Scribblings

Busy Week

I sprained my shoulder last week and so I've been trying to give it a break. This is a busy week, too, because we have TB's nephew Alex staying the week with us. He's a great kid and has gotten Billy, Heidi & Kristin out of their summer doldrums. Next week is Labor Day and, after that, the kids will be going back to school! I haven't done very much on the computer since last week but I did manage to get to the memes.

In Other Words:

It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues.
 Abraham Lincoln

People who have no vices are either liars or they are so dull they bore people to death. That sounds simplistic and it is but I’m trying to avoid a lot of typing right now!

Ten on Tuesday:

10 Favorite Childhood Books

Disney set
Lad: A Dog
All Aboard for Freedom
Old Yeller
Savage Sam
Children’s Illustrated Classics
The Miss Pickerill books
It’s Like This, Cat
Tom Sawyer
The Prince and the Pauper

Tuesday is Newsday:

Now it's the Republican's turn for a convention. Do you think this convention represents the Republican party as you see it? The speakers, the location, the subjects?

And speaking of representation, I must admit I find CNNs choices of commentators for the Democrats versus the Republicans to be particularly offensive (okay so much for unopinionated questions.) For the Democrats they had, among others, Mo Rocka, whom I enjoy but who is basically a comedian, down on the floor interviewing the Dems. For this convention, he has been replaced by Carlos Watson, a conservative political analyst who is anything but funny. To me this says they are putting a much more "serious" light on the Republicans than the Democrats. What do you think?

I try very hard to ignore the conventions. None of it seems very sincere to me. It’s just one big hype party. I guess I have just grown disillusioned and cynical over the years. I am very surprised to learn that former Mayor Guiliani is a Republican. I never would have imagined that NYC would elect a Republican. NY is just traditionally a Democratic state. Since I try not to pay attention to both conventions I also ignore whoever is covering it. I’m surprised that CNN (of all channels) would have a comedian interviewing anyone during either convention. If I was to watch it, I’d be looking for more familiar faces like Dan Rather or Peter Jennings.

This whole election season is very discouraging to me. I don’t find John Kerry to be the kind of charismatic, strong, and creditable leader we need. But I will vote for him over George Bush. I think we are having 4 more years of Bush which really depresses the hell out of me.

QOTW:

If you were to die tomorrow (this has nothing to do with me being petrified to get on a plane tomorrow, I swear); what would you want people to remember you for most of all?

I’d like people to remember me for being caring and maybe for my sense of humor.

And a bonus question—are you afraid of flying? What about boats? What about driving? If you are afraid, does it hold you back from traveling?

Yes, I am afraid of all those things. I have panic attacks when I drive sometimes but I can endure those because I know if I felt really bad I can just pull over and recover. I don’t drive a boat and I’m a little intimidated if we’re out in deep water but I don’t get panic attacks.

As for planes, well, I don’t think I’ll ever get on another one. I don’t like close, enclosed places and I also get panicky because there is no way out of the plane unless we are on the ground. After 9/11 I would say I am even more afraid to fly now.

Does it hold me back from traveling? No. I just drive or go by bus or train.

Sunday Seven:

1. Do you bag groceries in paper or plastic?

I would rather use paper but the Acme charges now for it! We usually bag in plastic.

2. What CD is in your CD player at this moment?

It’s a 3 CD collection of Harry Chapin’s songs

3. What is your favorite Orlando Bloom movie?

I like him best as Legolas, from the Lord of the Rings trilogy

4. How many shot glasses do you own?

None

5. Do you read the Bible and how often?

I haven’t read it in over 2 years

6. Are you ready for the school year to begin?

Yes, yes, yes!!!! Happy days are here again!

7. What class(es) are you dreading this year?

I’m not going back to school so none

Unconscious Mutterings:

I say … and you think …

1. GAME BOY:: video game

2. Biopsy:: sample

3. Attack:: offensive

4. Convention:: big meeting

5. Jewels:: diamonds

6. Genetics:: DNA

7. Impostor:: fake

8. Doug:: Ross

9. Arbitrary:: random

10. Oscillate:: move
    

Olympic Gold

Paul Hamm of the US won the gold medal in the all around gymnastics competition. He made this amazing comeback after tumbling off the vault and onto the judges' table. It seemed like he wouldn't win a medal at all but then he performed 2 amazing programs back to back. At the same time, other competitors made their own mistakes. It seemed like a miracle, but he ended up winning the gold ... or so he thought.

Now it turns out that the judges made some big errors when they calculated Yang Tae-young (of South Korea)'s scores. It turns out he should have won the gold, not Hamm. The International Olympic Committee suspended the judges that made the boo-boo. I think Yang Tae-young -- and his country -- wants the gold medal. The IOC said that Hamm could keep the gold medal because it wasn't his fault ... then they backtracked and asked him to give the medal up.

My view is, it would have been better if Hamm had given up his medal when the mistake was uncovered. That gold isn't pure gold anymore and it seems to me that no one will remember his fantastic performances after his fall. All people will remember is that Hamm got the gold because of a mistake. If it was me, that would be too much to bear. I'd give it to the guy from South Korea.

I don't know what Paul Hamm will do.

Friday Five:

1. It the election were tomorrow, who would you vote for?

Friday Fiver:

1. Have you been watching the 2004 Summer Olympics?

Outside

This morning Linda had to go to an appointment at Social Services and so I was watching Little T who definitely has a mind of his own. He is totally fascinated with the remote which, of course, we can't let him play with. I've been giving him a dummy remote, one that doesn't work anything and doesn't have batteries. It took him all of sixty seconds to figure it out. He wants the real thing.

I started to put him in his saucer so he could look outside the door. When I saw the leaves moving gently, I thought he might like it a whole lot better out in the real world. TB helped me carry the saucer out and I sat in the shade with Little T. Well, he looked and looked at everything, his eyes wide with awe. It's amazing the things babies are fascinated with. They're just beginning to learn and so they don't take things for granted the way we do.

That nasty Rottweiler, Princess, from next door came to the fence. She was snarling and barking at Little T, who just looked back at her impassively. I thought, we have to make sure T is never outside alone. God forbid he should go near that fence!
He wasn't bothered by her barking and snarling and I'm glad he felt safe ... but I felt very on guard.

After a while, T began what I call his "happy squealing". Sometimes he sounds as if he's trying to talk. Other times he makes sounds of frustration. These were just joyous. You really don't have to do much to make a baby happy, especially Little T!

