tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27353123351044252092024-02-07T21:18:59.318-08:00Cranky BarThe Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-69549459402377211052016-09-12T21:20:00.000-07:002016-09-12T21:20:27.440-07:00Mental Meanderings<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My schedule has been juggled, thank goodness, working 52 hours last week nearly kilt me. Dead. We negotiated and I'm now working a much more reasonable 2-3 days a week; more than plenty after a decade of not working, in my opinion. More may be possible after I've had the opportunity to build up my stamina... in the meantime, it's very lucky my employer is understanding and willing to keep to our original agreement. This also frees up energy and time for writing (and for visiting your blogs). </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We're living in a small retirement community; most of the residents are currently 'up north' and won't be returning for a month or two. It's quiet here and not a lot of demand for community gatherings, etc... just yet. This I find quite agreeable, Cranky as I am. About 50 ft. beyond our place is an unmarked wall with no entrance; something about it intrigues me. Perhaps it's the brief glimpses of a roofline through the trees, maybe of a set of flats, or it could be the occasional sounds of people talking and children laughing. It could even be the occasional soft cock's crow which piques my interest.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I keep picturing a late-middle age woman in shorts and hiking boots, carrying a backpack, perched on the wall with a smile on her face... leaping suddenly to other side, laughter trailing behind.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Dunno for sure but methinks there might be a story in there somewhere; what do <i>you</i> think?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's been a while so here's some food porn.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Above: Chicken salad with pecans, tart apple and sharp cheddar. Below: Liquid pizza aka tomato soup with sausage, pepperoni, minced green pepper, mushrooms, onions, and black olives with slices of fresh mozzarella. </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V5EGN3O5Rs8" width="480"></iframe>The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-88276915826303146482016-09-08T23:05:00.000-07:002016-09-08T23:05:50.797-07:00It's A Grand Theft, Otto<br />
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<span style="line-height: 24.64px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And I have perpetrated it on Debra, She Who Seeks (aka Otto)... go <a href="http://shewhoseeks.blogspot.com/2016/09/twenty-questions-times-two.html">Here</a> if you'd like to know what in blazes I'm talking about. I don't feel bad, she stole it from someone else.</span></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">1. Are you named after anyone?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> I was named <i>after</i> any number of people but was named <i>for</i> Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis and my Uncle Jack, (first name) and the actress, Diane Carol Baker.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">2. When was the last time you cried?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Three nights ago, I laughed so hard I cried.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">3. Do you like your handwriting?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> I once had beautiful handwriting and was rather proficient at calligraphy; my writing has deteriorated somewhat.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">4. What is your favourite lunch meat?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Pastrami works well for me; there is a little deli where I used to live that had the best pastrami in the history of ever. The lovely and gracious rabbi who owns the deli makes it herself, on-site.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">5. Do you have any kids?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> The kidling, of whom I often speak.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">6. If you were another person, would you be friends?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Hell no, I wouldn't give that bitch Debra She Who Seeks the goddamn time of day. Oh wait, I wouldn't give <i>me </i>the time of day. Oopsie!</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">7. Do you use sarcasm?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> What's that?</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">8. Do you still have your tonsils?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Nope.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">9. Would you bungee jump?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Only if I have a spare pair of skivvies handy.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">10. What is your favourite cereal?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Cereal is from the debbil.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Why? Then you just have to re-tie them later.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">12. Do you think you're strong?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Well, I have been chucking 50 lb. boxes about lately.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">13. What is your favourite ice cream flavour? </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">Peppermint; according to my horoscope this makes me both uncool and a potential ax murderer.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">14. What is the first thing you notice about people?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Their voice. If I can abide their voice I usually like them.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">15. Red or pink?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Brighter colors work better for me as I get older, just not neons.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">16. What is the least favourite thing you like about yourself?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> How self-absorbed I've been the last few months; it's been feeling very drama mama out.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">17. What colour pants and shoes are you wearing right now?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Erm, who said I was wearing any? (I'm in my sleep shirt you perverse creatures.)</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">18. What was the last thing you ate?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Chicken salad with tart apple, sharp cheddar cubes, pecan pieces and just a <i>hiiiiint</i> of cinnamon.