One thing less to worry about

Prints for SwanCon art show are on their way. I would have really liked to get them framed, but the cost was prohibitive ($100 each). I really don't see anyone spending that much on a SwanCon art show. If these do well, and if I am so inspired over the course of the year, maybe I will invest in framed prints should RedBubble have another special on shipping or on specific media.

Menu by request

Alan asked me to make tacos/burritos/enchiladas. Lots of dicing and slicing involved, but it's done. Waiting for Aikidomayland to bring home some spring onions, as he used the ones I had gotten for tacos.

Typing of him, Aikidomayland 's back has been bothering him. I told him once to go make an appointment with the Physiotherapist. Does he do this? Nah... mope, whine, groan, complain for weeks, and then make an appointment.

He gets no sympathy from me this time.

I can't be bothered putting a subject in here

Was so nice to get up at 6am, and have it be 6am, not 5am disguised at 6am. Got up and ready for archery and arrived there in a timely manner.

Used the new longbow, and did pretty damned good. I had to skip the last three ends though as my left leg, still heavy and tired from Friday's pool cleaning, and then 2 hr Tai Chi on Saturday, was getting twitchy, and I couldn't hold steady. I kept my arrows on the target, but there was no accuracy, they were all over the place.

Went to Foo Gwai, where porkbuns were duly sacrificed to Akire-yta . Have to say, however, due to at least 4 new waitstaff, and probably one new cook, the service today was not up to snuff, and neither was "Cthulu'. Messed up the order twice, and when we got it, it was so oily, neither Aikidomayland or I wanted much of it. So, decided to bring it home in a take away box. We asked for one, and waited..... and waited... and waited. 20 minutes later, we had enough waiting and just left it at the table. When I went to pay our bill, I mentioned the less then stellar service, and poor quality of the Cthulu. She had noticed our long wait, and because of the rather ick squid, it was deducted from our bill. Hey, shit happens.

'New kitty' news: Loki and Ziggy are sleeping in the same room, less than 2 meters apart. She isn't starting or jumping whenever he moves, which is good. He still wants to play, and she still teases by chirping at him, running right by him, and then hissing or growling at him should he take up her invitation. Tease.

Truly a *Facepalm* Moment

If someone was claiming to be an "Internet Pastor", you would think the person would be well versed in biblical studies, yes?

["The Hebrews crossed the 'sea of reeds'. Most Jews agree on this. After all, the first 5 books are theirs."]

The first five books are theirs? Um, no. Moses was a Christian. Sorry.

I guess the small fact there was no such thing as a "Christian" during the time of Moses didn't cross his mind.

Saturday routine

Got ready nice and early, care of Loki, the furry alarm clock. I was feeling a bit stiff and sore from cleaning the pool yesterday. Got to Tai Chi early, which was fine by me. I told Dave I didn't think I was going to go the entire distance, as my leg was feeling very heavy and unresponsive. I surprised myself by going from start to finish. There was one set of moves that I was certain was going to land me on my ass, but I managed to not fall over. Go me.

By the time the class was over, I was still sore, but not stiff. Again, go me.

Pillage was like usual. Headed off to Spotlight to get some leather clamps to make more cat feather tease toys. Scored the clamps, and then scooted over to JB HiFi to get a new set of earbuds, and ended up misbehaving. BattleStar Galactica, box set (Season 1-3) with the mini-series, and season 4. Will get 4.5 later this year.

A funny rebuttal to a fundie

"This could be the year when the Bride of Christ will be raptured and the Tribulation period begins. "

The rebuttal

This could also be the year when Optimus Prime rescues the auto industry.

Why couldn't I have found it a few weeks ago?

I 'topped' up the air pressure in the upper part of the pool, so it would be firm for a while. I used the side as a back rest, with my arms stretched along the top of it. Kept feeling this breeze. Not strong, but steady.

Took off my glasses and almost put my nose to the pool top, and looked carefully. I spotted a small hole, maybe a millimeter in size where my right arm was resting. I exited the pool, and got some supplies form the house. Cleaned and dried the area, and slapped on a 1x2 inch patch over the hole.

No more air loss.

But now I have a 'spare' pool.

Isn't this the way?

Early this morning, my 'replacement' pool arrived. I checked it out, made sure everything that was supposed to be in there was.

