I find this funny

My DeadJournal Paid account expires on 09-09-09

I just found that funny.

Excuse me?

Well, archery was a bust today, as Aikidomayland forgot that because of the Perth "City to Surf" fun run, that the archery range would be cut off from traffic. Not all was lost, as we went to Hardly Normal errr Harvey Norman, and replaced the the blender with the cracked jug with a nice heavy duty one.

Came home, installed some new games, surfed the net to make sure we had all the updated drivers, and to keep abreast of any updates.

Went to pick up mother in law, An, for Sunday coffee, and to show her how to press the buttons on the mobile phone so she could read messages. As we get out of the car, and An looks at me... stares really. I look down to see if I had spilled something on the front of my shirt (long sleeved t-shirt, wht the moon on it). She comes up to me and says (I kid you not) "That image, that moon, it has a 3D aspect."
*boggle* "Uhh, .. huh?"

She gestured towards my bust line, and said "This shirt looks too 3D, you should rethink wearing it."

That's right, people. My mother in law has decided I am too well endowed. Now go back and re-read this for all the hidden clues.

I am *so* over being cold

I want warm! Aikidomayland said I must have been a lizard in a previous incarnation.

Pillaging is my business, and business was good!

Went out with Jean, Un-son, Robin's mom. She was in search of a new sofa. I had gotten such good service from the BedShed on Norma road. We went in, and looked.. and waited... and waited. Had a salesman look right at us and walk away... and waited, and waited. We finally got fed up and just walked out. When we were back in her car, I called the number on the business card, and spoke politely, yet firmly with the manager. If one of them had said "Be right with you!" or even acknowleged our presence, we would have waited. Their loss.

So, went to Bunnings, and got some more weed killer, fly traps, and an avocado tree.

Then went to the BedShed on South Street. Talk about a 180 degree difference. We walked in, looked at a few things, test sat on some sofas, and then stood up. We hear a "You going ok?"

To make a long story short, old busted futon is on the curb for roadside household waste pick up, and a new sofa will be replacing it, as Aikidomayland agreed to. (And I quote "The next household waste pick up this year, we toss that broken futon, and replace ." He agreed)

My neck, shoulder and back are a bit angsty right now. Will be putting heat pack on it.

Ziggy felt like having a salad

I brought in a stalk of cat grass, and Ziggy was really enjoying herself.

*NOM NOM NOM*

A proper lady uses a fork. However I just use claws!

R.I.P. Teddy

Sen Ted Kennedy died, aged 77, after a long battle with brain cancer. Not shocking news, but still sad.

Wow, watch the Support Tech from MS do back flips!

As I wrote before, I suddenly got the "Your Copy of XP isn't valid" message, and my computer was suddenly sluggish and had things not working right (like customizations, wall paper, menus). I emailed MS Support, like a good little drone, only to have the guy tell me this:

After checking the product key *****-*****-*****-*****-*****, I find it is not valid. I would like to confirm that if it is the key on you sticker. If not, please send me the product key and I will help you verify it.

So, I sent photographs of the disc, the barcode, and the License key. Now, he has changed his story to this:

After checking the attachments, I find that this product key*****-*****-*****-*****-***** is not invalid and it is volume license type. Volume License key is special and it cannot be provided to Home Users. It was only provided to company, school or government. It is possible that the key owner reported that this key was stolen and then the key was blocked. Therefore, I suggest contacting the retailer direct and confirm that if they have permission to sell this key

I forwarded this to the retailer. He is like WTF? only politely. He called his distributor, and guess what? It's not stolen, nor was is for a school or business, and could be sold.

After I did that, I went to the Windows Update page again, and screen capped about a half dozen IE pages of successful update, including the "Validation". I have been informed that for a 'small fee' I can get a new XP Pro license key from them.

1: The amount they want isn't what I would call 'small'.
2: I refuse to by the software twice.

Well, I ran the RemoveWGA tool, and have the computer set up for automatic updates to dl but ask me which ones I want installed.

A new place to perch

A Willy Wagtail decides a solar garden light is the perfect perch.

Two cats will be the death of me

Today, Ziggy got outside. Twice. We didn't let her out and couldn't figure out how she ended up in the front yard.  She tmade another 'Great Escape' but this time I was watching her. The sliding glass door was open, but the screen door was shut. I watched her thread her front let through the 1cm (if that) gap between the sliding glass door frame and the screen door, and muscle the screen door right off its track, leaving a 4 inch gap for her to get through.

