Yep, definitely an American Kestrel.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
All hail the American Kestrel!!!
Behold this most noble bird, my fine feathered friend!
This magnificent American Kestrel just captured the nasty little rat who was nibbling at my tomatoes.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Proof of a benevolent Goddess
Or, at the very least, proof of the benefits of supplementing the soil with epsom salts.
A small segment of my tomato harvest. (That's pronounced to-MAH-to!)
A small segment of my tomato harvest. (That's pronounced to-MAH-to!)
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Do you ever feel "Left" out?
Well, today, I don't! It's Left Handers Day 2006!
Greetings and salutations to my fellow lefties, including JP's Momma and Poppa!
Greetings and salutations to my fellow lefties, including JP's Momma and Poppa!
Friday, August 11, 2006
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Uh-Oh. Another idea to tickle and nag me!
I have a new obsession: Miniature cows. Specifically, I'd like a Miniature Jersey.
Yes, I know. It's all fodder for my commitment hearing.
Yes, I know. It's all fodder for my commitment hearing.
Fan-FRIKKING-tastic
The budget for the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center will be cut in half this year.
As I have mentioned earlier, this is a particularly important issue for my family.
In other news, it turns out that the removal of the lipoma was not the directly responsible for my husband's improved mental status. It appears that it was the local nerve block in the scalp. As the anaesthesia wore off, Steve's pain returned. Still, it's given us a starting point. The surgeon said "A-Ha! A trigger point! Let's get you a referral to the pain clinic and try to replicate these results!" In the interim, some relief has been achieved through visits to a Trigger Point/Myofascial Release Therapist.
The pain relief brought about by the nerve block shores up the theory that my husband's health issues are the afteraffect of numerous service-related concussions over the past 18 years. Given that multiple concussions seem to be the signature injury of the Iraq war, it is unconscionable that the funding to treat these soldiers has been slashed.
As I have mentioned earlier, this is a particularly important issue for my family.
In other news, it turns out that the removal of the lipoma was not the directly responsible for my husband's improved mental status. It appears that it was the local nerve block in the scalp. As the anaesthesia wore off, Steve's pain returned. Still, it's given us a starting point. The surgeon said "A-Ha! A trigger point! Let's get you a referral to the pain clinic and try to replicate these results!" In the interim, some relief has been achieved through visits to a Trigger Point/Myofascial Release Therapist.
The pain relief brought about by the nerve block shores up the theory that my husband's health issues are the afteraffect of numerous service-related concussions over the past 18 years. Given that multiple concussions seem to be the signature injury of the Iraq war, it is unconscionable that the funding to treat these soldiers has been slashed.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Workin' at the car wash ...
Inspired by this idea from Family Fun magazine, I cobbled together a Kid Wash for my son's 9th birthday. The kids have been enjoying this contraption, made from an old tent frame, some strong rope, four sprinklers, and an old towel.
Who needs to drive two hours to an amusement park?
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Weird and wonderful
The week that I had been dreading has passed, and all is well.
My Dad is now at home, recovering nicely from Tuesday's prostate surgery. The Surgeon is confident that the cancer had not spread outside the (now removed) prostate. My Dad's pre-operative fitness level is undoubtedly playing a role in his swift recovery.
Nothing dramatic or definitive came out of Steve's consultation with the Neurologist at Walter Reed. Another MRI has been ordered, but we left Washington without any new insight or information about what could have been causing Steve's left-sided weakness, fatigue, or episodic confusion and mental fogginess.
On Wednesday, we took the scenic route home through central Pennsylvania. We stopped in at Carson Long Military Institute, where Steve attended boarding school from grades 8 through 12. It boosted Steve's spirits to visit his old stomping grounds and catch up on old times with his former teachers. We continued on the road less traveled, and drove through the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania. It's simply gorgeous!
On Friday, Steve had outpatient surgery to remove a bump from the left side of his forehead. This bump appeared a few years ago, and all along, the doctors have shrugged it off. From all appearances, it was a lipoma - a benign fatty tumour. The surgeon who removed it was confident that it was indeed a lipoma with some muscular involvement. The incised tissues have been sent off to the histology lab for further analysis, just to be certain. The entire staff of the Outpatient Procedures Unit of Samaritan Hospital in Watertown, NY, is to be commended for their professionalism. We are completely satisfied with the experience.
Now, here's the weird and wonderful part: Steve feels better than he has in years. He usually rated his joint pain as a 7 or 8 on the classic ten point scale, with some days being worse than others. Yesterday and today, he has reported a pain level of 2 or 3 - without the aid of Darvocet. More to the point, his mental clarity and sharpness have returned. We're not really sure why. The Surgeon called yesterday to check up on Steve. Yes, the Surgeon, himself! On a Saturday afternoon! He was quite certain that the surgery was not the reason for the improved mental clarity. From an anatomical and pathological standpoint, there doesn't seem to be any possible correlation. Yet, here we are, in a happy place.
