Note to Self....

Do not attempt to dig a new basement under a two story 100 year old house.

Do not attempt to dig said basement YOURSELF with a Bobcat.

Do not skip the "concrete option" and decide that treated wood walls and 2 X 12's will do an adequate job supporting the house.

It's just not gonna work out! And it will make for a big crash! :^0

So what happened in your neighborhood today?


****Just so you know, I did go over with other neighbors and offer support. But truthfully we have all been watching this little project through our fingers wondering what the heck this guy was thinking!! Good Grief!!

Devastating Images

.....The Governor of Louisiana has called for a day of prayer

Devastating images from the Gulf Coast. WLBT 3 in Jackson, Mississippi has video linked: Skycopter on the Gulf Coast -- second tour.

It's hard to wrap your brain around this level of destruction. I will be adding my prayers for all those affected by Katrina. And I think I will see if I can give blood today....

h/t Ace

Last Day of Summer

...well, for us anyway.

School starts tomorrow. (Can I get a resounding "Yay!"??) So today will be spent rounding up and labeling the supplies (purchased a month ago), laying out clothes, and prepping back packs.

I promised A. that we could go out for Chinese food to celebrate, so lunch is all planned. (And when you're me, and sick to death of planning 3 meals a day -- that's a mini vacation all unto itself). We may have to buy new shoes too. Always fun.

I get my stitches removed today as well. This means that I can finally stop showering with a bread bag on my hand. Whoohoo! (Apologies to the bread bag shower lovers out there -- it just doesn't do anything for me.)

Then we're off to the Open House at school. Meet the teachers, drop off supplies, and *my* vacation time starts about 24 hours from now. Seven hours of quiet (!! in a row!!) if I so desire. Mmmmmmm.... quiet.

I thought The Big Easy....

...dodged a big bullet. Guess not.

NEW ORLEANS - Already showered with death and devastation by Katrina’s howling winds and drenching rains, the city braced for more misery Tuesday as water poured through broken levees.

Details on where the levees had given way were hard to come by, but the most serious breach appeared to be "a large section of the vital 17th Street Canal levee, where it connects to the brand new 'hurricane proof' Old Hammond Highway bridge," according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

"The breach sent a churning sea of water from Lake Pontchartrain coursing across Lakeview and into Mid-City, Carrollton, Gentilly, City Park and neighborhoods farther south and east," the newspaper said.

As Glenn Reynolds pointed out, this sucks. And I thought when Katrina zigged instead of zagged the city of New Orleans had been spared. I hope that the engineers working on the problem find a solution fast.

Update: (1:50pm) Via Ed Driscoll I was pointed to a list of places to donate and help those affected by Hurricane Katrina. These folks are going to need our help....

What ever happened to just being nice?

....You know, polite? Kind to others and respectful that their choices might be different than your own? Apparently that's not how it is at college.

As college students hit campuses across the nation this week, a new generation of young veterans will step off the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan and onto the ideological battlefield of our university campuses. For those on the frontline in the war on terror, the antiwar hostility of liberal professors and campus activists will assuredly prove unsettling.

Just ask Marine sergeant Marco Martinez, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and a full-time psychology major at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Calif.

"A woman on campus had apparently learned I might be a Marine. When I told her I was, she said, 'You're a disgusting human being, and I hope you rot in hell!' "

[Emphasis mine.] You know, if you were to take the name of any other group whether ethnic, sexually oriented or religious and substitute it into that same sentence there would be folks at that "higher learning facility" decrying the behavior and rallying to change their polices and better police their students -- all in the name of "diversity" "sensitivity" or "multiculturalism." This guy just happened to be a Marine. And because we are talking about soldiers returning from war it's apparently okay to say whatever you want to or about them. For shame that those who would behave so badly cannot see that irony.

And what point are they making? I mean, if you disagree with the policies your government is making, fine! The way to elicit change (IMO) is via the ballot box or by protesting at (or writing to) your government representitve's offices -- no by harassing those who's job it is to carry out or act on those policies. That's like attacking the cop for enforcing the laws created by the State Legislature. It's not going to change anything or get you anywhere to get all up in the cop's face. If you want to create policy change you have to start with those making the policies you find so disagreeable.

And why do some people think that just because they have strongly held views it is okay to be mean? How does being nasty or confrontational make your point of view so much more valid? I have strongly held views and I try very hard *not* to be snide or disrespectful. I can understand that others may have different points of view and there is no reason to be mean about it even if I think they are wrong. These days I find myself only intolerant of intolerance.

So I ask, what ever happened to manners? And why don't those who protest so vociferously "get it?" It is not 1968. We are not talking about Vietnam. There is no draft. If you want to protest/disagree that is your right, but would it kill you to be polite? I'm just sayin'....

Uncle Ben Update 8/29

...just after I started this blog my beloved Uncle Ben (not just Uncle, but friend and Godfather) was diagnosed with stage 4 renal cancer. The Cancer had metastized and things have looked bleak.....

So we finally have some good news! The interferon is working! Having removed the compromised kidney and undergoing 3 months of treatment Uncle Ben's remaining tumor(s) are shrinking considerably! Yay! It's rare to have a truly "yay" moment when you are dealing with cancer so this is something to celebrate. :)

He will continue with the interferon treatments for the next while. I am just so thankful that something is working..... Whether it is the interferon, the power of prayer, or his new age Vibe Treatments -- I don't care. He is winning the fight right now and that is nothing but good news.

Noble Causes

There is another question that Cindy Sheehan and her supporters dare not ask and that is “Should we in the western world, who live in comfort of the liberties that others have secured for us by their blood and toil, remain neutral in the battle between oppression and liberty for the rest of the world?”

Frank Martin of Varifrank hits the nail on the head with another great post. Go read the whole thing.........

Quizulicious!

You are a Samurai.
You are full of honour and value respect. You
are not really the stereotypical hero, but you
do fight for good. Just in your own way. For
you, it is most certainly okay to kill an evil
person, if it is for justice and peace. You
also don't belive in mourning all the time and
think that once you've hit a bad stage in life
you just have to get up again. It's pointless
to concentrate on emotional pain and better to
just get on with everything. You also are a
down to earth type of person and think before
you act. Impulsive people may annoy you
somewhat.

Main weapon: Sword
Quote: "Always do the right thing.
This will gratify some people and astonish the
rest" -Mark Twain
Facial expression: Small smile

So what Type of Killer are You??

What Type of Killer Are You? [cool pictures]
brought to you by Quizilla

h/t ALa at Blonde Sagacity



And h/t Oddybobo for pointing me to Which Classic Dame are You?

Katharine Hepburn You scored 16% grit, 38% wit, 38% flair, and 23% class!

You are the fabulously quirky and independent woman of character. You go your own way, follow your own drummer, take your own lead. You stand head and shoulders next to your partner, but you are perfectly willing and able to stand alone. Others might be more classically beautiful or conventionally woman-like, but you possess a more fundamental common sense and off-kilter charm, making interesting men fall at your feet. You can pick them up or leave them there as you see fit. You share the screen with the likes of Spencer Tracy and Cary Grant, thinking men who like strong women.

