HAPPY NEW YEAR...........

A big 'Howdy-Do to http://www.jimandkimscountrylife.blogspot.com/.  I love her header photo.

Found the little do-hickey (another tech-term).  So all is well.  Kinda nice to end this dreadful year on a happy note. 

Best wishes to all of my blogging buddies.  I wish we could all meet sometime.  I feel like I know you guys and gals so well.

Made a some resolutions......
     1.  Try to be a little more kinder, everybody is fighting some kind of battle.
     2.  Try not to be judgemental of someone else.  See #1.
     3.  Continue to lose weight and eat right.
     4.  Be more active.  It is so easy to sit at the 'puter and surf all day.
     5.  Keep a cleaner house.  (Ugh, hate housework)
     6.  Stay off of Amazon and outa book stores for at least six months.
     7.  Shoot more.  Getting a little lax about home defense.

So, everyone have a safe and joyous New Year.  Pray for our President....Psalm 109:8
 
Later................

GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS......

Took 'puter to Best Buy, they fixed it in 10 minutes.  $0.  Stopped at Invisible Fence, got battery for Daisy's collar.  $19.  Went to jewelry store, they fixed watch band in 10 minutes.  $0.  That's the good news.  Bad news is I did all this driving the car because when I got in the truck, put it in gear, the clutch sounded like it was gonna go.  Took it over to Sam's and after he heard it, he agreed.  New clutch and probably throw-out bearing and whatever else is worn....$800.  Ouch!  Not in the budget for this year.  Oh well, at 194K, I shouldn't complain.
So, this evening, I set down at the 'puter to update this blog.  WTH, the mouse doesn't have the little dingy (tech talk) that goes into the USB port.  I know I stuck it in there, 'cause they don't need the mouse or the cord when I take it in to the geek guy at Best Buy.  That's the second one I've misplaced.  Now I'll need another mouse.  I think I'm going to bed.

Later................

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL...........

'Puter problems, AGAIN!!!  Kinda makes me wish I'd bought a Mac.  Might do that yet.  Mouse, and touch pad quit working on the HP.  Taking it in to Best Buy today.  Got out the POS Dell and it is OK for about 20 minutes, then it gets too hot and shuts down.  My very first HP has a locked up keyboard and I have to prop up the screen 'cause the  hinges won't hold.  GGRRRR!!! I sometimes hate computers, but I will admit, am lost without them.
I'll probably have to leave the HP, then go to the jewelry store and get my watch band sized.  Dad bought me one at the Amish store for $2.50, and it works!  It's a Waltham.  Which I think is a good watch.
Going to Fred's house on New Years' Eve.  Their son, Matt, girlfriend, Sarah will be there, plus some of Matt's friends.  Sue and Sarah are invited, and, yes I'm taking Archie.
So, everyone have a safe and happy celebration of seeing 2011 out and 2012 in.  This has been a tormenting year, and, maybe 2012 will be better????? 

Later...................

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL

Here's hoping everyone had a very Merry Christmas.  I spent most of this blessed day with Sue and Sarah's family at their farm.  I think we ate for 3 hours.  Then Archie and I stopped at Dad's on the way home.  He and his lady friend, Sarah, went out to eat after church.  Got home, thru in a load of wash, fed the critters then started the woodstove.  Think I'll read a while then head to bed. 

Later.........

YEAH, GO AHEAD, PISS ME OFF.....................

So, between winning the black powder rifle and installing the two gas wall furnaces.  I figured I should go see my insurance company.  Archie and I go for a visit, and I talk to Jill, my agent.  She ends up changing my policy plan to cover all my firearms for only $40 more a year.  Then we talk about the gas heaters and some how get over onto the wood stoves!  WTH!  "The underwriter wants pictures of your wood stoves and needs you to fill out this questionaire."  WTH!  'How did we get from black powder rifle/gas furnaces to wood stoves?  Which, by-the-way, I've been burning since 1984!'  "Well......."  'Look,' I say,'we went thru all of this when they were both installed.  I insisted on your guy coming down to the house and personally looking at the installation!  I get both chimneys cleaned every year, I burn good, dry wood.  The chimney sweep is very pleased with how the chimneys look when he done.  Call him, he's local.  Call the stove people, they installed both of the stoves and the gas furnaces.  This is pissin' me off girl.'  She just looks at me.  I take the pictures on Sunday.  Take them up Monday.  The other agent, who stops wussin' on Archie long enuf to look at the pics, says, 'Oh, he might not like the distance between the front of the stove and the wood floor.'   GRRRRRRRRRR.  He probably doesn't know a wood stove from a manure spreader.  I tell her after the holidays, I'm buying a hearth rug.  (Which I really am planning on.  Honest.)  She just looks at me.  I not only have my home insured with 'them', but, both the car, truck and my medicare supplement.  Walk lightly my friend, walk lightly.  There is no such thing as loyalty any more.
Other than that, it's been an uneventful week.  A surprise snow on Saturday night, just a dusting of sleet and a little snow.  Today is cloudy and looks like rain.  Not as cold as it has been, not as cold as it's gonna be.

Later.....................

A MYSTERY IS SOLVED............

After going to the range yesterday with Bobby, I decided to go to the insurance office and check on putting a rider on this gun.  My homeowner's insurance would only offer me $2500 if something happened to it.  The fellow told me to insure it for $3500, so she is checking on the best way to handle insuring the new baby, plus others.  Anyhow, left there and went to the gun shop to pick up two more clips for Elsie Pea, and, figured I'd show the guys the new prize.  Had to wipe off the druel at least five times.  They were all envious of me and happy for me.  One guy even offered me $500 for it!  LOL.  Everytime I'd put it back in it's wool sock, another guy came in and I had to take it out and show it and everything else.  Took me about two hours to get my clips and get out of there.  But, it was a blast.  The last guy that came in is retired, as of November 1st, from Baltimore Metro Police Department.  His son is still working in juvy at a neighboring town.  So, we were talking about kids today, and the subject came up about how they wear their pants down around their butt.  This is where the mystery is now solved.  The ex-city cop said, "Do you know how all that started?"  I shook my head, as did others.  He then proceeded to enlighten us........."It started in prison, when a guy would wear his pants down, like these kids now do, it was telling other inmates..'HEY, I'M AVAILABLE'.  When I would arrest a kid, dressed like that, I'd always tell them this.  Some kids having a 28 waist, would buy pants size 54!  Bunch them up in front and hold them.  They were the easiest to catch, 'cause the pants would fall down around their ankles when they'd tried to out run me."  We were all laughing so hard, tears were rolling.  Can't wait to tell my cousins.  Maybe this will convince them to dress more normal.
Well, baked oatmeal is done, need breakfast.

Later.............

FALLING STAR MEANS??????

Dogs got me up at 4:30.  Oh well, hit the coffee pot and took them out.  Sheesh, it is cold out with a heavy, white frost.  Walking around the back yard for a minute while they do their stuff.  Saw a falling star, very big, in the western sky!  It's been a few years, I use to see them on the way to work in the morning.  Since I'm rarely up this early anymore, must be why I've been missing them.  Duh!

Going to the range with Bobby this morning.  He's a member, and if I like it there, I think I'll join.  Would be nice to get to know some more fellow shooters.  Was at the restaurant last night and told Chuck of my good fortune of winning that rifle.  Don't ya know, another guy stopped at the table and Chuck told him.  I don't care for this big mouth, he always looks and acts kinda scuzzy.  Anyhow, he immediately asked me if I wanted to sell it.  He had a friend that would buy it.  I told him ''NO".  To which he said, "Oh, I shoulda married you!"  To which I said, "I will NEVER get married again."  And, he asked, "Well, where are you keeping it?"  I told him, "It's locked up in the gun safe."   (Don't have one, yet.)  I then said, "I need to get home to feed the dobermans."  (Don't have dobies either.)  He just looked at me.  Creepy dude.  I wish Chuck hadn't said anything.  Guess I'd better add a rider to my house insurance.

Got both stoves going this morning, house feels cold and damp.  S'pose to rain tomorrow. 

Later.............

ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW!

Back on October 15th, I went to a local Historical Society's Fall Fest.  They were selling tickets, at $20 a pop, and I told the fellow at the table, "Don't bother selling anymore tickets, I'm gonna win it!"  It was for an 18th Century Gun made by a local gunsmith and his son.  It is a 54 Cal. Flintlock-Colonial Virginia Rifle with a curly maple stock and brass mounts.  Along with this beautiful rifle is a belt knife with curly maple handle in a sheath, a scrimshawed powder horn.  Also a hawk and turkey call, nipple pick and brush.  Measurement piece, a beautiful, handmade leather 'possible pouch' and a very, very sharp hatchet in a leather holder, plus, other accouterments. 
AND, IT'S MINE, ALL MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  WOO HA HA.
I was in bed Sunday night by 8:30 and around 9 I heard my cell phone beep that little beep that tells me I have a voice mail.  I told the dogs, "Thats the Historical Society telling your mommy that she's won that rifle!"  Now, I need some black powder........

CATS.............

