Blogs home At Random
Backyard Fence Blog Number 3
Welcome to our third backyard fence edition! We are expanding our yard to include neighbors from Canada, California and Texas. If you care to BYOB (bring your own bugspray) and pull up a piece of the backyard to sit, please join us and let us know where you live.
Ours is the backyard with the water garden, the fireflies, the birdbath filled to the brim, cool grass, huge shade trees that never hide the full moon or the star filled sky. Come on over and visit while we listen to the crickets and the bullfrogs.
If you have questions about our city just ask. Sometimes we discuss politics and other times just our pets or children. You might find someone hanging out any time of the night or day, but please remember that we do have children running through on occassion so a reminder to filter the adult language for little ears. :)
See you in the backyard!
18 July 2008
at 10:33 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
We are having a belly dancing contest in the backyard this evening. Make sure you wear appropriate clothing and don't forget to apply oil to rusty joints - there may be some snakes in the grass so please do wear shoes!
multi, thanks for the offer on the books - let me know when there might be a good time this weekend.
gnome, you have been quiet. Did you get a chance to walk in the beauty of today's gentle rain or was gnomedog too frightened? Yuri seems absolutely fine with storms now - I am not sure what initially caused the fear and why he is just as suddenly over it - although we haven't had as loud or threatening storms recently. Time will tell!
I invited a Canadian, a Texan, and a friend from California to join us at some point so we will watch for them.
nota, thanks for all of the extra information on my other blog - gnome, I expected you to have some words of wisdom for us too, but you have been quiet - hope all is well.
19 July 2008
at midnight
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
“I invited a Canadian, a Texan, and a friend from California to join us at some point so we will watch for them.”
Pretty sure I can recognize the Canadian and the Texan, but what does a California accent look like?
19 July 2008
at 12:36 a.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
They giggle more and put “The” in front of things we don't.
We say “I live in Douglas County”.
They say, “I live in the Douglas County”.
My friend out there explained it, she said we put “the” in front of everything out here!
Thus the show, The O.C.(Orange county)
So, we've gone from talking amongst ourselves over the fence, as in “just between us”, to sitting in chairs with rugrats running around. Sounds more like a lawn party.
Maybe we should start one titled, “Sitting on bar stools with a few friends”.
;)
Books, Anytime this weekend works. The realtor will call me to meet tomorrow, I don't expect it to be late. If they call about a showing and we have plans, I'll let you know.
I have illusions (delusions) of making it to the store in the morning, but I've had those thoughts for 3 or more weeks now and it hasn't happened yet. I did get a list done, woo hoo!
I would have gone tonight, but I realized the deli closes at 9, and I was going to go at 11pm. I hate weekends at the store even more than weekdays. Doesn't suit my hermit image.
I'm afraid if I belly danced, it would scare the children.
I also invited friends, but they say they have no time for anything, and are sad.
And it is.
19 July 2008
at 12:37 a.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
california: the land of fruits and nuts [before you throw something at your monitor … read my *profile*!].
many things coming in this edition.
multi: you were right about the RADAR! we got an early start on the walk, was sprinkling, felt nice, for all but ten minutes of our walk on the levee! while approaching the dam overlook, had to turn back, rain was getting heavy. otherwise, it was most pleasant in the rain.
and Ronda, Gnomedog had no trouble in the rain, in fact, he was glad for the rain because it made the grass *taste extra good!*
thought your launchtime for this Ronda was friday morning, but maybe my lyrics to “I've got a weakness for cowboys” threw you off your blog game? eh? Joni Harms is a lovely singer, she's also done “cowboy coffee.” there's more she's done.
***
congratulations Ronda, on the new blog, but if you expected me to bellydance, I don't, because i don't want to scare the horses! you got the finger cymbols and the bells now?
***
and just a note, if you're reading this, and you haven't read the notice posted at 10;55p.m. friday, there's a runaway thought to be in Lawrence, in danger.
Ronda, I've just been busy with many softwares in my computer and in mrs. gnome's.
looking forward to new visitors. hope all feel welcome.
19 July 2008
at 12:59 a.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
What is it with all of us posting at the same time today?
It's funny.
gnome, I posted one minute before you here.
On Ronda's better than that blog, three people were writing long comments all at the same time. I would have missed the one posted right before me if I hadn't scrolled back up oddly.
I see that a lot, someone will be writing and not go back later to see if someone was posting. I wondered if I should remind people of that.
And gnome reminded me Ronda,
Did I tell you I used to date a man who rode Brahma Bulls and Broncs. I didn't see it, but I know he's the kind to do it.
I ran across this blog the other day and thought you cowboy types would enjoy this man's story.
It titled, 'Using Saddle Broncs and Brahma Bulls as Financial Advisors.”
