It's a Mystery!

Puppies and Chickens don’t mix

2012-02-18T10:10:00.001-08:00

What a week this has been. Zelda, our new (?) pup visibly grows before our eyes and Gypsy seems astounded that this once-small pup is becoming a monster-dog. However, Zelda’s mild personality is a welcome change from hyper-Gypsy. (With Caruso watching over them!) They both thoroughly enjoy all the chew-treats I’ve been getting for the pup—i.e. pigs ears and bully sticks, but I’m beginning to think we should own stock in those companies with all we are buying.

Here are two pics---one from the time we first brought Zelda home (at 2 mos.) and a more current shot (about 3 mos.):

As you can see, Zelda is outgrowing being a lap-puppy, even though she is still so incredibly soft!

Early last week, Gypsy had a too-close encounter with our girls (chickens) and, unfortunately, I found Fluffy (the beautiful Orpington) in a mass of feathers on our back porch. Several of the other girls are nursing injuries, but the 5 of them seem to be coming back from the tragedy. Needless to say, the yard is shut up tight and Gypsy is no longer invited in---ever. Believe it or not, we actually got a couple of eggs again yesterday! So, they’re on the mend! Spot is one of the lucky ones.

There’s nothing like a growing puppy!

2012-02-11T09:29:00.001-08:00

Just look at the size of those feet! Can you tell which set is the pup and which is the adult? Zelda is really growing these days. When we picked her up (at 8 weeks old), she weighed 12lbs. Today she weighed in at 27lbs!

As you can tell by the size of her sturdy legs and feet, she promises to be a larger dog than Gypsy is now. We figured Gypsy was about a year old when we got her and we just got notice that she is due for her yearly Rabies shot, so we’ve had her a year (that makes her two).

Zelda adores Gypsy and follows her around the best that she can. Gypsy is fast and can out run and out maneuver Zelda, but the pup still seems to wear her down. Sometimes Gypsy will hide from the pup, just to get a few minutes of rest. Both cats seem to tolerate Zelda well, even though the pup is constantly kissing both cats. Caruso will sink his teeth into the pup to stop her, but Kit-Kit just out jumps and out runs the pup.

All in all, Zelda has a sweet disposition and is very devoted to her people. She doesn’t shy away from Gypsy or us, but will around strangers (at least, at first). She is indeed quite adorable!

ZELDA---The legend continues!

2012-01-08T07:37:00.001-08:00

This is our new Puppy: ZELDA! She is just 8 weeks old and going through the housebreaking stage. Our other dog, GYPSY GIRL, is also going through a training stage to qualify as an official babysitter (that’s basically ON A LEASH around the new puppy, as she is too rambunctious for the little one now). ZELDA is a Malamute/Australian Shepherd mix and by the size of her feet, going to be a big dog. She already weighs 12 pounds. She has one adorable bright blue eye and one warm brown eye (they go well with Gypsy’s half-moon blue-brown eyes!). I was amazed that little ZELDA can actually pick up that tennis ball in her mouth, even at this young age! She promises to be a ball retriever when she gets bigger. ZELDA is a snuggler too. She really loves her people and follows us around as much as possible (when she’s not following her mentor, Gypsy). I can’t wait for her to get big enough to take walks with her and start on obedience training. Because she had her surgery (spade) the day before we picked her up, so she is in “a less excitable stage---calm and quiet.” Riiigghhtt! That’s impossible for a puppy, isn’t it!?

Look for more photos and constant updates on her progress on FB and Google+!

Fun with Sean!

2011-12-02T08:12:00.001-08:00

Steve, Max and I had an enjoyable Thanksgiving with our son, Sean, who lives down in Ridgecrest (at the edge of China Lake), CA. Sean works as a Legalman in the Navy and is currently stationed there.

While there, we went golfing, played tennis and visited an unusual museum. The guys were more excited about this place than I, but I enjoyed the various emblems and documentation and presentations of these weapons. I especially liked this relief map of the entire China Lake area. Unfortunately, I was unable to get the entire map in the picture, but the only part left out were the various mountainous ranges to the east of the main area (which is marked in red). We saw an interesting short film which takes a tour in a helicopter over the massive space. The museum also housed some interesting history that most of you will remember well:

Sean was most eager to show off his latest surprise (he’s been thinking about getting one for quite some time): The Navy is specific about where you can display tattoos…they can’t be visible with a uniform on. This design was created to his specifications and done by a friend of his--- He’s really into squids these days…

While there, we visited a “ghost town” and when I saw this band outside of the general store, couldn’t resist a few pics:

All in all, it was a wonderful experience and we enjoyed spending time with Sean (isn’t he handsome in his uniform??!!!)!

2011 Pumpkin Carving Party

2011-10-30T09:17:00.001-07:00

Our annual Pumpkin Carving Party was a great success again! Although the crowd was small, it was fun to gather together again with pumpkins and great food and conversation. The kids that attend get bigger and older, but still enjoy the thrill of carving, not to mention the trampoline and pool table. Gypsy Girl had to be tied out to prevent her from jumping all over folks and stealing their food. She was an angel the entire afternoon, just laying there and watching. She didn’t whine or tug on the lead once. But when we finally let her off, later in the day, she immediately stole a piece of pumpkin pie off of one of the kid’s plates (that he had just put down on the chair for a second!).

The pumpkins were very scary this year, as the kids age. There was some unusually violent ones, a few traditional faces, and a couple of downright STRANGE ones. What imaginations! No one used any patterns this year, just their brains! I downloaded a bunch of unusual ideas on a sheet for viewing, then let them at it. Even Steve carved one. Max’s was one of the more violent ones, complete with a knife he had made a few years ago.

All in all the weather was super, in the 70’s with little wind. Lots of sun kept all jackets off and everyone seemed comfortable. Hope you all have a happy, safe Halloween evening---oh, and don’t forget to watch a scary movie or two---my favorite being “Hocus Pocus!”

Happy Birthday to ME!

2011-10-10T07:17:00.001-07:00

as most of you know, I had a birthday last week. My older boy, Sean, came home for the weekend so we went out and had fun, fun, fun! Near Santa Rosa is a franchise called Scandia (see Scandia.com) that has two miniature golf courses, a go-cart raceway, a big arcade full of machines and such and inner tube-boats with built in water guns. Of course we tried all of them, starting with the putt-putt golf. Lots of fun and competitive. The boys couldn’t resist this test of strength ---Max won with a top score of 899! The go-carts were tight to handle and the course was windy (lots of curves!) but I floored it the whole way ---and still came in last. But it was still fun. Max took it all too seriously but beat both sean and me. Steve was the master photographer for us. Lastly, the water boats ended up being quite wet but we had many battles and lots of screeching (the water was cold!). I managed to get one up onto the photographer too. All in all, the day was extremely entertaining but it was good to get into a nice warm car at the end of the afternoon!!!

How I published with Smashwords!

2011-09-11T09:38:00.001-07:00

Wow! I finally did it! Although I have previously published my first two books through a standard publisher, I decided it was time to try out e-book publishing and was steered towards Smashwords.com. It astounded me that they were a service that I could afford (FREE is my cup of tea!) that reaches so many different e-book formats. They also provided a FREE ISBN number for my book, which is a huge help in getting it out there.

So, I downloaded their FREE e-book explaining exactly how to format my Word manuscript and printed it out. (I like to have something I can take with me on my travels ferrying Max around during soccer season, etc. since I don’t have a smart phone or e-book reader.) Then, I read the entire booklet before touching my manuscript, giving me a chance to see if I could really do it myself. The guide seemed to be amazingly simple, except for one thing: I am a WordPerfect writer, having worked in WordPerfect since I first started on computers back in the70’s. Word is still alien to me.

I managed to re-save my manuscript in Word and then put it through Notepad to really clean it up, as they suggested. Since I’m only faintly familiar with Word, finding the proper settings was the biggest challenge for me. Believe it or not, my biggest problem was finding how to to a page-down to skip to a new page, as I never use it. (I had to travel back through my memory when I was a legal secretary back in the ‘80’s to remember how to: control-enter.) I have to say, though, that in spite of my Word non-expertise, I made it through the manual in approximately 3 days.

Due to my ignorance concerning Word settings, I ended up having to put my manuscript through the publishing process 5 times before finally being accepted. It was entirely my fault for not properly setting up my paragraphs. But I stuck to it and was successful in finally being accepted by Smashwords before my Saturday deadline: I wanted to have it done in time for the Annual Bluegrass Festival where we Lake County Authors have a booth, so I could advertise my new e-book!

Be sure you visit my new page at: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87374

Weekend Fun!

2011-09-07T06:52:00.001-07:00

Because Sean was home for a visit during the Labor Day Weekend, Max, Steve, Sean and I ventured out for some Sunday afternoon fun at the refurbished Putt-putt golf place. Tatonka Land bought up the old Jules Mini-golf place that has lain deserted since before we moved here in 2000. Every time I walk by it, I think how cool it would be if it were still there. Most of the old statues have disappeared over the years, but the new owners managed to retrieve some of them. They’ve brought it back in style! Just be careful where you walk!

I was fascinated by the nifty course and all the cool statues. We had a blast trying to shoot straight or around corners. Some of the easy holes ended up being the hardest!

We ended up within 6 shots of each other at the end and went away laughing and happy! What a bundle of fun for $5 a game! We did the whole course in about 1-1/2 hours! And you can bet we’ll go back for more in the future! (You can see more of the park on FB at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tatonka-Land/229087533800853)

TRIP TO THE BEACH!

2011-08-02T08:13:00.001-07:00

Sunday we went to the beach. Actually we were planning on going to Muir Woods, but took a wrong turn and ended up at Stinson Beach. Because of the heavy fog (we call it Marine Layer), there weren’t many beach-goers out. In fact, it was pretty deserted except for the gulls, the sandpipers and various sets of wildlife footprints ---mostly deer, we think. There was a guy fishing from a rock and another small group of guys practicing rock climbing, but mostly just us. Max brought his guitar (which has been his normal companion lately) and propped up in various locations to serenade us.

Then, after a tasty brunch at the nearby cafe, we headed back towards Muir Woods. Unfortunately it was so crowded, we would have had to walk several MILES from where we could park just to get to the entrance of the woods. So, we bagged that (hoping to make it back earlier next time) and wound our way up and down Mt. Tamapais on our way back to the coast, where we landed at Muir Beach. Although there were more people there, we only spent a short time at this short stretch of beach. The fog was still in place, although a lot less.

On our way along Hwy 1, we saw signs for Pt. Reyes Light Station and decided to check it out. After a LONG stretch of road, we finally hit the parking lot---and had to walk .4 miles to get to the station. What a quaint little Lighthouse set down on the side of the rocky cliff. There were 318 steps down to it (along with several stretches of slanting sections) and back up to the top. It didn’t seem that bad getting down. The station had the original Fresnel lens and foghorn along with fascinating historical buildings and knowledgeable Keeper. They actually have a few small apartments beside the lighthouse where the keepers live---with no TV or phone reception and no internet. Talk about a quiet life. They do carry large mobile phones to keep in touch with local rangers.

On our way back along the stretch to Hwy 1, Max spotted a small stand of trees (Eucalyptus) and wanted to stop at this “magical forest,” which happened to be next to a Coast Guard Station. Lo and behold it was a burial ground and a wonderful find! So quiet and peaceful and green with cool tangled trees. The markers were old and sparse, with lots of room left for others. How cool!

What a great day!

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP ;)

2011-07-10T08:33:00.001-07:00

Our little world here at Lehmanville seems to be brighter these days…no, I’m not talking about the blazing sun outside:

The pool is quite inviting these warm summer days with it’s crystal clear warm water and new pool toys. Just lazing in the still water is relaxing and cleansing to the soul. However, that whole scene can be broken if Gypsy happens to be outside. She LOVES the pool. Given the chance, she jumps right in and swims frantically, biting at the water that surges around her. She looks so stressed when she does this that one can easily think she is drowning and try to pull her to safety. But when she is pushed onto the ladder, she jumps to the ground, then races around to the stairs and leaps right back in! We are forced to block ourselves in the pool by sliding our child safety gate across the entrance just to keep her out. Then, she whines and cries and runs around the outside of the pool, lunging up the sides, trying to find a way in! So much for peace and quiet…

The “girls” are doing well these days, laying between 4 and 6 eggs a day. They seem contented without Charlie and are always thrilled to see us when we come in to feed and commune with them. Spot is getting fatter and a few of the others are having skin problems, but all in all, they are doing well. I’m selling a few dozen here and there to help with their feed.

Max is keeping busy this summer with his new braces, his clarinet and bass playing, his summer required reading and, of course, FaceBook. A local singer/songwriter guy, Tom X, has asked him to accompany him at a performance at a local theatre on August 14th, so they are practicing some together, preparing for that. Max is also playing background accompaniment at a local radio station once a month for a cowboy music show. He prefers to remain anonymous as that type of music is not his first choice. It’s good experience for him, though, and he gets to stretch his musical abilities some.

Probably the most exciting thing to come down the pike this summer is that Hubby finally got a call from the Union to go back to work. Although the drive is longer than he likes, it IS work and he’s thrilled to be back at it again. YEAH! My piano business has been good, I’m kept busy with that and tennis (3 times a week). Max comes to play tennis with our little group and is becoming a better player than I! (I knew this day would come, but it’s still not easy to take…)

So, have a great summer and keep smiling! (Makes one wonder what you’re up to!)

