Hello Darklings,
No not me, Thank Goodness.
My brother and sister in law asked if I would be kind enough to purchase the school materials the children would need when School goes back in session.
And they gave me the list of what they do have and what needs to be replenished and the money to buy it with (Thank You very much).
Stuff for the boys is easy enough, although Christopher asked if I could find a magnetic mirror for him to put into the inside of his locker, the twins teased him and said he has a girl friend, well more like several girls have a crush on him, he says he wants to look presentable around his friends.
Coralline just rolled her eyes but did confide to me that while she was recovering at home several girls that know Chris came by the house, supposedly to study. And they commiserated with her about her broken ankle, but she said that she could see they were there to flirt with her older brother.
He still keeps an eye on her and helps her, but she is getting better, but the way she told me about this was funny.
I did find the magnetic mirror, plus a magnetic shelf to hold a comb and Tic-Tacs and anything else he might need, It came in a pewter color, I also got a set for Coralline in gold for her locker as well, and a replacement battery operated chandler, her old one got broke when those thieves stole stuff from their house. And a few other gold accented things for her for school, to cheer her up, no sense having school be drab for her.
They left a few days ago and fortunately where they are going there are no wildfires, I was on pins and needles about the one burning near Mariposa, near Yosemite. But I heard on the news that the mandatory evacuation of the historic town has been lifted, the town was safe but people did lose their homes. Some friends of mine who live in that area called me a few hours ago and said they were one of the lucky ones, their home was spared.
I am planning a trip towards the beginning of October, to the wine country again, I'm hoping Doyle can come with me, but if not, well I'm use to traveling alone. Although I don't think I'll buy as many varieties as the other time. I've seemed to settle in with a few that I like. But one never can tell.
Or I may go to Columbia State Park, in time for one of their Ghost Tours, and considering bookings I think I better start planning now.
And now I'm preparing for another heat wave, fans are out, plenty of water bowls for the dogs. And now Sis has come by for a late dinner, she's been working hard, but I think I'm going to try and persuade her to take a mini-spa vacation with me. Just have to think where to go.
Later Darklings.
Showing posts with label wildfires. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wildfires. Show all posts
Friday, July 21, 2017
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Of being a "stand-in Mom"~~~~
Hello Darklings,
I know the title of this post doesn't make sense, but my Brother wanted to take the family out again for one last major road trip, after their return, doing a quick check up on the RV then off again, they really do like this traveling on the road. By as my sister in law says, "it's nice to come back to a permanent home"
Well why am I (and my sister) are "stand in Mom's"? For a good reason, I go to my brother's house, pick up the mail and flyers, etc. every day, turn on different lights, check things and such, and then at a certain designated time go on line and "chat" with them about what bills have come in, most of them are auto payments which is good for them, but sometimes something unique comes in so I need to relay the information.
Well in this case it's a list of what the children will need for school each list is different, except for the twins their lists are the same, so it's just double of what they need.
My sister in law agreed that if I could get the school supplies that the children need, I'll be reimbursed, and then she can focus on their clothes and school uniforms, when they return, less of a head ache.
Well that's not problem, I mean how hard is it to follow a list? It is when you're fighting off 20 million parents looking for the same thing ---Thank you Wal-mart and Target! The twins are getting exactly the same thing, same color, nothing different.
I was asked to get new backpacks for all of them too, the old one's are completely worn out but each back pack has to be different, Chris said "basic black or blue", Coraline "Something cute", the Twins I'm not going to even describe what they were saying, they were bouncing around so much on the "video chat" so I told them they will get what they get and be glad that it will not have kitties, bunnies or puppies on them. That quieted them down.
So today, after an early morning "attack" on Wal-mart (open open open) we got it before it became insane.
Then lining up each back pack with each item on the list, Sis and I did a check off to see what we might have missed---Rulers---isn't that silly, we forgot rulers----this time to Target, Big MISTAKE! RETREAT!!! Found them at Safeway---Thank you! Whew!!
My brother and family will be returning the end of next week, he's been able to keep the children away from any areas that have fires by sticking to the coast and seeing the historical sites along the coast, and by doing that they've been avoiding most of the heat waves we've been having. The children have been enjoying it, I'm happy to say, I will be glad when they come home.
In the mean time Doyle has been setting up motion detector lights here and there around the house, we will turn them off during trick or treating at Halloween, but they work and should be a good deterrent against "Crazy".
Dinner tonight our go-to favorite Chinese!
Sis has suggested that maybe we take in a movie tonight, perhaps "Mr. Holmes" but I really don't feel like going out, she understood so we'll take it in tomorrow night.
I am being called in to work two days this coming week to fill in some "holes" at my old work place, it will be nice to see familiar faces, and Doyle will pick me up after work to bring me home, I'll be taking public transportation to go in.
I cannot believe it, yet I can, our state is on Fire! Nearly 2 dozen fires up and down the state, the one near Clear Lake is as big as the City of San Francisco, and just as devastating. Sometimes I'm out on the back porch and I can smell wood burning and it's not bar-be-que mesquite, when the breeze is just right you can smell it, when that happens both Belladonna and Wiener Dog start trembling and whimpering, and all I can do is hold them and do my best to soothe them, of late they've been sharing the bed with me and Doyle, huddling between the two of us----it does make for romance a little difficult, but Doyle says "What can you do?"
A strong El Nino will be needed. Desperately!
There are times I wish I could see into a crystal ball to see when the rains will come.
Later Darklings
I know the title of this post doesn't make sense, but my Brother wanted to take the family out again for one last major road trip, after their return, doing a quick check up on the RV then off again, they really do like this traveling on the road. By as my sister in law says, "it's nice to come back to a permanent home"
Well why am I (and my sister) are "stand in Mom's"? For a good reason, I go to my brother's house, pick up the mail and flyers, etc. every day, turn on different lights, check things and such, and then at a certain designated time go on line and "chat" with them about what bills have come in, most of them are auto payments which is good for them, but sometimes something unique comes in so I need to relay the information.
Well in this case it's a list of what the children will need for school each list is different, except for the twins their lists are the same, so it's just double of what they need.
My sister in law agreed that if I could get the school supplies that the children need, I'll be reimbursed, and then she can focus on their clothes and school uniforms, when they return, less of a head ache.
Well that's not problem, I mean how hard is it to follow a list? It is when you're fighting off 20 million parents looking for the same thing ---Thank you Wal-mart and Target! The twins are getting exactly the same thing, same color, nothing different.
I was asked to get new backpacks for all of them too, the old one's are completely worn out but each back pack has to be different, Chris said "basic black or blue", Coraline "Something cute", the Twins I'm not going to even describe what they were saying, they were bouncing around so much on the "video chat" so I told them they will get what they get and be glad that it will not have kitties, bunnies or puppies on them. That quieted them down.
So today, after an early morning "attack" on Wal-mart (open open open) we got it before it became insane.
Then lining up each back pack with each item on the list, Sis and I did a check off to see what we might have missed---Rulers---isn't that silly, we forgot rulers----this time to Target, Big MISTAKE! RETREAT!!! Found them at Safeway---Thank you! Whew!!
