Evacuation Orders

Well, we're dealing with a wintry mix.  Well, that's not quite right.  Mostly we're dealing with a drizzle.  The temps are borderline freezing, but that 1/10th of an inch of ice has yet to put in an appearance.  This doesn't mean there isn't a glaze on the windshield of my car, there is, but is it 1/10th of an inch thick?  I'll find out later when I go to the store.

Yesterday, retail was slow.  The store didn't make plan last week, but was on track to hit our $$$ goal when I left.  So, mostly it was a lap day.  I did get in my steps, and that's about all I did.  We did cut some indoor/outdoor carpet for a young man who was going to put it in his Jon boat.  I had no idea what kind of boat that was, so after he left I Googled it.  A Jon boat is a flat-bottomed boat with a shallow draft that is used in streams, rivers, ponds and lakes where the water is flat without waves.  The Jon boat doesn't like waves.  Consider this your bit of boat studies for today.

A tech from Berkheimer should be here shortly to evaluate my furnace.  Update coming tomorrow.

And I work with an associate who was born in Lebanon, the country, but who grew up in Kuwait.  His wife owns an apartment in Marrakesh.  Usually once a year they will go there for at least a month.  This year they also took a quick jaunt to Istanbul.  He was surprised that I've never been there.  I kid him about not bringing back souvenirs, and this year he brought one back.  It's pretty and hangs on the wall.  He knows the man who makes these, so if you have any interest in purchasing one, let me know and I'll put you in touch with him.

And thanks to Marco Rubio we now know that we initiated the war with Iran because Netanyahu convinced the Orange Anus that if Israel attacked Iran, that Iran would then attack the United States.  As so many people have already said, Orangie is not the brightest color in the box, nor is he the sharpest tack.  The US government is waring Americans to leave 15 countries in the Middle East. so I guess this means that a trip to Istanbul is off.  But this does go back to what I've said before on Orangie being so easily manipulated.  

And, of course, Orangie did was supposed to about America's servicemen and how terrible it was that we had already lost a few lives in this unnecessary conflict, and after a few moments change the subject to something more near and dear to his heart, his ballroom, the cost of which has now ballooned up to $400 million.

Finally, the videos of both Hillary's and Bill's depositions were released yesterday.  Talk about taking no prisoners!  They both realized the GOP was doing nothing more than kicking dead horses.  The bit where Hillary learns that Brainless Boebert took a picture of her and had it posted on line is simply priceless.  Both Comer and Boebert can be heard babbling in the background as Hillary slices and dices.  Why are Republicans so stupid?

Thelma

 Good Morning!  The outside temps are very comfortable 68 (F), though the forecast has them climbing into the mid 90s (F).  there's also the threat of thunderstorms this afternoon, however, since I work, I don't really care.  The rest of the week is supposed to be cooler, low to mid 80s (F).  I can live with that.

The temp for the Central Air is set at 74 (F) and it turns on every now and then, but it doesn't run constantly.  Last week, when it was so warm, it didn't happen, either.  I should probably have a 2nd thermostat installed on the second floor for the summer weather.  

And I got so much accomplished yesterday.  I'm signing up for a zero interest loan to pay for the windows, rather than pull that money out of my savings account.  I did that for the trip to Greece, and then had to fill it back up.  I like having that financial cushion.  I can use my social security checks to pay off this loan in a few months, while still depositing coin of the realm in my account.  Remember, I'm saving up for a puppy!

I went to see Thelma last night.  For those who don't know, Thelma is a movie (based on a person) about a 94 year-old woman who gets scammed out of $10,000.  While that sounds terribly dramatic, it's very funny.  That doesn't mean it isn't touching at times.  Richard Roundtree has a line where he says, "we're older, we're diminished."  Thelma is a comparison between those who accept that, and those who fight against it.

For those who didn't see it, Lauren won her primary from a crowded field.  The most important thing in that statement is that she was part of a Crowded Field. Definition:  all of those other candidates sucked away votes, that kept anyone else from winning.  She switched districts to one that his hardline Republican, so the Democrat whom she is running against is not expected to win in November.  You know, it would be nice if the country didn't have to live with publicly displaying her white trash ways daily.

