twinkle, twinkle

Today was spent putting our yard "to bed". Cutting down hostas, clipping dead flowers, and putting away all our deck furniture. Whew... are we tired!
Then, we had Fred hang a big black tin star on the front of our house. It was a Christmas present from mom, but I didnt have masonry drill bits to get it hung. Of course, I didnt remember to blackout the screw head until after I had taken pictures.








Here is a fuller view of our house front, sporting the new star. Steve and I have discussed getting a pool started to decided when the pumpkins will be smashed in the street. The first year we lived here, someone threw out a cigarette butt and burned down the cornstalks.









Here is a little iron wagon we have sitting aside our driveway. For autumn, I put mums and pumpkins. Christmas will have gold pumpkins and evergreen, and summer has huge flower baskets.

Off to watch some TV (image that). Tonight is the HBO lineup. I am so addicted to their new vampire series, TrueBlood. Part of it, is that it is set in Louisiana. Entourage is Steve's fav (I love Lloyd).

Hope you have all enjoyed your weekend.

"What we have here...

...is a failure to communicate". This has always been my favorite line from my favorite movie - Cool Hand Luke. The reports came today of Paul Newman's passing. How very sad. I hope you are able to see all the roles you have enjoyed here, in this video.

Lumberjilling

As promised, here is a picture of me, removing the down limbs in the creek, with my 14" chainsaw.
Notice the official chainsawing uniform...yoga pants and a t-shirt. I had just come home from the gym, and didnt feel like putting on clean clothes to get them dirty.
However, I DID have on safety glasses and earplugs. Steve and I both had earplugs in, so I am sure all of our "brush removal communication" sounded like a big argument.




This picture might explain why I have sunflowers, and such, growing in all my planters.

I am off to watch Grey's Anatomy. The best show premier this week, by far, was Criminal Minds. We will see what Greys has to bring. I wasnt very happy with how they left things last season.

The best newcomer show was The Mentalist. Its on CBS, Tues nights. It was very quick, and had some wit, too.

Crossed fingers

Am I dreaming? Could it really be true?

A couple these signs have appeared in our neighborhood, along with big repair trucks.

Do ya think.....do ya think we might be getting power up here in these parts today?

Today is Day 9. They have told us we will have our power back today . ***all that huffing & puffing you hear, is me - NOT holding my breath***


On a fresher note, this is a GREAT space saving solution my mom saw on tv. (It might have been credited back to Martha Stewart).
Storage solution: this picture is of a closet I use as a pantry. To the inside of the open door, add an Over the Door shoe rack. Sometimes they come with clear plastic pockets, but this one ($13.98 @ WalMart) has a canvas back, and mesh double pockets. The point is so you can see through them, and gain additional storage for smaller things that get lost/knocked around. I have jello, spices, lentils, beans, etc in the pockets.
The pockets are never able to be so full that you cant close the door. Hope you all find this a little helpful, for anywhere you might need some space for those smaller items.

(click on picture for larger view)



Back tomorrow with some thoughts on new tv shows tonight. I will be watching all CBS. Comedies at 8, 8:30, 9 and 9:30. Then CSI-Miami at 10pm. I cant wait to see what happened to Horatio Caine - who was left shot on a runway.


***WOO HOO, at 1:40 today, our electric came back on!!! ***

And the winner is.....

This is my friend the Generator. We still have NO power - and have been told it might be tomorrow. But for now...I am happy. The Emmy awards are on - and I can see them. This is the kickoff for the new t.v. season, which officially starts tomorrow (reviews will follow each day).
But for now... we have generated tv, internet, a microwave, fridge, lights, etc.

I. Am. Happy.



This picture is of a huge maple tree that was snapped off during the windstorm. They say we had wind gusts of 80 mph. Lets just say that central Ohio was not built for that velocity. This tree is one I passed many times a day, enroute to mom/Fred's house (aka: my island from the storm). A big huge thank you to them!!! - for all their help, company, and haven.





