Profound Revelations

Mickey Mouse and more hummingbirds.

2011-07-04T14:52:00.001-05:00

Pictures...

2011-07-02T08:39:00.001-05:00

It's been awhile since I posted to this blog. Ahh well, creative lapse coupled with a lack of ambition. I got a geranium planter and hung it outside my window. Here's to you, dad. Geraniums always make me think of you!

It looked like a storm was brewing, but after checking it out, the sun was shining and the clouds were blowing away pretty fast.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T08:38:00.000-06:00

Here's hoping Christmas Morning finds everyone with family, friends, sharing, and of course lots of good food! I'm enjoying a quiet morning with coffee, a fire, and some holiday cheer. :)

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Hello Winter!

2010-12-04T08:43:00.000-06:00

Got our first measurable snow of the season.

When I stepped outside in my house shoes, I clearly wasn't prepared. I stepped right into about 2 inches of snow! Anyway, went back inside and decided that this is a good morning to be lazy for a bit.

Stomped the snow off my slippers, went to find dry socks, got a cup of coffee and checked email.

Two kitties want to cozy up with me and my laptop! So now three out of the four get along OK... Punkin, Lili and Kona. Piko is still being standoff-ish, she thinks about playing with Kona but then just swipes at her and hisses. Ahh well, give 'em time.

It's a great day for a fire in the fireplace and a warm adult beverage in my hand!

Hotter Than Mother's Music

2010-09-25T14:53:00.000-05:00

Fondly known as "Mother's" to those of us who grew up in Mt. Prospect in the 70's. I spent many days and nights hanging out in the pinball hall, ducking air hockey pucks, or browsing the selection of 45rpm's. :)

Kona Kitty

2010-09-18T16:32:00.000-05:00

Look who showed up on my doorstep. So far nobody is looking for her. So I named her Kona.

Pizza tonight!!!

2010-09-12T20:08:00.002-05:00

I made a Chicago-style deep dish pizza for dinner tonight. Very yummy! Recipe is posted here: http://smkellenrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/09/chicago-style-deep-dish-pizza.html

New Recipes

2010-08-22T18:34:00.003-05:00

I posted some new recipes I found on Yahoo Shine. They look good! Especially the crock pot Asian Tomato Beef thing...

What's Cookin'? My Favorite Recipes!

Time to go make dinner. :)

Corrupted Moral

2010-07-16T05:42:00.002-05:00

The teacher gave her fifth grade class an assignment: Get their parents
to tell them a story with a moral at the end of it. The next day, the
kids came back and, one by one, began to tell their stories. There
were all the regular types of stuff: spilled milk and pennies saved.
But then the teacher realized, much to her dismay, that only Janie was
left. "Janie, do you have a story to share?" "Yes ma'am, my daddy told
me a story about my Mommy. She was a Marine pilot in Desert Storm, and
her plane got hit. She had to bail out over enemy territory, and all
she had was a flask of whiskey, a pistol, and a survival knife. She
drank the whiskey on the way down so the bottle wouldn't break, and
then her parachute landed her right in the middle of 20 Iraqi troops.
She shot 15 of them with the pistol, until she ran out of bullets,
killed four more with the knife, till the blade broke, and then she
killed the last Iraqi with her bare hands. "Good Heavens," said the
teacher. "What did your Daddy tell you was the moral to this story?"
"Stay away from Mommy when she's been drinking."

Derivatives for Dummies - Explanation of Derivative Markets

2010-05-13T16:35:00.001-05:00

Heidi is the proprietor of a bar in Detroit. She realizes that virtually all of her customers are unemployed alcoholics and, as such, can no longer afford to patronize her bar. To solve this problem, she comes up with a new marketing plan that allows her customers to drink now, but pay later.

Heidi keeps track of the drinks consumed on a ledger (thereby granting the customers' loans). Word gets around about Heidi's "drink now, pay later" marketing strategy and, as a result, increasing numbers of customers flood into Heidi's bar. Soon she has the largest sales volume for any bar in Detroit.

By providing her customers freedom from immediate payment demands, Heidi gets no resistance when, at regular intervals, she substantially increases her prices for wine and beer, the most consumed beverages. Consequently, Heidi's gross sales volume increases massively.

A young and dynamic vice-president at the local bank recognizes that these customer debts constitute valuable future assets and increases Heidi's borrowing limit. He sees no reason for any undue concern, since he has the debts of the unemployed alcoholics as collateral.

At the bank's corporate headquarters, expert traders figure a way to make huge commissions, and transform these customer loans into DRINKBONDS, ALKIBONDS and PUKEBONDS. These securities are then bundled and traded on international security markets.

Naive investors don't really understand that the securities being sold to them as AAA secured bonds are really the debts of unemployed alcoholics. Nevertheless, the bond prices continuously climb, and the securities soon become the hottest-selling items for some of the nation's leading brokerage houses.

One day, even though the bond prices are still climbing, a risk manager at the original local bank decides that the time has come to demand payment on the debts incurred by the drinkers at Heidi's bar. He so informs Heidi.

Heidi then demands payment from her alcoholic patrons, but being unemployed alcoholics they cannot pay back their drinking debts. Since Heidi cannot fulfill her loan obligations she is forced into bankruptcy. The bar closes and the eleven employees lose their jobs.

Overnight, DRINKBONDS, ALKIBONDS and PUKEBONDS drop in price by 90%. The collapsed bond asset value destroys the banks liquidity and prevents it from issuing new loans, thus freezing credit and economic activity in the community. The suppliers of Heidi's bar had granted her generous payment extensions and had invested their firms' pension funds in the various BOND securities. They find they are now faced with having to write off her bad debt and with losing over 90% of the presumed value of the bonds. Her wine supplier also claims bankruptcy, closing the doors on a family business that had endured for three generations, her beer supplier is taken over by a competitor, who immediately closes the local plant and lays off 150 workers.

Fortunately though, the bank, the brokerage houses and their respective executives are saved and bailed out by a multi-billion dollar no-strings attached cash infusion from their cronies in Government. The funds required for this bailout are obtained by new taxes levied on employed, middle-class, non-drinkers who have never been in Heidi's bar.

Now do you understand?

Blender Bearnaise Sauce

2010-04-24T17:26:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 dash red pepper
2/3 cup butter -- melted
2 tablespoons white wine
1 tablespoon tarragon vinegar
2 teaspoons shallots -- minced
1 teaspoon dried whole tarragon
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Combine egg yolks, lemon juice, salt and red pepper in container of electric blender; set on high speed and process 3 seconds. Turn blender to low speed; add butter to yolk mixture in a slow, steady stream. Turn blender to high speed and process until thick.

Combine wine, vinegar, shallots,tarragon and pepper in a small saucepan; cook over high heat until almost all liquid evaporates. Add to mixture in blender and process at high speed 4 seconds. Serve over meat, seafood.

My preference is for clarified butter.

This recipe from CDKitchen for Blender Bearnaise Sauce serves/makes 4

Wolf Moon and a Bird

2010-03-06T10:53:00.001-06:00

I took these pictures of the Wolf moon back in January. Finally getting around to downloading them from the camera!

And here are two pictures of a bird that Piko was watching from the windowsill:

Apple French Toast

2010-02-14T10:59:00.002-06:00

1/2 loaf (16-ounce) French bread
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced

1. Cut bread into 3/4-inch thick slices. Place slices in a single layer in a lightly greased 13-x-9-inch baking dish.

2. Whisk together eggs, milk and vanilla; pour mixture over bread. Cover and chill until all liquid is absorbed by the bread, up to 8 hours.

3. Remove bread from dish. Wipe dish clean, and coat with vegetable cooking spray.

4. Cook brown sugar, butter and syrup in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often, until mixture is smooth. Pour into baking dish. Top with apple; arrange bread over apple.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Loosen with a knife, invert onto a serving platter.