My brother and family will be returning the end of next week, he's been able to keep the children away from any areas that have fires by sticking to the coast and seeing the historical sites along the coast, and by doing that they've been avoiding most of the heat waves we've been having. The children have been enjoying it, I'm happy to say, I will be glad when they come home.
In the mean time Doyle has been setting up motion detector lights here and there around the house, we will turn them off during trick or treating at Halloween, but they work and should be a good deterrent against "Crazy".
Dinner tonight our go-to favorite Chinese!
Sis has suggested that maybe we take in a movie tonight, perhaps "Mr. Holmes" but I really don't feel like going out, she understood so we'll take it in tomorrow night.
I am being called in to work two days this coming week to fill in some "holes" at my old work place, it will be nice to see familiar faces, and Doyle will pick me up after work to bring me home, I'll be taking public transportation to go in.
I cannot believe it, yet I can, our state is on Fire! Nearly 2 dozen fires up and down the state, the one near Clear Lake is as big as the City of San Francisco, and just as devastating. Sometimes I'm out on the back porch and I can smell wood burning and it's not bar-be-que mesquite, when the breeze is just right you can smell it, when that happens both Belladonna and Wiener Dog start trembling and whimpering, and all I can do is hold them and do my best to soothe them, of late they've been sharing the bed with me and Doyle, huddling between the two of us----it does make for romance a little difficult, but Doyle says "What can you do?"
A strong El Nino will be needed. Desperately!
There are times I wish I could see into a crystal ball to see when the rains will come.
Later Darklings
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Of Halloween, the King Fire and your Halloween Costume~~~~
Good News Darklings!
This is according to the National Forest Service on the King Fire----
"The National Forest Service has begun reopening areas of the Sierra closed by the King fire, which has burned almost 100,000 acres west of Sacramento since September 13, according to the Sacramento Bee.
The fire is now 94 percent contained. A rainy four days aided firefighters in halting the spread of the fire, according to the Los Angeles Times. More than 2,000 firefighters and support personnel are still working on the fire, down from nearly 8,000. Fire officials now anticipate full containment by this weekend, according to a Cal Fire report issued on Tuesday."
Al was happy to hear about that and is going back with a friend of his to get a real proper survey of the damage, they're going up in his friends camper truck to stay a few days, Duke and Gabby will go with him, but he said he's going to make sure that they don't wander away, even though they do stay close to him, he is concerned and he'll check again to see if any dogs fitting their description are reported missing. He says he wants to make a good faith effort.
Halloween is now only 29 days away, I can hardly wait. We all had fun going to the Spirit Store there was just so much to choose from, that it made it very hard, but one thing I did like was this "Fire and Ice" effect done with a small LED rotating spot light, I thought that it would look good lighting up the Grim reaper, so I purchased 3 of them, sort of spread the effect around.
And then there was this lovely Victorian Haunted Telephone, I thought it would be perfect for inside the house on the front hall table, maybe even year round. Who knows? So I couldn't resist that.
I wasn't sure about pop-up werewolves, but there is the possibility. And I had to get new table cloths,
but I was a bit underwhelmed by the severing plates, so I'll stick to what I have. Although Sis did suggest that we check Target since I did get lucky last year.
Coralline just was in Heaven, testing this devise and that devise and her Mom said to me "If I show this to the boys there will be no peace in the house!" Coralline liked the Haunted Telephone as well.
So although I did buy a few things, this weekend Doyle, Brian and Myself will drag everything out and do a set up of the tombstones, and put marker flags for the other items, I don't want them to be too much out in the sun until a couple of days before Halloween, again depending upon the weather, but by having them on display in the basement (and I'm so glad I got it finished off) we can see if they need any work or need to be replaced.
Coralline and her Mother have decided they will be Lily Munster and Wednesday Addams, My brother is going to be Herman Munster, I'll be dressed as Morticia and Doyle will be Gomez, on the boys we're not sure, knowing how bouncy the twins can be, I suggested that they might want to be flying monkeys, but the twins rejected that, however the oldest said he'd like to be a werewolf (there wolf), and we thought O.K. then the twins can be zombies. No one for Pugsly unfortunately.
Nor Grandpa or Uncle Fester, Brian wanted to be an Undertaker, why not I thought. Sis is going to be the Wicked Witch of the West or East or whatever direction.
While Doyle and I were down in the basement (and it's good size it runs the entire length and width of the house) we checked for things like pipe leaks and such, we have one section for Holiday storage and those holiday serving wear, the laundry room, and the wine and beer "cellar' or Apthocarium but there is a large finished space as well, and it has of all things, a fire place, It's unused as a matter of fact the chimney of it connects to the fireplace in the family parlor as one flue,
I was very surprised about this when I first moved into my Great Aunts house, but was told that in some of the better houses they would have had some heating system to dry laundry on cold and rainy days.
So I presume that back in the day before electric and gas dryers that is what it might have been used for since the area was in it's own way finished before I had it redone, and as Doyle and I were checking things and taking a break he looked at it and said to me "You know you could install a gas fireplace fixture into it and we could make this area into a "haunted parlour", after all you're giving me my man cave, why not something really specifically bizarre, with all the skull candelabra and such make real use of it."
And I said to him "And what so you and your friends could play poker or something?" but he continued "Well you always want to do something really strange, in a way your like Sarah Winchester, always adding something new, why not? At least think about it."
Then he reminded me when we visited a friend of his who was into Victorian things and re-created Sherlock Holmes flat in the 2nd story of his Victorian Home, I remembered that house years ago, wondering why Doyle's friend bought something that was a wreck, most of the interior had been gutted to make several horrible apartments, all the beautiful wood work torn out, the only thing that survived was a lovely stair case, but the interior of the house was gutted into a 1960's monstrosity, The good thing is the front door and the stain glass windows were preserved. But his friend and his wife said that it had given them an opportunity to create from scratch. And the position of the stair case was perfectly placed just like in the old Basil Rathbone movies, but with the slight upper bow window made for the front area on the 2nd floor perfect for the living area.
Over the years we had seen it as a work in progress and then a few years ago we were invited to visit them when we were in the area and we did and what a transformation but the Sherlock Holmes living area was a marvel, based on a display done in England as well as the Jeremy Brett Series.
So I have Doyle's suggestion in the back burner of my mind for now. There are possibilities, who knows?
And now Darklings----what will be your costume for Halloween? I have posted here a suggestion board.
So have fun!
Later Darklings
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Of King Fire Update, Al and the Dogs~~~
Good Morning Darklings,
Well there is the beginning of good news on the King Fire in the El dorado National Forest near Pollock Pines.
It is now 74% contained, the rain and very cool weather gave the fire fighters a good fighting chance, Al and Doyle went back today to get a proper survey of his property damage and to make sure no one looted anything. Duke and Gabby went with them, they simply refuse to let Al out of their sight.
And Al decided he will keep the dogs, He said to me this morning "Those guys are up there in years, it's hard for an older dog to get adopted, I owe them a stable home or to at least be with me" and he sheepishly admitted that they slept with him on the bed last night, I said not to worry, sheets and bedspreads are always washable.
