Thursday Thirteen - New Old Sayings

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NEW OLD SAYINGS

- Anywhere you hang your @ is home.

- The e-mail of the species is deadlier than the mail.

- A journey of a thousand sites begins with a single click.

- You can't teach a new mouse old clicks.

- Great groups from little icons grow.

- Speak softly and carry a cellular phone.

- C:\ is the root of all directories.

- Don't put all your hypes in one home page.

- Pentium wise; pen and paper foolish.

- The modem is the message.

- Too many clicks spoil the browse.

- The geek shall inherit the earth.

- A chat has nine lives.

~~~Join Thursday Thirteen!~~~

Wordless Wednesday

HAPPY HALLOWE'EN!

(Just think of the dough they'll save on costumes!!!)

Stupid Frog Joke...

Frog Population

A noted biologist, who had been studying little green frogs in a swamp, was stumped. The frog population, despite efforts at predator control, was declining at an alarming rate. A chemist at a nearby college came up with a solution: The frogs, due to a chemical change in the swamp water, simply couldn't stay coupled long enough to reproduce successfully. The chemist then brewed up a new adhesive to assist the frogs' togetherness, which included one part sodium. It seems that the little green frogs needed some monosodium glue to mate.

The Mo Show

Janna's up to her old tricks again. If you want a cool graphic like the one she did for Mo, visit her at: Jannagraphics

Now, if this picture didn't scare you, try The Mo Show, this Wednesday night!

Manic Monday - Trick - or - Treat!

I was watching America's Funniest Home Videos tonight and they did a segment where people were scaring the bejeebers out of unsuspecting folks and loving every minute of it! Made me think back on all of the times I found myself in that situation, both as "scarer" and "scaree"...

When I was in high school, at the end of my last class, occasionally I had to drive to my parents' store and give a dinner break to whomever was working.

One day, my favorite employee, to whom I also referred as my "Other Mother" happened to be working. I just "happened" to have a 11-12" partially dissected night crawler in my purse - just managed to sneak it out of biology class that day. I was going to use it as a secret weapon against my much younger, wimpy little brother but, what the heck, Carpe Diem, right?

So I artistically arranged it in the dollar bill drawer in the cash register and hung around for a while for her to make a sale. Sadist that I was, I couldn't wait to see the look on her face.

Well, I got a reaction all right! The poor woman nearly passed out. She, of course, mistook it for a small snake and was horribly frightened. Her face blanched and she started shaking like a leaf and had to sit down. Guilt overwhelmed me and it was no longer funny. It was a good lesson for me not to mess with the elderly! Stick to little brothers with strong tickers.

The first fright I remember was seeing Walt Disney's Snow White, where the horrible witch was going to roll the stone down on SW and her buddies. My cousin and I were scared out of our wits and my mother almost had to haul us out of the theater. (For all of you young "kids" who may be snickering at this point, remember, we weren't as sophisticated as you guys are today! That was some scary stuff back then!)

Then I remember my grandmother scaring the holy bat crap out of me when I was about 12 when staying overnight with her and my grandfather. The air raid sirens went off accidently (but we didn't know it then) and she was convinced the Russians had landed and taken over the U.S. This was during the cold war and she had me convinced!

This theme was carried out by my former husband during a youth rally at our church in the mid '70's. Unbeknown to me, the youth leaders had arranged to pull a prank on the kids (trying to make them aware of being ready for the unknown). While a guest speaker was at the microphone, one of the youth ministers came sprinting up the aisle, spoke to him urgently and the speaker, after clearing his throat, told us, in a shaking voice, that a nuclear weapon had been discharged over New York by the Russians (those pesky people!). Since my sweet grandmother had help embed this fear in me, my blood ran cold. After all, I'd watched "On the Beach!"

All I could think of was "Where in the heck are my kids?" One was sitting a little bit in front of me; I knew one was with his dad but I wasn't certain where my youngest was. The speaker was informing us that we were asked to leave orderly and head towards the buses and we would be driven to shelters.