Had to take Elijah, my 22 pound cat, to the vet yesterday afternoon.  I found a lump on his neck on Wednesday night, and when he jumped off of my lap, it burst.  I think he must have scratched it open 'cause it was probably itching.  The vet asked me if he ever went out 'cause she thought it was a bite.  But he only ventures outside when I go out.  She kept him overnight and was going to put a drain in and put him on antibiotics.  This should also help his sinus problem.  Oh joy, giving this cat a pill is a problem.  She told me, "Well, you're retired, bring him by every day and we'll do it.  You don't have anything else to do!"  Then she laughed.  She is a great vet and only 3 miles from my house, right down the road from Dad.  I might take her up on that.  Anyhow, I just called and I can go get him this morning.  There have been a plethora of kittens dropped around here.  The vet has 5 that someone found, plus two more a couple of weeks ago.  Then as I was leaving there was a guy there with the cutest little orange fellow.  It was on their porch, in a box, written on top was "Please take care of me".  How sad.  He and his wife already feed about 25 cats.  Maybe the person knew that.  Also, someone else found kittens in a box with a frozen pork chop?????  WTH.  
Gotta go get my boy.

Later..............

NO REVERSE! WTH!!

If any of you have followed this humble blog in the past, you are well aware of my love-hate relationship with the dealer from whom the PT Cruiser and the Dodge Dakota were purchased.  So, I won't go into any of that crap.  That being said, coming home from the restaurant this morning in the Cruiser, I went over a small rise in the road and then had a change of mind and turned around.  No reverse gear.  It had been giving me trouble the past year, kinda hard to shift into to where you had to play with the clutch to get it to engage.  Must've been the bump in the road that finally caused it to give up the ghost.   And, yes, I was going a bit too fast.  Managed to get to the PO and then decided to take it over to Sam's garage.  He and his wife have been  friends of mine for over 30 years.  He looked under the hood and saw the plastic thingy was in a sorry state.  You have to buy both linkages as a set.  I guess Chrysler figured when one goes, the other is not far behind it.  So, since it'll be Monday before he can start on it, 'cause he had to order the part, and they're not open on Saturdays, I told him to go ahead and inspect it and change the oil.   They use Kendall and I've always used Mobil.  They'll be getting Mobil for me.  At least that is what they told me.  I hope I don't catch them in a lie.  Might have to wander over there on Monday to check for empty cans. 

Later..............

PHOOEY ON THE WEATHERMAN......

Well, no snow.  At least not around here.  I have heard some water rescues farther north.  I think the temps never dropped low enuf to change the rain over to snow.  Fine by me.  It's a beautiful day, lots of sunshine but windy.
Just had some baked oatmeal for breakfast.  I think eating oatmeal and the meds that the doc has me on is helping lower my chloresterol.  Still losing weight also.
Ordered a cell phone case this morning.  When I lean against something, sometimes it shuts my phone off.  Missed two calls yesterday.  Hope this case takes care of that.  I hate spending the money but it was on sale for 3/4 off.  Cost just as much in shipping tho.
Need to get firewood in, take a shower and drop some books off at the library.  So.......

Later.................

A RIDDLE FOR YA..............

Can you answer all seven of the following questions with the same word?

1.. The word has seven letters
2.. It preceded God
3.. It is greater than God
4.. It is more Evil than the devil
5.. All poor people have it
6.. Wealthy people need it
7.. If you eat it, you will die

RAIN THEN SNOW.............

Went to bed at 7:30 last night and read until 9.  The dogs got me up at 1.  It was sprinkling then, and when we got up at 7???  Raining, steady.  Not too cold, but still have the fire going.  Snow predicted this evening, see previous post.
Everyone sleeping, such a lazy bunch.  Daisy is still horny and bothering Archie, who growls at her.  Funny.  Lily goes out, puts her ears back, wants back in.   I told her I am not the door person today.  You're staying in.  She's pissed, walking around growling at everybody who looks at her.  What a crew.
Have two more chapters to read in Matthew Bracken's third book of his trilogy.  Sorta hate to finish it.  When I'm thru with a good book, it's like saying goodbye to a dear friend.

Later..............

MMMMMMMMMMM, BETTER GET IN MORE WOOD!

Winter weather advisory in effect from 7 pm this evening to 7 am est Thursday,


The National Weather Service in State College has issued a winter weather advisory for snow, which is in effect from 7 pm this evening to 7 am est Thursday, December 8th.

Hazard types, snow.   Accumulations, 2 to 4 inches.  Timing, late this evening into tonight.

Impacts, hazardous travel conditions.   Winds, northwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

Temperatures, falling into the low 30s tonight.   Precautionary/preparedness actions,

A winter weather advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. Motorists should be especially cautious on bridges and overpasses, where slippery spots develop first.

DID YOU KNOW..............

Did you know the most commonly used letter in the alphabet is 'E.'


Did you know the least used letter in the alphabet is 'Q.'

Did you know skiing is the only word with double 'I.'

Did you know dreamt is the only word that ends in 'MT.'

Did you know the first letters of the months July through to November spell JASON.

Did you know there are only 4 words in the English language which end in 'dous' (they are: hazardous, horrendous, stupendous and tremendous).

Did you know the oldest word in the English language is 'town.'

Did you know 'Bookkeeper' and 'bookkeeping' are the only 2 words in the English language with three consecutive double letters.

Did you know the word 'Strengths' is the longest word in the English language with just one vowel.

Did you know the dot on top of the letter 'I is called a tittle.

Did you know the past tense for the English word 'dare' is 'durst.'

Did you know the word 'testify' derived from a time when men were required to swear on their testicles.

Did you know The first English dictionary was written in 1755.

Did you know the word old English word 'juke' meaning dancing lends its name to the Juke Box.

Did you know 1 out of every 8 letters written is an 'e.'

Did you know the longest one syllable word in the English language is 'screeched.'

Did you know all pilots on international flights identify themselves in English regardless of their country of origin.

Did you know the expression to 'knuckle down' originated from playing marbles (players used to put their knuckles to the ground for their best shots).

Did you know the word 'almost' is the longest in the English language with all the letters in alphabetical order.

Did you know the most commonly used word in English conversation is 'I.'

And, NO, I'm not in competition with 'Hermit Jim'.  Just found all of this interesting.

OH WOW, MORE NEW FOLLOWERS!!!

A big HELLO to HH and Russ_stickacres.  HH doesn't have a blog, but I'm humbled that you want to follow mine.  I've tried to get on Russ' but something always goes skew-wiff.  Will keep trying.  Again, welcome to both of you.  And, thanks.

Addendum..............HH is none other than (drum role please) Heroditus Huxley that is of the antisoma blog that I already said HI to!  I think, now I'm not sure.  Oh well, Hello again.  And............

Later...............

THIS AND THAT.............

Raining today into tomorrow.  My outside thermometer is at 48 and the wood stove is making it nice and toasty.  More rain tomorrow and colder the rest of the week.  Soon, I suppose, we be having snow.  Oh well, it is what it is.
Took Daisy to the vet last night.  They had called me to make sure it was me who made the appointment.  Alicia was all in a tizzy 'cause she said "Well, all of her dogs are fixed.  They were just here.  It can't be Sharon, she would've said something!!!!!"  The vet, Mary, told me she was spazzing out; and, yes, Daisy is in heat.  Oh joy.  She keeps throwing herself at Archie, who usually growls at her.  Last night, in the back yard tho, he did try to hump her.  WTH.  Life here at the Meadow House is never dull.  She has to wait until January 9th, I could kill Mike.  I know he said they were both spayed.
Have not fired my new BFF, yet.  Just carrying it to get familiar with the feeling.  Ordered another mag for it.  Will be in next Friday.  Need to get back into more target practice, now that the leaves are off of the trees across the creek.  I know I won't be shooting the heifers.
Took the last of the clothes to the thrift store in town yesterday.  I think that's it for any upstairs.  Might be another bag or two, when I'm done.  Have 3 bags of books for the library and will take them tomorrow when I go for supper, maybe.  Did go to supper last night with Lois, had a bowl of oyster stew.  YUM.  Our mutual friend Cathy just found out she has intestinal cancer and Lois went up the street to see her.  She said she's in a great frame of mind and so is her doctor.  They caught it very early.  She said she keeps thinking of Joyce, Pat and Joanie and how much of an inspiration they all were.
Not much else going on, kinda hunkering down today.  It's a good day to read, but, what day isn't.  Just about done the third book in the trilogy of Matthew Bracken's writings.  SO hard to put down.

ELSIE PEA IS MY NEW BFF............

Went to breakfast with the gang on Friday.  Seven of us showed up, had a veggie omlet that was awesome, great coffee.  Didn't leave until after 12.  Shoulda just stayed for lunch.  Ha.  While there, Bobby was talking to me about a sale at Cabelas this coming week.  I was looking at a Walther P22 on line and he said they were $50 off during this sale.  Hummmmmmmmmmmm.  We left it at "call me if you're going."
Since I was going right pass my favorite gun shop, I stopped in to price them there.  With the price of gas, sometimes it's just as cheap to buy local.  They didn't have any in stock.  The guy, Tom, couldn't find any in the catalog.  He wondered if they were being discontinued.  I said I doubt it, they are very popular.  Then I saw it, under the glass, in the case, my new BFF.  A Ruger LCP .380.

Tom took it out, plus a few others over the next hour.  Hummmmmmmmmm, I'll think about it.  I left, sat in the truck, called Bob.  He confirmed what I thought, that this is the same carry gun he's been using.  After talking with him, I went back in and bought it, plus ammo, plus a holster, plus a real nice little flashlight, plus a great pair of gloves to work in the wood with.  Left there with a lighter check book but a happy heart.  And, we'll still be going to Cabelas, will probably need more ammo.
Came home, got Archie, went to Dad's, he was washing the '72 Buick.  I lifted my shirt and showed him my new BFF.  He said, "Good, you need to carry something this day and age.  I worry about you coming home in the dark, with the dogs in the house."  Didn't know that.  I told him no need to worry now.

