Biggest Events Of 2009

January - Ice Storm

February - Ocotomom

March - "Twilight"

April - Recession

May - Rachel Alexandra winning the Kentucky Oaks

June - Michael Jackson's death

July - Steve McNair murder/suicide

August - Louisville flood

September - H1N1 flu

October - Balloon boy hoax

November - DC Party Crashers

December - Tiger Woods

Farewell, 2009

It just seems like yesterday TWIT was wishing farewell to 2008. You were kind of rough on us, 2009, and I'm not ashamed to say I'm glad to see you go. But while you were here, you showed us some valuable things.

In January (and on my birthday, no less) you showed us that Mother Nature can still pack a wallop by giving us the worst ice storm in the history of the state of Kentucky. Till the day I die I will never forget how on the morning of my birthday I was standing out at the end of my driveway by the road waiting for JW to pick me up for work, holding an umbrella that was frozen by the ice pouring down like rain.

Just a few days later after we all had thawed and dug out, you also showed me that no matter how careful you are, accidents will happen as my beloved Blazer was hit head on by a woman who wasn't paying attention. Thank goodness luck, fate, and the Good Lord were on my side and my Blazer was fixed as good as new.

Throughout the year, you showed us that we were still in a deep recession. At work we witnessed this first hand as our company's sales plummeted and over forty coworkers in the factory were laid off. But through this recession you taught us to spend less and save. And we're the better for it.

At the end of the summer, you showed us that Mother Nature still wasn't through with us yet, and in one morning in late August we experienced flooding in Louisville like my generation had never experienced. But once again, you taught us through this - those that were flooded out and had no electricity for weeks learned to be resourceful, and the city also came together to help those flooded out.

Personally, you taught me some things this year. You taught me that I need to follow my heart and you gave me the opportunity to make a life-changing decision by going back to school for a second Master's in Security Management -- a field that I have grown to love in just the few classes that I've taken so far. I've always loved school, but never in a million years thought taking classes would make me actually happy! You showed me that it's always good to have a backup plan just in case, and you gave me the tools and chance to put that plan in action, and I thank you very much for it. I hope that your friend 2010 will help me keep up my enthusiasm.

Toward the end of this year, you gave something back in my life that I thought I'd lost forever, in the form of a very dear friend. Whether it was fate or karma, I don't know; but I do know it's made me happier and it was truly one of the highlights of your twelve month visit with us.

All year long you still showed me the awesome power of unconditional love from my parents and my best friend. You also gave me the chance to give them unconditional love.

I wish you the best, 2009, and once again thank you for everything you taught us. We all are anxious to see what 2010 will bring us.

Can You Hear Me Now

After a long and frustrating night of downloading, installing, uninstalling and rebooting, I went to bed last night fit to be tied. I was able to finally get sound when I played a DVD on the desktop computer, but it sounded like the Chimpmunks.

I thought about this problem all day long, and vowed that it would not get the best of me. I was determined to figure it out by myself, without any help from the computer shop or anyone else. And I did. I simply uninstalled everything I installed last night, did a system restore and started over. I downloaded an updated version of Windows Media Player, and then downloaded DivX and put in my "Madea Goes To Jail" DVD and much to my surprise, I had sound, and the sounds were Tyler Perry's actual voice, not his voice on fast forward. I'm very proud of myself for fixing this. And now I'm going to reward myself by putting on my headphones and watching Madea while I ride the recumbent bike. Go, me.

Could You Please Turn It Up?

This weekend, I got something cool for my computer and my recumbent bike - I got a long cord that turns my normal computer earphones into an extremely long set of earphones, so I can ride the recumbent bike and use the earphones to watch a DVD or TV show episodes online on my computer 8 feet away. As soon as I got home today, I changed clothes and went to the back bedroom to watch "Madea Goes To Jail" while I did my ride. Well, watching is all I could do because there was no sound. I thought it might be the DVD, so I put in another DVD and still no sound. Yet I can play CDs. WTF?

