Vlad and other Grumps

Weather in the Tries:

This last week has been a week of Seattle weather on steroids, i.e., it’s been cold, wet, and windy. The coming week appears to be a tad more civilized with lows all in the 40s and highs going from 58F to 65F. Thanks, Ma!

Vlad and other Grumps:

Actually, I did get a rather dark laugh out of Vlad this past week. He got on his high horse, looked Biden in the (virtual) eye (or maybe an old photo?) and threatened if we send any more weapons, &c to Ukraine, he’ll consider nuclear retaliation. My comment to Vlad, not that he cares, is: Vlad, Dahling, pull out of Ukraine, stop the war you started, and no one will have to send them weapons and munitions. See how easy it is?

One of the people in a discussion group I belong to did bring up a good question that none of us has seen/heard discussed by any of the newscasters or pundits we follow. If Vlad’s army is in as rough a shape as it is, what kind of shape are his nukes in? If his soldiers are so ignorant they stole radioactive souvenirs from Chernobyl (I hope they were small, and fit in a pant pocket), what makes anyone think his nuke sites have been properly maintained?

Grump #2:

After a busy day of emptying boxes, I would turn on the tv for a bit of relaxation, only to get my dandruff up. Have you noticed how many women on the tube do not know how to part their hair? It really isn’t difficult to get a straight, curved, or artsy part. With the advent of large screens and high def (and, I suppose, my astigmatism), I find the lack of a straight, curved, or artsy part to one’s hair annoying. Yes, I’m scraping the barrel, but…

Grump #3:

For—definition from Merriam-Webster: read it, it’s interesting. There is also fore (used in golf and with other words) and four (used to keep 3 and 5 apart. For the correct pronunciation, check out the Minute of Speech, here.

Fur: that stuff that covers most cute fuzzy animals, the exception being those who have hair.

Fir: a tree, such as the Douglas Fir, that when spoken the two sound the same, so you need to take it in context. To hear the correct, American pronunciation, check here

Far: as in the opposite of close or near. To hear the correct pronunciation, go here.

Why am I grumpy over this? Because there are three different and distinct sounds. And I’m tired of people saying (and spelling) “fir” when they mean “far” or “for.” For heavens sake it’s only three letters. Get them straight, pronounce the correctly. One’s mouth must change for the ‘ah’ sound, the ‘oh’ sound, and the ‘ir/ur’ sound.

In watching the news, not only do I want to mail combs to the female reporters I want to send all of them a pronunciation guide.

Grump #4:

Author Jason Tharp loves to write and illustrate books for weird kids for the best of all reasons—he was one. I wish his books had been around when my kids were young enough to appreciate them. He was all set to read his book, It’s Okay to be a Unicorn to a class near his hometown and at the last minute, he was cancelled. Rather, the reading of that book was cancelled because there is a rainbow on the cover and some illiterate parent whose child wasn’t in the class he was visiting, saw it and complained it was a book about being Gay. Oh, please, are these people going to cancel their God because S/He paints Rainbows in the Sky? Read the article here and if it’s paywalled a judicious email…

A NOT Grump:

So, my housemate is moving in this month, he’ll be here sooner than later, I imagine. Especially as I have most of the boxes out of the office and we’re not letting SBD into his room until he’s here. That gives me time to “practice” — it’s been years since I’ve had a housemate. I’m used to wandering the house in my skivvies, leaving the bathroom door open, dishes in the sink, cooking for one. (We haven’t discussed cooking/grocery shopping yet. His Type B personality says, meh, it’ll settle out. My Type A personality says, What do you mean? The bowl is half empty. No. Wait. That’s the nonexistent cat.) But you get the idea, I’m sure.

Photo of the Week:

How do I know when I’m truly in my new home? My sliding glass door has its stained-glass hummingbird. My sister of choice (SOC) made this for me many years ago when I told her about not seeing the glass in a closed door and bonked my schnozzle on it. This little bird has travelled to the southern Oregon coast, Florida, New Mexico, and all over Washington State.

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it at Rainy Day Reads

I haven’t had time or inclination to read much this week. But I have read a bit in an ARC (advance reader copy). It’s a fascinating book and I can hardly wait to finish it.

Earworm of the Week:

“Imagine” written by John Lennon, performed by his son, Julian. And if you’d like to see the lyrics to follow along, think about, cogitate, check out this site.

Quotes of the Week from Brainy Quote:

“Vladimir Putin is creating an axis of authoritarian regimes that he will lead.” —Malcolm Nance

“Never say ‘no’ to pie. No matter what, wherever you are, diet-wise or whatever, you know what? You can always have a small piece of pie, and I like pie. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t like pie. If somebody doesn’t like pie, I don’t trust them. I’ll bet you Vladimir Putin doesn’t like pie.” —Al Roker

“Frankly, I would never accept an award from Vladimir Putin because then you kind of give some credence and credibility to this butcher, this KGB agent, which is what he is.” —John McCain

Today may be a holiday for many, but Auntie Lenora loves you, each and every one, and she knows you wait with bated breath for your weekly Coffee Break Escape. Pour a cuppa, sit back and relax. Sammy Brave Dog is already back on his bed (which is really my bed, but he prefers it to something on the floor with his name on it), curled up and asleep. It takes a lot of energy to give each of you your weekly pupkisses., but he’s happy to do so.

What is Violence?