Been finding little drops of blood on the sheet and on the floor.  WTH.  Both dogs are spayed, so he told me, maybe someone stepped on glass or a nail.  Nope, it's Daisy.  Shit.  Called Mike,  "Didn't you tell me both girls were spayed?"  I was sure he did, probably to get me to take them.  Which was stupid on his part.  He replyed, "No, the little one isn't spayed."  "Well, how old is she?"  I was sure he had said 6 because Coco is 7.  "Oh, she's about 4."  Grrrrrrrrrrr.  Have an appointment with the vet on Monday evening.  This girl is getting neutered asap.  I should have known that by the time she was old enough for a spay job, they were already in financial trouble.  Oh well, it'll work out.  She is still a sweety.  Mike, however is on my shit list.

A NEW FOLLOWER!!

A big 'Hello' and welcome to a new follower............Odysseus.  His blog is http://continuationofpolitics.blogspot.com/ stop by.  I like his writings.

TRUE STORY............

A little old lady from Wisconsin had worked in and around her family's dairy farm since she was old enough to walk, with hours of hard work and little compensation.
When canned Carnation Milk became available in grocery stores in the 1940's, she read an advertisement offering $5,000 for the best slogan.
The producers wanted a rhyme beginning with 'Carnation Milk Is Best Of All'.
She thought to herself, "I know everything there is to know about milk and dairy farms.  I can do this!"
She sent in her entry, and several weeks later, a black car pulled up in front of the farmhouse. A large man got out, knocked on her door and said, "Ma'am.......The president of Carnation Milk absolutely LOVED your entry.....So much so, in fact, that we are here to award you $1,000 even though we will not be able to use it for our advertisements. He did, however, have one printed up to hang on his office wall."

A MUCH COOLER WEDNESDAY....

It certainly did get colder, just like they said it would.  Yesterday gave us a lot of rain, a couple of times in torrents.  Today, little sun, some wind and colder temps compared to Monday and Tuesday, which were in the 60's and downright balmy.  Not today, it'll be lucky to see 50.  Got plenty of wood in between rain storms yesterday, and the house is quite comfortable.

Going over to the Historical Society today.  I am no longer a member, don't much care for the new administration,  but today they are doing their greens for the sale this weekend.  They make grave blankets, wreaths, roping and such for Christmas as a fund-raiser.  We use to help every year, since I have a pick up and a chain saw it was a guarantee I would be there.  But, with each year, the back growled more and more, so, after my friend passed away,  I dropped out, but, I still like to visit. I stopped on Monday and Libby told me today was Margaret's 89th birthday, so, I'll dress Archie up and take a card over.  Those ladies are such sweethearts.

A lot of rumbling on the net about Senate Bill 1867 or the 'National Defense Authorization Act'.  If what Alex Jones is saying is true, then it ain't good, my friends.  The hair is not standing up on the back of my neck, yet.  But, be aware, be cautious, be wary.  This is not the America I had envisioned I would be retired in.  Beans, bullets and bandaids continues to be my mantra.  Now, more than ever.

Later................

A DAY OF REST...........

I spent Friday, after breakfast out, and Saturday, after breastfast out, working in the wood pile.  On Friday, I separated all of the pieces that will need split and stacked them.  Then on Saturday, I cut some long pieces, but knew I wouldn't get done, and stacked the rest.  With at least 3 days of rain in the forecast, I wanted to cover what I wasn't able to get in the wood shed.  So now I'm sitting here watching the Cinncinnati/Cleveland game.  I was stiff and sore this morning and decided to take the day off.  But, it is nice to look out in the back yard and see everything covered up.

Dad went to a sale on Saturday with his friend Chuck.  He called me that night and said most of the stuff there should have went to Coatesville.  Thats where a big salvage yard is.  His knees hurt him so bad he couldn't enjoy himself as much as he use to.  I'd like to get him a scooter to use, but, I can't get him to use a cane, I know he wouldn't use the scooter. 

Trying to get the dogs to wait until the game is over, but they want fed.

Later.....................

DIDN'T EAT TOO MUCH THIS TIME, BUT................

Had a great Thanksgiving Day with family at the fire hall.  My cousins are really cool people.  Dad enjoyed himself and what a great meal.  Turkey, Ham and all of the usual fixins.  Then Mike got one of the firetrucks out and took the kids for a ride.  They loved it.  He came back and some of the grownups went.  I didn't go, I use to work for a firetruck manufacturing company and I've had my share of rides.

Went to breakfast with the gang this morning.  My friend Suzy had the week off and she met me there.  Everyone finally got to meet her after hearing so much about all of the crazy things we've done.  Then I came home and slung wood.  Finally got all of big pieces that'll need split, separated out and ricked up.   Will be meeting Suzy and her sister Sarah for breakfast at the church in the old hometown tomorrow morning.  Then, plan on finishing up with the wood before all the rain hits on Sunday.  Still a lot of sticks that will need sawed and all will get thrown into the wood shed to stay nice and dry.

Love the propane heaters, house is bearable when I get up or get home.  Then, after starting the stoves, the heaters will kick off and not run.  So far it's working the way I planned.

Hope y'all had a great day yesterday.  Only one month until the jolly fat fellow shows up.  HUMBUG! 

Later..................

BOOK REVIEW...

I just finished the second book of Matthew Bracken's trilogy.  All I can say is WOW.  I could NOT put these books down.  The first one, "ENEMIES, FOREIGN and DOMESTIC" was a little slow at the beginning.  He seems to be big on establishing the characters, and, once you are into the story, you really can appreciate this.  The second book, DOMESTIC ENEMIES, THE RECONQUISTA" seems to move much faster.  It is a must that you read these three books in order, as there is a fine character thread through them.  I haven't started the third book, "FOREIGN ENEMIES and traitors" because I really need to get things done.  His writing style is quick and the chapters are short, which is nice if you have to put the book down.  Good luck with that!
His other book is "CASTIGO CAY".  It has absolutely nothing to do with the trilogy.  But is excellent.
The last book I read was "THE WALK" by Lee Goldberg.  It also is a fast read with a quirky ending.  Only one main character through it all. 
If any of my blogging buddies read these five books, I would be interested in your take on them.

Later................

I'M BBBBAAAAACCCCCKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!

Took Mary Fiona to the vet's this morning for her spay/hernia repair.  Will be picking her up in a couple of hours.  Then went with dad to the doctor's for a check on his cyst removal.  Took longer to get there than the visit.  All ok.  After that, we stopped at Best Buy and picked up my HP.  Boy, is it ever nice to get it back.  New hard drive. 

I really missed you guys.  I feel so unconnected when I don't or can't check the blogs.  Hope all is well with everyone.  It's sssoooo good to be back. 

Later...............

CATCHING UP.............

Jury duty was a joke.  I did meet some nice people.  One fellow was walking up the street as I was coming out of the parking garage that you MUST park in.  Of course it's the one that is the fartherest away from the court house.  Anyhow, he commented, "She has a book and a summons sticking out of the book, she must be going to the court house for jury duty like me!"  I looked at him and said, "You are so right, so we'll walk together!"  I stuck my arm thru his and we walked up the hill.  What a sweet, sweet man.  He is 62, his wife is 84 and they have been married for 38 years.  He told me, "We started the trend."  He was so funny and such a joy to talk to and to listen to.  He entertained me with some great stories.  But what a dysfunctional family he has or had.  None of them will have anything to do with him, but, it is, sadly, their loss.

Got the firewood delivered, lots to split and some to cut.  But, I'll work at it.  Fred is coming down on Saturday to split some.

 They are coming next week to finish the second heater install.  Nice to wake up to a warm house, even if it's only set on 65.

Dogs, cats are all doing great.  Miss Mary Fiona goes for her spaying on Monday.  There is a big black cat hanging around, I think it's a tom.  I told her to tell her black boyfriend to go home.

Dad's doing well, his head where the cyst was removed is almost back to normal.  Knees still hurt tho.  He told me he was going to cut back and only work half-days.  He got about a cord of the wood, so now he is set if the power goes out.

Dad and I are doing Turkey Day with cousins down in Maryland.

Not much else to write about.  Just trying to batten down the hatches before old man winter makes his appearance.

Later............

DEAD 'PUTER..............

Spent 5 hours on this beautiful day at Best Buy with a sick 'puter.  While waiting for the 'puter to run a second scan, I went to Save-A-Lot and got a few things.  Then stopped at Mickey-D's for lunch.  Went back to Best Buy and waited some more.  Turns out that the hard drive they replaced back in the summer, took a shit.   So, it has to go back to Kentucky AGAIN.   As much as I bitch about this POS Dell, it is a good back up.

Stopped at the grocery store on the way home, after putting the stuff away, Archie and I took some wood over to Dad's.  He doesn't have any good wood, only some white birch that was cut down this spring.  It would burn up pretty fast.  Got more coming for him tomorrow.  Maple. 

Was almost home when I remembered......I forgot to vote.  So, headed over to the fire house and cast my ballot.  One lady was talking about how it's going to be a bad winter.  We can expect a blizzard on Dec 16th, and don't plan on going anywhere the first week in January.  It will be too icy.  Oh joy.  Guess I had better step up the prepping.  The critters are in better shape than I am right now.  I was hitting the preps pretty hard in the summer due to finances.  Time to get serious again.

Tomorrow I'm supposed to go for jury duty.  Hurrah!!!!!   NOT!!!!!  I have to call in at 6:30 to see if they need me.  GOD, I hope not. 

