...ruh roh SOAPBOX TIME AGAIN!!!

OK, since we are in a highly political climate at the moment - with midterm elections only 10 days away - I have been espousing the ruin that "cutting taxes" has and will cause in the future. Now, I don't like paying taxes as much as the next person, but being reasonable and fairly intellligent - one only has to think - while spending billions you also need to have the funds "coming in" in order to make such expenditures. This article caught my attention and I have been saying pretty much the same things to anyone who will listen, yet the DEFICIT never seems to be an election issue. This is a rather lengthy article, but it could not make the situation any clearer.

Politicians at the moment are making a staggeringly large salary for very little work. The last figure was 100 actual days of work in Washington, D.C. I would definitely love to get paid $165,000 a year for a little more than 3 months work. Granted, the politicians say they are back home working for their constituency but pragmatist that I am - nope don't think so!!! I truly believe that our elected officials need to be held accountable for their time and our representation. There are many sound practices available to slow this deficit and bring it under control, if only the people INSIST and SPEAK OUT to your representatives.

You will notice that health benefits are mentioned in this article, and due to the rapid increases in the health care prices, the economy can not keep up with the program. DUH!!!! Does this not infer that we need to prioritize expenditures and controls in that area? I may not have the answer, but I do know that the answers are out there if delegated to the proper experts.

Oh well, just wanted everyone to see this article and stop and think for a moment about what may become a very personal issue for us, the baby boomers!!!

Take care and stay well, gonna watch the Steelers in a little while (oh God, let us win). TTFN>

...am I livid??? You bet your ass!!

OK - now I have to get on my soapbox again. In the news today, Rush Limbaugh was reported to have made derogatory remarks about Michael J. Fox "FAKING" his parkinson's disease in a television ad for a political candidate. Now let us consider that the fat bastard (Limbaugh) managed to squeak out from under "drug" charges because he has friends in high places and money talks. He is not a poster child for virtue by any means. Apparently he is not well versed on the subject of Parkinson's disease either. I have a very good friend, who is in her mid 40's and has been progressively getting worse, suffering from this nasty disease. One needs to understand that this disease is of a neurological nature and manifests itself primarily with "tremors" and uncontrollable spasms. In very late stages, we are talking total incapacitation and loss of verbal skills. This disease progresses differently for each individual.

For this IDIOT and I mean that, to think he has the right to condemn someone so handicapped, bespeaks total stupidity and lack of human compassion. And for what, the voice of the Conservative Right??? When you have noted religious figures (like Pat Robertson) but we won't mention names, making absurd remarks which make the news regularly - one only has to use the brain you have to decide who is right and who is VERY WRONG.

Since the Republican party is in such bad straits at the present, they only have to rely on personal, injurious attacks and scare tactics. By the scare tactics, I am referring to the TV ad to run next week, showing Osama Bin Laden (or OBL as we call him) and his cohort in crime, making statements about the ruin and decimation of the Americans, with all the past war footage in the background. Please remember that some of these statements are from several years ago and are directly aimed at scaring people. Are we so stupid not to realize that there have probably been terrorist cells in the US for decades? This ad is so reminiscent of LBJ's ad - now referred to as the "Daisy" ad, which ran in the mid 60's. Again, as a scare tactic.

Bottom line, this Bush administration has not made us any safer, the moral conduct is reprehensible (I'm sure Democrats are just as guilty), and the waste of taxpayers dollars and lives is inexcusable. DO NOT BELIEVE THAT WE NEED REPUBLICANS TO KEEP US SAFE AND TAXES LOW. Keeping the taxes low, just increases the deficit by billions a day. I would never have overdraft charges at the bank if I just let the government run my checkbook.

OK - jumping off the soapbox, figure the government will be knocking at my door momentarily. Since they can eavesdrop on phones and emails and blogs, mindless of our freedoms. HEHEHEHE.

***theson is still here - Algerian embassy had to close for Ramadan and apparently are not the speediest or efficient of people.

theson will be leaving again - soon!!

Well, theson has been "home" since August 13th, yet it seems like only a short while. he will be leaving (providing all the visa info is received) for Algeria (N. Africa) on Thursday. Supposedly, this job will be for approximately 60 days. One must remember that the job in India was only supposed to last ONE month and the total duration was over 19 months. The amazing thing is that theson would much prefer cool climates and invariably gets sent to "tropical" climates. POOR BABY.

