kt2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
#42-SUNDAY'S SONG
I have decided that my Sunday blogs should address what Sunday is all about. Each Sunday I will post a song that illustrates what "I believe".
kt2010
kt2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
#41-BETER THAN A FULL MOON
First I need to paint you a picture of a big, plump, split top roll (see visual aide). You know the kind that is over flowing the edge of its baking cup. Only, picture it really white, like just before it browns.
Now, you need to picture a middle aged, plump lady PACKED into a spandex swimsuit. Picture her sitting on the end of a old wooden pier with skis on her feet and a towrope in her hands.
Well, I was that lady. Also, I was sucking it in for all it was worth because about 25 members of the group were watching me. All of them were sure they were going to see a spectacular wipe out (since I hadn't skied in years, and they all knew me to NEVER DISAPPOINT THEIR EXPECTATIONS).
Just as I was yanked off the pier, the rear of my suit snagged on a nail head. Quicker than the blink of an eye, a hole (the size of a grapefruit) was pulled from my suit. This hole was right in the middle of the body area which is frequently referred to as "the MOON."
Now, go back to what I first asked you to visualize. My suit was so tight that only a small portion of that "moon" POPPED out. I knew immediately that I was exposed and quickly let go of the towline.
I slowly turned in the water to find people sprawled all over the pier, hanging on to each other and laughing until they cried. They begged me to come out of the water so they could see "IT" again! For a while they even refused to give me a towel (great friends, huh?)
All that evening (and most of the next day) they described the scene over and over to each other (that's why I know exactly what "IT" looked like).
For some reason I acquired the nick name “MOON MAMA!” I guess it could have been worse. 100% true kt 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
#39-"RE"POSSESSED
YoVille to get stuff you could do every 3-6 hours.
The first week I though it was a simulated game even though the avatars were talking to each other. Then one day I asked one of the avatars if they were real. This caused the avatar to crack up, literally (how they did that I don't know, but it actually broke into pieces).
Then, realizing, these were real people like me, I (or rather my avatar) started talking to them, playing games with them, and putting them on my YoVille list of "buddies". I even pleaded with relatives to join so I could get more coins (I'm sure you know the drill). Finally, I resorted to deception so I could get more STUFF. I talked my son into giving me his FB password, set him up in a cabin, and sent myself presents. I finally quit interacting with the avatars when one followed me to my apartment and propositioned me (well, kind of). He asked me if I wanted to "lay down" with him. Having just learned how to CRACK UP I did that, and immediately deleted him. Now I only go on to get the daily coins in case I actually decide to go back (to my 5 room, 2 bath apartment AND my 5 room cabin.....fully decorated).
At one point I was trying to maintain them all. I was the friggin energizer bunny of FaceBook!
WHERE WAS I? Oh, yeah, blogging. Thanks to my wonderful daughter, and my friend George (thanks Cathy for suggesting George), my attentions have been turned to a more productive activity. Now I am "repossessed" (so to speak) and enjoying it a heck of a lot more.
kt2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
#38- "WHAT A MAROON" (MORON)!
Wrong hand but I wanted to
give you a hint.
 |
In order to understand the title you MUST view this clip. |
What’s wrong with a world in which even staple guns are can’t be standardized? Isn’t it bad enough that every cell phone requires a different charger, that different computer stuff is made to be incompatible….I had better stop here because this list can go on for days! So, back to the staple gun….
In the early 2000s I was finishing up a clubhouse I built for my grandson. It was a large 8 x 8 construction (mostly because I could only find plans for a storage shed) and I was feverously (actually I was freezing because it was November) working to finish the inside, and it was my FIRST construction job, ever!
Since I wanted him to be able to heat the place with a small space heater and I was installing insulation in the walls. I had left my staple gun at home and so I borrowed my son’s.
Loaded and ready to go I put up a roll, held it at the top [high over my head], and placed the staple gun onto the paper. (So far, so good) I pulled the trigger and nothing happened. Well, I mean there wasn’t a staple where I expected one to be.