Link: The Classic Dames Test written by gidgetgoes on Ok Cupid

Just two and a half more days.....

.....just 2 1/2 more days -- we can make it -- just 2 1/2 more days.......

Can you imagine a kid crying about *having* to go play outside in their pool because they have complained for the 1,000,052nd time today that they are boooooooored?!?! I can. Just happened here. **sigh** When did it become so difficult to just go and have some fun? Even if you're just with your sister. Where are these kids??














These are pictures of the girls having "fun" (apparently now a foreign concept) at their grandparent's house. No pool, no playstation, no boredom. Go figure.

School starts in 2 1/2 more days -- thank God.

Monday

....no clever title today

So up at 4:30am to see Hubby off to a conference in Chicago. Naturally, unable to go back to blissful sleep and I end up watching hurricane Katrina coverage. Over and over dire predictions with the same satellite pictures, experts using computer models to predict destruction, reporters on hotel balconies reporting that the wind is picking up and the "rain is really starting to come down now!" Really? No shit. Who would have thunk it?

And then once the sun rises the stupidity really gets kicked up a notch. For one, the media folks were visibly disappointed when the hurricane got down graded to a level 4. Hello?!?! Less destruction and death is a *good* thing people! And why is it that you have to have a guy standing out in the "open" on camera saying really intelligent things like "I measure the wind speed by how hard it is to keep standing up in it!" And "A viewer let me know that I should have some sort of safety eyewear on because of the flying debris so I'm wearing these goggles even though they look kind of stupid. Back to you in the studio!" WTF? Dude! *You* look kind of stupid -- get out of the wind already!

I just hope that this storm weakens even more and gets outta there -- and the media jackals get nothing for their trouble. Nothing.

Update: (10:45) Michele at A Small Victory is planning on keeping track of all of the hyped up stupid stuff reported/said by the media today and Vodkapundit's Stephen Green says that it's our ability to deal with catastrophe that makes America great. Check it out!

Not so Easy in The Big Easy

....Poor New Orleans

Man, do I feel sorry for the folks in Katrina's path!

Some family friends of ours have successfully evacuated but my heart breaks for those unable to leave. They are predicting major property losses, but I can't help but think of the pets and livestock left behind.

I do so hope that all of the experts are wrong but it is looking like a "worst case scenario" happening in real time.

What's in a name?

Though I have asked this question before, Mr. Van der Leun answers the question way better than I ever could. It's a must read. Why wait? Go read The Name In The Stone....

A Question

So do I let the girls continue to try to teach Precious the Hamster tricks? Or do I patiently explain that she is a hamster not a dog??

I mean, it's infinitely funny -- but am I being cruel (either to K and A or to poor Precious) by letting them continue to try to teach her to perform on command? I swear, I think I just heard them ask her to "glow." How in the world??? Did I miss something? Do they make glowing hamsters these days? I'm just asking....

Funny for Friday

Let's go for stupid.

A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store, but couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked a stock boy, "Do these turkeys get any bigger?"

The stock boy replied, "No ma'am, they're dead."
--------------------------------

Don't mess with these ladies.

A flight attendant was stationed at the departure gate to check tickets. As a man approached, she extended her hand for the ticket, and he opened his trench coat and flashed her.

Without missing a beat she said, "Sir, I need to see your ticket, not your stub."
---------------------------------

And we'll finish with.... Drunk?

The drunken wino was stumbling down the street with one foot on the curb and one foot in the gutter. A cop pulled up and said, "I've got to take you in, sir. You're obviously drunk".

The wasted wino asked, "Ociffer, are ya absolutely sure I'm drunk?"

"Yeah, buddy, I'm sure," said the copper. "Let's go."

Obviously relieved, the wino said "That's a relief - I thought I was a cripple."
----------------------------------------

The man was in no shape to drive, so he wisely left his car parked and walked home. As he was walking unsteadily along, he was stopped by a policeman.

"What are you doing out here at 2 A.M.?" asked the officer.

"I'm going to a lecture." The man said.

"And who is going to give a lecture at this hour?" the cop asked.

"My wife," said the man.

This really ticks me off....

...and it's been all over the web so I am sure it's not news to you........

But where do these people get the idea that it's OKAY to stage a war protest right where soldiers are recovering??? Aren't these the same people that have continuously said that they "support the troops -- just not the war"??? And how we are not to "question their patriotism" because it is just sooooooooooo patriotic to protest, blame America for all the world's ills, and "speak truth to power?"

But the anti-war activists were unapologetic when asked whether they considered such signs as "Maimed for Lies" offensive to wounded war veterans and their families.

I am more offended by the fact that many were maimed for life. I am more offended by the fact that they (wounded veterans) have been kept out of the news," said Kevin McCarron, a member of the anti-war group Veterans for Peace.

Yeah? Well whatever. I'm offended and I'm calling the protesters unpatriotic. There. I said it. Anyone who would spend their days camped out in front of Walter Reed Medical Center and protest the troops/war (and don't try to tell me that this is a legitimate place to protest) is being unpatriotic, rude, uncouth, mean, and just plain stupid. Period.

Kevin Pannell, who was recently treated at Walter Reed and had both legs amputated after an ambush grenade attack near Baghdad in 2004, considers the
presence of the anti-war protesters in front of the hospital "distasteful."

We went by there one day and I drove by and [the anti-war protesters] had a bunch of flag-draped coffins laid out on the sidewalk. That, I thought, was probably the most distasteful thing I had ever seen. Ever," Pannell, a member of the Army's First Cavalry Division, told Cybercast News Service.

Many of these same protesters believe that a woman has the GOD GIVEN RIGHT to walk into an abortion clinic unmolested and not surrounded by protesters but they think it's okay to hang out in front of a military medical facility to hold up signs that read "Maimed for Lies " and "Enlist here and die for Halliburton " and place flag draped caskets around??? Bullshit.

"[The anti-war protesters] have no business here. If they want to protest policy, they should be at the Capitol, they should be at the White House," said Nina Burke. "The only reason for being here is to talk to [the] wounded and [anti-war protests are] just completely inappropriate."

"[The anti-war protesters] are really showing an enormous lack of respect for just everything that America has always stood for. They lost the election and now they are really, really angry and so they are picking on the wrong people," Wilde added.

Gee, you think? These wounded soldiers, these brave men and women deserve our respect, our thanks, and maybe just a little peace as they recuperate. They do not deserve this.

Katrina

For all those folks in Florida, here's hoping that she is both speedy and weak.

Enough with the storms already!!

Vicodin Sucks

....or maybe it just sucks for me....

Well, I have discovered that pain relief (at least the kind I was prescribed) is not all it's cracked up to be. Ugh. I'll spare you the details -- vicodin and I just DO NOT get along. I think I will just have to find another way to forget about the pain. Something like this perhaps?

