Another day in the life of a (pseudo) cat lady...

It's been four years since I started putting my jumbled thoughts down on paper on this blog.  My original post outlined my general mental state and it's been a mish-mash of demented thoughts ever since.  I've taken advantage of several sites which offer writing prompts and Tess Kincaid's Magpie Tales has become my favorite.

Nonetheless, you'd think after four years I'd have run out of things about which to write.  Many days, I do say to myself, "I've got nothing..."

And then I have a day like today...

I'd just settled in for a long winter's nap, when a sound awakened me.  It was dulcet tones of my cell phone.  Since the caller I.D. said it was my child, I felt it would be a nice gesture if I answered.

"Hey, Vlad!  What's up?" 

"Hi, Mom.  Say, can you come outside?  I got my car stuck in the snow and need help."  

*looks at clock... notices the time... 1:00 a.m.*

"Sure, no problem... I'll be right out."

*looks around for something to put on over warm, comfy jammies*

An hour later, Vlad's car is in the driveway and I'm wide awake, looking forward to my alarm going off at 5:30 so I can get up, shower, shovel some more and get to work by 7:00 a.m.

Which is exactly what happens... I get up at 5:30, shower, make the requisite Eolist Petite blend coffee, check the "closings" list on the news and don't see the Center for Wayward Wee Ones listed, shovel out a small patch in the back yard so the puny dog has somewhere to take care of business, and head into work.

Now my car gets stuck twice on the way to work, necessitating getting out of the car and shoveling the freakin' street so that I can get to work.  (No sense returning the favor by calling Vlad to ask for help since I'm about two miles from home and in these conditions he'd probably get stuck as well and then where would we be?)

Once I make it to work I discover there there is no place to park on the street because the snow plow has left huge mounds of snow next to where one might be able to park one's motor vehicle.  So, it's time to get out the shovel, (yet again,) and dig through the mound of plowed snow, (which is always iced up and ten times heavier than regular snow.)

Where's a good horse when you need one?

So, I park the car, get out and walk halfway down the block to work and notice there are no lights on at my long-awaited destination.  *sick feeling develops rapidly in pit of stomach*

Sure enough, when I pull out my handy cell phone there's a text and a voice mail, saying that the Center for Wayward Wee Ones is closed.  WTF?  Where did those come from?

*sigh*

Figures... pretty par for the course, when it comes to me.

I think I'll just go back to bed now.   I've had enough excitement for one day.

In the Midst of Genius...

Well, it's been a couple of weeks since my blog was mistakenly put on the Huff/Post 50 Favorites for Post 50 Women blog list.  For the life of me, I can't figure out why Jayne Martin and Murr Brewster didn't bump me off this list.  Those two 50+ broads are true geniuses.

That said, here are lucky seven who did make the list... 

• The Fifty Factor by Joanna Jenkins
• The Fabulous Geezer Sisters by Ruth Pennebaker
• Peaches & Coconuts by Deborah
• The MidLife Second Wife by Marci Rich 
• Naked At Our Age: Better Than I Ever Expected by Joan Price 
• How To Become A Cat Lady Without The Cats by Paula Wooters
• (insert Jayne and Murr here)

I already knew Joanna, but now I've had an opportunity to check out the others and I can honestly say, "They're awesome!"  I'm in the presence of genius!  These women have published books and written for national publications!  (Not to mention the fact that Joan includes all sorts of naughty bits!  Woohoo!)

So PLEASE... go check out ALL of these marvelous women!  They deserve your attention!

How I Almost Missed My 15 Minutes of Fame

It's been almost six weeks since I posted anything, so imagine my surprise when I got this comment from our blogger pal, Joanna Jenkins, over at The Fifty Factor...

• 

  
  

  Joanna Jenkins • 7 hours ago

  
  

  Stopping by to say a big Congratulations on being named by Huff/Post 50 as a top women's blogger! Woo-hoo!!!
  Happy holidays, xo jj

  
  

Say what?!  Huffington Post?  Top Women's Bloggers?  Holy crap!

So, I went to the Huff/Post 50 site and low and behold... there was my blog page! Hot damn! I've got to admit, it cheered me immensely, so Thank You, Shelley Emling and Huffington Post!  You made my day!  

And thank you, Joanna... had it not been for your comment, I would have missed my 15 minutes of fame! 