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Weather in the Tries: Wow, I don’t unnerstand, not one little bit. I moved south, toward the warmth, and it’s colder! Yeah, okay, I only moved 3.1 miles, but still… Does Ma Nature really have to give Winter an encore? Couldn’t she do it someplace else? The lows are going to be from 28 to 35, and the highs from 43 to 57 (next Saturday, mostly right around 50).

What is Violence?

First off, a note about the move. Probably 90% or more boxes are emptied. A stack of stuff grows to make a trip to my “shed,” and there are other things on horizontal surfaces waiting for something necessary to be unpacked before they can be put away. But it’s going, or coming, whatever.

Second off, I just had three poems accepted by the delightful people who put together the Shrub-Steppe anthology every year!

Third off, I really give a shout-out for Charter/Spectrum. Their part of the move went very smoothly. I plugged in a tv at the new abode, grabbed my clicker, and voila, I had my program. Dan set up my router, etc. and it, too went as promised. Yeah, they irritate me somewhat, especially when I call and have to go through what seems like 30,000 computers that only understand six words (and never the same six words) to finally get to a human (they are, after all, a Communication Network!) but when I finally get a human, I’m usually very pleased with their demeanor and knowledge. And patience because a by then, I wanna do a Will Smith, even though I know it’s wrong—and I don’t know if Karma affects computers.

Okay, legal disclaimers plus: I did not watch the Oscars, and I’ve barely read more than the headlines of most of the articles about it. I did read one article. But here is my question, perhaps it is a rant? I’m not sure. I remember it was about Will Smith defending his wife’s honor (Jada Pinkett Smith) against the host of the show. Rock? Rocky? Rocky Squirrel? Sorry, I don’t remember him or his name. Will Smith I know. No, I don’t know him, but I know who he is, and enjoy the movies I’ve seen with him.

Anyhow, Rock? Rocky? Rocky Squirrel? made a thoughtless comment about Jada’s baldness due to alopecia. Will slapped him. Personally, I hope Will slapped some manners into him. Will has taken full responsibility for his actions, resigned from the Oscars, has been banned for 10 years. (Bet that just breaks his heart/snark/). Why? Because he chose, however unwise, to counter violence with more violence. Yes, you read that correctly.

I am against violence, of any sort. And I’m not necessarily condoning Will’s actions; however, I think Rock? Rocky? Rocky Squirrel? who so generously did not file charges or a complaint, should also be banned from the Oscars for 10 years. We all know Karma takes too long, so maybe that is why Will Smith slapped him. It was his verbal violence that started it. When a comedian goes for a laugh out of someone else’s pain, it’s violence. Whether the pain is physical or emotional doesn’t matter. Pain is pain and it hurts. And if Rock? Rocky? Rocky Squirrel? went after one of my family, I might have suffered a sudden onset of uncontrollable raising of my knee. (That Karma thing, you understand.) Full stop. Run credits. Close curtains. The end.

Thank you for allowing me to rant. Oh, wait. This is my blog. Thank you for reading my rant. What do you think?

Photo of the Week:

We had some strong winds the last few days. Looked out of my bedroom this morning and saw this bleached skeleton of a bird, with a couple feathers sticking to it. Of course, I grabbed my phone and braved the cold winds to shoot it. This was, mind you, BC (before coffee) so I hope I can be forgiven for sharing a semi-floating plastic bag with you. Do you see the bird?

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it at Rainy Day Reads

Crowbones by Anne Bishop. Oh, yes, I finished it. Think it took me 3, maybe 4 nights. I savored it, I mostly only read it at night and then only if I’d done a fair share of unboxing stuff. It made a marvelous “carrot.” My review can be found here.

Earworm of the Week: “A Change Would Do You Good” by Sheryl Crow performed by Paul Mcdonald and The Grand Magnolias

Quotes of the Week: From Wise Sayings

“Crows will fight over a dead man’s flesh and kill each other for his eyes” —George R.R. Martin (What? You expect something soft and genteel from the man who gave us GoT?)

“We heap up around us things that we do not need as the crow makes piles of glittering pebbles.” —Laura Ingalls Wilder

“If men had wings and bore black feathers, Few of them would be clever enough to be crows.” —Henry Ward Beecher

And there we are. Another week, another blog. Auntie Lenora hopes you week was fantabulously wonderful, and the coming week will treat you even better. The Brave Dog sends more pupkisses. TTFN and see you soon. As Garrison Keillor says—”Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.”

ps. I wan’t kidding when I said Winter gets an encore:

We’re Moved!!!!!

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Weather in the Tries: Huh? We got weather? Here? At our new home? I’ve been too busy to notice. 😉

We’re Moved:

It went fairly smooth, operator. I’ve done easier moves but had a couple months to pack and be uber organized. This time I had 20 days. Chrysta, the manager at the new complex, called and said they had an apartment coming vacant the first of April. The lady and her sons who lived in it were gracious enough to allow us to come see it and decide. We decided. I had done a bit of long-term packing but then it was time for the hard part. I had to give notice on my place, and the manager there said they could only pro rate rent based on move in, not move out. I had to pack like crazy. I asked if I could come back and clean, and she said they’d prefer if their team cleaned and billed me. Ya know what? By the time I moved, & etc., I was too pooped to clean. I had done some, and went back and vacuumed, and that was it. Their cleaners will be worth the cost.

