Americas Got Talent, connection speed, chores, games, socialization and wasp shooing

I was watching videos from America's Got Talent on YouTube when video loading slowed way down. After several refreshes, close and cleans of browser stuff, and even resetting the DSL modem, I had to find something else to do for a while. Although when I checked our 'Wirespeed Data Gateway' on the Centurylink web site, 'they' say our connection is right about 1 Mbps. I don't think so.

-

After dropping The Daughter off at college, we stopped by Wal-Mart and got a few things, and came home. After getting settled back in to our home 'rhythm', I decided to get my chores out of the way before plopping down in front of the computer monitor. Read some email, blocked and bounce some spam mail. Accepted a gift on Frontierville, and looked through my Gather posts and pictures. THEN I decided to go to AGT's Youtube page and vote for the contestants of 2010 that I either thumbed-up or down. This year AGT is letting viewers on Youtube vote (until July 4) for ONE contestant who should either win or go to the next round (I forget which). Then the connection speed died. And here I am.

-

In other notes: We like sitting outside on the porch under it's cover. Since we just don't wish to get stung, I got the hose hooked-up with a sprayer. Now when we see (or think we do) a wasp that's not stuck to one of 6 fly-strips starting a nest, we zap it with a stream of water until it leaves the porch area. Do you think it's possible to 'teach' the wasps that they're not welcome? Or are we deluding ourselves into thinking that eventually they will stop trying to turn the overhang into a birthing area? We've pretty much given them all three sheds, plus they've got many, many trees to build nests in. They've stung Rosalee a couple of times when they weren't even provoked! She's not/we aren't afraid of them, we just don't like them. Really hoping they get "the message" to build elsewhere. Speaking of hoses, I 'fixed' our current one by wrapping it with duct tape so that any water bubbles on the really old hose that form won't burst like one did on the last hose did a couple of days ago.

-

Yesterday I took Annabelle for a 2 mile walk. Okay, she walked, I rode in the election power chair. She was pretty tired when we got home. Panting pretty heavily and praying to the water bowl goddess of drink, was what she did for a while. A couple of hours later she was seemingly recovered, but we caught her stretched-out laying on her side napping on several occasions.

-

That's all for now, folks!

-

http://ramblemans.blogspot.com

-

Sunset around the house and treeline

The sunset was beautiful last evening, so I took this video. Hope you like it.

-

-

Jun 27 2010 Sunset pics

If you want to see a bigger picture, click on it :)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

http://ramblemans.blogspot.com

-

What is this weed?

-

http://ramblemans.blogspot.com

-

Mostly pictures

Originally I was only going to write. But really, all I had to say was that I got another pair of flip-flops today. The other no longer new ones were *crap* and my right heal kept falling off of the edge in back because the "straps" were off-center on the right foot. We went to the store today to check if that same brand had some other ones. They did, but they fit exactly the same, so we determined they're just made bad by the company that makes them. Now they are trash and will be burned with all the other trash next time it's needed. The new ones fit better. They are a *little* narrow though because they are 'womens', and they are brown (yuck!) but that was the only color they had that would fit me. The store didn't have any 'mens' that would fit me. They were either too small, or HUGE - no mediums. It's tough having small feet (men's 6's).

-

Yesterday afternoon around 5:30 PM I got tired of watching TV, so I went out and sat on the porch. Once there I decided it was boring just sitting there (although I did that 4 about 15 minutes), so I came in and got the camera that my DD takes to college every day so it's unavailable whenever the need arises that I want to take pictures to post on the web. My cell phone takes pictures, but I can't send them anywhere (not even to myself) until we either drive a mile in on direction, or 3 in the other to get a good enough connection. Any hoots, the below are yesterdays pictures. Hope you enjoy them! And of course clicking on a picture will enlarge it in a new window

-

The first thing you see entering our driveway

-

-

-

Was trying to capture a bird on the wire, but didn't apparently

-

-

Just one of a few bales of hay still needing 2 be picked up

-

-

birds' nest made of grass and carpet string

-

-

wind powered attic fan

-

-

Currently unused wood stove chimney

-

-

These last two are examples of the many wasp nests we have to knock down because they like our porch, and both sheds, and the trees...