3X Thursday:

1. Are you very handy? Can you fix things by yourself? Is it out of need, or just because you're good at that type of thing?

I am not handy when it comes to fixing things. I leave that to TB who is very good at fixing things!

2. Have you ever taken a vacation/trip by yourself? What was it? Did you have fun by yourself?

I’ve never taken a vacation all by myself.

3. How about cooking? Can you cook for yourself (or others) or are you Fast Food King/Queen?

Ah, yes, I can cook!

Bonus Question for Comments: Is there something you'd like to learn to do on your own that you have to ask for help with now? If so, what is it?

No because of the injuries in my hands I wouldn’t be into learning those things anymore – like changing a tire or replacing parts on a machine

Thursday Threesome:

::Cool, blue mornings::

Onesome: Cool-- Well, summer is almost gone (except for those Down Under who are expecting it soon), and the cooler weather is coming. ...and other than those who live in places like Hawai'i, things are about to change. Which do you prefer, the coolness of Winter where you live or the warmth of your Summer?

I prefer the coolness of winter. I can always add more layers if I feel cold but there is only so much I can take off

Twosome: Blue-- Today's softball: blue or green? Pick one! ...okay, if it's a tie (high or low), what color do you prefer for decorating or accents?

I like warm colors, earthtones

Threesome: Mornings-- Mornings, afternoons, evenings, nights... What's your favorite time of day? ...and what makes it so for you?

I prefer the mornings because that’s when I am most alert and most creative. It’s also cooler in the morning during the summertime and I can sit outside if I want to.

Wednesday Matinee:

1. Samuel Jackson vs Denzel Washington: who wins?

Samuel Jackson

2. How many times have you seen your favorite movie?

At least 6

3. What current event or news would you like to see made into a movie?

The capture, imprisonment & trial of Osama bin Laden … hasn’t happened yet but I’d sure like to see that happen

~Four Gallon Pop Upgrade Bonus~ What's your favorite movie drink?

Diet soda … BOR-ing!

Political Ads

I am so sick of the election ads. I was sick of them after the first few aired in the late spring, negative attacks by Mr. Bush on Mr. Kerry. After awhile, Mr. Kerry began to air his own negative ads. Most recently, some disgruntled vets (calling themselves Swift Boat Veterans -- SBVs) have been insinuating that Mr. Kerry didn't really earn those purple heart medals and even if he did, he went before Congress and testified about all the atrocities he saw in Viet Nam. This is the best they can do? It's a long way to November.

Tuesday Newsday:

Two issues have recently been raised in regards to political ads.

First are the 527 Group Ads both sides are using to attack one another.
• Should ALL 527 Group ads be condemned or only those with obviously false information?
• Should all 527 group ads be made illegal?"
• When a member of the Bush campaign team appears in a 527 group ad, and a major Bush donor finances these same ads with a $100,000 donation can the 527 group still be called independent?
And second, there's the Bush Ad using the Iraqi Olympic Soccer team.
• Is Mr. Bush in violation of the IOC regulations which state that
the organization “shall be non-political and may not promote the candidacy of a individual seeking public office."
• Was it right to use the images of the Iraqi Soccer team without their approval, or ANYONE's images without their approval? The Iraqi Soccer players were very upset about this ad.

I wasn’t sure that I totally understood what a 527 group is. Luckily, I remembered what my teachers said when I didn’t understand something. I looked it up. So these are organizations that are formed to influence an election one way or the other – and they are exempt from taxes. They can take as much money in contributions as they like. That sounds rather frightening to me. It seems there is so much potential for bribery and coercion and all kinds of bad things. Why do we need 527s? I would rather see them abolished or restructured so that they’d be accountable to someone – to the IRS or to some kind of authority.

As for being independent, well, it sounds like they are specifically formed to advocate one candidate or another. I’m not happy about the possible connection of the Swift Boat Veterans to the Bush campaign via a donor. I don’t think the candidates ought to be connected to these groups in any way shape or form.

I am pretty disgusted that the President made an ad taking credit for the Iraqi team being “free” at the Olympic games without asking the athletes and coaches for permission. They wouldn’t have been able to say “yes” according to the IOC regulations. If they’d said yes they might have violated the IOC regulations. But I don’t think Mr. Bush did because he doesn’t have anything to do with the Olympics. I don’t think it was right for him to do the ad without asking anyone for permission. I’ve been very unimpressed with Mr. Bush’s ads. Most of them just seem to be attacks on John Kerry. Can’t he think of anything positive to talk himself up? It makes me wonder.

QOTW

If a movie was being made about your life and you could choose any living actor or actress to play you in the film, whom would you choose? Would that choice be different if you could pick any actor or actress, living or dead?

I would choose Kathy Bates. I kind of feel a strong affinity for her. Maybe it’s because I feel that we look somewhat similar and seem to have similar characteristics. Of course, that could be because she is such a good actress. I don’t think my choice would be any different if I could pick anyone, living or dead.

an off day

We all seemed a bit out of it today. TB's mom called and said she's cancelling her cardiac cathertization test. She's allergic to the dye and doesn't want to go through taking benedryl and cortisone in order to go through with it. Well, the problem is that I think they found something and that's why the doctor wanted her to have the procedure. She says she's feeling better. Boy, I have been through that before with Rich! Linda tried to talk to her grandmother but didn't get very far.

TB and Billy both have insomnia. Heidi's got allergies acting up and they are worse because of that darn dog's hair all over. Billy doesn't vacuum everyday like he should. Little T is teething and is beginning to feel separation anxiety from Linda. I am frustrated with my weight gain. I think the only one who isn't totally out of it is Kristin. :P

Unconscious Mutterings:

I say … and you think …

1. Olympics:: games
2. Wicked:: evil
3. Intoxicating:: alcohol
4. Radical:: extreme
5. Misinformed:: misled
6. Triplets:: three
7. Coronation:: crowning
8. Asimov:: Isaac
9. Contemporary:: now
10. 1:: gold

Some Memes

In Other Words:

The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' (I found it!) but 'That's funny ...'
 Isaac Asimov

“That’s funny ….”sparks curiosity. Why did that happen? The next step would be the process of discovery and that is what leads to new findings. Once you say “Eureka!” it’s over – the answer is already found.

Weekend Wonderings:

1. Do you considar yourself a healthy eater?

Yes and no. I eat a lot of healthy foods but every now and then I go on a big binge of sweet stuff

2. How many meals do you eat a day?

Usually

3. Do you watch your calories, fat, carbs?

Yes, not that it does any good! :P
.
4. Do you eat all your veggies?