Sunday is Father’s Day!

2011-06-16T06:58:00.001-07:00

Those of you who still have living Fathers should be spending this day with them because some day, they won’t be around to celebrate this day…and you’ll regret not having done more with them.

My father, William C. Truckenmiller (born in 1916), passed away back in the late ‘70s from colon cancer. Digging through a bunch of old photos, I scanned a few to preserve them in digital form. I love this one of him as a very young boy, although there is no date on it---I’m thinking he must have been around 2 years old. There is one old tin-type photo of him at about 10 years old that is slowly fading away. Couldn’t scan that one, but hope I can find a way to preserve it. Any ideas?

When WWII happened, my Dad entered the Navy and served as an officer on this ship, the U.S.S. Crystal. It was a weather ship in the Pacific with its home base on Midway. I love these old photos of him and my Mom:

After the war, he worked in a foundry as a metallurgist, designing and building various munitions. Found this pic of him with our cat, Joe. He was a fun father who loved jokes, sports (he was quite a tennis player in high school), cards, fishing, and crossword puzzles (which he either did in ink or just in-his-head). I am sad that he never lived long enough to see both my brother and I married, with kids. My boys really missed out not having him as a grandfather. But I know he would have been proud of both of them!

Miss you, Dad!

Animal Updates!

2011-05-30T07:32:00.001-07:00

Our two cats, Caruso and Kit-Kit have a love-hate relationship---mostly hate. Caruso wants to get up close and personal with Kit but she will have nothing to do with him---that is, unless she wants something. The other morning, it was the water bowl. Never have I seen her that close to Caruso! She glared at him to the point that he finally couldn’t stand it anymore and gave up the bowl! Now doubt who is the top cat around here…(at least in HER mind).

The “girls” seem calm and happy these days. Fluffy is busy sitting on her clutch of eggs----and wants NO hands too close! I have not seen her leave them AT ALL in several weeks. She IS diligent. On the other hand, the Rhode Island Reds are always on the move. These two seem to stay together and are always competing for any scrapes we bring them from the kitchen. Their favorites? Corn cobs, grapes, carrot and yam peels and melon rinds!

All seem content at the Lehmanville farm!

Tuning at the CIA…

2011-05-26T06:31:00.001-07:00

Yeah, you read that right. I got the strangest call from the CIA the other day and they wanted me to come tune their piano! I didn’t know they even HAD a piano there, but went the other day and did the job.

It was an OLD piano---a Chickering grand---that was probably built in the late 1800 or early 1900s and in desperate need of help. It was weird to tune in such a hard stone building with high ceilings---everything echoed so. The halls seemed to go on forever and looking over the balcony from the second floor, the flags were bright and colorful. Everyone who walked by while I was there was thrilled that I’d come to tune their piano. One person said it was RARELY used, but that they needed it tuned for something going on this coming weekend.

After packing up my tools and navigating the halls to the front entrance, I had to pause and take a couple more pics- --especially of the ornate sign outside:

Yesterday must have been Bad Neck Day…

2011-05-22T08:14:00.001-07:00

It was not the best day for our animals: especially Charlie and Gypsy Girl.

Charlie is to become a chicken stew today. Yesterday, when he chose to again attack, he was hit along side his head, breaking his neck---entirely by accident. His nasty attitude was finally his downfall. I DO miss his crowing and his strutting around. However, when I went into the yard later to check the girls’ food, it was a quiet, calm and peaceful place----for the first time in AGES. The girls raced to meet me and eagerly took the vegetable scraps I gave them and I didn’t have to watch my back as I dished out their grain from the shed. I can now walk peacefully in the yard, without having to carry a stick and be watchful every step of the way. Will we get another rooster? Don’t know, but expect we might. I’m sure the girls will miss his protection.

In the morning, yesterday, when I heard Gypsy barking across the neighbor’s fence (at their two small dogs who were also barking), I called to her. She came on the dead run and, instead of leaping onto the porch (she always ignores the small steps up), she forgot to jump and ran smack dab into the side of the porch. At first I thought she may have knocked herself out, but no. She turned around and slowly jumped up onto the porch---with a dazed expression. No whining, or crying…but she was subdued for several minutes in the house, before returning to her normal rambunctious self. What a TOUGH dog! That HAD to hurt, but she took it in stride, as always. She was lucky not to have broken her own neck!

Sean’s “Transformer“ Car!

2011-05-21T07:58:00.001-07:00

It was so nice to have Sean home for a longer stay! He went to his new position in China Lake,last Wednesday. We all had a blast while he was here: the trampoline, pool, movies, bowling, music, computer stuff, scrabble, poker, and just plain talking. He took his “little” brother to Calistoga to see a vibes player one evening and took us all to the Castle winery for Mothers Day.

His new VW car is his latest “toy.” It is more roomy than it looks---lots of room in the trunk,etc. When he puts the top down it looks like one of those transformer toys! It automatically moves the sides out and the top folds neatly in part of the trunk area.

Wednesday morning, after packing everything, he stacked it all in the living room. “Bet you I can get all of this in my car!” he claimed. And he DID! In spite of the room that is needed for putting the top down, he managed to pack it full---using the back seats and the passenger spot too---and still fit nicely in his seat with room to spare! It was truly amazing how he did that!

We sure miss him---things are way too calm and quiet since he left…

Wow! What a Mothers Day!

2011-05-10T08:05:00.001-07:00

The title says it all! Max played at the Lake County Orchestra’s concert in the Junior Orchestra on his double-bass beginning at 11:00 a.m. (for the dress rehearsal) and getting finished by 3:30 that afternoon. They played the theme from Amadeus (from Symphony #25 by Mozart) and an interesting piece called, “M to the Third Power” which entails unusual meter changes.

Then, we sped off over the hill to Calistoga to the “Castle” winery, Castello di Amorosa for a tour [with our tour guide, Mark] and wine tasting, thanks to Sean! I’ve always been fascinated by castles, so this was a real treat. This castle is listed as a 12th century Tuscan castle-winery owned by Dario Satturi. According to their brochure: “The 121,000 square foot Castello includes 107 unique rooms, 8,000 tons of hand-squared stones, 8 levels (4 below ground), 900 feet of caves, a completely hand-painted Great Hall , a drawbridge, moat, dungeon and torture chamber, a consecrated chapel , and one of the most impressive wine barrel rooms in the U.S. constructed with ancient brick Roman cross-vaulted ceilings.

Yet, the Castle is merely a backdrop to showcase some of Napa Valley’s best wines. The castle produces a tiny 15,000 cases which are sold only at the winery; directly to the consumer.”

They told us of the many celebrities who have partied at this castle, not to mention a few movies being filmed there as well. They also take reservations for a spooky Halloween Party and festive New Years Eve masquerade ball they have yearly. [Love to check out that Halloween event…] We had fun on the tour and at the tasting---plus the gift shop at the end was a blast! As we strolled back to the car, past the vineyard, I commented on how “Christmasy” it looked to have the red poppies among the green grape vines---a perfect photo moment!

Then we grabbed some steaks for the grill, fresh asparagus and raced home to feast. With Steve’s lemon butter atop the veggie, it was quite tasty! The homemade brownies I’d made the day before topped it all off. We all slept well that night!

ROOSTER WRANGLER!

2011-04-21T08:21:00.001-07:00

Boy do we have eggs! The girls have been busy and Charlie has been nastier than ever. The other day Max went out with me to the Chicken Yard with his wooden stick (yeah, it looks like a Trident) ready to beat on Charlie, if need be. Charlie attacked Max his previous visit and nailed him on the hand (and drew blood!), so this time Max was prepared, complete with gloves.

Charlie only tried to attack once---preferring to seek safety under the raised red roof. He usually waits until you walk away, with your back to him, and then he scrambles out and tries to spur you. (Once, I went into the shed to get the eggs and when I turned around, there he was, perched on the entrance, glaring at me. I had to charge at him to get him to move.)

Well, our trip was successful this time---no one was injured. The girls just watched all this and kept their distance from us and Charlie. Inside, one girl was laying while another waited her turn. They probably wonder what is going on…

Have a fun Easter and eat lots of nutritious eggs!

Bees are here!

2011-04-17T10:53:00.001-07:00

Steve (Hubby) received his first colony of bees in the mail (yes, you read that right) this week. So, now he has to feed them (sugar water) until it gets warm enough for them to go out on their own. It’s been down below 40 for a few days, so they would rather hang around the hive than venture out too far.

The other day we both donned our bee “outfits” and went to try to locate the queen that was sent in a cute little plastic tube. First, Steve had to smoke them some to hopefully calm them. It seems to subdue them enough to get close without any trouble. Well, we found the empty tube---so the queen was probably somewhere in the midst of all those bees. She was marked in white, but we still didn’t see her there and we didn’t want to go probing too much into the swarm. Mad bees are no fun.

Actually the hive is supposed to be undisturbed for about a week to give the bees time to settle in with the queen. They go through an enormous amount of sugar water in a day. When they can begin to produce honey, then we can quit with the sugar water until winter (or fall?). After this colony is going strong, Steve may transfer it to a more distant location (an empty field) where the bees can fulfill their jobs without a big commute. We’ve found that as long as you avoid their “beeline,” they basically don’t bother you. One just has to remain calm and move slowly when around them---no swatting or flailing allowed.

So bee it.

Flood over---at least we hope so.

2011-04-03T08:45:00.001-07:00

Well, according to the paper here, the flood alert for our lake (Clear Lake, the largest freshwater lake in CA) is over. This lake hasn’t flooded for more than 10 years! Usually it takes a few days after the rains to settle down and start receding. When we were up in Lakeport last weekend for the concert, during the height of the flooding, I took some pictures. Normally, this park is an ideal place to visit and enjoy the lake--- but as you can see, the water crashed into the beach area and flooded out the picnic and kiddie playground places as well. Then, I came upon this sign situated beside the restaurant by the lake (and almost IN the lake) and had to chuckle.

But things are finally drying out here and Max could actually mow the lawn yesterday without getting bogged down. The “girls” are still laying like crazy and Charlie is as nasty as ever. Steve put a loop on the end of a long stick and uses it to lasso Charlie and get him up and away when we’re in there to feed them or collect the eggs. Charlie has learned to avoid the loop! Spot is as sweet as ever, coming up first thing when I go out.

Gypsy Girl and the cats have been going strong. Kit-Kit still wants nothing to do with Gypsy, but Caruso continues to be friendly and play/fight with her. Crazy boy! Gypsy loves our big acre and is a true rocket-dog outside as she streaks around the yard.

Spring is definitely here!

A day in San Francisco

2011-03-24T07:58:00.001-07:00

Just the other day, Steve (Hubby) and I had to go into San Francisco to the Veterans health center. Well, since it was a bright and sunny day (it’s been mostly rain here lately), we drove around and ended up at Land’s End (see photo above) which has a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounding waters. Of course it was windy, but not so cold. We had time, before his appointment, to have lunch, so we picked a this place: and had a nice, but filling, lunch. Afterwards, a walk was in order (to settle all that lunch), so we headed up the street.

We had to laugh at this small collection of restaurants all in a row: talk about diversity: Italian, Japanese, and American Hamburgers all together! SF is famous for that! I always love all the neat and mixed architecture on the streets of SF---especially the Queen Anne and Victorian fancy stuff.

All in all, it was a nice change to be in the city and experience some great food!

Learning to get along together…

2011-03-20T10:10:00.001-07:00

Yes, Gypsy Girl and Caruso are learning to get along better! Gypsy is still struggling with holding back her biting and Caruso has got to still learn not to get himself cornered. Occasionally, Caruso makes it onto Gypsy’s back and digging in with all four feet, tries to bite her in the neck, but can’t get through all that fur, so doesn’t even faze her. This morning Gypsy managed to roll out of his back grasp and made Caruso growl. But they’ve learned to be content together too: Kit-Kit watches from above on her perch on the end of the piano, but stays still and quite invisible and looks down on them with disgust.

It was pouring yesterday when I ventured out to the chicken yard. All the girls and Charlie were under the outside enclosure out of the wet, Charlie crowing and making all kinds of noise (probably swearing at the weather). As I approached the metal shed, Spot came running out to the shed to see me! I was stunned that she was brave enough to face the heavy rain, but her desire to see me and get a pet, won out. As I was leaving the yard, Charlie strutted out and came for me. Luckily, I had the stick (Charlie beater) in my hand and was able to fend him off enough to escape the yard. Sometimes I think he’s jealous of Spot’s attention to me! I have trouble believing that, what with his tiny itty-bitty brain!

QUIT DOGGIN’ THAT CAT!

2011-03-13T20:48:00.001-07:00

The title says it all! Gypsy’s learning not to “herd” the cat too much. Caruso is such a sweetheart and wants to be friends with her, but he will only take so much before the claws come out and the low growl starts. Will Gypsy Girl ever learn? I have my doubts. Our other cat, Ninja Kit-Kit has been as invisible as possible, thinking if she doesn’t move the dog won’t find her. That works great at night when it’s dark, but not so well when she’s curled up on our light beige bedspread. She is especially fast and, in the blink of an eye, she’s gone---down under somewhere.

