Ziggy and her "Magic Helmet"

She goes absolutely nuts for these things. This is her 2nd one, and she will even walk around with it on her head. She likes she can stick her head through the 'tissue lifter' on the bottom, and see through the top.

Stress...

It sucks.

That is all.

Aftermath of Christmas feast

Went to Meegan and Daggles house for dinner, bearing a perfectly cooked turkey,

one pan of bread stuffing, and one pan of brown rice stuffing, as Meegan is gluten intolerant.

It was a day surrounded by friends, family, good food, good wine and just excellent. Got home after midnight, and was swarmed by quadrupeds with separation anxiety! The meowing was both pitiful and funny. Calmed them down, got things put away and pretty much passed out. Keito and Loki allowed us to sleep until 8am.. well, let me sleep until 8am, and woke us up by having a wrestling match.

Checked on the pool, topped of the air level in both upper and lower rings, added some bleach to the water, cleaned the new water filter. MP3 player all charged, and waterproof pouch is near it. All ready for the upcoming hot days.

Aikidomayland is taking some time off from work. It's going to be nice to have him home for a while. As much as his trips to Zambia are mini "How can I miss you if you don't go away" , it's nice to have him around. *happy sigh*

Happy/Merry/Joyous/Bright *insert your holiday here*

Be safe, be warm, and make merry, people!

And it started off so well

I felt Ziggy was stagnating in the lounge, so I toted her out to the pet enclosure, closed the door so Simba and Lucy stayed in the house. Ziggy was totally blissing out. Loki came up from the outside, and I unzipped the door and brought him in. They both were blissing out in the sunshine, hammocks etc. He and Ziggy were doing just fine until my son decided to let Loki in. I went back to the door, and there was Ziggy looking forlorn, so I opened the door to let her in. Simba and Lucy came out from where they were hiding running straight at Ziggy, and Ziggy dove into the kennel.

Managed to get her out of that, and into the house. She dove under the breakfront, and Simba who is much larger than she is, just stood there and looked under the breakfront.

30 seconds after I left the room, Simba squirmed under the breakfront, and he and Ziggy had at it. Considering how small a space, and the fact Ziggy spat out a mouthful of fur, I think Simba came out 2nd best.

I brought her back into the lounge and closed to door so she would chill out. Then after a while, checked her for damage, and then checked Simba for damage. Didn't find any. No harm no foul, I guess.

*sigh*

Loki says...

Wrapping presents is exhausting work! (even if he isn't the one doing it!)

Good music can soothe

I searched high and low for this CD for years. It arrived today.

"My sunshine, light of my day. Now your a star in the darkness, light years away"

ARGH!

Luckily I did back up the data and copied the back up elsewhere.

I tried to install the PalmDeskTop for my Treo on the Windows 7 machine. It goes through all the usual Usb detected, installing device, and then just stops there. It goes on and off, on and off on and off etc etc non stop, only to say "Device not installed". Ok, now my device is stuck in an endless restart cycle and if I do a soft reset (keeping the data) the network setting don't load. If I do a hard reset, I have to reinstall everything again, and it start with the endless cycle again. I'm sure it's just one program on there that is causing it, but finding out which one it is.

Are we having fun yet?

Wow

Went to see Avatar, in 3D. Man, was that a good movie. It was the quickest 3 hr movie I ever sat through.

Aikidomayland started picking it apart before we had even gotten back to the car, in his typical buzzkill fashion when he doesn't get it. He somehow missed the reason the humans had to wear O2 breathers, even though it was clearly stated in the first 20 mins of the movie. He also got "squeamish" during a scene when the jackass jarhead got shot with two arrows. I pointed out that he didn't get all squeamish when Boromir in LotR got three in the chest.

But I digress. Excellent movie, more than lived up to the adverts. Want to see it again, without Buzzkill.

Micro pillage for summer items.

Got a new water feature circulating pump for my splash pool. A slight 'McGuyvering' and it becomes a great water filtration unit and keeps the pool clear and clean. (that and 1 cup of household bleach prior to use!)

Also got some Feliway from our vet (synthetic happy cat pheromone) to help de-stress Simba and to help break him of 'improper toileting'.

Pool is nice and cooling, but I always want to take a nap afterward.

Listening to an audio book

Stephen Kings' "Under the Dome".

Strange, but reminiscient of Rod Serling's "Monsters on Mainstreet", but with people rather than aliens playing games.

Well, back to doing the laundry and gardening.

*coughclearingthroatcough*

Can still taste smoke and ash from the fires down south. Aikidomayland brought a Venatlin inhaler for me, as mine was past it's 'us by' date. I've used the inhaler more in the past few days than I have had to in the past few months. (Not to worry ShadoutCarver, it is working, and within the recommended dosage. Does hurt a bit to breathe, but not too bad.)

Seems at least one of the bush fires is 'suspicious origin' aka deliberately set and not a controlled burn off.

Comfy socks!

Look what arrived in the mail/post today.

Thank you, ChocolateTrudi, they are beautiful, fit to perfection, and won't show cat fur! :D

Why outsourcing is messing up customer service.

Phone rang

"Hello, can I speak to Mr W*** C****?"

"Sorry, no, he can't be reached at his home number during business hours, as he is at his place of business."

"May I leave a message?"

"Sure"

"I'm calling from Ameircan Express...." (I interrupt her)

"No, you may not leave a message. For over a year now, you guys keep calling to bitch the payment is late, only to have the bill arrive at our house 4 days later. We have told you about this over and over, and you just can't take notes. You can't get your calling/billing cycle in sync, so until you do, stop calling us. It's been paid (was paid in full as a matter of fact), get YOUR records straight."

And then I hung up on her. That felt so good.

Fleetwood Mac, Perth, Dec 12 2009

Title says it all! Got some pics of the concert. Had to use old Pentax, as getting my Lumix in would have been.. difficult. So, sorry about the graininess!

These guys still rock the house. They opened with MONDAY MORNING, and closed with SILVER SPRING.

Lindsey Buckingham doesn't just play the guitar, he becomes part of it. Wow, I bow to his greatness.



Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood and Lindsey Buckingham.



Finally managed to get a shot of John McVie, as there was stage scaffolding between us.



Mick Fleetwood says good night to us. And it wasn't just a quick g'bye. We got one helluva thank you from them all. I don't know who had the better time. Us, the concert goers, or them.

Come what may

Took Aikidomayland to Disc World for a diagnostic. Paul will call us back on the verdict. Also, I told him I received an email from Acer, about their NEW quad cores available now. He will be looking into that.

Raided the "Wishing tree". Two little kids will have something under the tree this year. Well, two somethings. Every year I do this. It stems from when I was in real dire straights, some friends rallied around and helped. And I promised I would return the favor every year if I could.

Simba was naughty again. *sigh* I was thinking about where he was doing this improper toileting. The futon (
Aikidomayland
slept on that a few times), Alans' bed, and
Aikidomayland's
side of the bed. Could he be seeing Aikidomayland and Alan as dominant males, so is making his mark? Don't know, but I wasn't happy. I cold busted Simba, and I hollered. He knew he had done wrong, and hid. He was also expecting to be hit. He cringed, ducked and closed his eyes. Was I angry at his behavior? Yes, but wasn't going to beat him for it.

Why the hell do they make it so damned hard to find answers?

Ok, installing Quicktime Pro and iTunes. They both install perfectly and run just fine.. the first time they are launched. After that, I kept getting error after error after error (QTFC_CFUNiCharGetUnicodePropertyDataForPlane to be exact) and searching on Google and other info sites resulted in me wanting to tear my hair out. I decided just a few bad words would suffice. Uninstalled, rebooted, reinstalled, rebooted, and still the problem persisted.

Then, I tweaked something so I could get a more specific verbose error message. #2093. Ok, off I go in search of answers again.. and again, and again. (insert many more bad words here).

I happened to chance on the right combination of key words to find the solution.

Go "Start > Computer". In Computer, go "Tools > Folder Options". Click the "View tab". Make sure that "Show hidden files and folders" is selected and that "Hide extensions for known filetypes" is unchecked. Okay out of the tab.

