Normal is one of those words that doesn't say much but I think we are 'back to normal'. Got up this a.m. and walked. Found more stones we are using to outline the driveway. It was only about 50F (10C) when we walked but it is warming up nicely. Should hit 85F (30C) or so today and warmer early next week. This is pretty nice weather for us so we are doing what we can outside. We do have a breeze but nothing like those tornadoes they had in Northern Arizona a couple of days ago. Then we showered, had breakfast; normal sorts of things. Yesterday we did most of the cleaning we wanted to do in our trailer so this morning we finished that up then put the trailer back in it's shelter. It will probably be there until after the holidays. Then I wandered around town spending money like we have it. Didn't buy anything special just everyday necessities. (As long as you include scotch as a necessity!)
I bought a big chunk of pork shoulder to make carnitas. I think that means something like 'little meats' in Spanish. My version is taken from a comment left on a version listed on Epicurious.Com. The guy gave a rough account of his version and I've gone from there. I use pork but I've seen recipes that used beef. There is a fair amount of fat but after it sits in the fridge it's easy enough to remove. I'm sure it is too Americanized for many folks but we sure like it. The Rotel and the chili powder gives it a very mild spice. It is very moist; traditionally you fry it to dry it out if you want it in tacos. My wife makes homemade salsa so we can always spice it up.
pork roast - cut up roughly
1 can reduced sodium chicken broth
1 onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 can Rotel original
1t curry powder
1t chili powder
1t oregano
1t ground cumin
Salt & peppered the pork & gave it a 2 minute brown. Cooked for about 2 hours; broke up the meat with a spoon & served. Turned out just delicious. Good flavor.
Have a good one!
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Friday, October 08, 2010
Couldn't resist!
Another Sharon Angle idea: Muslims are taking over cities in the US. Will the people of Nevada actually elect this nutbag? I sure hope not. I'd just as soon see some real change in the Congress but I'd like someone a little more mainstream to represent me. I got an email from someone the other day with this idea. Now here is an idea that I do like!
For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they didn't pay into Social Security, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform in all of its forms. Somehow, that doesn't seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law. I truly don't care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop.
Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution
"Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States".
For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they didn't pay into Social Security, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform in all of its forms. Somehow, that doesn't seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law. I truly don't care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop.
Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution
"Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States".
Home again, naturally!
Well, obviously I made it through the procedure which is terribly minor on the scale of things. Loved all the comments. Poor Croft, no more popsicles! Here they are recommended so our insurance covers them for us older people. Maybe you aren't old enough! No results yet, I get those late Monday when I see the quack again. And, as it happens, I gained .2 lb according to the Wii. So I don't know what to say. I'm more full of it than ever? Laxatives don't help my problem?
The procedure was done at a Catholic hospital and my wife was saying about when she was a girl the Catholic hospitals were run by actual nuns; habits and all. Here there wasn't a habit in sight. It does me good to go some place like that to be reminded that everything done by a religious organization is not bad. Of course reading in the paper about some nitwit who is protesting at the funerals of soldiers killed in the middle east didn't do me any good. Apparently this asshole thinks that since the US is becoming less homophobic we are going against his religion and that's the reason these young people are being killed. Apparently if we started stringing up gays and lesbians our troops would be unassailable. Or something equally asinine. Glad I got that dose of 'religion can be good' to keep me somewhat sane.
We are going to clean the rig today and put it away in it's shelter. It's been sitting out beside the house waiting to be cleaned and we've just been too lazy to bother. That reminds me that I've got two, and only two, photos to share from our San Diego jaunt. The first is of the Point Loma Lighthouse. It was neat to visit; when it was first erected it was a day's travel to get back to San Diego. Now, of course, it is surrounded by one of the nicer residential areas.
The second is a reminder of the military presence in San Diego. It is a magnificent natural harbor and the Navy has made good use of it. We saw a ship coming into the harbor as we were leaving the light house. It was foggy; making for very poor photos of both the lighthouse and the ship but I tried!
Between Point Loma and San Diego is a Naval reservation and a huge national cemetary. I wanted to take some photos of the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery but couldn't find a good opportunity. It is huge and very beautiful. It would be a lovely place to while away eternity with a great view of San Diego, the bay and the airfield. Come to find out one of my wife's ex-father-in-laws is buried there. Ex-Navy, of course! The cemetery is still in use. In fact, we stopped at a Subway for lunch and at the next table were two members of an Honor Guard getting re-fueled for another funeral. It must be an honor to participate but depressing as well.
Have a good one! I'm going to go take a walk.
The procedure was done at a Catholic hospital and my wife was saying about when she was a girl the Catholic hospitals were run by actual nuns; habits and all. Here there wasn't a habit in sight. It does me good to go some place like that to be reminded that everything done by a religious organization is not bad. Of course reading in the paper about some nitwit who is protesting at the funerals of soldiers killed in the middle east didn't do me any good. Apparently this asshole thinks that since the US is becoming less homophobic we are going against his religion and that's the reason these young people are being killed. Apparently if we started stringing up gays and lesbians our troops would be unassailable. Or something equally asinine. Glad I got that dose of 'religion can be good' to keep me somewhat sane.
