Meandering Thoughts Abound

Car Fire At ARCC

2011-10-26T10:53:00.001-05:00

Grimm Pre-screening

2011-10-25T10:43:00.000-05:00

We went to the prescreening for the new TV show Grimm. The show was engaging and Alethea won a prize for answering the trivia question, what was Cinderella's real name? The answer was Aurora but that was in the Disney version.

Her prize was Chuck Season 4 and I sold it this morning on Amazon.

Steam Punk Bike

2011-10-06T16:40:00.000-05:00

Home Made Bike Rack

2011-10-05T16:48:00.001-05:00

How ingenious. The bike rack is a 2x4 bungied to the spare tire and the bike is held in place with garage hooks.

My daughter took this photo in traffic near the Uptown area of Minneapolis.

I Need A 10 Step Program For Sugar Free Jello

2011-08-12T18:34:00.002-05:00

It's No Wonder My Jeep Is Cranky

2011-07-18T20:40:00.002-05:00

I heard that today's temperature was higher than 100 degrees but this is what my car's thermometer said.

We Had A Record Dew Point

2011-07-17T20:30:00.000-05:00

It is very hot and humid plus the record dew point created so much moisture on the outside of the windows that we can't see out.

Derailed Freight Train In Fridley, MN

2011-07-16T20:37:00.000-05:00

Heavy rain washed away the train track's support and caused a freight train to derail.

The yellow stuff in the lower left is corn.

Road Kill Barbie

2011-07-14T21:58:00.002-05:00

No, I didn't do in Barbie; she obviously couldn't get out of the way quickly enough with those pointy little feet.

Heat Lightning and Fireworks

2011-07-05T21:25:00.005-05:00

We were watching the Park Rapids, MN fireworks show and a storm came up. This photograph was taken while heat lightning played across the horizon, The next photo was taken immediately after; notice the smoke is the same.

Summer Solstice Standing Broom Trick

2011-06-28T09:03:00.004-05:00

During the Summer Solstice you can balance a broom vertically and it will stand by itself. Cool.

The Perfect Suncreen

2011-01-09T11:32:00.003-06:00

OK, other than sitting under an umbrella and while wearing a hat.

I originally bought this brand 8 years ago at Xcaret in Mexico; it's biodegradable and ecologically safe. I'm allergic to all sunscreens but this one so I was extremely happy to find it.

The company is Caribbean Sunlife and I guard it since I've only found it while on vacation. It gives me a good reason to keep returning to the tropics; I need to buy additional sunscreen.

Snowy Seat

2010-12-01T18:25:00.000-06:00

Grain Belt Beer Sign Minneapolis MN

2010-09-17T07:55:00.000-05:00

HURTS - Wonderful Life

2010-09-08T09:14:00.002-05:00

This video is unbelievably stylish and beautifully photographed.

Steve Keene Painting In A Music Video For The Triffids

2010-09-06T18:08:00.000-05:00

My Dog Loves To Dance But Carrie Is Superb

2010-09-03T21:50:00.004-05:00

I am certain that she dances better than I do, perhaps she could teach me the merengue.

Links to Artists

2010-08-18T17:28:00.001-05:00

Pretty Purple Weeds After The Rain

2010-07-22T17:39:00.000-05:00

Cherry In The Rain on a Cherry Tree

2010-07-14T06:56:00.002-05:00

Moss Covered Tree Trunk in Itasca State Park

2010-05-30T22:15:00.002-05:00

We were at the park shortly after dawn and had the park mostly to ourselves.

If I were a forest fairy I think I'd like to live in this tree trunk.

Doritos Taco and Cheeseburger Chips

2010-01-30T15:16:00.003-06:00

My daughter was at a party last night where she tried these chips, they are probably the freakiest thing I ever ate.

When you open the Doritos Late Night Tacos at Midnight chips you immediately smell lettuce. The chip tastes exactly like a Taco Bell taco. You can taste the mediocre taco meat, lettuce, cheese and taco shell all on one chip.