Theson has been a truly helpful soul during his stay at home, managed to get a lot of "Stuff" taken to the dump, cleaned the backyard, taught thegrandson how to ride a bike and just before we had a torrential downpour last week, I suggested we try to clean out the gutters. Every time it rained, the water just poured out of the gutters on the back deck like a waterfall. Thedaughter and I had tried to clean it last fall, to no avail. Well, with a little help from "his buddy" the challenge was a success. Now if I can get the damn pics to upload - brb.

And remembering that theson was out of the country for Thanksgiving and Christmas last year, we promised him a Turkey Dinner. If anyone can recall, the son had pics of the Thanksgiving dinner prepared for him and Emma in India, which really didn't look all that bad, except for the "stuffing soup." You would have to look back on his Nomadic Tendencies site (Nov. or Dec. '05) to relive those wonderful pics. But he captured this pic of his feast at home last week.

But I will definitely be adding more blogs in the future, as theson's stay at home is now at an end. He is leaving Thursday (19th)for Hassi Messaoud, Algeria, North Africa. Again, I will miss him terribly, but we always have our internet connection and video cams and of course THE BLOGS.

Gotta run - have to get him to VOTE (absentee) before leaving the country. Everyone better get out and vote in November or this country is done for. Me and my political stance - change is needed quickly.

For now, everyone stay healthy and TTFN.

...and all those around me are QUITE HAPPY!!!

Just a quickie - to let those who haven't heard from me since Thursday, know the reason why. I HAVE SEVERE LARYNGITIS. Anyone who does know me, that when I go thru a severe cold it always transpires in the same stages. First - the stuffy head and more junk coming out than any human should have to endure. Second - the sore throat and cough. This all started a week ago yesterday (Saturday) and now from all the coughing - LARYNGITIS. I mean the voice is completely gone and all I am left with is a squeak. Now this is NOT FUNNY. Thegrandson, asked me "Nina, how come your cough is louder than your voice?" Quite a question coming from this 6 year old. This is the 3rd day of silence and thedaughter is loving it - although she has to be my translator. I haven't even been able to talk on the phone - DRAT!!!

If someone says something funny, I laugh, go into a coughing spell and I am done. It is a good thing that I have a wonderful sense of humor about the whole thing. Another thing, and this may be way too much information but...DO NOT GET OLD. I have had so many internal organs removed, I have come to the conclusion that everything left is just free floating around inside me and definitely NOT where it is supposed to be. The reason for this announcement is because...sneezing and coughing allow me to PEE myself quite easily. Oho - the DEPENDS generation, I have finally reached it. My kids find this totally hilarious, but I feel that if there is a more powerful being guiding our lives, that they too, will someday suffer from the same malady. So there, my curse on the kids!!

Until I have my voice back (hopefully soon), I will just sign off here and hope the rest of you remain well. TTFN

...local football rivalry???

Ever since we moved to Bellaire, the hard nosed fact was that Martins Ferry was our utmost rival. Well, last week when we played St. Clairsville, a local radio commentator (D. Blomquist will remain anonymous) and a local police officer, made a bet over the outcome of that game. As Bellaire won (barely), Mr. Blomquist therefore, had to come to Bellaire, run thru town painted in Bellaire colors and then be tazered by said police officer. Since I am having trouble loading the pics, go to www.flickr.com/photos/mbonen. For one reason or another, pics just don't want to load at the moment. Drat, curses, rats!!!

Back to the bet though. When Mr. Blomquist came to town, a crowd appeared at Flanagan's and the local PD officer, tazered Mr. Blomquist in the bar (a low dose no doubt.) Then the run began -- Mr. Blomquist trotting behind a Blazer, which was continuing his radio show, live. He made it to the upper part of town, and stopped at a local county official's house, where he was greeted by the official's wife, who slipped a $20 bill in Bloomers shorts, and he trucked back to the Police Department. The Police Officer, after much consultation with his superiors, decided against further tazering, as Mr. Blomquist's heart was racing after the run, and for health reasons (possible death) it was deemed NOT a good idea. It was all in good fun, and the weather was great, and no one got hurt - who can ask for anything more???

