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Writer's Block: Cornucopia of colors
Oct. 17th, 2011 07:57 am[Error: unknown template qotd]It's not hot. (Usually). The air seems cleaner. The trees are colorful. Did I mention it's not hot?
Yesterday was just awesome, by the way, sunny, clear, breezy and high 60s. We drove around to look at the trees for a few hours. Beautiful.
Yesterday was just awesome, by the way, sunny, clear, breezy and high 60s. We drove around to look at the trees for a few hours. Beautiful.
A Teensy Bit of Sun
Sep. 30th, 2011 08:39 pmAnd apparently I've finally convinced a gaming host to set up a table outside on the deck for a little sunshine gaming. So, you guessed it - they've changed the forecast. Now it's going to rain all weekend, again. I don't think I'm asking for much from the world, am I? Just a little sunshine and a good night's sleep? Please?
Aurora Borealis
Sep. 27th, 2011 09:13 pmI have never seen the Northern lights. (Or southern, for that matter.) Slept through them once. But otherwise zippo. And I really, really want to see them someday.
Today the sun has been extra active and they expect tonight there will be a first rate Northern lights display, visible much further south than usual and probably visible in Maryland. And...it's raining. Overcast, foggy, raining. Not seeing any Northern lights tonight, that's for sure.
Dammit.
Today the sun has been extra active and they expect tonight there will be a first rate Northern lights display, visible much further south than usual and probably visible in Maryland. And...it's raining. Overcast, foggy, raining. Not seeing any Northern lights tonight, that's for sure.
Dammit.
Made It. Barely.
Sep. 23rd, 2011 10:42 pmThe weather sucked. There is flooding all over the area, again, although interestingly the area around work wasn't bad. Usually we're the first to flood. It was nasty near home, though, and gaming was full of horror stories about closed roads and horrible backups. (Took us all of 5 minutes longer than usual. I kept my yap shut.) The scanner, one day short of its warranty expiring, decided to expire itself. Canon's tech guy gave several suggestions, and they worked. For three hours. Then right back to non-working. I think the thing has given up the ghost. Spent the entire afternoon poring through file names and numbers and could barely see straight by the time 5 rolled around. Was barely awake for the games, although I somehow managed to cook my banana bread for the gang correctly and lay a smackdown on four guys at Ticket to Ride. We're talking 75 points ahead of the 2nd place finisher. Now home and ready to drag myself to bed, hopefully to sleep for 12 hours.
Random Stuff
Sep. 6th, 2011 12:54 pmBetween the crabs and the fair, I left out the rest of the weekend. So, in short sharp shock format:
Hurt my shoulders some more hauling furniture to the crab feast, which then didn't get used. The left shoulder is getting extreme now (hurts all the way to the elbow) and I didn't sleep worth a darn Saturday night. Also, my back really hates this whole sleeping on it thing.
After the fair, I was working on the computer and my foot bumped the stand. Five minutes later I happen to look down and there's blood everywhere. ?!? Seems that little bump was just enough to split the nail on my left big toe, right down the middle, almost the whole way. Keeping it completely bandaged and making the switch back to proper shoes a month early, but otherwise I don't know what to do with it.
Speaking of a month early, it's September 6th in Baltimore and I had to wear a freakin' jacket this morning. WTF?
While WTFing, a co-worker has been in the office for 3 hours so far today. She has used the facilities 8 times in those 3 hours. (And refused to refill the TP because she's an attorney and such things are beneath her, of course.)
Dumbass of the week was at the crab feast. Guy decided to join a group of people at a table, and appropos of nothing announced "I'm one of the first tea partiers. I'm not a racist. None of us are racists. We just don't want a black President." If his intent was to clear the table, it worked. And I gave him a wide berth the rest of the day. Moron.
Did some movie watching, category 'Weird combinations'. In order of viewing: Temple Grandin, All Quiet on the Western Front (1930 edition), Blade Runner (director's cut), Milk, and the Seven Year Itch. Scary what happens when I try to clear space on the DVR...