Favorite Author Rediscovered

I have read and loved a great deal of Robert Fulghum's work. All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten is one of my all time favorites and contains philosophy to live by, in my opinion. Recently I have discovered that he has a blog! (Or as he puts it an "Online Journal") and he writes Postcards. An Example:

Three tousle-haired and bare-footed kids in the nine or ten year old class smile and wave from behind their lemonade stand on a corner not far from my house. They are very proud of their stand and especially their sign. "FRESH COLD LEMONADE 25 CENTS." Every word is spelled correctly and printed neatly. Being a sucker for lemonade stands, I stopped to sample their wares, and complimented them on the sign. "Well, we go to school, you know," said one, somewhat indignant that I would even infer a lack of language skills.

They are doing a booming business, despite the fact that their lemonade is a bit sour. Part of their success is due to their father, supervising in a lawn chair from the shade of a tree several yards behind them. He has what looks like a small plastic water bottle in his hand. Checking to see if the coast is clear, he points to the bottle and flashes a large grin and a small sign at me. "Shot of vodka, $1.00."

How I will hate it when summer ends and the rains begin and everybody stays inside. I will miss being part of the common comedy. I will miss the foolish delight in what Thornton Wilder wrote about in his great play, Our Town. He said it was ". . . an attempt to find a value above all price for the smallest events in our daily life."

Happy summer from Seattle. Wish you were here.

It's a great place to spend some time if you are looking for a good read.
Happy summer indeed..........

More Harry Potter....

....'cuz politics are leaving me cold right now and all they want to talk about on the news is Cindy Sheehan, Pat Robertson, Natalie Holloway, high oil prices, how things will never go right in Iraq (sigh), blah,blah, blah, blah, blah........

I got pointed to the European movie trailer to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Cool! (Click the link by Harry.)

Doin' Better now......

Well, all things considered, the surgery and everything has gone much better than I expected. Discomfort is low and now all I have to do is wait for the pathology report (and the stiches to come out). Niiiiiiice. Hubby is ever so thankful that he doesn't have to "really do my job..." as he puts it. And I am too. Let's face it...... he sucks at my job :)

So anyway, for lack of anything better to do I found yet another fun quiz!

Scooter! You scored 62 Mood and 65 Energy!

You are cheery, energetic and achievement oriented. You are a hard worker and you are proud of your accomplishments.

My test tracked 2 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 51% on Mood You scored higher than 57% on Energy

Link: The Muppet Personality Test written by TheLadyEve on Ok Cupid

That's me! :)

I'm goin' in....

Tomorrow I am scheduled to go in for a simple procedure on my right hand. Hopefully when I show up, the surgery staff will know why I am there. Just in case, though, I have a Sharpie in my purse and won't feel bad about leaving the doctor directions. I'd like to get this done right the first time, if possible.

Now Hubby, (being supportive, mind you) had a question to ask.....

Him: "So, how long is this supposed to take? An hour? Hour and a half?"

Me: "No....Probably more like 3 1/2 to 4 hours start to finish. Why?"

Him: "The girls are taken care of, right?"

Me: "Yes. They have a play date. You don't have to worry about the girls..."

Him: "Huh. Now, you can say no............."

Me: "What? What do you want to do? Golf?" [I ask jokingly...]

Him: "Hey, now. That's a GREAT idea! Did you know there is a golf course right next to the surgery center?"

Me: :^0 "You're kidding...."

Him: "Hey! If you wouldn't mind, I'd love to get in 9 holes. But you know I am TOTALLY willing to just sit and wait for you to get done. There is sure to be a T.V. or something.... But would it be okay if I golfed instead? It's supposed to be beautiful tomorrow...."

Me: (snarkily) "Well, I guess if there's a problem you will have your cell phone with you, right?"

Him: "Oh, absolutely! And to think.... I was just going to suggest that I could maybe go and get a haircut. Great thinking about the golf option, Honey!"

Me: :^0 ::shrug:: *sigh*

Did I walk into that one or what?!? *sigh* Boys!

Update (8-23 2:15pm): Home now. Everything went fine. Had a nice nap, actually! Hubby decided to stay with me rather than golf.... what a guy. Anyhoo, I am going to go take a pill and relax with Harry Potter. Ta!

We Took the Day Off

......everyone should once in a while...

So today we decided we need to have some fun (and our yard sale money was burning a hole in our collective pockets) so we decided to hit the road and try something new. We headed East and had a nice lunch. Decided on the fly to take the girls the the Milwaukee Public Museum and see what that was all about. What a fun place! We spent most of our time today checking things out in the Discovery Center but next time I think we will have to plan to spend a whole day. Tour the Natural History Museum and catch an IMAX movie and everything. It's a great place.

After our museum trip we headed to lake Michigan and walked the beach for awhile. K and A were thrilled! And surprised at how big it was! The only thing missing was the salty sea air. *sigh* But I guess you can't have everything. It was only about 70 degrees but they insisted that the water was warm. I have to admit -- I took their word for it.

On the way home we stopped to play 18 holes of mini golf. Now this is an activity that we either need to do much more often or much less often. I felt like I was cat herding. All in all though, a good day.

Priceless

10 year old Fake Christmas tree -- $5.00

??? year old (ugly) Electric Stove -- $10.00

Well loved little girls' playhouse and Jeep -- $75.00

Watching a bunch of strangers haul away a TON of stuff you never knew they always needed....... Priceless. ;D

Carnival of the Recipes

The Carnival is UP! And Beth of She Who Will Be Obeyed has done a wonderful job. :-) Go and see...... Yummy for everyone! Thanks Beth!

Tornado

....yikes!
Last night was interesting to say the least. A major tornado just missed us by a few miles to the north but we watched the clouds billow and swirl above our house feeding the storm that caused this kind of destruction. We watched until the sirens went off anyway, then it was time for us to get in and calm the girls. What a night!

Photo by Steve Apps
Stoughton, WI

A Conversation in my Kitchen

...........*sigh*

So, in the kitchen tonight, Hubby and I are talking about mundane things that happened during our respective days and I see it again..... an odd circular dark spot in the center of the ceiling-- about the size of a nickel. I had thought it was a trick of the light before. As I reach up to touch it wondering "what the.... ???"

Hubby: "Um...that's my fault." ::guilty look::

Me (looking over sharply): "Whaddya mean 'your fault.' What the heck did you do?"

Hubby: "Trust me. You don't want to know..."

I look again. This is now looking suspiciously like a burn mark!

Me: "Are you telling me you tried to ignite some kind of BUG here?!?"

Hubby: "Um...." ::sheepish shrug::

Me: "Oh good GRIEF! Are you trying to burn the house down?!? For the love of Mike, don't DO that!"

I grab a dish towel and scrub the spot away. As he leaves the kitchen he says,

"Jeez -- I never thought to do that..... and, by the way, there is another spot by the light....."

:^0 Ask me again... How many kids do I have?

On the Phone....

....filed under "what the...?? Really?"

So I got a call this morning from the outpatient center where I am scheduled to have a small procedure done on my hand next week. She asks all of the usual questions. Who will be driving me home after said procedure, height, weight, medical history stuff, past surgeries, list 'o diseases past and present, meds that I'm taking, blah blah blah. The usual.