The Doritos Late Night All Nighter Cheeseburger tastes like a McDonalds cheeseburger including ketchup, mustard, pickles, and a salty cheeseburger. It's not even chip salty, it's fast food hamburger salty. I have no idea how they did it.

Lost Cat?

2010-01-16T08:08:00.002-06:00

I'm still chuckling over this lost cat poster with a photo of an opossum.

Cat found!!!
black + tan with grey
—male
—no collar
—not very friendly, I think he might be scared.
—not house broken either :-(
—found on Sunset Blvd
—if he is yours please call

I found this image on ffffound but I don't know where it originally came from.

Frosty Glasses

2010-01-10T10:06:00.003-06:00

It's rather brisk around here lately. My DH's eyeglasses were totally frosted over over being outside for a few minutes.

Powers Minnesota Map

2010-01-09T13:15:00.003-06:00

Powers is an Department Store that went out of business in Minnesota at least 10 years ago. This is a giant size postcard with a cartoon map of the state. There's no date but it predates zip codes. I would wonder why someone kept this for at least 50 years but then I would need to explain why I bought it.

Chaiyya Chaiyya

2010-01-08T10:12:00.002-06:00

What a wonderful video! I love that it was filmed on a moving train. I believe Chaiyya Chaiyya means to walk in the shadows.

In the Midst Of The Cold

2010-01-06T05:28:00.004-06:00

It's exceedingly cold outside so this pink Hibiscus flower is especially welcome. Note the snow covered background visible through the window.

Is That A Snowblower On Your House Or Are You Trying To Date A Paramedic?

2010-01-04T12:30:00.004-06:00

It's -19 Degrees Without The Wind Chill

2010-01-03T06:53:00.003-06:00

And it's -32 degrees by the cabin; I'm glad we didn't go there for New Years.

I am also happy the Jeep has heated seats

It's 12:20 pm and we're up to -9

2010-01-02T12:26:00.003-06:00

It's warmer 200 miles north at the cabin than it is in Minneapolis. I love Minnesota; it's the only place I've ever lived where I've worn shorts and a parka on the same day

I Thought Why Did Someone Photograph This Poor Guy Rather Than Moving The Ladder?

2009-12-22T17:29:00.003-06:00

see more Epic Fails

The following is the text below the photo on Failblog. Wouldn't this image be fun on a Christmas card?

Good news is that I truly out did myself this year with my Christmas decorations. The bad news is that I had to take him down after two days. I had more people come screaming up to my house than ever. Great stories. But two things made me take it down.

First, the cops advised me that it would cause traffic accidents as they almost wrecked when they drove by.

Second, a 55 year old lady grabbed the 75 pound ladder almost killed herself putting it against my house and didn’t realize that it was fake until she climbed to the top (she was not happy). By the way, she was one of the many people who attempted to do that. My yard couldn’t take it either. I have more than a few tire tracks where people literally drove up my yard.

Another 4.0 Freak-Out Averted

2009-12-22T17:08:00.002-06:00

Another semester has ended and I still have a 4.0. I'm taking college more seriously than I did the first time; I actually show up for class.

This coming semester I'm taking 5 classes again (4 is considered full time) so the work load should be pretty significant but the courses look interesting.

Sunrise Christmas Cookies

2009-12-19T09:04:00.004-06:00

My family of night people has been cursed with a morning person. I not only wake up before dawn, I wake up productive and cheerful.

These cookies are a serious production. The dough is chilled the night before since the cookies are rolled until the dough becomes translucent (approximately 1/16" thick).

I used to make many different shapes using antique cookie cutters but I'm over that thanks to my family chugging cookies faster than I can make them.

It takes about 1.5 hours for me to make a batch, 3 hours with help. I now have a convection oven and can make them at lightening speed if I have someone to rotate the multitude of baking sheets. Nissa was conscripted and she appeared looking a bit like Bill the Cat before he had his daily phamaceutical enhancement and she cursed being the only person who answered my call.