And Nikki Haley, as expected, got over 30 % of the votes in every state.  This will be a big problem for the Orange Anus in November.  Those Haley voters will just sit this one out.  Believe me, they have no problem doing that.

And, of course, the debate is tomorrow night.  I'll probably get a bottle of wine and watch the last 2 episodes of Shogun.

Trump's Trial Turns Musical

 Well, let's say hello to Friday, and my day off, and, as you might expect we have a 95% chance of cloud cover.  That 5% of sunshine, that happened around 6 AM.  No rain is in the forecast, though, that's supposed to arrive tomorrow.  That's not going to be good for our garden department.  No one wants to wandering around looking at shrubberies in the rain.

Speaking of shrubberies, I'm thinking of buy some sort of hemlock to put in front of my porch, one that does well in shade since it will sit in the shadow of the gingko tree.\

And I learned a thing yesterday.  My desk is big, and heavy, and impossible for me to lift by myself with all of the drawers inside.  However, I can push the thing, so I've begun pushing it around the writing room in order to get the area rugs out from under it.  One of the rugs was rolled up and taped yesterday, and is now sitting on my back porch waiting to go out in the garbage.  The second one will be gone later this morning.  One thing that surprised me, was how much of a doggie odor they have.  It's a good thing none of my friends never decided to have a lay down my floor.\

There were some interesting entries on social media yesterday, things that out and out made me laugh, one of which was when they tried to get Bo Bo Boebert to sign a Beetlejuice program.  I understand that when she went to speak she was nearly droned out by people chanting that name over and over again.

And then there were the Bootlickers.  Evidently, Matty Gaetz has decided to form a new faux rock band that really does nothing more than play air guitar and lip sync badly.

As for the trial, from all reports Trump's attorney, some guy named Blanche (I try a name change if I were him) lost his temper on more than one occasion.  Was his temper tantrum successful at doing anything other than showing his weaknesses?  Only the jury knows.

The Kitchen Floor

 For some of you this Monday and the beginning of the work week, for me it's Monday in name only for in all actuality today is my Friday.  This doesn't mean that the next four days are going to be a vacation, I'm going to be ripping up the rest of my kitchen floor.  Most of the vinyl planks are gone, and now I'm faced with making a decision.  My kitchen floor is actually hardwood that I covered with plywood and Masonite before I put in the planking.  Should I revisit the hardwood?  I'm thinking that's going to be a yes.  So, I guess tomorrow morning I'll begin ripping that stuff up.  I can still cover it back up should I choose to.  

Weather wise?  it rained all day yesterday, very heavy at times, and then a steady drizzle for most of the night.  This means I'm probably going to have to mow the lawn one of the days this week.  If the forecasters are correct, the temps should be nice, however, and again if they are right, we're going to be getting more rain next weekend.  Rainy Saturdays and Sundays are not good always good for retail.  

For those interested in seeing what I what I see when I'm sitting at my writing desk, it's usually Lily sitting on the sofa looking out the window.  Now, isn't this relaxing?

After the Lauren Boebert groping incident, the weekend was rather quiet, except for the Republicans in the House of Representatives who continue to demonstrate their complete inability to lead.  Why is it that the most incompetent feel they are the only ones who can be in charge?  And when they do manage to get themselves into a position of power they reveal themselves to be the unscrupulous face of Chaos.  

One bit of interesting news which caused Republicans to spew ire was Schumer's decision to relax the dress code.  This is a formality which should have been eliminated at the same time when coats and ties were packed away to make room for casual dress in the work place.  I'm old enough to remember those days.  I was one of the lucky ones, I had two coats, however many of the men I worked alongside only had one, and let me tell you that one coat they owned always ended up looking extremely ratty looking.

Boebert's Boobs

 Well, a good Saturday morning to everyone out there!  The temps were a cool 53 (F) when I got out of bed.  Lily stayed back for a while, until I had the coffee brewed, but when I asked her "potty outside?" she hustled.  Why is it that some dogs hold their bladder until the very last minute?