For those of you in the area, I used Help U Move. This is the third time I’ve used them, and I’ve never been disappointed in their work. I heartily recommend them.

Dan, my soon to be housemate, was gracious enough to pay his half of the rent this month so I could move in, and he could bring stuff over in bits and pieces. We each took a small bedroom (10×10) and are using the primary bedroom as a joint office. Well, once I get all the boxes out. 😉

I’m guessing these were made in the ’70s with what I call a California architecture. There is a large entry in the center of each building with all apartments opening on it. Gets people out of the wind and rain, snow and sleet, sun and heat, to get in and out of their units. We discovered we can use the patio, it’s closer by a few steps. And is covered by the upstairs unit’s deck.

I think each building has 10 apartments, 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms. It’s mixed age so there are kids from newborn to second childhood in here. Lots of geeses, ducks, and I think we have a resident heron, too. The ponds are low on water but will be topped off in the next couple of weeks.

I wondered how Sammy would take to the move. On moving day proper, he spent the day at Dan’s. Once everything was moved, I brought him to his new home. He saw ‘his’ boxes, smelled the right smells and was okay with the move. I guess. (Who knows what an animal thinks?) Went for our first walk and he was fine. There are lots of dogs in here, so he got to read lots of messages and leave his own. Looks like it was a welcome wagon for dogs. He loves it here. At the other place there were lots of dogs and feral and wild animals, and he was pretty twitchy, but here, he’s fine. Oddly, he hasn’t met any of the dogs.

Oh, there is an old and unused tennis court here. The powers that be, are considering turning it into parking. I suggested to the manager they turn half into parking and use the other half as an enclosed doggie play yard. She liked the idea and said she’d pass it on. There are 7 buildings in our complex and our owner just bought the mirror complex next door with another 7 buildings. That complex is called Heron Lake, we live in Clearwater Bay.

Okay, here you go, Photos of the Week:

Entry way. Note patio to the left with blue and red chair showing? That be us.

The entry hall. It appears a tad darker when one walks in from bright sun!

From our entry way which is about as exciting as the photo of same somewhere above this one. Obviously, this is our kitchen and box room. It’s really a dining room, and all those boxes are empty. and I’m still figuring where to put stuff which is why everything is on the counter, stove, etc.

Our living room from the entry. When Dan moves in, we’ll rearrange things, right now, I’m trying to get it livable. And all the stuff put someplace.

My 10×10 room. All my art is over at a neighbor’s until the house is more or less organized. We met when she lived at the other place, and is how I found this place.

My bathroom with my new shower curtain. Had to do something to kill the yellow in the paint. It’s a yellow-brown-beigey color. It’s a good thing I don’t wear a lot of make up, because it will never go on right in here. All the rooms are this color.

Our office. Well, at the moment, it’s my office, but as soon as I get the boxes emptied, or at least moved, Dan can start moving his desk, etc. in.

This is the view from our patio. My understanding is, The Great Invincible They will start filling the pond this month. You can’t really see, it goes quite a ways back. We have ducks, geese, and at least one resident/semi resident Great Blue Heron. He has his favorite rock he perches on away from all the buildings. I’m sure there will be more photos in days to come.

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it at Rainy Day Reads

I have finally started Crowbones by Anne Bishop. It’s the latest in her The Other series. I saved it as a reward for a getting everything packed, moved, and at least a start at emptying boxes. I took it with me Saturday to start while I waited to get my Booster Boosted. Again, I have no reaction to the booster other than it is a teensy bit sore if I sleep on it. Now, if y’all will excuse me, I need to finish Crowbones before I can get back to emptying boxes. I have read several of Ms. Bishop’s books. Reviews are here.

Earworm of the Week: Speaking of boxes (not our new home) here’s an oldie, Little Boxes. For some reason I was sure, absitively posolutely sure that Peggy Lee wrote and performed this. Nope! It was Malvina Reynolds. So much for my infallible memory 😉

How’s this 7:06 video for a “Feel Good” one? Retired Mountain Rescue Search Dog Skye is awarded the PDSA Order of Merit. That is a big deal.

Quotes of the Week: are from metropolis moving

“If your world doesn’t allow you to dream, move to one where you can.” -Billy Idol

All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immovable, those that are movable, and those that move.” -Benjamin Franklin

“The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning.” -Ivy Baker Priest (This one sounds a tad like it came from the Reluctant Messiah of Illusions by Richard Bach.)

Sammy wants you to know he’s happy here and sends pupkisses to you all and thanks you for your friendship. And good wishes. He’s not sure how he would have made it without those good wishes. Me, too. I’m getting too old to move every time the windows need washing!

Litany Against Fear

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Weather in the Tries: Oh, WOWSER! Only two nights below 40, and two days above 70, the rest in the upper 60s. Must be why I can’t breathe—those excited little plants are dancing and tossing their pollen with great and gleeful abandon and cheer.

Litany Against Fear

If you’ve read Dune, or seen any of the movies, you will undoubtedly understand how the Litany Against Fear plays such a pivotal role on paper and in film. I think it’s one of Frank Herberts most famous writings.

“I must not fear.

Fear is the mind-killer.

Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration.

I will face my fear.

I will permit it to pass over me and through me.

And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path.

Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”

I tried to memorize it when I read Dune the first time. I failed. But I remembered the gist of it. A few books later, Reverend Mother Odrade said she didn’t have time for all that folderal and changed it to “Face your fears or they will ride your back.” That may not be the exact phrase she used, but close enough, and by golly, I can remember it. And I use it.