Yes

Friday Fiver:

1. If you could live during any period of time, when would you have lived?

I think the 1920s would have been a lot of fun!

2. Name the most important invention or innovation that has happened during your lifetime:

It’s got to be the computer

3. How do you spend your free time?

Reading, writing, emailing or surfing

4. Do you have a healthy body image or do think you have a warped perception of what you look like?

I’m sure it’s warped

5. ..and of course: Have you seen Rocky Horror Picture Show?

Yes!

Black Bear Beeraholic

A bug invaded the house, not a creepy crawly spider or a silverfish but a viral bug. :p I think Billy really got knocked out by it. He hasn't eaten and slept practically all day. I have a milder version of it. I can eat but I was sleeping a lot today too. No surprise, I didn't feel like doing a lot of writing. I've been reading different sites and news and I found this which I find to be terribly hilarious. What a surprise to come back and find a black bear passed out after guzzling down the camp beer!

Oh Mother:

part 1 ~ Raising kids is a mother of a job.... Clearly it does take a village. And a lot of coffee. (Author Amy Kruse Rosenthal)
I miss the days of a village raising a child. When I was growing up, everyone in town knew me. Most of my relatives lived within a few miles of each other. My grandmother was around the corner and she was involved in the church and community. The other folks in town were either related (distant cousins) or neighbors. My bus driver was a third cousin or something. The man who ran the grocery store knew my grandmother. The effect of this was that there were a whole lot of people who’d be looking out for me. There is a feeling of security there.

We don’t have that kind of a society anymore, but we did have some community feeling when my kids were really little. We lived in Columbia, Maryland, a planned city with several villages. Each village had its own shopping center, place of worship, playgrounds, and schools. While we didn’t know everyone we did know a lot of people. Among those who knew each other, there was a similar feeling of looking out for each other’s kids. We were “friends for a season” – we were raising kids, and so we’d coffee klatch together and share our concerns. It was a big help – we learned from each other and drank gallons of coffee!

Now my kids are older and we live in a new community. We are on a “hello, how are you?” basis with most of our neighbors. There aren’t a lot of kids at this end of the community and I suppose that’s a big reason why there are no more coffee klatches. I think to myself, I was so fortunate to grow up in a setting like that and to have it while my kids are little. There aren’t any new moms around here for Linda to relate to. I am hoping she will meet other moms like her when she takes Tomas to the playground. For now, I think she’ll get her “village” online.

part 2 ~ A perfect parent is a person with excellent child-rearing theories, and no actual children. (Humorist Dave Barry)

I can remember how I thought and acted before I had kids. I’d see kids throwing tantrums out in public and I’d watch the moms deal with it. Rarely did I think a mom did a good job of controlling her kids. Some moms would give in and buy what the kids wanted just to shut them up. Some moms blew up and yelled at their kids. Some moms took their kids out of the store. I’m not going to be like that, I’d think. My kids will know how to behave themselves. Now that I have kids of my own I am so glad I didn’t foist any childless advice on the moms I saw. I didn’t know anything! As my father would say, “Now you know.”

The Olympics

There are a lot of empty seats in all venues these Olympics. The games are being held in Athens, where they began so long ago. You'd think the Olympic Village would be packed. I can understand why they are not. I don't think I'd want to go to Athens because of all the terrorists' threats. Who knows where they will strike? I am sure many others feel the same way I do and that's one reason for the low attendance.

When I first began to watch the televised Olympics, ABC was carrying it. I was familiar with all the broadcasters because I watched Wild World of Sports. When ABC lost the franchise, I was crushed. I've gotten over it though. I'd watch the games on any channel, even Fox. ;)

Tuesday Newsday

It's time for the Olympics!
1. Have you, are you going to, watch?
I’ve been watching a little everyday since the opening ceremonies and plan to continue watching

2. If so, what events will you watch? If not, did you used to and why don't you?
My favorite events are gymnastics and swimming. I’ve also watched water polo, volleyball, and basketball. I enjoy watching any of the games.

3. What's your most memorable "Olympic moment" (and no we're NOT talking about your honeymoon.)
Well, I know I’ve talked about this many times before. It was when the young hockey team beat the Soviet Union in 1980. That team was young and inexperienced and the Soviets were favored to win. I watched the US team from the first game they played and began cheering them on. As they beat each time, I felt more and more proud of them. When they won the game, I remember Al Michaels exclaiming, “Do you believe in miracles?” It was a wonderfully exhilirating moment!

4. Does it bother you when the U.S. loses, or does not get the most medals, or gold medals (FYI, we're in 3rd place for medals, 4th for gold medals as I write this.)
No, I’m not bothered by it. These are games and meant to be enjoyed. We’re going to win some and we’re going to lose some. So it goes.

5. Have you ever known anyone who was in, or at least tried out for, the Olympics?
Yes. Elise Ray was on the gymnastics team in Sydney, Australia in 2000. I met her when she was a little girl, daughter of the midwife who delivered my kids. I remember when I was in labor with Kristin, Ellen was telling me that Elise had a match that afternoon. I had a feeling she’d be good enough to go to the Olympics and she was.

Ten on Tuesday

Writer's Block

In Other Words:

The cure for writer's cramp is writer's block.
 Inigo DeLeon

I don’t like to hear that but it’s true! One day you can be writing like a madman and the story is flowing like a river. My hands tend to cramp a little when I have days like that because everything is just pouring out of me so fast I can’t stop for a break. Then there are other days when I just sit and stare at the screen. My hands don’t hurt then. Still, I don’t like those days at all!

I have ideas, lots and lots of them. Before I write them all down, I get to the computer screen and freeze so a lot of them remain fragmented dreams in my head. This weekend I have felt especially blah. I sit in front of the computer screen and try to get myself motivated but the most that happens is dry eyes from staring at the screen for so long.

Well, tomorrow will be better … I hope!

Unconscious Mutterings:

I say … and you think …

1. Server:: computer

2. Charlotte:: North Carolina

3. Jackson:: Tennessee

4. Resentment:: anger

5. Controlling:: rigid

6. Intense:: strong

7. November:: December

8. Donkey:: Dominick (ha ha, came right to mind after typing December!)

9. Weave:: craft

10. Satisfies:: fulfills
    

RE: Blogs

1. RE: Your blog - when did you start and what made you do it?

I started an online blog by following a link to a site with diaries. I was keeping a journal offline and I thought this might be fun so I figured I’d give it a try!

