§ Unbelievable!

When I came upon a red light and had to stop, the vehicle in front of me had something I wish I HAD! Altho, instead of the lizard on the plate I'd have the Great Blue Heron [Texas vanity plates has the heron as one of the choices] and add an "i" to Hootn of course! But, I really thought that was phenomenal I'd see this. An omen, perhaps? 

 

Do you have vanity plates?

§ I have no title to describe this eclectic piece....

 This is just photos of our last few days with a small explanation to go with it all...

One of my patio potted pink hibiscus.


My car has to have a bit of bling too!  Even rhinestones [I haven't found a good bird decal yet, so I settled for a transparent butterfly].

This puzzle, Texas Bluebonnet Sunrise, was very easy!  Tho, when I opened the box to dump the pieces on the puzzle table, I was shocked to see each piece cut exactly the same as ALL.  I've never seen anything like it before, and I was sure it'd take a long time.  But, honestly, this was one of the easiest puzzles to work that we've had.  We  have three more jigsaws waiting to be put together...one, Cleopatra [art], T-Rex, and the Colorado Maroon Belles [mountains].

After making a huge pot of Chili Verde  [green chili] for dinner last night, I had to make me something special...a banana split with -sugar free frozen yogurt, sugar free caramel sauce and pecans.

Caughtcha!!!  He is up on the counter and looks guilty doesn't he?  He knows he's not supposed to be up there, breaking things....but hey, he's a cat.  Their nature!!

I've now finished 28 pansies for the afghan.  TONS more to go.

 * * *

To end this post I feel I must explain myself from yesterday. Most were okay with what I posted, yet...I was NOT trying to infuriate anyone with my rant as was posted in a comment.  None of my words were directed to ANYONE  in particular, and I would never call anyone on it. Let me explain further...Long ago, I was a tutor for Spanish I in Colorado; helping students learn to speak Spanish [and read it] properly. So, in turn, when I hear someone mispronouncing so many of Texas' cities [mostly with Mexican/Spanish names], etc. I am always gritting my teeth. Especially since this state is historically Mexico, and population for the majority shows it. I was not intentionally trying to compare NORTH to SOUTH pronunciations in the English Language...only the Spanish [and pointing out one German surname] speaking instances I hear so very often. And I realize there is more than one dialect in all states, and my words/names used yesterday were TEXAS Americanizing the Spanish Language...it's was just me voicing my opinion. As with peCON and peCAN, the same is, for instance, ColoRADo and ColoRAHdo... Sorry to step on anyone's toes. That was NOT my intention, just blogging about my thoughts on the subject.

§ The Week That Was....

I really don't know where the past week went...but it sure went by so quickly!

One day I went in to get the car's tires rotated [it's been over a year!], and ended up needing new tires. Since I'm usually alone when I drive this vehicle, I didn't hesitate after the representative showed me the lack of tread. Now I have a 'new pair of shoes' on it and I feel more safe driving alone to places unknown.

[no, this isn't my car...tho I'd love to own it! I saw it along the park road when walking back in March]

Then, another day I didn't feel up to par so I was spending most of the waking hours, reading the book my sister sent me...CLEMENTINE The Life and Times of Mrs. Winston Churchill. Since my son, Erik, plans on writing his PhD dissertation on Winston Churchill, I've been trying to read as much as I can on the subject. I got about half way through the book that very day....learning quite a bit of the two, their marriage, their children, their aspirations....quarrels, love, travels, financial traumas, etc. I also learned that her name is NOT ClemenTINE [as in wine] but, ClemenTEEN...Winston's pet name for her was Clemmie.  And, I most definitely have come to the conclusion, even tho I've not completed the book, that she was quite neurotic in my opinion.   

Another day I worked a bit on my indoor orchids....Yes, I talked to them....they didn't talk back tho.  Guess I didn't say much of interest.

