Friday, October 31, 2008

Photo Phriday - Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!
I wanted a picture of a black cat with the pumpkin, but, Aleister was not at all cooperative with the photo shoot. Calumet, however, was interested in the pumpkin-so we got a grey cat and a pumpkin. Imagine she's the Grey Lady! I hope everyone has a safe and fun Samhain!

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Trick or Treat

My car needed new tires, so I dropped it off last night. My mechanic just called. He was replacing the tires when he discovered my front brakes were just about gone. At least he'll be able to fix everything before I have to leave for work. If it's not one thing...

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Snow!

I woke up super early (for me anyway, LOL) to go to a class for work. I looked out my window and saw snow on my garage roof! I just let Barrett back in the house and he's covered in snowflakes. Fortunately, it's melting on the pavement. Brrr. Baby it's cold outside. Fall is here and winter's coming fast!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Who is it?


After watching Doctor Who on PBS last week Austin City Limits came on. I was preparing for bed, but left the TV on. I wasn't paying much attention and heard the announcer say Jacob Somebody was on. Then I glanced up and saw Bob Dylan. Only it was Bob Dylan circa 1963. Hat and all. Then he sang. My God! He sounded like Bob Dylan. The voice was a bit more musical, but the inflection was the same. It couldn't be Bob Dylan, but... I was so confused...and amazed. It turns out it was Jakob Dylan-sure enough, Bob Dylan's son!






Monday, October 27, 2008

GI Bug

I went to the doctor today. Apparently, I have the GI bug that's going around. He said I was the 4th person he saw today with it. The virus decided to settle behind my eardrum-thus the dizziness and nausea. He told me to take Tylenol for the chills and fever (the nurse said my temp was normal, but he thought I felt warm), eat bland foods, and get plenty of sleep. I'll probably take tomorrow off of work and well and go back Wednesday for a class. Hopefully, I'll be well soon.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Raw

This entry may sound disgusting, but it's the truth. I like to eat meat. It's true. I am an animal and lots of animals eat meat. Like a lot of my fellow animals, I like my meat rare-the bloodier the better. In fact, I would love to try steak tartar, if I could find a reputable chef who could make it. At any rate, I bought some beef flank steak that I was going to prepare for lunch. A simple meal-I cut up the beef into bite size pieces, pour on some garlic powder and diced onion, I add a little soy sauce, then I fry it up and serve over rice. I was cutting the meat and it looked so good. I mean ready to eat good. It almost seemed as if I could eat it right like that! I'm not pregnant and I'm fairly certain I'm not possessed by the devil, but I wanted to eat a piece of that meat right then and there. I didn't and right now it's cooking on the stove top. I wonder if it's because I'm sick. Weird.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Wine Fridge

I need a bigger wine fridge. I met up with my Ohio friends in Pennsylvania for our yearly Christmas present swap (and we wait until Christmas to open them), lunch, and winery tastings, or should I say sippings. All wineries combined I bought over a case of wine! I generally can only get these wines once a year-so I have to make them last! I believe Mazza makes the best Concord, I love Penn Shore's Kir, then we stopped at 2 wineries where we usually don't stop-Arrowhead and Heritage Cellars and I picked up a bunch at each. Then on my way home I stopped at Sparkling Ponds for their Woman Pleaser. I also hit The Sugar Shack and a dog bakery. Lots of good stuff.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Photo Phriday - Pizza & Wings

The quintessential Western New York Meal!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Sick

I have had too much sickness this year. Two days ago at work I started getting chills. Then I was fine. Then I got congested, but not too bad. However, soon the stomach issues began. I went to work yesterday, but felt progressively worse with nausea and lightheadedness. I feel a bit better now. We'll see what happens when I wake up. I may call in sick to work. Everyone there is sick too. The timing just sucks. I have a ton to do Friday and I'm going out of town...heck, out of state, Saturday. Let me be sick Sunday, or preferably, not at all!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Christmas Trees?!?