Then comes the question that I *didn't* expect:

OPC Lady: "So Mrs. X can you tell me why you're scheduled to come in on this date?"

Me: [Thinking, shouldn't they know why I am coming in???] "Um.... I am having blah blah blah done to my right hand." [WTF???]

OPC Lady: "Excellent! You passed the test! You will be called the day before with your surgery time and we will see you next week!"

Me ( confused): "You mean people show up for surgery and have no idea what is going to be done or why they are there?"

OPC Lady: "Honey, you have no idea...."

Good Grief! :^0

Honor Their Memories

I have not written anything about Cindy Sheehan mostly because I disagree with her political position so completely and felt that there was really nothing for me to add. As a mother my heart breaks for her loss, as a supporter of our president and the mission I am continually shocked by some of the beliefs she holds. It is her right to speak out in any way she sees fit.

But with all of the coverage she has been receiving I have been frustrated -- weren't there any other voices to be heard? Must we always have to listen to rants about the current administrations mistakes and "lies?" And then today I read this. A Gold Star father talking about honoring *his* son's memory.

I grieve with Mrs. Sheehan, for all too well I know the full measure of the agony she is forever going to endure. I honor her son for his service and sacrifice. However, I abhor all that she represents and those who would cast her as the symbol for parents of our fallen soldiers.

Thirty-five years ago, a president faced a similar dilemma in Vietnam. He gave in and we got "peace with honor." To this day, I am still searching for that honor. Today, those who defend our freedom every day do so as volunteers with a clear and certain purpose. Today, they have in their commander in chief someone who will not allow us to sink into self-pity. I will not allow him to. The amazing part about talking to the people left behind is that I did not want them to stop. After speaking to so many I have come away with the certainty of their conviction that in a large measure it's because of the deeds and sacrifices of their fallen heroes that this is a better and safer world we now live in.

Those who lost their lives believed in the mission. To honor their memory, and because it's right, we must believe in the mission, too.

It is a moving tribute to all who have lost. Go read the whole thing. And thank you Mr. Griffin. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Fall is in the Air

Gray and drippy today. Thunderstorms on the way and the high is supposed to be 70 I think. The first day of fall....well, for me anyway. I just love fall weather -- the coloring of the leaves, shortening of the days. The lack of humidity and occasional whiff of wood smoke. Nice.

Not that we're there yet. It promises to be in the 80's again by the weekend. But this is one of those days were Mother Nature gives you a heads up. It's time to get things squared away and buttoned up for winter.

Took the girls to get registered for school yesterday. They are *very* ready to go back to school as am I. The lines were long and kids hyper. It looks like we aren't the only ones ready to get started. Now I need to get the calendars updated with all of their activities and break days. I have a feeling that "Mom, I'm bored!" is a sentence we won't be hearing much starting next week. Mmmmmmmm Fall.

Update (3:15pm): Well so much for Fall. The Weatherman was wrong (go figure) and it is 80 now and we are under a tornado watch. :p Oh well. It was a nice thought anyway.

Blue Cheese Appetizer Pizza

.....yay carnival of the recipes!

This is a great recipe to serve when you have vegetarian guests -- though I have noticed that carnivores enjoy it just as much! Enjoy!

BLUE CHEESE APPETIZER PIZZA

1 loaf (1 pound) frozen bread dough, thawed
(I use Rhodes pizza dough or french bread dough)
3 T olive/canola oil, divided
2 t dried basil (I use less basil. It is quite overpowering. Use to your taste.)
2 t dried oregano
1 t garlic powder
1 small red onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 cup (4 oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
3 ounces crumbled blue cheese
2 T grated Parmesan cheese

Divide bread dough in half. Press each portion onto the bottom of a 12-in. pizza pan coated with nonstick cooking spray; build up edges slightly. (I roll out the dough -- it goes faster.) Prick dough several times with a fork. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. (If I use the pizza dough, I don't let it rise.)

Brush dough with oil. Combine the basil, oregano and garlic powder; sprinkle over dough. Bake at 425 for 10 minutes. Arrange onion and tomatoes over crusts; sprinkle with cheeses. Bake 8-10 minutes longer or until gold brown. Yield: 2 pizzas (10 slices each).

Yummy!

Einstein the Parrot

A great way to spend a few minutes! (In my case, avoiding ironing...) Einstein the Parrot!

The Ad's Been Purchased -- We're Committed!

.....or is it we *should* be committed???

I am getting the distinct feeling that this little idea of ours is going to get put into the "WTF were we thinking?!?" file when all is said and done. But as I mentioned above there is no turning back now...

Turning back from where, you ask?

Well, you know how it is. You go out to the garage to fetch a tool or hose or something and catch yourself looking around at all of the extra stuff that you don't need and think "Wow, we should have a garage sale!"

Ditto the basement, storage shed, closet, kids room, etc... Pretty soon your whole house is whispering to you -- "Look at all of the extra stuff in here that you don't need!"

Eventually you share this idea with your spouse. And then he/she starts to notice all of the extra stuff you have and will even point out the boxes that you never opened after moving here. Two years ago!! Look -- more stuff that we surely don't need! And why do we have that for the love of Mike?

Well, we've done it. Or at least we are going to. The ad has been placed, stickers marked, neighbors informed,

"Great! is it okay if we bring some stuff over too?"

You betcha. Garage sale central is where I'll be come Saturday. Surrounded by a bunch of stuff that we have for no good reason at all. Hopefully I will be making someone *happy* to take some of this crap off my hands. Or I may be wondering why we didn't just load everything up and take it to GoodWill -- which is where everything left over will be going come Monday anyway. Either way. Wish me luck!

For Harry Potter Fans

.....this is so cool!!

I found a great sneak peek of some of the footage from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. You can see it here. I am so excited to go and see this film! The dragons look kick ass! If you have yet to see the trailer for the film it is here. Love it love it love it!

** And yes, for the record I know that I am supposed to be a grown-up. But I don't care! :-)**

Update: Oh crap I'm Snape! **sigh** Now I really have to hope he isn't as evil as he seems!


Harry Potter Personality Quiz by Pirate Monkeys Inc.

H/T Blond Sagacity

Update: (10:05): I made hubby take the test -- can we *still* be happily married?? Snape + Sirius?? Love 4 ever?

Harry Potter Personality Quiz by Pirate Monkeys Inc.

Mom, I'm Bored!

.....and make sure you elongate the oooooooo part of Mom.....

My youngest daughter just came to me with this sentence complete with partial pout and full arm flappage.

"Well," I say, "why don't you go outside and play?"

"But none of the other kids are here today," flaps A. "It's no fun when it's just meeeeee!"

"Okay." (now I'm thinking) "Wanna vacuum?"

"Uh....Sure!" She says. "Can I plug it in myself and everything?"