You next step depends on whether or not you've got a 32-bit or a 64-bit Vista.

If you're 32-bit: Open the C:\Windows\system32\ folder. Look for a QTCF.dll file. When you find the QTCF.dll, drag it out onto the desktop. If Quicktime/Itunes launches correctly, that was the problem.

-->If you're 64-bit:

First, open the C:\Windows\system32\ folder. Look for a QTCF.dll file. If you find a QTCF.dll, drag it out onto the desktop.

Second, open the C:\Windows\sysWOW64\ folder. Look for a QTCF.dll file. If you find a QTCF.dll, drag it out onto the desktop.

Once you've cleared System32 and SysWOW64 of any copies of QTCF.dl. If Quicktime/Itunes launched correctly, that was the problem.

Time for the next Win 7 64bit problem to be installed, I guess.

Smash forehead into keyboard to continue!

Insert many naughty words here

I am installing software on the 'wrong' computer (yes, still haven't gotten the right one yet). Called P at Disc World, and he was livid. It seems the supplier sent this one, rather than the one he said he had in stock, because they had run out. So, instead of just telling us that, the moron sent the core 2 duo, instead of the quad core, I guess thinking I would be too stupid to notice the difference(?).

P told me to just use this one, that the right one has been ordered, and when it comes in, I pack this one up after I have uninstalled and deleted personal information, and swap straight over, and then do all the installations and customizations again. *groan*

This month hasn't been a good one for computers in our household. Not only did Aikidomayland accidentally scrag Alan's hard drive, but he must have fried his system at the same time. So much for the new hard drive, dvd drive and memory for it. *sigh* On top of that AcerRacer has been having other hiccups, and I am betting it was also hit with a power surge. (Yes, have surge protectors, but that doesn't help when someone is flicking the power on and off several times in a few seconds.)

I think I have this machine about 70%+/- 3 done.

It's been a long day

Up too early, running around like crazy then rushing to get things done on the home front.

My feet are sore, my eyes are gritty, and my body is screaming Sleeeep!. I am going to listen to my body.

Night all! (Not to be mistaken with NyTol)

More holiday fun

Got a few odds and ends. Something for Tristan ( Meegan's son) , a 3 in 1 novel, and a vacuum sealer for wine forAikidomayland, and a Photoshop CS4 book for myself.

I got the book for myself as the help files are mind numbing or don't cover what you want to know. Problem solved.

All the creatures were stirring

Amok in the house!

With Aikidomayland coming back this week, I have been going through closets, cupboards and other places, throwing things away left right and center. The only problem is I have kicked up a lot of dust, and both me and the two fosters are having itchy eye problems. Luckily for us all, I have the ointment for them, and eyedrops for me.

Went out with Meegan and Daggles for coffee and a very late lunch in Fremantle. Hit up Elizabeth's Book store on the way back to the car. I resisted temptation, and didn't come home with any.

Simba and Ziggy had a bit of a tussle again. They have got to get this pecking order bullshit settled, as I am getting tired of the fight and the subsequent mess on a rug.

Waiting it the hardest part

I'm still in a holding pattern, waiting for the 'right' computer to arrive. Been running a great deal of my programs off a thumb drive, and keeping all personal info off this 'wrong' one.

Mostly all's quiet on the kitty front. Had a bit of a dust up between Ziggy and Simba this morning... again. I broke it up and shooed Simba outside to chill out. Lucy followed him because she can't stand to not be around him. heh

Had another 'issue' with Simba. I just cleaned it up, deodorized the carpet, and then re-scented that spot with my lavender oil. This is the first time he has done this in a week, so I am hoping that this gap between this stress related issue is waning. I will be happy if it is.

Aikidomayland calls everyday. Now I know the company pays for the phone calls, but jeeze, this is gonna be huge. Well, he will be home next week. Then we have a few days to recover, and the Fleetwood Mac concert. Woo hoo!

Can someone mainline my coffee, please?

For whatever reason, the fur wads have decided a 5am wake up is a good thing. Was all I could do to not punt them out the bedroom door. *sigh*

Simba
and Lucy are settling down more and more. Haven't had an 'improper
toileting' from Simba since last Sunday. We are fairly certain (99.999
etc %) that we stopped him from doing it again on Alan's' bed again, as
Simba was doing the 'kitty digging' motions on the blanket. He got
tossed out of the room, disaster averted.

Both Bengals has
slowed down on their food intake. No more 5 feedings a day. Down to 2
sometimes 3 a day. Much better. Now that they are close to their
optimum weight, they aren't gorging anymore.

Have had a few
dust-ups between Ziggy, Simba and Lucy. Ziggy is doing her damnedest to
show she is "Boss Queen Kitty" here. Poor Lucy.. if she walks down the
hall, Ziggy takes umbrage and chases her away. Simba, who is Ziggy's
son, has some sort of vestigial memory of her, and even though she is
half his size, when her eyes go all black and she starts growling, he
turns around and goes the other direction.

Kinda tired. Was liking the sleeping until 7am. Didn't feel like I would need a nap in the afternoons.

Gritty eyes today

Yesterday was the last of the controlled burn off before the total fire ban. The smoke and ash were/are still lingering, as I can taste it and my eyes feel like someone has poured sand in them. Feeling a bit wheezy too.

Even Alan is having a bit of trouble, getting that furry feeling in the back of the throat.

There was a reason

I stopped having any contact with my mother and her husband.

*re-reads email to make sure she isn't imagining things*    Yeah.... damned good reasons.

Well, you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family, right?

I think I Have been doing too much

*looks at the heel of left foot*

Yes, my back is a bit twingey, but that's not the problem. Been doing a lot of hauling, weeding , pruning, raking, chucking, sorting, and lots of walking. My left leg is getting tired, but I don't feel it. What happens is my left heel strikes the floor too hard, causing cracks, both across and under the heel, and it doesn't matter if I wear shoes or not.

They're not quite bleeding... yet. *wince*

What two days can mean

The baby birds have fledged, but with one being two days younger than the first hatched, its feathers, especially the tail feathers, aren't quite equal with the nest mate.

I heard the parents screeching blue bloody murder in the back yard, and went out to look. Sure enough, the younger chick was on the ground, and Loki was playing with it. Luckily for the chick it sat still, and Loki didn't use claws. I managed to get the chick away from him, and put it in the 'emergency nest' which is a fiber hanging plant basket. The parents chittered at me, and examined their chick, and proceeded to feed it. It flitted up to a branch/twig just above the basket. The older one was higher up in the tree.

The chick need another day or two for the tail feathers to grow in, for rudder control. Loki and Keito aren't going to be happy confined to the house, but thems the breaks!

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Thanksgiving Lite

Seeing as the bulk of my family is still in the US, spending 8 hrs to cook a full on Thanksgiving feast is rather over the top. So, will still have a mini-celebration here, keeping int he spirit of the holiday. I have much to be thankful for. Family, friends, life in general.

So, tonights dinner is a turkey leg quarter, seasoned with fresh rosemary, sage and thyme from my garden, mashed potatoes, corn, and maybe cornbread or a pumpkin pie.

We "nerd", therefore we are

Today was shopping around for a few things.

Before Aikidomayland left for his trip, he flipped the wrong circuit breaker on and off a few times, totally scragging Alan's hard drive. Joy. Just after he got it all set up.

So we headed out to Disc World (no, no turtles in space, or a wizard named Two-Flower), to get Alan a replacement hard drive, and to get memory upgraded in my Netbook.

Also, my AcerRacer no matter what I tried to do to have it run cool (cooling mat, small fan blowing on it, making sure the vets are clear, running the CPUs at only 80% etc etc), it keeps overheating, and it's just a matter of time before it totally packs it in, so I went shopping.

Never will I get any computer hardware at Harvey Norman (Forever and always known as "Hardly Normal") I spotted a computer (The Aspire Z5610) that would not be replaced because of obsolescence for several years. But at Hardly Normal, the guy quoted me a price. and told me it was exclusive to Hardly Normal. I said I would think about it.

We went back to Disc World, and just for giggles I asked the guy about the same computer that Hardly Normal quoted for me. $700 less. No, that isn't a typo.

