Current Object of My Desire...

The Dyson DC16 root 6.

In spite of the reviews I've read... I want one.

Santa, are you reading?

Bang Bang Bang, Repeat

The bulk of my week was spent getting a new roof on my little house.

Four days, it took. Four days sequester, banging, power rationing. and anxiety.

Followed by the (equally unnerving) squeaking of my wallet.

I'm pleased, though. They did a great job, and were as considerate as nine men with hammers, nails, saws, an air compressor and a torch can be.

And as the rains set in today, I am flooded with a sense of security that I haven't felt in a long, long time.

Our Spiny-Backed Orb Weavers

About this time last year, I began noticing brilliant webs with crab-like spiders at their centers.

Because they appeared along with the second appearance of my hummingbirds (more on those later), they caught me at a time when I was particularly curious about nature.

And so I discovered the Spiny-Backed Orb Weaver, akin to the barn orb-weaver spider of Charlotte's Web.

Mine are known as garden orb weavers, and they are mostly a brilliant red orange in color.

Uniformly, my spiders connect primary lines to three fixed objects. Two strands affix to the points (one coming, one going, I assume), and in the center they spin a perfectly round segmented web, comprised of 20 to 30 radii (yes, I've counted them... again with the life!), measuring measuring between 14" and 18" out to out.

According to Aggie horticulturists (Gig 'Em, Ags!), these spiders are considered beneficials in the garden, because they prey upon small garden pests, including mosquitoes.


The more I've learned, the more I've come to really appreciate the species. For instance, it is the female of the species that spins the intricate webs, while the male hangs from a single strand... waiting, I assume, for the female to deliver dinner.

While I don't condone those roles, I applaud the ambition and fastidious work of the female.

I'm told that these gals spin a new web each evening, and that's likely true, when need be. I've gone to great lengths to preserve their webs... including the relocation of a primary point connection. On the rare occasion when a web is destroyed, however, I've noticed a new web somewhere else.

Photos are best in the morning sun. I'll be home again tomorrow morning. Stay tuned for better photos?

Object of My Desire

The new Dyson Root 6.

I gotta get it.

I know, I know... that and a life.

Hanging New Artwork & Reminders to Live

A couple of weeks ago, I purchased three pieces of art at Z Gallerie. I brought them home and have stewed for two weeks over whether they fit in with my prairie style ranch home and interior decor.

The pieces are by Booker Morley. I really like them; the leaf theme is consistent with my interior design inspiration; and the colors complement the others in the bathroom. They're just a little too contemporary. I'm trying to decide if that's so bad...

Bad Things Come In Threes? I'm Hoping Only Fours!

First, my internet went down.

Second, I broke a tooth.

Third, my power went out.

And now, an an investment I thought I could count on... I can't.

It's A Good Thing You're Reading This Blog...

And not smelling it.

Because this one smells like wet dog, mildew and my own stinky sweat.

Random Memo: Ten Things That Are Bugging Me Today

1. Contractors that won't call me back and give me an estimate.
2. People who take out their frustrations with other people and other situations... on me, and then never own up to it. Everybody does it, from time to time... but just admit it, ya know?
3. Clear skies and sunshine when I'm at work, thunder, lightning and rain afterwards!
4. People who can't seem to put things in writing.
5. U.S. Open preempts Dr Phil, on the one day I get to watch.
6. And then Oprah is a repeat!
7. Listening to the air conditioner run and run and run.
8. Sports team billboards that feature, not the players, but the Owner and his children.
9. I spent HOW MUCH on my season tickets???

Good News and Bad News

Good News:

1. I had the day "off".
2. I got the oil changed in my CRV and they noted no other problems.
3. I made it to the dealership within the limits of my "free tires for life" warranty.
4. I took Miss C for her 6 month checkup and shots. She was found to be in good health, and she had a fabulous time, as usual!
5. I got the ball rolling on acquiring bids for my home improvement projects!
6. And I got to watch Dr. Phil!

Bad News:

1. Miss C has to have her teeth cleaned next Wednesday. She starts antibiotics on Sunday, and I have vowed to wait until then to begin to get nervous. *060307 UPDATE: Comet figured it out. I swear, I've tried to act normally... but I guess between the mystery pills and my clinginess, she put it all together.
2. Home improvement projects always cost more than you hoped.
3. Heard on the news that Swoopes is out 4 to 6 weeks with a bulging disk... as if things aren't bad enough for the Houston Comets!

How Noah Built His Ark

I was doing a little research on how to build my ark,
and I found this...
Bill Cosby narrates the story of Noah and His Ark!
Enjoy!

Recipe for Mischief: The Catapult

The first in a series,
today we feature the Catapult!

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia: Search catapult!

Ingredients, as follows:

1. A golden retriever that poops healthy and somewhat large poops who also, from time to time, leaves dead carcasses for her Mom to dispose of, in a manner of her choosing.
2. Baby birds who fall victim to strong storms.
3. The passing of Mister P, a huge 12" long plecostomus, that cannot be interred, lest the aforementioned golden retriever should take to grave robbing.
4. An understanding of the basic laws of physics.
5. 'Some' knowledge of construction.
6. Friends with tools... many, many and various tools.
7. A love for peace and quiet and considerate neighbors.
8. A love for romantic or solitary soaks in the hot tub and entertaining or meditating on the patio.
9. All the other reasons I fell in love with this little house on this street in this neighborhood.

