Saturday, January 19, 2019
Emma's Awards Night...Our Winter Visit...3 Day Weekend, Football, Grampa's Chili and Snow
Sofi pulling an ET.
Gathered some of my bears into the rocking chair after Christmas...and Sofi loves hiding in their midst!
Ready for the long weekend. In fact if the snow comes and the temperature really does dip Monday and Tuesday into below zero...I may just hibernate until Wednesday!
"Hibernation sounds good...and what is that wonderful smell?" - Sofi
Busy week.
Started Monday with Emma's Awards at the Cloverdale Town Board Meeting.
So proud of her.
They selected one student from each school (Elementary, Middle and HS) as student of the month...and recognize them as the board meeting. Nominations are made by Teachers, Other Students, Principals et al. And they are given engraved awards.
It was wonderful. We were all there. Grandma Nancy, Brendan and Aiden, James and Nicole and I. And as they read what everyone had said about her I was so proud.
Helpful to others.
Positive attitude.
Always Smiling.
Excellent Student.
And she surprised me...when they asked her future career aspiration she said she always wanted to have a little cafe or tearoom that makes and serves pastries.
Which years ago...used to be my dream!
James took everyone out for ice cream after the presentation and photos were over, and Nicole is going to make sure we all get copies of the paper when it is run.
We also had our Winter Visit and Brunch with Chris this week. It was my turn to host and I fixed Meatloaf and Mashies and Seasoned Greenbeans with Apple Strudel for afters.
He showed us a project he has been busy on since Christmas.
The assembly and painting of intricate models for a game that he and his friends are playing. Even the photos don't do this one justice...so many tiny parts and the detailed painting. The cloth-look of the cape even with tinier tears and cables projecting from them. It is Outstanding.
Political pontification. Catch up on Chris' Cisco Training, and plans for the wedding.
We all parted with See-You-In-Spring Plans.
They forecast snow for the weekend...though I haven't seen any yet...it has started raining. At first they said 12 inches, then 9...and I think the last I heard was 6. We will see.
~laughing~
Went out yesterday and picked up fixings for Grandpa's Chili because it is time!!!
Dad was (among other duties) a Mess Cook in the US Army in WWII. Every Winter as the temperatures dropped outside (when I was a kid) he would pull out an enormous cooking pot and make...his specialty...Chili.
Not just chili...but Grandpa's Chili. And no...you can't have the recipe.
It was a chopping, dicing, stewing, simmering all day affair...and well worth the wait.
I made mine last night for most of the weekend.
Chili, Snow, Three Day Weekend, Candlelit Baths and Football!
What's not to love?
So the Championship Games are Tomorrow.
Saints-vs-Rams
Chiefs-vs-Patriots
at 3:05 and 6:40 P M respectively.
It is no secret that I would love to see a Saints-Chiefs Superbowl...but we will see how it plays out. They have all had incredible seasons.
Oh...and for those of us who have been waiting and waiting and waiting for the Game of Thrones Finale...we now have a Mid-April date for its return.
What a grand early Birthday Gift!
Angie had a strange happening in her Secondhand Shoppe this week when one of the vendors brought in this doll
Which Angie described as
"A creepy haunted doll...you should hold it and feel how it feels"
"I'll pass."
Followed closely by saying that she thinks she is going to either buy it or give the woman her booth-space free until it is paid off.
Ummmmm...oh-kay.
Remembering a creepy doll I had first as a child...then later she made an appearance as an adult...
She was a Patti Playpal.
I named mine, Lynn.
And she looked exactly like this. She was easily as big as a four year old child. For the longest time she could wear my clothes.
She had hinged arms and legs and a soft stuffed body and could walk with you.
But at night...sitting in your room she was creepy as hell.
Even as an adult she was.
I left her in the garden shed when we lost our house in Bainbridge. She had (by then) been relegated to it for quite some time...and I wasn't bringing her with us.
