Farewell, 2015

2015, I'm kinda glad to see you go.  But as with your previous counterparts, you taught me a lot this year.  You showed me how strong I was, and then later on, you showed me how not so strong I was. 

The end of February, you showed me that I could be stronger than I ever thought I could be when The Old Man had his emergency quadruple by-pass surgery.  I knew I had it in me down deep, but you showed me how truly strong I was.  On that night in the emergency room, I truly felt all alone - my best friend in the world was 500 miles away on a business trip, and my two cousins who are like brother and sister were in California and Alabama.  So it was up to me.  And thanks to my upbringing and the good Lord, I exhibited some super-hero type strength dealing with everything.  

Then later on in the late fall, you showed me that it was OK not to be all that strong.  During some very tough times at work, you showed me that I wasn't made of metal.  You also gave me an annoying recurring case of the hives, but I'm working on getting rid of that along with a lot of stress. 

I can't honestly say I'm sorry to see you go, 2015, because it was a pretty rough year all in all, but thanks for teaching me some things while you were here. 

Something You Don't Hear Every Day

Said by The Old Man moments ago, and I quote:

"That's damned good tequila." 

I try, Dad.  I try. 

We Made It In The National News!!!

Chain-reaction brawls involving up to 2,000 people erupted in one of Kentucky's largest malls Saturday night, forcing the entire mall and businesses in the surrounding area to shut down, police said.

The hours-long chaos at Mall St. Matthews began about 7 p.m. ET when the six St. Matthews police officers assigned to the mall for the holiday season began responding to "disturbances," said Officer Dennis McDonald, a police spokesman.

"As they were responding to those disturbances, others were breaking out. ... Disturbances started to feed on themselves." McDonald said. "They were just overwhelmed with a number of calls for service and reports of disorder."

The officers on duty at the mall called for backup, and 50 officers from five different agencies responded, according to police.

"It was a series of brawls" involving 1,000 to 2,000 people ages 13 to their early 20s, McDonald said, adding that "the entire mall" was affected.

About 8 p.m., authorities started to advise stores in the mall to close their doors, but those involved in the brawls were refusing to leave. "Businesses were in the process of closing their doors, steel grates, and you had juveniles that were not allowing businesses to close up — [they were] climbing on the grates," McDonald said.

"This was a riot," McDonald added. "It was crazy."

Police received reports of shots fired within and outside the mall, but investigators haven't confirmed those reports, McDonald said.

Restaurants and shops surrounding the mall also closed their doors as the teens and young adults flooded out, McDonald said.

"It took about an hour and a half, close to two hours, before things were calm," McDonald said. Officers "maintained a presence" until 1 a.m., McDonald said, adding: "We're all tired."

But no one was arrested, and only minor injuries were reported, McDonald said. No officers were injured.
"Our officers, they showed great restraint," McDonald said. "Officers were focused on dispersing crowds and keeping them moving."

McDonald said investigators haven't determined what sparked the outbreak of violence, but they don't believe it was planned.

Mall St. Matthews didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from NBC News. McDonald said he hadn't heard that the mall would remain closed Sunday.

St. Matthews, a suburb of about 18,000 people outside of Louisville, is a normally quiet city that sees no more than two murders a year, McDonald said. "I've been a police officer 33 years, and I haven't ever seen anything like this before," he said. "We always plan for worst-case scenario, but this exceeded that."

All I will say is the parents need to have more control over their kids.  I don't have kids, but  I am going on record and saying this is the parents' fault.

Forty Days and Forty Nights, Minus Six

Our Forty Days and Forty Nights of rain is starting on its sixty day/night.  Since I got my new windshield wiper motor on the 23rd, it's rained every day/night, including the 23rd, since.  And we've got one more day/night in store for even more rain. 

I don't even need to tell you that this rain makes for crazy days at work; especially for City Sales and and employees needing to buy pumps for their basements.  

All I know is I am looking forward to this big storm front finally moving out of the Ohio Valley.

Rain Rain Go Away, Please

For those in the Ohio Valley that wanted a white Christmas, they were very SOL.  On Christmas Day, the temps were in the low 60's and rainy.  On the day after Christmas (Boxing Day for our Canadian faithful readers), the temps were in the low 60's with even more rain.  Today, the high temp was 71 and we had even more rain.  And more rain is in the forecast for tonight and all day tomorrow.  At the rate we're going, this could turn out to be another day like we had in April with flooding and tons of road closures. 

Needless to say, I am not looking forward to the drive to work tomorrow. 

2015 Christmas Price Index

Happy Christmas Eve

I apologize for not posting yesterday.  It was a very cray cray day.  Work was insanely busy, and then when I finally made it home after waiting for an hour at the repair shop to get a new rear wiper motor in the Blazer (an awesome Christmas present from the 'Rents), we had to deal with big storms moving through the area.  But I digress.

Christmas isn't Christmas until we've all listened to the Sweeney Sisters sing their awesome Bell Medley.  You can listen and watch it here: http://www.purpleclover.com/video/3262-sweeney-sisters-bells-medley/#

Hogzilla Update

Breaking News from The Compound:

We are very, very happy to report that the elusive and pesky Hogzilla was captured earlier this afternoon. We're resetting the traps just in case but The Old Man thinks this was THE Hogzilla.

This was a group effort: our friend  Lil J who gave us his trapping knowledge, and my Sweet Mother, who went out by the barn and scared Hogzilla so he would run toward one of his many holes where one of the traps was set. And we can't forget PS and his vigilance in his surveillance of Hogzilla. 

Needless to say, the Old Man said this was the best Christmas present he could get.

Welcome Winter

Today is the winter solstice, and if you didn't know better you'd swear it was spring. As I post this, it's raining and 59.  They're calling for record high temps and 4-6 inches of rain by this time next Monday.  Everybody I talk to is trying to not let the warm temps and rain spoil their Christmas.  We all just need to keep in mind that the temperature has nothing to do with the true meaning of Christmas.

Link Of The Week

If you know me at all, you already know I love cheese.  I love nachos at the ball park, queso in Crock Pots at office/home parties, plates of sliced cheese, festive cheese balls, etc.  But I digress.

If you like cheese as much as I do, then please visit http://www.cheeserank.com and enjoy all of the cheesiness.  The website most definitely gets a two thumbs up from TWIT. 

I'm Wrappin' Puddin

Today was the annual Neighborhood Christmas Store at church.  This year, 136 kids were signed up.  Members brought in toys for the kids, and while the kids made some crafts, had a party with all kinds of treats, visited with Santa and got to pick out a present for their parents, the parents were in the other building picking out toys for their kids.  Once the parents picked out the toys, they came to the Wrapping Room, where me and 9 other wrappers were busy . . . yep, you guessed it - wrapping.  

I'm pretty sure that none of you faithful readers know this, but yours truly is one of the best wrappers in these here parts.  In fact, I've had friends bring their presents to me to wrap for them.  I can't help it if I have mad wrapping skillz.  This morning, I wrapped quite an assortment of off-shaped things -- a few basketballs, a football, construction worker dress-up set (including a construction worker's hat), a pretty big plastic tool-box containing all kinds of Crayons and such, and a teddy bear, just to name some of the odd-shaped items.  And I am proud to say I wrapped them well. 

Flashback Friday

Today was the last day of school for the kids before their Christmas break.  But it's sad to say that the kids today couldn't celebrate Christmas Break.  They had to celebrate Winter Party or something equally politically correct. 

Back in the day, we lived for this Friday.  The "room mothers" would bring homemade cupcakes and Kool-Aid to each class, and the PTA would give each kid a big plastic stocking filled with the awesome ribbon candy.  And each student would also get a cool candy cane-shaped pencil.  But I digress.

Like I said, we all lived for this Friday.  In addition to the stuff the PTA and room mothers would give us, all of the students would bring a present and we would all exchange.  I don't have a confirmation on this, but I'm pretty sure that this doesn't happen anymore in the JCPS schools.  

