Great Weekend.

Friday after work I got home and finished packing a few items for the weekend. When Needles and Jenny from the Blog arrived we all packed up and headed South to the promise land. We made good time and arrived around 6pm. When we got there we got to visit for a bit and then ordered Pizza by the Guy. The pizza was amazing and after our stomachs were full ,we sat in the screen porch and chatted with each other until it was time to go in. We were all tired and Cynical called it a night and we followed shortly after. The next morning we woke up to enjoy coffee, fresh fruit and begals. After that we went to the Halloween shops to see what they had new this year. I scored a Morbid Industries T-shirt at the first store and Grimrot latex prop at the second. After my Halloween shopping we went to a Japanese restaurant called the Tokyo and we all enjoyed the beef and the yum yum sauce. I have to say that the food was very good but I still think I prefer the Shoguns rice. After I cleaned everything off my plate it was time to return home and await the guests of Cynical and Raggeds house warming party. Around 4pm Rudy, Brando, Yin, Yuri, Mom and Dad arrived and got a brief tour of the place. Rudy, Brando, Yin, Mom, Needles and I made another run to the Halloween stores and Big Lots and then returned in time for the party. In the next few minutes several people arrived and brought all sorts of amazing foods for the party. After we all gathered outside where there was a quick announcement, prayer and then we all descended on the food like a bunch of wild dogs. Not really. I quickly yet orderly got into the food line and filled my plate to maximum capacity and then went to my lawn chair to devour my gatherings. In short order I was back for round 2 and then 3. Before long I lapsing in and out of a food coma and my higher brain functions were shutting down so that my stomach could digest the food in my belly. In a few hours the limited cognitive abilities I had seemed to return and I got to visit with several guests and my family. We sat in the lawn chairs and visited with Raggeds family until late into the night. I think we finally turned in around midnight. It wasn't long until I was ready for bed. Sunday we had party left overs for breakfast and don't think that the term leftovers is derogatory because it isn't in the least. I had BBQ and for dessert 3 kinds of cake. Leftovers ROCK! After we made a run to the mall for Needles to get her ring checked and cleaned we returned home for more leftovers and in no time at all it was time to go home. We left around 2:30pm and made our way back North, sent with a togo of more leftovers and drinks for the road from Ragged. Needles drove with Jenny riding shotgun, while I napped in the back seat. When we were North of Mt. C I thought I would text Rudy and Brando and see where they were. It was just a few minutes later that I heard Needles say "Is that Brando's minivan?" Then there was a white streak blowing around us with Brando waving like a mad person in the passenger side window. Before long we were pulling into the driveway of our home. Our fuzzy housemates were affectionate in our return and within minutes I was collapsed on the couch. It was a great weekend spent with great people and I ate some great food. What else could you ask for. :)

PS. Guess what we had for supper tonight...........party leftovers. Oh and Cynical the last piece of HOLY COW cake is still in the fridge.

One up, one down.

We took Copper to the vet Monday for a follow up visit. He came back fine other than his B12 level was alittle low in his blood. They gave me some $15 brown fluid that I get to squirt down his throat once a day for a few days. He loves that let me tell ya. I love it too since when I am done I am cleaning up brown drops off of him, me and the floor when finished. When Copper got home from the vet last Monday he was very sneezy. I think he picked up a cold while at the vet. A couple of days later we noticed Tugger being kinda erpy. He was straightening his head and licking his lips and mouth alot. He also had the occasional hack and sneeze. Yesterday Tugger wasn't interested in eatting at all. Today when I got home I found Tugger running from the back room licking his lips so I am guess he got his appetite back. Needles came home with some soft food and Tugger mowed through it in no time. I think both of our kitties are on the mend but it has been a house of sickly felines for the last few days. It was getting to the point that I was getting worried about our weekend plans but I think we are OK now.

Every afternoon this week has been helping with Halloween decorations. I think a lot of the heavy lifting is done but there is still lots to do.

