The other day I was replying to an email from a co-worker, giving my opinion on some proposals from a consultant. I went to wrap up my missive with, “There’s my 2¢.” It took me awhile to find that cent mark. I’m old enough to remember when it was just above the 2 on the typewriter key. Of course, I’m also old enough to remember typewriters. In fact, I actually learned to type, not keyboard.
Typing was a skill I learn under complete duress. I fought hard to stay out of that class in high school. Once I was in the class I only learned the bare basics. Because there were more students than working machines I spent most of my time ready books for pleasure and giving the teacher oral reports once I finished.
Fast forward more years than I care to think about, and here I am spending a good deal of my time typing away at over 70 wpm, with a decent degree of proficiency. Who would have thunk? Certainly not me!
Today I was in a meeting with said consultants, and over the corner of the conference room was a stereo with an 8-trak player. Holy cow Batman!! Where did that come from? Half the people in the room didn’t know what an 8-track tape was. I’m not kidding. I’m so freaking old!!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monday, November 29, 2010
A Soldiers' Angels Christmas
The day was young, and the sound of music was light,
We gazed round the room and cherished the sight.
The items were heaped, over flowing from a chest,
Food, snacks, toys, books, silly thing and, all the rest.
We divided and stacked, the socks a pile of white,
Christmas cards, and multicolored stocking filled with delight.
This weeks shopping was better then we could believe,
There would be enough for all our soldiers on Christmas Eve.
Our eyes were bright, as we packed the boxes deep,
The liquids were baggied so they wouldn’t seep.
The heavy items placed in cardboard corners, near the seam,
And little tiny candies and mixes, fit in tight spaces like a dream.
As we packed we laughed, and wished our soldiers were near,
But instead told stories of emails and letters in each others ears.
There were special things, to each other we wanted to show,
Things with meanings, we knew our soldiers would know.
We each told stories, so fun to hear,
And in our hearts, holding our solders dear.
Once the boxes were filled, and taped down tight,
We broke out the markers, and decorated them bright.
There were angels, and flags in colors so bold,
And then we added trees and snowmen so cold.
Once we were done, with gladness we smiled,
Standing over our boxes, we whooped it up wild.
"I think mine looks best?" I said without fear,
"Look at the halo, and the wings right here!
There’s a nice red heart, and trim on the sleeve,
She’ll bring a smile come Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw their eyes shift,
Away from me, to their boxes their sites did drift. .
Their opinions differed, and their voices weren’t light
They sighed and then said "You’re looking for a fight,
Ours are great, too. We think we all did alright.
You can just simmer down, and put your box back in line,
There’s still more, it’s Customs Form time.”
" I hate Customs Forms and they hate me,
All that writing and writing until I can’t see.
My hands turned to pains, and cramps,"
I sighed, "Let’s get start, go get the lamps.
Why must there be 5 pages, man oh man,
We press down with the pens, as hard as we can.
In the north is Mosul, and a little east is Kirkuk,
Baghdad is central, and for the west at the map we must look.
There is Jason at HHC, then there’s Nicole at CID,
And Elizabeth and Dat in Company C.
"I hope they have decorated, and aren’t feeling alone,
I wish they were with family, in a house and at home.
Those retched forms are done, and we rise to our feet,
It was time for the post office, through the rain and the sleet.
We can carry the weight, we’re each a mother,
Stacking the boxes in the car, next to one another.
We have the Customs Form for one and all,
Ready for that cute postal clerk, John Paul.
"Wal-Mart has socks on sale," Mom said, "and a little flashlight,
We can stop on the way back, just take a right."
"After that we can stop at Target, their price for deodorant is best,
And toothpaste," I said, "and then it’s the Dollar Store for the rest.
We’ll still need to add some things, like Hunny Buns,
Wouldn’t it be a great idea to add some magnets, maybe of a sun.”
As we drive off down the road, we plan our next box,
"Do you think it’s possible, perhaps to pack some lox?”.
Angels live for letters and cards, received and sent,
For a good themed box, and hoping they don’t get bent..
Angels love and care, always knowing it’s important that things are said,
We remember that our soldiers fought and bled.
