Three and a half hours to go yet, but this is the end of 2008.
Been a heck of a year, I think 2009 will be better but we shall see.
Take Care, drive safe, and don't let the Drunk Drivers get ya.
MagiK
Solar Solar Solar
15 years ago
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Surviving Christmas
We managed to get through the most hectic time of the year, our Dog had a shattered limb that had to be pieced together and plated in place, with a large cast. He's doing pretty well now, and We have relaxed again to try and make the most of this most restful part of our year.
Coming up is Fleiz Navidad, My Birthday January 6th, and it brings me one step closer to that big 50....funny, I dont feel any older. Though I will admit that the old joints do ached a bit more.
Well I wish to reach out to two friends of mine who I have not heard from in a while,
Machine Head, hope you and your daughters are well.
Atty, get well soon!
Coming up is Fleiz Navidad, My Birthday January 6th, and it brings me one step closer to that big 50....funny, I dont feel any older. Though I will admit that the old joints do ached a bit more.
Well I wish to reach out to two friends of mine who I have not heard from in a while,
Machine Head, hope you and your daughters are well.
Atty, get well soon!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Tragedy Strikes when you least expect it
Our oldest dog, an American Eskimo slipped down the steps on his way out to do his business last night about 3am. He is 16 and can hardly hear, or see but still he has managed those steps fairly well over the years (it is a spiral set down from our deck to the back yard, about 15 feet long)
The other two dogs run up and down these stairs in all weather with nary a problem, but they are much closer to the ground and if they slip its like a sled rids down a hill for them.
Kodiak however is taller and somehow managed to shatter his front right leg, radius and ulna both. It is a really nasty looking X-Ray.
Where I grew up and with pretty much everyone I was raised with, this would mean putting the dog down. (I mean he is 16, and suffering from a number of dog ailments and on more pills than my grandma).
But here in the city C. will be with him during the surgery tomorrow and will have to nurse him back to health for what will be a protracted period. The Surgeons fee alone is about $3k plus a weekend in the ER plus a day or two for recovering in the Animal Hospital plus the cost of X-Rays and the emergency room 3am arrival and the pain meds and other assorted shots...all told this will hit $6k easy. Fun fun fun. Just in time for Jingle Bells. The real pain is that now someone will have to put him on a leash and walk him out front several times a day (the meds he is on means he urinates like a firehose all day long).
Long story short, if Algore would get off his ass and get that global warming here, we wouldn't have had icy steps!
The other two dogs run up and down these stairs in all weather with nary a problem, but they are much closer to the ground and if they slip its like a sled rids down a hill for them.
Kodiak however is taller and somehow managed to shatter his front right leg, radius and ulna both. It is a really nasty looking X-Ray.
Where I grew up and with pretty much everyone I was raised with, this would mean putting the dog down. (I mean he is 16, and suffering from a number of dog ailments and on more pills than my grandma).
But here in the city C. will be with him during the surgery tomorrow and will have to nurse him back to health for what will be a protracted period. The Surgeons fee alone is about $3k plus a weekend in the ER plus a day or two for recovering in the Animal Hospital plus the cost of X-Rays and the emergency room 3am arrival and the pain meds and other assorted shots...all told this will hit $6k easy. Fun fun fun. Just in time for Jingle Bells. The real pain is that now someone will have to put him on a leash and walk him out front several times a day (the meds he is on means he urinates like a firehose all day long).
Long story short, if Algore would get off his ass and get that global warming here, we wouldn't have had icy steps!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
100 Things I have Done or may do....or not
Saw this over at Roberta X's blog and thought I'd put up mine:
1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars. .
3. Played in a Band. (I cannot carry a tune and have no msical talent).
4. Visited Hawaii. (Only for Refueling stops in a P3).
5. Watched a meteor shower. (Many Times)
6. Given more than you can afford to charity. (once by accident, once on purpose)
7. Been to Disneyland. And Disney World.
8. Climbed a mountain. (Mounts Moffit and Adagdak on Adak Island)
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo. (during a disasterous attempt to join the choral group)
11. Bungee jumped. (Are you friggin nuts?)
12. Visited Paris. (I'll stick with photographs. France holds no interest for me.).
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea. (From the shore)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch. if cooking is an art.
15. Adopted a child. (Grew two of my own though)
16. Had food poisoning. (ohh would that it werent true)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
101. Traveled the world and been to places 99% of the rest of the world will never see. Yeah got that one checked off, and I still prefer home.
100 Things
THINGS I'VE DONE (in bold):1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars. .
3. Played in a Band. (I cannot carry a tune and have no msical talent).
4. Visited Hawaii. (Only for Refueling stops in a P3).
5. Watched a meteor shower. (Many Times)
6. Given more than you can afford to charity. (once by accident, once on purpose)
7. Been to Disneyland. And Disney World.
8. Climbed a mountain. (Mounts Moffit and Adagdak on Adak Island)
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo. (during a disasterous attempt to join the choral group)
11. Bungee jumped. (Are you friggin nuts?)
12. Visited Paris. (I'll stick with photographs. France holds no interest for me.).
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea. (From the shore)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch. if cooking is an art.