Went to prep my 'old' pool (adding bleach, making sure there was nothing floating in it--although how things can get in it while it's covered boggles me--) only to find out that Aikidomayland unplugged my jury-rigged water filter, so there is dirt and whatever on the bottom of the pool. *sigh*

Well, the heat of the day hasn't hit yet, so I can get some of cleaned out and ready, and then clean the rest of of it when I am actually in the pool.

Well, I did it

Two things that I had made specifically for SwanCon, but kept arguing with myself about entering them, and two others.

Ok, I surrender!

After the subtle, and not so subtle, prodding of Aikidomayland and about 8 others, I am looking through my digital artwork to see which ones I will have printed out to enter in the SwanCon artshow.

RedBubble is tempting me again!

All art looks great on canvas so RedBubble has taken 20% off the price to help spread the word about the amazing quality of RedBubble canvas prints

They also guarantee that your canvas print(s) will ship in two business days or they're on them!

No code is needed, simply checkout with canvas in your cart. This event ends Sunday, March 29 at 11:59 p.m. US PT. Discount on canvas base prices.

My Gallery

Thinking about getting this one on canvas.

Ziggy vs the Red Pillow!

After knocking almost everything off the bookcase shelf, Ziggy decides to beat the stuffins' out of a pillow!

Ziggy vs Pillow

Battlestar Galactica - Series Finale

Oh wow.

Poor Bill, Poor Lee. :(

I will miss BSG. It was gritty in your face, not all fluffy bunny, sweetness and light.

Longbow 'test drive'

One word - sweet. No hand shock, no stacking, slick and smooth. Current arrows I have are fine. Broke one during 'testing' to see which set would work best.

Foo Gwai for a light lunch. Porkbuns properly sacrificed to Akire-yta

Came home, and the short rations of sleep caught up with me, and I zonked out for a few hours.

Bonus for the weekend, sold 4 artworks at RedBubble. Yay!

A time and a place

Aikidomayland has no business shoulder surfing during the last 20 minutes of the last ep of Battlestar Galactica while I am tryng to watch, and interrupting it every few minutes wanting me to sum up/explain/describe the last 4 years of it.

I will be watching it again when he isn't around.

Preparing for next year

I had mentioned the inflatable pool I got in December has become air permeable due to the harsh Australian sun beating down on it, even though it's covered. The heat softened it, and it can't be inflated to full anymore.

I found a replacement, on DealsDirect, one that is sturdier and made of stronger material, and has water filter included for $99 with free shipping.

I wonder if I can keep the water warm in it for the winter. >:)

Sheep Herding Sheep Art

Collegehumor.462c26326545ed01c57f8bd6b8da1b77

h.t to ShadoutCarver

Trip to Molinjor

Eureka!

We went there to have me measured and tested to see what sort of bow to have built for me. Chris measured me up, asked me what my normal shooting poundage was, and told me to not look at this bow, just test it out.

18 meters, and I put lots of holes in the gold. And no straining, no stacking, slick and smooth. Chris also said I have great shooting style/stance. My only glitch is I release too soon. Just a second or two delay to aim fixed it.

After shooting 35 arrows with no problems with my shoulder or my hand, I said "This bow is it." Chris was more than willing to build me one from the git go, but this one was perfect. Took a look and was surprised to find out that it's a heavier draw than any of my other ones, including my 40# Scythian horsebow.

Will be practicing with it this Sunday, as Aikidomayland has a barebow tourney scheduled for the club

Digital Painting

Not to be confused with photo manipulation. Created with Bamboo graphics tablet, stylus and mouse, and TwistedBrush Pro Studio

Gallery

Longbow Saga, part II

Aikidomayland discussed the problem with my longbow with Molinjer. He said he was a common problem people can have with these Internature Vipers.

So, tomorrow Aikidomayland will be taking me to be 'custom fitted' with a Molinjer longbow that's just right for me.

Support a starving artist!

Free Shipping at RedBubble again!

Here's how it works: Simply enter ticktock in the "Gift Certificate or Promotional Code" box and click "Update Total" at checkout on RedBubble.

We can only hold this door open until Sunday, March 22 at 23:59 p.m. AEST, so use the ticktock code as many times as you'd like or share it with anyone you please!

Gallery

Please disregard the photographs that are obviously family shots, unless you really want them. *chuckle*

Well this sucks

Aikidomayland got me a beautiful longbow in December. 40# draw. It's a good bow.. but it's not good for me.

Turns out that even though I am comfortable with a 40# draw, that one stacks too soon, and only the upper halves of the limbs are flexing. *sigh* I did try, and did shoot ok with it, but I have very stiff shoulders and arms today. It shall be re-homed.