We are going to clean the rig today and put it away in it's shelter. It's been sitting out beside the house waiting to be cleaned and we've just been too lazy to bother. That reminds me that I've got two, and only two, photos to share from our San Diego jaunt. The first is of the Point Loma Lighthouse. It was neat to visit; when it was first erected it was a day's travel to get back to San Diego. Now, of course, it is surrounded by one of the nicer residential areas.
The second is a reminder of the military presence in San Diego. It is a magnificent natural harbor and the Navy has made good use of it. We saw a ship coming into the harbor as we were leaving the light house. It was foggy; making for very poor photos of both the lighthouse and the ship but I tried!
Between Point Loma and San Diego is a Naval reservation and a huge national cemetary. I wanted to take some photos of the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery but couldn't find a good opportunity. It is huge and very beautiful. It would be a lovely place to while away eternity with a great view of San Diego, the bay and the airfield. Come to find out one of my wife's ex-father-in-laws is buried there. Ex-Navy, of course! The cemetery is still in use. In fact, we stopped at a Subway for lunch and at the next table were two members of an Honor Guard getting re-fueled for another funeral. It must be an honor to participate but depressing as well.
Have a good one! I'm going to go take a walk.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Fall!
Fall has arrived in Pahrump. It was 49 degrees (F) this a.m. That's 9C for all you linear thinkers in the rest of the world. We aren't expecting it to last long; it has been so slow in coming we expect it to be wintery pretty soon. When we took our morning walk I needed a sweatshirt. And I got a little more exercise that I was expecting; we collected some largish rocks, about the size of a loaf of bread.
As I've said before, our yard is entirely rock with only 4 small cacti. The fact is though that all rock is not created equal. There is driveway rock and decorative rock; many different decorative rocks in fact. The driveway rock has some clay mixed in with it causing it to compact really well so it can support being driven on better than just decorative rock. Our problem is that people can't tell the difference easily so they are driving on the decorative rock which pushes the rock down in the dirt and it will just go away. So we've decided to line the driveway with large rock so people will know where to drive. The thing is that walking 2.5 miles is not too difficult but carrying large rocks in your hands for the last half makes it a lot more daunting! I'm going to have one hellova handshake by the time we get the drive lined. We are also outlining the different kinds of decorative rock with medium sized rock (fist size) but those aren't nearly as difficult as the driveway markers.
We had rain the other night. It rained hard for about 10 minutes then it was gone but the smell remained for a couple of days. It's funny how there is a smell to rain. You don't notice it in most places but it is very obvious in the desert. The next morning it was dry enough that we could take our usual walk out in the desert. (We go a block on our street then we are out on a dirt track across the desert.) The dirt was all loose; no longer packed down by traffic it was like we were explorers in a new world. Then the next day it was fun to follow our own tracks. The dog gets a big kick out of ranging far and wide at first but by the time we are headed home she is tired and comes to heel without being told.
My only other news is that I'm having a colonoscopy tomorrow morning. Today is the day for laxatives; what fun! Here's hoping the doctor doesn't find anything nasty and I get turned loose for another five years. I was careful to weigh myself this morning so I can find exactly how full of it I am really. I MAY share that news or not.
Have a good one!
As I've said before, our yard is entirely rock with only 4 small cacti. The fact is though that all rock is not created equal. There is driveway rock and decorative rock; many different decorative rocks in fact. The driveway rock has some clay mixed in with it causing it to compact really well so it can support being driven on better than just decorative rock. Our problem is that people can't tell the difference easily so they are driving on the decorative rock which pushes the rock down in the dirt and it will just go away. So we've decided to line the driveway with large rock so people will know where to drive. The thing is that walking 2.5 miles is not too difficult but carrying large rocks in your hands for the last half makes it a lot more daunting! I'm going to have one hellova handshake by the time we get the drive lined. We are also outlining the different kinds of decorative rock with medium sized rock (fist size) but those aren't nearly as difficult as the driveway markers.
We had rain the other night. It rained hard for about 10 minutes then it was gone but the smell remained for a couple of days. It's funny how there is a smell to rain. You don't notice it in most places but it is very obvious in the desert. The next morning it was dry enough that we could take our usual walk out in the desert. (We go a block on our street then we are out on a dirt track across the desert.) The dirt was all loose; no longer packed down by traffic it was like we were explorers in a new world. Then the next day it was fun to follow our own tracks. The dog gets a big kick out of ranging far and wide at first but by the time we are headed home she is tired and comes to heel without being told.
