Monday, June 30, 2008

Is it just me? ...

As you watch the flooding in the Midwest, have you noticed that there are no farmers running around with stolen plasma TVs or holding stolen liquor over their heads?

There's no looting or yelling 'Where's Bush?

'Where's FEMA?

Where's my check?'

Or 'Why isn't the Government out here saving me and my farm?'


Likewise, I've also noticed there are no reports of any other country coming to help or sending aid.

Shocking contrast, isn't it???!!!!

And you thought none of us were watching or interested in this stuff, fooled ya!

Did you know Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy!

SHORT WEEK

Yup, this will be a short week for many folks as the 4th of July is on Friday and many businesses will give employees Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday off--- that makes for a nice, long weekend!

I just hope that whatever your plans you take the time to watch your village’s parade. They spend considerable time organizing these parades and deserve a good turn out. I know the one in Norwood has gotten larger each year and it’s really fun to watch this parade and see folks remember to show respect every time the American flag passes by (men remove hats, women and children put hand over the heart). And the folks in the parade are smiling; friendly and usually giving away some treat, much to the enjoyment of the younger set.

While reading the Sunday newspapers I noticed Massena is bloody arse serious about swimming pools. Hey, you got a pool that contains 24 inches or greater of water, you need a permit; it has to have a 4’ high barrier and if there’s a pump involved, a GFI inspection too. And according to the paper, the local officials intend to enforce these laws! All in the hope of saving lives – remember, one can drown in 2 inches of water and 24 inches (that’s about knee high on an adult) is sufficient to cause some horrible accident. I know it sounds silly and an expense we don’t want but learning a child has drowned due to negligence is not something anyone would want to live with!

Had a day off from the Wimbledon matches, no play on Sunday but today things are back in full swing. However, its a nice day and I doubt I'll sit inside watching tennis very much...I want to get out and snap a few photos and of course, have errands to run as well.


In many various wanderings I stopped over at the Norwood Swimming area on Sunday. Although a muggy day and I suspected many would be over here cooling off, however it was not crowded and those there definitely were enjoying the water and cool breeze under the trees and in the picnic area. I was really impressed to see folks being mindful of their own messes, meaning picking up their own trash and disposing of it vs. letting it lie or blow about. Hey, make no mistake Norwood resident take pride in their community and as tax payers would rather see our village employees fixing potholes vs. picking trash we just tossed aside with no worries. We'll take care of our garbage and let the village take care of the pot holes and busted sidewalks.

Okay, that’s my Monday morning madness – I tried being good but I got bored!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Remember.....


Okay, memory time. Remember pulling the petals off this flower and reciting “loves me, loves me not?” Or maybe you have a different saying but this flower was used for many an attempt to confirm or deny something happening in your life. I remember using it to learn whether or not we’d hay that day, “hay or no hay, hay or no hay!” It never worked, if Dad decided to cut hay, hay was cut it was that bloody simple!

The other day I bought this windmill bird feeder – hey, it is quite nice and looks great in the yard. I also bought feed for this feeder, which was totally stupid for this time of year. But I filled the feeder and sat back and waited for the birds to show up so I could see them. The only thing that I fed with any real gluttonous results were crows and let me tell you, they don’t need any assistance from us humans. Have you see the size of these crows lately--- small turkeys for crying out loud. Anyway, with an abundance of food all around the yard, trees, and wooden area, that bird feeder will not be filled again until Fall or this winter, when seeds are truly needed – amen!

Watching the local gardens and I gotta say, (1) these are well plotted plots, (2) are being maintained nicely and (3) weed free. My son has a garden in Minnesota and he says gardening is relaxing. He loves to go out and water his garden, weed it or just stand and look at the items growing and amazed at what actually does produce the goods! He too keeps his garden very well maintained and he tends to water it every day. As for me, I have two tomatoes plants and they are doing nicely they even have two tomatoes on them and I haven't killed them yet!

As you might imagine I have been eye-deep in Wimbledon matches lately. Yeah, I am a big tennis fan. It’s hard to sit here and watch American after American eliminated though. Hard to witness James Blake and Andy Roddick done the first week – ye gads, what is up with these men? Then we have the current number one player, Roger Federer who is hoping to win SIX Wimbledon championships in a row – whew, what will be a feat if accomplished. And trying to stop him and win his first Wimbledon we have the French Open Champion Rafa Nadal. Ya I can tell you are deeply interested in this subject -- well, it's a sport I happen to like and as mentioned before, still play if I can find someone to hit the courts with me!