The Banana Bunker

2009-12-16T07:02:00.003-06:00

I heard about this banana holder this morning on the radio and had to see it. I got the photo from the MOMA store web site.

I must admit I don't usually bring bananas as a snack since they become smashed in my bag but...

Six to eight black men - part 1 of 3

2009-12-05T07:34:00.003-06:00

This is probably my favorite Christmas story.

Six to eight black men - part 2 of 3

2009-12-05T07:34:00.001-06:00

Six to eight black men - part 3 of 3

2009-12-05T07:33:00.001-06:00

Jesus Shaves (David Sedaris)

2009-12-05T07:30:00.001-06:00

I have fond memories of college French so this strikes a very funny chord for me. My French is not very good but the teacher did teach me to swear in French like a native.

Surprised Kitty

2009-12-01T19:52:00.001-06:00

A friend sent me this today and I had to share.

The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody

2009-11-29T16:00:00.001-06:00

I know that this has been viewed by a lot of people but it's still very cute. I particularly enjoyed the last few seconds.

Pink Glove Dance

2009-11-27T09:18:00.002-06:00

This is similar the wedding dance from a Minnesota couple that went viral. I love the concept and their joy; what a great project!

It doesn't load quickly like a regular video so you might want to let it load, grab a cup of coffee and come back.

Weird Science

2009-11-15T10:14:00.003-06:00

Indian corn pops like popcorn when you stick it on a burner and it tastes like regular popcorn. I wouldn't eat a bowl of it but it was fun to watch it pop.

The Crawling Hand

2009-11-15T10:06:00.002-06:00

I was terrified of this movie when I was a child. It made me afraid of hands crawling up to grab me so I was quite surprised to see it listed on Fancast movies. What a hoot! My favorite part was when the ambulance drivers go to pick up a body and decide to go to the kitchen for a beer since old ladies always have beer. On the way they spot her boarder on the floor and the one driver says "Let's get out of here" and wants to run away. They discover he's still alive so they stick him in the back of a station wagon with the dead lady and take off for the morgue and hospital.

Gorgeous Sunrise Today

2009-11-11T07:30:00.005-06:00

Some days it's really nice to be an early riser

We Have Company In The Backyard

2009-10-30T11:30:00.004-05:00

Bryce went out to rake the leaves and spotted this fox in the backyard, she was sleeping in a tiny ball. She wasn't afraid of us so we got with about 20 feet of her and started taking pictures. She seems to like the space behind the garden shed so she may be checking it out for a winter home.

I'm a little concerned since she's quite large and my dogs are under 10 pounds but for now it's fun to have her.

Barbie On A Stick

2009-10-16T11:49:00.005-05:00

I was driving along and saw these poor Barbies. I wonder if someone had a mischievous brother or is a future sociopath?

It's Snowing!

2009-10-12T09:46:00.005-05:00

I want to go outside and play but I have so much to do; of course I could just stay up really late and be a zombie tomorrow.

I think I'll go play and then get a malted Mocha from Muddy Waters; being a responsible grown up is overrated. If we get enough snow I want to fill the front yard with tiny snowmen minions.

An Upgrade

2009-10-05T22:55:00.004-05:00

Craig and I used to speak daily when I was an insurance agent with American Family Insurance and we've been drifting apart.

I was going to email him tonight but I thought I'd send him a fishing tournament upgrade instead.

Wildlife

2009-09-19T19:53:00.009-05:00

Bryce had a wild time at the cabin.

The garden snakes were by the front door

He found bats behind the shutters on one window.

No, make that two windows. This one flew at Bryce since he was very unhappy about being disturbed

This wasp nest was in the garage.

Now for the good things, deer and wild turkeys.

