An amazing thing happened the other evening. My truck was returned to the stable without warning--but clean, gassed and ready to go.
Patrick and Tina have finally overcome the loss of two vehicles by replacing them.
Thanksgiving began the vehicular crisis with an accident which ultimately destroyed Tina's beloved Scion. The saga of the Scion is still not fully over because the insurance company is being very slow and difficult over assigning a value. I am very distressed over their slowness and poor response because they are dealing with my insurance company. But she now has a great Mazda which is going to see her through many miles of driving pleasure.
The vehicular crisis continued with Patrick's Honda's engine deciding to cease functioning which resulted in him getting a newer Honda. That happened rather rapidly, but surprisingly, he only got his license plates this week.
So this chapter is almost over and my beloved truck is back.
Patrick and Tina stopped by to show us the new Mazda, return the truck, and celebrate nearing the end of this two-month chapter in their lives.
Time to move on--and learn.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Cats--Getting what they want
The cat!
Ugh!
Yesterday morning the cat, Louis, was hungry. Never mind that it was 4 AM--or Oh-Four-hundred when normal people and animals are asleep.
So what happened?
He began to meow. No problem, ignore the cat.
Then he went into the bathroom off the bedroom and began banging the door on the vanity. No problem, ignore the cat.
Then he came into the bedroom and began to meow. No problem ignore the cat.
Then he jumped up onto the nightstand and began pushing stuff onto the floor. No problem, ignore the cat.
Then he woke up the Makayla who began moving around on the bed. No problem ignore the cat AND the dog.
Back into the bathroom to crash the doors again. No problem ignore the cat.
Then the dog stuck her cold nose into my face to announce to me that she needed to got out because she is awake and needs to relieve herself. Consider for a moment the consequences of ignoring the dog and then get out of bed and put on some warm clothes since we keep the house at about 64 degrees at night.
Put Makayla out, bring Makayla in. Give dog a treat for doing her business outside.
Feed cat. Consider the consequences of throwing cat out into the snow storm and forgetting about it. Let cat eat and stay inside.
Put second dog, Zachary, out, bring second dog in.
Stumble to the computer to check for school closing. Call work to check for a snow opening delay. Determine there is a delay and go back to bed.
Go to sleep and dream about not having a cat.
Ugh!
Yesterday morning the cat, Louis, was hungry. Never mind that it was 4 AM--or Oh-Four-hundred when normal people and animals are asleep.
So what happened?
He began to meow. No problem, ignore the cat.
Then he went into the bathroom off the bedroom and began banging the door on the vanity. No problem, ignore the cat.
Then he came into the bedroom and began to meow. No problem ignore the cat.
Then he jumped up onto the nightstand and began pushing stuff onto the floor. No problem, ignore the cat.
Then he woke up the Makayla who began moving around on the bed. No problem ignore the cat AND the dog.
Back into the bathroom to crash the doors again. No problem ignore the cat.
Then the dog stuck her cold nose into my face to announce to me that she needed to got out because she is awake and needs to relieve herself. Consider for a moment the consequences of ignoring the dog and then get out of bed and put on some warm clothes since we keep the house at about 64 degrees at night.
Put Makayla out, bring Makayla in. Give dog a treat for doing her business outside.
Feed cat. Consider the consequences of throwing cat out into the snow storm and forgetting about it. Let cat eat and stay inside.
Put second dog, Zachary, out, bring second dog in.
Stumble to the computer to check for school closing. Call work to check for a snow opening delay. Determine there is a delay and go back to bed.
Go to sleep and dream about not having a cat.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Ice
Maryland is the land of the snow panic forecast.
Just the hint of that awful white stuff in the forecast sends perfectly rational (well mostly rational) people scurrying for cover and off to the grocery store for the essentials of life: milk, eggs, and toilet paper.
This winter, the weather people are playing right into that fear. I think they are trying to stimulate the economy through aggressive storm forecasting!
And it works--at least here.
I remember years where the total winter snowfall was 1 inch. Yes--1 measly inch.
I long for those winters.
