This Week...

Loving this Fall weather!

Almost time to settle the daffodils and tulips in for their long winter nap...and still need to add a pumpkin or two.

Completely relaxing today.

Baking a rich carrot cake to frost with cream cheese icing and walnuts. Bacon rendering to put of a kettle of beans with bacon seasoning, cornbread and butter and cole slaw. Sweet tea, of course.

Working a bit on my long neglected Fall Landscape Painting tonight.

Which will eventually be a pumpkin field.

Excited to hear that Jill (Lennon's Bio-Mom) had several of her paintings available on Etsy!

See for yourself.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WayBackMachineFinds?ref=search_shop_redirect

Very cool!

She does nice work and has a style all her own.

Decorated for Fall.

Sofi and Shelby appear to be buddies..in some instances even ganging up on me...lol

"What did you say her password was again?" ~Sofi

"You have to get on eBay first."  ~Shelby


"I don't remember ordering all these cat treats."  ~Me to the Fed Ex Guy

Nice to see them getting on though.

Finally, even eating breakfast together.

That took a while.

Great week. Well...except for that Confirmation Hearing Thing.

Brunch with Diane early on. I brought her some of the Comb Georgia Wildflower Honey I just bought. She brought me some of her Pumpkin Spiced Cookies with Dried Fruits and Nuts she made and The Recipe!!! Going to try to bake some myself soon. If it works out...I will share it here.

Saw this in the news and thought

Yeah...this would be me.

(...and no..I'm not selling...)

Guy had been using this as a doorstop for years and years.

Turns out it is a Meteorite...and is worth a cool 100,000 dollars.

Who knew, right?

John and I watched the Colts-Pats game on Thursday together

(...and who the hell thought starting a game at 8:30 was a good idea, anyway??? We're old...dammit!) 

Dearest mother — The men have mended their wounds and spirits in short order. They had little choice. We must move out this morning to begin our march to Boston. There, Gen. “Stoneface” Belichick and his band of Patriots await battle. Our unit yearns for another victory. — Andrew

Dearest mother — We have reached the outskirts of Boston. Our unit tracked the Patriot men by the smell of baked beans and their unique — almost always shouting — dialect. Tomorrow night, we battle. For now, I shall take some Squirrel Oil and then target practice. — Andrew

and after the loss

Dearest mother — We were bested by Capt. Brady, the behemoth known simply as Gronk and the rest of the Patriot men. My sidearm was true, my sight tremendous. Largely, we gave as good as we got in the exchange of fire. But, alas, the battle plan fell through. Now, onward. — Andrew


Despite our loss, it was a really good game. Started slow...but heated up during the 3rd and 4th Quarter.

Despite the fact that many of our good players were out with injuries...and we lost two more during the game and were basically playing with a shell of the team.

And mistakes were made.

One touchdown taken back on review.

Two fumbles by Rogers after amazing passes by Luck in the endzone.

(...to put this in perspective...if they had not taken back the touchdown and Rogers had used Squirrel TAR instead of oil...we would have WON against Brady and The Patriots...with half of our regular team off on the injured list...)

Can't wait to see how we do with everyone intact.

Might be an incredible season.

Speaking of INCREDIBLE..John brought my attention to this player for Kansas this year

                                                Patrick Mahomes

 This 23 year old, 230 pound Quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs is a force of nature and has nowhere to go but up!  Already breaking records and he is a rookie.

He also is proficient at baseball with a 90 mph pitch.

He clocked 62 MPH on his football pass.

But if you want to be really impressed watch this play

https://www.chiefs.com/video/patrick-mahomes-runs-in-first-career-rushing-touchdown

When tackled still holding the ball in his right hand...no problem...he simply transfers it to his left hand and fires off the pass anyway...just brilliant.

And "No" I have never seen a play like this before, either...

Coaches everywhere must be scribbling furiously in their playbooks.

(...if they start using it...they should name the play after this kid...)

Anxious to watch his progress.

The Colts seem to be progressing as well...despite the 1-4. Obviously Luck has his shoulder back and his passing was phenomenal in the last game.

Maybe it is the Squirrel Oil?

(...yes...these are a thing now...)

Enjoying watching the oldest let his neighbors, co-workers et al try his Carolina Reapers (now ripe)

Including a video of him eating a whole one.

These are literally the hottest peppers in the world. 2,2000,000 SHU

(in comparison Ghost Peppers rank around 1,041,000 SHU)

These burn all the way through.
Evil little things.

For those who dare they have the One Chip Challenge

One Carolina Reaper Chip that comes pre-packaged in a tiny coffin.