Let her give somebody else nightmares.
(...yes...I know what she is worth now...and NO...I don't care...)
Nightmare...yes...that was the past week in politics, as well-
Just when you think he can't possibly get more tasteless...tackier...classless...
Yes.
When I first saw this photo I thought to myself
"Surely someone just photoshopped that"
Sadly...no.
What a damned embarrassment.
Inviting the College Champion Team to the White House for a dinner...and then serving them fast-food in their dress clothes. With McNugget Dipping Sauce in the Lincoln Silver Gravy Boats...still in their little cube plastic packages.
Unbelievable.
The Government is STILL shutdown.
28 days.
And Pelosi uninviting him from the SOTU Address...which as Speaker of The House she can do.
And him countering, refusing to let her use Military Transport to Afghanistan for a preplanned visit with the troops and NATO. Which is his right as CiC.
Trump trying to blame The Democrats for the shutdown even though when it happened he said clearly that
1. He would shut down the government unless he got funding for The Wall.
2. He would take responsibility for the shutdown and was proud to do it.
and the check's in the mail...it's only a cold-sore and I won't cu....well you know how the rest goes.
Today at 3 he has called a Press Conference. Says he wants to sweeten the deal so Pelosi and Schumer will agree to funding his wall. Offer them things that he says Democrats want.
I feel really badly for the 800,000 people who have to live without pay while this mess persists...I really do...but-
No still means no.
We don't govern by hostage taking.
Pass the budget deal...reopen the government...then we can negotiate about Border Security...m'kay?
We'll see what happens.
Meanwhile Guiliani is spouting random incriminating things...Cohen is talking...Mueller is winding down his investigation...impeachment and indictments are on the way...
Oh, and Trump is STILL going to end up in Federal Prison.
Steve King (Iowa's 4th District)
After spouting NAZI crap...because...well he is a White Supremacist...and that is kind of what they do...was rebuked by the GOP this week and may face Resignation.
Leading some to see him as
A Sacrificial Offering on the Alter of "Don't Throw Us Out in 2020"
But I have a very different take on it.
I think the GOP is using him like this
As a Canary in the Coal Mine...
Just to see what the public outcry will or will not be.
If they can do this without severe backlash, then can Trump and Impeachment and Removal be far behind?
They saw their future in 2018 when there were 40 Seats lost in the House. Enlightened self interest is going to kick in before the 2020 Elections.
We will see...
Have a Great Relaxing Three Day Weekend!
Monday, January 14, 2019
The Playoffs...and Sofi
Sofi's "explosion" happened yesterday...so predictably you could almost mark your calendar by it...
Today is her "messy" day, and so this morning necessitated a Onesie.
She is getting better about the pajamas...but we may have to rethink the diaper or find another approach to it. Possibly a pad inserted after the sleeper is on.
Those cats or kittens...cute balls of fluff with their pasty butts in diapers...must have started very young.
I have diapered plenty of human babies over my lifetime...but this one has razor sharp claws and teeth, and is more than willing to use them, amidst terrifying growls.
The bloodshed isn't worth it.
We are both adapting.
Yesterday was a day filled with Pizza and Football for me.
Life is good!
The Patriots eliminating The Chargers.
The Saints eliminating the Eagles.
Now it is down to next Sunday.
Saints
Rams
Patriots
Chiefs
With the winning teams heading to this year's Superbowl.
Hoping we get a Saints-Chiefs SB this year.
Now THAT would be a GAME!!!
Although,I love my Saints...would really like to see 23 year old Mahomes get his FIRST SB WIN with Missouri.
This kid has nowhere to go but up!
More anon...
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Brunch with Amelia Rose...Let it SNOW...Sofi Update and More
Sofi's First Mouse...
Yes...she killed it dead.
Thought she was sleeping quietly beside the computer with me...until the cursor stopped moving. Then discovered she had been gnawing away on the thin cord the whole time.