You know that title drew me in!
http://hubpages.com/hub/Using-Saddle-…
19 July 2008
at 10:04 a.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
wow,
that is quite a title.
and posting at the same time, even funnier when same time, similar point.
sure is humid this morning! wow.
the runaway is in today's paper, under “on the record.”
19 July 2008
at 10:09 a.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
just a lazy midsummer saturday.
19 July 2008
at 10:50 a.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
Hurray! This loads in 1 second and the last one took over 10 sometimes.
For some reason, the last one (and all long ones) I would have to refresh during mid load, as it would stick halfway through the thread and not display posts past then.
Thank you Ronda.
19 July 2008
at 11:24 a.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
Nota says, “Pretty sure I can recognize the Canadian and the Texan, but what does a California accent look like?” According to multi they will say “the” in front of everything they say. :) I never noticed that one! Cute - does gnome agree? Maybe it depends on if you were originally from California or recently moved there. It takes about twenty years of living there to start putting “the” before each thing you say.
gnome, glad you are well and that you were able to get out with gnomedog for a walk - it was nice to have a cool, somewhat rainy break, the eh? HEHEHE
Bellly dancing: From the time I walked into the first class (okay, the second because I missed the first), I felt as though it was the culture that ran through my dancing veins. It was so natural and rhythmatic that I felt as though I must have been dancing to it for thousands of years. It is the most amazing full body dance - from finger tips twirling in and out and then reversing, to belly rolls, to pelvic thrusts in a figure eight and then reversed, it is the dance that every woman should learn - we must teach it to our daughters at an early age before they become self conscious. All body types look great doing this dance - you wouldn't tell a snake that it was unattractive whether it were chubby or slim, well neither would you notice that someone's body is less advantaged at this dance.
It is a dificult dance when done well, but the enjoyment of feeling all the different, separate movements begin to join into the one overall motion is “an out of my mind” experience - I wanted to say “out of my body” but I had to be there to dance. It is one of those things that you do best, once you learn each individual step, to transcend and just go with the music. Allow the music to wash over you as your body spasms to the music. Okay, I need to go practice. Unfortunately the instructor knew me from many years ago and she keeps calling my name out - I seem to always be going to the right when everyone else is going to the left. But in my dreams it is all what I said above and someday many years from now I too will dance like an Egyptian!
19 July 2008
at 11:28 a.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
Ouch, excuse all of the mistakes above - my finger flew into a strange position and it got posted before it got proofed. Before it got “the” proofed. Like my California accent? :) Any one from California care to take issue with us? Please do - and what do you think we say in Kansas that would be a dead give away? Maybe the fact that we have back yards and invite neighbors over? Because we carry on about cowboys?
gnome, love all this cowboy poetry, links, and thanks, multi. Cowboy culture - must get some. Multi call me if and when there is a good time for you today or tomorrow! For the kiddie books.
Farmer's Market this morning was quite busy - hot, humid day today so it will be nice to visit in the comfort of the backyard.
19 July 2008
at 11:56 a.m.
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
“It takes about twenty years of living there to start putting “the” before each thing you say.”
I've been out here (not from California) for 17, and while I've finally converted to saying 'pop' instead of 'soda,' I still can't bring myself to say 'sack' instead of 'bag.' And I still call them 'tag' sales - not everyone has a garage.
Still think the Canadian will be the easiest to spot, ey?
19 July 2008
at 12:03 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
Maybe nota, it will also help to watch for the name Supa Dave, eh?
He is quite outgoing and tends to wear a great deal of sunscreen so you might smell him before you hear him. :) Eh, Supa? :)
As far as the Californian accent, maybe the they will try to trick us.
nota, some people think that Kansans always add an S to the end of everything they say: Kmarts, Walmarts, etc. And I know some who say: perty and warsh instead of pretty and wash. But it is the people from Utah, who think tornadoes are sexy, who we really need to be on the lookout for. They will try to take over Kansas! Since I am from Colorado I may get by with my Kansas items!
19 July 2008
at 12:51 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
I will call you, how about dinner and books, maybe an 8 oclock movie at my house?
19 July 2008
at 1:10 p.m.
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peachesncream (Anonymous) says…
ok gang im looking to you to steer me in the right direction here, we are looking for a new mexican resrestaurant to dine at, we like salty,border and elmescella (sp) but are looking to dine some where new what would you all sugguest. we want a quiet sit down style….
19 July 2008
at 1:25 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
quiet? on sat night?
The only possible semi quiet place I can think of in this town would be El Matador.
The group loves it.
Very old time family restaurant.. no fancy atmosphere, believe me!
If I wanted to go on a date and be able to converse, I would go to either place in N. Lawrence.
Totally different experiences. One remodeled and nicer, food good, prices higher.
Both have outdoor seating, so you can sweat if you really want to!
It's across the river in N Lawrence.
The other places here in town will be more busy tonight.
Many worth the wait.
You can PM a couple of the group, say gnome, and others to see what they like.
Ronda is tied up right now, and won't likely be by her computer.