I called our family friend and resident computer guru, Bos, and after 20 minutes of head scratching and trying various things, he let out a hearty laugh and told me that I was the first person to present him with a computer problem that he couldn't solve. Wow - what an honor.
But I digress. He told me to call our local computer shop and talk to the owner, and said that the guy would probably know exactly what I should do and that it was probably something simple like a setting. So I'm calling the shop as soon as they open at 9:00 tomorrow morning and hopefully they'll be able to tell me what to do instead of me having to unplug everything and lug the computer to the shop. Cross your fingers for me, and I'll keep you posted.

Link Of The Week

You might not know but I was a huge fan of the show "Will and Grace", mainly because of Grace's friend Karen Walker, played by Megan Mullally. She was my favorite character on the show and was truly the main reason I watched it. From other posts, you should know by now that I also love disco music. I found a site today that combines the two (Megan Mullally and disco music). If you've watched any TV lately, chances are you've seen Megan's new commercial for I Can't Believe It's Not Butter. She sings and dances to "Turn The Tub Around" (sung to the tune of my all time favorite disco song, "Turn The Beat Around." If you haven't see it, here's a link to the extended version of the commercial and song. And when you're finished watching the video, you can even get a $1 coupon for I Can't Believe It's Not Butter. Just visit http://www.icantbelieveitsnotbutter.com/turnthetubaround/#/videos/fullvideo/ and turn the tub around.

Happy Boxing Day

We just started a new tradition here at The Compound -- we celebrated Boxing Day. In case you don't know, Boxing Day is the big holiday for our friends up north in Canada, and it's celebrated the day after Christmas. We did our part here at The Compound - we had wine and an awesome Italian dinner, all in honor of Boxing Day. I apologize but I did not do any research so I have no clue about the history of Boxing Day; I only know that we celebrated it here at The Compound. So to all of my faithful readers in Canada, Happy Boxing Day!!

New Product Review

As you well know, I love my gadgets, and I love a good bargain. Yesterday, on Christmas Day, I found them both. You might not have known this, but it's a family tradition that I make a trip to Walgreens on Christmas Day to buy something - even if it's a pack of 50% off wire ornamanet hangers. Well, yesterday I hit the mother lode. I found not only a bargain, but a cool as-seen-on-TV gadget that I've been wanting. I found the cool Wonder Hangers. They were on sale at half off for $9.99. Each pack comes with eight of the hanger things, meaning you can hand up a total of 40 things. How cool is that? All for about ten bucks?

I had to buy each of us a box, and as soon as I got home, Dad popped in the C-shaped hangers for us (note: they're very hard to pop in, so you'll need a very strong person to handle that part for you) and then each of us were in our respective closets hanging up shirts. I was skeptical at first but after hanging up just one set of 5 t-shirts, I was sold. I decided I'd even run out later today to get a few more.

The Wonder Hangers are awesome and they work as well as the infomercials claim. Like I said, I can't wait to get back to our local drugstore this evening to buy a few more sets. The Wonder Hanger definitely receives the TWIT Seal Of Approval.

Merry Christmas

TWIT and I would like to wish a very Merry Christmas to all of you, my faithful readers. May your day be filled with love and laughter with your family and friends. And may you also not feel guilty today about eating lots and lots of good foods; we can always pedal, walk, run and exercise tomorrow. But for today, let's all enjoy Christmas and our families and not worry about anything else.

My Practical Christmas Wish List

1. The mysterious new leak on the BMW will stop

2. Snow on Christmas

3. If no snow on Christmas, then no heavy rain

4. Dad's Christmas cake will stay fresh

5. The spiral-cut ham will slice nicely

6. No dramatic phone calls from out-of-state relatives on Christmas Eve or Day

7. Getting to sleep till 10:00 on Christmas morning

8. Getting to stay in my comfy flannel pajamas all Christmas day

9. An ample supply of Tostito Scoops

10. No sinus or arthritic issues for me, Bud or Minnie on Christmas Day

Christmas Flashback

While Dad and I were shopping on Saturday, we discussed another Christmas thing of the past: boxes. Not just any boxes, but mainly boxes for shirts or other clothing. Whenever I would go shopping for Mom or Grandma, they would always give the strict instruction to "ask for a box." The stores would give them to you for free, but you had to ask for them.