Charlie, our watch-rooster, is as nasty as ever. The other day I went in to check for eggs and feed the girls, he came at me and I knocked him off his feet THREE times with a plastic pole that I carry for just that job. And STILL he came at me again. At least the girls are well protected when we’re not there…that’s the only thing that saves him at this point.

The great news is that I finally got my new refrigerator! YEAH! If you all remember my refrigerator blues last fall (or earlier?), we hauled in one of the refrigerators that the previous owners of this place had left in the garage. It’s been adequate until just lately, when the freezer will go from below 0 to 40 at the drop of a hat. Strange thermostat problems, I suppose. At any rate, Sears had a sale, so I got this one for under $400---brand new with a warranty. So far, so good.

Enjoy your week!

Been a While…

2011-03-06T09:08:00.001-08:00

Wow, it’s been a couple of weeks since my last blog. Time flies when one is busy. Not much has changed around here lately---you know what they say, “No news is good news!”

Our snow has turned to steady rain (which we have needed) and everything has turned to mud, including our dog. Gypsy has a tendency to run herding patterns around the chicken yard when we go there to check the chicks and her little figure-8 track has become one big mud pit. Then, every night before she can come inside, she has to have a bath. So, we keep a big pot of water on our woodstove that is always hot, just for her bath.

The “girls” are doing well and still laying from 4 to 6 eggs a day. I wished I’d had my camera handy the other day when Hubby went out to collect eggs and found all the hens lined up (like a production line) on the top rail in the hen house, waiting their turns to go into the laying cubbies. There are 8 cubbies but the hens only use the same two…all the time! They refuse to even get in the other ones. Talk about creatures of habit! Unfortunately I didn’t get a pic of that as he told me after the fact. But it must have been quite a site.

Charlie is completely healed and as nasty as ever. I don’t think he learned a thing even with the boot to the leg! But, if he’s that way with us, he’s also that way with predators that visit the hen yard, thus protecting the girls. So, as long as he is doing his job so well, he gets to live.

Gypsy Girl has been doing better, but has developed a nasty sneeze/wheeze, as if there’s something stuck in her nose. It even wakes her up when she’s napping or at night. I’m afraid we may have to take her to the vet to have this checked out. She may have grass or fox-tails stuck up there.

Work has been good, but gas prices have rocketed---$3.95 at last look. Afraid to look today. So, I raised my tuning price up another $10 to cover the travel costs. People seem to understand and don’t complain too much.

Hopefully Max will have his first tennis match with his school team, this week on Thursday. Since it is out of town, I’ve volunteered to drive. Hope the weather cooperates.

It can stop snowing now…

2011-02-20T20:28:00.001-08:00

Yes, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… It actually started snowing here on Thursday late afternoon when Steve and I had to drive up to a town about 1/2 hour from here for an appointment with Max’s orthodontist. We ran into a blizzard half way up the major hill near the beginning of our journey. But by the time we were almost to our destination, it had turned to rain and wasn’t so stressful.

Well, it continued to snow that night and I woke up early to find this: These chairs are a perfect way to document the snow accumulation as they have full access to the elements. Then came the call that school was cancelled due to the weather. About 10 in the morning our power went out and it continued to snow. I went out to see the chickens: One of the girls was still in the metal shed, laying away, while the rest of them were under the small roof to the right of the shed, scared to venture out in that “white stuff.” Steve and I went out to check out the side yard along with Gypsy Girl. She loved the snow and did her impression of an ostrich! Our ditch was nearly frozen over and still it snowed more ! Max came out and tried to coax Gypsy Girl up onto the trampoline, with no luck. Meanwhile, Kit-Kit enjoyed looking out from INside! That evening Max caught up on his homework by candlelight: . School was cancelled for another day and when power was out to most of our end of the county. The snow dwindled with the 40+ temps but with more rain and freezing temps that night, things became crunchy underfoot. Max made a discovery while digging through the ice: It took a lot of jabbing and spearing to get the thing loose, but he finally dislodged his treasure: Now the snow has diminished and the ground peeks through---by tomorrow it will be mostly gone. It’s probably headed your way now!!! Stay in and stay warm!

SPRING IN FEBRUARY?

2011-02-09T20:30:00.001-08:00

Yes, really. I took these pics TODAY of our new daffodils out front. So, there IS hope that spring will eventually come to everyone. I know it’s hard to believe it with all the snow and below 0 temps most of the country is experiencing, but here in CA our trees are budding and flowers popping.

In the last few days, our new dog, Gypsy Girl, has managed to decimate three new toys, which are said to be TOUGH. She usually has anything with stuffing, ripped and gutted in under 10 minutes. So, no more soft, batting-filled cutesy toys for her. Nope, got a good old-fashioned cotton braided rope for tug-of-war today. So far, it has held up and she loves to chew, chew, chew it. She definitely is still in that puppy stage.

Much to our relief, Gypsy Girl has settled in to our routine and managed NOT to eat the cats…yet. But she really is a knucklehead at times (I hear you about that sterling quality, Rocketman!) and tends to get too carried away with biting. She has to be able to control that before we can feel safe with our cats around her. Hopefully that will come with maturity (and spaying). She’s getting her shots this coming weekend at a clinic and is getting fixed two weeks from now. So far, she seems to be in perfect health and VERY strong. I think she is a keeper!

UPDATES GALORE

2011-02-06T10:25:00.001-08:00

There’s been a lot happening this week: we’re still welcoming our new dog, Gypsy; the “girls” are still laying (Charlie has learned his lesson); Max’s Pep Band played at a Basketball Tournament this Friday; and Max went to a formal dance last night, dressed to kill!

First off: GYPSY. She’s turned out to be quite a handful. We think she’s still in the puppy stage with her nipping and chewing gone wild. I bought a group of three sturdy, fabric-coated, interlocking rings yesterday and she’s managed to chew through them already. I’m getting hard rubber ones this time…All in all, she will turn out to be a nice dog, if we are patient and stern with her. She’s always so thrilled to be around us, but too keyed in on the cats to let them loose around her. I think she looks at them like a fun chase-toy---her stares are too intense. Time will tell. We don’t even like her to LOOK at the chickens yet…thank goodness for the sturdy enclosure!

The Girls are still laying (although they almost quit when Gypsy first appeared), but they don’t like all the attention the dog lavishes on them. Charlie’s leg is healing well and he’s finally putting weight on it (Hubby had to boot him away after one of his attacks). Charlie used to attack me from the rear in the back of my leg with his spurs, even though I had a stick or rake in my hand! He keeps his distance now from me when I go in to feed them or collect eggs.

I went to hear the Pep Band (yup, that’s Max standing up in the back corner, next to that blue light, with his bass) Friday night at the Basketball Tourney (K-ville won 70-49). He and the small group that actually showed up for the game played well and had fun cheering the team on!

Then, last evening Max dressed up in his suit and tie for a formal Winter Dance at the school. No, he didn’t have a date, but he danced with lot of girls there. He and his buddy, E, came home just after midnight, happily exhausted. Max also received his first semester report card and was thrilled to get all A’s! He was sweating out that B+ he had going in English, but the teacher gave him an A for the semester. SWEET! But you can bet he’ll not tell anyone about his 4.0, unless they ask. “I hate people who brag!” he exclaims. But, I’m not ashamed to brag for him. He’s worked hard for those A’s and is focused already on college in the future.

HEY THERE, GYPSY GIRL!

2011-02-02T21:39:00.001-08:00

This past weekend, Sadie’s family came and picked her up. They really missed her and couldn’t stand to be without here any longer. How depressing to have to give her back! She’s such a wonderful dog. However, when she does come into heat, they will bring her back, hopefully. They seem to want puppies as much as we do.

Monday, around noon, Steve called me at home to tell me he was bringing a dog home! What a shock! Apparently, someone at the ranch, who recently moved, left a part Australian Shepherd---just abandoned her. She had been put in a small fenced area that was all muddy and nasty. We think she’s about a year old and she seems quite a people-oriented dog---very lavish with the kisses---very sweet and a little pig-headed.

As you can see, she has the blue merle look with those weird bluish streaked eyes. Also notice the little pink spots in her nostrils that suggest a piggy nose! How cute! We think she might have some Cattle Dog in her or Blue Heeler as she has a stocky build and is very strong. Her coat is also a little coarser than an Aussie but is quite soft and nice since her bath Monday. Steve just told me he’d heard that her name had been “Rusty,” but we wanted to rename her. I think we’ve decided on Gypsy Girl. She already comes to “Girl” great. She has that mystical look about her and her past is truly a mystery to us.

We still hope to get a pup from Sadie but for now, we are breaking in our new girl, Gypsy Girl!

January Spring

2011-01-25T21:16:00.001-08:00

Hard to believe it’s January! While the rest of the country is pretty much caught up in snow and cold temps, we here in CA are experiencing a “false” spring. Since I had a sleepless night last night and no real work lined up for today, I took the opportunity to take it easy. With camera in hand, I walked around the yard with Sadie (bouncing along beside and in front of me) and snapped a few pics out in the 70 degree sunshine. Steve has been busy sawing wood and building ---looks like bee colony stuff--- from some wood that was given to us. The chickens are happy to have some sun and dryness too. Charlie is his usual snotty self---always sneaking up on me and trying to attack from the rear. I always take my trusty rake into the pen now. The “girls” are doing great, even though they are showing signs of molting. Spot is still a beauty and I believe this is Fluffy (the biggest hen in the herd) and Grinnelda (the biggest pain in the neck of the Rhode Island Reds). They are almost all bigger than Charlie, if you don’t count Charlie’s EGO!

Sadie found an old horn in the yard and loves to throw it around, pretending someone is throwing it for her to chase. She does that with a ball too, and is hilarious in her play-alone antics. She still hasn’t come into heat yet, but we’re hoping it will happen soon.

Found this old birdhouse nestled in the twisting grape vines---looks unoccupied, but come REAL spring, it might have new residents! They say this warm, dry spell will last until February, so I’m taking advantage of it all I can!

TO BEE OR NOT TO BEE!

2011-01-23T10:05:00.001-08:00

BEElieve it or not, we have a healthy gang of BEES already setting our front yard tree in full hummm. You’d think it was spring around here---temps in the high 60’s, sunny and mild. But the humming tree has already started ---which is amazing to me. Tiny buds are appearing on it, setting the BEES into a frenzy.

Hubby Steve has wanted to start a BEE colony for years now, and is serious about capturing this swarm of BEES and having some fresh honey. He put this sign out on the front gate to warn passersby of the BEES within. Someone suggested he add the word “BEEware!”

(from www.benefits-of-honey.com):

It is the only insect that produces food eaten by man.

The honey bee's wings stroke incredibly fast, about 200 beats per second, thus making their famous, distinctive buzz. A honey bee can fly for up to six miles, and as fast as 15 miles per hour.

It takes one ounce of honey to fuel a bee’s flight around the world.

A hive of bees will fly 90,000 miles, the equivalent of three orbits around the earth to collect 1 kg of honey.

The bee's brain is oval in shape and only about the size of a sesame seed, yet it has remarkable capacity to learn and remember things and is able to make complex calculations on distance travelled and foraging efficiency.

A colony of bees consists of 20,000-60,000 honeybees and one queen. Worker honey bees are female, live for about 6 weeks and do all the work.

These are just some of the more amazing things I didn’t know about bees. I’m not crazy about them---as they are a stinging insect, but I do respect them and try not to kill them. But, I don’t think I could ever do THIS:

THE TREE INCIDENT

2011-01-16T20:48:00.001-08:00

Yesterday started out so nice---sunshine and temps rising into the 60’s. The morning was peaceful with the chirping of birds and baying of the hounds next door. I dragged Max out of bed, finally, at about the crack of noon (actually just after 11) and he leisurely ate a bowl of cereal while watching some inane movie on TV. Hubby had gone out to his mushroom lair, his new super-quiet MP3 player earplugs firmly pressed into his ears, listening to a non-fiction book. The unsettling roar of a chainsaw seemed too close for comfort outside, but I figured it was just the neighbor preparing firewood. Then Max announced that “someone just came through our front gate!” I dashed out the back and met our neighbor (the one with the hounds) as he strode up the driveway. “Is Steve around?” he asked. I guided him to where Hubby stood, with drill in hand in the mushroom area. The neighbor exclaimed, “I’m taking down a tree and it might fall on your pump house.” He motioned Steve to follow, explaining to us that the tree had some dead limbs in it and he didn’t want it to fall on our property so he was taking the whole tree down. He’d already been attacking it with his chainsaw at the base and had a long cable running to his pick-up truck on the other side of his yard, in hopes of preventing the tree from falling our way. However, as he pointed out, the tree leaned our way. He also said that the arborists were too expensive to consider and that he and his two friends could take this tree down just fine.