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">19. What are you listening to right now?</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;"> Iggy Pop <u>Lust For Life</u></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">20. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Verdigris</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">21. Favourite smell?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Fresh basil.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">22. Who was the last person you talked to?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Jenae, a co worker.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">23. Favourite sport to watch?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Ummmm; get back to you on that.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">24. Hair colour that's real?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> It used to be dark blonde with a lot of red, now it's dishwater blonde with a lot of grey.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">25. Do you wear contacts?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> No. I do have reading glasses.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">26. Favourite food?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Prawns and/or scallops.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">27. Scary movies or happy endings?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Neither, I prefer the weepies.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">28. Last movie you watched? </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">Finding Neverland or Trainspotting; forget which.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">29. What colour shirt are you wearing?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Orange.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">30. Summer or winter?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Summer</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">31. Hugs or kisses?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Hugs.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">32. Favourite sweet food?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Carrot cake!</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">33. What book are you currently reading?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Only one? Hmm, <u>A Discovery of Witches</u> by Deborah Harkness</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">34. What is on your mouse pad?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> My mouse.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">35. What did you last watch on TV?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Beat Bobby Flay</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">36. Favourite sound?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> The sound of water moving. Any water. </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">37. Rolling Stones or Beatles?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Either</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">38. What is the farthest you have traveled?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Mexico</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">39. Do you have a special talent?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Making people take an instant dislike to me; am quite proficient at it.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">40. Where were you born?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"> Indiana, US</span>The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-68570743499472132222016-09-06T18:46:00.003-07:002016-09-06T18:46:44.277-07:00A Little Mischief<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But doesn't Jim look just <i>lovely</i>, sound asleep with his mouth hanging open, lol.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkwGSJeRHEVe0uPNwdk6DbdkWWiWqarbkeRgAXSyLYJB389rmrwBIwxc2XB8126O1OkV-_HAwITmxfLIAiZS9TutjnznF_vOJHGziPbP4iEbcxgZUH3_Z-Lc3JPnnk_Wfowve-_QGvh0/s1600/0jim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkwGSJeRHEVe0uPNwdk6DbdkWWiWqarbkeRgAXSyLYJB389rmrwBIwxc2XB8126O1OkV-_HAwITmxfLIAiZS9TutjnznF_vOJHGziPbP4iEbcxgZUH3_Z-Lc3JPnnk_Wfowve-_QGvh0/s400/0jim.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He's had a few rough moments, that's to be expected when a transplant is involved, but nothing anywhere near so frightening as the initial surgery. Mom grabbed this photo just after he fell asleep.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This ugly fellow nearly gave me a heart attack when I got home from work tonight:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is the toxic cane toad, a giant of a toad which has rapidly become an invasive species in many parts of the globe; this particular one was about the size of a baseball and hurtled past my feet. Fortunately for me, it didn't touch me and quite considerately knocked itself out on the car's under carriage.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One more day until some time off, hallelujah! </span></div>
The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-49568737853212126112016-09-02T14:36:00.000-07:002016-09-02T14:36:00.543-07:00What (Pink) Style! She's a Rock Star!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Mom is Indiana now with Jim and will be up there for a month or longer; Jim will be in hospital three to four weeks, albeit he's determined to prove the doctors wrong and get out of there sooner. Knowing how stubborn he is, I'll not be the least bit surprised if he does just that.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He did require an epidural for the pain yesterday, he's breathing on his own but wasn't able to take deep breaths until after the epidural; it was just too painful. They had him up in a chair briefly yesterday and for nearly an hour today... not bad for a guy who had a 15 hour surgery Tuesday night/Wednesday morning! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Wish I'd seen his face when Mom's best friend, Judy, picked her up at the airport and when Mom walked into Jim's room. Heck, I'd have loved seeing the expression on stranger's faces when she walked through the airport, etc... She decided to give everyone a little surprise and asked me to help her with it, so before heading to the airport I did <i>this</i>:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Pink highlights around her face! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'll likely be MIA over the holiday weekend (Labor Day here in the States) but fingers crossed things slow down a bit after Monday; I miss everyone. Be safe and well, till soon!</span></div>