"Bad Kitty" ~Shelby
"Hey...it got her ATTENTION" ~Sofi
CATS.
Started the week out with my DIL, Youngest Grandson and Honorary Great-Grand Amelia Rose.
Such delightful ages (3 and 4)
And a wonderful afternoon.
Got some bad news later in the week.
Sofi-Kitten has been having a problem with her bowels for some time. I thought it had to do with what she was eating and did several switch-ups...to no avail. Specifically she has about 4 good days (no trouble at all) then she explodes...and has a pasty butt on the 5th day. All day. A constant dribble of feces.
The vet has tentatively diagnosed her with Manx Syndrome. Is is a form of spinal bifida seen in Manx kittens and can range from total paralysis of the back legs...to Mega Colon...constant incontinence and no sphincter control...or a partial combination of any of the above.
It reveals itself most commonly in Rumpies (which she is)
Study on Manx Syndrome
http://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC1789620&blobtype=pdf
There is no cure.
The good news is that it is not degenerative...so her problems will not get worse...except maybe arthritis in the missing spaces between vertebrates.
The bad news is...it is forever.
In some ways she is fortunate. If she had been a Manx Breeders kitten they would have recognized what was happening and she would have been immediately euthanized.
It was suggested as a course of action to me.
The surgery that might correct the Megacolon issue itself costs between $2000-$5,000 dollars...
"I think I could buy an actual live tiger cub for that!"
And there are no guarantees that she would live through it.
Megacolon in a Manx
By evening I had researched her condition pretty thoroughly and was in contact through various Manx Boards with others who had Manx Syndrome Fur Babies.
Some in much much worse shape than Sofi. A couple whose hindquarters were completely paralyzed yet still played and purred and despite their myriad of special needs seemed to have fairly good happy lives.
And I picked up so many tips.
I was referred at one point to this site
https://www.scrappysnappies.com/
Who makes custom to your cat fitted diapers and covers to keep them on.
and more immediate fixes...
Which is how I ended up at Sprawlmart in the Preemie Baby section.
For crate pads in case of the impending explosion (night) and Huggie's Preemie diapers (tiny) and onesies to hold them in place on the messy day.
As someone who never even dressed up my cats as a child...well...the trial run on a non-messy day was...let's just say...challenging. A lot of growling and biting involved. She was not amused!
But she eventually calmed down.
"Seriously???"
And since she is tailless...it is much easier, I would suppose.
By later, she had completely relaxed and fell asleep.
So I am tentatively claiming it as a success. We will know in a few days when she explodes again.
The rest of the time she can just run around like a normal kitten. And if you come over and she has a sleeper and diaper on...well, at least she won't slime you...or be leaving spots everywhere.
Even if I am back to diaper-duty occasionally at pushing 60...
She is totally worth it.
I've been waiting for it to act like WINTER...
And last night's Doppler Radar did not disappoint.
Woke this morning to a Winter Wonderland, with more on the way.
Very happy!
John and I abdicating our midweek getaway, and just going to combine it with our SB Party and Getaway.
Soon.
Both of us waiting with bated breath for today's game
Dearest mother — My time away from home shall be extended. The unit was victorious over the Texan men. Stupendous! It was a hard fought battle, but our lines held strong. I am so thrilled, my pen trembles as I write. My sidearm and resolve are true. I love you. — Andrew
Dearest mother — Our victory frolicking has ceased. We must now begin our march to Kansas City to battle a unit of such great stature, every member has been granted the title of Chief. Our path has been long and winding, but I have never seen the men’s spirits higher. — Andrew
Dearest mother — I have received your care package of braised pigeon shins and fresh Squirrel Oil. By way of Chief trickery, the unit lost a day’s travel after reaching Lawrence only to discover Kansas City is actually in Missouri. No bother. Our focus remains unfazed. — Andrew
Dearest mother — I write you as snow falls. The camp has settled down. The men are reflecting on the most meaningful moments of the campaign. They are as humble as they are grateful. Tomorrow shall be our most significant battle yet. We are ready for a fight. I love you. — Andrew
Only a handful of teams left standing and two games between us and the Superbowl.