Now, had I been paying attention I would have noticed a slight pinging sound on the opposite side of the room. But, I didn’t hear the sound. I checked the chamber where the staples belonged and, yep, it was full.
I decided that the problem was that I was trying to pop a staple with the gun above my head. Therefore, I retrieved a ladder and tried the maneuver again. Only, this time, to be sure, I placed the palm of my left hand on the back of the gun to hold it firmly in place. I pulled the trigger and, this time, SOMETHING HAPPENED!
To my surprise, I realized that I had just stapled my glove to the palm of my left hand (not a good thing). For a second I just stood there, frozen, on the ladder, looking at the staple embedded in my glove. I fleetingly thought to my self, “Oh, Mannnnnn! This is going to hurt,” and then it did!
I don’t know why I was so surprised. This wasn’t the first DUMB THING I did on this project [or in my life = see #22, oh heck see most of my blogs]. So, I gingerly pulled the staple from my glove, pulled my glove from my hand, and looked at my handiwork.
After a short first aid break (yes, because of my propensity for small accidents, I am always prepared) I went back to finish the job.
There will probably be another blog highlighting other incidents with this particular project, as there were several. As Bugs Bunny used to say, “WHAT A MAROON!”
kt 11/7/10
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
#37-SERIOUSLY SPEAKING: THE DYLAN REID FUNERAL
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| Waiting for the family to emerge from the service. |
OCTOBER 30, 2010: I would like to tell you about the amazing show of love and patriotism, I have ever witnessed. Sure there have been large rallies in big cities but little 'ole' Lamar, Missouri only has a population of 4,500 or so. And, today, in this little sleepy town (the birthplace of Harry S. Truman) about 5,000 people came to show their respect for Private First Class Dylan Reid and his family. Both sides of the highway were lined for two blocks (4-8 deep) most carrying a United States flag.
Dylan was a 24 year old soldier who died in Iraq. Unfortunately some “crack pots” intended to demonstrate against the war at his funeral. I guess they thought this was going to be a piece of cake because only around 7 showed up. They were more than overshadowed by the gigantic crowd.
The Patriot Guard was here and numbered about 200. Each one had a large United States flag. They disbursed themselves strategically around the funeral home and highway. When the protestors showed up, the riders took positions in front of them and covered their signs with FLAGS (their wall of protection). Mannnnn, I was so proud. The “crack pots” only stayed for about a half an hour and then left. I guess they underestimated this little ole town.
After the demonstrators left the supporting crowd (which was still growing in number) gathered around the funeral home and walled it in. When the family and casket came out the silence was overwhelming. The feelings of love and respect were emanating from every direction.
It was exceptionally moving to see Dylan’s wife come out carrying their 1-month-old child. Of course the flag was draped over the casket. Flags were presented to 3 different individuals in the family grouping. The gun salute was chilling and the whole ceremony outside on the front lawn of the funeral home was an emotional experience. In the quiet of the sunny afternoon you could hear people sniffling and see tears if not flowing then glistening in almost every eye.
kt 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
#36-HELLO SLOVENIA
I had a neat little map up here showing where Slovenia is. However, my blog doctor (my daughter)
told me it had all kinds of hidden stuff (she used the correct terms but it is beyond me) that was messing (another technical term) with my blog. Therefore, I had to delete the map.
Hello, I noticed that there are 3 people Slovenia regularly reading my blog. First of all, THANK YOU! Are you reading it in English or using a translator? Please tell me in the comment section.
Also, I would be honored if any of you would become a follower.