Are there any medical sleuths out there? Is it possible that the lipoma was exerting backpressure on the blood vessels and nerves supplying the underlying facialis muscle? Could that cause episodic fatigue and confusion?
To those who have sent their prayers and kind thoughts, we thank you profusely. And now, we're off to enjoy this beautiful day.
My Dad is now at home, recovering nicely from Tuesday's prostate surgery. The Surgeon is confident that the cancer had not spread outside the (now removed) prostate. My Dad's pre-operative fitness level is undoubtedly playing a role in his swift recovery.
Nothing dramatic or definitive came out of Steve's consultation with the Neurologist at Walter Reed. Another MRI has been ordered, but we left Washington without any new insight or information about what could have been causing Steve's left-sided weakness, fatigue, or episodic confusion and mental fogginess.
On Wednesday, we took the scenic route home through central Pennsylvania. We stopped in at Carson Long Military Institute, where Steve attended boarding school from grades 8 through 12. It boosted Steve's spirits to visit his old stomping grounds and catch up on old times with his former teachers. We continued on the road less traveled, and drove through the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania. It's simply gorgeous!
On Friday, Steve had outpatient surgery to remove a bump from the left side of his forehead. This bump appeared a few years ago, and all along, the doctors have shrugged it off. From all appearances, it was a lipoma - a benign fatty tumour. The surgeon who removed it was confident that it was indeed a lipoma with some muscular involvement. The incised tissues have been sent off to the histology lab for further analysis, just to be certain. The entire staff of the Outpatient Procedures Unit of Samaritan Hospital in Watertown, NY, is to be commended for their professionalism. We are completely satisfied with the experience.
Now, here's the weird and wonderful part: Steve feels better than he has in years. He usually rated his joint pain as a 7 or 8 on the classic ten point scale, with some days being worse than others. Yesterday and today, he has reported a pain level of 2 or 3 - without the aid of Darvocet. More to the point, his mental clarity and sharpness have returned. We're not really sure why. The Surgeon called yesterday to check up on Steve. Yes, the Surgeon, himself! On a Saturday afternoon! He was quite certain that the surgery was not the reason for the improved mental clarity. From an anatomical and pathological standpoint, there doesn't seem to be any possible correlation. Yet, here we are, in a happy place.
Are there any medical sleuths out there? Is it possible that the lipoma was exerting backpressure on the blood vessels and nerves supplying the underlying facialis muscle? Could that cause episodic fatigue and confusion?
To those who have sent their prayers and kind thoughts, we thank you profusely. And now, we're off to enjoy this beautiful day.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Greetings From Sunny Maryland
Gentle reader, please forgive the recent dearth of blog entries. Things have been rather hectic. Last week, my husband FINALLY (!!!!) got a referral to the Neurology Department at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. So, tonight, we are safely ensconced in the air conditioned comfort of the Courtyard Marriott in Silver Spring, Maryland, just a short bus ride north of the hospital.
We are right across the street from a Whole Foods Market, from which I gleaned a wonderful picnic dinner for my family. It's all part of my "turning lemons into lemonade" strategy. Most of the elements of the big picture are beyond my control, but by hook or by crook, that which is within my sphere of influence will be pleasant, goddammit.
And now, in the grand Army tradition of "Hurry Up and Wait" .. we wait. Please send warm thoughts, white light, prayers, or good wishes our way.
We are right across the street from a Whole Foods Market, from which I gleaned a wonderful picnic dinner for my family. It's all part of my "turning lemons into lemonade" strategy. Most of the elements of the big picture are beyond my control, but by hook or by crook, that which is within my sphere of influence will be pleasant, goddammit.
And now, in the grand Army tradition of "Hurry Up and Wait" .. we wait. Please send warm thoughts, white light, prayers, or good wishes our way.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Hey, Minutemen!
And all you other neocon alarmist "pay-no-heed-to-Quagmiraq-we-gots-go-get-rid-of-those-darned-illegals" freaks.
If I get scurvy this winter due to a lack of orange juice, I will hold each and every one of you responsible. Especially you, Michelle Malkin.
That is all. Carry on.
If I get scurvy this winter due to a lack of orange juice, I will hold each and every one of you responsible. Especially you, Michelle Malkin.
That is all. Carry on.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Restaurant review: Trattoria di Miniature Rose
The insalata simplice is guaranteed to be fresh, organic, and handpicked by a legal immigrant. The wine selection is limited, but generally favours simple beverages from the Veneto region.
