Update

Time is running out - only 3 plus hours left in this year.  The project doesn't appear to have progressed much - does it?

However, I must inform you (dear reader) that I have filled two large trash bags and one small, grocery-store size plastic bag with detrius, have identified half a bed full of "stuff" for donation, and am still committed to the enterprise.

On the other had, it is starting to look not likely before tomorrow.  In addition to working on "the project," the kitties have celebrated New Year's Eve with one can of tuna.  I have baked a sausage casserole (made with "self-rising corn meal flour") and began my personal celebration with a pizza and "Electric Reindeer" Merlot.

I suppose it is almost time to quit the project until tomorrow - but the tunes on the radio are "oldies" and it has been a fun afternoon and evening.  Time to make certain that the cell phone is charged for the "New Year's" calls. 

See you in the next decade - and remember to use a "designated driver" if you are out and partying.

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man." ~Benjamin Franklin

End of Year Project.

New Year's Eve Day project.  I have been threatening to complete this for several months.  After starting two days ago, I believe it now looks much worse than when I started.  Wish me luck - my goal is to finish before 2010!

Talk about decluttering - what an understatement!  There are files to review, stuff to repackage and other to toss, and then the furnishings.  I am down to my last 11 hours and 30 minutes (or so).  Here goes (nothing as they say).  Will publish results of the effort.

"I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by." ~Douglas Adams

Cold Enough?

Another chilly and snowy morning.  I guess the year will go out like a "lion in winter" (sorry William).  I thought yesterday was cold (and it was, believe me), but today the snow has reappeared.  Forecast is for two snowy days and then the temperatures will drop (like the ball on Times Square).  A great way to start the decade (2010).

 My preference has been to start each New Year with a run outside.  This will be a challenge on Friday (because the promised high temperature won't exceed 19).  Makes me wonder about global warming (or "climate change" to use the PC phrase) 

As you can see, the birds have been making tracks over the fish pond these past few days.  I can only hope that the road will be clear on Friday for the annual trial.

With luck the day will be sunny and no wind.  That certainly will preferable than the sight that met me at 9 AM yesterday - frost remained on all the vegetation (unless covered by snow, naturally) until midday.  I finally roused myself and headed into "town" for some end-of-the-year shopping.  Glad to return, after covering several sections of road that were covered with frost, I intend to remain home until after the New Year.

Home-bound projects include working on the office.  So far the valance has been replaced with curtains on spring rods (hopefully, this will keep the cold out and allow the room to be somewhat warmer) and the computer setup has been moved.  Today it appears as if a bomb went off in the room.  Hopefully, tomorrow's update will show a workable space with no clutter (I hope anyway).

"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." ~William Morris

Post Christmas

Food

Family

Food

Family and friends ...

And so it went ... Christmas 2009.

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other." ~Burton Hillis

Busted!

Hustle all morning and then see what happens when "they" figure out what is going on!  I am almost ready to hit the road in spite of all the extra assistance I have had this morning (actually starting with the checkout at Walmart a couple days ago when the purchase items did not all make it into my basket).  I still have time to met my goals and should be able to assist with the "Night Before the Night Before: preparations.  Several stops between now and then however.

Keeping stress to a minimum.  Breating IN and then OUT and then IN and then OUT and... .

'Stress is nothing more than a socially acceptable form of mental illness.' ~Richard Carlson

CSPAN

I have a new favorite television channel - CSPAN/Senate. What a circus! Watched it most of the day yesterday and it is on again this morning.

Debate, debate, debate. The national news channels cannot compete with the show on CSPAN. The pundits cannot do the actual events justice with their sound bites and summaries.

I encourage all to watch the FACTS as they unfold. The senators are really losing their civility toward one another. The comments (on both sides) are outragous at times, low-blows, and catty. Incredible that these are supposed to be the best and the brightest sent to DC to represent the voters!

Sorry, but I just couldn't resist. The tempatation to comment has overwelmed me.

"Hell, I never vote for anybody, I always vote against." ~W.C. Fields

Holiday Spirit!

Today is the turning event of the year.  The day that I start to perk up and be a happy person again - winter came in around 7:30 AM today!  What that means (to me anyway) is the days will start having more daylight now! 

