Hello Darklings,
I've been reading my Black Dahlia book, but I can only take it in in small amounts, so much to digest, and last night I didn't get much reading done because one of my co-workers called to vent her frustrations of Friday.
She wanted my advise or some suggestions as to what she and others can do about the last friday of the month when those Bicyclists take over the streets of San Francisco and prevent people from getting home. It has a regular name (Critical Mass) but at work they call it Road Block Friday.
And with the possiblity of BART going on Strike by August 4th, that leaves that possiblity of transportation out. I told her that this is something that will have to be brought up at the All Staff meeting.
One thing I did suggest to her was getting to work much earlier and leaving earlier to at least take the bus home or the Ferry, and just leave her car at home it just means not planning anything for that evening, perhaps have that as a Pizza night for the family or something.
There was the idea of maybe taking that day off and working on Saturday instead or doing a half day on Friday and half day on Saturday leaving the afternoons free. Or coming in later and working later pass the time of the insanity of the bicyclists.
Ordinarily if BART was not striking she would take BART and Bus to and from work, but with the BART strike that will not be possible. I did tell her that at the all staff meeting we were going to look into what worked and what didn't during the 4 1/2 day strike and advised her to write those ideas down, and that if the Strike last more than a month (I don't think it will) that we still have to take into the idea of the inconsideration and inconvience of Critical Mass and now would be a good time to address it, I know that our Director would welcome any ideas.
This last Friday was horriendous, not only was it Friday it was Critical Mass Friday, plus two games being played one in S.F. the other in Oakland, as well as two concerts in the Area and then as a topper, the Bridge (S.F. East Bay) was closed for two hours in both directions just at quitting time because of something that looks suspiciously like a bomb at an off ramp at Treasure Island.
I was so glad I was not working that day. Sis and Doyle were fortunate to avoid that mess as their work kept them on this side of the Bay, and Brian was working late. But it was awful and painful to see on the news.
But today I took it easy, just a little walk with Belladonna this morning, and a light breakfast, a few chores to be done. Sis wanted me to go with her over to her house to look over that back porch. Her contractor had suggested a few ideas and even sketched them out, and she sketched some of her own but it was as if she has this idea but didn't know how to express it.
So here we are sitting on a couple of folding chairs and looking things over, some tall metal stakes were set up and string was tied to them to measure the area of how far the extention was going to go and then the much small outside deck beyound that. But she had a feeling that what she had in mind for a view of the garden would be blocked and she was right. I thought for a minute or two and said "Why a 2nd deck? Why not a patio below the "lani" level, I pointed out that at one end closests to the driveway she could have a small deck to step out on and then steps to go down to it. Considering the amount of sun it gets it would be wasteful to have another overhang, just have patio umbrella's that can be taken up or put out for shade as needed.
That way the major expanse of the view of the enclosed porch would not be impeded. And with screens on the sliding floor to ceiling windows (in essence slide glass doors) one still could get fresh air and hear the birds. She was estatic about the idea But she still had a problem, her driveway curves into the back yard and after the garden area is her garage so you have a beautiful garden and then a garage wall, I said disguise it. Make it a rock wall with plantings, maybe a waterfall but avoid bamboo, grows like a weed, I suggested a form of climbing jasmine for scent. The gardener would know.
I said that the driveway could be hidden from the Lani with some of those buildings that she was thinking of that she saw at the County Fair espeically if she wanted to bring 1950's Hawaii into her back yard. Some of the landscape designers that we saw at the Fair could be very helpful.
I told her that any repairs to that particular Garage wall could be done from the inside if she had metal posts to hold up the roof of the garage on that side. And of course motion detector lights as well.
She was so happy that she is treating me to dinner tonight, and I'm looking forward to putting on a lovely dress and getting dressed up. I'm ready to go, Sis is just making a couple of phone calls to confirm her clients appointments tomorrow, Doyle was already getting together with a couple of his friends tonight so everything is nicely set.
Then tomorrow back to the grind stone, and a all-staff meeting. Even at my age I'm still a "workin' gal".
Later Darklings
Showing posts with label construction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label construction. Show all posts
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Of weather heating up and a BART Strike??~~~~
Well Darklings,
The Bay Area weather is holding true to form, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, wet and drizzely and now this morning heating up.
Ahhh but the air for the last two days felt so fresh it was wonderful to enjoy it, looking at the garden in the late afternoon and in the early morning just enjoying the air, it cannot be bottled at all, but a pleasure to enjoy, even if I did have to dig out my black trench coat but it was so delicious.
I am still going in to work at noon and leaving around 5 with my Boss, but next week things commute-wise could turn for the worse.
BART employees have voted to strike if their demands are not met, like a 20 or 30 percent pay hike and that BART not the employees pay the full amount into their retirement.
BART is countering with a 4 percent cost of living raise and that the employees need to pay something into their retirement fund. And considering that BART employees are the highest paid mass transit staff in the US I am wondering about their demands....it seems unreasonable.
When I got a raise it was equal to the Cost of Living Amount aka COLA, and all staff had to pay a small percentage into the retirement fund, if they wanted to pay more or have also an alternate source of retirement in additon to their retirement fund that was fine. I do not know of any company (although I'm sure there are a few) that do not pay the entire amount into an employees retirement fund..
And to make it worse, the Bus system's contract runs out on the Same day that BART's does and they are calling to strike just on principal.
Darklings can you imagine the grid lock, the increase in air pollution, the accidents that this will cause? And we have organizations that say "Use Public Transit" well not if Public Transit holds a metaphorical gun to our heads.
The last time this happened was in 1997 and it was HELL. It's hell now when the system breaks down or some idiot decides to use it as a form of suicide (which has happened), and it will be when we are going to have a heat wave. Oh the CHAOS!!!
All the staff have been talking to their Supervisors, and it seems so far that the best way is to car pool and come in during evening hours when communting is in reverse, some staffers who live in the City will go in during the day to field phone calls and explain things. This is the contengecy plans.
But I have a feeling that the Mayors for the areas that BART covers as well as the Govenor (if he has any sense in his 70 plus year old head) will intervene. For now I can only observe and plan.
The good news is that my sister will not have to worry about that since she has to use her car to meet her clients although she will eventually change that. The tenting is done on her home, and now she is working with her contractor about the kitchen and downstairs bathroom. Little "chunks" she says. Brian will stay with us, but he's going to set up a cot in the living room to sleep in at night and then come over in the morning to eat and bathe, he'll be going back and forth between my house and my sisters to oversee the work crew.
Poor man, he's job hunting right now, sending out resume's, going on line and searching, going to job fairs, saving his pennies, staying at my sister's house is very beneficial financially for him. He did have some part time work which helped his bank account, but then that dried up, so he's willing to take on part time again just to build up the coffers.
He said the good thing is his ex-wife was willing to go to court with him to do a "stay of alimony and child support" because of his work situation, but they are working together on this. I asked him why did he and his wife break up and it was because she fell in love with someone else----another woman. Well that did raise my eyebrow but he said it was amicable and he even likes the other person.
So for now all of us are going to see what developes. Now I must go.
Later Darklings
The Bay Area weather is holding true to form, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, wet and drizzely and now this morning heating up.
Ahhh but the air for the last two days felt so fresh it was wonderful to enjoy it, looking at the garden in the late afternoon and in the early morning just enjoying the air, it cannot be bottled at all, but a pleasure to enjoy, even if I did have to dig out my black trench coat but it was so delicious.
I am still going in to work at noon and leaving around 5 with my Boss, but next week things commute-wise could turn for the worse.
BART employees have voted to strike if their demands are not met, like a 20 or 30 percent pay hike and that BART not the employees pay the full amount into their retirement.
BART is countering with a 4 percent cost of living raise and that the employees need to pay something into their retirement fund. And considering that BART employees are the highest paid mass transit staff in the US I am wondering about their demands....it seems unreasonable.
When I got a raise it was equal to the Cost of Living Amount aka COLA, and all staff had to pay a small percentage into the retirement fund, if they wanted to pay more or have also an alternate source of retirement in additon to their retirement fund that was fine. I do not know of any company (although I'm sure there are a few) that do not pay the entire amount into an employees retirement fund..
