Up and Running

Don't ask me why I posted this picture for today's blog, I'm not really sure, only that I know my sister Lisa loves turtles. As a photographer you learn pretty quickly that people love all sorts of things. This has been a revelation to me. Before selling photographs, I had no idea how much dragonflies inspired people, to name just one obsession.

I suppose one thing this reminded me of was the four guys working here yesterday. The "cable guy" arrived as scheduled at twelve. He assessed the situation, spending the next 3 1/2 hours repairing what he could including changing all of the exposed cable outside. It seems as if squirrels may have enjoyed a little meal on the cable where it connects to the pole. Turns out a contractor will be needed to get to the rest because our crafty Mr. Bruce hid a portion of it in the eaves. He'll be here on Saturday morning to meet with Bruce.

While he was working on the cable, the three lawn guys arrived. When folks come to the house Baxter stays alert. Most days he lounges quite a bit but not so when he feels he needs to keep his eyes on things. Quite the guard dog.

During one of the times the internet was functional on Tuesday, Matt called. Naturally I asked if we could do the video chat. Now it was unfortunate that I looked like a mess that day as I'd not "seen" Matt in ages but I'm pretty sure he got past that. I'd been sewing, as you know, and hadn't bothered to do a thing with myself. Reflecting on our visit, I realized it was the longest time in my whole life with Matt not speaking to him. I think it was easily six weeks or more. He'd been swamped at work and more recently taken a "staycation" in Britain, visiting Stonehenge which he described as the most incredible sight he's ever seen, and he's seen a lot. After graduating college he took a month long European tour, visiting quite a few countries. That was just the beginning of his traveling life, since then he's seen even more. Anyway, it was a dandy chat and I'm thrilled we stayed connected.

Mr. Roger has been on a business trip for at least three weeks, allegedly he's returning today. As such, I have a huge order prepared which I'm taking over to his house when I'm done here. As the weeks have gone by I'm digging deeper into the inventory, which is a good thing, but now I need a new infusion of both paper and canvas prints. Naturally I'm not content with what I've had before so I have a disc with lots of new images. I've not spoken with him in weeks so I'm not sure what he can get to right away but I hope it is sooner rather than later!

I finished my dress project which turned out kinda cute although I somehow messed up the facing. I've rigged it so it works but it shows how rusty I am. The machine, on the other hand, is not rusty at all. I'm absolutely amazed at how perfect it runs after sitting in the closet for so long. One thing that was somewhat silly of me is that I added three different colors of top stitching to the design. So what you ask? My eyesight is not what it once was and threading the needle multiple times was not the easiest but, much to my amazement, I got the job done. The main thing is the fit--terrific.

Now, it is off to do errands my faithful readers....Have a super weekend and I'll try to do the same.

Listening to: Snow Patrol - How To Be Dead
via FoxyTunes

Please Wait.......

As you know we have a fancy new television, what you don't know is that it hasn't worked very well. Last Friday night we anxiously waited for the presidential debate to begin. Unfortunately the tv kept going to a black screen with the phrase, please wait... visible. Naturally this occurred right in the middle of a response and never during commercials. We finally gave up as it was so frustrating. The next day after asking one of the neighbors if she'd had trouble with her cable and getting a negative response I thought something must be wrong here. Because we took the little drive to The Villages, I didn't get the chance to call the cable company and inquire about our problem. Arriving home I was geared up to watch Florida State play football and there we went again. Always during a big play I would get the same message. Today the repairman came and replaced the box and the remote and hopefully we'll be get to go from now on. Either that or one of the arriving sons will have to set us straight!

Maybe you understand the financial mess we are in, if you do skip what I'm about to write. One of my favorite radio programs is This American Life with Ira Glass on Public Radio. I know that for some people radio has lost its' luster but I find it soothing. No shouting, no commercials full of lies, and best of all, you can usually do something while listening. Yesterday afternoon I spent the hour or so listening to this edition while ironing.Global Pool of Money
It is a clear and concise explanation of what has gone so terribly wrong. If you want to listen to folks who were involved in making life miserable for so many, understand CDO's, and find out how it is a global problem, than set up the ironing board (or empty the dishwasher) and tune in.

Tools of the trade in our photo today. Last week I made a trip to Big Lots for bungee cords and tie wraps for our booth. It is a gold mine of stuff that I've never seen in our grocery stores. For some people going into a deep discount store makes them uncomfortable but not me. I generally find it interesting to see products that never made it into the mainstream. While there I found some food coloring with fall colors for $1. This week I wondered how much food coloring is in the grocery store and found it for $5.49 at Albertsons. Needless to say I was shocked. I also discovered they make a neon version that after a chat with Matt I've decided to forgo.

This afternoon I went shopping for some new work shoes for Bruce. He has dress shoes he wears to the office and then oxford type shoes for job visits. The last pair, if you can believe it were Hush Puppies. Now before you laugh to yourself I'll say this much. They have worn exceptionally well and were not only comfortable but had a sole that withstood all manner of terrain. Remember that Bruce builds a lot of buildings in cold country with ice and snow making that extremely important. After looking on the web it seemed as if Mr. James Cash Penney's store carried them. Not so. When I arrived in the shoe department I was bewildered but the woman standing around checking her split ends didn't seem to notice me. Turns out they no longer carry them. Here's two other notable things I saw-- disgusting thing one: underwear (panties and such) plastered all over with "Will Flirt for Gifts", disgusting thing two: a teenager with her mom throwing up on the pavement outside the store. Now I understand that sometimes you just can't help it, but honestly, there are plant beds flanking the store which certainly would have been a better place to leave it. Not really in the disgusting category but this much I will tell you, British tourists dress really, really bad. They fall into the category of those who dress by picking up a shirt and shorts regardless of whether they match or not. It is painful to see these folks with their white skin all sunburned and most of the time showing way, way too much skin for my liking.

Bruce should be arriving any minute now. We're planning a little dinner out before the craziness of the weekend. He reminded me that I'll be too tired to think straight let alone go out on a date.

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Listening to: Womack, Lee Ann - Never Again Again
via FoxyTunes