If people could drive--it would be one thing, but Maryland drivers are among the worst in the world when it comes to avoiding accidents in bad weather. So even though I can drive--I prefer to stay off the roads because of the crazies out there who like to turn their vehicles into four-wheeled snow machines. Which is fine right up until the ditch ends or a tree doesn't get out of the way fast enough.
The last storm saw Nicole's new minivan stop an out-of-control car with its back end. And that was Saturday. No estimate yet on the damages.
We seem to be averaging one accident per big storm this year. Ugh!
Snow, Ice, Snow. Bring it on and I think I'm just going to stay inside right next ot the warm fire and watch the crazies try to make headway against the elements. Anyone know where the snow plow is right now?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
What can I say? Even the Groundhog is against us
Well--it happened--the famous (infamous?) woodlands weather forecaster has delivered a forecast for more cold, snow, and general bad weather for at least six 
more weeks. Read about it here: Groundhog News.
You would think that he might have relented given the state of the economy!
But, no!
Does anyone know how to start the groundhog weather forecasting appeal process?
more weeks. Read about it here: Groundhog News.You would think that he might have relented given the state of the economy!
But, no!
Does anyone know how to start the groundhog weather forecasting appeal process?
I want a recount!
Groundhog Day 2010
It's four-fifty something in the morning. I can't sleep. The dog is scratching, my nose is runny, Chris is snoring, and it's only 28 degrees outside--a heatwave compared to Sunday's 9 degrees.
And to top it all off, I'm worried about the groundhog.
I want him not to see his shadow so bad--and call an end to this too long and too cold winter.
Someone needs to take control.
I want to open the pool and recline on a floatie with a cold beer in the hot sun in the afternoon.
And it all depends upon some furry woodland creature named Phil who lives in an unpronounceable place (Punxsutawney) in Pennsylvania.
Really? Our whole future depends upon the prognostication ability of a wood chuck? You can even get minute-by-minute reports from Gobbler's Knob of the activities of Phil on your cell.
I'm worried because Phil doesn't really care because he doesn't even like swimming in a pool.
Come on Phil--give us a good report! The electric company has stolen enough of my money this winter while I try to walk the fine line between being just a tad cool and frozen in order to conserve electricity and have enough money left over to live on after paying the electric bill.
We're depending upon you Phil! Give us a break and end winter early!
And to top it all off, I'm worried about the groundhog.
I want him not to see his shadow so bad--and call an end to this too long and too cold winter.
Someone needs to take control.I want to open the pool and recline on a floatie with a cold beer in the hot sun in the afternoon.
And it all depends upon some furry woodland creature named Phil who lives in an unpronounceable place (Punxsutawney) in Pennsylvania.
Really? Our whole future depends upon the prognostication ability of a wood chuck? You can even get minute-by-minute reports from Gobbler's Knob of the activities of Phil on your cell.
I'm worried because Phil doesn't really care because he doesn't even like swimming in a pool.
Come on Phil--give us a good report! The electric company has stolen enough of my money this winter while I try to walk the fine line between being just a tad cool and frozen in order to conserve electricity and have enough money left over to live on after paying the electric bill.
We're depending upon you Phil! Give us a break and end winter early!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Monday Musings - February 1, 2010
1. Amazingly enough, when snow falls lightly from the sky--as it did outside my window on Saturday, it provides a peaceful setting for the countryside. It is even a bit pretty, in small quantities.
2. In an awesome piece of news--the rim on Chris's car was ordered, finally, and even installed on Saturday! This has only taken 6 months! But, one long term item has come off the "to-do" list!
3. Families can be very frustrating at times. It is hard to consider all of the impacts of changing and fast moving plans and then someone feels either left out or put out.
4. I'm feeling pretty good about getting plans together for spring break and the summer Florida trip. We are way ahead of normal years and can now focus on planning the fun rather than the logistics.
5. 9 degrees! That was the temperature yesterday when I woke up. AND, also, 5 and a half inches of snow from a storm that was supposed to miss us! Who dialed up this weather?
6. Yes. I changed the template for my blog after just over two years of using the same one. It needed a face lift. Let me know what you think. For those of you reading on Facebook--click on the item and then click on "view original post" to see the new template.