I’m still packing and must be done before bedtime Wednesday. The movers come Thursday, and I must be ready for them. I’m mostly done. Down to dribs n drabs of stuff that didn’t fit in that box or this one. And my office. The books are mostly packed, but….

My storage locker, affectionately known as “the shed” is nearly full, but neatly so.

And a Nice to report. I totally spaced on calling my insurance to change my renters and auto address. I hate trying to talk to a computer who can only understand 3, possibly 4 words. Saturday, I remembered I needed to take care of that, and get a copy of the renter’s insurance to the new apartment complex. The conversation went sorta like this: the Computer Lady said, “Thank you for calling USAA, how may I help you?” Me (trying not to grind my teeth: “Change of address.” Computer Lady,” Oh, you’d like to change your address. One moment please and I’ll connect you to a representative.” Me (trying not to faint): “Thank you.” And then the representative came on. Young. Chipper. Happy. And very professional. She got everything she needed to do quickly, professionally, and pleasantly. Then she transferred me to somebody in Automotive. He asked for the new address, I gave it, he said, “Oh, it’s already in the system.” I could hear keys clicking. Then, “Well, I have some good news for you. Your monthly cost will go down $32.00.” I truly believe I’m with the best Insurance company around. If you’re a veteran, check them out!

Photo of the Week:

One of the sights I will miss–dawn on the river. Now that we’re apparently going full-time DST, I may never again be up early enough to see the dawn. But I’ll have a lake. Okay, a pond. A man-made pond. It, too, has birds–ducks, geeses, and a heron. And I’m sure I saw alligator and giraffe tracks on the island. Sammy has his chores. When I leave he must keep the humfalumpuses off the furniture, the hippopotamuses out of the parking slots, and the giraffes and alligators over on the island. The people here will miss him when we move. There hasn’t been a sighting of giraffes, alligators, or hippos since we moved in. Yayyy for the Brave Dog.

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it at Rainy Day Reads

Oh, surely I jest! I’ve had time to read? Bwahahahahaha! I have Anne Bishop’s last “Other” book waiting, Crowbones, but I must, Must, MUST be packed before I dive in, because it’s a marvelous universe and I love it and don’t want to leave it to do something as mundane as more packing!

Earworm of the week: Not really an earworm, but if you like desert inspired music, this is hard to beat. And the photography is superb. Dune | Epic Music & Ambience

Quotes of the week: From Goodreads.com

“The mystery of life isn’t a problem to solve, but a reality to experience.” —Frank Herbert, Dune

“What do you despise? By this are you truly known.” ―Frank Herbert, Dune

“It is impossible to live in the past, difficult to live in the present and a waste to live in the future.” ―Frank Herbert, Dune

Next week, Auntie Lenora will be writing from her new abode. She should have a few pix to share. And hopefully some empty boxes.

“Happiness is a form of courage.”

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Weather in the Tries: Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit!—I do believe Spring is about to whomp upon us—in this coming week we’ll have one day, at least, above 70F, most in the mid 60s, and the coldest night will be one at 39F.

“Happiness is a form of courage:
I love this. Found it on a JHAILING box that held a present for me. And whoever said it is correct. It does take courage to be happy when your world is falling apart, or being bombed to rubble, or even while moving. Just ask Sammy Brave Dog. He’s getting very stressed.

Yippers! I’m moving. Again. A friend and I are moving in together. We can rent a 3 bedroom/2 bath apartment for slightly more than I am paying now for a 2 bedroom 1 bath, split the cost and both save money. Also, we’re each taking a small bedroom, and using the primary bedroom as a joint office. Sneaky, huh?

So this post, and probably another one or two, may be of a somewhat shortened nature. But, then, I’m a somewhat shortened person… (Sorry. I’m looking for that Happy Courage!)

Vlad the Invader has allegedly moved his family to his underground bunker somewhere in Siberia. Now, how/why would we know this? Is he using it as a veiled threat that he’s going to press the red button on his desk? Does he know something we don’t? I sure wish Rafael Edwardo Cruz would hurry up and take his A Team and replacements to Moscow to do what they want the Russians to do. You know, show them how it’s done.

Photo of the Week:
I think this came from Facebook. A friend sent it, and, well, it just tickled my funny bone. And, no, that is not Sammy Brave Dog.

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it at Rainy Day Reads

There are now over 600 books on my book blog. Surely you can find something in that list that appeals to you? Yes? No? Maybe?

Earworm of the week: Wolf Totem by HU. The HU are a Mongolian rock group who use traditional instruments and throat singing. This is one of my favorites. I would love to see them in a “battle” of music with a Sioux group. Or any other Native group. Make sure the English subtitles are on so you can follow along.

Quotes of the Week: Today’s quotes are from unpaktblog giving us “Inspiring Quotes about Moving and Change”

“If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet…” —Rachel Wolchin

“Life is life a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” —Albert Einstein

“If your world doesn’t allow you to dream, move to one where you can.” —Billy Idol

Poor Brave Dog, his home is being demolished about his ears. He is not happy. Alas, I’d consider taking him to a dog boarding home until this is over, but I think that would stress him out even more. I’m getting stressed, too. I have to keep stopping to take a good dog on a walk. But he’s in for a real surprise when we move! Have a great week. And think a calming thought for the dog, will ya?

