A place to daydream

Idyllic

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Meme and my shadow

Your Goth Name is:

Autumn Avarice

What's Your Goth Name?

Pasture and Gazebo

This was done from imagination and memory of family's horse ranch.

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Thighs are a'twitching, and back is complaining

Went for my walk early, as I am quite sure I won't be good company, as I am still a bit irked at aikidomayland's behavior.

I deliberately walked a bit faster going up the hills, hence the twitching feeling in the quads. Stopped to take some photographs of some gallahs along the way, and some kangaroo paws that are in full bud, and a few flowering already.

Got my spare Sansa cable, as I want to keep one for recharging, and one for syncing/writing. This way, they just stay put, no wandering, no wondering where the hell it is.

Loki has developed this ... habit. If I am wearing shoes, he will use them as a scratch post to get my attention, and if I am bare footed he will nip my instep. Goofy moggie.

Thanksgiving dinner

Son didn't show up, aikidomayland didn't show up. Invited neighbor, Ben, over for dinner, so not all was lost.

I am thankful that I am walking on my own, I am thankful that both sons (and their respective families) are hale and healthy.

I miss my Aunt, I miss my Uncle.

Watching what is going on Mumbai. Such brave terrorists, going after unarmed civilians. My prayers to the people caught in the middle of this, and my sympathies to the families of those who have died.

Better, stronger, faster

Well, not faster.

aikidomayland and I went for our 'constitutional' again. Even though I had back spasms (I get them no matter what I do) but this time I didn't have to stop to arch my back to stop them. It might have been due to my trying to get photographs of the ever flittering birds, that will sit stock still when you stare at them, but bring a camera up, and they become Speedy Gonzales.

Had dental check up today, also. Gum issues much improved. Dr L was surprised at how much tartar built up in just three months. My teeth are in great shape, even though I do have cracks that are just surface, not through the enamel, because of my clenching teeth. Hey, physio and hydro therapy was rather rough and painful, and to not scare people, I would clench down hard to not cry out.) Teeth cleaned, polished, and fluoridated! I go back in 3 months again.

Me-me-Meme!

Your rainbow is shaded red, violet, and green.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is says about you: You are a creative person. You feel strong ties to nature and your mood changes with its cycles. Those around you admire your fresh outlook and vitality. You get bored easily and want friends who will keep up with you.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

via weishaupt

Bird Rescue Ranger?

Moi? You betcha!

I went put something away in our room, and behold a flurry of dun and tan feathers. I don't see any cat, or bird, but I do follow the trail of feathers. There is Loki swatting a small honey eater. I distract him, and pick up the bird and feel an iron grip of bird claws. Patted Loki with my left hand, and kept bird in my right. Rustled up the bottle of Rescue Remedy, get it opened, and force a drop of it into the birds beak.

Then I examined the bird; no broken bones, no wounds, just a few feathers missing. Kept it warm in my hand for about 5 minutes, and give it another dose.

Took it outside to the empty hanging plant basket and attempted to put the bird into there to continue it's recovery. No need, as the little thing flew off.

The Unidentified Identified

While working on my computer, I kept hearing this odd noise. Seeing as I had been having hardware issues ( power supply on external hard drive, OS crashing) I immediately started examining my computer and its peripherals to see if this was an impending sound of doom!

Couldn't pinpoint the noise. It increased in volume and I was able to zero in on it. I noticed a shadow behind the curtain. I looked behind it.

Loki snores.

Spring Pastures

A horse grazes in a lush green pasture.

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LOLCats.. not just for cats anymore

moar funny pictures

Let me sum up. No, not enough detail that way. Let me explain

Normally, I would consider getting up at 6am on a Saturday morning the beginning of wrong on many levels. However, we were invited to Delicious Irony's birthday brunch. Programmed the address into the GPS, and headed out. Funnily enough, the address we were supplied has two locations, depending on whether you're in Stirling/Inglewood, or or Vincent/Inglewood. We managed to find the correct one, after going to the 'wrong' one the first time.