So he told me that he has to plan on what it will take to get his home fixed up again, and to see about planting grasses in the area to prevent mud slides, he said he can't live in the house yet, but is thinking of moving one of his more restored trailers there and attach the water and sewer line to it and use small propane tanks for cooking and heating.
I said take your time, you are no intrusion and it would be good for Doyle to not feel outnumbered by the women folk, as I called it.
And speaking of women folk, my niece and sister in law will be here any minute and then we are going along with my sister to the Spirit Store, to ogle the new Halloween goodies. And grab a bite to eat.
Coralline told me she is excited about it. Well even as a grown up so am I.
Later Darklings
Well there is the beginning of good news on the King Fire in the El dorado National Forest near Pollock Pines.
It is now 74% contained, the rain and very cool weather gave the fire fighters a good fighting chance, Al and Doyle went back today to get a proper survey of his property damage and to make sure no one looted anything. Duke and Gabby went with them, they simply refuse to let Al out of their sight.
And Al decided he will keep the dogs, He said to me this morning "Those guys are up there in years, it's hard for an older dog to get adopted, I owe them a stable home or to at least be with me" and he sheepishly admitted that they slept with him on the bed last night, I said not to worry, sheets and bedspreads are always washable.
So he told me that he has to plan on what it will take to get his home fixed up again, and to see about planting grasses in the area to prevent mud slides, he said he can't live in the house yet, but is thinking of moving one of his more restored trailers there and attach the water and sewer line to it and use small propane tanks for cooking and heating.
I said take your time, you are no intrusion and it would be good for Doyle to not feel outnumbered by the women folk, as I called it.
And speaking of women folk, my niece and sister in law will be here any minute and then we are going along with my sister to the Spirit Store, to ogle the new Halloween goodies. And grab a bite to eat.
Coralline told me she is excited about it. Well even as a grown up so am I.
Later Darklings
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Of the fire and such update~~~~
Well my Darklings,
The King fire is about 35 percent contained if the winds don't pick up, so far it seems to be going in a North East direction but embers do fly up and start hot spots in other locals.
I've been praying for rain and cool weather to give the firefighters a chance, they've come as far away as Alaska and Florida, 5,000 of them, this is a horrendous fire.
Al and Doyle went up yesterday to see if Al could go to his cabin and in the afternoon they were letting some folks up there, and also Al wanted to see if any notices were posted about these lost dogs, they didn't get back until late last night.
Al said that he lost his work shop and his non-working VW, he was glad he didn't have gas in the tank of that car or it would have been worse, it seems that the back part of his cabin got badly scorched, and it appears he may have lost the bad deck of his cabin but so far it appears to be in tact, so he got boards and he and Doyle put boards over the windows, and doors.
Put a big sign on it saying that it is owner occupied, and had salvaged family photo's which he was grateful to find unharmed.
There was no notice of any dogs missing answering to the two dogs he has. So this morning we took them to the vet to see if they were micro chipped and they were not. So the Vet gave them a full set of shots, advised what sort of food they should be fed incase they might have food allergies, and said that the taller dog was about 10 years old and the shorter one was about 8, Duke is male and Gabby is Female, and both are neutered, the Vet found the neuter scar on Gabby.
So with all those shots the dogs are now sleeping the sleep of the just and medicated. Al is making plans on moving one of his trailers back up to live in while he does repairs to his cabin, but it may be a while until his area gets the all clear.
Duke and Gabby have taken to sleeping on these rugs that I have in the kitchen towards one corner, I was surprised to see the other day that Duke dragged one of the rugs to one spot and laid down there, and Gabby just crowded on it, so I moved the other rug there with their food and water bowls near them, and it's a good spot just right where they can see all the doors, and yet be out of the way.
They won't go outside unless one of us is with them, and has taken to accepting both Doyle and myself as part of their "pack".
So for now Al will be staying with us but going back and forth until he gets a final all clear, the question of the dogs are still up in the air, although both Belladonna and Weiner have accepted them.
They are house broken and very calm, Al is not sure if he wants to keep them, but we said to not to worry at this point in time.
Take care of what needs to be done first. So now Al and Doyle are working on plans, I'm leaving in a few minutes to put in a few hours at work, Sis said she'll do dinner as her clients are now coming to her home for their appointments.
And then I'll take a little time this evening to collect my thoughts to see what will be happening next.
I do know that I have a graveyard to set up for Halloween, so I need to go through and see what is being offered.
Later Darklings
The King fire is about 35 percent contained if the winds don't pick up, so far it seems to be going in a North East direction but embers do fly up and start hot spots in other locals.
I've been praying for rain and cool weather to give the firefighters a chance, they've come as far away as Alaska and Florida, 5,000 of them, this is a horrendous fire.
Al and Doyle went up yesterday to see if Al could go to his cabin and in the afternoon they were letting some folks up there, and also Al wanted to see if any notices were posted about these lost dogs, they didn't get back until late last night.
Al said that he lost his work shop and his non-working VW, he was glad he didn't have gas in the tank of that car or it would have been worse, it seems that the back part of his cabin got badly scorched, and it appears he may have lost the bad deck of his cabin but so far it appears to be in tact, so he got boards and he and Doyle put boards over the windows, and doors.
Put a big sign on it saying that it is owner occupied, and had salvaged family photo's which he was grateful to find unharmed.
There was no notice of any dogs missing answering to the two dogs he has. So this morning we took them to the vet to see if they were micro chipped and they were not. So the Vet gave them a full set of shots, advised what sort of food they should be fed incase they might have food allergies, and said that the taller dog was about 10 years old and the shorter one was about 8, Duke is male and Gabby is Female, and both are neutered, the Vet found the neuter scar on Gabby.
So with all those shots the dogs are now sleeping the sleep of the just and medicated. Al is making plans on moving one of his trailers back up to live in while he does repairs to his cabin, but it may be a while until his area gets the all clear.
Duke and Gabby have taken to sleeping on these rugs that I have in the kitchen towards one corner, I was surprised to see the other day that Duke dragged one of the rugs to one spot and laid down there, and Gabby just crowded on it, so I moved the other rug there with their food and water bowls near them, and it's a good spot just right where they can see all the doors, and yet be out of the way.
They won't go outside unless one of us is with them, and has taken to accepting both Doyle and myself as part of their "pack".
So for now Al will be staying with us but going back and forth until he gets a final all clear, the question of the dogs are still up in the air, although both Belladonna and Weiner have accepted them.
They are house broken and very calm, Al is not sure if he wants to keep them, but we said to not to worry at this point in time.
Take care of what needs to be done first. So now Al and Doyle are working on plans, I'm leaving in a few minutes to put in a few hours at work, Sis said she'll do dinner as her clients are now coming to her home for their appointments.
And then I'll take a little time this evening to collect my thoughts to see what will be happening next.
I do know that I have a graveyard to set up for Halloween, so I need to go through and see what is being offered.
Later Darklings
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Of more on Forest Fires, gaining furry friends~~~
Hello Darklings,
Well after being gone for most of yesterday Doyle came home with Al and the two dogs, once Al got his trailers settled in for storage.