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The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-25424080055160559312016-08-31T19:30:00.002-07:002016-08-31T19:30:44.009-07:00Boneless<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">With relief that is.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He made it!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thank you everyone.</span></div>
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The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-84756736028619418562016-08-30T21:02:00.000-07:002016-08-30T21:31:17.292-07:00This Is It And I'm Terrified<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My oldest brother, Jim, after months of waiting... is now in surgery.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A double lung transplant. Right now. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm supposed to do another long day at work tomorrow but how can I just toddle off to bed whilst Mom is in her room crying as though her heart will break? Jim was born when she was just 15; they've been through it all together, hell, they grew up together. I want to scream, to cry, to make everything better but I can't.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I <i>can</i> be here and I can get her up there, to Indiana. Probably on Friday, if all goes well.</span></div>
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The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-58600884550024230032016-08-23T22:10:00.000-07:002016-08-23T22:10:40.253-07:00Flying By<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">On my way to bed, working tomorrow.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Man am I tired. What the hell happened to starting out <i>part</i> time??? I'm already into overtime and working the bakery on my own and it's still two days from my two week mark! Work is good, getting paid for work is even better, but I'm seriously not sure I can keep up this pace; there were a number of excellent reasons for me wanting to work part time, at least for a while.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ah well, today was good. Had the day off and took Mom out to eat at Olive Garden (her choice) for her birthday/3 years cancer-free celebration. Think she enjoyed her meal?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Picked her up some new puzzles, since she's rather fond of jigsaws.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My sincere apologies for not getting around to everyone's blogs; by the time I get home I'm too whipped to do more than eat, shower, and fall in bed. Frankly, if Mom weren't cooking I'd be too tired for the eating part. I <i>am</i> thinking of everyone.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Oh! The kidling has a new, better-paying job!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Until next time! Have some music.</span></div>
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The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-73559252094287831922016-08-15T11:48:00.001-07:002016-08-15T11:51:01.024-07:00The Staggers<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Don't ask me how I managed it, but I did...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After a long first week at work and managing to pinch a nerve so a large section of my right thigh was numb, (but still functional, thank heavens!) I had <i>staggered</i> out to the front porch and was chatting on the phone... These two were keeping a close eye on me, even though they were indulging in, erm, recreational activities:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Suddenly, the leg that was numb started burning like an overcooked lamb roast in a much too hot oven. Flying off, like a self-satisfied dive bomber, was this guy; an American hornet:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">No, it's not my own photo; I was rather busy not screaming as bursting the eardrum of the person with whom I was speaking seemed a trifle, well, rude. It also happens that I'm quite allergic to stings, so I spent my night off hopped up on Benadryl and with my formerly numb leg feeling like it was on fire.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now, I kid you not, after I finally fell asleep early this morning, a sheriff's deputy knocked on the door and wanted to speak to my mother and I about a break-in which had occurred in a nearby home a few days ago. Really? It had to be <i>now</i>?? Still, after the deputy left, Mom looked at me and said " You cover it up pretty well, but you're really a tough old broad". </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Made me feel rather good, that.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's been a rather rough week; so much for <i>part</i> time, but I'm ready to do it all over again... starting Wednesday I'll be cross-trained in another department and if nothing changes they're planning on having me train in a couple more departments over the next few weeks. Now if I can just remember everything... It's quite nice, though, this feeling of getting back to the woman I remember; someone who could get things done, someone who wasn't sick all the time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Spotted in a nearby town:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Don't ask, I haven't any idea, lol.</span></div>
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The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-88558872085362739022016-08-10T21:34:00.001-07:002016-08-10T21:34:57.175-07:00Happy Birthday to Me! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And an odd day it's been; bittersweet, even cranky. I'm finally getting down to work tomorrow (almost today) and none too soon; I'll be sore for a while but that was partly sorted by a change of medication at the doctor today - the rest will have to sort itself the old-fashioned way; by going through it since there's no way around.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's also my birthday today, Happy 55th!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Mom made me a birthday brownie, took me out for Chinese... which came with it's own surprise... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">tomato bunnies! She also bought me classic red roses.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The kidling and I spoke on the phone, but she is still a thousand miles away. Th</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">at seems very far today.