The Brunch was wonderful. Good company, good food, music, and great atmosphere. I got some good photographs of the guests and the musicians, too. Bought a new basil and thyme plant. The outing was something aikidomayland needed. I know, and fully understand, he is still in mourning, and will be for quite some time, but he needed to get out and stop vegetating.

It was with some sadness what we had to say our farewells and head off for our weekly pillaging.

Meegan and Daggles came by this afternoon. Was asked if I would like to go visit Sue (Meegans' mother) and they hadn't even finished the question when I said yes. Sue has had a very rough time, the past few months. A melanoma was found on her leg, and it needed to be removed. The skin graft over the surgical area didn't take, the surgical staples ripped out and the area became infected. It seemed no antibiotic would work, so she was readmitted to the hospital for surgical removal of the infection and the surrounding tissues, leaving an even larger surgical wound. Another skin graft was performed, and this one seems to be healing properly.

Extremely tired now, either from full day of activity, or early rising. Hobsons' choice on that one.

What he can't keep he is determined to destroy

Soon to be ousted Bush is well on his way to becoming, irrevocably, the worst president in history. Even worse than Grant. He is pushing to make changes to the Endangered Species act, and other regulations now so President Elect Obama will have a much more difficult time to undo it.

This man is like a hyena. They have been known to vomit over what they can't eat, so nothing else can eat it. Bush is going out of his way to destroy anything and everything he can before he is out of the oval office.

I am quite sure that it won't be a shocker to know that these regulations come at the benefit of corporations. And to the detriment of the Americans and the environment, including making it easier to pollute near national parks, easing mining restrictions, and gutting the Endangered Species Act.

Now this is cute

The person who used someone else's artwork sent me a PM. I didn't read it, as I am quite sure it was filled with excuses or bile. Either way, it doesn't matter.

She took someones artwork, used it and peddled it as her own and got caught. Not kosher. She should just suck it up, and be grateful I'm not the copyright owner, as that could have landed her in a world of trouble.

For something a bit lighter

Our cats have us very well trained. They don't like drinking water from a standing bowl, but do occasionally use the water feature for a watering hole.

But their favorite thirst slaking spot is a fresh cup of water in the bottom of the shower. They will look at us, look at the shower, look back at us, and then back at the shower. Until we finally get the message.

This time it was aikidomayland that got the message from Loki. (no, no pic of aikidomayland in his towel)

Fair Use vs Outright theft

No one likes to have their work stolen. No one like the thought that their work might be stolen.

Over on Redbubble, there is a Cat t-shirt contest. Yeah, I entered one of mine, but that's not the theft.

Today was voting day on which one you think is the best. I go there to place my vote on which one I like the best, and I spotted something. This . The 'artist' even said she nicked the design years ago off of a binaries group.

This T-shirt of mine is over 12 yrs old, probably closer to 15 yrs old.

Copyright issues aside, submitting someone elses' work as your own in a contest is just not right.

Bleh

Feel like crap, back is really stiff and sore. I guess the good part is it's spasming is calmed with some Ibuprofen +.

Even though I felt like crap, I insisted on doing our evening walk. aikidomayland said we could take the shorter route, but I didn't want to do that. Set a bad precedent that way. So we did the usual distance, but walked a wee bit slower.

Came home, cooked nice healthy dinner. Had to eat slowly, as I stupidly skipped lunch (was feeling bleh) and was feeling rather ravenous. Bite, chew slowly, sip juice mixed with lemon soda, repeat.

Almost subliminal headache has gone away, so that's good.

Early night I think.

Australia Post.. yet again

This time, the van pulled all the way into the carport. I opened curtain*, looked right at the guy (different than yesterdays doofus), and walked out the side door to the gate. Opened it, and he looked at me and plunked the parcel behind one of the posts. I tip my head and give him a look  'Dude, I'm standing right here!'

He just gets back into his van and goes.

What is with their 'tudes, lately?

*

Yummy marinade

Two 6 inch long stalks of fresh oregano, finely minced.
Three goodly sized stems of thyme, minced
2 cloves finely minced garlic (can use less depending on size of cloves)
6 green olives with or without pimento.
1 cup white wine (you can substitute white vinegar)
1/2 cup olive oil.