And to make it worse, the Bus system's contract runs out on the Same day that BART's does and they are calling to strike just on principal.
Darklings can you imagine the grid lock, the increase in air pollution, the accidents that this will cause? And we have organizations that say "Use Public Transit" well not if Public Transit holds a metaphorical gun to our heads.
The last time this happened was in 1997 and it was HELL. It's hell now when the system breaks down or some idiot decides to use it as a form of suicide (which has happened), and it will be when we are going to have a heat wave. Oh the CHAOS!!!
All the staff have been talking to their Supervisors, and it seems so far that the best way is to car pool and come in during evening hours when communting is in reverse, some staffers who live in the City will go in during the day to field phone calls and explain things. This is the contengecy plans.
But I have a feeling that the Mayors for the areas that BART covers as well as the Govenor (if he has any sense in his 70 plus year old head) will intervene. For now I can only observe and plan.
The good news is that my sister will not have to worry about that since she has to use her car to meet her clients although she will eventually change that. The tenting is done on her home, and now she is working with her contractor about the kitchen and downstairs bathroom. Little "chunks" she says. Brian will stay with us, but he's going to set up a cot in the living room to sleep in at night and then come over in the morning to eat and bathe, he'll be going back and forth between my house and my sisters to oversee the work crew.
Poor man, he's job hunting right now, sending out resume's, going on line and searching, going to job fairs, saving his pennies, staying at my sister's house is very beneficial financially for him. He did have some part time work which helped his bank account, but then that dried up, so he's willing to take on part time again just to build up the coffers.
He said the good thing is his ex-wife was willing to go to court with him to do a "stay of alimony and child support" because of his work situation, but they are working together on this. I asked him why did he and his wife break up and it was because she fell in love with someone else----another woman. Well that did raise my eyebrow but he said it was amicable and he even likes the other person.
So for now all of us are going to see what developes. Now I must go.
Later Darklings
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Of "Grim and Gory, Attorney's at Law" and other updates~~~
Dear Darklings,
Again I Thank You.
If my comment about what it is to be Goth, resonates with your personal feelings then I am Happy to have in some small way inspired you.
Perhaps that is why I also enjoy “The Addams Family” and “The Munsters”, in spite of being different, they are also family, with family values.
Now for something different---- I did promise to “talk” about happier things.
First updates on the progress on the kitchen and laundry room (yes that was involved because of water damage). The sheetrock walls in the laundry room have been replaced and even now is being painted. The support beams and posts are dry so we will not have to worry about mold, thank goodness.
Next will be the purchasing of a new washer and dryer, Doyle’s friends took the old one’s away but one of his friends thinks he might be able to work on them so they can be used at a homeless shelter or women’s shelter. If they can that would be wonderful.
Much of the basic work in the kitchen is still being worked upon, my major concern was matching the metal ceiling tiles, but Hank found an answer. It seems that the cupboards have the same tiles, so they will be carefully removed and modern reproductions that nearly match the pattern will be installed in the cupboard area; the old ones that are original to the house will be installed over the stove area, if there is not enough, then a mixture of old and new will be intergraded over that area.
Hank found a cleaning crew that handles clean up after fires and are now washing down the ceiling and walls etc. in the Butler’s pantry. I know some of you are wondering why I’ve not had my weekly maid service do that, well it is a bit more specialized and it was better for me to have them do their regular assignments, a bit more briefly. One of the ladies did help to move all the fancy china etc. from the butler’s panty to the dinning room table, and cover it with a large old sheet to protect as much as possible from the dust.
We still are either eating out or getting take out, my brother has invited us over Saturday and Sunday for dinner, something we all are looking forward to, I have not seen my niece Coralline or her over-active brothers in what seems like ages.
My sister’s progress on the purchasing of her home will be complete tomorrow with the signing of a lot of papers. With the permission of the bank and the realtor, she had her friend move in and “camp-out” in the living room to prevent copper theft, and he managed to clean up one of the bathrooms for his use, Sis is going to pay him for that hard work. Then she is next going to have the place completely fumigated, and cleaned. It is a good thing she makes good money and has a hefty savings account. She says it will mostly be a good size tax right off. But I am so happy she will again have her own place that she can work out of.
As much as I love having her live with me, and she could for as long as she wants, it is only right that she has a place of her own to decorate the way she wants and live in it the way she wants, although I do believe she will be dropping by very frequently, we are even thinking of installing a connecting gate between our back yards, although hers is not quiet as deep as mine, it is good sized.
I can now happily say that the root canal work is done and we are onto the crown work, once that is done I can finally relax.
I am scheduled to go back to work in June, just in time to cover for some of the staff who are going to graduations and the first blast of vacations. I fear that I will not be able to take a vacation this year, expect maybe for a long weekend or two. But my plans for another wine vacation will have to be put on hold this year. C’est La Vie. But that is not to say that I will be staying at home, no, there are the weekends, so who knows where the winds will take me, so to speak.
I will regret losing Louise, she has been wonderful but come May 31 that will be her last day, however she does have another assignment lined up so she will not be out of work I’m happy to say. I am keeping hers and Ella’s contact information for just in case.
Belladonna has been a bit upset with the strangers coming in and out of the house, so I’ve made arrangements to have her stay with my elderly neighbor during the day and occasionally stay at the Doggie day care, get her back to feeling something close to her normal routine.
I am able to walk around the house much better and without the use of the cane, but my Doctor did advise that I use the cane while I commute too and from work, as a precaution. And I still will have to see the therapist periodically as well.
The idiot who ran into my car has finally conceded to settle out of court and next week we and our lawyers will meet to settle terms, my lawyer said that I will get what I want, the man is frightened about losing. It seems that if he does go to court there would be some serious ramifications for him, what I don’t know, my lawyer would not elaborate, but he said for me to walk in using my cane to prove a point.
I have gotten into the habit of watching “Perry Mason” at 12 noon prior to having lunch, and lately they’ve been having a T.V. host on by the name of Greg Gory. And I finally caught up to a newish T.V. program called “Grim”, I remarked about that to Doyle last night and he said “That would make for a perfect name for a Gothic law practice if those two names were paired.
I looked at Doyle for a moment and then it hit me “Grim and Gory, Attorney’s at Law”----that would put it right up there with “Dewey, Cheatum and Howe” I nearly put out my back with laughing as Doyle and I went on with coming up with other businesses to pair with those names like “Grim and Gory, Funeral Directors” and others. They do say that laughter is the best medicine.
As a matter of fact there are several newish T.V. programs that I hope to catch up with such as “Motive”, “Grim” and Hannibal” they might be just what I need for the T.V. summer doldrums, besides reading my wonderful collection of books from the Friends of the Library Booksale.
Now I must go, my contractor friend Hank is asking me to look at something.
In my next post I’m going to give my thoughts on some of the fashions for Spring (which I’ve nearly missed) and Summer.
Later Darklings
Again I Thank You.
If my comment about what it is to be Goth, resonates with your personal feelings then I am Happy to have in some small way inspired you.
Perhaps that is why I also enjoy “The Addams Family” and “The Munsters”, in spite of being different, they are also family, with family values.
Now for something different---- I did promise to “talk” about happier things.
First updates on the progress on the kitchen and laundry room (yes that was involved because of water damage). The sheetrock walls in the laundry room have been replaced and even now is being painted. The support beams and posts are dry so we will not have to worry about mold, thank goodness.
Next will be the purchasing of a new washer and dryer, Doyle’s friends took the old one’s away but one of his friends thinks he might be able to work on them so they can be used at a homeless shelter or women’s shelter. If they can that would be wonderful.
Much of the basic work in the kitchen is still being worked upon, my major concern was matching the metal ceiling tiles, but Hank found an answer. It seems that the cupboards have the same tiles, so they will be carefully removed and modern reproductions that nearly match the pattern will be installed in the cupboard area; the old ones that are original to the house will be installed over the stove area, if there is not enough, then a mixture of old and new will be intergraded over that area.
Hank found a cleaning crew that handles clean up after fires and are now washing down the ceiling and walls etc. in the Butler’s pantry. I know some of you are wondering why I’ve not had my weekly maid service do that, well it is a bit more specialized and it was better for me to have them do their regular assignments, a bit more briefly. One of the ladies did help to move all the fancy china etc. from the butler’s panty to the dinning room table, and cover it with a large old sheet to protect as much as possible from the dust.