I am ashamed to admit I had no idea where slovenia was until I looked it up on the web. I learned most of my geography when I was in grade school SEVERAL YEARS AGO! So, many borders and names have changed since then. PLEASE keep reading and I am interested in finding out how you found me. I would also like to know what part of Slovenia you live in.
zdravo , jaz oglas to so 3 narod s Slovenija redno čitanje svoj blog. prevsem , the same! ste vi čitanje to v angleščini ali using a prevajalec? prosim v razložiti section.Also, jaz domišljavec čast če sploh kateri od vi hoteti postati a pripadnik. jaz sem osramočen priznati sem imel ne umislek kraj Slovenija was do sem pogledal to više ujeti. sem se učil posebno svoj zemljepisje čas sem bil v osnovna šola mnog leto pred! tako mnogi , robnik ter soimenjak življati sprememba odkar torej. prosim vztrajati čitanje ter se zanimam ugotovitev jasno kako si našel mi. jaz hoteti tudi všeč biti znati kakšen del od Slovenija vi stanovati.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
#35-Easy As Pie, Or So I Thought!
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| ACTUAL PHOTO OF THE MESS |
I am standing at my stove eating lumpy pie filling (with my left hand) from batch #2 and stirring the potentially lumpy filling of batch# 3 with my right. There are crumbs on the floor beneath my feet from pie crust #1 and I am starring off into space trying to figure out where it...........
A L L W E N T W R O N G !
My mother was a wonderful cook, and both my grandmothers were GREAT cooks. I even had aunts on both sides of my family who were excellent cooks, and my daughter is a terrific cook. But, not me!
My children were raised on Hamburger Helper (well, actually burned Hamburger Helper) and takeout. I only knew how to cook meatloaf, spaghetti, baked pork chops, make tuna sandwiches and warm canned chili (all with a slight, if not overwhelming, burned flavor, even the tuna????). When I decided to bake a pie I shopped for all the ingredients ahead of time so things would go smoothly (or so I thought) and then tonight I notified friends and family on FaceBook:
PRAY FOR ME! I am really going to need it because
I'm baking a chocolate meringue pie for the harvest
dinner at our church tomorrow!
With dinner over, dishes washed and counter cleaned I declared aloud, "Ok, 'ole' girl, time to bake a pie (or so I thought). My first mistake soon surfaced.
I went to get the milk and eggs from the refrigerator (or so I thought). Somehow, I had failed to get eggs and milk. How on earth can a person think (key word) they are going to bake a pie without eggs and milk (they were on my list)? I had also gotten the wrong stuff to make the filling (not exactly batting a thousand here). So, off to the store.
(Mistake #2 coming up) I was on my way home from the store (or so I thought) when I realized that I didn't have the eggs. "Not my fault," says I. "It was that danged lady that wanted to talk to me." She stopped me at the milk section (just before the eggs) and when we finished I picked up the milk (my brain said. "Well done") and off I went (only to have to make a hasty return).
Finally, arriving home I found that at least the oven was ready and the pie crusts were at room temperature (notice I said crusts...mistake #3 coming up, but at least I was prepared for it). I molded the crust into the aluminum pie tin and placed it in the oven, set the timer for 10 minutes and proceeded to start the filling (and that, my friends, would be mistake #4).
As I was stirring the filling the timer went off. I reached into the oven and removed the pie tin. I was looking at a perfectly beautiful, golden brown pie crust and mentally starting to celebrate my success (or so I thought). Unfortunately, I slightly tipped the pie tin and the beautiful, golden brown, pie shell slipped of the back side, crashed, and burned (literally). That is not all that ended up burning. While I tried to quickly clean up the debris from the oven I noticed an odor that I KNOW WELL! The filling was burning, "Woops there goes another rubber tree plant" pan.
Pie shell #2 turned out fine but filling #2 didn't. It had so many lumps in it looked like a bag full of Aggies at a marbles tournament. On to batch #3 which I just completed and it only had lumps the size of BBs (who will notice). I am waiting for it to cool while I type this up.
Now, all I have to do the meringue. Oh, bother! Will this blog end here or will the Pie end here?
I placed this comment on FB later that evening: "Well, I guess someone didn't pray hard enough because this pie project just reached BLOG status. To find out what happened you will have to go to my blog to find out."
