There was a poem swimming around inside of my head yesterday, but it must have swam out to sea because today there are just lingering tid bits of it washing up on the banks of my brain.
I scanned the newspaper for some bloggery content. So much of the same ole stuff. I searched for word on the border town, far away on the other side of the earth, that has been trying to fight off the head loppers. It seems they are now fighting within the town. I'm no expert on warfare but it seems, from the pictures on the news and in the paper, that the land over there is pretty barren. Lots of rocks, sand and wide open spaces. The residents of this border town could see the enemy coming, for a long time......wouldn't that have been a good time for an airstrike?.....before they made it all the way to the town.......?
I watched the neighborhood buzzards soar around the block this morning. I've watched them all summer wondering where they roosted at night. I figured it must be close because I have seen them daily. I wondered if they would actually land if some small animal unfortunately met its demise on the street. The answer to that question came one day this week as I was returning home from taking my granddaughter to school. There they were, in the middle of the road, inside our small city limits, feasting on an unlucky bunny, who should have zigged instead of zagged.
I slowed the car and took a couple of pictures before the buzzards left the scene of the crime. By the time I parked in my driveway, they had circled and landed to resume the feast. I walked across the alley to try and get a close up picture, but since I had left the confines of the yard, Tigger thought I was lost and followed me bellowing like a bull. Buzzards are a large bird and rather menacing by looks, after all, they eat dead stuff, but they aren't very brave and Tigger's howls frightened them off.
Tigger is in the house this morning. He has walked across the top of my desk and tried unsuccessfully to lay his head on my keyboard. He has finally taken refuge behind me, in the chair in which I'm sitting. Cats pass gas......and like most members of the male species, I'm sure he purposely waited until he was in my personal space to release.
I feel so much better now, better than I have felt in months. I should not have ignored the symptoms for so long. Pay attention to what your body tells you, it's a marvelous machine.
Feeling better has brought back my old self. The old self who always likes to tear into some project. I did just that the other day. Needing a better way to take pictures of the jewelry and other items I make out of flowers, I decided to construct a couple of light boxes. After a quick trip to Youtube for some tutorials, I gathered the supplies. I had forgotten how much fun it was to cut up cardboard boxes. Half way through the project, which was taking up the entire kitchen, I sent a picture of my mess to my oldest daughter with a message that read, "wait for it....". She assured me she was on pins and needles. When the project was complete, I sent her another picture. She responded with "I'm so glad you're back!"
So am I dear, so am I.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
What A Loaded (no pun intended) Bunch of Crapola
Take the apple and the orange. They can be observed, discussed and compared all day long and at the end of the day.......you still have an apple and an orange. Yes, they are both fruit and that's about it.
I do not know if the content of my blog falls under political correctness, one sided views, or just plain lack of good sense.
There was a post on Facebook from a site called Upworthy.com that caught my attention. Of course, the heading is supposed to do that, catch your attention. It said something about what a certain store allowed inside its establishment and what it would not allow. I fell for it and clicked on the link. Here is what I found:
There were three different pictures. The first was of a young teenage boy holding a skateboard and an older man holding a rather large gun.
The second picture was of a young girl, of maybe 6 or 7 years old, holding an ice cream cone and a man, who could have been her father, holding a rather large gun.
The third picture was of an older man wearing shorts. He is a large man and he is not wearing a shirt. The other person in the picture is a woman holding a rather large gun.
The article went on to explain that Kroger does not allow people to ride skateboards, bring in food or drinks, or come in half dressed........BUT, it was perfectly fine to carry a loaded weapon and was it really necessary to shop for produce while you're packing heat.
They are comparing apples to oranges. There is a huge difference between being rude, disrespectful, having no understanding of common courtesy and lawfulness.
Let's look at the skateboard. Sure, it would be really cool to ride a skateboard down long smooth isles and try to launch over the canned goods display, but it's a grocery store, not a skateboard park. I think it is a sad state of affairs that the store even had to make this a rule. What happened to teaching children some simple manners?