15. Adopted a child. (Grew two of my own though)
16. Had food poisoning. (ohh would that it werent true)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
18. Grown your own vegetables. (grew up on a farm)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France. (See 12)
20. Slept on an overnight train. Yes in a sleeper car, from Seatle to Pittsburgh
21. Had a pillow fight. Yeah but it lead to lots more :)
22. Hitch hiked. Only a few times.
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill. (of course. Mental Health days are important)
24. Built a snow fort. (We made some huge forts in my day)
25. Held a Lamb. (no but did help deliver and hold a new born foal)
26. Gone skinny dipping. (too many times to count, when you live in the Carribian...)
27. Run a Marathon. (10k's were my longest)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice. (See 12)
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise. (Not yet, may still do one, want to do the Alaska coast and maybe a med cruise)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person. (Absolutely awe inspiring)
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors. (Might do it, some day...Germany and Poland and Ireland)
35. Seen an Amish community. (Sister married a mennonite and they live in Amish country)
36. Taught yourself a new language. (Failed french two years running)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied. It happens occasionally with varying degrees of frequency.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person. (See 12)
39. Gone rock climbing. (so many many times)
40. Seen Michelangelo's David. (See 12)
41. Sung karaoke. (only if I was drunk and I dont recall it.)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt. (All of Yellowstone is on my todo list, if the libs dont lock it down first)
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant. (Not out side of an arranged business deal and I dont count dates)
44. Visited Africa. (No, thank you. Nothing of any interest to me on that continent.).
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight. Many many times. Alone and together.
46. Been transported in an ambulance. (More than once :( )
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person. (See 12)
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. (See 12,).
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling. (Snorkling: This, I'd love to do again!)
52. Kissed in the rain. (and made love)
53. Played in the mud. (and tried to make love ;) )
54. Gone to a drive-in theater.
55. Been in a movie. (Extra in Stephen King's Pet Semetary)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China. (Nothing in this region of the world interests me)
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class. (Yes in Puerto Rico Kim po tai, I believeit was called)
59. Visited Russia. (Not allowed there due to secret squirrell work in my past)
60. Served at a soup kitchen. (Not a soup kitchen per se, but a Feed the Homeless thing for the Catholic Church)
61. Sold Boy Scout Cookies.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Got flowers for no reason. (I have received other gifts spontaneously)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma. (Used to do it regularly when it was more convenient, now they make it more dificult)
65. Gone sky diving. (Are you crazy?)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp. (Historically fascinating, emotionally to devastating)
67. Bounced a check. (Yes my paycheck bounced so consequently my checks bounced, it was a hoot....not)
68. Flown in a helicopter. (As an Emergency Medical Case....kinda fun except for the blood)
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy. (Dad believed in tossing things out if they were not functional or practical)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial. (Many times, and all the other memorials in Down Town DC)
71. Eaten Caviar. (Once...ugh bait!)
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square. (I try to avoid NY)
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job. (Once, it was a learning experience)
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London. (Maybe some day if the brits get it together again.).
77. Broken a bone. (several)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle. (a few times, riding and driving)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person. (not yet)
80. Published a book. (Had a short story published in my home town news paper though)
81. Visited the Vatican. (Lovely place, maybe some day)
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Walked in Jerusalem. (Nothing of any real interest there for me to warrent the risks.).
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible. (During Navy Basic Training...aka Boot Camp)).
86. Visited the White House. (Also saw President Reagan laying in State at the Capitol).
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating. (Deer, Squirrel, Rabbit and Grouse)
88. Had chickenpox.
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury. (Murder Case in SanDiego, convicted the guy then learned that the principle Cop involved with the case was sleeping iwth the wife and had as much motive and opportunity, Hope the guy got an appeal. We learned the truth after the fact))
91. Met someone famous. (Several).
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Had a baby. (Well not myself no...but I planted two of them)
95. Seen the Alamo in person. (I really should.).
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake. (not too into swimming in most landlocked waters, the crystal clear carribean has spoiled me)
97. Been involved in a law suit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France. (See 12)
20. Slept on an overnight train. Yes in a sleeper car, from Seatle to Pittsburgh
21. Had a pillow fight. Yeah but it lead to lots more :)
22. Hitch hiked. Only a few times.
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill. (of course. Mental Health days are important)
24. Built a snow fort. (We made some huge forts in my day)
25. Held a Lamb. (no but did help deliver and hold a new born foal)
26. Gone skinny dipping. (too many times to count, when you live in the Carribian...)
27. Run a Marathon. (10k's were my longest)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice. (See 12)
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise. (Not yet, may still do one, want to do the Alaska coast and maybe a med cruise)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person. (Absolutely awe inspiring)
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors. (Might do it, some day...Germany and Poland and Ireland)
35. Seen an Amish community. (Sister married a mennonite and they live in Amish country)
36. Taught yourself a new language. (Failed french two years running)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied. It happens occasionally with varying degrees of frequency.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person. (See 12)
39. Gone rock climbing. (so many many times)
40. Seen Michelangelo's David. (See 12)
41. Sung karaoke. (only if I was drunk and I dont recall it.)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt. (All of Yellowstone is on my todo list, if the libs dont lock it down first)
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant. (Not out side of an arranged business deal and I dont count dates)
44. Visited Africa. (No, thank you. Nothing of any interest to me on that continent.).
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight. Many many times. Alone and together.
