This is the comic strip of "Pearls Before Swine" from 9-27, and this is perfect for Tom. Rob would be the goat character and Tom would be the rat character. This is so true!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Car Trouble and Indoor Basketball
Last night before we went to meet our friends for dinner who just adopted their 2nd dog - and the Ford Focus that Tom usually drives wouldn't turn over. In fact, the key wouldn't turn in the ignition! We tried moving the steering wheel, but it was locked. SO... we took the pick-up truck to dinner.
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| Ignition wouldn't turn at all! |
Sunday morning we called AAA (thankfully we maintain our membership!)... the woman on the phone said it sounded like a bad ignition, so she sent a locksmith out (instead of a tow truck to take it to our local mechanic). WOW. She was right on! The locksmith replaced the ignition in the driveway in the morning. It took about 2 hours and was about $200. Now the car works. SO... if you have a problem starting a car, after turning the wheel (and it won't come out of park either with a foot on the brake), it could be the ignition is gone. We LOVE AAA!
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| Dolly prepping for a jump shot! |
INDOOR BASKETBALL? - Dolly's (the Weimaraner) favorite toy (next to nylabone dinosaurs) is a stuffed basketball that Rob's mom brought down in May. It's the only stuffed toy Dolly hasn't destroyed and carries it everywhere in her mouth. Today, we snapped a picture of her pawing the basketball even while resting. She's quite the athlete!
Video Hello from our Dog Walk!
Our friend Ed made this video of our family at the Parade of Paws event this weekend, Sept. 25. Ed used his high-tech phone and acted as director, producer and cameraman. Thanks, Ed!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Fun Dog Event with Friends!
On Saturday, we took Dolly and Franklin to a dog event and met our friends Susan and her dog Bentley, Ed (no dog ... yet!) and Amy with her dog Emma. The event was called the "2010 Parade of Paws Pet Walk" (You can get some deals on dog-related merchandise here: http://www.magdrl.org/shoppingpage5.htm). The Dachshund rescue that we work with was there, which is how we heard about it. Bentley, Dolly and Franklin got to march in a "Parade of Breeds." Then, Susan and Bentley participated in a dog tricks event. It was fun!
It was a fundraising event for various rescues including the Great Dane Rescue, Dachshund Rescue, Aussie Rescue and Bassett Hound Rescue. There were a lot of great vendors there, and we even had Dolly and Franklin's picture drawn by a local artist. Check him out at http://www.pretzeldogdesign.com/. His name is Chris, and he's REALLY TALENTED!
Check out his graphic design page: http://www.pretzeldogdesign.com/graphic_design_portfolio
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| Amy and Emma, Bentley (the Sheltie) and Susan, and Ed! |
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| Bentley looking very handsome, sittting next to his mom, Susan |
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| Policeman from the Canine Unit of the county doing a demonstration. He's cute, and Susan kept asking him questions. Flirt! :) |
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Bentley marches in the "Parade of Breeds" with Susan. Bentley was representing all Shelties! |
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| Franklin represented Dachshunds with Tom following, during the Parade of Breeds |
It was a fundraising event for various rescues including the Great Dane Rescue, Dachshund Rescue, Aussie Rescue and Bassett Hound Rescue. There were a lot of great vendors there, and we even had Dolly and Franklin's picture drawn by a local artist. Check him out at http://www.pretzeldogdesign.com/. His name is Chris, and he's REALLY TALENTED!
Check out his graphic design page: http://www.pretzeldogdesign.com/graphic_design_portfolio
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| Dolly and Franklin get psyched up for their "Parade of Breeds" marches. Dolly represented Weimaraners in the parade with daddy Rob following behind. |
Saturday, September 25, 2010
RECORD BREAKING SUMMER HEAT - Updated 9-26
**UPDATE**On Sat. Sept. 25, the high temp. of 93F was recorded at Reagan National Airport, Wash, DC. Breaking the hot temp of the day on Sept. 25th, AND making it the 67th day over 90F this year, AND making it the hottest day so late in the year. Sept. 26 is forecast to be MUCH COOLER because of clouds and a low pressure area. Whew!
Okay, it's official. Friday, Sept. 24 was a triple-hot recording breaking day in the Washington, DC area. Here's why:
RECORDS:
Okay, it's official. Friday, Sept. 24 was a triple-hot recording breaking day in the Washington, DC area. Here's why:RECORDS:
1) NEW HIGH TEMPERATURE - The High Temp Today at Reagan National Airport hit 98 degrees Fahrenheit. The previous record was 94F.
2) HOTTEST DAY THIS LATE IN THE YEAR - Since records have been kept (1889), today's 98F high was the hottest day this late in any year in Washington, DC history.
3) MOST DAYS OVER 90F IN A YEAR - Today broke records again- as we've now had 66 days over 90F this spring/summer/fall.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Doggy Time!