Well, that's all I can bear to write right now, as my Pittsburgh Steelers are breaking my heart. Cincinnati is walking all over them. BOOHOO!!! 28-17 with 7:05 to go in the 4th quarter. Damn turnovers.

I have a terrible, terrible cold and am going back to bed AGAIN. I have been in bed, off and on since Friday night. Can't breath, smell or eat. I've been thru a box of Kleenex already - shite!!!

Everyone else, stay healthy, more later. TTFN.

***HAPPY 27TH BIRTHDAY TO THEDAUGHTER*** Sorry I am sick at the moment.

now we have to get back in the BLOG groove...

Well the month that theson was home was slow at first, then it seemed to zip by during the last week. Theson is now in Florence, Italy for a two week training in Oil and Gas I believe. Then he will be off to who knows where. At some point he has to go back to India to get all his belongings left behind. That should be a real treat.

Emma was here for a week, well, not here exactly the entire time, but here about. She and theson spent several days in Columbus, Ohio visiting his buddies and clubbing. I truly enjoyed meeting and getting to know Emma. Such a lovely young lady - and theson seems enamored also. Bottom line: she was a big hit with the entire family.

Fall weather has come upon us with a bang. Quite chilly today - didn't even reach 60 degrees. Actually this is my favorite time of year, cool weather and Steeler football (although we will not discuss the Jacksonville match last Monday night.) C'mon Ben - get healed and back in shape. Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday, they looked good against Cleveland last week.

OK, will be back later, everyone stay healthy. TTFN

...chaos and bedlam of late

It has been quite awhile since I last was here, but I must explain. My best friend has been "in and out" of the hospital three times, my son came home from India, his girlfriend has now come for a visit. Therefore, non-stop craziness. I could not be any happier than to have my son home for this length of time (a month) and will dread the time when he leaves again (Sept. 15th.)

Theson and Emma (thegirlfriend) are a wonderful pair. She is a true delight and beautiful to boot. We all went to dinner at the Roadhouse the other evening, unfortunately, Mom2 and her family could not make it, as she was still in the hospital and her family functions better as a whole than in parts.

The first pic at the top is theson, Emma and Colton at Colton's 6th birthday party on the 4th. (Labor Day baby - literally.) This next pic was taken at the Roadhouse, where we had a wonderful time. Such a "cozy" pair.





All in all, with Mom2 being hospitalized so many times, all the trips to the hospital, theson being home and thegirfriend arriving, I have not had time to even turn around. But it is all definitely worth every minute.

I feel like I take advantage of theson while he is home, but he is such a big help. We managed to get my outside "shed" cleaned out and numerous trips were made to the "dump" with all the stuff I have hidden away there for years. There were several boxes or bags I didn't even look in - as I haven't done it in years and if I haven;t missed something important, I figured "get rid of it!" Theson loves for me to discard everything, he thinks I packrat a little too much sometimes. After our house was destroyed by a fire in 1984, I never saved anything, under the belief that it can all disappear in seconds. That lasted for about ten years and then I started hoarding again it seems. I shall try to do much better in the future.

Theson and Emma are in Columbus, Ohio at the present time enjoying theson's friends and sporting events for the weekend. They should return Monday or Tuesday.

Enough rambling for now, so everyone stay healthy and I will try to get back here more frequently. TTFN.

thegrandsons first day of school....boohoo

It has been more than 22+ years since I sent a little one out on their first day of school - I cried then and I cried again yesterday. Thegrandson has been more than ready for this - I guess I just thought it would happen "later." He was up and out of bed by 7 am (he never gets up before 10 am) and oh so ready to go to school. Bless his little heart. He couldn't wait to get that red apple around his neck so he could be "sorted" out on the school bus and his teacher could get him to the right room when he arrived at the school.

His mom wasn't as bright eyed and bushy tailed, but she escorted him to the bus stop and I managed to get a few pics as they left the house:


Before you know it he will be graduating from high school and off to college (hopefully).

Theson is in New York state visiting with thegirlfriend Emma, and having a wonderful time I imagine. Had to break the news to him that Mom2 was back in the hospital (congest. heart failure) which is not uncommon after recent cath and stent implants. Hopefully they will get her into fighting shape this time.