We carry soldiers in our hearts, and in our pockets a Solidiers’ Angels coin,
and we hope you will visit www.soldiersangels.org to join."
We gazed round the room and cherished the sight.
The items were heaped, over flowing from a chest,
Food, snacks, toys, books, silly thing and, all the rest.
We divided and stacked, the socks a pile of white,
Christmas cards, and multicolored stocking filled with delight.
This weeks shopping was better then we could believe,
There would be enough for all our soldiers on Christmas Eve.
Our eyes were bright, as we packed the boxes deep,
The liquids were baggied so they wouldn’t seep.
The heavy items placed in cardboard corners, near the seam,
And little tiny candies and mixes, fit in tight spaces like a dream.
As we packed we laughed, and wished our soldiers were near,
But instead told stories of emails and letters in each others ears.
There were special things, to each other we wanted to show,
Things with meanings, we knew our soldiers would know.
We each told stories, so fun to hear,
And in our hearts, holding our solders dear.
Once the boxes were filled, and taped down tight,
We broke out the markers, and decorated them bright.
There were angels, and flags in colors so bold,
And then we added trees and snowmen so cold.
Once we were done, with gladness we smiled,
Standing over our boxes, we whooped it up wild.
"I think mine looks best?" I said without fear,
"Look at the halo, and the wings right here!
There’s a nice red heart, and trim on the sleeve,
She’ll bring a smile come Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw their eyes shift,
Away from me, to their boxes their sites did drift. .
Their opinions differed, and their voices weren’t light
They sighed and then said "You’re looking for a fight,
Ours are great, too. We think we all did alright.
You can just simmer down, and put your box back in line,
There’s still more, it’s Customs Form time.”
" I hate Customs Forms and they hate me,
All that writing and writing until I can’t see.
My hands turned to pains, and cramps,"
I sighed, "Let’s get start, go get the lamps.
Why must there be 5 pages, man oh man,
We press down with the pens, as hard as we can.
In the north is Mosul, and a little east is Kirkuk,
Baghdad is central, and for the west at the map we must look.
There is Jason at HHC, then there’s Nicole at CID,
And Elizabeth and Dat in Company C.
"I hope they have decorated, and aren’t feeling alone,
I wish they were with family, in a house and at home.
Those retched forms are done, and we rise to our feet,
It was time for the post office, through the rain and the sleet.
We can carry the weight, we’re each a mother,
Stacking the boxes in the car, next to one another.
We have the Customs Form for one and all,
Ready for that cute postal clerk, John Paul.
"Wal-Mart has socks on sale," Mom said, "and a little flashlight,
We can stop on the way back, just take a right."
"After that we can stop at Target, their price for deodorant is best,
And toothpaste," I said, "and then it’s the Dollar Store for the rest.
We’ll still need to add some things, like Hunny Buns,
Wouldn’t it be a great idea to add some magnets, maybe of a sun.”
As we drive off down the road, we plan our next box,
"Do you think it’s possible, perhaps to pack some lox?”.
Angels live for letters and cards, received and sent,
For a good themed box, and hoping they don’t get bent..
Angels love and care, always knowing it’s important that things are said,
We remember that our soldiers fought and bled.
We carry soldiers in our hearts, and in our pockets a Solidiers’ Angels coin,
and we hope you will visit www.soldiersangels.org to join."
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the
tomb of the Unknowns and why?
21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the
highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his
return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1
3. Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the
rifle.
4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time
and if not, why not?
He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb.
After his march across the path, he executes an about face
and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
5. How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes,
twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be
between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30." Other
requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the
tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on
or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the
rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in
any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on
their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only
400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their
lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat
and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the
top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty
in front of a full-length mirror.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor
watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid
to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are
and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe
E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most
decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for
guard duty.
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our
US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC
evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the
hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They
respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin,
marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding
the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be
afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously,
24/7, since 1930.
God Bless and keep them.
I thought this was worth knowing.
tomb of the Unknowns and why?
21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the
highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his
return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1
3. Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the
rifle.
4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time
and if not, why not?
He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb.
