Then he left.

So, will he be back today? Will he erect the fence? Just how long does it take to put up a fence of sixty feet? I had to keep the dogs inside all day yesterday. They were not happy. I wonder what he will accomplish today, assuming he does show up today. How far will he get? Will he get a few feet up or will he be able to do it all? I really think my five grandkids could do this faster. And the oldest is 11! Even Tom Sawyer got the fence painted faster! Jeez! I've seen faster snails!

I Don't Need Spin, I Need a House!

And so, it goes... I don't need people selling me on something I don't need. When I call about your ad, not direct me to something else. I called on the ad and that is what I want to talk about with you! I live in a no spin zone!(Sorry Bill!) If I want spin I'll talk to a politician! In my search to find a cheaper place to live, I have found some "agents" who really don't want to break a sweat. I have gotten really good at spotting them, too. When I call and the phone rings 20 times before the voice mail kicks in and they don't call back for 2 hours, well... Then when I ask about their ads, they really don't seem to want to discuss them. I guess it is easier to just pull up the old software program on the PC than think about anything. After all 10 key strokes is easier than having to actually do some research, right? No wonder this is a free service. Yeah, you get what you pay for.

Let me dig into to all this paperwork and try to recall a couple of these people who actually seemed to have an interest in their work. I'm really tired of trying to modivate the people who are just taking up space. Go away, I can do you job, at least I am still breathing.

Give Me A Break!

Do this, do that, pick this, pick that. What do you want? As I search for the solution to our problem, the one thing I can easily find is frustration. Jimmy says lets look for something nice and cheap, maybe 2 or 3 bedroom townhouse. Then he looks at houses. Well, these are nice and in our pricr range. Call and find out. Right. Why is it that when you are trying to find out information, you can't get people to answer the phone?

I call one number for ads on what look like some nice townhouses. "Beth" won't answer her phone. Hey lady, how can I ask questions if you won't answer your phone? Then Jimmy finds a couple of houses he wants me to call on. Call the number, get the assistant. She tells me the agent is not in the office at the moment but will be back that afternoon. She takes my name and number. That was Thursday morning. it's now Monday morning. Guess this agent is not really interested in making calls or answering questions. I hate being on the phone too, but sometimes, ya got to do it, right?

Then again Jimmy goes back and forth between house or townhouse. First he says it's cheaper to get into a townhouse. Yeah, but most of them are in the middle of 100+ apartment units and don't have yards and may not have a garage. Houses have both but are more expensive to get into. Back and forth we go. What to do?

So, I'm the one who has to try to call all these people to get information and I get frustrated when I can't get answers. Then,Jimmy comes home from work and wants to know what I have accomplished. Grrr.

Then of course, we are still reeling from the loss of income. To me, something smells here. He did plumbing all last week and still didn't get a full paycheck. In a small company it is amazing how some malcontents can whine and get their way and others just keep doing their job and get screwed. Well, now I have to get back on the phone and hunt for answers.

Three More

Let's see, the Rocket starts today, the ? starts tomorrow, and Andy pitches Sunday. Do we dare plan for post season? St. Louis is having a tough time, lately. The Astros are currently only 1/2 game behind the Cards for the Central Divison Championship. If the 'Stros don't win the division, they go home. Some choice. Three games left. We really need to win all three and hope St.Louis continues to fall. Of course the bigger question may be can any National League team beat the American League. It really doesn't matter which American League team goes to the World Series because the National League can't seem to beat them. Just look at what happened during interleague play this season. All the National league teams stunk against the AL teams. So what real chance does a National League team have?

We'll just take it one game at a time. Three more regular season games to survive first. Can't look any farther than that. By Sunday night the Astros should learn if they will be packing for the first round of the post-season or dusting off the golf clubs for the winter vacation.

Three more. Then???

I'm Already Tired of This

I am feeling very frustrated right about now. Since we've made the decision to move out of this money pit house, I've been calling around and the more I call the more frustrated I become. I really dont want to live in an apartment complex, but everything I can find that might fit what we want is in the middle of one. We are looking for a townhouse, or 2-4plex type with a garage and a yard. We also have been looking at smaller houses cause we'd like a yard. The houses all seem to need nearly $2000 to move it. The usual deposit and 1st month rent plus deposit for 2 dogs. That doesn't even include the moving expenses. The cheapest way to move would be to rent a U-Haul and move ourselves, but since we have no one to help us... We can't move all this stuff alone and movers are expensive. Even though my son lives here in town, he is always on call or joined at the hip with his girlfriend. The other kids all live out of town. The closest one lives about an hour from here. She still has some of her stuff here. She had said she would come back with her cousin and his truck to get the stuff, but haven't seen any indication that will happen any time soon. I really don't want to move her stuff too. Funny how many times you help people out, but when you need some help, it is never a convenient time for them.

And so I wait for people to call me back or to even answer their phone. It's frustrating because I can't really get any good answers. When I find something that looks like it might work, I either can't get hold of any one to tak to or the ad ends up being not exactly what we want.

Then of course the idiot boss decided that if Jimmy is not doing plumbing related work he would take $250 a week off his paycheck. Gotta do plumbing 5 days to get a full check, four days of plumbing and one day other construction cuts the pay. This is not funny. I don't think I will be going to the company Christmas party. I might just get nasty with the boss. How can anyone budget when you don't know what your weekly check will be?

I'm tired of waiting on people who promise things and then don't deliver. I'm tired of getting my hopes up only to have them dashed. I could get really crabby. Trying to be positive, things will work out, right?

A Car That Parallel Parks For You?

Ok, I know this is nuts, but I heard Regis Philbin mention that Lexus was soon going to have a car that would parallel park itself. Huh? Supposedly using GPS technology this car can parallel park with out a driver. How many people would like that? I can just see the kid about to take his driver's test. "Look Officer, no hands."

Knight Rider would be proud! Kitt go park the car. Let's see, you can get alarm systems with remote start already. How soon will it be that the car will drive itself?

Does the car fight for a parking space too? Just imagine the look on the face on the drunk staggering out of the bar as that car parks itself!

Science fiction becomes science fact?

Can We? Will We?