-At lunchtime I took all three dogs for a walk around the neighborhood and it was cute how they lined up. Sometimes they would walk all beside each other, other times, it would be the tallest to the smallest behind each other (Dolly, then Franklin, the Emma). Here are some of those cute photos!
What the Patient's Bill of Rights means for you
Time for information! The GOP wants to REPEAL the health care bill. I don't understand their thinking. The BILL goes into effect this week and there are some pretty GREAT things that it covers. Here's the rundown from the White House website.
Even an uneducated fool would know that these are good things. The GOP's plan of repealing and offering nothing is not the answer.
The Affordable Care Act is already making a difference in the lives of millions of Americans. And starting tomorrow, the Patient's Bill of Rights goes into effect, ending some of the worst abuses of the insurance industry and putting you, not your insurance company, in control of your health care.
FOR MORE INFO: http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform
Here's what the Patient's Bill of Rights means for you:
No more discrimination against kids with pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies can no longer bar families from purchasing coverage because of a child's pre-existing condition.
No more lifetime coverage limits. Insurance companies can no longer put a lifetime limit on the amount of coverage you can receive.
Young adults can now stay on their parent's plan. Young adults can stay on their parent's health insurance plan up to age 26 if their job doesn't provide health care benefits -- a huge relief for many parents and recent college graduates.
Free preventive care. If you join or purchase a new plan, the insurance company will be required to provide preventive care like mammograms, colonoscopies, immunizations, pre-natal and baby care without charging you any out of pocket costs.
Freedom to choose your own doctor. If you purchase or join a new plan, you have the right to choose your own doctor in your insurer network.
No more restrictions on emergency room care. Insurance companies will not be allowed to charge you more for out of network emergency services if you purchase or join a new a plan.
This is a long-overdue victory for American consumers and patients. For years, millions of Americans have been at the mercy of their insurance companies as they jacked up rates, denied coverage or dropped patients all together.
Now, some opponents of this reform have pledged to "repeal and replace" all of the progress we've made over the past six months. But I refuse to go back to the days when insurance companies could deny a child health care due to a pre-existing condition or impose a lifetime limit on care for a cancer patient. Those days are over.
The Affordable Care Act provides basic rules of the road that make our health care system work for consumers. It cuts costs and will help us begin to get our fiscal house in order. And most importantly, it provides Americans with the peace of mind that their insurance will be there for them when they need it.
To learn more about the Patient’s Bill of Rights and the Affordable Care Act, visit:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
P.S. Last week, I surprised Gail O'Brien by calling her at home. You can see what happened here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform
Even an uneducated fool would know that these are good things. The GOP's plan of repealing and offering nothing is not the answer.
The Affordable Care Act is already making a difference in the lives of millions of Americans. And starting tomorrow, the Patient's Bill of Rights goes into effect, ending some of the worst abuses of the insurance industry and putting you, not your insurance company, in control of your health care.
FOR MORE INFO: http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform
Here's what the Patient's Bill of Rights means for you:
No more discrimination against kids with pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies can no longer bar families from purchasing coverage because of a child's pre-existing condition.
No more lifetime coverage limits. Insurance companies can no longer put a lifetime limit on the amount of coverage you can receive.
Young adults can now stay on their parent's plan. Young adults can stay on their parent's health insurance plan up to age 26 if their job doesn't provide health care benefits -- a huge relief for many parents and recent college graduates.
Free preventive care. If you join or purchase a new plan, the insurance company will be required to provide preventive care like mammograms, colonoscopies, immunizations, pre-natal and baby care without charging you any out of pocket costs.
Freedom to choose your own doctor. If you purchase or join a new plan, you have the right to choose your own doctor in your insurer network.
No more restrictions on emergency room care. Insurance companies will not be allowed to charge you more for out of network emergency services if you purchase or join a new a plan.
This is a long-overdue victory for American consumers and patients. For years, millions of Americans have been at the mercy of their insurance companies as they jacked up rates, denied coverage or dropped patients all together.
Now, some opponents of this reform have pledged to "repeal and replace" all of the progress we've made over the past six months. But I refuse to go back to the days when insurance companies could deny a child health care due to a pre-existing condition or impose a lifetime limit on care for a cancer patient. Those days are over.
The Affordable Care Act provides basic rules of the road that make our health care system work for consumers. It cuts costs and will help us begin to get our fiscal house in order. And most importantly, it provides Americans with the peace of mind that their insurance will be there for them when they need it.
To learn more about the Patient’s Bill of Rights and the Affordable Care Act, visit:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
P.S. Last week, I surprised Gail O'Brien by calling her at home. You can see what happened here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform
Thursday, September 23, 2010
FROM USATODAY:Republicans' plan for "improving" the economy
I took this verbatim from USA TODAY. I think that every single thing that the GOP is proposing is absolutely, unquestionably wrong. Where is the common sense? See for yourself. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
The Republicans' plan for improving the economy calls for:
•Repealing the health care law signed by Obama.