Bringing food or drinks into a store, whether it is a grocery store or any store for that matter, is just plain RUDE. Not only does it pose a hazard for the establishment if above said refreshments are dropped on the floor but why is it even a good idea in the first place? Good grief, use that grey matter between your ears for something other than just thinking of yourself. Look at it this way, if you invited some friends over for a meal, that you slaved over all day, and they showed up with their own food and proceeded to eat it all the way to the kitchen, how would that make you feel?
Now, the shirtless man. Dude, that isn't just rude or disrespectful......it's GROSS! Really, we don't want to see your large hairy chest and belly that is hanging over the top of your pants. Put your freaking shirt on......PLEASE! The thought of one of your chest hairs falling on my apples and oranges makes me want to puke.
The guns in each picture look like what the press in this country like to refer to as assault weapons. Most gun owners and operators know the true difference. But, here's the deal, if they have a legal permit to carry such a weapon and the establishment is OK with that........end of story.
Try to take out some crazed maniac wielding a large sharp knife with a skateboard or an ice cream cone....and since you left your shirt at home, you're not going to be much help at all, we can see that you're not packing.
I do not know if the content of my blog falls under political correctness, one sided views, or just plain lack of good sense.
There was a post on Facebook from a site called Upworthy.com that caught my attention. Of course, the heading is supposed to do that, catch your attention. It said something about what a certain store allowed inside its establishment and what it would not allow. I fell for it and clicked on the link. Here is what I found:
There were three different pictures. The first was of a young teenage boy holding a skateboard and an older man holding a rather large gun.
The second picture was of a young girl, of maybe 6 or 7 years old, holding an ice cream cone and a man, who could have been her father, holding a rather large gun.
The third picture was of an older man wearing shorts. He is a large man and he is not wearing a shirt. The other person in the picture is a woman holding a rather large gun.
The article went on to explain that Kroger does not allow people to ride skateboards, bring in food or drinks, or come in half dressed........BUT, it was perfectly fine to carry a loaded weapon and was it really necessary to shop for produce while you're packing heat.
They are comparing apples to oranges. There is a huge difference between being rude, disrespectful, having no understanding of common courtesy and lawfulness.
Let's look at the skateboard. Sure, it would be really cool to ride a skateboard down long smooth isles and try to launch over the canned goods display, but it's a grocery store, not a skateboard park. I think it is a sad state of affairs that the store even had to make this a rule. What happened to teaching children some simple manners?
Bringing food or drinks into a store, whether it is a grocery store or any store for that matter, is just plain RUDE. Not only does it pose a hazard for the establishment if above said refreshments are dropped on the floor but why is it even a good idea in the first place? Good grief, use that grey matter between your ears for something other than just thinking of yourself. Look at it this way, if you invited some friends over for a meal, that you slaved over all day, and they showed up with their own food and proceeded to eat it all the way to the kitchen, how would that make you feel?
Now, the shirtless man. Dude, that isn't just rude or disrespectful......it's GROSS! Really, we don't want to see your large hairy chest and belly that is hanging over the top of your pants. Put your freaking shirt on......PLEASE! The thought of one of your chest hairs falling on my apples and oranges makes me want to puke.
The guns in each picture look like what the press in this country like to refer to as assault weapons. Most gun owners and operators know the true difference. But, here's the deal, if they have a legal permit to carry such a weapon and the establishment is OK with that........end of story.
Try to take out some crazed maniac wielding a large sharp knife with a skateboard or an ice cream cone....and since you left your shirt at home, you're not going to be much help at all, we can see that you're not packing.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
The Good Ole Days
Remember when there used to be a standard rule of thumb when working in retail? That standard was "the customer is always right".
I understand, having worked in many a retail position, that isn't always true, but it also meant to deal with the customer in a professional and kind manner. Try to resolve the issue without making the customer look bad. After all, if the customer is spending money in the establishment, that money is where the employee's paycheck is coming from.