Hat's Off

TWIT, the 'Rents and I would like to publicly thank our USPS delivery person, our UPS delivery person, and our Fed Ex delivery person.  Each of these awesome, hard-working people go above and beyond and deliver our packages directly to us instead of leaving them on the porch. They all will come up on the back porch, knock on the door, and wait till one of us comes to the door to get our package. 

We've had tons of reports in the past few weeks of low-life thugs stealing packages from people's doorsteps or porches.  That's almost as low as you can get.  But I want to thank our delivery people once again for going above and beyond.  You all rock. 

Christmas Vacation

I need a break, faithful readers, and I am taking a well-deserved vacation day tomorrow.  Some fun activities are planned with the 'Rents, and I am anticipating a fun-filled day.  I am looking forward to one day away from the company.  I've already told myself to not check work email tomorrow while I'm off.  And my team that works for me already knows not to email or text unless the company blew up, literally.   So this is a vacation day eve, and I am enjoying it already. 

We Need A Little Christmas

Most of the people that I talked to today were in a very grumpy mood. Not yours truly; I was in a pretty good mood for the most part, even though we had one major casualty in today's wind storm (we lost our beloved Mickey Mouse inflatable on the front porch).  But people are definitely in need of "a little Christmas." Or some cases, a lot of Christmas.

We Have Seen A Star In The . . . Southeast

We just got back to The Compound after spending the day at Dad's cousin's humongous farm down in Breckinridge County.  Unfortunately, I didn't get to drive the gigantic John Deere tractor again, but it was still a great day.  We had an awesome time visiting with family - laughing, telling stories, and just enjoying being together.  But I digress.

On the way down, I noticed barns with these very cool metal stars hanging on them.  Lo and behold, when we got to our kinfolk's place, they had one on their barn, too.  I asked them what the meaning or symbolism was. Dad's cousin shrugged his shoulders and said he didn't know.  His wife had the answer, however.  She said "They sell them at Tractor Supply."  Nuff said. 

I think I might have to get one for our little red barn.

What's Wrong WIth This Picture, Part 2

I just got home from three hour of running errands and grocery shopping.  The first thing I did when I arrived at The Compound is to walk in the house and flip the switch to a/c to get the effin humidity out of the air.  This is a record for us - the first time that the a/c has been on in December.  I'm pretty sure that I am not the only person that will have their a/c on this weekend. 

I am already looking forward to Monday when the temps are supposed to drop and we are supposed to have temps in the 40's. 

Update:
It's December 12, and we have the a/c on here at The Compound.  I don't know what else to say.

What's Wrong With This Picture

We had our annual company Christmas lunch and party today at work.  And coworkers like me who wore festive Christmas sweaters were hot as hell all day long.  I debated wearing it, knowing the temps would be in the upper 60's today, but it was a new sweater and it was cute and I wanted to wear it.  As I was driving home this afternoon, I even had the a/c on in my car.  That's just wrong for mid-December. And it's supposed to be even warmer tomorrow and Sunday.  

By this time last last year, we'd already had a couple of decent snows.  At the rate we're going, flowers and trees will be starting to bloom again. 

Company Christmas Party Review

Well, we didn't have a manager making it rain gift cards at our company Christmas party today, but it was great that the plant and office got to enjoy the party together.  

We can never lose sight of the camaraderie that we have developed between the plant and the office.  I love the time that I get to visit with my coworkers in the plant, and I hope that they feel that we are all one team, too.

Party Day Number Two

Today was the second day we've partied at the ZCO company this week.  The first party was on Tuesday.  It was a surprise brunch for a coworker celebrating 30 years of service at the company.  The brunch was awesome.  There were three different types of breakfast casseroles, not to mention one awesome hashbrown casserole.  

Today, the retirement part rocked as usual.  The company provided awesome chicken from our 'hood convenient store Better Way, and everyone that wanted to participate brought a side dish.  I brought my much-requested Cherry Fluff, and there was only about a cup or two left.  The food was great, and even more, it was great to get to visit with coworkers that I don't normally get to see.

Tomorrow will be our third party day of the week.   Stay tuned.

Bring On The Healing

My heart is heavy tonight with concern over a lot of friends who are in the hospital as we speak, and they are in need of some major healing. 

KM - I wish and pray for healing on your heart.  I pray for skill and wisdom from the surgeons that will work on your aorta tomorrow.

AK - I wish and pray for healing on your leg.  You are being prayed for by so many people right now, my friend.  We pray for skill of the orthopedic surgeons tomorrow as they work on your leg for the fourth time.  The recovery time isn't going to be as quick as you think, my friend.  But you've got a lot of people that have your back, and we will be with you every step through your recovery.

BJ - I wish and pray for relief from the pain from your three-month long bout of shingles.  I'm just thankful you had the vaccine, or else it would probably have been twice as rough. 

This makes me thankful that tonight, all I'm dealing with is some pain from ole Arthur.

This Day In Numbers

Number of steps taken according to my pedometer:  8746

Trips to the store: 3 (yes, 3) One before work, one after work, one a few minutes ago.

Phone calls from AT&T asking me to switch to U-Verse: 2

Pounds lost this week:  1.6

I'm sure there are more I could add but I'm tired. 

Trivia Update

I am very happy to report that tonight, Team Divas finally won first place again in the weekly trivia games.  It was a long time coming, after weeks of coming in second place.  But tonight Diva Stacy and I were on our A Game and it showed.  In fact, we were in first place after every round in tonight's games.  

We're not gloating all that much, considering all of the weeks that we either didn't win or came in second place.  But I will say that tonight, the two of us beat out four other teams that had 6 people on each team.  Nuff said.

The Heat Miser Is At It Again

It's the beginning of December, and Christmas is a few weeks away, and the forecast for this week is for temps to be in the 60's.  That's now how it's supposed to be in December.  I don't care if we're in the so-called South.  It's December and it's supposed to be cold, damnit. 

This time last year, we'd already had one decent snow on the books.  Right now, all we've had is a bunch of rain.  

Bring On The Snow (BOTS). 

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Yesterday and today, the elves here at The Compound (aka The Old Man and My Sweet Mother) were busy decorating the house for Christmas.  The tree is up and about 75% decorated, all of our angels and snowmen are placed throughout the house, the greenery is put up outside, and it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. 

I dug out my Christmas sweaters and shirts this afternoon, and will start getting some use out of them, since there's only a four-week period to wear them during the year.  My Sweet Mother dug out her Christmas apparel, and all that is left is to find the Old Man's red sweater.  

Once we get some of my many nutcrackers out, I will be sure to take some pictures and post Christmas At The Compound. 

Happy Friday

Today was Distirbution Day, so it was a Happy Friday.   The work day wasn't too problematic, and I was able to leave at 2:50 - only 20 minutes later than I was supposed to leave.  That is a new record for me leaving on a Friday afternoon.

I feel a lot better than I did this time last night, thank goodness.  I hope this trend continues.

Thursday, Thursday

Today started out as a great day.  The morning went by great, the early afternoon went by great, and then things went south.

I apologize to my faithful readers that have stuck with me over the years.  I'm sure you're as tired as I am about reading post after post on what a crappy day I had. 

I can't promise that things will get better.  I just ask that you stick with me and skip over the un-interesting posts and read the TWIT cool, sarcastic or happy posts. 

Welcome, December

TWIT would like to welcome December, one of Puddin's favorite months of the year.  

It is a favorite because it's cold (and Puddin loves the cold), and because it has Christmas! 

 

So Much For Watching Grey's Anatomy

For the past couple of weeks, I've noticed a splinter or small metal shaving in my right pinkie finger.  I tried drawing salve at first, but it didn't help.  I just forgot about it until today when it became more noticeable.  I enlisted the help of the Steadiest Hands In The Office, and she and I went to the office of the head of Q.C. and used his lighted microscope to see the foreign objects.  The Steadiest Hands used one of my sewing kit needles sterilized in alcohol and tried to dig the object out but she stopped because in her sweet, sweet nature, she didn't want to hurt me.

