Oh Baby - Let It Snow

For those of you who do not live in New Mexico, you probably don't realize that the past couple of days have been filled with snow. Waking up in the morning to feet of snow. Mike would go out, clear a path, and a couple of hours later he would have to do it again. We've been out snow shoeing twice and have found the super deep powder to be a holiday treat.

On another front, we have spent a lot of the break redoing our master bathroom. Here is a before photo. After will come later this week. We have gutted it, down to the cement floor and just a hole in the ground from the toilet. We still need to take the tub out and have the plumber come back to fix the toilet hole. We found out this past week that the brilliant 1975 builders wanted the back of the toilet to be flush with the wall, so the just sort of moved the mounting points and had half the hole covered up. Basically there was only 1/2 a hole that could be used. This is what the plumber now has to come fix. I guess they are going to cashmere the whole and redo all the plumbing. Holiday gift to Mike and I, a large plumbing bill.

Dreaming of White

They were saying we were going to get 2 feet of snow. Of course as time went on the numbers changed a bit. And now, we have a delay to go into work (until 10am) and it is because of this paltry amount of snow. The last snow fall there was twice this - and no delay. I wonder what the lab is thinking?

Of course I am happy to have the time off - I just don't get our employer sometimes.

House On Fire

I got a call this morning from my brother. My Uncle Biggy's house burned down. This house was the house that my grandparents had lived in. Where my father and his brothers were born. And above and beyond all of that it was my uncles home.

I guess he kept the ashes from his wood burning stove - near the stove in the basement (where he also had his gun room). I guess there was something hot in the ash - it caught the gun room on fire and then the large stack of wood.

He never married or had any kids, so my cousins, who live near him, are helping out. I've tried to call him - but of course his phone doesn't work. I feel so sorry for my uncle. He had no insurance - never thought he needed it - and he had spent is whole life in the house. Now I'm just trying to figure out if there is anything I can do to help.

The article from the Kalispell News Paper:
Man, dog escape fire that guts home

The Daily Inter Lake

A wood stove started a fire Tuesday evening in the basement of a home in the 100 block of South Meridian Road, extensively damaging the house.

No one was seriously hurt; the owner and his dog escaped the fire and went to a neighbor’s house.

The Kalispell, West Valley, Smith Valley, and South Kalispell fire departments, and Marion Ambulance responded.

Firefighters were challenged by heavy smoke and heat, along with explosions from ammunition inside the house. For 20 minutes, firefighters tried to suppress the fire, according to F. Ray Ruffato of the Kalispell Fire Department.

The fire spread to the first floor of the home, and firefighters were called out of the building for their safety.

The older two-story home sustained at least $80,000 and is not inhabitable, Ruffato said. Fire damage extended from the basement through the roof. The home and its contents reportedly are uninsured.

Ruffato said 18 firefighters from the Kalispell department were on the scene and about 20 from the neighboring departments.

A firefighter from the West Valley department hurt his wrist in a fall. Marion Ambulance took him to the hospital, where he was treated and released.

Further investigation into the cause of the fire is uncertain, because officials are worried that the basement of the house may be unsafe to explore, Ruffato said.

Busy Friday - Great Party

I spent most of Friday baking shortbread for a cocktail/cookie exchange party. I could not believe a) how long 5 dozen cookies takes to bake and b) how long 5 dozen cookies take to prep and bake. I can post the recipe for the wonderful almond shortbread for anyone that is interested.

Photo of dance party/cocktail party



Is that Prada that you are wearing Becca? And Mouser ... I know you are so sorry you spent the time hanging out in Minesh's garage. I know you are!

Bro In English Please

As I was walking back from the gym today I heard the worst conversation I have had the pleasure to eaves drop on. Let me walk you through it. Three men. Guy 1, guy 2 and guy 3.
Guy 1 "Bro, sorry to hear about your father."
Guy 2 "Bro, oh Bro. Thanks Bro."
Guy 3 "Bro, I'm so sorry. When did your father die Bro?"
Guy 2 "Bro, I can't talk about my father. Bro, bro, bro. Bro. Let's talk tomorrow"
[please note that Bro is actually pronouced like bra]

All of this in the few minutes I walked past. What is happening to the English language? I think I may like to start my own trend and use sis, or mama, or hella' fine b*tch. If men can use bro - why can't I use some female version?