My only other news is that I'm having a colonoscopy tomorrow morning. Today is the day for laxatives; what fun! Here's hoping the doctor doesn't find anything nasty and I get turned loose for another five years. I was careful to weigh myself this morning so I can find exactly how full of it I am really. I MAY share that news or not.
Have a good one!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Home!
Sorry for the absence but I've been long gone. We headed off to San Diego to visit our son last Wednesday. It was a too-quick trip; leaving on the Saturday. We drove to Las Vegas on Sunday; then spend Monday and Tuesday in the city; to come home on Wednesday. In retrospect it was way too short a time but what do I know!
Got to visit Point Loma; the site of a famous lighthouse and hear a lot of Navy activity. My wife's family has been in the Navy for generations so she's loving that. My dad was in the Navy in WWII that's my only connection. It was fun looking at the lighthouse though and thinking of those poor people who were at that time a day's travel from San Diego. We did get to take our son & his SO out to dinner; they chose a steakhouse that's been around for a while Perhaps, too long. Anyway, everyone else had a good experience and my steak was at least ok.
The approximately 350 mile trip there and back would take 70 gallons of diesel at $3 a gallon. The campground was $27 a night so the whole thing was in the $300 range. My wife will have exact figures later but that's pretty close.
The reason for returning to Las Vegas rather than here was twofold: my wife needed shopping time for the cruise she is taking with our daughter and I had an appointment for my colonoscopy. The wife managed to do great with shopping; unusual for her as I have mentioned before, and the doctor was ok except for the amount of laxative he prescribed for me to have before my procedure. Yeah, I know; it's gotta be drunk but it is still a real experience.
Went to dinner with our daughter to a fish place: King's Fish House. It's a small chain that is mostly in California. Wife had swordfish, daughter a blackened salmon and I had salmon cakes: it was pretty good but no dish really called out to us. The swordfish was rather small; the blackened salmon wasn't all that blackened and the salmon cakes were thin on the promised mustard sauce. I'll go back but will try to look for just plain fish. The fish WAS nice, fresh and well cooked.
Anyway, now we are back in Pahrump and, wonder of wonders, there isn't any news about the DA drinking, Maybe tomorrow. So, until tomorrow, have a great day/week.''
Got to visit Point Loma; the site of a famous lighthouse and hear a lot of Navy activity. My wife's family has been in the Navy for generations so she's loving that. My dad was in the Navy in WWII that's my only connection. It was fun looking at the lighthouse though and thinking of those poor people who were at that time a day's travel from San Diego. We did get to take our son & his SO out to dinner; they chose a steakhouse that's been around for a while Perhaps, too long. Anyway, everyone else had a good experience and my steak was at least ok.
The approximately 350 mile trip there and back would take 70 gallons of diesel at $3 a gallon. The campground was $27 a night so the whole thing was in the $300 range. My wife will have exact figures later but that's pretty close.
The reason for returning to Las Vegas rather than here was twofold: my wife needed shopping time for the cruise she is taking with our daughter and I had an appointment for my colonoscopy. The wife managed to do great with shopping; unusual for her as I have mentioned before, and the doctor was ok except for the amount of laxative he prescribed for me to have before my procedure. Yeah, I know; it's gotta be drunk but it is still a real experience.
Went to dinner with our daughter to a fish place: King's Fish House. It's a small chain that is mostly in California. Wife had swordfish, daughter a blackened salmon and I had salmon cakes: it was pretty good but no dish really called out to us. The swordfish was rather small; the blackened salmon wasn't all that blackened and the salmon cakes were thin on the promised mustard sauce. I'll go back but will try to look for just plain fish. The fish WAS nice, fresh and well cooked.
Anyway, now we are back in Pahrump and, wonder of wonders, there isn't any news about the DA drinking, Maybe tomorrow. So, until tomorrow, have a great day/week.''
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Better!
My back has finally gotten tired of making my life miserable and is pretty much 'back to normal'. Sorry, I couldn't stop myself.
Went into Vegas yesterday to do some shopping. My wife has this odd idea that all her clothes shouldn't come from Walmart! She is a most unusual woman. Not only does she put up with me but she hates shopping. Honestly. I do almost all the everyday shopping and the only reason I don't buy her clothes is because the sizes are all different. If she could she'd order stuff via the internet and never go into a store. However, she desperately needs some clothing for a cruise she and our daughter are taking in October so we decided to look. MUCH to my surprise, we scored 4 pieces of clothing. This is a woman who wears things for years. We were talking about buying her a new belt; she has 2 and they are at least 20 years old. Weird gal but I love her.
Saw a story today about Jimmy Carter; he's got a new book out and is mouthing off trying to make it interesting. I kind of liked him but never thought too much of his Presidency. One thing I have heard that I expect is true (because of the source) but haven't verified is that he set the rules for the use of uranium so that once it is used it must be discarded. Other countries allow the re-use thereby reducing the amount of waste that they create. Odd if he did that since he was a naval officer and took part in the nuclear submarine program and should have known more about the technology than almost any President. Who knows! I was looking him up in Wikipedia and it reminded me that when he ran for re-election one of his opponents was John Anderson. Hell, I voted for John Anderson! How's that for a historical fact that no one cares about?