Blend all together. Can be brushed on, or used as marinade 'bath'.

This is great on chicken, whether dark or white meat.

The Sumabidge almost got away with it again

I was looking out the window, and I see the Australia Post van at the bottom of the driveway.  I see the guy rummaging around on the front seat, and then he heads to the back of the van.

I get up, head to front door and stand out in the car port waiting. Did I mention I had the front door open? Screen door latched, but open.  I see him tip a the SORRY TO HAVE MISSED YOU card into the letterbox, and start to get back into the van.

"And just where to you think you're going?" quietly said by me.

He almost levitated.  

"Why didn't you knock?" humorless smile on my face.

He insisted he did. Uhh no.

He hadn't pulled all the way up into the driveway, so I think he was expecting to do a drop the card and run.

Parcel delivered. Receiver smirking smugly. Delivery guy slunk off.

The Meme-Sheep has landed

Minor Issues over the weekend

If Bill Gates had a nickel for every time a windows box crashed.. oh wait, he does. Not so much of a joke. Was have slow log off problems, and I stupidly once again (baa baa baa) followed The MicroShits' tech page and installed UPHCleaner, and ran it. Yeah, it fixed the slow log off/shut down problem... fixed it right into having to use the back up I had made 3 weeks ago (I had planned to do another full system back up next week). Whatever it screwed up, none of the system restores would work. So, 4 hrs later, and a few programs reinstallations, and all is well again. I will be making yet another back up as I have removed some of the software that was on the old back up, and I really don't see the need to putting it back on should the need arise.

Pillaging: it was funny, we are such regular and notable customers were were missed at the local 'support your local farmer' veggie market, and other shops (We went on Sunday last week instead of Saturday.)

I am tired of the rough patch on the heel and side of my right hand from dragging it on my graphics tablet, and the jerky lines when I am trying to do smooth strokes or lines, so I ordered a 'glide glove' along with some replacement nibs for my Bamboo.

Today was beautiful, sunny, warm, and windy. Made for interesting archery. Used the low profile fletched arrows and kept getting groupings in the area of a a grapefruit. Since we had so many people on the target, I chose to aim and shoot at a specific spot on the target (we had a compound bow user, and I have had arrows scragged by arrows from one of those heavy poundage bows before). Someone decided I needed coaching and started in on me. When I informed him my shots were deliberate, he didn't believe me, until I sighed, said "Watch this" and placed on in the gold. I felt my eyebrow go up when I asked "Satisfied now?". No more coaching advice given. Went back to putting them where I wanted them.

Went to Foo Gwai, whereupon the traditional pork bun sacrifice was made to akire-yta. *urp*

aikidomayland took his mom to Kings Park for their Sunday Coffee Klatch. They need this time together, for healing, without someone there inhibiting them from talking. They are both doing better than they were just a few months ago. It's not easy, but no one thought it would be.

Thereby is the weekend update. We now continue with our scheduled programming, already in progress.

There and back again (Not a hobbits' tale)

Was all dressed, shod and ready to go for walk before dinner with aikidomayland. Took an even longer route, with a bit more hill. My lower back started spasming only once, and all I had to do was stop, bend over at the hips and arch my back up and hold that position for 30 seconds, and I was good to go. Brought one of my cameras with me, and got a few good shots (I hope).

Came home, served up dinner that was just finished cooking by the time we got home. Was muchly appreciated by all.

Walk around the block, repeat if necessary

I get bored spitless going to the gym. I know some people are in luuuurve with weight machines, stationary bikes, elliptic machines, and treadmills, but after a few months, I get bored.

So, instead of that, I have suggested that aikidomayland and I take nice long walks after (or sometimes before) dinner. The first two times, he set the pace, and I ended up limping and gasping for air. Last night, I told him I was setting the pace. Funny thing is we went three times the distance, and I wasn't limping and had no trouble breathing. I told him that doc said you should be able to talk and walk at the same time, and if you can't then slow down. I have asthma. Things are in bloom. Grass/Trees/Other foliage is being cut on daily basis. Breathing easy is an issue with me. So, slowed down, walked 3 times the distance, twice the amount of time.