Good Night, Irene
Aug. 28th, 2011 09:48 amWell, nothing wrong this morning that wasn't self-inflicted. Sleeping in the basement meant I didn't hear Irene, but the couch was maybe 18 inches wide so I couldn't move. Had to sleep on my back the whole night, so I didn't sleep much and my neck and back are killing me. The couch was also directly below the air vent, so I was freezing when the AC was on and roasting when it wasn't. When daylight started up, CJ felt we should get up, and clawed me in several painful places to let me know that. I think I may have slept 2 hours, if that.
Storm-wise, we lost power off and on during the night, but it seems to be OK now. Lot of small limbs down but nothing that a rake can't deal with. The last band of rain is about to pass through and we shall be clear.
Storm-wise, we lost power off and on during the night, but it seems to be OK now. Lot of small limbs down but nothing that a rake can't deal with. The last band of rain is about to pass through and we shall be clear.
Get This Party Started
Aug. 27th, 2011 09:38 pmThe rain & wind started around noon, but they picked up in a major way around 7ish. The wind is definitely kicking in, the treetops are in full motion. Not so bad closer to the ground, but I'd rather the treetops didn't join us down here. CJ left the porch just long enough to pee, but Roxie won't even leave the house and hasn't all day. She's going to be hurting tomorrow, I think. Irene is presently in the Hampton Roads area and approaching my uncle Rick's place; Rick called a couple hours ago to let us know it's mostly so far so good for him, except that a tree came down and landed in his brand new swimming pool. Better than on the house, methinks. I'm just worrying about that ancient oak in our front yard. Partly because of that - if that tree comes down, its options are across the street, on my car or on my bedroom - but mostly because of the noise, CJ and I are going to bunk down in the basement tonight. And with any luck, sleep. Yeah, right.
Waiting For Irene
Aug. 25th, 2011 10:04 pmWho is, at least, kind enough to let us get in a football game this evening. It's halftime. We have gaming tomorrow, so tonight has become hurricane-preparedness night.
Lessee...cell phone is charging, netbook is charging, my MP3 is charged, my mother's MP3 is supposed to be charging (instead it drained the battery, still working on that little issue), portable battery-powered speakers are on hand, some movies and such are on a thumb drive and playable on the netbook, several books available for reading, all sizeable candles are located and assembled in one spot, all matches located and assembled in one spot, all batteries located (except for the rechargeable ones that have been MIA for a while now), a flashlight and lantern are in place, picked up milk and bottled water, already had everything else food/beverage-wise, and Mom somewhat amazingly remembered to look for more things at Home Depot. She came up with a flashlight, a maglight and a chargeable spotlight (which is charging), but they were out of batteries. Both dogs are started on calming medications and should be mellow by Saturday night.
My big worries are: the outside furniture that's too heavy for either of us to move, and if we lose power, losing a full fridge and freezer we just stocked Saturday.
Bring it on, Irene, we'll just say good night!
Lessee...cell phone is charging, netbook is charging, my MP3 is charged, my mother's MP3 is supposed to be charging (instead it drained the battery, still working on that little issue), portable battery-powered speakers are on hand, some movies and such are on a thumb drive and playable on the netbook, several books available for reading, all sizeable candles are located and assembled in one spot, all matches located and assembled in one spot, all batteries located (except for the rechargeable ones that have been MIA for a while now), a flashlight and lantern are in place, picked up milk and bottled water, already had everything else food/beverage-wise, and Mom somewhat amazingly remembered to look for more things at Home Depot. She came up with a flashlight, a maglight and a chargeable spotlight (which is charging), but they were out of batteries. Both dogs are started on calming medications and should be mellow by Saturday night.
My big worries are: the outside furniture that's too heavy for either of us to move, and if we lose power, losing a full fridge and freezer we just stocked Saturday.
Bring it on, Irene, we'll just say good night!