Also, started another paint in pastel work...This one will be a challenge.  -lots of Autumn aspen trees in the foreground, and getting the shading and colors...well, maybe this one will be tossed in file #13 [trash] 

Oh, and another day....that was August 1st...I always have this day marked on the calendar each and every year since we've lived here....it's the day that Tuesday Morning [store] puts out their witches for the season.  I bought two and probably will go back in a week or two to make sure no others I see will be missed for this time.   I'll show these little beauties when it gets closer to Halloween. Y'know I love 'em!!  To fill out the rest of the week....Laundry, very little cooking, a bit of yard work and a bit of walking here and there.

It's predicted to be rainy this weekend [not much rain, but a tropical wave from near the Caribbean has been heading our way all week.  It's a wave, not an all-out tropical storm/hurricane.

Maybe tomorrow I'll do some birding if it's not too wet or hot.

PS...Isaiah says "howdy"!!! He KNOWS he's not supposed to be on the laptop...Cute, tho, huh?  If you look up the name Isaiah, the meaning is simple...diablo as Bud calls him, I often think Isaiah means 'turd'...but who am I to judge?

§ Day Trippin'

SUNRISE OVER THE DUNES - halfway to Port A

1- Okay, so I drove to the islands again! Left about 30 minutes before sunrise. A cold front had moved in on Wednesday and the winds were brisk in the morning, but supposedly predicted to subside by mid morning. By the time I reached and crossed the JFK Causeway bridge to turn off Park Road 22 onto State Highway 361, the "Low Tire" light on the dashboard loomed into my face! Everything would still be closed since it was so early in the morning...."Do I stop at a gas station and put air in myself?" "I have no gauge, I wouldn't know but guess the amount of pressure I'm putting in and I don't want to blow a tire on the highway heading there!" This highway is now a two lane island road, being built into a four lane!! So, there are barriers all up and down the shoulders during the destruction construction...I couldn't even pull off to turn around unless I used the beach access roads. I kept going. When I reached Port A, the tire shop was still closed. I was early arriving by about 20 minutes. I continued on to my first birding spot and walked the boardwalk. When done there, I got back in the car and drove to the tire shop. I asked for air to be put in the tires...the technician checked all 4 tires. By the time he got to the last one...he found a NAIL IN THE TIRE!! This one was the culprit that made the warning light turn on. He said he could fix it [the tire] right then and there...for $35!! "No thanks, but can I drive it safely to Corpus Christi?" I ask. After testing it with spraying fluid on the nail, there were no air bubbles ... the nail had obviously gotten wedged in the rubber pretty well by now. He said "I'll put in an extra pound, and it'll get you back home safely." I told him thanks and went on my merry way. I didn't immediately turn back home either....I kept on birding! I ended up at the jetty and since the wind was blustery and downright cold, I mainly watched the gulls, pelicans, sandpipers and shrimp boats/ships at anchor out at open waters while sitting in the car. While parked and watching the outdoor activity, I spied a couple of things. One, I really want one! The other: a pelagic bird...pelagic means water only [not a land bird!].  I almost drove right on by it before I noticed it...got photos which I will share on my bird photo blog in the near future.  In the meantime, I'll show you what I want in my photos below and a few more.

I finally got too warm so ventured outdoors and walked the jetty.

When I got back to the car, I checked the tire that has a nail for good measure. It was okay. I left for home after texting Bud I was on my way, and to be ready to go to lunch and get the tire fixed and all the tires rotated.  Bud stayed home to work on one of the kitchen drawers that kept sneaking open...the runner mechanism had cracked, and he had to replace it all.  It now goes shut and stays shut!!!

While the car was being worked on, we walked to Fuddrucker's for a buffalo burger and a drink. After eating, we walked back and they were just pulling our car out of the stall/bay and in no time we were on our way. Cost? FREE! 'Cause we bought our tires there.

- - -

2- Now, my dream....