My Take: So people will again be denied health care for pre-existing conditions, caps are back on insurance pymts, etc. **It is simply STUPID of the GOP to wipe out helpful (but not perfect) legislation instead of Tweaking it. AND... they have NO alternative. How stupid is THAT? VERY. Besides, the Office of Management and Budget said that it will SAVE over a TRILLION dollars in the next couple of years. Research it yourself.
•Extending tax cuts enacted under then-president George W. Bush that are due to expire in December. Obama favors extending tax cuts to all but those couples with
taxable incomes above $250,000.
My Take: These are NOT tax increases. We're putting back the taxes that were in place before. How can we afford NOT to wipe out these tax cuts to the rich? DUH.
•Freezing hires in all government agencies except the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security.
My Take: This is the FEAR campaign stuff that Pres. Bush ran on to get back in office. There are a LOT of needs in various other gov't agencies. I think that in times of this economy ALL Fed hiring should be limited.
•Opposing taxes on carbon fuels. The president has proposed a tax to discourage the use of fuels that produce greenhouse gases.
My Take: OF COURSE this is needed. We need to wean ourselves off of fossil fuels. Why does the GOP want us to remain dependent on foreign oil? -BTW-Read some of the books by experts. There IS a limit to how much oil is in the ground. We REALLY need to fund research into alternative fuels, solar power and nuclear energy.
The Republicans' plan for improving the economy calls for:
•Repealing the health care law signed by Obama.
My Take: So people will again be denied health care for pre-existing conditions, caps are back on insurance pymts, etc. **It is simply STUPID of the GOP to wipe out helpful (but not perfect) legislation instead of Tweaking it. AND... they have NO alternative. How stupid is THAT? VERY. Besides, the Office of Management and Budget said that it will SAVE over a TRILLION dollars in the next couple of years. Research it yourself.
•Extending tax cuts enacted under then-president George W. Bush that are due to expire in December. Obama favors extending tax cuts to all but those couples with
taxable incomes above $250,000.
My Take: These are NOT tax increases. We're putting back the taxes that were in place before. How can we afford NOT to wipe out these tax cuts to the rich? DUH.
•Freezing hires in all government agencies except the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security.
My Take: This is the FEAR campaign stuff that Pres. Bush ran on to get back in office. There are a LOT of needs in various other gov't agencies. I think that in times of this economy ALL Fed hiring should be limited.
•Opposing taxes on carbon fuels. The president has proposed a tax to discourage the use of fuels that produce greenhouse gases.
My Take: OF COURSE this is needed. We need to wean ourselves off of fossil fuels. Why does the GOP want us to remain dependent on foreign oil? -BTW-Read some of the books by experts. There IS a limit to how much oil is in the ground. We REALLY need to fund research into alternative fuels, solar power and nuclear energy.
Federal Hill's Festival Fun
On Sunday afternoon we managed to get most of the chores done and went to Federal Hill (Baltimore) Street Beat Festival with our dogs Dolly and Franklin. It was warm and the bands were playing, and vendors were out in full force. We did take some great pictures on Federal Hill's park.
WHAT IS FEDERAL HILL? The neighborhood is named for the prominent hill that is easily viewed from the Inner Harbor area, to which the neighborhood forms the physical south boundary. The hillside is a lush green and serves as a community park. The neighborhood occupies the northwestern part of a peninsula that extends along two branches of the Patapsco River—the Northwest Branch (ending at the Inner Harbor) and the Middle Branch. This peninsula is generally referred to as the South Baltimore Peninsula, and includes the neighborhoods of Federal Hill, Locust Point, Riverside, South Baltimore, and Sharp-Leadenhall. MORE INFO: http://www.historicfederalhill.org/www
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
We Wonder: Why so many stupid people in the news?
We wonder every day why idiots are always featured in the news. People who could be role models act like idiots.
The "star power" that Hollywood actors used to have is long gone. Politicians are foolish, sports stars like Tiger Woods have multiple affairs with different women while married, and he's still a star. Another football player just committed suicide today, while others have been arrested for domestic violence or illegal dog fighting and are STILL "stars." We don’t understand why the many decent people are often ignored.
This week we keep hearing about "Lindsey Lohan" a talent-less actress who keeps taking drugs and drinking after being arrested and put in rehabs and how she keeps getting high or drunk. Paris Hilton is another idiot, famous for NOTHING that was arrested for drug possession. And when did "Bristol Palin" become a "Celebrity?" She's on Dancing with the Stars now. This GIRL, who slept with a guy she now hates, had a baby out of wedlock, and CLAIMS to be from a devoutly "Christian family" is NO example for anyone. The hypocracy is disgusting, too.
