Sunday night we went to see the movie Captain Phillips. How can this kind of thing happen? Pirates in the 21st century? After seeing the movie, it is easy to see how they still exist.
The movie was excellent! Tom Hanks was amazing, the Somali actors were scary, the script was gripping.
Once I came home, I wanted to read more about the Captain. I was stunned with what I read. Apparently he is not the brave, thoughtful captain that is portrayed in the movie. Apparently, he disregarded much of the intelligence and information that could have prevented the whole situation. How disappointing! It sounds as if he is no Sully.
The movie is still worth seeing . . . just know that Captain Phillips is not exactly as he seems!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Random Thoughts
Nothing real exciting happening around here, but I do have a few thoughts:
1. The government shutdown ends, and the price of gas goes up 15 cents. How does that happen? Don and I fail to see the connection.
2. Anipryl is an amazing drug. Babs has been sleeping well . . . to my relief.
3. October 18 is too early for snow.
4. The Big 12 is not very strong in football this year. Hoping my 'Cats can take advantage the rest of its schedule.
5. Some of the best recipes I have found appear in the Saturday edition of the Wall Street Journal. Today's is a yummy-sounding minestrone. Can't wait to try it.
6. I attended the funeral of a friend's father today. It seems like every time I attend one, I leave wishing I had known the person better. Celebrating the life of loved ones gives perspective to those who remain.
7. Can't wait to see Captain Phillips.
That's it. No more deep thoughts for the day.
1. The government shutdown ends, and the price of gas goes up 15 cents. How does that happen? Don and I fail to see the connection.
2. Anipryl is an amazing drug. Babs has been sleeping well . . . to my relief.
3. October 18 is too early for snow.
4. The Big 12 is not very strong in football this year. Hoping my 'Cats can take advantage the rest of its schedule.
5. Some of the best recipes I have found appear in the Saturday edition of the Wall Street Journal. Today's is a yummy-sounding minestrone. Can't wait to try it.
6. I attended the funeral of a friend's father today. It seems like every time I attend one, I leave wishing I had known the person better. Celebrating the life of loved ones gives perspective to those who remain.
7. Can't wait to see Captain Phillips.
That's it. No more deep thoughts for the day.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Octoberfest
We have the Octoberfest thing down pretty well. Brats, bierocks, Ashley's home brew, German potato salad, and a new addition - Victoria's beer stein cookies. Add perfect weather, Avon beer steins, Kenneth's lederhosen, and German polka music and you have yourselves a party.
But something was missing. All of the ingredients were there, but things did not feel right. There was no excitement for the game. We all expected to get clobbered so there was no . . . anticipation (sing it, Carly Simon).
The feel of the general atmosphere in the parking lot has changed. Tailgating continues to be fun, but the fans seem, well . . . resigned. Resigned that we would lose. Resigned that we have no chance.
Fortunately, Coach once again proved us wrong. Once again the 'Cats nearly pulled off a win when no one else thought we would even be in the game. And in the end, rather than leave at half like we thought we might, the game was exciting until the last minute. And yes, we lost the game, but not as badly as we thought we might, and we had a great time. So it was another successful Octoberfest after all.
But something was missing. All of the ingredients were there, but things did not feel right. There was no excitement for the game. We all expected to get clobbered so there was no . . . anticipation (sing it, Carly Simon).
The feel of the general atmosphere in the parking lot has changed. Tailgating continues to be fun, but the fans seem, well . . . resigned. Resigned that we would lose. Resigned that we have no chance.
Fortunately, Coach once again proved us wrong. Once again the 'Cats nearly pulled off a win when no one else thought we would even be in the game. And in the end, rather than leave at half like we thought we might, the game was exciting until the last minute. And yes, we lost the game, but not as badly as we thought we might, and we had a great time. So it was another successful Octoberfest after all.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Canine Cognitive Disorder
Last night, as Babs was spending another night eating, wandering, eating, and wandering, I googled "nights and days mixed up dog." Many entries were immediately sent to me, and one of the first was about an old dog with the days and nights mixed up. Yep, Canine Cognitive Disorder. Alzheimer's for dogs.
Babs has it. Every behavior was exactly what she is experiencing. Confusion, pacing, panting, wandering.