After his march across the path, he executes an about face
and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
5. How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes,
twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be
between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30." Other
requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the
tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on
or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the
rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in
any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on
their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only
400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their
lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat
and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the
top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty
in front of a full-length mirror.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor
watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid
to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are
and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe
E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most
decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for
guard duty.
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our
US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC
evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the
hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They
respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin,
marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding
the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be
afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously,
24/7, since 1930.
God Bless and keep them.
I thought this was worth knowing.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Dialing "1" under pressure
To dial one, or not to dial one, that is the question. At least it’s kind of the question I asked myself yesterday. There are two different area codes for the city of Portland, one of them is 503, the other one is something I can never remember. In part, because I just don’t run across it very often, and considering the number people I talk to every month, tells me that there really aren’t that many people with this other area code. So, I’m in the process of calling someone back who has left me a voice mail. I dial “9” to get the outside line, then the area code (not 503) and the number. Well, of course this area code is not that other area code I can never remember. It’s for someplace other than Portland, even though the caller is calling about a their home address here in Portland.
So, you know what happened, I got that annoying recording telling if I need to dial “1” when calling this number. Usually I just hang up and dial again using the “1” as directed. I’m such a mindless drone! For some reason yesterday, this recording really irked me. For one thing aren’t area codes unique? So if you’ve dialed an area code doesn’t the system know where to send the call? How does dialing “1” add anything to the process? The system obviously knew it needed a “1” so why didn’t it just send the call one. Why to I have to put in something you already know is part of it? And, why does the “1” on a long distance call still even exist?
Why can I make the same call, without the “1”, on my cell phone and there’s no annoying recording. It goes through, no problemo lameo! Why are land lines not keeping up with cell technology? I have a theory, of course. They want to piss up all off so we will all move over to cell phone service. Which we are as individuals, but at work we still have land lines to deal with.
My co-work, the ever sane Stephen, watching me have my mini meltdown over the issue of the “1”, just smiled and said, “Rhetta, I hope you’re not going to lose sleep of this.” He is now my meditation master. The one to call me down from the ledge. The one who will gently take the gun and unload it, while speaking in a calm and steady voice.
After my run in with the “1” I heard about the flight attendant who had the meltdown, gave a piece of his mind to an ill behaved passenger and then lowered the escape ramp and left with a couple of beers. You know I can really sympathize with this guy, and there have been many times over the past 15 years that I’ve worked with the public, that would have loved to do something very similar. Hell, I wanted to do it yesterday with phone company! You’ve read my blog on municipal black ops hit squad. But, so far I’ve managed to walk away without losing it. I’m just hoping that trend will continue.
It’s only a matter of time before there is a really nasty issue in the air, not involving a terrorist. It will however, involve a customer who has reached the absolute end of their rope. Flying used to be a civilized activity, people dressed nicely, and were treated very well. Now some passengers don’t even bath before getting on planes, and we’re all treated like cattle being transported to the slaughter house. Hell, cattle are probably treated better.
You have to have the patience of Job to fly commercial today. You wait in line to be checked in, unless you’re paid an extra fee so you can pass through the express line. Then you have to pay if you actually want to take luggage with you on your trip. Airlines used to want you to check your luggage and NOT carry it onboard with you. Now they have devised a system that has everyone carrying their luggage onboard. Next, you wait in line to pass through security, unless you’ve paid extra to pass through the express line.
Once through security, you’re alone and lugging all the stuff, you used to check, with you down the long hall looking for your gate. Along the way you want to pick up a bottle of water, since you had to leave your’s at security. You even think about getting a magazine to read while you wait to board the plane. After paying five dollars for a small bottle of water, you decide you can’t really afford to look at magazines and continue your three mile trudge to the gate, to wait some more.
Because you didn’t buy a first class ticket, an obviously indictment against your worth to society, you have to wait while the “special” people board first. Of course, as you board, somewhere in the middle of the pack, it’s impossible to get down the aisle because everyone is trying to stow their luggage. Once you find your seat, you have to try to find a place to stow your luggage. It worse than fighting off a pack of wild wolves to get your stuff put away before some else grabs the spot, usually some tall, oblivious 20 year old.
