Hmmmmm

Hmmmm, it's Wednesday.  Sometimes referred to as hump day.  Wonder who came up with that term.  Daughter should be well on her way to Ohio for the holiday weekend.  I'm still trying to get ready for the Yonah Mountain Winery Crush Festival.  Mainly have to get pricing done, everything I'm going to make is made and I hope I sell it all.  Doubt it, but one can hope.
Going to the tax office today to try to get a handle on what's going on with a couple of properties here in our little community.  One of our residents passed on and now I don't know who owns the property or if she even had a will.  The other is a question of exactly what one person owns.  I need to see the tax map.  Would be great if I could get a copy of the plat for the whole community.  Then I could mark who owns what.
Squirrels have started early eating the berries on the dogwood trees.  They usually don't start until much later, during the fall.  Haven't seen birds eating them yet, though.  It's been pretty dry here.  Even the deer are coming out further from the woods to knosh.  Later in the morning, too.
Y'all have an interesting day and remember:  He who hesitates sometimes misses the bus.

Lots to do.  Usually this is a day off from the gallery.  I need to go in, though, since there are people who actually want to buy something from my daughter and I need to get the money to her before she leaves for Ohio.  Have some things to do here first before I go in.  Other than that I'm still getting stuff ready for the Crush Festival.  Hope I get to watch people crushing the grapes.
Y'all have a grateful day and remember:  we are not in charge.....but we should be.

It's a day.  Like any other day.  But not for some.  Everyone on the East coast is talking about Irene.  I've been through a few in my lifetime.  I've gone down to the beach to watch the waves and stand in the wind.  A storm like that awakens something primal.  I want to be one with the wind and the sea.  I feel the power surging within.  Then it's gone.  Turned off like a light.  It's been a long time.
For those in her path.....be cautious and safe.

Y'all have an interesting day and remember:  We are of the earth and she is in charge.

Missing

Have been missing some blogs lately.  Their people haven't been posting.  Other things on their minds, I reckon.  And some I can't get to.  I'll click on the one I want to read and the page header will come up and say the page is not available.  What's with that?  And then I can read that same blogger's next post but still not the one I was denied.....sigh.
It's been a strange week.  I did find a place that will replace the catalytic converter for under $400.00.  No, it's not a GM but so what?!  Found out when the dealer has to replace it the whole shootin' match has to be replaced....converter, tail pipe, muffler, etc.  Geez.  Anyway, I'll be getting it replaced first part of next week.  Wonder if it was ethanol that messed up its innards?
I still haven't heard a word from Exxon or Shell.  Don't reckon I will.  Would love an explanation as to why it is deemed necessary to add that crap to gasoline.  Anyone out there have a reasonable explanation?  Not just parroting the EPA or whichever government arm decided to help the farmers? (and repair shops who have to deal with the effects on lawnmowers, weed eaters, not to mention auto engines, etc.)
Time to get a move on.  Y'all have a whatever day.

Haven't felt like posting anything these last couple of days.  Actually I think I slept almost all day Tuesday and got nothing done.  Had to take the van BACK to the dealership yesterday and learned that now the catalytic converter needs to be replaced to the tune of $1,400 (according to them).  I did a little research and found one for under $200.00.  It may not be GM brand but it's new and apparently compatible.  I'm going to call the service department today and tell them about the web site.  How on this earth can a part cost so much?  Just because it's made by GM?  Don't think so!!!  Yeah, yeah, the GM one is guaranteed to last while they can't guarantee the non-GM brand.  I think I'll take my chances.  Since I'm supporting two families at this time I have to watch the pennies, nickels and dimes.  And one can't help but wonder why something new goes wrong not long after one's vehicle has been serviced.  I like the people in the service department, but not that much!
With that I'll say good day.

Family is here so I'm taking the day off.  Y'all have a good 'un.

Going to a bead show today.  Don't know if I'll buy anything, but you never know.  Daughter is coming up sometime today or this evening.  Hope to get some things done since they'll be here all day tomorrow (I hope).  Want to get some more embroidery done, too.  Also have some earrings to make. 
Y'all have a peaceful day and think about this.....What if the light at the end of the tunnel is really an oncoming train?

I'm tired

I'm tired. 
Of everything.
I don't want to have to care.....about anything. 
I'm just so tired.