And I feel better for it.

The Eagle Has Landed

shadoutcarver asked if I could make her a painting to be a gift for a friend who is former Naval personal, and a big Apollo buff, naming his first boat "The Eagle" for "The Eagle has landed!"

This started out as a composite JPG, from different photographs I had taken of WedgeTail Eagles, and the head of a Australian Fishing Eagle. Once I made the "Frankenstein" jpg, I used it as a reference. I put a soft blend over the entire bird to prevent 'cartooning'.

Tools used: Basic Oil, textured oil, sketcher pen, soft blender.

In their honor

We remember them.

Massive weekend update

Friday, aikidomayland and I went to Tsunami for our anniversary. We had a lovely time there, but the chairs played havoc with my lower back as they were short legged chairs. Even aikidomayland said he felt like he was sitting at a kiddie table.

Saturday: JP and Sarah's wedding.

:D It was held in Lancelin, near the ocean, and it was a beautiful ceremony. Saw many friends there too. Reception was wonderful. The 'Dragons' decorating the table were beautiful. There were some umm lets just say many people wanted to take the dragons home with them. There were also some very odd things being done to the dragons

Man Eating Dragon?

(looks at book case). There be rescued dragons there!

I got some great shots of the ocean, reef, beach, wind surfers, kite surfers while I was there.

Unfortunately, the chairs there continued doing a number on my back.

Sunday: Archery. Many people told me I looked very tired, and commented that I hadn't walked that slow or stiffly for several months. Yeah, over doing and some styles of chairs can really make things a bit inflexible. Went to Foo Gwai, where we made our pork bun sacrifice to akire-yta. Got the pillaging done afterward. Came home, and pretty much collapsed.

TGIM, Thank Goodness It's Monday. I get to rest!

Hey Australian Gov't! About this censoring you want to do.

Yeah.. that'd be right.

From "The Pundit Kitchen"

Alien Offering

Is the visitor giving or taking the offering?

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Aw damn

Michael Crichton Million-Selling Science-Fiction Author Dies at 66

Best-selling author Michael Crichton, who wrote such novels as The Andromeda Strain and Jurassic Park, and created the popular TV drama ER, has died at 66, his family said today.

McCain's Concession speech

McCain, as wrong headed he was, and as even more wrong Palin was with her bigotry mongering, was gracious in his concession speech.

Too bad I can't say the same about his fan club. There have been vicious and bitter comments left on my blog that were posted anonymously, ignorant ones that were dripping with bigotry. Unfortunately that is the kind of supporter Palin encouraged.

But even with all that, Sen McCain, who I did NOT want as President, was polite and gracious at his concession speech.

So many republican supporters, even after their candidate has conceded defeat, are still tossing around catch phrases (like socialist) without even knowing about the country they live in. Fire Department: Socialist program, Police Department: Socialist program, Public Libraries: Socialist Programs, All Branches of the Military: Socialist Programs, Public Education: Socialist Program. SOCIAL Security: Socialist Program. Go leave off chanting the fear mongering about social programs, ok? Stop parroting Nixon and Reagan, and think for yourself.

Celebration

Where, there goes the bottle of champagne (oops, sparkling chardonnay pinot) I had been hoping to pop when Obama won.

Can we say "President Obama"?

Yes, we can!

Here is a toast from the bottle of champagne I said I would open when Obama was declared the 44th President of the United States.

King of the Veldt

A westering sun on the African veldt, with adult male lion surveying his domain.

Digital painting created with TwistedBrush Pro Studio acrylic brush set.

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PSA Meme

1. Stop talking about politics for a moment or two.
2. Post a reasonably-sized picture in your LJ, NOT under a cut tag, of something pleasant, such as an adorable kitten, or a fluffy white cloud, or a bottle of booze. Something that has NOTHING TO DO WITH POLITICS.
3. share the love.

8 yrs ago today

I said "You betcha yes!" when asked if I would have him as husband and partner.

I killed my pushbroom

Was cleaning yard waste (leaves, bottlebrush debris etc) from the back yard. Should have stopped there, because I decided to clean the driveway and car port. As I was pushing a pile of leaves, the head of the push broom came off.