The neighbor beside us, has a row of pine trees along the creek bank (that should have been taken down years ago, but he is too cheap to pay for it). The top of a pine tree next to our property (our fence is the ivy covered blob to the right of the frame). No direct damage to us at all, but the top 20 feet snapped off. This tree top completely crosses the creek and rests on the opposite bank.
My money in the pool, is that the pine-topper will still be there next spring.
(uh oh, better watch my neighbor karma)


Here is the top of the pine tree where the top snapped off. Its about 30feet up (I am guessing). Isnt that about where the first set of lines go across a utility pole?









Last shot here, is from our bridge. The ivy covered tree to the left is on our bank, and the tree row on the left is the opposite bank. All that brush in the middle, fills the dry creek bed. We had two large limbs, etal come down + the pine tree topper. Steve is working from home this week, so as soon as the power comes back, I am getting my electric chain saw to head out back like a lumberjack. no, that would be lumberjill, wouldnt it?




Back to the Emmy's. Blame any mistakes on the fact I am typing during commercial breaks, and that yummy Alex Baldwin is soooo distracting.

from The Dark Side

I am having to post this through my mom's computer, since we have no power...STILL!!! We lost our electric on Sunday, Sept 14th, do to the high winds, that were remnants of hurricane Ike. Our power went out just as I was loading my last blog post...see what making fun of my neighbors got me? That being said, we were very lucky - only inconvenienced. I will post pictures of damage later, but I'm not in the best position to get them downloaded to my laptop, right now. Our power company "thinks" most people should have power my 9pm on Saturday night. Yeah - I'm not holding my breath. Our house is one of 25 that is in a little pocket of darkness in our neighborhood. We brought all our refrigerator food over here to mom's, and spend alot of time here. However, even though they have electric, they didnt have cable/internet until late yesterday!!! I was like a heroin addict "jonesing for a fix", without tv AND internet. Fred brought over a generator for us to have at the house, if we want to watch tv/etc there (but its just so noisy). I will be gone all day on Saturday, so at least Steve can watch football/etc. At least we have water and a gas hot water heater. Alot of my friends live in rural areas, and when the power if off, so are their well pumps. I am not a camper - never will be a camper - dont enjoy "roughing it", as a general rule. So, we have researched whole house generators, and will be adding one to our house in the next 3-4 months. We will have it hard wired in, so when the power goes off, the generator kicks on, and we dont miss a beat!
I hope this posting finds you all well and safe and healthy. If you have any wind storm experience to share, post them here.

Wont You Be My Neighbor?

Every neighborhood has to have one, dont they? We got new neighbors (two doors down) a couple of months ago. We now just refer to them as The Clampetts.
Our neighborhood is pretty low key. Typical middle-class residential layout. Its quiet, and the yards/lawns are kept nice with landscaping and flowers. But like I said, every neighborhood has to have that One.

Hmm, we noticed a new addition. The three pieces of white paper, hanging in the window of the porch. Not even original signs, but photocopies. We're not sure who they are for, but its fun trying to figure out their intended purpose: 1) to serve as a warning to the established neighbors; 2) to serve as a disclaimer of insurance, should you get caught trespassing; 3) nothing more than a xerox copy of a gun barrel in lieu of a welcome mat. A view through my binoculars, verified that one of the signs is just a simple posting of an attack cat. Whew, what a relief! - since the lady who lives here told me her outdoor cat "knew better than to leave the yard" when I told her of my woes of cats coming to "visit" our yard. (see Post of Sept 8th)
While we were walking the dog one night, right after they moved in, we noticed one of those papers taped to the front door! It was the one warning trespassers they would be shot, along with the gun barrel graphic. I think the rest of the general yard decor probably speaks of their taste. It wouldnt surprise me to see the burro, the napping amigo, and the pig with straw hat someday adorning a "cement pond".
Maybe a privacy fence should be added to our Spring to-do list. But in the meantime, "Come and listen to a story..."

p.s. we are having the very high winds here, and Steve has yelled in the back door "we had a big limb blow out of the big maple tree in the back, just missing the bridge". Karma?