Yield: 8 servings.

I have put together the bread/egg/milk part the night before, and also the morning of baking this wonderful French toast. It takes about 2-3 hours for the bread to absorb all the liquid.

Shrimp with Basil and Fresh Tomatoes

2010-02-08T18:47:00.001-06:00

12 ounces fresh or frozen peeled and deveined medium shrimp
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chopped, plum or common tomatoes
2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1 tablespoon drained capers (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces spaghetti or other pasta, cooked and drained
1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Directions
1. Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Set aside.

2. Pour cooking oil into a wok or large skillet. (Add more oil as necessary during cooking.) Preheat over medium-high heat. Stir-fry onion and garlic in hot oil for 2 minutes or until onions are crisp-tender. Remove onion mixture from the wok.

3. Add shrimp to the hot wok. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp turn opaque.

4. Return onion mixture to the wok. Add tomatoes, basil, capers (if desired), salt, and pepper. Stir all ingredients together. Cook and stir for 1 minute more or until heated through. Serve immediately over hot cooked spaghetti or other pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

If cars were made as well as computers...

2010-01-23T12:59:00.001-06:00

1. For no apparent reason, your car would crash... twice a day.

2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.

3. Occasionally your car would die on the highway for some reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.

4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn, would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.

5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only five percent of the roads.

6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single "This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation" warning.

7. The airbag system would ask "Are you sure?" before deploying.

8. Occasionally, for no apparent reason, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.

9. Every time a new car was introduced, buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as with the old car.

10. You'd have to press the "Start" button to turn the engine off.

AND... If all else failed, you could call Customer Service in some foreign country and be instructed in a foreign language how to fix your car yourself.

Frosty Things

2010-01-16T13:25:00.001-06:00

When I went outside this morning, everything was soooo white! With the fog, humidity, and cold air, ice crystals had formed on almost everything around. Here are some of the pictures I got...

Ice Crystals...

Frosty Pine...

Chilly Berries...

and a Crystal Flower Sculpture!

Mouse print

2010-01-01T14:41:00.001-06:00

We toss birdseed out behind the bushes by the front door and all sorts of critters come to dig around and see what they can get. We've had birds, bunnies, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, all sorts of lil animals out there. The cats love to watch from the living room window. Today I noticed some mouse footprints in the snow, so I decided to follow them to see where the mouse comes from. Around the other side of the car, out in the parking lot, at the foot of a snow bank, this is what I saw! Well, at least the lil field mouse isn't living inside the trunk of the Buick. The footprint trail came from across the neighbor's yard. :)

'Twas the night before Christmas...

2009-12-24T23:31:00.000-06:00

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Christmas 2009

2009-12-24T11:01:00.000-06:00

Two more pictures. Our bass player, and a picture of Nanaville under the tree.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-24T10:58:00.002-06:00

Here are a few pictures for the holidays. There are more at my Picasa Photosite. Piko keeping warm by the fire...

Piko attacking the new toy - she took out the caboose!
Rubyville, atop the fireplace.
This is Ruby of "Rubyville."

Let's Go Fly a Kite

2009-12-14T22:18:00.000-06:00

I always loved this song...

With tuppence for paper and strings
You can have your own set of wings.
With your feet on the ground,
You're a bird in flight
With your fist holding tight
To the string of your kite.

Oh, oh, oh!
Let's go fly a kite
Up to the highest height!
Let's go fly a kite and send it soaring
Up through the atmospere
Up where the air is clear
Oh, let's go fly a kite!

When you send it flyin' up there
All at once you're lighter than air
You can dance on the breeze
Over houses and trees
With your fist holding tight
To the string of your kite.

Oh, oh, oh!
Let's go fly a kite
Up to the highest height!
Let' go fly a kite and send it soaring
Up through the atmosphere
Up where the air is clear
Oh, let's go fly a kite!

Happy Cats :)

2009-11-29T11:01:00.001-06:00

Auntie Brenda gave us this Kitty Condo/Tree thing because her cat didn't really ever use it. Well, it has new life now! All of my cats love it. They nap there, scratch (with their nubby toes) on the branches, and Piko is always playing on the top with her toys! You can see one of her string-toys hanging over the side.

Sounds good - Spinach/Artichoke dip in a crock pot

2009-11-26T10:39:00.000-06:00

Slow Cooker Recipe: Spinach-Artichoke Heart Dip

You can make this dip ahead of time, keep it covered in the refrigerator and then, about an hour before the party, spread it into a slow cooker crock and heat on HIGH until bubbly.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon minced or chopped garlic
1/4 cup chopped green onions
10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and gently squeezed of excess water
1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts (water packed), drained and chopped
1 recipe Alfredo Sauce (see below)
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/3 tablespoons shredded or grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation:
Coat the inside of the crock of the slow cooker with canola cooking spray.

Add garlic, green onions, spinach, artichoke hearts, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese to a large mixing bowl and stir to blend.

Spread mixture into the bottom of the prepared slow cooker crock and heat on HIGH until bubbly (about an hour). Serve warm with slices of wheat baguette bread, reduced fat-tortilla chips, or reduced-fat whole grain crackers.

Alfredo Sauce
1 tablespoon whipped butter or stick butter
2 cups fat-free half-and-half (or substitute whole or low-fat milk)
4 tablespoons Wondra quick-mixing flour
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Melt butter in medium, nonstick saucepan. Stir in 1/3 cup of the fat-free half-and-half, 4 tablespoons Wondra flour, and nutmeg and pepper. Slowly stir in remaining half-and-half. Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to gently boil, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens (about 4 minutes). Stir in 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese.

Yield: 16 servings

Nutrition Information: Per serving (just the dip): 75 calories, 6 g protein, 5 g carbohydrate, 3.5 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 11 mg cholesterol, 2 g fiber, 150 mg sodium. Calories from fat: 42%.

Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pie Recipe

2009-11-21T10:32:00.003-06:00

I used a store-bought pie shell; omitted the cardamom (don't like that smell in my pumpkin pie!); and skipped the lemon zest because I don't have any. The pie is in the oven right now and it smells wonderful! Oh, and yes, I did use a sugar pumpkin instead of canned puree. Pictures later...

Ingredients:

2 cups of pumpkin pulp purée from a sugar pumpkin* or from canned pumpkin purée
1 1/2 cup heavy cream or 1 12 oz. can of evaporated milk
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs plus the yolk of a third egg
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamon
1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest
1 good crust

To make pumpkin purée from a sugar pumpkin: start with a small-medium sugar pumpkin, cut out the stem and scrape out the insides, discard (save the seeds, of course). Cut into sections and steam in a saucepan with a couple inches of water at the bottom, until soft. Scoop out the pulp from the skin. Or you can bake whole or halved in a 350°F oven until fork tender. Optional - put pulp through a food mill or chinois to make extra smooth.

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Mix sugars, salt, and spices, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Beat the eggs and add to the bowl. Stir in the pumpkin purée. Stir in cream. Whisk all together until well incorporated.

3. Pour into pie shell and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes reduce the temperature to 350°F. Bake 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

4. Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours.

Serve with whipped cream. Serves 8.

Abbott and Costello Humor

2009-10-27T18:19:00.000-05:00

You have to be old enough to remember Abbott and Costello, and too old to REALLY understand computers, to fully appreciate this. For those of us who sometimes get flustered by our computers, please read on...

If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, 'Who's on First?' might have turned out something like this:

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO : Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.

ABBOTT : Mac?

COSTELLO : No, the name's Lou .

ABBOTT : Your computer?

COSTELLO : I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT : Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou .

ABBOTT : What about Windows?