Some of my friends try and deny the phenomena every year, but I do become more cheerful on this day.  The last week or so has not been good (at least in the emotional arena).  I have felt a tad out of sorts, perhaps grumpy.  Today all that ends (at least until late June - but that is much later).

As for the holidays - we are all aware that Christmas comes with a myriad of challenges.  There is the stress we impose on our selves during the annual present hunt.  There is the added stress that comes from being sleep deprived between all the festivities, decorating the home, and general distractions of the season.  Finally, there is the stress of the weather (and shortening days) - generally cold, cloudy, and wet ("snow, rain, or sleet).

The cats are no exception.  First, they were in the mood to ignore the holiday.  Two days ago, that changed.  Buddy has been harassing BK since he showed up and entered the house.  BK has finally had enough!  Saturday, Buddy was staring out the window when BK snuck up behind him, leaped on his back, and started biting Buddy's neck.  This, obviously, is a big "NO NO." 

When BK showed last summer (I think there could be photos on this blog from then), he had signs of a cat fight that he took the brunt of (including a huge patch of missing fur and exposed muscle mass on the back of his neck).  Clearly, BK has decided to use the skills he has developed on Buddy.  Poor Buddy - he tends to be a bully, but is really a (dare I say it) pussy cat. 

I spend my day separating the two males.  Right now BK is in the master bedroom area, and Buddy has roaming area with the "girls."  They will switch locales later.  This was my day yesterday. BK spent the night outside (I guess he likes the snow).

"Reality is the leading cause of stress amongst those in touch with it." - Lily Tomlin

Climate Change

I certainly do not want to take anything away from the supreme leaders who are meeting in Copenhagen these days, but "climate change?"  Give me a break!  There are bigger issues in this world today than making promises (largely that can't or won't be met) concerning cutting back on man-made emissions. 

Monday temperatures were close to 50, Tuesday and Wednesday they hovered in the 20s, yesterday they rebounded, and today have remained in the mid-40s while we wait for snow flurries.  The birds found the suet feeder on Wednesday, and by mid-morning today located the sunflower seeds out in front of the kitchen window.  Birds are happy, kitties keep going outside, and BK has spent at least two nights this week out.

Seems rather NORMAL to me.  In the meantime, exactly what was the "carbon footprint" of those attending the big climate conference?  How many private planes were required to get the dignitaries to the meeting?  Why couldn't they take a hint from business and teleconference?  That would have been much "greener" and would have sent a more positive message.

No one should approach the temple of science with the soul of a money changer. ~Thomas Browne

Pending Holiday Activities

As you can see, "we've" been busy getting prepared for Christmas.  First, the Christmas-update letter had to be written.  Then cards located and a mailing list created (by consolidating several from past years and adding new people).  Finally, finding a space to complete the mailing is critical.  I have found that using the coffee table in the living room does not work, but clearly neither does using the kitchen counter (thank you, Black Beauty!).

Today (with a little luck) I will finalize the minimal gift locating.  I hope to head out soon (after addressing a couple more cards - if I can avoid having my pen bumped by helpful kitties - see above).  The temperature, unfortuantely, is more Christmas-like today (rather than the nearly 50 degrees we enjoyed yesterday, we will be lucky to see the upper 20s today). 

Not all in the household feel impelled by the frenzy around them.  Note that BK has decided to "rest up" from all the activity (actually, he has decided to head out for a little "fresh air" at the momen).  He discovered the "tree skirt" under Audrey and has made it his current "home."  Interesting - Bandit used to use this very skirt.

You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. ~Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

It's beginning to look ...

The good news today is the temperatures are above freezing.  It's good, because the rain has started (and stopped and started again, and so forth).  I finally ventured out to begin the annual hunt for appropriate gifts to commerate Christmas.  Although the job has barely begun, at least I was able to begin the decorating of "mi casa."

In honor of the season, I found some lights on sale and now have white blinking ones on the mantle as well as on the window over "Audrey's" head.  Audrey herself is now decked out in green lights for a festive look.  She is happy.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring.  Hopefully, the temperatures will remain above freezing over night so the trip to town in the morning will be safe.  I have a brief stop at the grocery planned and then inside for more Christmas preparations.