We still are either eating out or getting take out, my brother has invited us over Saturday and Sunday for dinner, something we all are looking forward to, I have not seen my niece Coralline or her over-active brothers in what seems like ages.
My sister’s progress on the purchasing of her home will be complete tomorrow with the signing of a lot of papers. With the permission of the bank and the realtor, she had her friend move in and “camp-out” in the living room to prevent copper theft, and he managed to clean up one of the bathrooms for his use, Sis is going to pay him for that hard work. Then she is next going to have the place completely fumigated, and cleaned. It is a good thing she makes good money and has a hefty savings account. She says it will mostly be a good size tax right off. But I am so happy she will again have her own place that she can work out of.
As much as I love having her live with me, and she could for as long as she wants, it is only right that she has a place of her own to decorate the way she wants and live in it the way she wants, although I do believe she will be dropping by very frequently, we are even thinking of installing a connecting gate between our back yards, although hers is not quiet as deep as mine, it is good sized.
I can now happily say that the root canal work is done and we are onto the crown work, once that is done I can finally relax.
I am scheduled to go back to work in June, just in time to cover for some of the staff who are going to graduations and the first blast of vacations. I fear that I will not be able to take a vacation this year, expect maybe for a long weekend or two. But my plans for another wine vacation will have to be put on hold this year. C’est La Vie. But that is not to say that I will be staying at home, no, there are the weekends, so who knows where the winds will take me, so to speak.
I will regret losing Louise, she has been wonderful but come May 31 that will be her last day, however she does have another assignment lined up so she will not be out of work I’m happy to say. I am keeping hers and Ella’s contact information for just in case.
Belladonna has been a bit upset with the strangers coming in and out of the house, so I’ve made arrangements to have her stay with my elderly neighbor during the day and occasionally stay at the Doggie day care, get her back to feeling something close to her normal routine.
I am able to walk around the house much better and without the use of the cane, but my Doctor did advise that I use the cane while I commute too and from work, as a precaution. And I still will have to see the therapist periodically as well.
The idiot who ran into my car has finally conceded to settle out of court and next week we and our lawyers will meet to settle terms, my lawyer said that I will get what I want, the man is frightened about losing. It seems that if he does go to court there would be some serious ramifications for him, what I don’t know, my lawyer would not elaborate, but he said for me to walk in using my cane to prove a point.
I have gotten into the habit of watching “Perry Mason” at 12 noon prior to having lunch, and lately they’ve been having a T.V. host on by the name of Greg Gory. And I finally caught up to a newish T.V. program called “Grim”, I remarked about that to Doyle last night and he said “That would make for a perfect name for a Gothic law practice if those two names were paired.
I looked at Doyle for a moment and then it hit me “Grim and Gory, Attorney’s at Law”----that would put it right up there with “Dewey, Cheatum and Howe” I nearly put out my back with laughing as Doyle and I went on with coming up with other businesses to pair with those names like “Grim and Gory, Funeral Directors” and others. They do say that laughter is the best medicine.
As a matter of fact there are several newish T.V. programs that I hope to catch up with such as “Motive”, “Grim” and Hannibal” they might be just what I need for the T.V. summer doldrums, besides reading my wonderful collection of books from the Friends of the Library Booksale.
Now I must go, my contractor friend Hank is asking me to look at something.
In my next post I’m going to give my thoughts on some of the fashions for Spring (which I’ve nearly missed) and Summer.
Later Darklings
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Of Progress on Kitchen Fire Repairs~~~
Hello My Darklings,
Just a brief post, the workmen started at 8 a.m. today and are moving very quickly and efficiently, time line as to when things will be done is hard to say, but they are shooting for us to have hot water tonight, as Coralline and Miranda would say "Whoo Hooo!!!"
To Underground for Tea (I hope I have your name right) yes we too are glad no one was hurt, Doyles' firemen friends although retired, their training kicked in and everyone kept their heads, I think the spirit of my Great-Aunt was working with them. I'm also glad that you found the description of my reactions so funny, now that I've had a chance to reflect upon it yes it was funny. Sis said to me that she had not realized how "powerful" I could be when riled. I told her it was a good thing that common sense prevailed or there would have been a massacre.
To Rebecca I do recommend having a Spa weekend at least once a year, save up for it, it is your time to indulge and have "Me Time", if you can afford to do mini-spa treatments do that as well, like a hand massage it is worth it and I have the names of two vintage Stove shops here in the Bay Area so I think I will have very good luck in finding the right stove for the house.
Now for all of you who enjoy Fashion and Nails I plan on posting that later on in the week, and I know some of you have been asking about the Artist Reception that Sis and I attended that too will be posted. And I've had a couple of you ask about the story of our older brother that also will be posted, but I need to reflect upon it more.
Right now I am going over to my neighbors house to enjoy their shower, Sis returned just now and she'll be leaving to see a client of hers and the workmen are busy on the job, Belladonna is at my elderly neighbor being properly spoiled and Doyle and Hank have their heads together about were to best purchase the bead board or tongue and groove boarding for the kitchen and would it be possible to salvage or replace the tin ceiling portion over the stove. Good thing I told the insurance man that my insurance is hefty because of the historical architectural significance of the house, so it is important to properly restore it.
Must go.
Later Darklings
Just a brief post, the workmen started at 8 a.m. today and are moving very quickly and efficiently, time line as to when things will be done is hard to say, but they are shooting for us to have hot water tonight, as Coralline and Miranda would say "Whoo Hooo!!!"
To Underground for Tea (I hope I have your name right) yes we too are glad no one was hurt, Doyles' firemen friends although retired, their training kicked in and everyone kept their heads, I think the spirit of my Great-Aunt was working with them. I'm also glad that you found the description of my reactions so funny, now that I've had a chance to reflect upon it yes it was funny. Sis said to me that she had not realized how "powerful" I could be when riled. I told her it was a good thing that common sense prevailed or there would have been a massacre.
To Rebecca I do recommend having a Spa weekend at least once a year, save up for it, it is your time to indulge and have "Me Time", if you can afford to do mini-spa treatments do that as well, like a hand massage it is worth it and I have the names of two vintage Stove shops here in the Bay Area so I think I will have very good luck in finding the right stove for the house.
Now for all of you who enjoy Fashion and Nails I plan on posting that later on in the week, and I know some of you have been asking about the Artist Reception that Sis and I attended that too will be posted. And I've had a couple of you ask about the story of our older brother that also will be posted, but I need to reflect upon it more.
Right now I am going over to my neighbors house to enjoy their shower, Sis returned just now and she'll be leaving to see a client of hers and the workmen are busy on the job, Belladonna is at my elderly neighbor being properly spoiled and Doyle and Hank have their heads together about were to best purchase the bead board or tongue and groove boarding for the kitchen and would it be possible to salvage or replace the tin ceiling portion over the stove. Good thing I told the insurance man that my insurance is hefty because of the historical architectural significance of the house, so it is important to properly restore it.
Must go.
Later Darklings
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Of Updates on my Kitchen fire and other things~~~~
Well Darklings,
Yesterday the insurance man came by and he and my friend Hank the contractor went over things, all I could do was hover and make a comment or two or express my personal concerns.
Because the washing machine and the stove was already in the house when I moved in, it was hard to determine a value of replacement, the dryer was no problem I had the bill for that and it wasn't that old.
They factor in depreciation as well, which is a bit dis-heartening, but its just to give you enough money to get the basic things, not all the "whistles and bells". It was also discovered that the walls in the basement laundry room will have to be replaced since they were sheet rock.
The cost of the work to fix up the kitchen will be covered as well as the clean up which is good, so it will go into a fund and then bills submitted will be paid out of that fund to avoid any fraud. Hanks' been through this process before and said for me to not worry.
Today Hank assigned a two man team to start clean up and repairs and he covered the old stove that was outside with a plastic tarp to discourage scavenging. The burn wood that was out side has been removed already.
