Blech House

Grandbaby much better, but she's getting tired of the breathing treatments. Daughter's flu caused a sinus infection. She's still down for the count.  I have it now, although not as bad as daughter.  I'm hoping that it's not just that I'm a couple days behind her in developing it. Somehow SIL is still standing.

Thank you so much, daycare.

 

Well, at least it was caught early...

Grandbaby has early stages of pneumonia.  She isn't a fan of the inhalent treatment, but we are going home with machine and antibiotics.

Two wth it ...

Grandbaby's day care has a bunch of kids out with fever and one has tested positive for the flu.  Mommy has it.  I've developed a fever blister and mild chills, although so far nothing else.  Daddy is still standing...

And I understand that they vacinated for the wrong strain of flu this year.  Figures.  This year is the first I've ever bothered with a flu shot.

Tradition

Except this time I'm not the one who is sick as a dog. Grandbaby's mom just explained what to watch for in case it's pneumonia. Pahleez let's not do that.

Lesson Learned

Since my computer won't let me go to the web I just have cell phone for now.  So no detailed posts.  Until I can blog more all I can say is that Costa Rica was the most fabulous vacation I've ever had.  But I did learn one painful lesson that I'm still dealing with - they have a type of fire ant that is smaller and darker than the ones I was accustomed to seeing in our south.  So I wasn't careful.

When I go back there will be no bare feet in certain places.  But at least my ankle feels less swollen tonight.

Christmas in Whoville

'Puter Issues

No pics until SIL can look at it.

Culmination

Sloths and toucans!

Minkeys!

Broad Band

Isn't broad here.  Well, the router stinks.  So I have to stand right at it to do pics.  I'll just ask - have you ever been someplace so beautiful you cried when you first saw it?  Well, that's where we are.

Out of Pocket

As OldNFO says.  My nephew is getting married in Costa Rica, and that's being combined with a family vacation.  It says we have wi-fi, but posting will probably be light.  We are staying here:

I have been promised monkeys and exotic birds.   I have also been warned that said monkeys entertain themselves by throwing poop at tourists.  I need to remember to pack a hat.

8 Down and Counting, And One Near Heart Attack

Casualties

I guess I should be grateful that none have broken.  It's the flying leaps into the tree from the cat stand that do it...

And then there was last night's escape.  A few years ago I had the lower deck screened in so the cats could go out and still be safe.  The screening is in frames so I can take them out to repair/replace.  Last night I let Scooter and Perry out, left the door ajar so they could come back in when they wanted, and didn't think about it for a while.  Have I mentioned that Scooter likes to climb?

The shower curtain, the furniture, any available leg... Apparently he climbed the screening up to the gap above the frame.  Except for my having to chase a chipmunk and a wren out of the library, and Perry bringing a robin up and depositing it in my chair, that gap has never been a problem before.  None of the other cats have ever thought to climb it.  But Scooter did, and after a while I realized that the house was way too quiet.  I searched and searched, and then had the scary realization that he had to be outside.  It was dark and it was cold and he hasn't been outside since Murphy's Law brought him.  And there are foxes and cars and things that aren't good for a kitten out there.  So I'm roaming all around the property in a panic, calling and calling.  Finally he popped out from under the back porch, but the excitement and the new smells and the outdoor cats arriving to investigate made him all squirrely, and it took forever to get hold of him and cart his squirming butt back in.  Where I contemplated whether I wanted to cuddle him or throttle him for giving me such a scare.

But I'm awful cute, ain't I?

Of Course...

So I had to give up my work computer, of course.  I liked my work computer way more than I like my personal computer.  Combination of the keyboard fitting my hands better and the fact that the work computer has Windows 7 on it and my personal one has Windows 8.  Which I hate.  And as long as you aren't viewing porn, the office doesn't care. Guess I'll have to get used to the HP now.