THEN I watched Loki playing tour guide, showed her the grassy knoll for her to get some furball curing grass, and then the orange tree, and then he showed her the gap between the gate and fence, leading her out to the front yard.  With Alans' help, we got her back into the house, both times.  I have called "CatMax", and have told Aikidomayland  that no more stalling.

Fast forward about 1 hour. I am outside trying out the telephoto lens, and I hear Loki yowling next to the side door. I hurry back to see his foot pinched in the pet door... stuck.  I get him lose, and he dashes into the house and hides.  I managed to find him, and examined the foot. Nothing appears to be broken, but it's obviously paining him.  It's odd to see a cat cradling his own sore foot, but that's what he's doing with it.  Will keep and eye on him and the foot, make sure there isn't any edema or increased pain.

Cat TV

This is one show Ziggy never gets tired of watching.

That's four now

I scrubbed out the guest toilet (yeah, this is boring but hey). This is the room that did in my back and sent me to the ER. I got got everything spic and span.

Plowed through some more junk, sorting what is going to be tossed, and what will be kept.

I really need Aikidomayland to go on a trip at least twice a year. And again, if he can tell me what I threw away, I will admit we needed it.

3 down

7 to go.

Cleaning, stage one

And as usual, the house looks more like a disaster than a 'work in progress'. Furniture moved, vacuum clearer and rug shampooer in the middle of the room, boxes broken down and tossed out the door.

Delicious Irony and Discordia13 stopped by. My supply of 'pharmaceutical strength RedBull has been restocked for a small fee. *mantles over the small, yet powerful bottles* Mine!

Just about finished up with the front lounge. I wonder if there is any way to teach Keito not to shed so much? *sigh* Have to shift some furniture over to the other side of the room so I have full access to the floor on that side now.

Been cleaning in stages, as the last time I did this sort of overhaul, it landed me in the ER. Daggles and Meegan have both told me to take it easy, and to not try to get it all done in one day. I would really like to do just that, but my back would cave in if I tried.

So, 2.5 rooms down, 7.5 rooms to go.

Called An

And told her that Aikidomayland arrived in one piece, and hasn't been kidnapped, and dropped into a large cauldron for dinner. I might be exaggerating, but not by much.

I see where he gets the hand wringing worry that I am going to melt like a snowflake on a hot stove. An was exactly like that questioning me about him. *smile*

Surprise, surprise

A tech actually got back to me today about my XP Pro suddenly, after 8 months of use and updates, is "Not vaild". I am currently jumping through the hoops, and have even contacted the Computer store I got it from, telling him of this situation. He said he would be happy to assist, as he knows flat out that software is legit.

*Chuckle*

Let Keito, the wonder chicken, outside just after sundown. The solar lights were on. He was all bug eyed at them, not blinking, just staring. Then he wanted back in. Poor furwad, I have changed the nature of his universe again.

Ain't this the way?

Due to us getting all our AAA rechargeable batteries at pretty much the same time, quite a few of them have stopped taking a charge around the same time, I have been running short of them. We have an overabundance of AA batteries, but AAA's .. not so much.

Solar Lights at night

Even more reflective due to the rain.

Long exposure to show details but makes them a bit on the grainy side. At least the path is easy to follow now.

A serious WTF moment

I had to do a Windows update, just like I did just yesterday. I went through the same routine, only to be rudely informed my copy of Xp failed the WGA Validation(?). WTF?

I found out just how many hoops you have to jump through to get help on this. And with my computer all sluggish and partly 'disabled', I said fuq it, and just dled the RemoveWGA tool. (looking over at her OEM copy of XP Pro) They can kiss my ass if they think I am going to wait until someone there deigns to get back to me on this.

Solar lights deployed!

Loki Supervises, of course.

All 20 of them.

And awaaaaay he goes!

Aikidomayland is on his way to the airport. Next stop, Zambia. I think he finally go the idea that I am able to care for myself, and am not going to just fade away while he is working in Zambia.

The only 'person' in the house who will be unsettled is Ziggy. Going to be interesting to see how she handles her human being away.

The Evil Undead Cats!

They watch and never blink!

Nomming the hand that feeds them!