Supposed our temps are to climb all the way up to 80 (F) today, however after that they're going to slide on down into the mid 70s (F).  Autumn is less than a week away, so I've begun pulling out my sweatshirts and pants for the colder temps.  While I do like the shorts and T-shirts of summer, the sweats of Fall are just as comfy, sometimes more so.  I mean, who doesn't like being bundled in cozy and warm to keep away the chillies?

Dinner last evening was roasted root veggies.  I made enough to cover my break at work today, and lunch tomorrow, though tomorrow I'll be lunching on a chicken thigh as well.  I picked up a pack when I was shopping yesterday.  Lily will be getting the skin, as usual.  What a spoiled little old lady she's turning out to be.

So, I suppose every one of you has seen the still shots and videos of Lauren Boebert's adventure at the theater in Denver by now.  I don't doubt that in her mind she's a Christian and that she asks for forgiveness every day.  What hooey.  If you search, you can find them, and watch them if you want.  There's one where her current boyfriend is feeling her up and it's graphic, no subtlety there, nor is there any subtlety when she's rubbing his crotch.  And yes, she did lie about vapping because there's a video of her sitting in her theater seat blowing out a plume of smoke.  The ugly truth is, pathetically, that Republicans in Colorado will vote for her because it's better to have a loser like her in Congress than a Democrat. 

Congratulations

 Well, we got more rain.  The temp outside on this cool Thursday morning is hovering around the 59 (F) mark.  A little reminder for those who missed it, we are in summer now.  While weather forecasters are saying our temps will climb up into the 80s (F), at present there are no predictions about us hitting the sweltering 90s (F).  Of course, I don't think I need to remind any of you that we are still young in the season.  Give it a few weeks.

Since today is supposed to be drizzly, showery and overcast, there will be no yardwork today.  Instead, the time will be dedicated to fun, inside activities, like the continuing saga of painting trim.

I'm nearing the 30,000 word mark on the next book.  My guys have ordered their bikes for the early morning chase through the alleys of New York City... oh... dear... I may have given something away.

And last evening I received this email.  I'm excited!  My royalties get paid to Findaway, which takes a %,  so there's no way I'm going to break the bank on this little endeavor.  However, I suspect I will spend a little more time promoting the audiobook than I do with the ebooks.  Promotion on Kindle can be very expensive and usually the only one satisfied with the returns is Amazon.

In politics, the House of Representatives censured Adam Schiff in retaliation for his honesty regarding the Orange Anus and his attempted coup.  What sorry gang of snotty nosed brats the Republicans have become in their attempt to deify Trump.  Evidently Kev McCarthy had to bang his gavel in an attempt to quell the chorus of Shame, Shame, Shame that members of the house were chanting.

And many news organizations that there was a big cat fight between White Trash Boebert and Fascist Bimbo Green over Boebert's attempted Impeachment Grand Stand.  Evidently Green called Bobo a bitch loud enough for quite a number of people to hear and repeat.  This part is on the verge of coming apart at the seams, and watch out when it rips open completely.  What Joy!

 

Underwater

Well, the first day of Summer has arrived and the temps here in Central PA are predicted to stay in the mid to upper 70s (C).  Do not think this means that the rest of the season is going to be cool and comfortable.  We also seem to have a bit of rain in the forecast, again, this medium range prediction is unreliable.  There is a reason we call July and August the dog days of summer.

If you don't believe me, take a gander at Texas where they're having a mini-heatwave.  I feel sorry for those people.  Many of them are conservatives and as such believe climate change is a bit of fluffy fiction liberals have whipped up like a lite souffle.  Remember, conservatives will never admit they're wrong, even on the hottest and driest of days.

For those of you in need of a little shirtless Aaron Taylor Johnson, he's got a new movie coming out this fall.  I do suspect that some of you, however, will skip it because it's a Marvel movie.  Yep, Aaron's going to be a shirtless super hero. 