Preparations

Today I spent about 8 hours at a friends house helping him get ready for the upcoming party and holiday. Today we put up a archway and set out all the cemetery fencing. We also got a couple of loads of Halloween items out of storage to be put up later. At the end of the day I was wiped out and heading home where Needles had made soup beans and sour kraut. Yum. After I got my belly full I had to lay down for a brief but refreshing nap. We got a lot done today but there is still lots to do. I would say we are about 20% done and with 24 day left I think if we can have a few more productive days we might just get it all done in time.

This is a scarecrow that I worked on for "G". He is a beach ball with chicken wire for shaping, several layers of paper machete and cotton balls to give it facial features and then several layers of latex then painted. His body (not pictured) is grapevines with some black material for clothing. He stands about 8 foot tall.

Fish Pond

Check out my new fish pond in my blog gutter. Just scroll down a little and it's on the right. Don't forget to feed them. Just click on the water and watch them go into a feeding frenzy. Click on the icon in the top left corner to get you own.

Funny

Home is where Copper is.

Today after work I stopped by the vet to pick up my little sickly one. I got there and stood waiting of the bill to be tallied. After about 5 minutes of them scratching their head I began to wonder and then the lady had to take the bill into the back office to look it over. This is when I began to worry. I was afraid I might have to take out a small loan to bring Copper home. They looked it over and did some adjusting as some of the charges had been added twice making the bill almost double what it was. I am glad they took the time to look it over and adjust it to something a little less jaw dropping. Copper is home on a special diet and has a follow up appointment on Monday. He seems to be doing well and walked into the house like he never was gone. Tugger however was a different story. Hissing and slinking away to his table was what he considered a welcome home. Today I have been a little sore. Yesterday after all the wind I thought I would go onto the roof and secure the antenna a little more since it seemed to be leaning just a little. I used my A frame ladder since the extension ladder was back at Mom and Dad's. I set the ladder and started up only to get on the 3rd or 4th rung and one of the legs sunk into the ground. This is when gravity kicked my arse to the ground. I got up with my ego bruised but non the worse for wear. Today I am a bit sore on the left side of my chest but I think I will live. Also yesterday we joined the ranks of the powerless. Our power blinked off and on a couple of times but at 12:30pm our power was gone and didn't come back for over 4 hours. If Ike was this windy here just imagine what it was like in Texas. Those poor people.

Copper Is Coming Home.

This morning I received a call from the vet. She said Copper was eatting and drinking and seemed to be doing much better today. He seems more interested in his surrounding and should be good to come home tomorrow. She said that he still hasn't had a bowel movement but she thinks this will come in time. With him in strange surroundings and cooped up in a small cage he might not "go" until he comes home. She said some cats are particular on where they go. I will be glad to get him home but not so glad to see the cost of his stay at Hotel Animal Hospital.

Copper update.

Thursday morning I took Copper to the Vet. While at work they called and said that his blood work and stool samples were normal and other than a little dehydrated from the vomiting and diarrhea this was fine. They wanted to do an Xray to make sure he didn't have a blockage but would need to sedate him due to some crankiness. His X-rays came back fine and they said they would want to keep him until he ate and had a bowel movement. Yesterday when I visited the vet's office after work they said that he didn't eat at all and was drinking water, but he hadn't vomited today. This was the first day he hadn't in 5 days he hadn't thrown up. This morning they were going to start him on gruel (soft watery food) and see how this went. About 10am I received a call and they said that he didn't have a fever and he was eating food but he hasn't had a bowel movement yet. They suggested keeping him until Monday and they felt like he would be ready to come home then. The vet said that when they opened the door to his cage this morning he shot out of it and down the hall. This is the most active he has been since this whole ordeal. I think we got some good news and that things are getting better so we will wait and see how things go. They said they would call me tomorrow on his progress and Monday we will hopefully get to bring him home.

Sickly Housemate.