Needless to say, we moved the boat, our trailer and van along with my car, which was in the carport. Still, that tree looked awful tall to me (Steve thought it was about 85 feet tall). If it came our way, it could wipe out the carport and possible the back of our house (mostly Max’s and our bedrooms). If it fell towards the street, it would take out the power, telephone and cable lines and cause other related problems. The only safe place for it to fall was directly opposite our place---in his front yard. Well, the neighbor and his buddies (did they really know what they were doing?) decided to throw a line from the top of our pump house, up into the tree, hoping to snare a major limb and pull the tree in the opposite direction. They managed to hit a limb with their rope and pull the entire thing down into our yard, wiping out our fence. By that time, we were really nervous and left our house. As we stood in the back yard, talking to our neighbors, one of the men decided to climb the tree and chainsaw some of the lower limbs, that promptly fell in our yard and the ditch. Keep in mind he was up in that tree that had been almost entirely sawed through at its base. (Of course, these young guys didn’t wear any wimpy safety glasses or ear protection when wielding their chainsaws!) Well, our other neighbor suggested we call the power company, because it looked certain that the power lines would be hit. I tried that and the power people suggested I contact 911 and they’d send out a fire-truck. I also did that and the truck appeared only about five minutes later. As we stood there talking to the fire people, the tree began to crackle and snap. The neighbor guy ran up to it with his saw attacking the side towards their house. The tree slowly toppled-----right into their front yard, barely scraping the front of his garage and dog pen. A cheer rose from the guys next door! We all breathed a sigh of relief and thanked the fire guys for being so prompt! Thank goodness it all came out OK!

It took my stomach several hours to settle down after that stressful event. I’m just so grateful it didn’t go all wrong---for us and for them. Just the tree was the only thing sacrificed…

Last week visitors

2011-01-08T09:56:00.001-08:00

I realize this is a week past due, but with school in full session this week and work and everything else, it’s been a hectic one. We had Max’s friend, Lucas (with brother Jake, sister Haley and Dad in tow) (this pic was from Max’s Thanksgiving visit with them) visit on Saturday, when we had all that snow. They didn’t have the snow where they lived, so it was a pleasant (and WELCOME) surprise when they arrived here. They proceeded to build a nice snowman and a couple of snow forts before their big snowball fight. Lucas and his sister, Haley were on one side against Max and Jake. Unfortunately, Max and Jake lost, but they all had great fun. Lucas’ family also brought their dog, Sadie (who has been on this space before in pictures). She is a gorgeous Australian Shepherd who has never been fixed. They left her with us in hope that she might come into season (as it is about time) in the next few weeks and we can mate her with my friend’s male Aussie, Shostro.

So, we are thrilled to be keeping such a sweet and smart dog. She has adapted well and is making peace with our cats too. My friend brought Shostro and his pack of 4 other dogs over to visit just to see if they got along well together. All five dogs got along fine with Sadie, although Shostro totally ignored her. My friend left one of the other dogs, Gus-Gus, who is a 5 month old black Lab puppy to play with Sadie while they went off for the rest of the afternoon. I got his cute pic of the two of them during a quick moment when they weren’t chasing each other! Sadie had a blast with the dogs and slept well that night.

Although the snow has melted, it is still cold (below freezing) each morning and only gets up into the 50’s or 60’s during the afternoon. The “girls” and Charlie are doing well but their egg production is down to three or four eggs a day---I think they are getting ready to molt. Charlie attacked my leg yesterday when I went out. It’s a good thing I wear heavy jeans out there! He’s such a brat!!! I now carry a big rake whenever I go into the yard…

WOW! Happy WHITE New Years!

2011-01-01T09:34:00.001-08:00

WOW indeed! When I came out this morning, here is what greeted me: Yes, we got some snow early this morning and it’s still coming down. This storm that came in last night is a real freak one for around here. The temps are in the 30’s and rising slightly. I expect it won’t last long.

But, of course, I grabbed my camera, threw on a coat and some shoes and ran outside for a couple of quick shots before even my first cup of coffee was done. Haven’t see such accumulation around here in years. Usually we get about an inch and then it disappears quickly.

Charlie was crowing his head off and when I investigated their yard, they were all huddled in the shed, waiting for me to make it stop! Spot came right up to me and demanded pets while the others just pushed and shoved each other in the small enclosure, afraid to go into the white. I tried to coax them outside, but they would have no part of that.

Max should be coming home from Yuba City later this afternoon. Hope they can make it over the small mountain range between here and there. By afternoon, it should all be gone---we are expecting heavy rain today and tomorrow. But the snow is fun while it lasts! Maybe we didn’t have a white Christmas, but it certainly is starting out to be a white new Year!

Crazy weather everyone’s having, huh?!

Max’s Birthday

2010-12-29T22:14:00.001-08:00

Actually, Max’s birthday was yesterday, the 28th---he just turned 15! Do you remember when you were 15??? Because his brother had to leave on the 27th, we sort of celebrated all Christmas weekend AND Monday---Tuesday, (his actual birthday), he went shooting rifles with his Dad along with his friend, E., and his Dad. You see, E got a rifle for his birthday, and couldn’t wait to shoot it. Besides, Monday, the 27th was E’s 15th birthday too! Max, E and his other friend L, usually celebrate together because their birthdays are so close together (L’s birthday is Jan. 7th). Then, after the rifle shooting, that evening Max and E went to boxing class and worked up quite a sweat.

Well, Max’s actual birthday was a rainy, windy day, so we stayed pretty much inside while he played his new video games and goofed off. Then, today, Wednesday, he went to visit L over in Yuba City, about 2 hours from here. He’ll be gone until sometime this coming weekend.

It’s so hard to believe Max is already 15. It seems like only last week he was going to Kindergarten, and only a few days ago that he graduated from the 8th grade. But now, he’s a freshman in High School and playing High School sports and enjoying the school band program. He’s thrown off his little boy innocent face and a bright young man is shining through that big grin. Why, by next year at this time, he’ll be wanting to get his driver’s license… Oh no! He can’t be THAT old yet!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAX!

COOL CASTLE!

2010-12-27T08:09:00.001-08:00

Coming back from the city of Napa the other day, we (Sean, Max and I) stopped at this castle winery for a look-see. Sean and his girlfriend had visited it when they were here before and peaked my interest. Most of you don’t know how much I LOVE castles. Just ask Carol Dee. One of our fondest memories together centers around a lost castle---but that’s another story.

This castle was brought over from Italy, stone by stone and reconstructed in the Napa Valley. You can’t see it from the road, so I had no idea it was there! But it is spectacular to come over the small hill and see a beautiful castle. We were able to wander around, but they charged a fee to go inside, so we passed on that one---for now, anyway. We’ll save that tour for another day. But the grounds and up-close views of the stonework and metal work were fun. There were also sheep in one pasture where I took this “sheep shot:” This cat appeared to be the official “castle cat” as he sat at the entrance, and collected all pets. Reminded me of Caruso. The boys rolled their eyes when I insisted on pics of them, but humored me anyway.

All in all, it was fun to see this little jewel hidden in the Napa Valley.

SEAN’S HOME!

2010-12-24T07:19:00.001-08:00

Christmas is nearly here and our oldest, Sean, is home from the Navy this year! It’s so good to see him again and watch him and Max exchange teases! Sean arrived around 2 in the afternoon after a long grueling drive from San Diego. He was wearing his new Navy uniform, which is a blue cammo! Pretty spiffy! He said he wore it because the matching raincoat was so nice and he thought he might need it.

The boys played pool a while before coming in and dragging out their musical instruments. What fun to watch and hear the two of them playing together in front of the Tree! Sean brought his old metal clarinet and sounded spectacular with the bass accompanyment.

After Christmas, Sean will head on up to Bremmerton, WA, where the ship is in dry dock, in his car. That way, he’ll have his car there. He has a cute one-room, furnished apartment that is rented on a month to month basis, so he can easily leave when he needs to. He’s only stationed up there until sometime in the spring, when he will go to China Lake, CA. Dates are not certain yet for when that will happen.

So nice to have family all together for Christmas! Happy Holidays to all!!!

Oh, and I promised to put up my recipe for Meringue Cookies:

Preheat oven to 350. Beat 2 egg whites until stiff, then add

3/4 cup sugar slowly, beating it in thoroughly before adding

1/8 t. salt and 1/4 t. vanilla (or mint). Mix in a 6 oz. (approx. 1 cup) package of chocolate or mint chips.

Then, on a sheet of parchment paper (or an old paper bag cut to fit your cookie sheet), spoon by teaspoon onto sheet (can be close together). Put tray in oven and TURN OVEN OFF. Leave in over-night. In morning package and freeze or refrigerate. If the cookies come out soft and chewy, freeze---the meringue will harden just right! Enjoy! I always make a double batch and still they disappear fast!!!

Who says cats don’t have a sense of humor??

2010-12-14T06:50:00.001-08:00

Christmas is nearly here---Caruso has discovered the low tree ornament and chooses to keep it company. Then he remembers how much he likes Rudolf and for just an instant, transforms into the famous reindeer. Ah, but that was too much work.

White Bird Week

2010-12-12T09:06:00.001-08:00

What a crazy week! I worked like crazy getting all those out-of-tune pianos up to par. But when I came home, an amazing thing greeted me one evening---a pair of white geese waddled across the driveway. Max was with me then and thought at first they were “giant ducks.” I knew they were geese, by their size and bills, but I don’t think he’s ever seen domestic geese---the white ones. Well, these two geese hung around for at least two days---they were quite skittish and when I tried to get pics of them, they noisily told me “Don’t you dare come closer.” Then they took off, flying for short distances before landing and looking back at me, as if to say, “Can’t catch us!”

Then, just yesterday when we were coming home after retrieving Max from a friend’s house, our local wild turkey “herd” crossed the road in front of us. I slowed to a stop for them to cross. I admit I haven’t seen them in ages, but we were all surprised to see this snow white addition. I’m not positive it was an albino wild turkey, as I couldn’t get close enough to check the eyes, but it sure had the same slim look as the wild ones and with those pinkish legs, was a real stand-out in the herd. Wish I could get closer for a better shot. I’ll keep a lookout for the herd now that I know there is a white one among them. After looking online, one place DID say true albino wild turkeys are RARE. Most of the pics online were from Michigan and southern areas, none from CA. Have any of you out there seen any albino wild turkeys?

Glad we have rain…

2010-12-05T08:40:00.001-08:00

Ah, the days, they are a-flying by! The holiday will be upon us before I even get the decorations up, at this rate. Luckily for us, our Navy boy, Sean, will be home for Christmas this year, so we’ll have the family all together for the first time in YEARS! That’s gift enough for me.

I’ve been tuning and tuning like a madwoman---thank goodness for the work! People have been so generous this year and for that I am truly thankful. The Christmas Spirit seems to be stronger this year than in the past. Perhaps it is due to the economic status or maybe because folks are discovering that Christmas is a time for GIVING rather than grabbing. Or maybe, I’m just lucky and can put all that greed out of my mind for the time being. Since I am NOT sending anything out via post office or UPS this year, it all seems…well strange. For years I’ve mailed tons of stuff and been so relieved when it’s all done and I can concentrate on just our family here. This time, that stress has been lifted and I can look at the season through different eyes. Besides, I’m MAKING most of the gifts this year (that’s my excuse for not blogging more!), so I have plenty to prepare for.

Just got a call from Sean, who says he’ll be driving up here on the 23rd and leaving for Washington State around the 27th. It’ll be great to see him again! Enjoy the weekend.

(The Girls say HI and are still laying 5 to 6 eggs a day!)

COUNTERPOINT

2010-11-29T21:28:00.001-08:00

In 1968, Charlton Heston, Maximilian Schell, and Leslie Neilsen made a movie called, COUNTERPOINT, in which a 70-piece orchestra and its world famous conductor (Heston) are captured by the Germans in Belgium while on tour for the USO during WWII. The patrol commander has instructions to shoot every prisoner, an order that is countermanded by a music loving general (Schell) who demands the captives give a concert. The stubborn conductor refuses, risking his life and all those in his troupe. Leslie Neilsen played the 1st violin (or concert master) in a completely serious role. I love this photo, which hangs near my piano in our living room, along with other music-related photos. Most folks don’t notice that it’s actually Charlton and Leslie in the picture until they look closely at it. This movie has been a favorite of mine since I was in High School. I loved watching Charlton conduct Beethoven’s 5th, and some of the other classics. The music in the film was spectacular and the story was great, in my opinion. I’m just sorry that it’s still unavailable on DVD or even VHS. Perhaps one day, we will be able to view all of the Heston films on DVD. I’ll be especially happy to see this one when it comes out.

One of the best quotes is when Heston confronts the Officer (Schell): “Now we’re not just a bunch of itinerate fiddlers, do you understand? We’re a highly respected, internationally known symphony orchestra, and if you make the mistake of shooting one of us, you’ll be a lieutenant for the rest of your life, LIEUTENANT!”

When the Lieutenant sits down at his piano and whips out a quick Bach number, Heston comments, “Prostitution isn’t the only profession that has been ruined by amateurs!”

We will certainly miss Leslie Neilsen, who graced the stage with so many different characters---especially his role in AIRPLANE! Another of our great actors gone---it makes me feel so old to see these actors disappear…but their films will live on and so will they!

Catching up

2010-11-28T09:01:00.001-08:00

I know it’s been a while since my last post, but things have been about the same here. It’s been cold at night---well below 32 and fallish during the day with temps around 65 or lower mostly.

