Friday, June 10, 2011
Boiling hot still...
6-10-11 end of week brain
Not much to write about. I've had a good work week, been productive.... and also enjoyed my KC time with Greg and Clover, and spend a little time with Molly as we played tennis twice in the heat (Saturday morning and Wednesday night). I'm bored with the heat and glad it is suppose to cool down some this weekend.
I've been avoiding listening to too much radio, TV or news.... but I have been up to date with the "Weinergate" news, thanks to Jon Steward.... and I'm already bored with it all, so I won't dwell on that here.
Instead..... much to your dismay probably.... Facebook this week drew me back into the past.....and my blood boiled again. It was the 10th anniversary of the Bush Tax Cuts. Sometimes I find myself fantasizing what life would be like today IF Al Gore had a full recount in Florida and was the President instead of Bush. It would probably be like living in an alternative universe. (That's my opinion anyway)....
.... President Bush inherited perhaps the strongest federal balance sheet in postwar history. There were record-high surpluses, debt was at around 30 percent of GDP and falling, and the Congressional Budget Office projected that the federal government would be debt free by 2009. The country was in great fiscal shape to deal with any crises or emergencies coming down the road, and it was even ready to deal with the coming retirement of the baby boom generation. But rather than follow President Bill Clinton’s successful lead, President Bush handed out gigantic tax cuts, with people at the top of the income ladder getting the biggest breaks......
Read more at this link below. By Michael Linden, Michael Ettlinger
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/06/bushtaxcuts_anniversary.html
Visiting the past can sometimes be a good escape! How else can I cool off?
Not much to write about. I've had a good work week, been productive.... and also enjoyed my KC time with Greg and Clover, and spend a little time with Molly as we played tennis twice in the heat (Saturday morning and Wednesday night). I'm bored with the heat and glad it is suppose to cool down some this weekend.
I've been avoiding listening to too much radio, TV or news.... but I have been up to date with the "Weinergate" news, thanks to Jon Steward.... and I'm already bored with it all, so I won't dwell on that here.
Instead..... much to your dismay probably.... Facebook this week drew me back into the past.....and my blood boiled again. It was the 10th anniversary of the Bush Tax Cuts. Sometimes I find myself fantasizing what life would be like today IF Al Gore had a full recount in Florida and was the President instead of Bush. It would probably be like living in an alternative universe. (That's my opinion anyway)....
Read more at this link below. By Michael Linden, Michael Ettlinger
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/06/bushtaxcuts_anniversary.html
Visiting the past can sometimes be a good escape! How else can I cool off?
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Lazy Thursday
6-9-11 Internet brain
Thanks to Al Gore, I can bring you these precious pictures today.
#1. My youngest nephew on vacation
#2 My niece and her new car (4th Mini Cooper in the family)
#3 My name in the Des Moines Register Newspaper on Wednesday:
Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door.
#4 I did have a funny video I took of a baby bunny rolling in the dirt out in the backyard last night. But having trouble posting, so instead you'll get this "funny" one:
Sarah Palin and her "Folksy Salad"
Thanks to Al Gore, I can bring you these precious pictures today.
#1. My youngest nephew on vacation
#2 My niece and her new car (4th Mini Cooper in the family)
#3 My name in the Des Moines Register Newspaper on Wednesday:
The annual fundraising garden party for the Des Moines Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (DMIHN) not only has become an established summer social event, but its efforts to increase awareness of the plight of local homeless families are paying off.
Bob and Becky Shaw will host this year's garden party from 7 to 9 p.m. June 24 at their home, 13921 Lakeshore Drive in Clive. Guests can explore the Shaws' perennial and water gardens (which also have been featured on the Polk County Master Gardener's tour), sip wine, sample hors d'oeuvres and listen to classical guitar by Paul Wilson, owner of Ye Olde Guitar Shop.