Nothin' in particular

Had all of two people come into the gallery yesterday and they didn't buy anything.  It was, unfortunately, a very boring day. 
We had some rain here last night.  Guess I'll check the "garden" and see if there are any more okra to pick and see if the squash has gotten to the picking stage.
Going into the gallery today.  Gonna have my picture taken (I hate it) so the director can write an article about me for a local tourist mag for December.  Another artist is being featured in October.  Have to remember to take in my Christmas earrings.
The figs are figgin'.  I don't have the wherewithal to make anything out of them so I'm giving them away.  'Course there's nothing like eating them fresh.
Took the van back to the dealership yesterday morning.  There was nothing wrong with my headlights.  Sigh....a wasted trip but better safe than sorry.
Y'all have a gorgeous day and ... never understimate the power of a hissie fit.

My mind is a blank this morning.  Or rather too much running around in it to be cohesive.  Ergo, nothing. 
Y'all have a better day and remember:  if you don't speak up, no one can hear you.

Carp

No not the fish.  Another way to say crap.  I did get the van back yesterday morning only to find out yesterday afternoon, thanks to a neighbor, that one of my headlights is out.  Soooo, first thing tomorrow morning I'll be back at the dealer's to have them replace it.  In the meanwhile I'll try not to have to drive in the dark.  Guess I really can't complain.  The van has 190,000 miles on it so having anything last this long is a bonus.
Not sure what's on the agenda today.  May be going to look at some merchandise for daughter to make clothing from and sell and am definitely going to Jo-Ann's.  I need some stuff so I can get more towels embroidered for the wine festival.
While I don't expect to hear anything back, I wrote to both Exxon and Shell to inquire why on earth they put ethanol in their fuel.  Most people I know that have any kind of yard equipment are having to take their equipment to get it repaired constantly because of all the carp the ethanol creates in the engines.  Not only that but it certainly doesn't help mileage.  I don't get the mileage I used to and, no, it isn't because my van is getting on in years.  My van is in great shape mechanically.  I take it to get it serviced on schedule.
Looks like it might rain today....hope so.  Y'all have a wondermous day and remember....life is a four-letter word.

I still don't have my wonderful van back yet.  Sigh.  I'm told it should be ready some time this morning.  God, I hope so.  The car I've been loaned is okay but I'm glad I don't own it.  While driving I'm sitting so low I think my arse is going to drag on the ground.  I can't see the front of the car so when I park I'm just guessing.  The seat is situated such that my arms are straight while driving but my knees almost hit the dash board.  Luckily no one has had to ride in the back seat because their knees would be up under their chins.  I want my van back!!!

This is to my daughter:  I love you.  You are not worthless, you are priceless (both in worth and humor).  My life would be totally empty without you.  I wish you could be living here with me, 'cause your company and, quite often, wisdom and humor would help me through some long days.  I love you.

Y'all have a _______________ day (you fill in the blank).  I'm off.....

Odds and ends

Monday....another day off.  WW meeting today.  Wonder if I've lost any more?  Need to finish a charity quilt today so I can take it to guild tomorrow.  Need to get to JoAnn's to get some more water soluble stabilizer so I can get some more embroidery done for the wine festival.  Just found out an acquaintance has a couple of masses on a lung.....damn.  Made her a pocket prayer shawl.  Will give it to her when I next see her.  Daughter, et al, may be coming up today.  Finally got the grass mowed.  Paid my neighbor to do it.  He did a good job.  Will have J cut the grass in the enclosed garden space then see if we can't get a tarp down to kill off what's there so we can put in a raised bed.  Or some such.  Starting to figure out my new phone but still stumbling with it.  Will ask daughter to show me stuff since she has one similar.  I do much better with someone showing me how rather than trying to follow written directions.  Reckon I'll go ahead and start the day.....y'all have a nice one and remember....we never really grow up, we just learn how to act in public.

Did I tell you I have a new phone?  It's going to take me weeks to figure it out.  It's one of those newfangled ones...a Blackberry.  It's kinda cool even if it is somewhat complicated. 
When I picked up my new phone I ran into a problem with my van.  Just didn't have any get up and go.  Sounded like it wasn't firing on all cylinders.  I made it to the dealership.  The distributor rotor was shot but that wasn't the main problem.  It involves an injector and they are expensive.  Seems one of them didn't want to inject anymore.  I blame it on the ethanol that's being put in gasoline.  It does not, as touted, increase gas mileage or efficiency.  Instead it gunks things up and at  $400+ for an injector I wish they'd quit putting it in the gas.  More than one person has complained about ethanol to me.  Especially those who use landscaping equipment.  I'd go on about it more but it wouldn't do any good.  Maybe if we all wrote letters to the oil companies?  the government?  Nah, they won't listen.  I'm going to check into a product that supposedly keeps the stuff from gunking up engine parts.
I have time on my side today so I'm off to get some things accomplished, including learning more about my phone.  Did I tell you that I can even hook it up to my computer?  What will they think of next.
Y'all have a peaceful kinda day and remember.....it's never right to do wrong.