46. Been transported in an ambulance. (More than once :( )
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person. (See 12)
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. (See 12,).
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling. (Snorkling: This, I'd love to do again!)
52. Kissed in the rain. (and made love)
53. Played in the mud. (and tried to make love ;) )
54. Gone to a drive-in theater.
55. Been in a movie. (Extra in Stephen King's Pet Semetary)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China. (Nothing in this region of the world interests me)
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class. (Yes in Puerto Rico Kim po tai, I believeit was called)
59. Visited Russia. (Not allowed there due to secret squirrell work in my past)
60. Served at a soup kitchen. (Not a soup kitchen per se, but a Feed the Homeless thing for the Catholic Church)
61. Sold Boy Scout Cookies.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Got flowers for no reason. (I have received other gifts spontaneously)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma. (Used to do it regularly when it was more convenient, now they make it more dificult)
65. Gone sky diving. (Are you crazy?)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp. (Historically fascinating, emotionally to devastating)
67. Bounced a check. (Yes my paycheck bounced so consequently my checks bounced, it was a hoot....not)
68. Flown in a helicopter. (As an Emergency Medical Case....kinda fun except for the blood)
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy. (Dad believed in tossing things out if they were not functional or practical)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial. (Many times, and all the other memorials in Down Town DC)
71. Eaten Caviar. (Once...ugh bait!)
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square. (I try to avoid NY)
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job. (Once, it was a learning experience)
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London. (Maybe some day if the brits get it together again.).
77. Broken a bone. (several)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle. (a few times, riding and driving)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person. (not yet)
80. Published a book. (Had a short story published in my home town news paper though)
81. Visited the Vatican. (Lovely place, maybe some day)
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Walked in Jerusalem. (Nothing of any real interest there for me to warrent the risks.).
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible. (During Navy Basic Training...aka Boot Camp)).
86. Visited the White House. (Also saw President Reagan laying in State at the Capitol).
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating. (Deer, Squirrel, Rabbit and Grouse)
88. Had chickenpox.
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury. (Murder Case in SanDiego, convicted the guy then learned that the principle Cop involved with the case was sleeping iwth the wife and had as much motive and opportunity, Hope the guy got an appeal. We learned the truth after the fact))
91. Met someone famous. (Several).
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Had a baby. (Well not myself no...but I planted two of them)
95. Seen the Alamo in person. (I really should.).
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake. (not too into swimming in most landlocked waters, the crystal clear carribean has spoiled me)
97. Been involved in a law suit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.
101. Traveled the world and been to places 99% of the rest of the world will never see. Yeah got that one checked off, and I still prefer home.
Hooray hooray the range is open again.
Our local indoor range has been closed for months for renovation, but is now open again.
Mysti will have the chance to try out her new Walther now.
Mysti will have the chance to try out her new Walther now.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Post Turkey Day thoughts: Network Television
Watching Boston Legal last night and they hit on something that has had me mystified lately.
With the large number of boomers over 50, with the amount of disposable income they have available, why do the networks not Put programming on for them? Why is it that the only demographic they pitch to are the pubescent and young 20 somethings? Nearly all the shows I have liked have been pitched to small demographic groups, shows like Firefly, Buffy, Angel, Farscape, Treks, and the Stargates all of which had seriously diehard fans, all of which had story lines people of all ages could follow and all of which got less than 1/10 the promotional network backing they should have had.
Will the networks realize their untapped audience before Television peters out and no one bothers to watch at all? They are moaning about low viewership, and yet seem to be ingnoring the largest group of potential watchers. I just do not get it.
With the large number of boomers over 50, with the amount of disposable income they have available, why do the networks not Put programming on for them? Why is it that the only demographic they pitch to are the pubescent and young 20 somethings? Nearly all the shows I have liked have been pitched to small demographic groups, shows like Firefly, Buffy, Angel, Farscape, Treks, and the Stargates all of which had seriously diehard fans, all of which had story lines people of all ages could follow and all of which got less than 1/10 the promotional network backing they should have had.
Will the networks realize their untapped audience before Television peters out and no one bothers to watch at all? They are moaning about low viewership, and yet seem to be ingnoring the largest group of potential watchers. I just do not get it.
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