football

I have been a Minnesota Viking fan since I was a little kid. Being born and raised in Packer country, that is really not something you admit out loud too often. Buttttttttt, the Slackers, err the Packers, even, have done such an incredible job of looking like chit, I decided I had the right to brag :D Minnesota is going to the playoffs, are the Packers? Nope. Granted the Vikings will probably get their butts spanked in the first game, but they still made it further than Green Bay did.

Politically Incorrect

This is snippet from an interview Clint Eastwood had with CNN.

CNN: When you read the script, were you at all concerned about the nature of the language?

Clint Eastwood: No, I wasn't. If you're going to learn something and progress in the movie as a character, you have to start as something else in order to learn tolerance. And your character obviously is never too old to learn that, so he has to be a certain way.

But I -- being politically incorrect -- I find [it] fascinating because I hate the so-called PC thing. I think that's one of the things that's damaging our generation at the present time. Everybody is taking themselves and everything so seriously. If they just relax a little more and take themselves and everything else a little less seriously, they'd have a lot more fun.

Full interview can be found here.

I could not agree more with that. People are getting way to wound up on the little things. Everything you say, do, or wear is going to bother someone. Get a life, live a little.

My favorite winter picture so far.

This one was taken at 10:30 Sunday morning. It is by far, my most favorite shot, that I have taken this year of snow scenes.

(click to enlarge)

more winter pics

Winter Pics

We went from rain and dense fog yesterday, to this today. Don't you just love Mother Nature's sense of humor.

FOG

This color is about what it looked like at 8:00a.m. this morning. No visibility at all. When I let the dogs out, they literally disappeared from sight. Later in the morning, it started raining. So now we have a layer of ice then a layer of slop, which makes driving a real challenge. Later tonight it is suppose to start snowing heavily. So the slush will freeze on top of the ice, and the snow will cover the frozen slush. There is nothing better than driving down a snow covered road with hidden frozen ruts. Our motto, out here in the middle of nowhere is "keep it between the trees". Believe it or not, some days, that is exactly how we drive. You can't see the road edge, so you literally try and keep it between the trees.

loldog

And that is how I feel after taking my daughter post Christmas shopping.

Blessed Yule, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah

May you and yours have a very wonderful holiday. Whichever one it is you celebrate. As a friend of mine likes to say........May you get everything you need. And half of what you want :D

x-mas movie quiz

Your Christmas is Most Like: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

You can't really get into the Christmas spirit... But it usually gets to you by the end of the holiday.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

Yeah, that fits.

more dog pics

Here's some new pictures of the boys.

winter pics

walking in a winter wonderland

Reindeer

REMEMBER THIS AT CHRISTMAS TIME
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl. We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat-a$$ man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.


This does not surprise me in the least.

Remains identified

The remains found in a wooded area last week in Orange County, Florida, are those of Caylee Anthony, authorities confirmed at a news conference Friday.

Caylee Anthony, 2, has been missing since June in a case that has received national attention.

The announcement marks the end of a six-month search for the 2-year-old.

"It is with regret that I'm here to inform you that the skeletal remains found on December 1 are those of the missing toddler," Orange County Medical Examiner Dr. Jan Garavaglia said.

She said the cause of death was homicide, but she could not determine how Caylee was killed.

Casey Anthony, 22, faces charges including first-degree murder in the June disappearance of her daughter. Remains described as being those of a small child were found last week a half-mile from Casey Anthony's parents' home, in the area where a meter reader first directed police.

I know the mother was arrested but has yet to be convicted. The evidence hasn't been brought out yet, and everyone is presumed innocent, until proven otherwise. But when they do convict someone, I hope they have a very slow, very painful death. Whether it be by the government or other means. I don't believe in vigilante justice often, but when a child is involved, All Bets Are OFF.

Brrrrrrr

The last week or so has been unbelievably cold out. Wind chills in the minus 30 degree category. Now they are calling for more of that white crap. If we aren't getting buried, we are getting frozen like popsicles. If it was up to me, I would be somewhere on a nice island. Where the temp never drops below 80, there are no insects, and no creepy crawlies. Wishful thinking I know, but hey, it's my fantasy. Oh yeah, and if I can't have Vin Diesel there, then I want a huge library of books :D

quiz

Just one more for this week. I saw it and figured what the heck.

Your result for The What type of MAN turns you on Test...

Tough guy

You scored 75% masculine, 76% athletic, 45% exotic, and 50% refined!

You love men, you love testosterone and you know it. You like a bad-ass man who knows what he wants. He isn't what you might bring home to mom but I don't think it really matters - he's hot! Someone like.....Vin Diesel.

Take The What type of MAN turns you on Test at HelloQuizzy

Ohhhhh yeah. Dead right on this one :D

Test Who You Are in the Steampunk Ether City of Salmagundi

Your result for Test Who You Are in the Steampunk Ether City of Salmagundi...