( I know, let the boys have fun with that one! 3…2…)
19 July 2008
at 1:51 p.m.
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peachesncream (Anonymous) says…
lol thanks multi
19 July 2008
at 1:59 p.m.
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
Okay, I'll bite…
Now, if she was tied up *near* her computer. ('Can you say 'webcam,' boys and girls? Sure - I knew you could.')
“And I know some who say: perty and warsh instead of pretty and wash.”
I have an old friend from many years ago in New York. She always pronounced 'sorry' as 'sär-ee.' It drove me nuts, but no matter how many times I pointed out it was an 'O,' not an 'A,' she always pronouned it that way.
Finally one day I told her to say the word “or,” and she said 'ore.' So I told her to put an 'S' in front of that, and she said 'soar.' So I told her to put an 'RY' at the end, and she said:
“sär-ee.”
19 July 2008
at 2:22 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
oh now that was funny!
Somehow, my Lawrence raised daughter ended up pronouncing crayon…crown. No matter how I worked with her, it was messed up. She said everything else regular KS.
To this day, soon to be 24, she still has a bit of it left when she say sit.
19 July 2008
at 2:43 p.m.
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
My wife (age 32) also says 'crown,' so guess how my daughter learned to say it…
19 July 2008
at 2:47 p.m.
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Boston_Corbett (Anonymous) says…
La Tropicana is my personal fav…. next to El Matador.
Darn Ronda, I am sorry I missed the belly-dancing back yard extravaganza. Did Stratford Road participate? Haven't yacked with either of you for a few weeks. Me bad.
19 July 2008
at 2:57 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
Nota,
Could this be Ronda?,
I'll send it.
19 July 2008
at 8:40 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
is this blog somehow exempt from the “most popular listing? seems like it should've shown up!
tropicana is good, but I think overpriced for what you get, and too too loud!
yes, peaches and cream, el matador for quiet, sit in the east side of the restaurant on saturday night, the music is on the west side, the music is good though! not always there on all saturdays.
during the day, Ixtapa is wonderfully peaceful. some evenings too, but sometimes for some god forsaken reason they turn on the d–-d television! and they can be very full on saturday night!
el matador, not expensive, nothing fancy, honestly I've had better mexican food, but theirs is good, and the service/people are magnificent! saturday they have a buffet, which apparently always includes the nopales, cactus with pork and jalapinos, yummmmmmmmmmmmmm! that dish seems to be hard to find. also, their pork as in burritos, is just wonderful.
***
Ronda is tied up right now, and won't likely be by her computer.
hmmm, multi, ronda may not appreciate you telling us about her entertainment habits! however, it certainly is a fine thought! bet she's over there now.
***
growing up in monterey county calif, we *never* referred to “the monterey county” unless after “county” was an officials name, road, etc. in fact, the use of “the” before is I believe a southern [inferior] california trait. when i lived in northern calif, never heard it. when i went into the city (san francisco) never heard it, never heard “the san francisco.”
yes, “the orange county” is said. but “the riverside county” is not. also, “the L.A. or los angeles county” not either. mrs. gnome is from there, never said that. so, not even all of southern calif. also exclude sandiego. please remember that “the orange county” is a bit of a world unto itself!
19 July 2008
at 8:44 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
Ronda is tied up right now, and won't likely be by her computer.
uh, cowboys are very good with ropes and knots, especially at catching the wild young heifers.
like I said, multi, ronda may not appreciate you letting this secret out about her off-blog moments!
19 July 2008
at 9:05 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
(leans over fence and whispers)
Well then I'll be sure not to mention The Caped Crusader!
19 July 2008
at 9:08 p.m.
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
“cowboys are very good with ropes and knots, especially at catching the wild young heifers”
Picturing Mae West saying “Is that a branding iron or are you happy to see me…”
19 July 2008
at 9:09 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
Oh and about the most discussed list.
On weekends it seems things can come and go very quickly on there. When I read your comment and posted above, this was number 2 on the list.
Now before writing this, it's down to number 5.
I believe it's due to the fewer posts that happen across the boards on the weekend. One post can bring something to the top of the list the next time “it” updates itself.
I think one of the online editors said once it updates about every ten minutes, or something like that.
19 July 2008
at 9:11 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
uuuuuuuuuuh! bet she's dreaming of being Catwoman[whispering].
***
hey Boston, glad you're here, wouldn't want you to be *cut out* of this on BFB#3! oh, and i love your cream pies, just leave out the mercury, there's enough in CFL's.
***
yes, I understand that the new batman is selling out bigtime!
19 July 2008
at 9:12 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
Picture Mae West saying,
“I don't mind the saddle so much, but does the clown have to sit in that barrel in the corner all night?”
19 July 2008
at 9:23 p.m.