There also will be a silent auction, featuring items including box seats to the University of Iowa vs. Pittsburgh football game Sept. 17; Des Moines Symphony tickets; season tickets to the Des Moines Playhouse; and a painting by local artist Judy Sebern Beachy.Bob and Becky Shaw will host this year's garden party from 7 to 9 p.m. June 24 at their home, 13921 Lakeshore Drive in Clive. Guests can explore the Shaws' perennial and water gardens (which also have been featured on the Polk County Master Gardener's tour), sip wine, sample hors d'oeuvres and listen to classical guitar by Paul Wilson, owner of Ye Olde Guitar Shop.
Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door.
#4 I did have a funny video I took of a baby bunny rolling in the dirt out in the backyard last night. But having trouble posting, so instead you'll get this "funny" one:
Sarah Palin and her "Folksy Salad"
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Wednesday GUEST Blog
6-8-11 absent brain
Craigslist, The New Want Ad
Buy, sell and trade is as old as father time, something like that. Fast forward a couple of thousands years later, when a person wanted to buy, sell and/or trade, an ad was placed in the local newspaper. Then came Al Gore and his invention, the Internet (I had to put this in for Judy).
I remember 20 years ago, I bought 10 tickets to a Redskins vs Bears game by using the Internet to find a Chicago Ad for tickets. I put my full faith and trust in the seller as I sent a check/money order and waited for the tickets. Yep, the tickets came.
Then about five years ago, eBay arrived. Yes, I dabbled in eBay, buying and selling a few items. It’s a great medium to sell and buy stuff, but it comes with a cost and time to box-up the item or pay for shipping (which is sometimes the same price of the item).
Two years ago, I tried the new flavor of the month, Craigslist, and boy did I fall in love with the List. At first, I bought a few items (pampered chef and Longaberger) then I sold a few items (shoes and luggage). The process was free and simple. What I find fascinating about the List is that you get immediate response and/or interaction with the seller.
My first buy over $25 was my Sweet Ride, 2008 Chevy Impala. Two years ago I was in need of a car and was looking at the Impala’s. The ad was well written, the car looked great, however, the price was two grand more than my budget. After three weeks of chatting with the seller, I was able to negotiate the price down by two grand. The sweet ride is the best car I’ve ever had (leather heated seats, sun roof and a wicked stereo system).
In the last six months, I’ve sold 25 Longaberger baskets and I’ve bought ten or so. Other items bought: an angel for my memory garden, patio bench, leather bar stool. I’ve always picked up or delivered my items at a neutral location. Somehow meeting at McDonalds seems to work out the best.
Within two days I had five messages and the first person I talked to wanted it. He was coming from Southern Iowa and since I could not haul the item in my car, we tried to figure out a time to meet. Well that wasn’t working so I made a bold decision. I said, okay I’ll help you out by leaving the item on my front step. I’ll trust that you will leave the cash under the mat. If you don’t, and I don’t know you from Harry/Sam/John, you will have to live with yourself. He said he would and I thought it’s only $25. Well to my surprise, the item was picked up and the cash was under the mat with a thank-you note. I say, only in Iowa can you put full faith in someone to do the right thing.
Chat Later
That Girl, Ann Marie
Craigslist, The New Want Ad
Buy, sell and trade is as old as father time, something like that. Fast forward a couple of thousands years later, when a person wanted to buy, sell and/or trade, an ad was placed in the local newspaper. Then came Al Gore and his invention, the Internet (I had to put this in for Judy).
I remember 20 years ago, I bought 10 tickets to a Redskins vs Bears game by using the Internet to find a Chicago Ad for tickets. I put my full faith and trust in the seller as I sent a check/money order and waited for the tickets. Yep, the tickets came.
Then about five years ago, eBay arrived. Yes, I dabbled in eBay, buying and selling a few items. It’s a great medium to sell and buy stuff, but it comes with a cost and time to box-up the item or pay for shipping (which is sometimes the same price of the item).
Two years ago, I tried the new flavor of the month, Craigslist, and boy did I fall in love with the List. At first, I bought a few items (pampered chef and Longaberger) then I sold a few items (shoes and luggage). The process was free and simple. What I find fascinating about the List is that you get immediate response and/or interaction with the seller.