Also found out that FITA, the governing body for archery events, has decided that string silencers (something used to stop excessive vibration of the string after arrow release) can no longer be used on bare bows, citing they can be used as sighting aids. Uhh, hello? The only way you could use them for sighting is if you are 9ft or 9 inches tall. When you draw the string silencer is over your head and below your belt buckle. It's as if they are trying to completely phase out bare bow shooters.

Bengal on Red Velvet

Ziggy enjoys lounging on this velvet covered bench, alert to all that goes on around her. She is hiding less and less. I would have gotten a better pic, but look who decided to crash the photo session. :D

He jumped up, just wanting to play. She dashed off, but came back as soon as he left, understanding she didn't want to play.

All the good work

All the good results from Tai Chi gone after one evening sitting in grossly uncomfortable chairs. *wince*

Here's hoping todays Tai Chi session undos the damage.

Meh

Don't feel like cooking tonight. Just feel sleepy and really heavy. I don't think it was Tai Chi last night, as it was only an hour class, with about 20 minutes of it being used to show the others something over and over and over, because they chose to chatter to each other, rather than pay attention to the instructions. *sigh*

Ziggy has this passion for plastic. Only certain kinds. I called the vet, and found out that many of the newer aka 'modern' plastic bags are made to be biodegradable, and are made with animal fats. So we have a helluva time keeping plastic grocery bags out of her way.

Here she is with a piece she dug out of the trash can in the lounge. I figured making it a toy would at least keep her from taking it to her hidey hold and eating it.

I put it up out of reach when she was done playing, but I think she knows where it is.

"It's here somewhere... I know it is."

"So close... so close!" (I said "Ziggy, get down from there!" which earned me...)

"Wut"?

The toy is wedged between the two boxes on the left hand side of the bookcase top.

Oh dear.

The good news is: Ziggy is settled enough to walk down the hallway and has discovered the sandbox near the laundry area.
The bad news is: Ziggy is settled enough to walk down the hallway and has discovered the sandbox near the laundry area.

GAWD how can such a small cat make such a HUGE stench!

At least someone is sane

Excommunicated doctor hailed for abortion on child rape victim

 

• Report: Doctor who performed abortion on child rape victim praised at event


•   Brazilian law bans abortion except in cases of rape


•   Catholic Church excommunicated doctor, along with child's mother, medical team


•   Archbishop says child was not excommunicated

BRASILIA, Brazil (CNN) -- A doctor excommunicated by the Catholic Church for performing an abortion on a 9-year-old rape victim received a standing ovation during a national convention on women's health, according to a local media report.
The response came during the opening ceremony of an event hosted by Brazilian Minister of Health Jose Gomes Temporao.

The newspaper O Povo reported that Temporao called on the audience to acknowledge the "brilliant" work done by a medical team in the abortion, performed in Brazil's northeastern city of Recife.

The girl was pregnant with twins after being raped, allegedly by her stepfather, police were quoted in media reports as saying. The abuse had gone on since the girl was 6, authorities said.

The abortion was performed March 4 during the fourth month of pregnancy, according to media reports

Archbishop Don Jose Cardoso Sobrinho of Recife excommunicated the doctor, the child's mother and the medical team involved in the procedure.

However, the stepfather was not excommunicated, with Sobrinho telling Globo TV that, "A graver act than (rape) is abortion, to eliminate an innocent life."

What about the 9 yr old child? She is an innocent life. Embryos or fetuses aren't 'lives'.

The 9 yr old child had been raped repeatedly since she was 6 years old, and was impregnated.  The sexless morons that run the Catholic church stating that this child, with an undeveloped uterus, should 'carry to term and have a C-section' just shows how ignorant they are. She would have died well before the fetuses were developed enough to have survived birth. But what the hell, once the uterus is implanted, the female is no longer a life just a walking incubator to the Catholic Church.

And the Vatican whines about how people are leaving them in droves.

Aw damn

I had blogged a while back about Mrs T's dog being poisoned by her (ex)neighbor. *sigh*

It seems that the poisoning compromised her lymphatic system so it couldn't fight off infection, virus, or.. small cancers. The vet said that because of that poisoning, it cause the small cancers to explode in the lymph system, grow and spread very quickly, especially around the poison burned throat.

Suzie was put down at home, in a loving home.