Arcanist-Major Edmund Ras (the Sorcerer)

37% Cerys, 74% Ras, 20% Bell, 28% Wilde, 57% LeClerc, 13% Kendrick and 8% Fuzzy!

You are Arcanist-Major Edmund Ras of the Praxian Alliance, assigned as liaison to the Legion of Peace. You are a scholar, a scientist, and a sorcerer, in a city that distrusts the first two and despises the third. Though you are kind-hearted and concerned about the betterment of others, the hostility you routinely encounter has left you jaded and sardonic. You have a sharp tongue and a very dark sense of humor, and you delight in mocking those with irrational fears and prejudices. Your outlook on life teeters between the optimistic and the resigned, and you still can’t decide if humanity is worth the trouble. Still, even if humanity is doomed to self-destruction you are willing to risk your life to give it just one more generation.

Intrigued? Learn more about G. D. Falksen's Salmagundi and the Cities of Ether here

Take Test Who You Are in the Steampunk Ether City of Salmagundi at HelloQuizzy

Funny

In honor of my law enforcement buddies and bloggers, I give you

Snow Day

Well it was bound to happen, it does every year. We got hammered by a storm. Estimates are now up to 10-14 inches by the time it stops, somewhere around midnight tonight. Being the smart cat that I am, I decided to stay home. Pretty much every school in the area is closed, except my daughter's tech school. She's not going in either though. So, seeing as my family is safe at home, I give you Let It Snow by Frank Sinatra

beautiful day

Well it's another balmy day here in Wisconsin. The thermometer says it's 2 degrees out, but we have lots of sun and no wind. So it doesn't feel that cold. The dogs played in the snow for awhile, the puppy still isn't sure what to make of it.
They are calling for a major snow storm starting sometime tomorrow into Tuesday, with accumulations heading towards the 8 to 10 inch mark. I just love having to be on the road at 4 a.m. after a big blow like that, because the plows usually haven't been out. It's a contest between me and Mother Nature to see who retains control of my jeep. So far I have been extremely fortunate in winning. But then I also only drive at a snail's pace. Don't want to give her any more advantages then she already has ;)
Living way out in the middle of nowhere, we might see a plow sometime on Thursday, by then most of the snow will be packed down and polished to a high glass shine. By then end of December our road should resemble Wyatt's hockey rink. Bring the skates boys, it's party time.

funnies

A good Aussie friend of mine sent me some funnies. I will post a couple for your amusement.
and

Baby it's cold out there

Got up this morning and checked the weather. It was 1 degree outside. Why bother giving us that one stinking degree? Do you think it makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside? Well it doesn't! My jeep complained rather loudly at having to start, and I don't blame it one bit. I didn't want to start either. Good thing I have Fridays off and only had to drop the daughter off at school as her car is in the shop getting new tires. Ran to the store, picked up some things we needed, and high tailed my frozen butt home.
I am so ready for summer. The hotter the better. Not a good sign seeing as how winter hasn't even really started here yet.
(thinks warm thoughts, the kind that don't land you in jail :P )

It's A Girl!

Two of my favorite bloggers have each welcomed a daughter into the world. Pop on over and congratulate Wyatt and Jumpout.

Garbage kitty

As I was prepping and cooking for Thanksgiving, I found an unusual item in the garbage. At first I thought I was seeing things. Upon closer examination, I realized I really was seeing what I thought it was. There was a cat curled up, sound asleep, in there. I had been tossing things on top of him as I worked. Why he never woke up I have no idea. This is the same cat curled up with the dogs on the recliner in another picture.

deer hunting

And so it begins, accidental shootings and bodies. It never fails, every year someone gets hurt or killed by careless hunters. And someone stumbles onto a body.
You are walking around, or sitting, with a LOADED weapon. Please pay attention to where you are aiming. Don't make that spur of the moment, adrenaline rushed shot at that trophy buck. I have heard of no less than 3 hunting related accidents already, 2 of which, one member of the same hunting party shot another one. The third one was a self inflicted accident. (in my opinion stupidity)
There have also been reports of 2 bodies found by hunters. One was a badly decomposed female. The second one just a skeleton. Let's hope they find whoever these people belong to, and bring some closure to a couple families out there.
Make sure if you're hunting alone, someone knows where you are and when to expect you home.
Stay safe out there!

Dennis DeYoung - The Music of Styx

Many people know I am a music and book collector. At any giving time I have 1200 books at home, in a variety of genre. My music collection is nearing 20,000 songs, also in a wide variety. (except rap, I can not stand rap)
Recently I added Dennis DeYoung - The music of Styx, live with full orchestra. Let me tell you, if you are a fan of Styx, or that type of music, you NEED this collection. The first song I listened too from the set was Grand Illusion, it was absolutely fantastic! In my opinion, it blew away the original hands down. The other stand out for me was Show Me The Way, he sang it with no music what so ever. His voice was crisp and clear. Fabulous.