Night Rider

2009-09-06T09:43:00.006-05:00

It was so nice we went for an evening motorcycle ride last night. Riding a motorcycle at night is like flying.

I have a Yamaha V Star Classic with raspberry colored paint, my DH's is black.

Life Lesson #47

2009-09-02T09:58:00.001-05:00

Don't let a hair stylist with purple hair choose your highlight colors.

Making Time

2009-08-30T11:43:00.003-05:00

Someone recently asked me how do you find time to do all the blog entries and drawings. I thought about it. You make time for the things you enjoy, some days more successfully than others.

Acting Like An Idiot

2009-08-27T09:26:00.003-05:00

Why is it when some people get tired and stressed they are smart enough to become subdued; I get loud and goofy. Argh!

Taylors Falls

2009-08-23T18:23:00.003-05:00

It's been a long time since I'd been here and we found out they no longer allow swimming. The park service may have banned it with all the people jumping off the bluffs or it might just be because the current is a lot stronger than it used to be.

Taylors Fall State Park view of the Saint Croix River

The paddle boat is waiting for a wedding party.

The pot holes. I have no idea how someone managed to put graffiti down there.

A Spontaneous Picnic After Shopping At Target

2009-08-22T22:22:00.006-05:00

We went to the Roger's Target to get a copy of Moonlight and bought food for a picnic.

Target has excellent fried chicken and Archer Farms makes wonderful macaroons.

We were joined by a sandhill crane.

Computers Need Feng Shui To

2009-08-20T22:37:00.002-05:00

I have only listened to about 10% of the things on my ipod. Today I clutter cleared iTunes and got rid of a ton of books and songs. My Mac is so much lighter now, I took a photo of it levitating.

A Satellite View of My Dogs

2009-08-19T14:52:00.005-05:00

I went to Google Maps and did what probably most people do, put in my own address.

This is the closest it gets since we are rather dull by government standards but the black and white dots above the left building (garage) are Zelda and Marilyn.

They like to chase anything that wanders past so they are on leads that cover a good sized chunk of the yard.

Minneapolis Skyline at 55 Mies Per Hour

2009-08-19T12:39:00.002-05:00

I think this shot turned out well since we driving at freeway speeds and the windshield was cleanish.

Day 1 of Fall Quarter Book Pick-Up

2009-08-17T17:35:00.002-05:00

I drove Nissa to get her books for fall quarter. This Barbie was in a window off the parking lot. The sign says "save me".

$145 for a used math book?

All the trash cans have this handy take-out window for squirrels.

Comedy In The Park?

2009-08-16T22:55:00.005-05:00

We went to a comedy show in the park. It was structured similar to the TV show Who's Line Is It Anyway. The TV show was funny, the park show was not. We left early and looked up to see a departing plane; it seemed to be fleeing the show as well, which was funny.

We stopped at Cafe Ena, which serves Latin fusion cuisine. The service was excellent and we sat at a sidewalk table.

We shared an appetiser and entree. The appetiser was thin sliced plantains served with salsa (we had eaten several before I thought to take a picture). The entree included a pork loin, potatoes, asparagus, and caramelized onions with fennel.

We've Had A Bit Of Rain Lately

2009-08-16T22:07:00.003-05:00

I think we got a summer's worth of rain in the last 2 days. We have a nice crop of mushrooms in the yard; it's a pity they are not morels or even edible.

Local Sweet Corn

2009-08-15T17:57:00.003-05:00

Sweet corn is becoming available and this batch is particularly nice.

My father once bought a pickup truck full of corn and had my sister and shell it while he and my mother froze it. We were so sticky that I thought I'd never get clean.

Goofy Acorns

2009-08-14T04:34:00.003-05:00

I took a picture of the acorns that dropped yesterday in the driveway. I can only imagine how many more there are right now.

It's 4:30 in the morning and the dogs are on high alert since the acorns keep hitting the gutters and roof.

Crayfish Party

2009-08-13T17:38:00.004-05:00

I saw this sign today at Ikea.

