Random Saturday Thoughts

• Every day I check the Panda Cam at the San Diego zoo. The camera focuses on Zhen Zhen (which means Precious) the baby panda and mother Bai Lun. This is one of those feel good sites because each time I see those pandas I smile. The coloring and shape make them look so hugable and cuddly. So if you need a happy pick-me-up during the day, look at http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/ex_panda_station.html.
  
  
• We were in Home Depot today and Dan wanted to look at tools -- power tools, hammers, wrenches -- and I was sooooo (yawning) bored. Mall air revives me, Target air cheers me up, even Shopko air lifts my spirits. But Home Depot is not the store for me when it is a snowy, gray January day and I need some good store air to make me want to live.
  
• I like my dog more than most people. No news flash there but just felt like typing it. I judge how much I like a person by how often I will pick up the phone when they call. If I pick it up immediately, I like that person lots. If I let it go to voice mail and get back to them (and how long I wait to get back to them is another indicator) they are middle of the road in my life. If I don't return the call, well.....that speaks for itself. At this point I immediately pick up for Ann, Patrick, Dan, Brian & Vicky, Julie, and Brenda.
  
• Obama won South Carolina which makes me pretty happy. At this time he has 53% to Clinton's 28%. Super Tuesday (February 5) should be interesting for those two.
  
• Last night the History Channel discussed the potential for Yellowstone National Park to blow like a volcano and create and horrific nuclear winter. I tend not to pay much attention to disaster warnings like this but for some reason I want to stock up on canned goods..... http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/tvradio/programmes/supervolcano/article2.shtml This website indicates that no one is sure when Yellowstone will erupt and it probably won't be immediately. But, one can't be too sure. I didn't stock up on plastic and duct tape as advised by Homeland Security for a terrorist attack since I think Homeland Security is a crock;t he history channel and the BBC are more credible sources than anyone in the Bush government.
  
• Cupcakes are the newest cutesty decorating item, and Ann and I are quite taken with them. Just saying the word "cupcake" makes me want to eat one. At Target we picked up cupcake kitchen towels, picture holder, plate and dish, juice cup, and slippers. I came across some cupcake stickers and craft paper and made some cards. Ann and I briefly discussed getting matching cupcake tattoos but haven't decided firmly on that. I would get it on my shoulder blade so I won't get tired of it and it won't sag and look like the frosting is melting when I am 80. It would be fun to do that with her. I ordered some cupcake stamps and a cupcake die cut pattern so I can make more cards. I look in all stores now for cupcake items.
• I need to get online and order some candidate buttons. I have a collection of them starting with Nixon. I don't have every candidate's buttons since then, but I like to get as many as I can.
  
• Told Patrick I want to host a hookah party in the front yard this summer. Tobacco only, of course, but it would be so fun to tweak the neighbors (Gladys in particular) If not that then I'd like to have a front yard party....set up lawn chairs, have coolers of drinks, and hold hair dryers aimed at cars that drive past.
  
• Julie and I are going to meet Brenda for coffee next week. Neither Julie nor I are sure how Brenda is doing. Julie talked to her Monday, and Brenda just said that the doctors are making her comfortable. Julie and I find comfort in each other since we are both cowards and unsure how to deal with her illness but we know we don't want to abandon her.
  
• We went to see the movie "Untraceable" last night and can't stop thinking about it.
  
  Guess that's enough of Saturday random thoughts. Good night and sleep tight.

Mad Bomber Hat

In honor of the -1 degree temperature (-20 degrees wind chill) Packer v. Giants NFC championship game kickoff, I am posting pictures of Dan and me in mad bomber hats. Dan is sitting at Lambeau Field enjoying the game in the frosty weather, possibly even wearing the pictured hat. I am toasty warm in my home watching it all. If I was at the game I would look like a thermal burka clad sausage....layers, layers, layers, layers, and a sleeping bag.

Everyone knows that to keep warmer, covering one's head is the first body part to cover. Okay, the players wear helmets. Media of all kinds have broadcast that appropriate dress in this desperate cold is to layer clothing. The majority of players I am watching have bare arms. (Bret is wisely wearing his Under Armor) The sports announcers made a special point of telling viewers that the Packer line will not cover their arms for this game. Uh......can someone explain to me why? I understand that they are running around. I comprehend the adreneline rush these guys must get. But I also get the notion of frostbite, pain in falling on frozen ground, and numbness that occurs when skin is exposed to such temperatures. I do hope the reason for the bare arms is not.....please tell me it isn't true.....machismo.