Tonight after supper, I soaked my finger in warm Epsom salt for over a half an hour, and without the lighted microscope, I couldn't see the object, but I could still feel it.

Tomorrow, we will try the operation again.  Wish us luck.

As always, I'll keep you posted. 

Lessons Learned From Trivia

Tonight, The Divas redeemed theirselves and we came in second at the weekly trivia night. Keep in mind there are only two on our team, and 4, 5, and even 6 players on the other teams. 

Tonight we learned a lot. We learned the Yellow Sea is marginally located by the Pacific Ocean. More importantly, we learned tonight not to second guess ourselves.

Hogzilla Update

A dear friend of ours stopped by on Friday, and he just happens to be a trapper.  He brought some traps and expertly set them out, in hopes to catch Hogzilla. 

There have been multiple daily sightings of Hogzilla in the past couple of weeks, but he is an elusive and tricky beast.  Hopefully our cantaloupe-baited traps will lure him.

As always, I'll keep you posted. 

Something You Don't Hear Every Day

This morning before we started on some late fall cleaning at The Compound, Dad was on his iPad when he asked me a question (and I quote):  "What does 'LMAO' mean?"  Priceless, just priceless. 

Happy Black Friday

I braved the crowds and actually did some Black Friday shopping this year.  I went out last night to Target and got a present for myself - a set of Beats headphones.  And I have to say it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  

This morning while The Old Man was cleaning the kitchen and family room floors, I got out of the way and went a few more stores, and once again, the crowds weren't as bad as I expected.  

But I'm sorry to say that Louisville made it to the national news with a story about a Black Friday fight at the Mall St. Matthews.  Just as the Kim Davis Kentucky stereotype news was dying down, we have this to deal with.

Happy Thanksgiving

TWIT would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.  

Let's go old school, and find a piece of paper and a pen and take a few minutes right now as you and write down five things or people that you are thankful for.  If one of those five things is a person, take another minute or two and let them know you are thankful for them. 

Thanksgiving Eve

Today was another pisser of a day at work.  But I'm not going to focus on that right now.  Instead, I am going to focus on how I will not have to be back at work for four whole days.  In those four days, I am going to not even think about anything work-related.  

They (whoever "they" are) say that Thanksgiving Eve is the biggest drinking night of the year - even more so than New Year's Eve (or here in Louisville, Derby Eve).  In keeping with this theme, we're doing our part here at The Compound. The Old Man and I have already had two shots of good tequila, and I think a third is in our very near future.  My Sweet Mother is doing her part - she's having a glass of her favorite sweet blackberry wine. 

 

Daily Walking Update

It's been one week since I've been walking daily (not just the steps I take during the course of my day at work, but walking extra steps beyond).  I'm happy to report that I've lost two pounds just from all of the extra walking I've been doing. 

I know Thanksgiving is a couple of days away, and that means extra eating, but I'm still going to keep on walking extra every day.

So far, so good.

Trivia Team Update

After taking a week hiatus, the Divas were back in action tonight at the weekly trivia contest.  Personally, I needed another week off because tonight, I sucked bigtime.  I was distracted and things weren't in sync like they usually are, and thanks to me making a stupid last-second mistake, we came in last place.  

I hope to redeem myself and do better next week.

Jumping, I mean, Walking On The Band Wagon

Back in the spring, I had to jump into the Fit Bit craze.  I'd seen friends at church and work wear them, faithfully counting their daily steps, so I wanted to be a part of the craze, too.  I ordered my Fit Bit, and it only took me two days to realize that the steps that it records doesn't exactly represent the actual steps you take.  You wear the activity counter on your wrist, so not only does it count when you walk (it detects the motion of your arms that you move when you walk), every time you move your arm it counts as a step.  With people that work on a computer or use their hands a lot, that means they are really racking up the step count.  

Last week, I got out my digital pedometer, put in a new battery and set up my stride length, and I'm off and running.  This gives me a true walking distance count, along with the number of actual steps I've taken.  Old school is sometimes better than new school.

Tonight I decided I was going to measure the distance that my Sweet Mother has been walking almost every day for the past ten years - around the full perimeter of The Compound.  I made one round in the cold, and came in and as I was pulling the pedometer off of my pants waistband, I squeezed a bit too hard and set it back to zero.  I put my coat back on and made another round, only to have the same thing happen.  I blamed it on my sweat pants - they are too long, and I had rolled the waist band over a few times to shorten the legs on the pants, and I think that the extra thick waistband on my pants is what made the pedometer go to zero.  So tomorrow as soon as I get home from work, I'm going to make another trip around The Compound and find out the distance. 

Anyhoo, the moral of this story is that I am doing my daily walking again and I love it.  I'm glad that with my job, I am able to do a lot of walking during the work day - mainly, by walking out to the factory to talk face-to-face with supervisors instead of calling them on the phone.  That's my goal for this week.

As always, I'll keep you posted.

Come On, Powerball

I've worked over 10 hours of overtime this week, and I'm tired of it.  Tonight is Powerball night, and once again I am hoping that my numbers will be drawn and overtime, and actually any work time, will be a thing of the past. 

Flashback Friday

It's 7:00 on a Friday night, and I've only been home for an hour.  I got to my office at 5:30 this morning and I left my office at 5:00 tonight.  Yep, almost a twelve-hour day.  I am not in the mood to do anything except put on my pajamas and go to bed and get ready to work again tomorrow.  Yep, on a Saturday. 

When I was a kid and was playing office, it sure as hell wasn't anything like this.

Welcome, Finley

TWIT would like to welcome little Finley into the world.  He arrived this evening at about 5:30-ish weighing 6 lbs and 10 oz and measuring 19 and a half inches.  A tad bit on the small side but a healthy lad.  

Finley is coming into this old world at a very crazy time. But I know that he will be just fine with the love and care from his 'Rents, big sister and friends and family.  Little man, welcome to the world.

Get It Together, Puddin

Things at work have been beyond cray cray for the past six or so month; in fact, the craziness has been steadily escalating.  The stress and anxiety levels in my department are so high right now, that it's causing us to health problems.  I've had hives more times than I can count due to stress; one of my people had two days worth of tests on her upper and lower digestive system, only to find out her issues were stress related; another of my people spent two days in the hospital this past weekend with a return of some heart issues that caused him to be off from work for two months last year.  

Not only is this stress causing me and my department to have some health issues, it's causing some mental issues as well.  I'm more easily distracted and forgetful.  And when I am responsible for getting the daily meds set out for the 'Rents, that is one area where I can't be distracted or forgetful. Well, two times in the last two weeks I've given Dad his p.m. meds in the morning.  Luckily his meds are take-any-time-of-the-day meds, but it was a major deal to him and to me also.

I'm so looking forward to our Thanksgiving days off so I can regroup and hopefully get it all back together.  

Flashback Tuesday

This time a year ago, Louisville had almost 4 inches of snow on the ground.  Today, the high temperature was 70.  Nuff said.

Monday, Monday

This was clearly a Monday.  I've got one person out all week on vacation, so that means I get to do all of his scheduling while he's out, in addition on my regular work.  That means that the work day should about 12 hours long, instead of 8.  But I made it through Day One, and only stayed over about 15 minutes.  I'm hoping for the same tomorrow.  

Add to the work day,  trips to not one but two grocery stores after work (in the rain, even) and it was a long, stressful day.  But I'm home, supper is done, the dishes are washed and put away and I can crash now for a couple of hours before getting a nice, long bath and heading to bed.  
 

Hogzilla Update

As I mentioned last week, traps have been repositioned, but we are still unable to catch the elusive Hogzilla.  There was a record six Hogzilla sightings this afternoon and evening - all of them around our barn.  Never mind the perimeter of the barn is filled with 5 traps.  