So the weekend is here – hurrah. Oh by the way, in case you are interested my Indian name is – Runs With Beer! Have a great weekend!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Same Shit, Different Day!

It doesn’t matter if you go away and don’t read newspapers or even watch the news. Why? Because things just don’t change or change just enough to get you pissed all over again.

Minnesota was mad because they were paying $3.95 for a gallon of gas and when I told them we’re paying $4.31, they just couldn’t believe it!

A few months ago we were told Americans, young and old are obese and we need to do something about this. Then all of a sudden we have a food shortage – what in hell did we do – pig out and eat all the damn food?

Then I looked at local stuff, school boards are still trying to get a budget passed and it’s like some game of “them vs. us,” when it should be a collective effort to insure a solid education for our young people. We have one superintendent, who is refusing a pay raise; a librarian position more deemable than summer school programs, and demands to show what cuts administrators are taking,[no one seems to mention these administrators have actually saved these schools hundreds of thousands of dollars through innovative practices]. Bloody hell this is like some kind of competitive game and it makes me wonder is anyone hearing what anyone says these days?


On the brighter side the concerts in the park in Norwood are attracting quite a crowd and that’s good. Yeah, pass the hat and we’ll drop a few coins in but don’t look to get rich, we need our money for gas and food! We can’t afford cable anymore so these concert series are our entertainment, thank you very much!

Oh ya, let’s not forget we got high school graduations coming up too. Parties and congrats will be loud and clear as we watch the 2008 High School Seniors make that passage from high school into the real world. Someone should tell these graduates the difference between try and triumph is a little umph! Seriously, congrats to all the grads and best wishes for continued success. Keep safe and enjoy your day!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Grandma Fix Over

Wow Minnesota weather was wonderful and it actually was cool at times, how cool? Well, I needed to ask to borrow a sweatshirt or light jacket. However, after all the rain and cool weather, the folks there loved this “warm” weather and thought I was nuts because I was cold!


Here’s a photo of the Warroad outdoor pool – it’s like a beach and the village maintains it. It has chlorine so it’s safe water and although not very deep, kids and adults love it. You pay a $3 entry fee and you’re good for the entire day. Haul in lawn chairs and beach towels and make yourself comfy – sun yourself and if you can stand it, jump in the cold water to cool off. I lasted about two seconds in that water and sat on the beach, where I promptly got sunburn!

There were many things I enjoyed such as watching my grandson play baseball. It’s camp type program and each day the kids learn new things; i.e. catching, throwing, running the bases, etc. During practice games it was cute to see him play 1st base, 2nd, and 3rd and he also played catcher. He loved being the catcher and has a good throwing arm. He is still learning the art of catching the ball as are all the other kids.

Not to be left out, my granddaughter has dance lessons and this is pure joy to watch. Tap and Ballet and seeing her in her tights and floating across the floor is just too precious.

Every Thursday everyone is invited to participate in a free track event. You are not competing but improving on your own times as you partcipate in certain events, such as the mile run, 400 meter, 200 meter, relay race, etc. Each participate has his or her own score card and times are recorded so they can see how much they improved from week to week.
I was amazed that my grandson, who is seven, actually had better times for the 400-meter than kids much taller than him. It’s not height that counts, it’s ability, stamina and willingness to run hard.

However my visit wasn’t all kid related – although that was great and made my visit that much more special. Nope, one evening we went to the 28th season of the Warroad Summer Theatre and watch the play, “No Sex Please, We’re British,” a comedy and very well done. I love to watch local talent perform and this was a great group of people. Then it was off to the local bar and grill as they celebrated 5 years of business.


This was a fun adult outing and as I could now enjoy my beer, I think I drank more than I intended but what the hell, I was on vacation (my son constantly says, ‘how in hell can someone who is retired, call this a vacation? Aren’t you permanently on vacation?’ Ya, he’s my smart one!).

I know my son will read this so I thank him for a wonderful time and we’ll see you in December. Also thanks to my daughter-in-law for insisting we stay with them vs. a hotel room. We were comfy and slept like logs! Do logs sleep?