the way we were

I was drinking coffee, around in the kitchen, listening to a nationally syndicated radio show, Bob & Tom - no doubt laughing. This was going to be a good day, because I had a rare-to-get lunch date with Cindy. Huh? What was that the lady on the radio said about a plane crash? So I turned on CNN. I had the feeling I better call Steve about this. He was working at a bank in Delaware, Ohio, and their work group had heard something about it. No one really understood, but said to keep them posted. Of course, I needed to call Mom. She was as work, too. They didnt know anything about it, either. Back on the phone with Steve, now in front of the bank TV, it seemed funny that they were showing the incident on tv, again..............oh, no. This wasnt "again" - it was another. I remember at that moment being SO afraid. I didnt even know why yet. I had this internal need for Steve to be home, but he was working today. Cindy and I even decided to keep our lunch plans. I wonder if she still remembers sitting at the table - and being torn between wanting to share time with a friend, and wanting to go watch a tv to see what was happening. We had just an hour lunch that day. When I came home, and saw Steve's car, I started tearing up. I couldnt get ahold of him soon enough. The office had actually sent them home early to be with their families. I remember it took me an hour to get through the busy signals at The American Red Cross. Wow, they didnt have any appt times for blood donation for two days. Our TV ran 24 hrs a day. Our normally demanding dogs, behaved quietly near us. A few days later, I clearly remember hanging sheets on our clothesline, hearing the first sound of a jet plane overhead. It made me cry.
Two weeks later, my mom and a friend, had plans to go to Florida. We mulled around for a while whether we should go, or not. We went- and there were 8 people on the whole plane! They just told us to sit anywhere. We had little American flags we waved at our windows when we taxied from the terminal. It struck me, that all 8 people sat within the front three rows. I guess we all needed to stick together at this time.

Life really is different now, isnt it? That day is used in my life as a "timeline/reference point" when I try to recall a memory - hmm, did something happen before or after.....

I hope today offers you peace and allows you reflection. Hug those you love, and be nicer to fellow mankind.

Ugh, WHAT is that smell?

Hope you all had a great weekend! Ohio State barely pulled the win out of their... hat. Ohio U was looking good, and they did beat the spread! Next week should be entertaining, to say the least.
Now, if you were wondering about today's title - its about a skunk! This time it didnt involve our dog, but was nearly as offensive. We think a neighbor cat was in our yard (rant about this will follow later) and startled a skunk, which sprayed at our house. The funniest part is that we had our attic fan on to pull in the cool evening air. Yeah, that scented evening air got pulled in alright! It took us only seconds to get windows shut, but the damage was done. We have survived two skunk sprays with our dogs - which leads me to share the very best skunk de-scenting recipe EVER! We got it from Med-Vet in Columbus. It will neutralize the chemicals in the skunk spray. Tomato juice wont work, and stains a white dog-orange. Trust me on that. Get your pens and copy this:

1 qt bottle of 3% peroxide (brown bottle)
1/4 cup baking soda
1 Tbs liquid dish soap (Dawn, Joy, etc)

Mix these ingredients well. Being careful not to get solution in your pet's eyes, saturate the affected area very well, and let sit on pet for 5 mins. Rinse well. This step can be repeated, if desired(I do this). Discard any remaining mixture - do not store mixed.
I swear this recipe works!!!. If they get sprayed directly in the eyes, just continually flush with plain water, but our other dog got hit on the side of the face/muzzle and we used this formula. It wont "bleach" dark colored fur. So, if you have dogs/pets keep these ingredients on hand and ready to use. Unlike the first time we needed them, Steve had to run to Krogers at 6am on a -10 degree February morning. The cashier looked at him, and said "skunk, huh?" She could smell him it was that bad.

I got this shot of Gracie last week-usually she moves when I get up. I had been outside with my camera, and she came to sit with me. When I sit on steps, she always comes up to "sit" with me.

The rant about neighbor cats...why are people so inconsiderate to let their cats run loose? I dont let my dog run loose - and potty in their yards. I contain my pet - for their safety, but mainly because its the law!!! I would never hurt an animal, but does anyone have any effective "repellent" ideas? Please share them with me!
I'm not feeling very well today, so that's all for now. I think I picked up a cold somewhere. More this week.

Where Do I Sign?

Oh, that sweet Letter of Intent!

Today was our final visit to OPERS, so that Steve could sign the final retirement agreement. He was nearly giddy. I cant imagine how it is to work somewhere most of your life - and get to leave! I guess, that would be right - he has worked there 29 years, and is only 51 years old. His early retirement buyout will leave him with 30.945 years of service!