So she is right now vacuuming the living room. I think I may have just found an up side to the the girls getting older. :-)

Dreams

This morning I woke up at 4:30. Just POP -- wide awake -- no good reason. And since it was still dark and cool and still and I didn't *want* to be awake I got a glass of water, came back and snuggled into bed. Trying to drift off with some pleasant thoughts.

Unfortunately, everytime I would start to drift those pleasant thoughts would get hijacked -- Giant spiders! Psycho killers! Unremembered horrors that give chase! In short, it sucked. I should have just got up at 4:30 and done something productive rather than keep getting stuck in this weird cycle of nightmares. I hate bad dreams.

Who'd a thunk it?

Who knew that you could make a beer commercial without hot chicks and guys would still think it was cool? You can see it here -- it's different, for sure! Gotta love the bright colors... And the running....

H/T Dean

Distracted........

....is it just me???

So for some reason today I am having a hard time holding my thoughts together.... Just feeling, um, scattered. The girls and I ran our Friday errands -- hardware and grocery store. And I have been catching up on the never ending bits of housework that take up my week. (Could I ever once just get *done* with something and have it stay *done*??) But in my head it is like some channel surfing fiend has the clicker to my brain. Not a particularly pleasant feeling.

9/11 Recordings

Just listening gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes. A reminder of why we must win the war against radical Islamists......

FIELD. ... Looked like it was intentional. Inform all units coming in from the back it could be a terror attack.

You can listen here.

h/t Ann Althouse

Why???

Why is it, that in order to play: your closet and all containers must be empty, your room be completely impossible to navigate, and all of the towels in the bathroom damp and piled in the middle of the floor?? I'm just askin'............. *sigh* And again, when does school start??

Tehran next?

Today at Varifrank, Frank Martin offers up some really interesting speculation/analysis concerning the news that Iran has restarted it's nuclear program.

The specter of Iran engaging in the creation of atomic power has had my attention for some time. To me, Iran has always been the real target of the war on terror. Forget about Afghanistan, Iraq or Saudi Arabia, Iran is the ‘home of the whopper’ when it comes to bile spitting anti-US, anti-Israel, anti-western governments and organizations. Iran is where it all started, for us anyway; you could make an argument that it all started with the Muslim Brotherhood in the 1920’s but for the US, it all started in Iran.

...Iran decides that now is the best time to “go nuclear”. Why? Why bring all that heat down on you from the UN?

Great stuff. You should read the whole thing.

It's a Mom thing

...or maybe not.......

K lost a tooth today. She is almost 9 and lost one of her molars while enjoying a bowl of popcorn. After she got over freaking out that she was losing a molar,

"But Mom! Molars are supposed to be permanent!!"

She handed the tooth to me and smiled, "Wow Mommy, that was the easiest one ever! Do I still get $2?" (The Toothfairy was outed last summer -- now they just want the cash.)

So here comes the *or maybe not* part of the the Mom thing -- I have a bit of a confession to make. I don't save the girls' baby teeth. I think it's a little icky and never really saw the point so I have just not been diligent in saving them. I have actually been known to throw them away...

Is there some kind of mommy test I am going to fail in 20 or 30 years? When I cannot produce a sack of carefully saved and labeled baby teeth for each of my girls? Is there a prize that I am denying them by *not* saving their little bits of enamel? Will they feel less loved than their peers?? I hope not, but on days like today when I get handed a popcorny slobbery tooth and my first instinct is to pitch it....I wonder......

**And just for the record -- my Mother is probably horrified. She saved all of my brother's baby teeth and mine (and enough locks of hair for a wig). I am an anomaly. I think.

So Whatcha Wearin'?

Egads! I just noticed that my weather pixie is in a bikini! I know that it is hot here today but c'mon! Where is her sense of propriety?? This isn't a pool-side bar, you know......

Now it is possible that I am projecting a little too much of myself into my weather pixie since the first thing I thought when I saw her was "That's just not right.... My bikini days are over. O.V.E.R." So okay, obviously it's time for some perspective on my part. Aside from both of us being blond and liking dogs we have nothing in common -- 'specially 'cuz I am alive and stuff and she is a cartoon. And she is workin' that bikini......... (And just for the record, I am not the only one who has been startled by her weather pixie's choice of attire).

In somewhat related (well, not really) news, we went school clothes shopping and ran some errands today. Apparently, I did not get the memo that it was "Wear Your Least Appropriate Outfit to go Out Shopping Day...." But a BIG percentage of the population *did* get the memo! I'm telling you, from Wal-Mart to the mall to the grocery store there were lots of folks in all shapes and sizes vying for first prize in this contest! So me being me, and wanting to be helpful, I thought I could award some prizes! (I didn't see the prize mobile anywhere in sight and some of these folks worked at winning really hard....) So here we go!

***Honorable Mention goes to: ***
Blue and White "I coordinated everything with my shoes" Guy!
Now you are probably thinking, "Jeez Rich, he matched and everything! What's the problem with that?" Yeah?? I got 3 words for you.... White Bike Shorts. Combine that with a too small blue tank top and medium sized beer belly. And because of the deliberate color combination blue and white Nikes, white bike shorts, too small blue tank top, blue and white ball cap -- you could tell this guy was trying!I can attest to the fact that he was definitely a contender in this little contest....

***Second Runner Up goes to: ***
"Help, I've keep falling out of my clothes and I can't keep them up!"
Canary Yellow Tube Top super Low Riding Velour Capri Girl!
Now this little vixen was also wearing 3 inch wedge flip flops that were *not* helping. She jiggled and jaggled and came very, very close to losing it all several times. She needed like six hands just to keep up with her own self! And we were only walking in her proximity for about 200 yards -- I imagine she will be exhausted tonight and have no idea why or that she had worked so hard today...... (and a word of advice just in case she comes across this description and recognizes herself -- Honey, get some undergarments *any* undergarments will do! Safety pins too if you can!) And for those wondering about the color of the capris?? Kelly Green. Naturally.

***And First Prize goes to: (drum roll please.........) ***

"Ta Tas for everyone!!!"
I've Cut off my (too big)Tee-shirt Sleeves and Neglected to Wear a Bra Woman! Now, before any guys start thinking "Yay -- free ta ta viewing" Keep in mind that this nice lady was 60 something, like 5'6", and 220. Easily. And wearing really tight cut off shorts. (Not quite Daisy Dukes -- More like Grandma Dorthy Duke's). Now, being a chubby girl I have no problem with others who share in the chubbyness but please -- could you wear a bra? Or something? I know it's hot here today but c'mon! She was in front of us checking out at the grocery store and the girls were agog. So was the bag boy, for that matter........

And before I forget -- Her prize!

Now she has one!

School Daze

...awwww! Do I have to?

Man, I feel like I am being led off to the lion's den!

One of the tasks I *do not* enjoy is shopping. Shopping with the girls in tow is even less fun! But school is around the corner and shop we must. Today we are off to the Mart of Wal and (God help me) the MALL. Ugh! I have just never been a big fan of "going to the Mall" but when both Sears and Kohl's are having good sales.... Well, what are you gonna do?