Now, I have a pretty good memory; too good, sometimes, but I digress. But there were quite a few times I would forget to ask for a box when the clerk was checking me out, only to get to the car and remember that I forgot to ask for a box, and have to bring my item and the receipt back to the store and show them to the clerk and ask for a box, hoping that they wouldn't think I was double-dipping them by wanting extra boxes. And heaven forbid I forgot to ask for a box and got home and had to face Mom and Grandma. And when you opened the presents, Mom and Grandma would remind us all to "save the box" so they could use them next year when I would forget to get a box at the store.

"Ask for a box" will be forever embedded in my brain. To this day when I go shopping, I have the urge to ask for a box, but unfortunately today they don't give them out. Today, when you receive a gift of clothing, it usually comes in a handy reusable gift bag. So at least you have a bag that you can reuse next year. But "Ask for a bag" just doesn't have the same ring to it.

Christmas Flashback

I spent Saturday afternoon out shopping with Dad. We had an awesome time, and I cherished every moment we spent together - from standing in the long ass line at Burlington Coat Factory to eating chili dogs at Dairy Queen. But I digress. During our afternoon of shopping, Dad mentioned a bigtime flashback tht I was aware of, yet it didn't really stand out to me -- using cash when you pay for something.

Yep, he's on to a big flashback here. Nowadays, people use their debit cards or their credit cards - the majority don't use cash like they used to. While we were in the lonnng line at Burlington, he spoke up and asked "How come they don't have a 'cash only' line here?" Good question, Dad. Good question.

I don't believe I ever went shopping with my 'Rents or Grandparents when they didn't pay cash for their items -- be it big ticket Christmas things or just everyday things. The only charge account they used was an account at the local Ottos Pharmacy, where Grandma and Grandpa got their prescriptions. But that was it.

Granted, they didn't have debit cards back in the day, but they're just more convenient and safe now than going to the bank or credit union and drawing out a bunch of cash to carry around with you.

But my Dad was right. Hardly nobody uses cash anymore. I guess it is a thing of the past.

Christmas Flashback

I've got lots of Christmas memories this year, and unfortunately we only have four Flashback Friday opportunities before Christmas so I've decided to make this week an entire Christmas Flashback Week, just because I can.

Today's flashback involves something that I want. When I was little, some neighbors across the street had the cool plastic Christmas decorations - Santa, a few reindeer and a couple of carolers. I think they also had a couple of the big plastic candles. But the carolers were my favorite. They had Santa and the reindeer up on their roof and the carolers and candles in the front yard.

I always wanted one of the carolers to put on our front porch, but the 'Rents would never buy one. Grandma and Grandpa wouldn't peel for one, either. They never gave a reason why they wouldn't buy one - they would just say "When you're older you can buy one yourself if you still want one." Well, now that I'm big enough I can buy my own. But the only problem is they are nowhere to be found. I've checked Craigslist and Ebay, and but they are bit pricey. I'm sorry but no matter how much I want a caroler, I can't justify paying $300 for one. If any of you, faithful readers, know where I can get one of these for under $300, please let me know. I still want one.

Link Of The Week

Christmas is just a few days away, and I hope that my faithful readers have done all of their shopping and won't have to brave the crowds and visit any stores this week. And we all know that the day after Christmas will be another major shopping day like Black Thursday. Now, I love a bargain like anyone else - in some ways, even more - and I love to get a good deal. I also love visiting new stores in the area. This week I found a website that combines both. It's called Store Catch. You just enter your zip code and you can find stores in the area with big sales going on. You can even set it up to email you. Visit http://www.storecatch.com and see if there's any good sales in your area. Don't forget - your faithful blogger's birthday is just a little over a month away *wink wink*.

You Can Win Me

As promised, here's a picture of the Plymouth Horizon that is being raffled off at the bar and grill next door to work. As of this afternoon, I'm proud to say that my friend J Dub and I have a total of 8 tickets for this fine automobile. The drawing will be on December 30. You can bet he and I will be there.