This one and the next.
Obviously, we want a Colts Victory...but even if Mahomes pulls it off and The Chiefs win this one...we have had one hell of a season...
Popcorn at the ready and cannot wait until 4:30...
Update after the Game!
Go Colts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This will be Mahomes first PLAYOFF GAME....ever.
UPDATE: Dearest mother — It is with a heavy heart I inform you our campaign has ended. Our unit fell to the Chiefs on a snowy battlefield. While disappointed, I am extremely proud of all our accomplishments week after week, day after day, fight after fight. I shall see you soon. — Andrew
Yeah...it was bad. We lost 31 to 13. The season is over for us. Hoping that either The New Orleans Saints or The Chiefs make it to the SB. now. sigh.
The Chiefs did a great job and deserved the win,
It would be nice to see Mahomes make the SB at such a young age, this kid has nowhere to go but up!
Revisited a movie from 2010
This Week's Movie:
With an over the top performance from Vanessa Redgrave as an older woman who has left her Letter to Guilietta fifty years previously.
Amanda Seyfried's character discovers the hidden letter...and the two accompanied by her grandson set off through the Tuscan Countryside in search of her once beloved Lorenzo.
Just a great feel-good romantic comedy!
Try it...you might love it!
Still waiting more or less patiently in queue for Michelle Obama's new book.
and our government is STILL shut down.
22 Days now...surpassing the longest shut down ever...on President Clinton's Watch...also precipitated by the GOP.
The House Democrats have passed 3 bills to fund and reopen the government and Mitch McConnell (Senate Majority Leader) has refused to let ANY of them come to the Senate Floor for a vote.
What the actual fuck.
Trump had his "...let them eat cake..." moment this week when he said
"They will adjust...hold garage sales or pawn things"
SERIOUSLY.
You giant orange wankmaggot.
Watching the FBI's counter-intelligence move right now...which was apparently launched just after he fired Comey. So there is that.
Schumer asked Trump why he wouldn't let the budget be passed and the shutdown ended...told him people were hurting because of it- and his response
"Because you won't give me what I want..."
(the wall)
Proud of Pelosi and Schumer for not giving into this spoiled, tantrum throwing trust fund child who obviously hasn't been told "NO" many times in his life.
If you throw yourself kicking and screaming in the middle of the floor while shopping...don't expect a toy when you go out the door. Okay?
Remember if you are a parent of a toddler or are keeping a narcissistic politician at bay...and you cave...you will see these fits for the rest of your life.
True Story.
Slow Wintry Saturday here...finishing up a few chores, then a nice pre-game nap!
Have a Peaceful Weekend.
More Anon...
Yes...she killed it dead.
Thought she was sleeping quietly beside the computer with me...until the cursor stopped moving. Then discovered she had been gnawing away on the thin cord the whole time.
"Bad Kitty" ~Shelby
"Hey...it got her ATTENTION" ~Sofi
CATS.
Started the week out with my DIL, Youngest Grandson and Honorary Great-Grand Amelia Rose.
Such delightful ages (3 and 4)
And a wonderful afternoon.
Got some bad news later in the week.
Sofi-Kitten has been having a problem with her bowels for some time. I thought it had to do with what she was eating and did several switch-ups...to no avail. Specifically she has about 4 good days (no trouble at all) then she explodes...and has a pasty butt on the 5th day. All day. A constant dribble of feces.
The vet has tentatively diagnosed her with Manx Syndrome. Is is a form of spinal bifida seen in Manx kittens and can range from total paralysis of the back legs...to Mega Colon...constant incontinence and no sphincter control...or a partial combination of any of the above.