This is a brief entry this time, have to get ready to head to the hospital again. More later. Stay healthy all!!! TTFN.

***Glad to see Paul is alive and well (I assume). Keep those comments coming good buddy!

sorry it has been a while...

Theson finally came home and I have been completely remiss in contributing to the blog. He was home for 3 days then left for Columbus to be with the BTownBoyz, returning the following Sunday in order to catch the Nascar race with friends here t home at the local watering hole. He then packed a bag and he and the BTBoyz headed to Bristol, Tn for the Nascar race event for the following week. Unfortunately, problems arose at home, and theson, his friend Chad and Chad's dad headed back home on Friday, as my best friend (Chad's mom) had a heart attack yesterday and had to undergo a catheratization with 3 stents implanted. I had no choice but to call them home.

This was one of those situations where there is no second guessing, you jump in the car and head home. My friend (Mom2) is now recuperating well in the cardiac step down unit for which we are very happy. You have to be tickled by her, no matter what, the reality of the situation is always denied by her. She will not outwardly admit that she actually had a "heart attack", it will be -- "when I was in the hospital" type thing. Smack, smack, Their cadre of friends are towing their camper home also, for which they are very grateful.

Mom2 may return home tomorrow, but I am not sure of that yet. The doctor hasn't seen her as of today (cardiologist or personal) and she is not eating nor is she walking around yet. these are two necessary functions for her recovery...we may have a lot of work to do in those areas.

Well, I am gonnna crash for now, I am totally exhausted. Everyone stay healthy and I will be back soon. TTFN.

.. theson is HOME

OK - it has ben awhile since I last blogged, but theson arrived home last Sunday and we have been doing everything. Basically gabbing alot. Since the airports all went into HIGH alert two days before he flew home, I was very worried. I don't know why since from this article , as you can see - someone, somewhere has been a little lax with all the HIGH SECURITY. I love the theory of building a better mousetrap. Speaking of which, leave it to the news media to let all nations and terrorists know what we are doing and WHY. I am a super news junkie, but really now, some things need to be kept out of the media. Enough is enough.

We are cleaning thesons room this morning, actually we started yesterday, and since this is turning into an annual event, it does take some time. You have to understand - my bedroom is on the first floor and the "kids" rooms are upstairs and I NEVER GO UP THERE. Since theson orders off the internet all the time and there are always box after to box to deal with his room becomes quite cluttered. This is such an event we enjoy - RIGHT!! It will cost plenty at the landfill.

Gonna go for now, everyone stay healthy, TTFN.

...theson's on his way

Well, theson has left Rahjahmundry and is headed for Vizag (sp) I believe. His flight out of Delhi is on Sunday (India time) at 12:15AM. That is about 3:15 pm our time Saturday. This gets really confusing. I am so excited, he will have a little over a month here in the states and has so much he wants to do. First he has to get over the jet lag and acclimate a little - then just "jump in!"

Thegrandson is on cloud nine - he loves his Uncle Zac more than anything in the world. He wants to camp out in the woods with his uncle and have him teach him to ride a bike. I am sure there are many other things he "wishes" but he is going to have to learn to share his uncle with everyone.

The weather has abated a little and we are no longer scorching or being beaten by the high humidity. He may appreciate that a little, since it is over 100 degrees daily in India.

His travel home may be a little uncomfortable with all the recent changes in carry-on baggage rules and such. Maybe he can just sleep thru most of the flight and wake up in Chicago. That would cure the boredom problem.

Sunday cannot come soon enough for me and all his friends and buddies. We will all be scampering for his time - but it will all be worth it!!

More later, everyone stay healthy. TTFN.

my baby is coming home....

Theson has made his flight arrangements and will be landing in Pittsburgh next Sunday, Aug. 13th at 10:25am. He has managed to get a month (plus a couple days) off. This is terrific, I last saw him when I took him back to the airport to return to India the end of April.

He will be cramming so much "American" activities into a short time. So many people he wants to see and things he wants to do. There is never enough time. I am so afraid it will go by way to quickly.

This pic was taken more than a year ago, but thought it would look good on here. He is quite a hunk. thegrandson is so excited about his "uncle Zac" coming home and being here for his 6th birthday too!!! Yippee!! He said "he will be here when I start Kindergarten too". There is no doubt how much thegrandson loves his Uncle.