-

-

-

http://ramblemans.blogspot/mostly-pictures.HTML

-

Vacuuming

Knew that it had been a little while since I vacuumed the living room, but apparently it had been longer than I thought. The way I know this is because I just got through vacuuming it for the third time today and the dirt catcher on the vacuum (Bissell 3130) is almost full AGAIN. Although one of the emptying's was after the entrance between the front door and here (90 sq. Ft) got vacuumed, so close to 2 full canister's worth for just the living room. I'm thinking there's enough room for the dirt/debris that I'll be getting out from under the sofa cushions still, so it's all good baby. Last night it was our bedroom and closet's turn, so those are done. Next is the girl's bedroom, the cats' room, and around the edges of the kitchen's linoleum floor. *shweh* This housework is a lot of 'work'. Hence why I suppose it's NOT called houseplay. *smile* Probably won't do all of the remaining today however. "All work and no play...". *grin* http://ramblemans.blogspot.com

Dear #CapitalOne #Credit Card Company

Somehow I do not believe suing someone who's sole income is Social Security Disability (IE very low income) is a good idea, nor is it going to be "money well spent" on your part.   #CapitalOne #CreditCards #SSD #low-income #lawsuits

Flip-flops, Fathers Day, Yard hay

I've managed to resist wearing these things for 45 years. That was until last week. See, I've got this problem with Ingrown toenails, the big toes, mainly on my left foot, but also toe-fungus under the nails. That was caused by wearing work shoes that were apparently too narrow and squished my little toes against my big one thus causing it to grow down instead of sideways. I've been trying everything short of seeing a podiatrist and getting drugs and/or nail removal. My left big toe nail did come off a couple of years ago (maybe 3-4 actually). Ever since, I've been wearing wider shoes and being super diligent about trimming and medicating my nails, to no avail. Well, a little, but only to make it bearable, pain-wise, by trimming the corner that gets indented into my toe. Plus I could only remember that in the past when I had tried to wear them, there was trouble keeping them on. I don't have real dexterous toes easily manipulated into squeezing the foot-hold thingy in the front. This year I just decided that I would give them another try, thinking if I can keep them from getting hot & sweaty (feet, not the flip-flops), maybe they won't develop fungus. And since they will have room to spread, perhaps the ingrown issue will resolve itself too. That's the plan anyway.

--

It's been a good weekend. Granted that most are, but this was really good because my daughter treated the family to 'Steak 'n' Shake' for supper on Father's day. It was awesome, but I had too much sugar, mostly from the peanut butter shake I had after dinner.

--

Got the yard right around the house and trampoline mowed today. Plus I whacked the weeds down in Annabelle's doggy yard. Now we can see her when she's in the yard again. She's a small dog.

--

Other happenings... our neighbor cut and bailed our pastures. Mostly got round bales, but got a half wagon load of square ones because the chain on the round bailer broke. But he did get his hay, so it's all good. And lastly, I've got laundry going as I type and you read.

--

Latte wanting picked up

click 2 enlarge

Things to do, games to watch

Before I sit here and go through all that email I just downloaded, just letting you know that I will catch-up with you all. It's forecast to be a hot one today, so I want to get the burnable trash out to the burn-barrel and well, you know. Then I'll probably shave my face, then take a shower. THEN I'll get all "social" and see what others are saying on this fine day.   You know that game 7 of the NBA championship finals between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers will be on this evening. Although I'd like to see The Celtics win tonight/the series, I honestly do not know how to expect them to play after getting SO thoroughly STOMPED on Tuesday evening. It was just embarrassing the way they played almost the entire game. They lost by 22 points. Hoping that they 'leave it all on the floor' because they have nothing to lose by doing so. Like the pre-game video that is played before each game where we hear some old coach say, "Never underestimate the heart of a champion" implies, I hope it's the Celtic champions that play with heart. Though the Laker's have won quite a few championships themselves, they will probably play the same way. Honestly, I just hope it's an exciting game where ALL the players on both teams play absolutely awesomely. Whichever team wins is okay with me, as long as the loser competed 100% of the game. Who are you routing for?   Todd http://ramblemans.blogspot.com