Recently I entered a store that I have done business with for many years. I've always liked the place and the people who work there. I also like the service they provide along with the equipment.
The last piece of equipment I purchased there seems to be a bit faulty. It still works, but there are times when it does not work properly. When I inquired about replacing it, I was told that my contract would not end until sometime next year and that perhaps I could look online in a swap shop or auction site to purchase a new one. I was thinking, "Hmmm, you don't stand behind your equipment?" The sales person was new to me and I decided to go back another day.
I did just that, a couple of weeks later. I was told again that my contract did not end until sometime next year, BUT, in a couple of weeks I would have enough accumulated points to be able to put towards the new equipment. Once again, I left and as I drove back home, the Voice, who was sitting in the back seat reading the latest copy of Wusses R Us, said quietly "They don't stand behind their equipment?"
Today I went back again. The new person was there and helping another customer. This new person was also on the phone. I stood quietly to the side and she asked if she could help me. I told her I was there to see about getting a new piece of equipment. As I waited, gazing at the selections of said equipment, she asked me for some information. Since she was working with another customer and had a receiver held to her ear, I didn't realize she was speaking to me. When it finally dawned on me that she actually was speaking to me, I gave her the requested info.
She entered the data, and told me I did not have any accumulated points and that I would have to wait until next year. I tried to explain that I did have the points and was told to come back. While still working with the other customer and still holding a phone receiver to her ear, she tells me "Sorry".
I hate confrontation, but I was instantly upset. I informed her that was not what I was told two weeks ago, grabbed the door and rattled it quite nicely as I left.
As I drove home again, the Voice, who was sitting in the front passenger seat this time, opened its mouth to speak. "Just don't even go there!", I snapped. It quickly shut its mouth, looked out the side window and began to hum the old Beatles' song, "I'm A Loser".
Yes indeed, the good ole days of the customer being right or shown some respect have gone by the wayside.
I understand, having worked in many a retail position, that isn't always true, but it also meant to deal with the customer in a professional and kind manner. Try to resolve the issue without making the customer look bad. After all, if the customer is spending money in the establishment, that money is where the employee's paycheck is coming from.
Recently I entered a store that I have done business with for many years. I've always liked the place and the people who work there. I also like the service they provide along with the equipment.
The last piece of equipment I purchased there seems to be a bit faulty. It still works, but there are times when it does not work properly. When I inquired about replacing it, I was told that my contract would not end until sometime next year and that perhaps I could look online in a swap shop or auction site to purchase a new one. I was thinking, "Hmmm, you don't stand behind your equipment?" The sales person was new to me and I decided to go back another day.
I did just that, a couple of weeks later. I was told again that my contract did not end until sometime next year, BUT, in a couple of weeks I would have enough accumulated points to be able to put towards the new equipment. Once again, I left and as I drove back home, the Voice, who was sitting in the back seat reading the latest copy of Wusses R Us, said quietly "They don't stand behind their equipment?"
Today I went back again. The new person was there and helping another customer. This new person was also on the phone. I stood quietly to the side and she asked if she could help me. I told her I was there to see about getting a new piece of equipment. As I waited, gazing at the selections of said equipment, she asked me for some information. Since she was working with another customer and had a receiver held to her ear, I didn't realize she was speaking to me. When it finally dawned on me that she actually was speaking to me, I gave her the requested info.
She entered the data, and told me I did not have any accumulated points and that I would have to wait until next year. I tried to explain that I did have the points and was told to come back. While still working with the other customer and still holding a phone receiver to her ear, she tells me "Sorry".
I hate confrontation, but I was instantly upset. I informed her that was not what I was told two weeks ago, grabbed the door and rattled it quite nicely as I left.
As I drove home again, the Voice, who was sitting in the front passenger seat this time, opened its mouth to speak. "Just don't even go there!", I snapped. It quickly shut its mouth, looked out the side window and began to hum the old Beatles' song, "I'm A Loser".