Now, I am all for businesses making money, but screwing people over isn't the right way to do it. I will be picking it up next week. I will wait a week to save $700. Exclusive to HN my ass.

Here's hoping that AcerRacer 1 will hold out that long.

The next generation

A few weeks ago, I blogged about a pair of New Holland Honey Eaters had built a nest on the honeysuckle trellis in our back yard, right outside our window.

Now, there are at least 2 chicks, just starting to fledge (sprout feathers)

Mardi Gras themed birthday cake!

Since my birthday is on a Monday, the party is tonight! Wheeeee!

Pedigree Bengals for adoption

Runamok Bengals, the same breeder where we got Ziggy, and the rescue cats Simba and Lucy, have more soon to be retired breeders available for adoption. There are also a couple of sweeties that need to be re-homed (due to no fault of theirs, and not abused, just circumstances)

So, if you live around Perth, Western Australia, and feel up to having a happy healthy active Bengal, go to Runamok website. This isn't 'first come first served', as the breeder doesn't want a repeat of what happened with Lucy and Simba, so there is an interview/screening process.

The above are a few of the currently available for adoption adults.

There will also be other retired queens and toms in the future.

More progress

Lucy and Simba taking an indoor, out from under furniture nap. Lucy saw me coming with the camera and didn't run and hide! :D

Aw dang

Edward Woodward dies

Edward Woodward, the star of films including Breaker Morant and The Wicker Man, has died aged 79.

Woodward, who starred as The Equalizer on television, died in a hospital in Cornwall after an illness, said Janet Glass of the Eric Glass Ltd agency in London.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Photos: The many faces of Edward Woodward

------------------------------------------------------------------------

He won an Emmy Award in 1990 for Remembering World War II and a Golden Globe in 1987 for The Equalizer, which ran for 88 episodes from 1985 to 1989 on the US network CBS.

In a career that began in 1946 in a regional production of A Kiss for Cinderella, Woodward played roles in productions ranging from the popular British soap opera Eastenders to productions of Shakespeare, and at least 40 films for theatre or television.

His last film appearances were in Hot Fuzz in 2007 and Congregation of Ghosts, now in post-production.

He also recorded several albums including "Love is the Key" in 1977 and "The Jewel that was Ours" in 1994.

"I think I've probably more television than any actor living," Woodward said in a 1987 interview with The Associated Press. "I've done over 2,000, could be 3,000 now, television productions.

"I suppose there is also the feeling that it is the largest medium by far for information, education and above all, entertainment," he added. "And after all, that's what an actor's life is all about. Getting work and entertaining people."

At the time, Woodward was promoting a US television film of Uncle Tom's Cabin, in which he played the wicked slave owner, Simon Legree. He found the role strangely refreshing.

"If you are a British actor, you do lots of Shakespeare and lots of classical work. There is always a great actor who has just played your character," he said.

"Lucky for me, Simon Legree has not been done very often," he added.

Woodward is survived by his second wife, actress Michele Dotrice, their daughter, and two sons and a daughter from his first marriage, which ended in divorce.

Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced.

AP

Lucy is coming along nicely

Not only is Lucy coming into the house all on her own, and not flinching so much, but she now is interacting with us, playing and demanding attention.

Both Lucy and Simba are improving in appearance and health. Still eating a lot more then normal, but it's slowed considerably compared to what they were doing when they first realised food was available. From 5 or more feeds a day to 2 or 3.

And for a special treat, an animated gif of Aikidomayland playing 'catch' with Lucy.

Too long of a day

Got up early, after not getting to sleep until after 1am last night. Mostly because we are trying to make sure that the fosters are calming down, and not repeating bad behavior. It's not their fault, as they were mistreated, but with kind firmness and redirecting them, we are hoping over time (a short amount we really hope) they will be centered and happy.

Aikidomayland is cooking dinner tonight. It's nice to have a night off once in a while, or once a week.

No archery tomorrow, as Aikidomayland has gaming session with Daggles and a few other buddies. I don't mind not getting up at OMIGOD thirty on a Sunday for once.

Pillaging: all I can say is there are certain things we get on a regular basis, so I know how much the prices have gone up. And eating healthy food is a helluva lot more expensive than eating the cheap stuff. *sigh*

Loki sayz

"No more jello shots...EVER! BLARGH!

We seem to have solved the problem

Simba spreads out.

After talking to Alison about Simba, we got some great ideas.

It seems like his biggest problem is he is stressed out. It didn't help when Ziggy leapt from the top of the lorikeets cage behind him after he had walked past. He needed to so something to destress. Might not have liked his choice, but it's easy to work around.

This is what we did.

We found out he was allowed to roam free outside at his old place of captivity. So he was used to digging in soil and sand. We rigged up a plastic bag lined cardboard box with some dirt from the back yard. After feeding he was kept in the enclosure for at least 40 minutes. That seems to have worked with the messing where he shouldn't have.

They have also slowed down even more on food intake, so I am guessing they are getting enough to eat now, and will soon be happy healthy kitties.

Foster cats update

Lucy and Simba's condition keeps improving every day. Lucy will still run out of the house into the pet enclosure if you try to pet her, but will roll over and mew when you pet or brush her outside in the enclosure.

Lucy (l) and Simba (r) come inside for a bit of play time. You can see the 'collar grooves' left by collars that were too small, and the furless patches on Simba's shoulder. He hasn't lost any more clumps, and the dermatitis is easing. So is the inhaling of food. They both have gotten past the OMIGODIMSTARVING stage, and are down to 3 serves of soft food a day, down from 5.

Simba, nose to nose with his mother, Ziggy.

It all hasn't been sweetness and light, however.

Simba pooped on our new sofa.
Aikidomayland
cold busted him. Poor cat looked scared, he expected to be beaten.
Aikidomayland
softly said "Bad kitty", sighed, and then got me up to let me know what Simba did.

Got the upholstery cleaner, cleaned and deodorized the soft, vacuumed it dry, and put a cover over it to prevent a recurrence. During the cleaning, all you could see was a tip of a nose and whiskers. When he realised there was no yelling or hitting, he did come out. With luck he will realise there is no need to act out in the fashion, and he will stop, as did Ziggy (she did this a few times on a small rug. We tossed the rug, and put in an extra litter box. Problem solved)

Shameless Self Promotion

Redbubble is giving us starving artists a bit of a pre-holiday bonus.

For the next 3 days, double commissions at no extra cost to the buyers. This ends Nov 12th.

Gallery

*holds hat in hand with most beseeching look*

Simba playing on the cat tower

(click on pic, it's an animated gif)

His eyes are much better, only his right eye has a bit of milky tearing.  

Both he and Lucy spent the night in the house, but we kept the screen door to the cat enclosure prepped so they could go out if the felt more secure in the small kennel out there.

Will be brushing them out again soon, once they get their 2nd breakfast. Oh yeah, they prefer to have fish for 1st breakfast, red meat for 2nd breakfast, and whatever for their 3rd.  But today, they aren't begging for the 2nd breakfast yet, so they might be over the OMIGODIMSTARVING.

After a careful examinations

We have more reason to despise that previous owner of Simba and Lucy.

Simba is at least 30% under what his body mass should be, and has folds of skin hanging. He is the first cat I have ever seen that has split ends on his fur. And it's so coarse and rough. He has dermatitis, probably due to piss poor diet and no grooming, and allergy affected eyes. Luckily we have the medicated eye ointment to treat them. After one treatment, his eyes stopped weeping. Will get dosed twice a day for a week.

Lucy: that poor little muffin must have been slapped or hit, because when you go to pet or brush her, she squints her eyes down, flattens her ears to the sides, and ducks. She does relax once she realises that it's pats she is getting.

The both of them are protein starved, and eat 5 serves of meat, fish, or quality canned food a day. Lucy eats a bit less of it than Simba, as she isn't as underweight as Simba is (probably was at least catching mice when she got out) but he will finish what she leaves. After just 3 days of proper feeding, and twice a day gentle grooming, Simba is showing a few patches of the gold glint on his fur. Lucy's fur is also getting softer in patches.