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Have also been pondering other thisses and thatses; like the fact that both my father and Two Bear were very much into things like numerology and how they would be lecturing me about the transition from a nine year to a one year as I move from being 54 to 55. For once in my life, oddly enough, they'd be quite gratified by how my life is closing one chapter and beginning another just like the numbers predict.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow - today now - is a huge step; proving to myself and others that I <i>can </i>get a job (and I'll damn well keep it too). If my pride causes me to over-reach, what of it? At least I'll have regained some self-respect and it's nobody else's circus or monkeys.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm not cranky with, or at, any of my blog friends; have just spent too much time thinking and analyzing of late. My head will empty and I'll demonstrate my usual shallowness soon, I promise. In the meantime, enjoy a little beauty in miniature:</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l0sQVIDOQRk" width="480"></iframe>The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-54741179978477477232016-08-06T23:10:00.001-07:002016-08-06T23:10:20.795-07:00Eleutheromania<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">An intense and irresistible desire for freedom.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It struck her during yet another round of accusations and insinuations, after the baby woke and began screaming. His voice, once a balm to her ears, filled with rage and contempt as it battered at her down-turned head and dripped acid over her soul. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Two wishes then, equally strong: either she and baby Jonah free or the ability to turn to stone, the both of them, so their hearts could remain unbroken. Unfortunately, no human heart ever remains unbroken.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hearing his heavy boots veer toward the door to the baby's room, she jumped to her feet and ran to block the door; the heavy skillet hidden behind her. "Get the hell outta my way, you fat cow, it's time your brat shut up" he hissed just as he grabbed her milk-sore chest and twisted; something he'd done dozens of times in the six months since Jonah had been born. This time, however, she was prepared, knowing he always returned in a rage after seeing his <i>friend</i> ... swinging as hard as she could with the frying pan, she sent both he and the skillet sailing into the wall. Turning toward her, trying to grab her throat, he staggered as Demetria panicked, flailing at him. Her unloving husband, Carl, drew his fist back, preparing to take her down, as Demetria pictured her right hand as a stony fist and threw her punch first. This time he stayed down and she shook her hand a moment before grabbing his wallet and dressing wee Jonah.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Back in her room with the baby; hurriedly changing clothes, then slipped the sling on in front and placed him in it. Stuffing supplies into the backpack and pocketing the $57.00 she'd found in his billfold, along with his debit card, she planned to get more money from an atm and do it again after midnight; hoping against hope she'd make it before he thought to cancel the card. The bus depot was across town but it wouldn't do her any good, Carl had destroyed her driver's license and they wouldn't sell her a ticket without i.d.; she knew this for a fact, she'd tried once before.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Slipping outside and drawing a deep breath, she set off down the pavement at a steady pace; it was less than a mile to the nearer edge of town, where they could escape into the woods. There was a convenience store halfway between and she could get more money from the store's atm. Jonah, bless him, was sound asleep already and his tiny snores set the pace for her...</span></div>
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The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-86972481084663574652016-08-02T23:23:00.000-07:002016-08-02T23:25:46.469-07:00Sehnsucht<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">An inconsolable longing of the human heart, for we know not what. A yearning for a far, familiar, non-earthly land one can identify as one's home. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Felipinho come along. Quickly now, breakfast is ready." His nose, made sensitive by so many years spent hungry on the streets, quickly identified the scents of pingado - sweet coffee milk - and the cheese-filled bread rolls called pao de queijo. It almost smelled of his Bahian home instead of this cold Northern town called Bosstown; the name fit, nearly everyone seemed to want to be a big boss in this place. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Still, he was better off here than he'd been at any other time in his life: decent food every day, often more than once. No one getting drunk and beating him, or worse, every night. Belonging to Vovo Linda's crew meant a safe, warm place to sleep and a chance to improve his situation in life; even become respectable. She was tough, Vovo Linda, but fair, and you could tell she had been a real beauty in her day. Even so, there were nights he awoke, traces of tears wetting his thin pillow, vague dreams of a family and home he didn't yet know tugging at him.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He'd almost reached the kitchen door and had spotted Vovo Linda watching him through the window; grinning at his headlong rush when he heard it: a cry of terror and despair so profound that it jerked him around to search the busy street for the woman, and a woman's voice it was, who had uttered such a disturbing sound. Again it rang out, further down the street, and he started toward the sound; rushing faster and faster yet. Behind him, Felipinho heard the smash and clash of breaking glass and another, more familiar, woman's voice shouting "Faster Felipinho! <i>Fly</i> to her before all is lost!"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ignoring the painful prickling across his shoulders and down his arms; dashing down a familiar grey concrete and black asphalt alley, he reared back... or tried to... when what was familiar suddenly turned to tan beach, misty blue sky and steel blue water. Too late, too <i>late</i>! He'd passed some unseen boundary.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Well it certainly needs work, but at least it's begun.</span></div>