Yes indeed, the good ole days of the customer being right or shown some respect have gone by the wayside.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Influential Feline Fancy
Whether you are a lover of cats or someone who despises them, there is little doubt they have had an impact on the human race. I get a lot of enjoyment out of my cats, much more so than my husband. As I observed my two cats, these things came to mind:
The Cat's Meow. This means something of great importance. Both of my cats rarely meow. The Queen of the Yard cat is old and deaf, so I suppose she does not meow because she can't hear it herself. The only time she does meow is when her bowl is still empty and it's past five o'clock in the afternoon. Tigger, the youngest of the two, only meows when he can't find me. It is more of a wail than a meow and, believe it or not, it always sounds like a question.
Scaredy Cat / Fraidy Cat. Most of us have heard this phrase since childhood. It was usually aimed at whoever would not follow through with some grand scheme......like jumping off the garage roof. Tigger is the ultimate scaredy/fraidy cat. The neighbors left a large piece of tar paper on their roof after replacing the shingles on one side. It stayed up there for several days, until the wind decided to blow. When that happened, this once flat harmless black sheet became a breathing, moving, mystical creature. Tigger spent most of the day with his tail the size of a baseball bat and his eyes as big as saucers.
Copycat. Yet another childhood saying, probably most used by siblings right before they called for the folks. This phrase actually has a true meaning, cats do copy each other. The Queen learned many years ago that in order to get a drink from the top of the swimming pool cover, she merely had to walk towards the collected rain water and her weight would bring the water to her. Tigger has watched this lesson in thirst quenching with great earnest. He has yet to figure out that he is causing the water to come to him and thinks it is chasing him. Still a fraidy cat.
Something The Cats Chewed On. This was a common phrase used by the original Lela. It was usually directed at someone's hair style.....or her own.
Let The Cat Out Of The Bag. This usually refers to some secret that is no longer a secret. But, if you have never seen a cat in a bag, it can be quite entertaining.
Although there are many more cat sayings, I will close with just one more.
Curiosity Killed The Cat. Pretty much self explanatory. It does carry a good message of 'be careful where you poke your nose' and applies to people, as well as cats.
The Cat's Meow. This means something of great importance. Both of my cats rarely meow. The Queen of the Yard cat is old and deaf, so I suppose she does not meow because she can't hear it herself. The only time she does meow is when her bowl is still empty and it's past five o'clock in the afternoon. Tigger, the youngest of the two, only meows when he can't find me. It is more of a wail than a meow and, believe it or not, it always sounds like a question.
Scaredy Cat / Fraidy Cat. Most of us have heard this phrase since childhood. It was usually aimed at whoever would not follow through with some grand scheme......like jumping off the garage roof. Tigger is the ultimate scaredy/fraidy cat. The neighbors left a large piece of tar paper on their roof after replacing the shingles on one side. It stayed up there for several days, until the wind decided to blow. When that happened, this once flat harmless black sheet became a breathing, moving, mystical creature. Tigger spent most of the day with his tail the size of a baseball bat and his eyes as big as saucers.
Copycat. Yet another childhood saying, probably most used by siblings right before they called for the folks. This phrase actually has a true meaning, cats do copy each other. The Queen learned many years ago that in order to get a drink from the top of the swimming pool cover, she merely had to walk towards the collected rain water and her weight would bring the water to her. Tigger has watched this lesson in thirst quenching with great earnest. He has yet to figure out that he is causing the water to come to him and thinks it is chasing him. Still a fraidy cat.
Something The Cats Chewed On. This was a common phrase used by the original Lela. It was usually directed at someone's hair style.....or her own.
Let The Cat Out Of The Bag. This usually refers to some secret that is no longer a secret. But, if you have never seen a cat in a bag, it can be quite entertaining.
Although there are many more cat sayings, I will close with just one more.