7. One nice thing about snow weekends--I get a lot of time to think and chill form the exciting pace of normal day-to-day life.
8. I reread the State of the Union speech presented by President Obama. I can't see where he ever answered the question.
9. The President, in the State of the Union address made the following statement: "Let me repeat: we cut taxes. We cut taxes for 95% of working families." Has anyone noticed a tax cut mixed in with everything out there that keeps going up like food prices, gas, and medical copayments?
10. What is your favorite Napa Valley (or Sonoma Valley) winery? We are headed there in April and are looking for all the good ones to visit!
11. Hey--it is already the second month of the new decade! We survived January! I'm feeling the need for a party.
2. In an awesome piece of news--the rim on Chris's car was ordered, finally, and even installed on Saturday! This has only taken 6 months! But, one long term item has come off the "to-do" list!
3. Families can be very frustrating at times. It is hard to consider all of the impacts of changing and fast moving plans and then someone feels either left out or put out.
4. I'm feeling pretty good about getting plans together for spring break and the summer Florida trip. We are way ahead of normal years and can now focus on planning the fun rather than the logistics.
5. 9 degrees! That was the temperature yesterday when I woke up. AND, also, 5 and a half inches of snow from a storm that was supposed to miss us! Who dialed up this weather?
6. Yes. I changed the template for my blog after just over two years of using the same one. It needed a face lift. Let me know what you think. For those of you reading on Facebook--click on the item and then click on "view original post" to see the new template.
7. One nice thing about snow weekends--I get a lot of time to think and chill form the exciting pace of normal day-to-day life.
8. I reread the State of the Union speech presented by President Obama. I can't see where he ever answered the question.
9. The President, in the State of the Union address made the following statement: "Let me repeat: we cut taxes. We cut taxes for 95% of working families." Has anyone noticed a tax cut mixed in with everything out there that keeps going up like food prices, gas, and medical copayments?
10. What is your favorite Napa Valley (or Sonoma Valley) winery? We are headed there in April and are looking for all the good ones to visit!
11. Hey--it is already the second month of the new decade! We survived January! I'm feeling the need for a party.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Angeline Merlot 2007 Sonoma Valley - A Review
We had a bottle of the 2007 version of this wine the other night.
The nose was very fresh and light with hints of berries. The taste is smooth and light and continues the light berry flavors, and adds some cherry and a hint of vanilla and some mild tannins. The light purple color is very pleasant. I found the finish a bit
weak however. It does not linger very long--and is too soon gone. I would wish it to linger a bit longer to add to the enjoyment.
If you are looking for a light wine to enjoy with some light munchies--this is the wine to try.
Don't look too close at the label depicted here--we had the 2007 Sonoma Valley wine--which has the same label except for it says Sonoma Valley instead of Russian River Valley. But the label otherwise is identical.
RECOMMENDATION: A good buy at $12 per bottle.
The nose was very fresh and light with hints of berries. The taste is smooth and light and continues the light berry flavors, and adds some cherry and a hint of vanilla and some mild tannins. The light purple color is very pleasant. I found the finish a bit
weak however. It does not linger very long--and is too soon gone. I would wish it to linger a bit longer to add to the enjoyment.If you are looking for a light wine to enjoy with some light munchies--this is the wine to try.
Don't look too close at the label depicted here--we had the 2007 Sonoma Valley wine--which has the same label except for it says Sonoma Valley instead of Russian River Valley. But the label otherwise is identical.
RECOMMENDATION: A good buy at $12 per bottle.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Mid-Winter Splash of Color
As the darkness and gray of the winter drags on, I believe it is helpful to look at bright sunny scenes and remember warmer and brighter days.
I do not know what this flower is called--but the deep greens of the background and the bright pinks of the flowers are calling out to the Summertime which still remains in me despite the weather outside.
If you click on it--then there is a bug in the middle of one of the petals, sunning itself. I could be that bug right now!
Sunning myself, on a sunny beach, in a warm (even hot climate). Toes in the sand.
Smelling the sweet and sometimes musky smells of summer.
Hearing the dragonflies buzz overhead feasting on mosquitoes.