Al looked exhausted and ready to drop, Doyle asked me if we could put him up for a short time, well I thought any man who is willing to rescue stray dogs is O.K. as far as I'm concern. Doyle loaned him some work clothes and I fed the dogs, both German Shepherds, and well mannered, but they would not eat if Al was not in their view, so before he could shower he sat down in the kitchen with us and drank coffee covered in dust, sweat, soot and dirt so the dogs would eat.
The dogs were dirty too but at this time I was not going to complain, they ate and drank and then flopped down on the floor too exhausted to move, Belladonna and Weiner dog would sniff them and we kept our eyes on them in case a fight started but the Shepherds didn't move an inch as a matter of fact one of them started to snore.
Al said he would stay in the down stairs room he didn't want the dogs to run about the house while they were still dirty and he could watch them when they went out side to do their "thing" and cleaned up after them.
He had a small cabin up in the area of the fire and was grateful for his friends helping him tow his 3 vintage trailers he was restoring, saying he was glad he had new tires on them and the brakes and brake lights working, it made it easier and safer to tow. But he said that once they got to a safe area he wanted to go back with a friend to see if his cabin was safe but they would not let him back, the wind had shifted.
So all he had was the clothes on his back, his wallet, 2 stray dogs, his heavy duty truck, and 3 vintage trailers in storage.
His buddies would take him in but where they are staying has a no pets policy, even for a short time.
And me being soft hearted anyway, said he could stay with the dogs until he either could go back or if he'd have to make new arrangements.
So with borrowed clothes, a fresh shower for himself, he and Doyle took the dogs this morning to Pet Food Express where they have wash stations and they both washed the Dogs removing tons of dirt and soot, bought K-9 Advantex and treated them to keep fleas and such off of them. Then went to Target and while Doyle stayed with the dogs Al bought some cheap clothes and underwear and what necessities he needed for himself and the dogs to tied him over.
And Doyle to make me happy, being the kind person he knew I am, took time to go into Target when Al returned to the Van, and there he bought a half dozen of each Apothic Red, white and dark wines.
Which are now tucked into my wine area down in the basement. The Al and Doyle took all 4 dogs for a walk and to talk, and they found that they had to rearrange how they could walk, it seems that the dogs took it upon themselves as to how they would like up, the larger shepherd on the far outside nearest the street with Weiner Dog next to him, and the Belladonna next to Weiner with the smaller shepherd on the side nearest the lawns, so Doyle and Al had one Shepherd each. And they paced themselves with the slowest walking dog, Belladonna.
When they came home as I was preparing dinner I asked Al if he knew the dogs' names and he said he had no idea, but he started calling he taller dog Duke and it seems to respond to that name, and he shorter one Gabby, because it seems to "talk" a bit kind of mumble, mumble grump, grump.
Sis and Brian are over at the house to join us for dinner, and while the pot roast is in its final stages of cooking, the salads chilling in the frig, Sis is making potatoes au gratin. While the men folk sit on the back porch (that is now completely screened in) with the dogs and are talking about the King Fire, and what they've seen in the news, it is not pretty, but it seems the cooler weather maybe helping.
Al is resigned to the fact that he may have lost his cabin, but it will be a few days at least until he knows what has happened.
As I type this and hear my sister puttering in the kitchen, she just asked me if maybe they may want apple pie for dessert, I said that old fashion comfort food would be he best. So pie it is. And the "men folks" voices murmuring drifting in as one or the other's voice gets a bit louder, I am grateful that I have a good size home to house the occasional wayfarer, or visitor, that we know so many people and are in a position to help when we can.
In many ways I feel blessed. Al has just come in to use my phone to find out what is happening, but so far the word is he still cannot go back, he may try to go back on Tuesday, him and Doyle, if they do they'll take Doyles' van it can hold them and the dogs and if possible anything that Al can salvage if there is anything to salvage.
And now the timer has gone off, time to serve dinner.
Later Darklings
Well after being gone for most of yesterday Doyle came home with Al and the two dogs, once Al got his trailers settled in for storage.
Al looked exhausted and ready to drop, Doyle asked me if we could put him up for a short time, well I thought any man who is willing to rescue stray dogs is O.K. as far as I'm concern. Doyle loaned him some work clothes and I fed the dogs, both German Shepherds, and well mannered, but they would not eat if Al was not in their view, so before he could shower he sat down in the kitchen with us and drank coffee covered in dust, sweat, soot and dirt so the dogs would eat.
The dogs were dirty too but at this time I was not going to complain, they ate and drank and then flopped down on the floor too exhausted to move, Belladonna and Weiner dog would sniff them and we kept our eyes on them in case a fight started but the Shepherds didn't move an inch as a matter of fact one of them started to snore.
Al said he would stay in the down stairs room he didn't want the dogs to run about the house while they were still dirty and he could watch them when they went out side to do their "thing" and cleaned up after them.
He had a small cabin up in the area of the fire and was grateful for his friends helping him tow his 3 vintage trailers he was restoring, saying he was glad he had new tires on them and the brakes and brake lights working, it made it easier and safer to tow. But he said that once they got to a safe area he wanted to go back with a friend to see if his cabin was safe but they would not let him back, the wind had shifted.
So all he had was the clothes on his back, his wallet, 2 stray dogs, his heavy duty truck, and 3 vintage trailers in storage.
His buddies would take him in but where they are staying has a no pets policy, even for a short time.
And me being soft hearted anyway, said he could stay with the dogs until he either could go back or if he'd have to make new arrangements.
So with borrowed clothes, a fresh shower for himself, he and Doyle took the dogs this morning to Pet Food Express where they have wash stations and they both washed the Dogs removing tons of dirt and soot, bought K-9 Advantex and treated them to keep fleas and such off of them. Then went to Target and while Doyle stayed with the dogs Al bought some cheap clothes and underwear and what necessities he needed for himself and the dogs to tied him over.
And Doyle to make me happy, being the kind person he knew I am, took time to go into Target when Al returned to the Van, and there he bought a half dozen of each Apothic Red, white and dark wines.
Which are now tucked into my wine area down in the basement. The Al and Doyle took all 4 dogs for a walk and to talk, and they found that they had to rearrange how they could walk, it seems that the dogs took it upon themselves as to how they would like up, the larger shepherd on the far outside nearest the street with Weiner Dog next to him, and the Belladonna next to Weiner with the smaller shepherd on the side nearest the lawns, so Doyle and Al had one Shepherd each. And they paced themselves with the slowest walking dog, Belladonna.
When they came home as I was preparing dinner I asked Al if he knew the dogs' names and he said he had no idea, but he started calling he taller dog Duke and it seems to respond to that name, and he shorter one Gabby, because it seems to "talk" a bit kind of mumble, mumble grump, grump.
Sis and Brian are over at the house to join us for dinner, and while the pot roast is in its final stages of cooking, the salads chilling in the frig, Sis is making potatoes au gratin. While the men folk sit on the back porch (that is now completely screened in) with the dogs and are talking about the King Fire, and what they've seen in the news, it is not pretty, but it seems the cooler weather maybe helping.