I am so tense lately because some how, some way the Astros still have a shot at going to the playoffs. Somehow the 'stros have climbed out of the wild card muck into the race for the lead in the Central Divison. Is this for real? Can they sustain the win streak? Who knows. But after last night's win over Philly and the Cards slide, any thing is possible. It is nerve wracking for sure. I'm not a nail biter but these last few games have been the stuff of movies. Talk about high drama! From being mired down in a Wild Card race, also known as the race nobody wants to win, to 2 1/2 games behind Division leading St. Louis. St. Louis has been losing lately and Houston has been winning. Which bubble will burst first? It has been said that the only chance the Astros would have to win would mean they would have to win all of the remaining games and the team(s) ahead of them would all have to lose. Could this happen? Anything is possible. I'm almost afraid to watch the games. I've gotten to the point that I switch back and forth from watching the network programs to checking on the game. Lately, if I don't watch the game from start to finish, they win. I am so nervous! Come on guys! Can the Astros become the little team that could? Around here you really need nerves of steel!

Tell Me Again Why We Should Let Illegal Aliens In.

The murder on police officer Rodney Johnson brings up, yet again, the question of what to do about illegal aliens. His killer is an undocumented immigrant who was previously convicted on indecency with a child. He was deported after that. He returned to Houston and apparently worked in landscaping or some other outside day labor work. Nice work for someone who is not supposed to be here.

Officer Rodney Johnson was well liked by the members of his department and the people he served. His wife is also a police officer. Because of the dangerous work they did, the Johnsons encouraged their five children to go into other professiions.
Officer Rodney Johnson loved his job, rarely taking time off or vacations. He was honored for courage and bravery more than once.

Juan Quintero confessed to the shooting but offered no explanation. He shot the officer several times in the head. A Tow truck driver at the scene narrowly missed being hit.

Police Chief Harold Hurtt appeared on Good Morning America blaming the federal government for not securing our borders. Most police departments do not have the time or manpower to do immigration checks on suspects as some federal officials have suggested. If Officer Johnson had been able to check the immigration status of this man, maybe he would not have been killed. Maybe not.

As a border state Texas is home to a lot of illegal immigrants, many of whom think they should be given amnesty and allowed to stay here. Amnesty, my ass!

Oh, Bite Me!

Fall starts this evening. Yipee. Will I save any money on my electric bill? The leaves on the trees have been falling for a while now. Too bad, none of them are the pretty fall colored ones. Around here, they are either green or brown. A few are yellow which means they will be falling soon. Any day now I expect the tallow tree next door to be bald again. That, of course, means all the leaves will be in my yard.

My wonderful landlord never sent anyone to check the AC unit. Imagine that. Any day now I expect a call because my neighbor has a car parked in front of my house. That family has vehicles parked in two different driveways and now in front of my house. Well, at least they finally gave away their big brown dog. They decided to give to someone who had room for the dog to roam. Since he liked to roam around the neighborhood it was a good choice. Duh... I hope he is happier there.

My daughter called me at 9:00 from California. "What time is it there?" Since it was only 7:00 there I asked her what she was doing up so early. She's not an early riser. Must be nice to jump off to different cities for "business" meetings. And yet they have no money and let their truck be repo'd. Go figure. Her husband tried to get us to join in the business, no thanks. Too much like Amway for my tastes. No money, but they find a way to the meetings? Hum...

The Texans play the Redskins Sunday. Let's all laugh now! They are both 0-2, so which one will rise up and bite the other team?

Lastly, and sadly, the City of Houston lost one of it's police officers yesterday. A routine traffic stop turned deadly. Some how after the officer put the man into the police car the suspect managed to pull out a gun and shoot the office 5 times in the back of the head as the officer sat in the front seat.

Bite me before I snarl at all this crap!

Ok, What Next?

Well, unless the Astros can win the last eleven games they probably wont make the playoffs. Ha,ha, like that is going to happen. See you next year.

I did watch what was probably Roger Clemens last home game here in Houston. The Master did his job to the delight of the fans. Funny how a lot of people left the park after he finished. It was nice to see how he controlled the hitters. For once the Astros' bats backed him up. It was also nice to see the standing ovation of appreciation by the fans.

He has made several comments before and during this season aimed at the younger team members. I just hope they have listened. He has told them it is time for them to take charge and to also learn from the work ethic of the players like himself and Craig Biggio. Work, work, work.

I have a feeling the team may not look the same next year. Brandon Backe just had Tommy John surgery, so he will not be available next year. Biggio is oh so close to many records which the team and the owner want him to achieve. Will he? Only time will tell. There are some players that may or may not be back. Aubrey Huff is a question because he really didn't provide the punch that was needed. Ensberg and Lane had so so years. Luke Scott is a bright spot for sure. He deserves a raise. The big question, yet again, is will the Rocket come back? I doubt it, But who knows?

You Talking To Me?

As I was driving around town today I noticed a man standing at the crosswalk. As he stood patiently waiting for the light to change I noticed two things about him. First, he looked like a short Donald Rumsfeld. The second thing was that he appeared to be talking to himself. Does Rumy? Maybe that's why he gets his way all the time.

After that I began to wonder just how many people talk to themselves. Most of us do so silently. Personally, I'm not sure if I'd want others to know what I would say about them. Since this was not the first person around here who seemed to carry on a conversation, how many people do this? I've seen people driving and holding what appears to be a very animated conversation. Are they singing along with a song on the radio? Maybe they are talking on the phone. With the advent of wireless technology, you never know to whom someone is talking. I've seen people in stores talking to an invisible person and realized they were on the phone. And here I thought the person was ready to be picked up by the guys in white coats.

Guess I'll have to be a little more careful. I don't normally talk to myself while crossing the street but I have been guilty of singing while driving. I've even rehearsed lines for a play while driviing. After all no one was going to interrupt me there. So, I've decided to not wonder anymore. Just because a guy is crossing the street or talking while driving, maybe they aren't crazy. Or are they?

Go Ahead, Bribe the Dog

Have you ever noticed how relationships have a comfort zone? A young relationship or marriage is a hands on work in progress. The two involved have hands on each other all the time,all over the house. Then the kids come along. What happened to romance? Diapers and baby spit up and the I'm too tired, is the routine. Kids hop into the bed and disrupt things or they get sick in the middle of the night. Eventually the kids finally grow up and leave home. Then comes the empty nest syndrome. Haven't I seen you some where? Yeah I'm the one who has been sleeping in the same bed with you all these years. So what do we do now? The house is empty. Do you think the kids will be coming by this afternoon? Not likely, they are all doing their own thing. So, what do you want to do? We have a whole day by ourselves. Well, we could do it. Do what? You know,"it". Oh yeah, no one to interrupt us. But what about the dog? What do you mean? Well, last time we did it, the dog was on the bed watching. Do you know how hard it is to do it with the dog at the foot of the bed, thinking, "you won't let me do that." Ruins the moment do you think? We could bribe the dog... What do you mean? We'll go down stairs, bribe the dog with a treat. Then while the dog is eating the treat, we'll shut the door to the den and run upstairs to the bedroom. How does that sound? Sounds great, you go first. Pant, pant...I ran all the way, the dog doesn't suspect a thing. Now what do we do?