How do you invite Crayfish to a party; do you mail out invitations?

How do crayfish feel about a party where they will also be on the menu? I saw shrimp on a piece of toast, Ikea isn't throwing them a party.

Good Morning Dave

2009-08-13T16:46:00.008-05:00

Nissa has been redoing her room and she needed a small laptop table. She checked online and decided to get Dave.

We are off in pursuit of Dave. No traffic tangle is too difficult to deter us.

Eureka, Ikea! Our goal is almost within sight.

Nissa is impressed by my chronicles of our quest.

Like all good adventures, proper provisions are a must. We wisely got extras in case of emergencies and discovered Ikea has takeout boxes near the microwaves. I had no idea they had microwaves. Today is educational!

Dave in his natural environment.

Writing a map to Dave's location.

Who can say no to a reading lamp for $7 called Not.

We split Dave from the rest of the herd.

Dave's care and feeding instructions are daunting but now he is fully assembled and in front of a leather wing back chair that bears a strong resemblance to one that recently went missing from my studio/office.

Nissa the Photographer

2009-08-13T06:42:00.005-05:00

I've discovered you can't put Nissa in a small enclosed space with a toy that clicks and flashes. In 20 minutes she took 137 photographs; these are the best of the group.

Minneapolis Skyline Viewed From Lake Harriet

2009-08-12T17:21:00.003-05:00

We were at the lake and spotted this attractive view of the skyline. I particularly enjoy the sailboat that is floating left of the IDS building.

It's hot today so there's a bit of a haze.

Now I Know Why Alethea's Purse Is So Heavy

2009-08-11T22:01:00.005-05:00

Alethea started to show us what was in her purse. We never finished since the gyros arrived but I'm in awe.

art journal
check book
credit cards
notebooks
a tin of earrings
pens
bottle caps
cell phone
Leatherman multi-purpose tool
flashlight
duct tape

It's like having lunch with MacGyver.

Sidewalk Cafes Are Pure Bliss

2009-08-11T21:29:00.006-05:00

We went to the French Meadow in the Uptown area of Minneapolis. The coffee shop/bakery has a popular outdoor seating area where Nissa and I shared this decedent chocolate cake. Alethea had apple crisp (not my favorite thing but she likes it).

While waiting outside for the girls to order I enjoyed a bit of Italy, Pellegrino bottled water.

I tried to make the bottle look like it was sprouting a tree, I think they may have taken a bit too long to order.

Family Time Has Changed

2009-08-11T10:30:00.005-05:00

I left my studio/office, went into the living room and Nissa was on the couch, Alethea in a chair and Bryce was at the dining room table. Everyone was on a laptop. I wonder if this is the modern version of a nuclear family.

Let's Play Blingo

2009-08-10T12:24:00.003-05:00

The restaurant Fridays has a fun activity for people dropping by late in the evening, Blingo.

They call it Blingo due to copyright restrictions and when you win you call out Blingo!

You get 3 cards for every round and color the squares in. I don't know what the prize is since I didn't win but it was a lot of fun to play while you grabbed a sandwich.

A Day At The Pool

2009-08-09T23:56:00.004-05:00

I feel like a piece of fruit floating in an umbrella drink.

This pool In Maple Grove, Minnesota has a sand bottom and beach.

These are the clouds about an hour before the storms hit on Saturday.

Cow vs Alien vs Zelda

2009-08-08T18:05:00.010-05:00

The alien picked on the wrong cow but neither was a match for Zelda.

Nissa was playing a claw machine and won 4 aliens in one grab. When she triumphantly came back to the table and told her story, a herd of eavesdropping children stampeded for the claw machine.

Are You Going To Eat That?

2009-08-06T07:56:00.003-05:00

Marilyn wanted to lick the foam from an orange ice cream float out of a glass.

We held it up to show her there was nothing interesting in the glass but we were wrong.