You’re finally seated and now you have to start worrying about who will be setting next to you, and in front of you, and behind you. These people will, to a great extent, be determining the level of your comfort for the next several hours. You get the mom with the screaming baby, of the child that likes to kick the back of your seat, or the guy in front who thinks it acceptable to lean his seat all the way back. Who is there a reclining function on an airline seat? Who thought that was a good idea? There are also the people with stinky feet who take their shoes off, the ones who pass gas and the ones who smoked a pack of cigarettes just before boarding. And, the heavy drinkers!
Then, just because this experience isn’t as awful as it could be, let’s just throw in a machincal difficulty that delays takeoff for, oh I don’t know, two hours!
It’s true that planes should have a warning, like aerosol cans, “Caution: Contents under pressure.” In fact, this warning could be spray painted across most public buildings as well.
So, you know what happened, I got that annoying recording telling if I need to dial “1” when calling this number. Usually I just hang up and dial again using the “1” as directed. I’m such a mindless drone! For some reason yesterday, this recording really irked me. For one thing aren’t area codes unique? So if you’ve dialed an area code doesn’t the system know where to send the call? How does dialing “1” add anything to the process? The system obviously knew it needed a “1” so why didn’t it just send the call one. Why to I have to put in something you already know is part of it? And, why does the “1” on a long distance call still even exist?
Why can I make the same call, without the “1”, on my cell phone and there’s no annoying recording. It goes through, no problemo lameo! Why are land lines not keeping up with cell technology? I have a theory, of course. They want to piss up all off so we will all move over to cell phone service. Which we are as individuals, but at work we still have land lines to deal with.
My co-work, the ever sane Stephen, watching me have my mini meltdown over the issue of the “1”, just smiled and said, “Rhetta, I hope you’re not going to lose sleep of this.” He is now my meditation master. The one to call me down from the ledge. The one who will gently take the gun and unload it, while speaking in a calm and steady voice.
After my run in with the “1” I heard about the flight attendant who had the meltdown, gave a piece of his mind to an ill behaved passenger and then lowered the escape ramp and left with a couple of beers. You know I can really sympathize with this guy, and there have been many times over the past 15 years that I’ve worked with the public, that would have loved to do something very similar. Hell, I wanted to do it yesterday with phone company! You’ve read my blog on municipal black ops hit squad. But, so far I’ve managed to walk away without losing it. I’m just hoping that trend will continue.
It’s only a matter of time before there is a really nasty issue in the air, not involving a terrorist. It will however, involve a customer who has reached the absolute end of their rope. Flying used to be a civilized activity, people dressed nicely, and were treated very well. Now some passengers don’t even bath before getting on planes, and we’re all treated like cattle being transported to the slaughter house. Hell, cattle are probably treated better.
You have to have the patience of Job to fly commercial today. You wait in line to be checked in, unless you’re paid an extra fee so you can pass through the express line. Then you have to pay if you actually want to take luggage with you on your trip. Airlines used to want you to check your luggage and NOT carry it onboard with you. Now they have devised a system that has everyone carrying their luggage onboard. Next, you wait in line to pass through security, unless you’ve paid extra to pass through the express line.
Once through security, you’re alone and lugging all the stuff, you used to check, with you down the long hall looking for your gate. Along the way you want to pick up a bottle of water, since you had to leave your’s at security. You even think about getting a magazine to read while you wait to board the plane. After paying five dollars for a small bottle of water, you decide you can’t really afford to look at magazines and continue your three mile trudge to the gate, to wait some more.
Because you didn’t buy a first class ticket, an obviously indictment against your worth to society, you have to wait while the “special” people board first. Of course, as you board, somewhere in the middle of the pack, it’s impossible to get down the aisle because everyone is trying to stow their luggage. Once you find your seat, you have to try to find a place to stow your luggage. It worse than fighting off a pack of wild wolves to get your stuff put away before some else grabs the spot, usually some tall, oblivious 20 year old.