Thanksgiving came and went. Max ended up going with his friend, L, and siblings to Santa Rosa with L’s dad for most of the week. They had fun: seeing the new Harry Potter (rats, I still haven’t seen it yet---probably wait until the DVD comes out now) movie, going to the beach, playing endless Monopoly games, and kicking the soccer ball around (inventing all kinds of competitive games). Hubby and I had a quiet holiday here at home. We went to a friends for dinner on Thursday and enjoyed it, even though everyone missed Max.

Talked to my 93 year old Mom the other day. She’s doing well, although bummed out that so many people are dying around here---she says, “It seems like we have Memorial Services every day around here!” When I asked about her childhood friend, Lavancha, (with whom she’s kept in touch over the years) in Michigan, she told me that she thought Lavancha was crazy---that she was going down south with another 94 year old lady friend driving her friend’s motor-home, just the two of them. My Mom was appalled that they would attempt that! “Can you imagine being on the road with a 93 and 94 year old woman at the wheel??” Mom told me she was going to my brother’s house (only a couple of miles away) for dinner on Thursday.

Well, no news of real earth shattering importance here. Max’s concert went off just fine, albeit a tag too long (listening to the adult orchestra’s 3 hour rehearsal too!). The kids sounded just fine---but they wouldn’t let me take pictures. Bahhh!

Busy Weekend

2010-11-21T09:08:00.001-08:00

In spite of the Winter Storm that descended on us yesterday, we were lucky NOT to get any snow here. There was snow up on Cobb Mountain, near us, and just north of Lakeport (where Max has his bass lesson). When Max and I went up to his lesson yesterday afternoon, snowflakes splatted on our windshield for a short period of time. However, nothing stuck---it was still in the 40’s then.

Today is the Fall Concert for the Lake County Orchestra and the Youth Orchestra up in Lakeport---so we get to make that trek again (yes, I’ll get pictures! ). Only, this time it will be bright and sunny---albeit still chilly out. We may get more rain (it’s predicted) but probably nothing like the snow from yesterday. By Tuesday afternoon, the storms should have passed and things are supposed to be nice and warmer for Thanksgiving.

Max’s friend, L, is coming for a couple of days before the holiday and so we’ll probably go to the new Harry Potter movie while he’s here. Can’t wait!

Fall in Napa Valley

2010-11-16T21:44:00.001-08:00

Had a job down in the Napa Valley yesterday and with much swivel-headed driving, finally stopped at a vineyard for some pics of the great colors. The air is heady at this time of year with many grapes still unharvested. You can almost get drunk just breathing the air. But the different types of grapes turn brilliant shades of red and yellow and orange.

The morning sun glistened off the dewy leaves and ground, further enhancing the fall colors. I really enjoy driving down there at this time of year. It’s way better than Christmas time---with all the straight white lights and very few colored ones…and of course, no snow. Spring is pretty too, with the multitude of greens and the blossoming flowers and mustard in the vineyards.

This should be the final week we have this eye candy---rain is expected for the weekend and the rest of the leaves will wither and fall.

Fall is definitely here!

2010-11-10T08:00:00.001-08:00

Just took this picture the other evening---the sky was so beautiful, I couldn’t resist. There is a nip in the air in the mornings and a cool breeze through the days. The smell of leaves and wood-burning stoves often fills the air reminding one of Thanksgiving and the onset of the Christmas season.

The “girls” have been busy lately: here’s a good pic of Spot (in the front) with Charlie and Fluffy. The one (of the two) Orpington who is the biggest and with the most developed comb, I’ve named Fluffy because she is enormous when she fluffs out her feathers. The eggs are coming fast and furious---usually about 6 a day! Charlie hasn’t gotten any nastier, but I still can’t turn my back on him without fear of attack. He’s a sneaky devil, especially if you have eggs in your pockets. I think he’s just being protective…just doing his job!

There was a rumor that a mountain lion was roaming our ditch area (which runs beside the chicken yard) but we didn’t see him at all and all the chickens are still there. Perhaps the cat has left the area. I guess a few cats disappeared during his stay. Ours are fine, though. Nothing new to report here---all is well (or as well as can be expected in this economy) and happiness reigns!

An unusual event!

2010-11-04T07:14:00.001-07:00

Things started out pretty normal yesterday---getting Max up and ready for school, taking him in for jazz band early, going to curves, then playing tennis for an hour and a half. However, after tennis, as we sat in the Studebakers’ coffee shop, we were commenting on how unusually busy it was. Apparently, part of main street was also blocked off. Someone commented that there was going to be a parade. At this time of year? Then, someone else mentioned there was a movie being filmed! Well, you know me and movies! I trucked on down there with my little camera tucked in my hand to check out this movie.

Apparently the title currently is “Twixt until Sunrise” and it stars Val Kilmer and Bruce Dern. AND it is being directed by none other than Francis Ford Coppola! Sure enough, there were lights and camera and big vans with wardrobe, props, etc. and a cabana set up with chairs. A pack of people were milling around, getting ready to shoot a scene. We groupies were herded further down the street so our reflection couldn’t be seen in the window they were filming across the street. And yes, there was Val Kilmer, complete with pony tail and that was Coppola in the Panama Hat! (The Sheriff is the big guy in the center with Coppola to the left and Kilmer to the right.) He was explaining the scene to everyone before hand, then said “Action” and the cameras rolled. It was a short scene with Kilmer getting out of the car and walking down the alley a ways, then back and looking into the window. Not much was said, but they got it all in the first take. The only ones who didn’t cooperate were the dogs in the yard behind the watching crowd, who barked in the background during the filming. HA!

All in all, it was fun. And being a surprise, it was exciting to see it all go down. What a great diversion for the morning!

Oh what a crazy week…

2010-11-03T06:25:00.001-07:00

FINALLY the elections are over! Yippeee! SO glad to have all of that political garbage off the airwaves and telephones and out of the mail. Now we can concentrate on Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays.

As you all know, we had our pumpkin carving party this past weekend. For MOST of the pictures, please see my Wall on Facebook. I have a photo album of the party you can browse through. Although the turnout was small, we all had a marvelous time not only with the pumpkins but with bubble-making. Hubby is really an expert on this, what with previous experience and his internet research and since it threatened to rain that day, it proved to be perfect “bubble weather.” He practiced ahead of time and made up several buckets of Bubble-mixture ahead of time so it could “age.” The other thing different about this year’s party was that it was all traditional, old-fashioned carving without all the patterns I usually provide. Due to my swiss-cheese memory, I misplaced the manila envelope with the patterns (it’ll turn up some time this year, I’m sure), so we were forced to be totally creative with the carving ideas. I also set up a small candy hunt in the living room for the kids. We were also visited by Hubby’s niece and her two adorable kids:

The colors are finally in full brilliance now and it SMELLS and feels like autumn! We’re already dipping into the cider jug and I’m sifting through the Thanksgiving recipes and various ways to use Pumpkin! Love this time of year, don’t you?!

I’m only a week late with this…

2010-10-25T20:05:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, my older son, Sean, was visiting with his girlfriend, Seana (yes, that’s how you spell it too!), who had never been to the Napa Valley. They had quite the tour of the valley and on Sunday, took Max to the Charles Schultz Museum in Santa Rosa with intentions of going ice skating at the Snoopy’s Ice rink next to the Museum. However, it closed before they could get in. However, they had fun and Seana took lots of pics of the boys and all. Then they went shopping at the downtown mall and visited the giant hand!

The previous day, Sean and Seana visited an Italian castle that is somewhere in the Napa Valley (I only know the general direction), but I’ve never seen it or heard of it. You can see all her pics of it at her facebook page, which you can get to from Sean’s page or my page. They also visited a corn maze at night. Seana also made a video of many of the pictures that is on my Wall at FB too. Check it out! Max is in it too!

It rained here all weekend and we thoroughly enjoyed it! Saturday I did my radio interview on KPFZ, 88.1 FM along with two readings from my two novels. It all went well, except for a language slip by me during the first reading (yes, I said the “s” word without thinking about it). It was OK, though, as I don’t think many heard the show. I will be getting a CD of the show in a couple of weeks for my archives.

Our leaves are beginning to change as you can see from the first picture above, which is of a vineyard where you turn off the main road to get to our place. The colors are just starting so in another week, with some sunny weather too, we should have peak colors!

Trusting People

2010-10-21T09:33:00.001-07:00

Came across something interesting yesterday on my travels around the county. There is a fruit stand, off the beaten path, that I pass on my way to the next town down the road. I’ve seen the sign many times and made a mental note each time to stop there for Pears and Apples. Well, I stopped yesterday. There was a truck parked there and so I assumed he worked the stand. He was only there to replenish the supply, he said. The signs around the table said $5 a bag for the pears, apples and peaches. A metal box with a slit sat on the table as well next to the “SELF SERVE” sign. I’ve never seen this kind of thing when it comes to FOOD! The guy putting more fruit bags out said they haven’t had any problems with people taking stuff. AMAZING in this time of economic unrest. I suppose that the people who own the stand feel if folks take the fruit without paying, they must need it. After all, K-Ville is the pear capital, so there is an abundance of pears. So, I put my five ones through the metal slot and picked out my bag of pears (probably 12 or 15 in the bag). They all look perfect! Before I left, the guy there handed me an Asian pear and one of their Jonagold apples as well. How generous! Wouldn’t it be great if all businesses could rely on this method of sales?!!! Well, I can dream, can’t I?

CHARLIE’S ANGELS???

2010-10-17T09:59:00.001-07:00

Our rooster, Charlie, doesn’t seem to be growing as much as the hens lately. Perhaps he has attained his full size. They, on the other hand, appear to be getting bigger and fatter by the day! The Orpingtons are almost as big as he is and much heftier. We’re getting three to four eggs a day now---so at least three chickens are laying. Don’t think they are ALL laying yet. When winter weather descends, they’ll molt and quit laying for a while, then in the spring, they’ll lay like crazy.

Spot is still my little pet. She is stunning with her lighter feathers and darker head. But, the one good layer (the one in the background looking directly at us and probably the first one to lay) is a real snot, though and has bitten my hand twice now. What a brat! I have nicknamed her Grinelda as that name seems to fit her. She evil-eyes us when we come in to get the eggs and attacks anything bright and shiny like watches, glasses and small cameras. Hubby thinks she will be a good brood hen and mommy when the time comes. She is also the first to the food and the first to the fence when we arrive, trying to push outside the yard. Sometimes we have to gently kick her to keep her inside! Spot never tries to escape and follows me around the yard. At least one of the Orpingtons is laying---this bigger one (nicknamed Fluffy) with the nice comb. The other Orp is smaller and doesn’t have the nice comb and wattle (don’t know why??). Both are shy and untouchable. However, they never try to bite.

Charlie still struts his stuff out there and crows proudly at all times of the day and sometimes the night. His feathers are very handsome and he knows it. What a character. The girls seems to like him as their leader, though, which is a good thing!

Chickens have feelings too…

2010-10-12T22:04:00.001-07:00

This morning after breakfast, I heard an awful commotion outside. I couldn’t decide if a cat was making a ruckus or the dogs next yard were after something or if the chickens were having troubles. So, I went out to investigate. They were all there, much to my relief and they ran to the fence, so happy to see me. I had been a little worried about them because the last few nights, I’ve heard the howls of coyotes. Luckily, during that time, Charlie was silent. But he was in fine voice this morning.

At any rate, I went into the shed to the food, which we keep in a big plastic trash barrel. Before I could open it, Spot flew/jumped up onto the lid (which comes about to my waist). Then, she did the most amazing thing---she leans into me. I put my arm around her and she let me really pet her. I was stunned that she was being so affectionate! She stayed there for several minutes until I stepped out of the shed, then she followed me, chirping all the way like she does. Perhaps a predator had been in their yard earlier. We get skunks and enormous moles/ground hogs, not to mention snakes from time to time. Who knows?! However, it was quite an experience! We think that only 2 of the girls are laying eggs now---don’t know if Spot is one of them. I’ve seen the “hungry” one sitting in a nest in the shed, but haven’t disturbed her. Don’t think the Orpingtons (the big buff colored girls) are laying yet. Will get more up-to-date pics soon!

WOW! And well timed…

2010-10-08T07:57:00.001-07:00

It finally happened! We had our first eggs from “the girls.” Hubby went out the other day and said they probably laid them either the 4th or 5th---how nice they thought of me on my birthday! Quite the gift! So, this morning, we had omelets for breakfast. They were very rich and colorful but on the small side. Don’t know if all of them are laying or just a few. Hard to tell. We’ll be keeping a closer eye on them to find out. The Orpingtons (the buff colored ones) are way bigger---almost larger than Charlie---so I’m thinking their eggs will be larger too. They are a beautiful light tan shade in color and the yolks are quite orange.

As many of you may have noticed on my FB page, I put a video of Max’s performance with the KHS Jazz Band this past Saturday. (He’s the one on the far left side, behind the band) Although he only got to play one number this time, it was well done. Hopefully he’ll be able to play more often as the year progresses. In his regular band class, he is the ONLY bass, so he gets plenty of playing time there. All in all, it was a fun day by the lake.

Hope you all are enjoying this cooler Autumn weather and that your leaves are changing colors---ours are slowly getting there, but not spectacular yet.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLTON HESTON!