As you can tell, I don't have much to say today. Have a good one anyway!
Went into Vegas yesterday to do some shopping. My wife has this odd idea that all her clothes shouldn't come from Walmart! She is a most unusual woman. Not only does she put up with me but she hates shopping. Honestly. I do almost all the everyday shopping and the only reason I don't buy her clothes is because the sizes are all different. If she could she'd order stuff via the internet and never go into a store. However, she desperately needs some clothing for a cruise she and our daughter are taking in October so we decided to look. MUCH to my surprise, we scored 4 pieces of clothing. This is a woman who wears things for years. We were talking about buying her a new belt; she has 2 and they are at least 20 years old. Weird gal but I love her.
Saw a story today about Jimmy Carter; he's got a new book out and is mouthing off trying to make it interesting. I kind of liked him but never thought too much of his Presidency. One thing I have heard that I expect is true (because of the source) but haven't verified is that he set the rules for the use of uranium so that once it is used it must be discarded. Other countries allow the re-use thereby reducing the amount of waste that they create. Odd if he did that since he was a naval officer and took part in the nuclear submarine program and should have known more about the technology than almost any President. Who knows! I was looking him up in Wikipedia and it reminded me that when he ran for re-election one of his opponents was John Anderson. Hell, I voted for John Anderson! How's that for a historical fact that no one cares about?
As you can tell, I don't have much to say today. Have a good one anyway!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Oh my aching back
Friday morning I woke feeling fine. Went out to the garage to add a little paint to a shelf I've been working on. That done I came back in and somehow my back started bothering me. By noon I could barely walk and by 14:00 I was helping myself to some prescription pain killers I got about nine months ago. Not a good day.
Today I am considerably better but still at only about 75% effectiveness. Odd stuff this getting older. And not always fun. Hope you are having a better day.
Today I am considerably better but still at only about 75% effectiveness. Odd stuff this getting older. And not always fun. Hope you are having a better day.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Exciting day yesterday
Yesterday was pretty exciting by my standards. We started the morning with our usual 2+ mile walk (3.5km or so) then decided to try planting some of that cactus that we bought at the Springs. Now that was life in the fast lane! Too fast for me actually. First we have to scrape the rocks away, then dig the hole, then make sure it 'perks' then put in the plant. Sounds ok but the dirt we have here has a lot of clay in it. Since it is dry, it is hard clay. Very hard clay. Digging four holes a foot deep was more than enough work for me. The plants are in very dry soil so, of course, the root ball on one just fell apart. We finally managed to get it planted but we are only hoping that it will survive the rough handling. By 09:30 we were both exhausted and even a shower didn't revive us. I think I drank a gallon of water too.
As if that weren't enough excitement, I got to visit with another blogger. Ed is a full time rv'er who has decided to make Pahrump his legal residence. I've been reading his blog, Peregrinating Graybeard, for some time. He's traveled widely and had some interesting experiences. And, yes, he sure does have a gray beard. We met at one of the casinos and talked for an hour and a half or so. If I hadn't had some errands to do it would have been much longer. I also got to see his rv; an absolutely immaculate class C. Not that it was a surprise since I've read his blog but it was pleasure to meet such an articulate and thoughtful person.
Two posts in one day. What's getting into me? Have a good one.
As if that weren't enough excitement, I got to visit with another blogger. Ed is a full time rv'er who has decided to make Pahrump his legal residence. I've been reading his blog, Peregrinating Graybeard, for some time. He's traveled widely and had some interesting experiences. And, yes, he sure does have a gray beard. We met at one of the casinos and talked for an hour and a half or so. If I hadn't had some errands to do it would have been much longer. I also got to see his rv; an absolutely immaculate class C. Not that it was a surprise since I've read his blog but it was pleasure to meet such an articulate and thoughtful person.
Two posts in one day. What's getting into me? Have a good one.
OMG
This morning on Yahoo there is a story about Gov. Ed Rendel of Pennsylvania being embarrassed by some homeland security memos suggesting that there might be violence at all kinds of ordinary protest meetings. I was so happy to hear an official saying this:
"I am deeply embarrassed and I apologize to any of the groups who had this information disseminated on their right to peacefully protest," Rendell said at an evening Capitol news conference.All too often our officials think they can run roughshod over basic human rights in the name of 'security'. Thank goodness that there is at least one person in authority who remembers the constitution.
Rendell called the practice "ludicrous" and said the fact that the state was paying for such rudimentary information was "stunning."
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Vegas Baby!