Flashback Friday

When I was little, Mom went to ceramic class. I went with her, too. One of the most awesome things she made at ceramics as this extremely cool Christmas tree. Actually, we made two of them - she made this green tree, and I made a very cool white tree with glitter snow.

I loved this tree. During my childhood and early teenage years, we would have the green tree setting on a table in front of the big living room window for all to see. When Grandma went to the nursing home in 1990, we took the green ceramic tree over for her to have in her room. The tree was lit up every year she was in the nursing home. I loved seeing the tree. When she died, we brought the tree and her other things home, and the year after, we gave the tree to Goodwill. Somehow, it just didn't seem right to have it lit up at home.

I still think of the tree, and all of the awesome memories I have surrounding it. And I can't help but wonder if people still go to ceramic classes today and make these cool trees.

Why Didn't I Think Of That

Every other Thursday, some coworkers and I walk to the neighborhood tavern next door for homemade lasagna. We look forward to this, and if they're not busy the 'Rents will even come and join us there for lunch. Yes, it's that good. And it is truly homemade - not the Stouffer's frozen variety. But I digress.

As my coworker J Dub and I were there today getting our lasagna, we noticed an interesting sign taped to their bulletin board. It was a picture of an old Plymouth Horizon and written above the picture was "Win me - $5 for two raffle tickets." Needless to say, we were very intrigued. On our way back to work, we walked by the car and checked it out. There was no rust, and it had all of its windows, and the ulpholstery was in good shape, too. Whether or not it actually runs remains to be seen. But like I said, we were intrigued, and after work today we plan on stopping by to buy some tickets. We hope one of us wins.

All Is Calm,All Is Bright

For the first time in nine weeks, there was no reading and no homework to do tonight. Why, if I hadn't made the monthly trip to the nursing home tonight, I might have been down right bored. Yeah, like that would have happened. It felt great to visit with the residents at the nursing home and not have school work lurking in the back of my mind or worrying about reading 60 pages when I got home.

It's hard to believe that the third class in the security management Master's program is over. That means I'm one-third of the way through. Yet it seems like I just started last week. This class has gone by fast, but it was probably the most work-filled class I've had in this Master's program and when I was getting my MBA. But it has been my favorite class so far, and I really liked it and am having a blast learning on how to keep companies, organizations and people safe. The deeper I get into these classes, the more I'm starting to think that this might be a career that I would like to explore.

In addition to learning from the textbook and the classwork, I'm also learning a lot from my classmates. Sixteen of us started on this journey together, and we'll be together until we finish. I'm starting to get to know my classmates, even if we communicate by emails and class discussions. Out of the sixteen of us in this program, another woman and I are the only two with no military experience - everyone else is currently active duty military. But I'm hanging in there, and I feel like I'm really learning a lot.

I have two weeks off before the next class begins, and after just finishing my finals last night, I'm anxious to see the syllabus for the next class and see what's in store. I just hope and pray that I will keep up this momentum and enthusiasm. I'll keep you posted.

Part Two, Complete

After last night's marathon first half of my finals, I decided to just stick with it and as soon as supper was over I started on Part Two. It was about twenty minutes shy of last night's marathon writing and typing, and once again I'm whooped. This one was only four big, comprehensive essay questions, but just like with Part One, I feel pretty good about Part Two.

Last night's test wore me out, and I slept like a baby, but it also gave me a headache - one that I kept most of the day and most of tonight. But my school work is done for class number three, so now I can just sit back and wait for my grade and be able to enjoy a couple of weeks without any reading or homework. I feel just like I did when I was in elementary school on the Friday before Christmas break.

Part One, Complete

It's been a rough evening, faithful readers. Actually, it was a rough day. Early this morning, I developed some "gastro-intestinal issues" at work. I managed to stay, but it was touch and go for a bit. When I got home tonight, I decided to be brave and attempt the first part of my final exam for my security management class. I started at 6:00 and finished about two minutes ago. Yep, four hours worth of 15 essay questions. Needless to say I'm whooped. I feel pretty good about this part of the test, though. I was thorough and wrote/typed as much as I could. I'll keep you posted on my grade. And please say a prayer for me as I attempt Part Two of the final tomorrow evening.