Later.................

PEA SOUP................

Wow, is it foggy out this morning.  Glad I don't have to drive in this crap anymore.  I'm always amazed at the people that don't turn any of their lights on in this stuff.  I remember back when we lived on the farm, oh, probably early 60's.  Mom called from the diner.  It had taken her an hour to drive 5 miles.  The defroster didn't work in the Buick and she was at her wits end, so, she called Dad.   He grumbled about it, but, got the truck out and we went to get her.   He decided to go the back way as it was a tad shorter, so we left the lane and headed up over the hill......dropping into nothingness.  Couldn't see squat.  He quit grumbling at that point.  It took us about 2 hours to get another 10 miles or so.  Turned into the diner and mom was trying to clean her windshield.  Dad wasn't mad any more.  Anyhow, we headed back towards our hometown, on the main road this time.  He had his head out the window and I stuck my head out the other one just so we could see the lines on the side of the road.  Mom turned her headlights off to keep from putting a glare out there and some of the other people behind us did the same thing.  You could see better with just the parking lights on.  We were like a train, with dad as the locomotive.  By the time we got home to the farm, Pop had the soup hot and we ate a very late supper.  I have never been in fog that bad since.

I keep having to remind myself that there's a propane tank sitting in the yard.  The thing is white, and the top part, that goes back so the guy can fill it, is John Deere green.  It's their trademark color.  I noticed my neighbor's tank thingy is white.  The green catches my eye and I think, 'What's that tractor doing there?'  LOL.  It'll probably take a while.  It's nice not having a chilly living room.  But at the price of propane, I paid $2.10 a gallon with a discount if paid within 5 days, I WILL be burning wood as the main source of heat.  It's comical, yesterday was 'church day' for the Amish.  Some of them really craned their necks when they noticed that 500 gal tank sitting there.  They don't miss much.  Nosy bunch, but good neighbors just the same.

Must dump the litter, get a shower, and get to the garage.

Later.................

THIS AND THAT..............

Had breakfast with the gang on Friday and a discussion turned into an argument about politics.  I just DO NOT UNDERSTAND my friends.  I have come to the conclusion we'll have to agree to disagree and I WILL NOT DISCUSS this anymore.  Should've listened to mama when she said, 'Never talk about race, religion or politics.'  I can pretty much discuss anything but I hate to be drug into an argument.  Enuf said.

Couldn't figure out why the dogs were bugging me this after.  Then it dawned on me, duh.  Their tummys were telling them it's suppertime but the clock was telling me 'not for an hour'.  Poor things were just starving by the time they ate.  NOT!

Got more firewood coming tomorrow.  Have to go to the garage to get the driving light replaced but should be back in plenty of time.   Between the wood and propane back-up, we should be set for winter.

Not much else to tell, Dad is doing good with the brace on his right leg and the wound on his head from removing the cyst is healing nicely.  Swelling has gone down and bruising is all but gone. 

Later...............

I HAS BACK UP NOW............

Heaters are in and tank is in and lines are in!   Only the one in the living room is operating.  They didn't have a part for the other one, but they installed the heater and will be back to finish the vent.  Went to supper tonight with Lois, Ginny, Lillian and Lillian.  It's chicken pot pie night at the restaurant on Wednesdays.  It was nice to come home to a warm house.  Now all I gotta do is find room for a couple of pieces of furniture and scrape up about $800 to fill the tank.

Got the JD 620 running but it's not running right.  Dad says it's too lean, might need carburator work.  I keep telling him it's the lousy gas we are forced to buy.  He finally told me to dump some stabilizer in it. 

Got a call from my health care provider today.  He wanted to know if I would consider a visit from a nurse to do a wellness check at no cost to me.  WTH?  I guess they consider me an aging senior now.  Probably want to check my living conditions and so on.  I said, "Sure, as long as she likes dogs and cats."  He told me no problem and that she would call to verify a time.  Crap, now I have to REALLY clean the house.

Going to the amish grocery store with dad tomorrow.  Need to stop at Agway and get Archie a new dish.  Coco just broke his last one.  Stepped on it with that big ole paw and flipped it.  Smashed when it hit the floor.

Think I'll  take a pill and go to bed early, back is growling at me 'cause I shoved the bookcase to get it away from the wall.  My bad.

Later................

TRUCK INSPECTED......YAY!!!!!

The truck had no problem passing inspection except for a burnt out driving light.  The lens is cracked and the bulb gets wet, poof.  They ordered a new light.....$153.  This is the third one I've had to put on this truck.  Not the best design Chrysler ever had, for sure.

Dad is still wearing his brace.  I went with him to pick up the settlement bowl.  The new part came in and they even assembled it for him.  He pulled his pant leg up to show the guys this fancy new brace.  I think now, he's kinda proud of it.  I heard him tell the one fellow that he believes it's helping!  He never said that to me.  He goes back to the surgeon in three weeks.  He's not even wearing a bandaid.  Has always been a firm believer in 'letting the air get to it.'

Gotta get busy and clean house, guys coming tomorrow to install the propane wall heaters and the fellows are also coming with the tank and are going to install the lines.  Will be a busy day.

Later................

CLOSE CALL..............

Got up this morning at 6:30.  Could've slept longer but feel better since I'm getting out of bed earlier.  Still half asleep, let the dogs out and ALMOST LET FIONA out.  I thought it was Lilly, the little shit must be wanting a boy friend, the vet said last week she was 6 months old 'cause she has all of her permanent teeth.  Whew that was close.  I've been shutting the mud room door or, if she is in the bathroom, I shut that door.  Must be more careful 'cause if she gets out, I don't know how I'd catch her.

Nasty and foggy this morning, accidents on the scanner due to icy roads.  Very heavy frost.

I've had the two new dogs almost 3 months and yesterday, they jumped up on the settee for the very first time.  I guess the floor is getting too cold and drafty.  I really don't care, I'm gonna have it re-upolstered in the spring.  Now that I know they want to sleep on it, I'll have to get a stronger material and perhaps put a sheet over it.  WTH, I never get much company anyhow.  If I have any money left after these next two projects are done, I'm getting another recliner and getting rid of the love seat.  I sat on it Saturday to watch television (NCIS marathon, Mark Harmon is eye candy) and it is one uncomfortable piece of furniture. 

Busy day, Archie goes to the groomer at 11 and getting the truck inspected at 1.  I know it's gonna need a driving light, that's $100+, but that should be all.  Stopping at Dad's on the way home.  He didn't go to church yesterday.  Roads were nasty anyhow, although that wouldn't stop him.  I just think he wanted to rest up after such a busy week.

Later...............

I'M DREAMING OF A WHITE HALLOWEEN!!!!

Was up at 6:30 with the dogs and it was raining.  Decided to stay up, started both stoves and had the house nice and warm in no time.  About 9:30, took the dogs out and it was sleeting, so went over to dad's to check on him.  He still had his bandage on, so I took it off, the wound bled a little, coulda been a scab that pulled off with the dressing, put a bandaid on it.  He said he didn't have any pain, he had taken two tylenol last night, but didn't sleep well.  He woke up at 1 with Kitty-Ruth taking a bath and shaking the bed.  She is a big black and white cat.  Mo-Mo, he is a Maine Coon cat, was sleeping between Dad's head and the headboard.  Dad said he was protecting his wound.  LOL.  He thru both cats out of the bedroom and went back to bed.  Still didn't fall asleep until 3.  Before I left dad's it was snowing pretty hard.  Big flakes.  Then it turned to rain this after and before the afternoon was over it was back to snow.  Was just out with the pups again and it's raining.  They keep threatening power outages, so I ground some coffee in case I have to use the wood stove.  I have a special pot that we've always used for coffee made on the wood stove. 

Mike called me this evening.  He is the fellow that gave me the two dogs.  He sounded good, I told him to come down anytime and see them.  He said Daisy never slept on the bed and laughed when I told him she jumped up on the bed the first night like she's always done it.  He was glad Coco was losing weight.  He is finally divorced and she is building a new house with her money she got from suing the doctor over losing her leg.  She bought him a used 2010 GMC truck and paid off his bills.  That was all he wanted.  When he was finally evicted from their house by the bank, he moved in with her until he could find a place.  They are still civil to each other, which is good for their 12 year old son. 
I got a call from the landlady about a reference for him 'cause she was renting the place to him now, not his wife.  We had a nice chat.  

Well, need to punch up the stove and head to bed,

Later..................

RESULTS

Got to the surgical center at noon for the procedure at one.  Went up to the desk, gave them Dad's name and she said, "When were you scheduled?"  Houston, we have a problem!!!  I told her 1.  "I have you down for 2:45."  I said, holding the paper from the doctor's office, I have us down at 1."  She went to get backup.  The other lady came out and asked, "Didn't you get a phone call or a message?"  To which I replied, "Ah, the message, she talked way too fast and it sounded like she was speaking thru water.  Neither one of us could understand what she was saying."  To which SHE replied, "Oh, well, we have you down for 2:45."  And I then said, "Yes, I was told, BUT, I have us down at 1, we are not driving home then coming back, AND, we are not waiting until your 2:45.  So, how are we going to resolve this?"   They did some finagling, and, he went at 1.  Now, before y'all get your shorts in a bind, I was not nasty, just firm.  I didn't have to become nasty, although that was in the plan.  The second lady was VERY diplomatic and I thanked her and the first young lady I spoke with.  I also told her I was so glad they could take care of this, 'cause I probably wouldn't been able to talk him into coming back.  Plus, I would've had to hear about it FOR WEEKS!  She nodded and said she understood.
Anyhow, the cyst is out, bandage is on until tomorrow morning.  I just called him and he said it was growling a little.  I told him to take two tylenol before he goes to bed, and, reminded him we're tough.