They both are starting to come into the house. Simba has made himself more at home indoors than Lucy. Probably because her ex humans used to keep her locked in the attic of their house. It's all good. She comes in a bit further every time.

Lucy soaking up some afternoon sun.

Simba lounging in the lounge!

Not bad for less than 12 hrs

Simba (l) and Lucy (r) enjoy their new digs. We couldn't coax Lucy out of the box last night, so we just made sure there was food, water, sand box and Simba in the enclosure with her. We left the door slightly open so our crew could sniff and be sniffed but no fighting. Made for a noisy night, but not too bad. Gave them each a box of their own, and a scratch post.

Was very pleased to see Lucy out and about this morning.

Simba is watching some wattlebirds, and Lucy is listening to the neighbors chickens.

Lucy, not as timid as last night





Simba, watching the birds and bugs on the other side of the enclosure





Seating for two. It was go great to see them snugged up together, as they were Stress hissing and growling at each other last night. I guess that's over now.





Their overall condition is fair. Their fur and skin are very dry and in need of proper diet and brushing. Poor Simba has a few patches of fur missing due to allergy to the food he was being fed. Lucy isn't quite as bad, but her coat should be so much softer and shinier. We will get them set to rights.

Fun part is gonna be getting them and our three (Keito, Ziggy and Loki) together without it being Feline Smack Down.

Simba and Lucy will be here tonight

They have been rescued from the jerk who thought they were decorations, and are being comforted by Alison. She said they are reasonably good shape, but shy, and if anyone knows now Bengals are, that is not normal. I'm sure with enough patience and care, they will return to their usual rambunctious selves.

For your viewing pleasure:

Ziggy turns out to be a bit on the kinky side. It seems she likes having her butt spanked, and her fur roughed up. I zoomed in close, twice, and you can hear her purring so hard, she might rattle her bones apart!

Ziggy, a most kinky Bengal

Holy moly, I won!

When I ordered Season 1 of Sanctuary, I decided to enter the contest that EzyDVD was having. The prize was a signed by Amanda Tapping copy of Season 1. We had to describe in 25 words or less, what creature would you like to see on Sanctuary and why.

I'll be honest, I don't remember what I typed out, but it must have been good, because I won! Just got the confirmation call, and verified my address. This makes up for the 'neutered' version that the studios sold to Aussies!

One to watch, one to have girlish squee time.

Not too thrilled by this... but needed to be done

The continuing Tai Chi class. Not a good thing for me.

The instructor was a bit, shall we say, militant about the Don yus (exercises) and even though I have listed my peculiar problem with nerve damage, and spinal problems. She just kept cajoling and bullying me until I did them with "Oh just try! Your leg will get stronger." not realising that muscle strength isn't the problem! I have the muscles of a figure skater in my legs from physiotherapy, but they don't get nerve 'messages'. Because of this, I can do exercises, and not feel any pain, but later on, I am a immovable heap of humanity, usually with a badly spasming back. Legs are just fine, but the back.. not so much.

And it also felt as if she was demonstrating how well she could do everything, rather than instruct. She also made it appear that I couldn't opt out and just sit it out, even though our beginners instructors had told us we could certainly abstain from anything that would cause pain. She had no empathy for those not 'able bodied'.

Maybe the problem is they need an intermediary class, rather than tossing freshly graduated from beginners into the continuing sessions.

I have discussed this with someone else who used to go to the tai chi sessions, but ended up quitting for the same reasons I have listed here.

Right now, Wing is at the Tai Chi center.. having a few words with them, and delivering a letter. Ever the accountant, it has to be in writing or it didn't happen.

Fostering Bengals

After a desperate plea on the website Ziggy's breeder, we have volunteered to foster two adult rescue Bengals. They are bonded, and not to be separated. One of them is Ziggy's son.

Simba

and Lucy.

They are also traumatized by their inhuman keeper. I guess it's fortuitous of us to have built the enclosure, as it will give the new ones a nice bolt hole.

Why do people adopt high maintenance cats, and then neglect or abuse them when they behave as expected? Grrrrrr.

The price of being a home owner

Aikidomayland is, for want of a better word, crabby about the house repair and more to the point, the cost. He has been living here for over 15 yrs (almost 10 yrs here for me) and had done little to nothing in maintaining the property.

Well, that has come home to roost. The gate, doors, light fixtures, power outlets, screens, dead trees, the pergola (that still needs fixing), the roof (needs to have some tiles replaced and resealed), paint water stained ceiling. Houses don't heal, they wear down. There is nothing really wrong with the house, but it does need upkeep, and that is what I have been doing. Playing catch up on years of neglect. And as much as it costs to get it fixed, it would be a helluva lot pricier than if we ignored the problems.

Zzzzzzzzzz

Food coma in progress. Homemade Strawberry Shortcake, with French Vanilla Bean whipped cream for desert brought it on.

After much reading

And enlarging of the text on webpages (whoever thought that light grey text on white pages was a good idea needs to be FLOGGED!) I found out how to fix my NET Framework problem.

After I got it set up, I was finally able to install Chrome.

It loads up amazingly fast, and has a clean simple interface. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles (AdBlock, NoScript) that FireFox has, but I think it will be the browser of choice for my netbook, as it doesn't hog system resources.

Castle, Season 2 Ep 6

Someone call the cross over police! :D

When 'Castle' walked into his apartment, all decked out as Malcolm Reynolds, I just about spit take my coffee. "I'm a space cowboy!". Then, it was all the Buffy references.

Yesterday

Started off pretty good.

Meegan and I went to see "Julia & Julie". It was a fun movie. No deep politically statements (except the historically accurate depiction of Paul being hauled up before a McCarthy panel and interrogated), just good entertainment.

We headed to the shops for Meegan to pick something up, and while we were in the pedestrian right of way crosswalk, some asshat in a ute decided to try to back up over us. Anyone who knows me knows I can be heard. I yelled "OY! What the hell are you doing!!??"

Meegan and I continue along the pedestrian area, and the bozo gets out of his truck, and starts lipping off at me, about how what did we expect walking behind his truck , because I had whipped out my phone, and snapped a picture of his truck and license plate.

"We were in the pedestrian right of way area, you twit!" The people who saw the whole thing started laughing at him.

What he doesn't know, is the camera on the phone isn't all that great, and all I got was a blurry company logo, and that his truck is #5 in their fleet. If anyone local to me can puzzle out that logo on the left side of tailgate, let me know.

A Micro(soft) freak out

During an installation that crashed, I had all sorts of Windows errors, so I rebooted. And booted into a solid black screen, where explorer kept crashing, and Windoze "Live ID" kept failing. According to Network magic, the system was available, but not from the computer itself, but from other ones.

I tried System Restore: failed due to 'unspecified error'

I tried System Repair: also failed.

So, I rebooted without the Vista DVD in the drive, and it booted into desktop, with "System Restore didn't work" message, and then promptly reported what caused the crash to Micro$oft. Here's hoping they can figure it out and let me know how to prevent the blind panic.

RIP Soupy Sales

Soupy Sales, 1926-2009

Do you feel that? The world just got a lot less funny. Comedy icon and TV personality Soupy Sales (born Milton Supman) left us late yesterday at the age of 83, the Los Angeles Times reports. He'd spent the past week in a Bronx, NY hospital in steady decline after years of battling a variety of health issues. Sales leaves behind a great legacy and a large family, including Trudy Carson Sales, his wife of 29 years, two sons, a brother and four grandchildren. Our thoughts are with them all on this difficult day.

Sales was perhaps best known for his long-running sketch comedy TV series, which ran at varying times between 1959 and 1979. "The Soupy Sales Show" operated under several different names and locations during its on-again/off-again run, but it was always marked by a cast of wacky characters -- of both the human and puppet varieties -- notable guest celebrities (a varied list, from Frank Sinatra to Alice Cooper), short, punchy sketches, and thrown pies. There's no "official" tally, but Sales claimed that he'd been hit by more than 25,000 pies over the course of his lifetime. An impressive legacy for any comedian to leave behind, to say the least.

All the finishing touches are done

And it's a winner with all three!

Nigel from Catmax put in the zipper door, and it's large enough to tote the birds outside. Put up a second hammock, so no 'arguments', and trimmed off the hanging bits of mesh netting.