Curiosity Killed The Cat. Pretty much self explanatory. It does carry a good message of 'be careful where you poke your nose' and applies to people, as well as cats.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Random Tid Bits
Taking iron supplement tablets is about the equivalent of licking a rust covered pipe. It does not matter how quickly they are swallowed, they will still leave a hint of rust.
According to a recent survey, most college and high school students in this country, the USA, cannot pass a general test on the history of the United States. That's pretty sad. Let's teach it all, the good and the bad, people learn from mistakes.
The head of the Secret Service put in her resignation. My immediate thought on that was, "Duh, you didn't see that coming?" It takes approximately six months to book a tour of the White House and some guy scales the fence and is inside in a matter of minutes.........yep, think you might be better suited at a job somewhere else. Maybe you could talk to the resigning AG. He picked up a job with a $77 million paycheck......poor guy.
A prison warden, who had worked for the DOC for some 30 years, lost her job because her roommate, 26 years her junior, was a convicted sex offender and was still accessing nasty stuff...on a computer......in her home............Really?
My ancestors herald from many countries. I was born in this country. That makes me an American. Not an Irish/American, not an English/American, not a German/American, not an Asian/American, not an African/American.....just an American. So who keeps this race thing up in arms?
Since people have decided not to verbally speak to each other any more and would rather use texting, or some form of social media to communicate, they have forgotten something of vast importance. Other people will read what you post or see the naked selfie you thought was a wise idea. I really don't think some of the things people put out there fall under the heading of 'freedom of speech'. Most of our mothers taught us that at an early age. Some things are better left unsaid, especially if you wouldn't say it to the other person's face. And certainly, there are some things better left unseen.
If you do choose to be a complete idiot and get caught in the cross hairs of controversy, at least own up to the mistake, or plead your case. Just don't make excuses.
According to a recent survey, most college and high school students in this country, the USA, cannot pass a general test on the history of the United States. That's pretty sad. Let's teach it all, the good and the bad, people learn from mistakes.
The head of the Secret Service put in her resignation. My immediate thought on that was, "Duh, you didn't see that coming?" It takes approximately six months to book a tour of the White House and some guy scales the fence and is inside in a matter of minutes.........yep, think you might be better suited at a job somewhere else. Maybe you could talk to the resigning AG. He picked up a job with a $77 million paycheck......poor guy.
A prison warden, who had worked for the DOC for some 30 years, lost her job because her roommate, 26 years her junior, was a convicted sex offender and was still accessing nasty stuff...on a computer......in her home............Really?
My ancestors herald from many countries. I was born in this country. That makes me an American. Not an Irish/American, not an English/American, not a German/American, not an Asian/American, not an African/American.....just an American. So who keeps this race thing up in arms?
Since people have decided not to verbally speak to each other any more and would rather use texting, or some form of social media to communicate, they have forgotten something of vast importance. Other people will read what you post or see the naked selfie you thought was a wise idea. I really don't think some of the things people put out there fall under the heading of 'freedom of speech'. Most of our mothers taught us that at an early age. Some things are better left unsaid, especially if you wouldn't say it to the other person's face. And certainly, there are some things better left unseen.
If you do choose to be a complete idiot and get caught in the cross hairs of controversy, at least own up to the mistake, or plead your case. Just don't make excuses.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Makes No Scents To Me
Some people have recurring dreams. Mother used to have one about some guy who showed up at the farm one day. He was very strange and posed some kind of a threat. The next thing she knew, she had killed him, stuffed him in the trunk of the car, loaded up Lela and Blanche and took off driving. That's how it ended each time, with her driving around with some dead weirdo in her trunk.
She always wondered what the meaning of the dream was.
Dreams can carry a message. Many of the visions in dreams are usually symbolic. For instance, having a dream about a fish can mean money is headed your way. If the fish is rotting, it means lots of money.
Recently I have had a recurring dream. I'm standing in my neighbor's back yard. There are other people there, but I'm not sure who they are. In the middle of the yard are two large skunks. These skunks are big, the size of a Labrador Retriever. One skunk has two white stripes on its back, the other has one white stripe. No one seems to be concerned about the skunks, except me. I do not speak, but the entire time I'm thinking those are some really big skunks.