Later...............

TGIF

Even tho I'm retired, I still enjoy Fridays.  When I go to supper on Friday night, I always say, "Oh, Thank God it's Friday!"  To which Artie says, "Oh, Shut-Up!"  We graduated together, but she is still working. Ha!
She and her hubby, Ross are down at Myrtle Beach for another week, so they'll miss tonights brew-ha-ha.

Suppose to snow tomorrow, 6-10"!  Wow, that's early in the year, not even officially winter yet.  I got up this morning and fired up both stoves.  Pretty stinkin' hot in here now.  But am leaving in a little bit to take Dad to have that cyst removed.  It should stay cozy for the critters.

Woke up around 4 to a mobile home fire on the scanner.  That's not good.  Somebody told me you have 12 seconds to get out of those things before becoming overwhelmed by the fumes.  Think I'd live in a Tee-pee first.

Took Mary Fiona to the vet yesterday for her rabies shot.  Doc said she's fat and healthy.  She does have a hernia which will be taken care of when she is spayed next month.  Took Elijah also, he is down to 22lbs.  I really think this new BG food is better for them.  Now all of the critters are updated on their shots.  Phew, it's expensive to keep an animal, let alone 8, and, the vet tried to give me another cat!  A lady found her with her right eye hanging out, brought her in to the hospital 'cause she couldn't keep her on account of allergies.  Doc was getting ready to put her down, had the syringe ready, and couldn't do it.  So she operated and removed the eye and stitched her up.  Now, she is trying to find a home for her.  I just can't do it.  If she can't find her a home, she probably be another office cat, I think there are currently 5 wondering around.

Gotta go, get a shower, pee the dogs, and, get over to dad's.

Later...................

OCTOBER HAS GONE BY IN A FLASH...........(THANKS STEPHEN)

It never fails, I look at the calendar at the beginning of the month and think, "Well, this month I won't be too busy, maybe I can get some stuff accomplished around here."  HA, I think I had two days off so far, but, doing things with Dad and for him is still cool and a necessity.  I won't have him one day, and, I'll be able to look back and smile at some of the stuff we got into.

Got another estimate for these propane heaters from the guy I bought the wood stoves from a few years ago.  $2900.  Quite a difference from the first bunch at $4606.  Then, I was reminded by Suzy yesterday that the first guy I talked to was the same company that screwed up a friend of our's heating system.  So, now I have LOTS of ammo if he gives me a bunch of crap about not hiring them.  Can't wait.

The propane guy is coming this morning to access the requirements of a tank and running the lines.  My friend Trudy told me they are very good to work with.  She use to work with an agency that helped people when there was no money and they were out of heat.  So she would know about these things.  The house was cold this morning, cause I didn't bank the stove before I went to bed.  Can't wait to wake up to a warm house.

Took Dad to the doctor's on Thursday for him to look at this cyst on the top of his head.  They were going to schedule the surgery for late November and I look at the lady and quietly said, "Can't you find something a little sooner, while we still have this ball rolling?"  She understood immediately and we're booked for Friday at noon.  On Wednesday, we go to the orthopedic doctor for his knees.  That leaves his hearing and then his bottom teeth.  He keeps saying, "At my age, why bother?"  I keep telling him, "You need quality of life dad."

We still are having problems with that $%^&* JD not getting fuel.  I told him four times on Saturday that we need to take that settlement bowl off again.  We took the gas line off from it to the carburator, poured some gas in it, and the tractor started right up.  Took the plug out on the other side of the settlement bowl and the gas just poured out, so, the problem is in the middle of the thing.  It looks like it's back together right, it has enough gas in it.  I wonder what he has planned for today, 'cause he is doing everything he can think of to not remove that bowl.

Daisy started playing with one of Archie's stuffed toys yesterday.  I don't think she every had a toy.  But, Archie is selfish and now they fight.  I'm going to buy her one today, just for her.  Coco was playing with a ball also.  These guys must've not had much attention or inter-action with anyone.  I noticed no toys came with them.  No wonder they've adjusted so well, I talk to them and wuss on them all of the time.

Go over to the kymber and jambaloney website and show them some support.  What a nasty few days they have had.  It's a shame some of us don't live closer.  What's the matter with some people?

Went with Sue and Sarah yesterday.  They had to take their dog, Pepper, he's a black Cocker, back to the opthamoligist.  He had a cataract removed and a lens put in.  Now he's showing signs of glaucoma in the same eye.  So, new drops were prescribed.  The doctor was very nice and co$t conscience.  He was thrilled that they can get the one drop for only $6.  Then we went over to Barb and Ben's.  We had a real nice visit, and, since she is English, of course she had the kettle on. 

Well, almost 10 and Jake will be here soon, better go.

Later...................

Addendum............New tank...$1200, Reconditioned tank, with new valves...$900.  Went with the Reconditioned one, talked with my friend Chuck, who is a retired gas man.  He said that it will be fine.

GAS..........

Went over to Dad's yesterday, wasn't planning to stay long, he was cleaning his mower, and I was going back home to mow my grass.  Then he told me HE decided the tractor wouldn't start because it wasn't getting any fuel.  (I told him that last week)  I guess he saw the look I gave him and said, "You did say that."  So, he needed help getting the settlement bowl off of the tractor, after we did that, we took it apart.  It was so gummed up with that owl pee (ethanol) there was no way it was getting gas.  I also have been telling him all summer to put an additive in these tractors and his Buicks.  Now maybe he'll buy some.  Anyhow, we got a length of hose, a funnel, a clean bucket and then took the settlement bowl off.  The gas started POURING out of the tank, smelled like varnish, the funnel started filling up and there was very little going into the bucket.  "Dad, maybe we should've made sure the hose was clear."  Pretty soon we had gas EVERYWHERE!  Yes, we had fire extinguishers.  I then kicked the bucket over, but, HE DIDN'T YELL AT ME!  Gosh, he is mellowing out.  He then said, we need to put the settlement bowl back together while we still remember how we took it apart.  He insisted, the way I had it wasn't right.  But the little plunger thingy worked.  That's how you fill up the settlement bowl.  So I took it apart and put it together the way he said, the plunger thingy now doesn't work.  He said to let it go until tomorrow, when we'll take it apart and try again.  I was going out to supper with the gang and when he found that out, he was upset.  I wasn't, by the time I got home, fed the critters and changed clothes it would be too late anyhow.

Lester came down today, from the stove shop where I got my woodstoves, and he looked the place over, took some measurements and said he would send me a proposal for the propane heaters.  They also install the tanks.  These heaters are Empire and made in the good old USA.  The other guys were from China,  I'm thinking 'buy USA' and besides, how hard would it be to get parts down the road as volitile as this world is getting.  The heaters are a bit more expensive and I'm betting the whole thing will be more than the other guys.  However, I kinda like the fact that they will do everything.  He also told me that I should probably buy the tank, that way I could shop for the best price.  Everyone has told me that, except the propane tank fellow.  Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining.

Later...............

WELL, WHERE TO START...............

First, let me welcome kymber to my humble blog.  It is always thrilling to have another follower.

Now, on my visit to the doctor.........my cholesterol is down to 198, blood pressure is 124/74 and, I lost another 3 pounds!  On the way home, I stopped for the mail......OH NO........JURY DUTY!!!!  I have NEVER been called.  At least it's not in Philthy-delphia, but a closer city, Lancaster.  Drat, I hate going into the city anymore, plus, sit there all damn day.  My back will scream at me.  Called the doctor, that %^&* piece of $%^&*, that I had such a nice visit with that morning, won't give me an excuse to get out of it, 'cause he says my back problem is under control, and he's only been seeing me 2 years and blah, blah, blah.  Ball-less wonder.  I told her, the nurse, it's 'under control' because I put up with the pain, and,  I'm determined not to let 'them' operate.  So, I'll tough it out and go.  Might be educational but ain't lookin' forward to it.

Today, went to the doctor with Dad.  I have discovered the doctor isn't all that bad and is a patient man to be able to deal with my father.  I mentioned the cyst on top of his head, which is growing weekly.  He  asked him a question about it and dad starts with "Well, back in 1960 after we bought the farm, I fell down the hay hole, about 10 feet and hit the hay rack and.................."  "WELL, WHAT I'M ASKING IS, DO YOU WANT THAT CYST TAKEN OFF?"  You have to yell at him, cause his hearing is getting so bad.  Then he gets mad when you yell.  To which I said, "Yes."  The the doctor says, "Well, we don't do that here."  I told him I know that, send him to someone who does.  Done.  Appointment next Thursday.  Then I mentioned his knees, the doctor said there is nothing we can do for the knees since he doesn't want replacements.  AH HA!!  I had him.  I said what about 'Synvisc'.  He looked at me and said he didn't do that.  I told him, I know that, recommend an Orthapedic Doctor and we'll get to the bottom of this and maybe get dad some relief.  Done, go on the 26th.  And, all he went to the doctor for in the first place was to get some relief for his sinus problem.  The doctor asked him if he was using the Nazinex spray.  He told him he forgets about it.  The doctor looks at me and shakes his head,  "YOU COME SEE ME FOR A PROBLEM AND YOU ALREADY HAVE THE MEDICINE AT HOME TO HELP YOU."  No, I'm not moving in with him.  We'd kill each other.  But I will have to start going over there twice a day and make sure he squirts that stuff up his nose.  Oh joy.