COSTELLO : Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT : Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO : I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT : Wallpaper.

COSTELLO : Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.

ABBOTT : Software for Windows?

COSTELLO : No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT : Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT : I just did.

COSTELLO : You just did what?

ABBOTT : Recommend something.

COSTELLO : You recommended something ?

ABBOTT : Yes.

COSTELLO : For my office?

ABBOTT : Yes.

COSTELLO : OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT : Office.

COSTELLO : Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT : I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO : I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?

ABBOTT : Word.

COSTELLO : What word?

ABBOTT : Word in Office.

COSTELLO : The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT : The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO : Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT : The Word you get when you click the blue 'W'.

COSTELLO : I'm going to click your blue 'w' if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO : That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT : Money.

COSTELLO : I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT : It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO : What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT : Money.

COSTELLO : Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT : Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO : I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT : One copy.

COSTELLO : Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT : Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO : They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT : Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days later)

ABBOTT : Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO : How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT : Click on 'START'..............

Three Kitties

2009-10-24T15:08:00.000-05:00

It's an old pic, but darn cute! Lilikoi, Punkin and Piko.

Don't Think Twice, It's All Right

2009-10-24T15:00:00.000-05:00

I heard a cover of this Bob Dylan tune on the radio today. Now it's stuck in my brain.

Don't Think Twice, It's All Right

It ain't no use to sit and wonder why, babe
It don't matter, anyhow
An' it ain't no use to sit and wonder why, babe
If you don't know by now
When your rooster crows at the break of dawn
Look out your window and I'll be gone
You're the reason I'm trav'lin' on
Don't think twice, it's all right

It ain't no use in turnin' on your light, babe
That light I never knowed
An' it ain't no use in turnin' on your light, babe
I'm on the dark side of the road
Still I wish there was somethin' you would do or say
To try and make me change my mind and stay
We never did too much talkin' anyway
So don't think twice, it's all right

It ain't no use in callin' out my name, gal
Like you never did before
It ain't no use in callin' out my name, gal
I can't hear you any more
I'm a-thinkin' and a-wond'rin' all the way down the road
I once loved a woman, a child I'm told
I give her my heart but she wanted my soul
But don't think twice, it's all right

I'm walkin' down that long, lonesome road, babe
Where I'm bound, I can't tell
But goodbye's too good a word, gal
So I'll just say fare thee well
I ain't sayin' you treated me unkind
You could have done better but I don't mind
You just kinda wasted my precious time
But don't think twice, it's all right

Fall colors and first snow

2009-10-10T16:05:00.000-05:00

From 10-10-09 Frosty October Morning

More pictures in the gallery linked to the picture.

Missing Dad...

2009-10-03T14:36:00.000-05:00

Sat next to an older gentleman on the plane this morning. He dozed for the first half of the flight, but perked up after a cookie and glass of root beer. He started telling me stories... about his kids, his job when he was younger, the business he built and ran with his brother, how his son was in the Army years ago, how he's enjoying retirement, etc. He was going to visit his daughter in Kansas City. Her name is Sharon and she was born just 2 weeks after me! He has 7 kids, 5 boys and 2 girls. Plus some grandkids he was looking forward to visiting with.

It was nice to sit and listen to him tell his stories... but at the same time it made me a little bit sad. Love ya, Dad, and ALL your stories. Even the ones I heard a hundred times. :)

Autumn Colors

2009-09-20T09:22:00.002-05:00

Trees are starting to change colors. Soon the whole area will be a blaze of red, yellow and orange! :)

From Fall Colors

It Was So Easy

2009-09-13T10:39:00.001-05:00

It Was So Easy - Carly Simon/Jacob Brackman

I remember a time, rompin' through the woods
Sun against our skin instead of clothes
When we felt hungry we would eat, whn we felt glad we would dance
And whenever we felt drowsy we would doze

It was so easy then never takin' any stands
It was so easy then, holdin' hands

I remember a time when our fears could be named
And courage meant not refusing dares
I remember when we took such cares to step never on the cracks,
No only on the squares
Or else we'd be abducted by the bears

It was so easy then never makin' any plans
It was so easy then, holdin' hands
It was so easy then never makin' any plans
It was so easy then, holdin' hands

And now we are grown, with debts and regrets
And broken hearts and sentimental schemes
Now every tender failure seems to overthrow old dreams
Love can lead a normal woman to extremes

It was so easy once, holdin' hands without a plan
It was so easy once holdin' hands
Just holdin' hands

Today's stuck song

2009-09-03T22:20:00.000-05:00

Whipping Post - Allman Brothers

I been run down, I been lied to,
I don't know why I let that mean woman make me a fool.
She took all my money, wrecked my new car.
Now she's with one of my goodtime buddies,
They're drinkin' in some crosstown bar.

Sometimes I feel, sometimes I feel,
Like I been tied to the whipping post,
Tied to the whipping post,
Tied to the whipping post,
Good Lord, I feel like I'm dyin'.

My friends tell me, that I've been such a fool,
And I have to stand by and take it baby, all for lovin' you.
Drown myself in sorrow, and I look at what you've done.
But nothin' seems to change, the bad times stay the same,
And I can't run.

Sometimes I feel, sometimes I feel,
Like I been tied to the whipping post
Tied to the whipping post,
Tied to the whipping post,
Good Lord, I feel like I'm dyin'.

Sometimes I feel, sometimes I feel,
Like I been tied to the whipping post
Tied to the whipping post,
Tied to the whipping post,
Good Lord, I feel like I'm dyin'.

Juvenile Diabetes Research fundraiser

2009-08-30T12:05:00.001-05:00

Fundraiser at work - dunk the boss!

From Dunk Tank Fun

Supertramp - Goodbye Stranger

2009-08-23T22:33:00.000-05:00

It was an early morning yesterday
I was up before the dawn
And I really have enjoyed my stay
But I must be moving on

Like a king without a castle
Like a queen without a throne
I'm an early morning lover
And I must be moving on

Now I believe in what you say
Is the undisputed truth
But I have to have things my own way
To keep me in my youth

Like a ship without an achor
Like a slave without a chain
Just the thought of those sweet ladies
Sends a shiver through my veins

And I will go on shining
Shining like brand new
I'll never look behind me
My troubles will be few

Goodbye strange its been nice
Hope you find your paradise
Tried to see your point of view
Hope your dreams will all come true

Goodbye mary, goodbye jane
Will we ever meet again
Feel no sorrow, feel no shame
Come tomorrow, feel no pain

Now some they do and some they don't
And some you just can't tell
And some they will and some they won't
With some its just as well

You can laugh at my behavior
That'll never bother me
Say the devil is my savior
But I dont pay no heed

And I will go on shining
Shining like brand new
I'll never look behind me
My troubles will be few

Goodbye strange its been nice

Hope you find your paradise
Tried to see your point of view
Hope your dreams will all come true

Uriah Heep - Traveller in Time

2009-08-23T11:31:00.001-05:00

Every day I have to look to the sun
To see where it was that
I have come from
I have a feeling that
There must be a time

When Ill get a chance to go home
cause Im so tired
Of being here alone
But Im just a traveller in time
Trying so hard to pay for my crime

If I could go back
The same way I got here
And see the people that
I once held so near
Id do my best to
Find an answer for you

But first I must wait till Im set free
And I dont know
How long thats gonna be
cause Im a man with
A whole lot on his mind
Just out there somewhere
Travelling in time
Travelling in time

Ive tried for so long to find
Some way of helping mankind

Back Softball

2009-08-10T17:11:00.000-05:00

Back Softball!

Roses and a Bebbeh Bun

2009-07-30T18:19:00.000-05:00

From 7-30-09

Kansas City

2009-07-30T18:16:00.002-05:00

From 7-30-09

Not bad... sure wish all those power lines weren't in the way though.

