Sour grapes?

Totally not pleased to realize that if I could have gotten the competition quilt completed in time to register for the JAF 2011/12 deadline, 'UnderwrapsQ1' would have had a real shot at taking home a top prize! Ugh.

And yes, I am feeling a bit smug and prideful, 'UnderwrapsQ1' turned out beautifully, and I can't wait to reveal it!

The winners and top finishers for the initial contest in 2010/11 were far and away better than the crop we've been able to see for the current year...but I guess that's all subjective and personal opinion, right?

Anywho...take a look for yourself (2010 and 2011) and then keep your fingers crossed for me, please. ;v) The entry period for 2012/13 will begin late this fall, so I only have to sit on my lovely little quilt for a bit longer.

Oh, yeah, and it's hot! [picture melting letters and steam rising]

Awe, crap!

Yesterday, I awoke to the sound in the wall. It stopped as soon as I tugged on the unfinished wiring and knocked and thumped for a bit on the wall - chasing the abating noise as the fuzzy little intruder fled.

Then, last night, after a friend departed, I happened to look down to my right as I climbed the only step up to the front door, and there it was. Evidence of space poaching! A new pile of excavated sand all over the stair, which hadn't been there earlier in the day!

The little rat b*stards were carving another entry into the space beneath the stoop - which means this is how they managed to begin the gnawing in the wall again!

COME ON!!

Brian banged a metal can into the new opening and then piled loose bricks firmly against the area until we can manage to figure out another proper solution for this side of the stoop. A small live trap will be baited and set into place at the original entry point, with additional rat traps set up within to catch the marauding varmints as they think to leave.

That's right, we're going to uncork the original hole to see what shows itself. By now, those little mongrels that thought to enter and set up residence in the vacated property will be looking for some daylight, water, and food supplies...and I aim to eradicate me a few critters.

[twisting non-existant mustache like Simon LaGree]

[mine is an evil laugh]

Yup, it's what I thought it was

I'll get over it, though. Somehow. Some way. You turd[s].

Soooooo.....yesterday.

Yesterday we managed to start the day inside an icecube. We dragged the interior temp down to 65*F throughout the night.

Yes, on purpose!

The overnight low got down to a lovely 63*F and we used the cushion of cool to stay comfy throughout the day. Granted, the outside temp only got to 88*F, and it was not humid (thank you, God), so we rode out the day very comfortably, but here we go with another of those awful heat waves. I mean - 88*F is excessive, but 98*F is unreasonable and UNNECESSARY! Who do ya gotta talk to around here, anyway?

Wednesday we watched the inside thermometer creep ever so slowly up into the seventies, and by the time it finally leveled off at a high of 79*F, it was evening and the outside heat had broken.

On went the attic fan and open went the windows! In no time, the temp began to fall, and we were comfortable in the upper sixties for most of the night.

What a blessing.

Today however, we are warned that the heat will hit 90*F by noon, and climb from there! Our air temp didn't get as low last night as it had overnight Tuesday, but we did manage to get the house temp down into the upper 60 range. So I guess we'll just have to wait and see what it all feels like today.

The oscillating fan in the living room is blowing and circulating, and I am just finishing large container of ice water number one for the day. Brian is already off to work, and Karl and I got the trash and recyclables to the curb for pick-up already. A light breakfast is in order, I think, and then a little more of the cleaning and purging of yesterday before the heat and humidity take over.

Flop is still exploring and imprinting the changes and movement of things here and there - from here to there - but is handling the chaos well enough. Too much vacuuming for her liking, though. A lot of things still need relocating or bundling out to storage for a bit, but it is happening. Slowly but surely, it is happening.

My friends are doing well in their lives. Maria has settled in to a schedule of sorts to accumulate her volunteer time - so many hours are required in order to attain her Master Gardening mantel - but it sounds as though she has hit her stride and is very happy. Yea, Maria - go, girl! I am proud of you (and secretly wish I could have joined you in that endeavor through Wayne State). She is juggling family matters, rehab-ing a new old house, trying to sneak in quilting and whatnot around all of this community work, and of course she is doing it with her usual Maria-aplomb!

Jean, on the other hand, finally landed a spot in her particular field of interest and was accepted into a Radiology program which has proven very, very hard to get into - despite having pulled a tremendously perfect GPA and great references. She also has a temp position working in yet another admin-type role for the immediate future, which (in this damned young person's economy/workplace) is a great thing!

I envy them both and want to wish each of them congratulations!

OK, that's enough for now, the day is getting away from me and I have stuff to do. Don't just read -- let me know what you are up to.

Not again

Woke up to the sound of gnawing in the wall.

Yes! That wall, and YES....that sort of gnawing!

Since it isn't possible that one was able to gain entrance to the under-stoop area over the past week and one half, it stands to reason there was...scratch that....there are an unknown number of the lil furry cretons still holed up inside! Now the question is how to get it/them out without allowing any new intruders in?