The mini-sub drama continues.  A Canadian search and rescue plane picked up sounds under water that might be someone hitting something with a hammer.  I find it interesting that a plane, up in the air, can pick up sounds originating underwater.  If Canadians can do that, I'm certain the US has the same capabilities, as do the Chinese, though maybe not the Russians, their war with the Ukraine has proven they're basically a 3rd world country with a leader who thinks himself savvy.

Evidently Lauren Boebert had initiated articles of impeachment against Biden in the House which will require a floor vote.  It will end up being tabled because most members realize that her White Trash approach to authoritarianism is nothing more than MAGA cult grandstanding.  So far, McCarthy has remained silent.  Even he know this will hurt the party.  As for Boebert?  I don't doubt she believes this will offset all of the bad press she's been garnering lately in regard to her impending divorce, and her finances (or supposedly lack there of), and her dating a rather unattractive Evangelical minister.

 

Reasonable Enough

 Sunny Sunday has arrived.  Temps outside are climbing through the 50s (F) heading towards the low 80s (F).  That will be fine.  This coming week is more late spring-like than what we've been having here; no highs in the low 60s (F).  Of course, as we head into summer I am fully aware that Central Air season is also on it's way.  Since summer's my time for T-shirts and shorts, I'm part of the "bring it on" crowd.

And we did have rain yesterday.  More than I had been expecting.  Soaking showers for a good part of the afternoon.  Now the things I want to grow will start to grow again.

As expected, yesterday was oh... so... slow at the Flooring desk.  I'm actually reminded of what it was like five years ago when I was continuing my step down from management.  Things were slow back then.  There were the occasional customers, but nothing like the horde we were dealing with during the Covid years.  People are changing their priorities.  They are going to stick with their current flooring unless their carpeting, or vinyl, or laminate needs to be replaced.  They are now saying "I need," rather than "I want."

My Itoh peonies are beginning to bloom.  This is the first year that both bushes have had flowers.  One is a nice yellow, the other is more of a pale orange color.

And evidently Lauren Boebert is getting divorced.  Honestly, that should have been expected.  One question you have to ask is could this be happening because of marital issues, or because she just didn't want to be upstaged by Marjorie Taylor Green,.  I mean, they're both MAGA bimbos and this might be some sort of MAGA bimbo competition.  There is the possibility that Lauren might just have decided to upgrade her gun of choice, something with a little more wood in the stock.  That sounds reasonable enough, doesn't it? 

 

The Raising of the Hands

Okay, so this is the second time publishing this today.  Blogger evidently chose to publish an unwritten previous draft.

So, it's Wednesday.  Yesterday was rather uneventful.  I did go to PetSmart to pick up an algae scrapping kit.  While there, I checked out the glass aquarium tops and the dimmable LED lighting.

I also call the Vet about Biggie's prescription.  I'd like the to either increase the dosage, or prescribe a stronger med.  The Carprofen isn't doing what it died three months ago.  They did bloodwork on him back in August to see if he could tolerate a stronger med... he weighs in at 114, no problem.  I'm just curious as to what the cost is going to be.  They charge $48.70 for a month supply of the Carprofen, Chew charges 12.60 (less my 5% discount).

I did get something nifty in the mail yesterday.  Lost and Found in Space 2.  I was a big fan of the series when I was a kid, not so much so of the Netflix series, which seemed to ignore everything about the original, except for that fact that the Robinson family were the stars.  And yes, it is signed by the two authors.

Joe Biden gave his first State of the Union Speech last evening.  I didn't watch.  I rarely watch speeches.  However, just about every media outlet noted that Boebert put her white trash roots on display.  She and Marjorie Taylor Dumbass chanted something or other.  I remember this kind of shit happening in high school, which pretty spot on when it comes to noting the mental maturity.  Biden spoke of the Ukraine, and... surprisingly, both Republicans and Democrats stood in a rare moment of solidarity.  Now, if only we could get them to stop siding with Putin.  Dana Milbank provides a very good analysis on this Republican need to see Biden fail.  This hatred for Democrats is so deeply ingrained they would support a ruthless dictator.  They are truly treasonous.