They Did It To Me Again

Just when I thought I was through getting price increase notices, here comes another.Time Warner sent us a letter saying that "due to rising programming costs, and the general costs of doing business, Time Warner Cable will be increasing the rates for some products and services..." Apparently our "product" is the Channel Guide Magazine which will be going up in price from $2.75 to $3.99 per month.

So how many times a month do we use this magazine? Rarely if at all. This magazine is filled with over 200 pages of schedules. Most of these have nothing to do with us because we do not have digital or premium channels. Most of this guide lists things like 10-15 pages of "events IN DEMAND or iCONTROL", another 4 to 5 pages Channel Directory for every thing from basic cable to HDTV. Another 2-4 pages is for CableSpecials. Another 12 to 14 pages (in color) feature short articles about various shows or actors featured during the month. I can not remember when I used this 250 page guide. Most of the time, if at all, I might do the crossword puzzle on the last page of the book.

I'm sure that others use this book every day. But, I don't. But I can't not "subscribe" to it. It is part of having the cable system. Wonderful. So what is up with Time Warner? They have already announced they are leaving the Houston market and Comcast will be taking over. I find this whole thing a little funny. The cable company has to manage its increasing costs so they raise rates. At the same time they are pushing advertizing for new services or bundled services as well as jobs. They want people to sign up for cable, internet, and phone for $100 for six months. Hey, great deal, right? So why do this if Comcast will be taking over in March, which is roughly 6 months.? Who are they kidding? Since I can't not subscribe to this magazine, maybe I'll save it and use it in the fireplace.

Let me see...what will the mail bring today? Maybe the garbage will up it's rates or maybe the water. Maybe the phone company will want to change something. Oh wait, they already want me to bundle my tv, internet, and phone for $100 for 6 months. Didn't I just see that? Oh yeah, at Time Warner.

New Season, Same Old Stuff

For some reason I have the tv on the NBC station here in Houston. I forgot Meredith Viera was starting on the Today Show. Where is the dentist. There is more sugar on this show then my husband puts in his coffee. My teeth are hurting. Everyone is being so nice and saying such nice things about the new co-host. I could get diabetes just listening. Where's The View? Hurry up, I need a little cat fight!

Since it is almost fall and an even numbered year, it must be election coverage time. Ho hum, same stories, same ads over and over. Is it November yet? Kinky Friedman is having a fund raiser in New York City. New York City? Well, the money has to come from somewhere. And Don Imus went to high school with Rick Perry. Oh, brother! Nationally, the political reporters are salivating over the primary victories. Just wait till the November elections! Will, the punches and fur fly? I hope there will be some good movies on TCM.

Sadly, as the Astros seem to be in free fall, the Texans are gearing up for "improvement". Well, maybe they will provide some mindless intertainment(or frustration) on Sundays. At least the new tv season is starting. Come on Tucker, you can do better than that! Do you really want Jerry Springer to beat you? I don't think even House could solve your lack of ability or interest. Maybe we could get Jethro Gibbs to smack you on the head.

It's not cool here yet. Ninety degrees is not fall. But this is Texas, if you don't like the weather, wait a minute, it will change. Now, which new tv series do I want to watch? Maybe I should just stick to the same old stuff.

Kenneth P. Lira

As I sit here 5 years after the World Trade Center was destroyed, I am reminded that nothing in this world is certain. Kenneth, you are one of the people who, until that day, I never knew. We all know you now. You were there. Did you know what was happening? Did you feel anything? You lived in Paterson, New Jersey. I used to spend time each summer in New Jersey visiting my grandfather. You went to work as usual, but nothing was usual.

The name Kenneth P. Lira was one of thousands who were never given a choice. Fate chose you and others in the WTC that day. Your family and friends will forever wonder why. At 28, what were you looking forward to doing? Maybe you are doing it now. Kenneth P. Lira is forever remembered as one of the nearly 3,000 victims of the terrible attacks that day.

May you live forever in the hearts and minds of every freedom loving American. For that matter all people who cherise freedom around the world will forever know you. The cost of freedom is high. The price is paid not only by those who chose to protect our lives in the military or as police, firemen, and rescue people, but by the ordinary citizens.

Kenneth P. Lira you are a hero. America will never forget you.

And When Are You Coming To Get Your Stuff?

Amanda called me a couple of weeks ago to discuss the problem created by her cousin's ex. Seems that this chick moved out ( or was tossed) but has left a lot of stuff in the house. Since Amanda is now living there, they need the extra space. As a result she has been trying to get the girl to come get the stuff she left behind. Apparently this has not be easy. So Amanda asked me what I thought. I suggested that she send a certified letter telling her that if she did not pick up her stuff within a certain amount of time, it may be tossed. Now,I don't know what the outcome is or was but yesterday while I was cleaning I thought about all the stuff Amanda left here.

Just when is Amanda coming to get her stuff? Good question. She's got a couple of piles of cookbooks still sitting on my fireplace hearth. I finally pulled out the stuff she had in the panty and put it in bags. I could not find anything in the pantry. I think I got most of it out. At least now I can see what is in there. But now I have some bags sitting in the living room. She still has some things in my freezer. And then there is the stuff she left in the bedroom. Let's see, still there is her desk, chair, printer, pictures, a vase various other things.

Come get your stuff! I need to clean that room! You promised you would do this a while ago, but you haven't yet. Is the pot calling the kettle black? I know you are busy with work, helping your mother with your sister and being the gang leader. How about taking some time to visit your Dad and move the rest of your things out. Ok?

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Break out the beer and the chips, NFL football is back. Now it's for real. NBC has the opening salvo with Miami and Pittsburgh. I'm guessing that the Steelers should win this but you never know.