My first buy over $25 was my Sweet Ride, 2008 Chevy Impala. Two years ago I was in need of a car and was looking at the Impala’s. The ad was well written, the car looked great, however, the price was two grand more than my budget. After three weeks of chatting with the seller, I was able to negotiate the price down by two grand. The sweet ride is the best car I’ve ever had (leather heated seats, sun roof and a wicked stereo system).
In the last six months, I’ve sold 25 Longaberger baskets and I’ve bought ten or so. Other items bought: an angel for my memory garden, patio bench, leather bar stool. I’ve always picked up or delivered my items at a neutral location. Somehow meeting at McDonalds seems to work out the best.
So what happens when the buyer and seller can’t coordinate a time to meet? Well that occurred last month. I had a new patio screen door to sell and placed it on Craigslist for $25.
Within two days I had five messages and the first person I talked to wanted it. He was coming from Southern Iowa and since I could not haul the item in my car, we tried to figure out a time to meet. Well that wasn’t working so I made a bold decision. I said, okay I’ll help you out by leaving the item on my front step. I’ll trust that you will leave the cash under the mat. If you don’t, and I don’t know you from Harry/Sam/John, you will have to live with yourself. He said he would and I thought it’s only $25. Well to my surprise, the item was picked up and the cash was under the mat with a thank-you note. I say, only in Iowa can you put full faith in someone to do the right thing.
Chat Later
That Girl, Ann Marie
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Tuesday: this and that
6-7-11 scattered brain
Monday about 5:45 PM after work, I was sitting in the living room of the KC house playing with Clover and waiting for Greg to get home. I heard some music outside- a happy little jiggle. When I looked outside I saw an ice cream van coming down the street.
I have a vague childhood memory of an ice cream truck in my hometown, put not sure if it is a true memory, so something I saw in a movie. I’ll leave Jan, Steve, or Alice to verify this for me.
My enthusiastic Decorah eagle watching bubble burst last week….. thanks to a conflict of interests (cats verses eagles)… my friends Steve and Vanni who live in Alaska have also been viewing the eagle cam, and Steve told me that the camera had to be turned off for a time last week when a cat had been brought to the nest for dinner. I don’t know the details, and I don’t want to know if the cat was already dead when it arrived or did it put up a fight? I don’t want to imagine my Clover being picked apart by hungry eagles. So my eagle viewing pleasure will never be quite the same, although I do enjoy seeing them jump around flapping their wings as they practice their take-off’s. One of these days- soon, they will take off in flight. Cat owners in Decorah beware!
Monday about 5:45 PM after work, I was sitting in the living room of the KC house playing with Clover and waiting for Greg to get home. I heard some music outside- a happy little jiggle. When I looked outside I saw an ice cream van coming down the street.
I didn’t rush out for ice cream, since I hadn’t eaten dinner yet, and my taste buds have been soiled already this summer…. I bought a pint of the "Stephen Colbert" Ice Cream last week and after that, I believe nothing will taste as good to me again. I told Greg about this ice cream and when we were at the store I even pointed it out, hoping he would give me the nod of approval. But instead he compared the sugar content of "Stephen" (25 grams) with Eddie’s “no sugar added” Mint Chocolate Chip (3 grams)… and so we made the healthy purchase this time.
This week, Judy mess-maker has been at work with a framing project. I bought another 10 frames for my peace art and am in the process of getting these assembled.
The unofficial high on Monday was 98 degrees according to our thermometer, and 67 degrees this morning, with yet another heat advisory for today. Greg and I did go for a short walk last night about 8:00 PM when it was only 88 degrees.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Weekend Report
6-6-11 worn out body
Kansas City verses Des Moines; this weekend made no difference…. Both places had hot, humid weather in the 90’s. Kansas City is about 4 times larger than Des Moines and thus on a summer weekend- KC has about 4 times more activities to choose from. Greg seems to like this; I often find it a bit overwhelming.