This week (Monday) started with Copper getting sick alot and not eatting much. Tuesday was more of the same with Copper having diarrhea and green tinged vomit. Last night we came home to 3 puddles of green puke and Copper very lethargic and sickly. He was able to drink alittle and I did get him to drink some of the liquid out of a can of samon. This morning I had enough as I am sure he had also. I crated him up and off to the vet we went. I got a call around 1:30pm saying that his lab work showed him to be dehydrated and they were giving him fluids. They also wanted to do an X ray of his belly to check for obstruction. They asked if they could sedate him as he was "cranky". Does this sound familiar Ragged and Cynical? Anyway I haven't heard anything so he is staying the night at the vet. Tomorrow I hope to get an update. I hope to bring puky back home.

Productive day.

This morning I woke up a few hours before Needles. I started off with grinding and brewing a pot of 89er's blend coffee. After I started on my first cup I thought I would get breakfast ready even though sleepy head was still in bed. I started the beacon and sausage and after I got them going I went check on sleeping beauty. I had hopes that some of the smell of the coffee and food would make it into the bedroom and rouse Needles from her slumber. Before long, just as I was starting the eggs and the toast was a little over done, she strolled into the kitchen. A good morning sweety and in a few minutes we were at the kitchen table with breakfast in front of us with a cup of joe and apple-strawberry-banana juice. After breakfast we had a job to do. The shower was in need of a little repair so we jumped into the car and went to the big city. A quick stop at ACE hardware to get a part and we were on our way home. When I started working on the shower I got done in a flash and tested my work......No change and I found out why. Another fitting had broken and was spraying water in the closet. Soooooo another quick trip to the big city to get another part and soon after I arrived home the shower was working once again. After that I decided to go into the garage and clean out the car and put in the new floor mats. After that I thought I would wash and wax the Jeep and after that was accomplished I changed the oil in purple truck. This was something had been needing done for several weeks and while I was at it I lubed the front end. After that was all done my stomach was telling me to find a bite to eat and just my luck Needles was inside making a tater tot casserole. It was very good and my belly was satisfied. I am now setting on the couch contemplating a nap and I think that is what I am going to do. Good evening folks.

Able to lease more building than he can remember...

It's John S. (Superman) McCain.

Awww.

Would you like a world where these animals can share the planet with us and our children?

Sarah Palin voted against these animals going on the endangered species list so that it wouldn't impact oil production in Alaska, but voted for wolves to be slaughtered by helicopter in the interest of increasing moose population. I would like to think we can share the planet with all of it's animals. Something to think about.

For some truth on Palin just click HERE.

Last Day of the Diary Dee

Our local ice cream shop is shutting down for the season. We usually stop by there maybe once a month. Since this luxury is going away for awhile we have stopped by the last three days. Saturday while Cynical and Ragged were here I got a large vanilla shake. Yesterday just before our company left we stopped back by the Dee. I got a large hot fudge sundae. Tonight since it is the last hoorah of the Dee I got a JUMBO hot fudge sundae. Jenny from the blog was supposed to visit today and enjoy the Dee with us but she had homework and couldn't make it. The last 3 days have been very yummy ones.

Weekend

Friday after an interesting day at work, I came home to await the arrival of our weekend guests. Around 6:30 pm Cynical and Ragged rolled in. We visited and enjoyed each others company. Shortly after they arrived, Rudy, Brando and the family came in and we all sat in the living room and conversed into the evening. Saturday morning we awoke early because the ladies wanted to get a jump on their project. After a breakfast of HUGE cinnamon rolls they were going to dye yarn and fiber. After a few hours they had their items ready for stemming so after they had everything put away we grilled hamburgers and went to the Dairy Dee for dessert. After dessert we visited Rudy and Brando's farm. We Wiied for a couple of hours and Rudy ordered pizza for supper. After the pizza was devoured we watched National Treasure 2. We arrived home around 10pm and in no time it was time for bed. This morning after bagels and cream cheese the ladies rinsed out the yarn that set over night. They hung the yarn on the rack to dry as we had warmed over hamburgers for lunch followed by another Dairy Dee run. When the yarn dried our guests decided it was time to head home. We tried to get them to stay another night but they had some fuzzy house guests that they had to get back home to. We enjoyed our guests and in a few weeks we will be heading South to visit them.

