"God bless us, everyone!" as Tiny Tim Crachitt said. And tonight I feel that we have all been blessed. May your Chrsitmas be happy and full of love and family. And try not to drink too much eggnog, OK?

Tags: christmas
Current Location: home
Current Mood: happy
Current Music: Handel's "Messiah"

I got a puppy from the shelter over Christmas. Here are the two pics from the website. He is a Shepard/Spaniel mix. His name is Saturday.

This does not concern most of you, but I've had some problems recently so it bears mention.

This is my journal. I am the moderator, and would like to keep it a friendly place. This is not the place to leave comments of a negative, judgemental nature about my life, actions, and perceived character. If you absolutely have to be judgemental, go someplace else. If you have constructive criticism, send it privately or phrase it politely. Anyone having the bad taste and poor etiquette to use my journal comment option as a personal soapbox to air grievances against me will be blocked from making future comments and removed from any list allowing them to see personal posts in the future.

This is not to say that I expect everyone to agree with me all of the time; I don't (and if unconditional support was what I was looking for, I would have a completely different set of people in my friends list). I expect you to think and have opinions. I also expect to you actually READ a post before responding to it, and to read what you type before you post the comment. This journal may be less public than some other internet forums, but people I respect and care about read it. Please be courteous. Thank you!

Current Location: Columbus, OH

Hey all...I guess you all have figured out it's the holidays now. You're such a clever bunch, and all. ;-)

As so many other of you, I will be migrating this season to other, possibly colder climes to celebrate in a properly family setting. In this case, I'm going to be gone a while...so I figured I'd post some half-started stories, some story ideas, and some other stuff both to let me think about them - and to let ya'll see and comment on them. Some of these have some explanation to go with them. Some don't. None are finished, or even corrected for my numerous grammatical errors (that's not an invitation, for those of you whipping out your red pens). But if you feel like reading some fragments, and letting me know what you think...go ahead. If in the unlikely even you should want me to develop/finish one of these, definitely let me know. If not, ya can't hurt my feelings on them: I haven't even seen most of these for a while.

Oh, and for those of you who worry about this sort of thing, I claim all of this as my own work, but don't mind if you develop your own ideas inspired by my stuff. Just let me see it! :-)


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.

( Long Haul )( Amnesia Story Idea )( Random Poem )( The Gloaming )( Random Quotes )( Toymakers )

Peace Out.

Current Mood: chipper

Huh, a list of the top 50 things that changed our lives this decade. Let's see what they've got.

"ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: From acupuncture to herbal supplements to alternative ways of treating cancer, alternative medicine became more mainstream than ever."

*HEADDESK*

You know? I'm done. I don't want to look at the other 49 entries. I want to keep some shred of my sanity.

I think I'll go take some sugar pills for my headache now.

Packages for 2 friends and most of the family receiving packages have been sent.

(whew)

Pretty much all of it will arrive late. But since it's food, I'm not too terribly worried (you can eat at any time, after all).

Rest of the packages will be made up and sent towards the end of January, since that's when I'll be back home.

Peace Out.

Current Mood: productive

Friday didn't do much of anything. Got my money back from Brian, and talked to Liz and Melanie. Watched Smackdown. Picked up Scarface.

Saturday was the last day for Pit Bull University. We worked on Down Stay with dogs moving, Loose leash walking, a new trick High Five. And of course reviewed the stuff from earlier weeks. It was just Layla, Mama, and Tito. In order to graduate, the dog must walk up on loose leash or at heel, say hello to Crissa nicely, and do a trick of choice. Layla walked nicely at heel (the faster to get the ham), said hello quite nicely (thanks to getting pets), and since Mama was about 8 - 10ft away, I decided to try High Five. She wouldn't have anything to do with that. So we did Play Dead. Then tried to eat her diploma. Got her back to the shelter, and got her diploma up. (She was also named Most Improved) So GO LAYLA!!!!!!!!!!!
I just find it amazing that she was willing to do the hardest trick in front of another dog. We had a choice of Sit Pretty, Wave, High Five, or Play Dead. Showered and went over to Davids. Rested for a wee bit, then went to get supplies, food, and doggy stuffs. Got Layla a jingle bell collar and Topaz and dog some Christmas stuff. Also got Layla a red LED lightup bone for our walks after dark. Got home, ate dinner, he worked on stuff and I read. Early night for both of us, both needed the sleep. Sunday was lazy and warm while there. Went with mom, Jerry and brother to zoo lights. (Still wanting to go with David).