We made the trip 'over the hump' to Las Vegas yesterday. The occasion was the Springs Preserve fall plant sale. When we bought this house there were 20 or so dead trees planted around the yard. The previous owners had purchased trees that need irrigation then hadn't provided any. Duh! We want plants that, after they get started, will not require watering. Or at least not much! Cacti! This way we can still travel and not worry about the irrigation system dying. In Florida it seemed that all we had to do was think about taking a trip and the sprinklers would start having problems.
I've not been to the Preserve before and we didn't visit it this time but now I am going to make it a priority. It looks like a great place with lots of information about this area. And they had some lovely plants for sale. There were enough people for me but one of the guys working there said the spring sale is when they have many, many more people. Ain't that great. Anyway, now we have four different plants awaiting the big day when they taste the soil on this side of the mountain.
We also got in lunch and a little shopping. I even got an early birthday present: a micro hi-fi by Sony for my den. Now I'm loving Bolero as I type. The speakers on this laptop just are not the same and wearing earbuds all the time hurts my ears.
Gotta go. It's my day to cook dinner - pork roast on the barbie, salad and a vegie. Have a good one.
I've not been to the Preserve before and we didn't visit it this time but now I am going to make it a priority. It looks like a great place with lots of information about this area. And they had some lovely plants for sale. There were enough people for me but one of the guys working there said the spring sale is when they have many, many more people. Ain't that great. Anyway, now we have four different plants awaiting the big day when they taste the soil on this side of the mountain.
We also got in lunch and a little shopping. I even got an early birthday present: a micro hi-fi by Sony for my den. Now I'm loving Bolero as I type. The speakers on this laptop just are not the same and wearing earbuds all the time hurts my ears.
Gotta go. It's my day to cook dinner - pork roast on the barbie, salad and a vegie. Have a good one.
Friday, September 10, 2010
More quiet times....
It certainly doesn't surprise me that we are having some quiet times these days. We seem to need quiet times more, the more we have them (if that makes any sense). Besides the news gives us lots of excitement.
Our local District Attorney Bob Beckett was found "asleep behind the wheel" of his county vehicle. Here's the local paper version. When tested both at the scene and later at the station his blood alcohol was almost half again the legally drunk level of .08. Where was he? On one of the many streets that has been platted but is just a light coating of gravel going out into the desert. There is nothing there folks and while I have no idea of where Mr. Beckett lives, you can bet it isn't out there!
In April 2009, he pleaded guilty in California to misdemeanor reckless driving in conjunction to two accidents in the same day; as part of his probation he is not to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in his bloodstream. I'm waiting for the next episode of this farce. And just to add a certain touch, he was reported by Heidi Fleiss whom you may remember as a famous Hollywood madam.
Also in local news one of our County Commissioners, Butch Borasky, is having trouble with the Ethics Commission. Seems he may not have been as out of the construction business as he claimed. He is awaiting a hearing.
With all of this you would think I couldn't get past the local news but..... Well, there is that idiot in Florida who wants to burn a Quran. Jeez, I know Muslims attacked us on 9/11 but that is no reason to shit all over their entire religion. I'm an atheist; I think all religions are wrong in their beliefs about God/Allah or whoever. But that doesn't mean I'm going to go burn Qurans or bibles or any other religious tract. I believe in live and let live. Disrespecting another's beliefs IS something I'm against. And I don't care what weird thing you believe. It's the American way!
I did manage to read one national headline: "Obama: Voter anger could hurt Dems in elections". OMG, imagine that! By God (the one I don't believe in), you just can't keep things from that man.
Have a good one.
Our local District Attorney Bob Beckett was found "asleep behind the wheel" of his county vehicle. Here's the local paper version. When tested both at the scene and later at the station his blood alcohol was almost half again the legally drunk level of .08. Where was he? On one of the many streets that has been platted but is just a light coating of gravel going out into the desert. There is nothing there folks and while I have no idea of where Mr. Beckett lives, you can bet it isn't out there!
In April 2009, he pleaded guilty in California to misdemeanor reckless driving in conjunction to two accidents in the same day; as part of his probation he is not to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in his bloodstream. I'm waiting for the next episode of this farce. And just to add a certain touch, he was reported by Heidi Fleiss whom you may remember as a famous Hollywood madam.
Also in local news one of our County Commissioners, Butch Borasky, is having trouble with the Ethics Commission. Seems he may not have been as out of the construction business as he claimed. He is awaiting a hearing.
With all of this you would think I couldn't get past the local news but..... Well, there is that idiot in Florida who wants to burn a Quran. Jeez, I know Muslims attacked us on 9/11 but that is no reason to shit all over their entire religion. I'm an atheist; I think all religions are wrong in their beliefs about God/Allah or whoever. But that doesn't mean I'm going to go burn Qurans or bibles or any other religious tract. I believe in live and let live. Disrespecting another's beliefs IS something I'm against. And I don't care what weird thing you believe. It's the American way!
I did manage to read one national headline: "Obama: Voter anger could hurt Dems in elections". OMG, imagine that! By God (the one I don't believe in), you just can't keep things from that man.