There is a medication that is supposed to help it. We have had a prescription for it, but because she is such a pistol taking pills, I had taken her off it. Until this morning. She is now back on it. I don't know how quickly, or if, we will see results, but it can't hurt. And if it helps her sleep at night, it will help me sleep at night . . . which will be worth every penny!
Babs has it. Every behavior was exactly what she is experiencing. Confusion, pacing, panting, wandering.
There is a medication that is supposed to help it. We have had a prescription for it, but because she is such a pistol taking pills, I had taken her off it. Until this morning. She is now back on it. I don't know how quickly, or if, we will see results, but it can't hurt. And if it helps her sleep at night, it will help me sleep at night . . . which will be worth every penny!
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Catching Up
The worst part of the ten-week trip is the catching up afterwards. It would have been easier if we hadn't had to leave town immediately after coming home, and then a week later, leaving again. But we are home for good now . . . and I have been determined to get on top of things.
It has not helped that we are in the middle of a search for a priest and I am in charge of the search, I am in charge of two big events in February, Babs has been staying up most nights, and I still have a pile of mail to sort. But today I made progress.
Getting all of the bills paid was helpful, but my biggest success was getting to see the three episodes of NCIS that I have missed. While I was reconciling my bank accounts and paying bills, I watched the three shows. After all, I have to find out what happens to Ziva. NCIS is my favorite show, but Tuesday night seems to be the night when I always have meetings. I had not seen any of the new season's shows . . . but now I am caught up. Then this evening, while I was printing the last of my checks, I watched the first episode of Big Bang Theory. Still have two to watch, but they go fast. Once I watch those, NCIS Los Angeles, Hawaii 5-0 and Person of Interest, I will begin to feel like I am on my way!
So much for serious, education posts!
It has not helped that we are in the middle of a search for a priest and I am in charge of the search, I am in charge of two big events in February, Babs has been staying up most nights, and I still have a pile of mail to sort. But today I made progress.
Getting all of the bills paid was helpful, but my biggest success was getting to see the three episodes of NCIS that I have missed. While I was reconciling my bank accounts and paying bills, I watched the three shows. After all, I have to find out what happens to Ziva. NCIS is my favorite show, but Tuesday night seems to be the night when I always have meetings. I had not seen any of the new season's shows . . . but now I am caught up. Then this evening, while I was printing the last of my checks, I watched the first episode of Big Bang Theory. Still have two to watch, but they go fast. Once I watch those, NCIS Los Angeles, Hawaii 5-0 and Person of Interest, I will begin to feel like I am on my way!
So much for serious, education posts!
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
The Art Forger
Our book club has introduced me to some very interesting books. Some have been educational (Nothing Like It in the World: The Story of the Transcontinental Railroad); some take on serious subject (Rain of Gold, which is a story of immigration); some classics (Emma). And sometimes we just get to read some fun novels. The Art Forger is one of those.
I do not know much about art forgery, but this book exposes a whole new field of crime. Well-researched, the author Barbara Shapiro weaves truth into a very interesting and fun plot. In talking with my art teacher, Charles, he confirmed many of the facts in the book. Which is what makes the story fun to read.
Because the book was a fun, yet informational, read, I loved. If you want to know more about the art of forgery, this is the book for you!
I do not know much about art forgery, but this book exposes a whole new field of crime. Well-researched, the author Barbara Shapiro weaves truth into a very interesting and fun plot. In talking with my art teacher, Charles, he confirmed many of the facts in the book. Which is what makes the story fun to read.
Because the book was a fun, yet informational, read, I loved. If you want to know more about the art of forgery, this is the book for you!
Monday, October 7, 2013
Other Pictures
As I was going through my pictures I found these that perhaps are better than the ones in previous blogs. The captions tell where the pictures were taken.
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| This lovely mud pile is just below the Horton cabin. Good thing it was relatively dry! |
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| The bridge just above the cattle guard. The BAER team has cleared out all of the brush. Notice how clear the bottom of the stream is - no moss left! |
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| Just above Tres Lagunas . . . remnants of the fire on top, beautiful fall colors below. |
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| The top lake at Tres Lagunas. All of them are this color, but this one has much debris in it, also. |
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| At the cattle guard. |
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