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you and yours have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving this year.

deer hunting

To all the big deer hunters, I couldn't let the season opener start without posting this just for you :D The 30 point buck, and The second week of deer camp, by Da Yoopers Stay safe out there.

dumb laws 1

During one of my mindless searches on the internet I decided to look up dumb laws still on the books for my state. (and no I don't mean state of confusion)

Sun Prarie: Dogs and cats restricted on cemeteries.
Section 6.04.080

No dog or cat shall be permitted in any public cemetery. Every dog specially trained to lead blind persons shall be exempt from this section.

(Prior code � 7-1-8)

ok, and you're going to stop them HOW? Are there doggy and kitty police just waiting to arrest their furry arses the minute they enter said cemetery?

Boredom

Ever just wandered through the internet, just to see what's out there? Followed link after link from one site to another? Now, for those of you without one heck of an anti virus and spy ware remover, I don't suggest doing this. For those of you comfortable with weird, strange and sometimes just downright disgusting things, try it sometime. I'm simply amazed at what is actually out there. What people take the time to write, upload and generally put out for the publics general viewing pleasures. (if that's what you want to call it)

Thanksgiving

Well, Thanksgiving is next week. I've been working on the menu, asking everyone's input. The final menu goes as follows: turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, green beans, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie, black forest pie, apple pie and cheesecake. I hope to get the pies and cheesecake done on Wednesday, but I'm not sure it will happen. I work till 4:30 and won't be home until close to 5:30.

Thank You

To each and every Veteran out there, I wish to convey my sincere thanks for what you did for our country.
Goddess bless you, one and all.

Vin Diesel : Hunk Of the Month

(drools) Ok, I will admit, he is one of the absolutely best looking men on the planet, at least in my opinion. I would love just 30 minutes with that one :D
(maybe an hour)
(ok 3 or 4 would be better)

S N O W

I heard the Dakotas got hammered with a storm. I'm kind of hoping it stays away, but that is wishful thinking on my part. We usually get what they get a day or so later, but usually not as intense. The wood is in the basement ready to keep us warm this winter, and the LP tank is full as backup. Mother Nature is going to do what she wants anyhow, so Bring It On.

New President

Well, Obama won the elections, it's finally over and done with. Adjust, get over it, move on.

Blessed Samhain

Original video obtained from Youtube

Fate works in mysterious ways

Well I just found out my old place of employment is heading down the tubes, and rather quickly from the sounds of it. I was laid off in March of 2007, and now I'm glad I was. It gave me a head start on finding a job ahead of all the rest of them.
Yes, I took over a four dollar an hour pay cut at the new place. Yes, I lost 3 weeks of vacation. BUT, and this is a big one, I found a new job less then two months later. I am back up to two weeks vacation, and I have health insurance again. The ones getting laid off now are entering a job market that is way worse off then when I was looking. I feel absolutely terrible for those just now getting the ax, and I wish them all well in their search.

It had to happen

Well, it's happened. The weatherman is calling for a chance of rain turning to that 4 letter S word for Monday. I am sooooooo not ready for winter. I am a warm weather, Hot summer days, kind of person. Not minus 30 degree wind chill, kind of person.

Soon we will be a$$ deep in the white chit here, and once again I will have to wrestle mother nature for the right to remain on the road for my 60 mile round trip to work.

I really think I may have been switched at birth, and somewhere down south there is someone who absolutely loves cold weather.

You Tell 'em Granny

89-Year-Old Woman Accused Of Theft Over Football

BLUE ASH, Ohio -- An 89-year-old Ohio woman faces a charge of petty theft because neighborhood children said she refused to give back their football.
Edna Jester was placed under arrest last week and taken to the police station in Blue Ash.Police say there had been an ongoing dispute over the errant football and a child's parent called to report that Jester kept the ball after it landed in her yard again.
“I'm 89 years old and I want a little piece of mind,” Jester said. “This is my life here in this chair, looking out that door, and all I see is playing the ball down and all over and all over. If it doesn't come in my yard, OK, but if it comes in my yard, I'm going to get it. No trespassing.”