On Tuesday, a friend who is an expert trapper will be visiting The Compound, and will get The Old Man's new traps set out for him, in hopes of catching the elusive Hogzilla.

As always, stay tuned, and I will keep you posted.

Flashback Friday

This evening, I think back to previous Friday the 13th's.  One in particular stands out in my mind. 

It was 1979, and Mom had picked me up from school and we were heading home in our very cool new 1979 VW Rabbit.  We were stopped at a stoplight, when a school bus plowed into the back of us.  Yep, a big school bus vs a little VW Rabbit.  Luckily, the car only needed a back bumper replace, which the city of Louisville quickly took care of.  Mom and I had some whiplash that lasted a couple of months.  But all in all, it could have been a lot worse. 

This flashback came to me earlier today on my way home, when the school bus in front of me ran the red light at the mega busy intersection of Greenbelt and Greenwood, and I had to floor the brakes to keep from going through the intersection.

Yep, it sure was Friday the 13th.

Hold Me Closer, Tiny Dancer

Last night, I had a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  I got to play with baby tigers.  Yep, yours truly got to play with 7-week old Bengal tiger cubs.  And it was one of them most awesome things I think I have ever done. 

We got to play with the tiger cubs before the official photo opp.  I was very amazed -- their fur was wiry, and their paws were huge.  But they had a great personality and temperament, and they loved getting petted and scratched.  

I've been around some pretty wild individuals in my lifetime, but I think this one takes the cake. 

Happy Veterans Day

I know this day is almost over, but TWIT would like to wish a very happy Veterans Day to all of the Veterans out there.  Thank you for your service.  You rock.  

I would like to wish a special happy Veterans Day to my favorite veteran, my dad aka The Old Man.  And I would like to wish a special happy Veterans Day to some more of my favorite veterans -- Painter Steve and PW.  

Hogzilla Update

The elusive Hogzilla has been spotted on many occasions here at The Compound in the past week.  I don't need to tell you that everyone is pretty fed up with him.  Nicky Boy next door as well as Painter Steve both have traps set around The Compound, but to no avail.  Hogzilla seems to be always just out of reach of our shotgun. 

The troops have been rallied, and the Old Man has even ordered some traps, too.  After Wednesday night's predicted storms move through, the traps will be repositioned around the holes that Hogzilla has dug throughout The Compound in hopes of finally capturing him.

As always, I'll keep you posted.

Trivia Update

I'm happy to report that Team Divas came in second tonight at the local trivia contest.  The questions this week tore us up.   

If my math is correct, this is the third week in a row that we've came in second.  We're not all that upset over not coming in first place, since we get a gift card for second place.  But our time is coming and I'm predicting a first place finish in the next week or two for Team Divas.

Way To Go, Titans

TWIT would like to congratulate the Tennessee Titans for their big win today against the New Orlains Saints.  The team really Titan'd up and won 34 to 28 in overtime.  This is a pretty big deal, considering this is only the second game the Titans have won this season. 

An Awesome Saturday

The 'Rents and I headed out early this morning on an all-day road trip down through Breckenridge, Grayson, Hart, and Edmonson Counties.  We went to the Old Man's Cousin's homestead in Breckenridge County (where he owns about 1000 acres) and he took us down through Hart and Edmonson Counties to the cemetaries where our kinfolk are buried.  Today, I got to visit the gravesite of my great-great grandparents Tom and Dora.  Believe me when I tell you it was a moving experience. 

Overall, we were in seven Kentucky counties today.  And we had an awesome time.  We got to see a herd of deer crossing the road in front of us, a big flock of wild turkeys, numerous herds of goats, and one farm that had about two dozen donkeys of various sizes.  I don't need to tell you that I wanted to do a U-turn back to the donkey farm and hug each and every one of the donkeys. But I digress.

While at dad's cousin's farm, I got to crawl up into the cab of a mega thousand dollar Johne Deere tractor.  It has a/c, heat, a Boss stereo system, and GPS.  I'm pretty sure if I looked around more, I would have found a microwave or a fridge.  He told me I could come back later next year and he'd let me drive it to get the hay in.  I told him it had too many pedals for me to be able to maneuver. 

It was a great day to be able to visit the final resting places of my kinfolk, and a great day for my dad and his favorite cousin to be able to be together.  I can't wait till we can do this again. 

Hat's Off

TWIT would like to congratulate my home boy Elmer on winning the ZCO Chili Cook-Off today.  His chili was awesome.  He is always so kind to make a batch of chili every couple of months to bring in to share with the co-workers that eat lunch with him every day.  Fortunately, I am one of those.  The last batch of chili he brought for our lunch a month ago was maybe the best chili I've ever had in my life.  And his recipe proved true today, by him winning the contest.

Keep up the good work, Elmer.  We're looking forward to another batch in a few weeks.

Another [Not Really] Non-Word Overheard

Overheard on a text message from a friend, and I quote:

"She's still pretty sick.  You know she's had ammonia for two weeks now." 

I repeat - I don't make this stuff up. 

Mid-Week Updates

First of all, I am very happy to report that today was a bizillion times better than yesterday was.  

Second, the weather in the Ohio Valley is cray cray.  It's the beginning of November and today's high was 77 degrees.  That's ridiculous for November.  But not all that uncommon for the Ohio Valley.   I'll repeat what I said a couple of weeks ago:  I want cold. 

Give Me Strength

I came home from work this evening just one step away from opening up Word on the computer and writing my letter of resignation.  Yes, it was that bad of a day.  But I didn't write the letter.  I took some time to think and pray, and then I toughened up.  Starting tomorrow, ZCO is going to see a much tougher Puddin.

Public Service Announcement

Dear: Driver of the black new Dodge Challenger in the land beside me on my way to work this morning

It was very foggy, and you could barely see two car lengths in front of you this morning, but yet you, inconsiderate asshole, continued to look down at your cell phone and text during your drive down the dangerous Greenbelt Highway going 60 miles an hour.  I sped up as much as I could in my old Blazer just to get away from you because I didn't want to be anywhere near you in case you crashed in the heavy fog from being distracted by reading your texts.

I sure hope you made it to where you were going safe, because you weren't doing such a good job of it while you were on the Greenbelt. 

Yours truly,

Puddin

Welcome, November

TWIT would like to welcome November.  We hope that you bring cooler temperatures with you.  It's November 1 and it's 68 degrees right now.  It's not supposed to be that warm.  I want temps in the 40's.  Please hear my request.  

The forecast for next week is warm - expecting temps in the upper 70's for most of the week, until a cold front comes through on Friday, bringing low 60's temps for next weekend.  

Sorry, but that is unacceptable.  I want cold.  Nuff said.

Happy Halloween

TWIT would like to wish everyone a very Happy Halloween today.  I hope that you, faithful readers, will get to eat a bunch of your favorite candies tonight, and the next few days. 

We've been celebrating all afternoon here at The Compound.  We started out with Halloween cocktails, cheese and venison summer sausage for an afternoon snack, and now we're in our usual recliner/couch spots as we watch the Breeders Cup with yet another cocktail.  Then we'll be having some awesome thin crust Pizza Hut pizza in about an hour when the pizza delivery person gets here, and then we'll probably have some candy as we watch the World Series tonight.  What a great day!

Flashback Friday

On the last business day before Halloween, it is the official trick-or-treat day at ZCO.  People bring their kids or grandkids in (complete with costumes) and they trick-or-treat in the office building.  Believe me when I tell you that the people at ZCO do not skimp when it comes to candy.  One trip through the office building and a kid is set with enough candy for more than two or three nights of trick-or-treating in their neighborhood.  But I digress.

We usually have a ton of kids, but it's sad that in the past few years, the number of kids has been steadily decreasing.  Today, it was pretty sad that we didn't have a lot of kids.  We all look so forward to it, and we were bummed about it. I know, I know.  The kids are growing up and getting older.  But still. 