I’m all ready missing everyone and came home to rainy weather but today it’s sunny and I think I’ll mow the lawn. What the hell, as I'm retired and on permanent vacation, this is work I can do if I want or leave for someone else if I so desire, right?

I know I'm in my own little world but it's ok, they know me here!

Monday, June 16, 2008

Outta here!

Oh I know you will miss me, right? Well, I shall miss you, especially those who take time to make comments. Imagine if no one every commented -- it would make one wonder if anyone was reading their blog, right?

Well, read, comment or not, it's still your choice. Summer is fast approaching and soon, Norwood's beach will see everyone cooling off and having a good time. Let's not trash the place this year...let's take a trash bag with us and pick up after ourselves, shall we? I don't want to pick up your mess, you don't want to pick up mine, so let's be good and neat.

Okay, see ya in a couple weeks -- headed to the land of 10,000 lakes and no I do not plan to count'em. Someone all ready did that and as there are actually more than 10,000, the counter is still out there and if ever found, we may learn there's 20,0000 lakes,who in hell knows.

Have fun folks.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Happy Fahter's Day

There I have done my duty and said the words being heard everywhere today, aren't ya proud of me? A tis a grand life.

Hey, I wish my Dad was here so I could hug him and tell him how much I love him but sadly he died 8 years ago. To all of you who still have your Dad's (be them biological or stepfather's) cherish these moments, okay?

Well, tomorrow I head for Minnesota -- gotta get my Grandma fix and man, I am ready. I like this small town my son has elected to call his home and where he and his family live, work and play. It's a little bigger than Norwood (I think) and has its own appeal and interests. A very nice running/bike/hike path around a lake and of course, this is land of 10,000 lakes, so plenty of watery outings available.

Well, time to get on with things -- gonna BBQ for good ole Hubby tonight and need a new propane tank just to insure I got plenty of fuel. Best get that now and then I can relax. See ya later.

Friday, June 13, 2008

FLAG DAY, JUNE 14TH

Tomorrow - June 14th - is Flag Day. We are calling on you - and every American - to raise “Old Glory” to show your pride in America and celebrate those who have fought to preserve our freedom.

MOTHER OF THE FLAG

The Myth: Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, designed and sewed the first American flag at the behest of the Founding Fathers.

Background: This story first surfaced in 1870 when Betsy Ross’s grandson told a meeting of the Pennsylvania Historical Society that his grandmother had been asked to make a flag for the new nation. The tale must have touched a nerve, because it quickly spread and soon was regarded as the truth.

The Truth:
While Betsy Ross did in fact sew flags for the Pennsylvania Navy, there is no proof to back up her grandson’s tale. Ironically, no one is sure who designed the flag. The best guess is that the flag’s design is derived from a military banner carried during the American Revolution.

%%%%%%%

How about some Oxymoron's? What the hell, like you got other things on your mind today.

Truth in Advertising

Baby Grand

Baked Alaska

Open Secret

Upside Down

Active Reserves

Freezer burn

Pretty Ugly

Okay, that's it for today -- made ya smile, right?




Thursday, June 12, 2008

Big Bacon Tree

Back in cowboy times, a westbound wagon train was lost and low on food. No other humans had been seen for days, and then the pioneers saw an Old Norwegian sitting beneath a tree.

"Is there some place ahead where we can get food?"

"Vell, I tink so," the old man said, "but I wouldn't go up dat hill und down de udder side. Somevun tole me you'd run into a big bacon tree."


"A bacon tree?" asked the wagon train leader.


"Yah, a bacon tree. Vould I lie? Trust me. I vouldn't go dere."

The leader goes back and tells his people what the Norwegian said. So why did he say not to go there? " a person asked. Other pioneers said, "Oh, you know those Norwegian people - they lie just for a joke."

So the wagon train goes up the hill and down the other side. Suddenly, Indians attack them from everywhere and massacre all except the leader who manages to escape and get back to the old Norwegian.


Near dead, the man shouts, "You fool! You sent us to our deaths! We followed your route, but there was no bacon tree, just hundreds of Indians who killed everyone but me."

The old Norwegian man holds up his hand and says, "Vait a minute. He quickly picks up an English-Norwegian dictionary and begins thumbing through it. "Oof-DA, I made such ah big mishtake! It vuzn't a bacon tree,

(Scroll down)


(Are you ready?)


(Scroll down)



(You're going to hate me.)