Hectic schedule

With getting Aikidomayland ready for his trip to Zambia, it's been crazy here. He seems to think I am going to melt or just fall apart with his being away for 10 days. I have given up telling him that there is a grocery store less than 5 minutes away, and that I is allllll growed up now, and am allowed to cross the street by myself. What's amusing, is he is treating me the way his mother treats him. And he complains how his mom treats him like child. *chuckle*

Why I am an advocate of Health Care Reform

No spin, no obfuscation, no lies.

I have a dead sister and nephew because of the current non existent health care that has been the norm for decades.

She was the working poor, with a cardiac condition: Mitral Regurgitation. She couldn't get insurance for two reasons: denied for pre-existing condition, and couldn't afford it. She could barely afford the medication, and often had to choose between food or medication. She was 6 months pregnant. She caught bronchitis, and went to the ER because she couldn't get a doctor to take her on as a new patient because she didn't have insurance and was a 'high risk' patient with a pre-existing condition.

She made it clear she was a cardiac alert, even had a medical alert bracelet. You see, people with her cardiac problem, when they get an infection, no matter how minor, they are supposed to be given massive dosages of antibiotics, and have a consult with a cardiologist, and be monitored to make sure the infection didn't spread to the heart and other organs.

Do you see where this is going yet? No, let me keep going.

The ER doctor listened to her lungs, pronounced she had bronchitis, gave her some Sudafed. A cough medicine, over the counter type. NO antibiotics, NO consult with a cardiologist., no EEG monitoring.

Without a prescription for the much needed antibiotics, the infection spread to her heart, kidneys, and liver. She gave birth almost 3 months premature. My nephew, Andrew Michael, died at 10 days old, and she died from anuerysm caused by the infection passing the blood/brain barrier. In the space of one week, I became an aunt, and then an only child,

So don't any of you AstroTurfers DARE prate to me, or anyone else, that THEIR family member who wasn't able to get health insurance because they can't afford it, or constantly get denied because of a pre-existing condition, doesn't need health care reform.

Now that the price of 2 gig SD cards is really low

I have switched from high quality JPG only to RAW. I might only get 100 or so shots per card, but at $15 per 2 gig card (remember when a 128 MEG card was over $100) there isn't the storage problem any longer

Holy $hit

I went to let Loki in from the back yard. Flicked on the light, and suddenly see Loki heading to the fence, letting out the hellacious deep toned challenging yowl. He chased the intruder down the drive way, and came back into the house.

But it wasn't the end of it. He prowled around the house, growling, his tail totally *foofed* out. He went to the side door again, spotted the intruder again, charged the door, yowled a challenge and then (I shit you not) snarled. I don't mean growling, or another yowl, but I mean snarled like a lion or tiger. His mood was infectious. Ziggy's tail started *foofing* out and she started squeaking, and then Keito's. Loki kept going past Ziggy, ignoring her, growling, hissing and snarling.

Ziggy is watching him,

now that he has calmed down and is in his Cubby Cube.

The problem with getting new DVDs

Is it kicks in my mild OCD. I stayed up until after midnight, making room for , shuffling and alphabetizing by Titles ('the' is discounted), 5 shelves of DVDs one one bookcase. I will be attending to the other one today (possibly) to get all the "Series" in order too. That's mostly shift books too the proper bookcase or office.

*coughsnifflecough*

Even with using a photograph as a reference

I can't do a self-portrait.

I can make portraits of strangers, imaginary characters, friends, but of myself? Hell no. *grump*

Robo-Geisha T-shirt

Came out fan-fuqing-tastic!

Gallery

I guess it had to happen

Aikidomayland has been sniffling, and sneezing. It was a matter of time before the virus decided to check me out. So far, it's just a bit of a scratchy throat.

Got a phone call yesterday. My corset was finished. *sighs happily* Nubbed red silk, lace up and hooks. Not only a fashion accessory, but helps with my rib/hip problem. I have told Daniel I will order another one at a later date, as his are ever so much better than Kundra's. She only uses spring steel. Daniel uses spring and spiral, so it supports and flexes.

Slightly Miffed kitties

Packed up (from left to right) Ziggy, Loki and Keito for their visit to the Very Expensive Technician.

They weren't very thrilled. Ziggy and Loki kept sounding off, but Keito was rather mellow about the entire thing. Until Aikidomayland got out of the car to walk to the back and get them out. Suddenly all three yowled in three part disharmony!