This year, out of the small group of kids that we had, my favorite was a tiny Mickey Mouse.  

I'm hoping that some of the smaller kids will be toddlers by next Halloween so we'll have more kids.

Major Lesson Learned

Tonight, I learned a major lesson, faithful readers.  I learned a lesson in plumbing.  With guidance from The Old Man, I learned how to fix our leaky faucet in the big bathroom.  I learned a valuable lesson in how to shut off the water to the entire house, and then learned how to actually fix the leaky faucet, and then restore the water to the entire house.  

I made a mental note, and will contact our plumber in the weeks ahead and have him come and install shut-off valves for both of our bathrooms, and then we will be good to go at The Compound. 

Thanks again, Old Man, for taking the time and patience to teach me this lesson.  You were absolutely right - there will be times when I will be able to fix things myself instead of feeling helpless and having to rely on someone else to do it.

Really?

As I mentioned before, I belong to a Facebook page for my local hood.  Last night, one person in the group posted that they heard (and I quote) "trumpet sounds from the sky".  That's all it took for dozens of others to say they heard the same thing.  Some even said (once again, I quote) "It's all over Facebook and the world."  

After the day I had at work, I don't even have the strength to give my reply to this.  

Bye Bye, Patricia

The remnants of Hurricane Patricia made it to the Ohio Valley last night, and unfortunately, is lingering around.  It's rained ever since last evening.  The rain is supposed to finally move out tomorrow night, but I'm not holding my breath.

At least this will bring an end to the drought conditions that we have here in KY right now.  And with the ground being so darned dry, we didn't have to worry about much flooding today.  All in all, the weatherazzi was calling for 3-4 inches of rain by the time Patricia leaves tomorrow. 

Let's hope that Patricia will calm down tonight and get the hell out of the 'Ville.

Halloween Preview

I am happy to report that the Divas aka me and Diva Stacy came in second tonight in the Trivia Contest.  Every category tonight was Halloween-themed, and they weren't all gimme questions, either.  The Divas had to work hard for their win.

What A Snack

For our snack tonight at The Compound, we had vanilla bean ice cream with homemade caramel sauce by my best friend in the world, Diva Stacy.  I will say it again - I would have eaten leaves and twigs from out in the yard if they had that caramel sauce on them. 

I am tempted to visit some of the online loan places to get money together so she can go into full production on the caramel sauce.  Yep, it's that good. 

Wow

I was up early this morning to get to a meeting at church.  While I was getting ready, I was watching one of the local news channels on TV.  The "breaking news" story was of a double homicide in a neighborhood close to Churchill downs late last night. The 'Rents and I didn't even blink an eye at this news.  A couple of hours later, there was another report of another homicide in the east end of town.  Once again, we didn't blink an eye

This is an every day occurrence here in the 'Ville.  We've grown so accustomed to this happening every day that we don't even bat an eye when we hear of another shooting.

It's just like my Sweet Mother says - it's like we're back in the wild, wild west.  

Get Ready For Patricia

The weatherazzi has everyone worked up from Mexico to Canada over Hurricane Patricia.  As of this morning, the hurricane is being called the biggest hurricane ever to hit in the western hemisphere.  Yep, it's that big and powerful.

For us here in the Ohio Valley, they are calling for a total of about 4 inches of rain by the time it's over this time next week.  There's not much we can do about here in the 'Ville, other than make sure everyone's sump pumps are working fine and make sure the Shop Vac is handy in case you need to suck up some water in your basement.

On a positive note, the weatherazzi says that this rain will end our drought.  No shit.

Thanks, ISS

TWIT would like to thank the International Space Station (ISS) for another awesome fly- by tonight.  Tonight's viewing was the best so far here at The Compound.  The ISS was exceptionally bright thanks to the cloud conditions and the brightness of the moon, and we had a great viewing in the five minutes that it soared across the sky. 

More Tales Of The Supernatural At The Compound

We've got another report of a supernatural event at The Compound.  Well, I'm not convinced it's as much a supernatural event as it is a we-forgot-what-we-did-with-it event.  But we can't find our cool new apple corer/slicer contraption.  The Old Man said he will conduct a thorough search tomorrow morning for it.  But we have no clue where it is.  

As always, I'll keep you posted.

More Tales Of The Supernatural At The Compound

As I've mentioned before crazy things happen here at The Compound; a lot of them are unexplained.  For instance, the tale of the electricity in the family room.  Back in the spring just a week or two after Dad came home from the hospital, we discovered that all of the electrical plugs on one wall in the family room didn't work.  A few weeks ago, My Sweet Mother discovered that they are now working.  No explanation on that one. The latest bizarre thing to happen here at The Compound occurred last night with the TV.  All of a sudden during the baseball game, the screen suddenly got those effin annoying black lines at the top and bottom of the screen.  No amount of fooling with the remote or trying (key word) to Google the problem online seems to help. 

If anyone has any suggestions on how to get rid of the annoying black lines, please let me know. 

As always, I'll keep you posted. 

Trivia Contest Update

It was another off-night for the team Divas at the weekly trivia contest.  We started out pretty strong but as the second round progressed, we didn't do so well.  We came in fourth place, which thankfully wasn't last.  But we could have done better.  We made the mistake of second guessing ourselves on a few questions, and we should have gone with our first answer.  We've vowed to make a big comeback next week at the Halloween Trivia Contest, complete with costumes.

As always, I'll keep you posted.

Link Of The Week

Unfortunately, flu season is upon us.  Our company gave flu shots to all employees that wanted them this past Thursday.  I got my shot, and I hope to goodness we don't have a repeat of last year, when the 'Rents and I all three had the flu over New Years.

Take a minute to check out the weekly flu map from the awesome folks at the CDC.  Visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm and see what the flu sitch is for your area. 

Saturday Updates

I apologize for not posting yesterday - it was pretty crazy at The Compound with our California Relatives arriving in the afternoon for a visit.  We visited for awhile, and then went to an awesome dinner at our fave Mexican place, followed up by a great night out under the gazebo in the warmth of our cool fire pit. 

Last night at dinner, we celebrated the California Relatives selling their house.  When they get back home from this trip in a couple of weeks, the fun will start as they pack up everything and head back out here to what will be their new home in Indiana by Purdue University, where their youngest son works.  It sure will be awesome to have them just a three-hour drive away instead of 2400 miles.

Thursday Updates

I got my new debit card in the mail yesterday, and last night when I tried (key word) to activate it over the phone, it kept saying that the card had to be activated from the phone that was associated with the card.  Well, the phone number was associated with the card, and I tried a dozen times to no avail.  I was pretty degusted not being able to finally get to my money. 

This morning as soon as the credit union opened, I was there in the lobby waiting for someone to get this fixed.  It only took about five minutes and they had my card activated. 

Now, the ecomony will be rebounding with me being able to buy again.

What A Relief

Well, faithful readers, this morning, I thought I was one step away from going to the emergency room.  

When I got to work and turned on the computer, I couldn't read anything on the monitors.  It was all blurry.  I blinked my eyes a bizillion times, and ended up putting on my reader glasses and was finally able to read my emails and the monitor screens.  But something just wasn't right.  A dozen different scenarios kept going through my mind -- I'd had a stroke; I was going blind; etc, etc. 

I was ready to call my eye doctor and ask if I needed to go to the ER, then I decided to go to the bathroom and take the contacts out and rinse them with saline solution.  

As soon as I took out the contact in my right eye, I realized that I had the contacts in the wrong eyes.  I can count on two fingers the times that has happened in the 30+ years I've worn contact lens.  Boy did I feel equally stupid and relieved.

The Economy Will Now Rebound

I am very happy to say I got my new debit card in the mail today, so now I am able to access my money.  I'm sure that WalMart, Krogers, and Amazon have all missed me in the past week.  Never fear - I'm back in buying action.  I'm safer now, and am taking precautions when using my debit card online.  

I'm pretty sure the stock market will have a big day tomorrow now that I can shop again.