Sunday our Houston Texans take on the Philidelphia Eagles. Let's see, new coach, new system, new players, including #1 draft pick Mario Williams, new attitude. Will the Texans be for real this year? We shall see. Pre-season they were 3-1. That was one of their best. But pre-season victories don't always translate to a good season. Of course after a 2-14 season, anything would be an improvement. On the other hand they could go 1-15. Not likely, though some think that a 3-13 season would be a moral victory of sorts.

Gary Kubiak is a no-nonsense type of guy. I dont think he will stand for the lack of offense and defense that the team had last year. Let's face it, they were awfull last year. So far the number one draft choice of Mario Williams has yet to really prove much. DeMeco Ryans has impressed more people. What will Heismen Trophy winner, Ron Dayne add to the team? Will David Carr do better with the new system? He'd better. Too many people have put all their hopes onto his shoulders. Sage Rosenfels has looked very good at QB.

So, where will the Texans finish? 12-4, 10-6, ha,ha,ha. We shall see. Go Texans!

And Hook 'em Horns and Roll Tide!

Hook 'em, Please

Way to go Horns. Start the season with a problem. Coach Brown suspended Senior cornerback Tarrell Brown and backup linebacker Tyrell Gatewood for the game against Ohio State. Good. Let's hope the players pay attention. Talk about dumb. Riding around Austin, Texas with a nine millimeter gun in your lap. Not the brightest thing to do. Drugs and weapons don't mix. I hope this doesn't hurt the team.

It is an early season match up with big potential. #1 vs #2. Will it have the same draw this early? It may not have the same importance as it would if the game were later in the season. Personally, I would rather not have my team ranked that high this early. But that is just me. But, for any team, it is better to lose early in the season rather than later.

Hopefully Texas will be ok without Brown and will beat up on Ohio State. Hook 'em Horns!

And Just What Did You Do?

Thursday left me crabby. I had a meltdown after trying to solve the feud between my modem and the internet. They weren't speaking to each other. Why is it all the wires seem to multiply behind the desk? Just try to find out what goes where. Finally got things running again, thus averting a unhappy poker player named Jimmy. Can't miss that big game! Friday I refused to do anything on the computer, too annoyed to write.Crawling around under the desk trying to fix the feud made me feel like I had been in a fight.

Saturday we finally got to see the exhibit of Body Worlds at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. It was a very popular exhibit. Who knew that the human body could draw such interest. Gunther von Hagens invented the art of Plastination and the creation of Body Worlds. Thousands of people have now signed up to donate their bodies for this preservation process. One would think this would be a ghoulish exhibit, but nothing could be farther from the truth. It really showed the beauty beneath the skin. Frozen in time we can see how marvelous the human body is. The exhibit also showed how the disease process harms the body. unther von Hagens showed how each of the systems worked. He had various posed bodies highlighting the various organs and systems. A popular set was three men playing poker each highlighting a different system. One of the largest displays was a horse and rider. No wonder Body Worlds is a sell out every where. It is really worth seeing.

Then there was the insect and butterfly exhibts. There are really some weird bugs out there. As you walk through the butterfly exhibit, the different colorful species fly around you. Some even may land on you. Really neat! Kids seem to enjoy the up close and personal visits by them. We will be going back again.

Of course we had to cook outside on Sunday. Yipee, I don't have to cook this week! We cooked pork chops, ribs, hot dogs and fajita meat as well as salmon. I'm a little nervous about the salmon since I don't like fish, but we thought we'd try it.

Then we had to watch the Astros lose. I should have known better. Oh well, can't have everything.

Irony In Designer Duds

In an ironic twist former Texas Southern University president Dr. Priscilla Slade will be teaching accounting at the school. Even though she was fired as president of the school for misusing nearly $2 million in university funds for personal use. She is currently out of jail on bond of $100,000. As president she had a salary of $260,000, plus a $14,400 car allowance and $48,000 a year for housing expenses. But she is managed to use university money for things like limousines, spa treatments, home furnishings, charity and political contibutions. All of this was over and above the expenses allowed by TSU.

What is so funny is that after misusing all of this money, she will be teaching accounting! Since she is a tenured professor she has a lifetime appointment. Wonder if TSU will re-think its tenure policy? Why is tenure considered a "property right"?

Well, I guess the students of accounting will get interesting lessons this year. The students have mixed reactions about this.

Maybe the Devil really does wear Prada.

Bedroom Roadkill?

Sometimes I think I still have small children. Daisy leaves her toys all over the house. Lady could care less. So I find myself going from room to room picking up the dogs toys.

As I made the bed the other day, something struck me funny. Yeah, it was one of those "slow" days. As I walked from one side of the bed to the other, I found one of the dogs toys lying on the floor. Now this is admittedly an old toy which no longer has any stuffing in it. Lady had pulled most of the stuffing and squeaker out and Daisy had pulled out whatever stuffing was left. So, as I looked down I noticed that the way the toy was positioned, it looked like an animal that had been run over. The head was flat and the back end was at an odd angle. Daisy had been playing with it. I almost felt sorry for it until I remembered how old this toy is. Maybe I should just go get some new toys. But I really don't look forward to finding stuffing all over the house. I still have one toy in reserve that as yet not been pulled apart. But, let's face it I can only stand the squeaking for so long before I have to hide it. Daisy loves to bring it to me and sit in my lap squeaking and squeaking and squeaking it. At that point, "roadkill" looks pretty good. At least a little quieter.

Saturday's Downhill Race

We thought we'd do something different Saturday. For some reason, Jimmy decided he wanted to go to the Houston Museum of Natural Science to see the Body Worlds exhibit. We figured that since it was going to close soon most of the crowds would be gone. Oh, no, not a chance. By the time we got there, before noon, the only tickets still available were for 8:46PM. Nuts, should have bought those tickets on-line. We then decide to leave and go somewhere else. As we walk back to the park it starts to rain. Nuts. By the time we get to the car, we are of course, soaked. Then we discovered that one headlight won't pop up. Nuts again. Well, since we were downtown we decided to salvage the day by going to the Galleria. After going around and around the underground parking lot, we finally see a parking slot about to open. As we wait for the car to pull out of the slot, a chick in a small blue car pulls in between us and the parked cars. As I sat in total disbelief this woman cuts us off and whips into the space we were waiting to take. Mad is not the word! Though I doubt she heard me (or cared) I yelled some less than gentile things at her. I thought about getting out of the car and confronting her, but I figured with my luck, she'd have a gun.