Where was my husband? Where was my daughter??? I grabbed my eldest by the arm and ran out to the parking lot. My husband was standing around, smoking a cigarette, acting totally nonchalant. I asked him if he'd heard the news and he replied, "Oh, don't be silly. They're just doing a number on the kids. All the adults know about it!" Yeah - RIGHT.

Thanks for telling me, buster! I had been so scared, I remember feeling like I wanted to throw up. I also remember not speaking to him for days...

So, tricks have not been good for my psyche! I'm all for treats. Popcorn balls anyone?

Join Marvelous Mo for Manic Monday!

The Worst is Over...

It appears as though the worst of it is over. The air in the valley reflected the signs of the fires raging over the mountains. Smoke was wafting over the valley Thursday and Friday but today, blessings of blessings, it rained! We had measurable rainfall here and according to the news casts, some areas ravaged by fire have also received rain.

The Santiago Fire (http://www.ocregister.com/article/map-santiago-fire-1902193-orange-county) and portions of the fires in San Diego county are still not contained. Most fire areas have issued alerts for poor air quality and people are wearing masks.

My family and friends were spared and for that I give praises. My cousin, who lives up near Arrowhead, has evacuated in the past but was okay this time. We'll all hold our breath until fire season is over, unless we receive more rain and lots of snow up in the Sierras!

Thanks to all of you for your prayers and good wishes...We'll all continue to pray for those whose lives have been forever changed.

Friday's Feast 166

APPETIZER

Name a great website you would recommend to others.

This is not easy! I have a whole gob bunch on my side bar. These are my favorites, so I would suggest you choose one of these!

SOUP

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 as highest), how often do you dream at night?
Maybe a 3? I know we all dream many times per night, the question is, how often do you remember your dreams? I very seldom remember mine but when I do, they're humdingers...

SALAD

Did you have a pet as a child? If so, what kind and what was its name?

Ha! I have NEVER not had a pet (pardon the double negative - I do know better!). The first pet I remember is a Irish Setter named Sam, along with an orange tabby cat named Johnny. That's just the beginning of 60 years worth of furbabies. I am certifiable when it comes to pets (but I'm not a Vegan - not that there's anything wrong with that!) but my husband helps me keep a grip!

MAIN COURSE
If you had the chance to star in a commercial, what would you choose to advertise?

Respect for one's fellow man!!!

DESSERT

What is your favorite kind of hard candy?

The little flat green and brown chocolate and peppermint candies you get at Mexican restaurants.

Here's the link for Friday's Feast!

"Flabbergastation!"

I checked my e-mail yesterday and found this:

Congratulations on your award on The Rising Blogger. It is a site that awards posts, not blogs. Your post from October 23, 2007 titled "California is Burning" won and will be posted tonight by midnight. Since we award posts, not blogs, you might even win again. To encourage your readers to comment on your award, it helps if you make the first comment on our post about your blog, yourself. We ask winners to nominate a post favorite of a fellow blogger. Call it "paying it forward". Neither is a requirement. You have won this award because we truly feel you deserve it. Great post, good job!

I was flabbergasted! I have seen this award at sites whose authors I value highly and was quite unprepared to ever be a recipient. I thank all of the kind folks at The Rising Blogger for their consideration and for this honor.

This is from The Rising Blogger:

The tragedy that the people in California are facing is almost incompressible. It is even tougher on those of us who have loved ones living in the San Diego area. There is a woman who authors a very popular blog who calls herself Amazing Gracie. She is well liked and respected in the blogosphere. Her blog is named Echoes of Grace. She can be funny, topical and very serious. She is dealy serious with her post of the fire titled California is Burning.