Trivia Contest Update

The Divas gave it their all tonight, but we fell short and I'm pretty sure we came in last place.  But it sure was fun.  And I learned quite a few things tonight, one of which is that the Panama Canal is in the Pacific Ocean.  I bet the farm that it was the Atlantic.  Well, not the farm, but I bet 4 points. 

Something You Don't See Every Day

We were on our way to church this morning, and had just turned from our road to the infamous, deadly Greenbelt Highway.  We hadn't gone 100 yards until I spotted a black bra in the middle of the road.  Hand to heaven, it was a black bra.  And it wasn't a small one, either.  Just from eye-balling it as I was driving by, I'm guessing it was at least a 42 or 44 DD.  

It's definitely something you don't see every day, especially on your way to church.

Security Tip Saturday

It's been one hell of a week, faithful readers.  Work was insanely busy, and I barely had time to go to the bathroom or get a cup of coffee all week long.  And on top of that, I had to deal with a very scary sitch:  someone hacked into my Walmart.Com account and tried (key word) to make two purchases totalling over $1300.  Thank goodness for Lifelock and the Card Fraud Detection software that my credit union uses. 

It turns out that the letter I received last week from the Card Fraud Detection Center was legit, even though when I did numerous searches for the 800 number on the letter I got info saying that it was a hoax.  First lesson -- we can't believe probably 90% of what we read on the internet. 

I called my credit union on Tuesday morning (while I was in the midst of a major crisis at work) and read the letter to them.  They told me it was legit and for me to call the number listed.  I called the number, and told them that there must be a mistake; I check my checking account at least a couple of times a day, and every charge that was listed was a legit charge made by me.  The guy asked me "On September 27 at 1:49 in the morning, a charge was attempted at Walmart.Com for $838.90, and our software blocked it.  Thirty minutes later, another charge for $438.90 was attempted, and the software blocked it, too."  I told him "The only time there is even more than $800 in my checking account is every other Friday morning at 12:01 when my paycheck is deposited.  Then within a few hours most of that is gone for bills."  He snickered, trying to maintain his stern professionalism.   He went on to say that I had two choices - to put a partial block on my debit card, meaning I would have to set up and use and additional PIN number when making a purchase in an actual store, but that I wouldn't be able to use it for online purchases.  Or I could put a total block on it and get a new debit card. 

Within a matter of just a couple of minutes, the old debit card had been blocked and cancelled and a new debit card was ordered.   I felt a little better, but decided then and there to make changes. 

First of all, I will no longer store my payment info for anything online.  Sure, this will only be a slight inconvenience, but it will keep me safer.  When my new debit card arrives and I am back to making payments, I will be 100% sure NOT to store the info at those sites, no matter how secure they are.  Second, I am going to use a prepaid debit card when I make any bill payments online or purchase anything online.  It will only take a minute to transfer money from my checking account to the prepaid debit card.  And I will transfer the money as-needed, and leave only a $50 balance in there; if someone were to hack in and get the prepaid debit card number, they won't be able to get much money.   Third, I'm going to try to be old school like the 'Rents and a few friends and try to pay with cash as much as possible, instead of whipping out the debit card for every little thing.  I'm not going to be toting around a purse full of cash, mainly because I don't have enough cash to fill one of my purses, but I will anticipate the next few days and get money from the ATM or from the credit union in person.

I hope that you, faithful readers, might learn from what happened to me.  Take a minute to think of how many places online that your payment account info is store -- Ticketmaster, Amazon.com, practically any online store.  Take another few minutes to go in and "un-store" that payment info.  You'll be glad you did.

Something You Don't Hear Every Day

Overheard at work today, and I quote:

"I think it's held there by centripital force."

Once again, I don't make this stuff up. 

Fantasy Football Update

I am bummed to report that I lost this past week by a mere 9 points.  That blew my perfect record, so now I am 3-1.  But I am in second place, so that's not too shabby, and we have a lot of the season left.  

It was still cool to say for three weeks, the teams that played against  me could say that they were beaten by a girl.

Still Decompressing

I apologize, but after the cray cray day I had at work, I'm spent.  I promise I will give an update on the drama that has been going on with me.  But for now, I need to detach and get away from it all for one night.

Oh What A Day

I'm not going to say this was one of the worst days ever at work or elsewhere, but it was eventful.  And it friggin wore me out.  I'm drained from everything that happened today, and I promise to update you, faithful readers, about it tomorrow.   But for now, I need to decompress. 

Stay On Guard

Today, I received a very official looking letter in the mail with the return address of "Card Fraud Detection."  As soon as I saw the name on the return address, I knew it was a scam.  It said "this letter is to inform you that there have been recent transactions on your card that indicate someone may be using your card without your knowledge."  Let me interject that it SHOULD have said "this is to inform you that YOU have been using your card too many times on Amazon.com."  But I digress. It went on to give a phone number for me to call immediately.  

The first thing I did was go to the Kentucky Attorney General's web page, and I found numerous complaints about this, and I took a few minutes to file my own complaint.

Please pass this on,especially to any elderly folks you know - I'm sure there are many, many unsuspecting people out there that would call this number and end up giving them their debit/credit card number.  

Only In The Ohio Valley, Part 2

Just as I predicted yesterday, we had the furnace was still on this morning, and then it warmed up and was very humid and then a/c was back on. 

Stay turned.  I'm sure we'll probably follow the same pattern for a few days this week.

Only In The Ohio Valley

Once again, we're having crazy weather in the Ohio Valley.  And once again, we go from having the air conditioner on one day, to having to turn on the furnace the next day because the high is only supposed to get to 49 degrees. 

Stay tuned.  I'm guessing it will be back up in the 90's in a few days.

Really?

I am going on record and saying that I hope that AT&T will stop their daily calling to get me to switch to U-Verse. 

I am not joking when I say that they call every day.  It has got  to stop eventually.  I do not want U-Verse.  And I tell them that every time they call. 

When will the madness end?  I'm guessing never. 

Team Bud Update

This afternoon was Dad's check-up with his cardiologist, and I am mega excited to say he got an excellent report!  Two weeks ago, after the results from blood work came back, the cardiologist called and told him to stop taking two of his meds.  Today, the doctor checked him over thoroughly and said that the current meds he is taking are in deed making his heart stronger, and his body is doing just fine after being off the other two meds.  The doctor said he's rarely seen an 81 year-old in that great shape.  I don't need to tell you that made Dad (and Mom and me) feel awesome.

Thanks again for your prayers and well wishes for him.  

Happy Belated National Coffee Day

TWIT would like to apologize for being a day late in wishing everyone a happy national Coffee Day yesterday.   Without our post, I hope that you, faithful readers, were able to get some good coffee to celebrate the day. 

TWIT will be more observant and responsible in wishing you, faithful readers, happy future national holidays. 

That's Just Trivial

I am very happy to report that the team "The Divas" came in first place at the trivia contest last night, and are the proud winners of a $25 gift card for the pub.  Add to that a $15 gift card we won last week for coming in second place, and we're doing pretty darned good.  

We do realize our limits, however, and our homework for this week is for us both to brush up on our state capitols.  

Wish us luck next week!

Way To Go, Puddin

I am very happy to report that after three weeks of NFL games, I am in first place in the fantasy football league at work.  Yep, that means for the past three weeks, three of my coworkers have been beaten by a girl.  And I hope to keep the streak going as long as my luck and the health and strength of my players holds out. 

I wish I'd had the foresight to bet $50 on one of the many pay fantasy football sites out there.  If I had, I might have been able to get a new deluxe iPhone 6S or put my order in for the new iPad.  Oh well.  I'll take the wins and be happy with bragging rights for the past three weeks.

Happy Lunar Eclipse

The 'Rents and I are primed and ready to watch the Blood Moon/Lunar Eclipse tonight.  The Old Man and I just had a shot of tequila and we are ready to watch.  We have a couple of hours before the partial eclipse starts, so there could possibly be a nap, beings we've been gone all day.  But we will be outside hoping for a clear sky.  