It reveals itself most commonly in Rumpies (which she is)
Study on Manx Syndrome
http://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC1789620&blobtype=pdf
There is no cure.
The good news is that it is not degenerative...so her problems will not get worse...except maybe arthritis in the missing spaces between vertebrates.
The bad news is...it is forever.
In some ways she is fortunate. If she had been a Manx Breeders kitten they would have recognized what was happening and she would have been immediately euthanized.
It was suggested as a course of action to me.
The surgery that might correct the Megacolon issue itself costs between $2000-$5,000 dollars...
"I think I could buy an actual live tiger cub for that!"
And there are no guarantees that she would live through it.
Megacolon in a Manx
By evening I had researched her condition pretty thoroughly and was in contact through various Manx Boards with others who had Manx Syndrome Fur Babies.
Some in much much worse shape than Sofi. A couple whose hindquarters were completely paralyzed yet still played and purred and despite their myriad of special needs seemed to have fairly good happy lives.
And I picked up so many tips.
I was referred at one point to this site
https://www.scrappysnappies.com/
Who makes custom to your cat fitted diapers and covers to keep them on.
and more immediate fixes...
Which is how I ended up at Sprawlmart in the Preemie Baby section.
For crate pads in case of the impending explosion (night) and Huggie's Preemie diapers (tiny) and onesies to hold them in place on the messy day.
As someone who never even dressed up my cats as a child...well...the trial run on a non-messy day was...let's just say...challenging. A lot of growling and biting involved. She was not amused!
But she eventually calmed down.
"Seriously???"
And since she is tailless...it is much easier, I would suppose.
By later, she had completely relaxed and fell asleep.
So I am tentatively claiming it as a success. We will know in a few days when she explodes again.
The rest of the time she can just run around like a normal kitten. And if you come over and she has a sleeper and diaper on...well, at least she won't slime you...or be leaving spots everywhere.
Even if I am back to diaper-duty occasionally at pushing 60...
She is totally worth it.
I've been waiting for it to act like WINTER...
And last night's Doppler Radar did not disappoint.
Woke this morning to a Winter Wonderland, with more on the way.
Very happy!
John and I abdicating our midweek getaway, and just going to combine it with our SB Party and Getaway.
Soon.
Both of us waiting with bated breath for today's game
Dearest mother — My time away from home shall be extended. The unit was victorious over the Texan men. Stupendous! It was a hard fought battle, but our lines held strong. I am so thrilled, my pen trembles as I write. My sidearm and resolve are true. I love you. — Andrew
Dearest mother — Our victory frolicking has ceased. We must now begin our march to Kansas City to battle a unit of such great stature, every member has been granted the title of Chief. Our path has been long and winding, but I have never seen the men’s spirits higher. — Andrew
Dearest mother — I have received your care package of braised pigeon shins and fresh Squirrel Oil. By way of Chief trickery, the unit lost a day’s travel after reaching Lawrence only to discover Kansas City is actually in Missouri. No bother. Our focus remains unfazed. — Andrew
Dearest mother — I write you as snow falls. The camp has settled down. The men are reflecting on the most meaningful moments of the campaign. They are as humble as they are grateful. Tomorrow shall be our most significant battle yet. We are ready for a fight. I love you. — Andrew
Only a handful of teams left standing and two games between us and the Superbowl.
This one and the next.
Obviously, we want a Colts Victory...but even if Mahomes pulls it off and The Chiefs win this one...we have had one hell of a season...
Popcorn at the ready and cannot wait until 4:30...
Update after the Game!
Go Colts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This will be Mahomes first PLAYOFF GAME....ever.
UPDATE: Dearest mother — It is with a heavy heart I inform you our campaign has ended. Our unit fell to the Chiefs on a snowy battlefield. While disappointed, I am extremely proud of all our accomplishments week after week, day after day, fight after fight. I shall see you soon. — Andrew
Yeah...it was bad. We lost 31 to 13. The season is over for us. Hoping that either The New Orleans Saints or The Chiefs make it to the SB. now. sigh.