Singing In The Snow

Last night we got a foot or so of snow. Photos coming. And meanwhile found this crazy music web-page that I'm in love with. You can select almost anything. Listen as it walks you through songs. I'll be out dancing and singing in the snow this afternoon!

Thanksgiving

Mike and I drove out to my father's house for Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful visit. The turkey was plenty and my father's garden was blooming. I spent time picking eggplant, basil, okra, and peppers. I guess we know where the green thumb comes from. On a side note. Moab loves turkey. The first photo is her eating. The second is how she spent the rest of the day.

Working Out Anyone?

Karen and I used to spend hours at the gym working on our treadmill dance moves. Seems that some people have taken our idea. Should we sue Karen?

When Karaoke Was King

Last night Mike, his father and I went into Deming for dinner. We decided earlier to eat at my favorite restaurant (a Mexican-Italian joint). Really I have no idea how their Mexican is - because the Italian is SO good that I've only ever eaten that. Normally, as in the past, this converted bank restaurant with zero ambiance has been home to us and maybe one other person. We have always worried that they just weren't getting enough business to stay open - but of course they always seemed to be open.

Last night, a Saturday night, we entered the place to find a few tables full. Just a few. And people were talking loud and seemed excited. The energy in the room was amazing. By 7 PM the place was packed. We felt bad for staying at the table for so long when there were people standing waiting for a table. Turns out - it was karaoke night. Now normally, at least from what I've seen, karaoke happens with there is 1) loads of liqueur that has been consumed 2) a dark room 3) inhabitants were tossed to the wind like 30 minutes ago. This night though ... all those rules were broken. The room was filled with people from 5-85. There was little to no booze being consumed. And the entire room turned to face the television to sing along with the selected singer. Everyone knew one another. Some people got up and danced, even if they didn't have a partner. People brought their own CD's with music. My favorite of all was a 60 year old cowboy named JD who sang some old country song and nailed it. He was amazing. He drank his Miller Light until his name was called. He sauntered up to the front. He sang his guts out. And it all made me wish that there was just a bit more of this - good old fashion clean fun - in the world.

Forever and A Day

Feels like forever since I've posted. Not that nothing has been happening. But, posting has been low on the list of things to get done. I went with the girls to the art tour last weekend. Baked a cake in the shape of a pig - photos to come - for Ty's third birthday party. Hmmm. What else have I done. I finished prepping everything outside for winter. I never noticed how much crap I had around the yard that needed to come down or be cleaned up - until you actually start doing it.

Oh - Source Code

At a meeting this morning Mouser told me about a new google search Code Search. One of the coolest things I've seen since Google Earth. For all you coders out there - check it out!

Inner Smurf

Your Inner Smurf. Let me know who you are!

I of course am Smurfette.

Beer and Self Help

While at Film Festival for a Knit and Bitch session I stumbled on a book. A book that's back cover pulled me in. Made me want to spend the $1 for it. Mostly to scan it in and wonder, "Who the hell buys this crap?"



A reason to live. A reason to die. What type of book title is that? And say you buy the book - and you die ... you can't really recommend it to anyone.

On another note, one of the best quotes I've heard in the recent past. From Ben Franklin "Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out."

?? Really ??

Watching motorcycle racing this weekend there were a number of posters for A-Style. I guess it is an Italian clothing company. But, their icon looks like nothing I've ever seen.



Also, Santa Fe has finally gotten what I would consider a good indie radio station. You can listen online as well which is nice.

Hit Home?

Master Yoda: "Do or do not. There is no try."

Eureka: "Talk is easy. Action is hard."

Fall

With fall comes a mass of changes. More so than spring and summer. At least it feels faster and stronger to me. I was reading an Emily Bronte poem and thought it very fitting for this fall.

Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;
Lengthen night and shorten day;
Every leaf speaks bliss to me
Fluttering from the autumn tree.