Have a good one.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
OMG!
Rain! First in a long while though Vegas did get some a few weeks ago. This was the view on our morning walk before the rain.
And here is the water gushing off our roof.
It's not exactly like the water coming off the roof when we lived in Florida but it works for us. The air is filled with the smell of rain. I guess the smell was there in Florida as well but it seems much more intense here.
Have a good one.
And here is the water gushing off our roof.
It's not exactly like the water coming off the roof when we lived in Florida but it works for us. The air is filled with the smell of rain. I guess the smell was there in Florida as well but it seems much more intense here.
Have a good one.
Monday, September 06, 2010
Whining
Here's what our local Fox affiliate thinks the weather is going to be like in Vegas for the next week:
I'm loving it! There is a pawn shop in Vegas that contributed $100 to a charity every day it was over 100F (38C) - I think they are right at $6,000 now. It's a bit cooler here but not much!
I heard some woman on the radio this a.m. suggest that we should fly the flag on 11 September to remember the 'heros' who died that day. I think that is so stupid! Those people are victims, not heros. People who can't tell the difference need to spend some serious time learning what a real hero is. It's not someone who is killed at work; it might apply to the firefighters and cops who lost their lives but it sure doesn't apply to the guy sitting at his desk playing a video game rather than working.
I heard some woman on the radio this a.m. suggest that we should fly the flag on 11 September to remember the 'heros' who died that day. I think that is so stupid! Those people are victims, not heros. People who can't tell the difference need to spend some serious time learning what a real hero is. It's not someone who is killed at work; it might apply to the firefighters and cops who lost their lives but it sure doesn't apply to the guy sitting at his desk playing a video game rather than working.
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Just for fun....
The sun is pretty strong around here. Here is a sign that's just around the corner from our house. Thankfully it's not much of a turn.
This poor sign has clearly seen better days. Maybe that's why the county put another below it.
That Dead End is clearly dying.
This poor sign has clearly seen better days. Maybe that's why the county put another below it.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Hot again
First a dog update. She came through the surgery just fine and seems to be back to her happy self even though she has a six inch scar on her chest and a fair sized hole on her right rear leg. She's been throwing up though so we aren't totally happy. The vet thinks it may be a delayed reaction to the drugs she's been given so we are giving her chicken broth & keeping her on the tile!
I've talked of the Senate race here in Nevada. The Republican candidate is fairly popular out here in the sticks; I saw this sign on the lawn of one of her supporters. The funny thing I see here is that like her politics, her sign leans to the right. Honest, this is straight on; I didn't tilt the camera at all!
Her web site here has some interesting stuff on it. Statements like:
Now just how does using coal and natural gas resources expand our domestic oil resources? Doesn't make sense to me but it was only a bullet point so maybe she has an idea here that the website didn't make plain.
I am just basically against laws that 'cannot be repealed'. I prefer more flexibility rather than less in almost everything. We have to pay for all the wonderful government we are getting somehow.
I'm actually ok with sanctions against nations that harbor terrorists; and I much prefer sanctions to going to war. It is that phrase 'whatever is necessary' that bothers me. Already this anti-terrorist terror has resulted in phone taps that are not approved by a court; incredible bureaucracy; travel restrictions and I don't know what else. Anyone expect these rules to go away soon? I sure don't.
I'm just against this. If a religion wants to mandate marriage as between male and female; fine. I don't think it is the business of the U.S. government.
Gotta go. Have a good one!
I've talked of the Senate race here in Nevada. The Republican candidate is fairly popular out here in the sticks; I saw this sign on the lawn of one of her supporters. The funny thing I see here is that like her politics, her sign leans to the right. Honest, this is straight on; I didn't tilt the camera at all!
Her web site here has some interesting stuff on it. Statements like:
On Energy: America must build upon her vast coal and natural gas resources to expand our domestic oil resources.
Now just how does using coal and natural gas resources expand our domestic oil resources? Doesn't make sense to me but it was only a bullet point so maybe she has an idea here that the website didn't make plain.
On Taxation: She sponsored the Angle Property Tax Restraint Initiative (aka Nevada's Prop 13) which placed a hard cap on property tax increases that future Legislatures could not repeal.
I am just basically against laws that 'cannot be repealed'. I prefer more flexibility rather than less in almost everything. We have to pay for all the wonderful government we are getting somehow.
National Security: She supports strong sanctions against rogue nations that export, support or harbor terrorism and believes that we must do whatever necessary to protect America from terrorism.
I'm actually ok with sanctions against nations that harbor terrorists; and I much prefer sanctions to going to war. It is that phrase 'whatever is necessary' that bothers me. Already this anti-terrorist terror has resulted in phone taps that are not approved by a court; incredible bureaucracy; travel restrictions and I don't know what else. Anyone expect these rules to go away soon? I sure don't.