Discussed what, if any, adverse reactions to two of the vaccines Ziggy might have. It seems that Bengals have been noted to have reaction (off their feed, maybe sleeping a bit more, fever, sandbox ummm 'differences'). But seeing as Keito and Loki go outside (we have never been able to keep them in, as they were born outside) they could bring FIP or FIV back to Ziggy. So, after discussing the vaccines vs no vaccines, we opted to have her get the same vaccinations.

Ziggy: 11lbs, squirms, and being small and muscular, she was difficult to hang on to. I let the vet and Aikidomayland handle her.

Loki: the moose came in weighing 7.8 kilos (17.18 lbs) and not overweight. He hissed twice but other than that, behaved. His leg is fine, and he is in excellent health.

Keito: weight in at 7 kilos (15lbs), and was so mellow, had to shake him to make sure he was awake! He has a bit of tartar and gingivitis, but not enough to need dental scaling. Dr Jon said it was better than average for a 6 yr old cat. Switching to the 'dental protection' kibble. Also in excellent health.

So, all three have had their yearly check up, and vaccinations. Ziggy goes back in a few weeks for 2nd Leuko vaccine. And then they are set for a year.

Zee brownies.....

Aikidomayland told me they were descended upon by bipedal locusts! He was so nice. One of the girls there didn't get one, so he gave the last one, which he had put aside for his coffee break, to her. For his reward I made a 3rd pan of brownies.

Got my copy of Photoshop CS3 Extended. Many places are 'unloading' them for really decent prices. It makes getting CS4 upgrade well within my budget, but only if I download it from the US. Why? Because the upgrade is $199 in the US, and even with exchange rate, that's $237 AUD, but if I dl it from Australian site, it's $405. WTF?? Almost double? Well, my momma didn't raise any fools. She might have married three of them, but she didn't raise any.

Have a lot to get done tomorrow. Take the fuzzwads to the Very Expensive Technician. Then take a bike to be cleaned, olied etc etc. And other errands. Lots. *sigh*

Tomorrow is his last day at that job

Aikidomayland is switching jobs. He really liked working for internal auditing at THE BANK, but he was offered a job where he is the head of the department, answering only to the CEOs. It's a great opportunity. THE BANK is sad to see him go, but understand his wanting to take the position.

So, I have spent today making my mudcake brownies, two pans, for the soon to be 'old crew'. 100% natural ingredients, and 70% of them are organic. Trying to decide if I really want to frost them or not.

Tonight's Tai Chi

Jane was teaching the class, rather than Lavinia. I found Jane's methods of teaching better. Not that Lavinia is a bad teacher, but she tends to talk the moves to death, repeating the same thing over and over, even if the people were looking at her as if they were puppies and she was making weird noises. It could be that Lavinia is for complete newbies, and Jane is for beginners or people who have already been through the first rounds of beginners.

The past few nights of sleeplessness have caught up with me. Combine that with rain and wind and it's a recipe of deep sleep for me.

Tai Chi tonight

I promised Aikidomayland that I would do no yardwork today, so I would be up for Tai Chi tonight. I missed this past Monday, and the previous Wednesday because of weeding, mulching, transplanting, rototilling etc.

Got the three furwads their pet insurance. Aikidomayland agrees with me that the cost to have the pet insurance is less than one emergency vet visit per cat. I told him it's kind of like old rub about having a condom: would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

Ziggy hasn't suddenly become Miss Cuddly, but she has been making sure she sits or sleeps close to one of us. I am taking that to mean that her transitioning from Cattery cat to pet is moving along nicely. At least she isn't cringing and ducking every time one of us tries to scritch or pat her.

Well, got that done

Got the mulcher back from Meegan and Daggles. With the help of Alan, spent the goodly part of the morning chewing up gum and Geraldton wax tree branches and gum leaves. My my they smell wonderful. All that work, and we only had two utility baskets full of mulch. Tired now.

Also got some screen protectors for my netbook. A strong film over the screen sure beats having to have it fixed. They also cut down the reflective glare.

Perth Good Food and Wine Expo

Marvelous, just marvelous.

Have sampled some of the best organic, no preservatives added wines I have tasted. Got a 6 case of them. Also got some beautiful sparkling rose, and a 'still' rose. Will use the sparkling one for our wedding anniversary.

Found some titanium/ceramic knives too, to replace the rather dead knives at the house, and one for Mother In Law. She has been commenting on how heavy the chef's knife feels to use. These are ever so much lighter, and don't need the constant sharpening, like steel knives do.

Well, off for more look around!