While Monday was a glorious autumn day, crisp and sunny, Tuesday was a blustery fall day, rainy and cold. After work I went to the grocery store. I pulled up in the dark almost midnight hour and to my amazement in the front display window I saw Christmas trees. Lit Christmas trees. On display. More than a week before Halloween. True, it was cold and we were expecting snow flurries, but, come on!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Litter

People who litter really piss me off. The scenery is lovely, then you see all the trash alongside the road. The worst bit is the jerks who toss their refuse on your property. Empty bottles, candy wrappers, fast food bags, paper cups, papers, and cigarette butts are thrown on my lawn by passersby. It takes a lot of work to make my property look nice and these idiots just destroy it with their litter. Why should I have to clean up after you? Find a trash can or put your garbage in your pocket til you get home. Keep the environment, especially my yard, clean!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Books

I keep track of all of the books I read. Unfortunately, I've misplaced some of these notebooks and slips of paper. Now, in addition to writing them in a notebook, I keep track of them on www.goodreads.com . I wish I had them all in on place though. Oh well, perhaps from this point on...?

Sunday, October 19, 2008

House Prices

I just don't get it. How can people afford to pay so much for a house? I watch some of those shows on HGTV, like My House is Worth What?, House Hunters, and so on. I can't believe some of these houses. They are nightmares and, often due to their location, asking for half a million dollars. Then there are the nice houses, but again the asking price is $300,000 or more. What gets me are the young, first time buyers. "We have a budget of $275,000." How? How can people afford that? I made a good profit from the sale of my first house, but I still couldn't afford more than $100,000 on my second. I make a decent salary, but I couldn't pay a $1,000 month mortgage. It was frustrating as in this area I could have found almost a dream home for under $200,000. At any rate, I'm happy with my home and I'll just continue to shake my head at the prices other people pay. Maybe this is why there's such a housing crisis.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Autumnal Pleasures

What a glorious fall day. There was a chill in the air early this morning...well, there was a chill in the air all day, but especially in the morning. The sun was shining though as I drove my folks out to the Finger Lakes. What a beautiful drive at this time of year. It's always nice, but the leaves were in all their autumnal splendor and it was especially gorgeous. There's not much out there-just fields, grapes, and trees. We went to a few wineries and had a lunch with the most fantastic grape pie. If you've never been to central New York you've probably never had it, but it sure is a treat. I grew up in Western New York and it's not known there-it's one of the best parts of living in this area in the fall. At any rate, the pie here was the best I've ever had. They sold whole pies too and my mom and I were each going to buy one. Unfortunately, they only had one left. Mom got it-but I got a slice from it. Better than nothing! Autumn is my favorite time of year and it's nice to be in this area where I can fully enjoy it.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Photo Phriday - Library

Friday is library day. I like to go on the same day, and a day off, so I'll know when books are due and be able to return them. There are 3 libraries nearby that I frequent, but my favorite is across town. They have a great mystery section. I ran out of time today and just went to a close by branch. I was able to find several good books, some new series, as well as some from mystery series with which I need to catch up. I'm just grateful that we have a good library system here-I can't afford to buy all the books I read!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Hugs

I read an interesting article. Unfortunately, I don't have it here to give better details. The article was about hugs. It said when you hug someone, you increase a certain hormone that has to do with bonding. Therefore the more you hug someone, the more attached and more "together" you become. I thought that was very interesting. I'm not a very touchy feely person and don't often like to hug others. I guess hugging is very beneficial, maybe I should try it more often. Who have you hugged today?