Ever since a teenager, and growing up with three older brothers who were always working on their cars...being the youngest sister and always in their hair, watching them, I learned a lot about fixing cars.  No, I couldn't now with the new cars because of the computers, but to have an old Model A/T car that needs fixing up from scratch....it's always been something I longed to do.  Seeing this on the beach as I enjoyed the scenery...it made me cringe and turn green with envy!!  Notice the license plates?  COLORADO!!  I think I shoulda followed him home.  hehehehe

- - -

3- A few other photos taken from the car. If they look a bit green, I apologize. They were taken from closed windows and our windows we had professionally tinted making it a bit difficult to get good pictures from inside...

U S Coast Guard leaving [there is a speed limit on the channel]...then out to open, at high speed...were they called out for some disaster? [As I was leaving a USCG helicopter was heading in the same direction!  Scary to think.]

...more boats

4- [check the height of the bow of the boat way out on the horizon!! The pitch and rolling of the boat would've made ME SEASICK!!]  It rolled as it came down and went back up...nearly disappeared behind the wake/waves.  Then, the shrimper going out for the catch!

Gulls Taking Flight and Sandpipers on Jetty Boulders [leeward]



5- <<<->>>

And to end my post today I have a question:  "What would it be like to be the world's FIRST TRILLIONAIRE?  Ask Bill Gates!!

<<<->>>

§ Eye Adore You!!

This cute little Fiat just screamed to me....it said "Here's Lookin' At You, Kid!"






_ _ _



A penguin is driving along the highway when, suddenly his engine starts running rough and he sees smoke in his rear view mirror. He pulls off the highway and finds the nearest service station, and pulls up to the garage with the car shaking and sputtering. He tells the mechanic what happened, and the mechanic says "OK, give me 10 minutes to check it out."

Meanwhile, the penguin sees an ice cream shop across the street. Thinking this is a perfect time for a tasty treat, he heads over and gets himself an ice cream cone.

After he finishes, he walks back over to the garage, and asks the mechanic "So, did you find out what's wrong?"

The mechanic looks at the penguin and says "It looks like you blew a seal."

The penguin quickly wipes his face and says "Oh, no, that's just the ice cream."


_ _ _


Children in the back seats of cars cause accidents, but accidents in the back seats of cars cause children.


_ _ _


Eddie was driving down the road and a met a car coming the other way. Although there was room to pass easily, Eddie forced the oncoming car to slow down and wound down his window and shouted 'Pig'. The other driver looked in his rear view mirror and swore at Eddie. Then the other driver, in his car, hit the pig.


_ _ _


The local council could not afford a speed camera, so they put up a sign saying:
Slow down Old People's Home. - It had no effect.

At the next meeting the decided to play on the paternal instincts and put up a sign:
Danger - Children at Play. The result was no discernible reduction in traffic speed.

Then the chairman had a brain-wave and suggested they try a sign with:
Nudist Colony. - As a result of the Nudist Colony notice, drivers in their vehicles now crawl through the village.


_ _ _


As Retired Lieutenant Commander Andrew Craig was driving his old car down the motorway, his mobile phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him, 'Andrew, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on the M275. Please be careful!'

'Botheration' said Andrew, 'Its not just one car. It's hundreds of them!'

§ ...the weather outside is frightful

I'm really, really beginning to want some South Texas Sunshine!! It's been nearly two weeks of gray gloomy days. I ask, how can I get outside in the areas I wanna go and take photos when the sunlight is nil!!?!! Yesterday, it actually got up to a nice degree range of nearly 60 degrees. But still, no sun. Today it's predicted to be close to 70 degrees, which is a perfect winter time temperature...but again, rain in the forecast and again, no sun?

Out of boredom, I took the car in and had oil changed. The dashboard light came on about a week ago, and I did the little trick of getting the computer to shut it off without a mechanic's help! But, I knew driving with corroded and dark oil on the engine isn't a good thing. Now, the oil is a rich golden yellow and clear instead of the chocolate syrupy kinda color. My father, who was a mechanic for the city long ago, told me "Oil is like the blood of a body"..."keep it clean and filtered and your engine will purr like a kitten". I heed those words. Oil is the lifeline of an automobile.