2010-10-04T21:45:00.001-07:00

If Charlton Heston were alive, he would have been 87 years old today. However, he died three years ago. We are lucky to have his 60+ films, voice-narrations, books and memories of this wonderful human being to remember him. One can nearly always find one of his films or hear one of his voice-narrated documentaries almost daily on TV these days. Just the other day, I came across the movie, “Cat and Dogs” where he was the voice of the top-dog! It never fails to bring a smile to my face when I hear him or see him.

Here’s hoping his memory lives forever. It will, in my heart.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

2010-10-02T10:09:00.001-07:00

What a week! It seemed like I spent most of the time in my car driving this week---went to Napa 3 times (2:30 hours round trip), Max’s school at least twice a day (40 min round trip) , our pharmacy at least 5 times (30 minutes round trip), town beyond K-Ville 3 times (1 hour round trip) and who knows how many other short hops… No, my car isn’t fixed yet, but it’s going into the shop probably next week or the week after for sure. Unfortunately, it will be there for 3 days! ARGH! All because of a stupid fender-bender. At least nobody got hurt!

Max’s soccer team won 5-3 in Thurs. game and the KHS High School football team beat a tough team last night in a close 26-20 victory! Great game! Our football team looks good this year (which it hasn’t been in a long while), so there IS hope. They’re riding in 2nd place along with three other teams, but with that victory, they may be a solid 2nd.

Max is now going to Orchestra practice with his bass on Sunday afternoons (in K-Ville, of course). He also has a performance with the KHS Jazz Band at a local winery this afternoon, which will be his first of the year. It’s so exciting that they’re finding gigs for this talented band! I may try to capture one or two songs on my Flip camera and post them (if I can figure out how) for your amusement. Hope this entry comes through on my new WordPress as well as the BlogSpot pages. Have a great weekend and see you on the flip-flop!

K-Ville Pear Festival

2010-09-27T06:11:00.001-07:00

This weekend was the annual Pear Festival in our area. K-Ville is the pear capitol of the US, with acres and acres of pear orchards surrounding the town. So every year there is the big Festival complete with Pear Queen and a substantial parade.

Max marched with the K-Ville High School Band. Although he couldn’t play his bass (which is NOT a marching instrument) he did carry the banner along with the piano player. The band played “25 or 6 to 4” by the band, Chicago and marched well, near the front of the parade. A couple of times, I thought the parade was almost over and crossed to the other side, only to have more contestants come down the street! Lots of antique cars and a whole herd of antique tractors! Yes, you read that right---there must have been 25 old tractors being cheered on by the large crowd! Definitely not your usual parade---this is an agricultural area, so I guess one has to expect it.

There were lots of stands set up selling everything from jewelry to wood carvings, soap, lots of food with that Pear theme---pies, ice cream, smoothies and turnovers. I had a marvelous pear/apricot smoothie that was nothing but ice blended with fruit pulp---no dairy and no added sugar! YUM! AND I managed to get one of my favs---an enormous frozen banana with nuts!

All in all, it was a fun time with local bands and businesses setting up raffles, etc. The weather was perfect for it as well---dry and warm! Old planes and helicopters did flyovers as well. Lots of fun!

Just one of those days…

2010-09-22T21:55:00.001-07:00

Yup, it was just one of those days---thank goodness they are few and far between. It started out early---up at 5:30 and off with Max to get him to school by 7:20 (although I usually get him there by 7:10). We were running later and ended up pulling into the back school lot (by the band room door) by 7:15. After he left the car and ran up the sidewalk to the building, I checked my rear view mirror and since there was nothing back there, I started to back up. Well, that lot is pretty small and because there is always a truck parked in the space closest to the building, I usually just pull in at an angle and drop him off, then back into a space and drive out of the lot (there’s only room to park on one side). Well I backed up and bang---it was like I hit a wall. Actually it was the back of a Toyota truck that had pulled into a space right behind where I’d pulled in. I couldn’t see it through my inside mirror, but there it was in my outside one. My car was dented in the back door (truck lid) but I can still open and close it. The truck’s bumper was still fine, from what I could see---although the lady insisted that the bumper needed to be replaced. I couldn’t see even a dent in it…however, I’ll have to probably replace my back door on my PT. If it can be repaired well enough, I’ll go with that, but I’ll have to check it out.

Well, although I was upset, I went on to Curves and later to tennis (where I played rather well) before going home and calling my insurance agent. She said not to worry---they wouldn’t do anything until they heard from the lady. So, we wait and see. Tomorrow, I’ll take some pics of it all…

Max had soccer practice after school and was supposed to catch the Transit bus which drops him only a couple of miles from our house, but he got on the wrong bus and ended up in the town on the OTHER side of K-Ville! He called and I had to go all the way there to get him. So, an hour later, we finally got home! Thank goodness Hubby was home and could get the dinner together for us upon our arrival.

Hope tomorrow brings me better luck---it can’t be anything but better…

BOOKSHOP MANIFESTO

2010-09-16T06:04:00.001-07:00

Here is something that was handed to us at our booth at the Bluegrass Festival by the bookstore that sponsored our booth. Hope you love it as much as I:

BOOKSHOP MANIFESTO

We believe in the book. We believe in quieting the noise and listening to the stories. We believe in traveling far and wide between paper pages. We believe in touching the words, scribbling in the margins and dogging the ears. We believe in surrounding ourselves with books long finished and books not yet read; in revisiting our younger selves each time we pull from the shelf old favorites.

We believe in 5 year olds inking their names in big letters on the fly leaf. We believe in becoming someone else for 400 pages. We believe in turning off the screens and unplugging the network once in a while. We believe in meeting the author, reading the footnotes, looking up words and checking the references. We believe in holding our children on our laps and turning the pages together.

We believe in standing shoulder to shoulder in comfortable silence with our fellow citizens before a good shelf of books; be believe in the aisles of a good bookstore.

We believe that together, readers, writer, books, and bookstores can work magic.

Save the world. Buy a book.

(Thanks to Gallery Bookshop, Mendocino, CA)

With that said, I shall be making only about 2 or 3 (at most) blog entries in the next month or so as I need to concentrate on getting a manuscript ready to sell. I’ll keep you informed as to its progress and things here at home through FB and here when I can. Thanks for your patience! Have a great day!

BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2010

2010-09-12T09:38:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was the 5th Annual Bluegrass Festival and my 4th time at the Lake County Writers’ Group booth. We set up at 7 a.m. and tore down around 6 p.m. A long day, but the weather was bright and sunny with only a hint of a breeze, so the weather was perfect. Besides our booth, there was everything from tie-dye to hats to jewelry to crafty stuff. Tons of food and this cute little stand helped quench our thirst. The unending music ranged from old fashioned picking to yodeling to county with lots of banjoes, mandolins, and fiddles. Our local Konocti Fiddlers Club was there (with a lot of fiddle players that are also in the Youth Orchestra with Max) and many other duos, trios and huge groups. At the Anderson Marsh State Park, where the event is held, there is a big old house that is the park center with a huge covered front porch. For the Festival, three or four spinning wheels were going at all times and small clumps of musicians could be found in various places practicing and tuning up. Our local radio station presented the music live, so those who didn’t want to come in person could still hear it all.

However, I spent most of my time sitting (or standing) behind my book display and talking to people about the books written by local artists. All in all, it was a great day for everyone!

Pre-Labor Day BBQ

2010-09-06T09:32:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Labor Day a day early this year. After Sunday Judo practice, the Judo kids and families came back to our house for an impromptu BBQ. There was lots of great food (we provided the burgers and dogs and they brought most of the rest of it---except for my zucchini bread!) and conversation while the kids swam and jumped on the trampoline. Max and E spent most of their time playing pool in the garage or shooting the BB gun at the archery targets. All in all, it was small, but fun get-together on a perfect sunny afternoon!

School starts tomorrow for Max and E! Oh boy!!!

SOCCER NEWS

2010-09-03T07:28:00.001-07:00

Max just had his first soccer match on Tuesday and it ended in a 2-2 tie. They played hard and well and he was exhausted at the end. Everyone had fun and did a fine job. The audience was enthusiastic and quite loud.

Then, at practice on Wed. afternoon, during a sprinting exercise, Max stepped into a hole and damaged his ankle. They laid him on the field with an icepack and his foot elevated. He managed to limp into the team picture before we left for home. He’s #16!

So, all day yesterday he lay around or practiced walking on crutches. His ankle is still swollen, but by the end of the day, it had quit hurting as much. We’re hoping he’ll be able to play on their first day of school game on Tuesday (after Labor Day), but don’t want to rush him into it if he isn’t really healed well! He’ll have a little break with no Thursday game next week---their next one is on the following Tuesday. So, keep good thoughts for his healing and we’ll just have to take it one day at a time!

Garden Rich!

2010-08-29T09:23:00.001-07:00

Our garden has gone bonkers again! We’re sneaking zucchinis into open vehicles and all but leaving them on strangers’ doorsteps. They are threatening to take over our property. But, as you can see, we managed to capture one oversized one and I let Max wrestle it to the ground and choke it out! Voila, stuffed zucchini! We also have those unusual looking alien-spaceship-shaped pattypan squash too (see the pic above). Boy are they delicious and cute too. Our corn looks like it is an alien species too as the ears are enormous looking but really mostly stalk. They are still developing inside. Our little acorn squashes are yellow this year (a different species, I think) and the pumpkins are still on the vine, ripening for Halloween time. The tomatoes are mostly still green and developing but promise to be ready in a week or so, we think. We are getting the occasional yellow Italian pear tomato now. YUM! The new background on my space at Spaces is our blooming trumpet vine, which is in full bloom and bursting in health! Now, if I could only figure out a way to get some of our produce to you all through the computer….

WHAT A SIGHT!

2010-08-27T06:48:00.001-07:00

As I came over the hill on my way to tune yesterday, I saw about eight of these in flight in our little valley here in Lake County. You see, because of the heavy marine layer over in Napa county in the early part of the day, they come over to Lake Co. where the skies are clear and sunny! I counted 9 this morning---some of them up and others almost up. It’s weird to look UP and see them from the bottom! At any rate, it was a great way to start the day! Hope today and the weekend is good for all of you.

ZUCCHINI RECIPE OF THE WEEK

2010-08-23T06:59:00.001-07:00

Wow! Just tried out yet another zucchini recipe that turned out GREAT. So here it is in detail:

ZUCCHINI CHOCOLATE BARS

Beat 3 eggs and add 1 c. oil. Then slowly add 2 cups of sugar and beat. Blend in 2 c. grated zucchini.

In another bowl, combine 2-1/4 c. flour, 1/2 c. cocoa and 1 t. baking soda.

Add dry ingredients to egg mixture, then stir in 1 T. white vinegar. At this point, I add a cup of chopped nuts.

Put in 9 X 13 ungreased pan and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

You can SEE the chunks of zucchini!

These are SO easy to make and yummy even without frosting---almost more of a cake than a brownie in texture. There are so many wonderful ways to use zucchini---and it’s a good thing, ‘cause we got tons of them!

Here is a cute pic of a very friendly cat that kept me company at a tuning last week---here’s Bunkie:

Betty White wins another Emmy!

2010-08-22T08:02:00.001-07:00

WOW! She won another Emmy for her hosting on SNL! That makes 5 that she’s won. I’ve always been a fan of hers and loved to watch her play Password---what a pro! Of course, back in those days, she was married to Alan Ludden. I couldn’t stop laughing at her Sue Ann Nivens role in “Mary Tyler Moore Show” or Rose in “Golden Girls.” So glad to see her back in the acting saddle with her new show “Hot in Cleveland.” I hope I’m half as active as she when I’m 88! Way to go Betty!

Pixar: Monsters, Inc. - hilarious movie outtakes (HQ)

2010-08-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

Enjoy this clip of the out-takes of the Monsters Inc. movie from 2001---love the song and the laughs!

Soccer has begun!

2010-08-18T07:22:00.001-07:00

(He’s the tall one in the light shirt and dark shorts 3rd from the right.) Yes, Soccer season is upon us again! Max went to tryouts and they were glad to welcome him aboard. It’s quite a new experience for him this year, since he and one other former 8th grader are the only white kids on the team! K-Ville is really quite an agricultural area, what with it being the pear capital and all, that most of the school is made up of migrant Mexicans. So, with so many GREAT soccer players, there aren’t many white guys around!

Right away they started calling him “German” and (his favorite) “Rambo.” He is about the biggest player they have and he loves all their attention! Will get better pictures as the season progresses…

Their first game is the 31st of August, even though school doesn’t start for them until the day AFTER Labor Day! Last night’s practice was quite interesting as the fire department decided to do a controlled burn right across the street from their practice field! Luckily the wind didn’t carry too much smoke to interrupt the practice!

WE’RE GOING TO NEED A BIGGER ROOM…

2010-08-15T08:20:00.001-07:00

Yup. Max’s room is definitely getting too small. As you can see in the corner, he acquired a new Bass over the weekend! His room is so small I couldn’t stand back any further to get it all in the picture! In fact, I was standing in the hall, leaning around the corner to get that one!