(...don't worry about the serving size...one is all you will ever eat...)

if you can even still find them. They are rare now.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Paqui-One-Chip-Challenge-Hottest-Spicy-Carolina-Reaper-Pepper-Tortilla-Snack-/202452315288?oid=183041395304

I am still thinking eating a fresh whole Reaper is way way hotter than any chip could ever be.

No new movie this week. Modem issues. 

Chris is over later today to help me sort my new Modem...the current one failing a lot now.

(...I may owe Comcast an apology...it seems it really wasn't them..but my old equipment...)

The Book

A compilation of Sicilian Investigator Salvo Montalbano's early cases.

This novella comprised of 8 of Cammileri's best short stories.

Read one...lay it down...enjoy a second one later on.

Everything we have come to love about this writer, and his fictional Inspector.

(....an aside...in these early stories you can get a wonderful feel for his character development...especially Fazio...)

Loved it.
If you are a Cammileri fan, you will too!

Chatted with Loretta yesterday. She, having had her second surgery now and doing well. Athough we talk twice a day and write weekly...missing our nearly every other day visits. I wish the Rehab was closer. 

Amber and I are planning a November trek out to see her.

Not much longer now....as John and I anxiously count down the days until our October
"Us Time" 

Overnight at a nearby Inn...and meeting his "Out to Brunch Bunch" the next day at Rick's Boatyard Cafe!

 Sitting just off Eagle Creek the atmosphere is amazing and the food is even better. Best Creme Brulee you will ever taste.

Haven't been here in decades.

Soon...


Tomorrow we will begin Virtual Queenland, Australia!



















          

The Kavanaugh Confirmation

Like Diogenes...I was looking for one honest man.

Okay...maybe two...

And they didn't even have to be men.

Alas in the GOP Congressional Congress these days, even THAT was too much to ask.

When Mitch took the podium to pontificate before the actual vote...I had to mute him. Just couldn't listen to the gloat and bullshit today.

As they called the roster I listened once again...hoping against hope that Flake or Collins, Corker or Manchin...or maybe even another of the GOP would see what a travesty shoving this ill-suited man through for a lifetime appointment on the SCOTUS, really was...and vote against his party.

I listened to the screams and protest in the Galley and watched as Mike Pence repeatedly had to call the Sgt. of Arms to silence them. 

...I want to stop here to share a story of a psychiatric patient of mine from my Nursing years...

This is relevant, as you will understand, when you complete reading it. 

My patient (let's call him Karl) was an elderly German man who immigrated after WWII to New York. He had been in and out of psychiatric for the years since (his history stated). One day he was shipped from Chicago to my Lock-down Unit.

Lock-down is where they put you when you will not be joining civilization again.

EVER.

Karl spoke high German, was polite but firm, was extremely OC, and had horrific nightmares. Tattooed on his arm was a declaration of love to a particular frauline. Also tattooed on him was a number and under it the words Panzer Division. 

Do I know how much my patient actually saw during WWII?  

No.

Did he slip though the cracks and was a Nazi or SS Member? He was certainly the right age and carried himself with a military bearing.  

I don't know.

I will never know. 

Karl died, one winter, and took his former life secrets with him.

I was his "Krankenschwester" (nurse)

What I do know...is the dreams. The nightmares...that would wake him in a cold sweat sometimes crying out. What I saw in the wall next to his bed were the fingernail-marks...deep grooved scratches through the paint and plasterboard resulting from the residual horrors that only he saw. 

When he talked about them the word that came out frequently was

"Schreiend"

It translates- Screaming. 

Now, I am not going to sit here and even try to make you believe that the screams that Karl had in his nightmares (for whatever reason) were in any way equal to the women in that gallery today. Obviously the screams that Karl encountered in his life had caused him to lose his mind.

What I am going to say, is that I hope Pence...and the SGT. of Arms who stifled them...and the rest of Congress (GOP & DEMOCRATS alike) go home tonight with those screams in their heads for the rest of their lives.

I know I will.

When the roster was finished and the vote confirmed I turned it off. Took a hot  bubble bath. Fixed an entirely too large bowl of pasta and indulged in it. And took a deep breath.

Today is why I will ALWAYS be a practicing Buddhist...and never a Buddha. 

(Well...the GOP and to a lesser extent Comcast Tech Support) 

Indiana's early voting begins next week.

I am taking the weekend to Center.

Next week I will VOTE.

Over the next 30 days I will support Democratic races nationwide, but particularly Senator Joe Donnelly who is up for re-election in my bright red Republican state.

And I will BELIEVE that after 2018 Midterms we can begin to right this badly foundering ship.

We have to.


More anon...

Virtual Australia: Queensland Overview

The final state in Australia...then one territory, and we've successfully explored the whole of Australia this year.

Qld, AU.  Queensland. Named as a tribute to Queen Victoria.