Al is resigned to the fact that he may have lost his cabin, but it will be a few days at least until he knows what has happened.
As I type this and hear my sister puttering in the kitchen, she just asked me if maybe they may want apple pie for dessert, I said that old fashion comfort food would be he best. So pie it is. And the "men folks" voices murmuring drifting in as one or the other's voice gets a bit louder, I am grateful that I have a good size home to house the occasional wayfarer, or visitor, that we know so many people and are in a position to help when we can.
In many ways I feel blessed. Al has just come in to use my phone to find out what is happening, but so far the word is he still cannot go back, he may try to go back on Tuesday, him and Doyle, if they do they'll take Doyles' van it can hold them and the dogs and if possible anything that Al can salvage if there is anything to salvage.
And now the timer has gone off, time to serve dinner.
Later Darklings
No the fireman is not injured he's just resting.
Another view of the fire, near one of lakes.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Of Fire and Wine, the Munster House and Food paired with movies~~~~
I know Darklings, what a strange combination.
But at the moment I have those things upper most in my mind.
First let me speak of wine, yesterday evening a friend of mine came by to drop off a surprise present to me. In was in "thanks" for a favor I had been able to do for him, I told him it was not necessary to give a gift, but he was very appreciative and because of this favor it had helped him immensely.
And what was the gift? Two bottles of wine "Bewitched" Pinoe Noir 2010 (very hard to find right now) and "Bewitched" Chardonay, these wines come wrapped in a 'bewitching' wrapper which includes suggestions as to what meals to pair the wines with. I had the Pinoe Noir last year and found it very flavorful and wonderfully complex 4 out of 5 stars in my book. I've not had the Chardonay but we will. My friend also gave me a bottle of "Curious Beasts" Red, he knows I am intrigued by wines with bizarre names, and to have it in my Apothecaria (wine celler) on display and waiting would intrigue any curious person.
After giving his gifts we made arrangements to have dinner sometime soon before he leaves town on business. It's good to have friends like that.
Since I know that the Pinon Noir is hard to find, if I like the Bewitched Chardonay and the Curious Beast I will stock up. Doyle misses the Beer that was served with the Elvira label although I did keep the six pack and empty bottles and have them on display in the Apothecaria as part of the "dead and gone".
On a side note, the family in Texas (I believe they are the McKee family) that build a duplicate of the Munster house will be having their annual Munster halloween tour, one weekend only, to raise money for charity, I mean a family going through all 70 espisodes of the Munsters, hunting photo's, counting steps to get an idea of size, is very dedicated, they even have a "Spot" under the stair case. I wish we could go and take a tour but alas not to be, at least this year, who know about next. I will include a link for it for those who may have the chance.
And now about the fires, at last notice the Yosemite Rim Fire is about 80 percent contained and they may have it completely out by the end of this month. Already conservationists are moving in to see what can be done to prevent irrosion, Yosemite itself has been spared, but it was very devestating.
And speaking of devestation, we have our own local wildfire on Mt. Diablo, approx 30 miles east of us, the fire started accidently, a spark from a chain from a tow truck, that is how dry everything is, they are calling it the Morgan fire because it began on Morgan road, people have evacuated their homes, moved their animals including horses out of the area, for some people near the community of Clayton, they only had a few minutes, for one man he had time to grab his wallet and keys and drive out. Some people driving to Walnut Creek at night said that the mountain looked like a valcano, I've included some shots of it.
At this time I've heard that it's 45 percent contained but the air quaility is affected.
Everything all around is so tinder dry and flamable, even around our own homes, I've had my gardener make sure to remove all the dry brush from those flowers that have withered, and I am concerned about the firewood that I have stacked to the rear of the property, all it would take is some evil person sneaking in and doing malicious mischief. I'm glad Doyle put in those sensor lights and motion camera's.
Our only concern is our local 'crazy person' but he's been quiet lately, rumor has it that family members are looking into ways to have him removed and put into a sort of half-way house. As I understand it, the father is not in very good health and its too much for the Mother to care for him, family members have been coming over to help out, even staying the night, everyone rotating, I'm glad that the mother has such a positive supportive family. And considering how the family members saw how our Crazy was acting out to the point that it required 6 police officers, they know they have to do something. That is why I'm holding off on the Restraining Order.
Doyle went out and purchased several skeletons from Spirit, he's really getting into the "spirit" of Halloween, he has ideas for less frightening displays, I'm not going to stop him. I've done my own personal shopping and bought a new pair of fangs, and tonight after dinner I'm going to put on Revlon's "Devil's Lure" I'm so glad I bought two bottles when I had the chance. I also have a gloss by Revlon called "Forbidden" so I am prepared and looking forward towards Halloween.
And now the timer on the crock pot has gone off, I'm cooking something very mundane, Beef Stew, to be served over rice, a simple salad with ice berg lettuce and pomogrante dressing, Doyle will chose the wine, but for desert, mango sherbert with dried cranberries or vanilla ice cream with a topping of preserved apricot haves with their syrup, to be followed by one possibly two Noir Films and coffee. And what would go with Beef Stew? Hmmm "The House on 92nd street" and "Calling Northside 777".
Doyle thinks we should pair our movies with food, for example if we have spagettie we should watch a spagettie Western afterwards, if it's chilli then "Blazing Saddles", if it's steak then a "James Bond" film or other spy movies. Do you see what I'm getting at Darklings.
So what would go with Pizza and jug red wine or milk shake (ewu what a combination) well I'm thinking "Dr. Goldfoot and the Girl Bombs" or "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken"---no that should be with chicken wings. Well you get the idea.
But still even I like the idea of pair food with a movie, one does have to get creative, and speaking of creative I am soooo looking forward to the T.V. primer of "Sleepy Hollow" the idea of it sends darkish shivers up and down my spine. Hmmmm I wonder what food would go with that? Something I'll have to think upon.
Later Darklings
But at the moment I have those things upper most in my mind.
First let me speak of wine, yesterday evening a friend of mine came by to drop off a surprise present to me. In was in "thanks" for a favor I had been able to do for him, I told him it was not necessary to give a gift, but he was very appreciative and because of this favor it had helped him immensely.
And what was the gift? Two bottles of wine "Bewitched" Pinoe Noir 2010 (very hard to find right now) and "Bewitched" Chardonay, these wines come wrapped in a 'bewitching' wrapper which includes suggestions as to what meals to pair the wines with. I had the Pinoe Noir last year and found it very flavorful and wonderfully complex 4 out of 5 stars in my book. I've not had the Chardonay but we will. My friend also gave me a bottle of "Curious Beasts" Red, he knows I am intrigued by wines with bizarre names, and to have it in my Apothecaria (wine celler) on display and waiting would intrigue any curious person.
After giving his gifts we made arrangements to have dinner sometime soon before he leaves town on business. It's good to have friends like that.
Since I know that the Pinon Noir is hard to find, if I like the Bewitched Chardonay and the Curious Beast I will stock up. Doyle misses the Beer that was served with the Elvira label although I did keep the six pack and empty bottles and have them on display in the Apothecaria as part of the "dead and gone".