New phone

I'm going to make this short 'cause I need to get acquainted with my new phone.  The one I bought three weeks ago was defective so I exchanged it and upgraded at the same time.  There's going to be a learning curve here and I want to take enough time to know what I'm doing.  Right now I don't even know how to answer the damn thing.
So y'all have a good weekend and remember.....it's never wrong to do right.

It's Friday

It's Friday.  For most folks it means the last day of work before getting a couple of days off.  It really doesn't mean anything to me since I don't have a regular job (I'm retired, thank you).  I volunteer at the gallery at least 4 days a week, Saturday being one of those days.  I am beginning to think that 4 days is quite enough.
Need to get going a little early this morning.  Have to go to the pharmacy and pick up a 'script.  Since it has to be refrigerated I'll need to stop at home before going on to the gallery.
Going to get another phone this afternoon.  The one I just bought doesn't work properly.  Apparently it's a software problem that can't be fixed.  I'm thinking of upgrading.....maybe.  I mean, a phone is a phone is a phone, right?  Unless, of course, you can access the internet, send emails, play games, play music, etc.......oh, and make phone calls when you aren't doing all that other stuff.
So...y'all have a magic day and know this.....if you met my family you'd understand.

Gonna be another hot dry day I guess.  Not as bad as west of here but bad enough just the same.
Did a lot of sewing yesterday.  Stayed cool in my basement.  Trying to get ready for one of the vineyards' festivals coming on Labor Day weekend.  It's had lots of advertisement so we'll see how many come what with the "economy" and all.  I do believe that if people weren't overly bombarded with doom and gloom news that the whole situation would not be as bad.   What I'm going to be selling will be priced very reasonably and, of course, wine related.
Going to the gallery today.  I'm taking two jewelry related supply catalogs to look through to see if there's anything I might be able to use.  Or just make a wish list.
Saw three mama deer and 6 babies in the front yard munching away.  Tried to quietly go out on the front porch to get a picture but they spooked.  Guess there isn't that much for them to eat in the woods if they are coming out and getting close to the house. 
Need to get a move on.  Y'all have a delicious day and stay cool.

Another hot one

Although the temperatures here aren't nearly as brutal as those in TX, they are still brutal.  Especially with the humidity.  All I have to do is walk outside and I start to sweat buckets.  We've had a bit of rain but that hasn't even put a dent in what we really need so I can imagine what it must be like out west.  Ben in Texas shows the forecast each day and they are working on over 40 days now with temps in the 100's.  Yikes!  And no rain!  The cracks in the ground must be almost as big as the Grand Canyon.  Wonder if a rain dance would do them any good?
This is a day off from the gallery so I'm going to get going and get something done even if it's wrong.
Y'all have the kind of day you want and remember...Politicians are wonderful people as long as they stay away from things they don't understand, such as working for a living...P.J. O'Rourke

Saw something interesting yesterday.   Was down at the pond clearing the muck from around the overflow pipe when I looked out over the pond and saw a string of small bubbles.  The bubbles were moving ever closer to the lily pads, then went under and through until they were at the edge closest to me.  I then saw some lily pads dip.  Then a few more.  Seems the carp are doing their job.  Every time I clear the muck around the pipe there are more lily pads and stems in it.  Cool!!  I'll go down to the pond every day if necessary as long as they keep at it.  By this time next year I just might have a clear pond.

Please explain to me why we keep sending money we don't have to countries that hate us?

Gonna pick figs this afternoon.  Fig jam anyone?

Y'all have a fruitful day and  ...  Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:  If it moves, tax it.  If it keeps moving regulate it.  And if it stops moving, subsidize it.....Ronald Reagan

Going to WW today.  Will see if I've done any good with the little excerising I do and what I ate (trying to stay within the points allotted). 
Son came up to visit yesterday.  He took me out for lunch at one of the local eateries.  It was a very nice visit and I wish there were more of them.  The rest of his family are still in England.  They'll be coming back early next month.  Hoping he'll get another visit in before then.
Two more okra!  There'll be more tomorrow.  They're all going in the freezer.  The figs are about ready to pick.  I'll check them out tomorrow and pick any that are ripe.  There were a few the other day, but not enough to bother with.  When they come in there'll be a LOT. 
Y'all have a decent day and.....the mistake a lot of politicians make is in forgetting they've been appointed and thinking they've been anointed.....Claude D. Pepper