The girls are, of course, completely psyched. Good or Bad they have developed opinions about what the do and do not like to wear so gone are the days that I could just go shop for them by myself and they would be happy with my choices. *sigh* I think that their "growing up" is going to be as hard for me as it is for them. [Gee, ya think? e.d.] Well, duh.

So we are off -- I hope the gods of retail are kind to us!

A Great Read

Jason over at CounterColumn takes the New York Times to task over its lack of ability to report about our heroes in uniform and the lame attempt to blame the White House for it's own inability to perform their journalistic duty. From the NYT article by Damien Cave:

...that might be because the military, the White House and the culture at large have not publicized their actions with the zeal that was lavished on the heroes of World War I and World War II.

Jason responds with a very thought provoking critique of how well the Times has been covering the actions of our heroes in uniform. A sample:

I'm glad you're finally showing an interest in the issue. As any recovering addict will tell you, the first step is to admit you have a problem. Of course, you haven't gotten to that stage in your recovery yet. But when you're dealing with with a neurotic who's so hopelessly consumed in their dysfunction, even the smallest signs of progress are great victories.

Nevertheless, I'll be straight with you.

The reason we see so few positive stories in your paper is, quite frankly, because you have failed. You have failed your readership, and you have failed your community. You have failed because you are so immersed in the dysfunction of reflexive urban liberalism that, like the drunken, lampshade-wearing man who embarrasses himself and everyone around him at the company Christmas party, your shortcomings have become patently obvious to everyone around you except yourself and your enablers.
Let me take you back to 2004....

I tried in a different post to comment on his article but I think it would be better for me to simply suggest that you read the whole thing -- it's well worth your time.

Update: You want some heroes? I've got a great round up of heroes RIGHT HERE.......
h/t Vodka Pundit

Monday, Monday

....and we all could use some funny on Monday. Right? Well, at least I can use some funny....

Things Stressed Women Say:

1. Okay, okay! I take it back. Unscrew you.
2. You say I'm a bitch like it's a bad thing.
3. Well this day was a total waste of makeup.
4. Don't bother me, I'm living happily ever after.
5. Do I look like a people person?
6. This isn't an office. It's hell with fluorescent lighting.
7. I started out with nothing and I still have most of it left.
8. Therapy is expensive. Popping bubble wrap is cheap. You choose.
9. Why don't you try practicing random acts of intelligence and senselessacts of self-control?
10. Sarcasm is just one more service I offer.
11. Do they ever shut up on your planet?
12. I'm not your type. I'm not inflatable.
13. Stress is what you have when you wake up screaming and you realize youhaven't gone to sleep yet.
14. Back off!! You're standing on my aura.
15. I work 45 hours a week to be this poor.
16. Not all men are annoying. Some are dead.
17. Wait...I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.
18. Chaos, panic and disorder...my work here is done.
19. Ambivalent? Well, yes and no.
20. You look like shit. Is that the style now?
21. Earth is full. Go home.
22. Aw, did I step on your poor little itty bitty ego?
23. I'm not tense, just terribly, terribly alert.
24. A hard-on doesn't count as personal growth.
25. If assholes could fly, this place would be an airport.
26. Look in my eyes...do you see one ounce of gives-a-shit.

Dear Abby

Dear Abby:
My husband is not happy with my mood swings.
The other day, he bought me a mood ring so he would be
able to monitor my moods. When I'm in a good mood
it turns green. When I'm in a bad mood it leaves a
big fucking red mark on his forehead.
Maybe next time he'll buy me a diamond.

Sincerely,
Bitchy in Boston

Happy Memories

Tammi of Tammi's World had a terrific blog topic today.

OK - Here goes: Go back to the happiest time in your memory. What color do you see? Me? I see green.

My favorite memories all include the color green. The green of the grass, the green of the leaves. I have always loved being outside (when it's not snowing) and I think that's one reason why I have such an affection for the color green....

For me colors don't really work -- I tried! Honest! Smells do though.... I remember the smells of places and things when I tap into happy memories.

Whenever I think of all of the good times at my Nonny and Grandpa's house it's all about the smell of cinnamon rolls and good pipe tobacco. The smell of horse barns and tack rooms and chocolate icing (made with coffee) too.

Chlorine is a really happy smell for me. It reminds me of feeling strong and confident and reinforces my belief that hard work can solve/change things. I loved being a competitor. I loved being a member of a team and experiencing the thrill of being solely responsible for my own performance at the same time. (And now I don't have the green hair that I did then -- an added bonus. )

The piney fresh smell of the mountain air mixed with a little bit of campfire and damp earth -- oh, that just reminds me of feeling free, unfettered. When I remember those great times in the Beartooths and Big Horns -- sparkling clear days and pleasantly chilled nights. Good books and fishing and running a little wild. Mmmmmm. Mountains. I love going to the mountains (then and now).

And lastly, the memory of being home. It's not exactly a memory of a specific place or a time, but some of my best memories are associated with the feeling of being truly and completely home -- and it smells like line dried sheets. Sheets soaked in sunshine, crisp and soft. Home.

So what do you associate with your happiest memories? Colors? Scents? Something else? I'm curious! (And thanks Tammi -- what a nice way to spend time on a Saturday!)

Oh Crap....

Don't you just hate it when you do something really stupid?

And what did I do? I have inadvertently cursed myself in one of the worst. ways. possible. I know it sounds as though I am being overly dramatic, but I am now doomed! Doomed I tell you!

......so what did you do?

Only the stupidest thing you can imagine -- and I was just being nice! I didn't even *think* of the ramifications of what I was saying!!!!

......so what did you say?

Arrrrghhhh! And now there is no escaping the consequences! I am just going to have to deal with it! And I don't want to have to deal with it!

[**sigh**] .....so enough already -- what the hell did you do?!?!

I don't even want to think about it. What will my mother say??? I was raised to know better!

.....I'm leaving.

Okay, okay. So like I said, I was just being nice! And then, well, it just slipped out!

......WHAT SLIPPED OUT!

I thanked the neighbor lady for the **grumble grumble grumble.......**

....you thanked her for the WHAT???

ZUCCHINI. Okay? I thanked her for the zucchini that she gave to the girls out of her garden. **sob** And she just stopped by and gave me another basket full!!!!

.....oh crap. You *did* screw up! heh.....

I know! I totally screwed up! And now she is going to want to give me zucchini all of the time!!!What am I going to do with all of this !#$%^! zucchini?

......beats me. Hey, I've gottta go...... ::edges away::

Hey wait! Want some zucchini?

...... **crickets** ......

Crap. Anyone have a great recipe then? Anyone?

The Carnival of Recipes is UP!

And a big Thank You goes out to the lovely and talented SarahK of Mountaineer Musings who is hosting the festivities. She even thought to provide the music! So go......there's plenty of yummy to go around!

A Funny

Heh. :-)

Hot Artichoke Dip

...This is super easy and super yummy and I make it almost every time we have a get together!