I cut a flap in the old screen door (which Aikidomayland finally agreed with me that it does need to replaced anyhow, and will do that next year with a proper pet door installed)

Cat 'PlayPen"

Ziggy can now also enjoy the great outdoors, but still remain safely 'indoors'.

Here's Ziggy to enjoying her time outside.

It came in handy last night, when we came home from late night grocery shopping. Keito and Loki wanted out, and we were too tired be bothered with harnesses and leashes, so just let them out into the enclosure. All three just meandered around, sniffing and watching.

Maybe next year we will have a small section of the front walkway enclosed too, but with a door on one end.*

Can't wait to see Ziggy roll around on sun warmed bricks. :)

*Nigel from CatMax will be back later today to put in the zipper door.

Maybe this was stupid to do

But after almost 10 years of my keeping no contact with my mother, for reasons that some of my closest friends know why, I decided to bite the bullet and send her a bouquet of flowers in a vase for her 75th birthday, and a card that said "Happy 75th Birthday wishes from Perth, Western Australia! Stay warm! signed with all our names.

Now, I don't want anything from her. This was done for me, for me to let her know that I do forgive, but I won't forget. I can't. I know I wasn't the 'perfect' child, but what she and her choices did to me while I was growing up was just so wrong and had a lot to do why I wasn't 'perfect'.

I checked my email, and saw I had one from her, but was leery about opening it. But I did (as ShadoutCarver said, at least they don't tick). She thanked me for the flowers, they were beautiful, and she hopes we are all well. I'm ambivalent about answering it.

We are well. Part of me wants to answer her email with just "You're welcome, and we are." But I don't want this to seem an invitation to reinstating that toxic relationship that was our relationship for over 30 years.

Camera repair

I shipped my FZ30 to Authorized Panasonic Repair/Service center. The outcomes would be one of

1: The lens can be cleared of dust, camera re-conditioned and sent back. (About $250AUD)
2: The lens has to be replaced, camera re-conditioned and then sent back. (About $400AUD or more)
3: If #2, would I prefer to have an FZ50, ex-show model, that is still under warranty. FZ30 still returned.

Well, I now have an FZ30 and an FZ50. I have to admit, it is a step in many ways. I can still use the FZ30, but that dust makes auto-focus, especially for macros very dicey. It can be easily used for Non-macro shots (scenics, portraits etc) because I can edit the 'mote' out should it appear.

A few of the improvements: I can set the external flash settings to manual or have the camera manage it. (Manual, fershure) 10.1 megapixels. All the equipment I got for the FZ30 will work with the 50.

The first photo taken with the FZ50. This is a 1 meg file, 3600x2400

Oh yum

It hit a high of 35c today.

An ice cold home made strawberry daiquiri was just what it takes to cool things down!

It's not necessarily hot today, but after all the cold and rain, to have it jump to 35c after in the low 20s.. it feels hotter than it really is. *sip*

An annoyance..really

I have been having a problem with my Acer overheating and shutting down. Vents are clear, not blocked. I used canned air to make sure no dust or dander from our three cats and assorted flotsam was gumming up the works, and even have a small clip on desk fan circulating air to keep it cooled off, as core 2 duos can run a bit hot.

But after 3 shutdowns, I decided to hobble my machine. I set both CPUs to run at only 80%. Yes, it has slowed my system down a bit, but if you figure how much time I was losing because of the shutdowns (no warning, just faded to black and then off) and had to reboot and restart whatever I was doing, it's not that big a price to pay... I hope.

And of course, my XP laptop has decided to lock up when starting some programs. *sigh* Running NOD32 scan on it now.

Mao's Last Dancer

Wow. This was an excellent movie, and I recommend it for several reasons.

SPOILER SPACE

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A small village boy, taken from his home by the Communist gov't, to become a dancer, a propaganda tool. He is inspired by one man, who wants him trained as a classical ballet dancer, instead of a political tool, and that man is 'disappeared', but his love of the dance is in Li's heart.

He is spotted by the director of the Houston Ballet Company as the only one of the Chinese dancers that felt the dance, and was alive with it. "The are more like athletes than dancers" was a pretty good description. Li is partnered with the female principal dancer during practice. She replaces his dancing partner, and they perform on stage in China.

Li gets to come over to the US, after being told by the Ministry that America is bad, evil, and not to be trusted. Most of that is blown out of the water in the first day. He visits the Chinese consulate, as require, and again is told that he can't trust Americans, especially the women, and that he would only be shown the good parts of Houston. (Considering the village he grew up in, just about every part of Houston was the good parts!) He finds more and more that what he has been told about the US isn't true. People are free to speak out against the president and he is shocked to see them not being arrested for it. Just this bit of freedom gets him thinking.

He makes one helluva name for himself in the Houston Ballet when he has to sub for an injured dancer only 3 hours before showtime. Perfection on stage would be the only way to describe it.

Li, after all he has seen, all he has learned and experienced wants to stay in the US longer. He knows he can't just go back to that confining life he had in China. So, on advise of attorney, he marries his US girlfriend in a bid to stay. When he does the right thing and report it to the consulate, they kidnap him, keep him locked in a small room, and try to brow beat him (You are all alone, your friends have already left, think of your family in China) into going back voluntarily. None of it works. He wants to stay.

After much publicity, he is told he can stay, but he no longer has a home or family, that he is a man without a country. He is released and allowed to stay in the US. But he is plagued by nightmares of his family being murdered for his choice.

I could go on and on, but don't want to do a synopsis. This was an excellent movie. Definitely worth seeing again.

And on a political side: Should I hear or read any more blather about Obama indoctrinating kids by telling them to "set goals, study hard and stay in school", I suggest they watch the first 20 minutes of this movie. That is indoctrinating children, not Obama encouraging kids.

Just when you think society has pulled its collective head out of its collective ass.

Interracial couple denied marriage license in La.

A Louisiana justice of the peace said he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern for any children the couple might have. Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, says it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last long

You know you have been on Ebay a long time

When one or more of your favorite sellers has "No longer a registered user" under their names, and have 98 to 100% positive feedback.

Another icon of my childhood has died.. *sigh*

(CNN) -- Legendary wrestling figure Captain Lou Albano, perhaps best known for his association with pop singer Cyndi Lauper, died Wednesday, according to World Wrestling Entertainment.

Albano, 76, was "one of the company's most popular and charismatic legends," the company said in a statement.

I am such a nerd

Not only did I get a different GUI for my Treo, I have just finished setting up custom icons.

Oooh, ahhh, pretty.

The Government can't do anything right! (not according to NeoCons)

This morning I was awoken by my alarm clock powered by electricity generated by the public power monopoly regulated by the US Department of Energy.
I then took a shower in the clean water provided by the municipal water utility.
After that, I turned on the TV to one of the FCC regulated channels to see what the National Weather Service of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration determined the weather was going to be like using satellites designed, built, and launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. I watched this while eating my breakfast of US Department of Agriculture inspected food and taking the drugs which have been determined as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration.

At the appropriate time as regulated by the US Congress and kept accurate by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the US Naval Observatory, I get into my National Highway Traffic Safety Administration approved automobile and set out to work on the roads built by the local, state, and federal Departments of Transportation, possibly stopping to purchase additional fuel of a quality level determined by the Environmental Protection Agency, using legal tender issued by the Federal Reserve Bank. On the way out the door I deposit any mail I have to be sent out via the US Postal Service, and then drop the kids off at the public school.

After spending another day not being maimed or killed at work thanks to the workplace regulations imposed by the Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, enjoying another two meals which again do not kill me because of the USDA, I drive my NHTSA car back home on the DOT roads, to my house which has not burned down in my absence because of the state and local building codes and fire marshal’s inspection, and which has not been plundered of all it’s valuables thanks to the local police department.

I then log on to the internet which was developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Administration and post on FreeRepublic.com and Fox News forums about how SOCIALISM in medicine is BAD because the government can’t do anything right!!!

From the SomethingAwful forums, not sure who originally wrote it, as it's been posted all over the place now. Feel free to share!