A week or so later, I have the same dream again. And again I found myself wondering why no one is noticing those two huge ma-honkin' skunks.
After doing a bit of research into the meaning of animals in dreams, I found the following information: A skunk is usually a peaceful animal, it poses no threat of its own, unless it is threatened. When threatened, a skunk will send a clear message of "Do Not Mess With Me!", or else. Most people understand what the 'or else' means.
The comic section of the Sunday paper always has a space dedicated to explaining a certain topic. It could be a place, person, critter, etc. Last Sunday's topic was skunks.
Since the night time temperatures are staying in the 50's, we are still sleeping with the windows open. Two days ago, about four o'clock in the morning, I was awakened by the strong, pungent odor of skunk musk.
I'm still searching for the meaning of all this skunkiness, but for now, it just doesn't make scents.
She always wondered what the meaning of the dream was.
Dreams can carry a message. Many of the visions in dreams are usually symbolic. For instance, having a dream about a fish can mean money is headed your way. If the fish is rotting, it means lots of money.
Recently I have had a recurring dream. I'm standing in my neighbor's back yard. There are other people there, but I'm not sure who they are. In the middle of the yard are two large skunks. These skunks are big, the size of a Labrador Retriever. One skunk has two white stripes on its back, the other has one white stripe. No one seems to be concerned about the skunks, except me. I do not speak, but the entire time I'm thinking those are some really big skunks.
A week or so later, I have the same dream again. And again I found myself wondering why no one is noticing those two huge ma-honkin' skunks.
After doing a bit of research into the meaning of animals in dreams, I found the following information: A skunk is usually a peaceful animal, it poses no threat of its own, unless it is threatened. When threatened, a skunk will send a clear message of "Do Not Mess With Me!", or else. Most people understand what the 'or else' means.
The comic section of the Sunday paper always has a space dedicated to explaining a certain topic. It could be a place, person, critter, etc. Last Sunday's topic was skunks.
Since the night time temperatures are staying in the 50's, we are still sleeping with the windows open. Two days ago, about four o'clock in the morning, I was awakened by the strong, pungent odor of skunk musk.
I'm still searching for the meaning of all this skunkiness, but for now, it just doesn't make scents.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
The Surmise
I watched the fog roll in this morning, like smoke from a smoldering pile of autumn leaves. As it rolled in, the fog in my brain began to roll out.
The red cape is hanging limp on a hook. Its golden shield, with the S trimmed in red, lies hidden among the folds. I beckon to it, to come to me, to drape across my shoulders, but it pays me no heed. Silently, it keeps its back to me.
I notice the Voice. It's sitting half way up the spiral staircase, gazing out the window, watching the construction workers next door. It lets out a heavy sigh, followed by the words, "I told you so." That phrase is one of the Voice's favorite.
As usual, the Voice was right. I knew something was not quite right. But, when faced with the decision to pay bills or add to the current bills, the former won.
It's nothing too serious, but will take a while for me to get back up to speed. I'm running in low gear, with a low blood count that will take four to six weeks to replenish itself. I really need to feel better before that, but jumping prematurely on the "Feel Better Band Wagon" last night proved to be an eye opener to the fact that this process is going to take some time.
I have to take an iron supplement. One of the common side effects associated with iron supplements is constipation. I may not be able to contain my excitement waiting for that symptom to raise its ugly head.
I am chuckling to myself as I think how we would poke fun at the old folks of the family. We always said they didn't have anything to talk about except bodily functions. The Voice is picking its teeth with a feather of Crow.
The uterus is the incubator for the human race. Without it we would not exist. Throughout history, many a male member of our species have rivaled for a shot, no pun intended, at the mystery this magical organ contains. But, there is no better way to watch the blood drain from a man's face, after they have asked a barrage of questions as to why you are not feeling well, than to answer them with "female problems".
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