She writes, “I have been in all of these areas that are now burning except for the San Diego area of Poway. The Arrowhead fire is approximately 30 miles from my cousin's home - I don't know about how the crow flies. Since this is all mountains, the ash can be carried through the pines and oaks and set the whole mountain on fire. My brother's home is approximately 15-20 miles from the Fountain Valley fire and about 30 miles from the Irvine fire but he is not in any danger. Their cars are covered with soot and ash. Another cousin lives in Santa Clarita but I'm not certain if he's in the path of the fire. I've left an e-mail. I just pray they're safe.”

We at The Rising Blogger will have a good thought for those who are suffering and the brave men and women trying to stop the fire and return California to sanity. We hate the reason you had to write this post, but it is powerfully written and is our Post of the Day.
Posted by Judd Corizan

Wordless Wednesday

California is Burning...

UPDATE: Over a million evacuated; many staying at the San Diego Chargers stadium (20,000); the winds are dying down but there are now 20 fires burning, the latest at Camp Pendleton!!!
Something like 1800 homes burned and five people dead...one-quarter of the CA coast is burning. A friend and his family evacuated from Escondido - they were able to return home.


Wow. It's hard to watch the news today. Last time I checked, there were 655 homes destroyed and 14 different fires with no containment in sight. The Santa Ana winds are notorious during the fall, or "Indian Summer," as it's sometime referred to. Hot, dry winds, with gusts up to 95 mph in certain areas, with humidity falling into the single digits, and not much rain to speak of, create prime fire conditions.

And it's supposed to be 94 degrees in the inland areas tomorrow, which will make it more miserable. We're expecting 90 tomorrow. Our backyard is a mess due to the high winds. They're stripping all the dying leaves off of the trees and blowing in dust from surrounding fields. But dirt and leaves I can deal with...

I can't imagine what it must feel like to be a fire fighter and carry the weight they do, wearing those heavy coats and boots and face the inferno without passing out from the heat. Governor S. has called out the National Guard as reinforcements so at least they'll get more help. I sincerely pray for all of the folks out there fighting bravely. And the latest news is some of the Orange County fires were arson.

This is from a local NBC news affiliate that has the best coverage for those of you who may be interested: http://www.knbc.com/slideshow/news/14396554/detail.html

I have been in all of these areas that are now burning except for the San Diego area of Poway. The Arrowhead fire is approximately 30 miles from my cousin's home - I don't know about how the crow flies. Since this is all mountains, the ash can be carried through the pines and oaks and set the whole mountain on fire. My brother's home is approximately 15-20 miles from the Fountain Valley fire and about 30 miles from the Irvine fire but he is not in any danger. Their cars are covered with soot and ash. Another cousin lives in Santa Clarita but I'm not certain if he's in the path of the fire. I've left an e-mail. I just pray they're safe.

It's tragic watching these people flee with what they can carry. Some people won't leave and jeopardize property because the fire fighters have to worry about them instead of staying on the fire lines. There are repercussions for all of us: our homeowners insurance rates will rise. But houses are just brick, mortar, wood. Homes are what we carry in our hearts and cannot be destroyed.

The Mo Show - Vote for Mo!

Manic Monday - Frost

MM created by Jannagraphics

"When the Frost is on the Punkin"

WHEN the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock,

And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin' turkey-cock,

And the clackin' of the guineys, and the cluckin' of the hens,

And the rooster's hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;

O, it's then the time a feller is a-feelin' at his best,

With the risin' sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,

As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes out to feed the stock,

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

---James Whitcomb Riley, 1853 - 1916

This was the first thing that came into my head when I read Mo's selection for the week. I'm not particularly fond of this poem - the dialect drives me crazy - so I went looking for different avenues. I decided to do David Frost but after posting and reading it, it bored me silly and I didn't want to do that to my readers! So here's James Whitcomb Riley with the phrase he made famous (if you want to read the rest - I think there's at least two dozen more stanzas - give it a google).