The last straw for me is the Republican Party. Here's why. Today's NY Times headline screams "Short of Repeal, G.O.P. Will Chip at Health Law." IDIOTS. IDIOTS. IDIOTS. Instead of trying to come up with some kind of health care for people when they were in power for the last freaking 20 years (House/Senate or Presidency) their plan is "Do Nothing." Now, their new plan is "Destroy whatever the opposition did." YEAH, that's really something to vote for. The NY Times article even states: "While trying to repeal the health care law, Republicans do not agree on what to replace it with." DUMB.
Now that the new Health Care policy is in effect (as of today) People 1) Cannot be denied medical insurance for a pre-existing sickness (BEEN THERE).2) Cannot have medical limits (like the$2,000 a year limit I've had) for Illnesses. That means that if you have an appendectomy and break an arm in the same year, that goes over $2K they'll cover it. 3) Children living at home up until 26 yrs old are now covered under their parents' policies. (I NEEDED THAT WHEN I WAS STILL IN COLLEGE- I had NO Health Insurance for 10 years working 3 part-time jobs. Do you know what that does to a savings account?
Don't even get me started on idiots like Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck. Jesus belongs in church, not in the White House. There are MANY different religions in this country and not everyone of them is Christian (although that's becoming a very damaged word with all the hatred many groups spew from the pulpit).
As a final rant, the GOP said that they're more fiscally conservative. HAH! More stupidity.We had a record surplus when Bill Clinton left office. When the GOP took over for 8 years it became a record deficit AND put us in a recession that the current president is stuck trying to dig us out of. Until the GOP can tell me that they CARE about all people - poor to rich, Black, Asian, White, Hispanic, Native American, etc. - and figure out how to keep their stupid hatred and intolerance masked under the guise of religion, they will never get my vote. Okay, I'm done ranting about stupid people.
The "star power" that Hollywood actors used to have is long gone. Politicians are foolish, sports stars like Tiger Woods have multiple affairs with different women while married, and he's still a star. Another football player just committed suicide today, while others have been arrested for domestic violence or illegal dog fighting and are STILL "stars." We don’t understand why the many decent people are often ignored.
This week we keep hearing about "Lindsey Lohan" a talent-less actress who keeps taking drugs and drinking after being arrested and put in rehabs and how she keeps getting high or drunk. Paris Hilton is another idiot, famous for NOTHING that was arrested for drug possession. And when did "Bristol Palin" become a "Celebrity?" She's on Dancing with the Stars now. This GIRL, who slept with a guy she now hates, had a baby out of wedlock, and CLAIMS to be from a devoutly "Christian family" is NO example for anyone. The hypocracy is disgusting, too.
The last straw for me is the Republican Party. Here's why. Today's NY Times headline screams "Short of Repeal, G.O.P. Will Chip at Health Law." IDIOTS. IDIOTS. IDIOTS. Instead of trying to come up with some kind of health care for people when they were in power for the last freaking 20 years (House/Senate or Presidency) their plan is "Do Nothing." Now, their new plan is "Destroy whatever the opposition did." YEAH, that's really something to vote for. The NY Times article even states: "While trying to repeal the health care law, Republicans do not agree on what to replace it with." DUMB.
Now that the new Health Care policy is in effect (as of today) People 1) Cannot be denied medical insurance for a pre-existing sickness (BEEN THERE).2) Cannot have medical limits (like the$2,000 a year limit I've had) for Illnesses. That means that if you have an appendectomy and break an arm in the same year, that goes over $2K they'll cover it. 3) Children living at home up until 26 yrs old are now covered under their parents' policies. (I NEEDED THAT WHEN I WAS STILL IN COLLEGE- I had NO Health Insurance for 10 years working 3 part-time jobs. Do you know what that does to a savings account?
Don't even get me started on idiots like Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck. Jesus belongs in church, not in the White House. There are MANY different religions in this country and not everyone of them is Christian (although that's becoming a very damaged word with all the hatred many groups spew from the pulpit).
As a final rant, the GOP said that they're more fiscally conservative. HAH! More stupidity.We had a record surplus when Bill Clinton left office. When the GOP took over for 8 years it became a record deficit AND put us in a recession that the current president is stuck trying to dig us out of. Until the GOP can tell me that they CARE about all people - poor to rich, Black, Asian, White, Hispanic, Native American, etc. - and figure out how to keep their stupid hatred and intolerance masked under the guise of religion, they will never get my vote. Okay, I'm done ranting about stupid people.
Monday, September 20, 2010
We Enjoyed Baltimore's Mt. Vernon Ghost Walk!
On Saturday night, as a last minute idea, we decided to take the Mt. Vernon Ghost Walk in Baltimore, and it was very enjoyable!