12:45 AM: WELL, the meringue looks like whipped cottage cheese and it is crunchy! Oh, Mannnnn, I guess I leave it at home. A long time ago I told my church family that I no longer cook (or bake for that matter) for people I love.
kt11/7/2010
PS: 3/31/11 This is really weird! When typing on the 'new post' page all of the print is squished together, the lines are way too close together. When I highlight the print blue lines appear. No amount of editing produced the desired result. I played around with this for about 15 minutes and then went to preview. Everything looks fine? C.R.A.P. (Computer Related Attacks by Poultergeists) are beginning to get on my nerves.
And, since the pie it was sugar free I ended up giving it to Dad. Besides, Dad will eat ANYTHING (if you don't believe me then see post #158).
kt 3/31/11
And, since the pie it was sugar free I ended up giving it to Dad. Besides, Dad will eat ANYTHING (if you don't believe me then see post #158).
kt 3/31/11
Saturday, November 6, 2010
#34 -GRINNING FROM EAR TO EAR
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| Wow, I'm really jazzed! |
Yesterday morning, when I started my daily blog workout, I had a great surprise. Wow! I'm really jazzed! I haven't felt this excited since my first day of teaching school. Someone who is not a relative or friend has actually signed on as a follower!
It took me two days of paging through blogs to find someone who has one of the things I prize most in people, A SENSE OF HUMOR. So I decided to follow her. Not only does this person have a sense of humor but, she sees humor in every day situations.
Her blog title says it all: "Grin and Baer It - Life isn't any fun unless you see the humor in it." Her name is Nicki and I recommend her spot to anyone who wants to laugh. I for one have vowed to start off each day by reading her blog. If she hasn't posted then I will go back and check out previous blogs. So far I have have been gifted with several "lol" moments plus some wonderful feedback (and a new idea).
I don't know how to do links yet but here is her address: grinandbaerit.blogspot.com
Check her out. You won't be disappointed!
(Just clicked on link and tried to do it, don't know if it worked but will see.)
WHAT? THE DARNED LINK POSTED RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF MY FIRST SENTENCE?
So, I am back here editing by copying and pasting......Mannnn, why does technology have to be so confusing! here is the link->
grinandbaerit.blogspot.com
THANKS, NICKI!
kt2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
#33- "WILD HAIRS' [politics]
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| So, which way is my WIND blowing today? |
The other day I posted the following [in pieces] on my FB. I posted it there because I am a BIG CHICKEN and only my family and friends are on my FB. I guess I question the fact of anyone being interested enough to read any of my opinions. So, just in case I am right I will title these as “WILD HAIRS” [with subject and "the bird"] each time I am inclined to vent. That way you can choose to read it or not. If this bombs, then it is George’s fault [honestly thanks for the encouragement, George].
Well, if you know me, you must realize that I voted a straight Democratic ticket and I am in FULL support of Obama's efforts. No, he IS NOT Muslim [AND I AM TIRED OF RUMOR MILLS MUDDYING THE WATERS, and the Americans who believe it]. Yes, he is tackling issues that are unpopular, but they are issues the American people, themselves, brought up. We were warned that the last administration left us in a precarious position and it was going to be a hard struggle to get out of it.
Unfortunately, we fickle humans want immediate gratification and blame Obama for the pickle we are in. NO, THIS HAS BEEN LOOMING ON THE HORIZON FOR YEARS, and WE THE PEOPLE expect him to work a MIRACLE! Are we stupid or what?
You want to know who I blame? Well, I’m going to tell you anyway. I blame the American people and their complacency, [self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies], their desire to have two chickens in every pot and 2-4 SUVs in ever garage. I blame the American businessmen who want it all and don’t care who they cheat to get it.
I believe that individuals like those who orchestrated the Enron scandal, the Madoffs and their kind, and the unscrupulous bankers who seriously injured our economy should be treated like terrorists. They should be charged with treason. After all they did seriously, deliberately, and in secret wound our economy.
We, the American voters need to insist on an amendment that terminates the rights of enemies of the state [of course with strong guidelines]. Woops, do I want our government to have that much power? Mannnnnn this is so complicated!]