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says:
“Oh and about the most discussed list…”
I have noticed that articles with lots of comments - say over 150 or so - tend to pop back up on the list even if nobody has posted to them since they dropped off. The LJW's software must take into account both recent activity and overall number of posts; then when there's very light activity across the board, those that had lots and lots of posts work their way back up in the standings. (Remember the thread about Al Gore's Nobel prize? I didn't think it would ever die, it would suddenly pop back up if nobody had made a post in weeks.) I've noticed this mostly late at night and on weekends, when posting is generally less active.
19 July 2008
at 9:45 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
I know what you mean.
And sometimes folks are confused by which 'list' we are referring two.
Looks like most folks use the list on the right side of the screen, which keeps up with the ongoing conversations. I don't recall seeing the old stuff on there unless someone posts something, although I am curious as to how the potential 'newly disappeared users' apply to this. Sometimes on a new article, someone will post then get yanked (like at night) and it is still on the list. (?).
Oh, before I forget, someone wrote that freashpowder got yanked.
A few 'lists' that I use all the time are below.
One list I use is the full page (link coming next) that the url says ” /popular/discussion/”, but the page header-title is “Most Active Discussions”.
It shows updates on current postings in both articles,OTS, blogs, weblogs, photos, polls and videos…and it also shows some that no one has posted on for ages. Like the Moment of Truth blog. Ronda rules this page lol. I check this page first for the fun stuff.
http://www2.ljworld.com/popular/discu…
The next page I check, is the “Discussions on Stories” page, which has “discussions/stories/” in the url.
This lists comments on stories only, no blogs, videos, OTS and other.
http://www2.ljworld.com/discussions/s…
Oh, I also try to remember to check the “Reader Blogs”page, to check for new blogs that aren't CJA and CJA's too. If you have something to post on those when you see them first, it helps put them on the most discussed list so people know they are there.
http://www2.ljworld.com/weblogs/
I put these links in my “favorites”, so I don't have to look for them. 94% of my LJW viewing is done through these two pages and where they point me.
19 July 2008
at 10:42 p.m.
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
“Looks like most folks use the list on the right side of the screen, which keeps up with the ongoing conversations. I don't recall seeing the old stuff on there unless someone posts something, although I am curious as to how the potential 'newly disappeared users' apply to this. Sometimes on a new article, someone will post then get yanked (like at night) and it is still on the list. (?).”
I always thought the list on the right was the same one as the “most discussed” on the main LJW page, which is the one I use. As for disappeareded folks, whether an individual post is removed (red striped) or a member gets yanked and all their posts completely vanish, the number of comments still includes all posts that *were* made, whether or not they're still there. Copy the comment section of an article that has a lot of posts. Paste it into Word, and do a “Replace” from the “Edit” menu on the word “Permalink.” (Replace it with anything, it doesn't matter, even leave the replace-with space blank.) When it's done Word will give you the number of times the word was found and replaced - and in most of the long threads, especially the controversial ones, I'll bet you the actual number of comments appearing in the thread is less than the LJW's counter.
19 July 2008
at 10:46 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
Okay, I finally was able to escape from the ropes and all where I have been held captive for the last several hours! It wasn't too bad because I was shoving popcorn and hot tamales in my mouth throughout. The joker is wild!!!! Batman has wonderful, sensuous lilps when he is masked. Full house - Batman is pulling the cash bag in.
I recommend it if you haven't seen it - hard to watch in some respects knowing Ledger is no longer with us - will he be nominated for best actor or supporting actor after the fact? That will be interesting to see.
So, you all seem to have much more fun when I am not here; that way you can talk about me! I agree, peaches with gnome and multi that for money and taste The El Matador is the right spot. Great chips and salsa and I agree with gnome also on the burritos *spicy pork” and their cactus is delicious!
Boston, you know you like the La Tropicana better because you can have hard drinks! :) And we thought you drank tea!
gnome enjoys The El Matador more because it has “the” in front of it. lol
multi, I wish I would have seen your earlier message before I had plans - you would have had a companion. Maybe tomorrow?
nota, I won't even ask what cowboys do with old cows? :) Maybe if the cowboy is old enough they both pretend to be young again as they scamper around the campfire and fiddle with each others ropes. Mae West says, “Is that my cow bell I hear ringing, or do you have a frying pan in yur britches?” You are all bad!!! And in my own back yard.
Boston, it is nice to see you out this evening as it has been a long time since you stopped by. Everybody take a deep breath and enjoy the full moon we are having tonight. It is a beauty.
19 July 2008
at 11:46 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
nota, I won't even ask what cowboys do with old cows? :) Maybe if the cowboy is old enough they both pretend to be young again as they scamper around the
real rodeo [pronounced ro day-o] event:
cow decorating contest. cowboy has to run up and tie ribbon on her tail successfully. fastest one wins.