SUMMARY: Mount Vernon, Baltimore's cultural center may be more "spirited" than you think. Admire the architecture while guides regale you with the history and haunted lore of this striking neighborhood that was home to many of Baltimore's leading citizens. Hear about those who have never checked out of the Belvedere, a séance gone wrong, and more than one grand dame who still oversees the activities of her home. Join us to pull back the curtain and peer into the other side. MORE INFO: http://www.fellspointghost.com/mtvernon.html
The Brass Elephant restaurant has closed now. It sits empty at 924 N Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201. The building was built in the early 1800s and was a home where there was a "hidden" 4th floor where servants lived. The restaurant is known to have many ghosts.
Fireplace Dweller - This innocent looking apartment had a female ghost who dwelled inside and lingered by the fireplace. When a new tenant moved in, she was haunted by this ghost until she talked with her and convinced her to move on.
Haunting Face- This grotesque face was on one of the buildings in Mt. Vernon, next to a woman's club that had some hauntings.
ROB'S ENCOUNTERS - The ghost tour met in the "Owl Bar" of the famous Belvedere Hotel. I immediately got a headache inside. Turns out a woman haunts the bar. We learned that after the tour walked out of the bar. A couple who came out of the woman's club and who stopped to listen to part of the ghost tour guide had an older spirit of a man named "Arthur" attached to her that was watching over her (no, I didn't get to tell her). A woman in our tour group had the spirit of an elderly woman following her and kept calling her "cupcake."
SUMMARY: Mount Vernon, Baltimore's cultural center may be more "spirited" than you think. Admire the architecture while guides regale you with the history and haunted lore of this striking neighborhood that was home to many of Baltimore's leading citizens. Hear about those who have never checked out of the Belvedere, a séance gone wrong, and more than one grand dame who still oversees the activities of her home. Join us to pull back the curtain and peer into the other side. MORE INFO: http://www.fellspointghost.com/mtvernon.html
The Brass Elephant restaurant has closed now. It sits empty at 924 N Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201. The building was built in the early 1800s and was a home where there was a "hidden" 4th floor where servants lived. The restaurant is known to have many ghosts.
Fireplace Dweller - This innocent looking apartment had a female ghost who dwelled inside and lingered by the fireplace. When a new tenant moved in, she was haunted by this ghost until she talked with her and convinced her to move on.
Haunting Face- This grotesque face was on one of the buildings in Mt. Vernon, next to a woman's club that had some hauntings.
ROB'S ENCOUNTERS - The ghost tour met in the "Owl Bar" of the famous Belvedere Hotel. I immediately got a headache inside. Turns out a woman haunts the bar. We learned that after the tour walked out of the bar. A couple who came out of the woman's club and who stopped to listen to part of the ghost tour guide had an older spirit of a man named "Arthur" attached to her that was watching over her (no, I didn't get to tell her). A woman in our tour group had the spirit of an elderly woman following her and kept calling her "cupcake."
A House Not to Buy!
Thanks to Mom F in Maine for sending this funny For Sale sign. I think the owner of the house is not going to sell his house with this one. Come to think of it, I've never seen this sign on any HGTV television house hunting shows either!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Classic Song & Video: Dolly, Loretta & Tammy
Here's a video from a collaboration album from 1993 that will always be one of my all time favorites because the whole album features Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. It's from the CD called "Honky Tonk Angels" and this first single was a remake of "Silver Threads and Golden Needles." It features a huge list of country stars making cameo appearances trying to get in Dolly, Loretta and Tammy's dressing room bearing gifts, and is just fun to watch!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
6 Funny Puns!
Here are 6 great PUNS!! I love puns!!!- Rob
1. A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The
stewardess looks at him and says, “I’m sorry, sir, only one carrion
allowed per passenger.”
2. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says, “Dam!”
3. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can’t have your kayak and heat it too.
4. Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, “I’ve lost my electron.” The other says, “Are you sure?” The first replies “Yes, I’m positive.”
5. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root
canal? His goal: transcend dental medication.
6. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. “But why?”, they asked, as they moved off. “Because,” he said, “I can’t stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer.”
1. A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The
stewardess looks at him and says, “I’m sorry, sir, only one carrion
allowed per passenger.”
2. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says, “Dam!”
3. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can’t have your kayak and heat it too.
4. Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, “I’ve lost my electron.” The other says, “Are you sure?” The first replies “Yes, I’m positive.”
5. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root
canal? His goal: transcend dental medication.
6. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. “But why?”, they asked, as they moved off. “Because,” he said, “I can’t stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer.”