The pizza, grilled outdoors, is simple but charming. 
The ambience can only be described as rustic and spectacular.
Menu changes seasonally. Reservations recommended.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Teamwork
Amish Barn Raising
Northern Jefferson County, NY, 6 July 2006
By my count, there were at least forty men working on this barn.
A little further down the road, about a dozen Amish women were working on a quilt.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Pizza recipe, revised for the summer
Inspired by the cover picture on the June issue of Canadian Living, I made pizza on our new gas grill tonight.
Oh.
My.
Gawd!
I made a simple crust in the bread machine while Steve and I assembled the new gas grill. I cut the dough into 4 pieces, flattened each segment into a nice oval, then slathered them with olive oil. I grilled the dough on medium heat (although low heat would have produced a less rustic crust), flipping it once. I slathered each piece with Dinosaur BBQ Honey-Garlic sauce, then tossed some mozzarella and diced tomatoes and vidalia onions on the crusts.
Yeah, it was as good as you think it was.
You're jealous, aren't you?
Oh.
My.
Gawd!
I made a simple crust in the bread machine while Steve and I assembled the new gas grill. I cut the dough into 4 pieces, flattened each segment into a nice oval, then slathered them with olive oil. I grilled the dough on medium heat (although low heat would have produced a less rustic crust), flipping it once. I slathered each piece with Dinosaur BBQ Honey-Garlic sauce, then tossed some mozzarella and diced tomatoes and vidalia onions on the crusts.
Yeah, it was as good as you think it was.
You're jealous, aren't you?
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Curious Creatures Studying Each Other
William communes with the Humboldt Penguin chicks.
Rosamund Gifford Zoo, Syracuse, New York.
1 July 2006
A-HA! A very Canadian Conspiracy!
Happy Canada Day! Bonne fête, Canada!
As is our habit, we tuned in to CBC Radio this morning. Our beloved Fresh Air with Jeff Goodes was replaced with a show out of Alberta called Snap, Crackle, Pop. We didn't mind because our sweet and ebullient Jeff Goodes surely deserves a long weekend, and because this "Snap, Crackle, Pop" program promised three hours of great Canadian tunes. Patiently, we waited for the quintessential Canadian tune, the one that is de rigeur for this auspicious occasion: Canada Day by Stompin' Tom.
Alas, our ears were not blessed by that sacred hymn.
I think I understand why, now.
CBC actually snubbed Stompin' Tom.
Note to my family: your favourite son-in law would appreciate this DVD.
As is our habit, we tuned in to CBC Radio this morning. Our beloved Fresh Air with Jeff Goodes was replaced with a show out of Alberta called Snap, Crackle, Pop. We didn't mind because our sweet and ebullient Jeff Goodes surely deserves a long weekend, and because this "Snap, Crackle, Pop" program promised three hours of great Canadian tunes. Patiently, we waited for the quintessential Canadian tune, the one that is de rigeur for this auspicious occasion: Canada Day by Stompin' Tom.
Alas, our ears were not blessed by that sacred hymn.
I think I understand why, now.
CBC actually snubbed Stompin' Tom.
Note to my family: your favourite son-in law would appreciate this DVD.
Friday, June 30, 2006
A Pathetic Fish Story
Last month, Bucky Dennis set a record when he reeled in a 1,280 lb hammerhead shark off of Boca Grande, Florida.
Her age was estimated to be between 40 and 50 years.
She was pregnant with 55 pups.
Congratulations, Bucky. You killed 56 living creatures for no particular reason whatsoever. If you're trying to compensate for something, may I suggest buying a hybrid SUV?
What a stupid, pathetic lot we humans can be. No wonder Mother Nature gets so pissed with us at times!
Her age was estimated to be between 40 and 50 years.
She was pregnant with 55 pups.
Congratulations, Bucky. You killed 56 living creatures for no particular reason whatsoever. If you're trying to compensate for something, may I suggest buying a hybrid SUV?
What a stupid, pathetic lot we humans can be. No wonder Mother Nature gets so pissed with us at times!
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Enjoying
Strawberry Wine from Spookhill Farms in Adams, New York.
My husband's review: "You can taste the spirit of the strawberry in this wine!"
And more to the point, it's on sale for three bucks a bottle right now.
My husband's review: "You can taste the spirit of the strawberry in this wine!"
And more to the point, it's on sale for three bucks a bottle right now.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Well, what a coincidence!!
A Welsh psychologist has determined that, statistically speaking, today is the happiest day of the year!
This morning, the DHL courier arrived at my door, bearing a large envelope. I was a little confused, as I hadn't ordered anything recently.