He found this 3/4 size bass (believe it or not, it is NOT full sized—the body is a little narrower and the neck isn’t as long or wide) for just the right price, which included the carrying bag. He had saved all but$15 of the price, so I scraped up the last bit for him. Because he paid in cash, the owner gave it to him as if without the tax. It sounds almost as big as a full sized one---pros use them as practice basses because they are easier to lug around. This one is a big larger than the usual 3/4 sized one. Here is a comparison of a full sized one (the red one) and his new one:

So, he is in 7th heaven now with his own upright (which he can bow too!). Will let you know what name he decided to bestow upon it (the red one which belongs to the school, I understand, is named “Rosie”). What would YOU name it???

The Old Bale Mill

2010-08-12T22:43:00.001-07:00

I recently was down working in the Napa Valley and made a stop at one of my favorite places on my way back---The Old Bale Mill. I love the old giant wheel and the surrounding wilderness and remoteness of the old mill. If you look closely, you can just see the wheel in the center of the picture--- Also, I love the stone ground corn meal I can get there---it makes the best cornbread! I have never found anything to equal it, and believe me, I’ve looked. The Mill isn’t grinding often during the winter months and only on weekends now during the summer, so I have to time my trips just right to get there when they’re open. The time to really visit it is during The Old Bale Days two-day event usually in the fall, where they run tours and have outside events and stands depicting the old-tyme equipment and a working blacksmith, etc. People are dressed in costume of the old days which makes it seem more authentic.

After reading the engraved sign, I was surprised that the Mill was as old as it is. It is, by far, the largest Mill wheel I’ve ever seen and so fascinating to watch the corn and wheat ground the old fashioned way! They used to sell the corn meal, but the State health officials made them quit, do to the “less than sanitary” method of the grinding (i.e. open windows, no sterilization, etc.). However, if one makes a donation, one can still obtain the freshly ground corn meal and use it at your own risk. YUMMY!

MY CAT FELL IN THE WELL

2010-08-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

No, not REALLY! My cat did NOT fall in the well. That is the name of a neato song by a group that came out of the 70's called The Manhattan Transfer. This stupendous quartet of singers were (and still are) famous for "Java Jive," "Route 66," "Birdland" and many other jazz tunes. I came upon this song when searching for something else and couldn't resist it---being the cat lover that I am. So, I hope you will be able to hear it! It sounds like something out of the WWII era, but the words are so cute! Besides, I can't seem to get this tune out of my head!
Since I can't figure out how to get my own music on this blog yet, you'll have to check it out on my Can't Get That Song Out of the Head blog on Windows Live...see the link to the right...The song will come on immediately!

Just more stuff

2010-08-05T22:15:00.001-07:00

Nothing too exciting happening here---the “girls” are doing great and Charlie is in fine voice these days. Can you believe how big they’ve gotten?! This… was only about a month ago and this… was just the other day! No eggs yet, but we’re keeping a close eye out for one!

My Mom just celebrated her 93rd birthday on Tuesday this last week. This pic was taken almost 10 years ago and she hasn’t really aged much since then. This one was taken when she was two, I think-- with her brother, Ken, on their Canadian property during their homesteading years. She still tells stories from those years. She likes to tell of when she was born and how a midwife helped with the birth in their little house. The doctor arrived too late to help, but came in and checked on her. When her folks asked how much he (the doctor) wanted for his trip, he shrugged and said, “How about a dollar?” Mom laughs and says, “that’s how much I was worth---a dollar!”

Been working hard at keeping all the pianos in tune around here---a never-ending job for sure! Hope you all are enjoying this WARM summer. We are already seeing a few yellow leaves dropping from some of our trees! Fall will be descending any minute now…

DOESN’T THIS LOOK GOOD?!

2010-08-02T07:25:00.001-07:00

With all the heat of summer, doesn’t this look yummy? It is a frozen fruit salad. Here is the recipe---straight from the card: The only changes I make are that I subsitute mandarin oranges for the apricot halves (because the halves are so HARD to deal with frozen!) and add a can of Very Cherry fruit cocktail instead of the jar of maraschino cherries. I also have used Cool Whip instead of the whipping cream. Your choice! Instead of putting it in a pan and cutting it into square, I simply put it into to little yogurt cups (that yogurt comes in) or other small plastic containers with lids. Then, one can just snatch one from the freezer at will, and it’s still fresh and good. The boys really love this frozen salad---almost as much as ice cream! It takes some time to make, but it’s worth it!

Enjoy!

Miscellaneous Stuff!

2010-07-31T08:58:00.001-07:00

Yucky, you say?! But that is what the blue-green algae looks like on our nearby lake. They’ve closed down most of the parks in the town that are on the water’s edge, warning not to drink(?) the water, or swim in it…as if anyone would! This nasty stuff not only looks bad, but has the odor of an open sewer. Even on my trips to Safeway, which is about 15 blocks from the water, the smell is enough to knock you over. Imagine living on the shore. We had this same algae last year and are SO glad our houseboat is out of it this year and safe at home. Some places take high powered water hoses and try to wash it out away from the shore, but it drifts back. I’m afraid the only cure for it is to wait until rains come and wash it away. We don’t usually see that until October.

Other than that, not a lot has been going on here. It’s been warm but not unbearably hot here. The lawns have turned mostly blond in the forever-sun and the fire danger climbs. The winds keep me awake at nights sometimes.

Work has been good for me this summer with August promising to be another busy month. School sports starts gearing up in August as well (even though school doesn’t start until after Labor Day for Max) with soccer tryouts and practices. There is also a freshman orientation later in the month that Max is looking forward to. No word yet on the new Band instructor---but I’m trying to dig up some news.

The chickens are doing great, but no eggs yet. They are all growing and Charlie is in good voice. A few nights ago he started crowing at 1 in the morning, so Hubby went out to see what was up. Nothing appeared to be wrong, but he might have scared something away that was frightening the chickens (who nest in their protective metal shed at night). Upon Hubby’s return to the bed, Charlie was silent….for the rest of the night too. We blocked a couple of iffy spots near the fence bottom of their yard the next day. No more night crowing!

Enjoy the rest of the summer and no complaining about the heat---winter will be upon us sooner than you think!

Pays to be a celebrity...

2010-07-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

I'm outraged. I saw an article today about how Lindsay Lohan will only serve about 15 days of her 90 day sentence...because her lawyer managed to pay off the right people. What a rip-off. Celebrities also get private cells and in some cases, special foods so they can stay on their diets and not gain weight. They also are not subjected to strip or body cavity searches (in most cases) like other prisoners after being booked. So, what's going to keep her from doing it again? Did she really learn anything important about her crime, that is, other than she can get away with it? Perhaps if she was treated like the other prisoners and NOT given special handling, she would actually benefit from her incarceration.

More importantly, what does that show our children when celebrities can get away with crimes? I personally believe that jails and prisons should give inmates LESS rights and privileges than they currently do. Prison should not be FUN or COMFORTABLE at all. It irks me that taxpayers foot the bills for TVs, computers, and other technology for our prisoners. They should lose those rights when they are behind bars. Prisons should provide only clean but stark rooms, healthy outdoor activity and nutritious food for their inmates. Perhaps as a priviledge, they could visit a library and check out books, but that's all. No TV, no radio, no computers and no phones.

Am I being too harsh? I don't think so. What do you think?

Anita Renfroe "Don't Breathe" - Hilarious!

2010-07-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

Enjoy this one!

Cool Theme Song!

2010-07-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, I came across this cool song (be sure to click on my Spaces main blog to hear it) when I was downloading some free stuff. It was like hitting a gold mine for me as I am, and always have been, a huge Sammy Davis, Jr. fan. There were tons of songs that I didn't have and haven't heard. This particular song, entitled "YOU CAN COUNT ON ME" is the theme song to "Hawaii 5-O" those many years ago. There was also a hot big band version of "Plop, plop, fizz, fizz," the Alka-seltzer ad that had me rolling on the ground in laughter! Sammy also sang the theme song for "Mary Tyler Moore Show" and was featured in "Laugh-In" ("Here come the judge!") and I recently saw him guest star on an old episode of "Wild Wild West" as well. He was, in my opinion, the most all around talented member of the Rat Pack.

Hope you will enjoy this song!

Child Abuse

2010-07-21T22:01:00.001-07:00

Just finished reading a book from the Women’s Murder Club by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro entitled, “4th Of July.” I can’t seem to stop thinking about it and decided to broach this very taboo subject----child abuse. Nowhere on the covers or in the inside blurbs does it even make mention of child abuse, but that’s what it all boils down to.

With giving away the book, on a very basic note, this murder mystery deals with vigilantes bent on taking care of child abusers themselves by bypassing the system. Although murder is not OK, one can certainly understand the murders’ anger and craziness when faced not only with young men abusing boys, but parents abusing kids by refusing to let them eat solid food, or parents trying to sell their child on the internet, or a nice young couple secretly trafficing young Mexican girls out of their barn…selling them for sex. It makes one think about how many hundreds of ways kids are abused every day and refuse to talk to anyone for fear of their own lives or the lives of loved ones. It is SO sad. Many times it leads the kids to become criminals themselves and no one ever knows why.

This is perhaps the best written book that I’ve read by Patterson and I’ve read all of the Alex Cross ones and the first 4 of the Women’s Murder Club. The book has many subplots but they all relate to children in one way or the other and thus all fit together to form a picture that still haunts me as I write this. If you like mysteries, you must read this book. This whole series would make great movies, but especially this one offering.

Happy reading!

Panting Chickens

2010-07-20T07:17:00.001-07:00

It’s been so hot out here lately that when we go check the chicks in the late afternoon, they are all panting! I’ve never seen a chicken pant, but their little beaks are open and they look so hot! Can you imagine being out in 90 degree days in a coat of feathers???

Two days ago, when all three of us went out to see them in the early evening, Charlie flew up onto one of the chicken “huts” as easy as pie. Time to clip his wings—again! So, Max and I cornered him and caught him. He didn’t try to peck at us or be nasty at all---just tried to get away. Then, as we were doing it (it took all three of us) we noticed two chickens had escaped outside the pen. So Max and I went out and caught them fairly easily. That’s when we decided to clip all their wing feathers. It is a quick and painless deal, but a few of them were NOT happy about it. Now, at least they won’t be able to fly out. They can still jump and climb up on many places in their yard to get off the ground.

When I went out the next day, it was like they were still mad at me… they huddled together inside the metal shed- --three tried to squeeze into one little cubby reminding me of kids trying to fit as many as possible in a VW bug! Amazingly, the shed does stay cooler than outside at certain times of the day. We also mist their outside area (which is already shaded with trees) as well to keep things cool and the bugs to the surface for them to snack on.

Have a great day and stay cool any way you can!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEAN!

2010-07-19T06:54:00.001-07:00

WOW! You’re 26 already! It seems like only yesterday you were a round faced happy baby! By age 10, you were a true ham in front of a camera (note the Navy T-shirt!) and by age 14, a full-fledged tragic teen, busy with baby Max . Now you are a young man, on the underside of 30, traveling the world and becoming a caring, thoughtful, and pretty brilliant adult (OK, I AM your Mom, but you really are brilliant!). Words can’t express how proud I am of the choices you’ve made and the paths you’ve already trod. You are, indeed a special person, in spite of that wacky sense of humor! May your dreams comes true and may you be all that you can be (oops, that’s the Army, isn’t it?!)! Live high---live mighty---live righteously!

SAY IT AIN’T SO!!!

2010-07-17T08:48:00.001-07:00

ARGH! Baskin-Robins is “deep sixing” French Vanilla from its flavor list! How can they do that??!!! I personally love French Vanilla better than regular vanilla as it is creamier and richer. Next thing you know, they’ll be getting rid of chocolate or strawberry… I can understand taking flavors like Lunar Cheesecake (after the space walk in 1969) or Saxy Candidate (after Bill Clinton), but not FV!

Over the years there have been some unique flavors that also are on the brink of extinction like Campfire Smores, Apple Pie A La Mode, Caramel Praline Cheesecake and Superfudge Truffle. The most popular ice cream flavors according to a Yahoo pole are:

Vanilla
Chocolate
Strawberry
Coffee
Banana
Bubble Gum
Oreo
Peach
Custard
Mango

And there’s Vanilla right at the top! So, what’s YOUR favorite flavor???

Chickenland

2010-07-14T20:03:00.001-07:00

Thought I’d check out this Live Writer thing and see if I could put it on both blogs with one writing. Bought new chicken food today and managed to muscle the 50lb bag into the trunk myself---although it was touch and go getting the stupid bag out of the shopping cart. The chicks are old enough now to have regular “layers” food instead of “chicken starter.” It’s kind of like going from Gerber foods to the real thing, I guess.

They are growing by leaps and bounds and both the two Orpingtons and the 4 Rhode Island Reds along with Charlie (Arcana Rooster) are getting more mature. They love it when we have corn on the cob for dinner because they get to peck on the cobs afterwards and they LOVE that!

Spot still lets me touch her, but she’s the only one who does. There is one Orpington I call Fluffy because she always fluffs up her feathers to make her look enormous! All the chicks come running to greet me when I come to see them. It warms my heart. Yeah, I know they are JUST chickens but they’ve become more than that. They’re my little “herd!”

A Bit of Everything

2010-07-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

Promises to be quite a day---got to sleep in a whole 15 minutes longer this morning, in spite of our Kit-Kit alarm outside our bedroom window at 5 this morning. I stumbled up and shut the window (that quiets her down) and fell back into bed for another hour or so.