And last, but certainly the most critical ingredient:

10. Neighbors with a new swimming pool and a penchant for country music radio, loud conversations, swearing, and all afternoon to the wee hours of the morning parties, every single freaking weekend.

1. Slept late. (8:15am IS late when your alarm is set for 4:50am weekdays).
2. Got up to let Miss C do her thing.
3. Went back to bed and loved on Miss C.
4. Talked to my friend. Cancelled our plans for the day.
5. Bleached the kitchen countertops.
6. Ate a piece of Star Pizza for lunch.
7. Talked to my friend again for about an hour.
8. Caught up with The Real World and Flava Flave. (did I just admit that???).
9. Watched a Celebrity Texas Hold-Em re-run (with Brad Garrett).
10. Washed two loads of clothes.
11. Laid down to take a nap, and at the pinacle of my slumbering ecstasy, some random @sshole rang my doorbell. Miss C came unglued and my thoughts of afternoon slumber were terminated.
12. Worked a little.
13. Read RWV and SM.
14. Browsed a few random blogs.
15. The bill for my home warranty came in today, you know... the same day I discovered that the flex connector at the water heater is leaking again... and that pi$$ed me off. (I pay for the warranty + $50 a year for someone to come out and fix that very same thing).
16. Speaking of sucking, vacuumed the house with my nifty Dyson.
17. Baked (burnt) oatmeal cookies.
18. Began altering my blog template (after many days research on colors, etc.).
19. Became overwhelmed and returned to status quo.
20. Questioned why I'm so damn tired.
21. Decided to eat a cookie and think about it again tomorrow.

Two Minutes

Anyone who has ever questioned the difference two minutes can make in ordinary life...

has never baked cookies in a gas oven.

Five Things that Make My Day Worthwhile

1. My Comet. Just everything about her.
2. A friend saying "I love you".
3. Completing a difficult and dreaded task.
4. My peaceful home.
5. A cool breeze, a setting sun and the sounds of doves cooing.

Five Things That Suck as Much as My Dyson

1. Not having enough time.
2. The view from the bottom of a deep rut.
3. Fatal errors. Software Lock-ups. And other Computer glitches.
4. Double standards.
5. Traffic. Coming and Going. Always traffic.

Rolling the Trash to the Curb

Background

I live in a great neighborhood with large, shady trees. It was established in the late 1940's, early 1950's and has remained, for the very most part, really well maintained. People take pride in their homes and look out for each other. You can't beat it's location and it's just a great place to live. But like many old neighborhoods, it has sadly found itself on a sort of edge. It's most outward edge has become... shall we say, risky.

Rolling the Trash to the Curb

In the past, it was a given that you had the inalienable right to roll your trash to the curb the night before pick-up, without so much a glancing thought that someone would enter that sanctified container.

That, my friend, is the past. Witness:

1. On one evening before heavy trash pickup day, someone actually ripped open bags that I had placed neatly on the curb. Not only were the bags ripped, but the contents were strewn along the sidewalk, and items were missing.
2. That night, I re-bagged the items and left them on the curb. The HT people didn't come the following day, and when I got home from work, the bags were ripped open again!
3. I re-bagged the re-bagged items and made a poster board sign that read: "PLEASE DON'T RIP OPEN THE BAGS. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN WHAT'S IN THEM, PLEASE TAKE THEM TO YOUR HOUSE TO GO THROUGH THEM".
4. I woke up the next morning and the bags were gone.
5. One night, I actually caught a man going through my trash can! Like an absolute fool, I flew out of the house in my pajamas ( and on my broom) and confronted him. Fortunately, he was a gentle old soul and I felt awful about my hostility. I even ended up helping find the various cans and metals. It was obvious that he needed those items, and while I felt my privacy had been invaded, his motive outweighed my anger.
6. On many occasions, I have walked out to the trash container (on the curb) to throw one last bag away, and I've found beer bottles and cigarette boxes on top. I know it's the neighborhood teenagers, and they mean no harm. I'd rather they throw them in a trash can (someone else's) than discard them on the curb.

All of this said, I've made it a rule to wait until morning to roll my trash to the curb.

Tonight, however, I feel safe. With pride and a sense of giddy amusement, I rolled my city-issued trash can to the curb.

Why pride and amusement?

Right on top of the weekly garbage, I placed a huge bag of dog poop.

Thanksgiving 2005

I am thankful every day of my life, but today is a perfect day to list the many things I'm thankful for:

1. My most precious, sweet baby... Miss C, and all the love she gives me.
2. My home.
3. My garden.
4. All the people I love.
5. That I have so many good friends.
6. That I have a job.
7. That I work with people I love and consider good friends.
8. That I'm able to meet my bills, and put a tiny bit back into savings.
9. My extra-curricular jobs, for reason number 8.
10. That I have learned the lessons that I have.
11. That I had the best parents in the world. That I know they're still watching over me. That I know they can hear me, I just can't hear them... but that I KNOW what they would say.
12. That I have lost the worst and most that I can lose... knowing that I can lose a tremendous amount again, but with the experience to know I can survive.
13. That I know what I'm looking for in an intimate relationship.
14. My good health.
15. For my little CRV, which will soon be back in good shape.
16. That I am blessed in ways I'm not fully aware.