You’re finally seated and now you have to start worrying about who will be setting next to you, and in front of you, and behind you. These people will, to a great extent, be determining the level of your comfort for the next several hours. You get the mom with the screaming baby, of the child that likes to kick the back of your seat, or the guy in front who thinks it acceptable to lean his seat all the way back. Who is there a reclining function on an airline seat? Who thought that was a good idea? There are also the people with stinky feet who take their shoes off, the ones who pass gas and the ones who smoked a pack of cigarettes just before boarding. And, the heavy drinkers!
Then, just because this experience isn’t as awful as it could be, let’s just throw in a machincal difficulty that delays takeoff for, oh I don’t know, two hours!
It’s true that planes should have a warning, like aerosol cans, “Caution: Contents under pressure.” In fact, this warning could be spray painted across most public buildings as well.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Hawks and chickens
During the day, at work, I occasionally pull up the Raptor Cam and check out a Red Tailed Hawk nest in downtown Portland. This year a pair of Red Tails laid three eggs and they all hatched. While the little ones were still all fuzzy we lost one. The other two have grown and continue to develop well. At the moment they are busy flapping around the nest and hopping onto the railing and window ledge. It won’t be long until they take up flying. I can’t wait to see that!
If you’re interested in seeing them you can go to: http://www.kgw.com/community/blogs/raptor-cam/KGW-Audubon-Raptor-Cam.html
At this same site there are also some photos of the Peregrine Falcons that nest on the bridge.
I guess this is my year to be fascinated by birds. I go home every evening and let my chickens out to roam the back yard. I love watching them. I also love that as soon as they see me coming out the back door they all run to the end of their enclosure. It’s great to see six little faces all so happy to see me.
I’ve been giving them new and different things to eat: bread, grapes, strawberries, and peanut butter on bread. The last is by far their favorite! They like them all, but something about the peanut butter really get them excited. Wel,l that and the flowers in my containers along the edge of the patio. I keep a spray bottle handy, full of water to shot them with when they start wrecking havoc. I think they are beginning to learn not to mess with the containers, but at the same time they still need regular reminders in a liquid form.
The other day Sugar, who does everything first, started clucking. I mean really clucking, not just a screech as they have all been doing from time to time. The whole gang was all clustered up at the edge of the garden pecking away at grass and leaves, when she began to cluck. Cluuuuck, cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck……Cluuuuck, cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck …..Cluuuuck, cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck. She looked quite distressed, like she couldn’t figure out what was happening. She wasn’t the only one. All of the other girls ran across the yard, next to the run, huddled together and stared at her. They kept their distance for awhile after she had gotten over her little spell. None of them are quite sure what happened but they don’t seem to be looking forward to a repeat.
They are all taking their turns at flying. This usually happens when they have been spooked by something. This could be such terrifying things as a gust of wind, a falling leaf, a butterfly, or nothing at all. All the squawking starts, the running, the wing flapping, and then at least two or three will lift off. At first the landings were a bit rough, but they seem to have gotten the hang of it now.
People keep telling they will fly up into trees if I don’t clip their wings. I don’t have any trees in my yard, and they all seem determined to get back to the run as quick as possible when they get spooked, so I’ve decided not to worry about that. At least not until one of them actually flies up onto a limb of a neighbor’s tree. Then I will be faced with how to get them down. What fun!!
If you’re interested in seeing them you can go to: http://www.kgw.com/community/blogs/raptor-cam/KGW-Audubon-Raptor-Cam.html
At this same site there are also some photos of the Peregrine Falcons that nest on the bridge.
I guess this is my year to be fascinated by birds. I go home every evening and let my chickens out to roam the back yard. I love watching them. I also love that as soon as they see me coming out the back door they all run to the end of their enclosure. It’s great to see six little faces all so happy to see me.
I’ve been giving them new and different things to eat: bread, grapes, strawberries, and peanut butter on bread. The last is by far their favorite! They like them all, but something about the peanut butter really get them excited. Wel,l that and the flowers in my containers along the edge of the patio. I keep a spray bottle handy, full of water to shot them with when they start wrecking havoc. I think they are beginning to learn not to mess with the containers, but at the same time they still need regular reminders in a liquid form.