After finally getting a parking spot we went into the mall. Once again, I was shocked. The once ritzy mall had changed. Of course it had been a few years since we had been there. We entered on the skating rink level. It was so noisy, I started getting irritated. There was almost nothing except the food court and the skating rink there. I got crabby in a hurry. So we went upstairs to walk around some of the elite stores. I realize not everyone has the money to buy from these stores, but I always enjoyed looking. We walked by stores like Ralph lauren, Yves St Lauren, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Tiffany's. One or two stores had a customer. Most of the stores had only sales people there. As we looked into Cartier we saw just the security guard and one employee. All these people in the stores looked bored. Guess the rich people weren't shopping. Saddest of all, to me, was Neiman Marcus. The store had more people trying to spray, spritz, and slather me with perfumes and stuff I didn't want than people actually buying anything. There was no gift or home furnishings, no Neiman Marcus goodies. Everything seemed to be on sale. Yeah, like I want to buy a child's leather jacket on sale for $2600.

I assume the mall does most of it's business during the holidays. I saw very few people with any purchases. I guess that the Weston Oaks hotel is doing a good business. I found the whole experience rather depressing. It just wasn't the place that we used to enjoy.

I was just really surprised how far down hill things have gone. Why would I buy something there from a store like Footlocker? I can go to Footlocker at just about any everyday mall. I was so looking forward to getting something from Neiman Marcus. Oh well, Target will have a new store near my house in October.

Reality Bites

Buzz, buzz, buzz! Just listen to all the people talking about the upcoming Survivor season. Everybody has an opinion. Many people are objecting. Dividing the teams by race doesn't seem to sit well with some people. Well, after all the program has become rather boring of late. Sounds more like a great marketing ploy to me. Already the producers have accomplished at least one goal. It certainly grabbed the attention of a lot of people. Will the public watch? Is it a good idea? Will it be looked at as stereo-typical of the races?

Personally, I don't care. I think there are too many "reality" shows anyway.People racing around the world, people living in a house,voting each other out. People who think they can sing or want to be part of a rock band. America's got talent, really? I don't even want to think about Paris Hilton doing (or attempting)anything. Some people even think they can dance. Not everyone can.

I might take a peek at the race, but I won't waste my time idolizing any of these shows. Well, there might be one little exception. I will be dancing with the stars.

Show Me My Money, Ok, Here's A Penny

Wow,I can hardly wait. Ha, ha. My electric bill will be reduced (cough). The Public Utilities Commission in Austin has settled a rate case with CenterPoint Energy. Houston's CenterPoint's annual revenues will be reduced by nearly $68 million. The PUC review said that CenterPoint might have overearned $105 million in revenues in 2004. Wow, that took a lot of work to figure that out! I could have told them that.

The PUC said that most people would see a reduction in electricity costs. Sure we will. There are a number of factors that go into this. CenterPoint operates the power lines, poles, and electric meters and serves nearly 2 million customers in Houston. According to the PUC retail electricity providers are the companies that sign up customers and send out bills. Good old Reliant Energy does that. Currently they are having a big ad push to get people to sign up for their "price to beat". If they sign up they automatically get a $25 credit. Gee, that's big of them. Of course that also locks the customer into staying with Reliant for a specified time. If the customer wants to change providers before the contract is up, they pay a heavy price of at least $100. Of course Reliant is the same company that charges a new deposit every time a customer changes residences. That is something I don't agree with, but they still try to stick it to the customer.

In a magnamous gesture, Reliant Energy has said it will give customers a credit of about $25 once a year for the next four years. That works out to about $2.00 a month. Some reduction. Somehow I don't think I will see any real reduction in my bill. Let's face it. Reliant won't be losing any money in this deal. But, I don't think I will see any real savings either.

Baby Boom?

So, according to a study, Conservatives are having more babies than Liberals. Just where did they get the money to study this? Apparently the Independents weren't asked. The Conservative Republicans have more babies than the Liberal Democrats 208 to 147. So what? What does this say about the political parties? Since many Conservative Republicans oppose birth control, what does that actually say.If we believe that logic where did Robert Kennedy, a Liberal Democrat, fit in with 11 kids? Obviously, the Kennedy family being Catholic did not use birth control. Are the Republicans having more sex than the Democrats? Do Independents have sex? Does anyone care?

Using this social trends study, I can assume that my older daughter will have three Liberal Democrat children because she and her husband are Democrats while my other daughter will have two Conservative Republican children because their parents voted for the Conservative Republicans.

According to this study 80 percent of people with a political preference do so because their parents had the same preference. Maybe this works with people of voting age, but how can one assume that will always work? My father was a Democrat and my mother was Republican. I've been both, now I would consider myself an Independent.

If this study is accurate, we can assume there are and will be more Republicans. A word to the wise...Independents and Democrats need to have more sex, quit using birth control and have more babies. We need to even up the odds! Enjoy yourselves!

Confessions and Questions

Ok, I admit that I am a bit of a tv addict, especially news.I watch other shows too. Depending on the issure I may watch a bit of a talk show. I Like the the Discovery Health, National Geographic, and the History channels,too. Baseball and football are on my list, although the jury is still out on the Texans this year. I think the lights are begining to dim on the Astros.

So, in between commercials I keep up with the news. But, I was thinking about the news reports yesterday. How much coverage is too much? I've seen more of JonBenet and Iraq than I really want. Must we dig up every miniscule detail of every story? Our fearless leader, President Bush has his blinders firmly in place. Over and over, I hear his reason (excuses) for everything. Then of course the news stations rehash it all. Even local channels rehash their stories.

Then there are the religious channels. A favorite topic of late is the possibility of the end of the world. Many of them are encouraging people to back Israel, saying that the Bible has predicted that what is going on in the Middle East is just the begining. Some even say that Iran will be the one to start it all.

So, as a tv junkie, what should we think? Who do we believe? Is there a reason current events are being duscussed so much? After all, it doesn't seem that the "Western" values are going to help anything. It is obvious that the UN is inept at best.

I don't think it is a good idea to live life with blinders on. But watching world events go the way they are, I wonder if there is an answer. It seems that the world leaders are un willing and unable to do anything but throw money. Where is Jack Bauer when we need him? Even crabby Dr. House can solve the mystery diagnosis. Maybe we should just have all the tv and movie writers get together to figure out what to do.

Oh well, maybe things will get better on "One Life to Live" and "General Hospital". Let's see, will John and Natalie find the gun and will Sonny be able to help Alexis? Maybe I should stick to watching cooking shows.... Oh, never mind let me get back to my book.