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

New One

Just before leaving work a patient got mad at me and had a bit of a temper tantrum. He jumped on his bed and managed to pry his locker from it's bolt on the wall and tried to push it on me. That's a new one. He missed me; just knocked over his dresser and damaged the key box on the wall. What an idiot.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Change of Plans

I went to the barn yesterday, but Harley was out in the far pasture. In order to get him I'd have to walk a good distance (no biggie) then open the gate between the far and middle pasture without letting the mares into the far pasture (a little tricky) get Harley (easy) then open the gate to bring him out without any of the other geldings coming along and not let any of the mares in (very difficult). Barb offered to help. I was going to get him, then decided not to ride. I'd go grocery shopping instead and ride Tuesday. So that's what I did. I'm sure Harley liked that decision-he could play and graze all day. I'll make him work today. I just have to make myself get up early!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Indian Summer

It seems as if Indian Summer is here. I turned off the furnace a few days ago and the house is quite comfortable. No waking up to temperatures in the 50's. Actually, I don't think it's even getting that cold outside. We were in the upper 70's yesterday and may be close to 80 today. This weather is absolutely glorious as the humidity has been low and the skies clear. I just hope it doesn't get too hot!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Stuff

I have a lot of stuff. I freely admit it. I am a collector, but I am also a pack rat. The problem is that I don't have a place, a proper place, for all of the stuff. I'm working on it-but it's kind of insurmountable. We cleaned the carpets downstairs last week-so everything is off the floors. Great. However, the table tops are piled high. I do my fabric cutting on the dining room table-but there's so much stuff on it, I can't cut fabric! Sorry rats. If I were to get the stuff quickly off the table, it'd wind up on the floor. I need to clear the tables soon for the holidays. Wish me luck!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Tired Out

Barrett is all tired out. He's napping on his bed right now. He got up early and was so excited to see his grandparents this morning. He got treats, good stuff, AKA people food, too. Grandma brought the animals chicken and in addition Barrett got some of the kabanosi they brought for me, but he still tried to get some of our breakfast sandwiches. Of course Grandma gave him some of hers. Then he was crying and pawing at both of my folks. Mom and I went to the farmer's market and Dad gave him a steak bone. When we returned he was begging for more. Then he wanted to play. Mom and I were hanging curtains and he was bringing his tennis ball and running around the house with it. Then he opened the cabinet and dumped out the garbage...twice. He was full of piss and vinegar. But he's all tuckered out now. My little devil now looks like a little angel.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Photo Phriday - Fall at the Stable

Today was a beautiful Indian Summer day. After a pleasant ride with Harley I let him graze with me and I took this photo: the colors of autumn with the mares in the far pasture. Here's Harley grazing.


Thursday, October 9, 2008

Attraction

Attraction is an interesting thing. There are guys who I find attractive, I may even get to know them and like them...but I just can't picture having sex with them. Not that I necessarily would have or even want to have that opportunity, but do other people experience attraction like that? Even though I'm not looking for a man, every guy I see I automatically categorize: Nope, Possible, Attractive But Not For Me, Attractive I Could See Us Together But Not Really Intimately, Attractive I Could See Us Together in Every Sense of the Word, & OMG How Hot Can You Be?! In time some guys even change categories. Interesting. Is it similar for you?

In case you're wondering the picture above is Methos a character portrayed by Peter Wingfield. He fits into the Attractive I Could See Us Together in Every Sense of the Word category. Maybe even the OMG How Hot Can You Be?! Hmmm, must watch Highlander to see him again.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

The Nice Sandwich

Work has been so busy that lately I've been bringing a sandwich in for lunch, as a microwave meal would take to long to fix and eat. Monday I got some nice luncheon meat and yesterday I made a nice sandwich to take to work. It had turkey and salami and provolone cheese. I wrapped it up and put it in the fridge. I had a doctor's appointment before work, and I wouldn't come home in between and I also needed to drop some things off at the post office. I took my nice sandwich out and put it in a bag with flavored water, a granola bar, and some Starbursts and put it on some things on a chair in the kitchen-so it was at table level. A little later I grabbed all the stuff and left for the post office, a little later than I planned. I dropped off the cards and headed to my appointment. I looked over and didn't see my lunch. I must have left it at home. So I stopped home, now I was really later than I wanted to be. I looked-the bag wasn't on the chair. Did I have it in the car all along and just not seen it? I looked on the table-not there. Then I glanced in the dining room. And saw the bag. On the floor. Chewed apart. Sandwich gone. Barrett had eaten my nice sandwich and it was too late to make another one. The peanut butter jar was out so I quickly grabbed 2 sliced of bread and slapped some peanut butter on. Then I really had to make time to get to the doctor. Drat that dog. At least he got to enjoy my nice sandwich.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Purina and Breast Cancer