Sweet Little Convertible

2009-08-05T06:25:00.008-05:00

This pretty little MG Roadster Convertible was parked outside the Roseville Barnes and Noble with Kaching vanity plates.

The car is a match for my vision of the more modern Nancy Drew' s sporty blue roadster except she would not have had flashy plates.

Costco Tourettes and Costco Haiku

2009-08-04T14:54:00.007-05:00

Costco is my DH's happy place, not mine.

I almost never go inside the store since my husband has the shopping gene that I seem to lack. I wanted to see if they had a humungo package of markers—which they didn't—so I consoled myself with roasted chicken and croissants.

I went to the self check out rather than get behind the caterers with their multiple flat bed carts. The blinking slot said put card here. I slid it through the slot and the computer said invalid card, a Costco employee will check it. I start telling the computer that my card is not invalid and move to get behind the little league coach with 3 carts. Before I could change lines a clerk ran my card over a glass screen, not the blinking insert card here spot.

I turned my puddley chicken on it's side to have the window look at my UPC code and set it on the conveyor belt. I'm such a pro. I held the croissant's UPC sticker up to the window for the computer's appraisal and it gives me the go ahead. I set the bread on the conveyor and the machine announces that there is an error and I need to start over.

I say to the machine what do you mean I need to start over? I utter some phrases relating to it's faulty components which brings the clerk back. She quickly scans the bread and places it on the conveyor.

Now I need to try to pay. The clerk is standing next to me since I think she's afraid I'll either run a drumstick through the card reader or go get take out from a restaurant down the street. The register wants me to show it my American Express card and I slide it through the slot with the blinking light. It won't let me complete the transaction until I take my purse off the tiny window that I'm supposed to sign my name in. I considered letting my signature consist of initials for a phrase that you still can't say on TV but I didn't. The machine reminds me to get my receipt so I can go stand in line at the exit to have a clerk count to 2 and check to make sure I'm not smuggling a gallon of pickle relish underneath my lunch.

siren call to shop
cavern of oversized goods
SUV's overflow

Zelda Discovers The Joys Of A Running Garden Hose

2009-08-03T14:21:00.005-05:00

Zelda spotted a flowing hose that had been set down and proceeded to splash and play.

This is what she looked like right before she came in.

Everything Looks Better In Blue

2009-08-02T07:11:00.005-05:00

Last time we were at the cabin someone was tossing a bunch of benches. We put the picnic benches by the fire pit and brought this one home.

All the benches received a spiffy new coat of Rustoleum acrylic blue paint and now the bench has a cheery new home under a burl oak tree.

I used to paint this type of thing green but I've decided that blue is the new green.

I'm Glad I'm Not a Burlap Bear

2009-08-01T06:46:00.006-05:00

Nissa dusted off her bow and shot this poor grumpy bear in the nose with her first shot. She doesn't hunt but that's the type of target the archery range uses. Notice all the holes in the metal roof over the target.

Minnesota Suburbs Are Getting Tougher

2009-07-31T18:49:00.003-05:00

This yard has a helpful tip, beware of pirates.

I Got My New Toy From Woot

2009-07-30T12:07:00.003-05:00

The warning label on the electronic device included "do not ship or store near radioactive fields". Where the heck do they ship, Chernobyl?

Cabin Daylilies and A Hollow Tree Trunk

2009-07-29T22:17:00.005-05:00

More Wildlife

2009-07-28T11:47:00.006-05:00

I was taking a bath this morning and saw something float by, it was a wood tick swimming towards my toes. I felt inspired to share some more attractive wildlife that my husband photographed last weekend at the cabin.
We drive around looking for deer on the backroads at dusk. This evening 21 deer were spotted but this one posed the best.

Three wild turkeys.

When we arrive the hummingbirds thump on the window glass if we haven't put out the feeders.

They don't fly into the glass but actually seem to knock for our attention and we drop everything to run and give them sugar water.