Link Of The Week

The tree is decorated, the lights are up, and we're ready for Christmas at The Compound. The 'Rents are planning their Christmas baking schedule for the coming week, and most of our shopping is done. But it wouldn't be Christmas without one more thing: elf bowling. Yep, elf bowling. I remember when my friend Suzie Q Woo sent me a link to elf bowling probably ten years ago. I thought it was the most amazing thing I'd ever seen. Keep in mind I'd only had my computer for probably a week or two. But I digress. Visit http://www.nstorm.com/index.php?option=com_ragames&PAGE=Search&search=elf+bowling and download it so you can enjoy a few games of elf bowling.

A Good Time Was Had By All

I just got home from my company Christmas party, and I have to say that in my twenty years of employment there, this was the funnest Christmas party that I've attended. Sure I know that's not correct grammar, but deal with it. It was just for the adults - no kids or grandkids - and for once we were able to actually visit with our coworkers after the meal. A band played, and there was a big dance floor if you wanted to get jiggy with it. But the majority of the people were content to sit or mingle and just visit. We had a ball just visiting and watching people get up and dance.

Another highlight of the evening was the service awards. I waved to the crowd as they called my name to come up to the podium and accept my twenty year pin and certificate. I even turned and waved to the crowed, just as if I were accepting a Grammy award.

Like I said, this was without a doubt the most fun Christmas party that I've attended in my twenty years at the company. I have nothing against the parties when the employees' kids or grandkids are invited, but we work hard day in and day out, and to me, just us adults deserve some fun and recognition at the end of the year.

I was sorry my dear friend and long distance coworker Big Mama couldn't attend tonight, but we had enough fun for her.

Flashback Friday

In keeping with our holiday themed Flashback Friday, this week I'd like to introduce you to the Christmas Chipmunk. He's been here at The Compound for almost 50 years, and without a doubt, he is my favorite Christmas decoration.

Holy Cow

Divine bovine has cross on his head
Dubbed ‘Moses’ by neighborhood kids, young calf inspires hope, headlines

The month: December.

The place: A humble farm.

The setting: Just perfect for an auspicious event.

On a cold, dark night in the wee hours of the morning, a baby calf was born. His nurturing mother, Fuzzy, welcomed him into the world by licking and licking his head — an act that obscured a special detail about the little guy that would soon generate headlines all over the planet.

“When we first saw the calf ... the mother had licked the hair and it was all sideways and we thought it was a regular calf,” recalled Connecticut dairy farmer Brad Davis. “Then a little later on in the morning we went in and there it was, standing right out. It was really quite a sight.”
“It” was none other than the distinctive markings of a white cross on the newborn calf’s forehead. The image had quite an effect on Davis, Davis’ relatives and friends and families all around the dairy farm.

“The first night that he was here, when we shut the lights out that night late at night, the only thing you could see in here was that cross showing in the dark,” Davis told the local Norwich Bulletin newspaper. “It was really quite a feeling. It made the hair stand up on the back of my neck, actually.”

Davis’ 70-year-old father, Andrew Gallup Davis, told the Bulletin that he’s never seen a pattern like this on any of the thousands of calves he’s encountered in his lifetime.

“It’s not one you look at and you try to make something out of it,” he said. “It’s pronounced.”

Davis, the dairy farmer, told WFSB-TV he thinks the special marking on the baby calf may be a message from on high, although he’s still trying to figure out what that message might be.
He told the Bulletin that he hopes the image might mean milk prices will go up and the dairy industry will improve.

“The last couple of years have been the toughest probably ever,” Davis said.

‘Not totally surprising’Neighborhood children have become enamored with the little calf with the special marking on his forehead. They decided to bestow upon him a biblical — albeit Old Testament — name: Moses.

The calf is living in Sterling, a small Connecticut town on the Rhode Island border, on Buttercup Farm, a dairy operation Davis co-owns with Megan Johnson.

Johnson said Fuzzy, Moses’ mother, is a red-and-white Holstein cow, and Ferdinand, his father, is a Jersey. Both Fuzzy and Ferdinand have the reputation of being exceptionally friendly animals. Davis thinks the pair produced an exceptional calf.