Is that possible?

I'm thinking about three or four new traps - additional traps - placed all around the hole, to get anybody exiting and/or entering.

Snappity, snap, snap....gone!

Doggone it!

Shoo!

[waving hands frantically in all directions]

SHOO!

I mean it.....scat!!!!

Sod off

'nuff said.

Looks can be deceiving - I hope that's true

Guess we'll find out together, eh?

Fellow world dwellers - ENJOY!

In lieu of a post today I am opting to share an incredible video. INCREDIBLE!

It may start a little slow, but the music builds and so does the action. If you aren't smiling by ;00;25 in, I'll apologize to you personally.

Where In The World...

I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I have watched this, and it never ceases to amaze, amuse and confound me. It makes me joyous - down to my very soul.

Please allow yourself the pleasure of the next five minutes.

Enjoy!

Hi

....and holding

Holding at a nearly-tolerable, temperate temp of 83*F indoors.

In a few short hours (probably around seven P.M.) we will turn on the attic fan simply to get the air moving - that's after the sun begins its downward journey toward the horizon and ceases to pound relentlessly. Pulling through moving warm air versus superheated air is a little more reasonable to my way of thinking.

Thankfully, there is a heavenly breeze moving around out there, and the cross ventilation we are feeling sporadically has helped to keep the house from becoming 100% stagnant.

Thank you, Lord, for the little heavenly things.

83* and holding.

Too h-o-t!

For those of you who love this sort of weather - WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU?!?!?

[whimpering]

Yes, I'll admit it. I am a heatwave-ist! I do not enjoy temps when they climb over 76*F (yeah, I don't know what that would be in Celsius...sorry).

Melting is not a hobby of mine and I've never been a fan of the hot weather.

In fact, as of 7:18 this morning, we had already hit my desired high temperature, and have so far easily cruised past it over the last three-quarters of an hour.

Have mercy on this heat wussy. Mercy! [sobbing] It's still only June, for crying out loud!

[drip, drip]

Oh. By the way...

Technically, we are holding at number nine.

However, we did catch number ten yesterday, but since it somehow managed to get it's head stuck in the trap (under the whacking bar the way it's supposed to work), but kept breathing and moving around - trying to free itself - we decided to set it free, so long as it could hold its own head up and walk straight.

Bud released it from the trap and threw it into the neighbor's backyard; we haven't seen it since.

We are waiting for a knock at the door, though.

Spazzed

I am surrounded by spazzes.

My cats spaz out on each other over any other cat who touches the yard and comes within view.

My sons spaz on one another for no good reason - and at a moment's notice. Karl spazzes routinely over online video game antics. Oh, the things he bellows at the PC and unknown/unseen opponents.

My mom spazzes during a phone conversation, and when I'd be justified to do the same thing to her because she is not listening (or, because she puts her own slant on something without gathering information first), I don't do it more often than do (neat spin on the phrase, right?), because it would just cause more friction....and I would feel the guilt for ages.

Directors spaz - in the form of huge hissy fits - and literally get in your face; and/or throw things (like hot set dressing and props) and spew, then expect everyone to completely forget the behavior and the scene they just ad libbed.

Yeah. Right. Not so much.

I spaz over stupid people behind the wheel of a car - and there are far too many of you for comfort. One of these days, I will be driving down the road in your vicinity and one of you will do something absolutely typical of a DABTW (Dumb Ass Behind The Wheel). I will spaz and you. will. know. it's me.

"How will I know it's you?" you wonder.

Because my mouth will opening and closing in your direction and then...SPLURT!!! My head will expode all over the inside of my car in a spaz meltdown.

Congratulations.

My favorite kind of spaz, though, is when the girls (my cats) spaz over treats.

Treat time is the best time of the day. Well after breakfast and just before the day-long siesta, I will pick up the pouch of treats and crinkle it just a tad, and - shoom! If they weren't nearby at the time, within seconds they are gathered at my feet, prutting and begging for the yummy little snacks.

It's amazing what a certain sort of noise will do to a cat's demeanor. The spazzes.

What trips your trigger? What makes you spaz?

Life is funny

Not "ha-ha" funny, or "odd/peculiar" funny - although it can be at times, I suppose.

No, I think I mean life is rye-ly humorous. It's mockingly clever. It's never obliging or commonsense, or without paybacks or caveats, but it's never (seemingly) hurtful on purpose - unless you're r-e-a-l-l-y asking for it.

And let's face it, shall we. There are some clowns who do ask for it.

Now, to my way of thinking, when somebody it 'asking for it,' I think life should give it to 'em right then and there, but as I said, life is never obliging, so sometimes life retribution is delayed (and sometimes delayed a bit too long in my estimation), but eventually it all comes and goes around as it is meant to.