Hot Artichoke Dip

1 ½ C. Hellmans Mayo
1 ½ C. Shredded Parmesan
2-3 cloves chopped garlic
14 oz Artichoke hearts
10 oz Frozen chopped spinach
½ lemon squeezed for juice
½ tsp. Tobasco + ???

Bake 1 hour @ 350

Thaw and squeeze spinach dry. Drain and coarsely chop artichoke hearts. Mix all ingredients. (The ??? amount of tobasco is about 3-6 extra drops). Bake in Pyrex pie plate if you like lots of crispy browned top -- for more cheesy gooeyness a small casserole dish works well. Serve with crackers or bagel chips -- it's also great on chicken! Enjoy!

Two Great Things I Read Today

A bit of the scenario:

...After clearing the border the Tecate Truck followed Highway 94 north to Highway 8 at La Mesa, California, and then drove west to Highway 5. It pulled off the road at a rest stop where it picked up a technician in a Tecate uniform who was carrying a case with the necessary electronics and a couple of weapons. After that, the two men followed 5 to the coast and swung down into San Diego. It got off the freeway in downtown and quickly made its way to the intersection of North Harbor Drive and West Broadway. It's total travel time from the border to downtown San Diego was just over an hour. It was running close to schedule. It was about 11:30 in the morning...

...The technician opened his case and took a wire that ran from the back of the truck along the floorboards. He plugged it into a jack in the simple switching device in the case. He looked at the driver and smiled. The driver smiled back. They both began to recite a prayer in Arabic
while looking over the San Diego harbor. At some point in the prayer, without really thinking about it, the technician threw the switch. In the next instant, at the intersection of North Harbor Drive and West Broadway in San Diego, California on a warm August morning, a miniature version of the Sun appeared on the surface of the Earth...

And a bit of the essay:

THE RUTHLESS DEDICATION OF OUR ENEMIES TO OUR DESTRUCTION was written across our sky with two pillars of flame and smoke in our largest city. We've seen that dedication continue, punctuated by car bombs, mortars, and random attacks against our soldiers. We've seen it continue in
Iraq, Iran, Syria, Spain, Russia, Italy and England....

Our unluckiest citizens have had their heads severed from their bodies as pilot episodes of what promises to be a long running reality television series in which American heads are held up, to our horror and for the delight of those many millions that support those that take the heads. The message beyond this madness is that they would be pleased to extend this television series to 300 million beheadings in which each of us would have his "star" turn. Our enemy has not yet taken a woman or a child for a
beheading, but both clearly on their programming schedule.

All these things we know. We know the nature and goals of our enemy well. Our army is at the ready and in the field. And yet we hesitate.

We hesitate because we believe our search for a moderate, modern outcome will somehow determine what actions our ancient enemy will pursue. We are a foolish people grown fat and fearful during the long peace.

Mr. Vanderleun of American Digest is a writer that I admire greatly. Today, I read two of his pieces that I thought were both thought provoking and more than a little bit frightening. Mostly because I believe his scenario to be plausible and his essay to be pretty close to the mark.

9-11 was a plenty big wake up call for me but I fear his premise is correct -- more (and bigger and more horrifying) attacks are to come before others figure out the big picture. And that makes me sad. At any rate, his writing is well worth your time.

Fishing at Bear Lodge

Bear Lodge is a great place on top of the Big Horn Mountains right near Burgess Junction. People have been going there forever for all kinds of winter and summer mountain fun. I arranged for my brother and I to meet our folks and the girls one Saturday so we could all be together if only for an afternoon. Nostalgia was thick (for me anyway) and the good fishing was a bonus!

When I was a kid, we would meet my cousins there since Bear Lodge is situated about halfway between Sheridan and Powell and was a relatively quick drive (about an hour and a half). It wasn't always feasible for us to get over to see them when they were visiting our grandparents and this way everybody could fish and have fun and enjoy weather that was 15 degrees cooler (or more) than down in the valley. I am pretty sure that I caught my first fish in that pond -- probably standing next to my cousin Inga. I think many of us cousins caught our first fish there.... The pond is still stocked with lake trout and is perfect for teaching little kids to fish. There is almost always a nice breeze blowing and the shoreline is plentiful and easy to navigate (though mucky in spots). The girls had a great time (though K did *not* like having to "break" nightcrawlers). Each of the girls caught several fish and only one ended up getting mucky. :-) It's good that some things *don't* change.


Back when I was a kid the lodge was kind of a dubious looking place. A little run down with the feel of an old mountain tavern. The kind of place that, as a mother, you thought twice about letting your kids use the bathroom.

Now, though, it is under new ownership and they have really turned things around. We had a lovely lunch there and the scenery was perfect. Thunderstorms came rolling in just as we were leaving and that was quite something. The pie is good too. How can you beat an afternoon of fishing and pie? Anyway, if you get the chance, it is a great place to go for the afternoon or the weekend. No pretension, just mountain fun.

25 SIGNS YOU'RE ALL GROWN UP

....a little funny for wednesday

1. Your houseplants are alive, and you can't smoke any of them.
2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question.
3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge.
4. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
5. You hear your favorite song in an elevator.
6. You watch the Discovery Chanel and the Weather Channel.
7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of "hook up" and "break-up."
8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.
9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "dressed up."
10. You're the one calling the police because those %&@# kids next door won't turn down the stereo.
11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you.
12. You don't know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payments go up.
14. You feed your dog Science Diet instead of Mc Donald's leftovers.
15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
16. You take naps from noon to 6 PM
17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
18. Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 AM would severely upset, rather than settle, your stomach.
19. If you're a gal, you go to the drug store for ibuprofen and antacid, not condoms and pregnancy tests.
20. A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer "pretty good stuff."
21. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.
22. "I just can't drink the way I used to" replaces "I'm never go ing to drink that much again."
23 . 90% of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work.
24. You drink at home to save money before going to a bar.
25. You read this entire list looking desperately for one sign that doesn't apply to you and can't find one to save your sorry old butt.

A Full Frontal is Coming our Way

...Oh, for heaven's sake -- get your mind out of the gutter........

Today my shoulders aren't just singing Ave Maria -- they're rappin' it.

Bu---bu-duh>> Wiky wiky wiky... Buh---bu-duh.>> Wicky wicky wicky
"I say Ave. (UH) Maria. (UH) Gonna pop dat b*tch when I see huh......." **

And this is why:
See that front headed for Wisconsin? Yup. That's it. The bad news is that I will be poppin' advil like M&M's for awhile. The good news is that the front will knock down some of the heat and humidity around here and we will have nice weather for the weekend. :-) Small price to pay. 'Course, I'm gonna go get some advil now.........

**disclaimer** I'm white (well, more like translucent) and rap isn't my strong suit. :-p But that *is* what it feels like.........

Survivor Story

....and a brave and beautiful little girl

Zubaida, completed twelve major surgeries over a course of one year and within a short period of time, the transformation was astounding. She began school for the first time in her life at Round Meadow Elementary School in Calabasas, California and learned to speak English in 12 weeks. She attended psychotherapy and physical therapy, as well as, developed many wonderful friendships with her classmates at school.She had her first slumber party on her 11th birthday, March 22nd, 2003. Zubaida say's she would like to be a pediatric doctor and help rebuild her country when she grows up.