After we left the doctor's office, we went up the road to a discount grocery store run by Amish.  Got some preps, but, since I didn't know we were going, I didn't take cash with me and dad paid for everything.  He is a sweety except when it comes to doctors and hospitals.  I hope going thru all this will at least give him some quality to life.

Sorry, no mushroom cloud today.  Almost one yesterday, good thing I don't go back to him for 6 months, give me time to cool off.  I hate looking for another doctor, but, it might come to that.

Later..................

UPDATE

Nice steady rain today, chance of 'dunavetter'.  Not sure about the spelling but it's dutch and it means thunderstorms.  Got a call from Clinton, gave me a price of $1500 to fix the barn.  I think that's reasonable and told him OK.  He said he'd like cash for the firewood and I don't blame him. 
Have one more phone call to make about these propane heaters.  I was talking to Fred last night and he said to try the place where I got both wood stoves.  DUH, I never thought of them.  He also thought that $4600 was a little too much.  So I'll call that place this morning.  Maybe this will happen after all.
Have a doctor's appointment this after.  Just a check up to get yelled at about my chloresterol.  I hope I haven't gained any weight.  Back when I had to take those strong antibiotics when Charlie bit me,  I drank a LOT of milkshakes.  At least, that was my excuse.
Dad has a doctors appointment tomorrow and I'm going with him.  I do not like his doctor.  He is a geratic specialist and should retire.  I'm going loaded for bear.  So, those of you in the south, look to the north.  And those of you in the north, look to the south.  Those of you out west, look to the east.  There might be a small mushroom cloud in Pennsylvania.


Later............

MONEY, MONEY, MMMMOOOONNNNEEEEYYYY

The fellow that fixed my siding this past summer called me today. He wanted to know if I still wanted the fire wood he has stacked in the barn over at his mother's. It's about 2 miles away, maple, cut and split, 4 cords, $170 a cord, delivered and STACKED in my wood shed. DUH, let me think about that!!! YES, I'LL TAKE ALL FOUR CORDS, thank you very much.
Then he reminded me about fixing the barn. You must remember, I talked to him back in the summer, when I had money! But, I told him to come on over about 7 and he can give me an estimate.
Brain cells were in overdrive now. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm lets say I get the money together for the propane heaters, the firewood, the barn repair and just do this. I might as well spend this money, it's mine, before O takes it.
Got the estimate on the heaters this morning via email, but, just opened it this evening. $4600+. I figured on $2000 (who was I kidding) and thinking it would be $4000, so I wasn't too far off. The wood, if I take all 4 cords will be $680. The only way I wouldn't take all the wood was the size, he said some were about 22 inches long but they could separate them when they load. Maybe dad would want some. Have to ask him tomorrow, then Clinton could just run the longer pieces over there, if it's a cord. We'll see.
So, now we are up to about $5300 and waiting on Clinton's estimate on the barn. I will bet ya, dollars to donuts, this little spending spree is gonna be another 10K. Yikes!!!!

Later................

SAME CRAP, DIFFERENT DAY............

Yeh, I know, I haven't posted anything all week. Just didn't have much to say. Figured out I've spent over $1000 at the vets in the past six weeks. So, haven't been prepping at all and the cupboard's getting bare. Have to wait until SS check gets in. Hope the S doesn't HTF anytime soon.
Not much else happening around here. They found a cat with rabies in a small town south of here. So, I made sure all of mine kids have their shots. They all are doing OK. Got Cleo's ashes home on Thursday, they're in a beautiful box with her name on a brass plate. Too pretty to bury.

Went over to dad's on Tuesday and he had trimmed the two boxwood plants at the end of his deck. Except for the very top, they looked like they had punk haircuts. I told him I'll bring my trimmer over with a longer blade and if he'd hold the ladder, I'll get up there and finish. "No," he said,"that would be too dangerous!" (Remember that quote.) So, that night he calls me and asks me to bring my trimmer over tomorrow. So, I did. Well, it was too heavy. He couldn't raise it. Then he says, "I'll get in the bucket (on the front end loader on the JD1020) and you can raise me up." I tell him, "No, I'll get in the bucket." He goes and gets the tractor, I get in with the trimmer running, he raises me up, about 10 feet. That's when I looked down and thought....you know, this is a really stupid idea! A 93 year old man, at the controls of his JD with his 66 year old daughter in the bucket. Now, you can remember his quote. Anyhow, got the %^&*() bushes trimmed and I told him if he had any more to do, I'd wait until Sunday when he went to church and come over here with a chain saw and Round Up. He laughed.

Still waiting on the guy to send me the estimate on the propane heaters. If it's not an arm and a leg I'll think I'll go with it. After burning wood for 30 years as an ONLY source of heat, I'm a little tired. Some days my back just doesn't want to join in the fun.

Had a nice lunch with Mike, Dolly and Marie on Thursday. We all use to work together. Those three are all caught up with their grand children, but it's still good to visit. They let me bore them with my animal tales.
BBL, dogs gotta go potty.

Trudy and Philip met Bob and I for breakfast on Friday. They just got back Thursday night from a trip to Ithaca, NY and then on to Vermont. 1200 miles, his Prius got 50 miles to the gallon.

That's about all the news that's fit to print. I don't know about any of you, but I'm getting tired of waiting for the other shoe to drop. Got an interesting email today about a certain company buying up gun manufacturers. Wasn't too worried until at the end where it said Soros is the owner of this company that's doing the buying. Was gonna post it but need to verify it first. What better way to control firearms than to control the companys that make them and the ammo. Just food for thought.

Later..........

BRRRRRRR

Wow, it's in the 40's this morning. Started the wood stove for the first time this fall. Slept cold and too lazy to get up and get another blanket.

Friends, Barb and Ben are coming down this morning. Haven't seen them for a couple of years. They live outside of Philly. I worked with her back in the 80's. She was from England and they met when he was in the Air Force, stationed over there.

There was another lady hired into the department a few years later. We all had lunch a while back and she told us that the boss was concerned when he hired her. He wanted to make sure we three would all get along. Shit, we're still friends. I wish I knew where he was so he could know that. Sylvia is a cool lady also. She is married to a chinese fellow. He has several pattens, very smart man. Now works for a government, not sure which one. But, they travel all over. They were in Japan on March 11th when the big one hit. Thank goodness they were in the southern part of the country.

Cleaned house like a wild woman yesterday. Both stoves are sparkling. Need to get some wood in. I hope that guy coming on Wednesday can tell me good news about the propane heaters I'm thinking about getting. I'm not a big fan of propane, but, two of my friends in the city have both switched from oil to propane. It's getting to where I'm tired of waking up or coming home to a cold house. The old back is not getting better and I must be cautious as to what I do. I love burning wood and, hopefully, will continue to do so. Just use these heaters as a back up.

Well, must punch up the stove and get a shower......

Later............

WELL, IT'S DONE.

It was tougher that I thought it would be 'cause this is the first time I had to put a pet down and not bring it home to bury. I am having her cremated and will bury her with her brother. After the vet put Cleo down, she looked in at the roof of her mouth and saw a big swelling and told me there was the tumor. So, I felt a little more relieved that it was done before things got much worse.


Later.............

DOGS, DOGS, DOGS..........

Took Cleo to the Vets last week, not good. She has some kind of growth in her right nostril. Doc put her on antibiotics for 10 days but now she's half way thru them and not any better.

Took Coco to the vet, she ways 87lbs, should be around 70. Her eyes are cloudy because of the fatty diet she was on. With being on a better, fat free diet, and better food, the cloudiness should all but disappear.

We had terrible flooding last Friday night. Worse than when the two storms, Irene and Lee, came thru. My stream in the back was almost to the wood shed and the big creek it dumps into was up in my lower yard. My stream has been that high before but never that fast. By Sunday I heard the alarm from the Invisible Fence. Uh Oh. He came out on Wednesday and fixed it. This time, instead of burying it in the stream bed. We took it up the fence pole and across the wire, then down. Most of it was still in the old hose that was originally used back in 1984 when it was first installed. I told dad how we fixed it and he said I shouldn't done it that way cause it's not my meadow fence. So, on the way back home I stopped at said something to Henry. He laughed and said not to worry about it. It's no problem. Which is what I figured he'd say. I went back out there this after and where we ran out of hose I put the IF wire in the split cable coverings that you use for computer coax. I feel better that it's all covered and wire tied on the bottom wire. My IF still works, I hope his does. Henry said it would't hurt anything.

Poor Daisy (yes, I'm back to calling her Daisy, I can't bring myself to call her ButterCup, she is getting use to it, thank GOD) fell off the bed this morning. We all woke up with the noise and then all had to pee. Everybody came in but Cleo, so I went looking for her and here she was standing in the stream like an old cow stuck in the mud. I took off my shoes, put one foot in the stream, got a hold of her collar and with her helping, I pulled her up and out. Then almost fell in myself. I took Daisy to the vet this morning for her shots and talked to doc about my old girl, Cleo. She is not getting better, her hips are getting worse and her breathing is getting more labored. So, I made the decision to put her down tomorrow at noon. I don't want her to get worse over the weekend and not have a vet to take her too. She's been a great dog, but now she can go to heaven and run with her brother, Teddy, whom she has been missing SO much since his death. After 10 dogs and 14 cats, it still doesn't get easier. But, she needs to go out with dignity, and she will. I'll bury her ashes with her brother.

Later.................

NO WORDS ARE NECESSARY...........