We've had a great time this summer watching the Space Station as it passed by.  We appreciate NASA's website keeping us posted of the fly-by's.  

It Doesn't Matter

We're dealing with a clogged drain here at The Compound today, but in the scope of things, it doesn't matter.  

I got a call yesterday morning from my Dad's cousin, telling us that his daughter - his only child - had died suddenly.  She lived in Chicago, and had a son.  They won't know any details about her death until a couple of months when they will give the autopsy and toxicology reports.  But like I said, in the scope of things, my Dad's cousin Wayne would wish that a clogged drain was all he had to deal with today.

Once again, I have to say that the Lord allows certain things to happen to us and around us to get our attention and to teach us something.  I got the message loud and clear, God.

Thank You, Little Queenie

I went to the track today aka Churchill Downs.  It was an awesome way to end a great week.  I went with one of my dear coworkers PW.  It was a bittersweet visit to the track.  PW will most likely be going to work at our sister company in Taiwan within the next six months.  He'll be there for about five years.  Yep, that sucks for me, but it is an awesome opportunity for him.  So to celebrate and spend some time together before he goes, we went to the track today.  We had an awesome time (sorry for using "awesome" so much, but it's descriptive and it fits.)  

My friend PW came out quite a bit ahead on his betting, and thanks to Little Queenie in the 9th, I broke even.  There were a number of reasons I bet on Little Queenie.  First, "Little Queen" is on of my fave songs by my beloved group Heart.  Second, it was a gray horse.  Third, a former coworker Kray-Z Kay used to call me Queenie.  So I just had to bet on it.  And $140 later, I'm glad I did. 

I Am Blessed

I know I have a lot of friends that care about not only me but the 'Rents.  I am beyond blessed to have so many friends that called, emailed, texted or posted messages on FB to my sweet Mother yesterday for her birthday.  Sure, in the FB era we've grown to expect our FB friends to post a birthday greeting to us, but for so, so many people to take the time to send a birthday message to my Mother made me feel ten feet tall.  

Thanks again to all of you that made my Mother's birthday so special to her.  You all rock. 

Happy Birthday, Mom

TWIT would like to wish a very happy birthday to my sweet, sweet Mother.  To quote her, she said "this was the best birthday day ever."  The Old Man and I made it our mission today to make sure she did in deed have the best birthday ever.  So far, we've done pretty darned good. 

Farewell, Farmtown 2015

We knew this day would come, and it's a bit sad  - we say farewell to Farmtown 2015.  The 'Rents pulled up the tomatoes today and all that remains are Mom's flowers.  

With the cray cray weather we had, we are very happy that the garden did as good as it did. Before they took down the tomato plants today, they picked about half of a half-bushel basket of green tomatoes. Although the bounty wasn't as plentiful as last year's garden, we still were able to give tomatoes to friends from Evansville to Prospect this summer.  

The 'Rents are already planning on Farmtown 2016;  in a couple of months, the seed catalogs will be arriving in the mail, and Dad is already mapping out a planting plan according to the Farmer's Almanac.

Way To Go, Divas!

I am happy to report that the team The Divas won second place in the weekly trivia contest at a local pizza joint tonight.  The team consists of yours truly and Diva Stacy, although we had help on a few questions from Diva Stacy's hubby.  I think this is awesome for our first attempt - considering we were in a foreign place (meaning, we've never been there before together) and we had no clue as to the protocol or rules of the contest.  But we quickly learned - well enough to win a gift card for our second place prize. 

We are already looking forward to next Monday's contest.   Go Divas. 

Unpleasant Sunday

Things are not very pleasant here at The Compound tonight.  Yours truly burned a bag of microwave popcorn and we've tried for over an hour to get the stench out of the house.  The 'Rents aren't very happy with me over this, but it is what it is.  At least it didn't set off the smoke detector or heaven forbid the smoke alarm like it did in at work one day a couple of years ago.  The fire department even came out for that.  Pardon me while I go spray some more Lysol and Febreeze. 

How Cool Is This?

I just spent the last two yours playing You Tube videos on Dad's iPad for him and Mom.  And it was a blast.  For the songs that I played that he really liked, I saved them to his "Favorites" so he can play them again.  How many 81 year olds do you know that are interested in that?  I hope that I'm half that cool when I get 81. 

Flashback Friday

This week, I thought about my beloved 1978 VW Rabbit.  We called it "Stonewall".  Not sure why, but that was it's name. 

I loved that car, and drove it until the engine blew and that was all she wrote.  But it was a great car during my first years as a driver.  When the Energy Crisis of 78 hit, the 'Rents sold our cool Chevy van and bought the Rabbit.  I'm pretty sure it got about 50 miles a gallon.  The stereo in it was awesome, and the only drawback was that it didn't have air conditioning, but it was a fun car.  

I sure wish I still had Stonewall. 

Another [Not Really] Non-Word Overheard

"I have a good report with them."  

We're hoping they have a good rapport in order to get a good report.  

Something You Don't Hear Every Day

A dear friend was telling me about her daughter's soccer team and how it is all effed up.  I don't feel I am betraying, because my friend would be the first to say that her daughter's soccer team is most definitely effed up.  It's effed because there is no leadership or coaching. 

The team's coach said he is qualified to coach to team because (and I quote) "I watched soccer on TV."  I might have paraphrased it but to the best of my memory, that's the quote I heard.  Hell, he might as well have said that he played a soccer video game and was really good at it.

Heaven help these precious kids and their soccer team. 

Whiskey River, Don't Run Dry

Link Of The Week

I just found a very cool link, and it's time sensitive - it's (and I quote) "9 awesome paid iPhone apps on sale for free today!"  You can check it out at http://bgr.com/2015/09/14/best-free-iphone-apps-ipad-sep-14/.  I downloaded a couple myself.  They won't be free for long, so check them out today. I will try (key word) to remember to check out this site every Monday morning and post the link for my faithful readers that have iPhones. 

Way To Go, Titans

TWIT would like to say way to go to the Tennessee Titans led by quarterback Marcus Mariota on their season opening win over Tampa Bay, 42-14.

What a display of us Titaning Up! 

 

Security Tip Saturday

In case you didn't already know, September is Emergency Preparedness Month.  The Red Cross, Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, and other organizations are promoting emergency preparedness. They recommend 3 days worth of  food, water and supplies.

TWIT gave you the lists of items to buy to complete your family's emergency kit last year, and you can find the lists in the TWIT archives.  But in case you are new or don't want to bother with looking back, here's the basics for you:

Water - in gallon or 2 liter bottles; as long as the bottles are clean, it doesn't matter.  What matters is that you need water more than you need food to survive in an emergency.  The recommended dose is one gallon per day per person.  

Food - make sure the food is preferably something you don't have to heat up.  Granted, it might not taste all that good, but we can all eat a can of beanie weenies or some Spam or even a can of soup unheated.  Get some soups, fruits, veggies and anything already cooked in easy-to-open cans.  Or get some protein bars.  They might not be as tasty as a slab of steak or other meat, but they will give you protein and energy in an emergency.   And go to Wal-Mart and look in their camping section or go online  - you can get an inexpensive stove to heat up the food.  Or you can always find MRE's on eBay if you want to order some. 

Meds - if you are on prescription meds or daily recommended OTC meds, make sure you have at least a 3 day supply set aside in your emergency kit.  Also have Aspirin or Tylenol, Imodium AD, anti-acid pills, allergy meds, or any other supplements you take.

Lighting - make sure you have flashlights with fresh batteries, candles, matches, extra batteries and light sticks.  I buy light sticks at the dollar stores for a quarter.  They will work just fine in an emergency.

Blankets - we're in September and not dealing with freezing temps, but you still need a blanket for every person in your family.  

