Thursday, July 30, 2009

Oops

I got a surprise in the mail today. Ok, well, it really wasn't a surprise. I knew it was coming. But I took a bunch of pictures to show you, then like a dummy, I decided to defrag my computer. So, now I can't upload my photos until it's done. You're going to have to wait.

Sorry about that.

So that this post isn't a total waste, here is some lovely guitar music for you to enjoy:

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Will They or Won't They?

Michael Vick has been conditionally reinstated by the NFL, and the question everyone seems to be asking is, "Will the Cowboys sign him?" Rumors have been circulating for weeks now that the Cowboys are interested in him, that they are going to go after Vick if and when he gets reinstated--this despite Jerry Jones repeatedly stating that they have no interest in signing him. At yesterday's press conference, Jones was asked again about signing Vick, and again he stated that no, they won't be pursuing him.

So, why aren't they interested in signing Michael Vick? Well, it could be that they already have four quarterbacks on the roster, at least one of whom will definitely not make the 53 man roster as it is. Why then would they add a fifth? If they did add Vick, they would have to cut someone else, and who are they going to cut? Certainly not their $67 million franchise quarterback, and not the 4th round draft pick to whom Jerry Jones refers to as the War Daddy. OK, maybe they could cut Jon Kitna, who by the way is already signed to a contract and cutting him would add even more to the nearly $25 million in dead money they already have against the salary cap. It wouldn't make sense to cut Kitna, but they could.

If they did cut Kitna and sign Vick, he's not going to start. They aren't going to sit their $67 million franchise quarterback to start Vick. Frankly, he is far too talented of a quarterback to be used as just a backup, especially when there are so many teams out there that desperately need a quarterback of his caliber.

Some people have suggested that they sign him just to run the wildcat offense--or the razorback as they are calling it in Dallas. Again, he is far too talented a quarterback to keep on the roster just to run an occasional trick play. And really, can they afford to take up a roster spot for someone just to run one or two plays per game--especially since they already have Isaiah Stanback and Patrick Crayton, both of whom played quarterback in college? It also begs the question, if you run the wildcat with your back up quarterback, would it really be the wildcat, or would it just be your back up quarterback taking snaps? Would they have both Vick and Romo on the field at the same time? If they kept him around just for the wildcat, wouldn't it be a dead givaway? As in, "Here comes Vick, it must be the wildcat."

So the Cowboys have no interest in Michael Vick, nor do they have the need or the space for him on their current roster. And you can't forget the media scrutiny his presence will bring--to whatever team signs him. Dallas has media scrutiny enough as it is.

Another thing people are asking is, should he have been allowed back into the NFL at all? Some say yes, others say no. Still others say he should have stayed in prison for the rest of his life. For fighting dogs? That's little harsh. Sure he did wrong. He made a mistake, but he's paid his debt to society. He deserves a second chance as much as anyone else.

The question that remains is, will someone give him that chance, and who will it be?

.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Conversations With Cody--The Preschool Years

Cody was just about to turn three, and we were headed into town one morning. Cody started screaming and squealing.

"Turn the sun off!" he screamed.

"Honey, I can't turn the sun off."

"But it's getting in my eyes."

"I'm sorry, I can't do anything about that. You'll just have to put your head down until we get to where we are going."

"I can't put my head down," Cody wailed.

"Why not?"

"Because it's stuck to my neck!"

.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Stormy Sunday

I woke up this morning to doggie diarrhea on the carpet. To make matters worse, said doggie had stepped in said diarrhea and tracked it down the hall. To make matters even worse, the as yet unmentioned cat had tried to bury said doggie diarrhea, thus thoroughly grinding it into said carpet. Once I'd finished scrubbing carpet, it was too late to make it to church, and by that time we were in the midst of severe thunderstorms anyway. It was a nice day to stay home and knit.

I did a couple more pattern repeats on the sock. The leg is 7 inches long now, which is about how long I like them, so I'm ready to start the heel.


I took this picture to show you my progress on the scarf.


As I was taking the photo, I noticed that I was almost to the end of the first skein of yarn. I decided to set the sock aside and finish out that skein and attach the second one. So I did.


Now it's back to the sock...