Good vs Evil(ish)

The good is I just received latest edition of SciFi magazine.

The evil part is has "Edward" of twilight on the cover. bleh

The un-logic of Fundies astounds me

The 7 day week proves that there is a God.

I'm currently leading a study on 'Dr.' Luke and tomorrow we are going to discuss Luke 6 & 14 about the Sabbath, 4th commandment vs Mark 2:27, sabboth vs Sunday, and also how Sunday came about.

During my study, I was curious as to what science says is the origin of our standard '7 day week'? So I did a Google search and there is no valid explanation outside of the 7 days of creation. God instituted the 7 day week.

Mankind can explain the 24 hr. day - the rotation of the earth
Mankind can explain the year - the earth's orbit aroung the sun
Mankind can explain the seasons - the tilt of the earths axis
but there are no systems, rotation, orbits, cycles that can explain the 7 day week measure of time. It is solely God based & established

cts racing, RR

I replied: "Hey bright eyes.. try dividing the lunar cycle by 4. There is a reason the lunar cycle is called 1st quarter, 2nd quarter, etc etc."

Ok, universe, you have had enough fun

For three weeks, I have been asking Aikidomayland  to send my camera off to be repaired/cleaned/serviced. It has been packed in it's original box, and placed on the chair next to his gym/aikido gear bag. It sat there collecting dust.

I decided to take matter into my own hands.  Suddenly he wonders why some money was spent, and I tell him.  He said he was waiting for me to tell him to take it in.  *headdesk*

I just looked at him and said "Why do you thinkI got it ready, and it was sitting next to the stuff you take out to the car very morning?"
Men!

So what happens?  I get a phone call. Someone wants to hire me to do a family portrait... the day after.

I have the Canon, although I am nowhere near as familiar or comfortable using it.

Some warm has arrived

And I haz a happy about it. Even the furkids seem to be enjoying the warm sunny weather. There has been a bit of pecking order matches between Loki and Ziggy, but she will figure it out that Keito is boss kitty, Loki is 2nd in command, and she is a minion. (laughs) Yeah, right.

For a healthier me

I have been adding more and more fresh veggies to my diet. My usual lunch now has a bundle of blanched bok choy added to it. Two serves worth. I have been getting drowsy after lunch, so am thinking that with the thyroid problem, that just noodles with shrimp could be spiking my blood sugar (even though I am not diabetic). I decided to try this after that pass out session I had at Tai Chi a while back. Seems to be working very nicely.

Off to the shop

Brining my Lumix in for servicing and cleaning. There is dust behind the lens, and with a non-detachable lens, it needs to go to the authorised Panasonic dealer to be cleaned.

*fingers twitching* Missing it already, and it hasn't even left yet!

Alas, sad culinary news

Foo Gwai, the best dim sum restaurant we have been going to every Sunday for almost 6 years, will be closing forever. October 11th will be their last day.

We sadly sacrificed a pork bun to Akire-yta, and will do so again next week. Then, the search begins for Foo Gwai 'replacement'. *sad sigh*

For a few tastes from home

As much as I love USAFood, they are often out of stock, and the shipping costs can be a bit off putting.

Luckily for me (and others) a new store opened up, local to me. Be prepared, because of import duties some of the items are very expensive. Ah, but it's not something I do every week, just once in a while. IF Store. International Food Store & Cafe. It's on Canning Highway, in East Fremantle. I managed to get a few things that might not be for everyone, but they sure as hell are for me! :D And they take requests.

ifstorefreo at gmail dot com!

A Silver Lining!

Repair man came out to check the washing machine. It seems the action of the machine sucked a light weight plastic bag underneath it, and it jammed up the workings. Cleaned it out, and all is well. Small call out fee well worth it.

Poor baby

Aikidomayland has had a blow to his ego. He needs reading glasses. Optometrist said it was common for men his age. *giggle*

Doesn't this suck?

The washing machine has decided it doesn't want to spin the clothes after the water drains. My bet it's because of it being overloaded over and over again by Aikidomayland stuffing his gis in there.

Called where we bought it from, got the number of a repair man. He will be here tomorrow. I already have a ceiling limit on how much I will spend to repair it. If it's over that much, we will get a new washing machine.

*sigh*

Vacation is over

Aikidomayland will be home this afternoon. I got a little over half of the repairs/replacements done that were on the "Priority" list.

Two corroded old light fixtures replaced. Still want to get the two track lights replace in the main area. They are also 25 if not 30 yrs old. Those are next.

Two outlet power point in the back lounge room. There was just a single power outlet in here, with an extension cord running behind the sofa and along the wall with power boards chained in. Not good. Now the room has 3 power outlets, both power boards are in their own outlet.

The one major indoor thing I want to have done (and this one anyone who has visited me knows why) is to have the kitchen counter moved about 50cms so it will be under the window, and that the small cubby is either available or put a cabinet in there. And maybe have it raised about 9 cms.

Outdoors: Next month, the Caboodle for Ziggy will be installed. The big thing out there needed is the pergola has to be torn down and replaced. It's old and rotting, and if it's not removed, it could collapse and pull down the gutters and more than likely damage the eaves. Aikidomayland is a bit pouty about that, but it will be less expensive to have it fixed before it collapsed, than wait for it to collapse, damaging the house.

Ziggy, DeMille is ready for your close up now!

Ziggy is well and truly part of the household. She doesn't duck away from everyone, and is now used to me getting close to her. I was able to get the camera about 6 inches from her face. And she didn't flinch at all!

Why is there all this Right Wing outrage?

Protesters, peacefully assembling wearing Anti-Bush Anti-War T-shirt, and holding banners with the same sentiments.. arrested and jailed. Right Wingers pretty much calling for their blood for being Un-American, and Unpatriotic for exercising their 1st amendment rights, and bringing their grievances about the government to the open.

Fast forward to yesterday: a poll as to whether Obama should be assassinated. The RWNJs that were answering Yes, and advocating the death of a duly and legally elected president, listing how to do it, and begging someone to do so, are being investigated, and now suddenly the RWNJs are insisting that 1st amendment rights are being trodden upon, but only *their* 1st amendment rights. They cheered when people wearing anti bush T shirts are arrested. Where were they when people were arrested when peacefully assembled. Where were they when someone speaking out against Bush at a PUBLIC rally was arrested for disorderly conduct? Wild claims and false accusations of "Thought Police" (although threatening to kill someone isn't THINKING, it's threatening which is very illegal), and Control Freak and Communist being tossed Obama's way.

Threatening to murder/assassinate anyone is a crime. Threatening to do so to a President is a federal crime. I remember reading the gleeful ramblings of RWNJs when someone was arrested for saying they would like to see Bush dead (note, like to SEE, didn't say he would kill him or have him killed) but when those same gleeful people threaten to murder a President, and then their mindless drones dare to cry foul when the ones advocating Obama's murder are being investigated by the Secret Service? How dare the ones who make the threats be investigated? Really?

They should, at the very least, be arrested and charged with inciting to murder, threatening.

How can your own hypocrisy not make you sick? You bunch of sanctimonious, self-righteous wastes of skin!

A yummy repast

With the help of Alan, tonight was one of the best dinners at home in a while. Not so much the gourmet/gourmand variety, but just something well prepared.

Grilled T-Bone steaks, one medium rare (for me), one medium well, fresh corn on the cob steamed until tender, and a noodle and mushroom side dish.

Perfection. *urp*

Attack of the cleaning bug

Part.. something or other.

Decided to tackle the bedroom. Not fun. You end up making it a worse mess than it was before it starts to look or get clean! The sneezing phase has well and truly commenced. Lots of dust kicked up, lots of things thrown away. Aikidomayland side of the room, not so much, as I don't know what is keepers, and what can be tossed. He will have to do that when he gets back.

Lent Un-son, Robin and his parents my mulcher. Best to use it when the trimmings are still green but it can handle dried up foliage and branches. Just won't be as 'fluffy' a mulch.

Tired now. Lack of sleep, and physical labor means glitchy sore back. Actually, the sore back kind of makes for the lack of sleep. *sigh* Either way, I am done for today. I have a fresh cup of coffee, and some 86% cocoa chocolate. Food of the gods and me!