In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!' ~Dave Barry, "Christmas Shopping: A Survivor's Guide"

Falling Temperatures

Over night the wind died down just a little. The temperature this morning, however, was about 5.  Now the wind has re-exerted itself and the wind chill is likely in the negative digits.  In order to amuse those of you who do not reside in the Midwest or north of the famous Mason-Dixon line, the ambient temperature right now is 16.  Whew - I feel a heat wave.  So much for Global Warming, Al.

Actually, the sun is out and the kitties are confused.  BK keeps venturing forth, only to return in a short while.  Wind gusts are just keeping the day too cold for critters to be out and about.  Humane Society warnings abound on the news programs today.  Keep them inside and provide "insulated" cover for the feral cats.  My feral cat is quite content staying inside after his brief attempts to meander around the yard (has not been outside more than 5 minutes at a time).

Fish are likely at the bottom of the ponds. I think they are not moving much - sort of hibernating.  The flag is straight out again (see yesterday's post) and the gale has returned from the West.  Another good day to stay inside. 

"I was just thinking, if it is really religion with these nudist colonies, they sure must turn atheists in the wintertime." ~Will Rogers

Wintery Blast!

What a challenge - to take a photograph (or two) that shows the wind (and resulting chill) today.  The morning started with a balmy 36 degrees, but the temperature has steadily dropped since then.  As I write, the thermometer indicates that the temperature at the top of the screened porch is now 19.  Wind has come from the west at a consistent 30+ mph with gusts around 50 mph (or maybe more).  Great day to stay inside if you ask me.

I have managed a few accomplishments.  For example, I decided that the resume format I have used for the past several months apparently is not working (or else the job offers would have been piling up in my mailbox, right?).  For about a week I have been re-formatting in my mind and today I committed the changes and have sent out a few (via the electronic media - how else) as a test.  While accomplishing this, the temperatures fell and the fire place was lit (and then turned off when the temperature neared 68).  I decided to evaluate the outside and found the fish pond freezing around the edges.  By tomorrow morning I predict a mere trickle from the fountain and the rest a frozen mass.  I am not really ready for that side of winder (yet).

Then one more attempt at depicting the wind.  I had to step outside, but found the perfect (in my mind) example of the current gale - the flag.  For you who are not close to this location, I hope this gives you a real "feel" of the situation we faced today.

"The weather outside is frightful ..." is a refrain now coming through my mind.  Time to get the decorations out and make Christmas come inside. 

"There has been only one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries." ~W.J. Cameron

December is Winter!

Two days ago "we" were greeted with below freezing temperatures.  The fountain in the fish pond has icicles hanging below the flowing water.  It won't be long before the ponds freeze over and the fish go dormant for the winter months. 

The "killing frost" showed itself on the grass and other surviving vegetation.  That was the end of fall.  It was also "deer season" for those with permits and guns!  I haven't seen "my deer" since the first season two weeks ago.  I wonder if they survived the on slaught.  One more season this year (for guns that is).

I did have a hunter show up on Friday night.  Apparently he had hit a deer about a half mile from here and had been tracking it.  He wanted permission to look for it in my backyard (which naturally I gave him - who wants a dead deer in the yard?).  I have no idea if he found it or not.

This morning provided the first snow fall that stuck. Blondie (who else) was the first "inside" cat to venture forth.  BK had spent the night out and tracked the deck while waiting to get inside at 6:30 AM.  Winter has definitely arrived.  The snow has now departed (for the day), but we have the promise of more tomorrow night.  Time to decorate for the season.

The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found? ~J.B. Priestley

Happy Thanksgiving 2009

Happy Thanksgiving - a refrain that will be heard by millions today.  It is a day that annually we gather to celebrate family, food, fun, and football.  My wish is that today everyone arrives at their destinations safely and that during the revelry of gluttony none of the 5th "F" (fights) rears its ugly head.

"The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving." ~H.U. Westermayer

Giving

I am not sure if "de-cluttering" is automatically linked to "giving," but today it was.  Yesterday I tackled the kitchen cabinets and part of the basement.  I sorted out duplicates and other miscellaneous "stuff."  I had intended to deliver to two locations.