After two weeks of being on Lactaid, I'm pretty sure I really do have lactose intolerance. So, I decided to try Digestive Advantage.


The advantage to this one is that I only have to take one pill a day, instead of taking a pill every time I eat something. Today is my second day, and the directions say to begin reintroducing dairy on day three, so I've spent the last two days completely dairy free. I did buy some soy milk to drink while I was getting this into my system, and it is awful. Ok, it's not so bad if you put a lot of chocolate milk mix into it, but I'll be glad to get back onto real milk.

Training camp starts Wednesday. Well, they are having an opening thing Tuesday night, but workouts start Wednesday. The Hall of Fame Game is in two weeks. Yay! And I finally finished my Bob Hayes post, but will publish it on the day he is inducted. Just in time. Told you I was a terrible procrastinator!

.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Number One

The #1 all time Cowboy is



Roger Staubach!

Now, a lot of folks, especially the younger generations, think that #1 should be Troy Aikman. After all, he won more Super Bowls. Or maybe Emmitt Smith. After all, he is the NFL's all time leading rusher.

But no, this honor rightly goes to Roger. Back in those early days, when the team was struggling--taking its first baby steps into the highly competitive world of professional football, it was Roger who helped shape the identity of the Dallas Cowboys. He was the original Mr. Clutch, the Comeback Kid, Captain of America's Team. Roger the Dodger.

Even the lexicon of football--from the pros all the way down to pee wee league--changed because of Roger Staubach. Don't believe me? Ever heard these two words:

Hail Mary

Yep, that was Roger. Roger to Drew, in fact, to seal yet another one of his last minute, come from behind victories.

For 11 years, he was the face of the Cowboys organization. But more than that, he was the embodiment of the entire future of the team. He shaped its identity. He shaped its destiny. For this reason, above all others he truly deserves the honor of being the

#1 All Time Dallas Cowboy.

Thank you, Roger.

Obama Doesn't Know

Congress doesn't know. Do you?

Do you know exactly what is in that massive socialized medicine package the government is trying so hard to foist upon us? You know, the one THEY are exempt from? Well, here is the bad news, folks. It's long, but I strongly encourage you to read the whole thing. Then call your reps (everyone has three--do you know who yours are?) and say "No way, No how."

I'm sure by now you have all heard some or a lot about the national health care bill proposed in the House of Representatives. Regardless of your political persuasion please be open to what I am about to share with you. A friend of mine has been studying the bill as it is developing and here are a few things she discovered. Oh, and the link to the entire bill as it is currently is at the bottom:


1. It targets those on medicare with rationing of health care benefits, with a preference to spend money on the young drug and alcohol abusers. Rather than a hip or knee replacement we will be given pain killers.

2. When a person turns age 62 they will be mandated to attend end of life counseling. (Note: this is not a symposium on how to best enjoy your golden years!)

3. Abortion will be paid for in both the government run plan and will be mandated to be covered in the private sector. Also it mandates creation of many new abortion clinics and nullification of at least some state limitations on abortion.

(Why the focus on ending life rather than saving life?)

4. Private plans will go out of business because they will not be able to enroll any new participants. If you leave your current employer for a new employer you will not be able to sign up with the new group - you must be covered by the government program.

5. The IRS will fund the government run plan and if they need more funding, the IRS will be able to raise our taxes without congressional approval.

6. The members of the House of Representatives have not read the 1,018 pages of this proposed bill.

7. The Congress and all federal employees will be exempt from this plan. (If it's good enough for us, why isn't it good enough for them?)

8. What is the rush to pass the House and Senate bills by August, 2009 if the mandates of the bill would not take effect until 2013? Could it be they don't want us to know what's in the bill?

9. An appointed health counsel will determine your health care treatment - not your doctor.

10. The doctors will be told how many patients they can see in one day and how much money they can make. This of course will cause a shortage of doctors.
-------------------
Pg 22 of the Health Care Bill MANDATES the Govt will audit books of ALL EMPLOYERS that self insure!!

Pg 30 Sec 123 of HC bill - THERE WILL BE A GOVT COMMITTEE that decides what treatments/benefits you get.