The workmen are Hispanic and I had fun with one of them, he got confused as to where the downstairs bathroom is, the portajohn had not arrived yet, so I see him in the hall and he's looking at the mounted Lion's Head. Now one of my sister's friends have rigged "Kitty Kat" to roar either by stepping on a stair tread, or if you get to close to the head it breaks a circuit, and Sis had set it up for the latter.
Out of curiosity He gets close to the Lion's head and triggered Kitty Kat to roar, I saw him jump nearly 10 feet off the ground, he stares at it then I come up behind him without him knowing and said "Oh I'm sorry if Kitty Kat frightened you, he usually warns strangers to be careful" Well the poor man nearly fainted and said in his best Spanish his apologies, I showed him where the downstairs bathroom was located.
Later I heard him say to his co-worker about what Kitty Kat did and that La Senora must be very brave to deal with El Diablo. Needless to say they were very happy when the Portajohn was in place.
Hank just came by to see the progress and if the damage was more extensive then planned. He privately told me that his workers are now afraid to go into the rest of the house except the area's to work on, they think its haunted. I asked him if he thought it was, he just grinned and said "I'm planning on bringing my little grandkids here for Halloween, if you can get Kitty-Kat to roar for them and if they can take a tour of your house when you have it decorated, it will be a kick for them." He said he knew where to find a stuffed swordfish like the one in the Addams Family "All I have to find is a manikin leg and a flipper" I have a feeling he's getting into the 'spirit' of the house.
Louise has checked the rest of the house for soot and it did get into the breakfast nook, and a bit into the dinning room, she said she'll have her daughter come with her tomorrow to help with cleaning the soot, but I told her that I have a cleaning service as well, she said that what is in the kitchen and the breakfast nook is beyond the cleaning service. So we came to an agreement on it and I'm glad that she can help me, if there is other cleaning problems I'll talk to my cleaning service and we'll go from there.
I'm going to be carefully saving a lot of submitted billing.
Doyle is going to treat all of us to dinner tonight, but we also figured that we can buy Deli things that can be heated in the microwave and a lot of salads as well. Tomorrow we'll check the plates and glassware to see if they need to be washed, Doyle bought a hot plate to heat water for dish washing and face washing, my neighbor has been generous to allow us to use their shower until our gas line is turned on. Hank said that will happen tomorrow, once the new gas line is installed in the kitchen with its new shut off valve.
So Hot Water by tomorrow evening. We'll all be very happy.
I just found out that the deceased Boston Bombers body was buried in a Muslim cemetery in Virginia thanks to the efforts of a Christian woman, many people are not happy about that. It is their feeling that such a person to willfully cause such harm should not be entitled to a proper burial, for fear that others will create him to be a martyr. Only in sick minds would that happen, but then there are sick people out there.
The mummified head that was found in an Oakland recycling center is being treated as a homicide but where it came from is a puzzlement until the deceased can be I.D'ed, which could take some time.
The two women who were burned in the Limo fire, one has been release and the other's condition has been upgraded to good.
My sister has shown me photo's that she received via e-mail of her grand daughter's prom picture, so beautiful and she and her date and their friends went to the prom with an adult escort in a white stretch Limo, so beautiful and so elegant, all had a wonderful time. Sis had tears in her eyes, yes they do grow up so quickly. And we received word that Sis's other daughter is expecting a baby in October maybe around October 31st. That would be such a "hoot!" if that were to happen, but babies will come when they want to come. Sis is excited, another grandbaby to spoil.
Oakland has now had three police chiefs in as many days, I sincerely hope the current one stays the course, but It all depends on the Mayor and the Mayor's office letting the Chief do what he can to implement the recommendations as suggested in the Bratton report, and not interfering as she has been doing. I did not vote for her as I felt she would not be effective and I was right.
I am having a laugh about the newly designed eastern span of the bay bridge and their support bolts problems, I said to Doyle that the design was too radical for that location and I felt that something would go wrong and I was right again, as much as I hate to say it I will never feel safe going over that new bridge, something inside of me says its going to 'fail'. Am I being morbid? Of course I am. The old bridge only failed at the one spot that the early bridge designers said was the weakest spot the rest of it held up. Now they are building a new bridge where everything can fail.
It is just like these so-called yachts that are racing in the America's cup races, they are NOT yachts but catamarans, and I've seen them tip on a turn on one pon-toon, catamarans are not for racing not with over size sails that make the catamarans top heavy and can over balance them. And it seems that the Americas Cup has a rule in which the winner of the previous race can state which type of boat should be raced and the idiot has suggested these designs which were designed on computers not on proven water conditions, no wonder they've had several boats smashed and broken and one of their sailors drown. I feel that rule should be changed so that people on the Americas cup board should make the rules of what type of boat and certain limitations, not those that hurt and kill people. Maybe the wife of the sailor that drowned should sue last years winner for making such dangerous suggestions and the Americas Cup for allowing it.
Doyle says at least its not like NASCAR or the Indy 500 where parts of the car could go into the stands and hurt people. I won't argue with him, he's in deep enough trouble.
Doyle will be home for the next few days which is good, he can co-ordinate with his friends about what to do with the old washer and dryer. Sis has the phone number and address of the shop that sells restored vintage stoves, tonight after dinner we'll measure the space and then measure the old stove and get an idea of what will fit.
My next posts will be about other things that I have been planning to write about, until another day, now I'm going to first pick up Belladonna, she has been at the Doggie Hotel far too long, she'll think her Mommy abandon her.
Later Darklings
Yesterday the insurance man came by and he and my friend Hank the contractor went over things, all I could do was hover and make a comment or two or express my personal concerns.
Because the washing machine and the stove was already in the house when I moved in, it was hard to determine a value of replacement, the dryer was no problem I had the bill for that and it wasn't that old.
They factor in depreciation as well, which is a bit dis-heartening, but its just to give you enough money to get the basic things, not all the "whistles and bells". It was also discovered that the walls in the basement laundry room will have to be replaced since they were sheet rock.
The cost of the work to fix up the kitchen will be covered as well as the clean up which is good, so it will go into a fund and then bills submitted will be paid out of that fund to avoid any fraud. Hanks' been through this process before and said for me to not worry.
Today Hank assigned a two man team to start clean up and repairs and he covered the old stove that was outside with a plastic tarp to discourage scavenging. The burn wood that was out side has been removed already.
The workmen are Hispanic and I had fun with one of them, he got confused as to where the downstairs bathroom is, the portajohn had not arrived yet, so I see him in the hall and he's looking at the mounted Lion's Head. Now one of my sister's friends have rigged "Kitty Kat" to roar either by stepping on a stair tread, or if you get to close to the head it breaks a circuit, and Sis had set it up for the latter.
Out of curiosity He gets close to the Lion's head and triggered Kitty Kat to roar, I saw him jump nearly 10 feet off the ground, he stares at it then I come up behind him without him knowing and said "Oh I'm sorry if Kitty Kat frightened you, he usually warns strangers to be careful" Well the poor man nearly fainted and said in his best Spanish his apologies, I showed him where the downstairs bathroom was located.
Later I heard him say to his co-worker about what Kitty Kat did and that La Senora must be very brave to deal with El Diablo. Needless to say they were very happy when the Portajohn was in place.
Hank just came by to see the progress and if the damage was more extensive then planned. He privately told me that his workers are now afraid to go into the rest of the house except the area's to work on, they think its haunted. I asked him if he thought it was, he just grinned and said "I'm planning on bringing my little grandkids here for Halloween, if you can get Kitty-Kat to roar for them and if they can take a tour of your house when you have it decorated, it will be a kick for them." He said he knew where to find a stuffed swordfish like the one in the Addams Family "All I have to find is a manikin leg and a flipper" I have a feeling he's getting into the 'spirit' of the house.
Louise has checked the rest of the house for soot and it did get into the breakfast nook, and a bit into the dinning room, she said she'll have her daughter come with her tomorrow to help with cleaning the soot, but I told her that I have a cleaning service as well, she said that what is in the kitchen and the breakfast nook is beyond the cleaning service. So we came to an agreement on it and I'm glad that she can help me, if there is other cleaning problems I'll talk to my cleaning service and we'll go from there.
I'm going to be carefully saving a lot of submitted billing.