What do cat chow and breast cancer have in common? I'm not sure, but the two are teamed up to help. Following is a copy of an e-mail a friend from Texas sent me telling about an easy way to donate-without opening your wallet.

If you go to Purina cat chow's web site & take a test on your knowledge of breast cancer, they will donate $1.00 to the Susan G. Komen foundation. The questions are not difficult & you keep going until you guess right.
Only 5 questions. Here's the website:
site:
http://www.catchow.com/pink/?DCMP...HQS=donate
Please pass it along to everyone you know ... thanks!!

I only got 2 questions right. How about you?

Monday, October 6, 2008

More Heat

Well, I did it. I turned the heat on...and kept it on. However, I set the thermostat for 60 degrees, colder than I normally do for the winter. I give in...but not completely!

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Heat

I refused to turn the furnace on. It's too early in the year and the cost is going to be high this winter. However, my folks came up yesterday, so for them I had to turn it on. I turned it back off, but when I woke up this morning, it was again 56 in the house. The rats have dragged fleece bits into their igloos and have barricaded themselves in. The rest of us don't seem to mind. I don't want burst pipes, however. I may decide to set it at like 60 and turn it on. It's almost noon and is 57 in the house. I wonder what it is outside? Probably warmer.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Greed

Is greed the downfall of America? Greedy CEOs screw up Wall Street, yet walk away with million dollar pensions while we in the middle class will have to pay more taxes as we struggle with rising costs. In Buffalo, NY the Buffalo Bills are having a great season (knock on wood) and now Channel 4 wants to charge Time Warner Cable for the games-which are free. The cable company said no, as then they'd have to make the consumers pay more. The TV said OK-no games for your people. As of today, none of the Buffalo fans who have cable can watch the Bills football games. In Rochester, NY buses have lowered their rates so more people will ride. In Buffalo, NY more people are riding buses-so now the buses want to raise their rates. Now I'm all for people getting their fair share-but this is ridiculous. Greed may bring us all to an unpleasant end.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Photo Phriday - Figure

I have always been intrigued by this figure...and it's location.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Job Security

I heard some things that got me a little anxious today. People at work are actually concerned about layoffs. They say not to be too concerned as our job title comes from the jail system and we'd just go to the prisons. But what if I finally get offered another job. And take it. Last one in first one out. Could I actually lose my job? It never seemed possible before. The I got home and got an e-mail from the EAP coordinator at work. Her last day is the 15th. She was part time and now she'll be gone. They stated it was due to budget cuts and her title. It's said the US may be entering another Great Depression. Is it true? Will I be able to maintain my current standard of living? I'm not exorbitant, but I spend a bit. Lots of little things. I'm going to try to just go on and not get too concerned over the issue, but, it has given me pause.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

It's October!

It's October! The holiday season is practically here. The weather is a bit cooler and it's been gray and rainy for days-today being no exception. I have to turn the lights on in the daytime so I can see in the house! I need to finish decorating for fall so I can get the decoration boxes back in the attic. The folks are coming up Saturday and we're going to clean the carpets, so I have to get everything off the floor. I also need to wrap some Christmas presents. I'm meeting my Ohio friends in Pennsylvania later this month and we swap gifts then. But, more about that later. There's so much to do and I feel this season will be going by quickly. I'm glad I got a head start on my Halloween cards! I'd better get lunch going, then it'll be time to go to work.