"It vuz a ham bush."

Thanks Bubba,this was too good not to share!




HOLY PUNCTUATION

Anyone know the difference between good and evil? Could be just a little grammar. These excerpts are from real church bulletins – enjoy.

“This afternoon there will be a meeting in the south and north ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.”

“Tuesday, at 4 pm, there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk come early.”

“Thursday, at 5 pm, there will be a meeting of the Little Mothers Club. All those wishing to become little mothers, please meet the pastor in his study.”

“A bean supper will be held Saturday evening in the church basement. Music will follow.”

NOW SOME PRESIDENTIAL FIRSTS

Harry S. Truman was the first President to buzz the White House in an airplane.

Thomas Jefferson and James Madison are the only presidents to be arrested together.

Theodore Roosevelt first and last (that we know of) president o wear another president’s body part during his inauguration. (Supposedly he had a ring containing strands of hair that had been cut from Lincoln’s head the night he was assassinated.)

William Howard Taft – first president to throw out the first pitch of the baseball season.

Warren G. Harding – first president to bet (and lose) the White House china in poker games.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Take your weight multiply it by .6. That’s roughly how many pounds of water are in your body.

One in five Americans cannot say which president is on the $1 bill without looking.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Weather was Here

Can you believe it – tornado watch in upstate New York? Not sure we actually got one but the high winds and downpour certainly caused sufficient damage. That poor family in Parishville, having a tree fall and splitting there home in half – ye gads! Plus for awhile parents worried sick as kids were literally in a lockdown at school due to down power lines and buses could not run!

I just know that yesterday morning when I was taking my usual morning walk and I admit I got a later start than usual, it was brutally warm and I wasn’t sure I would make this walk – I was half way around my route and the sweat was literally running out of me like a bloody river! When I got home I was sucking down water like you would not believe. Plus it took me considerable time to cool down so I could get a shower. Something about being over heated and getting into a warm shower that just doesn’t seem smart!

Ever mow your yard and considered it a job well done then you look at it and see all the spots you missed? Do you go back out there and get those spots or do you just leave'em?
Me? Oh hell, leave’em – I managed to weed whack some areas but that’s about as far as I’m taking this lawn mowing nonsense. So I missed a few patches, big deal, twenty slaps with a wet noodle!

Damn, now we gotta be careful of what tomatoes we eat – this is getting sick. I love tomatoes – dislike catsup but love tomatoes.[ya, ya, I know its made from tomatoes]
And if I read all the stuff correctly, as long as I buy those still attached to the vine, I am okay. That is if I can find such babies. Stores are pulling tomatoes left and right except for “grape” tomatoes. What in hell are grape tomatoes? Ya, look it up and become informed – lovely!

Well a salad without tomatoes is bad news, guess I'll use strawberries -- they are about the same color and hey, if you haven't had them in a salad, try it, you'll be amazed.

Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

In Memory


Today’s blog is dedicated to the memory of my father, Lawrence O. Dean, who died eight years ago today. It does not seem possible that 8 years have passed, yet they have and he is remembered, loved and missed very much.

Dad would love this recent hot, humid weather – you see he liked it warm and although he might mention the humidity, he rarely complained about warm or even hot weather. Now when it got cold, he would bitch just like everyone else but not warm weather, he loved it.

He was somebody who could plant anything and it would grow and he tried many different plants and had success every time. Plus his normal stock aka plants were
always the best and he was good about sharing too. Mostly to the local church and elderly neighbors. He loved the land and nothing was more precious to him than land and animals. That's not to say his wife and children were not precious, they were and this was a well known fact, there was never any doubt about his priorities, family first.

OMG did he have gardens – two huge suckers and we got paid a whooping 5 cents a row for weeding. You couldn’t even see the end of a row and this was done for 5 cents! Hell, you were gonna weed it anyway, might as well get paid, right?

When things became ripe, the entire family was involved in gathering the fresh produce. I preferred the picking vs the
cleaning and caning, which ins my book was boring as hell. Of course many items went from plant to mouth and never made it into any basket or pot in the house. Fresh picked tomatoes eaten right from the vine is a taste you cannot beat and wish you could have everyday. Yank carrots up, wipe them on your jeans and pop them into your mouth and you understand why rabbits love carrots!