I am not particularly enjoying my current state of standing in one place, but apparently I am not learning the life lesson I am supposed to be gleaning, so here I am! In the meanwhile, I am applying myself to learning new things; lolling about in classes and adding layers of knowledge to this youthful middle-aged mantle (and, yes, I used the correct version there), acquiring new skills to keep moving (hopefully) in a job-filled direction and perhaps toward a *new career field.*

*Sad and dreadful, but necessary in today's economy.

Anyhow, it's past the halfway mark in June, more than half of this new year is now over and gone, and while I feel ready to step into an office anywhere and begin working for the almighty paycheck once again (which I have been for quite a while), I do feel oddly incomplete. What that feeling is exactly I cannot say, so perhaps I will use this time to explore what it may be and where it's coming from.

Life is funny like that.

^x.x^

'Nuff said.

Well, well....

Number eight did not get away!

It's been a busy day, to be sure, and seeing their movements and understanding how they are trying to gain entrance has helped with the positioning of the trap for optimum chipmunk dastardliness. At least, I think that's what this is.

Seems cruel, but I cannot handle any more destruction to the house, nor can I manage any more repair type expenses. Their 'antics' in the wall is almost more than I can bear some days, so this is me getting even.

The gloves are off, baby, and I intend to win this battle, doggone it!

Number 7

Although, somehow, this little bugger also managed to free himself from the trap (in spite of having its head and most of its appendages stuck within the crossbar) and crawl off a little distance before Brian caught him to finish the job....sort of.

Beginning to wonder if these traps lose a lot of their doin'-in-the-critter-power after several uses? That should be a warning on the package:

"Good for five kills, then power degrades. Maiming will follow for approximately four to five additional victims, after which serious wounds to trapped or injured rodents will result in an uprising. Please pack an emergency kit and be prepared to evacuate should you decide to continue use of trap beyond ten critters."

Number seven was a bit Rambo-esque. [ominous music]

Ugh

The chipmunk problem still persists.

Huh. Did I really need the word "still" in that sentence?

Anyhow, the little rats (sorry, Barb) are still an issue. Was more concerned about what (or WHO) might enter the dwelling if we took away the barricade - thinking we might be able to entice the incumbent squatters out into the light of day, thus emptying the area under the porch (and in the front wall) - but then became worried over who (or better yet, how many who's) would trespass into the vacated area if left open for any amount of time.

Turns out that (latter part) wasn't an incorrect assumption...or was it?

I don't know any more!!

Can't tell if those we catch burrowing either in or out are longtime, current residents, or very industrious newbies. ARGH! And it's getting to the point where I just think we need to cement it up and perform last rights (Egyptian-style) over those who are not long for this world. I do know it may mean tolerating (and suffering through) some very nasty decaying odors for an amount of time this summer, but I am just about to that very point.

I'm just saying.

Jean and Barb brought by some peanuts in shells to use as bait, tying one to the trap and making it a certainty to catch another little critter or two....right?

Well, you would think so, but we would all be wrong.

The little boogers took the whole peanut somehow, springing the trap AND getting away cleanly!

Ugh.

A quick word of good news

Brian picked up his car this afternoon - very late this afternoon - but it is mostly done, and he has wheels once again!

The collision shop did a beautiful job finding all matching parts for his car, so there is no necessary paint job! He still needs to return to them next week, Monday or Tuesday, to have them finish some little bits here and there (an under-the-car-guard-thing and something to do with an exterior mirror), but it is driveable and in one piece...so, thank you, God.

More another time. For now, smiles. Lots and lots of smiles.

Mistake, or MASSIVE mistake?

I'm hoping for neither.

I am here at home, car-less.

I allowed Brian to drive himself to work in my beloved John Wayne. Yes, 'The Duke' is in Brian's hands. [oh-my-Lord-what-was-i-thinking]

I had very little fear as he rolled out of the driveway and down the street, but as this first hour has passed, I have become more regretful in the (lack of) judgement I used when handing him my keys.

[cringe]

I do not know how I am going to get through the day worrying over my car.... (oh, yeah) and Brian's safety (and my car's safety). Those Fenton/Holly drivers are a rude, self-righteous, self-important, me-me-me bunch of road hazards. Entitled and stupid, and they're all on the road with my sweet little JW....and Brian (in my sweet little JW).

Did I make a mistake?

Number six

Number six did not go quietly.

It must have been scurrying across the trap lengthwise when it set off the trigger and....whap! Brian ended up having to put it out of its misery because the commando crawl (with the trap in tow) was too hard to watch. Just knowing it was out there, alive and suffering, was too much to bear.

About ready to uncork the opening for the remainder of the day to see what may exit the den under my stoop. By evening I am thinking we will seal the hole up in a more permanent (and cement-like) way. Until then, it's carnage city.