2. RE: Someone else’s blog: Is there someone who runs a blog that inspired or inspires you to start and maintain your own? Who are they and what is so special about them?

Actually, no. The inspiration to keep journaling comes from within me. I just have to write. Even if I don’t have a story, I have an overwhelming urge to write something every day.

3. Show me the linkage! Give us some blog linkage that contain some of your favorite posts and content - - who are they? Why are you linking them?

Well, this is similar to last week’s question so I’m going to try to listen new picks:

I Speak of Dreams has interesting bits of information, lots of pictures & links to articles

Back to Iraq is written by a correspondent who details what life is like there now for westerners as well as other issues

Say What? is a journal written by a Norwegian. I began reading it because my grandfather was Norwegian. Now I read because I enjoy the articles and topics.

No Pain No Gain is written by an Iraqi woman living in New Zealand, longing for her home

Mrs.-Alcoholic's blog really strikes a note with me. My parents are/were alcoholics. I relate strongly to many of her entries. I've had very similar experiences.

Hurricanes & Himacanes

We are dealing with two tropical systems this weekend, Bonnie and Charley. I keep wanting to say Bonnie and Clyde! ;-) Both storms hit Florida within 24 hours of each other, a very rare occurrence! Bonnie never became a hurricane. After hitting Florida, she moved north and passed through NJ today. It wasn’t so bad here. We had some scattered showers but not nearly the amount of rain I feared we’d get. The newscasters all talked about the heavy downpour we were expecting. It didn’t happen – not today, anyway.

Hurricane Charley upgraded to a category 4 and became a wicked storm. Two million people were told to evacuate. Charley’s the strongest storm to hit Florida since Andrew. In 1992. What made it a little worse was that forecasters predicted that Hurricane Charley would be a category 2 storm. Ooops!

Tomorrow we are supposed to get more rain as what’s left of Charley travels north.

Friday Fiver:

1. What is the worst weather you have ever experienced?

There was a hurricane in 1985 that made a direct hit on Long Island. I don’t remember which hurricane it was. I was living in a basement apartment on the south shore and left there to ride out the storm with Rich’s family. I remember the wind howling for several hours. There was a big old oak tree in the front yard. The wind blew so hard the tree leaned over, exposing its roots. I kept thinking it was going to come crashing down but it didn’t. During the eye of the storm, Rich, his brother and father ran outside to push the tree over. Neighbors came over to help. They’d managed to tip the tree over by the time the wind started up again. We lost power on LI for a week. Driving around, it seemed that every tree had been knocked down.

2. There are a series of hurricanes heading towards the continental US right now. Authorities have issued manditory evacuations for several areas, yet some people are refusing to budge. Do you think it is right that the police are allowed to make arrests in this case? Do you think you should be allowed to stay with your property?

I understand why evacuation can become mandatory. I agree with it because when people stay and then need to be rescued in hazardous conditions, it puts the lives of the rescuers at risk. That’s not fair. Arresting people seems extreme but then what else can you do when someone refuses to leave? As for leaving property, take what you can – the sentimental stuff anyway – and make sure you’ve got insurance!

3. "Poaching" has been described as the act of intentionally pursing an individual in an already committed relationship. Have you ever poached? Would you ever poach?

This is a new one on me. Married men have approached me before but I wasn’t “poached”. And I would not pursue someone in a committed relationship. That is just plain wrong.

4. Who should be blamed? (The person who poaches (homewrecker)? Or the mate who strays?)

Both share the blame – or the responsibility of betraying trust.

4. Are certain people "fair weather friends" ? Or deep down, are we all fair weather friends to someone in our lives?

I think we all could be a “fair weather” friend to someone but it’s relative. I think it happens more with social friends. I think real friends stick by each other.

The family picnic that was scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed. It’s just as well because several members of the family aren’t feeling well. TB’s still recovering from shoulder surgery and the trip to his brother Chris’ is too long for him to handle right now. Then his mom has been feeling weak and sick. She had a CAT scan and an echocardiogram. She may have some blockages in her heart and is going in for another test on Tuesday. And Ted’s sister is having trouble with migraine headaches. Everyone’s in need of prayers!

Weekend Wonderings:

1. What do you do when you're riding in a car with someone and they're playing music that you can't stand?

Put up with it. :P If it’s really horrible I would ask, “Do you mind if I switch stations?”

2. What do you do when someone is riding in the car with you and tells you they can't stand your music?

Try to compromise and find a station with music we both like

3. How important is music to you?

Without a question, extremely important!

Wednesday Whatevers

1. If you could have your future accurately told, would you want to know and why?

No … I would not want to know ahead of time what’s going to happen. I might then live in dread or maybe carelessly

2. When you are upset do you prefer to be with people or in solitude and why?

I prefer to be alone so I can think and calm down

1. Is brainwashing possible and why?

Absolutely, it is possible. Why? There have been so many examples over the years. When a person is totally controlled by someone else there is a dependency formed – even if it’s bad control. And the person will tend to fall in line and agree with the controller. It gets a whole lot more complicated and I’d have to be a psychologist to explain it.

Midweek Music Meme:

Some pieces of music have a magical, mystical, mysterious effect - what music takes you to another world for a brief moment, and can almost (or does!) make you believe that magic is real?
Celtic music makes me feel that way sometimes. There is a group called Enya, and their music sounds mystical and mysterious. Specific songs:

Rhiannon
Wildfire
Spirit in the Sky

Just Memes Today

My computer died on me yesterday and TB took it out to be repaired. It needed a new mother board and some other parts. I had lots of things I wanted to write about but it's been a hectic day and it's late now. I don't think I'd write anything intelligent so I think I'll just stick with the memes.

Keep an eye on the 2 approaching storms, Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane Charlie! They are both due to hit the western part of Florida within a day of each other! That is totally rare, almost unheard of! I was thinking it would have been really funny if the hurricane had been named Clyde. We could have had a lot of fun with that!

One last thought before the memes. The daughter of a dear friend of mine is doing a survey about watching the Olympics. If you care to, please answer Emily's questions in the comments section.

Survey

3X Thursday:

1. How do you take care of yourself when you're sick? Do you keep pushing yourself, or do you take the time to rest?

I baby myself when I’m sick. Mostly I just want to sleep.

2. Time to get into this debate finally: What's your take on gay marriage? Do you think the California Supreme Court's decision to void all the marriages that took place was just? Why/Why not?