Random Memo 103005: Making Up For Lost Time

A lot has happened since I last blogged. And I've been busier than busy. If idle hands are the devil's playground, then I'm in good shape!

1. The Astros won the National League title. I'll admit it... I was in bed when the title was clinched, but I got up and dressed and went out to the street where neighbors were gathering to celebrate (hugs, high fives and fireworks).
2. The World Series fell far short of my long-awaited expectations. And it didn't have anything to do with how the Astros played. I think our guys did an outstanding job, played hard and displayed the heart and good character I know they have. It was the media degradation and incessant criticism... of not only the team, but the City of Houston, in general. I grew from weary and saddened... to outright engraged. I remain proud of my Astros and their accomplishments, but I've developed a pretty powerful disrespect for Fox Sports and their commentary.
3. Some really good neighborhood relationships solidified during the preparation for Hurricane Rita. Good things DO sometimes arise from difficult situations.
4. I picked up a great moonlight project, and I'm stoked about the potential.
5. I had a great belated birthday celebration, put together by Dude and KBJ. It rocked.
6. Work has been WAY more stressful than usual. I've got a fast-track project, with a tight budget, and I've been working as hard as I can to meet all of the requirements. It's kinda neat because I'm working with a principal who is really involved, and he's helping A LOT. Too, the project is located close to my hometown, and I am childhood friends with the general contractor. I want to do an extraordinarily good job (like always), for all of the parties involved... which doesn't change my work habits, but adds a layer of internally initiated responsibility and stress.
7. Tragedy. An acquaintance of my aunt and uncle... hit an 18-wheeler head-on. He was killed instantly, as was one of his dogs. The other dog was at home. Long story short (link provided later), the man's father took the surviving dog to the pound. My aunt and uncle rescued him from the pound and have placed him in a private kennel, while we can find him a permanent home. Look for more links later, while I agonize over whether Miss C would accept him!
8. I'm getting ready to go on a road-trip vacation. The timing is poor on all accounts, but there are extenuating circumstances. Miss C and I are swinging through Doches and picking up my aunt. It will be a week of relaxation, games and jigsaw puzzles, hanging out, old movies, good food, long walks and a little antique shopping. Check out my blog from the road!
9. Went to a club last night to witness, for the first time, (my pal) Mike's band. Check out 2nd Wind. I rode over with (my pal and) Mike's wife. We had a great time and the band rocked the house! I can't wait to see/hear them again!!!

Random Memo 100905

1. Met with new clients. They seem like great people. Our personalities gelled, and I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life.
2. Completed a drawing for MMSP.
3. Wrote a proposal for professional services.
4. Pulled some OT.
5. Shmuggled with Miss C.
6. Bleached the kitchen counters.
7. Washed and dried clothes and sheets and towels.
8. Made a vacation list and terms of agreement for my vacation companion. Ha.
9. Gathered pecans.
10. Piddled in the yard.
11. Watched a healthy share of television, including old movies and a ton of Made.
12. Enjoyed the Astros' results!
13. Checked out some other blogs.
14. Cleaned house.
15. Made lists and plans.

46 Treasures

1. Miss C, and everything about her
2. Family Connections
3. Friendships
4. Memories
5. My Wellington Box
6. Other treasure & memory boxes
7. Daddy’s worn silver coin
8. Mom’s embroidery
9. Home
10. Childhood Toybox
11. Photos, old and new
12. Mom’s manners, passed on
13. Daddy’s sense of humor, passed on
14. MaMa’s paintings
15. Cards, letters and notes
16. Jewelry given to me by my Daddy
17. My gavel and nameplate from my Senate days
18. Architectural License
19. Daddy’s many awards, plaques and trophies
20. My family’s pie safe, restored by my uncle
21. Book collections
22. Writings: books, research and journals
23. Mom’s utensils and cutting board
24. Daddy’s baby pillow & pillowcase
25. Architectural models
26. Frank Lloyd Wright collection
27. Patrick’s art & drift wood
28. Family quilts and afghans
29. Bob’s Tulia wheat
30. Diplomas and Awards
31. Gold Medal for Excellence in Architecture
32. Old scrapbooks
33. Adversities I’ve suffered, because they’ve made me stronger
34. Gana’s china
35. Daddy’s book, Daily Strength for Daily Needs, given to him by MaMa
36. Plants given to me by people I treasure
37. MaMa’s pallette and paint mixing knife
38. Gifts from MJ (will I ever get over it?)
39. Family antiques
40. Bob Holloway prints
41. MaMa’s glass collection
42. Professional drawings
43. Garden and trees
44. Daddy’s collections
45. Mom’s sewing box
46. Childhood phonograph