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The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-23957152351082564482016-07-30T21:47:00.001-07:002016-07-30T21:47:32.556-07:00The Itch Returns<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That would be the itch to write, of course. Some interesting prompts have thrust their flamboyant verbosity in my face and begged me to play with them. As always, having an image to go with them is quite helpful. In no particular order, I give you . . .</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sehnsucht: An inconsolable longing in the human heart, for we know not what. A yearning for a far, familiar, non-earthly land one can identify as one's home. (If you'd like to see a larger version of any of these photos, click on them to "make it so".)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Eleutheromania: An intense and irresistible desire for freedom.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Solivagant: To wander alone.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://sirencallsmehome.tumblr.com/post/27061733873">image source</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Coddiwomple: To travel in a purposeful manner toward a vague destination.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9RP8LkUsCkW0fyBVwt051RpD2nBNgBXeBxaJmT4BDZ7jKx7JPtoh_4kiEKevwZ8bm4HK5iSG4E28L9vlB6C8pkS-4na10dVaIgyEadOiNht4JjHNLHqERhTXoT7Jehc6-hNIF2NlaTo/s1600/57c17dda1f757d14c4ed91c0df6cc4f6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9RP8LkUsCkW0fyBVwt051RpD2nBNgBXeBxaJmT4BDZ7jKx7JPtoh_4kiEKevwZ8bm4HK5iSG4E28L9vlB6C8pkS-4na10dVaIgyEadOiNht4JjHNLHqERhTXoT7Jehc6-hNIF2NlaTo/s400/57c17dda1f757d14c4ed91c0df6cc4f6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lostateminor.com/2011/03/19/jaimie-martinez/#more-55313">image source</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thus my mind goes, and fills the hours.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DaH4W1rY9us" width="480"></iframe>The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-29357179502362579802016-07-30T14:20:00.001-07:002016-07-30T14:20:35.709-07:00A Tasteful Canid?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7urm7szy3Jb3XSByAnqnWKz-gF7cwEJs2VEDmBCzI2726b_PTwgIbKLUmoP1tCVYsfW8Li7bnHpzJbfiOoVuRz_OmruKw1_7W_jxkWu2xMJ3Z9lgkAC-d9HJSQS_g6xoW5SK19ix1sZs/s1600/51Hk4lcwv8L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7urm7szy3Jb3XSByAnqnWKz-gF7cwEJs2VEDmBCzI2726b_PTwgIbKLUmoP1tCVYsfW8Li7bnHpzJbfiOoVuRz_OmruKw1_7W_jxkWu2xMJ3Z9lgkAC-d9HJSQS_g6xoW5SK19ix1sZs/s320/51Hk4lcwv8L.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If It's Easy, a short story by my longtime pal, <a href="https://dragonquillca.wordpress.com/2016/07/16/if-its-easy/">Carolyn McBride</a>. (Click on her name to go to her blog.) You can also visit her Amazon Author's page --> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Carolyn-McBride/e/B01DI3BJB4/ref=sr_tc_2_rm?qid=1469911046&sr=1-2-ent">Here</a>, and her Facebook author's page is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CarolynMcBrideAuthor/?fref=nf">Here</a>. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">*Carolyn was kind enough to share an author's copy with me but all opinions are my own, as anyone who knows me would know.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is the tale of Coriander Wolf, a lonely author with a flavorsome name and a cynical view of romance. Beginning with the prophetic announcement from a <i>djinn</i> trapped in her computer, and continuing on to a meeting with an exotically beautiful stranger, Cori is about to learn more about the universe(s) and all they contain than she could ever have imagined... One suspects that her adventures will not end with this one short tale and that is definitely a good thing.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Carolyn and her wife, Betty, live in Southern Ontario, where Carolyn continues her tradition of writing strong lesbian protagonists and Betty keeps her in line! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now for a few photos!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A lovely, celebratory bowl of succulent mussels. Yup, I got the job! Have to wait to start until they get the results of (standard procedure) obligatory urine test and I-9. For those not from the States, the I-9 is to determine if one is eligible to work in the US. It takes a while and I'm not inclined toward patience just now; despite having been sent (before I'd even arrived home) an email stating my pay rate, etc...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We had rain and storms most of the day yesterday, the sky boasted some unusual colors as the sun was setting; looking straight up:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And to the right...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This next one, however, looks positively sulphurous.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thought I'd share an earworm with you in farewell. You're welcome!</span></div>
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The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-24094414147460348802016-07-23T23:28:00.000-07:002016-07-23T23:28:45.840-07:00Sometimes...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">...the Universe listens and responds with a resounding "Yes"!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have a job interview on Monday afternoon; it's at a place Mom and I frequent and is quite legit. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My oldest brother had his last injections and tests, which he passed with flying colors. He's on the lung transplant list! Also, among all the other tests I had recently was one for the 1 antitrypsin gene, which was passed down from our father. It's what caused Jim's lung disease. I don't have the genetic markers for it. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Is it weird that I'm feeling guilty about this?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'd say Mom and Jenn think so.</span></div>