Anyway, this morning when I woke up and the sky was overcast and yucky, I decided to get my sketch pad out. This, I must admit, was one of the easiest sketches I've ever done. Of course his face is imprinted on my brain and the pencil just flowed over the paper after the outline was complete. 20 minutes later, he appeared --

ps...for some reason Blogger isn't accepting jpg file images. I had to reassign the images here to png files for a temporary upload. PNG files are usually much larger in px size, so when Blogger accepts jpg files again [I'm sure it's just a glitch], I will reload to a smaller px sized jpg files. I ask...is this a Friday the 13th Blogger prank?

addendum: Blogger accepted a jpg file the next day. Hmmmm.

§ Gotta Love it!!

J is for "JOKESTER"

This was spotted as we were driving home some time ago. I've seen this classic car [my three brothers were 'into cars' when I was the younger sister admiring the handi-work and pin-striping and drag racing they did which I couldn't be part of because of my age and back then, it wasn't 'kosher' for a girl to like cars!]...anyway, I've admired this piece of automotive history...the owners always have it shining to a gloss finish like it's ready for anything; including a Mechanical Digest layout/centerfold!! But, the other day, as we drove home, I was on the lookout for the car - hoping it would be out of the garage. And it was! Parked in their driveway...Just like out of a movie about Al Capone or the Prohibition Days!!! But there was something added ----Check it out....what's hanging out of the TRUNK!!! All for Halloween fun perhaps? Or are they really part of the mob?!! I had to have Bud turn around and make my own drive-by cellphone camera 'shooting'. The first shot was right on target=======

CONNECTING TO:

§ He's a "Looter"!

Click button to join






And now...a word from my sponsor: KIDDING!

No, this isn't a commercial break on your viewing blogs today. Even tho it seems that it is. It's just the fact that there is a car dealership here in town that is owned by the TAGGART family. Which I think is a bit ironic since it's a character in one of my favorite classic novels. The novel, Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand. And again, it's a bit ironic that the character, James Taggart, who by the way is one sore loser...an antagonist beyond the realm of comprehension for some readers. Even with modern times, this character, along with most of them, can be so close to today's times; it's eerie. Tho the book was published in the early 1950's, the whole story could literally be taking place in 2010. Taggart is what they refer to as one of the "Looters" in the novel. One who takes advantage of the small person and takes money and all they can get from society without any remorse or compassion. Now, the third thing that makes this dealership ironic is that Taggart has become, to me, a synonym for "Looter". And, what else in this country is more "Looter" than car salesmen and/or dealership? LOLOLOL Besides, I took these photos for a specific reason. Erik. He got me to read the book in the first place and we continually refer to our government these days as well.......you guessed it, as the ultimate LOOTERS. [he is a professor in Houston who teaches Government of all subjects!] Besides, there is a lot of ruby red in the photos...and when you purchase a car, most of us buy it on credit which makes our budget 'in the red'.
- - -

From Wikipedia: The character in a 'nut shell'...JAMES TAGGART

.....contradiction leads to the recurring absurdity of his life: the desire to destroy those on whom his life depends, and the horror that he will succeed at this.

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PS...as of 4 a.m. this morning, the tropical depression #4 for the season has turned into a named storm...a tropical storm. Looks, for the time being, it's going to head into the North Atlantic and make a path to the NYC area?!!! Of course there is always the possibility it turning more northward or curve off more to the west....only time will tell. Be on the alert, I always have an active link to hurricane activity on my sidebar....



POSTED: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
12:40 A.M.