***
wow, glad you saw batman. now, write your own review, like one of the pros! you can do it!
yes, we have been vewy baaaaaaad, vewy baaaaaaad!
teach you to leave us alone in your backyard, with who knows how many looking on silently. however, after that very vivid [sexy] description of your bellydancing, and then the “all tied up” came along, well I just had to tie one on.
19 July 2008
at 11:47 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
Ronda,
I posted that just before you called. Tomorrow should be good too. I have no idea what movies are on that night.
Cactus?
That would be interesting to taste, but I'd be too chicken to order it as my meal, in case I didn't like it.
19 July 2008
at 11:50 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
Aww, how sweet and sad.
My son came by for a 10-15 minutes visit on the way home tonight, and he got to play with his cat. This was at least an hour ago.
The cat just rushed his bedroom door and started scratching (pawing, declawed) at it furiously!
He wants his buddy!
19 July 2008
at 11:50 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
“the el matador” and “the la tropicana” you are repeating the articles. but you're right in translation the matador, and wth does la tropicana translate into? “the tropical?” “the tropical woman?”
somebody actually yelled at me on the police have missing child report comment thread! d—n!
some people!
20 July 2008
at 12:43 a.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
multi,
the cactus is only on saturdays, in their buffet, so you can get a small serving to try. if you enjoy somewhat spicey food, you'll probably love this.
***
cowboy music etc.
http://www.saddlesongs.com/index.php
20 July 2008
at 1:28 a.m.
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
“Aww, how sweet and sad…”
I thought about posting this to the 'This Is Better Than That' thread, but I thought it was almost mocking the more personal stories, and then when the guys showed up with their political statements, I said the heck with it. It's a long story, bear with me, and it requires a lot of background.
I've mentioned various members of the pride of cats that lives outside from time to time. Just to give you the basic cast of characters and some of the family dynamics:
The alpha female is a tortoiseshell named Tiki. She is most likely the mother or grandmother of virtually every cat in the colony. She tolerates us and comes by for food every once in a while, but prefers to hunt. She cranks out usually two litters per year, and keeps them well hidden until they're old enough to be weaned, then she shows them where they can get food and abandons them - all the litters we've known about (five now) had only two kittens, but it's possible there were more that didn't make it that far.
The 'regulars,' the four cats that pretty much live on our deck, are the four survivors from her last five litters. There's Shadow, a female from April of '06. She is Cosmo's (Cosmo is the one that moved in the house with us and is the father of the kittens of so much fame) mother, and Wanda's aunt (Wanda being the kittens' mother - her mother, Tiger, was Shadow's littermate). Next is Smudge, a male from August of that year, who has a bad eye and currently a badly injured foreleg. There were no survivors from April of last year. I've posted pictures of Fluffy, a male from last August. And now there's Ink Spot, a waifish little male now about three months old.
Shadow is the outsider. The others put up with her presence, but she has to wait until they eat before she'll dare to, even if I put food out in separate dishes. Nobody will sleep with her in the winter, she always ends up in one of the shelters alone. She was very close to Cosmo, especially after someone caught the rest of her litter; being barely a year old herself when she had him, they were inseparable for a while, but then she stopped paying attention to him (which is why he adopted us). Her only companion of any kind is the alpha male - the rest of the pride is terrified of him, and when he's around she gets to eat, because for some reason she's the only one allowed to eat when he is.
(continued)
20 July 2008
at 1:28 a.m.
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
(continued)
Leading the cast of other regular customers at the outdoor cafe is that alpha male, Smokey. Smokey used to be a housecat, the neighbors tell me he used to belong to a little girl who lived in the house across the alleyway, but one day he just stopped coming in the house and went native. He is huge; I've had some big cats myself, and I have to guess he's at least 22-24 pounds, and even as old and beat-up as he is, most of it is solid muscle. His ears have been torn up so much they're half their former size, and look like the cauliflower ears of a boxer. One eye doesn't open right, his face is a mass of scars, and now he also has a very, very bad leg - it appears broken, and badly abscessed/infected, with the paw swollen to twice its normal size.
[Yes, we've tried to catch him, and so have the neighbors and animal control. He knows the neighborhood too well, and chasing him only makes him put more duress on the leg, so we all feel pushing it is doing more harm than good. He disappears for days at a time, and each time we figure he's died, but then he just comes wandering back.]
Others come by from time to time. There are several males that show up during mating season, and at least two other females who are also probably Tiki's kids. It has been a very tough year. Of the three litters we're aware of from April, there are only two survivors left, Ink Spot and another one from one of the other females (Midnight). For some reason, all the females went right back into heat as soon as they had their kittens, so they pretty much abandoned the ones they already had, and they disappeared one by one. Also, we think they're being poisoned; the landlord sprayed a *lot* of weed killer around the edges of the property, including near a drainpipe that a lot of the cats drink either directly out of or from the resulting puddles. And we've seen some new children in the neighborhood throwing rocks at the strays, and doubt that's the worst of their mischief.