The Chiefs did a great job and deserved the win,
It would be nice to see Mahomes make the SB at such a young age, this kid has nowhere to go but up!
Revisited a movie from 2010
This Week's Movie:
With an over the top performance from Vanessa Redgrave as an older woman who has left her Letter to Guilietta fifty years previously.
Amanda Seyfried's character discovers the hidden letter...and the two accompanied by her grandson set off through the Tuscan Countryside in search of her once beloved Lorenzo.
Just a great feel-good romantic comedy!
Try it...you might love it!
Still waiting more or less patiently in queue for Michelle Obama's new book.
and our government is STILL shut down.
22 Days now...surpassing the longest shut down ever...on President Clinton's Watch...also precipitated by the GOP.
The House Democrats have passed 3 bills to fund and reopen the government and Mitch McConnell (Senate Majority Leader) has refused to let ANY of them come to the Senate Floor for a vote.
What the actual fuck.
Trump had his "...let them eat cake..." moment this week when he said
"They will adjust...hold garage sales or pawn things"
SERIOUSLY.
You giant orange wankmaggot.
Watching the FBI's counter-intelligence move right now...which was apparently launched just after he fired Comey. So there is that.
Schumer asked Trump why he wouldn't let the budget be passed and the shutdown ended...told him people were hurting because of it- and his response
"Because you won't give me what I want..."
(the wall)
Proud of Pelosi and Schumer for not giving into this spoiled, tantrum throwing trust fund child who obviously hasn't been told "NO" many times in his life.
If you throw yourself kicking and screaming in the middle of the floor while shopping...don't expect a toy when you go out the door. Okay?
Remember if you are a parent of a toddler or are keeping a narcissistic politician at bay...and you cave...you will see these fits for the rest of your life.
True Story.
Slow Wintry Saturday here...finishing up a few chores, then a nice pre-game nap!
Have a Peaceful Weekend.
More Anon...
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Life List #2: Verona and Guiletta's House, Balcony, Letters and Wall
Recently watched the 2010
motion picture
Letters to Juliet
Since I have always wanted to
see Verona
and
Casa di Guiletta
And maybe even write
a
note of my own
No time
like the
present.
Casa di Guiletta
First you have to
keep in mind
that
Romeo and Juliet
was a play
written in
1597
by
William Shakespeare
There was no
Romeo
or
Juliet
(although there have certainly always been impulsive tragic teen couples)
This home was bought in Verona
by the Capello family
in 1905
The Balcony was added later
(actually a stone sarcophagus...try not to think about it)
and
Casa de Guilette
(Juliet's House)
became Verona's
Tourist Attraction
So much has been done
to preserve
the illusion
of Guiletta
you might start beliving in her
yourself.
Even to the point of adding
Guiletta's Tomb
But something not illusionary
here
are the people
who make this trek
to Verona
and leave their letters of love
on the wall.
From simple
I love you
to
lengthy heartfelt
missives
they are all here.
Much to my surprise
the
Secretaries of Juliet
are a real thing
and they answer
letters with
return
addresses.
The address is
Via Cappello, 23, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
in case you, too, want to write
or if you prefer the 21st Century approach
Guiletta
For only 6 Euros
you can tour the house
and profess your love
on its balcony
View of The Courtyard
Leave a padlock on the gate
much like the Locks of Love
Bridge in Paris
to lock your love
Tour the inside
For 5,000 Euros you
can spend the night of your
Honeymoon
(5750 USD)
or simply engage in the
fondling of the statue
in the courtyard
Legend has it-
you rub her right breast
for luck in love
Don't worry about appearing a deviant
Everyone Does It.
There is even
a tiny slip
of a Gift Shop
(unfortunately no Internet shopping available)
Now to settle in
to pen and post my
Letter to Gulietta
More anon...
Saturday, January 5, 2019
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