When the rain started this afternoon I was ready.  I loaded my goods and went to town.  The first location took everything!  Coffee mugs, dishes, suitcases, a crepe pan (who has time to make them any more), and other finds.  After I brought in my last box and before I could get a receipt, someone picked up one of my offerings and made a purchase - a good deal for both of us, and the senior center.

The best part of the venture - when I segregated suitcases to be taken, I went through all the pockets.  I netted $43 and miscellaneous change! 

"One must be poor to know the luxury of giving!" ~George Eliot

Amazing Weather

Here we are - approaching the end of November.  Today the temperature hung around 61 degrees F for most of the afternoon.  The other morning (see photographs) the ambient temperature and the ground generated significant fog (enough to hide the deer even).

Now the first weekend of deer season (via shotguns) has officially ended.  I have not seen my babies all day.  I hope they were able to survive the hunter onslaught, but they are surely lying low for now.  Next week will bring another round of shotguns into the neighborhood. 

On the positive side of the hunting equation, a couple of my trees are now showing the effects of the local deer population.  The scrapes are really significant.  I sprayed them yesterday (better late than never) and can only hope for no additional damage.

As I said, maybe the fog will give them additional cover. The forecast is for flurries yet this week.  Crazy weather right now.  I am not a big proponent of "global climate change," and am willing to take this current mild weather as an opportunity to get outside more.  So, yesterday I took my books and sat in my chair, positioned in the sun and out of the wind.  Today I went for a 4-mile run outside - it was fabulous.  What a way to WARM up to the pending Thanksgiving gathering.

"The fascination of shooting as a sport depends almost wholly on whether you are at the right or wrong end of a gun." ~P.G. Wodehouse

Boiler UP!

"Across the clear November sky ... I am an American."  The tradition lives.  Nice to hear the same words starting the game on November 14, 2009, as were used during my tenure as a Purdue student. 

It was Granpy's idea for us to take the sojourn to West Lafayette.  Planning started during the Corn Festival weekend.  The Michigan cousins were included in the planning, but one excuse after another left them without tickets for this year's Purdue/MSU game.  It was their loss (not the game, but the hanging out with family).

Granpy made the arrangements and found us some terrific seats behind the Purdue band.  That gave us much to watch between plays and during the television-imposed commercial breaks (when the game is televised, it gets to be a much longer event then when it is merely played).

The weather was picture perfect - for a day in early October!  It was unbelievable weather.  No one could have imagined that sweatshirts would be the definition of "over dressed" and jackets and blankets would not be necessary. 

Ava got into the spirit of the day when she dressed as a "little" Purdue cheerleader.  Nathan and Dakota wore the gold and black - in opposing socks.  We were all in our festive Purdue-wear and even the ND fan put on a new t-shirt for the day.

Alright, only one more thing would have made it a perfect day.  Unfortunately, Purdue lacked the four points to cap the game off with a win.  But the weather, band, and others made the day at Ross-Ade absolutely suitable.  As I am fond of saying, it is nice to know that Purdue is focused on academics rather than sports. 

As a true Boilermaker, I am always proud of the band.  The best in the Big Ten (in my humble opinion), made more so without the advantage of a School of Music.

"College football is a sport that bears the same relation to education that bullfighting does to agriculture." ~Elbert Hubbard

Country Fall

The past several days have been FABULOUS.  Nothing like a kitty catching a few warm rays to make you smile.  Lucky Blondie - not a care in the world.  Her cat brain is focused on lying in the sun, eating, drinking out of the fish pond, eating, sitting on my lab, and eating (pretty much in that order, too).

But fall isn't only dazzeling sunshine and warm days.  In addition to the ubiquious Asina lady bettles, other insect life has shown itself.  For example, check out this "little" fellow that climbed on the guest room window Halloween Day.      Recognizing that there is a window and about and almost two inches between me and the screen, you can imagin the "surprised" reaction I had when I raised the venetian blinds and found this little chap.  He was quite content (a lot like Blondie) to catch the warm Indian summer rays.

Finally, most of the outside fall chores are coming to an end.  the final mowing of the season is complete (I mowed "short" to winter over), have cleaned the fountains in the fish ponds (removed a ton of moss from the filter material) so they flow freely again, and even trimmed some of the bushes (see last post for day's events).  I put off the bushes because of "Chuck," but I think he is sleeping now.  The bush that he has made his burrow under, however, is starting to show signs of stress.  Next year Chuck will have his own level of stress if I have anything to say about the situation.  No more living under the house!