Situated in the North East it is bordered by the Northern Territory, The Coral Sea and The Pacific Ocean.

It is in Queensland we will learn more about the Aboriginal People of Australia and the unthinkable separation of the children during The Stolen Generation and watch the film "The Rabbit Proof Fence"  A true story about 3 children ( now adults) who were victims of this horrible tragedy.

We will Discover Brisbane together!

Listen to the drone of a Didgeridoo.

Check out Some Aboriginal Art.

Other things to discover/explore here include:

The Great Barrier Reef

Check out the Undara Lava Tube, Savannah Way

See Daydream Island and the Whitsundays

Ride the Skyrail Rainforest to Kuranda and the Cairns (and maybe build our own)

Enjoy the Sights and Photography opportunity at Cobbold Gorge, Savannah Way

Get away to Bunya Mountains

Kayak the Shipwrecks of Tangalooma, Moreton Island

Enjoy a Spa Day on Hayman Island in the Whitsundays

See Dreamworld Theme Park on the Gold Coast

And, lastly, see the Sunrise at Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast and the Sunset at 
Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast. 

Come along on our Virtual Adventure of Queensland.

 More soon!

Those Bastards...Those Insufferable Bastards...

Yes...as you probably already imagined...this is a political rant.

Hide the women and children and avert your eyes.

Better still, close this page, if you are still

1. A Trump Supporter

2. A McConnell, Grassley, Hatch, or Graham Supporter

3. Prefer Alternative Facts to Reality.

So the "investigation" into SCOTUS nominee has started...but very few of the known witness have been questioned...which explains the quotes.

And Mitch (turtleman) McConnell says only the Senate is to see the results of it, anyway...

"No soup for you!!!!!"

In the midst of everything Trump held one of his "stroke my fragile ego" rallies and openly MOCKED sexual assault survivor, Ford.

I don't know what was worse....his actually doing it...or his base behind him on camera laughing and clapping while it was happening.

I felt a bit nauseated.

Many spoke out against the behavior....including a few members of the GOP.

Murkowski, Flake and Collins were appalled.

How appalled were they?

We will see Friday when they put Kavanaugh to confirmation vote on the floor.

Even Lindsey "Mom wanted a girl" Graham spoke out saying he wished Trump had not done it.

Followed closely by Press Secretary (and woman who looks a lot like a cast extra for The Munsters) Sarah Sanders

Who told us that IT NEVER HAPPENED.

"Who ya gonna believe...me, or your lying eyes???"

Even though it is on film...taken live while he was mocking her...with audio...and closed caption.

But yeah...whatever.

And FFS...why are we EVEN having this conversation?

Brett "I am ENTITLED to the Supreme Court Seat...you silly peasants" Kavanaugh.

Imagine this guy...going into anywhere (a goddamn McDonalds even) and shouting at the interviewer for a job. Alternately weeping. Saying he likes beer a lot...and sometimes drinks too many of them...oh and he is wearing this look.

Now imagine he may or may not be involved in several sexual attacks.

And he is spouting partisan phrases.

(...McDonalds is okay...but you know who really has great food...Burger King)

Yeah...no Happy Meal Employment for you..my friend.

The fact the GOP is still trying to defend & confirm this Human Excrement is...is...

Precisely what I have come to EXPECT from them, sadly.

There is a valid reason behind the insanity, though.

In only 34 days...the Midterms and Big Blue Wave is going to crash through the House and Senate.

Some of them have already decided to just resign and are jumping off the Titanic. (Corker..Flake...I'm looking at you)

Some of them realize that they have very little left to lose...are going to lose, and are determined to get another Conservative confirmed on the Supreme Court...even if he is a LOT dodgy. (Cruz, McConnell)

Some of them are old and arrogant and not up for re-election until 2020 or later.
(Graham, Grassley)

Yes....hanging my hopes on a historically wobbly star and wishing that Flake, Murkowski and Collins will do the right thing...

But not holding my breath.

We will see.

A bright spot in this whole mess...

 This guy.

Beto O' Roarke

(pronounced Beh-toh)

Who has the Willie Nelson Seal of Approval...and is now several points AHEAD of Ted "creepy smile" Cruz.

YES...TEXAS is standing in support of the Progressive candidate.

EVERYBODY loves Beto!

(...and no matter how cool you are...seriously...you will never be "sweaty just finished a set hanging with Willie Fucking Nelson" cool...okay?)

Barring any unforeseen Howard Dean Scream Moments...one day this young man is going to be the POTUS.

You heard it here first.

Remember that.

I know these things.


More as it comes...

Virtual Australia: Willie Creek Pearl Farm- Broome WA

Willie Creek Pearl Farm (established 2005) boasts some of the most beautiful and expensive pearls in the world.