I think once gay marriages were permitted the Supreme Coourt should have turned around and voided all of them. My feelings have nothing to do with law. I just thought it was cruel. What’s my take? There are gay people who have been together for years and years and years. I have heard too many times about how the partner is ignored when one of them dies or gets sick. It’s like they become invisible. I think that is terrible.

3. Are you a cat or dog person? Or an all-animal person? Could you live without a pet? Why/Why not? Would you ever want to *be* a pet?

I am most definitely a cat person! I have lived without a pet before so I knew I could do it but I didn’t like it. There is comfort in having a pet to hold and stroke. I don’t know that I’d ever want to be a pet but I’ll say this: they sure do have the life!

Bonus Question for Comments: Who are some of your favorite comedians? Why?

Some of my favorites: Red Skelton, Art Carney, John Candy, Abbott& Costello, Bill Murray, Tim Allen, and Gallagher. I suspect it’s because these comedians used more slapstick than others did. Maybe that’s why I don’t list any favorite comediennes in the list. Now that I think of it, I would definitely add Lucille Ball … and she used some slapstick too!

Thursday Threesome:

Onesome: One who strolls- How do you primarily get from place to place? Do you walk locally and only drive for distances? Ride your bike around campus or the neighborhood? Or hop in the car to run errands?

I used to walk a lot locally. These days, I drive everywhere. I don’t walk around the block at all lately. Once in a while I walk at the mall or walk on the treadmill. If I was in better shape, I’d rather walk to places.

Twosome: about aimlessly; When you have time, do you like to do things outdoors like hike or take long walks? Do you wander rather aimlessly or do you have a destination in mind and the sooner you get there the better?

When I walked, I had a specific destination in mind. I’d vary my routes to get there. It’s not so much that I liked to do it. It was more that I wanted to be healthy and you have to exercise for that!

Threesome: a lounger; a loafer. Or do you prefer to spend your spare time relaxing, lounging on the couch with a good book or a TV program? Or, since the football season is upon us again, do you plop down in the recliner and cheer on your favorite team?

This is me: the couch potato. I don’t watch TV a lot, but I do sit in front of the computer. When I’m not doing that, I’m watching TV or reading.

Outside Observers

Tuesday Newsday:

For the first time in our nation's history we will have an International team to monitor presidential election. Do you think this is necessary? Why or why not? Have we ever had free and fair elections? Is it possible to have them?

I rather like the idea of having an international team come in to monitor this year’s presidential elections – especially after what happened in Florida in 2000. Many of the elderly in Florida protested that their ballots were counted incorrectly. They said they didn’t understand how the ballot worked. I think there was a hearing to let them re-vote which was denied and their votes were left to stand. Democrats afraid of this happening again, wrote to the UN and asked for the team.

From what I can understand of the article, the U.S. signed an agreement with the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) about 10 years ago. They’ve come in to monitor other elections but never one at the presidential level. They have sent a committee of members to other countries to observe their elections. For instance, they monitored Spain’s elections this year.

The UN denied the Democrats’ request because it didn’t come from this administration. Hmmm… well how to do that? I can’t imagine President Bush jumping up and down with this enthusiastically. Why should he? He benefited from the confusion in Florida last election. The Democrats asked Secretary of State Colin Powell for help. Powell is one of the very few in this administration I trust even a little bit.

Now the committee is coming here for our election in November.

At another earlier time, it would have been great to have the OSCE monitoring our presidential elections if only to prove that they are fair. It would be a good example to the world that we practice what we preach. I think almost all of our elections have been fair in that the person winning the popular vote also won all the electoral votes.

In 2000, there was controversy over the votes in Florida. How many people really voted for President Bush? It went to the Supreme Court. I wasn’t surprised when the judges, most appointed by Presidents Bush Sr. & Reagan, ruled in favor of Bush Jr. I believe that Al Gore was robbed of the election.

Can the elections be fair again? I don’t know. Lately, none of the candidates has made a strong impression on me. I’m sorry Al Gore didn’t run again. I would have preferred John Edwards or Howard Dean over John Kerry but … oh, well, it’s another election in which I will vote for the lesser of two evils.

10 on Tuesday:

I've Been Blessed, the World is Mine

I love to read other people's blogs. I can learn so much from them. I read half a dozen or so Iraqi blogs. One is kept by a 17 year old girl in Mosul, named Najma. I've read entries in which she talks about bombs going off near her home and other violence in Iraq. Then comes a post like the one I read tonight. It's very simple but I'm deeply impressed that a kid her age going through what she's going through still appreciates what she has:

I recieved this poem by e-mail, and I liked it. So, I'm posting it here...
Note: ya allah means, Oh god.

I hope you liked it as much as I did.... Will, we're all blessed, the world is ours, even though if you had something missing, the rest is OK... Right?

Yes, it is and yes, we're all blessed!

In Other Words:

An error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.
 Orlando A. Battista

No one is perfect. Everyone makes errors. It’s a part of learning and growing. It becomes a problem when people don’t recognize they made a goof. They don’t go back and try to figure out where they went wrong nor will they admit to the error.

QOTW:

What is your all-time favorite line (or lines) from a movie? (For example, "I'll be back", or "If you played it for her you can play it for me".)

Oh I have several favorites, especially from movies like Casablanca or Gone with the Wind and many others. I’ll pick this one from Forrest Gump: Mama always said life was like a box a chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get.

Lovely Day

Gosh, we've been so lucky because we've had such nice weather this week! After dropping Billy off at work, TB and I went to a diner for a really late brunch. Actually, it was lunch time but I ordered breakfast. What can I say? It's my favorite meal of the day! Basically, I was just totally laid back today.

RE: Blogs:

Are you ever guilty of blog neglect? Do you feel bad? Guilty? Do you just NOT blog at all? Or try and fill your blog with stuff just so that there are regular updates? What is a busy blogger to do?? Do tell!

I wouldn’t call it neglect because I do post just about every day. I don’t if I’m too busy or tired or sick. Sometimes I do fill the entry with stuff but it tends to be fun, like quizzes or memes.

Speaking of blog content . . . do you have things you have been meaning to blog about - but just haven’t gotten around to it yet? Share your top 5 “Blogging To Do” list with us!

Where does love go when your loved one dies?
Widow Culture
Sixth Sense
Obsessive Love
My Little Town

Raghda is a 13 year old Iraqi girl. Considering where she lives, she has a very upbeat blog. She often posts funny or silly pictures.

Jonathon has schizophrenia and used to be homeless. Right now, he is living with his family and trying to get his life back in order.

I love cats and I love humor. This has both.