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The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-3473605321489984212016-07-23T00:29:00.002-07:002016-07-23T00:29:32.366-07:00In Living Color<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Spotted these whilst around and about today; thought I'd share.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Not sure what the top one is, the bottom is pink oleander.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And with the warm horizon filter . . .</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l5cF5GGqVWo" width="459"></iframe>The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-23802644998710450492016-07-21T23:00:00.002-07:002016-07-21T23:02:32.791-07:00So, the Doctor<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Getting established with a new doctor is far from my favorite thing, as most of you know quite well since I kvetch about it on a regular basis. Physicians insist on painful tests and sticking me repeatedly with sharp instruments, etc... this makes me dislike their company rather quite a lot.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I may have struck it lucky this time. My new doc, whom I shall refer to as Dr. Banana, as it rhymes with her last name, has it going on. I mean, she's on top of things. And I got some good news, which tends to make me view her more favorably.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ready for it? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I've been taken off the medication to control the essential tremor!! Huzzah Huzzah! Picture me with my happy face on because I <i>don't need it anymore</i>. The tremors are gone baby, gone. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'll even be driving next week; re-acclimating myself to it. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Of course, there was also less positive news.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As a side effect of one of the medications I've been on for years for diabetes, my kidneys are showing signs of failing, something this particular medication is known for causing. Not that I knew that until Dr. Banana told me (and I immediately began researching). I'm off that medication and the hunt for a replacement has begun...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Have had to be taken off two other medications because they were exacerbating the spinal arthritis; we are trying other medications but, as always, I can only try one new medication at a time because I have odd reactions. The doctor informed me of that... this on our <i>second</i> appointment and without me having to argue for a cautious approach. She gets it! Physical therapy to prevent the loss of mobility is still in my future, but that has been delayed until the sciatic nerve calms down a bit; it's quite grumpy about what's going on with my spine.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If it ain't one thing it's t'other, but <i>no more tremors</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Oh. I do go Monday to have an ultrasound done of the remaining half of my thyroid. A goiter has developed suddenly, which explains more than it doesn't. <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/thyroid-disease/expert-answers/FAQ-20058228">What she's talking about, HERE</a> Of course the C word got tossed around, something I don't put much stock in since I've been on this merry go round before. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now if I can just find a <b>job</b> I'll be really quite content.</span></div>
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The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-89235218706162217772016-07-19T21:34:00.001-07:002016-07-19T21:36:57.603-07:00Tomatoes<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As you may (or may not) recall; other than a bit of basil and rosemary, I only had room and time to plant one food plant this year, a cherry tomato called Black Cherry. I am happy to report that this lone plant has worked it's little organic roots and leaves off to keep us in tomatoes:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have to pick them before they are fully ripe and let them finish ripening inside, where a hungry little rabbit can't reach them. Mayhap I should change my name to Beatrix, dress the bunny in a wee jacket and plant some carrots?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Off to the doctor in the morning, keep your fingers crossed for me.</span></div>
The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-51112201108225789492016-07-18T21:47:00.003-07:002016-07-18T21:47:49.648-07:00Jokers of the Non-Human Variety<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There have been a few surprises since moving south. Some have left me with my heart in my mouth, others have made me chuckle; still others have left me with a feeling of wonder. At all times, however, I've been left with the certainty that critters of all sorts like nothing half so well as a good laugh at my expense.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There's the heart attack frog, for instance, whom I first met when I was going to get bottled water from the spare refrigerator, which is located in a shed/workshop outside of the house. H.A.Frog had plastered him or herself on the window; fortunately for me, for our first meeting Le Ribbett had gathered it's limbs together in a neat little bundle, like this:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Subsequent meetings found the little croaker splayed across and pressing against the window like a tired old hussy trying to rustle up a drink. Well, except for the time it crashed into, and clung onto, the window right beside where I was sitting, prompting an impromptu run to the bathroom...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Then we have the ever-popular George and friends (with various and sundry permutations of the name),</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">one of whom, who should have more properly been named Georgina, chose to move into the house and become our resident pest control and pet. One often sees her darting busily up and down walls in search of an insect dinner. She has also proved herself both remarkably fecund <i>and</i> agile by giving birth (being a live-bearer rather than an egg-layer) on the ceiling above my head. I might have carried on through life happily ignorant of this momentous event, if Georgina hadn't arranged for some of what I assumed was amniotic fluid to drip on my head. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I heard her snicker as she scampered off.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Being in the southern part of Florida during the summer means you see rain. Lots of rain. Lots of rain means there are unhappy and hungry reptiles about; the long, slithery kind. On yet another hot night, when I'd stepped out to fetch water from the other refrigerator, I came face to face with uncertain long and slithery death. Well, foot to face. If I'd gone down the steps and to the shed door. Which I didn't, because I noticed a long, skinny, <i>moving and hissing </i>stretch of ill-tempered snake banded in red, yellow and black stretched out in front of the shed door.