And We Have Television
Aug. 22nd, 2011 08:12 pmGot it sorted late last night. The weather was the original cause - the lightning strike shorted out the cable to the settop box - but it turned out fixing it/resetting it required disconnecting the cable and reconnecting it. So, now we have telly. And I'm finally watching Boardwalk Empire.
Normalcy, mostly.
Normalcy, mostly.
When The Lights Go Out, Ctd
Aug. 20th, 2011 04:08 pmTook quite a few tries on my part online, but finally Verizon has 'fessed up that yes, there is a weather related outage in my area. They say they'll have it fixed sometime overnight tonight. I'm not holding my breath.
We're fine for watching telly anyway, plenty of DVDs and downloads to watch, but no live television. That will be a small problem tomorrow (start my Sunday without CBS Sunday Morning? Nooo!) and a big one Monday, since Mom doesn't undertand how to work the DVD players. Yes, I've taught her to work them, dozens of times, and made little guidebooks for her, all of which she's lost. But in any event, if there's no TV Monday, she'll be at a loss.
We're fine for watching telly anyway, plenty of DVDs and downloads to watch, but no live television. That will be a small problem tomorrow (start my Sunday without CBS Sunday Morning? Nooo!) and a big one Monday, since Mom doesn't undertand how to work the DVD players. Yes, I've taught her to work them, dozens of times, and made little guidebooks for her, all of which she's lost. But in any event, if there's no TV Monday, she'll be at a loss.
I Slept Through What? AGAIN?
Aug. 3rd, 2011 11:21 amIt appears that for the second time in eight months, I slept through a tornado. I can't sleep through the trash men stopping by or CJ's doggie dreamtime, but tornados? No problem.
This one is as yet unconfirmed, but it scooted along a major thoroughfare in North Baltimore, same area but perpendicular to the one that came through last fall, about 1-2 miles south of my house. I had no idea until I drove to work and found myself playing dodge-em tree and trying to negotiate busy intersections with no lights. I mean, NO lights, they were gone. The scary spot was a Catholic school where at least 3 mature oak trees snapped in half and a 4th ripped itself out of the ground entirely. The apartments alongside the school? 2 more mature oaks down, one on their cars. Yikes. How do I not hear this stuff?
This one is as yet unconfirmed, but it scooted along a major thoroughfare in North Baltimore, same area but perpendicular to the one that came through last fall, about 1-2 miles south of my house. I had no idea until I drove to work and found myself playing dodge-em tree and trying to negotiate busy intersections with no lights. I mean, NO lights, they were gone. The scary spot was a Catholic school where at least 3 mature oak trees snapped in half and a 4th ripped itself out of the ground entirely. The apartments alongside the school? 2 more mature oaks down, one on their cars. Yikes. How do I not hear this stuff?
I Blame The Heat
Jul. 25th, 2011 02:00 pmNormally I would blame a full moon, but there isn't one. So I blame the heat for all the crazy/obnoxious people calling today. From the person who insisted we were a health clinic(?) to the irate attorney who says he is going to file a complaint against me because I did not transfer him to the attorney he wanted to speak to (that attorney is somewhere on the Atlantic marlin-fishing), it's not even 2pm and I've had enough for the day, thanks.
Post-Roast
Jul. 16th, 2011 07:07 pmThat's inaccurate, actually - we didn't roast at the GCOM Picnic, despite it being in mid-July, although it did get rather warm towards the end of the day as the sun started to reach inside the pavilion. Mostly it was mid-80s, no humidity, brilliant sunshine, and enough of a breeze to send playing cards flying everywhere. The people were nice, the games were fun, the food was bountiful, the facilities excellent. The picnic benches got pretty old after a couple hours, otherwise a lovely day.
Oh, and I engineered an outright slaughter at 7 Wonders. 75 points for me, 53 for the 2nd place guy. Muwhahaha!
Oh, and I engineered an outright slaughter at 7 Wonders. 75 points for me, 53 for the 2nd place guy. Muwhahaha!