On a side note, the family in Texas (I believe they are the McKee family) that build a duplicate of the Munster house will be having their annual Munster halloween tour, one weekend only, to raise money for charity, I mean a family going through all 70 espisodes of the Munsters, hunting photo's, counting steps to get an idea of size, is very dedicated, they even have a "Spot" under the stair case. I wish we could go and take a tour but alas not to be, at least this year, who know about next. I will include a link for it for those who may have the chance.
And now about the fires, at last notice the Yosemite Rim Fire is about 80 percent contained and they may have it completely out by the end of this month. Already conservationists are moving in to see what can be done to prevent irrosion, Yosemite itself has been spared, but it was very devestating.
And speaking of devestation, we have our own local wildfire on Mt. Diablo, approx 30 miles east of us, the fire started accidently, a spark from a chain from a tow truck, that is how dry everything is, they are calling it the Morgan fire because it began on Morgan road, people have evacuated their homes, moved their animals including horses out of the area, for some people near the community of Clayton, they only had a few minutes, for one man he had time to grab his wallet and keys and drive out. Some people driving to Walnut Creek at night said that the mountain looked like a valcano, I've included some shots of it.
At this time I've heard that it's 45 percent contained but the air quaility is affected.
Everything all around is so tinder dry and flamable, even around our own homes, I've had my gardener make sure to remove all the dry brush from those flowers that have withered, and I am concerned about the firewood that I have stacked to the rear of the property, all it would take is some evil person sneaking in and doing malicious mischief. I'm glad Doyle put in those sensor lights and motion camera's.
Our only concern is our local 'crazy person' but he's been quiet lately, rumor has it that family members are looking into ways to have him removed and put into a sort of half-way house. As I understand it, the father is not in very good health and its too much for the Mother to care for him, family members have been coming over to help out, even staying the night, everyone rotating, I'm glad that the mother has such a positive supportive family. And considering how the family members saw how our Crazy was acting out to the point that it required 6 police officers, they know they have to do something. That is why I'm holding off on the Restraining Order.
Doyle went out and purchased several skeletons from Spirit, he's really getting into the "spirit" of Halloween, he has ideas for less frightening displays, I'm not going to stop him. I've done my own personal shopping and bought a new pair of fangs, and tonight after dinner I'm going to put on Revlon's "Devil's Lure" I'm so glad I bought two bottles when I had the chance. I also have a gloss by Revlon called "Forbidden" so I am prepared and looking forward towards Halloween.
And now the timer on the crock pot has gone off, I'm cooking something very mundane, Beef Stew, to be served over rice, a simple salad with ice berg lettuce and pomogrante dressing, Doyle will chose the wine, but for desert, mango sherbert with dried cranberries or vanilla ice cream with a topping of preserved apricot haves with their syrup, to be followed by one possibly two Noir Films and coffee. And what would go with Beef Stew? Hmmm "The House on 92nd street" and "Calling Northside 777".
Doyle thinks we should pair our movies with food, for example if we have spagettie we should watch a spagettie Western afterwards, if it's chilli then "Blazing Saddles", if it's steak then a "James Bond" film or other spy movies. Do you see what I'm getting at Darklings.
So what would go with Pizza and jug red wine or milk shake (ewu what a combination) well I'm thinking "Dr. Goldfoot and the Girl Bombs" or "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken"---no that should be with chicken wings. Well you get the idea.
But still even I like the idea of pair food with a movie, one does have to get creative, and speaking of creative I am soooo looking forward to the T.V. primer of "Sleepy Hollow" the idea of it sends darkish shivers up and down my spine. Hmmmm I wonder what food would go with that? Something I'll have to think upon.
Later Darklings
 |
| This is the fire on the rim of Mt. Diablo |
Monday, May 6, 2013
Of News updates and other things~~~~
Hello Darklings,
I am going to hate to go back to work, I've been enjoying posting almost everyday, but eventually I must.
I'm going in this week to work, to see how things are going, Louise will go with me and we are taking "Heavens!" the public transportation. It's much easier than driving. If you drive in San Francisco you have to be insane or Mario Andrei.
The news as its developing has been interesting and more Human Interest.
On the Boston Bombers Front, the 2nd bomber is still in the prison medical ward. The first bombers body was finally released and claimed, not by his wife, but by his other family members, his wife did not wish to claim it and released it to his family.
The cause of his death were gun shot wounds as well as serious head and body trauma, caused by his younger brother when he drove over his older brother in a chaotic get a way attempt, so even his own brother killed him.
His wife is distancing herself as far as possible from her late husband, even going so far as going back to using her maiden name. She has allowed his family to claim the body, his Uncle who lives in the US is handling this and a funeral director who is familiar with Muslim rituals is handling the arrangements, even though he is being protested by a very upset crowd. The funeral director understands the crowds' reaction and sympathises with them but he said everybody needs a decent funeral. However there is no cemetery that is willing to bury the body. He and the family may have to look further.
Which is understandable, the graves of Lee Harvey Oswald was desecrated as well as the graves of other murderers who have inflicted great physical and physcological harm.
It reminded me of one time when my Mother, who was usually a very calm, almost unruffled woman, became very angry at a former neighbor going so far as to say to that person "I will not be happy until I can spit in your coffin and dance on your grave." That neighbor moved within a few weeks after that incident. Mother could be a very forceful woman if provoked.
There is proof that the bombs were made in the first bombers' home, the 2nd bomber confirmed that. But they managed to hide that from the wife, all while they were taking care of the baby....endangering that child.
The three friends of the 2nd bomber have had some developments, the one who is a US citizen that has been accused of lying to the FBI, has had a petition put in front of the Judge by both the Defense and the Prosecution to have him released under a $100,000 bond, and very strict monitoring which includes an ankle bracelet and home confinement, both say he is not a flight risk. The Judge will make a decision on that.
The other two friends that were arrested for removing and destroying evidence are still in jail and at this time considered flight risks.
Recently there was an article in the Christian Science Monitor possibly May 2, about "Why do Teenagers do that?" in short make bad choices that can seriously affect their futures in a negative way. Many psychologists are looking at these 4 teenagers all age 19, to study their behavior of their choices and it could make very interesting inroads on teen behavior and possibly give answers to other teens who have been involved in lethal events.
My sister is looking into all new articles that talk about this behavior and is going to have a chance to discuss this with some of her colleagues.
We have had very cool weather develop here in the Bay Area which is bringing some much needed relief to the wild fires both north and south of us, and if it continues could bring containment that much sooner.
The sudden rain shower we had yesterday morning was unexpected, I and Sis were enjoying a cup of coffee when the droplets started, we were able to get to the back covered deck when the down pour came, so we decided to finish our coffee and enjoy the sudden summer-like rain shower.
After the squall was over Sis went and gathered the furniture and moved it to the back deck, and wiped it down to dry, I wanted to help with moving them but she said that she didn't want me to re-injure my back before it healed, fortunately we had not put the cushions on them but she is not taking any chances.
This year California has experience over 680 wild fires, 200 more than last year at this time, so there is concern that this is going to be a seriously dangerous fire year.