It was also a particularly brutal mating season. Midnight's litter of six from last year were all boys, who unfortunately were coming of age this spring. They were all run off, if not worse, by the big guys. Two of those older, larger males we had to bring to animal control or directly to the vet to be put down from horrific injuries (including Wanda's likely father, Bear). Both Smudge's and Smokey's current leg injuries are most likely from fighting.
(continued)
20 July 2008
at 1:29 a.m.
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
(continued)
Okay, a lot of background for a pretty short story.
Shadow was the only one of the females out there that didn't have a litter in April. It seemed to bother her quite a bit. And it wasn't for lack of trying - Shadow is constantly in Smokey's company, it's actually pretty cute, they really act like a couple. When all the others got pregnant again, she still hadn't - but last week she started showing. She seemed pretty happy, and then yesterday she miscarried. (It was all the more heartrending because it wasn't born dead, although it never had a chance of surviving more than a few moments.) She was, to say the least, spooked - she was hiding under a car downstairs, absolutely terrified.
So a little while later, Smokey hobbled up the stairs to the deck - there's 23 of them - and just sat there about 8 feet from the food, like he had no more energy left to make it the last few feet. And of course, seconds later, up pops Shadow. She just went over to him and meowed, and put her head down and, I swear, buried it in his shoulder, and he turned his big scarred head and started licking her, and then she leaned against him while he limped and hopped over to the food bowl, and the two of them ate and left together.
It was just one of those moments an unlikely pair, the outcast and the over-the-hill all-but-deposed top cat, neither one with anyone but each other but they do have each other. I suppose that's how we go on, too.
20 July 2008
at 2:10 a.m.
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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…
Just got back from Gotham City. Whoa.
Lots of unresolved matters… alternative cowboy songs…
this backyard of apparent survivors… gnome's beard….
Too tired to type.
Later.
Oh, and Mae West… reminded me of another gem,
now back in print AND on DVD…
Bobby Deerfield… a young Al Pacino… Marthe Keller…
“
Red sails in the sunset, way out on the sea
Oh, carry my loved one home safely to me
*She sailed at the dawning*, all day I've been blue
Red sails in the sunset, I'm trusting in you….”
20 July 2008
at 2:18 a.m.
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SusieCreamcheeze (Anonymous) says…
Loved Batman
20 July 2008
at 4:03 a.m.
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blahblahblah (Anonymous) says…
Wanted to make you smile! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WlbQP…
20 July 2008
at 8:07 a.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
Well that's just great.
Now I have a whole other theme on youtube to explore.
><
No seriously, thanks that made me laugh.
20 July 2008
at 9:20 a.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
Tangy,
red sails is a very sweet song.
believe me, when i hear from them on your potential cowboy song, it'll be up here. just posed another question last night.
that was about one he's playing.
***
did you literally go to new york, or just see the batman movie Tangy?
20 July 2008
at 11:40 a.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
blahblah, not only did that make me smile, it is one of my favorite songs. What a voice, what a man!
I'll be back!
20 July 2008
at 12:22 p.m.
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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…
gnome: “red sails is a very sweet song.”
If you've seen Bobby Deerfield, you'll understand the Mae West and Red Sails references… a dated but lovely tale about coming out of the tunnel into the light.
gnome: “believe me, when i hear from them on your potential cowboy song….”
Oh, I've realized I ought to rework my original, rambling descriptions; more later….
gnome: “did you literally go to new york, or just see the batman movie…?”
Spent a couple of hours beneath “the silver screen”… ( so, there, I lied again when I claimed to be awaiting the DVD ). Odd sort of endearing quality exuded by that psychotic, killer clown….
20 July 2008
at 1:34 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
Ronda, call me if you still want to come over. I've been sorting the upstairs books already.
Any time works here.
20 July 2008
at 3:10 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
My neighbors will have new neighbors in late August…
Ths offer has been accepted!
Now we just have to make FHA happy.
20 July 2008
at 3:56 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
Holy crop!
I have to find somewhere on earth to move to now!
And pack/sell/toss two houses of things!
Since I first left home, I've never moved without someone else being involved.
Either a boyfriend, best friend, husband, or kids.
My last move, I had strict limitations on what I had to do.
Absolutely 'had' to invest all my funds, near schools, stay close to Lawrence. Plans for the future.
Now everything is so 'uniquely' messed up!
To quote Charlie Brown..Aaaaauuuuuggggghhhhh!
20 July 2008
at 4:14 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
multi! Wow!!!!!!! Way to go!! I am so happy that things have worked out for you and the house sale. That really didn't take long from the time the house was put on the market. Someone certainly got a very fine house.