And, while I am on my soapbox. WHY are people allowed to hold protests at funerals [i.e.: service men who have died]? I know, I know! those amendments that protect us all [miscreants included]. Well, seems to me, there has to be a way to at least stop THIS madness! Write your congressman! (SURE, that’ll work!].
kt2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
#32-THE 9TH STREET FIRE FIEND
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| Well, it wasn't quite this bad! |
Let me back up and explain a few things. I live in a small, rural town, and in the fall we rake our leaves into piles (or into the gutter, as I did today) and burn them. Plus, my back yard is almost the size of a football field. Add to that the fact that the property boundaries on three sides are filled with stately elms and oaks. Of course, being a small town, less stately weed and grass also fills up the property line.
This incident happened, oh, let's say the fall of 06: I raked the leaves from the “STATELY" litter droppers into one gigantic pile. The diameter of which was about 10 feet. I was so clever! I raked leaves onto a tarp until it was overflowing, then drug the tarp to the burn spot in the middle of this field. I did this several times. When finished I covered this potential fire storm (key words) with the tarps to keep the offending leaves from blowing back to their assigned spot or from getting caught in a rain (which would render them to mush).
One cold, overcast, day I stuck my finger in my mouth, pulled it out, held it up in the air and deemed it a good day to burn. I readied my water hose (which I later found did not reach that far), my rake, and a broom. I removed the tarps and deftly triggered my fire starter “thingy” and ignited the southern edge of the leaf pile. Thinking I should start a backfire type burn, I went to the northern end and did the same thing. However, by that time I had a humongous conflagration and realized I had made a mistake (Duh…it’s me I am talking about).
Even though it seemed a good idea, at the time, to have one large fire to monitor; I failed to realize that several smaller fires, set one at a time, would have been better. To my alarm the circumference of the fire seemed to grow quickly. No, not seemed….DID! The thatch under the grass was burning and the fire was rapidly heading for the north, east, and west property lines and those “STATELY” trees (not to mention my neighbor’s back yards and their “STUFF.” Oh, and my house to the south).
I ran around like a mental patient (which I was quickly becoming) trying to beat out the spreading fire. It didn’t take me long to realize that I wasn’t going to be able to contain it. I ran to my neighbor’s house to the east (the one least likely to think me an idiot….and call me one to boot). Being a veteran of grass fires, she ran out with a broom and grabbed an old throw rug off the fence as we sprinted to my back yard. Between the two of us we circled the perimeter of the fire and BEAT back the flames. Before long there was no new thatch to feed the fire and it stopped. In the time it took us to contain the spread, the leaves had been consumed.
Both of us had a politically incorrect appearance because we looked like the white performers who used 'face black' to do their stick. The neighbor’s husband and son came home and had a great deal of comments to make, to each other, to me, and to his wife (she was quite nice about it saying,"It could happen to anyone, sweetie"). The neighbors to the west got their two cents in too. In fact I had several, so called, friends who enjoyed making sport of the 9th street "fire fiend" (Mannnn, am I racking up nick names or what? Fire Fiend, Betty Boop, and Moon Mama ....).
The reminder of this fiasco was evident for quite a while. One had to only to look at the blackened back yard to know just what had happened. And, thank God, this was before I had my cat, so she wasn’t endangered, this time.
kt 11/4/2010
#32 - The 9th Street Fire Fiend)
I burned leaves yesterday and I am proud to say, “NOTHING HAPPENED!” Phew! No drama! (Wait a minute, RATS! That means nothing for my blog! Bummer!) My projects usually produce some kind of fiasco. Then I remembered I definitely cannot say that about what happened a couple of years ago when a fire got away from me.
Let me back up and explain a few things. I live in a small town, and in the fall we rake our leaves into piles or into the gutter (as I did today) and burn them. Plus, my back yard is almost the size of a football field. Add to that the fact that the property boundaries on three sides are filled with stately elms and oaks. Of course, being a small town, less stately weed and grass also fills up the property line.