Today's picture

2009-07-19T11:40:00.000-05:00

From 6-18-09

USA 6, Japan 1 yeah!

2009-07-19T08:08:00.000-05:00

Cat Osterman (1-0), pumped her left fist after striking out Rei Nishiyama to end the game. It was the 13th strikeout in a four-hitter for Osterman.

Beach Boys

2009-07-16T20:32:00.000-05:00

Today's stuck song - Shut Down

(Brian Wilson/Roger Christian)

Tach it up, tach it up
Buddy gonna shut you down

It happened on the strip where the road is wide
Two cool shorts standin' side by side
Yeah, my fuel injected Stingray and a four-thirteen
Revvin' up our engines and it sounds real mean
Tach it up, tach it up,
Buddy gonna shut you down

Declinin' numbers at an even rate
At the count of one we both accelerate
My Stingray is light the slicks are startin' to spin
But the four-thirteen's really diggin' in
Gotta be cool now power shift here we go

Superstock Dart is windin' out in low
But my fuel injected Stingray's really startin' to go
To get the traction I'm ridin' the clutch
My pressure plate's burnin' that machine's too much

Pedal's to the floor hear the dual quads drink
And now the four-thirteen's lead is startin' to shrink
He's hot with ram induction but it's understood
I got a fuel injected engine sittin' under my hood

Shut it off, shut it off buddy now I shut you down
Shut it off, shut it off buddy now I shut you down
Shut it off, shut it off buddy now I shut you down
Shut it off, shut it off buddy now I shut you down
Shut it off, shut it off buddy now I shut you down

Cussing at work

2009-07-10T17:43:00.000-05:00

Dear Employees:

It has been brought to management's attention that some individuals throughout the company have been using foul language during the course of normal conversation with their co-workers.

Therefore, a list of 18 New and Innovative 'TRY SAYING' phrases have been provided so that proper exchange of ideas and information can continue in an effective manner.

Number 1

TRY SAYING: I think you could use more training.

INSTEAD OF: You don't know what the f___ you're doing.

Number 2

TRY SAYING: She's an aggressive go-getter.

INSTEAD OF: She's a f___ing bit__.

Number 3

TRY SAYING: Perhaps I can work late.

INSTEAD OF: And when the f___ do you expect me to do this?

Number 4

TRY SAYING: I'm certain that isn't feasible.

INSTEAD OF: No f___ing way.

Number 5

TRY SAYING: Really?

INSTEAD OF: You've got to be sh___ing me!

Number 6

TRY SAYING: Perhaps you should check with...

INSTEAD OF: Tell someone who gives a sh__.

Number 7

TRY SAYING: I wasn't involved in the project.

INSTEAD OF: It's not my f___ing problem.

Number 8

TRY SAYING: That's interesting.

INSTEAD OF: What the f___?

Number 9

TRY SAYING: I'm not sure this can be implemented.

INSTEAD OF: This sh__ won't work.

Number 10

TRY SAYING: I'll try to schedule that.

INSTEAD OF: Why the f___ didn't you tell me sooner?

Number 11

TRY SAYING: He's not familiar with the issues...

INSTEAD OF: He's got his head up his a__.

Number 12

TRY SAYING: Excuse me, sir?

INSTEAD OF: Eat sh__ and die.

Number 13

TRY SAYING: So you weren't happy with it?

INSTEAD OF: Kiss my a__.

Number 14

TRY SAYING: I'm a bit overloaded at the moment.

INSTEAD OF: F__ it, I'm on salary.

Number 15

TRY SAYING: I don't think you understand.

INSTEAD OF: Shove it up your a__.

Number 16

TRY SAYING: I love a challenge.

INSTEAD OF: This f___ing job sucks.

Number 17

TRY SAYING: You want me to take care of that?

INSTEAD OF: Who the f___ died and made you boss?

Number 18

TRY SAYING: He's somewhat insensitive.

INSTEAD OF: He's a pr_ck.

Thank You,

Human Resources

Homegrown tomatoes

2009-07-09T19:06:00.000-05:00

An old Italian lived alone in New Jersey. He wanted to plant his annual tomato garden, but it was very difficult work, as the ground was hard. His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:

Dear Vincent, I am feeling pretty sad, because it looks like I won't be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. I know if you were here my troubles would be over. I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me, like in the old days. Love, Papa

A few days later he received a letter from his son:

Dear Pop, Don't dig up that garden. That's where the bodies are buried. Love, Vinnie

At 4 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left. That same day the old man received another letter from his son:

Dear Pop, Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That's the best I could do under the circumstances. Love, Vinnie

A shoe day

2009-07-05T11:16:00.001-05:00

I was at a mall one day when I happened to look in the window of a shoe store and spied what I thought would be the perfect pair of shoes. Ok, what the heck, I can at least try one on. I glanced up at the store front, noticing a name up there that seemed feminine and European at the very least. RED FLAG NUMBER ONE!!! Oh well, those shoes are so perfect, I will at least have a closer look.

I walk into the store and am greeted by a young sales representative who introduces herself as an expert on a perfect fit. Wow, that's impressive. I say I already know I wear a size 8.5 narrow. She glances at my feet with a skeptical look on her face. I point to the shoes in the window, and say I want to try those, in my size. She goes into the back room and emerges a few minutes later with 4 boxes.

So I sit down, remove my beat up old (but sooo comfy) flip-flop, and she hands me the left shoe from the top box. I hold it in my hand, feeling the fine workmanship. I sniff it briefly... heavenly leather! The shape is perfect, nice smooth rounded toe, not too much of a heel. I slip on the prerequisite disposable stocking.

Before trying on the shoe, I inquire about the price. Oops, I knew I forgot to ask something. Her answer stuns me! Wow, I think I'd rather buy a new car for that kind of money! Ahh well, I will at least try it on.

She reaches in her pocket, produces a shiny silver shoe horn, and reaches for my ankle. I say, "No thanks, I'll put it on myself." I place it on the floor, and begin to slide my foot in. Utoh, trouble ahead. RED FLAG NUMBER TWO! Nope, it's not going in there. She removes the lid from the second box in the stack, saying that this shoe normally runs a bit small, and this is the next size up. (Whew, at least it's only a 9!)

So I hand back the first one, and repeat the process with the second one. This one seems a bit more promising. Ok well maybe not. As I move around like a Michael Jackson dance, wiggling and contorting myself, I wonder what this must look like.

At last, victory! Although I sort of feel like Cinderella's evil step sister with the glass slipper.

I stand up with one shoe on. Oh the pain of being a woman! It looks perfect; but I will have to meditate as I walk just to block out the sensation of pinched nerves in my toes. So I finally give in and agree to a fitting.

This is a tad bit uncomfortable, having a stranger grope my foot. "Stand up" she says, and I swear my foot became instantly longer and wider just by standing in that sizer thingie! "Well, here's the problem," she says, "you're actually a 10.5 medium!" Oh bah, you're just trying to make me feel bad. She gathers up the shoes and boxes in front of me, and says she'll be back in a minute. While she is gone, I start reconsidering my definition of a perfect shoe.

Looking around at all the choices of shoes, it becomes clear to me that I will have to find out what is available in my size and price range. The creator saw fit to bless me with feet bigger than they deserve to be! Well lucky for me, my 'perfect fit specialist' had already thought of that. She emerges from the back room with 5 or 6 boxes.

"I'm sorry, but the shoe you like does not come in a size bigger than 9.5. I have several similar styles here, plus a couple other styles that might interest you; all in your size." Oh lucky day. I ask her to sort them by price, having come to the realization that I am really in the wrong shoe store. So now the boxes are all arranged in front of me, lowest to highest price. Well that helps narrow down my choices. I point to the first box (lowest price) and she lifts the lid. Ehh, not too bad but damn, that pointy toe!