The other day Sugar, who does everything first, started clucking. I mean really clucking, not just a screech as they have all been doing from time to time. The whole gang was all clustered up at the edge of the garden pecking away at grass and leaves, when she began to cluck. Cluuuuck, cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck……Cluuuuck, cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck …..Cluuuuck, cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck. She looked quite distressed, like she couldn’t figure out what was happening. She wasn’t the only one. All of the other girls ran across the yard, next to the run, huddled together and stared at her. They kept their distance for awhile after she had gotten over her little spell. None of them are quite sure what happened but they don’t seem to be looking forward to a repeat.
They are all taking their turns at flying. This usually happens when they have been spooked by something. This could be such terrifying things as a gust of wind, a falling leaf, a butterfly, or nothing at all. All the squawking starts, the running, the wing flapping, and then at least two or three will lift off. At first the landings were a bit rough, but they seem to have gotten the hang of it now.
People keep telling they will fly up into trees if I don’t clip their wings. I don’t have any trees in my yard, and they all seem determined to get back to the run as quick as possible when they get spooked, so I’ve decided not to worry about that. At least not until one of them actually flies up onto a limb of a neighbor’s tree. Then I will be faced with how to get them down. What fun!!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Craigslist and treasure hunts
I have a wire rabbit hutch for sale on Craigslist. This is the first time I’ve tried to sell anything on there, and I have to say I’m not having the best of luck. My ad says, “Rabbit Hutch, wire, $40.00. Wire rabbit hutch in excellent condition.” And, I’ve included a photo. I didn’t think I really needed to say anymore, you know a picture is worth a thousand words, which is a good thing because Craigslist won’t let me use a thousand word. Honestly I don’t think I could come up with that many words for it anyway.
So everybody that has emailed me, all 3 of them, have wanted to know something. Mostly the dimensions, or if it has trays in the bottom. I guess I should go in and edit my ad to include that info, but I can’t seem to find any of the 9 million tape measures I’ve bought over the years! I even buy them in neon colors so they will be easier to find!! I have been reduced to giving approximate dimensions.
My brother can throw up an ad on Craigslist that says, “Ratty old fencing and post, $50.00” with no pictures, and people will get into a bidding war. I am definitely missing the salesman gene!
My brother and his family are coming to visit next month and I sure hope I have this thing sold and off the patio by then. Of course there are other things I need to get off the patio as well, like what is left of the dresser I bought for the drawer to use as nesting boxes, and other parts for other things. Luckily the neighborhood cleanup is just around the corner and just before they arrive for vacation, so this could be a good thing.
Speaking of our soon to arrive family, my family is really heavy on boys, so these visits are always rowdy affairs. Over the past few years we have been doing a treasure hunt. Its great fun weather you’re a treasure hunter part of the planning and set up. Last year, the kids were all old enough to have our treasure hunt spread out over the neighborhood. It took them about an hour to make it through all the clues and arrive at the final location, the field behind my house. My sister, sister-in-law and I were all on the back patio watching them search for the treasure. For 20 minutes they crawled all through the grove of tree trying to find the treasure. They went around the tree the treasure was hanging in about a hundred times. It had a red rope tied to the tree to let it down. But, around and around they went. Those of us on the patio were laughing so hard we were in near hysterics. I’m already planning the hunt for this year, I can’t wait.
So everybody that has emailed me, all 3 of them, have wanted to know something. Mostly the dimensions, or if it has trays in the bottom. I guess I should go in and edit my ad to include that info, but I can’t seem to find any of the 9 million tape measures I’ve bought over the years! I even buy them in neon colors so they will be easier to find!! I have been reduced to giving approximate dimensions.
My brother can throw up an ad on Craigslist that says, “Ratty old fencing and post, $50.00” with no pictures, and people will get into a bidding war. I am definitely missing the salesman gene!
My brother and his family are coming to visit next month and I sure hope I have this thing sold and off the patio by then. Of course there are other things I need to get off the patio as well, like what is left of the dresser I bought for the drawer to use as nesting boxes, and other parts for other things. Luckily the neighborhood cleanup is just around the corner and just before they arrive for vacation, so this could be a good thing.