Do you re-read books?

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Weather in the Tries:

Would you believe Saturday got up to 70 in the Tries????Woot! Woot!! It appears that our lowest this coming week will be 36, and several days in the low 60s! We do have winds, now, but that’s okay. March winds and April showers. And flower beginning to bloom 😉

How to Help Ukrainians:

You could send them the A Team (see below for more /snark/) but a more realistic thing is to read Nicholas Kristof’s substack article, How to Help Ukrainians. He has some very good ideas and knows of what he writes. If, for some reason you can’t open the article, please let me know through the Contact Form, and I shall do what I can. Nicholas Kristof, for those of you who don’t know him, is a long-time journalist, and spent many years trotting about the globe, in some very dangerous places.

Do you re-read books?

Do you? Which ones call you to read again and again, and why? I re-read books, different books for different reasons. Here are some I re-read.

Dune (the ones) by Frank Herbert. It’s been a long time since I’ve re-read those books, but they are my “thumb sucking” books. When I’m really stressed, I grab the first one, Dune, and stack the remaining six (I think it’s six, I’m too lazy to get up and count right now for a total of seven Frank wrote. I curl up with a cuppa, and get totally lost in another world, another galaxy, another culture. When my uncle was in the hospital and I couldn’t visit him because I was snow bound (believe me, you do NOT want to drive in Seattle where there is snow on the streets!) I talked to him daily and read all seven (or six) books in a week. Yep, I was stressed. I have no idea how many times I’ve read the books, but it’s a lotta times. I’ve also seen all the Dune movies, including the latest in 3D!!!

Wizard of the Pigeons by Megan Lindholm. Oh, wow, I bet it’s every couple years that I read that book. It’s one of my mostest faves of all times. It’s the story of a homeless Vietnam veteran in Seattle. I guarantee, no matter what you think of homeless people, if you read that book, your thoughts will change. I’ve even been known to send pitches to movie directors, etc. This vet is a Vietnam vet, but he could be from any war.

Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach. This is another one I read often. Like, once a year, or every other year. I love the story, but really love the sayings. I have memorized many; perhaps, not word for word, but the gist of them. “Happiness is a choice. It is not always an easy choice.” Another fave, “Here is a test to see if your mission on earth is finished. If you’re alive, it isn’t.” I don’t know if Bach is Buddhist or not, but his books have been read and enjoyed by Buddhists, by Christians, by Atheists, and by Nones, etc. I just learned he is a direct descendant of Johann Sebastian Bach! you can learn some amazing things by going down the www rabbit holes 😉

And, just in case you’re interested, my idea of Heaven is an expanded version of the Library of Congress. The largest library in the world!

So, do you re-read books? Why? Which ones? Leave a comment, please.

The Congressional Team A plus some obviously needed help?:

I see the A Team I proposed last week, comprised of Lindsey Graham (a US Government trained killer), and the hotshots, Lauren Boebert, Margery Taylor Greene, Josh Hawley, and Maddi Cawthorn, did not go to Russia to take care of the problem. Perhaps they need to add a few more to their team? Give it a snazz up the name? How about The Congressional Team A? And call on Rafael Edward “Ted” Cruz, Paul Gosar, Louie Gohmert (also a US Government trained killer), and one or two other volunteers?? If they are going to call others to violence, they truly should put their money where their mouth is, or in this case, their weapons where their mouth is. Yes?

Vlad the Invader has let it be known that if the US or any other western nation sends arms, etc. to the Ukraine he will take it as a Declaration of War against him. He is asking China for arms, etc. Should we let him know what we think?

Photo of the Week:

Library staff pose in front of the Borys Lavrenyov Regional Library for Youth. Photo courtesy of Rubryka and TOL. — https://globalvoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lavernyovka.jpeg
**This is (or was) the Library and staff in front of the Borys Lavrenyouv Reginal Library for Youth in Kherson, Ukraine. Click photo to go to article.**

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it at Rainy Day Reads

My Viking Vampire —by Krystal Shannan. OMG! This is a paranormal romance with all the shiny pink parts. Our two protagonists are a young human woman who has been terribly abused by her ex, and a thousand-year-old Viking Vampire who rescues her. Not for the faint of heart. But a heckuva romp! Calorie-free brain candy. If I thought Sanctuary existed, I think I’d have to go to Texas just to visit! I gave it 5 Stars.

Have been reading some other books. Water Chasing Water —by Koon Woon. Am enjoying Mr. Woon’s poetry. Have followed him for years, but this is the first book of his I’ve read.

Am also reading Collected Poems —by Federico García Lorca. Great fun. The left side (even numbered) pages are in Spanish; the right side (odd numbered) pages are in English. It will take a while to get through this one. But oh, my, do I love his poetry!

Earworm of the week: The Tango: Vaccine – A Randy Rainbow Song Parody

Quotes of the week: from Quotemaster

“I can’t imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once.” —C.S. Lewis

“If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again there is no use reading it at all.” —Oscar Wilde

“If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” —Hasruki Murakami

And there you have it. The brave dog and I have made it through another week, and hope you have, too. If you didn’t, please leave a comment and tell us why not. Sammy sends pupkisses to you all. It’s OK to accept them—I wiped the slobber off each one individually. 😉

Where does a 27-pound kitty sleep?