Outtakes: from 30 Days of Photographs III

Here's my favorite outtake from the 30 Days of Photographs III torture tour...

This condom dispenser might not seem unusual to you... until you put it into context.  I took this photo at the Christine Lavin concert I went to a couple weeks ago.  Yes, they have free condoms in both the men's and women's bathrooms... at church.  I don't go to church often, but when I do it's to the Unitarian Church here in Rochester.

I know what you're thinking... she only goes for the condoms.

Want me to pick you up a couple, next time I decide to get up early on a Sunday morning?

Now, if only I could have gotten Fake Barbie to hang out of the top of this condom dispenser, (preferably wearing a condom on her absurdly skinny legs,) this photo would have been perfect.  Maybe next time.

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Blackout: Day 30 of 30 Days of Photographs III

After burning our candles at both ends for the past month with this photo challenge, it's finally lights out... just in time for Frankenstorm.  Keep safe out there!

Until next time...

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

The City: Day 29 of 30 Days of Photographs III

With Frankenstorm rapidly approaching, I felt it imperative to brave the rain to document what is happening in my city... and stock up on a few supplies while I am there.  

Nothing says Rochester like Wegman's.  People come from around the world to marvel at the wonders to be found in this supermarket of supermarkets. Alec Baldwin even talks about it when he's on Letterman.  It's a virtual city within a city.  This is the newest addition... my neighborhood store being rebuilt.  It looks like it will even include underground parking.

The bad news... I will have to venture into the 'burbs to shop for my groceries while they close my beloved East Avenue Wegman's for TEN FREAKIN' WEEKS to tear down the old building, create a newer, larger parking lot, and stock the new building.

So forget Frankenstorm... I have to stock up for the ten weeks until my new Wegman's opens!

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

The Annual Willow Manor Ball

Vintage ball gowns come into view and the strains of violins can be heard above the chatter of hundreds of guest as one steps over the threshold of Willow Manor.   

I feel myself literally stepping back in time...

I prefer to ride up top, as I am still amongst the living.

I fear that as I arrived after dawn, my date shall have to remain in his coffin.
The sun burns so, you know.

Echoes of long ago, indeed.  Now, if you'll excuse me, my carriage awaits...

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Tess, over at Willow Manor is hosting the annual Willow Manor Ball.  You're all invited, so please stop by to see who else is attending.

Autumn: Day 28 of 30 Days of Photographs III

Nothing says autumn like kids playing with leaves.  Lucky for me, I have plenty of helpers for today's prompt.

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Kafkaesque: Day 27 of 30 Days of Photographs III

In honor of today's prompt, which has been terrorizing bloggers since the 30 Days of Photographs III challenge was announced, I have come up with not one, but two offerings. I couldn't decide between the two, so I decided to go ahead and use both of them.

I give you...

Kafkaesque Cattail

and on a lighter note...

Mesmerized by Metamorphosis

Disclaimer:  No Kafkaesque Barbies were harmed in the making of this post.

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Heart: Day 26 of 30 Days of Photographs III

My Dearest Fake Barbie,

I know we've never met, but I feel I know you already.

Your beauty is beyond compare. I love everything about you, from your tiny feet to your grotesquely massive boobs. Those long, lithe legs make my heart race.  And your qwerty Q?  Divine!  That was what led me to believe we are soul mates.

Please say you will join me in the arbor I have created just for you.

I will give you my heart if you will only say, "Yes."  (Regretfully, I am unable to part with a kidney for you ... I thought I should be up front about that.)

You can find me at my secret lair, located behind some boxes in my basement.  (Please disregard the rather limp blow-up girl stashed in the corner.)

Come soon!  I have spent too many mornings without you.

Beyond fondly,

MikeWJ

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Video: Day 25 of 30 Days of Photographs III

Last summer, in one of my rare cleaning frenzies, I finally got rid of all my videos.  Since I no longer had a working VCR, it seemed foolish to take up space with them.  Little did I know then that Ziva and Michael would choose "video" as a prompt.  Damn you two!  *shakes fist at Z & M* 

But, lucky for me, there were a few I couldn't bear to part with.

Here's one of them... you can't go wrong with Jimmy Stewart.  This movie just makes me happy.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm meeting Elwood P. Dowd and his dear friend Harvey for drinks.

After you...