Doyle is going to treat all of us to dinner tonight, but we also figured that we can buy Deli things that can be heated in the microwave and a lot of salads as well. Tomorrow we'll check the plates and glassware to see if they need to be washed, Doyle bought a hot plate to heat water for dish washing and face washing, my neighbor has been generous to allow us to use their shower until our gas line is turned on. Hank said that will happen tomorrow, once the new gas line is installed in the kitchen with its new shut off valve.
So Hot Water by tomorrow evening. We'll all be very happy.
I just found out that the deceased Boston Bombers body was buried in a Muslim cemetery in Virginia thanks to the efforts of a Christian woman, many people are not happy about that. It is their feeling that such a person to willfully cause such harm should not be entitled to a proper burial, for fear that others will create him to be a martyr. Only in sick minds would that happen, but then there are sick people out there.
The mummified head that was found in an Oakland recycling center is being treated as a homicide but where it came from is a puzzlement until the deceased can be I.D'ed, which could take some time.
The two women who were burned in the Limo fire, one has been release and the other's condition has been upgraded to good.
My sister has shown me photo's that she received via e-mail of her grand daughter's prom picture, so beautiful and she and her date and their friends went to the prom with an adult escort in a white stretch Limo, so beautiful and so elegant, all had a wonderful time. Sis had tears in her eyes, yes they do grow up so quickly. And we received word that Sis's other daughter is expecting a baby in October maybe around October 31st. That would be such a "hoot!" if that were to happen, but babies will come when they want to come. Sis is excited, another grandbaby to spoil.
Oakland has now had three police chiefs in as many days, I sincerely hope the current one stays the course, but It all depends on the Mayor and the Mayor's office letting the Chief do what he can to implement the recommendations as suggested in the Bratton report, and not interfering as she has been doing. I did not vote for her as I felt she would not be effective and I was right.
I am having a laugh about the newly designed eastern span of the bay bridge and their support bolts problems, I said to Doyle that the design was too radical for that location and I felt that something would go wrong and I was right again, as much as I hate to say it I will never feel safe going over that new bridge, something inside of me says its going to 'fail'. Am I being morbid? Of course I am. The old bridge only failed at the one spot that the early bridge designers said was the weakest spot the rest of it held up. Now they are building a new bridge where everything can fail.
It is just like these so-called yachts that are racing in the America's cup races, they are NOT yachts but catamarans, and I've seen them tip on a turn on one pon-toon, catamarans are not for racing not with over size sails that make the catamarans top heavy and can over balance them. And it seems that the Americas Cup has a rule in which the winner of the previous race can state which type of boat should be raced and the idiot has suggested these designs which were designed on computers not on proven water conditions, no wonder they've had several boats smashed and broken and one of their sailors drown. I feel that rule should be changed so that people on the Americas cup board should make the rules of what type of boat and certain limitations, not those that hurt and kill people. Maybe the wife of the sailor that drowned should sue last years winner for making such dangerous suggestions and the Americas Cup for allowing it.
Doyle says at least its not like NASCAR or the Indy 500 where parts of the car could go into the stands and hurt people. I won't argue with him, he's in deep enough trouble.
Doyle will be home for the next few days which is good, he can co-ordinate with his friends about what to do with the old washer and dryer. Sis has the phone number and address of the shop that sells restored vintage stoves, tonight after dinner we'll measure the space and then measure the old stove and get an idea of what will fit.
My next posts will be about other things that I have been planning to write about, until another day, now I'm going to first pick up Belladonna, she has been at the Doggie Hotel far too long, she'll think her Mommy abandon her.
Later Darklings
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Of More Updates and a tragic Limo fire~~~~
Hello My Darklings,
Just as I suspected the suspect in the Boston Bombing, the teenage friend of the 2nd bomber, who was accused by the FBI of lying has been released on Bond and other strict restrictions. Many people are angry about that and feel that he should remain in jail with his friends, his lawyer says they will prove him innocent, but frankly I don't think so. And if he is found guilty on this Federal charge he could be incarcerated for as much as 8 years.
The wild fires are calming down with the cooler weather and I hope it will help. The tragic explosion in West (name of the town) Texas (state) was caused by Ammonia Nitrate, killing 14 people and injuring 200.
I remember for a period of time my parents raising about a dozen chickens, with them scraping and pecking and my parents growing vegetables and a few fruit trees and those plants did wonderfully by the natural way of growing. This type of fertilizer is dangerous, and I think new regulations will be put into place.
This weekend a Limousine carrying 9 ladies who were celebrating a upcoming ceremony for one of them, somehow caught on fire, killing 5 of the 9 ladies, 4 managed to get out as well as the driver, one of the ladies killed was the bride to be. Limo fires are very rare, so this one is going to be investigated and I think Limo's may have to be re-designed because of this.
I did promise I would get away from tragedy, but it seems to be all around me right now. So my sister and I are going to plan a little get-away this weekend, to where I don't know, she is going to surprise me.
Sis's progress on purchasing the house is moving much faster than anticipated, it seems the Bank is happy to quickly unload this house, and it seems to be moving in her favor. She is excited about it and so am I.
She has not owned a house since her divorce some years ago, but her ex-husband and his friend said they can recommend some people to help her out on repairs if we are stumped, she does know she'll need a painter and a roofer, so she is getting a lot of recommendations. She is so happy about this.
I'll have to close for now, but I do want to say that we did go to that artist reception last Saturday evening, of the young lady who dresses only in white and gold. I think I'll save those thoughts for another time.
Later Darklings
Just as I suspected the suspect in the Boston Bombing, the teenage friend of the 2nd bomber, who was accused by the FBI of lying has been released on Bond and other strict restrictions. Many people are angry about that and feel that he should remain in jail with his friends, his lawyer says they will prove him innocent, but frankly I don't think so. And if he is found guilty on this Federal charge he could be incarcerated for as much as 8 years.
I talked to Doyle on the phone about this, he's still out of town on assignment, and he is a bit "blood thirsty" saying that maybe other "young fools" should learn from this. I'm remaining neutral although I do lean towards the "as you sow, so shall ye reap" belief.
The wild fires are calming down with the cooler weather and I hope it will help. The tragic explosion in West (name of the town) Texas (state) was caused by Ammonia Nitrate, killing 14 people and injuring 200.
I remember for a period of time my parents raising about a dozen chickens, with them scraping and pecking and my parents growing vegetables and a few fruit trees and those plants did wonderfully by the natural way of growing. This type of fertilizer is dangerous, and I think new regulations will be put into place.
This weekend a Limousine carrying 9 ladies who were celebrating a upcoming ceremony for one of them, somehow caught on fire, killing 5 of the 9 ladies, 4 managed to get out as well as the driver, one of the ladies killed was the bride to be. Limo fires are very rare, so this one is going to be investigated and I think Limo's may have to be re-designed because of this.
I did promise I would get away from tragedy, but it seems to be all around me right now. So my sister and I are going to plan a little get-away this weekend, to where I don't know, she is going to surprise me.
Sis's progress on purchasing the house is moving much faster than anticipated, it seems the Bank is happy to quickly unload this house, and it seems to be moving in her favor. She is excited about it and so am I.
She has not owned a house since her divorce some years ago, but her ex-husband and his friend said they can recommend some people to help her out on repairs if we are stumped, she does know she'll need a painter and a roofer, so she is getting a lot of recommendations. She is so happy about this.
I'll have to close for now, but I do want to say that we did go to that artist reception last Saturday evening, of the young lady who dresses only in white and gold. I think I'll save those thoughts for another time.
Later Darklings
Friday, August 24, 2012
End of the Week Catch up and ideas....
Hello, Hello My Darklings,
I am so finally glad to be home after a long, long day at my job. Had to be there at 7 (Oh My God it's to D*&%## early) A.M. Sorry Darklings I do have to self censor, one never knows who is underage viewing this site.
But considering that many under 18 year olds have heard worse, I'm not about to perpetuate any further filthy words---even at work the worse I say is "Fudgesickle!!" Part of the problem is we have a "born again christian" in our midst who put out a "curse" box and we have to put a coin in for each curse word we say.
Of course she's upset with me because I say "Fudgesickle!!" and she can't fine me because it's a proper word. And now the rest of the work force has adopted that as well.