It's me again

Not that it matters though. I mean, who do I think I am anyway? Got the yard mowed the other day... looks nice. I'm leaving the grass on the sides of our driveway UN mown so it looks like a plane landing strip without the lights. So now when cars pull into our driveway they will know where the sides are. Actually, since we've had the car, as opposed to the van, and Angelica started college, we go up and down said driveway pretty much everyday. It's very clear where the tire paths are. When we had the van we only left the property/area a couple times a week, if that. Now we "go" 5 or 6 times a week since the car get almost 4 times better gas mileage. The van got 10 MPG on average, whereas the car gets between 35-41 MPG (depending on how much coasting is done), so we can actually afford to go more. Other than the above, not a lot going on. A couple of days ago someone said they were interested in our place for $75K but they had to check with their roommate before arranging a look around. Haven't heard anything since, so we don't really know if they're still interested. If/when we move to The Big City, we're looking at apartments that we can best afford on my disability income. There are really nice ones at a place called "Eko Apartments" that we're interested in. Not going to check them out in person until there's an offer made on this place though. Wish us luck, cross everything for us http://ramblemans.blogspot.com

Zombie Prom 2010 Lebanon MO Part 4 of 4.avi

ZombieProm 3 of 4 Lebanon MO 2010.avi

Zombie Prom Part 2 0f 4 - 2010.avi

Zombie Prom part 1 of 4.avi

Zombie Prom 2010 pictures

These are just a few pictures I took at the Zombie Prom in Lebanon, MO on the 12th day of the month of June. The 'prom' was for those who donated to the C.O.P.E. cause to help victims of domestic violence.

-

Not great pictures because it was pretty dark in there. I edited as much light into them as I could without (hopefully) making them worse. We didn't do the outdoor walk so I didn't get any pictures of people who dressed-up. Sorry about that.

--

--

--

--

--

--

-

-

http://ramblemans.blogspot.com

-

More Zombie Prom and C.O.P.E. info: http://goo.gl/uxoR (on Facebook)

-

Thursday bowling, Lebanon MO Zombie Walk and Prom

We went bowling at the Buffalo, MO bowling alley on Thursday afternoon and these are our scores. We only played one game. Rain's score was about average for her, Eldin had his best game ever, and I actually got a higher score than usual. It was fun though, and plan to do it next month as well.

-

(clicking enlarges)

-

In other news: Tonight in Lebanon, Missouri there is going to be a "Zombie Walk and Prom". Don't *think* we'll be putting on make-up, and we may or may not dress-up. Though I suppose we could just wear our everyday clothes and look the part. *grin*

-

Today it is sunny and windy, with a chance of rain later. If I had to guess, I'd say it's not going to rain, but I'm not a professional weather person. All this wind though may be making it possible to go ahead mow even though it rained yesterday. Probably won't, but it's not out of the realm of possibility.

-

http://ramblemans.blogspot.com

-

In/Out quickness

Does it take longer for a room to cool off if the air is being sucked/blown out, or if the cool air is being sucked/blown in?