Let both cats in and Caruso tried to sneak up onto my lap. When I pushed him away, he turned and lunged back up---claws out. Well, I wear these nice short knit shorts to bed and since he had nothing to grab, when he slid back, he left two long scratches in my thigh (which bled like crazy!). Nice scar for summer...
Then, I read in our local paper about a guy who was arrested in K-Ville for "discharging a firearm recklessly." Apparently the Shooter and another "Friend" were feuding about some woman (isn't that always the way?!) and the Friend came tearing up Shooter's driveway the other day, stopping at the entry gate to his yard. Shooter came out and saw Friend trying to force his way through the gate and warned him to leave. Friend ignored the warning and continued to come through, so Shooter retrieved his gun and fired a warning shot in the air, again warning Friend to go away. Friend made it through the gate and onto Shooter's property, where Shooter discharged his gun, wounding Friend in the arm and shoulder. Friend turned around and went back to his truck and left. A Witness told Shooter not to call the police, but Shooter insisted. Thus, Shooter was arrested and had to post a $10,000 bond. Looks like you can't even defend your own property anymore. Oh, and by the way, the Friend cannot be located at all at this time. Wonder how they can arrest this guy at all without proof of a crime...What's this world coming to???
Then, to top the morning off, that ugly, scraggly, chicken-thieving black cat (who hasn't shown himself in ages) tried to come through our dog door into the house. Caruso growled before he could get through the door. I went running out onto the porch, screaming and yelling like a banshee and the cat took off like a shot across the porch towards home, never looking back! I probably scared the neighbors, what with my scratched leg and all...

So, that's how my day has started. At least it ain't boring!!!!

Catch-up Time!

2010-07-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Whew! What a week! Finally, I can get some of the pics from the July 4th picnic out to you. It was a hot day--into the 90's, but the creek was a popular place. Hubby and Max took floaties out on the blue float, Coach in red shirt and Max on white float) and Max managed to get dunked by our Judo Coach..was a true blindside! He took in good spirits, though---he chose wisely. Then later, there were raft races. Some of the "big" kids helped the wee ones with their rafts (that's Max helping a small girl bottom center) and all the kids had a great time of it. I chose to stay on the bank and take the photos rather than get wet...with my trusty Iced Tea by my side.

Everything seems to be going smoothly on the homefront---Charlie and his little hen herd are doing well and growing up. I'm beginning to hunt for any signs of eggs, but we don't expect them until about August (which it soon will be!). Charlie is a good morning alarm now with his rooster crowing. So much BETTER than those hounds next door. Our pool is a great place to frequent on these hot days and Hubby likes to get 40 winks on a raft in the heat of the afternoon there (usually in that piece of shade by the umbrella). Max had his friend E overnight and they love sleeping on the houseboat---they don't have us bugging them to GO to sleep or keep quiet. They aren't noisy anyway, thank goodness. Yesterday the boys went to another Hot Springs to a going away party for a girl in their school class who was moving. It ended up being three boys and a whole gaggle of girls that showed up for it! Heard no complaints from the guys, though...

Next week my calendar is FULL so don't expect too many entries. I'm glad to have the work and that my stomach is better and almost back to normal. If I only make a few appearances here, don't worry---I'm also in the process of putting together another short story to be unfolded in "parts" in the near future. Have a GREAT week!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

2010-07-04T07:02:00.000-07:00

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.
Erma Bombeck

I have always been among those who believed that the greatest freedom of speech was the greatest safety, because if a man is a fool, the best thing to do is to encourage him to advertise the fact by speaking.
Woodrow T. Wilson

My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!
Thomas Jefferson

May the sun in his course visit no land more free, more happy, more lovely, than this our own country!
Daniel Webster

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.
Dwight D. Eisenhower

Dad's Birthday

2010-07-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

If my Dad were still alive, he would have been 94 today. However, he passed away with colon cancer at age 62---so he never got to meet his grandkids. I think of him on this day and know he'd be as proud of my boys as I am. It was so weird---last evening as I was getting ready for bed, I was thinking about my Dad and how much he would have loved to see Tennis as such a popular and televised sport today---and how proud he would have been that Max has become quite a good player. I remembered that today would have been his birthday---and then I heard Max doodling on his bass guitar and he started to play Happy Birthday! Now, he didn't even remember that today would have been my Dad's birthday. How weird is that??!!!

At any rate, my Dad was quite a guy. I don't EVER remember him ever using the "F" word or raising his voice--no matter how mad my Mom got. He was always ready with a joke and a twinkle in his eye. The first time he took me outside to teach me tennis, I was in college. My Mom had warned me not to tire him out. However, when we finally came inside, he was fresh as a daisy---it was I who was sweating buckets and panting. He knew all the spins and trick shots so he never had to move on the court. He and his doubles partner won a Michigan State tennis title back in 1934 when he was in High School. His town was so small that they didn't have tennis courts, so my Dad built a court in their back yard and they played every chance they got! Remnants of that court still exist somewhere under the overgrown weeds.

He had learned to read by the time he went to school (at age 4) and because he graduated so young, he spent a year working in his dad's hardware store before going to the University of Michigan, where he got degrees in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and Metalurgy. He went on to design bomb casings in the 1960's.

Besides telling jokes, he loved bridge, cribbage, sports on TV, his after-work Manhattan, traveling, photography, doing crossword puzzles in his head, candy, and fishing. Even though he traveled a lot, I was always closer to my Dad than my brother was. In fact, one Christmas he gave me a white football (which I treasured), much to my Mom's dismay. I guess I was more of a tomboy and interested in sports than my brother was. I remember how astounded (and proud) he was the first time I brought a piano action home to work on. He couldn't believe I was so mechanical-minded.

I still miss my Dad and often he still appears in my dreams at night---always the same age he was when I was in High School---young and vibrant. Thanks, Dad, for all you taught me.

Cat Baths

2010-07-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

There's been an awful lot of itching going on around here and when Hubby found a flea biting him, he'd had enough. So, yesterday, he and Max did a quick Cat Wash on both Caruso and Kit-Kit. Although I missed the Caruso bath, Max said, "I've never heard such sounds come from a cat before!"Caruso got his name for his unique voice, and I've heard it all every time he goes in the car to the vet.

However, I did get to see some of Kit-Kit's bath. I heard her screaming and rushed outside to find a very bedraggled black cat glaring daggers at everyone and swearing up a storm. She's not an easy one to hang onto when she's mad! But they both made it through their flea baths OK.

Later in the day, Caruso had totally forgotten and forgiven all and was his usual talkative and affectionate self. Kit-Kit, on the other hand, was not a happy camper and would only let ME touch her...not those awful guys who held her down and tortured her so. Now they've both been doped with flea and tick meds, so they should start to feel some relief. Ah, the things we endure for good health!

TOO HOT

2010-06-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

It's been too hot to do much lately. However, I have been playing tennis (yes, in the SUN) for too many days this week! I come home from it just wiped out from exhaustion. Work has been local, which is nice, so haven't had to spend hours driving. Hubby left at 4:40 to go "cowboying" today out at the ranch. He looked so handsome in his cowboy hat this morning! His exhuberance reminded me of small boys and their desires to be cowboys! Just glad they got out before it got too hot. We've had close to 100 degrees for the past 3 days along with a gusty wind in the afternoons. At least it cools off at night.

Dragged out a simple recipe last night---a really crowd pleaser when it comes to the boys: (and so easy for me to make!)

BEEF NACHO CASSEROLE

1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
1 jar chunky salsa (about a cup)
1 c. corn (canned or thawed frozen)
3/4 c. Miracle Whip (or mayo)
1 T. chili powder (I use taco seasoning as I have a large contain of it)
2 c. crushed tortilla chips, divided (don't crush too small)
2 c. shredded cheese (I use Mexican four-cheese)

Heat oven to 350. Brown meat, drain. Stir in salsa, corn, mayo & chili powder. Layer 1/2 mixture topped with cheese on top of chips (start with chips), then repeat. Bake 20 minutes. Can top with shredded lettuce and chopped tomato. Makes 6 servings.

Love this in hot weather as you don't have to bake it long (everything is already cooked so you can cut back the time some if you want).

Watching Alex in the Gulf. Hope all that oil doesn't "land" eventually. What a REAL mess that would be. We can hope all that churning does help it dilute and disappear as they hope it will. Time will tell. Glad I don't live in its path (the storm and the oil!).

Enjoy the day!

What about this plant?

2010-06-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

We have this plant in our backyard that is a mystery to us. Can you help us identify it? It is tall (almost as big as I am) with these enormous blooms on the top. They don't appear to be fragrant but make the plant look topheavy. If you can help identify this weed, please let us know. Could it have been dropped by aliens???

Chicks are fine!

2010-06-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

Yup, they are really growing up! The hens are getting big, especially the light colored ones, and Charlie is growing into quite a proud bird. Woke up to his crowing this morning. Not obnoxious, like the hounds next door, but a nice cock-a-doodle-doo for sure.
Sean got home just fine and went to a wedding with his girlfriend yesterday. He's back on board his ship on Sunday and gone for a short cruise (only about a week or so). He's not too excited about that. He's getting itchy feet and wants to get "on" with his life.

The boys have been working hard weed-eating and have one more small job this morning---that is, if they ever get out of bed. They worked hard yesterday and Friday and goofed around outside last evening until dark. Not sure WHAT they did, but they had fun with cardboard and other miscellaeous stuff around the yard. Have to get them up and feed them breakfast so they can get at that last job before it hits 90 here today!

A Boy For the Weekend

2010-06-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

Well, Sean went home yesterday. Haven't heard when he got home, but feel he made it safely. He had a wonderful visit and it was so good to see him again. He looks in tip-top shape! He's hankering to get through with his stint in the Navy and go back to school, so he's trying to wrangle an early-out to go to college and finish his B.A. on the GI bill. He's due out by April of next year, but he's got this burr under his saddle that keeps pushing him to do it earlier. He even talked about possibly going to the University of Montana, in Missoula, for law school after he gets his Bachelor's. Montana is rated #6 in the country for law schools and many of the lawyers I worked with when I lived in Montana graduated from there. Both Sean and Max were born in Montana.

Max's friend, L, is here to visit and do weedeating with Max until Sunday, so things are never dull around here. They camped out on the boat last night and have two days of weed-eating duty ahead of them. L is saving his money to buy a dirt-bike and Max is collecting for an upright bass. Yeah, they're learning about working hard for the money and saving it for something they want!!! Many adults don't know how to do that yet...

It's supposed to be up in the 90's by Sunday around here and things are going from green to light brown already. I fear this will be a large fire season this year...

Enjoy the day!

PROBLEM CAT

2010-06-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not talking about the chicken-problem-cat---who, by the way, has not been seen for a couple of days...I'm speaking of our little princess, Kit-Kit. She had us up most of the night. We put her outside at bedtime (which is the usual procedure). By 3:00, she was meowing and clawing at our open bedroom window screen. So, Hubby got up and LET HER IN...I never do that and this is why:

Well, she came in and presumably checked her food dish, then set up a toot of meowing and getting into things---like walking on the desk, walking on us trying to sleep, rummaging around in the closet, tearing on and off the bed at record speeds. Hubby said, "Better let her out" so I got up and called her to the door. She just looked at me like I was crazy and dared me to come after her. When I took a step in her direction, she ran. She just wanted me to chase her. Forget that! I threw up my hands in disgust and went back to bed, muttering to Hubby that she just wanted us to be up with her and refused to go out. Well, she waited until we dozed off again and then started in all over again. This time, Hubby got up and managed to catch her and throw her out. It was about 4:30 when this happened. So much for a restful night. This evening, she goes out and STAYS out!

How about that Wimbledon tennis match---you know, the one that is continuing today---the score is 59-59 and they've been going at it for over 10 hours!!! WOW! How can they even walk off the courts after so much playing? Boy, I'd hate to end up as the lose in that one...what a downer...but then, the winner will be overjoyed!

Have a great day---it's really summer here---expected in the mid-80's.

Cuprit found???

2010-06-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday when Max was outside, he heard a commotion in the Chick yard and upon investigation found our neighbor's long-haired black cat INSIDE the yard. The cat scurried up the corner post and through an opening at the top. Now, if you remember, this is the SAME CAT that I was complaining about attacking our cats, eating our catfood and fighting at night. At least he was found out before killing another chicken! Hubby promptly put up a tangle of wire in the corner to close up the hole and dissuade the cat next time (we hope!).

So, THAT is probably what has been stealing our chickens. If they left any feathers, due to stress, they wouldn't be noticed that much in the yard. We did see scratch marks on the outside of that post, so that cat has been up there before. I'm pretty sure it is NOT Caruso that's going after them. We've called and coaxed him to follow up from INSIDE the yard and he looks like he can't do it. He does TRY, but can't find an opening. Little Kit-Kit doesn't even stalk the chicks, but lays in the outside yard and watches all the commotion.

But we're keeping a close eye on that yard, hoping no more chicks will disappear. The hens were actually outside their shed for a while yesterday afternoon, so they're not as worried as they were. Keep your fingers crossed that we have indeed found our thief!