For instance "Pound Cake", "Oreos", "Cupcake", "Bleep, Bleep", "Bleeping", "Fudge, Fudge, Fudge---BROWNIES!!!" Then we have to ask are they being served? My favorites are "Applesauce" and really down and dirty but clean "Kiss my Grits!!" even better "Osculate my Glutious Maximus!"
We have one co-worker who has learned to curse in Latin...So our Born again Christian isn't getting any coins for her 'curse box' so she can't donate to her church---which sometimes I think of as the Church of the Airy-Fairy Fluff Bunnies---which is really an insult to Fluffy Bunnies, especially Bunnicula, my neighbor daughters pet bunny. I think the little girl is secretly Goth but she hasn't released it yet.
Sorry Darklings, I am being silly, but it is soooo good to be home. Again our weather is warmishly mild, reminding me of my upcoming vacation---which I am soooo looking forward to.
I am trying to type this but Belladonna my sweet little four legged darling is demanding my attention, well I'll take her out for a walk in a little bit and then it's "Little Caesars" for her.
I've had some fun in my search for more information on the Vera West Mystery and found only tiny snippets which I will add to my "Mystery of Vera West" Page hopefully this weekend.
But right now I have received in the mail my huge (and I do mean HUGE) September 2012 issue of Vogue magazine---the poor postman must get a hernia lugging that magazine it is SO huge, it is mostly ads but I enjoy it as it shows what the upcoming possible styles are coming out. And as Elder/Elderly Goths we can pick and choose the best of the best out of the worse---I am glad to see that a lot is leather and corporate looks, all wicked and sleek in its own way.
So Darklings if you don't subscribe do go out and buy the September issue of Vogue---Frankly Darklings, only the September and March issues are the one's worth getting, you can forget the rest of the year.
And be on the watch for Vanity Fair as well.
I also received in the mail my complete Autumn issue from Victorian Trading Company and there are some dresses and coats I am dying to purchase, it will be worth it.
I've talked to my contractor who has been helping me renovate my Great-Aunt's home and it is shaping up nicely. I told him about my plans for a freezer in the pantry and he made sure that the electrical outlet in there is capable of handling the load. So I took one day off this week to go with him to shop for one and we found one that is perfect, an upright so nothing will get buried, with just the right capacity to hold things for two people, it is also an energy-star saver as well and is just the right size to fit in the spot in the pantry.
He delivered it and set it up so it looks like I'm in business.
Tomorrow I'll have Belladonna stay at the Doggie Day Care and I'll be doing some serious shopping, one thing my contractor suggested is I buy these large folding crates and cloth coolers, that way anything frozen or refrigerated will stay frozen or cold for a long time, especially if I have a lot of errands. A very good idea.
I am also going to a nearby Church rummage sale this weekend, and see what they have to offer, one never knows what one will find.
On my lunch break today I ducked into our local CVS drug store and found two nail polish colors marketed under the collective name of "Spoiled" one color is a deep, deep blood red all ceramic looking, its called "Pick Your Poison", the other is sort of a dark, dark blackish brown with some faint red sparkle, in a way it reminds me of dried blood, its called "Bite Me!"
And I think I have found a goth/vamp web site that has things to purchase for your home and just in time for Halloween---I can't WAIT for the "Spirit Store" to open up and see what lovely tacky Halloween goodies they offer. Well once I have a chance to check out the initial site I'll give you my take on it and post its web site.
But Darklings, I cannot stress enough what Victorian Trading Company has to offer, including an Absinthe dispenser, yes the green fairy of liquors.
Now I must go, Belladonna is making demands upon me and I really want to have some fun during the "Twilight Hours".
Later Darklings
I am so finally glad to be home after a long, long day at my job. Had to be there at 7 (Oh My God it's to D*&%## early) A.M. Sorry Darklings I do have to self censor, one never knows who is underage viewing this site.
But considering that many under 18 year olds have heard worse, I'm not about to perpetuate any further filthy words---even at work the worse I say is "Fudgesickle!!" Part of the problem is we have a "born again christian" in our midst who put out a "curse" box and we have to put a coin in for each curse word we say.
Of course she's upset with me because I say "Fudgesickle!!" and she can't fine me because it's a proper word. And now the rest of the work force has adopted that as well.
For instance "Pound Cake", "Oreos", "Cupcake", "Bleep, Bleep", "Bleeping", "Fudge, Fudge, Fudge---BROWNIES!!!" Then we have to ask are they being served? My favorites are "Applesauce" and really down and dirty but clean "Kiss my Grits!!" even better "Osculate my Glutious Maximus!"
We have one co-worker who has learned to curse in Latin...So our Born again Christian isn't getting any coins for her 'curse box' so she can't donate to her church---which sometimes I think of as the Church of the Airy-Fairy Fluff Bunnies---which is really an insult to Fluffy Bunnies, especially Bunnicula, my neighbor daughters pet bunny. I think the little girl is secretly Goth but she hasn't released it yet.
Sorry Darklings, I am being silly, but it is soooo good to be home. Again our weather is warmishly mild, reminding me of my upcoming vacation---which I am soooo looking forward to.
I am trying to type this but Belladonna my sweet little four legged darling is demanding my attention, well I'll take her out for a walk in a little bit and then it's "Little Caesars" for her.
I've had some fun in my search for more information on the Vera West Mystery and found only tiny snippets which I will add to my "Mystery of Vera West" Page hopefully this weekend.
But right now I have received in the mail my huge (and I do mean HUGE) September 2012 issue of Vogue magazine---the poor postman must get a hernia lugging that magazine it is SO huge, it is mostly ads but I enjoy it as it shows what the upcoming possible styles are coming out. And as Elder/Elderly Goths we can pick and choose the best of the best out of the worse---I am glad to see that a lot is leather and corporate looks, all wicked and sleek in its own way.
So Darklings if you don't subscribe do go out and buy the September issue of Vogue---Frankly Darklings, only the September and March issues are the one's worth getting, you can forget the rest of the year.
And be on the watch for Vanity Fair as well.
I also received in the mail my complete Autumn issue from Victorian Trading Company and there are some dresses and coats I am dying to purchase, it will be worth it.
I've talked to my contractor who has been helping me renovate my Great-Aunt's home and it is shaping up nicely. I told him about my plans for a freezer in the pantry and he made sure that the electrical outlet in there is capable of handling the load. So I took one day off this week to go with him to shop for one and we found one that is perfect, an upright so nothing will get buried, with just the right capacity to hold things for two people, it is also an energy-star saver as well and is just the right size to fit in the spot in the pantry.
He delivered it and set it up so it looks like I'm in business.
Tomorrow I'll have Belladonna stay at the Doggie Day Care and I'll be doing some serious shopping, one thing my contractor suggested is I buy these large folding crates and cloth coolers, that way anything frozen or refrigerated will stay frozen or cold for a long time, especially if I have a lot of errands. A very good idea.
I am also going to a nearby Church rummage sale this weekend, and see what they have to offer, one never knows what one will find.
On my lunch break today I ducked into our local CVS drug store and found two nail polish colors marketed under the collective name of "Spoiled" one color is a deep, deep blood red all ceramic looking, its called "Pick Your Poison", the other is sort of a dark, dark blackish brown with some faint red sparkle, in a way it reminds me of dried blood, its called "Bite Me!"
And I think I have found a goth/vamp web site that has things to purchase for your home and just in time for Halloween---I can't WAIT for the "Spirit Store" to open up and see what lovely tacky Halloween goodies they offer. Well once I have a chance to check out the initial site I'll give you my take on it and post its web site.
But Darklings, I cannot stress enough what Victorian Trading Company has to offer, including an Absinthe dispenser, yes the green fairy of liquors.
Now I must go, Belladonna is making demands upon me and I really want to have some fun during the "Twilight Hours".
Later Darklings
Friday, June 15, 2012
A communte from Hell.....
Well Darklings,
I arrived early to work this morning, and now I have a break.
Yesterday was the communte from Hell....
a horrible fire broke out in the wee hours of the morning destroying a senior center citizens complex that was being built, no one hurt thank goodness, but the fire was so intense that it managed to damage important electrical connections for our rail transport system called BART.
So BART was out of commission, and the impact on the freeways was horrendous, if nothing else it demonstrated how important that mode of transportation really takes the impact off of the freeways.