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Weather in the Tries: Looks like our really cold cold will be gone by the time you read this and daytime highs will be in the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Nighttime lows will still be play footsie with freezing. But many nights will be above freezing. Thank you Mother Earth and Grandfather Sky!!!

Good Monday Morning to You All!

Mr. Putin is still throwing his tantrum. But you know that, don’t you? You’ve probably also heard that Senator Lindsey Graham wants the Russians to rise up and kill Mr. Putin. His office has since tried to walk that back; however, since Graham is a bona fide US Government Trained Killer, why doesn’t he go? He could take a small, A Team of hotshots — Lauren Boebert, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Josh Hawley, and David Madison Cawthorn. Why if they leave today, they should mark Mission Accomplished by Wednesday, free the Americans in Putin’s Jail, and be home in time for the Friday session of Congress –or the latest reruns of Hee Haw, whatever.

I had a mini vacation. Drove across the Snoqualmie Pass for a few days with a good friend, then came home. It was too short of time to visit. Oh, well, I promised to give you the answer to the age-old question, so here it is.

Where does a 27-pound kitty sleep?

Any place he wants! Kind of a cliché answer, huh? But it’s true. When we got Mr. McSnooper, called Snoopy for short, he was five weeks old, and we were assured he was weaned. Mom and I found out later that wasn’t true.

At five weeks of age, he was a wee tiny little thing, but had all the attitude and self-assurance of a full-grown lion. Mama was a barn cat, but we think her boyfriend was a puma from the woods near her barn. We’d had him a couple days and my uncle came to visit, and the first thing he did was take off his shoes and hold the kitten, in that order. They took to each other, and I had a minute or two wondering if my new kitten would go home with my uncle. He didn’t. Snoopy got down and went back to exploring his new home, and we all talked until time for Uncle to go home. He wanted to say ‘goodbye’ to the kitten, but we couldn’t find him. Unc put one foot in a shoe, tightened the laces, put the other foot into the shoe, and quickly pulled it out wearing a wee teensy kitten on his toes. Yep, he found Mr. McSnooper 😉

As I was his primary staff, he often slept with me. As winter came, I would go to bed, and curl as tight as possible. (There was no heat in my room) Snoop would stay up late and keep Mom company, but when she went to bed, he’d come in and crawl under the blankets and go down to the bottom of the bed and curl up. As he warmed, he’d stretch across my bed. As I warmed, I’d stretch out the length of my bed.

Yep. You guessed it. I’d poke my toes into his soft, furry belly and I’d wear two pair of cat toes around my people toes! It took me exactly two times with many nights in between, before I learned that when I stretched in my sleep, to stretch gently, and to move my feet off to one side or the other.

Mom liked to have parties. For adults. I was allowed to visit for a bit, then I was sent out to the kitchen and eventually bed. Snoopy thought he was the man of the house and helped entertain the guests. They’d be drinking cocktails and if they set a drink down, and Snoop found it, he finished it. Everyone thought it was so funny, being entertained by an alcoholic and drunk cat. They should have spent the night and seen him the next morning. Ever seen a cat with a hangover? A hungover cat walking on eggshells? A big buff cat barely walking, barely moving, and cringing when there was any noise? Even if he made the noise slurping his water? I was not nice staff. I laughed. But I did do it in my room, not in front of him.

If we were gone for the weekend, or on vacation, the neighbors took care of him while we were gone. They thought he was a delight. They were either teetotalers, or at least not willing to share their booze with a cat. At any rate, they were always so pleased that he acted the perfect gentleman.

Photo of the Week:

If I didn’t know better, I’d almost swear this was a photo of my old Tom, Mr. McSnooper. This is a Mountain Lion/Puma/Cougar from the San Diego Zoo. Alas, digital camera weren’t even a gleam in anyone’s eye when I served as staff for The Snoop, and I’ve long since lost any photos I may have had. When grown, his head was so big I could put all 8 of my fingers flat between his ears!

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it at Rainy Day Reads

I actually finished three books this week, one novel, Stars Like Cold Fire by Brent Nichols & Jake Elwood. A swashbuckling space opera. A lot of fun. Not great literature, for that try William Shakespeare. But for fun, try Stars.

Also so two poetry chapbooks, In the Shadow of Twilight, Love Poems by MM Williams. A most delightful book of love poems that will appeal to anyone who has ever been in love, or might try at some future date.

I read a third book, smiling in an old photograph by Kim Ki-taek, translated by Ed Bok Lee and Yang Eun-Mi. Rain Taxi, Inc published it, and when I was getting some information from their site, I discovered they accept (some) reviews of their books, so though it’s written I can’t publish it until I know whether they will accept it, and then I’ll just publish a hot link to it on their site. But trust me, the poetry is well crafted and perfectly translated. Or, at least it reads like it’s perfectly translated.

Earworm of the week: Cougar Purring. Leopard & Rottweiler—best buds.

Quotes of the week from: Woman’s Day

“In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.” —Terry Pratchett

“Cats are connoisseurs of comfort.” —James Herriot

“One cat just leads to another.” Ernest Hemingway

Please, keep these quotes to yourself. If Sammy knew I was doing a whole post about a cat and then putting quotes up about them, well, he might decide to nibble on my ankles—and his little teeth hurt!

And, while you’re at it, send a virtual pet to him. I left him with a neighbor while on my mini vacation. I’m pleased to report they both survived, and still like each other.

“In the time of your life, live…”

What’s for Dinner?