But when I went to connect the the personal computer to the wi-fi via the recently replaced router yesterday (I haven't had the personal computer booted up for months), I couldn't get them to talk. Was pretty sure that the security key was the number on the tag on the bottom of the router.  Typed it in over and over again.  Even made sure that was a "zero" not an "oh" or visa versa.  Finally broke down tonight and made the dreaded call to the high-speed geek number on the bill.  Dreaded because I'm a computer idiot and sometimes they make it clear that I need patience.  "It's the number on the tag."  "I thought it was, but it doesn't work.  I've typed it in over and over."  "Well, let's try it again.  Please type it in."  "I've done it over and over but, OK."  Type type type.  Stupid thing connected immediately.  Sigh.

So, since I'm busy getting ready for my nephew's wedding...CAT PICS!  OK, it's not that exciting but it's all I've got right now.  I'm tired of Ferguson crap and would be entertained by the free use of tazers...

Wanted to get cute pic under full tree but he's a kitten who rarely stops moving...

"Whatcha doin' Mom?"

So far everything is still on the tree. But I had to haul him out of it several times yesterday.

Fail...

Danged if I can find the plug that's not connected.

Done!

It's THAT Friday

And I'm not going anywhere near a store.

Have a Happy!

Yep, I do.

280 lb thug roughs up storekeeper, steals.  Then attacks a police officer and tries to take his gun.  Black witnesses support the officer's story, black grand jury members find no reason to indict. 

I wish Officer Wilson and his new wife the best, and hope that they can build the life that the media and the race-baiters have tried to destroy.

Ready

Dear nor'easter - I've got chips, dip, cheese, crackers, kerosene for the space heater, and various types of adult beverages.  Bring it!

I Remember...

...when the verdict in the OJ Simpson trial came down.  I thought it was such a miscarriage of justice that I went out and burned and looted throughout the night. Oh, wait.  I went back to work, feeling that there was a miscarriage of justice but that it was what it was and the jury had way more evidence before them than I did.

No Snow Here Yet

But as I drove home from work late last night in the BRRRRRRRR, it occurs to me that it's time to move the cold weather emergency stuff into the SUV, just in case.

So While We're Waiting for the Ferguson Decision...

...there are some people who need a firm response to their demands for "rules of engagement":

They want a 48-hour notice in advance of the grand jury decision for riot prep (presumably to stockpile rocks, bricks, bottles, etc).

They want to be able to use social media and cell phones to shift and focus riots (a lesson they learned from the “Arab Spring”) with impunity and without communications interference.

They want to be able to assemble mobs as large as they want, wherever they want, for as long as they want.

They want police officers to allow rioters extensive latitude in their actions, while heavily restricting police response.

Perhaps most disturbing, they want [the] police to have minimal defensive protection against rioters, and assurances that the police won’t use the tools that may be needed to break-up riots once they turn violent.

And of course, they want virtual “get out of jail free cards” for both the leaders of their movement and the rioters themselves.

 How about "You riot again and we will kick your a$$es clean into another state." From both the police and every decent citizen in any place this starts fermenting.

How the blank can people whose ancestors suffered lynchings in the not so distant past be so ready to do the same thing themselves? 

And then ...

... idiot kitten got himself stuck behind the pharmacy cabinet.

The several hundred pounds when empty, solid oak one.  That is anchored to wall studs and full of a couple hundred more pounds of stuff.

I was just about to phone for help when he finally wiggled free.  Good thing he's cute.

Heartbroken

A year ago I had an unpleasant encounter with a negligent neighbor over his lack of care for his animals.  Over time, the companion cat to the one who caused the encounter moved to my porch, where, provided with food and shelter, he has grown into big, affectionate boy.  The little grey and white kitten that I saw in the background while I was standing at the neighbor's door also got put out, and, after a period of time of being terrified of everything, also moved to my porch.  Very affectionate and playful, he became delightful company when I was outside.

With 4 cats inside now, I couldn't bring any more in, but a friend asked to take them both - Lil D and Tommy were obviously best friends and we didn't want to separate them.  So, after keeping them isolated in a spare bedroom for a few days to get them used to being inside again, I took both Lil D and Tommy off to be neutered and inoculated today.  Also for blood tests, although they both seemed so healthy I didn't think there'd be a problem.