Now for the rest of the Fall chorse - cleaning out closets (and getting stuff gathered up for donating to the local charities as well as placing on Freecycle), de-cluttering the office and desk in the living room, and completing the cleaning chorse (don't forget the BASEMENT!).  It seems that the work never ends, and "expands to fill the time available." 

All this said, there are books to be read as well.  Where to begin the prioritization process - work versus knowledge/learning.  My lazy self perfers the book options, but the practical side screams to get some housework completed.  I guess I will need to balance.

Contacted the school district to evaluate the option of getting on the substitute teacher roster.  They were not very encouraging:  college transcrpt in the "original unopened mailing envelop," a physical (yet to be defined) and TB test not more than 90 days old, and an application completed.  Then they finger print and do the background check.  After 8 weeks (probably) one can get on the roster.  I am weighing the option with serious intent.

"A clean house is the sign of a boring person." - Author Unknown

Busy Day

A quick infomrational note seems to be in order right now.  It seems to have been a banner day (without even discussing the plumbing situation).  Two phone interviews and a good hour of trimming the front bushes.  So much for making the most of the last really terrific (weather-wise) day (at least for this week).

Doesn't sound like much now that I have written it down, but believe me it has been a terrific day.  More later on these and other topics, but it is approching the "witching hour" and tomorrow will definitely be "another day."  Of course, I have plans (related to generation of at least "part-time" work), but the way things have been going lately even those could be subject to change. 

Plumbing problem "remains" need to be properly dealt with along with other "stuff" on today's (and earlier's) "to do" list(s)."  I hope to be caught up enough before the end of the week to have a vehicle into the shop for routine maintenance (just before the end of fall "sets in" with a vengence).

"The best laid schemes o' Mice and Men,

Gang aft agley,

An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,

For promise'd joy!" - Robert Burns (1759 - 1796)

Halloween

Before you say anything, I will freely admit I am a tad late with this post.  No good excuse either.  Perhaps it is a reaction to the news that I am no longer receiving an unemployment check.  No I am not employed - my benefits have been exhausted.  After a year and a half (has it been that long?), I am off the "dole."

Back to the theme of this post.  I thought I should share my views from Halloween night.  First, the sunset was spectacular.  Then the moon rise - what more could you ask for than a clear sky and an almost full moon floating over the tree tops. 

Pulling away a tad and the complete "show" can been seen over the back "forty" of the yard.  The only sad part was the sudden recognition that the leaves were almost gone from the trees.  Today I look out and only the Bradford pear has all its leaves (many of which are still green).  The past two mornings have shown white "stuff" on the grass - called frost for those of you too far south to have seen and/or enjoyed the change in this season.  Now the garden area is turning for its winter "sleep." 

This week (now that the pressure of sending out five applications each week has been removed - see beginning of post) will include a number of "getting ready for winter" tasks - cleaning out the front garden, cleaning the filters in the fish pond, and starting the task of sorting through closets and cupboards to clear out those items not used in the past year (or so).  Time to declutter!  I'll let you know later if I am successful in this objective.

"Never again clutter your days and nights with so many menial and unimportant things that you have no time to accept a real challenge when it comes along.  This applies to play as well as work.  A day merely survived is no cause for celebration.  You are not here to fritter away your precious hours when you have the ability to accomplish so much by making a slight change in your routine.  No more busy work.  No more hiding from success.  Leave time, leave space, to grow.  Now. Now! Not tomorrow!" - Augustine "Og" Mandino (1923 - 1996)

October Weather

Usually Fall is my all time favorite part of the year.  This year, however, it seems to be soggy and not fit for being outside.  Even my quick trip to Sullivan two days ago was not totally dry.

The drive across Illinois was semi-sunny and almost a perfect fall day.  As I crossed over the Wabash River, I got to thinking about times before I left for college.  Fall generally included rides in the country to admire the leaves.

After I arrived at Mom's and unloaded my truck, we got into her car and headed West (and then South).  Yes - Merom, Indiana.  What fond memories that place holds.