Next on Saturday, Greg was off to a morning car show; I and had agreed to “play tennis” with Molly. What was I thinking?.... Tennis at 11:30 AM in the hot sun! Well, I should tell you our version of tennis is just trying to hit the ball across the net at least several times in a row. So it does involve chasing down the balls, more than actually hitting the ball. Molly and I stuck with it for 45 minutes, and I was feeling pretty good about it. We met up with Greg for lunch and re-hydrated ourselves and I really didn’t feel too bad physically.
Kansas City verses Des Moines; this weekend made no difference…. Both places had hot, humid weather in the 90’s. Kansas City is about 4 times larger than Des Moines and thus on a summer weekend- KC has about 4 times more activities to choose from. Greg seems to like this; I often find it a bit overwhelming.
Greg researches and logs all the possible activities that he is interested in, into our shared calendar; and since I get to set my own schedule Monday through Friday; I often just go along with his plans when I’m spending a weekend down in KC with him, but sometimes I venture off with Molly. This weekend was a mix of both.
First we started out with an activity I was interested in on Friday evening. Our KC neighbors Wil and Susan are artists, and Wil was having a show down at the Crossroads Art District which opened on Friday. Here are a few pictures from that. It was very cool.
Greg and I did spend the rest of the afternoon hanging out at the house, resting up a bit, since in the evening we had the Leawood neighborhood potluck picnic. This was a nice evening under the shade trees. I met at least 12 new couples on the street and made a point to memorize their names.
Sunday, we worked off of Greg’s “Events List” and did three interesting activities. First one was stopping by at the Model Car show. Who knew there was this subculture out there? They take model building serious! Look at the trophies they were competing for! My favorite model was a takeoff of the Beverly Hillbillies’ truck.
Then we headed north to the old KC airport hanger where an antique motorcycle show was being held. So we not only got to see motorcycles, but toured through a few old plans also.
Next, a cooler activity was attending a movie theater to see the 1974 movie by Monte Python; Holy Grail. I admit I fell asleep in the middle of this and I believe this is when the affects from tennis on Saturday starting showing up. My body was really dragging. Today, I’m taking it easy by spending a lot of time sitting on my desk chair and just using my mind and not my sore muscles.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Memorial wrap-up
6-3-11 TGIF brain
Last Saturday, over Memorial Weekend, Mom and I made our visit out to the three cemeteries in Charles City. We put flowers out on seven graves. Pictured below is Riverside, the place where Dad use to take us fishing as kids. The very back of the cemetery is on the banks of the Cedar River. It's actually a very pretty place, full of trees, and this time of year, the urns are decorated with red Geraniums and flags are placed. Here the Livingston and Huxsol markers are relatives on my mother's side.
Last Saturday, over Memorial Weekend, Mom and I made our visit out to the three cemeteries in Charles City. We put flowers out on seven graves. Pictured below is Riverside, the place where Dad use to take us fishing as kids. The very back of the cemetery is on the banks of the Cedar River. It's actually a very pretty place, full of trees, and this time of year, the urns are decorated with red Geraniums and flags are placed. Here the Livingston and Huxsol markers are relatives on my mother's side.
Saturday Mom and I also attended the Farmer's Market in Central Park. Over the last several the years, there has been additions made to the park, with mixed reactions. Here is one of the four "ART" pieces placed at the four corners of the park. This one is my favorite actually.
Sorry, I don't know the artist who created this off the top of my head.
Just this spring, another addition has been added along each of the four walk ways leading up into the middle of the park. These granite flat stones depict historical events of the city. This is actually pretty cool. It will be interesting to see how they hold up over the years. There are at least 20 of these stones in total. A few of them are below.
Suspension Bridge:
Although Charles City's population has been declining over the last three decades or so, I do have to give credit to the town's people who try to keep things growing and changing.
1968 Tornado:
Art Deco Theater:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)