Daisy, You've Been Very Naughty

What's the number to SuperNanny? Daisy, you've been very, very naughty. Just when we thought we could trust you, too. You are over a year old now. You've been doing well with your house training. We thought you were finished with some things. But, the last few days you have not behaved. I used to have to close all the doors to the rooms so you would not go into them. I had to keep the door to the den closed while you and I were there. You did so well that we started opening the door so that you could go upstairs. You and Lady were being nice but You are being bad now. Same on you. I caught you chewing on desk leg. Then I noticed that you had been pulling the cardboard off boxes in the living room. I know they have the Dickens Village in them but you can't tear them up. And don't ask why those boxes are still in the living room! But last night was the worst! Jimmy had the heating pad on the bed because his was having some back pain. So, Why did Daisy decide to tear into the pad and pull out the little foam pad that is for moist heat? Now I have to got see if I can find a thin piece of foam to put back in the heating pad. You are just lucky you didn't try to chew on the electric cord or the heating unit.

Daisy, you are in Big trouble!

Messages from Above?

The other day a guy from San Antonio had all the news people buzzing because of a tree with water pouring out of it. Some believers thought it was a sign. Others looked for some other explanation. The guy said he was sitting outside reading his Bible and noticed the water. Interesting, he was also wearing a Star Of David necklace. Guess he wanted to have all his bases covered. At some point the city decided to investigate. A crew was sent to check it out. They turned of the water to the man's house and the water stopped flowing from the tree. Hum? A sign?

Now a worker at an upscale chocolate factory has found a lump of chocolate that seems to look like the Virgin Mary. Just add this to the ever growing sightings of people who see images of Jesus or Mary in just about everything from a piece of bread to trees, or windows.

What does all this mean? The ney-sayers say that it is just a persons immagination. Others say these various sightings are messages from God. Are they? Are we all to the point that we will grasp at almost anything to "believe". Look at how so many ministers are saying that the Israel-Lebanon conflict is just the begining of the end of the world. Throughout history, there have been sightings or signs attrubited to messages from God. There have been statues that appeared to cry or look like they are bleeding. What should we believe? Scientists say that there is always a good explanation for things. The tree's roots apparently grew into the water pipes. That was fairly simple to diagnose. But what if all these things are signs? Hum?

Uh, Your Pants Are Falling Down

I saw a guy in the checkout line at WalMart yesterday who could have used some help dressing. "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" Carson Kressley should have taken him shopping. This guy apparently never got the memo that oversized clothes are passe. He was wearing jeans, a knit shirt short sleeved shirt and a basketball type jersey over that. The first thing I noticed was that his jeans were bunched up around his ankles. Ok so he doesn't know how to hem his pants. Then I realized that these pants were not around his waist. They weren't even around his hips. If he sneezed hard those pants would surely have fallen down. He must have not had enough money to buy a belt. But then I saw the jersey over his shirt. That jersey would have been to big for the Jolly Green Giant. That fashion statement hung down around his calves. Yao Ming could have used that jersey as a night shirt. Fashions change and it is about time guys get the message. On the other hand he could probably fit four people in that outfit with him. Wonder what the shrinkage is? How come my stuff shrinks and his hasn't? Of course people still wear all that stuff in the music videos so I guess no one has told them either. Hey guys, the oversized clothes aren't styling. Maybe you'd like to get frisked cause it looks like you could carry off have a store in those outfits. By the way, I think your pants are about to fall down. Oops!

And I Stayed Up For This?

As I sit here bleary eyed this morning I have to ask myself why did I do that? Why did I watch the Astros game(marathon)? Worse yet why were there any fans left in the stands? Eighteen innings for nothing. Maybe they should have brought Andy in to pitch relief. Even though he pitches this afternoon. Roger started the game and as usual got no help, of course he didn't help himself much either. Even Jim Deshaies' "good luck charm" jacket could not help. Nothing worked, yet again. Brad Lidge could have closed the game. The Astros were ahead in the ninth 6-5. One more time Lidge didn't do his job. As a result the game went into extra innings. On and on the game went. Both teams used just about every available player. Is it time to give up? Well, the 'stros are still within striking distance of the Wild Card. But, it is begining to look more and more that they can start making Oct. vacation plans.
And to think that the Texas Rangers wanted to trade for Lidge. The Astros could still turn things around. Or it could freeze here next week. Take a wild guess to see which happens first.

The Longhorns and the Tide both open their seasons Sept. 2. The Texans won their first preseason game. Ok so it's only preseason. But maybe it's time to shift interest from baseball to football. After all, looks like the Astros will soon be clearing out their lockers. Maybe football will be better.

Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?

What was he thinking? The judge says, have Boy George clean the streets of New York City. Did he really expect the guy to be able to do this without a mob scene? With all the photographers and reporters following him around, how can he get anything done. I'm not saying the the "Culture Club" singer should be given preferential treatment, but the judge had to know there would be havoc on the streets. Surely there has to be something else that would be appropriate punishment. What a mess.

Just Give It Back

Somehow I have misplaced my energy. Or maybe it was stolen. I just want it back, no questions asked. It's not nice to steal, so whoever took it please return it. If you really need energy, I'll share it with you. Ok, maybe that's won't work. But, I've been looking all over for it and haven't found it. I took the dogs outside to see if they could find it. Daisy bounced around while Lady lay on the patio. We must have looked under every blade of grass. No energy there. Back inside we went. Up the stairs we went. I didnt leave it in the laundry room or in the bed. Not under the bed either. Back down the stairs we went. How does one long dog go down stairs so fast?

I just don't have any desire to do anything. Don't want to walk, watch tv, or read. I don't want to clean house. I just stand there and look. I don't want to cook. It is a bit cooler standing in front of the freezer trying to decide what I probably won't fix for dinner. I need to clean out cabinets. The kitchen pantry is so full of stuff that I can't find anything. I really need to get all the stuff out of the pantry that Amanda put in there. But that sound too much like work. Wonder when she will be back to get it? I really need to shampoo the carpets. But, if I don't buy the shampoo, I can't do it. How's that for logic?

Maybe it is the heat. Maybe I'm just lazy. Maybe I just don't want to think about it. But I really need to find my energy. If I put too many things off too long, I really won't want to do anything.