Widower has come far on his “long strange journey” which is similar to my own. He’s remarried happily and now has a healthy baby boy. He and his wife Marahon Girl are looking for a house to buy!

Also in the “how do they do this?” category: young disabled woman trying to raise 3 boys with special needs while her husband is about to be sent to Iraq.

http://subliminal.lunanina.com/ Unconscious Mutterings:

I say … and you think …

ol>

Late Night Jokes

I like to read other blogs. I lifted this from Iraqi Blogger:

To all the people who know Jay Leno, David Letterman and the rest...you might like to have a read of their political humour:

"President Bush said it's now time for a change in Iraq and he wants them to have a Western-style democracy like ours. So right now in Iraq, the economy is collapsing, businessmen are corrupt, and Hussein wants his son to take over as president. Sounds like mission accomplished." —Jay Leno

"It was like Ground Hog Day. He popped out of a hole, and we got four more years of Bush." —Bill Maher, on Saddam's capture.

"Now that George Bush has captured Saddam Hussein, it raises the question, what's he going to get his dad for Christmas next year?" —Jay Leno

"Saddam was found cowering in his little hole in the ground. Supposedly, his goal was to remain in hiding until all the shooting stopped. Well, hey, it worked for the French." —Jay Leno

"Saddam's daughter defended him, saying the U.S. must have drugged or gassed him. Otherwise, he never would have surrendered. Let me tell you something, the guy was living on hot dogs, Spam and Mars bars, and living in a tiny hole. I think he gassed himself." —Jay Leno

"President Bush said today that when he was told Saddam Hussein had been captured he was up at Camp David reading a book. I don't know what's the bigger shock, capturing Saddam or finding out Bush was reading a book." —Jay Leno

"When they caught Saddam Hussein, he had more than $750,000 dollars. When he heard this, President Bush immediately invited Saddam to a fundraising dinner" —Conan O'Brien

"According to CNN, before the soldiers pulled him out of the hole, Saddam yelled 'I'm willing to negotiate.' I'm no expert on the art of the deal, but when you're in a hole with 600 soldiers around, what is your bargaining chip?" —Jay Leno

"They found several pairs of Saddam's boxer shorts in the hut and, by the way, that is the closest we have come to finding weapons of mass destruction." —David Letterman

"During his interrogation, Hussein was asked about weapons of mass destruction. He said the U.S. dreamed them up as a reason to go to war with us — and Howard Dean said 'Hey, that's my line!'" —Jay Leno

"Officials say that when they tried to interview Saddam Hussein he was smug, curt and often sarcastic. Later, Saddam apologized and said he was just doing his impression of Donald Rumsfeld." —Conan O'Brien

"One day you're the leader of Iraq, the next day you're being checked for flees on FOX News." —David Letterman

"Saddam Hussein just gave himself up. I mean hell, Michael Jackson put up more of a fight." —David Letterman

"Did you see the Iraqi people tear down that statue of Saddam? Hard to believe he won 100 percent of the vote in the last election. Voters are so fickle, aren’t they? One day they love you, the next day, oh boy." —Jay Leno

"Saddam Hussein has been captured. I'm sure everyone knows that by now unless you've been living in a hole, in which case if you were, you're probably the guy they got." —Jon Stewart

"Reaction is coming in from all over the world. The British government is praising the United States, the Spanish government said it was a great day, and the French government praised Saddam for the way he surrendered — 'We couldn't have done it quicker ourselves!" —Jay Leno

"More and more information coming out on Saddam Hussein. We now know that he has, like, 24 presidential palaces. Each one of these palaces of Saddam's has a dolphin pool and an amusement park. Well, if you didn't think this guy was creepy before — now he's starting to sound like Michael Jackson." —David Letterman

"Germany is now saying that they won’t go along with an invasion of Iraq. However, they did say they would go along if the invasion included Poland, France and Belgium." —Jay Leno

Which leader are you?

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Shopping like the Jetsons!

I’ve never been fond of grocery shopping, although going with just TB is the most enjoyable of all possible combinations of family members.

The store nearest us is an Acme. When we first moved in 2 years ago, I was favorably impressed with the prices and the choices offered. It’s fairly new and so it was bright and clean inside.

My biggest complaint was the express line with the cashier from Hell. This is a woman who must have been working for the store for the last 40 years to be in such a position. I am assuming that working the express line would be the most coveted position because it’s easier on the hands and backs of the cashiers. People are limited to 12 items or less.

Well, this checker often stops to chat with the customers. Many cashiers will talk to the customers but they keep scanning items as they go. This lady stops cold to chat. If she isn’t chatting, she is checking. One day I waited on line for 20 minutes while she checked a price. I can’t remember what the item was, just that the cashier didn’t seem to believe the sale price. She sent a kid bagging groceries back to check. He came back and said yeah, that’s the right price. Well, she wasn’t satisfied with that either and went to customer service to make absolutely sure.

I made sure I did not get in that line again. On other occasions, I breezed through another line. I snickered inwardly at the lengthening line at express. Often, the lady would stroll over to customer service to ask a question about someone’s purchase. I could see the frustrated faces of the customers on line changing to annoyance and then anger. Tsk, tsk.

The next thing Acme did was introduce self checkout machines. It’s sort of a good idea because we all dread the check out line but there are some big downsides to it. One is that they immediately began closing lines. Not only that, self checking is a confusing process.

First, there’s no room to unpack all your groceries from the cart. Okay, so you pick up an item and scan it and then put it in the bag. Then you keep going until the bag is filled. Now it’s time to move the bag to … um, where? You still have a cart full of groceries and no place to put this bag. Not only that but the machine has begun demanding obnoxiously that you put the bag back where it came from – apparently the machine thinks you’re going to make off with the food without paying or something.

The first time I did this, I have to admit I felt pretty silly when I put the bag back and the darn machine still wasn’t happy. It continued complaining until a live cashier came along and showed me that I needed to push a ‘remove groceries’ button in order to be able to move the bag. Oh. Silly me. And so I fill the next bag and when it’s filled, I lift it up to put it in the cart and guess what happens?

When the cashier comes this time, she gives me a look like What’s wrong with you, are you stupid? It’s downright degrading!

TB won’t use these self checking machines. He feels that we have to pay so much to the store and why should we have to scan and pack our own bags? He has a point. But still … those long long lines!

Now there is something new. TB sent me an article that appeared around a week ago. Maybe lines will become a thing of the past! The article ran on MSNBC but apparently it’s already been removed. Oh well. The article was written by Phil Lempert and it was called, “We 'check out' latest supermarket ‘smart’ cart”.