Yes, Dad was a wonderful man, devoted husband, loving father and loyal friend. He taught his seven children many wonderful lessons and when we did something so simple and easy that we puffed up proud as peacocks he would say, with tongue in cheek; "Yup, ya done good." It was like saying any moron could do what you did, don't get a big head, fool!


Dad had a sense of fairness about him too...discipline was fairly dispensed and he didn't mind yelling at any one of us if the need called for him to yell. Yet he's sing to his damn cows -- ya, he did have a lovely sense of humor!

He loved to go fishing but those trips also meant he'd find some wild berry patch and you'd be picking berries too. He loved to pick berries and the bugs never seemed to bother him, while we were being eaten alive. As mentioned he was a very devoted husband and every spring, as soon as the wild violets popped up, he'd pick a handful for his bride of 66 years. Ya, he was quite a romantic and this was the only woman he cared to impress. Gosh I miss him!

We miss and love you Dad. Rest in peace.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Mow, Wait, Mow, Wait

Yeah, I am in a holding pattern. First off I volunteered to mow the lawn, which is no big deal – riding lawnmower and all. This also allows me to work on retaining my Florida tan so it’s a good volunteer act. Second, it looks like rain, it rained during the night, the grass is wet and now, it’s do I mow or do I wait and allow the grass to dry a bit more?

In the meantime, I went and got my oil changed and annual car inspection. I think my mechanic is right, why wait until the end of the month when everyone will rush to do this number. Schedule it early and get it over with, the price doesn’t change – same whether you do it early in the month or at the end of the month!

Some guy was saying gas prices are gonna go up again today, and may go up twice in one day. Let me give you a vivid picture of this gas crap. At 9am I paid $4.19 per gallon, by 9:30 the price was now $4.23 and who in hell knows what it will be by this afternoon! That Grasshopper is some damn expensive gas!

What with these prices (and damn that’s all we seem to talk about these days) it’s no wonder more and more families are planting gardens this year. Hey, in Norwood there are some really well thought out and planted gardens and I mean, folks took their time and plotted where this and that should go and how much distance they needed, etc. These are some truly nice looking garden plots. Now I just hope when things ripen and they start freezing or caning, they know how to do it properly or read or take some class so they don’t make themselves sick!

So while I wait and remain undecided I took my macro lens and snapped some weed flowers. Hey, they may be weeds but they sure are pretty flowers. Ya, I’ll whack’em down when I mow but for now, I captured them on film. More another day…keep smiling, it drives other bonkers trying to figure out what in hell you’re smiling about!!!

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Gadgets, Wallets & Purses

I don’t care what sex you are, we all have been exposed to and bought into the gadget advertisements, explored and had to buy a new wallet and for women finding the right purse is like finding the right man!

I decided I would try the over the shoulder expandable organizer bag. I travel quite a bit and supposedly this would make life much easier, hell the ads claim there’s room for two water bottles. Bull, by the time I got what I needed from one purse into this bag, cramming a water bottle in there would have been pushing the envelope and I mean pushing a HUGE envelope!

While this is a nice bag, has that lovely leather smell, it has more damn compartments than the Pavlov Dog experiment. Sorry I don’t care to “rummage” through my bag to find my wallet, keys, etc., and have people thinking;
“oh shit, this fool doesn’t know where anything is OR great a damn mental patient and this is her first EVER purse!" [Oh come on, you have seen these people in line, and probably thought this or worse, so don’t give me that crap, you know what I am talking about here!]

Plus the over the shoulder strap – if you are tall this works but I’m pushing 5 feet and I mean pushing to claim 5 feet in height and no matter how much I adjusted that strap, this did not work for me. I had one boob supported by this strap while the bag itself was unsure if it should hang on my hip, tummy or rush around and rest on my ass! In essence, it was not comfortable and nearly choked the living shit out of me too!

Guess what? Ya, you can see what’s coming, can’t ya? That shoulder bag has gone into a closet with all the other purses (thankfully there are not many) and shall remain there until hell freezes! My ole purse shall work nicely and I am one happy camper once again.

But hey, by all means, try the over the shoulder expandable organizer bag – and good luck to you!

Windy but Sunshine

I began this blog with the normal weather update and decided you all knew this anyway or could flip on the TV or radio and hear it yourself, so why bother. At the moment it’s sunny, windy and dry but more rain is expected before the day ends and oh my gosh, do we need rain! Got damn lakes in my yard but want more –looking for a river folks, a bloody damn river!