I shall smile when wreaths of snow
Blossom where the rose should grow;
I shall sing when night's decay
Ushers in a drearier day.

Blogging for Blogsakes

I read a number of blogs, and have found that people spend a lot of time either writing about what they consider profound, or their daily life. Either of which tend to bore the crap out of me. And now, I look back at my blog, and I see that the majority of posts are either photos or photos of bugs.

I looked up the definition of blog:
Etymology: short for Weblog
: a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer
- blog·ger noun
- blog·ging noun

So - is this really suppose to be a personal journal? Reflections? Comments? Alright then I wonder is it better to be smart than pretty? Is it better to be great at one thing or mediocreer at a lot of things? Should you blog to fill up the empty space in the universe or leave the space blank - ready for something more poetic and beautiful?

I say that fall will be here sooner than not and the garden is producing more and more veggies.

Garden Fresh

Weeding out the garden today - and harvesting fresh fruits and veggies. I'm making a peach type cobbler and a fresh tomato basil salad. See photos. I'm thinking I'll grill the fresh corn ... although I haven't decided just yet.

Are Photos Worth 1000 Words?

Exactly what type of night does this look like?

Can't Get Enough

Yesterday a praying mantis flew into the garage. Mike saved him by moving him outside. Since then he hasn't gone very far. We put him on my corn plants and he seems pretty happy with it.

I've also found a baby orb weaver.

Seems that will all the rain the bugs are coming out in force, and I just can't get enough of them.

Rooms

I spent all of yesterday moving rooms around and cleaning them up. Ever wonder how it is possible that the floor gets so dirty underneath beds? I believe it is the kitties playing jokes on me ... but who knows.

I first took all the furniture (including mounted shelves) out of the small room. Cleaned the walls, blinds and steamed the carpets. While the floors dried I took everything out of the larger room and then cleaned all of it. While the second room dried I moved stuff back into the first and then back into the larger. The craft room just has everything in it - but has not been set up (to my design yet). The design will take some wood working from Mike, which we might not get to until September. The spaces are much crisper and easier to use now.

Bugs Bugs Bugs

You know that song, Girls Girls Girls ... who needs that when you can have Bugs Bugs Bugs.

First off - I was picking tomatoes and I noted that the tops of the plants were all eaten off. I started looking closer and saw the dreaded tomato eating bugs. They can get really big.




Then, I see a new orb weaver. And it is a beauty! I need to see if I can get on the other side of it to get a better photo. Plus it is pretty high up - which makes taking a photo tough.

Odds and Ends

Note to self: Don't start a blog on 8.15.06 and get back to it on 8.20.06 and expect you can remember what it is you wanted to say.

Things that I don't get or drive me nuts.
1. The word unique. I freaking hate it. There is nothing unique about it. Over used. Used incorrectly. I hate it.
2.Terrible books that turn around part way through. How do you know to keep reading? Why not just put them down?


I'll update you on the weekend though. Mike and I spent most of the time down in ABQ at Sandia Motorsports.


Mike did really well. Coming in 3rd (in one of the best races I've ever seen), and 6th or 7th in another (I couldn't keep track of the racers). On Saturday night we watched V For Vendetta. I found the movie to be ... appropriate for this day and age. The acting was great and the story was lovely. I'd recommend it - if you haven't seen it.

On another front, Dana and I got tattoos on Friday. Dana got lovely blue ocean waves and I got another one as well. I know, I know - aren't I old enough to have it out of my system? I say .... POTKU can do anything she wants and no one can say a word about it.

I've found this to be super handy and a nice little database for books.

Favorite new word: corporeal

Red Rum ?

Red hair - did you ask for red hair? Too red? Too unnatural?

We've Got The Beet

The Go-Go's have nothing on my garden!

Photo Update

Mike got home last night. Late, but he got home. Sounds like his trip was interesting - interesting enough to want to come home quickly. While driving down to ABQ I figured out my favorite book of all time. I've been thinking about it for a while now. And have finally figured it out.

The gnome has been knocked down - again - the skunks have been busy these past couple nights.

My squash, tomatoes and flowers are growing well in all the rain.