Don't expect any ransom to be paid. If I have to pay you, you might as well keep it. I would like it back though. So, if you find my energy, please, just give it back, no questions will be asked. After all, you might find yourself without energy someday. You'll want yours back then. Now, if I get on the exercise bike maybe I can find the energy to move, or maybe not.

Flying Nude?

Once again chaos reigns over the flying public. Kudos to the MI5 and Scotland Yard. At least they find some of their attackers. What does our governent do? Let's see...
Somehow I am begining to feel like a hostage. The terrorists don't really have to DO anything. Just the suggestion of embending doom is enough to put the flying public(and the rest of us)further into what could be considered a police state. You can't go anywhere without someone watching you. Those of us who obey the laws keep getting squeezed further and further. And yet most people say the increased security makes them feel better. Really? How come we can't keep illegal aliens from crossing our borders, even with the border agents and the National Guard?

So, since it so easy for some people to get into this country why do we not make screening easier? Let's not worry about the people streaming over our border from Mexico. They don't get searched (unless they get caught). Now that the British are not allowing any carry on bags, we can beat that. Not only can we all fly without carry on bags, we can fly nude. It would make screening a lot easier. No belt buckles or bra straps to set off metal detectors. We'd have nothing to carry that could not be seen in the clear plastic bags. We would not have to take off our shoes, or be patted down or wanded by the TSA. We wouldn't have to take keys, cell phones, and change out of our pockets since we wouldn't have any. The bomb sniffing dogs would have an easier time sniffing out suspicious smells. After all there are some creative people who are flying in pajamas. Maybe we could do away with the x-ray machine they use to check out baggage. Or maybe we could just climb on it and get a full body scan. Cheaper than going to the doctor for one. Don't want to fly nude? How about go to the airport nude and be met at the door with a hospital gown? Can't hide anything in it. But at least we'd be secure and maybe the planes would not have so many delays. Of course then the airlines would have to carry extra blankets and charge the passengers a fortune for them. Airline security, gotta love it.

Roy Oswalt, Home Run King?

The Houston Astros ripped the Pittsburgh Pirates 14 to 1. Roger Clemens must be thinking "where are those runs when I pitch?" It was one of those rare Astros games when everything went right. Pitching, fielding, batting all clicked.

Roy O was in the middle of a stunning game. Some fans had to be thinking no-hitter. He was pitching that well. But, alas it was not to be. But,he was happy to win with a LOT of run support. But the best part of the game for Oswalt and the fans had to be when he hit a home run. Oswalt hit his first career home run! The fans were on their feet with an ovation. As Roy went down the steps into the dugout, not one player said a word to him. The old silent treatment. Then players all grinned and congratulated him. Baseball traditon at it's best. As Roy said later "They straight faced me. It was pretty good. I knew what was going on. It was pretty nice." Then he had to up to the dugout steps to tip his hat to the hometowm fans who were all standing in applause.

Guess that's one way to make a statement! After all Oswalt wasn't very happy about the trade rumors around trade deadline. Who could seriously think the Astros would trade the Ace? After all Drayton just last year bought him his own backhoe so he could move dirt around on his farm.

Well, now Andy,Roger and Brandon will have to try to beat Roy. After all Roy is a power hitter now.

Texans Restart

Here we go again. Pre-season football in Houston starts this week-end. Questions, questions, questions. What can we expect? Will the Kubiak, Sherman era begin with a bang or a ho-hum? Kubiak is a no-nonsense guy. He works the players hard. Some words were said that a number of players were grumbling during training camp. Good! Kubiak has taken the approach that anyone and everyone can and must do a better job. So far he has not minced words with the players. Good or bad play is discussed in front of everybody, media included.

The offensive line is supposed to be better. We shall see. David Carr has been given another chance. Since the Texans will now be using a tight end, maybe Carr will be able to complete a pass. That is assuming that the line allows him to remain upright for more that thirty seconds.

Will the #1 draft pick be able to toe the line(pun intended)? Hopefully Mario Williams will be able to produce. He has had so many problems with a toe problem during training camp. Injury problems to some key players have depleted the depth of the team. I guess we will see...

The new era of the Kubiak team will begin. Is Houston ready? The days of "Love ya, Blue" are over. Former coach Bum Phillips did visit the team and thought they have potential. How much? Well, I guess you could say a 3-13 season would be a moral victory of sorts. Hopefully, the Texans restart will be an exciting move to the future. I'll watch the game with crossed fingers. Pay attention David, this could be your last chance! You've been given new coaches and a total new system. Time to get off your backside and be the leader!

The Lottery for Schools

The Texas Lotto helps schools in Texas by giving money to the school fund. The Texas Lotto, in a recent tv promo, proudly states that in the last 8 years it has provided eight billion dollars to schools. So how come school systems are still having a hard time finding funding? Why are they continuing to cut programs? Music, art, and phys, ed. are just a few of the cuts. But, school taxes continue to be a problem. Where is that eight billion going? Maybe there are just too many programs to fund. I wonder. I remember the discussions when Texas was trying to decide if we should have a lottery. To borrow a statement from a movie "show me the money", or at least where it went.

And You're Going to Drive That Car?

My elder daughter, Traci, is having a grand time in Detroit with some of her friends. A get away from small children is always nice for a mom. Sometimes you have to be around people whose food you don't need to cut. She asked her sister, Annie to stay with the kids. No problem. Annie brought her two boys to visit with their cousins. Four kids, three boys and a girl. The oldest starts school this year.

So that was the plan. Traci gets time away from the kids, Annie goes crazy. Annie's two boys are four and not yet two. Traci's boy is five and her daughter is four. Four kids that young. Where's the vodka!

So there is one glaring problem in this little story. Traci took off leaving her car for Annie to drive. Uh, what about the inspection sticker, what about the registration sticker? Seems that both these necessary stickers are out of date. Annie, has avoided going out for two reasons. Reason #1-four small children in a PT Cruiser. Reason #2-stickers are not current on the car. Four small children together is a nightmare under the best of circumstances. Then driving a car without proper stickers is like driving with a neon sign saying "ticket me". I can't believe Traci left Annie that car to drive. Why did she not get these things taken care of before she left? Who knows.

Tonight, Annie has to drive from Waco to Dallas to pick Traci up at the airport. Of course she will have to take the kids. I can not imagine what will happen along the way. Even if the children behave well, she will still probably get stopped by the police. Even if she avoids the cops on the highway, what will happen when she gets to the airport?