Blue Ash Police Capt. James Schaffer said Monday that police warned Jester twice and finally arrested her after she refused to accept a citation."She chose to take a stand," Schaffer said, saying she told police to handcuff her, but they wouldn't do that.He said Jester wasn't a troublemaker, but that police had been to the neighborhood several times to try to mediate similar disputes.
“The actual rule is if you take the property of another and convert it to your own use, it's theft,” Schaffer said. “She was told by the police two times, give the ball back or you face criminal charges, and she refused to do so.”
Jester must appear in mayor's court next month.“I'm not giving the ball up, no,” Jester said.
“That's the only protection I have. They know if it comes in my yard I'll get it, and that keeps them off of me a little.”The football, valued at $15, is being held for evidence, Schaffer said.
The potential maximum penalty for a petty theft conviction in Ohio is six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.Schaffer said he suspects the mayor or presiding magistrate will take into account her age and lack of criminal record when the case comes up.“We don't like arresting 89-year-old women,” Schaffer said. “We don't like going into neighborhood disputes like this, and taking them to the extreme, but some times you're backed into a corner.”

Maybe its just me, but it seems a little extreme, for her to be facing 6 months in jail, plus a fine, when the little brats were repeatedly caught trespassing.

kodak moment

Oscar the cat.

Oscar decided to see what I was up to, he had a bird's eye view from the top of my monitor. Good thing it's an old crt screen or his 25 pounds would have toppled it over many times.

Sexy Timepiece

A man is sitting at a bar one night, wearing a fancy new watch, covered with buttons and lights and dials. The woman next to him says, "Wow, that's a really fancy watch."

Thanks, says the guy, "It's the cutting edge of technology. I can telepathically ask this watch anything I want to know, and it'll answer me, telepathically."

"Rubbish," says the girl.

"No, it's true," says that guy. "Look, tell you what, I'll prove it. I'll ask it if you've got any panties on."

The guy scrunches up his eyes for a moment, as if concentrating hard to talk to his watch, then opens them and says, "Nope, it says you haven't got any panties on."

"Well, it's wrong," says the girl, "I do have panties on."

"Damn," says the guy, slapping his watch, "it's an hour fast!"

Courtesy of comedy central.com

the boys

These are our boys, Stan is a 5 year old yellow lab and Tucker is a 3 month old chocolate lab.

Autumn

As summer slowly releases us from her heated embrace, autumn welcomes us with her cooling kisses. Her visual displays of reds, oranges, and yellows, perhaps the most colorful season of all, are but a fleeting moment in time. Winter is just around the corner, but to ignore autumn's offerings is pure seasonal neglect. It is a time of harvest, and celebration.

My personal favorite holiday is coming up soon. Samhain, All Hallow's Eve, or Halloween if you prefer.

For now enjoy the last few days of warm sunshine, enjoy the riot of colors provided to you, live life to the fullest.

Political snafu

Now isn't this the truth ....... McCain makes a verbal oooopsie of tremendous proportion, but unfortunately it's how many feel. Best one i have heard so far :D

it's an ON ramp not the speed way

Was on my way to town this afternoon, when some idiot decides to freaking fly past me on the shoulder of the on ramp, by the time I merged with traffic he was long gone. Were you in such a hurry that you couldn't wait for me to get into traffic that you had to make you own lane??! Dayem drivers, and people wonder why there are so many accidents. He's very lucky I didn't happen to move just a bit to the right or he would have been road pizza.

Song of the week

Poison – Every Rose has It’s Thorn

We both lie silently still
in the dead of the night
Although we both lie close together
We feel miles apart inside

Was it something I said or something I did
Did the words not come out right
Though I tried not to hurt you
Though I tried
But I guess that's why they say

Chorus:
Every rose has its thorn
Just like every night has its dawn
Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song
Every rose has its thorn

Yeah it does

I listen to our favorite song
playing on the radio
Hear the DJ say loves a game of easy come and
easy go
But I wonder does he know
Has he ever felt like this
And I know that you'd be here somehow
If I could have let you know somehow
I guess

Chorus

Though it's been a while now
I can still feel so much pain
Like a knife that cuts you the wound heals
but the scar, that scar remains

Solo

I know I could have saved a love that night
If I'd known what to say
Instead of makin' love
We both made our separate ways

But now I hear you found somebody new
and that I never meant that much to you
To hear that tears me up inside

And to see you cuts me like a knife
I guess

Chorus

Sick days are NOT extra vacation days.

We have a lady at work who figures if you have sick days, you should use them as personal vacation days. I hate people who dislike their job soooo much they think like this. With you out enjoying yet another day off we have to pick up the slack. We already have 3 weeks vacation plus 2 personal days, That doesn't count all the holidays they give you. We have 3 day weekends also, as we work four ten hour days.
How much time off do you really need in a year?!

It was a sign!!!!!!

Some days it just doesn't pay to play on the computer. There I was minding my own business, when all he11 broke loose. Physical memory dump. BSOD. Tries to think of what I deleted or changed that I shouldn't have. All I can come up is the registry cleaner, which I have used many times before without this kind of catastrophic ending. Many people know I have a tendency to fry harddrives (6 in the last 8 years, not to mention 2 motherboards) and I really thought I had this time also. But luckily after a failed system restore and repair, a full format brought it back to life.