It's Wildlife Week

2009-07-27T18:39:00.003-05:00

I was talking to my daughter through her window—spotted movement—and let out an eep!

Nissa responded by instantly shutting her window. She still hasn't forgiven me for sliding the dried out, flat goldfish under her door. An eep followed by Niissaaa puts her on her guard.

This sweet frog was in the flowers outside her window. Sitting, he was about 3.5-4" long. He is the largest frog we've ever seen at the house.

He thought he was invisible so after taking some photos with the zoom lens we left him to enjoy his frogy thoughts.

Zelda Is Off The Menu

2009-07-26T23:12:00.012-05:00

We were on the porch, the dogs were nearby on their leads and I spotted a red tailed hawk flying overhead.

We saw it fly past and start circling low over the dogs. This photo of a hawk is from Wikipedia since my first thought was the dogs not the camera on the table next to us.

The hawk was less than 20 feet away and since I've seen one take a squirrel from the yard I wasn't taking any chances with a 5 pound Lhsapoo.

The disappointed hawk went to a birch tree, made the oddest raspy noise and left for better hunting locations.

Wedding Party recreates blissful boogie on the Today Show - JK Wedding Entrance Dance

2009-07-25T13:34:00.001-05:00

I thoroughly enjoyed this the first time and was skeptical of a recreation but they rocked. The handstand groomsman danced even better and they look like they had a great time. Congratulations!

A Visit To Como Park Zoo

2009-07-25T12:18:00.019-05:00

I think we were looking for a parking spot a little too long. My daughter folded this origami flower from Arby's coupon fliers.

She's never done origami so I was impressed she came up with this with no pattern to follow.

The perfect lawn Flamingo.

The turtles decided what to be for Halloween, landscape rocks.

I'd love to see the printer's face who was assigned to make the "Butterfly droppings are called frass." signs

I told my daughter "Here's your boyfriend." She had never played that game since she is obviously more socially sensitive than me. I never get tired of the you are the dorkiest mom on the planet look, I have to work hard to retain the crown.

I wanted to take a picture of the kid with the sign on his back saying "if lost please call xxx xxx xxxx" but I was afraid the mom would think I was a child snatching deviant. I thought it was funny and a good idea since I had to leash my eldest; she was an extraordinary escape artist that would use clothes racks in stores as cover before she bolted.

Lovely Water Lilies at Como Park

2009-07-25T09:13:00.007-05:00

The giant lily pads look serene on top but they are fierce underneath.

When Rock Paper Scissors Fail

2009-07-24T09:21:00.003-05:00

My dogs have been getting a lot of woodticks lately and my daughter found one that was missed. We did rock, paper, scissors—she picked scissors—I was paper. Ugh!

Shameless Mom Moment

2009-07-23T17:22:00.010-05:00

Nissa got back her Sociology paper. She received 110 points out of 100 and her instructor asked for a copy of her paper. She has a talent for writing that public school almost extinguished so it's very nice to see her doing so well.

The JK Wedding Entrance Dance Video Looks So Joyous

2009-07-23T07:32:00.010-05:00

I would love to get remarried just so I could do this. What a fun wedding!

The song is Forever by Chris Brown and it's available on iTunes.

Update - Wow, when I posted this the view count on You Tube was about 29,000 and as of 10:00 tonight it's at almost 500,000. I admit 3 of the views would be me. 24 hours from when I first saw the video the number of views is 1.3 million

The St Paul couple will be on the Today show this morning (7/24) and the dance will be recreated on the Today show (7/25)

Stop Me Before I Woot Again

2009-07-22T17:08:00.004-05:00

I had fought the siren call of the Woot Off but... I have a vacation video of us swimming with dolphins and I can't get it converted to DVD since I don't a have a release from the resort in Mexico. The Pinnacle video transfer widget seemed like a good solution.

Most of the VHS movies that we really like we've already replaced with DVDs but there are still a few I could convert. After that, eBay.