Pg 29 lines 4-16 in the HC bill - YOUR HEALTH CARE IS RATIONED!!!

Pg 42 of HC Bill - The Health Choices Commissioner will choose YOUR HC Benefits for you. You have no choice!

PG 50 Section 152 in HC bill - HC will be provided to ALL non US citizens, illegal or otherwise

Pg 58 HC Bill - Govt will have real-time access to individuals' finances & a National ID Health card will be issued!

Pg 59 HC Bill lines 21-24 Govt will have direct access to your banks acctounts for election funds transfer

PG 65 Sec 164 is a payoff subsidized plan for retirees and their families in Unions & community organisations (ACORN).

Pg 72 Lines 8-14 Govt is creating a Health Care Exchange to bring private Health Care plans under Govt control.

PG 84 Sec 203 HC bill - Govt mandates ALL benefit packages for private Health Care plans in the Exchange

PG 85 Line 7 HC Bill - Specifics for of Benefit Levels for Plans = The Govt will ration your Health care!

PG 91 Lines 4-7 HC Bill - Govt mandates linguistic appropriation services. Example - Translation for illegal aliens

Pg 95 HC Bill Lines 8-18 The Govt will use groups i.e., ACORN & Americorps to sign up individuals for Govt Health Care plan

PG 85 Line 7 HC Bill - Specifics of Benefit Levels for Plans. #AARP members - Your health care WILL be rationed

-PG 102 Lines 12-18 HC Bill - Medicaid Eligible Individuals will be automatically enrolled in Medicaid. No choice

pg 124 lines 24-25 HC No company can sue GOVT on price fixing. No "judicial review" against Govt Monopoly

pg 127 Lines 1-16 HC Bill - Doctors/ #AMA - The Govt will tell YOU what you can make.

Pg 145 Line 15-17 An Employer MUST auto enroll employees into public option plan. NO CHOICE

Pg 126 Lines 22-25 Employers MUST pay for health care for part time employees AND their families.

Pg 149 Lines 16-24 ANY Employer with payroll 400k & above who does not provide public option pays 8% tax on all payroll

pg 150 Lines 9-13 Businesses with payroll between 251k & 400k who do not provide public option pays 2-6% tax on all payroll

Pg 167 Lines 18-23 ANY individual who doesn't have acceptable Health Care according to the Government will be taxed 2.5% of income

Pg 170 Lines 1-3 HC Bill Any NONRESIDENT Alien is exempt from individual taxes. (Americans will pay)

Pg 195 HC Bill -officers & employees of the Health Care Administration (GOVERNMENT) will have access to ALL Americans' financial/personal records

PG 203 Line 14-15 HC - "The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax" Yes, it says that

Pg 239 Line 14-24 HC Bill Govt will reduce physician services for Medicaid. Seniors, low income, poor affected

Pg 241 Line 6-8 HC Bill - Doctors, doesn't matter what specialty you have, you'll all be paid the same

PG 253 Line 10-18 Govt sets value of Doctor's time, profit, judgment, etc. Literally, the value of humans.

PG 265 Sec 1131 Govt mandates & controls productivity for private Health Care industries

PG 268 Sec 1141 Fed Govt regulates rental & purchase of power driven wheelchairs

PG 272 SEC. 1145. TREATMENT OF CERTAIN CANCER HOSPITALS - Cancer patients - welcome to rationing!

Page 280 Sec 1151 The Govt will penalize hospitals for what the Government deems preventable readmissions.

Pg 298 Lines 9-11 Doctors, treat a patient during initial admission that results in a readmission - the Govt will penalize you.

Pg 317 L 13-20 PROHIBITION on ownership/investment. Govt tells Doctors what/how much they can own.

Pg 317-318 lines 21-25,1-3 PROHIBITION on expansion- Govt is mandating hospitals cannot expand

pg 321 2-13 Hospitals have opportunity to apply for exception BUT community input required. Can you say ACORN?!!

Pg335 L 16-25 Pg 336-339 - Govt mandates establishment of outcome based measures. Health Care the way they want. Rationing

Pg 341 Lines 3-9 Govt has authority to disqualify Medicare Adv Plans, HMOs, etc. Forcing people into the Government plan

Pg 354 Sec 1177 - Govt will RESTRICT enrollment of Special needs people. My sis has down syndrome!! (Note: Not mine, but the author's. In other words, the handicapped will not be given health care.)