There is a special place in hell for people who abuse animals. :(

Warm Summer days... actually autumn now

Although someone forgot to tell the weather that summer is officially over. But there are ways to beat the heat.

Ziggy is still adjusting to being a pet. But she is making great strides. She has picked the oddest things to sleep on. My laptop computer, and on top of the stereo. If it was cold, I could understand that. Testing it out for the winter?

Here she is teasing Loki again. As evidenced by his back foot, he was sleeping behind the curtain. She kept sniffing his foot, chirping at him, and when he tried to play, she ran away.

Gotta appreciate hackers

My e280 showed up, and it turns out it's v1 not v2, so not compatible for Audible audio books. It, and also the Sansa View, has the same problem with excruciatingly slow scanning. Luckily for me, someone who liked the hardware and had the ability made installable software with a great GUI for the e2xx v1 series that cured it. Press forward for a few seconds, and it scans slowly ahead. Keep pressing and it zips right along. No more getting almost to the end of a 14 hr mp3 ebook, only instead of turning the volume up, accidentally going back to the beginning of the sound file.

What a relief

It got rather warm today, so the pool and I had a date. I had to use the bike pump to top up the air a bit, but that was no biggie. After that, I climbed in. The water felt shockingly cold at first, then just refreshing. When the breeze kicked up, it was warmer in the water than out of it. :D And as before, the constant lower back ache has vanished, and I expect it to last as it has before.

Stripes and Polka dots

Who says they don’t go together?

And here I thought I would have a rest day

Today, our archery club was hosting a state competition. Aikidomayland , being the Vice President of the club, assisted with the set up and whatever else was needed. He got up at OMIGOD Hundred hour, and quietly got ready to go, so I expected a nice sleep in and slow awakening.

Uhh no. He let Loki in, and within minutes, Loki was bugging me to get up. *sigh*

Got hot, so the pool and I had a standing date. The top part, due to the very strong Aussie sun, has become rather air permeable now. If I try to fill it to firmness the air just leeches out. But I did find out is that it will take a 'soft fill' of air which is enough to keep the water in. And have also found out that the bike pump, if you remove the small bit that clips over a tire valve, fits into the smaller of the two pool air valves, so I can fill it up as needed. I might not be able to rest my back on the sides of the pool but I do have the built in seats that I can still rest my head on and float, which is just fine. It's a splash pool, not a swimming pool.

An hour of floating, fresh air and sunshine, and cooling off meant I was smacked upside the head with the sleepies. Crashed for about an hour or so.

She is such a tease

Ziggy will chirp and meow at Loki, then scamper away. Then she typically hisses or growls at him if he gets too close. Loki isn't intimidated. If she swats at him, he returns the favor.

One grey scaled and one sepia toned. :D The size difference is amazing.

"Wut?"

Battlestar Galactica, Season 4, Episode 18

Yup... confirmed. ShadoutCarver , Jedi Nightwolf and I were right as to 'the dying leader'.

Ok, I know she is learning to be a pet

But this yowling at 2:30 am, and then again at 4:30-ish has got to stop. So started the day a bit earlier than I wanted to, but hey, lemons/lemonade.

Finally found out why I am so knackered after Saturday Tai Chi. The Saturday class is a 2 hr class, unlike the intro, the Monday and Wednesday classes which are only an hour. Had to back track a bit today because so many were away last weekend due to the holiday. Doesn't do any harm to review previous session.

Pillage: eh, same ol' same ol'. When we got back, Ziggy was very curious as to what we were lugging in. She got all cute and rolling around, belly up. What a little nutjob. :)

Too long of a day

Don't know why, but today seems to be dragging on and on, as if time is telescoping. Have no idea why.

Meme and my shadow

Your Word is "Fearless"

You see life as your one chance to experience everything, and you just go for it! You believe the biggest risk is being afraid and missing out on something amazing. Sometimes your fearlessness means you're daring. You enjoy risky activities. And sometimes your fearlessness means you're courageous. You're brave enough to do the right thing, even when it's scary.

What's Your Word?

via StephBg

Wildlife rescue ranger

Me...  Keito was bouncing around the lounge, fwapping something on the floor, skittering around, paffing at it again.  Turns out it was a 4 inch long gecko. Darned thing blended perfectly with the rug, but not so good that sharp feline eyes didn't spot it.

Scooped it up, put it in the pot with my lime tree.

My ear still aches

Dental appointment today. Situation is getting better. But DAYAM! the ultrasonic pitch of the scaler (dohickey that cleans the teeth) gives me a hellacious earache.  At least the dentist will numb my gums even just for cleaning, as my teeth are so tight together.  