I am able to slip into the left shoe quite easily. So she hands me a disposable stocking and the right shoe. I manage to slip into the right one also, and stand up to look in the mirror. Uhmm, these pointy shoes squeeze my toes so bad, it makes me look like I have a double chin! They sort of remind me of Madonna's ... ok never mind. Next, please.

A little bit of jiggling, squirming and forcing and my feet are in another new pair. They seem roomy enough, but they definitely force my feet into some sort of unnatural shape. Next, please.

Slip, slide, in they go, and my feet are all pretty now. But why do I need shiny black patent leather spike heel pumps? RED FLAG NUMBER THREE! It is time to admit defeat, and make a hasty retreat.

I think I will go buy my pointy, squishey, squeezy, nerve pinching, unnaturally shaped shoes at Wal-Mart.

This leads me to two conclusions. Feet, like noses and ears, begin to grow again at around age 40 and do not stop. And, men are the exclusive designers of women's shoes. They don't have to wear 'em so it matters not how it feels on a foot.

Makes me wonder what I will look like at age 70, romping around in Shaq's sneakers. ;)

(this story isn't really about buying shoes. Feel free to substitute a different body part and a ladies' undergarment in the appropriate places!)

Weird dream

2009-07-04T07:29:00.000-05:00

Really weird dream last nite - sort of a "Thriller" blended with Dad. Dad was sitting on a chair, his face was sort of ashen/grey, his eyes were circled in dark, almost black, sort of like Michael Jackson's face in the Thriller video. Dad's head would start nodding forward, and somebody would yell from behind me, "John!" His head would pop up again. This happened 3 or 4 times, then he decided he would go nap. I was standing by his bedroom door, and he would snooze for a few minutes, then pop up out of bed, jumping up like a young man! He would rush out of the room asking what time it was, he was late for something-or-other. I told him he'd only been napping for 5 minutes, he looked puzzled, then went back to bed. This also happened 3 or 4 times. Then I remember a funeral, but I don't really know who it was for. Tons of "beautiful" people milling around. Probably like MJ or Farrah's funeral. Weird...

Then I woke up.

Now that I have this typed up, the dream can leave my head as dreams usually do. I bet if I go back to this post in a few days or a week or so, I won't really even remember it.

Sigh

2009-07-03T21:01:00.000-05:00

Where do you 'let it all out' when there's nobody or no place... Is that what a blog is for?

Well today was one of those days... leaves me wondering where the hell I am going. But maybe it would be better for me (and probably the rest of the world) to just shut up and forget it.

Maybe tomorrow I will go find something nice to take pictures of. Working on bouncing back, but it will take time. Feel like I've been steamrolled, bulldozed, and put through a wringer all in one day. So tomorrow will be better, right? Promise me.

The Rockford Thunder and Brian

2009-06-19T14:55:00.000-05:00

From 6-18-09

We went to a Thunder game last night. It was very good. Cat threw a 1-hitter, 14 strikeouts, and Rockford won 2-0. After two days of sadness and tears, it felt sort of good to celebrate a win.

We got this picture of Brian and the entire team. He liked getting this picture taken! ;)

One more picture

2009-06-11T23:00:00.002-05:00

Of the entire Kellen Family!

Neil, Susan, Michelle, Mom, Dad, Laura, Sharon, Vince

John Joseph Kellen 7/14/1930-6/11/2009

2009-06-11T21:50:00.000-05:00

My dad passed away this morning after a lengthy battle with cancer and Parkinson's. I know he is finally free of his health problems now. I am SURE he is in heaven. I am going down to Mom's tomorrow, to help get the arrangements started. Here are a few pictures:

Bad jokes, stories about the Korean War, the smell of a cigar, a cold beer with lunch, watching the Notre Dame football games, fish soup at Christmas, all will always remind me of my dad. Baseball, Touhy Avenue, 618 East Golf Road, taking flowers to the wholesaler's market at 5am and watching the sunrise, countless trips to the zoo, or museum, or downtown to see Buckingham Fountain, and yes even a Cubs game... Do you remember the giant hunk of tootsie roll we had in the basement refrigerator? Or how about the time Dad with his bandana tied around his head, no shirt, came buzzing along in Larry's Nova to pick up Laura, and her friends thought Dad was actually her brother? ;)

The more I think about this day, the more I think that we always were a close family, despite the miles between us, and we always did the best we could to help daddy through these past few years. I am glad Heather and I got to spend the afternoon with him a few weeks ago, even though he told the same stories, I always liked hearing him talk about his good ol' days.

I was always interested in those stories he told about when he was a kid. Those are always fun to listen to. I am glad he started talking with his siblings a few years ago, and at least he had HIS family back together again.

I am also very very thankful that Mom has Aunt Linda nearby. She spent the afternoon with Mom today. (they got drunk on Southern Comfort Old Fashioneds!)Tomorrow Susan and I will help Mom get through the first planning stages for Dad's funeral and wake.

This is gonna be tough for any of us.... all of us. Dad was so well-loved and well-respected by everyone who knew him. I am sooooo glad I got to visit with him just a couple weeks ago. We swapped stories, ate cheese/crackers/salami and beer for the afternoon. it was great...

I gotta go to bed... gniters

Chimney bird

2009-05-24T20:53:00.000-05:00

Here's another picture of a bird, sitting on top of a neighbor's chimney!

From Mothers Day 2009

Birds

2009-05-22T17:25:00.000-05:00

From Mothers Day 2009

Whitesnake

2009-05-18T00:23:00.000-05:00

I dont know where Im going
But, I sure know where Ive been
Hanging on the promises
In songs of yesterday
An Ive made up my mind,
I aint wasting no more time
But, here I go again
Here I go again

Tho I keep searching for an answer,
I never seem to find what Im looking for
Oh lord, I pray
You give me strength to carry on,
cos I know what it means
To walk along the lonely street of dreams

An here I go again on my own
Goin down the only road Ive ever known,
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
An Ive made up my mind
I aint wasting no more time

Im just another heart in need of rescue,
Waiting on loves sweet charity
An Im gonna hold on
For the rest of my days,
cos I know what it means
To walk along the lonely street of dreams

An here I go again on my own
Goin down the only road Ive ever known,
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
An Ive made up my mind
I aint wasting no more time

But, here I go again,
Here I go again,
Here I go again,
Here I go...

An Ive made up my mind,
I aint wasting no more time

An here I go again on my own
Goin down the only road Ive ever known,
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
cos I know what it means
To walk along the lonely street of dreams

An here I go again on my own
Goin down the only road Ive ever known,
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
An Ive made up my mind
I aint wasting no more time...

But, here I go again,
Here I go again,
Here I go again,
Here I go,
Here I go again...

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-10T09:56:00.001-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

Here is a picture of the flowers my daughter sent. The photo is linked to a gallery with some more pics of the pretty flowers!

From Mothers Day 2009

Rainy days

2009-04-26T16:50:00.000-05:00

It's been raining for the past 36-48 hours. Might keep raining through tomorrow. Here's a picture from my livingroom window. I think the rain streaked window sorta looks cool.

From 4-26-09

Birthday Flowers :)

2009-04-26T11:27:00.000-05:00

From 4-26-09

A picture of the flowers Heather and Justin sent me for my b-day. They're so pretty!

Cpl. Tsuffis

2009-04-24T11:30:00.000-05:00

Brian, in Afghanistan.

CDC Alert

2009-04-23T16:33:00.000-05:00

The Center for Disease Control has issued a medical alert about a highly contagious, potentially dangerous virus that is transmitted orally, by hand, and even electronically.

This virus is called Weekly Overload Recreational Killer (WORK).