“Yes, dealing with the supermarket check-out line — including the horror of having kids screaming for the candy “conveniently” placed there by profit-hungry conglomerates — is among the least popular chores, according to many surveys. And while many supermarkets have installed “self-checkout” lanes, only a third of consumers, according to a ACNielsen Homescan consumer panel of over 61,000 Americans, believe this kind of help-yourself method goes any way near to creating a solution.”

So what happened was that a store chain called Stop & Shop tested a “check out buddy” cart and Mr. Lempert gave it a try. The buddy itself is just a screen hooked onto the cart. As you go along picking up items along the way, you scan it into this buddy thing and it tallies up your bill. Not only that, if you’ve got one of those super duper store cards, it’ll flash you sale offers and other good deals. I can’t say how many times I’ve searched the store for the darn peanut butter & jelly. This buddy will draw you a map! Is that a big help or what?

“Based on the shopper’s frequent shopper card, your buying history and favorite items are available in real time as you shop — you also have the ability to download your shopping list at home and email it to the device to eliminate the need for carrying (and losing?) that piece of paper.

Once you get past the fact that the computer and the store is going to know a whole lot of personal stuff you might not want to be known, this buddy sounds like just the thing to make grocery shopping a breeze!

One thing I wondered, though … after the items are tallied up, where do you pay? Or will it mean that the stores will also have access to our charge and debit accounts? I’m not sure if I like that or not.

And … these buddies won’t be coming to a store near me soon. Stop & Shop is planning to introduce the buddies to their stores and to Giant stores in the Washington DC area by the end of 2005.

As for when will the rest of us see it, Mr. Lempert predicts: “as this technology becomes cheaper and more compact, we can expect to see both cart-mounted computers and Everywhere-type displays in practically all supermarkets and mass retailers by 2008.”

Friday Five:

1) What animal best represents you?

A cat

2) What color best represents you?

Rose

3) What season best represents you?

Fall

4) What emotion best represents you?

Loving

5) What flower/tree/plant best represents you?

A Shamrock plant!

Friday Fiver:

1. What was the first concert you ever attended? How old were you? Where was it?

I saw the Beach Boys and Chicago in concert. I think it was in 1975 or ’76 and so I would have been 21 or 22. It was in Largo, Maryland.

2. What was the most recent concert you attended? Where and when?

The most recent? Gracious, it’s been years! It was probably in Columbia, Maryland and could also have been the Beach Boys. It was sometime in the 1990s.

3. Have you ever seen your favorite artist/band in concert? Did the show live up to your expectations or were you disappointed?

Yes, I have! I’ve seen three Neil Diamond concerts and he was great! I was not disappointed at all!

4. Ever been to a concert where you were pleasantly surprised at the performance? Ever been to a concert where you were totally disappointed? Name 'em!

I really liked the group Chicago and that’s why I went with a friend to that concert in Largo. They were playing with the Beach Boys, who opened. At that time, I wasn’t a strong Beach Boys fan but I turned into one that night. I enjoyed their performance more than Chicago’s!

Totally disappointed: a July 5th Beach Boys concert. They’d done the July 4th concert in Washington DC and their voices were hoarse. They seemed really tired, too.

5. Name five bands that would headline your own personal festival. (Along the lines of Oz Fest or Lollapalooza)

The Rolling Stones, Steve Miller Band, the Eagles, Chicago and Aerosmith. I have no idea if they’re all still together, except for the Rolling Stones

Thankful Thursday

Things are moving in the right direction!

Linda's had her license back a couple of weeks and she's now covered under TB's policy. She's broken off with Kennan. Little T is developing and growing right on target. He's so cute!

TB hasn't had any pain medication since the weekend. I think I'm not wrong in saying this is the first time since January 2003 that he's been without that awful shoulder pain!

I try to have Billy drive somewhere almost every day so he can get some practice. There are still some rough spots but he's getting better. This is one of the few times I like a NJ DMV policy. When he got his driver's permit, he was scheduled for a test in six months. Six months to practice -- that's a great idea!

Somehow God always provides. We had a lot of trouble with the water pressure in our house. All of a sudden, there'd be no water. That is a real drag when you are taking a shower or trying to brush your teeth! It turns out that there was a problem with the water pump. Well, we've been watching our money dwindle ever since the insurance company cut TB off. But this particular day, there was a check in the mail -- a refund on some property taxes!

So far, so good. I used to be really scared during times like this. I would always wait for the other shoe to drop, I never considered myself a lucky person. Well, luck has nothing to do with it and I think we'll continue to just roll with the punches.

3X Thursday:

1. Politics have gotten *so* far out of hand, that it's no longer about voting for the best person for the job, but the lesser of two evils. Does this matter to you? Why/Why not?

It does matter to me. I wish we had more than just two choices and I wish that more admirable people would go into politics. It’s depressing to vote for “the lesser of 2 evils” every election.

2. The media in this country is also a joke. How do you get your news (tv, radio, internet), and *where* do you get it (CNN, Fox, other websites)?

I get a lot of my news from the internet. When I watch news, I prefer CBS for the local news. For international news, I think CNN is best and maybe the least slanted.

3. Do you pay attention to the world around you, or do you say 'forget it' and just concentrate on your own life? Why/Why not?

I do pay attention to the world around me. I’ve never been an ostrich. As for why – what happens in the world can effect me, TB, and my family. How could I not pay attention?

Bonus Question for Comments: Are you happy with the way y2k+4 is shaping up? Do you think it'll get better or worse?

I am an optimistic. I always think things will get better. Even if they get worse, I tell myself they’ll get better.

Thursday Threesome:

::Surprises in the Mail::

Onesome: Surprises-- Hey, do you like surprises? ...and what kinds? Birthday parties, dinners out? ...or are you one of those people who absolutely has to know what's going on before it happens?

I love surprises! I feel like a little kid again when I get a surprise. I am not fussy about what kind of surprise … I just like them be they dinner out, flowers, a birthday party …

Twosome: in the-- nick of time: How do you keep track of birthdays and anniversaries and events you need to remember but only occur once a year? ...and where is your bailout place for cards and such when you've cut things a little too close?

I keep a calendar on Outlook now and I have a reminder sent to me a week before the event. I tend to be a procrastinator, though, and if the person with the birthday or anniversary has email, I most often go to www.care2.com. I like care2 because they make donations to animal welfare funds. If there isn’t an email, I try to call.