Guys who get pounded by 200+ pound men, who are continually tackled and lay at the bottom of a pile of six of those 200+ men, guys who display those impressive muscles week after week don't need to provide any more evidence of their masculinity. I get it without them showing how tough they are in the face of the "frozen tundra."

I imagine the mothers of each of those bare armed players are wringing their hands in worry over their "babies's" decisions to tough the cold without the benefit of Under Armor. I know I would be. This is the coldest game in NFL history, and players aren't listening to their mothers.

As a side note, it is good to see that both the AFC and NFC championship games were played outside instead of in whimpy, pansy-ass domes. The dome players are definitely not as manly as outdoor stadium players. Football began as an outdoor game and it should be played in the elements. From a quick count it appears that 24 teams play outdoors with only 7 indoor teams. A California journalist whined about the ridiculousness of playing such important games in these icy temperatures........figures it was a writer from California. While I am not a fan of winter, cold, and snow I do feel a sense of pride in the citizens of our state who go about their daily lives in such weather. The Packers reflect the hardiness of the state. Players have the option of dressing warmer and fans have the option of not attending the game or dressing to suit the conditions.

While the machismo could take time off for this game, I salute the hearty players of both teams and give cheers to mad bomber hats, Under Armor, Carthart, handwarmers, long underwear, layers-layers-layers, outdoor football stadiums.

Green Bay Packers fan Jeff Kahlow walks outside Lambeau Field prior to the NFC Championship football game between the Packers and the New York Giants, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Snow Storms

I've always liked a hearty snowstorm. The snow swirling about, the hope of no school the next day, lighting the fireplace and snuggling under a cozy comforter with a hot drink.

When I was in 7th grade we lived in Glenwood, Illinois, which is about 30 miles south of Chicago. One winter day school was closed early due to a fierce snow storm. A friend and I struggled to walk home from school. Many people in our subdivision worked in the city and ended up stranded there for days. Some children at our school could not make it home so my father and I made it to the school and brought a girl home with us until her family could reach her. The snow accumulation was such that Illinois had to borrow plow equipment from Wisconsin to dig out and that digging out took several days. People were unable to make it to work, grocery stores, or school.

This is an actual photo from that 1967 Chicago blizzard.

Our family socialized with two neighbors. The Rimsniders had 9 children. The other couple, whose names I don't remember, had a baby and the husband was stranded in Chicago. In order to "survive" the hardship of the storm, the three families pooled food, made meals together and ate together. It all had quite a festive atmosphere, and my parents still talk of it today. To illustrate the "hardships" suffered during the days we were all stuck at home my father tells the story of how the oldest Rimsnider boy, Gib, complained that the butter wouldn't melt on his mashed potatoes because they weren't hot enough.

We moved to Wisconsin when I was a freshman in high school and I have fond memories of friends and I walking at night in snowstorms. We seemed to be able to predict when school would be canceled due to snow so we would head out and walk around in the falling snow.

I taught in Burlington, WI, from 1977 - 1980, and there was a snowstorm that canceled school for 3 days in a row. It was the first time I could remember being notified the day before that school would be canceled the next day! If memory serves me correctly, the drifting in the country was so bad the roads just couldn't stay clear. Can't say I was disappointed not to have to make the drive from Milwaukee to Burlington those three days.

The last significant storm I remember was also when living in Milwaukee during that above time period. Right before Christmas my fiance landed in the hospital after being hit in the eye with a raquet ball. He had to lay still (they valiumed him up) and remained in the hospital for about a week. On Christmas Eve his parents drove down to see him and headed back to NL. I left Milwaukee shortly after them so I could be with my family for Christmas. Mike was so drugged up he didn't even remember his parents or my visit so I'm pretty sure he didn't even know it was Christmas Eve. A snow storm was hitting the state hard that night and I drove from Milwaukee to NL in my sturdy little Datsun B-210. I passed cars in the ditch but that little car stayed the course and made it to NL without an incident.

After that storm it seemed winter weather was not inclined to snow storms anymore. We had many a winter with little snow and few snow storms. The last few years, though, we are back on track and getting quite a bit of snow. On Thursday this week it snowed all day and while it wasn't a full blown snow storm it was good enough for me.