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Weather in the Tries: Aaaaarrrggghhhh!!!! (That be my bestest pirate talk.) Our lows are heading back into 20s and even down to the teens. Our highs will range from 33 to 45. But, we should have sun probably half the time. And probably more winds. No rain or snow on the long range forecast, unless it’s sporadic.

What’s for Dinner?:

I subscribe to Mother Jones, and the other day there was a story about eating invasive squirrels and other invasive critters. There’s a name for that: Invasivorism, and it is a growing ethical-dining trend.

Paul Wedgwood, one of Scotland’s leading chefs discovered that the grey squirrel not only tastes good, but killing/eating them is also good for the environment. Chefs in Paul Wedgwood, one of Scotland’s leading chefs discovered that the grey squirrel not only tastes good but killing/eating them is also good for the environment. Chefs in Texas are encouraging people to eat more feral hog, and Michelin-starred chef José Andrés is serving up invasive lionfish.

I found all this a little odd, a whole article devoted to eating invasive whatevers. I remember a few years back (alright, several years back, probably close to, well, a long time ago) the Portland Oregonian newspaper devoted one of their Wednesday Food Sections to various ways to cook and serve Starlings. The colonists brought them over because they missed them. With no natural predators, it didn’t take them long to take over the country. And now some people consider them nuisance birds. All I remember from the paper is it would take more trouble to kill, pluck, and clean the little buggers than they were worth. That may have to be re-looked at, considering the price of meat these days.

The good news is, I found a use for Starlings! When I owned my home in Marysville WA, I noticed when the guy came on his riding lawnmower to mow my lawn, he was no sooner out of my yard than my yard was black with Starlings. Apparently the riding lawnmower had the right amount of vibration for all the Crane Fly larva to come to the surface, and the Starlings came, ate their fill, and left.

Now, in reading the recipe for Squirrel rack, confit jersey royal potatoes, carrot puree, wild garlic, (go here for recipe—you’ll have to scroll for it), I notice one needs, among other things, 500ml goose fat. Now, to be honest, I think I’d rather have a recipe for roast goose than I would one for Starling or Squirrel, but truth be told, I’m a city gal, and I like my meat to come already packaged by the butcher. I sincerely think if I had to kill and clean and butcher anything, I’d become a vegetarian.

I do like to cook sometimes, and I love to read at all times, and I’ve read The Cooking Gene by Michael Twitty at least twice. He has a recipe for ‘Kitchen Pepper’ which is wonderful. Use it in place of regular pepper. Now, the first time I try something totally new, I follow the recipe, the next time the recipe becomes a guide, not a law, so to speak. Basically, for kitchen pepper use equal amounts of black and white pepper, pepper flakes, cinnamon, mace, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, whatever else you like and looks and smells good. I’ve put in garam masala, chipotle, cardamom—basically anything that can be used in a savory dish. You control the heat and the sweet. He says to keep it in a cool dark place. I keep it in a covered bowl on my stove and use it daily. It goes on eggs, meat, vegetables, and even popped corn 😉

Photo of the week:

Sorry I couldn’t get the rings to stand up right without my wrinkly old fingers in them. Hard to take a photo one handed. As you can see, the bear’s paw got hit (by a hammer, I think) and saved my finger. The black stone in the oval is hematite. The gold ring is an elephant (Ganesh?) if you look at it the way it is, if you turn it 90 degrees so the crown is on the left side, it’s a peacock. That’s the ring the returning GI gave my cousin for the home-cooked meal she made him.

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it at Rainy Day Reads I try to keep the reviews current. There are times when I’m a couple of days late.

Read another historical fiction that isn’t published yet, so can’t tell you more, but it’s along the lines of the Outlander Books by Dianna Gabaldon, with no fantasy involved. A super good read. I had a hard time putting it down.

Also read The Raven Spell by Luanne G. Smith and have pre-ordered the sequel. Smith also wrote The Vine Witch, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Finished Firefly: A Japanese Historical Fiction Novel (sic) (Warrior Woman of the Samurai Book 1)— by India Millar. Am already reading book 2. And just finished The Gentleman Lion and Other Stories —by Martin Jones. This is a delightful collection of short stories, all by the same person. I believe I am safe calling them literary rather than genre fiction, though there are aspects of different genres in different stories.

Earworm of the week: Here You Come Again by Dolly Parton

Quotes of the week from: kidad!

“You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food.” — Paul Prudhomme.

“The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you’ve got to have a what-the-hell attitude.” —Julia Child.

“I like the Japanese knives, I like French knives. Whatever’s sharp.” — Wolfgang Puck.

Wowser! My good friends—we made it through another week! Yaaaayyyj!!! The Brave Dog has kept me safe from those dried leaves that are wont to attack us when the wind blows. I’ve read more books than I probably should have. I really should be writing my own, but I’m getting there. Go forth, have a marvelous week, stay safe, stay warm, and stay healthy. Sending virtual hugs and pupkisses.

Gratitudes

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

Weather in the Tries:
Wowser!! It looks like out freezing nights will be a thing of the past this coming week and our highs will be in the hi 50s to low 60s. Boy Howdy! Aren’t you glad I didn’t see my shadow on my day, Groundhog Day??? Well, I know some of you are 😉

Gratitudes:
I have a lot of things for which I am grateful. I’m going to share a few with you. You may share yours with me, if you’d like to.