This New Torchwood Thing? (no spoilers)
Jul. 11th, 2011 09:44 pmApparently, I'm not meant to watch it. I don't have Starz, so I need, er, alternative means. I'm not home all weekend so it's Monday before I get to it. Computer issues meant I started it later than I wanted. As soon as it starts, my brother calls and it turns out my mother told him she could babysit when she was committed to something with me, and never bothered telling me any of this stuff. At great length we think we may have straightened it out, except now I have to leave my event early to babysit when I'll almost certainly be too tired to do it.
I turn on Torchwood again and a beyotch of a thunderstorm starts almost immediately. Lost the power and had to restart everything twice. Oh, and Mom has forgotten everything I said about this new TW and I have to repeat myself over and over the whole show. Just spiffy.
I turn on Torchwood again and a beyotch of a thunderstorm starts almost immediately. Lost the power and had to restart everything twice. Oh, and Mom has forgotten everything I said about this new TW and I have to repeat myself over and over the whole show. Just spiffy.
On Being A Paying Customer at Shore Leave
Jul. 8th, 2011 09:17 pmThat is, as opposed to being a volunteer/staff member attached to the art show. So far, the biggest difference is I worked all day at the day job (yuck) and snuck up back roads trying to dodge rain and traffic to get to the con in time for panels. I used to do that on Thursday, so I could help set up the show. Then take off Friday from the day job and work at SL all day. And, apparently, at least a couple of people showed up at the art show looking for me and left not only disappointed, but in one case scolded out the door for having the nerve to ask where I was. I didn't stay long today, besides being worn out, my tummy was distressed all day and the chairs at the con are killing my back. (Took all of 90 minutes for my back to rebel; in that regard, it'll be one long weekend.) But I collected some hugs - which is why I decided to go in spite of all else, I wanted to see my friends daggone it - and hopefully the guests will be worthwhile. And I'm not staying at the hotel. That's a good thing. It flooded last night. Both pools closed indefinitely, an elevator down and apparently a serious mold/mildew/stink issue downstairs and around said elevators. Ah, cons.
Writer's Block: Taking it on the road
May. 31st, 2011 01:43 pm[Error: unknown template qotd]
Nine days. In order, Akron, OH; Cleveland, OH; Toledo, OH; Columbus, OH; Erie, PA; Jamestown, NY; Batavia, NY; Rochester, NY; Syracuse, NY; and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA. Along the way there was an earthquake in Akron, a tornado 500 feet from the hotel in Toledo, 2 inches of rain in 90 minutes in Erie, and a spectacular and rare Northern Lights display in Rochester, which I slept through. The whole thing was all about minor league baseball (with a brief look-see at Jacobs Field), with at least one game every day except in Erie, where the 1st game was rained out. And somewhere north of 400 autographs. Those were the days...
Nine days. In order, Akron, OH; Cleveland, OH; Toledo, OH; Columbus, OH; Erie, PA; Jamestown, NY; Batavia, NY; Rochester, NY; Syracuse, NY; and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA. Along the way there was an earthquake in Akron, a tornado 500 feet from the hotel in Toledo, 2 inches of rain in 90 minutes in Erie, and a spectacular and rare Northern Lights display in Rochester, which I slept through. The whole thing was all about minor league baseball (with a brief look-see at Jacobs Field), with at least one game every day except in Erie, where the 1st game was rained out. And somewhere north of 400 autographs. Those were the days...
It's Spring, It's a Fair
Apr. 30th, 2011 08:14 pmAlmost every year I go to the Towsontowne Spring Festival. Last year I missed it with all the things going on, and I wasn't really excited about going this year, but they held it a week early on a weekend I had free, and the weather was perfect. I couldn't really say no. I had no intents of buying anything besides food and drink; instead, I bought no food and one orangeade, but picked up plenty of new swag. My phone was 8 years old, wallet 7, pocketbook at least 15, so I finally replaced all of them today. Got Mom a wallet as well, she's been having issues finding things in her pocketbook. Now the wallet is smaller and lighter, the pocketbook is bigger and full of pockets, and the cell phone is smaller and has a camera. Leaves me better organized and updated. Yay.
