When we bought Bliss Manor it had gas logs in both fireplaces. I guess some folks like them but to me (and Brad thank goodness) having a gas log 'fire' is like watching a fire on TV.
There's no yummy wood fire smell, little to no variation in color and flame, no crackling sounds (just that 'hiss' of the gas coming in) and just no warmth.
When we found out that the fireplaces were originally wood burning we agreed to convert them back. It took two different tradesmen (a plumber had to disconnect and cap off the gas, then someone skilled in masonry had to tuck point some places in each) on two different days to get it done but it was well worth it.
I took that pic with the MacBook last night as we enjoyed our first fire in the study as part of our reward for a hard weekend's slog of housework and yard work. The house is almost ready for my family to descend upon us for Thanksgiving. After that we get three days of rest and relaxation and just being together.
We haven't done haiku for a while and I've been inspired by Dawg's foray into a contest using haiku. I did one and you know that once is never enough for me*giggle*
The theme is 'happy'*GRIN* As usual I'll start you off with a few and you leave yours in comments. I'll pull some out and post them.
In case you need a primer haiku is an ancient Japanese poetry form of 17 syllables(when done in English) of typically three lines of 5-7-5 syllables, respectively. It almost never rhymes and the idea is to express much and suggest more in the fewest possible words.
So here we go.......
Consciousness follows the involuntary smile Waking to your touch
Nestling my hand in yours as we hunker down The movie screen glows
I look up and see that I am caught in your gaze We say I love you
*sigh* Yeah, I'll be handing out the insulin later on.
Your turn---and don't be afraid to be all oooey gooey but it doesn't have to be love---just whatever makes you happy---it's really fun.
What's really chapping my behind right now? Not enough hours in the day to do what I need to do then get to do what I want to do.
But I am not really complaining---I am grateful to be busy and unbelievably happy and grateful to wake up to a smile and a kiss and an 'I love you' every morning. That's pretty damn awesome.
I just don't feel like complaining today.
I feel lucky.
*****************
We live within walking distance of a nice big swath of greenspace called Veteran's Park. We got the idea to do some photos there before I had to switch things up a bit. I had saved these until closer to Veteran's Day and I decided to post them. There's a bit of fun if you know where to look.
Accessory n. an article worn or carried to complete one's costume, as purse, gloves, etc.
Hey y'all
That photo is from last week's football game. At least the weather was temperate. Of course that would not have mattered to a slew of parents who apparently think nothing of bringing little babies---appropriately festooned with team paraphernalia, of course--- out to games that are LOUD, hot and crowded.
The practice of taking babies to places where they are nothing more than an accessory to show off makes my head hurt.
Children old enough to remember and enjoy the experience coming to games?--I'm copacetic with that. We often see smaller children having a big time with their families at games. I think that can be a very positive experience.
The other?
Purely selfish.
********************* Be sure to tune in to listen to Britt and Adam tonight at 9 PM ET on Clearly, You're Retarded. They are going to discuss internet addiction ---oh my.
In remembrance of all who have served and ensured the freedoms we enjoy I give you Helm Roberts' singular memorial to the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans. It's located in Frankfort KY.
The granite is inscribed with the names of all of those who served in the war.
It's design is a mathematical and architectural feat.
The tip of the shadow of the gnomon of the sundial falls on the more than 1100 names of those who died , a memorial to each on the anniversary of the date of their death.
Remember those who serve---today and every day.
Smooches and gropes babies.
*Not sure if I am doing a show tonight--check back for an update this afternoon* *all images snagged from the interwebs;-)
First--I must again thank Adam and Amy Avitable not only for opening their home to share the silliness last weekend but for doing it with such aplomb. The photos do not do justice to the detail of the decorations and the easy hospitality of the Neverwas Fair.
As you know by now, in addition to the fabulous party on Saturday night, a few of us arrived at the Hilton -Altamonte Springs on Friday to find that we were in the midst of a SciFi convention. That only added to the fun.