If you receive WORK from your boss, any of your colleagues or anyone else via any means whatsoever - DO NOT TOUCH IT!!! This virus will wipe out your private life entirely. If you should come into contact with WORK you should immediately leave the premises.

Take two good friends to the nearest liquor store and purchase one or both of the antidotes - Work Isolating Neutralizer Extract (WINE) and Bothersome Employer Elimination Rebooter (BEER). Take the antidote repeatedly until WORK has been completely eliminated from your system.

You should immediately forward this medical alert to five friends. If you do not have five friends, you have already been infected and WORK is, sadly, controlling your life. Get help immediately.

Tax plan

2009-04-17T16:39:00.000-05:00

I need to change my "Humor" tag to be "Humor or Sarcasm."

Wah Wah - George Harrison

2009-04-15T18:50:00.000-05:00

Wah-wah
You've given me a wah-wah
And I'm thinking of you
And all the things that we used to do
Wah-wah, wah-wah

Wah-wah
You made me such a big star
Being there at the right time
Cheaper than a dime
Wah-wah, you've given me your wah-wah, wah-wah

Oh, you don't see me crying
Oh, you don't hear me sighing

Wah-wah
I don't need no wah-wah
And I know how sweet life can be
If I keep myself free from the wah-wah
I don't need no wah-wah

Oh, you don't see me crying
Hey baby, you don't hear me sighing
Oh, no no-no no

Wah-wah
Now I don't need no wah-wah's
And I know how sweet life can be
If I keep myself free - of wah-wah
I don't need no wah-wah

Wah-wah (repeat and fade)

Such is life (or suck?)

2009-03-27T17:00:00.000-05:00

No pictures in this post, just venting and ranting.

My travel wheelchair broke nearly 3 weeks ago in the Milwaukee airport. I was on my way to Ohio, the first of two back-to-back trips. I had to leave it in my car and do without. The Detroit airport is so huge, I was beginning to think my legs were going to give out on me. I was travelling with a co-worker who didn't seem like he wanted me along for the trip. So I tried to make it as painless as possible for him, which wound up biting me in the ass instead. By the end of the trip I was in too much pain. Then I had another trip to Madison, which thankfully did not involve airports. It did, however, involve an old old building with no elevators, a huge flight of stairs up and down, and a hotel room WAAAYYY down the hall from the elevator. Pile on more pain. BLAH.

My nice comfy primary wheelchair needs new batteries and tires. About 4 weeks ago it started leaving a daily or twice-daily drip of oil on the floor at my desk. (the nice, comfy - but old - primary chair lives at work since my van got smashed up over a year ago and I can't get a loan for a new one so I can't bring it home with me anymore. bah.) So now I have to fix or more likely replace my fave chair. :(

I have worked with a place called The Wheelchair Guy for my travel wheelchair for a couple years now. So I called them up to find out about getting a new primary chair. Guess what. They are not a provider in my secondary insurance's network so they can't work with me. (Different funding source for the travel wheelchair which is not my insurance.) So I dig up the provider directory and there it says "for durable medical equipment, your doctor will have the list of providers." BAH! So I make an appointment, and went in to see him yesterday.

Doctor seems unprepared to tell me where to go. Doctor asks nurse to call a place about 20 minutes away, to see if they accept both my primary and secondary insurance. They said yes, they do. So he writes up a prescription for a wheelchair and tells me to contact the place.

I go to the place today. Guess what. They only sell manual chairs. UGH. They refer me to another place about 5 minutes away from them, and off I go. Get to the other place, lady inside confirms that they do indeed accept both of my insurances. Ok so far so good. Then she points me to a small collection of used electric wheelchairs and scooters. I'm like... uhmmm... none of these are going to suit my needs at all. Asked if we could talk about new chairs. She says "well we're getting out of the business of electric chairs, and we don't carry new ones anymore." AIEEEEE! Ok, can she refer me to some place in southeast WI that does? "oh, yes," she says, "there's a place in West Bend that's very good." I ask what is the West Bend place's name? "The Wheelchair Guy," she says. GRRRRRRRRRR

I said they won't take both of my insurances, so she made a few calls and got me the name of yet another provider that was another 20 minutes down the road. At this point I am very tired, giving up for the day. Going home to do my own research to see what chairs are out there, etc. Never thought trying to do something about my wheelchair would turn out to be such a run-around.

While at the doctor yesterday, talked about some other problems I seem to be having including a headache that has been long-lasting and constant - about a month now. He asked a bunch of questions, did some initial assessments, and is sending me off for an MRI of my noggin and a digital-video-recorded swallow study next week. Said something about having to rule out brain tumors or neurological damage before deciding what to do about all the weird things going on in my upper-body region. Not sure what I'm hoping for on all that. I'd like to know why all these things are happening but sort of worried about what might be discovered.

Sigh. The rant is long enough and my hands are tired. laterz...

Spring Forward

2009-03-08T07:52:00.000-05:00

Which just means we all lose an hour of sleep.

Big Sky WiFi

2009-03-06T18:00:00.000-06:00

After having dug to a depth of 10 feet last year, New York scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years. They came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 100 years ago. Not to be outdone by the New Yorkers, in the weeks that followed, a California archaeologist dug to a depth of 200 feet, and shortly after, a story in the LA Times read, "California Archaeologists Find Traces of 200 yr-old Copper Wire, concluding that their ancestors had high-tech communications 100 years before the New Yorkers" One week later, The Great Falls Tribune, a local newspaper in Montana, reported "After digging as deep as 300 feet in his flower garden in Great Falls, Jack Kooker, a self-taught archaeologist, reported that he found absolutely nothing. Jack has concluded that 300 years ago, Montana had already gone wireless.

Word of the day

2009-02-11T21:47:00.003-06:00

Today's word: LIQUIDITY - When you look at your investments and wet your
pants.

Tomorrow we'll learn SOLIDARITY

Birds and Cats

2008-12-31T16:42:00.000-06:00

Piko likes our 'keets. Sometimes we pick her up to look at them, other times we put the bird cage on the floor. Here's a picture I took today, about 5 minutes after I put the cage on the floor:

From 12-31-08

It is linked to a gallery with a few other pictures of Piko too.

Happy New Year!!!

Fog Rain and now more Snow!

2008-12-28T10:27:00.000-06:00

Here's a picture I took yesterday, of the river behind my apartment complex as the fog was just beginning to clear up:

From 12-27-08

And we got a bit of snow this morning. I hope that's all for now. It rained all day yesterday, so most of the existing snow on the ground already melted.

Piko under the tree

2008-12-20T19:52:00.000-06:00

This photo is linked to a gallery with some more pictures of the cats, the tree, and more snow.

From 12-20-08

Festival of Trees

2008-12-07T17:45:00.000-06:00

Greg and I went to the Washington County Humane Society's big fundraiser for the year, The 2008 Festival of Trees. It was so nice! Here's a slideshow of the pictures I got:

Sure helped to start putting me in the holiday mood!

We're getting a little more snow tonight. BUT... We're bracing for a huge storm on Tuesday. Right now they're saying it could be up to 12" of snow. UGH. That's gonna make driving near-impossible. I wonder if they'll let me work from home on Tuesday...

Stay warm, safe, and dry!

Again!

2008-12-06T13:30:00.000-06:00

More snow today, and still more coming tomorrow through Wednesday. Well, if we're not supposed to get as much snow as last year, we're off to a pretty good start.

From 12-6-08

Lots of snow, tonight's sunset

2008-12-02T16:55:00.000-06:00

Tonight's sunset was so pretty:

From 12-2-08 Sunset Snow and Icy Things

Also in the gallery linked to this picture are some shots of the snow and ice out there. We got around 7 or 8 inches of snow by Sunday. Supposedly more on the way tomorrow, maybe another 3 inches.