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was dark outside, with only a rather dim outside light to see by, so I levitated backward into the house and quickly slammed the door. Of course there is a rhyme to help one differentiate between a real and a false coral snake, and I could remember it? That's right, other than gibbering "snake, snake, <i>SNAKE </i>" my mind wasn't functioning. Snakes don't usually frighten me, I'd often take one or two to my mother as a gift when I was a child, but a far too close encounter with a rattlesnake when I was in my early teens persuaded me that caution where poisonous creatures were concerned was the course of wisdom. Fortunately, the park's owner was able to safely wrangle the snake, identify it as non-venomous, and released it somewhere a bit more removed from human habitation. The frog, the myriad Georges, and I were all quite happy with that solution. The snake stuck out it's tongue and sneered at me as it slithered into the wild.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And then there's the feathered joker that kept me puzzled for days as I tried to figure out where the duck with the obnoxious quack was hiding. After a little sleuthing and a bit of research I realized: If it quacks like a duck it may well be a Northern mockingbird! They're lovely birds about the size of a cardinal or blue jay, with a beautiful voice and are quite talented mimics who can memorize up to 200 songs and sounds. I'm sure it had a good laugh or three as it quacked at me! At least it wasn't imitating a car alarm, as they are wont to do.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/northern-mockingbird">image source</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy a bit of the mockingbird's song:</span></div>
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The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-84902486642665108582016-07-16T22:55:00.002-07:002016-07-16T22:58:34.249-07:00The Thing About Life:<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It goes on. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Who here thought a 55 year old woman who hadn't worked outside the home in, what, a decade? How <i>did</i> the time pass so quickly? Anyway, 55 year old woman, work, decade... oh yeah, and with no current marketable skills... who thought she was just going to jump right back into the job market and score the big one? Not I, despite having been -ostensibly- hired, along with a dozen or so others; even after having begun 'training' with the company I had that odd little feeling in the back of my head. A few days after being hired we were <i>all</i> sent home for not being proficient enough in our training. It wasn't difficult work or training, the company got no fees, etc... from any of we 'new hires', so what gives? (I am keeping an eye open for anything new and exciting regarding, say, my SSN.) Ah well, life goes on... not holding my breath until that check shows up in the mail, so the job hunting process has begun again.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">On the other hand... my daughter, who has long since returned to Indiana after her birthday, is having an exciting time of it. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> She and Mom at Medieval Times.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The kidling has acquired both a couch and a fiancee, both of which are about a foot longer (or taller) than she. This makes her happy which in turn makes me happy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I've been filling my time with the usual activities: reading, cooking, writing, etc... which have all been made much easier since I'm no longer tremoring. All those pesky movements which made my life so unpleasant are almost completely gone, along with a lot of other unpleasant medical stuff which has improved tremendously. (Not going into TMI territory here.) Other than finding out that the arthritis in my spine has worsened significantly, I'm most certainly on the upswing and I have <i>no</i> doubt I'll find work... it will take a while and won't come with a fancy title and that's okay. I refuse to give up and that's what matters.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Before I go, it's been a while since I last posted so I feel obligated to put up pictures of food.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A slice of Jenn's birthday cake, an almost-but-not-quite Schwarzwalderkirschtorte:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A big batch of homemade barbecue sauce and barbecued ribs, as well as some cashew chicken I've made for Mom over the last few weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Oh and before I go: Please don't blame me for Trump's running mate. Whilst I am a native of Indiana, (aka a Hoosier) I no longer live there. I am relieved, on behalf of my former home state, that he has taken himself out of the running for governer; one term with him was more than enough!</span></div>
The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-44753999713920140342016-06-24T21:09:00.000-07:002016-06-24T21:11:12.635-07:00Keep Your Shirt On!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My beloved nephew, Dana, seems to be following in his father's (my oldest brother) footsteps, sharing his penchant for Jimmy Buffett, grass skirts and shell bras:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He seems to be searching for his dignity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">More pics from yesterday:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Mom with her head in the clouds; she had a fall during the island excursion of the trip... not a bad one, but she's sore today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A couple of pelicans took pity on me and stood still long enough for me to snap a picture. The bubbly area to the middle left of the photo was hiding a very shy manatee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Another dolphin; the younger ones were quite exuberant and would approach quite closely. We also spotted one of the subjects of their study: Rocky, an adult male dolphin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Before we left on the cruise we had a light lunch at Snook Inn, this is alligator with a spicy remoulade. We also had conch chowder, Manhattan style, with a nice hit of heat. The kidling had shrimp followed by a slice of chocolate mousse 'cake' topped with chocolate-toffee bits. It was all delicious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fortunately, we were on the last leg of the trip when we saw <i>this</i> heading toward us; we made it back to the dock and had just jumped in the car when it began pouring down. Seriously, it cracked the sky!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow is the kidling's birthday and we are, at her request, going to Medieval Times... I spent much of the day today preparing her birthday cake: layers of chocolate cake moistened with a fresh black cherry/peach moscata sirup. It is covered with white chocolate ganache and served with the peach moscata-infused black cherries and the rest of the sirup ladled over. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Never heard of Medieval Times? (Lucky you! lol) Here's a link where you can see what you're missing---> <a href="http://www.medievaltimes.com/about-the-show/index.html">Medieval Times</a> We'll be eating our dinner with our bare hands . . .</span></div>