Now serving number seven!

Five! Count 'em...FIVE!

Five less chipmunks in my walls and under my stoop....and that's the way I like it.

Because I blocked the opening, it is impossible to tell if there are any more ready to try and see the light of day once again. I haven't heard the scratching and gnawing sounds I have become accustomed to around 5:30 every morning, so I wonder if we have managed to eradicate the colony in its entirety.

Today's victim had been sniffing around the opening for the past two days, and while he would dart into the hole, he never stayed more than a few seconds. When we frightened him by looking out the window, he would run for cover into the hostas and weeds....and not back into the hole - so I believe we 'offed' a stranger to the kingdom.

My fear is in unblocking the opening to their warren; allowing any others remaining inside to venture out and meet their doom. If I open it up to exiting critters, what more would I be inviting? I have already seen how quickly another would be willing to take up residence!

No thank you!

Chipmunk-icide was not the only activity today. Jean stopped by on her way home to take a morning stroll around the neighborhood. She dropped of another NYC-bound daughter at Metro Airport early in the morning, so we made plans to walk a bit in the coolest part of the day before she headed the rest of the way home.

After a good gab and some giggles, she very kindly drove Bud to work on her way home, and I continued to work on the quilt throughout the heat of the day. Thank you, Jean, it was a nice break!

Tomorrow should find me piecing together the back and then stretching the beast! I'll keep you posted in the quilting blog.

P.S.

Chipmunk number four has bought the farm.

And STILL another one was there to mourn his passing.....and to take over the domicile and the secret stash of nummy chipmunk buried treasure. Yikes! It's like a clown car at the circus!

A bit of good news with that hard lesson learned

Brian took his car to a mom-n-pop collision shop at the behest of his usual car repair mechanic - this we did yesterday morning.

After a long day (and night) of not hearing from anyone, he was awakened this morning with a call from the owner who had news of the final cost for the repairs.

I had figured the price tag would be around three thousand dollars, and Brian had imagined the cost to be a good deal higher. Happy to say that even though three grand is a lot of out of pocket money to have a car made whole again, it wasn't as bad a total as Brian had braced himself for, and it left him feeling happily relieved.

Oh, yeah....the cost is $2900+change.

Cha-ching!

Another one bites the dust - HEY!

Another one bites the dust - hey, HEY!

If you're keeping score, this makes three. And I saw another one come out of the hole in the stoop...so we're not through, yet.

Driving mayhem

Today was a road-warrior-type of day.

I spent it driving a round trip of about 130 miles to pick up a young girl (a friend of Karl's), getting her to Ann Arbor's Autism Center to start the evaluation process, and then taking her back home to Rochester before returning home myself.

Brian's road experience ended with an accident, trashing the front left bumper and quarter panel of his car - ruining a brand new headlamp to boot! Bud is fine, and the other fella's SUV was slightly crumpled, but since Brian has PLPD insurance, he will be out of pocket for the repairs. [cringing] Hoping the repair costs aren't more than the balance of the loan, and that they are not more than the value of the car.

The car still runs and rolls, but there is a significant amount of mayhem to his car. Yikes.

It's all very sad, but in the grand scheme of things, it's so much better than it could have been. Just hard for him not to feel blue.

On the up side, I will have the honor of once again driving him back and forth to work for the foreseeable future. Yea! [mock sincerity]

Prayers muttered and fingers crossed for some low numbers from the repair dudes. Anybody got a few thousand dollars laying around that we can use......OR, some spare parts for an '03 Jetta S (Brian says the parts would be preferable).

Pseudo-breakfast. Pseudo-everything.

An unfrosted strawberry PopTart and a cold glass of milk. Mmmm.

Usually, I begin my day with a glass of chocolate milk, then work my way into peanut butter on toast and maybe a bowl of cereal. But my supply of chocolate drink mix was done-in by a rodent in the garage, where the pantry overruns are kept (on a heavy duty wire shelf system). Some little beggar chewed a mouse-sized hole into a new, industrial size container of Quik, and I had to throw it away! Argh!!

Can't call the insurance carrier for that claim - though I did consider it.

The sun is going to be sketchy today, darting in and out of the clouds, so I may end up turning on lights to get some good quilting done.

The cats are extra-needy today, and Bud will go to work around 10:30, but probably won't be home until midnight (long story). What those two things have to do with one another I have no clue.

Pseudo-writing skills.

Feels like there's nothing really of any importance to write about, although there is so much to tell. My time at Gram's, conversations with friends, stuff about the boys' activities, etc. But I just don't have the inclination to go into it. Sorry.

Well, if I am going to make any progress today, I will need to get started, so...see you in a while.

Have a great day!

Huh

If it's raining, it must be June.

Oh, uh...let me clarify.

If it's raining, it must be June - in Michigan!