Radio - it's old school, but every family needs a battery-powered radio.  You can get them at the grocery store, department stores or online.  Preferably, one that is battery-powered and also hand-cranked.  You need to have a radio that will get the NOAA weather channel and also local channels for news.  

There's a ton of other things I could list, but these are the basics you need.  

Flashback Friday

This was a somber day in our country, but I vividly remember this day, and will always remember it.

I was in my cubicle, and my Sweet Mother had called me to check in, like she or I did every morning.  While we were talking, she had on the Today Show.  As we were talking about something, I heard her go silent.  Then she said "A plane just hit the World Trade Center."  She stayed on the phone with me, relaying the info from the news they were watching.  After about  15 minutes of her giving me info that she was hearing from the TV, she gasped, and said "Oh my God.  Another plane hit the second tower." 

I hung up the phone from talking with her, but it was reluctant.  At the time, we didn't know what was going on, or if we would be around later to be able to talk to our loved ones again.

The next vivid thing I remember was walking past my boss's office, where he had comandeered a TV, and had the news on.  I stopped in the doorway and watched just as the towers were collapsing.  I don't need to tell you it truly made me sick at my stomach.  I ran to the bathroom, and sheltered there for a few minutes.  At this point, I honestly thought this was the end of the world. 

But it wasn't.  There was more destruction - the Pentagon was hit by a third plane, and then the fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania.  Then we started getting reports of anthrax being let loose.  Yep, I was for sure the end of the world was coming that day.  But it didn't.

The next day, the country started digging out, and we were ready to fight.  And we still are ready.  I know I am.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Deflate Gate is behind us, and tonight marks the start of the 2015 NFL season!! 

I have been waiting for this for seven long, long months.  

I'm getting ready to take a nap so I can stay up and watch tonight's season opener between my beloved Patriots and the Steelers.  Lest you forget, I have to be at work at 6:00 tomorrow morning, thus my need for a nap.

TWIT would like to wish all the best of luck to all of the NFL teams, and we pray for a safe, injury-free season for all.

Now, are you ready for some football???!!!!!

Are We Sure THIS Wasn't Monday, Too?

Well, as part of being a supervisor, I had to deal with a disciplinary matter today at work.  I hated it, and dreaded it all day long, but I got it done. 

I still think this was more like a Monday instead of a Wednesday. 

Are You Sure This Wasn't Monday?

I know what the calendar says, but I am still not totally convinced that today wasn't Monday. 

Happy Labor Day

TWIT would like to wish all of the hard working faithful readers a very happy Labor Day.  On this day, we are very thankful that we were not at work laboring.  Nuff said. 

Something You Don't See Every Day

I've never seen any of the Star Wars movies, and most likely never will, but I do love my Beverly Hillbillies.  

And it also makes me feel very old because there's a whole big generation that will not have a clue as to why people my age think this is funny.  

Thank You, Krogers

After driving around the parking lot perimeter 3 times this morning at Krogers, I gave up and decided I was not going to park a mile away and then do my shopping; Diva Stacy suggested I wait until the UofL football game was on to do my shopping.  And that's what I did.  

I got a parking space on the end, and even with my shopping list I was in and out in with enough time to spare to get ready to go to the Bats game.

I would like to thank the meat clerk that had to help me not once but twice today - first, to cut my gigantic pork roast in half, and second, to get me a pound of shrimp.  Your service was awesome, and I called back and told the manager how much you rock. 

You Can Fight City Hall, Sorta

On the infamous Greenbelt Highway close to The Compound, there was a big uneven patch of pavement.  I'm convinced it caused many a car to have a front end alignment or new set of shocks installed.  I got fed up and went online and reported the spot, and lo and behold this week, I discovered that the road fairies had patched the spot! 

I thank the MetroSafe folks who monitor these reports, and I thank the crew that patched the spot.

It's Going To Be A Long Night

For the last hour, I've been on the phone with Customer Service from the illustrious Time Warner Cable.  We haven't had phone service at The Compound since about 1:00.  I don't need to tell you that tempers are getting short.  

They just now transferred me to the 4th different person to try and fix this. I'm not very optimistic right now.  At this point, we might be rummaging through the garbage can and look for two soup cans and get some string to rig up our communication device.

August Foggy Morning Total

Here at The Compound, we ended up with 7 foggy mornings in August.   According to the Farmers Almanac and a lot of old wives tales, that would mean we will have 7 tracking snows here in our area.  

As always, I will keep you posted.

Thank Ya, Thank Ya Very Much

TWIT would like to thank Shauny and Painter Steve for putting the roof on the carport at The Compound today.  You guys rock.  It was all My Sweet Mother could do to keep from The Old Man getting up on the roof and helping you, but she managed to do it.  

This is just proof positive that we have the best neighbors around.  Shauny gave up a precious, precious day off from the PRP Fire Department to put the roof on our old carport.  Painter Steve helped out bigtime, not to be hampered by his arm that had just had carpal tunnel surgery.  You both are awesome and we are oh so proud to consider you not just friend but family. 

 

Two In A Row

I am very happy to report that this is the second day in a row that I walked a mile.  There were a dozen excuses and reasons I could have made not to walk this evening, but I didn't.  I just got out and did my walk.

Tomorrow, I hope to post "Three In A Row."

I'll keep you posted.

Happy Sunday

I don't really have a lot to report today, other than I walked about a mile this evening.  That's something new to report.  And I'm already feeling tired from it, but at least I did it.  That was one mile more than I walked yesterday.

My plan is to walk again after work tomorrow in the air conditioned comfort of my big office building.  And my plan is to walk every day after work. 

I'll keep you posted. 

Public Service Announcement

To my faithful readers that are on Facebook:

1. James Earl Jones did not die this week.  
2. Willie Nelson is not dead, either.
3. On Thursday, Mars was not visibly as big as earth, nor will it ever be. 
4. Oakley and Ray-Ban will never sell you their expensive glasses for $29.99 or less. 
5. Krogers is not giving away $200 gift cards.  Well, they'll give you one if you give them $200, but you get  
    my point. 
6. A little boy (or girl) in a hospital bed with tubes and IVs connected is not going to get a free heart  
    transplant if the Facebook post gets 100 "likes". 

The moral of this post is to please, please, please check before you share a post on FB.

Happy Birthday, Shania Twain

TWIT would like to wish Shania Twain a very happy birthday.  The awesome singer is 50 years young today. 

I will go on record as saying I do not know anyone that looked this good when they turned 50.  Just saying. 

Keep up the great work, Shania! 

So Happy It's Thursday

(You put together the capital letters). 

Today was the worst day I've had at work in all of my 26+ years there.  If I didn't have a student loan, I  probably would have quit today.  

I'm thankful for my strong Daddy who talked me down from the ledge this morning. 

I'm praying for strength for tomorrow and next week.  I pray that I will keep my  mouth shut and not say what I truly feel. 

Happy National Dog Day

On National Dog Day, TWIT would like to recognize the best dog that I ever had the pleasure of knowing, Rocky. 

He left us a couple of years ago, but there is not a day that goes by that me, the Rents, and others here in the area of The Compound don't think of him.  I still think you should be standing at the back porch door with your tail wagging, waiting for one of us to open the door to the house and let you in.

Rocky wasn't officially our dog, but he almost never left my Sweet Mother's side.  When she was outside while he was outside, he was right by her side every step she took.  And when he would come to the house to visit, he was still always by her side. 

We still miss you, Rocky.  You were definitely one of a kind, and can never be replaced.  Thank you for your faithful and loyal service to all of us that loved you.  

Something You Don't See Every Day

I just got back from my almost-daily trip to Krogers, and tonight while checking out, I noticed something that I hadn't seen before.  It was a machine the size of an ATM that gave you cash for your old cell phone.  I didn't look at the fine print, so I don't know if they only give you cash for iPhones or new phones or what, but I was definitely intrigued.  I wonder how much they'd give me for my ancient Nokia flip phone?