From 12-2-08 Sunset Snow and Icy Things

Damn cold out there!

Winter Storm

2008-11-30T15:53:00.000-06:00

We're under a winter storm warning:

WIDESPREAD SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO FALL THROUGH TONIGHT...BECOMING
HEAVY AT TIMES BY THIS EVENING. ADDITIONAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF
5 TO 8 INCHES ARE EXPECTED BY MONDAY MORNING...WITH LOCALLY HIGHER
AMOUNTS POSSIBLE.

Here's a picture that is linked to the gallery with other photos:

From Thanksgiving Piko and Snow 11-30

There's a couple cute pics of Piko in there, as well as a few from Thanksgiving Dinner. It was a nice long weekend. I needed the break!

Stay safe, warm, and dry! :)

Yep, winter is here

2008-11-09T13:23:00.003-06:00

What's that white powdery stuff falling from the sky???

I even lit a fire in the fireplace. Cold outside, but cozy and warm in here. Oh, and the Packers are losing to the Vikings. Let's hope they can get their act together in the 2nd half of the game.

Almost Winter

2008-11-08T16:12:00.002-06:00

Took this picture the other day:

I think all the leaves are gone now. It's cold and rainy/snowy outside today. Nothing's sticking on the ground, though. My car was covered in snow this morning. Glad I didn't have to scrape all the ice off and head out to work.

The maple tree in my yard finally decided to start changing color. And a few days after that, more than half the leaves are gone; scattered around on the ground waiting for a rake. Here's a pic of the tree:

I think the cold weather is here to stay. *sigh*

A rainbow

2008-11-07T19:11:00.002-06:00

Here's a picture of a rainbow I saw yesterday while I was at Kmart.

It was pretty awesome. I used to see rainbows almost every day when I lived Hawaii. Now it's a REALLY rare occasion.

I'm moping and getting used to being alone again. Heather was here from Saturday until Wednesday. She stayed here 3 of those 4 nights. It was so good to have her around even if it was only for a little while!

I took Monday off work and we went down to visit my folks, and to shop at Gurnee Mills. It was great! Although I have to admit, I'm still sore from all the walking. We got out the door and on the road before realizing the wheelchair battery was still in the garage. DOH!

Anyway, I'm glad it's Friday and I can be lazy. I'm tired, still not used to the time change (keep waking up at 5am,) and I wanna drink more rummy cokes.

Laterzzzzzz.... :)

Sunrise and Daylight Saving Time

2008-11-02T07:33:00.002-06:00

Did you all remember to turn your clocks back an hour last night? I didn't... ;) Woke up this morning thinking, "oh boy I slept until 8 a.m.!" I went outside for a smoke, and the sunrise looked soooo cool. So when I got back inside, I took this picture from my bedroom window:

It would have been better 5 minutes earlier, but I didn't think to bring my camera outside when I first went out. Amazing how fast the sunrise can change, becoming almost too bright for a picture.

I realized it wasn't as late as I thought when I finally sat down at my computer to read email. There it was, lower right corner of the screen, 7:15!! Later I'll go around the apartment and change all the other clocks. Today is the day that reminds me I own far too many clocks for one person. :)

Election time on Tuesday. Remember to vote early, and vote often. *sigh*

Halloween Sunset

2008-10-31T18:20:00.001-05:00

One last picture:

From 10-31-08

Sunset, 6:10 p.m. Halloween 2008

Fall Colors, Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T17:49:00.001-05:00

From 10-31-08

This picture is linked to a few more shots I took this afternoon.

Snow and changes

2008-10-27T16:55:00.002-05:00

It snowed again today. Tonight is supposed to be the coldest yet of the fall season, with a hard freeze likely.

More news that makes me a little bit anxious: API Software, Inc. to be Acquired by Francisco Partners

Luis and Iris Garcia are ready to retire. There's a new CEO, interim CFO, and a lot of promises that things will only improve - with no layoffs. There was a lot more discussed during our company meeting this morning, but bottom line is there should be no pink slips being passed out.

I know API is a good, strong company so I don't know why this news makes me anxious. Maybe it's just change in general...

*sigh* Life goes on. Time will tell. I love my job, and have no desire to go elsewhere.

Snow - blah!

2008-10-26T20:51:00.004-05:00

Well we got the first snow flakes of the season tonight. It's supposed to snow some more overnight. I REALLY hope there is no snow on my car when I leave for work tomorrow!!!

I made some really good food for dinner tonight. Here's a link to the recipe:

Chicken Florentine

It was sooooo good. I also made Susan's bread. She has a recipe for low-fat french bread with sesame seeds on the top. I'll have to post that recipe soon too.

Well it's almost bedtime for me. Gotta get up and go out early tomorrow... I have so much to do at work.

Boston Legal

2008-10-25T13:41:00.000-05:00

Sneak Peek #1 of Boston Legal: Dances with Wolves

Chicago - Dialogue Parts 1 and 2

2008-10-23T19:17:00.005-05:00

Part I

Terry
Are you optimistic 'bout the way things are going?

Peter
No, I never ever think of it at all.

Terry
Don't you ever worry when you see what's going down?

Peter
No, I try to mind my business, that is, no business at all.

Terry
When it's time to function as a feeling human being, will your Bachelor of Arts help you get by?

Peter
I hope to study further, a few more years or so. I also hope to keep a steady high.

Terry
Will you try to change things, use the power that you have, the power of a million new ideas?

Peter
What is this power you speak of and this need for things to change? I always thought that everything was fine.

Terry
Don't you feel repression just closing in around?

Peter
No, the campus here is very, very free.

Terry
Don't it make you angry the way war is dragging on?

Peter
Well, I hope the President knows what he's into, I don't know.

Terry
Don't you see starvation in the city where you live? All the needless hunger, all the needless pain?

Peter
I haven't been there lately, the country is so fine. My neighbors don't seem hungry 'cause they haven't got the time.

Terry
Thank you for the talk, you know you really eased my mind. I was troubled by the shapes of things to come.

Peter
Well, if you had my outlook your feelings would be numb, you'd always think that everything was fine.

Part II

Group
We can make it happen
We can change the world now
We can save the children
We can make it better
We can make it happen
We can save the children
We can make it happen

Sunrise, a bun, and blaze orange

2008-10-19T11:40:00.000-05:00

  Sunrise, 10/19/08. It's coming later and later and I'm seeing the beautiful colors when I venture out in the early morning hours.

  The bunny is back, and all grown up. Well, that's if it is the same rabbit I took pictures of earlier this year. Back when it was warmer, sunny, everything was green and growing... :)

  The neighbor took his boy out hunting yesterday. Mom must have said "Leave those stinky dirty coats outside!" There they were, hanging from the eaves and blowing in the wind.

Most of the trees have given up their leaves by now. I'm not going to venture out to Holy Hill today. It's a bit chilly outside, and very windy. I'm sure the wind will be a lot worse up there on the hill. It's a good day to stay inside and do laundry and maybe bake a cake. :)

Sunday dinner

2008-10-12T21:02:00.000-05:00

Salmon, rice and Brussels sprouts. Turned out really good!

There was something going on at Holy Hill today. When I drove by, there was a loooong line of traffic both into and out of the place. So I kept on driving. I didn't want to spend Sunday afternoon in gridlocked traffic. If there's still a lot of leaves and color out there next weekend, I'll try it again.

A small snake, fall colors

2008-10-12T10:05:00.003-05:00

Here's a couple pictures I took this morning:

From Piko, a snake, and fall colors

I saw the snake yesterday as it went back underneath an air conditioning unit next to the back door. Today it seemed to be sunning itself, well, that is until my camera got too close!