And now, his "life" can begin.....


I had intended to post a picture of this funny yard decoration that we have seen everyday while walking the dog, and wouldnt you know, today is has been removed. I wont ruin the surprise, in case it comes back. So, in the mean time, here is something new I discovered. Have you ever realized there are some yummy foods, that when eaten with another certain food, create something even better? For example: chocolate is yummy, but when you add peanutbutter, it creates it own deliciousness! Do all of you have preferred combinations? A few of mine are: mashed potatoes + corn; a potato chip + a pretzel, and the new combination of Mike & Ikes and Milk Duds. But the ratio here is important - 1 Dud + 2 M&Ikes. Just pop them in your mouth - I guarantee its delicious!


Have a great weekend! Steve and our friend, Tim, are Ohio University alums - so I offer an ever hopeful cheer for the Bobcats tomorrow..............they are facing Ohio State. I at least hope they beat the spread. Go Bucks!

Ahhh........the Fall Preview

Every year of my life, when the Fall Preview TV Guide hits the newsstand, I get oddly excited. I can remember standing in line at the grocery, as a young child, and when I saw the colorful thicker issue........it meant new TV was here!!! I, too, find it unexplainable, but its just one of those things - its like Christmas morning excitement to me. (I am sure someone requesting a "co-pay" could provide the answer). As an adult, I make it a little more entertaining, and print out a blank spreadsheet/grid, to sketch out when all my favorites are premiering, and new shows (worth watching, at least once) will fit in. I do have to say the greatest invention (aside from wheels, fire, remote controls, etc) has been TiVo/dvr. I am even willing to give up stuff just to always keep it. Hey, I gave up smoking 4-1/2 yrs ago - let me have my tv. New shows are starting early this year - yeah!!!

***
Here is a sighting of the frog. This picture will confirm that the frog is male. (click on picture for larger view). Males have yellow throats - females are white. But the biggest difference is the eardrum pad behind the eye. If it is noticeably larger than the eye, it is a male. Females are equal or smaller.


WARNING, patriotic rant (or skip to the end): Tonight while walking Gracie, Steve and I noticed a large flag, on part of its pole , laying in a yard. Yes, just laying crumpled in the grass. Well, not just being inclined to keep on walking, (those of you that know me, are starting to laugh at this point, I am sure), I stood in the street and milled around so I could attract the attention of those in the house. I could see them through the huge picture window that faced the yard containing the flag. So I pointed to them, held that point, then pointed to the flag laying on the ground - and glared! They saw me, clearly! As we turned to continue our walk, the front door opened, and a small child was sent out to pick up the flag. The problem solved, but as Steve then mentioned, "people have given their lives for that flag".

As always, Thank You to all our veterans and service persons!

SPARED!!!

I am so happy that New Orleans was spared total disaster!!! -- and pray for those to her West. Steve and I have actually looked at our calendar for December, to see if there is a quick couple of days we could slip away to NOLA. There isnt much sight-seeing we need to do anymore - we just go to eat, and plan accordingly...hehe

Here is a picture I took of a Mr. Squirrel at our bird feeder. He is Steve's nemesis. Steve is convinced that he raids the feeder just to annoy him. He also gripes about having "to spend all this $$$ on bird seed, just to have the squirrel eat it". This makes me laugh hysterically! Yeah, that two tablespoons of seed he fills his belly with everyday, is gonna break the bank. ** Is Steve being curmudgeony ** And yes, that was "squirrel", singularly. Not more than one, like most people are plagued with. We literally only have one squirrel, and sometimes a little red one, too.

This was a just a shot I took of the grasses by our pond, after all the rain last week (the day the bridge was put in). The rain was SO misty, that is stuck to the little hairs of the seed blooms. It looked icy.

Today the frog was croaking so loud, that I could hear "it" from inside the house. Still waiting to see what comes of the croaking.

**CLICK on any picture to get a larger image.




Thats all for today. Tomorrow I go to the a meeting of the miniature club I kind of belong to. Its called Little Women, and the members create scenes and houses in miniature. I have a log cabin (I have had for 20+years), that I am working on. I will post some shots here as I get stuff done.

Can you believe it is September already?