“He’s got a different disposition from other calves. You can see it in his eyes,” Davis said. “He has a very kind look in his eyes. Like he has something he wants to say to you.”

Ric Grummer, chairman of the department of dairy science at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, told the Bulletin that it’s common for Holsteins to have white markings on their heads.
“I think what this is really ending up being is a coincidence,” Grummer said. “Sometimes that marking is in the shape of a triangle. Sometimes that marking may be very irregularly shaped. ... Clearly, if you get a nice unique cross, it’s unique, but it’s not totally surprising that something like this would happen.”

Saved by the cross?Johnson said she and Davis will see to it that Moses the calf lives a long, happy life.

“We’re going to make sure he gets a good life and doesn’t get eaten,” Johnson told the Bulletin.“We’d like to find him a good home where he can live out the rest of his life on pastures, you know, with somebody who cares for him.”

Davis quickly chimed in. “We may get attached to him in the meantime, like we have with other animals here,” he said. “And he may stay here.”

All I can say is holy cow.

Farm Living Is Not The Life For Me

I read an interesting article in today's Wall Street Journal about how young families and single people are just up and leaving their homes and jobes and moving to farms. The article said that with the recession there has been a trend of young people wanting to get out of the rat race and adopt a more self-reliant lifetyle. The article went on to say that while urban and suburban real estate is still not selling well, the rural market has been booming. So the younger folks are leaving the cities and heading out to the farms. I've tried the farming thing, and believe me when I tell you it was far from the peaceful lifestyle that the people in the article are wanting.

My history of farming only came in two-week stints, once a year, but it was enough for me to know I was not cut out for farming. In case you don't remember, whenever the 'Rents would go on their annual trip to Canada, I would be left in charge of the donkeys and the garden while they were gone. Trust me - the donkeys fared much better than the garden did. I didn't mind picking the vegetables, but the watering was a different story. I hated having to wade out in the mud to move the sprinkler. Hated it. And in addition to leaving footprints in the mud where I tortted through the garden, I would usually end up trampling at leaast one plant.

The 'Rents haven't gone to Canada for the past two years. I'm sure that's just concidental.

Rainy Days And Tuesdays . . .

Of course I realize unless you're in my generation and realize I was quasi-quoting a line from a song by the Carpenters, you won't get the irony. But I digress.

I just got back from an impromptu trip to Wal-Mart, aka my favorite 'hood store, to get a tube of glitter paint to add to some awesome Christmas decorations in our cubicle at work. Needless to say it was pouring, and as I was walking out of the store carrying my tiny bag holding one small tube of glitter glue, a woman in front of me pushing a cart full of baskets stopped just OUTSIDE of the door, in the full pouring rain, and hand to heaven, she looked up, as if to question, "Is it really raining?" I stood there for a second, shook my head in disbelief, and then trotted as fast as I could out to the Blazer in the pouring rain. I apologize if you don't get the irony that I got tonight. It was just bizarre.

**Cough, Cough**

I had dinner with an old friend tonight. It was awesome to see him again, and we've already made plans for our next evening out. But you can best believe I will not be dining, drinking, or socializing in any public establishment in Bullitt County ever again. For you see, Bullitt County does not have a smoking ban like we do here in the 'Ville.

I met my friend at a restaurant in Bullitt County because it is about the mid-point between our homes. For the faithful readers who don't live in the Louisville area, Bullitt County is jus tto ou south. But tonight it seemed like it was a few states away. For a few brief moments I was in my fantasy land and thought that you could go to any restaurant around here and not have to breathe cigarette smoke while you ate. Little did I know that when I got home tonight I would have to leave my coat on the back porch to air out because it wreaked after just being in the restaurant for an hour and a half. I took a long shower and scrubbed my hair and I still think I smell like smoke.

Our next date will be well within the Jefferson County limits, where I can breathe quasi-fresh air while I eat my dinner. And for the record, I would like to publicly thank the Louisville Metro Council for passing the no-smoking ordinance.