Comments, rain, vacuuming, and whatever else comes to mind

Since I started having to approve all blog comments, now I will be notified when one needs approval or rejection. I was signed-in to my Blogger account to delete a test entry when I noticed there were 6 comments waiting for moderation from as far back as last month. It was my fault that I wasn't getting the notifications. I forgot to tell Blogger what email address to send those to, which has now been done, so it won't take nearly as long to take care of the comments.   After we got home from delivering the school girl to school, the rain just started pouring buckets and sheets of water onto the land. Guess I won't be mowing today, and probably not for a few days, depending on when and how long we get sun shine.   Also, since son was still asleep, wife was in the bathroom, and I noticed how badly the living room carpet needed vacuuming, I vacuumed. If it ever stops raining, I need to take the bagless dirt catcher from the vacuum outside and dump it's contents, before I can vacuum well later. Also got the litter box room cleaned, and the 'clumps by cats' removed from said litter boxes and discarded. *smile*   Great news, daughter may have a job at a hair salon immediately after she graduates next month. She still needs to talk in person with the salon owner and workout the details, but it's looking promising. Just really proud of her (daughter, not the salon owner, although I hear good things about her :)   Last and least... I'm retrying Incredimail as my primary email client. I liked it a couple of years ago, but switched because we still had dial-up at the time and even email we sent to a group downloaded really slow when we got list mail. Now that we have high-speed, downloads are obviously much faster. Although because I desperately need more RAM for this computer, it (Incredimail) does run slow sometimes. Remember when 512 MB's of RAM was a lot? Now that amount is practically extinct and most new 'puters come with 1 GB or more. It'd cost me around $50 to get a RAM upgrade and we have more important things to buy first. Darn kids keep asking for food, clothing, cool indoor air and a place to sleep out of the weather, plus my medication, so we wait on computer thingies. -- http://ramblemans.blogspot.com --

PorchLizard.avi

Saw this lizard on the porch.

--

Labyrinth.avi

I made this labyrinth with the riding mower yesterday afternoon. Took a total of approximately 3.5 hours to carve out. I originally tried doing it according to a picture I downloaded, but ended up just winging it because I kept losing track of how many and which direction turns to make a in the 'path'. This is the most direct way through. There are dead-ends for people who walk through it, but that would've taken too long while holding the vid cam with one hand while steering the electric wheelchair with the other. My arms wouldn't have lasted long enough.

--
 logItemFeedLinks$ }

Rock or petrified something?

I was outside moving larger rocks so they would be closer to the porch so I would not fling them with the mower blades, when I found this. It's certainly as hard as a rock, but to me it kind of looks like a petrified chicken (or guinea?) egg. Any ideas?

--

http://ramblemans.blogspot.com

or you could help me earn a tiny pittance of real money credit by going to my Gather site at http://rambleman.gather.com/ and leaving a comment and/or rating.

--

Tuesday, bloody Tuesday

Ok, not really, but it IS a good song sang by a European group. We had a decent weekend, though nothing out of the ordinary happened. One COOL thing that did happen was that our 17-18 y.o. DD paid for two pizzas from Pizza Hut. They were delicious. Well, the peperoni one was, I didn't touch the one that had black olives on it. LOL.

Last month we got our monthly SSD money on the 1st instead of the normal 3rd of the month. We were really hoping that we'd get it on the first of this month too, 'cause we're very, very low on food. We have enough to get us through to Thursday though, so we'll be fine.

I did manage to get the window air conditioner installed in our DD's room. There ya go, I've got all the units put in and working. Though DD says she's bored with her room and is thinking about moving back out to the one room 'little white house'. Mostly because it would take time to move everything back out there, alone, because I don't really enjoy moving in general unless I absolutely have to (or it's my idea. lol).

Speaking of moving things, I've decided that the two sofas on the porch (loveseat, full-size) that humans never use and aren't in good enough shape for 'Freecyclers' to take, can be moved out to the ex goat shed with the old rubber tire pieces and goat-milking stand that's falling apart. Problem is getting someone to help me carry them. I just have a hard time asking for help unless I have to. This is one of those things I can't do alone, without a great deal of frustration anyway. *grin*

Need to mow, but it's not at the crucial stage so we can wait until we've bought gas for the mower. I could whack some weeds around the house with the electric weed whacker. Have to think about that.

--
Todd
http://facebook.com/toddlius
http://ramblemans.blogspot.com
--