Here's the Link to Marvelous Mo's Manic Monday!

Photo Hunt - Practical

Little Dogs

BIG DOG

Being one of the most impractical people on the planet, this week was difficult for me!

Looking through my photos, I decided that one of the practical things I have done

was to realize that little dogs were better for our lifestyle than big dogs

(read - sedentary!).

When we adopted Katie and Zoe, we both worked - that's why we got them at the

same time, so they would have company during the day. We were tired when we

got home and didn't want the responsibility of exercising a big dog, and in my case,

the strength! Otis was our grand dog and he wanted to pull a sled. He was hard

for me to hang on to!

It was a good decision. We've all been together for almost nine years and they've

been excellent fur babies. It was a very practical solution for us!

Here's the link for Photo Hunt: Join in the fun...

Friday Feast

Feast One Hundred & Sixty Five

October 19th, 2007

APPETIZER:

If you were a dog, what breed would you be, and why?

I'd want to be a pretend dog, you know, one of those toy poodles old ladies spoil to death and haul around with them. Definitely NOT a Paris Hilton Chihuahua! If I was my favorite breed, a German Shepherd, I'd have to be on call all of the time, ready to save my family from disaster.

SOUP

What does the color purple make you think of?

Royalty, the movie, "The Color Purple," and my favorite color!

SALAD

Approximately how long does it take you to get ready each morning?

When I was working, I had super short hair and it only took me about 45 minutes, including the paint-by-number make-up kit; now, with the longer hair, the blow dryer and curling iron - more like an hour plus. I think I'm making an appointment to get my hair cut short again!

MAIN COURSE

How many cousins do you have, and are you close to them?

Nine that I'm aware of but I only have contact with three. One of these is more like a sister than a cousin and I'm very blessed to have her in my life!

DESSERT

Take your initials (first, middle, last) and come up with something else those letters could stand for. (Example: SFO = Sweet Funny Otter)

HRB = Hot Racy Broad.

Just kidding...How about this instead: Happy Retired Broad.

Follow this link to Friday Feast:

Thursday Thirteen - Music

Actual Answers From Students On Music Exams

1. The principal singer of nineteenth century opera was called pre-Madonna. -

2. Gregorian chant has no music, just singers singing the same lines. -

3. Sherbet composed the Unfinished Symphony. -

4. All female parts were sung by castrati. We don't know exactly what they sounded like because there are no known descendants. -

5. Young scholars have expressed their rapture for the Bronze Lullaby, the Taco Bell Cannon, Beethoven's Erotica, Tchaikovsky Cracknutter Suite, and Gershwin's Rap City in Blue. -

6. Music sung by two people at the same time is called a duel; if they sing without music it is called Acapulco. -

7. A virtuoso is a musician with real high morals. -

8. Contralto is a low sort of music that only ladies sing. -

9. Probably the most marvelous fugue was the one between the Hatfields and the McCoys. -

10. Refrain means don't do it. A refrain in music is the part you'd better not try to sing. -

11. I know what a sextet is but I'd rather not say. -

12. My favorite composer was Opus. Agnus Dei was a woman composer famous for her church music. -

13 . Johann Sebastian Bach wrote a great many musical compositions and had a large number of children. In between he practiced on an old spinster which he kept up in his attic. -

The Link to visit other Thursday Thirteen Participants:

The Mo Show

Don't miss this one! It's bound to scare the bejeebers outta ya!

Wordless Wednesday

I Think I'm Back...

Thank you to all who posted such nice, caring words for me and my family. I hadn't intended to be away for such a long time but I just haven't been up to par since I got home. I'll do my best to stay current. Again, I appreciate all of you!!!

Quick Note:

I'll be out of town until Wednesday. My cousin, who also happens to be my closest friend,
lost her son and I'm going to go be with her until the funeral. Not sure what time or connections will be like so I may not be able to post. Catch you when I can...
~~~Blessings~~~