Someone tried to use one of my credit cards night before last.  The credit card company was on it like fleas on a dog.  Not only did I get an email from them I also received a phone call from their fraud department.  I don't make purchases on the net in the middle of the night.  Outcome?  Apparently said purchase was denied and I'll be getting a new card.  Don't know where the person got the account number.  Don't even know what the person was attempting to purchase.  I just know that I'm glad the credit card company is paying attention.  Hope they catch the SOB.
It's pretty cloudy out there right now.  Maybe it'll rain.  We need more that we've received.
Picked two more okra yesterday morning.  There'll be even more in a couple of days.  A couple of squash have appeared.  I know it doesn't sound like much but, considering my gardening luck, it's really something.
'Scuse me while I go shoot at a tree rat, I mean squirrel.
The pepper plant on the back porch looks healthy and the ones on the front porch may survive.  I'm not very good at growing veggies.  Plants that thrive on benign neglect are the ones that do well.
Okay, gonna get a move on and do something, even it it's wrong.  Y'all have a glorious day and remember:  Democracy becomes a government of bullies tempered by editors....Ralph Waldo Emerson

Yay, it rained yesterday evening.  As I was driving home I didn't get rain until I turned off the main road.  Saw a lovely rainbow (the sun was out, too).  Rained all the way home...with the sun shining brightly!  May rain again today.  Wouldn't hurt my feelings at all.
Wishing to all those who need it as well as cooler temperatures.
Y'all have a nice Saturday and.....

Had absolutely no inspiration yesterday at the gallery.  Instead, Patti and I cleaned the front windows, then I sat and knitted for the rest of the day, sorta.  It's difficult to get inspired when nobody comes in, even if it's just to look around. 
Wednesday when we went to the evil empire daughter found fabric with grapes on it.  I bought some so she could make some cool ties* for the wine festival coming up on Labor Day weekend.  I'll have others without the grape theme because not everyone is into grapes.
Will be back at the gallery again today.  Hopefully, since it's Friday, we have people coming in.  At least when they do come in they get to cool off.  Sure glad I don't have to work outside.
Y'all have a comfortable day and remember:  If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies.

*Cool ties are these fabric things filled with beads that soak up water that you wrap around your neck to stay cool.

Family was here yesterday so I didn't get on the 'puter.  Unfortunately it was wayyyyy to hot to do anything outside.  I watered the garden in early morning and still was wet with sweat when I came into the house.  'Course I'd gone down to the pond to clear the pipe, too.  I swear there are animals piling junk on top of the cage around the pipe.  There was mud and sticks all around and on top of it blocking the water.  It may be, too, that the carp are doing their job as there were a lot of water lily tops and stems mixed in with the mud.
Unfortunately family seemed to have colds...except for grandson.  LOL I'm gonna have to get a new supply of tissues.  Hopefully they'll get over it soon, 'specially the little one.  She really did have a snotty nose. 
Gonna get a move on as I'm going to the gallery today.  It was nice to have some time off.  Y'all have a gracious day and remember....there is always something to be thankful for.

Need to bug out of here earlier than usual.  Going to pick up Jaymi and my daughter so we can go down to the place that sells display paraphernalia.  Had a good day yesterday.  For the week, I lost 2.2 pounds.  Whoopee!  Let's see if I can lose more or at least keep the 2.2 off.
Y'all have a dandy day.  I wish rain to those who need it the most as well as cooler temperatures where it's the hottest.

I just entered my first contest here in the blue nowhere.  SciFichick has one going on until the 18th of this month and you can enter at http://baconandeggs-scifichick.blogspot.com .  She has some awesome prizes.
Actually got some things done yesterday.  Did some cleaning downstairs, two loads of laundry, two towels embroidered, grocery shopping done.  Played two games of tennis and bowling on the Wii as well as one session of training.  My Wii age is 29!  How 'bout that?!  'Course that could change any day.  I have found that I bowl better with my left hand than my right.  Tennis could be either.  I lost one game and won the second.  With the training session you go through bowling, tennis and baseball.  I sucked at hitting the ball.  Will need to practice more.  By golly these games get you moving, though.
Saw a doe and two fawns yesterday morning.  The fawns were gamboling about having a great time while mom watched.
Lots to do today.  WW meeting at noon.  Wonder if I've lost a pound or two.  Would be great incentive if I have.
Y'all have a lovely day even if it is Monday and remember:  A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both....D.D. Eisenhower