2 Outside Mats I'd Love to Get
We have a couple of outside door mats to wipe feet before entering the house, but I saw these and think they're great! Especially if you have dogs.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Catching up with Friends
Weekends aren't supposed to be all work, and every now and then we try to get it out of the way to finally enjoy time with friends. As everyone knows, life often gets in the way. This weekend, I (Rob) was determined to finally get together with friends that have been asking us for awhile! Jason and Kevin live in Washington, DC, and although we've had lunches or dinners- there's only so much you can do and say over a meal. So, this past weekend we met them in Washington, DC at the open-air Eastern Market (loaded with vendors that sell many things). The weather was perfect 75F and sunny. We got to eat a sandwich outside at a table with an umbrella, catch up on stuff, and enjoy walking around the market. I even found a bookstore and bougnt a novel about a dog (what a surprise...not). Although it was only for a couple of hours, it was a great change of pace and wonderful to catch up. Here are some pictures from that afternoon.
Alan Jackson readies '34 Number Ones' release
One of my (Rob) favorite singers is Alan Jackson, and he's celebrating 20 years in country music with a new CD. I'm looking forward to it!
Alan Jackson will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his debut album with the November 23 release of 34 Number Ones, a double-disc collection that includes... well, Jackson's 34 No. 1 country hits.
But wait, there's more. The collection will also feature two rare tracks ("Look at Me," from the 2008 movie soundtrack Billy: The Early Years, and Jackson's never-before-released version of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire") and new single "As She's Walking Away." The latter track is a collaboration with Zac Brown Band.
Hits on the album include "Here in the Real World," "Gone Country," "Country Boy" and numerous others. Uh, 31 others, to be exact. Later this month, Jackson will receive an ASCAP Founders Award in recognition of his career in song.
LISTEN TO "LITTLE BITTY" here: http://ilike.myspacecdn.com/play#Alan+Jackson:Little+Bitty:82132:s1715940.8123425.5143243.0.1.35%2Cstd_3b078bb5ee9f1092e34016cab3ed4318
VIDEO FOR "GOOD TIME" - A song that Tom and I love to sing on Friday nights!
Alan Jackson will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his debut album with the November 23 release of 34 Number Ones, a double-disc collection that includes... well, Jackson's 34 No. 1 country hits.
But wait, there's more. The collection will also feature two rare tracks ("Look at Me," from the 2008 movie soundtrack Billy: The Early Years, and Jackson's never-before-released version of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire") and new single "As She's Walking Away." The latter track is a collaboration with Zac Brown Band.
Hits on the album include "Here in the Real World," "Gone Country," "Country Boy" and numerous others. Uh, 31 others, to be exact. Later this month, Jackson will receive an ASCAP Founders Award in recognition of his career in song.
LISTEN TO "LITTLE BITTY" here: http://ilike.myspacecdn.com/play#Alan+Jackson:Little+Bitty:82132:s1715940.8123425.5143243.0.1.35%2Cstd_3b078bb5ee9f1092e34016cab3ed4318
VIDEO FOR "GOOD TIME" - A song that Tom and I love to sing on Friday nights!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Happy Reunion of Weimaraner with Family After 7 Years
Happy Reunion of Dog with Family - Harry Smith on CBS News talks to a family in Michigan that was reunited with their dog that went missing seven years ago. This story aired Sept. 9, 2010. It's really moving.
Friday, September 10, 2010
What Our Forefathers REALLY Said about Religion and Law
There was a piece in USA Today on Sept. 9th, and I thought THIS paragraph was especially interesting (it pertained to the idiot burning the Koran) BUT it ALSO applies to gay rights and gay marriage.
WHAT OUR FOREFATHERS REALLY SAID ABOUT RELIGION AND OUR GOVERNMENT
Real religious freedom extends liberty to those whose opinions we do not share. In the 1770s, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison insisted that even the long-persecuted evangelical Baptists of Virginia should have full religious liberty, which their state achieved in 1786 with the passage of Jefferson's Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom. But neither Jefferson nor Madison much liked the evangelicals' intense faith, which Jefferson for one saw as religious fanaticism. Jefferson in particular knew that if the government persecuted evangelicals for their beliefs, it might persecute anyone (including skeptics like himself). So religious liberty, for the Founding Fathers, granted freedom to worship but did not require cheery approval of every church's views or actions.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2010-09-09-kidd09_ST_N.htm?csp=DailyBriefing
WHAT OUR FOREFATHERS REALLY SAID ABOUT RELIGION AND OUR GOVERNMENT
Real religious freedom extends liberty to those whose opinions we do not share. In the 1770s, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison insisted that even the long-persecuted evangelical Baptists of Virginia should have full religious liberty, which their state achieved in 1786 with the passage of Jefferson's Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom. But neither Jefferson nor Madison much liked the evangelicals' intense faith, which Jefferson for one saw as religious fanaticism. Jefferson in particular knew that if the government persecuted evangelicals for their beliefs, it might persecute anyone (including skeptics like himself). So religious liberty, for the Founding Fathers, granted freedom to worship but did not require cheery approval of every church's views or actions.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2010-09-09-kidd09_ST_N.htm?csp=DailyBriefing
Very Punny Stuff!