Threesome: Mail-- Mail Call! Did anything interesting show up lately besides the bills? ...and do letters and cards still make it to your place or have email and ecards taken it all over? Inquiring minds and all that...

I haven’t seen much of interest lately. I don’t get very many letters in the mail anymore. Email has taken much of that. As for bills and junk mail … they still come in the mail!

Thursday Tattle:

Do you have a BBQ?

Yes, we have a gas grill TB got for father’s day last year

Which do you prefer BBQ or oven cooked?

BBQ!

What is your favorite thing to BBQ?

I like everything TB grills. The traditional favorites: hamburgers and hotdogs

Is your grill charcoal or gas?

Gas

How often do you BBQ in the summer?

If it’s not raining, TB fires up the grill!

Doctor's Visit

Dr. Farrell said to TB, "I think you are fixed this time." It seems to be true! TB hasn't had to take any of his pain medications since the weekend. He doesn't get those sharp pains in his shoulder like he did before the surgery. Thank God!

Dr. Roboto said that further surgery wouldn't help. The tear seemed small to him. What he didn't know was that there was scar tissue covering the repair and that seems to have caused the trouble.

The decent thing to do would be for the stupid insurance company to pick up and continue to pay TB but I'm not holding my breath.

Eventually he'll want to go back to work but not back in that friggin shop! One thing that pisses me off is that no one from his company (except for a co-worker named Charlie) ever bothered to call and see how he was doing. So much for being a dedicated hard worker. :P

Well, that's okay because the most important thing is that TB seems so much better. His face isn't drawn with pain anymore. Right now he's very involved with the computer, trying to learn about CSS style sheets. I am just so relieved.

Wednesday Whatevers

1. In general, do you treat eating as a pleasure or a need?

As a pleasure, which is probably why I am so darn heavy

2. What is your opinion on recent low carb craze?

It sounds really great but I don’t think low carb works any better than well balanced, smaller meals

3. Do you wake up when you have to, or do you stall / snooze for longer?

Usually when I have to

Those Terror Alerts

Tuesday Newsday

What do you think of the terror alert system? Does it do any good? Is it confusing? Is it "the boy who cried wolf?" Do you have any idea what the colors mean?

On a slightly different front, as the alert was raised to Orange for the IMF, World Bank and New York Stock Exchange, I just read that the Statue of Liberty will be reopened for the first time since 9/11. Would you go visit and climb it now? And if you were working at one of the threatened companies, would you feel threatened?

I have my doubts about the terror alert system. I think it could do a lot of good but that people could become “deaf” to the warnings. The National Weather Service stays on top of bad weather. They predict the intensity of hurricanes and other storms. When they first began to issue warnings to batten down or evacuate, people paid attention and did what was recommended. What happened? The storm system would weaken or it would turn aside. After enough of what some people would characterize “false alarms” people began ignoring the warnings. I think the same thing will happen with this terror alert system.

About the colors: I understand what orange and red means. The other colors signify less threat.

The news came out that the terror threats on the IMF, World Bank and New York Stock Exchange are three years old. I would feel threatened. I think we are at risk almost anywhere but I don’t think that we should hide and avoid work or travel. That would be another way to let the terrorists win.

About the Statue of Liberty: I would not climb the steps now but that’s more because they are narrow and winding. I am too big to get up there and I’m sure I’d be winded before I was halfway up.

In Other Words:

First there is a time when we believe everything, then for a little while we believe with discrimination, then we believe nothing whatever, and then we believe everything again - and, moreover, give reasons why we believe.
 Georg Christoph Lichtenberg

I’ve seen this quote before somewhere and I sure hope I didn’t answer a prompt about it on this blog! That would be embarrassing! This is like growing up. Young children believe just about anything they are told, especially if it’s the parents. They believe in God, the tooth fairy, Santa Claus and the Easter bunny equally even though they can’t see any of them. When they’re older, the realize the tooth fairy, Santa Claus and the Easter bunny are make believe. Even though they can’t see God, they still believe. When the kids are teenagers, they begin questioning everything. Some kids don’t believe in God anymore. Others wonder if He is really there. Then kids grow up and become adults. Along the way, they have experiences that convince them one way or the other whether God exists. They can tell you why they think that way.

Good News Department: Linda has broken off with Kennan yesterday. Obviously he hasn't gotten it through his head yet because he called twice today. The second time, Kristin answered and said: "Linda doesn't want to talk to you, Kennan." He said thanks and hung up. He showed up for counseling. Linda was too tired to go and stayed home. When she didn't show up the therapist told Kennan she couldn't talk to him. It wouldn't be ethical. Heh. Linda has broken off with Kennan before but now circumstances are different. She has Little T and she also has a means of supporting herself -- enough that having her live here isn't a financial burden. So I think this time it will work! Yay!

Ten On Tuesday:

Ten Underappreciated Actors/Actresses

David Selby – from Dark Shadows and Falcon Crest

Jason Bateman

Ed Harris – from The Right Stuff and The Truman Show

William H. Macy – from just about everywhere! He’s a great character actor!

Kathy Bates – from Titanic and Fried Green Tomatoes

Jessica Tandy - she & her husband (right below) have been terrific in their movies

Hume Cronyn - One was Cocoon and another Foxfire

Cate Blanchett

Holly Hunter

Alan Rickman

Test

Test to see if the new smileys work

8) :P :evil: :twisted:

Cat Lover

I have always been a cat person. I have belonged to cats for as long as I can remember. I've rescued almost all the cats that adopted me except for one, my gray tabby Kushna. We bought a cat Billy named Paddiwack but to me that's a rescue from a pet store. :P

I feel bad when I watch the TV show Animal Cops and the officers come across a house full of feral cats. I've learned that because these cats have minimal exposure to humans, when they are removed and brought to a shelter they have to be euthanized because they're not adoptable. That's so sad! So I felt really bad to read that feral cats in San Juan are going to be trapped and taken away.

Here, again, the cats will probably be put to sleep and that is a shame considering there might be a less expensive alternative. Activists would like to see the cats caught, neutered, and then returned to the area. It would save over $1000 per cat. There are positives and negatives to having the cats remain. Cats can carry disease and they can leave unpleasant little "gifts" like mice and such for people to find. On the positive side, though, they do control the rat population!

I have been reading the blog of a 13 year old girl named Raghda. She doesn't talk much of the uproar in her country. If I was her, I'd probably want to escape from that. She likes cats and has posted a lot of cute kitty pictures.

Last but not least, our 2 beauties:

Mouse

Amber