Pg 379 Sec 1191 Govt creates more bureaucracy - Telehealth Advisory Committee. Can you say health care by phone?

PG 425 Lines 4-12 Govt mandates Advance Care Planning Consult. Think Senior Citizens end of life

Pg 425 Lines 17-19 Govt will instruct & consult regarding living wills, durable powers of aattorney-- this is Mandatory!

PG 425 Lines 22-25, 426 Lines 1-3 Govt provides approved list of end of life resources, guiding you in death

PG 427 Lines 15-24 Govt mandates program for orders for end of life. The Government has a say in how your life ends

Pg 429 Lines 1-9 An "advanced care planning consult" will be used frequently as patients' health deteriorates

PG 429 Lines 10-12 "advanced care consultation" may include an ORDER for end of life plans. AN ORDER from GOV (It is your DUTY to die for your government.)

Pg 429 Lines 13-25 - The government will specify which doctors can write an end of life order.

PG 430 Lines 11-15 The Govt will decide what level of treatment you will have at the end of your life

Pg 469 - Community Based Home Medical Services=Non profit organizations. Hello, ACORN Medical Services here!!?

Page 472 Lines 14-17 PAYMENT TO COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS. One monthly payment to a community-based organization. Like ACORN?

PG 489 Sec 1308 The Govt will cover Marriage & Family therapy. Which means they will insert Government into your marriage

Pg 494-498 Govt will cover Mental Health Services, including defining, creating, rationing those services

Here's the full Health Care bill that sits in the House.

H.R. 3200

Thursday, July 23, 2009

A Look Back

Most of you know by now that I am a huge football fan, and even huger Dallas Cowboys fan. You also know that after every game, I usually write a post about the game --not really analytical like the pros (or the wannabes) do. Just my thoughts and impressions of the game. What you may not know is that I am also a terrible procrastinator.

There was one game that I just never got around to writing a post about. I'd saved some photos of it, but hadn't ever written anything. I decided to write it up now, and post it as a looking back type of post. So, one day at work, I began mentally composing it.


Oh, it was a beautiful post! It was all about how this was the second game they would play without Romo, and how it was a must win.

How nobody really expected them to beat the Giants, and how they'd already lost the game that was supposed to be the easy one--to the Rams. About how they had to beat the Buccaneers.

About how desperately they needed this game, and if they were going to win, it would be up to the defense to do it because Brad Johnson had already exposed himself as a quarterback whose best years were behind him.

And about how they did step up and win on defense, because the offense only scored 13 points, and when was the last time they won with only 13 points.


Oh, it was a beautiful post...

Then when I came home and began to type it up, I realized it wasn't the Buccaneers game that I hadn't written up at all. It was the game against the 49ers.

Oh, well. At least you got to see some pretty pictures.

(Photos by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Almost There

And the #2 all time Cowboy is Emmitt Smith. And I'm five for five. So, who will be #1? Simple enough --Roger Staubach. Back in those early years, he became the player who most shaped the team in to what they would become. He lifted them from Next Year's Champions, to SuperBowl Champions.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Wednesday, But No WIPs

I've decided to stop doing my Wednesday WIP report. I felt like they were limiting my posting. I'd sit down to post, and think to myself, "Well, I can't talk about knitting because it's not Wednesday." So I decided to just post when I had something to post about.

I've mostly been working on the scarf with no name:
It's a pretty easy knit, even without following a pattern. The yarn isn't the greatest, but it was a freebie, so what can I say.

People say the funniest things. I was talking with a co worker about how nice the weather has been lately. Highs in the lower to mid 80's. Occasional rain, nice breezes, and how it was supposed to stay that way for the next few days. He said, "It's nice. It makes me want to cook a goat." I've eaten goat before. It's not too bad. I did not cook a goat for supper, though. I cooked fried chicken and french fries. I'm waiting for the Czar For The Elimination Of Fried Foods to show up at my door.