All who were young are very happy that our parents don't know everything that we did or were involved in while learning "right from wrong" through our youthful mistakes.  For me, Merom is one location that brings up some "youthful" antics that are best not enumerated here (or perhaps any where, now that I think about them - such as church "camp").

On the plus side, I was very happy to spend the fall day with Mom.  Who knows how many more such fine days we will be able to share.  We both had a great time, the leaves were beautiful, the weather warm enough, and the company superb.

We ended our afternoon drive with a stop to view the Halloween decorations.  I love Halloween - it probably is my favorite of all the ones that we celebrate each year. 

Not only decorations, but one of the best pleasures of a fine fall day - building a leaf pile to jump in and play.  A perfect day after all. 

The rain didn't return until I was back in Illinois, almost two hours away from Indiana.  Fall really is perfect - isn't it?

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." - Albert Camus (1913 - 1960)

Musings 101

Hunting season is now upon us.  No wonder the deer are closing in on my house.  I checked outside about 6 pm the other day and the deer were surrounding the house.  They really are cute - aren't they?    Of course they are in the front (read "tall grasses") when the sun goes down.  Nothing like pulling into the drive at twilight and seeing several pairs of eyes staring back at you.

Well, the pundits on both sides have spoken re: Peace Prize.  I guess I beat the rush with my last post.  Nice to be justified by the full political spectrum (including, I might add, the President himself).

Birthdays this week:  Uncle is 92 and Mom is 87.  Both are remarkably healthy for their ages.  When life spans such as these are encountered it makes you wonder if (a) you will be in their statistical set and (b) if so, what will you be like at that age.  I hope my health is great (although that isn't too likely - I don't eat ice cream 5 or 6 days each week, don't drink 2% milk every day, and don't balance my dinners daily), but I would also hope that the brain functioning remains ahead of the curve.  Guess we will have to wait another 25 years or so to see if that comes to pass.

"Old age is not so bad when you consider the alternatives." - Maurice Chevalier  (1888 - 1972)

Nobel Peace Prize

What a morning wake up - call from my neighbor.  I could not believe what she said - and, in fact, I thought she was kidding.  Nope.  The Peace Prize has been awarded to our current president.  I understand that he was a surprised as I was.

No coffee for me this morning.  I pondered what the committee granted the prize for - just what accomplishment was in accord with the requirement of the prize? 

Research into the Nobel Peace Prize revealed the following:

On 27 November 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his last will and testament, giving the largest share of his fortune to a series of prizes, the Nobel Prizes. As described in Nobel's will, one part was dedicated to "the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses."  [The Washington Post - Friday, October 9, 2009 6:50 AM]

So I attempted to recap our new President's accomplishments that meet this requirement.  All I can come up with (other than his bow to the King of Saudi Arabia) is his sweep around the world to apologize for our country.  I have mixed emotions:  on the positive side it is great that this country's leader is honored in this way, but on the negative side it seems that the committee has lost its bearing in the purpose of the prized (I guess we should have seen this coming with the award going to Al Gore for making a movie that is inconsistent with the scientific understanding to date).

For once, I think that Saturday Night Live expresses the current level of understanding that many in the US have at this point in time.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mMR9Ztva58  We clearly are missing the "bigger picture" and the other 104 nominees just could not compete with the "potential" of our president.

Enough said.

"I can forgive Alfred Nobel for having invented dynamite, but only a fiend could have invented the Nobel Prize." - George Bernad Shaw

Harvest Moon

What perfect timing - the "Harvest Moon" has arrived along with the farmers in the fields picking corn and beans.  The Farmer's Almanac says this about the early October full moon:

Full Harvest Moon - October.  This is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Usually the full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice the chief Indian staples are now ready for gathering.

When I was returning from Shelbyville this evening (about 6:30 PM) the orange moon was rising over the corn fields in a clear sky.  When I pulled into my driveway there were three young deer (see "End of Summer" photographs) in the tall grasses.

Today I hung large balls of dog fur on the young trees out in front (I used hairnets).  Hopefully, this technique will keep the deer from molesting the trees and save the ones that have survived the first year plus in the ground here.  I will put balls of cat fur on the remaining trees after I acquire more hairnets. 