BUSY SUNDAY........

Fred came down yesterday and helped me move the rug and pad out of the bedroom and in to the truck. I got it cleaned about 3-4 years ago and never put it back down in the living room. Now, with the new floor being too pretty, I'm not covering it up with the rug, plus with all of the critters, it would be just something else to struggle with to keep clean. I'm giving it to one of the waitress's at the restaurant.

Fred then cut up the moulding for the rest of the windows so they'd be easier to stain and store until he can put them on. It'll be a good inside job for winter. I was having to move the pieces every time I needed to get the mower out. He then fixed the crack in the crock for the woodstove. I'm gonna give it another day, then gently fire it up. It's getting a little chilly. I guess I'll mow this after. Suppose to rain the rest of the week. Sorry Texas.

Wash is done, need to get a shower and head out.

Later............

IN THE MID SIXTIES ALL WEEKEND............

It's been a fast and busy week. Got my chimneys cleaned on Monday. Bob said they were both dirty but it was like flour. Which is what he likes to see. "That tells me you're burning dry wood, good wood and, you're burning it hot." He did find two problems, the clean out door won't close properly on the front chimney, so, he put a stone against it. And, the crock thru the wall to the back chimney is cracked because the chimney settled. He told me to get some furnace cement and put it in the crack all the way around. The good thing is my stove pipe goes all the way thru to the chimney. I need to do that this weekend 'cause I could be burning them now, it's gotten that chilly.

Tuesday, my nephew called to tell me his older half-brother (from his dad's first marriage), was killed in a car accident last Friday. Leaves a wife and two young sons plus a grown son to his first wife. Then he lays on me that his first girlfriend (the one his mom always said he should have married) died of cancer this year at 55. Then he tells me his wife has rectal cancer and is taking some kind of chemo implant. Of course, then I had to tell dad the next day, so, that sucked.

Went over to my friend Trudy's place on Wednesday for a visit. She was puttin' up corn. I took her a little hand made ceramic turtle that I bought at a craft show on Saturday. This woman loves turtles, her dobie, Tucquan, use to find little box turtles and bring them to her. Took a book about PA Quakers and the underground railroad for her friend Philip to read. He told me this morning he is already on page 60.

Went to supper Wednesday nite, 'cause the fair was this week and the parade was Wednesday night. We park at the restaurant, eat, then watch it. If you're not a customer the owner won't let you park there. She was out in the parking lot being a regular Attila the Hun. She is greek and speaks her mind to whomever. I think she was enjoying it.

Went to breakfast this morning then came home and waited for the driveway guys to show. They came about 12:30 and left about 3. Driveway was a mess, couldn't keep the grass out and there was a nasty mud hole in the middle. Looks really nice now, and, as much as I don't like using Round Up because of the animals. I'm getting some and attacking that grass! I still need to tweek the edge some more, and maybe rebuild the stone wall in the front, but, that won't be a problem.

Fred is coming down on Sunday, hope he can finish the lattuce work outside before cold weather. Well, that's been my week, the dogs are doing great, Coco has lost some weight, I give up try to call the other one Daisy and I'll just have to get use to the name she had when they got her.....Butter Cup! Yech!!! I just call the little angel Butter and she comes a-runnin'. Mary Fiona Irene is still screaming when I pick her up, but once I hold her, the purring starts. She eats like crazy and runs like the leg was never broken. Loves climbing on the cat tree.

Later...............

A DECADE OF CHANGES.............

I have lived over six decades. I look back on each one and realize the past decade has held far more changes than any others. I lost my sister, several cousins, two aunts, one great aunt, one uncle, six friends and my American innocence. Oh, yeh, I also lost my job.

I remember exactly where I was when this attack happened, I was in my office, one of the guys came in and said, 'A plane has hit one of the towers in New York! It took me 20 minutes to get on the net. I watched in horror as the second plane hit then when the towers fell, and, the news of more planes not being accounted for and on and on. One of the lead men came thru my office and watched with me, he said 'What do you think about all of this?' I said, 'Stan, life is over as you know it.' He just looked at me and walked out into the plant. Things have never been the same since, have they?

Later.............

MAJOR FLOODING........

Wow, maga rain north of me. Closing businesses and schools. The scanner has nothing on it but water and residental rescues, plus a few accidents. My creek was up, over it's banks but not into the yard. The meadow, north of me was flooded during the night but has receded quickly. But, in the northern part of the county, they are closing major highways and they don't expect the river to crest until sometime tomorrow. My friend Sue works with a lady who lives along the river in a small town known for flooding. Yesterday, her husband called her and said the house had water coming in the windows. These two are just barely making it as he has major health problems. When they bought this house, the people told them, it was never flooded during Hurricane Agnes. If I remember right, the entire town was flooded during that storm. So much for honesty.
Calling for more rain into tomorrow, then again on Sunday. Sorry Texas.

I woke up during the night with a little furry body next to me. Little Miss Mary Fiona was in bed with me!! The two big dogs sleep on the floor while the two smaller dogs sleep in bed with me. Sometimes Lily joins us. I should have gotten a king size!!

Later..............

MORE RAIN.......

First, I like to say Welcome to North and Jacked Up Glock Mom. I am truly humbled by all of my followers.
Well, it has been raining most of the day. A little break around lunch but then started again. Sorry Texas.
I still haven't cleaned up all of the yard from the hurricane last week. Maybe I'll just leave it and call it 'Yard Art'.
Might go for supper tonight. It's only 3 o'clock and the dogs want fed already. I usually feed everyone around 5. But, I have the two new ones on a diet, so they probably are hungry.
Little Miss Mary Fiona Irene was a bad kitteh!!! I hadn't gotten to the litter box to clean it so she peed on one of the cat beds. I didn't punish her 'cause the box was nasty. So, she has turned into quite the prima donna. She'll keep me on my toes now about staying after that litter box.


Later............

READ IT AND WEEP..............

DR. WILLIAMS predicts that Obama can not lose the 2012 election.

IN ADDITION TO THE VOTING BLOCKS HE MENTIONS, THERE IS ANOTHER HUGE GROUP: THE NEARLY ONE-HALF OF ALL ADULTS THAT DO NOT PAY ANY TAXES AND, IN FACT, MOST OF THEM RECEIVE MONEY FROM THE GOVERNMENT. THESE PEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO "ROCK THE BOAT" TO DO ANYTHING TO STOP THE FLOW OF TAXPAYER MONEY TO THEMSELVES.

Dr. Williams prediction: Maybe you have read some newspaper articles written by Dr. Williams a conservative economist who happens to be black. He has taught at several Universities and is currently teaching at George Mason University.

NO MATTER WHAT

By Dr. Walter Williams

Can President Obama be defeated in 2012? No. He can't. I am going on record as saying that President Barak Obama will win a second term.

The media won't tell you this because a good election campaign means hundreds of millions (or, in Obama's case billions,) of dollars to them in advertising.

But the truth is, there simply are no conditions under which Barak Obama can be defeated in 2012. The quality and superiority of the Republican candidate doesn't matter. Nine percent unemployment? No problem. Obama will win. Gas prices moving toward five dollars a gallon? He still wins. The economy soars or goes into the gutter. Obama wins. War in the Middle East ? He wins a second term.

America's role as the leading Superpower disappears? Hurrah for Barak Obama! The U.S. government rushes toward bankruptcy, the dollar continues to sink on world markets and the price of daily goods and services soars due to inflation fueled by Obama's extraordinary deficit spending? Obama wins handily.

You are crazy Williams. Don't you understand how volatile politics can be when overall economic, government, and world conditions are declining? Sure I do.

And that's why I know Obama will win. The American people are notoriously ignorant of economics. And economics is the key to why Obama should be defeated.


Even when Obama's policies lead the nation to final ruin, the majority of the American people are going to believe the bait-and-switch tactics Obama and his supporters in the media will use to explain why it isn't his fault. After all, things were much worse than understood when he took office. The clueless public is going to believe the lie.

Obama's reelection is really a very, very simple math problem. Consider the following:

1) Blacks will vote for Obama blindly. Period. Doesn't matter what he does. It's a race thing. He's one of us,

2) College educated women will vote for Obama. Though they will be offended by this, they swoon at his oratory. It's really not more complex than that,

3) Liberals will vote for Obama. He is their great hope,

4) Democrats will vote for Obama. He is the leader of their party and his coat tails will carry them to victory nationwide,

5) Hispanics will vote for Obama. He is the path to citizenship for those who are illegal and Hispanic leaders recognize the political clout they carry in the Democratic Party,

6) Union members will vote overwhelmingly for Obama. He is their key to more money and more power in business, state and local politics,

7) Big Business will support Obama. They already have. He has almost $1 Billion dollars in his reelection purse gained largely from his connections with Big Business and is gaining more everyday. Big Business loves Obama because when they are in trouble, he gives them access to taxpayer money so long as they support his social and political agenda,

8) The media love him. They may attack the people who work for him, but they love him. After all, to not love him would be racist,

9) Most other minorities and special interest groups will vote for him. Oddly, the overwhelming majority of Jews and Muslims will support him because they won't vote Republican. American Indians will support him. Obviously homosexuals, bisexuals, etc. vote democratic. And lastly,

10) Approximately half of independents will vote for Obama. And he doesn't need anywhere near that number because he has all of the groups previously mentioned. The President will win an overwhelming victory in 2012.



Obituary - Very Interesting!
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Born 1776, Died 2008

It doesn't hurt to read this several times.