But it turns out that Tommy had feline AIDS.  He could never be around other cats again without risk of infecting them.  I had to tell them to put him to sleep.  My heart is broken.

With Apologies To Verizon

Dear Obama:

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?!

Signed,

America


And the best news from last night was not just that Greg Abbot handily won the governor's race in Texas over one of the most vile opponents he could have possibly had, Wendy Davis, but that Davis' seat went to a Tea Partier, Konni Burton.  Abortion Barbi, you are just too ugly inside for Texas.

Now we have to apply a vice to the sensitive regions of every one of those professional RINOs on Capital Hill and make it clear that Americans want a real and true change, not more of the same miserable big government just painted a different color.

I Almost Forgot...

That it was election day.  I was laying in bed this morning and thinking I didn't have anyplace I had to go today.  Yeesh.  Maybe my brain got so tired of the ads that it blocked it out.

I know I'm slow.  Others have already posted about how great the Saturday blogshoot was.  It really was.  Those of you who were not here should have been.  But note for the future, and I'm sorry we didn't think to warn ahead of time - there are really only a couple hotels in town that I'd stay in.  We have a casino and track.  There's a lot of rental by the hour in some of those nearby hotels.  At least that's what I suspect - that's what they look like and I've heard rumors.  And there's the one where there was a murder.  Ick.

I was too busy watching to take pictures but I did get this one - pin shoot with flintlock.  It was great to be able to finally shoot a flintlock but unfortunately my arms are way to short - I'd have to have the stock cut down to use one.  It's interesting - black powder doesn't kick so much as push.

Along with her flintlock, Nancy brought a gift for The Crazy Cat Lady.

Catnip. Heh.  First comes the licking until soggy.

Then comes the rolling around and waving paws in air in a most undignified manner.  Blackberry is such a dignified old lady.  Until catnip gets involved.

Sunday was spent cleaning out old dresser, getting it out of room, and getting the new, much older dresser into place.  I had lots of help.  What's another 9 lbs of cat while moving an already really heavy dresser?

The new old stuff is factory made, around 100 years old, and oak.  Nothing special as antiques go - they've had repairs and are worn, but it was love at first sight despite the warts.   And they have half the space in them as the previous junk accumulators.  It really made me realize how much more stuff we own now than 100 years ago.  And a good deal of what I pulled out either went into the trash or to Good Will.  I found myself wondering why I had so many pairs of socks, why I had 8 pairs of jeans when I only wear a couple pairs between laundry days, and why I never threw that raggedy stuff away.

Gotta get some art on the walls, though.  And I'll be glad to replace that carpet next year.  It is so done.

And the final project of the weekend - start bringing the 2 outdoor cats slated for neutering soon in at night to see how they adapt to indoor life.  They have to be kept isolated from the other cats, but I have a spare bedroom to use.  All went well.  There reaction was "Hey! Dinner!" and "Pet me now!" and they made themselves right at home.  They've both been trying to get in my door for a while - they obviously are indoor cats that have been put out.  Because the room is small they'll just come in at night until surgery.  And once their blood tests come back clean, they'll move to another house where they will be spoiled and have plenty of room to roam.

They other cats saw me take them in and there was much curiousness.

Soon off to vote.  I'm so glad we still have paper ballots in this state.  I'm hearing call after call into a MD radio station from people who watched their Republican vote be switched to Democrat as they tried to vote. Never Democrat to Republican.  Wonder why that is?

Don't Bother to Put it in the Bowl...

,,, I'll just help myself.

Busy, Busy

Could you order up a more beautiful weekend for company?

 

 It cost me money, though.  We went to Front Royal and Strasburg, VA, enjoying the drive and poking around the antique shops.

And this is all M.L.'s fault:

 

It's hard to get a good photo of the little squirt because he never stops moving.  Curious about and into everything, he's a constant chirping pitter-pat around the house.   Tried to snatch a piece of cheese out of a friend's hand while we were watching a movie.  Caught him with his head in my glass, drinking my beer.  Pesters the other cats.  Best moment was when he was bugging Blu while up on the climbing tree.  Blu waited until he turned around and then bopped him a good one on top the head.  Startled kitty shot up in the air and fell off the tree. Much laughter at his expense.