Fun stuff in the mail! Amidst all the sales papers, credit card applications, and health insurance advertisements (I get these all the time, which tells me there is NO excuse for anyone not to have health care coverage), look what I got:

A whole catalog of Dallas Cowboys stuff! It's like Christmas morning in a book! When I opened it up, even more surprises! The players were the models! Woo hoo! There's DeMarcus Ware.


On the next page, Terence Newman and Roy Williams. And bestill my beating heart, he of the gorgeous eyes himself, Bradie James.

If he weren't a linebacker, he could be a model. OK, moving on...

And the #3 all time Cowboy: Bob Lilly and Becky is four for four.

Cody and I were sitting on the couch watching TV. Squeaky was on the floor by Cody, and he reached down to pet her. I guess she wasn't expecting it because she jumped two feet into the air.

Squeaky says, "That wasn't funny!"

"I'm going to pretend it never happened. Leave me alone, I need a nap."

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Number 4

The #4 all time Cowboy: Troy Aikman. I'm three for three so far.


Here's a treat for you: Pregame sounds. It's OK, but I still like last year's better.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Forty Years Ago Today

I was 4 years old, but remember vividly watching this on TV.


Music Monday

Here is a taste of music from another culture:



And the #5 all time Cowboy: Tony Dorsett. Yep, he was on my list too, and has the singular honor of being my very first celebrity crush. Other girls daydreamed of romantic, candle lit dinners with Scott Baio, or moonlit walks on the beach with Shaun Cassidy. I stood on the sidelines of Cowboy football games, cheering my honey on, or ran drills with him at practice. I've had an affinity for running backs ever since. Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm weird.

Be sure to watch the video of his 99 yard touchdown run. It still gives me goosebumps.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Patiently Waiting...

Or maybe not.

I am sooo ready for football season to start! How ready am I? I'm so ready that I went and put on my Marion Barber jersey as soon as I got home from church.


I may even sleep in it tonight. Did I ever mention that I love that man?

So no football on TV. What did I do? I watched golf. Normally I'm not a golf fan, but in this case, it was more about who was playing...


The event was the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship. He came in second this year. Last year he finished third. One of these years, he's going to win.

What did I knit while watching three hours of celebrities playing golf? I got two pattern repeats done on the Zokni socks. I'm feeling the love much better this time around.

This is a great pattern. I think I'm going to make the leg longer this time, too. I was never really happy with how short it was. I got a few more inches done on the textured scarf:

This one will most likely go to Scarves From The Heart.

Finally, your photo of the day:


I don't know what these little flowers are, but they sure are bright.

.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Change Of Plans

The plan today was to go to the Memphis Zoo. It was Cody's idea. He said that we should go do something this weekend, and suggested the zoo. It would have been a beautiful day for it. Cool, breezy, sunny. Gorgeous sky.

But last night, Cody decided he'd rather spend the night with his friend, so we didn't go. That was fine with me. I saved myself a bit of money. I went and picked him up around 1 ish. As soon as we got home, he went and took a shower, got a snack, and fell asleep on the couch around 2.

About an hour later, he got up and stumbled to his bed, and he's been asleep ever since. They must have stayed up all night. Oh, well. It's his last weekend before school starts, so he deserves one last fling. Well, OK, technically not school, but band camp starts Monday. That runs for two weeks, then school really does start, so his summer is done.

As for myself, I spent the morning house cleaning, and the afternoon knitting. I know when I tell you this, some of you are going to be shocked, and others are going to think, "there she goes again." So, what did I do? I ripped out my Zokni socks. Since I was knitting them out of Knitpicks Essential, I was afraid that they would draw up too much, and I wouldn't be able to wear them. My monkeys, also knit from Essential, are already too tight to get over my heel without considerable effort. They fit fine when I first knit them. Anyway, I was afeared that the same thing would happen to my Zoknis, since they were already pretty snug over my heel, so I ripped them and started over. I had to go all the way up to a 3 mm needle to get gauge, which I should have checked before I started. But I'd been getting gauge with 2.75 mm needles and sock yarn for years. I had no reason to suspect anything had changed. Anyway, I've started them over, and am moving right along.

I also started a new scarf.