And, finally, Wendy Rogers, representative from Arizona, was censured by the Republicans of Arizona yesterday.  This stupid neo-Nazi supporter went to the same rally in Florida as Marjorie Taylor White Trash and Paul Gosar, (another brain dead Republican from Arizona) and then Tweeted glowing statements.  She bristled with rage when the vote to censure was almost unanimous.  Personally, while opposed to striking women, I do believe she deserves at least one good knuckle sandwich.  Can I see a count of hands from those who agree with me?

Out Armed and stupid

 Well, it's Sunday and I have to work a weird shift: 2 - 7.  Five hours means I don't get a lunch, but I will take a break where I will snack upon one of my cinnamon rolls.  One thing different about this recipe is that before baking, you pour a cup of heavy cream over the pan which forms a gooey, tasty sauce in the bottom of the pan.  Simply scrumptious.

I've been hitting the treadmill regularly, choosing jogs (though I walk) in major cities.  There is a great one through Central Park, and yesterday I was in the UK... London, to be precise.  Filmed a while back, no one is in masks.  The walk in the park?  A lot of people are wearing masks.  Yesterday I hit a speed of 2 miles per hour without holding onto the side rails.  I was very pleased.

Biggie's booboo belly has been replaced with the most odious gas that's so bad you want to leave the room.  Of course, being a dog, he thinks his every fart smells like lavender and rose petals.

I also bought myself a Butterball turkey.  17 pounds.  That sounds big for just one person and... well, I suppose it is.  But the dogs will share.  They'll get the skin.  Remember, most of that bird is going to be frozen for later.  The label says all natural without hormones, so I guess they also sell birds with prosthetics that are genderless.

Evidently there were no large scale protests about the Rittenhouse verdict, mostly, I suspect, because many already suspected what the outcome was going to be.  One of the things I found rather amusing was some of the MAGAs waiting outside the courthouse shouted "2nd amendment!"  These people are so damn stupid.  Losers like Boebert, and that bottled blond Marjorie (something or other) lie to themselves constantly.  They, like Madison Cawthorn (Sp?) believe those of us who want gun control are anti-gun.  Because of this illogical thinking, they've jumped to the conclusion that on those who shriek 2nd amendment own guns. Who in Hell do they think bought guns when Trump got his electoral college win?  Duh.  The idea that someone who is not a conservative would even consider buying a gun is totally alien to them.  How many times do I have to tell you, these people are dumb as hell.  Most of them make Kyle Rittenhouse look like a genius... and that ain't saying much.  The idea that they are out-armed doesn't even enter their consciousness.  

Abandoned

Okay, so today's Friday.  I thought yesterday was Friday for most of the day for some odd reason.  This is how things go when you're not working a regularly scheduled 40 hour work week.  As time goes on, I find my inability to remember which day is which seems to have little relevance.  I suspect those working from home are discovering they also have this issue, no set five-day work week to mark the regular passage of time.

When I write about locations, accuracy is very important.  I look at a lot of pictures as part of my research before I begin describing places, especially if I have never been there.  I've spent some time at the Louvre, so in The Body in the Tower I had no problem writing about tapestries and staircases.  In The Body in the Loch I ran into a bit of a problem.  I have never been to an abandoned abbey.  Since my description may come across as rather weak, here is what I hope readers visualize when I talk about the abandoned abbey at Adairton (not a real place).

I understand Lauren Boebert, that Cracker Jack Crazy Freshman Congresswoman from Colorado, is pissed off.   Seems as though she has been getting death threats because people believe she's the one who led unauthorized tours the the halls of Congress.  She's also the loser who Tweeted out Pelosi's location during the riot.  This woman has so much hatred for Democracy, I can't understand why she didn't moved to Moscow years ago.

Oh, and the Evangelicals seem to be in a bit of a quandary.  The Idiot Jerk in the White House now seems to be more Satanic than Godly.  I like the bit where the one pastor says God has abandoned him because of his arrogance.  Excuse me, but where has this fool been for the past 4 years?  They loved his arrogance.  They said he was brash.  And they're saying he's been abandoned?  I don't know about you, but when I see and smell horseshit, I call it horseshit.