Then I started grabbing headlines, such as nude man stuck in port-a-potty uses cell phone to call 911 (where in hell did he have this phone if he was nude?). Then moving on Ed McMahon faces foreclosure on his house – like I give a rip—his house is probably some 3.6 million dollar home in the first place. Come on, he’s in his 80’s live somewhere cheaper! The list of goodies goes on and on, eating bugs is healthier than some of our regular food – can’t wait to see how many buy into this eating habit.

I nearly depressed myself with all this crap and said; “self, this is stupid, find something else to write about!” I’m looking but nothing is popping into my head – damn, it must be Saturday!

Okay, if you can afford it (gas wise at least) head over to Canton today and help celebrate the Dairy Festival – an annual celebration and a way to support our local farmers. This is a wonderful event, it took many hours of planning, lots of volunteer and staff time to put together and you will have a good time and yes, you’ll find plenty to do and good eats too!

Is it weird in here, or is it just me?

Friday, June 6, 2008

National Doughnut Day

Yup, it’s National Doughnut Day, doesn’t that just rip all you dieters in the arse? Wouldn’t you like to sink your teeth into a nice big delicious doughnut? Well, go ahead, you can work it off later or if you are doing “points” you just used them up so live with it!

Some of these national day concepts are just too much for the average/normal person
to take. We need a National Day of Nothing! Imagine what we could do with that sucker – NOTHING! Do nothing, say nothing, be nothing and think nothing – damn, that would be fun!

Come on; think of something you’d like to be known as National Day of __________? What the hell, everyone seems to do this and you might as well get in the act and who knows, you may find yourself enjoying this silly exercise. Hey exercise the brain it’s worthwhile!

Only a few more days of this distemper pill that makes beer taste bitter and then, hopefully I can enjoy the brew like a normal person. Just because this pill caused beer to taste bitter doesn't mean wine was bad;in fact it was damn good so I drank that instead. But I like my beer, damnit! Nothing is more enjoyable than a cold brew on a hot day! I don't want some pill making it taste so bad I feel like barfing. B
elieve me, my doctor is gonna hear about these pills – toss them away or give’em to a tea-totaler but don’t give them to me ever again! Better yet, they'd be great for some alcoholic program! Damn I may have found a cure for booze hounds!

Black holes are where God divided by zero.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Resting



My blog today is dedicated to the memory of my mother, Eva S. Dean. She went “home” six years ago on this date and is missed very much by her family and friends.

Mom was 87 years young when she left us and many of us felt she died of loneliness as her husband, our father, had died two years earlier. They were a very devoted couple and had just celebrated 66 years of marriage in May 2000. They raised seven children and needless to say, had some trying moments but they loved us and we knew that above all else.

We didn’t always agree with them and found the “ole” ways hard to accept but we learned a great deal from them and of course, our sense of humor came from both. Mom’s was more open and heard frequently while Dad’s was quieter and kind of crept up on you!

I read this in some book; “Life is not fixed or owned. Our bodies are merely rented for a short while. When time is up, like all things, they must be returned.” While this is a somewhat complex thought, it also makes one wonder – if are renting these bodies, did we get to choose or was this it, take it or leave it? Ya mull that one over for awhile!


Thanks Mom for all the wonderful memories, we miss you and love you. Go rest high on that mountain, your job here on Earth is done!

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Garage

Whew! For some unknown reason, the energy rabbit hit me yesterday and after I finished my morning walk, I was willing to take on other, physically demanding projects. I don’t know if I was willing or “something” forced them on me, but suffice to say, projects happened, okay?

Our garage was looking like a sand pile and that needed to be moved. Now, you do not sweep this stuff out – unless you like standing in a dust bowl! You get the shop Vac and you vacuum it – and it is a slow process. During which, at least in my case, you want to knock dirt off the filter and empty the canister before it fills up completely (or you can’t lift the damn thing). And of course, certain items need to be moved so you can vacuum as much crap as possible.

It is amazing how much sand, grit and junk collects on tires and takes up residence in a garage. I mean, there’s piles of this crap and while we have a good shop Vac it needs time to suck up all this stuff, so it’s a slow process. Then of course, certain items get moved and locations changed because now “things” look better somewhere else (this usually drives Hubby bonkers because now he can’t find anything – not that he’d use it if found, but it makes him happy to bitch about moving HIS stuff).