I (Rob) love puns. A colleague of mine sent me 10 of them and I had to share these 2! Hysterical!
1) A woman delivers a set of identical twins and decides to give them
up for adoption. One of them goes to a family in Egypt and is named
“Ahmal.” The other goes to a family in Spain ; they name him “Juan.”
Years later, Juan sends a picture of himself to his birth mother. Upon
receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wishes she also
had a picture of Ahmal. Her husband responds, “They’re twins! If
you’ve seen Juan, you’ve seen Ahmal.”
2) Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time,
which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate
very little, which made him rather frail and, with his odd diet, he
suffered from bad breath. This made him... a super calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.
1) A woman delivers a set of identical twins and decides to give them
up for adoption. One of them goes to a family in Egypt and is named
“Ahmal.” The other goes to a family in Spain ; they name him “Juan.”
Years later, Juan sends a picture of himself to his birth mother. Upon
receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wishes she also
had a picture of Ahmal. Her husband responds, “They’re twins! If
you’ve seen Juan, you’ve seen Ahmal.”
2) Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time,
which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate
very little, which made him rather frail and, with his odd diet, he
suffered from bad breath. This made him... a super calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Our Right Wing Religions Show Same Intolerance
By now you've heard about that wacko "minister" Terry Jones who is planning to burn the Muslim holy book, the Quran, in Gainesville, Fla. Jones is the non-denominational minister of the Dove World Outreach Center who set off a controversy when he announced International Burn a Koran Day to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Well, now, another so called "man of God" is planning the same act of hatred of intolerance in Tennessee. The Rev. Bob Old of Springfield, Tennessee is just another example of the hypocracy of those who claim to be "religious" and "following God's law of love and acceptance of ALL others." Perhaps he should practice what he preaches instead of hateful and ignorant behavior.
The stupidity of desecrating someone else's holy book is purely an act of hatred. Why can't people like "Reverend" (who is obviously unqualified to be one) Old realize that it is EXTREMISTS that are responsible for 9/11, NOT muslims. Just as right-wing political people in our country are responsible for inciting acts of hatred on various minorities. Fundamentally, there's not much of a difference in the extremists. I find it fascinating that an extremist "religious" wing in the U.S. decides to "fight" an extremist "religious" wing in another country with the hatred and intolerance they're both famous for.
Well, now, another so called "man of God" is planning the same act of hatred of intolerance in Tennessee. The Rev. Bob Old of Springfield, Tennessee is just another example of the hypocracy of those who claim to be "religious" and "following God's law of love and acceptance of ALL others." Perhaps he should practice what he preaches instead of hateful and ignorant behavior.
The stupidity of desecrating someone else's holy book is purely an act of hatred. Why can't people like "Reverend" (who is obviously unqualified to be one) Old realize that it is EXTREMISTS that are responsible for 9/11, NOT muslims. Just as right-wing political people in our country are responsible for inciting acts of hatred on various minorities. Fundamentally, there's not much of a difference in the extremists. I find it fascinating that an extremist "religious" wing in the U.S. decides to "fight" an extremist "religious" wing in another country with the hatred and intolerance they're both famous for.
"Family Value" organizations Aren't Much About Families
I was recently made aware of two "family values" organizations that seem to be more about gay bashing than family values. Seems like these ridiculous organizations don't really address much about family values -just look at the number of documents they've got on the topics. OBVIOUSLY these "organizations" have one Agenda: blocking civil rights to gay people and gay families. What LOSERS.
The findings by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force after reviewing the websites of some religious organizations that supposedly promote “family values”:
* “The American Family Association had 334 documents containing the word ‘homosexual,’ but only 47 with the word ‘divorce,’ 29 with the word ‘poverty,’ 17 with the words ‘domestic violence,’ 5 with the words ‘child support,’ and 4 with ‘health insurance.’
* Concerned Women for America had 602 documents on its website that contain the word ‘homosexual,’ but only 80 with ‘poverty,’ only 70 with the word ‘divorce,’ 19 with the words ‘domestic violence,’ and only 6 containing ‘child support.’”
The findings by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force after reviewing the websites of some religious organizations that supposedly promote “family values”:
* “The American Family Association had 334 documents containing the word ‘homosexual,’ but only 47 with the word ‘divorce,’ 29 with the word ‘poverty,’ 17 with the words ‘domestic violence,’ 5 with the words ‘child support,’ and 4 with ‘health insurance.’
* Concerned Women for America had 602 documents on its website that contain the word ‘homosexual,’ but only 80 with ‘poverty,’ only 70 with the word ‘divorce,’ 19 with the words ‘domestic violence,’ and only 6 containing ‘child support.’”