Ah. THAT'S Why.

Of course we have to have more gummit so we pay a big salary for a guy whose resume is one long string of FAIL and call him Ebola Czar.  He apparently isn't showing up for WH meetings on the subject since he was named Czar, either.  Not that he's actually anything but a waste of American taxpayer money.

Thing is, we already had someone in place whose job is to deal with just such things, Dr. Nicole Lurie, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at HHS.  Her job is “to lead the nation in preventing, responding to and recovering from the adverse health effects of public health emergencies.”

And on Sept. 11 she told the Washington Post that her office was prepared “to ensure that U.S. health care providers, hospitals, health clinics, emergency medical services … have the information they need to be prepared to identify and treat Ebola infections, in case anyone in the United States becomes sick after traveling from affected countries or from contact with infected individuals.” 

But Dr. Lurie has is not only MD but she's been MIA as well.  And now maybe we know why.  Whatever else she's good at, Dr. Lurie has also been good at steering huge contracts for vaccines nobody wants to big Obama donor companies.   So maybe appointing a NEW political hack rather than possibly stirring this pot again was deemed a better idea.

And remember I commented that the top heads of government agencies will do as they are told?  Did you know that there's been another person who was flown back from Africa under treatment for ebola in Atlanta that the press missed knowing about?  Fortunately, he has recovered and quietly gone home, but nobody knew he was there.  So you think the government will necessarily be up front with the public about what's going on?

h/t weaselzippers.com

Have You Noticed?

All those years of "Where's the WMDs?", generally thrown mockingly.   Now, some of us knew that WMDs had been found in Iraq - the general media just didn't report it.  We also knew that a lot of them got sent to Syria during the build up to the invasion - the head of the Iraqi program himself pointed us that way.    But all these years people of accused Bush of leading us into war over something that didn't exist.

Last week, pigs flew again.  I don't know what's gotten into the New York Times recently, but suddenly it's occasionally actually reporting and it published a piece about the thousands of WMDs found in Iraq after the invasion, about soldiers being injured by them, about how some of them got shipped to Syria.  They pointed out that satellite photos showed transports swarming weapons dumps and then heading for the border.  Yeah, I'd already seen those photos.  I also already knew about our soldiers being injured. The fact that I could find that just by spending time researching through Google kinda makes me wonder how much the NYT pays its reporters.

But, it's funny.  I haven't heard a peep from the usual bash-Bush, "Bush lied and soldiers died" crew.  You'd think that at least Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and Harry Reid would point out that their YES vote to go to war has been vindicated.  And you'd think they'd step up and say, "See, Bush was right - Saddam had WMDs".

Yeah, I was only kidding about that.  That would require integrity. 

I Feel So Much Better ...

... now that a political hack lawyer with no medical background has been designated as Ebola Czar, reporting directly to Susan Rice.

 

Just when I think there is no way they can look more incompetent, they prove me wrong.

Oh, well, maybe at least I'll stop having anxiety dreams about my SUV stalling on railroad tracks now.  

After 10 years, even a base model vehicle is full of new bells and whistles. 

Lemme Help You Out Here

From CNS News:

Dr. Tom Frieden, director for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said during a telephone press briefing Wednesday that you cannot get Ebola by sitting next to someone on a bus, but that infected or exposed persons should not ride public transportation because they could transmit the disease to someone else.

Let me help you out here, Tom.  I'll try to keep the words small for you.  If a sick person gives the disease to a fellow bus rider, that fellow bus rider has gotten ebola ON THE BUS.   If you can GIVE the disease on the bus, you can GET the disease on the bus.

Dude.  I'm not feeling your leadership here.  And wondering if you got your doctorate out of a Cracker Jack box.

And then there's this:

Transferring the latest victim to Georgia.  Some people just deserve Darwin.