Tomorrow it is back to the job hunt, but not until I complete some "engineering" work for JPL.  The project has lingered for more than a year.  I hope we are more careful in selecting our clients in the future.

"There are nights when the wolves are silent and only the moon howls" - George Carlin

Precision versus Accuracy

What a fun day - I went to an All Women's gun safety class. The day started as you would expect in a room of strangers (there were seven class members, three instructors, and a couple on lookers - club president and spouse). It did not take too long (like the first break), and we started getting to know a bit of each other's backgrounds. There was a night nurse (Sara Bush hospital), an EMT, a retired waitress, and two daughters of policemen. Most had brought their own hand guns.

The class began with the normal discussion of the types of handguns (there are two: revolvers and semi-automatics), what is ammunition (and what exactly is a bullet), and how to handle guns in a safe manner. When the topic of gun transport came up (it is in the NRA handbook), the class fell apart. The laws in Illinois were explored (with great animation), and then it was time for lunch.

Following our indoor time, we headed to the range for practice with a wide variety of hand guns. Everyone tried multiple types and calibers. We then each shot a target. Although I didn't hit the center, two of the instructors complemented me on my "grouping." One said that precision (i.e., being able to get most of the shots to land within a small area) was better than accuracy. Accuracy can be improved by re-sighting (i.e., gaining more experience). I was more than happy.

"Amendment II - A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." - US Bill of Rights (1789)

Tuesdays with Murry

Actually, the week started with "Monday with Murry" and then progressed to Tuesday. Today will be another round and, with luck, the two of us will finish before the rain begins on Thursday. Why? Because once again the Sears has failed.

Completely full of gas, I sat patiently on the Sears riding lawnmower and turned the key. A brief whir and then nothing. I could not believe my ears! I turned the key again, and this time the silence was deafening. As you may be able to discern from the photo, the grass had gone to seed and was tall enough to hide a cat or two.

With the self-propelled Craftsman on loan, the only recourse was the ancient (but totally reliable) Murry. Gassed up, checked the oil, pumped the primer several times, and one pull - s/he started right up. Whew!

Two hours of pushing (yes, dear reader, Mr. Murry is NOT self-propelled) and the backyard was done. Tuesday a repeat performance for the immediate front yard close to the house. Today - if the sun will shine and the temperature reaches the 60s, I will venture with the Murry to the front nearest the road. I should finish the back pathways on Thursday. Rain after that for several days - guess I will have to repeat the performance again next week.

The blasted rider will need a professional to look it over. I charged the battery overnight and on Tuesday heard a VERY STRANGE noise when I turned the key. The PTO was in, the battery charged - so the best guess: starter problems. Oh well - at least I can still push the Murry (and the exercise benefit does not go unappreciated).

"Machines take me by surprise with great frequency." - Alan Turning, English mathematician (1912 - 1954)

Corn Festival Frolics

Once again, a delay between entries. I suppose this is somewhat due to my recent venture to Sullivan for the "world famous" Corn Festival (note photos in "gadget").

I always enjoy the local "flavor" of Midwest, small-town "get-togethers." There were several last weekend, all within a 30-mile radius. Going home to the festival one grew up with is the best - even if you don't recognize all the people. Of course, they might not be people that I ever knew so that is one reason for the lack of recognition.

The festivities began at dinner with high school classmates. Naturally, I was late - but only by about 3 minutes. I had to circle the parking lot and then parked behind the neighboring business - next to one of my classmates. What a treat - he said I had barely changed since high school - same size and same hair color (from a guy who has "filled out" and whose hair is now more white than grey).

Later time on the Square listening to a live band. Music was blues-y.

Saturday began with a 5K race (not my best distance) and a time of 28:32 (which was very good for me). Later it was time for the annual parade, followed by the primary reason for my attendance (as well as for running the race): FUNNEL CAKE! Then nap time, drinks in the gazebo with mom, dinner out, more music on the Square, and the grand finale - campfire at Jean's. Quite the festivities this year.

So that was the weekend highlights. How about this - a "real world" blog rather than the normal philosophical rant. Don't get used to this, however. I am merely priming the pump for a series on politics (I know I promised, but that was 6 months ago), life experiences, and observations of the mundane.

"Human beings are the only creatures that allow their children to come back home." - Bill Cosby