I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If I were Annie, I think I would be tempted to really put some hurt to Traci, especially if Annie gets stopped. I just can't believe that Traci would be so careless. When you are taking care of small children you cannot take chances. I just can't believe that Annie is going to have to drive that car to the airport. Is there a chance that Traci will learn anything? Uh...

Back to School ...Shopping That Is

It's tax free weekend shopping time again. Guess I won't be going to WalMart or Target this weekend. I'd rather not get run over by the crowds. I tried to do early Christmas shopping the day after Thanksgiving one year. Never again! I'm about to that point again with the annual tax free school shopping week-end. I'd really rather not have to fight the crowds of people. I'd hate to have to beat up some one buying adult diapers!

I find the tax fee idea good, but question some of the logic. This idea was supposed to help parents save money shopping for back to school things. I remember those days when I tried to buy school clothes for three kids. Not a fun thing to do. So,this week end there is no tax on certain items under $100. Jeans, shirts, jackets, shoes,gym suits and school uniforms are just a few items on the tax free list. But so are adult diapers, baby clothes, baby diapers, wedding dresses, and pajamas. So long as they are under the $100 limit, they are tax free. Why are wedding dresses on the list? Is there a high school junior wearing one to school? Now maybe a swim suit is ok if a kid is on the swim team, right? Baseball and football jerseys are ok, but not foolball pants. Personal flotation devices are not. Can't use those in the pool with the swimsuits.

School supplies are not tax free. No paper, pencils, notebooks, backpacks, map colors, and so on. Just how long to they think a ream of notebook paper will last? Cloth and lace, knitting yarns and other fabrics are not tax free. Neither are handkerchiefs. I guess tissues are more sanitary. I always thought it funny that each child in a classroom had to bring a box of tissues. Twenty-three boxes of tissue in the closet. Boy, those kids sneeze a lot.

As for me, I plan to avoid the crowds shopping for bargains. I need to save my strength for the Christmas shopping. That's coming up soon enough.

So to all the parents who survive tax free weekend, just remember this old song "Happy Days Are Here, Again" as your kids start school. Next May the kids will be singing Alice Cooper's "School's Out..."

Whinning Again

First of all, a Big Thanks to all of you visiting via Dr. John. The back is better today. Now I have something else to whine about, these days but who doesn't? Jimmy has some poker buddies who have cable and/or internet through Comcast. They have complained that the services are not reliable during bad weather. Now I have seen commercials saying that dish services are bad too, but is Comcast really that bad? Jimmy's friends have told him almost everytime the weather is bad their cable or internet goes out. So, the announcement was made the other day that the lone cable provider in Houston, Time Warner, is pulling out. Comcast will be moving in. This all is part of an agreement between the two companies after another bankrupt company was acquired. Time Warner and Comcast have agreed to swap certain markets. Houston is one of them. Of course, this all has to be approved by the feds, and we all know how that will go. So how come Time Warner is still advertizing their "specials"? Why would I want to switch internet providers or phone services to get these "great" rates if Time Warner is leaving? Actually, until I heard this, I was looking into the possibility because SBC(I mean ATT) keeps raising it's rates. Right now SBC(ATT) and Time Warner are battling each other here to gain customers. One has a package deal of phone, internet,tv for one price, one has another package for a different price. So why should I switch everything that I've got to another? I've been complaining lately because my phone bill through which I have internet has gone up over $20/month from approximately $73 to $93. My cable is through TW which has gone up also but is still under $50/mo but just barely. Why is Time Warner wasting ad money if they are not going to be here?

The comments Jimmy's friends made about Comcast's bad service make me worry. I'm apparently not alone. Time Warner customers all over Houston are concerned. Most are concerned about their cable service. Will they have the same program selection and will the costs change? There would certainly be a problem for high speed cable internet since customers would have to change e-mail accounts. Of course neither company is talking. Naturally. I just know that the last thing I want is to have the tv or internet go down everytime a cloud sneezes.

A Pain in the Neck, I Mean Back

Funny how things affect a person's mood. An argument with the spouse or child will easily put you in a bad mood. People at work will annoy you. But, I was not ready to be in a bad mood today. However, when I got up this morning, or tried to get up, I was immediately irritated. My back hurts. I'm not usually a complainer, I just go on and do what I have to do. But today is a different story. Bending over to put food in the dogs bowls hurt, lifting anything hurt. It hurts to sit, it hurts to stand. Usually I work it out and finally any pain I have goes away. Today, nothing seems to work and I really dont feel like doing anything. Having pain in the back is a real pain in the neck! Guess I'll have to find the heating pad and go sit down with it. Daisy will love that because she'll want to be right by me. Could be worse as I think of people with much worse problems. But I feel like whinning today. Tomorrow will be better, right?

Stripping Down the River

Tubing down the Comal and Guadalupe rivers in a big attraction in New Braunfels, Texas. Families have a lot of fun in the summer doing this. Just hop into the tube and bring the refreshments along, too. How relaxing. moms and dads bring the kids for a fun floating time. There is no need to get out for a cool drink because the drinks float along, too. As usual though some people always have to push the limits of good taste. Tourists and residents have complained about loud music and over-indulgence by some. So the New Braunsfels City Council has been trying to cut down on the wild behavior. They banned volume drinking devices like beer bongs and increased fines for noise violations. A new ordinance banning containers with a volume of 5 ounces or less will take effect after the next city council meeting. This is supposed to cut down on Jello-shots and the associated litter. Not a bad idea since the area likes the family atmosphere, not the wildness.

So some strippers from a San Antonio men's club decided to protest this by tubing down the river Sunda, encouraging men to pay $25 for the privilege of tubing with them. The strippers were not going to "strip" so why did they want to charge the $25? The strippers said they were not trying to start trouble, they just wanted to have a good time, and protest the new ordinance. Why would a man pay $25 just to float down the river with strippers who aren't going to strip?

What is even funnier to me is that some parents were objecting to the strippers even though the women were not doing anything inappropriate. Protest aside, why can't a stripper float down the Comal or Guadalupe rivers just like everyone else? One of the city councilmen was disappointed because this "float" was going to occur on Sunday when people should be in church. He was also offended because, as he said, strippers are trained to take off their clothes. Yeah, but they can have a life too, can't they? If no-one said the woman were strippers would it make a difference? Suppose ordinary citizens wanted to float down the river to protest the new ordinance? Would they cause so much upset? Hum....