I was thinking of taking the Bus, but a neighbor of mine said he was going to work down near the Ferry terminal on our side of the Bay and gave me a lift.
Taking the Ferry was such a pleasure although crowded with extra passengers, but still very delightful.
From the Terminal on the San Francisco side I was able to find a trolly to take me close to my BART stop and everything was what passed for normal with the exception of some of our staff being late because of the traffic congestion.
Going home I decided to take the Ferry and bus. But if nothing else I decided that it would not be bad to plan an alternate means of getting to work and home should this happen again.
I took the Ferry this morning and found it a relaxing way to get to work, such a pleasure to see the City coming closer as we plowed through the Bay waters.
And things slowly getting back to what passes for normal around here.
So Darklings for an elder Goth there are somethings that can still be a pleasure even if it is in daylight....I might look into those Ferry dinning cruises that I see being offered in the evenings....it sounds like a very romantic way to dine.
Later Darklings
Friday, May 25, 2012
~~~Catching Up
Hello Darklings,
Work has been making demands of me, but I have to do it, it’s the money that pays the bills that get repairs done, and gives me the “filthy lucre” to buy beautiful goodies of which I have been having fun finding.
Shoes and purses, those accessories that a woman even an elder Goth woman can never have enough of and Nordstrom has been happy to oblige me.
I had fun buying a Pour La Victorie satchel, in Palermo style in white, black, beige with red handles. Fun and just right for summer to do business with, I also purchased Vince Camuto sandals styled in what they call Minter in black with a two inch heel and brass studs going down the front tongue, they’ll look so edgy with my chiffon black palazzo evening slacks, topped with a pale gold blouse. And to keep me warm when the evenings take a little chill a cashmere shawl in black with gold edging, you can never go wrong with black and gold or silver and black.
And considering the number of parties that I have been invited to that are now crowding my calendar, it’s a good thing I have several combinations of this style to make things look interesting. Fortunately I have lightweight tops in jewel colors that will help change my look.
If you, as an elder Goth are looking for more upscale clothing for the summer, scan through Nordstrom’s on line catalogue, with careful selecting you will find something that will suit your summer needs without looking like “Miami Vice”.
The weather has turned mild although windy but has improved enough that the foundation work has been completed, the new plumbing and wiring has moved forward with so much completed that we are ahead of schedule. The new laundry room is done, the basement storage area completely finished, lightened up and well lighted.
The only thing is waiting for the re-wiring to be done to the two original chandeliers and then they will be installed in their original locations.
Once the heavy work is done then on forward to re-plastering, fixing the areas that had to be damaged and carefully patching the original wall paper, and if this weather holds up we’ll have it done before winter sets, two of the windows on the weather side of the house had to be replaced which I was able to have perfectly reproduced.
Outside I’m replaced the gutters, but I’m going to have to wait on painting the house until next year, as well as fixing the driveway and restoring the garden, but my girl friend, who loves to garden, has at least cleaned up the jungle-like tangled mess so we can see the original bones of the garden’s layout and relying on old photos she may be able to determine what kind of plantings were done although I may make some changes.
On decorating the interior, that I will take very slowly, one room at a time if possible and live with the rest until it’s their time to be done, it’s really my intention to preserve as much of my Aunt’s house as possible including the interior, but some things such as curtains, drapes I’ll have no choice but to replace with something as close to the originals, I do have the photo’s which help. The first areas will be the Kitchen followed by the master bath room.
I can see that “spring fever” is hitting a number of our staffers here at work, it’s sort of a “Hey Mambo, Mambo Italiano” feeling, where you sort of dance a mambo dance because one just feels good.
For me it’s the new Johnny Depp movie “Dark Shadows” that opened, I’ve got to see it soon, bit by bit I’ve been buying the T.V. series on DVD, with everything going into re-runs I’m going to have fun during the warm summer evenings.
And I had fun at the Vintage Fashion Show that was a couple of weeks ago, as well opening Friday night at the Friends of the Library used book sale, so much so that I bought several boxes of books including the Horror short stories of Arthur Conan Doyle. But it’s so good to know that my money is going to a good cause.
Belladonna has been a good little doggie with all the repair work that’s being done, one of my more elderly neighbors have been kind enough to baby sit her while I’m at work, she says that Bella is easy to care for while she watches her favorite programs on ME T.V. and RETRO T.V. My neighbor has said to me that with these programs now showing, television has become more bearable for her, and with programming her Tivo she can record the ones that run late at night or two programs that come on at the same time.
The only time it’s a problem is when my neighbor has a doctor’s appointment, when that happens I make arrangements to place her in Doggie Daycare and she seems to enjoy the change of pace.
This last Mother’s Day, was another happy yet sad day for me and I’m sure of others, my beloved Grandmother died on Mother’s Day many years ago, and sadly some years later my Mother also died on Mother’s Day, the dates were slightly different but it was the 2nd Sunday in May each time. So I went to the cemetery to leave flowers on their graves in Memory of what wonderful ladies they were for raising such a ‘changeling child’ as me. I could not have asked for better or more patient women than they were. Dinning was difficult as every place was booked full, so I drove my vintage car along the roads that use to be the by-ways of long ago, to see where it will take me for a quiet celebration. I have never been disappointed and I wasn’t, I found an out of the way place that had excellent food and wonderful ambience. I was surprised that it wasn’t crowded but the waiter told me that for Mother’s Day it seems that they need places that can handle large groups and this little location was not geared for that. All in all a very relaxing day. Then back to work the next day…***sigh***such is life. Later Darklings.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
An addition to the family~~~
Hello My Darklings,
After a period of gray, gloomy, rainy days, we are now having some sun-shine and relative warmth, which isn’t bad for an elder Goth, but still one has to use the sun screen and the wide brim hats because even now one can get a sun burn. I know Darklings, a sun burn?? In early Spring??? Well, yes. After all those months of winter and being in doors and covering up the skin has not had a chance to build up protection.
But if one wants to preserve ones’ skin it is not wise to try and get a tan, it prematurely ages you, you can develop skin cancer, and without UV ray sun glasses you can develop cataracts. But if you go out for just 15 minutes a day, even at 10 a.m. you will get enough vitamin D to help you. Although if you shun the Sun completely then it’s best to take vitamin D tablets.
And because of the rain I have not been able to do much on the foundation, however my construction major domo is seeing about upgrading the wiring and fuse box to handle the needs for the 21st century.
I have decided to go with a gas dryer, since the connections for one are already in place and we’ll include a smoke alarm as well as a carbon monoxide detector.
But that is why I’m not posting today. It’s for another reason.
I’m down sick with the flu and it’s a “beauty”. I was fine until Wednesday evening, but I had taken the day off to see about installing the new dryer, and I heard this whining coming from my neighbors’ yard. Now here is the sad thing Darklings, my neighbors’ house was into foreclosure, frankly I was glad to lose him, he and his family were hideous people. The kind that you Don’t want to be neighbors. And the rest of the neighborhood were also glad to see them go, but there was this whining from the back yard.
I looked over the fence but couldn’t see anything and it was seriously sprinkling but the whining was so pitiful, my friend was with me and he said it sounded like a small dog, so I called out “Here Baby, come here!” and out from under the neighbors’ back porch stairs was a little Chihuahua dog all black with tan markings, I knew immediately it was my neighbors dog “Bella”----they had abandon her! I was furious!
My friend brought out his double sided ladder and in the rain we climbed over the fence and rescued Bella, I knew her owners had been gone for nearly 5 days, they should have come back in that time to get her. I knew she had been drinking water with all the rain, but she was shivering.
So we took her into my house, dried her off, and I carefully fed her, I didn’t want her to throw up, and my friend and I tested the dryer to dry our jackets. It worked fine.
“Bella” fell asleep in the box I fixed up with a blanket. I tried my neighbors’ cell phone number but it was disconnected. What do I do? I took her the next day to this vet that had been recommended to me by my friend. After having a complete check out and with booster shots, she was given a clean bill of health she didn’t have a micro chip so I chipped her at this vet with my information and became her “Mommy” and for my efforts I came down with the flu. Oh well, one has to on occasion make sacrifices.
She’ll be going back for a follow up check up and the best we can determine is she is just over a year old.