Photo Hunt - Curvy

I have an affinity for Cannas. They come in many different colors; the leaves can be as colorful as the flowers that shoot forth from the center of the plant. This variety, Tropicana, has big beautiful striking orange flowers. But it's the curvy stripes that fascinate me!

Here's the link to TN Chick and Photo Hunters. Have fun!!!

A Funny for Your Friday...

Friday's Feast - Dive In!

APPETIZER

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you look forward to your birthday?
Can I honestly say about a minus 10? My brain says I'm 30 but my body says 130!

SOUP

What is one word you don’t like the sound, spelling, or meaning of?

Gee, tons of four-letter words flooded my brain! To keep this clean, I think I'll say

"regurgitate."

SALAD

Do you wear sunglasses when you’re outside? If so, what does your current pair look like?
You bet I do! Light is the scourge of migraine sufferers! Mine are prescription and are kind of cool looking. They're wide on the sides but they are not the bug-eyed lenses that are so popular among the hipsters. We wore those in the seventies... Who wants to look like a fly???

MAIN COURSE

If you were to write a book, to whom would you dedicate it?
Hands down, my hubman, kids and my cousin. They try so hard to understand me, but they love me just the same!

DESSERT

Name a beverage that you enjoy.

How to narrow this down! When it's cold, there's nothing better than a hot cup of good coffee with an exotic liquid creamer and just a dab of sweetener. And when it's really hot, a glass of home-brewed iced tea hits the spot. I can't drink anymore due to surgery but I adore a Cadillac Margarita...sigh.

HERE'S THE LINK TO FRIDAY'S FEAST, #163

Thursday Thirteen

Top Things You Don't Want to Overhear Over an Airline P.A. System

1. Ocean crossing flight: This is your Captain speaking, I just wanted to take this time to remind you that your seat cushions can be used as flotation devices.

2. Hey folks, we're going to play a little game of geography trivia. If you can recognize where we are, tell your flight attendant and receive an extra pack of peanuts.

3. Our loss of altitude allows a unique close up perspective of the local terrain. I assure you that it's all part of our airline's new commitment to make your a flight a sight seeing extravaganza.

4. Goose! Bogey at 2 o'clock....one on our tail!!!! Eject!!!! Eject!!!!!!!

5. Ummmmmm....Sorry......(silence)

6. (As the plane turns around right after takeoff)....uhhhhh....we have to go back ....we ..we ....uhhhhhh ....forgot something.....

7. I'm sure everyone noticed the loss of an engine, however the reduction in weight and drag will mean we'll be flying much more efficiently now.

8. Fasten your seat belt. (same tone your friend with the suicidal driving tendencies uses when you get in the car).

9. This is your Captain speaking....these stupid planes are a lot different than the ships I'm used to.. so you'll have to give me some leeway...

10. It would be a good idea if right now everyone closed their shades and watched the in-flight movie.

11. We've now reached our cruising altitude of 20,000 feet and ... Oh noooooooo!!!!!..

12. Don't worry! That one is always on E...

13. Get the parachutes ready...

Bonus three:

14. Drinks are on me...

15. I'll have what the Captain's having...

16. Hey capt'n, take another hit man...

HERE'S THE TT LINK:

I'm Not Worthy!

There's another round of awards here on the blogs... This one came from tegdirb92
of the, oh so popular "And Miles to Go..." blog, (which, incidentally took 192 hits for Wordless Wednesday!) and I thank her a whole bunch! If you haven't yet found her blog, which I find astonishing, please visit her... Lots of good stuff here plus recipes to die for!

I am to pass this along to three more bloggers - this is always the thorniest part for me.

For originality and pure fun:
Katherine, of Wading Through My Stream of Consciousness

Because she always make me think (and sometimes cry!):
Nancy, of The Goat Rodeo

And because she fights some of the same battles I do and encourages me to keep on fighting:
Danielle, of The Bipolar Diaries
(While visiting Danielle, be certain to check out her fantastic photography!)

Wordless Wednesday

CSI Blogster

Comedy Plus - she's gotta be the most giving blogger there is! Not only does she receive tons of awards (and righteously so!), she doles them out generously! People flock to her blog because of her incredibly funny stuff, but also because her heart shines through!

Love you, Sandee! And thanks...

~~~Blessings~~~

"The Mo Show" - Featuring Urban Legends!

From the hook left in the car door handle at Lover's Lane,

To roaches in bouffants driving waitresses insane,

From gators crawling up from deep down below,

To Blog Talk Radio with your host Mo...

Explore Urban Legends this Wednesday

@ 7pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio'sThe Mo Show