Speaking of our soon to arrive family, my family is really heavy on boys, so these visits are always rowdy affairs. Over the past few years we have been doing a treasure hunt. Its great fun weather you’re a treasure hunter part of the planning and set up. Last year, the kids were all old enough to have our treasure hunt spread out over the neighborhood. It took them about an hour to make it through all the clues and arrive at the final location, the field behind my house. My sister, sister-in-law and I were all on the back patio watching them search for the treasure. For 20 minutes they crawled all through the grove of tree trying to find the treasure. They went around the tree the treasure was hanging in about a hundred times. It had a red rope tied to the tree to let it down. But, around and around they went. Those of us on the patio were laughing so hard we were in near hysterics. I’m already planning the hunt for this year, I can’t wait.
Friday, May 14, 2010
The sun is shining, the temps are up, the garden is growing, the chickens are happy and life is good… outside. Unfortunately I’m stuck inside at my deck wishing I was home and outside. Damn! Who came up the idea of work anyway?
Of course on wet and miserable days I don’t mind working inside, or on those hot and humid day. We have so few really exceptional days that I feel staying inside for them is just plain offensive. I’m in search of a car at this very moment so can do some site visits on some of my projects. I won’t even have to carry along my wet gear, just my sunglasses.
I’m in the market for a new warm weather drink. Yesterday I went to lunch with a coworker and she ordered an Arnold Palmer. I was a little taken aback thinking she was drinking during work hours, and she is so not the type to do that. Apparently an Arnold Palmer is half ice tea and half lemonade. Doesn’t that sound lovely? I’m going to mix up a batch this weekend with some good tea, and maybe even splash in a bit of something more potent. I’ll be on the patio if anyone wants to come try it out with me.
Just got back from vacation recently and I thought I should let you all know that my trips through the Kansas City Airport were a great improvement over my previous trip. I made it through without a single meltdown.
Time with the grandkids was awesome!! They’re brilliant, and amazing, and totally wonderful!! I wish I could have packed them all up and brought them home with me.
My daughter is so brave. I don’t think I could what she is doing. Starting college again, with two very small children while here husband is deployed and having no one close by that she knows well. She just makes me so proud! I wish she was closer, or that I could be there more often to help out.
I was driving down the road the other day when I saw one of those things that just make you scratch your head and say, what were they thinking? There is a road side business with a sign out front, and erected next to the business is a big billboard. Now these two signs were stacked on in front of the other, so the first is for the business and says, “XXX Adult Videos”, the billboard is for the Boys and Girls Club and giant letters is says, “Be passionate!” I nearly wreck the car for laughing.
Of course on wet and miserable days I don’t mind working inside, or on those hot and humid day. We have so few really exceptional days that I feel staying inside for them is just plain offensive. I’m in search of a car at this very moment so can do some site visits on some of my projects. I won’t even have to carry along my wet gear, just my sunglasses.
I’m in the market for a new warm weather drink. Yesterday I went to lunch with a coworker and she ordered an Arnold Palmer. I was a little taken aback thinking she was drinking during work hours, and she is so not the type to do that. Apparently an Arnold Palmer is half ice tea and half lemonade. Doesn’t that sound lovely? I’m going to mix up a batch this weekend with some good tea, and maybe even splash in a bit of something more potent. I’ll be on the patio if anyone wants to come try it out with me.
Just got back from vacation recently and I thought I should let you all know that my trips through the Kansas City Airport were a great improvement over my previous trip. I made it through without a single meltdown.
Time with the grandkids was awesome!! They’re brilliant, and amazing, and totally wonderful!! I wish I could have packed them all up and brought them home with me.
My daughter is so brave. I don’t think I could what she is doing. Starting college again, with two very small children while here husband is deployed and having no one close by that she knows well. She just makes me so proud! I wish she was closer, or that I could be there more often to help out.
I was driving down the road the other day when I saw one of those things that just make you scratch your head and say, what were they thinking? There is a road side business with a sign out front, and erected next to the business is a big billboard. Now these two signs were stacked on in front of the other, so the first is for the business and says, “XXX Adult Videos”, the billboard is for the Boys and Girls Club and giant letters is says, “Be passionate!” I nearly wreck the car for laughing.
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