This incident happened, oh, let's say the fall of 06: I raked the leaves from the “STATELY” litter droppers into one gigantic pile. The diameter of which was about 10 feet. I was so clever! I raked leaves onto a tarp until it was overflowing, then drug the tarp to the burn spot in the middle of this field. I did this several times. When finished I covered this potential fire storm (key words) with the tarps to keep the offending leaves from blowing back to their assigned spot or from getting caught in a rain (which would render them to mush).
One cold, overcast, day I stuck my finger in my mouth, held it up in the air and deemed it a good day to burn. I readied my water hose (which I later found did not reach that far), my rake, and a broom. I removed the tarps and deftly triggered my fire starter “thingy” and ignited the southern edge of the leaf pile. Thinking I should start a backfire type burn, I went to the northern end and did the same thing. However, by that time I had a humongous conflagration and realized I had made a mistake (Duh! It;s me I'm talking about).
Even though it seemed a good idea, at the time, to have one large fire to monitor; I failed to realize that several smaller fires, set one at a time, would have been better. To my alarm the circumference of the fire seemed to grow quickly. No, not seemed….DID! The thatch under the grass was burning and the fire was rapidly heading for the north, east, and west property lines and those “STATELY” trees (not to mention my neighbor’s back yards and their “STUFF” Oh, and my house to the south).
I ran around like a mental patient (which I was quickly becoming) trying to beat out the spreading fire. It didn’t take me long to realize that I wasn’t going to be able to contain it. I ran to my neighbor’s house to the east (the one least likely to think me an idiot….and call me one to boot). Being a veteran of grass fires, she ran out with a broom and grabbed an old throw rug off the fence as we sprinted to my back yard. Between the two of us we circled the perimeter of the fire and BEAT back the flames. Before long there was no new thatch to feed the fire and it stopped. In the time it took us to contain the spread, the leaves had been consumed.
Both of us had a politically incorrect appearance because we looked like the white performers who used face black to do their stick. The neighbor’s husband and son came home and had a great deal of comments to make, to each other, to me, and to his wife (she was quite nice about it saying,"It could happen to anyone"). The neighbors to the west got their two cents in too. In fact I had several, so called, friends who enjoyed making sport of the 9th street "fire fiend" (Mannnn, am I racking up nick names or what? Fire Fiend, Betty Boop, , and Moon Mama ....oh, forgot, I haven't posted that one yet).
The reminder of this fiasco was evident for quite a while. One had to only to look at the blackened back yard to know just what had happened. And, thank God, this was before I had my cat, so she wasn’t endangered, this time.
kt2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
#31 - LEAPING INTO THE BREACH
Two people I don't know actually commented on my last blog (Hi, Nicki and Apple). Also, it looks like one of my readers from Russia is back,( Привет). I hope that is Hi in Russian and not eat worms or something like that.
This has caused me to reevaluate my schedule of weekly posts. Since I have 10 ready and waiting on deck at blogspot, 9 in final draft stage, 5 in first draft stage and 50 on my idea list, maybe I can be less cautious and start posting more often (like the blog articles suggest).
Actually, I am SCARED that I will run out of things to write about. What am I thinking....this is me....I have an ice cream dish, a coffey cup, and a statue that were given to me by different friends; and they all have some version of "Drama Queen" written on them. I am known for my pension to being accident prone. I often jump into things before I think (OK, Patty [my daughter] the word should be usually not often). In fact I was just writing up something about today which has to do with my close relation ship (?) with fire.and I saw the 2 NEW comments!
One of the problems is that I can't spell worth a darn. If the spell checker were human and had hands to throw up into the air.....well, you get the jist. Also, I am not a conventional writer. I tend to ramble on (Yes, Patty, I hear you) and incorporate too many ideas.
But, I have decided to "Leap into the breach," (what ever that is) and throw caution to the wind (and that is two too many sayings) so I need to get on with it. Tomorrow I will post what I was going to post today when I got excited about the 2 new comments (Yes, Patty I saw yours; and thanks for the encouragement).
Oh, I almost forgot, for "my relationship with fire" check out blogs #20, 29, and # 32.
kt 2010
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