After that squall, Sis suggested that I keep the wicker furniture that I received as a gift on the covered back deck to protect it and instead have metal furniture in the yard, but I didn't want to buy anything at this time, until she showed me in the back yard of the house next door that she's buying this old, from the 1950's metal garden furniture, it would need sanding and painting but I was very enchanted by it. It appeared that there were 2 sets, we think that my former neighbor had been finding and hoarding these pieces, perhaps for re-sale, but she could have a set and I could too.
More projects to work on.
In looking into the fashion magazine and such I've noticed a trend for this Summer, I'll "talk" more about it in another post.
I feel I need to get away from the tragedy of Boston for now, as Mother and Dad would say "Its now in the lap of God".
Later Darklings
I am going to hate to go back to work, I've been enjoying posting almost everyday, but eventually I must.
I'm going in this week to work, to see how things are going, Louise will go with me and we are taking "Heavens!" the public transportation. It's much easier than driving. If you drive in San Francisco you have to be insane or Mario Andrei.
The news as its developing has been interesting and more Human Interest.
On the Boston Bombers Front, the 2nd bomber is still in the prison medical ward. The first bombers body was finally released and claimed, not by his wife, but by his other family members, his wife did not wish to claim it and released it to his family.
The cause of his death were gun shot wounds as well as serious head and body trauma, caused by his younger brother when he drove over his older brother in a chaotic get a way attempt, so even his own brother killed him.
His wife is distancing herself as far as possible from her late husband, even going so far as going back to using her maiden name. She has allowed his family to claim the body, his Uncle who lives in the US is handling this and a funeral director who is familiar with Muslim rituals is handling the arrangements, even though he is being protested by a very upset crowd. The funeral director understands the crowds' reaction and sympathises with them but he said everybody needs a decent funeral. However there is no cemetery that is willing to bury the body. He and the family may have to look further.
Which is understandable, the graves of Lee Harvey Oswald was desecrated as well as the graves of other murderers who have inflicted great physical and physcological harm.
It reminded me of one time when my Mother, who was usually a very calm, almost unruffled woman, became very angry at a former neighbor going so far as to say to that person "I will not be happy until I can spit in your coffin and dance on your grave." That neighbor moved within a few weeks after that incident. Mother could be a very forceful woman if provoked.
There is proof that the bombs were made in the first bombers' home, the 2nd bomber confirmed that. But they managed to hide that from the wife, all while they were taking care of the baby....endangering that child.
The three friends of the 2nd bomber have had some developments, the one who is a US citizen that has been accused of lying to the FBI, has had a petition put in front of the Judge by both the Defense and the Prosecution to have him released under a $100,000 bond, and very strict monitoring which includes an ankle bracelet and home confinement, both say he is not a flight risk. The Judge will make a decision on that.
The other two friends that were arrested for removing and destroying evidence are still in jail and at this time considered flight risks.
Recently there was an article in the Christian Science Monitor possibly May 2, about "Why do Teenagers do that?" in short make bad choices that can seriously affect their futures in a negative way. Many psychologists are looking at these 4 teenagers all age 19, to study their behavior of their choices and it could make very interesting inroads on teen behavior and possibly give answers to other teens who have been involved in lethal events.
My sister is looking into all new articles that talk about this behavior and is going to have a chance to discuss this with some of her colleagues.
We have had very cool weather develop here in the Bay Area which is bringing some much needed relief to the wild fires both north and south of us, and if it continues could bring containment that much sooner.
The sudden rain shower we had yesterday morning was unexpected, I and Sis were enjoying a cup of coffee when the droplets started, we were able to get to the back covered deck when the down pour came, so we decided to finish our coffee and enjoy the sudden summer-like rain shower.
After the squall was over Sis went and gathered the furniture and moved it to the back deck, and wiped it down to dry, I wanted to help with moving them but she said that she didn't want me to re-injure my back before it healed, fortunately we had not put the cushions on them but she is not taking any chances.
This year California has experience over 680 wild fires, 200 more than last year at this time, so there is concern that this is going to be a seriously dangerous fire year.
After that squall, Sis suggested that I keep the wicker furniture that I received as a gift on the covered back deck to protect it and instead have metal furniture in the yard, but I didn't want to buy anything at this time, until she showed me in the back yard of the house next door that she's buying this old, from the 1950's metal garden furniture, it would need sanding and painting but I was very enchanted by it. It appeared that there were 2 sets, we think that my former neighbor had been finding and hoarding these pieces, perhaps for re-sale, but she could have a set and I could too.
More projects to work on.
In looking into the fashion magazine and such I've noticed a trend for this Summer, I'll "talk" more about it in another post.
I feel I need to get away from the tragedy of Boston for now, as Mother and Dad would say "Its now in the lap of God".
Later Darklings
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Of Dental Surgery, book sales and wild fires~~~~~
Hello My Darklings,
Well the dental treatment went much better than expected, my dentist feels that two more treatments will finish the root canal part of it and then to proceed onto crowning the tooth, its a back molar and he'd prefer a gold crown but I want something more natural looking, considering that all the new materials hold up just as good.
But we will discuss that as we get closer to that portion of it. I really don't like dentists visits but at my age, frankly at any age, good dental care both at home and with your dentist is important, that I why I've been able to keep all my teeth for such a long time. Mother told me a long time ago, that prenatal care is important for bones and teeth for the expected baby. By eating healthy and taking vitamins and doing what your doctor says almost guarantees that the baby's health, teeth and bones will be in excellent shape.
The one thing that does bother me is people going to extremes of teeth whitening, I have seen on people teeth so white that they are un-natural in color, as a matter of fact my dentist has said that teeth should not be white/white but an off-white or pale cream color. So instead of whitening it should be lightening.
Now I love coffee so every so often I do have my teeth lightened but to a more natural light color to take any coffee staining out, and its less harsh on the dental enamel. That is something that always worries me.
For me after the root canal treatment I'm a wreck, and my jaw and palate hurt from the shots, so I take Vicodin for the pain and almost always fall asleep that is why its important for me to have someone drive me to my dentist appointment when its something this extreme, dental cleaning is not a problem, but this.
So I came home and napped, for a while. Then it was time to go to the book sale.
Considering how Hot it has been I knew it would be warm at the book sale, so I dressed comfortably, black cotton shirt and skirt and comfortable walking shoes, one is on one's feet a lot.
On the opening night I encountered nice people and rude people, the ones that I know are buying for re-sale can be the most rude, I was looking at one book and this man was going to take it out of my hand, I slapped his wrist and told him to back off or I would bite him, that he had no right to remove a book from my hand that I was going to purchase, and if he wanted to make a Federal offence of it I would call over one of the book sale attendants to have them call the police. And I gave him a hard stare, he backed off.
I did alert one of the book sale chair persons and they dealt with the man. It was interesting because some of the other buyers that I know re-sell stayed away from me.
And the book that I was buying was "Roy Rodgers and the Rimrock Riders" 1952, Whitman Publications, I am going to give that to my brother for his birthday, he loves Roy Rodgers, the Lone Ranger, Hopalong Cassidy, Gene Autry, etc. and I knew he'd love this book, along with a couple of others that I found at other places.