I'm not sure what the yarn is. I got it in a swap with another knitter, and there was no label. The pattern is based on the Textured Scarf . I'd tried to knit this before, but it gave me fits. I just couldn't seem to follow the pattern, and kept messing it up. I finally gave up and ripped the whole thing. I started this one today, and am not following the pattern. I'm just looking at the scarf, and knitting what feels like it should be there. It's working out pretty well so far.

And just for fun, here is a photo of Katie wanting to come in. All the smudges on the bottom of the door--well those are from doggy noses.

I could clean them off, but what's the point? The doggies would just put them back. If only that cleaning fairy would show up!

Ten more days!!!!!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Miscellany

How did I manage to raise such a thoughtful son? Every day when I get home from work, he comes and opens the door for me. Today, he wasn't home when I got there. I missed him holding the door for me. It's just a little thing, but it means so much.

The knitting mojo is still wandering off somewhere. I'm thinking that if I cast on something new, it might come back to me. Even if I don't cast on, just browsing patterns is fun, too. And then there is going through yarns. And playing with needles. It's all good.

Two things that make life worth living:


Knitting and football.

And the #6 all time Cowboy is: Randy White. Yep, he was on my list.

Finally, I bought some lactose free milk today. I haven't tried it yet, but hopefully, I can drink it without getting a tummyache. I've been trying to avoid drinking straight milk, and I've missed it. So, I think I'll go get some now, and go browse knitting patterns.

See ya tomorrow.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

To Tide Us Over

Training camp starts in just under two weeks. It's gonna seem like forever. Just to tide us over, here are highlights from the mini-camp of last month.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

And a bonus:

Roy Williams Mic'd Up

One last thing: Over on Dallas Cowboys.com, they are doing an all time top 50 countdown. They announced #7 today--Michael Irvin. Here are my guesses for the top 6, in no particular order: Bob Lilly, Roger Staubach, Randy White, Emmitt Smith, Tony Dorsett, and Troy Aikman. I'd thought about turning this into a contest, but I have nothing to offer as a prize, so we'll just have to see if I'm right.

.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Whiskers and WIPs

Where oh where has my knitting mojo gone? Where oh where has it gone? If you should see it, please send it back to me. I got very little knitting done this week. Still, I got a bit of progress to show you.

Mystery Shawl : I've made it to the end of clue 3.



And one more square for the Machosauce project:

This'll be the last one (most likely), as I've already mailed them off to the assembler. And that's all the knitting that got done.

~~Whiskers On Wednesday~~

"EEK! Mice! I'm glad I'm up here on the bed. What? What do you mean I'M supposed to kill them? No way! Not me, Mama!"

Rod loved his cookies. I asked him if his wife cooked for him, and he said, "She don't make cookies!" At the end of the day, Rod said, "I've gained 10 lbs TODAY!" It's no wonder. He ate at least a dozen.

Two more weeks! Yay!

National Health Care

Lots of people in the United States want a national health care system. They think this will open up a magical land where their every medical whim will instantly be met, and the best part is, it will be absolutely free! Yes free! They think they will be able to wake up, decide to go to the doctor, walk into the office and be seen immediately, and receive high quality health care. For free!

They don't understand what it will really be like. Canada has a national health care system, and it works, doesn't it? Uh, no. You need to watch this video. Every person in America needs to see this video. It is long, but hang in there. Pay special attention to how high the tax rates are in Canada. Pay special attention to the part where they have to be on the waiting list 2-3 years to be assigned a family doctor. Pay special attention to the lady who's mom lost both her legs because she had to wait so long for a procedure to correct her circulation.

We do NOT want this in America!



I know it's long, but it's a must see. Watch it until the end, then post it everywhere you can. E-mail it to everyone you know. Call or write your congressman and senators. Do what ever it takes to keep the government out of our medical system.

Socialized medicine MUST BE STOPPED!



If you can't see the video, here is the link: Obamacare.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Cookies

A couple of weeks ago, I made some cookies. I took most of them to work, and invited my group leader, Rod, to have some.

He got a couple, then came back and got some more. Then he came and got some more. And some more...