I think I have hit 'the wall'

Here I am under warm blankets, with the furry alarm clock in snooze mode, before 9:30. This way, if said furry alarm clock wakes me up at the usual 6am, I will have rested enough (hopefully) My hands are so sore from using the weed trimmer, that using my electric toothbrush was not easy. I can't think straight. Time for rest.

G'night

More yardwork

My hands are very sore from the weed whacker, but decided to tackle some more weeds. (A weed is anything growing where you don't want it to). I yanked a goodly amount that was growing on top of the mulch. I also lugged my weed killer with spray wand around, and sprayed around the walk way.

The outdoor work is a twofold thing. To get rid of the weeds before their seed tops are 'plantable'. As AmunAten said, 'nipping it before it buds'.

The other reason: I want to be so exhausted, that Loki can Flamenco dance all over me and I won't wake up.

This is the sort of bull$hit that encourages piracy

I pre-ordered "Sanctuary, Season 1" dvd set. It was advertised to have: Audio commentaries on all 13 eps, the original webisodes, 3 Making of Featurettes, Bloopers, photo gallery, and Season 2 sneak peek.

What I got was a stripped down, bare-bones Episodes with audio commentaries only. It seems the braintrusts at Tricon Films decided to do this, not for any legal reasons (according to the producer/creator of the series) but for some unfathomable reason known only to the morons who decided this was a good marketing idea.

The Universe is conspiring against me

I haven't been sleeping well. Not news, I know. I finally got to sleep at a decent hour, only to be woken up in the middle of the night by 3 part disharmonic voices of our cats yowling at a stray cat in our back yard.

Cats should not be allowed to wander loose at night due to few reasons:

1) The native wildlife is mostly nocturnal, and has no defenses against imported kitty predator.
2) You're really pissing off the neighbors who do keep their pets indoors as they are waking said neighbors up at OMIGOD Hundred hours because your cat is wandering loose!

My blankie and pillow. I hear the siren song. Must................ stay ............. AWAKE

He seems to be having fun in Zambia

Aikidomayland has called a few times a day, and sent many text messages. He has told me there is a standing order for my mudbrownies at the office. All I can remember is a certain time he promised to help me bake a lot of cookies, and he vanished after the first batch came out of the oven.

A cat side effect of Aikidomayland being away. Ziggy isn't always running away or flinching when I pet her or go near her. I swear her brain fizzes when I brush her out.

Still feeling a bit 'swimmy headed'

And a touch of a headache again, so going to give Tai Chi a miss tonight. I will practice at home, but just not up to an hour + session.

Aikidomayland is doing ok in Zambia. And Part One of my plan of repairs has been done. Got the to 25+ yr old light fixtures, the ones with blown bulbs in sockets so corroded they can't be swapped out, replaced. They make the rooms look a lot larger, as they aren't making us duck. quack.

Computer quirks

Vista machine quirks:
Now you see me, now you don't: 'loses' one of the external drives on reboot for whatever reason.
Work around: Remove it from the device list before shut down, and it will 'find' it a restart.

Don't want to this time!: Audible Manager for audio books keeps freezing, or not loading up. Vista also refuses to sync with Sansa e280
Work around: Use the XP laptop, no problems. (note to self, if you are going to uninstall Audible Manager, make sure you have your audio books archived, as the uninstall will delete them. Am very happy I had "Recover My Files". All 5.8 gigs were recovered)

The price of not paying attention and over taxing oneself

I don't really get 'hungry'. It's a glitch due to thyroid. So to combat this, I keep on a daily regimen of caloric intake. It's boring, but when my hands are ice cold, even in the middle of summer, I know it's time for a bit of a nosh.

Well, yesterday, I had my usual breakfast. Was getting ready to have lunch around 1, and I got a phone call from Meegan. We went for a micro-pillage for India supplies (chick pea flower, clarified butter, amla, papadums and other items). Had a brief stop for coffee, and came home. I forgot that I hadn't had lunch, and just got ready for Tai Chi.

*sigh* I knew I was in trouble about halfway through the last set. My legs were wobbly, my arms started shaking, and vision started greying. I managed to finish the set, and started toddling over to the teacher. I slurred "i forgot to have lunch i think im going to faint not kidding could i have an apple please?" Two people put their hands under my arms just as I folded like a cheap lawn chair. Next thing I know, I am seated on a chair, with my head below my knees. I looked up and saw two of everyone. Joan (nurse, retired) knew what was happening, and was there with a small juicy orange, telling me to eat it. I actually had to have help with that. She went to the kitchen and fixed a glass of warm water with two teaspoons of sugar, and had me drink that. I was shaking all over. After some more orange bits, and a cup of tea, I was aware of my surroundings again. 15 minutes and 3 crackers later, I no longer sounded like I was drunk.

Note to self: before Tai Chi, have at least a slice of toast with cheese or fruit.

I'm still feeling the effects of last night.

A Question

I bought a copy of Adobe PhotoShop CS3 Extended. Been using it for quite a while.

After hearing much about CS4 version, I decided to give it a try. Because I installed the trial of CS4 it made CS3 license "Expire". *boggle* The pop up window says to uninstall and reinstall it to fix this problem. I really didn't want to uninstall and reinstall CS3 because it takes for freaking long! I went in search of a easier way to rectify this problem.

My question is this: is it technically piracy if you own the install disc and crack it anyhow to avoid the tedium of uninstall/reinstall? Even Wikipedia says "The distribution and use of cracked copies is illegal in almost every developed country.", but I am not distributing it. It's mine, bought and paid for and I am not handing it out to anyone, and there is little if anything about doing so for your own legally owned personal copy. (There is on reference to 'personal use' which I think I might be covered by)

I looked into my crystal ball..

And I see an early night for me. Too many pre-dawn awakenings, and now that Aikidomayland is winging his way to Zambia, I am going to play catch up on snooze time. Yay me.

Already have a list of things to get done while he is away. I have two very antiquated light fixtures that have blown bulbs in them that I can't remove. Since they are extremely old (probably original when the house was built about 25 yrs ago) they are probably well past their Use By date. Also want to see about getting a two outlet power point installed on the other side of this room. Mostly to get rid of the clot of wires sitting against the wall.

Ziggy is still upset, and will be for another few more days, until her eyes are completely cleared up. Eh.. she'll get over it... maybe.

More to do, more to do

Aikidomayland is heading out again, for another trip to Africa. He will fuss and worry about my wellbeing, just as his mother will fuss and worry about his. It's not as if I am going to melt while he is away.

Already planning on what to get fixed/repaired/reconditioned when he goes, as he tends to drag his heels when it comes to getting needed things around the house done. It's not as if the house is going to heal.

Ziggy is still peeved at me for the eye treatment, but she is less apt to stay hidden all day. And her eyes are much better.

Don't be drinking anything.

If Video Games were realistic

Aw dang. :(

Actor Henry Gibson dead at 73, spokesman says

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Actor Henry Gibson, who played roles ranging from loopy poets to vengeful Illinois Nazis and cranky judges during a 40-year film and television career, has died at age 73, his representatives said Wednesday.

Mary Travers of the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary has died at age 72

DANBURY, Conn. (AP) — Mary Travers, one-third of the hugely popular 1960s folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, has died.

The band's publicist, Heather Lylis, says Travers died at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut on Wednesday. She was 72 and had battled leukemia for several years.

Poor Ziggy

We noticed her left eye was a bit weepy, so took her to vet. She has very mild case of conjunctivitis. So, twice a day, we have to piss her off by putting ointment in her eyes for a week.

She isn't happy with us... not at all.

Patrick Swayze dies after cancer battle

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Patrick Swayze, whose good looks and sympathetic performances in films such as "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost" made him a romantic idol to millions, died Monday, his publicist said, according to CNN affiliate KTLA. Swayze was 57.

It's not the phase of the moon...

But something has people really wound up, and manners have gone to the wayside.

On a forum about Wrong Way Wilson (There is a right way and a wrong way to disagree with a President, and not during a presidential address. Guess which one he did.) the rancor towards President Obama is palpable. They are cheering the GOP who yelled out YOU LIE when Obama most certainly did not lie. If an Independent/Democrat/Green member of Congress had (rightfully) yelled YOU LIE to Bush, these same people would have demanded a resignation at least, and prosecution for treason and a trip to GITMO.