In the spring and summer I love a powerful thunderstorm. Although I am not a fan of lightening (I have a healthy respect and fear of electricity), I love the driving rain, thunder and darkness of a thunderstorm. Since the climate is changing, for whatever reason, we managed to have thunder a week ago. Nothing like thunder in January as a way for Mother Nature to say, "Hi, ya'll -- see, the times they are a changin'."

Weather is one of the forces man has yet to conquer and sometimes humans forget their vulnerabilities. Storms remind me that their are forces out there still out of man's control and that if we don't have respect for Mother Nature, she will humble us pretty quickly.

Mr. Bush's Hair

Since I cannot listen to the President without having my blood pressure rise, I concentrated on his hair color during today's economic press statement. (It seems he wants to give us money to spend so the economy will receive a shot in the arm. Sorry, W, but my economic incentive $$$ will go into my travel savings account.) Anyway, in looking at his gray hair I wonder if he uses a gray rinse in it. It seems to have an all over same color....almost with a blue-ish gray color. He obviously has not received his mother's gray hair color. And one would think with all his money, GWB could afford a decent stylist who could give him a good hair color.

I could not find a photo of the blue-ish gray hair but did fine two that show his progression into graydom plus a photo of the beautiful Barbara Bush silver.

Photos show how Presidents' gray over the course of their residence at the White House. I wish I thought Mr. Bush's graying was due to his hard work at the job.

Advice from Nancy Drew

Nancy Drew, girl detective. The books were first written in the 1930’s and are a great read today. My daughter and I read a few of them together and still chuckle over some of the language used. Nancy would take a ride in her “roadster” and attend “luncheons” where “gelatin” was served.

Apparently I missed the advice to live by that could be found in her books. As a pre-teen I was not a Nancy Drew reader which would be one reason for my missing this valuable information. But I can make up for the important deficit in my life skills because of the Nancy Drew Guide to Life I found in Barnes & Noble. In case you, too, missed out on these important Nancy Drew gems, I will share some of them with you. Brace yourself as your life may never be the same!

Nancy offers simple but helpful advice about certain situations one may encounter. In Mystery of Crocodile Island she advises that “Simple screaming can scare off snakes.”
The tip from The Haunted Showboat will come in handy the next time I am in Haiti or the swamps of Key West. “Never interrupt a voodoo doctor.” Heaven only knows what kind of critter I could be turned into or what ailment would afflict me if I had not read this and indeed interrupted a voodoo doctor. And while she doesn’t say it, our little Nancy must have been a Thoreau fan because she knows that “The best way to clear one’s mind is to commune with nature.” Ms. Drew had a way with men and kindly shares her advice with us. My mother must have gotten the information she passed onto me from Nancy. “The best way to lose a boy is to chase after him.” Ah, I actually believe this is true simply because men can be like cats. Show them too much attention and they ignore you. Ignore them and they come running. “If a guy’s hunch results in a dead-end, don’t flaunt your better judgment and intuition in front of him. Smirk secretly to yourself.” Nancy probably learned that the hard way. I imagine she chastised the guy aloud and then had to recommend this advice from The Secret of the Golden Pavilion, “Flowers sent by secret admirers might be coated with poison.” One piece of advice Mother never shared is found in The Mystery of the Glowing Eye. Nancy wisely suggests “After receiving an electrical shock to the system, find as many men as possible to vigorously massage you.” Words to live by, hey?!

Nancy did lead the privileged life as the daughter of a successful attorney as evidenced by certain suggestions. “If you are afraid of being followed when you leave your house, buy a new car and have it brought around to the back of the house for a sneaky escape.” Righto, Nance. Most of us have enough spare change for a new roadster at the drop of a hat. Our girl sleuth has expensive tastes and gives advice those who frequent QVC or Zales Jewelry stores should note. “When the lights suddenly go out, hold onto your diamonds for dear life.” And for you jewelry loving circus goers she cautions “Don’t wear expensive jewelry to a circus. A clown might notice it and try to lift it.” Whew – good to know the trapeze artists I am fond of aren’t suspect. But no matter what trials and tribulations a girl detective may face, a well-to-do daddy can put all concerns aside. “Never lose your girlish glee when your dad buys you a ticket to Hong Kong.”