§ ...swaying in the summer breeze---

Click button to join On the patio, above the picnic table and near one of the three dining room windows, hangs a potted bougainvillea plant. I love seeing this as I sit at the dining table, looking out and watching the world go by! Most times, with the constant sea breezes blowing gently, it sways and turns to a gentle rhythm. Also, at times it attracts a humming bird now and then.

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Monday morning early...even before Bud was out of bed, I went into the garage and began setting the program on the sprinkler system since I shut if off for all the storms we've had recently. As I walked out there, I could see something was amiss. The driver's side of the car was off kilter. Walking around the front end of my baby, sure 'nough. A tire, flat as a pancake! Dang. When Bud got up and filled himself with his caffeine fix for the day, I told him he'll need to get the spare tire out and change it so I can get it to the tire shop and get the flat tire fixed. I love this place...they found that the tire was cut near the wheel rim . Instead of keeping me there for who knows how long, they just replaced the tire for free!! Sw-w--e-e-t!!! Now for Tuesday, it's getting the oil changed and the transmission fluid flushed. THAT won't be free. And then Wednesday, hopefully, I need to have the door panel removed at the body shop...the automatic window is clunking and sounds like it's off the track!! I'm not even going to begin to ask Bud to mess with the wires and such in there. Cars! Expensive toys sometimes. But at our age, it's a necessity. Just need to remember to call the body shop and make an appointment. ::sigh::

POSTED [early for]: Tuesday, July 13, 2010
A.M.

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009
5:30 A.M.


Join Here
"Motion"

Growing up with three older brothers, I could work with tools/car engines with the best of 'em. Sometimes I wish we'd go back to the 'old cars'. Where you can actually change oil without having to take computer classes to understand just how the car runs....under the hood!!! Y'know? Back in the golden olden days, you could lift up the hood and do a little bit of your own auto maintenance. Now, about all you can do yourself is open the hood! That is, IF you're lucky enough to find the latch hidden beneath the grill work!! [I say, it's a government conspiracy!] Well, we can find the dipstick for the oil. My dad, long ago, used to tell me that changing the oil frequently is like keeping your body's blood flowing perfectly. Clean oil is essential to a good operating vehicle. He should know...he was a mechanic, working for the government for nearly 40 years.

Now, the dashboard lights are just about the only thing that can actually warn you about something imminent in repair work that keeps you informed. You just can't look under the hood of your car while the engine is running and go about fixing it yourself. I used to be able to change the oil and oil filter by jacking the car up enough so I could crawl under it...find the oil pan, drain it, change the filter with a special wrench...put in the new oil and !voilá!...done for another 3-6 months. Now a days? I can't even FIND the oil filter what with all the gadgets and such surrounding everything!

Thing is, yesterday was the day I needed to go and get the oil changed. I knew this----'cause the "change oil light" came on. And if you have a newer car, you know it doesn't shut up! The light remains on, and the 'beep beep beep' will drive you whacko!! Getting your car's oil changed is not cheap anymore either. But, that's a whole 'nother blog post. So.......there I am. Driving up to the Oil Lube Specialy Shop. I was first in line!!! Yippee!!!

It only took about 15 minutes to get the job done. They change the oil, the oil filter, fill the tires, check all the fluids, wash my windows...etc. etc. etc. They're done. I pay. Get back in to drive off the open floor with the oil pit underground....and guess what? The oil light comes back on!!!!

The window happened to be open on the driver's side, and the dude in the greasy monkey suit is near by. I say to him...."The oil light is still on." He says..."What, it can't be." I point to the dash board to show him as he walks up to the car window.... He has me stop; then checks the fuse box just inside the driver's side....no reset button. Well, duh!!! Dude...it's the computer chip, I think silently.

Now....here is the cool thing I learned. I learned how to bypass that step. The lousy computer chip. The performance computer chip that is such a pain for the auto consumer. The nasty piece of crap modern technology that keeps us laymen from maintaining our cars on our own knowledge.....