The first, and maybe most important, I have Friends. Lots of friends. Most of whom I’ve met and gotten to know well, some are Facebook Friends, and many are poetry Friends.

Some of my friends are Book Friends, we meet monthly to discuss the book we read (we choose books for the year in Dec and all read the same one.) When the weather is clement (is that the opposite of inclement?) we meet in person. Usually have a potluck at someone’s house and meet outside. We used to meet in a restaurant, but Covid came… In November, we met at Carl’s. He has a small ranch, and horses, and a large yard. It was sunny, but cold. I didn’t know how cold until the other day, when we met by zoom and he held up my ring and asked if it belonged to anyone.

I knew I’d lost the ring, but thought it was inside the house. I had no idea it had fallen off at his place, and was trampled down into the grass. I just knew I’d lost it. I am so very grateful he found it before Crow Cousin did, and I got it back. If the diamonds are on top, it’s an elephant. If the diamonds are to the left, it’s a peacock. It is 24K gold and was made in China before WWII. A GI coming home gave it to my cousin in pay of the home cooked meal she made him. It normally fits tight, but I must have gotten so cold it slid off my finger. I wear fingerless gloves, and am so used to the ring I often don’t ‘see’ it. I am truly grateful to have it back.

I also wear a silver ring, of a bear’s paw. I’ve had it for many years, and silver is soft, and you can see it’s been hit a time or two. Fortunately, it saved my finger. It was given to me by a friend many years ago. We were very good friends, and she married and moved, and we’ve lost track of each other. I would love to rekindle that friendship. I miss her. But am so grateful for the years of friendship we had.

To celebrate my birthday, a good friend took me to Boiada’s for dinner. Boiada’s is an Authentic Brazilian Steakhouse with a salad bar to die for. The meat is skewered and brought to the table where they slice a piece to order. Oh. My. Gawd! We ate, and ate, and then ate some more. Fortunately, there was no rush. You can sit at the table and take all night eating if you want to. If you live near the Tri Cities, it’s a treat and a half. If you don’t live nearby, see if you have a Brazilian Grill or Steakhouse close to you. It’s worth it. I definitely believe that was the best dining-out experience I’ve ever had! And the company at dinner was superb, even better than the food and the food was spectacular! Thank you, Good Friend. I even wore a dress! And shoes (not my usual hiking boots!!)

More years ago than I can figure out, I decided it was time I learned to like myself, because I was probably going to be alone most, if not all, of my life. I read books on meeting me (and if you’ve never done it yourself, take my word for it—it’s scary as hell, but worth the time and trouble!). Two things, of many, I learned was that when the little voice in my brain started telling me I was no good, I had to stop it, and tell myself I was good. And one of the ways I worked on that was to start a Gratitude Journal. I worked on it for a long time, every night I would write whatever I was grateful for, until I found myself going to bed at night and smiling at all my gratitudes—from the flower by my door to the smile from someone at work, from the sunset to my kids’ laughter, from completing a job to getting praise from a persnickety boss. Everytime I think a negative thought, I try to counter it with at least 3 positive thoughts about the situation or person.

I’m one of the richest people I know. Not in money, but in friends, and I am so grateful for all of you!

Photo of the week:

Pelican on Patrol. Note the hump on his nose? I believe that means he’s looking for a mate.

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it at Rainy Day Reads

Not His Dragon: Romantic Comedy (Not This Series Book 1) —by Annie Nicholas. Yes, you read that correctly, I actually read a romantic comedy and laughed until I hurt. It’s great fun and might still be free on Kindle. I hope to have the review posted in the next couple of days.

I read a couple other books, neither of which has been published. One I was asked to read and to write a cover blurb for. The other I volunteered to read and proof it. I am also reading a third book, as a writer, to let the author know if there is anything that needs “fixing” and of course, I’ll write a blurb for it, too. What a shame these books aren’t yet published, and I can’t tell you about them. Two are wonderful historical novels and the other is the debut edition of a quarterly anthology of poetry.

Earworm of the week: The Sound of Silence by Disturbed Betcha can’t not sing along!!

Quotes of the week from: Richard Bach’s Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah

“The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.”
― Richard Bach,

“This is a test to see if your mission in this life is complete, if you are alive, it isn’t.”
― Richard Bach,

“Don’t be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.”
― Richard Bach,

And here we come to another Monday. Another day to impress the Boss you really are worth more than your paycheck. If you have a job, you probably have a boss, and that’s something! I no longer have a job. Or a boss. Oh. Wait. I do have a boss. A most demanding one, too! He doesn’t give me a paycheck, ever, but he does give me unlimited pupkisses 😉

HELP!!! Someone sent me a video some time ago, I saved it, but now it’s gone and I can’t find it. It showed a boy and a girl—she in a mini skirt, he in jeans, from the waist down, dancing very close to each other, and hands caressing butts, then the camera panned back and it’s a girl. Only. One leg in a jean leg, the other in a skirt. She starts to laugh, then a baby is shown laughing. I love that video. If any of you have it, or know where I can find it, please share.

Coffee Break Escapes with Auntie Lenora

Short readings for short times

Vlad and other Grumps

What is Violence?

We’re Moved!!!!!

Litany Against Fear

“Happiness is a form of courage.”

Do you re-read books?

Where does a 27-pound kitty sleep?

“In the time of your life, live…”

What’s for Dinner?

Gratitudes