I'm Back!

Two Days, roughly 800 miles and seeing a different part of the country. Yesterday I left work around 2pm. My boss and I loaded up and left on a trip to Columbia, Missouri. We arrived at St. Louis around 5pm and awaited our contact to arrive and take us on the rest of our journey. After a couple of missed turns we arrived around 7:30pm. We ate at the Flat Branch Pub and Brewery. I had the smothered Sirloin and my boss enjoyed a pasta salad. For dessert we split Tiger Stripe ice cream which is an original dessert of the pub. It was very good. After we finshed out late supper it was time head to the hotel. We stayed at The Stoney Creek Inn. It is a nice hotel mixed with Bass Pro. Very rustic but also modern. It was very neat and I would recommend staying there if you get a chance. I was kicking myself for not taking my camera. This morning a 7:30am we met in the lobby and went to the Galley for our continental breakfast, then it was on the road again to our final destination. We arrived at Brookfield, MO. around 10am and was given a tour of Pershing Memorial Hospital. It is a small hospital like ours but is undergoing a major renovation. I was neat to see and we learned alot about our upcoming project. Around noon it was time to grab a bite to eat and get back on the road for our trip home. We left around 1:15 pm and I arrived home at 7pm, tired and ready to get out of the vehicle. It was a neat trip but very whirlwind and not alot of time to sight see. I am home now and ready just to rest and do nothing. I wish I didn't have to go to work tomorrow. Have a good holiday weekend everyone.

PS. The picture above is the room I stayed in. I got it off the interwebs. When you walk into the rooms they each have a cute stuffed animal on the bed with a sign to purchase them and take them home. Mine was a raccoon with a bandana around his neck. Very cute.

Going out of town.

This morning just after I walked into work my boss asked me if I was up for a road trip. "Always" I said. Apparently we are going to Columbia, MO. for a PACS demonstration. We will be leaving around 2pm Wednesday and coming back Thursday afternoon. This is my first business trip with the hospital and I am not sure what to expect. I hope it will be very informal. I will get more details tomorrow. Hopefully we will get some good eats.

Fast Weekend.

After a very trying Friday, Needles and I headed South to the promise land. We arrived down there around 7:20pm and was greeted by my parents and a feast. We ate and then reclined to the living room to catch up on things. Before long it was late and time to go to bed. We woke the next day to breakfast and then into town for some yard sales. I had my eye on items for our Halloween projects but came up empty. After we got home we went to Grandma's house for homemade pizza by my Aunt R. It was soooo good and of course I made a pig of myself. After that we got to visit with my Aunt R and her new puppy Izzy. Izzy is a Chihuahua and is very loving and affectionate. When we went back to Mom and Dad's we went on a ride on the property across the road from my parents. My Mom and Dad rode their golf cart and my Aunt R and Uncle A rode their golf cart. Needles and I rode Dad's new 4 wheeler. While we were riding the electric ice cream maker was churning away in the sink. When we arrived home after about an hour of riding the ice cream was ready. I again made a pig of myself and had 3 helpings. I could not tell you when the last time I had homemade ice cream. I thinking 15 years or more. Last night we stayed up until our eyes grew heavy and called it a night. This morning we ate breakfast and while Mom and Dad went to church, Needles and I took and ride back in the country side on the golf cart. I am still amazed at how well that thing is able to go in the woods. Around 1:30pm we decided it was time to go and made our goodbyes and headed North. We arrived home a little after 4pm and while the kitties were still locked up, cleaned house. I was so very much needed as it seems we haven't cleaned in awhile. It is now time for laundry, showers and getting ready for work tomorrow. Bleah!

Silly Olympics

Thanks Media For Lying.