Link Of The Week

The holidays are here, and if you're like us at The Compound, we used to rack our brains trying to figure out what to buy for relatives and friends who still wanted to exchange gifts. Not meaning to sound like Scrooge, but fortunately for most parties involved, relative gift exchanges have ended. A few still insist on exchanging, though. For the past few years, we've given a donation to one of our favorite charitable organizations, the American Diabetes Association, in the person's name. They're happy that we thought enough of them to donate money to a very worthy organization, and the ADA is happy because they're getting a donation. And we're happy because they're all happy.

If you'd like to donate to a charitable organization in honor or in memory of someone this holiday season, I've found the perfect site for you. It's called Charity Choice. You make your donation online, and the person you're donating on behalf of gets to pick out what charity your donation goes to. All of the over 100 charities listed are legit, and it's safe to use. Visit at http://www.charitychoice.com and donate in someone's honor or memory today.

Flashback Friday A Day Late

For me, it's not Christmas until Mom gets out the little Christmas elf. I think I would be fine without a tree or any other decorations, as long as we have our little Christmas elf.

This little guy is almost 50 years old. He came to our family attached to a box of Whitman's chocolates. Apparently back in the day, Whitman's and Russel Stover's would put little elves or other Christmas characters on their boxes of candy.

I wish he were bigger but he's still cute and still one of my favorite Christmas decorations.

Christmas In Full Bloom, Continued

We interrupt Flashback Friday for more photographic proof of Christmas in full bloom at The Compound. Here in living color are some of Mother's roses in full bloom. And in the background you can see our street lamp decorated with a red bow and greenery, to prove that the photo was taken during Christmastime and not in the spring or fall.

We're bummed that the roses and other flowers were most likely killed last night when it got down in the upper 20's, but never fear; they'll be back in a few months. And in the meanwhile, we can still brag and say we had roses during Christmas.

Christmas In Full Bloom

To prove that I am not exaggerating, here is photographic proof that in December, just three weeks away from Christmas Eve, we have flowers in full bloom at The Compound.

On both ends of the porch you can see Mom's prized geraniums in full bloom. In front of the porch, you can clearly see marigolds and astors, both in full bloom.

It's supposed to get down in the 20's tonight, so we're pretty sure this will be the end of the flowers until spring but I think this is nothing short of a Christmas miracle.

Wednesday Funnies

A prostitute went to the doctor because she was feeling tired. After examining her, the doctor told "I'm afraid you're pregnant. Do you know who the father is?"

The prostitute said "If you ate a can of beans, would you know which one caused you to fart?"

One Day A Year

Many people didn't know that today was World AIDS Day. It's not as well known or publicized as other awareness days or months. A lot of people wouldn't even know that December 1 was World AIDS Day if it weren't for a few celebrities talking about it. But I think about it every December 1. Actually I think about AIDS awareness on a lot more days than just on the first of December. I think of it because a dear friend had AIDS when he died almost twenty years ago.

My friend TH was just 28 years old when he found out he had AIDS. I had known him for about 7 years, and at the time he died, he was one of my best friends. I met him at my first real job, and we became fast friends. He was the first gay person that I'd met, and it didn't bother me; I loved him unconditionally. We both shared our love of Donna Summer, Knots Landing, and designer labels. In fact, he was the first person to give me a bottle of Calvin Klein's Obsession perfume. We went to concerts together, hung out and were great friends. He confided in me and told me things that he couldn't tell his family. But there was one thing he couldn't bear to tell me - the fact that he had just discovered he had AIDS.

Just a few days after TH found out he had AIDS, his little Ford Escort was found abandoned on the Second Street bridge, and passersby said they saw him jump off the bridge. It was wintertime, and unfortunately for his family and friends, they went months without knowing for sure what had happened. We all pretty much knew, though. A couple of months later as spring was nearing, they found his body in the Ohio River. The autopsy showed that he had AIDS - something none of us knew.

At the funeral home, I'll never ever forget something his mother told me. She said "He really loved you because you always loved him unconditionally."

As I said, it's been almost twenty years since TH died, but whenever I hear talk of AIDS awareness on the news or hear about some famous person that just found out they were HIV positive, I can't help but think of my friend TH. I think of him a lot of other times too, not just one day a year.