Next appointment, another cleaning if necessary, and take a bite impression, and make a fluoride tray for both upper and lower teeth.

Makes you wonder

84% of people polled say Obama inherited the current economic mess.

Ok, I happen to be in that demographic.

What gets me is this:

8% said Obama is to blame for it.

Hello?

Who, the past 8 years, signed off on deregulations allowing rather shady banking practices, causing the bank meltdown? Who put cronies and incompetent people in jobs they weren't in any way qualified to do? Who, instead of staying in Afghanistan going after Bin Laden when he was pinned down, pulled the troops out and invaded a country that had nothing to do with the attack on the US? Who?

Not a trick question. The answer is George W. Bush.

Some more stupidity reversed

Obama overturns Bush endangered species rule
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama on Tuesday overturned a last-minute Bush administration regulation that many environmentalists claim weakened the Endangered Species Act.

Under the Bush administration rule, there was no need for a federal agency to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Services if that agency determined that no harm would come to an endangered species as a result of its project.

But the determination of what "no harm" meant rested with agency bureaucrats instead of scientists.

This line... no more of Bush assigning an Arabian horse judge to Emergency Management, considering how many of these 'assignments' were given to family friends without a lick of experience to handle the job.

Sometimes, things get lost in translation

Cake Wrecks

Planned obselesance

I despise it. And because of that, I sent an email off to SanDisk about one of their products; the Sansa View. It's a wonderful MP3/WMV/MP4 player, easy controls, great sound, and clear bright screen.

It's fatal flaw is this: not learning from the mistake of the earlier iPods, it doesn't have a replaceable battery. So when the battery no longer holds a charge, it's to be chucked into the trash. This kind of thinking, this deliberate making of disposable tech, is why landfills are chock full, and why people have the 'toss it' mentality. I told them that the earlier version of this unit, which I have managed to secure, although it has a smaller screen, has the same storage capacity, same clear screen, but is equipped with a replaceable battery, and that maybe they should rethink their throwaway mentality.

A Public Holiday means

We work our butts off getting caught up on yardwork.

Aikidomayland trimmed the bottle brush and Geraldton Wax tress, and when he get out of sight, I snuck out there and started hauling them to the 'pick up' area. After 8 arm loads I figured I had enough. He was most appreciative.

Then, we finally moved three of 'century plants'. Cut them from the main stock, and transplanted them to the front of the house between the roses, to fill it out, and to discourage anyone from getting too close to the windows. Between thorns, and stiff blades of the plants, it will do the job.

Rush Limbaugh is a gasbag

Rush Limbaugh calls on conservatives to take back nation

(CNN) -- Rush Limbaugh brought a cheering crowd to its feet several times Saturday at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington as he called on fellow conservatives to take back the country.
"We conservatives have not done a good enough job of just laying out basically who we are, because we make the mistake of assuming that people know. What they know is largely incorrect, based on the way we're portrayed in pop culture, in the drive-by media, by the Democrat party,

I agree with part of what he said: "We conservatives have not done a good enough job". Had he stopped there, he would at least have been partially honest in his statements.

This part of his statement is true. For the last 8 years, conservative misrule, deregulation, cooking the books by not including the billions upon billions spent on Bush's Iraq disaster, has landed the US in an economic recession, which has spread world wide.

As for his claim that President Obama is 'inspiring fear to push a liberal agenda', I have two statements.

Where was he when the Bush administration was using fear, xenophobia, and terror to get their way?

And: bullshit. Appears that the majority who answered the poll feel the same.

This will be updated should the percentages change.

I think they were comparing notes

Cats, like children, will learn from what the others around them do.

We were woken up at Dark-thirty O'clock by both Loki and Ziggy yowling, almost in unison.

*head deak*

Battlestar Galactica, Season 4, Episode 17

Boomer was always a conniving unit.

Ummm.. ow?

Got up too early, woken up by Ziggy yowling. Aikidomayland nudged me and said "Your turn?"

*I replied "Uh uh.. you wanted her..."

So, up good and early, got ready.... only to be left waiting for Aikidomayland to get ready. We weren't late. Got there with 1 minute to spare.

We worked on one set of moves that concentrated on the arms, over and over again until everyone got it. Shoulders are a bit achey, and legs are sore from one of the deep knee bend moves, also over and over.

* Yeah, I kind of like having her around now too.