We need to have all of our backyard fence friends come over and pitch in to get you loaded up and moved once you decide when that will be and where to. A lot going on in your life now so make sure you are doing some de stressing throughout each day - like chatting with neighbors over a fence. :)
20 July 2008
at 4:16 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
congratulations on getting it sold Multi!
that's great.
wow, now you can move to lecompton! hehehe
***
well, Ronda's gone and done it, I have to watch my corrupting influence on her!
she's got a batman blog!
she did a wonderful job too! I'll just bet she's wishing she was catwoman…especially since the movie didn't have one.
yeah, tangy, I chose to ignore that part of it. red sails is a very sweet ballad.
hot today! 98F plus lotsa humidity!
summer is here now!
can we turn on the hose here in Ronda's backyard? or, does she have one of those stupid kid toys from the 60's what was kinda waterslide, wiggly thingy, can't remember the name!
20 July 2008
at 6 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
Neither Lecompton nor Perry have houses I can afford right now. In 1995, there was a house for $16,000 that I was going to buy in Perry. Ended up having serious termite damage, and no entry to most of the house via crawlspace to fix it.
It had an old stone foundation with no openings.
Some of the further towns have some for sale, but a long drive to businesses.
Trailers here are a big 'no'.
Do I move into something best for the me that's “now”, or hoping my mobility will improve?
If so, can I handle more schooling, and where?
I only have one friend in a small town around here, and it's 20 miles from Emporia. Yes there are groceries, hardware, Casey's in town, but the prices are higher than here.
Also, old houses. My gas averages $66 a month on average pay, and one of the houses that listed their's ( a house half this size) average is over $90!
Jeepers!
Worried about insurance on old houses, after hearing of that family that had the fire, they said they couldn't get insurance due to the electrical being old. I don't want to pay to rewire a house.
Same with CH/CA. Many older houses, don't have this, and I don't want to pay for ductwork!
I don't mind replacing an old unit when it's necessary.
I also prefer one level living. I know of some really cute homes, but they have 1/3 to 1/2 of their living space upstairs. Not good for me.
I miss the days of being so cute that I always had another boyfriend waiting in the wings. I had cash, and the boyfriend made things more stable and doable.
I really appreciate the kind words, and yes, any help would be vastly appreciated. Bring boxes!.
–
gnome
They've made a current version of that toy, even better now!
Several on the market.
Still make the break your neck sliding toys too!
20 July 2008
at 6:20 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
yeah,
a little research and i found the old brand name wham-o is still going,
at
www.whamo.com
Kids love getting soaked in the summer! And there's no better way to stay active and cool with friends than with your own backyard Slip'n Slide!
The Original Slip 'n Slide first became one of the most popular hot weather pastimes for millions of youngsters in 1961. Today, choose from a full line-up
of fresh and imaginative designs that will keep you cool all summer long!
***
I see they've got several, but as far as I can tell, none are adult sized, what we need for ronda's backyard!
didn't see the other 60's water toy i recall, it might've been called:
water-wiggle? it was a kind of silly hose with spray holes that moved itself around.
***
I know that some in your situation have found townhomes very nice, but usually they're two-level.
you know, east lawrence/north lawrence are often cheaper alternatives to you up-scale westies.
I suppose another alternative is buy a two-or-three bedroom home, then rent out to students.
good luck. was just kidding about lecompton. as i wrote, I just can't imagine you living in a small town.
20 July 2008
at 9:24 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
Yes, I have lived in both East Lawrence (fairgrounds, and south off of Learnard) and N. Lawrence.
Nothing cheap enough compared to other towns.
The taxes here alone are a barrier.
Our tax increases/bad rules have run me out of town, unless I rent or find a roommate.
I've been ripped off by roommates, and am leery.
20 July 2008
at 10:23 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
gnome, I have the water turned on - I have two water toys you might enjoy, but you won't slip on either one unless you are a naughty boy and run around chasing girls! :)
I have a whale sprinkler that spins around spewing water out of its hole and a Dora sprinkler who twirls around doing much the same. I have a small slide that I have set up that you can put the sprinklers on to make them slippery. Yeah, look at all the trouble you got me into by telling me to post that blog - ya tricked me, gnome! And now look at everyone having a hay day with Batman and Robin - no wonder they pulled Robin out of the movie!
Multi, sorry I didn't have any boxes with me - thanks for showing me all of the fun sites and how to use the spell check on my computer (just kiddn folks, relax). I did appreciate all of your fun insightful places to visit!
Susie, go rescue Batman - you know he is a stand up kind of guy!
20 July 2008
at 10:46 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
- ya tricked me, gnome! And now look at everyone having a hay day with Batman and Robin - no wonder they pulled Robin out of the movie!
–
tweren't nuthin ma'am!
actually, your intro to that was really cool, I meant what I said. okay on the whale and the dora.
that wacky-water-whirl, or whatever it was called, was fun. been hoping somebody had the name for that.
chase girls? naw.
today was just plain hot! we didn't walk so far because of that.
somebody oughta open a lemonade stand back here, quarter a glass, they could clean up!
20 July 2008
at 11:09 p.m.