I'm doing this as a pictorial for the most part. There were so many moments that were so cool and fun and funny and sweet that I could write an entire post about each one---and I might still--but I just wanted to get the pics up and share a bit more of this get together.
I didn't take the camera down Friday because I wanted to just meet folks and 'joy my stay'. I did manage to capture some shots on my Razr as we took over the hotel bar.
Brad & Crys--
Karl kissing Delmer while Janelle giggles
Brad and the Sci fi dude From what we recall he had had a couple of walk on parts and been an extra in a couple of 'B' movies but has never met a photo op he didn't like.
Crys & Poppy Dawg lets his hair down
Saturday morning and afternoon was rest and rehydration( considering we started with the social lubrication at around 4 and didn't even leave the hotel to eat until 8 and then we closed the bar I'd say 'toasted' would be an appropriate description;-)) and football and some luscious Super Pepperoni Pizza.
As evening approached and the party goers gathered we scrambled into our skeery costumes and headed out to meet up with everyone.
Megan and Brad
Delmer & the Klingons
A horny nymph (Christine) and a horny heshe(Karl).
The pretty pretty Princess Leia
Oooo they(Lesombre and Brad) are mesmerized---by what I have no clue
The convention goers were intermittently speaking in 'Klingon' AND discussing where to buy boots
Delmer and Crystal Crystal martiniCrystal Klingon
The 'regular' folks at the convention
Our Sunday best
Finally at the party.....
He (Dave2)looks so sad to have been such a naughty clown
It was a bloodbath of epic proportions! Seriously, the pool was 'the' place to be ---people making out and people 'making out' and people passed out and sleeping and generally not falling in--which was good;-)
His light took on a life of it's own
Here's a man who loves his job;-)
Most of the monkeys were roaming free
I love the duck in the corner.
Pickled baby anyone?
This is a happy gal.
Party Scene
Mr Finn, Mike, Karl
Becky & Brad
Britt & Karl
Jared, Mike, Crys, Amy
Britt, Jared
Adam Brad Poppy's pretty pretty posterior
Britt & Crys ;-)
The Karaoke Corner
Karl and Britt get all touchy feely
They won't leave Brittney alone!
The goodie bag---this contained really yummy Halloween treats that came in sooooo handy as we waited five hours for our flightThis was yet another cool idea and excellent touch by Amy and Adam.
I haven't named or linked everyone because if I did this fucker would never load;-). Great recaps with links and more photos of people I didn't have pics of(Hilly, Faiqa, Certifiable Princess, Allyson, Diana(Geeky Tai Tai), Sarah, Sheila, Becky and more I'm sure I am forgetting people) can be found at Dawg's, Karl's, Brad's, and Adam's, to name a few and check out pics on the Flickr group.
It was worth every penny and brain cell. I got to 'put skin on' folks I enjoy conversing with and it made me very happy. I also got to meet up again with folks I miss. I met new people and learned to appreciate all over again the opportunity this medium gives me everyday to make the world a smaller place.
And there was this really cool party at this guy's house Saturday night.
I have pics!
I have video!
BUT
I was exhausted yesterday and overwhelmed with work and so was Brad. So it was comfort food and snuggling with the puggies and early to bed. Not that I slept---way too many thoughts zipping around in the old bean. I've a ton of work today and I know I'll be dead AND I'm still fricking coughing so no radio show tonight.
We are sitting in the Orlando airport waiting for our flight home after the amazing party that was The Neverwas Fair. Adam and Amy Avitable were spectacular hosts. I'll do a proper post about the festivities later. I'm too tired.
It's 4:30. checkout time was 12 noon and our flight leaves at 6 PM. You do the math.
It's not so bad as Orlando is cool enough to have free internet.
We had a big time and there are pics already up all over. I'll put mine up tomorrow---I have some video;-)