In addition, hubby is not as –how shall I put this – attentive to cleaning the riding lawn mower as me. I do not want all this mowed grass left on the mower, yuck! So, I took the lawn mower out and hosed it down,and of course, had to yank some clumps that has taken up residence and in quick order I was nearly as wet as the damn mower. Oh well, it's clean now and why, it just shines!

Hey, the best part was I got it all done and then the rains came and it rained all afternoon! Hell, it is raining now and it’s a new day. Tell me, did we ask for all this rain? Are our water levels low? Do our fields need water? What in hell is up with all this wet weather?

Well, today I shall venture to Wal-Mart, have a few items to get before my trip to Minnesota and a rainy day is a good one to shop. I detest shopping but I need things so I must go – do it quick and doesn’t hurt as much. Then I can come home and watch more Tennis – yes, the French Open and NO it’s not over yet!

“I’m out of bed and dressed, what more do you want?”

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Peroxide vs. Bleach

I'm just full of helpful information today -- lucky me and lucky you -- now some info on Peroxide vs. Bleach.

This was written by Becky Ransey of Indiana, a doctor’s wife. Now some benefits of that plain little ole bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store.

What does bleach cost?

Her husband who has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide. Have you ever smelled bleach in a doctor's office? NO!!!

Why? Because it smells, and it is not healthy! Ask the nurses who work in the doctor's offices, and ask them if they use bleach at home. They are wiser and know better!

Did you also know bleach was invented in the late 40's? Its chlorine, folks! And it was used to kill our troops.

Peroxide was invented during WWI in the 20's. It was used to save and help cleanse the needs of our troops and hospitals. Please think about this:

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 seconds daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe.) No more canker sores, and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash.

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of germs.

3 Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. I had fungus on my feet for years until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.

6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine but was healed by soaking in peroxide.

7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.

8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, plugged sinus. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few seconds, and then blow your nose into a tissue.

9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten seconds several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.

10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide-burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually, so it's not a drastic change.

11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.

12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour it directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors. There is no smearing, which is why I love it so much for this. I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should be without! With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner!

This information really woke me up. I hope you gain something from it, too.

SAFETY ALERT


This factual information sent from a local hospital administrator. Please be careful and let everyone know that this is a problem.

For those of you who like to grill it up during the summer, here's a safety announcement you should be aware of?

Please put this information out to ALL personnel. This message was sent to me and I thought it should be shared. For those of you who exchange propane tanks, this is something you definitely need to be aware of, especially in light of the recent news of 'Meth-labs' in our area.

The following came from an email sent to me:

'There was a meth training/workshop yesterday and there was a lot of great new information presented. I wanted to let you all know about one thing that I was not aware of.

Meth cooks are getting the propane tanks from the exchanges at Wal-Mart, Kroger, etc. and emptying t hem of the propane. Then, they are filling them with anhydrous ammonia (which they now have a recipe for by the way). After they are finished with them, they return them to the store. They are then refilled with propane and sent back for you and me to buy. Anhydrous ammonia is very corrosive and weakens the structure of the tank. It can be very dangerous when mixed with propane and hooked up to our grills, etc.

According to our presenter, you should inspect the propane tank for any blue or greenish residue around the valve areas. If it is present, refuse to purchase that one.'

I researched the information, and you should check out the following website for more details. They also have pictures you can show.

http://www.npga.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=529


Immediately contact your Fire Department, Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Unit or the nearest office of the United States Department of Justice's Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for information on properly disposing of the cylinder. If these respondents are not sure what to do, for assistance call 1-800-728-2482, which is the contact number for PERS, an independent hazardous materials information resource.

Be careful out there!
Damn sick minds, is nothing safe! Ye gads.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Come on Sunshine

I’m almost hesitant to say, great another lovely Monday as my son says only someone retired thinks Monday is a grand day! Wait till I see him a few weeks, that boy needs an attitude adjustment!

My son is gutting his living room and then, he put up sheet rock and finally, he needed to spackle it, right? My grandson had informed his father he would help him paint but when he saw the spackle number he said; “Dad I was gonna help you and man, do you need help, you are a bad painter!” Oh the joys of young minds!