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

M&M's: Day 24 of 30 Days of Photographs III

For M&M's I was going to post some graphic photos from a Morbidity and Mortality Conference, but then I figured that might be a little much.  I keep forgetting that most normal people don't have father-ex-laws who are medical examiners.

Instead, I'll take the easy way out... again.

Doesn't everyone have an M&M math book in their home library?  You should.  Because you never know when you're gonna need it!

Let's just say I'm well prepared for school tomorrow.   Mmmmm... dark chocolate!

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Underwater: Day 23 of 30 Days of Photographs III

Do you know how difficult it is to photograph a fish with a phone while small children are tapping on the aquarium glass? That fish moved faster than Felix Baumgartner fell to earth!  Still, without the kidlets and the class pet, I wouldn't be able to keep my head above water on this prompt.

So, without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to Spike.  He's been rather despondent following the demise of Fluffy.  She was one foxy fish, what with her fantail and all.   One of these days we're going to have to get a new friend for Spike.

In the meantime, Spike will just have to content himself with being the king of his castle.

Now, can I please go drown myself?  Or at least drown my sorrows over this pathetic attempt at underwater photography?

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Neutral: Day 22 of 30 Days of Photographs III

The threat to my belongings has just been neutralized...

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Annuit Coeptis: A Magpie Tale (for my 300th post)

In the midst of the 30 Days of Photographs III challenge, I realized I would hit my 300th blog post.  So here is my 300th original offering... it's appropriate that it is a Magpie prompt, as Magpies have become my favorite writing pieces.  Here's to many more glorious days...  

Who is it that watches over me, deciding whether I merit his approval?

I say I need no approval other than my own.

Take your all seeing eye and go back from whence you came.

For better or for worse, I vow to make my own choices

and I shall live with them to the end of my glorious days.

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Tess over at Willow Manor has been providing inspiration for bloggers with her photo prompts on a site called Magpie Tales.  Be sure to check out the other fabulous writers participating in Magpie Tales this week.  You'll be glad you did!

Broken: Day 21 of 30 Days of Photographs III

I stand before you a broken woman.  Broken in body from assorted pratfalls and broken in spirit from twenty-one grueling days of this photo challenge.  

So as not to do myself in completely, something had to be done.  Therefore, the following visual warnings have been placed strategically around my home to help prevent further disasters...

Wish me luck!  I have a sneaky suspicion I'm going to need it.

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Nails: Day 20 of 30 Days of Photographs III

I'll show you mine if you show me yours....

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Steel: Day 19 of 30 Days of Photographs III

Steel?  I got nuthin'...

No great Charles Ebbets photo of steel workers having lunch high over the city on an I-beam.

No inside track on Bethlehem Steel trade secrets.

Guess I'll just have to steel myself against today's onslaught of four year olds and go to work...

The calm before the storm.

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

QWERTY: Day 18 of 30 Days of Photographs III

"So... just how old are you, Boom Boom?"  

Well, let's see...  I was around before electric typewriters.  I learned all about QWERTY when I took typing class in high school.

"Really?  Wait, what's a typewriter?"

Well, that's like a keyboard that's not hooked up to a computer and you have to run a piece of paper through it and there's a little mechanical arm for each letter that swings up and hits a piece of carbonized ribbon that runs between the arm and the paper, causing it to leave a mark in a shape of the letter on the paper.  There was no such thing as spell check back then, except for using a book called a dictionary to look up a word yourself.  Oh, and if you made a mistake, there was no delete function.  It was a bitch to make a correction.

"What's QWERTY?"

Silly, that's the starting order of the top line of letters on a typewriter or keyboard.  I learned touch typing which means you always used your left pinky to hit the Q, your left ring finger to hit the W, your left naughty finger to hit the E, your left pointer to hit the R and the T, and your right pointer to hit the Y.

"Damn, that sounds confusing! Can't you just use your thumbs or index fingers?"

Well, you could, but that wouldn't help you type fast enough to get a job as a secretary. That was one of the few jobs for women back then.  Now they call them clerks or administrative assistants. I hear some bosses have binders full of women who know how to do much more important stuff.

"Was it hard to get a job as a secretary?  Did they do anything besides type?"

Oh, yes!  They answered the phone and picked up their boss's cleaning and made coffee and took dictation.

Dictation?

"Where the boss talks and you write down what he's saying... in shorthand.  I took that in high school, too."

What's shorthand?