The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-14049702413710062692016-06-23T20:32:00.000-07:002016-06-23T20:32:00.392-07:00No Photos<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yet, no photos yet! Please don't strangle me! I'll put just one up tonight, of the kidling, <i>but</i> I'm also sharing a link of a video she did today of some of the dolphins playing in the boat's wake.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Watch the video and you'll see why she's looking a bit, well, smug; great job using just her cellphone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Oh okay, just one more photo! (Obviously, I'm not as good as the kidling.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You can see Jenn's video here ---> <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/hcx77hrk8464s74/2016-06-24%2000.26.35.mp4?dl=0">Dolphins!</a></span></div>
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The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-74513985887321570702016-06-22T19:29:00.000-07:002016-06-22T20:02:37.234-07:00All Booked Up, Uh Huh Huh<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Poking my head in and waving; the kidling has arrived so it's go like crazy time. Tomorrow we're going on a cruise with the folks of the Dolphin Explorer; they're studying the dolphins of the southwest Florida waters and we lucky souls get to go along! (Expect lots of photos.) (Oh, and expect to read a bit about Rufus the Toothless vampire and a book review next week.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Here's a teaser:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For image source, more photos and more information about the cruise, go here: <a href="http://dolphin-study.com/">LINKY!</a> (This is just what I'd do if I could get away with it.)</span></div>
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The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-72767861348171901712016-06-15T15:02:00.002-07:002016-06-15T15:02:20.352-07:00Going for Baroque<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After nearly a month of non-functioning laptops for my mother and I, (hers stopped working and mine mostly died three days later-ala The Princess Bride, I thought it was completely dead) my laptop is up and running again! Yes, I can once again whine, pout and be silly in your general direction. Both my phone and Kindle were working but were quite recalcitrant regarding the blog... occasionally I would see a link on Facebook and be able to reach a blog from there, but that was it. Anyway, that's all over, thank goodness! I do have a few photos to share, along with a couple of lovely bits of good news.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The basil and rosemary are coming along, the rosemary is soon to be transplanted to a permanent spot. The tomatoes are thriving; the branches are nearly 4 foot high and are covered with baby cherry tomatoes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We've already gotten a half-dozen fresh tomatoes and more are busily ripening; they have a lovely tanginess.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The various tropical storms have made sky-watching even more fascinating than usual, although there have been interesting sights on land as well; think I'll close the photo section with a lovely lobster bisque...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was a sample of the restaurant's new recipe and was deliciously creamy with a surprising little 'kick', yum!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As for the good news: The kidling will be here soon to spend her birthday with us, it will be SO good to see her. (Oh, and she recently got a significant raise!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Also, next Tuesday I go for an interview and facility tour with a potential employer. This is for a desk job, full-time, with a company which provides decent remuneration and benefits. Considering how long it's been since I worked, I couldn't ask for a better way to get back on the work force... I decided it was time to go for baroque, lol.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Last, but never least, I live a bit over an hour from Orlando, Florida now... please keep everyone who has been affected by the tragedy in your thoughts.</span></div>
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The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-33129754063917172552016-05-15T19:38:00.000-07:002016-05-15T19:38:32.254-07:00Going For A While<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I've tried keeping up, I really have, but there have been life changes of late which have been both biggish and ouchish. Not being melodramatic, but they require adjusting to and it's become rather imperative that I find a job. So, I'll not be here nor on Facebook nearly so much.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope time sees you well and happy.</span></div>
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The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735312335104425209.post-29557055650484008482016-05-06T22:25:00.002-07:002016-05-06T22:25:59.218-07:00All the Pretty Pictures<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Why yes, the post is a bit photo-heavy tonight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">First, the Sebring Diner, where Mom and I had lunch today:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Good diner food, great service and reasonable prices. Can't beat that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Last weekend we took a short drive to the town of Lake Placid, (not the one located in New York state) which has the nickname of Town of Murals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This tidy little cathouse was up for sale...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Still working on my little tale; it suddenly struck me that I'd begun the story in the middle and needed to rectify the situation. It may, in fact, end up not being as short a tale as I'd originally intended. Ah well, at least I'm back in the swing of things.</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T7YGy6pybKU" width="480"></iframe>The Crankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.com12