Monday got a job application from Jacks. Headed to the shelter. Walked Razi, then found out that walking puppies that young (9 weeks) is not to be done. ~shrugs~ Went to go walk Rome, boundless wiggly energy he is. Then hung out at the shelter for a bit with Holiday (pit pup) and Lucy (border collie pup) And found out that Salsa is on hold. So she might go home for Christmas. Yay!! Holi is 2nd choice and Lucy is 3rd. Terriers need socialization more, plus is so cute and young and a puppy! Yes, I'm being suckered in, but at least I know it. Walked Layla, lnogest walk, but backwards. Saw a few dogs in both parks. Actually, got a Golden Retriever within 3 feet. She acts all aggressive first, but then later it changes to a hey I wanna do that weird thing I see other dogs do type of bark and bounce. Shes seen other dogs play. Its funny cuz she'll watch and stare and her forehead will get all wrinkley, but shes relaxed, so shes gotta be thinking and trying to figure it out. And I has learned a lesson tonight. No mixing hot meal with chocolate. ~pout~

Watched Tribute to the Troops.

Tuesday I will be dropping off applications, showering then to Davids. Wednesday will be picking up whatever puppy I am bringing home. Thursday is church and dinner with family and going over to pat and lisas. Maybe seeing Kate since she'll be up here. Friday will be over at John and Bevs. Saturday will be taking puppy back and going to Davids. Sunday is nada. Ta!

I am celebrating my usual chrismahanayulikah, which is in any case a secular holiday for me. But I love buying presents and decorating and cooking fattening foods, so it's a great holiday for me. I have already gained 2 lbs. and spent too much money. I have a very pretty tree and a large electric mennorah in the front yard.
I'm taking a full 2 weeks off from work (16 days with the week-ends), and though I will be working at home a couple of days getting ready for trials in January, just being able to NOT go to the office is a relief. I'm suffering job burn-out, which will not be improved by the 3 weeks of court and 3 trials I have to be reaady for in January. (My new mantra is "4 years to retirement.")
I'm having bonding time with the the new dog, and trying to get her potty trained. We have made some improvements, but it's still 2 steps forward, one step back. There is still some doggie jeolousy going on, but with discernable progress. Here is latest pics.





I'm doing a fancy dinner party on Boxing Day (Dec. 26) for 8 people. My food theme is a blending of New York and London haute cuisines from the late 50's/early 60's. Here's the menu for you foodies out there.
Appetizers: Terrine of Asparagus and Bacon, and Escargot Stuffed Mushrooms, served with aged Dry Sack (medium dry sherry)
Soup: Beef Comsomme (made from scratch--I'll be making the veal stock Thursday) with Seasoned Croutons, also served with the Dry Sack
Fish: Shrimp Cocktail with freshly made Cocktail Sauce, served with Champagne
Salad: Palm Hearts and Escarole with French Herb Vinaigrette served in a Romano Cheese Basket, and also served with Champagne
Entree and Sides: Pheasants with Sausage Herb Stuffing, Au Jus and Fresh Cranberry Sauce, Wild Rice with Toasted Walnuts, and Glazed Root Vegetables, served with Vintage Bordeaux (and many thanks to Will and Catherine for buying the wines)
Dessert: Chestnut Tart with Flavored Whipped Cream and Caramel Swirls as garnish (yes, I'm making those too), Stilton (I only dream of getting unpasturized) and Cheddar Cheeses, served with Port and Coffee

Then the next day, my mother, my daughter, son-in-law, and the 2 grandchildren will descend on me for present opening. I think I can do that with not enough sleep and a hang over. Can't I?

Tags: food, holidays
Current Mood: excited

Brittany Murphy died this morning as did Olivia from Seasame Street?!

What's up with this crap!

The mundane world has kept me pretty busy over the holidays. Work has been reall busy, and finances did not allow me to attend Magna Faire, and himself has caught an earache and a cold (in that order) in the past few weeks. He is fine now, but and I am wondering in retrospect if that sinus infection I had the week before his cold was not actually a cold.

I winter knitting disease is now upon me in full force and I'll be posting hat pics later on my mundane journal of some of my work. So far it's all hats, I'm making a few for the guys at work and some are going to go to charity.

I was at my peer's annual workshop last month and worked on improving my wool hood. It was simply sewn together up the front but I opened it up and cut out some buttons off an excess part of the hood opening and made self-stuffed buttons to go up the front. I need to finish the buttonholes and get everything attached. (the knitting vortex already was already in full swing at that point).

That's pretty much all for now. More later on my mundane blog.

Tags: knitting, mundania, sewing
Current Mood: busy