Here, see for yourself....

"WTF*?  Does that actually mean something?"

Sure, but hell if I remember...  it's been a long time since high school.  

"Damn... you must be old as shit."

Yeah...  Thanks for cheering me up.

*WTF = modern shorthand for, well, you know.

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Coins: Day 17 of 30 Days of Photographs III

This prompt flummoxed me.  Why?  Because these days it seems like I don't have two coins to rub together.

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Bullshit: Day 16 of 30 Days of Photographs III

Bullshit!  There's no question that if someone's going to step in it, it's going to be me.  

The other day I was reading a new book to the kidlets... Pete the Cat by James Dean.  In the book, Pete has some swell new white shoes, but he keeps stepping in stuff and changing their color.

So, I'm reading along merrily and come to this page...

A big, brown puddle?  Oh, please god, let him step in a pile of bullshit!

Not exactly appropriate for 4-year-olds, but one can always hope.  I need something to spice up my days.

No such luck, though...

Pete steps into a puddle of mud.

Then again, you never know what's actually in that pile of mud.

Oh, happy day!  *giggles inappropriately*  I love this book!

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

My Favorite Food: Day 15 of 30 Days of Photographs III

I love a variety of foods.  I'm just not a big fan of cooking.  To me, the best meal is the one that somebody else makes.  The meal is extra special if some magic elf does the dishes while I enjoy an after dinner coffee and dessert.

That said, since I'm not wealthy enough to dine out every night, I do sometimes cook.  This is one of our favorites:

This pizza was eaten in honor of my friend, Indigo Roth,
the famed British pizza connoisseur.

Homemade pizza... onions, peppers, olives and cheese for me; pepperoni with no cheese for the lactose intolerant Vlad.

Note:  My ex, a photo historian, always said food is the most difficult thing to photograph and he was correct... this photo doesn't do the pizza justice at all.  Unfortunately, there are only two slices left, so there won't be another attempt at making it look better.  (I'm the one with leftovers for tomorrow since Vlad demolished his half.  Poor Vlad... no pizza for breakfast.)

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Secret: Day 14 of 30 Days of Photographs III

We all have our secrets.  Some are deep, dark, sordid things.  Others are more light-hearted.  Like secretly wishing we had learned how to twirl a baton when we were younger.  

I had front row seats at Christine Lavin's concert last night.

She can twirl 2 batons at once!  How cool is that?

I never learned how to do that, or play an accordion... but both seemed pretty cool when I was in Kindergarten.   Not so much now, but hey... we're all entitled to a few guilty secrets.

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Calm: Day 13 of 30 Days of Photographs III

I work at the Home for Wayward Wee Ones, where conflict resolution is a major portion of our day.  Have you ever tried to reason with a preschooler?  Welcome to my world.

The first step in our conflict resolution process is "Approach calmly and stop any hurtful actions."

Most days I'm all mellow and peaceful and approach calmly.  Those years of practicing Transcendental Meditation pay off.  I know Maharishi is out there giggling as he levitates in some other dimension.

Other days, it's not so easy.  My blood pressure and anxiety skyrocket and "calm" seems like a foreign language.  For those days I have a whole different mantra...

"Better living through chemistry."

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Five: Day 12 of 30 Days of Photographs III

I'm bending the rules and doubling down on today's prompt, "Five".

That's because I'm sitting here watching the Vice-Presidential debate and the topic is Social Security.  I guess I'm supposed to like the Romney-Ryan ticket because they won't change Social Security for me because I'm over 

5 5

5 must be the magic number.

Of course, if I was under 55, I'd be totally screwed.   

I think I'll stick with Obama-Biden, thank you very much!

See... even Joe thinks Mr. Ryan's idea is laughable.   I love me some Joe Biden!

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Heavy: Day 11 of 30 Days of Photography III

Some days I wake up feeling heavy...  like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders.

Work, parenthood, finances, health issues, world unrest, impossible blog challenges.  And there's nobody else but me to deal with it.

Some days it's just too much to handle and I feel like hiding under the covers.

Life is just too heavy and overwhelming!

Other mornings I wake up feeling that way, but discover there's a simpler reason for my ennui...

Kennel up, little man!  No way are you sleeping with me all night long.

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Stalker: Day 10 of 30 Days of Photographs III

The stalker sat motionless, waiting for his prey to come into view.  He didn't even attempt to disguise himself.  To those passing by, he was just another inhabitant of the marshes.  