“Bella” is now “Belladonna”, an appropriate name for a dog for an elder Goth, and I have to admit I went overboard on things for her, but I felt that she needed to know in some way she is loved, yes my Darklings, I’ve fallen in love with “Belladonna” and although I’m recovering from the flu, she cuddles up to me, lets me know when she needs to go to the bath room, she stays close to me, she let me bathe her (she needed it) and she has no objection to wearing doggie sweaters and t-shirts, even if they have skulls on them. She has also learned that going potty on special doggie pads is fine provided she knows where they are, she is a quick learner.
So is it appropriate for an elder Goth to have a pet? Yes, My Darklings, provided that you have the time and the inclination to care for and commit yourself to being its caregiver/provider, it is a long time commitment. If your life is very busy and highly social then a pet is not for you unless you can incorporate your pet into both your work and social life, fortunately “Belladonna” is so small that I can. I just have to be careful while work is being done on the house so that she doesn’t get hurt.
Right now as I type this she is sitting on her own little chair with a cushion and I hear her contently sighing. There will be times when I cannot take her with me as I know most places ban pets, and what I do recommend Darklings is to find out what places can and cannot take or deal with pets, Bella’s vet has also recommended several places that give excellent doggie day care for those times where it’s best for her to be cared for and if you are a pet owner look into that it’s worth the expense. So plan your trips and excursions carefully, the good thing with Bella is she can fit into a small carry bag or purse and seems to not have an issue with it.
It know it sounds so non-Goth, but who says you have to be pet less, you don’t and those times when you are home alone and watching a really frightening movie or the news, cuddling up to a warm, little thing that loves you unconditionally can be very good therapy.
Now I’m going to lie down and take a nap and try to get well, and Belladonna I know will snuggle right next to me.
Later Darklings.
After a period of gray, gloomy, rainy days, we are now having some sun-shine and relative warmth, which isn’t bad for an elder Goth, but still one has to use the sun screen and the wide brim hats because even now one can get a sun burn. I know Darklings, a sun burn?? In early Spring??? Well, yes. After all those months of winter and being in doors and covering up the skin has not had a chance to build up protection.
But if one wants to preserve ones’ skin it is not wise to try and get a tan, it prematurely ages you, you can develop skin cancer, and without UV ray sun glasses you can develop cataracts. But if you go out for just 15 minutes a day, even at 10 a.m. you will get enough vitamin D to help you. Although if you shun the Sun completely then it’s best to take vitamin D tablets.
And because of the rain I have not been able to do much on the foundation, however my construction major domo is seeing about upgrading the wiring and fuse box to handle the needs for the 21st century.
I have decided to go with a gas dryer, since the connections for one are already in place and we’ll include a smoke alarm as well as a carbon monoxide detector.
But that is why I’m not posting today. It’s for another reason.
I’m down sick with the flu and it’s a “beauty”. I was fine until Wednesday evening, but I had taken the day off to see about installing the new dryer, and I heard this whining coming from my neighbors’ yard. Now here is the sad thing Darklings, my neighbors’ house was into foreclosure, frankly I was glad to lose him, he and his family were hideous people. The kind that you Don’t want to be neighbors. And the rest of the neighborhood were also glad to see them go, but there was this whining from the back yard.
I looked over the fence but couldn’t see anything and it was seriously sprinkling but the whining was so pitiful, my friend was with me and he said it sounded like a small dog, so I called out “Here Baby, come here!” and out from under the neighbors’ back porch stairs was a little Chihuahua dog all black with tan markings, I knew immediately it was my neighbors dog “Bella”----they had abandon her! I was furious!
My friend brought out his double sided ladder and in the rain we climbed over the fence and rescued Bella, I knew her owners had been gone for nearly 5 days, they should have come back in that time to get her. I knew she had been drinking water with all the rain, but she was shivering.
So we took her into my house, dried her off, and I carefully fed her, I didn’t want her to throw up, and my friend and I tested the dryer to dry our jackets. It worked fine.
“Bella” fell asleep in the box I fixed up with a blanket. I tried my neighbors’ cell phone number but it was disconnected. What do I do? I took her the next day to this vet that had been recommended to me by my friend. After having a complete check out and with booster shots, she was given a clean bill of health she didn’t have a micro chip so I chipped her at this vet with my information and became her “Mommy” and for my efforts I came down with the flu. Oh well, one has to on occasion make sacrifices.
She’ll be going back for a follow up check up and the best we can determine is she is just over a year old.
“Bella” is now “Belladonna”, an appropriate name for a dog for an elder Goth, and I have to admit I went overboard on things for her, but I felt that she needed to know in some way she is loved, yes my Darklings, I’ve fallen in love with “Belladonna” and although I’m recovering from the flu, she cuddles up to me, lets me know when she needs to go to the bath room, she stays close to me, she let me bathe her (she needed it) and she has no objection to wearing doggie sweaters and t-shirts, even if they have skulls on them. She has also learned that going potty on special doggie pads is fine provided she knows where they are, she is a quick learner.
So is it appropriate for an elder Goth to have a pet? Yes, My Darklings, provided that you have the time and the inclination to care for and commit yourself to being its caregiver/provider, it is a long time commitment. If your life is very busy and highly social then a pet is not for you unless you can incorporate your pet into both your work and social life, fortunately “Belladonna” is so small that I can. I just have to be careful while work is being done on the house so that she doesn’t get hurt.
Right now as I type this she is sitting on her own little chair with a cushion and I hear her contently sighing. There will be times when I cannot take her with me as I know most places ban pets, and what I do recommend Darklings is to find out what places can and cannot take or deal with pets, Bella’s vet has also recommended several places that give excellent doggie day care for those times where it’s best for her to be cared for and if you are a pet owner look into that it’s worth the expense. So plan your trips and excursions carefully, the good thing with Bella is she can fit into a small carry bag or purse and seems to not have an issue with it.
It know it sounds so non-Goth, but who says you have to be pet less, you don’t and those times when you are home alone and watching a really frightening movie or the news, cuddling up to a warm, little thing that loves you unconditionally can be very good therapy.
Now I’m going to lie down and take a nap and try to get well, and Belladonna I know will snuggle right next to me.
Later Darklings.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
More Construction~~~
Well Darklings,
I have to admit that the weather has put somethings on hold, fortunately the tarps are holding and no water into the basement. I did find some interesting things while the basement was being cleaned out.
A wonderful old oak desk that must have been used in a office, it has a hid-a-way top so that all one has to do is flip the top to move the typewriter underneath and have a flat writing surface, it's a bit stiff but some WD40 loosened it up so that it works very well.
Now I'll have to find a re-conditioned typewriter for it.
I also found two chandeliers, I don't know why they were removed but I came across some old photos which shows what rooms they were originally in. I've talked to my construction person and he says I can have them newly wired and installed in the correct rooms.
It's like a treasure hunt, my kitchen is covered with boxes of old stuff that I'm sorting through to see what is salvageable, and with the old photo's to help out I'll be able to see what goes where.
But now I'm tired and covered in cobwebs and dust so to the showers to get cleaned up. And I don't have to cook dinner tonight, a friend of mine is coming over and he is going to take me out, where to I don't know but then I love surprises.
Later Darklings.
I have to admit that the weather has put somethings on hold, fortunately the tarps are holding and no water into the basement. I did find some interesting things while the basement was being cleaned out.
A wonderful old oak desk that must have been used in a office, it has a hid-a-way top so that all one has to do is flip the top to move the typewriter underneath and have a flat writing surface, it's a bit stiff but some WD40 loosened it up so that it works very well.
Now I'll have to find a re-conditioned typewriter for it.
I also found two chandeliers, I don't know why they were removed but I came across some old photos which shows what rooms they were originally in. I've talked to my construction person and he says I can have them newly wired and installed in the correct rooms.
It's like a treasure hunt, my kitchen is covered with boxes of old stuff that I'm sorting through to see what is salvageable, and with the old photo's to help out I'll be able to see what goes where.
But now I'm tired and covered in cobwebs and dust so to the showers to get cleaned up. And I don't have to cook dinner tonight, a friend of mine is coming over and he is going to take me out, where to I don't know but then I love surprises.
Later Darklings.
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