My granddaughter, age 5 informed me that I would sleep in her bed and when I asked if she had a good pillow she said, “Grandma, it’s a princess bed, of course it has a good pillow!” Thar, I have been told, have I not?

I am also very fortunate in that I am very fond of my daughter-in-law too. We get along fine and have some good laughs together. She has a wicked sense of humor and in this family that is almost a requirement!

Well time to get on with my errands, like get a steak for me and one for my son-in-law, need to dust inside or consider planting, and hell, while on a roll I may vacuum too, so enjoy Monday, I know I will!


Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have film!

Sunday, June 1, 2008

COMMON CONCERNS

Aha, June has finally arrived and its carrying on like it’s still May –wake the hell up, all ready! Yup, rain and cool temps – around 55 at the moment (9:30 on Sunday morning). So to make everyone’s life so much easier, I thought I’d share some of our more common concerns in regards to health and safety! Oh give it up, we need to read about this every now and then, just so we have something new to bitch about.

Toilets

Toilets are not as likely to spread infection as you may think. That’s because you don’t touch a toilet seat and then your mouth or nose without washing your hands. Very few viruses or bacteria can pass through intact skin, so in order to catch something from an inanimate object; you have to spread it to your mouth, nose or eyes. The prevalent myth that sexually transmitted diseases can be picked up from a toilet seat is just not true. Sexually transmitted diseases are acquired by having sex.

Doorknobs

Public restrooms are a major source of disease because of the number of dirty fingers touching the doors, sinks and paper-towel dispensers. Your own fingers become contaminated and can make you sick if you touch your mouth or other mucous membrane. The solution is to wash your hands, then open the door with your elbows or use a paper towel to turn the knob.


Hair Coloring

Hair dye is less dangerous for clients than for stylists, who have the greatest exposure to the chemicals. Still, the use of dark, permanent dyes for more than 25 years has been linked to a higher risk of lymphoma, a kind of blood cancer. To be on the safe side, consider using semi-permanent or henna-based dyes.

Nail Polish

Polishing your nails isn’t dangerous, but sitting in a nail salon can be. The chemicals in nail polish are volatile—they evaporate into the air, and you breathe them in. Exposure to the three most dangerous chemicals—toluene, formaldehyde and phthalate—has been linked to cancer and birth defects. If you’re pregnant or nursing, you probably should keep your nails au naturel. Otherwise, look for a salon with personal ventilation hoods that remove—not recycle—contaminated air. These salons usually advertise their investment, and you’re unlikely to smell the solvents when you walk in the door.

Dirt

If you’re thinking “yuck,” think again. Dirt may be the most underrated health product around. Studies show that kids who grow up dirty—for example, living with pets or older siblings, or attending daycare in the first year of life—have a lower risk of getting allergies, asthma, eczema and autoimmune diseases later in life. Of course, stay away from contaminated dirt around construction sites, old homes with lead paint or garbage dumps.

Microwave Ovens

Microwave ovens do leak minimal amounts of radiation, but heating or reheating food in them is safe when done properly. Ovens made since 1971 meet FDA standards and are safe unless they are damaged in some way. Still, stand at least two inches from the door while cooking, and avoid reheating foods in plastic containers.

Cell phones

Mobile phones receive and transmit radio waves very much like FM radio but at a higher frequency. Some people are concerned that this may increase the risk for cancer, but the National Cancer Institutes have found no link so far. However, a study in Sweden in 2005 showed higher risk for people using cell phones in rural areas (where phones transmit with more power, because towers are farther apart) compared with urban areas. Furthermore, studies suggest that frequent cell phone use, or carrying a cell phone on your belt or in your pocket, could affect male fertility.

Airplanes

You’re less likely to be injured in an airplane crash than while driving, taking the train or riding a bike. But there are health risks associated with flying. The most serious is “economy-class syndrome”—sitting too long in a confined space can cause blood clots in the legs. People who are overweight, have joint problems, varicose veins or cancer, or who’ve had a recent surgery or injury are at greatest risk. Get up and walk the aisles every 90 minutes; move your legs while you sit; drink plenty of water; and ask your doctor if you should take an aspirin before a long flight.

Thar don't ya feel better just knowing all this stuff? Okay, ignore it, I could care less...get sick, pay medical bills, be a dummy, it's your call.

OMG what a horrible way to start June -- such a nasty attitude. Let's go back to positive thinking, this was offered to inform, nothing more.