Family Values: Sharron worked to pass the Constitutional Protection of Marriage Act in Nevada, which defines marriage as between one man and one woman.
I'm just against this. If a religion wants to mandate marriage as between male and female; fine. I don't think it is the business of the U.S. government.
Gotta go. Have a good one!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Dog days....
We had a tough day today though perhaps things will work out ok. Our dog, Sammie, had an operation about three years ago. She had two different cancers; one on her chest another on her abdomen. Today she had another operation to remove a fatty mass from her chest. It is in almost the exact same spot as one of her cancers. The doctor wasn't too happy about getting all of the mass. We didn't bother to have it analyzed; we'll know soon enough anyway if it was cancerous or not. The dog is home now but is still pretty sleepy from the drugs. I don't like the helpless feeling I get when all I can do is wait.
That's a tee shirt she is wearing; she can't really get at the site of the incision but she is leaking a bit of blood. She had a sort of wart on her rear leg and the doctor took that off as well. I'll update the blog as things go along.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Idiots!
We are surrounded by idiots. Sometimes it is just more apparent than others. Here's a sign here in town.
First, I'm in only in favor of lawful felony's; those unlawful ones can lead one to spend time in the pokey. Secondly, I've no idea what 'abandon or cruelty' means. And why do you have a big sign about cruelty to animals? Doesn't everyone know it's illegal? Or is that one of those lawful felonies?
The sigh, by the way, was placed between the lanes of a divided road which eventually widens into a small local park. Go town sign planter!
First, I'm in only in favor of lawful felony's; those unlawful ones can lead one to spend time in the pokey. Secondly, I've no idea what 'abandon or cruelty' means. And why do you have a big sign about cruelty to animals? Doesn't everyone know it's illegal? Or is that one of those lawful felonies?
The sigh, by the way, was placed between the lanes of a divided road which eventually widens into a small local park. Go town sign planter!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
BS!
Yahoo Finance has an article today about the Hindenburg Omen which is supposed to warn of a stock market downturn. What is it? Here's what they say.
* -- The daily number of NYSE new 52-week highs and the daily number of new 52-week lows must both be greater than 2.2% of total NYSE issues traded that day.
* -- The NYSE's 10-week moving average is rising.
* -- The McClellan Oscillator (a technical measure of "overbought" vs. "oversold" conditions) is negative on that same day.
* -- New 52-week highs cannot be more than twice the new 52-week lows. This condition is absolutely mandatory.
Now I don't know if you remember what I think about statistics but my opinion is pretty low and it gets lower with every increase in complexity. You gotta know the Hindenburg Omen is down there a ways! I don't have much time for stock market chartists anyway. I just keep remembering the disclaimer on every prospectus: past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you are that worried that the market is going to go down (and of course it will from time to time), then get out. Back after the dot-com meltdown a friend said his father had lost about a third of his money and was taking the remainder out of the market for good. Doing that, he missed out on a great rally but maybe he slept better knowing his money was safe. Whatever works for you!
Have a good one!
* -- The daily number of NYSE new 52-week highs and the daily number of new 52-week lows must both be greater than 2.2% of total NYSE issues traded that day.
* -- The NYSE's 10-week moving average is rising.
* -- The McClellan Oscillator (a technical measure of "overbought" vs. "oversold" conditions) is negative on that same day.
* -- New 52-week highs cannot be more than twice the new 52-week lows. This condition is absolutely mandatory.
Now I don't know if you remember what I think about statistics but my opinion is pretty low and it gets lower with every increase in complexity. You gotta know the Hindenburg Omen is down there a ways! I don't have much time for stock market chartists anyway. I just keep remembering the disclaimer on every prospectus: past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you are that worried that the market is going to go down (and of course it will from time to time), then get out. Back after the dot-com meltdown a friend said his father had lost about a third of his money and was taking the remainder out of the market for good. Doing that, he missed out on a great rally but maybe he slept better knowing his money was safe. Whatever works for you!
Have a good one!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Duh, just special stuff
It's just a great day here in the world. Here's a link to some idiot who thought there was easy money to be had in day trading without any knowledge whatsoever. Jeez, this idiot is certainly going to get off the hook but why? Ignorance is just ignorance and this guy is way too dim to procreate! At least the government should cut off his balls.
Tiger Wood's wife has finally dumped him. Why should this be news to anyone? Jeez! He is such an idiot! Granted she was way idealistic but don't we all want to expect the best from our spouse?
Went into Vegas yesterday to get a tire replaced on the truck. We were driving along in Oregon when we had a choice: either every road we were traveling over was total crap or we had something wrong with the truck. After some discussion with my BIL, we actually looked at the tire and you could see a bulge in the sidewall. NOT GOOD! We put the spare on. Many miles later, the guy at the dealership just took a quick look and started finding me a new tire. It took all afternoon but I have to say he managed it. Good on you Gaudin Ford!