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
My Review of Dental Chew Dinosaur
Originally submitted at jbpet.com
Nylabone Dental Chew Dinosaurs are available in tough Durable (tan) and softer Flexible (blue). The raised bumps help to remove plaque and reduce tartar build-up, and massage gums while your dog chews.
- Around 6” long. ...
Best Product for Powerful Chewers!
By The Weimaraner-Dachshund Duo from Baltimore, Maryland on 9/7/2010
Pros: Good Value, Tough, Fun, Versatile
Best Uses: Travel, Larger Pets, Younger Pets, Older Pets, Smaller Pets
Describe Yourself: Long-time Pet Owner
Of all the products available on the market, our dogs (and all our friends' dogs that we've bought them for) LOVE these dinosaur chews. They enjoy them every day, and they help clean their teeth. Every dog that has one enjoys them often and daily. Best chew available!
(legalese)
Monday, September 6, 2010
Fun Last Minute Picnic at Fort McHenry
This weekend we did a lot of things around the house, so when the Monday holiday (Labor Day) arrived - we had a nice breakfast outside (it was 60F at 7am!) on the back patio, then watered the new trees, did housework, walked the dogs and got a call from friends Steve and Jane who suggested a picnic @ Fort McHenry shortly thereafter! So, we gathered the dogs, treats, water, and grabbed lunch to bring. The temperature was about 85F and the cool breeze off of Baltimore Harbor made for a perfect couple of picnic hours. We also walked the dogs around the perimeter of the park and saw the new large visitor's center under construction. We posed for pictures in front of the Fort, as we have favorites taken there from 2006 and 2008. Seems like every 2 years we get great family photos taken there. This year was no exception (see below) and we got some great pictures of Jane and Steve! It made for a great and very memorable holiday.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Lots of Tree Planting and an Awesome Private Nursery
We've been looking for Leyland Cypress trees as a natural border for our backyard (in addition to the fence) as our neighbor loves to ride his sit-down tractor mower for hours. Rob was checking prices on the Internet and came across a small privately owned nursery, where a guy grows trees for more of a hobby! He sells them at 1/3rd of the cost you'd pay at other nurseries! SO, we bought 9 Eight foot tall trees from the following nursery in Southern Maryland and highly recommend them! Below are the photos from the adventure we had planting them today (we did take a break to have lunch with our friend Phil in the backyard, who needed help with his homework in Architecture; and later, enjoyed a nice BBQ at our friend "Superboy's" house (Rob's nickname for him).
Maryland Pride Nursery is a small, family-owned part-time business located in scenic and historic Southern Maryland. We grow our plants for sale to local customers.
15674 Prince Frederick Road, Hughesville, Maryland 20637, Phone 301-274-0483
Hours: Although we are open from 8am-noon most every day, our hours of operation can sometimes fluctuate depending on our full-time jobs. For this reason, we encourage you to call us to check plant availability, prices, and to ensure we will be here when you arrive. http://mysite.verizon.net/vzess41d/marylandpridenursery/index.html
Franklin and Dolly decided to chomp on some of the tree roots that we dug up while digging the holes to plant the new trees.
Maryland Pride Nursery is a small, family-owned part-time business located in scenic and historic Southern Maryland. We grow our plants for sale to local customers.
15674 Prince Frederick Road, Hughesville, Maryland 20637, Phone 301-274-0483
Hours: Although we are open from 8am-noon most every day, our hours of operation can sometimes fluctuate depending on our full-time jobs. For this reason, we encourage you to call us to check plant availability, prices, and to ensure we will be here when you arrive. http://mysite.verizon.net/vzess41d/marylandpridenursery/index.html
Franklin and Dolly decided to chomp on some of the tree roots that we dug up while digging the holes to plant the new trees.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Aquaman at the Baltimore Comic-Convention!
On Sunday, I (Rob) went to the Baltimore annual comic-convention while Tom stayed home and did stuff around the house (it's not his thing). So, I met our friend (also named Tom) and we shopped the convention floor getting good bargains on comic books, graphic novels, and figurines of superheroes (our friend collects them). After a quick sandwich, and Rob changed into his Aquaman outfit we were back for the 1pm costume contest. There were over 150 contestants!! It was a long process, so after I walked in front of the judges (2 1/2 hours later), my friend and I left. At that point I didn't care if I won anything- BUT, the entire couple of hours as Aquaman was awesome! I got my picture taken with a woman dressed as Hawkgirl; then with a couple dressed as "Batman Beyond" (from the future) and Batwoman; a muscle-bound trojan soldier; and Dr. Strange! It was fun. While waiting in line for the contest, I talked a lot to a guy dressed up as the Batman villian Two-Face, and 6 foot 5 guy in a Superman outfit.
When we left the convention, people on the street had called out "Aquaman!" and beeped their horns, too. Fun day!
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