Saturday, December 31, 2011

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

Thursday, December 29, 2011

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

Sunday, December 25, 2011

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.........

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

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

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

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

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

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

Monday, December 12, 2011

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........














Saturday, December 10, 2011

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

Friday, December 9, 2011

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

Thursday, December 8, 2011

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

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

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.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

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.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

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.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

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."