I will take advantage of him a little and soup up this blog. I know the various sites to go to to get things, but am a complete boob at applying them. Well, this is short and sweet, some house cleaning to do and beef stew on the stove - more later. Stay healthy all - TTFN.

***have to read his blog, re: snorting chili powder - sometimes he is such a dork!!

...baby it's hot outside!!!

trying to get pics of thegrandson and friends running thru and playing in the neighbors sprinkler yesterday. Let's see if this works. thegrandson is the one in the red shorts and blonde hair. two more pics of my 15 and 11 yr old grandsons w/ colton at their last baseball game (last weekend.)

The weather has been unbearable, so the kids really had a blast with the sprinklers. Today the temp registered 101 degrees. Supposedly tomorrow will be much like today, utility companies are asking for voluntary conservancy of electric usage. I can understand that! All I want running is the AC and everyone knows how I hate to receive my electric bill. But I just can't suffer the heat anymore. Old age is a wonderful thing!!! IT SUCKS!!!

Theson is trying his hardest to get out of India for a month R & R. he wants to hit the NASCAR race in Bristol with his buddies, and cram a lot of america into his short time in the states. He needs the break.

More later. gonna crash for now. stay healthy all. TTFN.


*** just an observation but I have had over 237 visits from a site in Reston, Virginia. Curious hmmm, where is the CIA headquarters. I might be bugged. hahahahahaha

it's SOAPBOX time....

Anyone who is not politically motivated, may not even care about this blog, but leave it to me to opine a little.

Last week Dubya decided to use his veto power (the first of his tenure) and go against "expanding funding for stem cell research." Now first one has to recognize that Dubya is so anti stem cell research, he said years ago he would never support the cause. Does anyone else recognize the wording of the bill? Keywords "expanding funding" - haha guess what there is already federal monies going to research, which happened under Dubya's watch.

States are so adamant about the research venue they are coming up with additional funds on their level. Privately funded research in this area is also growing. Questions arise about the idiot (oops), he is such a contradiction - since he says "destroying an embryo is murder" (thus the veto), yet he still supports fertility clinics which destroy the excess embryos by the thousands. DUH?!?!?

Week before last, he managed a photo-op with "cute babies" adopted from embryos. Statistics are: 128 out of 400,000 frozen embryos (.032 percent) have ever been adopted. (Newsweek, July 31, 2006, Jonathan Alter). This amazes me. There are thousands of children available for adoption, which most couples prefer, rather than picking out an embryo to culture and adopt as a viable dependent.

The scientific breakthroughs so far, have been incredible. Scientists are actually finding other ways to retrieve and culture stem cells, i.e. simple skin cells. Umbilical cord and placenta blood are prime targets that need to be banked. Ultimately, we (the scientists) need these stem cells to hopefully be able to cure diseases and replace vital bodily services. But apparently, the Dubya groups would rather not be able to save the lives of their constituents, just brainwash them during their brief term on earth.

Religion has to be removed from the scientific field. As long as the conservative's "sanctity of life" platform prevails, there will be NO cures.

Just a bit of humor now, I certainly do not have any memories while I was in the embryonic stage (since I did share that with a twin), and doubt anyone else has memories either. A small piece of protoplasm, smaller than the head of a pin, contains the possible cure for so many dreaded diseases, yet strikes fear in the minds of the Christian right.

OOOH, do ya hate me now. Wish I could get that Bush clock to move a little faster. Ta-da I am done!!

TTFN, everyone stay healthy.

stinking, lousy summer cold....

I still have the damn cold/flu thing going on and really feel like crap. Now I have this icky eye infection thing going on - guess I will have to give in and call the Doc and get a miracle drug of sorts.

We (Mom2, herson and fiance, the daughter and I) went to E.J.'s wedding last Saturday at THE BARN in Moundsville, WV. And take my word for it it was A BARN. Bright, shiny red paint on the outside and a rustic ambience inside. The ceremony took place on an outside patio (quite windy) and the reception was held inside. After the intense heat we have been having - they lucked out and after a few rain drops in the morning - it remained sunny and cool the rest of the day. I actually was cold.