I remember hearing the story about this very brave little girl who was burned in a terrible cooking fire accident. She was treated by doctors in Iran and told (after 20 days) that they could not help her. The Iranian doctors told Zubaida's father that he should take her home to die. She survived against all odds but was terribly disfugured. Her father was encouraged by local shop keepers to seek help from American troops in Afghanistan. Through their diligence and help from the State Department (and the The Grossman Burn Center** in Sherman Oaks, California) Zubaida was saved from such horrible scaring. What a blessing she will be to the world when she grows up!

It doesn't seem as though we hear much about what is happening these days in Afghanistan -- (Not enough negatives to draw the attention of the MSM, I 'spoze) but thanks to Bill at INDC Journal I get to see what has happened to Zubaida Hassan. And thank God that the United States was able to help her. And that the blogosphere is around to tell the story.

**there is a donation link at her website -- I can't think of a worthier cause.

When does School start again???

.....I hope we can make it that long!

Good grief. Can school PLEASE start soon? The girls are *over* each other, *over* the summer heat, and *over* me. I finally coaxed them into going out to play in their pool (Oh, the cruelty!!! -- Oh, the inhumanity!!) just so they could maybe stop fussing at each other and go burn some energy! (And maybe I could get some housework done without having to negotiate the 10,506th treaty between them.) You would have thought I was sending them to Gitmo! Oh wait, I think Gitmo has a nicer pool -- nevermind.

At any rate, we have 4 weeks to go. This is one of the few times that I really miss Florida -- Their school year usually starts around now.......... **sigh**

Hanoi Jane

....Soon to be "Jihad Jane" I imagine

For the love of Mike I cannot BELIEVE that this woman is at it again!! I have been resisting the urge to rant about it because so many others have done it better than me but for heaven's sake will she ever LEARN???

Citing "war veterans that she has met on a nationwide book tour have encouraged her to break her silence on the Iraq war." Oh Bullshit, Jane. You just went on a book tour and suddenly felt "validated" or whatever for the first time in a two decades and decided that you, once again, could speak truth to power. What a crock, you selfish, insipid, traitorous bitch. I am curious to see if *any* veteran would deign to speak to her (last I heard she was just spat upon). Let alone encourage this stupidity...............

In 1972, Fonda was photographed sitting in a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft tank. About her protest involvement in the Vietnam War, Fonda has apologized for her anti-aircraft tank photo, calling it an incredible lapse in judgment. She has not apologized for opposing the war.

Uh huh, Jane. And that wasn't your *only* judgment lapse either -- too bad you still haven't learned the lessons of your own past! Fortunately for Jane, there are many others who have *not* forgotten her harmful actions during that war -- and they have prepared her a lovely photo opportunity! (h/t Harvey of Bad Example).

And you know, when she leaves the moonbat coast with her patchouli troupe I hope she gets a nice big dose of reality out here in flyover country. I would be more than happy to give her a dose myself.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

"Voldemort himself created his worst enemy, just as tyrants everywhere do! Have you any idea how much tyrants fear the people they oppress? All of them realize that, one day, amongst their many victims, there sure to be one who rises against them and strikes back!" --Albus Dumbledore

{{The following contains SPOILERS!}} Harry Potter 6 is, IMO, the best of the series so far. Harry has matured and is finally *ready* to face his destiny. Blogcritics has a great review here. Excerpt:

Learning about his enemy, Potter begins to piece together the puzzle that is Voldemort. Potter realizes that evil is chosen but so is good. While Dumbledore explains that Potter can choose his course of action, this is not really true. Voldemort has already chosen for the both of them the final course of action.

Rowling's point is that evil is a choice but it is also shown that when evil is chosen by one, it leaves others with no choice but to resist. Potter can't really choose not to resist Voldemort since Voldemort's goal is to pursue and kill Potter. For Voldemort, Potter must be killed or Voldemort's goal of control of the wizard world will remain threatened.

There are so many things I loved about this book and where the characters are headed. I love that Ron and Hermione are finally figuring out that they are perfect for eachother. I love that Harry hooked up with Ginny. I love that Harry is finally grown up and will have no need for the Dursley's after his final visit. Great stuff. And that's just the interpersonal aspects of the book -- the story and the magic and the adventure make it a terrific read!

There is a lot that has been alluded to that I think is coming.....

**Surely Dumbledore had a Last Will and Testament -- I am curious to see what he bequeaths to Harry. Dumbledore obviously has a plan in place to help Harry (and always has). My bet is on Gryffindor's Sword and possibly Fawks the phoenix.

**I think that Harry himself is (or was) one of the Horcruxes. Remember -- it was Harry's blood used when Voldemort "regained his body" at the end of book 4. Did he also reclaim his bit of soul that imparted to Harry when Harry survived Avada Kedavra curse as a baby? If nothing else, I think that Harry's scar marks him as a horcrux and is part of the reason that Harry has been able to see/feel what Voldemort is seeing/feeling in the past.

**I think that Ginny will find a way to remain in Harry's life and help him on his quest to hunt and kill Voldemort. That girl is tough and determined and, let's face it -- Harry is going to need all the help he can get.

**I think that Harry already owns one of the other horcruxs mentioned. In book 5 while de-lousing Sirius' house Harry Ron and Hermione come across "a heavy locket that none of them could open" (p. 116). Harry is now the sole owner of 12 Grimmauld Place and all that is there as it was left to him by Sirius. And I think the RAB that left the note in the faux horcrux that Harry and Dumbledore recovered is Sirius' brother Regulus.

**I *still* don't like Snape but I am not convinced that he is a bad guy -- I think that he and Dumbledore cooked up the whole "Snape kills Dumbledore" thing and that Dumbledore is not dead. And I think that this is why Snape freaks out on Harry with the "DON'T CALL ME COWARD!!!" (p. 604) bit as he is racing away from the castle -- Snape knew that not only was he headed straight for the lion's den (Voldemort) but that the entire wizarding world would be hunting him because of Dumbledore's "murder". I thought this before I read the website Dumbledore is not Dead -- and there you will find many clues that Dumbledore will be making a return. I do hope so anyway.

**I think that it is going to be a loooong wait for book 7. My bet is summer 2007. And yes, I'll line up with all of the other HP dorks to see how it ends. :-)

...thanks Mom for finishing the book so I could post this!!!! :-)

Update: Sarah K of Mountineer Musings has a great HP 6 post here.....

Update 2: If you ever wondered what Dobby does with his "free" time the hilarious answer is here! Heh! Thanks Hubris!

Monday

....and I am waiting for blog inspiration........

Ahem. How bout now?

No? ............Now?
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Now? Surely there is a joke or a quiz or *something* I can post!?!?!
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Oh all right -- I'll go. I don't want to, but I will. There has to be something blogable about today! Fine. Just so you know, I'm coming back! This laundry and housework thing can't take forever, you know..............

Stupid Blog..........