Don’t think that just because Nancy Drew leads a privileged life that she isn’t well versed in roughing it in nature. No, sir, she can handle herself with snakes, smelly swamps, and all means of wilderness danger. If lost in the woods she advises that “caves are excellent shelter.” Those of us living in Wisconsin must heed this clever insect news and “dive into any available water when attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes.” For those of us who enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and swimming in fresh water but are afraid of shark attacks, Nancy assures us “If you see something resembling a shark in a river, don’t fret. It’s more likely to be a small submarine operated by thieves.” And all these years my phobia of river sharks has been unfounded.

So, as you can see, Nancy Drew is clever beyond her years. These are a few samplings of the wisdom this heroine has to offer. Read some of her stories and you will be awarded with more than a good book but with new life skills! I raise a cup of gelatin to our girl sleuth.

Save Me

I am in a serious snit today about the Presidential campaign. Last night I let myself get involved in a political discussion with 4 conservatives and me. I am not going to be very nice here so if you are looking for “fair and balanced” you won’t find it today. (Of course, most conservatives couldn’t find it on FOX news if it hit them in the head)

The subject of Barack Obama arose when it was mentioned that he doesn’t support the Constitution because he won’t put his hand to his heart when saying the Pledge of Allegiance and that he isn’t a Christian. I had heard nothing on either of these topics and I read what I can get my hands on about candidates. So, I found a Christian Science Monitor article about his religion and turns out he belongs to the United Church of Christ. I personally don’t care. I didn’t pursue the Pledge of Allegiance issue because I REALLY don’t care about it. I don’t always put my hand on my heart (and never do when the Star Spangled Banner is played….when did that trend start?) and frankly am not enamored with the entire pledge saying.

Well, Bush got glorified last night….no President could do better than him after 9/11; he does fine as a speaker; no Republican candidate is better than him; Iraq broke a treaty on nuclear arms so we had to invade them. (The analogy of a broken contract was used --- if I had a contract with someone and they broke it I would take them to court. We had a treaty/contract with Iraq and since we can't take them to court we needed to invade them. Wouldn't that mean I could invade someone's home or business if they broke a contract with me? Can anyone say bully?) I don’t know in what United States of America these people live but must be in a universe other than mine. If a person is going to read “news” online than he/she needs to make sure the source is reliable. Does “discerning reader” mean anything anymore?

What is interesting is that every one of those conservatives has not benefited from the Republican Party. They are being oppressed by the economy and struggle with health care costs. Gas prices are affecting two of them. But, hey, their party will guarantee them gun ownership and a pro-life stance. Plus, their party has gotten the country in horrible debt that their children will have to chip away at while they themselves are in a nursing home wondering why they have no retirement funds.

I was disappointed in myself for getting into the discussion. When will I learn it just isn’t worth it. Is it a wonder I surround myself with like minded people --- as in those who search out reliable information and read more than what is platter fed to them. I say it in jest but gads, there are some days I believe a voter readiness test should be mandatory.

Takin' Down the Tree

I took down the Christmas tree yesterday. As always, it is more fun to decorate the tree than undecorating it. When the tree is put up in December and the ornament boxes are brought upstairs, unpacking each ornament is visiting an old friend again. Not all ornaments have deep memories but many do.

There is the “World’s Ugliest Barbie” ornament. I had started collecting Barbie ornaments for Ann, and this Barbie looks just like the Barbies I played with as a child. We have a few ugly Barbies and many Christmas Barbie ornaments but Ann announced last year that she doesn’t like them! I always put up at least the World’s Ugliest Barbie each year.

The study hall supervisor at the junior high where I taught was in a ceramics class and made Ann and Patrick each a bell ornament. These were given to me for the first Christmas after the kids were born so are special to me.

Ann dislikes this tree ornament but it is one of my favorites! It was made in 5th grade and has hung on every Christmas tree since then. I wish I had more homemade ornaments from the kids because they are really the best – probably one of the reasons I love the new Traditional Trout!

I have a few nun ornaments but this one is the best because it is homemade. A friend presented it to me one Christmas. A friend of Cori’s made them and she knew she had to get it for me! I collect nuns and, amazingly, did not have one for the Christmas tree.

I add a frou-frou bird to my ornaments each year. There is no logical explanation for wanting these other than I just like the frivolous nature of the birds. It started when Ann and I were in Door County and found one in a Christmas store, and I look for one each year now.

The living room looks bigger now that the tree is down and more light comes into the window where it sat. I’m leaving some of the other decorations up for awhile longer, though.