Okay, step one.
Shut the engine down. [turn the key to the off position]
2] Turn the ignition just to power ---"On", but no firing of the engine.
3] With the power on put your foot on the accelerator and push to the floor...three times.


Turn the engine on...the chip has now been notified!! You're smarter than the average bear....
The light goes off.

Oops...for me, the light remained on when I cranked 'er up!

So repeat the process.

YaY!!!!! It worked.

Yabba, dabba, doooo!!!! Go grannie, go grannie, go grannie go!!! You know the saying..."Uh, Houston? We have lift-off." Poetry in MOTION!!!!


- - -

Oh and if you come by to visit with me today....fair warning. Step lightly. Watch where you put your feet!!! I have photos strewn all over the carpeting, the book shelves, the entertainment center and even atop the desk. I was too tired to pick anything up last night while working on Irene's photo video/dvd [see post below for Monday] I'm making. "Look out below."

Wednesday May 6th, 2009
3:40 A.M.

Join -Wordful Wednesday

If you visit with me often enough, you perhaps remember back in March, when I blogged about my sister and I celebrating Sister's Day? And she had delivered to me as a gift, a hibiscus plant? And I planted it that very day? Then, days later, I realized that there are more than one plant grafted together to bloom different colors? Do you remember? Well, here is an update, as promised. There are three in one. Pink, orange and red blossoms, all in one plant. It's amazing!! I can't wait for it to grow taller. The photos will enlarge in a new window.





~....End Wordful Wednesday
COMMENT HERE if you'd like to skip over "in the news" humor and Winston's Gotcha Day below





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IN THE NEWS: I read last night that in London, scientists have unveiled an automobile that will run at proposed speeds of 145MPH, all on a new biofuel. Now let's go no further on that for a sec...the biofuel? Chocolate Factory waste!!!! As the story on the 'net tells us, the engine works by burning vegetable oil and chocolate waste. First off, I'm thinking that perhaps they should think this through and produce something that would become an energy drink then. Don't you? Some fool will buy it if marketed, I'm sure. But wait. There's more!!

The steering wheel is made out of plant-based fibers derived from carrots and other root vegetables,
and the seat is built of flax fiber and soybean oil foam.
The body is also made of plant fibers.

Ummmmmm, that is scary. Think about it for a minute or two. Light weight. Fibrous. Just picture it....driving at top speed with other, future made autos such as this....all out on the highways and biways of the world, traveling in all four lanes. Mix vegetable oils, chocolate and flax....bammm!!! Yep, bamm. That's either coming from the exhaust pipe, OR we've had a mishap on the I-225 Beltway!!! Veggies [flax equals laxative in my book!] plus speed....you need a toilet, not a car. Someone literally rear ends another veggie wagon and what do you have? Not only will you get the crap scared outta ya....but there's not enough CHARMIN™ to clean up the veggie slime!!! In other words, you wouldn't catch ME even thinking about purchasing a biofuel English version of a green auto. That puts a whole new perspective of going green...did someone say greens? As in collard and carrots?!! But!!!----I would like to find this chocolate factory.


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AND SOME MORE:I learned something yesterday. When I copied and pasted the Robert Frost poem on my Tuesday blog, the last word looked funny after I published the blog entry. The last word being 'fulfil'. I thought the word, fulfill, was spelled with two 'L's at the end. The spell checker had no caution line under it. Hmmmmmmm. So I went out to Google and typed in "define fulfil". Spelling it with just the one 'L' at the end. And lo and behold it can be spelled either way! I didn't know that!!!! Never stop learning.

fulfil also fulfill ( ) tr.v. , -filled , -filling , -fills also -fils . To bring into actuality; effect: fulfilled their promises.

ww.answers.com/topic/fulfill - 53k - Cached - Similar pages -

Still, it looks odd with one "L".


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...GOTCHA DAY...


also, yesterday was Winston's "Gotcha Day". We adopted him from Corpus Christi Humane Society 4 years ago May 5th