It seems that the Georgia and Russian conflict has a bit more complex than the media has lead us to believe and decided to omit and sweep a few small details under the carpet. Lets just say they have put a Western spin on the story. Apparently South Ossetia in Georgia had some people loyal to Russia and Georgia sent the military to crack down on these separatists. "They were killing their own people, burning and looting homes, towns and anything else in their way." Russia moved in to stop this action and was accused of invading a sovern free country. It doesn't sound free to me. It would be like Texas killing off the Democrats to make sure the state stays red in the next election. Hmmm. Matter of fact I would put it past these jokers in the White House. Another thing that wouldn't surprise me is that Bush and his buddy's would find some way to make a buck on the whole ordeal. This to me sounds a bit like Darfur in South Africa but that's another "little incident" we haven't heard much about because it doesn't sell papers, magazines and premotional spots in the TV. Isn't it interesting how our information is filtered, blended and strained for our consumption. You would almost think this is a free country. Thank You Patriot Act, but I am afraid this has been going on since the Vietnam "conflict".

Watching Antenna in HD.

Today after breakfast of bagels and 89er's blend coffee Needles and I went to the big city to do some shopping and some grocery getting. Little did she know that I had secretly planned to get an antenna for our local channels. After stopping by Needles work and visiting with her co worker, boss and bosses family we stopped in at the grocery store and then ran by JC Pennys which was fruitless. We walked down by Radio Shack and I asked if they had any TV antennas and about half way through my question I noticed the 10 ft antenna bolted to the ceiling in the shop so I stopped my question short. I said "I need one of those" and he said "that was the biggest one they have in stock". I said "I need one" and they started to bring the box from the back. I thought the box would be about 6ft long and easily fit in the car with the back seat down. NO. This thing was 8ft long and there was no way. I told them we had a little more shopping to do and I would be back withe the truck. We then stopped to eat at Wendy's and then dropped by Wally World on the way home. We then returned home and got the truck to return for our purchases. After home the work began. I was determined to get this thing up so that we can at least watch the last week of the Olympics. No thanks to DirecTV since they have no plans in ever getting local channels in our area. Our Olympic viewing consisted of 2 hours from 5 to 7pm in the evening and they were mostly the off games like marble shooting and who can make the largest belly button lint ball. By the way I would so rule in that competition. I would bring USA the gold with a little bit of white and gray mixed in. Anyway we started to work on the antenna about 4pm and had it up and running in about 3 hours. There were several tough issues with this little venture. Our old antenna had lost all of its aerials and didn't work at all. Also the bolts that attached the antenna to the pole was rusted so that I couldn't get it off. I took a pair of side cuts to cut the bolts but standing 20 ft in the air and cut bolts with one hand while trying not to fall and kill myself was tricky. After an attempt to cut the bolts failed I began to beat on the bracket with a hammer. The top bracket came off quickly but then the bottom bracket started to go and bend to my left, then snap and boom the thing was on the ground. I fell 3 inches from the neighbors wooden fence. If it would have went to my right it would have taken out the phone line and to the left would have been the power line. Both not good options so it fell exactly as it needed to and avoided any issue. I guess a little luck shines on you every once and a while. After that it was a challenge to hoist an fully expanded antenna attached to a ten foot mast to the roof. Last but probably the hardest part about the while ordeal was trying to fish the coaxe cable through the wall to took it up. We finally manage to get it all done and then came the moment of truth. To see how many channels we get. After pointing the antenna to Terre Haute our market area we did the scan and got 6 analog and 10 digital channels. I was thrilled and started to watch the Olympics but after about 45 minutes the channel started to fade and the digital channel broke up and was gone. I thought might as well try Evansville and pointed the antenna in that general direction. I went inside and did a channel scan and was amazed that we could pick up 9 analog and 15 digital channels. I pulled out my GPS to see which city was closest thinking Terre Haute was since we are considered in their market and not eligible for local channels and was surprised that Evansville is 53 miles as the crow flies. Terre Haute is 58 miles. Hmmm. Anyway we have all the channels from Eville and also can pick up a few Terre Haute channels too. I am pleased with the purchase and am thrilled to finally have our local channels. No more waiting for Heros to rerun on Scifi. Take that DirecTV!