The letter inside read:
Dear Rose:
CONGRATULATIONS!! You have been selected as a first prize winner in the "Ultramodern Electrosol Second Chance Sweepstakes." We are pleased to enclose your prize of an Apple iPod!
On behalf of Reckitt Benckiser, we wish to thank you for your interest and participation in the "Ultramodern Electrasol Instant Win Game," and we hope that you enjoy your prize.
Sincerely,
Maggie Bystron
Promotion Management
And Lo!
And Behold!
I held in my hands a 2 gigabyte iPod Nano. It is a thing of beauty, no?
Thank you, Maggie Bystron. Thank you, Reckitt Benckiser. I had completely forgotten about entering that contest. I think it was sometime last year. Obviously I didn't win the grand prize of a Mini Cooper, and I was unaware of any further drawings.
Electrasol Gelpacs and iPods RULE!
This morning, the DHL courier arrived at my door, bearing a large envelope. I was a little confused, as I hadn't ordered anything recently.
The letter inside read:
Dear Rose:
CONGRATULATIONS!! You have been selected as a first prize winner in the "Ultramodern Electrosol Second Chance Sweepstakes." We are pleased to enclose your prize of an Apple iPod!
On behalf of Reckitt Benckiser, we wish to thank you for your interest and participation in the "Ultramodern Electrasol Instant Win Game," and we hope that you enjoy your prize.
Sincerely,
Maggie Bystron
Promotion Management
And Lo!
And Behold!
I held in my hands a 2 gigabyte iPod Nano. It is a thing of beauty, no?
Thank you, Maggie Bystron. Thank you, Reckitt Benckiser. I had completely forgotten about entering that contest. I think it was sometime last year. Obviously I didn't win the grand prize of a Mini Cooper, and I was unaware of any further drawings.
Electrasol Gelpacs and iPods RULE!
Just a few miles to go
I was pleasantly surprised, and somewhat perplexed, to see dozens and dozens of cyclists on my road. It was only when I mentioned to my husband that I had seen a rider on an arm bike (hand powered recumbent) that I clued in to the fact that all of these cyclists were participating in the 2006 Pedal For Medals Ride to benefit New York Special Olympics. It's a 300 mile, 4 day trek from Saranac Lake to Cortland County.
The man on the recumbent was none other than SSG Roy Mitchell. He uses an arm bike because he lost his leg during combat operations in Afghanistan.
Gentle reader, dear friend, please check out the Pedal For Medals site. If you feel inspired in any way, please click on the "donate" icon, and put the name "Roy Mitchell" in the comments section of your easy-as-pie Paypal transaction.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Thursday, June 15, 2006
When nostalgia hurts
From time to time, I like to read the online version of my hometown newspaper.
Unfortunately, my internet rounds this morning constituted such a time.
I say "unfortunately" because the news from my hometown is particularly disturbing today.
A high school classmate - a hometown boy who made good, a nice guy who finished first, a good kid who by all accounts went on to become a good man and a great teacher - has been charged with sexual exploitation and luring a child through the internet. A publication ban, imposed by the Justice of the Peace who granted bail to this man, precludes any understanding of just what the hell that means.
I want to believe that he is innocent. I want to believe that this is a horrible misunderstanding. I want to believe in my own abilities as a judge of character.
And at this moment, I want a martini to wash away all thoughts that I could be wrong.
Unfortunately, my internet rounds this morning constituted such a time.
I say "unfortunately" because the news from my hometown is particularly disturbing today.
A high school classmate - a hometown boy who made good, a nice guy who finished first, a good kid who by all accounts went on to become a good man and a great teacher - has been charged with sexual exploitation and luring a child through the internet. A publication ban, imposed by the Justice of the Peace who granted bail to this man, precludes any understanding of just what the hell that means.
I want to believe that he is innocent. I want to believe that this is a horrible misunderstanding. I want to believe in my own abilities as a judge of character.
And at this moment, I want a martini to wash away all thoughts that I could be wrong.
The proper use of celebrity
Cher - yes, that Cher - has teamed up with Operation Helmet to help raise awareness of problems with helmets used by the US military.
She is making headlines, mostly in the entertainment section - and it's a good start. A quick Google News search shows that this isn't front page, "serious story" material yet. Hopefully that will change. Cher will be appearing before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces this afternoon.
This is very important issue to us.
Thank you, Cher.
She is making headlines, mostly in the entertainment section - and it's a good start. A quick Google News search shows that this isn't front page, "serious story" material yet. Hopefully that will change. Cher will be appearing before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces this afternoon.
This is very important issue to us.
Thank you, Cher.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Sunday, June 04, 2006
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