A couple of days later, as I got to work, Rod came up to me and said, "I was wondering when you were going to make some more cookies, preferably peanut butter." Well, I don't make a lot of peanut butter cookies, because I don't really like them all that much. True to my nature, I procrastinated.

Yesterday, Rod came by as I was eating my lunch, looked at my food and said, "Those don't like home made cookies, but I know they're going to be here before the week is out."

I know it sounds rude just reading it like that, but it really wasn't the way he said it. Anyway, here's your peanut butter cookies, Rod.


Enjoy.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Music Monday

WARNING: Do not have any liquids in your mouth when you watch these. If you do, don't say I didn't warn you.







(Fixed the formatting! Yay!)

.

Again?

This is like, what--the fifth time now? Or is it the sixth? So wanna take bets on how long it will last this time?

Tony and Jessica Split

.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Mystery Shawl

I finally made it to the end of clue 3:

And that's about all I did today.

I'm still hanging in there with the Lactaid, though I've discovered that if I want to drink a glass of milk, I need to take two. Also, I should mention that last night, didn't need to wake up and eat in the middle of the night. That's two nights in a row!

Only 16 more days!

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Saturday Sky


That's pretty much it. Y'all don't really want to hear about my housecleaning, do you?

But there is some good news. I spent a few hours typing in posts from my little spiral notebook. Soon there will be fresh and interesting stuff to read. I know you're all glad of that.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Lactaid

I bought some Lactaid dietary supplements, and had one with pizza for supper. It seems to be working. I feel better than I have in weeks. What I had always taken for heartburn, I now think to be lactose intolerance, because I had none of it today. When I think more about it, milk has for a long time made me sick at my stomach unless I eat something with it. Cheese gave me heartburn and a bloated feeling. I think this has been coming on for quite a while, but just recently come to the point where I had to take note of it.

So, wanting to ease myself into this gradually, what did I do? I had another Lactaid with a bowl of ice cream.

We'll see.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Photos

'Cause I just don't feel like typing today.

Daylilies:

How Squeaky and Rylea spent their 4th:

And blueberries, in differing stages of ripeness:




I hope you've enjoyed this scenic detour. We will return to your regular blogging soon.

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Whiskers and WIPs

Not much knitting progress to report, but I do have a couple of things.

This is my Independence Day project:

And this is another square for the Machosauce Afghan some of us were making:

Why am I knitting more squares? Well, the short version is, we just decided we wanted it to be a bit bigger.


~Whiskers On Wednesday
~

Why is Squeaky so sad?



The baby elephant died. I'm sad too.

I think I'll go cry a little bit.

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Bits and Pieces

Sharp eyed viewers may notice that I've made a few changes to the blog. I finally decided to update my template. There is a good side and a bad side to this. The bad side is that I lost many of the changes I'd made to my template. All the links and buttons and such that I'd had were lost. The good side is that all the links and buttons that I'd had were gotten rid of. Some of them were so old, they led to sites that were no longer even available. It's a good housecleaning.

The last couple of weeks, my digestive system has been a bit out of whack. I won't go into all the gory details for you, but I am beginning to suspect I've developed a bit of lactose intolerance. I've checked WebMD, and the symptoms fit. I've avoided milk as much as I can, and it does help. I think I'm going to try some Lactaid products, too. I think this is why I haven't felt like blogging much. I've got several posts I need to type out, but I just haven't wanted to do it. I haven't really even felt like knitting. Now, that's bad. I do have a couple of things I can show you tomorrow, though.

Only 22 more days!

Cornerbacks

Take a look at the NFL Network's Top 5 Cornerbacks

See who is at #5?

If they do this list again next year, he will rank even higher than this. Why? Well, for one thing, he missed 6 games last season due to injuries, and the 10 games he did play, he wasn't at 100%. Even playing through injuries, he still cracked the top 5. Just wait and see what he does when he's healthy.

Also, the Cowboys are going to more man to man coverage in the coming season. He has been pushing for this for a long time. Now that they are going to go that route, he is going to shine.
He's already one of the best in the league. This season, when conditions are optimal (as much as real life can be) boy it's going to be a sight to see!

And for your bonus track today:

Bestill my beating heart



.