Damn—253 people raved about the bacon salt—this is the last item! Mmmm, bacon.

Pretty Flowers At The Cabin

2009-07-21T08:38:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite things is how there is always something in bloom, fields of daisies, lady slippers tucked into the woods, daylilies, and a bunch of flowers that are still incognito.

Tiny Mystery Nest

2009-07-20T12:24:00.006-05:00

My husband found this nest in our Northern Minnesota woods and it's about 2" in diameter. He thinks it's a Hummingbird nest but I think it's too big. I think it might be a Red-eyed Vireo nest but I'm stumped what would make such a petite nest.

The forest is mixed with pine and deciduous trees and we are near water. We have a nice variety of wild life and the area is very private so it would be a good location for a skittish mom.

The outside of the nest is covered with lichens and spider's webs, the inside has a lining of pine needles

Cabin Entertainment

2009-07-20T08:00:00.007-05:00

We call activities such as watching the hummingbirds, looking for deer, and hiking in the woods cabin entertainment and the secret cooking ingredient is butter.

Marilyn and Zelda looking for deer. Yes, we have a firm grip on them so they are in no danger of falling out the window.

Home again. Zelda climbed over my bags to take a nap in my office chair.

Zelda and Marilyn In Their Lifejackets

2009-07-15T20:47:00.006-05:00

We're taking the Marilyn and Zelda out on the sailboat so we tried on their doggy life jackets to make sure they still fit. The jackets have rescue handles across the back so that you can scoop them up like luggage.

We used to have a 5 pound peekapoo that would jump in the lake to catch perch so we're firm believers in life jackets for pets. Scout was a good swimmer but tired quickly in cold water. Don't worry, Scout was never hurt in the water; she died last year from old age.

I bought the life jackets online several years ago, they are fabric covered with clip and Velcro closures. Mine are XXS and XS and I think they cost about $50 or $60 for both including shipping.

Zelda field testing her life jacket. We clipped a lead on her since we were close to a road with traffic. She adores swimming and will jump into any body of water including lakes, ponds, swimming pools and occupied bathtubs.

Fireworks and Western Spaghetti by PES

2009-07-13T13:16:00.004-05:00

These are very entertaining examples of stop motion animation.

The Zucchini Are Coming

2009-07-13T09:09:00.004-05:00

I love plants that offer so much with so little effort on my part, I am such a lazy gardener.

Orange Zucchini Marmalade Recipe

I got this recipe from my Grandfather's girlfriend, Adleine.

combine the following and cook 3 minutes in a saucepan

3 cups peeled and shredded zucchini
1 cup drained crushed pineapple
1 package unsweetened orange Kool-Aid
1 orange sliced thin

***

add and boil one minute

1 package Sure Gel

***

add and boil 3-4 minutes

4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon butter (the butter is to keep the jam from foaming)

***

Put hot jelly in sterilized jars and seal or simply put it a container in your refrigerator and make popovers. I prefer the later method.

Smart Car

2009-07-11T12:04:00.007-05:00

I haven't seen many of these cute little cars on the road yet but the license plate Walnut 1 is very funny.

The size reminds me of my first car, a Karmann Ghia by Volkswagen. The windshield washer fluid ran off the air pressure in the spare tire. The back seat folded down for a surprisingly spacious trunk and it was a joy to drive.

My Ghia looked the same as the one in the photo except it was green. I have photos of the car but they are Kodak prints in an album that I never converted to digital. I should scan my albums since it would be nice to have a backup.

When the Ghia died I held a wake. I wish now I had kept it and had it repaired but I was in college and couldn't justify spending more on repairs than I did for the car.

Your Body Has A Mind of Its Own or Stupid People Tricks

2009-07-10T18:35:00.006-05:00

Sit in a chair.
Lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.
While doing this, draw the number 6 in the air with your right hand.
Your foot will change direction; you can't prevent it.

The photo is this morning's sunrise.