That Mexican weather I was grouching about is finally about to dissipate. We have clouds and 20% humidity, a chance of rain (not likely!) and the weekend is forecast to be in the 90's (~36C)! Ok! Works for me! Here's what our sky looked like tonight.
Hmmm, we might make it through this summer after all! Have a good one.
Tiger Wood's wife has finally dumped him. Why should this be news to anyone? Jeez! He is such an idiot! Granted she was way idealistic but don't we all want to expect the best from our spouse?
Went into Vegas yesterday to get a tire replaced on the truck. We were driving along in Oregon when we had a choice: either every road we were traveling over was total crap or we had something wrong with the truck. After some discussion with my BIL, we actually looked at the tire and you could see a bulge in the sidewall. NOT GOOD! We put the spare on. Many miles later, the guy at the dealership just took a quick look and started finding me a new tire. It took all afternoon but I have to say he managed it. Good on you Gaudin Ford!
That Mexican weather I was grouching about is finally about to dissipate. We have clouds and 20% humidity, a chance of rain (not likely!) and the weekend is forecast to be in the 90's (~36C)! Ok! Works for me! Here's what our sky looked like tonight.
Hmmm, we might make it through this summer after all! Have a good one.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Quiet Sunday
We were scheduled to have the daughter and her latest boyfriend here today but they canceled for some reason. We've never met the guy but generally she has pretty good taste in guys so we aren't too worried. Having the day to ourselves, we were both extremely lazy. I surfed a good part of the day and my wife watched tv. Life in the extra-slow lane.
I'm going to try my luck with the charcoal bbq again tonight. My victim will be a pork tenderloin that we found in the freezer. You know, I was over 60 before getting the bright idea to itemize what was in the freezer. Jeez, talk about slow! Anyway, we have these cryovac'd tenderloins so we are coming up with three different ways to serve them. I'm a little worried because we have quite a wind going today. It's hot but breezy; weatherbonk says 17 mph and I believe them; at least! I'll do indirect heat using only the briquette charcoal. That lump stuff is for experimentation when I get better with the stuff I used to know.
There is a nice piece in the Vegas paper entitled "To insult idiots, call them 'politicians'" The guy is so 'right on' it's amazing. Of course we have people like President Obama who came into his job with a pretty good rating and now he's in Bush country. If only he'd stop waffling and do something! There was a story this week about the last combat troops leaving Iraq; of course there are still a few thousand 'advisers'. Bah humbug!
There's a line in 'Pride and Prejudice' that I love: "For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?'' The thing about politics in the US is that while it is absurd, the same is true for other countries. Belgium, for example, can hardly remain one country it is so divided between the Flemish and the Walloons. Australia is doing it's part by not electing a majority government; much as the UK did a few months ago. In the UK they seem to have found a temporary agreement, let's hope Australia can follow their lead. What would we do without politics to complain about?
Have a good week.
UPDATE: I must admit to a small success in my war with charcoal. The tenderloin was a tad dry but not bad at all. Maybe next time I'll have the courage to top it with some bacon? It was 97F (36C) while I was out watching the bbq; I was sweating lightly but the breeze caused the perspiration to dry almost immediately making me comfortable or even slightly chilly. Amazing!
I'm going to try my luck with the charcoal bbq again tonight. My victim will be a pork tenderloin that we found in the freezer. You know, I was over 60 before getting the bright idea to itemize what was in the freezer. Jeez, talk about slow! Anyway, we have these cryovac'd tenderloins so we are coming up with three different ways to serve them. I'm a little worried because we have quite a wind going today. It's hot but breezy; weatherbonk says 17 mph and I believe them; at least! I'll do indirect heat using only the briquette charcoal. That lump stuff is for experimentation when I get better with the stuff I used to know.
There is a nice piece in the Vegas paper entitled "To insult idiots, call them 'politicians'" The guy is so 'right on' it's amazing. Of course we have people like President Obama who came into his job with a pretty good rating and now he's in Bush country. If only he'd stop waffling and do something! There was a story this week about the last combat troops leaving Iraq; of course there are still a few thousand 'advisers'. Bah humbug!
There's a line in 'Pride and Prejudice' that I love: "For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?'' The thing about politics in the US is that while it is absurd, the same is true for other countries. Belgium, for example, can hardly remain one country it is so divided between the Flemish and the Walloons. Australia is doing it's part by not electing a majority government; much as the UK did a few months ago. In the UK they seem to have found a temporary agreement, let's hope Australia can follow their lead. What would we do without politics to complain about?
Have a good week.
UPDATE: I must admit to a small success in my war with charcoal. The tenderloin was a tad dry but not bad at all. Maybe next time I'll have the courage to top it with some bacon? It was 97F (36C) while I was out watching the bbq; I was sweating lightly but the breeze caused the perspiration to dry almost immediately making me comfortable or even slightly chilly. Amazing!
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