I looked at it and was rather disgusted to find the wood screws used to attach the handle to the broom head were less than a half inch in length. The broom head is well over an inch thick, and the screws should have been close to that length.

I'll see how ambitious aikidomayland is. Fix the broom with 4 longer wood screws, or get a new one.

Alan helped me get the swept up piles of leaves cleared out, so at least it's not a job half done.

Ya don't hear about Dems pulling stunts like this*

Some of the shenanigans the GOP and their supporters are pulling:

Text messaging known democratic voters and telling them they can text in their votes to avoid long voting lines.

Flyers being stuffed in mailboxes and on windshields saying Repubs vote on Tuesday, and Dems on Wednesday due to the high voter turn out.

Accusing a man who has attended the same Christian church for over 20yrs of being a Muslim (Not that it makes any difference), while the man who doesn't go to church is a Christian.

Falsely claiming a man who respects women of being gender biased, while saying the man who publicly called his own wife a c**t is a friend to women.

That a man who happened to be on the same charity board as Obama made him 'pallin' around with terrorists' ¹, while ignoring that McCain is close personal friends with G Gordon Liddy, a convicted felon, and a domestic terrorist (Liddy had plans to firebomb Brookings Institution).

Claiming that Professor Khalidi is a radical and Ex PLO spokes person, and Obama associating with him made him 'hate Jews', totally ignoring Obama and Ayers gave Khalidi's organizations 80-thousand dollars while McCain gave Khalidi's organizations 448 thousand dollars.

Palin inflaming bigoted fools to chant "McCain not Hussein" as if Obama's middle name is a curse, and she damed weills knows she are playing on irrational fears and constantly insinuating that Obama is a Muslim terrorist¹.

It shows just how desperate the Republicans/Conservatives are getting.

I have had a few people show me links that have outlandish claims against the Democrats, but they have all been from Partisan GOP sites, or have been totally debunked by FactCheck.

*As reported by NON partisan news and sources.

Some Cajun

Making Jambalaya for dinner tonight. I have enough fixings to make it again, but with ham next time (Yes mynxii, this is with you in mind)

I like cooking, but sometimes the prep work and the stack of dirty pans, cutting boards, dishes can really build up. I don't think either of the guys will make an issue about one of them doing the dishes after dinner tonight.

Sums it up beautifully

Oh, I am in a fine fettle today

Truth be told, atheists have the lowest divorce rate only because they can never get married in the first place! Since when do pedophiles, homosexuals, prostitutes and other socially deviant individuals get married?

HappyHealthyHolyRoller

To which I answered

Dunno, what's your wedding anniversary?

Star Jasmine - Early evening

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Lumix DMC-FZ30
Focal Length 11mm
Exp 1/125 sec at f/4.0
ISO-100
4x Close up Lens
Macro Light ring

The small gods of technology

Are having way too much fun with me.

Had a total OS failure, and a computer crash. I managed to get everything up and running (h.t. to the assist I got from neighbors when I couldn't find my XP disc. I found mine afterward). Then, suddenly my large external hd, the one I just made a full system back up on, including all drivers and program installation files, stopped working. After a quick and panicked exam, turns out the power supply died.

Ok, I email Western Digital, clearly explaining that I needed to know where to get a replacement for it.

I need to get a replacement for the power supply for my External HD. Where can I find one?

Their reply

Thank you for contacting Western Digital Customer Service and Support.
Replacement for the AC Adapter will not be possible as it is not coved by the warranty of the drive.
Kindly check around the hardware stores with a 12 volt 1.5 Amp ac Adapter for your device.

I double checked. I did not say it was. I asked where I could get a replacement. I took several deep breaths and told them:

"I'm not asking for a warranted replacement, but WHERE can I get a replacement for it.

On second thought, never mind, I will take it to a certified computer repair shop and have them take the drive out and re-house it in a new case. You guys really need to read the damned questions before sending out automated form letters, because you just lost my business."

Took it down to NetWays, had the house swapped and all is well... again... for now.