E.J. went all through school with mydaughter and spent a good deal of time at our house during her grade school years. Once in high school, she and theson became great friends. She also dated Mom2's son for over a year. Now she is married to a 14 year Air Force veteran and living in Colorado Springs. Good luck E.J. (They are honeymooning in Jamaica at this very moment.)

For mor pics of the wedding go to www.flickr.com/photos/mbonen.
I even took a good pic for a change.

thegrandson has totally amazed me lately. Yesterday morning, when he got up the first thing he told me was, and I quote, "nina, did you know gravity keeps us on the ground, and there is no gravity in space!" omg, you could have knocked me over. And yesterday afternoon, he started tellingme all about "hall monitors" in the schools and what they do. He doesn't even start school till the end of August. DUH!?!?! And before going to bed, he gave me an in-depth detailed description of "cloning!"
I think I better sign him up for Harvard now!! Or a more scientific college like Stanford. He never ceases to amaze me. Took him to his cousins baseball games Sunday, and he had a blast with his 15 year old, 6' 2" cousin. Stephen just picks him up and hauls him all over the place and teeny tiny Colton tries to keep up with him - it is funny.

Just IM'd with theson in India. Damn, infernal place. He was supposed to be there for one month and it is now going on 19 months. His girlfriend was there for a year and she just left this past Monday (for good!) Keep up the good spirits, you two will get together soon.

OK - will put more on here later, nap time again!! TTFN. I promise to blog more often.

pity, pity, pity me!! ....

I HATE SUMMER COLDS!! Damnit. I've got it all. Took thedaughter to Ohio State University Hospital for her monthly checkup (following bone removal), and before we left, I knew I was getting the sniffles. Well, by the time we got home (5:30 pm), I got my clothes changed and thought I would prefer death. No head should hold this much stuff, sore throat, and puking my guts out. YUCK!! And to kick it all off, the weather is staggeringly HOT and HUMID. Just throw the dirt on my face now!!

Mom2 went with thedaughter, thegrandson and myself to Columbus. Trips are always fast when she is with me, because we NEVER SHUT UP. We can talk about anything and (god forbid) anyone! We stopped at The Andersons, a general store off Brice Road on the way home. We were told it was an awesome place. More of a step-down Super WalMart. I didn't see any super bargains. Got myself and thegrandson doo rags, so now we are COOL. Got him a basketball game and a kids chair in a bag. Sorry Slyght, I can't resist getting stuff for him.

I set up another blog site to share all the juicy details about "my lovelife" with theson. It won't be published here, as yet, because of privacy issues. HAHAHAHA. theson is aware of his status and wealth, and we decided to keep this in the family for now. hey son, promised you a wonderful daddy - you may just get one!!! BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!!

theson has been having troubles with his blog lately, some indian jerk may have banned certain areas of his blogsite. could be just a glitch also, once he navigates thru another system, he then can see his and other blogs, so keep commenting on his site, he will get them. Hopefully, he will be leaving India in the very near future. Talking about heading to Kazhakstan - ouch!! I wasn't all that thrilled when he was in Turkmenistan. Oh hell, moms always worry.

Did y'all hear Dubya use the word "shite" on TV? He is human after all. A jerk maybe, but human. He is probably staying up nights figuring how to get our troops into Israel now!! I don't think he is happy unless we are involved in other countries problems - literally! Idiot!!

Gonna go flush my head out now!! Everyone stay healthy and TTFN!

see if this works...

As I said, Brownie scampered off the keyboard and back to his palatial digs. Let's see if this works this time.

Now, as for theson, stuck in a hellhole in India, I worry about the train explosions and monsoons in his part of the world. It is just a mother's job to worry. I can't wait till he gets to a civilized part of the world. Being exposed to the lesser work motivated people he has in the past 18 months, I don't want any of that to rub off on him. He is far too intelligent for that. Have to check out his blog (on right) Nomadic Tendencies and Emmas (also on right) Saddle Tramp - to see the latest swimsuit fashion in India. It is SO NOT Emma. Amazing what a pair of scissors can do.

OK - gonna try to go back for a nap - take care and stay healthy all. Later.

yes...i do need a life!