Unlike Chinatown in Sydney...we will not be buy any of these as a souvenir of our virtual visit down-under.

With their most modestly priced item 

A single white pearl pendant set in 18K white gold starting at $450.

To their most extravagant strand with 18k white gold clasp

Which starts at 24,900.00

Right then...we'll take two, eh?


https://www.williecreekpearls.com.au/pages/shop-by-piece

The pearl farm has become a tourist attraction offering visitors a tour of the production...a chance to see pearl culturing from start to finish. Seeding and a boat trip out to the oyster beds. The finale being the opening of one of the oysters and showing the fully developed South Sea Cultured Pearl within.

A gift shop and cafe located on the grounds.

Willie Creek Tour

https://youtu.be/80WD14U4UH0

A History of Willie Creek Pearls

https://youtu.be/SGbNQmG7wfI

And now...with 1 state and one territory left and only a few months remaining in the year...we must move on from Western, AU to our next.  That being Queensland.

 More Anon...

October...Last Week...and Sleeping Sofi

October...at last!

Much cooler now. The arbor twined with vines and fall leaves. Potted mums, a few of summer's flowers blooming again...for one more go...herbs ready to cut and dry for winter, and soon pumpkins. Hot tea and comb honey, pumpkin bread with nuts and dried cranberries baking.

Last week so packed with activity that I am finally getting around to blog it.

Early in the week, Diane and I met up for a Mexican brunch and some shopping. She brought me more of the fig jam that I am so hooked on...and I brought her some oatmeal and lavender bar soaps that she loves.  Fajitas and some seasonal shopping.

We both found some great mums together.

On the 27th...although it was not Our Team...John and I watched the Lions-Patriots game together (okay..online...messaging back and forth split screen) it was great fun...also popcorn...lol. Nice to see the Lions win. It was an exciting game!  

This Thursday we are going to do it again...this time with Our Colts and New England. 

It would be nice to get a win over the Patriots!

Sunday's game with the Texans. Good game...we lost but it was anybody's game right up to the final minutes.

There has been much bitching about Reich's call to try to win instead of just taking the punt and tying back up the game in overtime...but...seriously, isn't playing it safe the way we lost and lost and then lost some more when Pagano was coaching.

Incidentally, if the play had worked all these armchair quarterbacks would have been touting Reich as a god right now.

So...I still think going for the win instead of the tie was a great move and the kind of balls-to-the-wall coach we need. 

Anxious to see how we do with the Patriots this Thursday Night.

As an aside- it is nice to have a football buddy.  Bill never cared for the game and never watched it with me. When the boys were very little (and The Chicago Bears with Ditka were a force of nature) and even before children, I always loved the game...and never missed a Superbowl.

Saturday enjoyed a Chinese Brunch with Tina (my soon to be DIL) and talked about the wedding-to-come and the honeymoon.

DISNEY!

Where else...lol.

And discussed colors and soon to get my Mother-Of-The-Groom Dress.

Chris came over that evening and caught up with each other in a 5 hour chat-a-thon. It was very nice. If you think your kids are amazing when they are little...they are incredible as ADULTS!

He has a birthday soon...29...and getting all that coordinated as well.

Sunday was Sisters Day...although Lisa was missing (her knee on the fritz) so we had to Skype her in...so it was just Tina and I...our first time EVER shopping together...Chinese Brunch and chat...and coming back here to COOK together for the first time in our lives!  

Tina and Sofi.

Tina's Pumpkin Pie

And she left me a slice for this morning's breakfast with coffee.

My Pumpkin Bread with Cranberries and Walnuts & Cream Cheese Icing

We chatted and laughed with Lisa while they were baking...and cut her a wedge of each. Tina is going to deliver them to her!

Already planning October's Sisters Day with Wine and Painting!

Tina found an online tutorial of three birds (symbolizing the three of us) on a branch at sunset.

Our brother, Mikey, has already donated some Blueberry Wine.

Tina has canvasses, and I have paints and a roll of brushes.

We're set!

Still in queue for FEAR, that Bob Woodward book.  Should be here before long.

 "Idgy" pointed me toward this week's movie. I hadn't even seen a preview for it.

Outstanding role for Jennifer Garner! 

Think a cross between Death Wish and Serpico.

Garner plays a woman whose husband and small daughter are shot and killed by drug cartel members.

Police are ineffective and corrupt.

Judges don't care or won't get involved.

Killers walk free.

So she trains and takes matters into her own hands.

Surprise ending and perfect.

You won't want to miss this one!

Also, last week Sofi found the ( warm) exhaust fan on the side of my computer. It was kitten nirvana.

  Must toast
the backside now...

And She's GONE.

Tomorrow we will finish Virtual Western, Australia with Willie's Pearl Farm. 

More Anon...