What these rubes just don't get is if US Government members show open disrespect for the President, and presidential office during an important address, how the hell do they expect other countries to show respect?

Moving on:

Someone on a different forum asked for help with something, but posted his questions entirely in capslock. I answered each of his questions in turn, showing examples with screen captures. On the very last line, as an aside, I mentioned that"Posting in all capslock meant he was YELLING at us. Please don't do it Thanks!"

Some snarky bitch decided to yell at me telling me YOU WERE RUDE! and Aggressive!

I took it private and told her I don't know what her problem was, but she should go back and read her nasty comment and then decide who was being rude. She then sent me an even bitchier reply, trying to justify her behavior.

I told her "as for being rude, publicly doing what you did was way out of line. Talk about rude? You owe ME an apology. But I see by your nitpicking and constant making excuses for your behavior, I won't get it.

And Netiquette has nothing to do with building computers. I didn't demand a durned thing. I added it as an aside. You read more into it then what was there.

As I said, I don't know what your problem was, but you, not me, you were way out of line.

And another thing.. I did not bold (she quoted my original message but made three words bold type) type it, as that would be a demand, and you supposedly knowing about Netiquette should be well aware of that.

If I read as angry, you're right. You were out of line. He didn't have a problem, I wasn't addressing you, you decided to play Judge Judy. And I guess even etiquette is missing for you, because publicly telling someone you consider them rude is.. well Rude! Or did you conveniently forget that part. "

I haven't heard back from her, and I really doubt I will.

Moving on again: Today at Foo Gwai, we had our usual (including proper pork bun sacrifice to
Akire-yta
). We put in an order for fried squid, aka Cthulu. It was being brought around to our table when one very imperious woman stopped the server, asked what was on the tray, and when given a description, boldly reached out and grabbed our plate of squid. Wait staff asked "Did you order this?" The woman lied, said yes, and took it.

It was just a petty, childish thing to do. Manager noticed we were still waiting, went to the kitchen, and the owner brought it out. I told him it wasn't the wait staffs fault, and explained what happened. Funnily enough, he looked right over at the woman who did it, and nodded. I think they have had dealings with her before.

Like I said, it's gotta be something, but I haven't a clue what.

Doors are fixed

The wheels/casters on the doors were worse than Aikidomayland, but not I, If we had waited any longer, we would have had to replace the door frames, the tracks, and get a mason out here to do brick work.

A few hundred dollars vs several thousand dollars. Yes, I know Aikidomayland is going to be miffed (seeing as today was when Nigel from CatMax came here to take measurements to build a Caboodle for Ziggy.) but it was a necessity.

The cat enclosure might not be a necessity, but it will keep Ziggy from escaping but give her some 'outdoor' time.

Home maintenance

The sliding glass doors are having their worn away to nothing wheels replaced. They original nylon wheels have been ground away to nothing, and the doors are grinding on the metal tracks. The good news is, the tracks don't need to be replaced, just the wheels.

The side door is so worn they need the slightly more expensive stainless steel wheels. The back door will be fixed with the compressed nylon wheels.

Aikidomayland was a bit whiny about it, but then I told him "$500 to fix the doors, or over $5000 to replace them." No contest.

Whining won't stop, but at least we won't need to sweep up broken glass and replace two large, heavy sliding glass doors.

Damned headache

It really wants to make an appearance. I have taken appropriate measures to prevent it from blossoming into a full blown migraine. Again, loud noises make head pound harder, which is why I have a strong antipathy towards the non-stop barker behind us. Of course, it's not the dogs' fault. The damned owner just dumps it outside before going to work every day.

After all of Microsoft protestations about piracy

I get an email back from the MS Tech support, the same guy that first said my copy was invalid, then said it wasn't but the license key was invalid, has now given me step by step instructions on how to hack and crack XP Pro, bypassing the "Windows Genuine Advantage" stranglehold.

Hi Sandra,

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate the time and effort you have invested.

Sandra, I would like to explain that the search result shows that thousands of people can use this key if they want or search the key. Actually, the genuine retail version of product key cannot be found on Internet. As mentioned in my previous mail, this key is volume license type. It is why many people are able to use this key in a long time. This type of key cannot be sold to home user. It was only sold to organization and the seller must provide an agreement to the user. If this type of key got out, the key will be blocked and the users will receive the message that the copy may be counterfeited. If we have the agreement, we can contact the channel manager who provided the agreement and she/he will provide another genuine key. I think the retailer has not the permission to sell the volume license key. I strongly suggest we contact the retailer and return this key or let them provide a new key.

I fully understand the inconvenience this issue brought. Therefore, if you want, I can help you disable the notification directly. After disabling the notification, we still can receive security updates for system.

Disable WGA Notifications
===================
1. Click "Start", click "Run", and type in "system32" (without the quotes) and press "Enter".
2. In the opened folder, look for the file named "WgaTray.exe".
3. Right-click on the file, select "Rename" and type "WgaTray.old" (without the quotes) to rename this file.
4. Please also locate the file “WgaLogon.dll” (without the quotes) in the same folder and rename it to “WgaLogon.old” (without the quotes).
5. Click "Start", click "Run", and type in "DLLCACHE" (without the quotes) and press "Enter".
6. In the opened folder, look for the file named "WgaTray.exe".
7. Right-click on the file, select Rename and type "WgaTray.old" (without the quotes) to rename this file.
8. Please also locate the file “WgaLogon.dll” (without the quotes) in the same folder and rename it to “WgaLogon.old” (without the quotes).
9. Then restart the computer and see if you still receive the notification.

Thank you for your cooperation. Please try the steps shown above and let me know the results at your earliest convenience. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this issue, please don't hesitate to tell me. It is my pleasure to be of assistance.
I look forward to your reply.

Best Regards,

****** **
*****@mssupport.microsoft.com

That's right folks, Microsoft's best and brightest have told me how to bypass their own anti-piracy software!

Yeah, so, I already knew how, but that's not the point, now is it?

Ummm ouch

Woke up with pre-migraine. Am determined to not let it advance into full blown migraine.

Yelled at neighbor's dog, the one that starts barking at 7:45 every %#$$&%@ morning weekdays. She is quiet for now. Sounds are overly exaggerated, so quiet is what I need.

Slowly whittling it down

I had two credits on Audible dot com, and a growing 'Wish List'. I prefer to snag an entire series in one shot, if at all possible, but with all of the trilogies, and 5 book series, I really can't... well I could, but that's a bit pricey. So, I have taken to just slowly reducing my Wish List. Down to 22 audio books now, down from 24. Here's hoping it's a trend.

Storage Hoarding

I have to admit, I have become a hdd storage hoarder. I don't mean I keep each and every file or program I have ever made or installed. I mean getting larger hard drives to make images of the systems, and for storage of installation files, video files, photographs etc. I guess it has to do with having once had a complete loss of data because of a hard drive failure.

Burning things to DVDs helps to get a new system with the OS alreadly installed up and running in about 10 hours total set up, but rebuilding data, trying to remember what the BLEEP you had installed after a system crash..... too much stress, thankyousoverymuch.

Sunday, rainy Sunday

Headed to the archery range, and actually managed to get 6 rounds (or was it 8?) before the rain showed up. We came back, off loaded all the archery gear, and relaxed for a while.

Headed to Foo Gwai, whereupon we rededicated to Akire-yta with a proper pork bun sacrifice. *urp* and it was good.

Alan's 320 gig external hd has decided to die... again. This was supposedly an exchange for a faulty one. I have a feeling the tech just took it out of the first case, rigged it to work somehow, inserted it into another case, and shipped it back. Seeing as it's having the exact same problem that made me return it the first time, I think that is a fairly good bet.

The rain has returned, and the sleepies have followed closely behind. I will valiantly fight it off. heh

Off to the range

Here's hoping the rain holds off. Bringing laminated recurves, not horsebows, just in case.

A 2 year old and his teddy bear

Awww, iddums boo!