Good morning all! Such a shite morning, cloudy, mother nature trying to decide whether to start torrential downpours or just sputter all day. Now, mind you, Jamboree In The Hills starts today at 3:50 PM, and this is the 30th anniversary of this "get down and dirty" weekend country music weekend. I did 26 years of attendance, and now it is up to the younger crowd to carry on. JITH has always been the third weekend of July, as they did extensive weather studies upon its inception and found that throughout history, the 3rd weekend of July has proved to be the best weekend of the summer. By that I mean, very little rain and sunny conditions. I guess, for the most part they have been accurate 75% of the time. I think it was the summer of '94 when it was Jamboree In The Mud. OMG what a mess, I had to pay some guy with a tractor $50 to pull my car out of the mud. This guy probably retired on the windfall he had that year from just towing cars with his John Deere. Total attendance for the weekend has been estimated as high as 200,000 people. No accurate figures have ever been released.

thedaughter went to the shed last night to get one of our "chairs in a bag" and ran back in the house because she encountered a spider the size of Texas. I hate that shed and want it totally torn down. It sits close to the creek running behind out house and is constantly damp and yucky. I have so much junk in it, would rather see it implode at this point.

Anyway, thedaughter is going to JITH for 4 days (comes home at night), is broke, but still going. I bought her the 4 day pass for Christmas, but told her then she would have to provide her own, beer, food, parking and incidentals. This weekend can be quite costly as everyone knows. She is doing it on a shoestring.

Enough of that garbage. I have been up since 4 am (this not sleeping thing is getting to be a PITA) and been on the computer (of course) since that time. BORING!!!

So here is the product of my boredom. BROWNIE THE HAMSTER.

I decided to bring thegrandsons pet hamster, Brownie, out to play with me. After a quick run across the keyboard, he just wanted to run around and sniff. How a nose can twitch that fast, amazes me. He couldn't wait to scurry off the computer. Oh hell, all of a sudden I can't put anymore pics in this blog. going to publish this one and then add last two pics in another entry. So ttfn, stay healthy all.

told ya so...

I am totally amazed... pictures of the robins on last blog were taken on Thursday and today is Saturday and look at them now.
I wasn't satisfied with this picture, so I came in the house and got a stool to stand on, and as I was getting ready to step onto the stool - ALL 5 BABY ROBINS FLEW OUT OF THE NEST. Scared the shite out of me. So I guess there really are NO flying lessons, they just automatically know what to do with their feathery arms. Now we will wait and see if they fly back home to the nest. I think I really pissed them off anyway. This is just a quick update on the birds... More later. Stay healthy all. TTFN

about ready to fly - i hope...

OK, momma robin has this second "brood" now living in a spoon basket on my back porch. There are five babies crammed into this teeny tiny nest. The one in the back has its mouth open waiting for a worm to be dropped down its gullet. It is not a pretty scene when all five decide they want the worm at the same time. But apparently mom and dad robin have it down to a science as to each finding and delivering the meals. In the early morning, both robins are in the side yard listening and then attacking their prey (poor worms never knew what hit them).

The first brood was nested in early May and there were 4 eggs then. Mama robin went overboard this time and had 5. It is so amazing, because one day (probably in the next week) the nest will be EMPTY. You don't get to see any early flying lessons at all - boom, they are gone.

My plan is to strip this basket when they are gone, put new "artificial" flowers in and then rehang. At the present time there are four nests, one on top of the other. Although, this same nest was used for the last two broods. I have been amazed how the robins apparently mate for life, and take the responsibilities equally. All marriages should be so good.

Not much going on here, the valley is gearing up for Jamboree In The Hills which begins next Thursday evening. the campgrounds open this weekend I believe. After 20+ years of attending, I now watch most of it on TV. I did my duty for a good many years, trudging thru mud and all. Now, it is up to the younger crowd to carry on.

Took my dog Angel, to Mom2's house this evening to let her and Heidi get acquainted. Heidi is an Alaskan huskie (I think), and very territorial. Angel is "just happy to be here." Had to take her up on a leash, she originally turned around and went back home on the first attempt. When I left I figured she would run back home, but oh no, straight across the street and onto the neighbors porch for a visit, and then crawl up the backs of the people walking down the street, before finally back into the house. I probably should try some sort of obedience training, but that would take all the fun out of it.

That's good enough for some lighthearted blogging this evening. Everyone take care and stay healthy... has anyone heard from Paul - he is playing absent blogger again!!! TTFN