No, he was looking for just the right victim.  The slow, the unsuspecting, the perfect patsy.  

He waits quietly, biding his time.  He might watch for hours before striking.

But when he does... it's game over.

Lunchtime.

Heron on Irondequoit Creek, October 2012

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Rules: Day 9 of 30 Days of Photographs III

Rules, Rule, Rules!

Seems there are always rules to follow.  And I've never been good about following rules.  I'd much rather just set off on my own and figure out how to do things on my own.  That can lead to trouble at times, though.

My child, however, is definitely a rule follower.  Go figure.  I have no idea where he gets that from.  While everyone else his age is getting all sorts of cool apps for their iPhones, here's what he got....

Who knew that you could get an app for the New York State Penal Code?  Now you know.  And now I know how much trouble I could be in if I ever decided to post any graffiti in a graveyard.

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Hair: Day 8 of 30 Days of Photographs III

I was going to take today off from this little photo fest, since it's my son's birthday.  Especially as I had nothing up my sleeve for today's prompt, "hair".

Then I began thinking about a few birthday celebrations I've been a party to in the past. Good times!  Good times!  Which, in turn, gave me the perfect idea for today's challenge:

Yep...

Hair of the Dog!

Cheers!

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Craftsman: Day 7 of 30 Days of Photographs III

I consider myself a woman of independent spirit, if not independent means.  I live on my own and wherever possible I try to do things for myself, including home repairs.  I'm not too bad at drywall and have replaced broken glass in windows.  I can wallpaper and paint without too much pain and suffering.  I've installed simple household items such as faucets and light fixtures.  I've even moved an electrical outlet without electrocuting myself or burning down the house afterward by leaving bare wires inside my walls.

The key to these minor successes in home maintenance?  My father taught me early on that if you're going to do something you need the right tools.  And the tools of choice, according to him, are Craftsman.  Sturdy, well made, good value, lifetime warranty.  Works for me.

Almost all of the tools in my trusty tool box are Craftsman and my lawn mower is a Craftsman, too. But my favorite tool?  That's the one that doesn't match the others. It's my Yankee Handyman push drill.

Simple mechanics, no electricity needed.  Just pop in the drill bit, line up the point and push that sucker into whatever you're trying to drill.  The perfect tool for the home craftswoman.

As for the project folder from the home improvement company?  There's a simple explanation... I may be somewhat foolish, but I'm smart enough to know when something's over my head.  I don't mess with roofing.

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Vibration: Day 6 of 30 Days of Photographs III

What were Michael and Ziva thinking, putting "Vibration" right after "Lotion"?  Yeah... we know exactly what they were thinking!  A double entendre here, an off color remark there... the horror!

So, what is a mild-mannered preschool teacher (with eight rubber chickens) supposed to do with this prompt?

But, wait!

What's that?

Yet another treasure from my Hoarder's collection?

Score!

I've managed to coax some wicked vibrations out of this bad boy.

So, what's your guess on how long it takes Henry to gnaw the leather drumhead off my djembe?

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Lotion: Day 5 of 30 Days of Photographs III

Every day at the Home for Wayward Wee Ones begins with everyone putting their sunscreen on.    Summer, winter, spring, fall... it's always the same drill.  It's a state regulation and you can imagine how much I like regulations.  Yeah, not much.

So, in anticipation of Day 5 of 30 Days of Photographs III, I couldn't help myself.  I suggested to the kidlets that we put the sunscreen on the rubber chickens.  (Of which there are eight.)  Wouldn't want them getting sunburned when we take them outside to the playground, now, would we?

Washing the sunscreen off the rubber chickens kept the kidlets occupied for a good 15 minutes!

I'm so devious.

And sick.

But, then I'm guessing you already figured that one out.

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.

Sour: Day 4 of 30 Days of Photographs III

How many times do we claim we don't want something, when in reality it's simply inaccessible to us?

Yeah, been there, done that.

Aesop calls that sour grapes...

But that gets old really fast.  Here's to being happy with what we've got!  *clinks glass of wine*

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My blogging friends, Michael and Ziva are sponsoring another 30 Days of Photographs challenge.  This is their third version of the challenge and my first attempt to meet it. To see how others have responded to the prompts, check in with Ziva at 30 Days of Photographs III.