From Piko, a snake, and fall colors

I'm going to try to get out to Holy Hill today to get some more pretty fall colors pictures. We're almost at peak for the colors. Soon the leaves will be gone and the cold air will be upon us... *sigh*

Both pictures are linked to the Picasa gallery with a few more shots.

Have a nice Sunday!

Thanks, Brian

2008-10-08T20:24:00.002-05:00

He has this song's lyrics posted on his Facebook page. Now it's stuck in my head!

Led Zepplin - Goin' to California

Spent my days with a woman unkind,
Smoked my stuff and drank all my wine.
Made up my mind to make a new start,
Going to california with an aching in my heart.
Someone told me theres a girl out there
With love in her eyes and flowers in her hair.
Took my chances on a big jet plane,
Never let them tell you that theyre all the same.
The sea was red and the sky was grey,
Wondered how tomorrow could ever follow today.
The mountains and the canyons started to tremble and shake
As the children of the sun began to awake.
Seems that the wrath of the gods
Got a punch on the nose and it started to flow;
I think I might be sinking.
Throw me a line if I reach it in time
Ill meet you up there where the path
Runs straight and high.
To find a queen without a king;
They say she plays guitar and cries and sings.
La la la la
Ride a white mare in the footsteps of dawn
Tryin to find a woman whos never, never, never been born.
Standing on a hill in my mountain of dreams,
Telling myself its not as hard, hard, hard as it seems.

Sunday pictures

2008-10-05T21:39:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture of Cirrus and Ella, doing what they do best - bicker!

The rest of the pictures are in this gallery:

Pine Cones, Berries and Keets

They blew it

2008-10-05T09:03:00.003-05:00

Sheeeesh! After having the BEST record in the league, you'd think the Cubs would at least show up for these division series games. *sigh* So the Chicago Cubs are swept in their NLDS and are out of the running. I'm disappointed to say the least. Sadly, not too surprised. So we go back to being ever-faithful Cubs fans for a team that still does what they have done for years. Lose.

The Brewers managed a win last night. They play again this morning. If they win today, then it's back to Philadelphia. Although I'm not much of a Brewers fan, the team is very popular at work. That's what happens when one lives in the Milwaukee area, I guess.

I think the White Sox are still going at it, too. However, baseball as I know it is over for the season.

Have a great Sunday. :)

Fall is upon us...

2008-10-04T08:21:00.001-05:00

It got down to 30 or lower last night! Brrrrrr!!! Yesterday morning I had to find the ice scraper in the trunk of my car, then scrape the ice off the windshield. blah. The lawn is all frosty this morning, even more so than yesterday. I'm just glad I don't have to go to work this morning. I think ice-scraping would have been a much bigger effort today than it was yesterday.

I guess this means we have officially entered the Fall season. Knowing Wisconsin's manic depressive weather though, this will last maybe a week or two before the temperatures turn to freezing and the snow starts to fall. It seems like we go right from winter to summer, then summer to winter with very little spring and fall weather. *sigh* I do like springtime the best. It seems entirely too short though. Maybe time is just flying by because I'm not a kid any more.

Last time I had my camera out, it was warm and sunny. I was taking in some down-time in Madison. Now my days are hectic as I work on this new system and try to keep up with all my other client tasks. And it's freezing outside!

I also got some cute shots of Piko the other day. I think this one's a good shot so I've posted it here.

Keyboard

2008-09-29T21:48:00.001-05:00

Sunrise on Lake Monona

2008-09-28T10:02:00.001-05:00

Well it looks like I can send a picture to my blog from my cellphone. HOWEVER... my provider puts a bunch of other junk at the bottom. I will have to figure out how to get rid of it.

Paul Newman 1925-2008

2008-09-27T10:54:00.000-05:00

Paul Newman dies at 83

Cubs/Brewers

2008-09-26T18:14:00.000-05:00

Tonight should be interesting. The game is being broadcast on both ESPN and Fox Sports WI here tonight. If the Cubs win, could put the Brewers down in the wildcard race. I guess it depends on where you live, Chicago or Milwaukee, whether you say Cubs/Brewers or Brewers/Cubs.

I' m a CUBS FAN even though I live near that Milwaukee town... hehehe So it's Cubs/Brewers. ;)

I don't like the ESPN broadcast because they seem to cut right in with commercials, rather than waiting till between innings. I was watchin a game the other day, and I don't remember who was at bat... but ESPN cut in with 3 commercials when the batter was still at the plate and the count was 3-2!!! Talk about RUDE!!!

Well and anyway, GO CUBS!!!!!!!!!!

An afternoon in Madison

2008-09-21T10:20:00.000-05:00

I spent the afternoon of 9/17 in Madison, WI. It was nice, relaxing, and reminded me that I don't get out much!

The day started out pretty mellow, getting ready for my onsite trip to Meriter on 9/18. I had to sort out some medication refill issues so I requested 4 hours of personal time off. After getting the prescription sent/refilled, I took off to go check into the hotel. I knew I was staying at the Hilton on Monona Terrace, but sort of thought I'd wind up in a 2nd floor room looking at the street. What a pleasant surprise to find out that not only could I check in early, but the room was on the 8th floor and looked out over Monona Terrace and the lake! Glad I brought my camera. :) The view from the room was really nice. I went out walking around on the terrace and got a bunch more pictures. The air was warm and the sun felt good, so I sat out there for about an hour, enjoying the peace and quiet.

I wanted to go to Restaurant Magnus for dinner. Highly recommended by Heather! She's been there several times and loves the food. The restaurant was just 2 blocks from the hotel, so I walked over at dinnertime - only to find out they were booked for a banquet that evening and the only seating available was outdoors. I didn't really want to sit out there because their outdoor seating is right next to the sidewalk and street. So I walked back to the hotel and went into the restaurant there. It was very pricey! Thankfully I hadn't used any of my food budget for the day and was able to get the sesame-encrusted seared ahi. Very tasty!

After dinner I went outside and sat at the front entrance to the terrace and watched the sunset on the Capitol building. I've been to the Capitol building before, but somehow this seemed different that night. Maybe it was the sunset, or maybe the great food I had just eaten. Maybe it was because I was finally taking it easy for a few hours and doing something different. Maybe it was all of the above! Whatever the reason, it was a very nice night.

My visit to Meriter went well the next day. There are some updates and edits for the summary document, but basically now I am ready to begin setup of the new system. So I really really have a lot of work to do!

Here is a link to the gallery of pictures from the 9/17 day in Madison:

Madison, Wisconsin and Lake Monona

And now I have to get some work done... Enough fun and games with my pictures and blogs!

Bye...

Photo Blogging

2008-09-21T08:58:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture I took last week of a strange bug. I set up a Blogger account, and am testing the "Blog This" option in Picasa3.

Let's see how it works. :)

True blue Cubs Fan

2008-09-19T23:25:00.000-05:00

Yep I think I am. I watched a cubs game the other day, and kept shutting it off when they were losing. Can't stand to watch them lose! I watched a game today, brewers and cincinnatti. They lost. I watched all 9 innings, every sad homerun pitch thrown by the brew-crew... after the top of the 9th, the game mercifully ended with a score of 12-2 i think...

Go Cubbies!!!

I'm watchin the repeat showing of the no-hitter by CZ. Nice theyre going good!!!!!

New picture

2008-09-16T22:21:00.000-05:00

Check it out... down at the bottom of the side bar.

Carlos Zambrano throws a no-hitter at Wrigley North!! First one since 1972 I think... Long time. Go Cubbies!!!

Profoundness

2008-09-12T20:30:00.000-05:00

I think I used to have a Blogger blog. I've been posting to Profoundness.net and my Profound Revelations blog for so long now, I forget when I might have looked into Blogger. Well, who knows... Maybe when profoundness.net expires I'll go for a freebie blog. :)