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SusieCreamcheeze (Anonymous) says…
To HOT!!!! for me. Hid in the house all day…moved furnature about in my bed room…roflmao on that one.
Ronda would need a waterfall in that backyard.
Multi…good luck on finding a new home. Did you really sell this one without a plan for the next?
How about a moble home…you could live at the campgrounds.
Just watched “Batman Begins” I think we are to early on in this story line for a Robin to exist…but I am betting on the little blond kid in the “Begins” movie.
Who played “Poision Ivy”.
20 July 2008
at 11:49 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
Ronda would need a waterfall in that backyard.
–
oh oh!
*** yeah, I've meant to point out today, there was an aweful lot of activity in Ronda's backyard around 2a.m.! don't want to disturb the neighbors!
***
okay, SCC, I'll bite, why the rotflmao about you moving the bedroom furniture? or do I not want to know?
20 July 2008
at 11:55 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
Oh Susie, it's so multi-level.
Yes, a friend has wanted me to move to her small town west of Emporia for 1 1/2 yrs. That seemed to be a good plan, but my disabilities have gotten much worse in that time. Many things have changed. I've been viewing houses there online since she loved there, but having no idea when my house would sell, I had no chance to 'reserve' anything. There are house there in my price range, but at what other costs.. ya know?
I even had a back up idea in Baldwin, but I don't know if I can get into that deal. I question spending that much each month for rent + (big plus) utilities. My cash would dwindle fast.
I was resigned to only living for a few more years, that was okay, but the old capable part of my brain says I ought to be able to do something to sustain myself, yet my broken up body says face reality and don't have pipe dreams.
Sigh.
I'm an orphan, no siblings to lean on even if I have to find some where 'temporarily' while a house or apartment is ready.
So what seemed like easy remedies, now seem…difficult.
Both of those choices limit me on availability of help when I need it , like fast food when I can't walk to shop.
Oh, and Uma was poison ivy today on amc I think.
21 July 2008
at 12:39 a.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
I sure understand your being leary of renting a room or rooms. aren't there rental agencies who could screen applicants for you for that?
21 July 2008
at 10:30 a.m.
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SusieCreamcheeze (Anonymous) says…
Multi
How about Eudora…..Wellsville…Gardner…..Baldwin has a pizzahut that delivers.
21 July 2008
at 10:39 a.m.
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SusieCreamcheeze (Anonymous) says…
okay, SCC, I'll bite, why the rotflmao about you moving the bedroom furniture? or do I not want to know?
I live in the livingroom…have not had a “Bedroom” for 3 years. Having had my own home for 35 years it just strikes me as funny to be living in the livingroom converted to a sewing/bedroom. Everyone else here (3) has a bedroom. My bedroom walls are furnature and folding screens. For privacy I go down to the barn..no one ever goes down there.
21 July 2008
at 1:09 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
Eudora and Baldwin, no low priced homes.
There may be a housing complex I go into there, if I could.
A lot each month.
You said the other day that you got three feet by moving things in your bedroom. Which reminds me, I have to do an updated missing foot blog. Or did they cover it in the LJW already?
Sigh, so little time.
21 July 2008
at 4:20 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
okay thanks SCC, now it makes sense . barn, privacy, works.
***
wow, today is very hot. I think we need a snow machine back here in ronda's backyard!
21 July 2008
at 8:42 p.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
I got boxes from a few places while I was out today. I went to the van later to get bring them inside. As it was quick trips, I was barefoot.
One group got stuck and took a while to get them out.
Tootsies got toasty!
Anyone know prices on Babcock Place?
21 July 2008
at 10:26 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
Hey neighbors!
Prices vary on Babcock depending on if you get a studio, one bedroom, or two bedroom unit. You can get in fastest if you are willing to take a studio and they do have storage units available in-house, but probably not as large as you would need for everything - more for changing of seasonal items. I know someone who lives there who pays 230 a month and no utilities. He is disabled and it is a studio unit, but quite honestly with each place having their own patio, in-house dining, very nice library and work out room complete with three computers (you don't have to pay to have internet in your own room that way) it is almost like you have a huge house and just go back to your room for bedie by time. I think a one bedroom runs around 500 monthly and they all include utilities. So close to Dillions too and meals at lunch time are available for two dollars a person. Check it out, multi!
gnome and susie, and multi: darn hot today, maybe a t-storm coming in tomorrow. My grass will be getting crunchy at this rate so bring some drinks to spill on it while we talk. I like the idea of a lemonade stand set-up here. Multi, do a lemonade stand blog after you take care of the foot sex issue. :)
susie, I thought you were trying to scare me again with the raflmao! Now we can leave my backyard and find susie in her bardyard with critters. Many horseflies out there? Ouch, those suckers hurt!
gnome, do you walk really early when it gets this hot or wait until dark? Hello to yellowrose. How is she feeling these days? Is she totally recovered from surgery?