life in the old lane

Didn’t do much today.

Mario’s is about a block away and we can see it from our east facing windows. It is open until the last drunk makes it out the door. Usually about 5AM. When I can not sleep at night, I watch the comings and goings at Mario’s. Their customers are not asleep – so why should I be asleep.

And now, for the dark side – our local crematorium. About three blocks away. We can not see the crematorium. But, at least once a day – I take a little short cut thru their parking lot. And, I have never seen any smoke coming out those smoke stacks. I wonder – do they only crank up the oven after dark?

Before the housing market crashed, a condo was going to be built on the mortuary site – but the mortuary/crematorium was going to stay on the ground floor. Sort of macabre – even for my tastes.

No news today. 100+ temperature. Leftover salmon w/tomato and guacamole for dinner, Not too shabby.

Just lazed around today. Cold chicken, potato salad and zucchini on tap for dinner. Sort of an indoor picnic. Carlton doesn’t like to eat out and that includes outside. Well, that saves money – don’t have to buy table and chairs for the terrace. 

Another money saver. There is a dress I want at JJill. But, to get a new dress I have to give up an existing dress or a blouse and skirt or blouse and pants. (Hey, it is my rule. It doesn’t have to make sense.) But, I decided that I want to keep all of my existing dresses, skirts, pants and blouses. So, no new dress, for now at least.

Peg’s Instant Solution to the Debt Ceiling Problem: Xie Xuren, Chinese Finance Minister, announces that China will not buy any US paper until we get our shit together. In 5 minutes – debt ceiling vanishes. Poof.

Stopped off on my way home from volunteer job to snap off some shots of a sunflower.

I got home before the lunch guests arrived. And, there is leftover salmon and potato salad. Life is good – if I don’t think about the peabrains running our country. I think the Republicans are the result of our current misguided parenting process whereby every kid is “special” and every action results in a hardy round of “good job” followed by a trip to Mickey D’s for a Happy Meal. (Now don’t get me wrong – I have McDonald’s stock – Happy Meals are a good thing.)

So, our Republican congress people are “special”. Fox News tells them they are doing a “good job”. And they all have eyes on the next Happy Meal or election – not the common good.

No joy in today’s photograph. I just shot something because I am having this photo a day thing.

Spent all morning at volunteer job. Spent all afternoon getting food together to feed Carlton’s friends tomorrow noon. I’ll finish up the getting the food ready and the living room tidied up before heading out to volunteering tomorrow morning. This all seems a lot like work. Tuesday afternoon is supposed to be my afternoon “off”. I am tired and crabby.

But, in the fridge there is a nice chuck of baked salmon, a vat of potato salad, a platter of prosciutto and melon. Plus turkey and cheese sandwiches – which will be tonight’s dinner. 

I managed to score tax-free tickets to Kona. October 29, Alaska Air. One way.

If Congress can not get their shit together enough to keep collecting air-fare taxes – what makes us think they’ll solve this debt thing? Wishful thinking? Hope over experience? Well, the NFL got their shit together.

Blazing heat gone. Now, it is just normal hot summer weather.

Trying to get my act together enough to buy tickets to Kona or somewhere. Congress couldn’t even agree on funding the FAA, so federal taxes on plane tickets expired at midnight on Friday. I spend way too much time fussing over plane tickets. I need a Netjet card!

Today, we honor Dr Tesla. Who “invented” alternating current. The AC part of AC/DC. Without AC, Mr Carrier’s fine air conditioner invention would only serve those who lived within one mile of a power plant.

I have been thinking about getting old. What’s this “getting” crap??? Next birthday is 68 for me. I really don’t want to be one of those little old ladies who are bathed, diapered and fed in the nursing home. Or anywhere. I don’t want someone saying “Now Dearie, eat your applesauce. You know you like applesauce”. The Horror. I hate applesauce. And being called dearie.

What do I have to look forward to? Adult diapers. Applesauce. Walkers. Oh yes, and my very own WOW Computer.  No new MacBook Air for you, old person.

 

And how hot is it??? So hot that I didn’t even think about getting a new computer. My brain melted.

Spend all day hanging out around the air conditioner. The picture of the day was taken in my very own air conditioned kitchen.

May  the goddess bless Willis Carrier. He invented the modern air conditioner.

Still liking those new MacBook Airs. But, I’ll resist. I think. Maybe.

Another shot from the zoo last Sunday. I think this one is my favorite.

A couple of times a month my walk to/from work takes me past this colorful little old house. We often think of Victorian houses as mostly white with dark shutters. But, that would be wrong the result of looking at black and white photos.. The Victorian era homeowner actually loved colors. The more the merrier.

I have a case of new computer lust. A new Airness would be sweet. The Airness used to be “special” now it is the entry level MacBook. Oh well. The new one has 2 USB ports. I guess I’d give up specialness for an extra USB port.

But, there is a new iPod Touch too. So many toys. So little need.

Starting to get Google+ working.