Feeling the sun on my face.
Yeah!
I do not know what this flower is called--but the deep greens of the background and the bright pinks of the flowers are calling out to the Summertime which still remains in me despite the weather outside.
If you click on it--then there is a bug in the middle of one of the petals, sunning itself. I could be that bug right now!
Sunning myself, on a sunny beach, in a warm (even hot climate). Toes in the sand.
Smelling the sweet and sometimes musky smells of summer.
Hearing the dragonflies buzz overhead feasting on mosquitoes.
Feeling the sun on my face.
Yeah!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Out of the Mist
Yeah--OK, it is called the Maid of the Mist for a reason. But think deeper about this image of a minute.
Sometimes I feel as if the falls behind the boat represent the turmoil in our lives. Those insurmountable obstacles that always seem to arrive square in out paths at just the wrong moment.
There is no way we are going to succeed on our own--we will be pummelled into submission or, worse, destroyed. Yet, like the Maid of the Mist we continue to sail into the turmoil. Right into the very middle of the storm. We have to sail directly into the most violent part of the storm.
And when we survive or overcome the obstacle. it is because we are surrounded by a stout ship--even when sailing into the very middle of the fiercest storm.
Look at the calm waters in the foreground. Not so far from the falls and the rocks. We long to sail smooth waters and calm seas. And it seems we can always see smooth sailing not that far off in the distance. We want to get there on our own. We think we can. Even though we are exhausted.
I want to sail those calm seas, but I know that there will be storms and obstacles which are trying to upset or sink my boat. Sometimes they succeed. But--I am blessed in that there are always other intrepid sailors to help right my ship and get me back afloat to meet the next challenge or storm.
Sometimes I feel as if the falls behind the boat represent the turmoil in our lives. Those insurmountable obstacles that always seem to arrive square in out paths at just the wrong moment.
There is no way we are going to succeed on our own--we will be pummelled into submission or, worse, destroyed. Yet, like the Maid of the Mist we continue to sail into the turmoil. Right into the very middle of the storm. We have to sail directly into the most violent part of the storm.
And when we survive or overcome the obstacle. it is because we are surrounded by a stout ship--even when sailing into the very middle of the fiercest storm.
Look at the calm waters in the foreground. Not so far from the falls and the rocks. We long to sail smooth waters and calm seas. And it seems we can always see smooth sailing not that far off in the distance. We want to get there on our own. We think we can. Even though we are exhausted.
I want to sail those calm seas, but I know that there will be storms and obstacles which are trying to upset or sink my boat. Sometimes they succeed. But--I am blessed in that there are always other intrepid sailors to help right my ship and get me back afloat to meet the next challenge or storm.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Morning Light
As I walked across the parking lot into work yesterday, I noticed the brightening dawn on the horizon--although the sun was still a long way below the horizon, it was beginning to illuminate the morning sky and drive the darkness away.
I could still see the stars, and yes it was a clear sky. But on the horizon--the light of the coming day was beginning to silhouette the trees and houses. I detected faint orange-tan colors in the sky which were preceding the coming dawn.
Another preview of the coming Spring when it will again be daylight when I arrive at work!
It made me smile--despite the gloomy weather forecast of snow for the weekend.
Ah--but as the weeks continue I will look forward to seeing more and more daylight as I arrive at work. Maybe even soon--I won't have to turn my headlights on to drive in and it will really be Springtime--that is, until Daylight Savings Time kicks in--and it is dark again!
But then--it will be March and Spring will truly be here!
I could still see the stars, and yes it was a clear sky. But on the horizon--the light of the coming day was beginning to silhouette the trees and houses. I detected faint orange-tan colors in the sky which were preceding the coming dawn.
Another preview of the coming Spring when it will again be daylight when I arrive at work!
It made me smile--despite the gloomy weather forecast of snow for the weekend.
Ah--but as the weeks continue I will look forward to seeing more and more daylight as I arrive at work. Maybe even soon--I won't have to turn my headlights on to drive in and it will really be Springtime--that is, until Daylight Savings Time kicks in--and it is dark again!
But then--it will be March and Spring will truly be here!
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