Professor Joseph Olson of Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul , Minnesota , points out some interesting facts concerning the last Presidential election:


OBAMA vs MC CAIN
Number of States won by OBAMA=9, McCAIN=29.
Square miles of land won by OBAMA=580,000, McCAIN=427,000.
Population of counties won by OBAMA=127,000,000, McCAIN=143,000,000
Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by OBAMA=13.2, McCAIN=2.1

Professor Olson adds: "In aggregate, the map of the territory McCain won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of the country.
Obama territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in low income tenements and living off various forms of government welfare..."
Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the "complacency and apathy" phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase.
If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal invaders called illegal's - and they vote - then we can say goodbye to the USA in fewer than five years.

A RAINY DAY, SORRY TEXAS.............

It is still raining and is suppose to keep raining for the whole week. I called my chimney sweep this morning as he was suppose to be here at 9. He laughed and said, 'We'll play it by ear.' I said, 'OK, if its not raining at 9, I'll expect ya.' He is a great guy, his wife works in one of the stores in the little town up the road. She told me when someone calls for him to clean their chimney, he puts them on his schedule, but when you call, he does your chimneys right away. I guess he likes us. He is an animal lover, wait until he sees this herd. He comes in a clean, white tee shirt and pressed jeans, leaves the same way. Does both chimneys, takes the inside stove pipes off, cleans them. I clean out the stoves. He also checks both chimneys for cracks and such. I love burning wood, but woodstoves and their chimneys need to be well taken care off. It is money well spent.
Need to get some breakfast and perhaps another cuppa on this rainy Tuesday.

Later..............

A PRETTY SUNDAY WITH MORE RAIN IN FORECAST, SORRY TEXAS......

A big 'Hello' and welcome to my 15th follower, Red Woman. Love your blog.

I didn't get the flea meds on the crew until today. Cleaned the litter box and dumped the litter, which is corn-based, in the farmers corn field. Sure saves me a ton of money not having to go to the trash truck. I had checked with him back in the spring. He didn't have a problem with it. I think I'll buy them a fruit basket this Christmas.
Now, all that's left to do is clean house. Notice how I put that off? I'm OK once I get started, it's the getting started. Miss Mary Fiona is growing like a weed, but she still screams like a feral cat when I pick her up. Hopefully she'll get over that. The two dogs are getting better each week. I've not heard from their former owner, maybe he's afraid I'll ask him to take them back. No way. They're here to stay.
My dad and I went to the new lawyer on Tuesday to sign some papers and when he dropped me off, he came in to see his new granddogs. Of course, they can't hold a candle to his buddy, Archie. He is dad's favorite.
I called my Aunt Jenny yesterday while I was over to dad's. She turned 80 in April. I gave the phone to dad and they had a nice talk. She told me that my cousin Helen Mae passed away Friday a week ago. She was 75. Helen Mae always had issues, she was slightly mentally challenged but she was no dummy. Her brother was killed in a car accident at 20, he was the favorite, her younger sister and her were pretty much ignored 'cause 'the boy' was the light of their parents lives. Her dad died first, then the mom, they had put the farm in Helen Mae's name, probably to insure that she have a place to live. Her sister tried to cheat her out of it but didn't succeed. She eventually ended up in a home in Ohio, and the farm was sold. Out of 33 cousins on my mom's side, a third of them are gone, including my big sis. Oh well, none of us are getting out of this world alive.

Later..............

LABOR DAY WEEKEND ALREADY?

A big HELLO to 'Duke', a new follower.

Now, let me see, what have I done so far today. Two loads of wash, hung my township maps (that I got framed before I lost my job) in the stairwell going to the second floor. That way they won't fade. Took all of the family photos that were hung in that stairwell and hung them in the living room. Now I can enjoy looking at my ancestors. Oh, it rained a teeny bit this morning so I burned the trash. Put the new battery in Cleo IF collar and put the new collar on Daisy. Started training her, and, when I took her close to the fence, she could hear the tone going off, then her head started to shake, poor thing didn't know what was going on but I think she'll do ok. My first two dogs, Cris and Ashlea were trained by the Invisible Fence people. Then, when I got Abby and Buddy, the first two dogs sorta trained them, then Teddy and Cleo came along and Abby and Buddy trained them. My friend Artie said to me last night, "Well, I don't like the invisible fence system, another dog can still come in and fight with yours. You need a real fence to keep them out." I ALMOST said, 'Yeh, well, not everyone has $10,000 like you to put up a fancy plastic fence.' But, I let it slide, I must be mellowing out.
Well, must get over to dads.

Later...............

Addendum....
Went to dad's, helped him close off the A/C hot-air return for the winter. Figured out the gas leak in the carb of the JD620, now he needs a new bowl for the carborator. He said the power steering is also acting up, has it turning left, nothing turning right. I think this tractor is haunted.
Came home and mowed most of the yard, still a lot of storm clean up in the upper part under the trees.
Fed the critters, fed me, need to put the flea stuff on the gang also. Think I'll clean house tomorrow. Going to veg out then go to bed.

Later..............

DAISY, DAISY, DAISY, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE.........

Was out yesterday, towards evening, with the dogs, and, Jesse, a young man that lives in the village about a mile up the road, was walking down to the bridge. He does this at least once a day. Seems like a nice, quiet teenager. Walks with ear phones and waves when he sees me. Anyhow, this is the first time I've been out with the dogs, I've been lucky. Well, you'd think Jesse was the swamp monster. Such barking and carrying on. Then, good old Daisy runs out into the road! I'm screaming at her, she comes back, almost to me and takes off again. Of course, Archie, who's on a leash, and Cleo, who's on the Invisible Fence, aren't helping matters. Coco is at my side, barking her head off. GGRRRR! This morning I called Invisible Fence, ordered another battery for Cleo's collar, as she was way too close to the road. And, ordered a collar with battery for Daisy. HA! Is she in for a surprise. I'm holding off for Coco, as she is pretty docile and so overweight, I don't think she'll need one yet. If I do lose my old girl, Cleo, then Coco can have her collar. I have several in the barn from other dogs that have went on to heaven. Don't need collars there! So, when I get the new battery, I'll test them and maybe I'll get lucky again. But, I'm not holding my breath. Some of them are over 20 years old, since I've had this system since 1984.

Well, must do another load of wash, get a shower, head out.

Later..............

I SURVIVED IRENE...

Well, praise GOD, the hurricane wasn't as bad as predicted for here. It went farther east so we escaped much of Irene's rath. A lot of limbs and leaves in the yard, but I haven't heard the two sump pumps kick in and I have not lost power.

I haven't heard anything from my cousin in NJ. Hope all is well as she and her family were directly in Irene's path.

Talked to a couple of friends last night and this morning, all is well in the city north of me. Talked to Dad, he said they don't want anyone on the roads according to the local news this morning. Didn't stop the Amish tho. They still had church 'cause a few buggies went past.

The new barn is up, plus a heifer shed where the old barn was. Didn't take pictures 'cause I can't upload them on 'puter. Need to get this thing back to Best Buy. It is still acting squirrley.

So, I think I'll finally fix some breakfast and then get into something. Funny, when you're forbidden to go on the roads, that's when you really want to get out there.

Later..........

ARE YOU A DEMOCRAT, A REPUBLICAN OR A TEXAN?

Here is a little test that will help you decide.
The answer can be found by posing the following question:

You're walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children.
Suddenly, a Terrorist with a huge knife comes around the corner,
Locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, raises the knife, and charges at you.

You are carrying a Kimber 1911 cal. 45 ACP, and you are an expert shot.
You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family.
What do you do?

THINK CAREFULLY AND CONTINUE READING.............

Democrat's Answer:

Well, that's not enough information to answer the question!
What is a Kimber 1911 cal. 45 ACP?
Does the man look poor or oppressed?
Is he really a terrorist? Am I guilty of profiling?
Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack?
Could we run away?
What does my wife think?
What about the kids?
Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand?
What does the law say about this situation?
Does the pistol have appropriate safety built into it?
Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to society and to my children?
Is it possible he'd be happy with just killing me?
Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me?
If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was stabbing me?
Should I call 9-1-1?
Why is this street so deserted?
We need to raise taxes, have paint & weed day.
Can we make this a happier, healthier street that would discourage such behavior.
I need to debate this with some friends for a few days and try to come to a consensus.
This is all so confusing!

............ ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ........ .......
Republican's Answer:


BANG!


............ ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ........ ......

Texan's Answer:

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG ! BANG! BANG! BANG!
Click..... (Sounds of reloading)
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
Click

Daughter: 'Nice grouping, Daddy!'
'Were those the Winchester Silver Tips or Hollow Points?'

Son: 'Can I shoot the next one?!'

Wife: 'You ain't taking that to the Taxidermist!

BRING IT ON............

Well, I've battened down the hatches. Not much else I can do. I should go to town tomorrow and get my medicine and cat litter. Maybe, we'll see. I'll be out anyhow, need to go to the post office and see dad. He has a birthday party to attend in the afternoon. It's a surprise, Cliff will be 82 or 83, not sure. He's another tractor guy. Still working!

The new dogs, Coco and Daisy are doing great. Little Miss Mary Fiona has started to explore the rest of the house. She hardly has a limp at all. She sure can climb the cat tree. She is so small and Coco is so big that she can walk under Coco and not touch her belly.

The new barn is under roof and most of the siding is on. Also a new heifer pen where the old barn was. Those Amish are workers and some English (that's us) were helping also.

Well, getting late. Gonna turn on TWC and see where Irene is, then potty the dogs and go to bed.

Later.................