I did find a very old book printed in 1910 titles "Apparitions" it was a bound monograph about the reasons for the appearance of ghosts or spirits. I thought it would make a nice addition to my Cabinet of Curiosities, and I found at the bottom of a pile, an old small Catholic Missal from the 1890's. Sis came over to look at it and gave me an idea when she said "Hmmm you could put it together with a vampire killing kit, it's the right age." My sister can be as wicked as me.
Sis had been looking over the reference and history/biography section of materials for her own personal library, sometimes she gets lucky in finding out of print works in her field. Then we edged over to the Mystery section, and I found a number of good reads for those rainy winter nights or long summer evenings, including 5 re-printed hardcover James Bond books with their covers---those are keepers.
We filled 5 boxes of our selections and a nice man with a dolly transported them to our car. Over this weekend we'll pull them out and put them into the Library waiting for us to transport our minds to other places, adventures and the deepest darkest minds of evil.
I was reluctant last night to eat anything tough so Sis heated up some Butternut Squash soup, and the soft centers of Sourdough french bread, she dipped the outer crust into her soup, ordinarily I would have but I still felt tender.
We watched the news last night and they talked about the fires down in Riverside, heading to Malibu and with 50 mile an hour winds, over 18,000 acres destroyed, homes burned, people given orders to leave, and fires up North as well near Calistoga threatening vineyards. And just across the bay grass fires in Brisbane, and another large grass fire down in San Jose near a shopping mall. The whole State of California is so tinder dry that fire season has started early, our good rain fall stopped in January, and although our reservoirs are at 97% full for us here, the winds, the heat, the lack of rain has made conditions very dangerous, both in the country and in Urban and Suburban areas.
Sis is concerned about pyromaniacs, or foolish children or teenagers, but some could have started very simply by a carelessly tossed cigarette. This morning I got up and made sure that the water was on the plants both front and back and I'm going to have it run again tonight using any cistern water, Sis also got up early and watered the front area of the house she's going to buy. A neighbor of ours told us that his elderly neighbors that live next to him, have their son living with them in a room built into their garage, and the son is, as he puts it a 51/50, so he is very concerned. For some reason I feel that this Summer is going to become very interesting.
And now Sis is ready and wants to go hunting Yard sales, no re-conceived ideas, just driving around and having fun. I like the idea already and Belladonna is ready to hang her head out the window and sniff interesting scents.
Later Darklings
Well the dental treatment went much better than expected, my dentist feels that two more treatments will finish the root canal part of it and then to proceed onto crowning the tooth, its a back molar and he'd prefer a gold crown but I want something more natural looking, considering that all the new materials hold up just as good.
But we will discuss that as we get closer to that portion of it. I really don't like dentists visits but at my age, frankly at any age, good dental care both at home and with your dentist is important, that I why I've been able to keep all my teeth for such a long time. Mother told me a long time ago, that prenatal care is important for bones and teeth for the expected baby. By eating healthy and taking vitamins and doing what your doctor says almost guarantees that the baby's health, teeth and bones will be in excellent shape.
The one thing that does bother me is people going to extremes of teeth whitening, I have seen on people teeth so white that they are un-natural in color, as a matter of fact my dentist has said that teeth should not be white/white but an off-white or pale cream color. So instead of whitening it should be lightening.
Now I love coffee so every so often I do have my teeth lightened but to a more natural light color to take any coffee staining out, and its less harsh on the dental enamel. That is something that always worries me.
For me after the root canal treatment I'm a wreck, and my jaw and palate hurt from the shots, so I take Vicodin for the pain and almost always fall asleep that is why its important for me to have someone drive me to my dentist appointment when its something this extreme, dental cleaning is not a problem, but this.
So I came home and napped, for a while. Then it was time to go to the book sale.
Considering how Hot it has been I knew it would be warm at the book sale, so I dressed comfortably, black cotton shirt and skirt and comfortable walking shoes, one is on one's feet a lot.
On the opening night I encountered nice people and rude people, the ones that I know are buying for re-sale can be the most rude, I was looking at one book and this man was going to take it out of my hand, I slapped his wrist and told him to back off or I would bite him, that he had no right to remove a book from my hand that I was going to purchase, and if he wanted to make a Federal offence of it I would call over one of the book sale attendants to have them call the police. And I gave him a hard stare, he backed off.
I did alert one of the book sale chair persons and they dealt with the man. It was interesting because some of the other buyers that I know re-sell stayed away from me.
And the book that I was buying was "Roy Rodgers and the Rimrock Riders" 1952, Whitman Publications, I am going to give that to my brother for his birthday, he loves Roy Rodgers, the Lone Ranger, Hopalong Cassidy, Gene Autry, etc. and I knew he'd love this book, along with a couple of others that I found at other places.
I did find a very old book printed in 1910 titles "Apparitions" it was a bound monograph about the reasons for the appearance of ghosts or spirits. I thought it would make a nice addition to my Cabinet of Curiosities, and I found at the bottom of a pile, an old small Catholic Missal from the 1890's. Sis came over to look at it and gave me an idea when she said "Hmmm you could put it together with a vampire killing kit, it's the right age." My sister can be as wicked as me.
Sis had been looking over the reference and history/biography section of materials for her own personal library, sometimes she gets lucky in finding out of print works in her field. Then we edged over to the Mystery section, and I found a number of good reads for those rainy winter nights or long summer evenings, including 5 re-printed hardcover James Bond books with their covers---those are keepers.
We filled 5 boxes of our selections and a nice man with a dolly transported them to our car. Over this weekend we'll pull them out and put them into the Library waiting for us to transport our minds to other places, adventures and the deepest darkest minds of evil.
I was reluctant last night to eat anything tough so Sis heated up some Butternut Squash soup, and the soft centers of Sourdough french bread, she dipped the outer crust into her soup, ordinarily I would have but I still felt tender.
We watched the news last night and they talked about the fires down in Riverside, heading to Malibu and with 50 mile an hour winds, over 18,000 acres destroyed, homes burned, people given orders to leave, and fires up North as well near Calistoga threatening vineyards. And just across the bay grass fires in Brisbane, and another large grass fire down in San Jose near a shopping mall. The whole State of California is so tinder dry that fire season has started early, our good rain fall stopped in January, and although our reservoirs are at 97% full for us here, the winds, the heat, the lack of rain has made conditions very dangerous, both in the country and in Urban and Suburban areas.
Sis is concerned about pyromaniacs, or foolish children or teenagers, but some could have started very simply by a carelessly tossed cigarette. This morning I got up and made sure that the water was on the plants both front and back and I'm going to have it run again tonight using any cistern water, Sis also got up early and watered the front area of the house she's going to buy. A neighbor of ours told us that his elderly neighbors that live next to him, have their son living with them in a room built into their garage, and the son is, as he puts it a 51/50, so he is very concerned. For some reason I feel that this Summer is going to become very interesting.
And now Sis is ready and wants to go hunting Yard sales, no re-conceived ideas, just driving around and having fun. I like the idea already and Belladonna is ready to hang her head out the window and sniff interesting scents.
Later Darklings
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