Saturday, July 04, 2009

The Declaration Of Independence

WHEN in the Course blah blah blah

WE hold these Truths to be self evident, that all Men are created equal blah blah Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah (lots of blahs)

pledge our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

John Hancock.



So what the heck is that? I'll tell you. That is the version of The Declaration Of Independence that most Americans know. Those are just about the only parts they remember. That's too bad, because there amongst all those blahs are some true gems--our real National Treasure.

Let me share with you some of my favorite parts of The Declaration that most people don't know are there, hidden among the blahs.

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them to another, and to assume among the powers of the Earth the separate and equal station to which the laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them,

The laws of Nature, and of Nature's God. From the very beginning, America seems to have been ordained by God. Even before the founding fathers appealed to him, even before the pilgrims came seeking the freedom to worship as they saw fit. All the way back to Cristobol Colombus, who took the name Christopher, which means Christ Bearer, later in life--when he decided to sail West instead of East, because he believed that is the direction God wanted him to go, God has had his hand on this country. Our forefathers believed it. Benjamin Franklin said, "I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an entire empire can rise without His aid?"

A decent respect to the opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impell them to the separation.

I like this line. I just do. Our forefathers believed in the utmost courtesy. That is something that has been lost in the whiny, selfish, perpetual teenage American citizen of today. It's something we need to get back to. Courtesy. If it was good enough for Thomas Jefferson, it ought to be good enough for the rest of us.

We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men.

Rights don't come from government. They come from God. Governments are there to secure them, not grant them and certainly not to take them away.

That when any government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem most likely to affect their safety and happiness.

It is a God given right for a people to set up the government that best keeps their safety and happiness secure. If it isn't working, it is their right to change it.

But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, persuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty to throw off such government, and provide new guards for their future security.

It is the duty of the citizen to be involved. It is the duty of the citizen to keep the government in check. It is the duty of every American to be responsible for himself and his family, and not allow the government control over every aspect of his life--even if it means he has to work to rpovide for his family, and buy his own health insurance.

A Prince, whose Character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Now, this doesn't limit itself to royalty. There are certain people in this country who may think themselves American Royalty, and want to rule with an iron hand. These people are unfit to lead a free people.

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

See, this is the thing. Fifty six men signed the Declaration of Independence, but it was nothing more than a piece of paper until they backed it up with their blood. And it wasn't just them. Every man who fought. Every woman who watched her husband, her son, go off to fight, knowing that they might not come home again. Patrick Henry summed up their feelings best when he said, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" Our forefathers believed in liberty enough to die for it. Do we?

Do we?

Friday, July 03, 2009

Happy Fourth!

As only the Muppets can do it.


P.S. I thought today was Saturday all day. Boy I am really confused!

P.P. S. Sorry about my bit of whining in Wednesday's post. I blame PMS.

P.P.P. S. I love Bradie James, too. Did I ever mention that?He's the one with the big, beautiful brown eyes.

P.P.P.S. Only 25 more days!

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Long Weekend

I'm free! I'm free! Well, until Monday, that is. We have tomorrow off, and so I keep thinking today is Friday. I'm all mixed up.

No comments from the peanut gallery.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Show Me July

It's July first, and you know what that means-- show me your calendar!

First up, my adorable (as always) nephew Joshua on my bedroom calendar:

A baby fox on my kitchen calendar:

No, the calendar is not sideways. The fox is. He's laying on his back.


My living room calendar with Mike the Tiger:

Finally, my office calendar. Now, I was nearly heartbroken at the though of having to turn the calendar off of my pookie bear Bradie James. Imagine my joy, when I finally cranked up the resolution to turn the page and found


Marion Barber!!!! I love that man!!! July is going to be a long month in my office. It may last until December.

Did I mention that I love that man? Yep. Love Love Love Love

I suppose I ought to. We are engaged, after all.


Yeah, I know it's Wednesday, and that means Whiskers and WIPs, but I'm not doing them. I've only gotten a couple of rows done on the shawl, and you wouldn't notice any difference from what I posted last week. And I didn't get a single picture of the cat this whole week. So, no Wednesday W & W.

Not that it matters. Nobody's reading anyway.