Monday, August 23, 2004

Every raindrop is different

When it rained truly hard today Mom asked me to take pictures outside to share with everyone to show the massive amount of water. I had spent time just recently reading the Fujii manual cover to cover and knew just how to take shots for "action". Trouble was two fold: 1) I could NOT get the instruction book out of the camer box without destroying the box and 2) I could not find the exact instructions until the really great rain had subsided into a sort of, kind of nice rain. I reread the instructions and am now poised to take great rain shots.

-Larry

This 'n That

We have bought a new bed and it will be delivered Thursday. Our air conditioner went dead again and I can't seem to get the installer/fixit man to get us on his "customer list" for sure. The Olympic's have been fun to watch, but Mom's channel surfing starts to make my face twitch (which actually isn't related to shaky body) and I eventually excuse myself to another room and tv.

-Larry

"Hansel and Gretal" trail

Mom and I are playing more tennis; I still usually lose but am getting better. Katia left me a "Hansel and Gretal" trail down the hallways this morning. In the dim light I stepped on one of the morsels and concluded they weren't dark socks after all. After washing my foot in the toilet I spent some really great time cleaning up "socks" and skidmarks. We have also experienced a really smelly and soaked rug; poor Katia is losing some control and I must remember to attend to her needs frequently. Will and Mina spent most of the day sleeping. Will has really worked hard on his speaking and talks to us "too often" each day and will speak from the laying position or follow you anywhere constantly telling you to pay close attention to his wants and needs and his incredibly fascinating cat stories (all of which sound basically the same).

-Larry

Agri Update

Bought 400 new bulbs and 8 mums and dug holes Saturday until I didn't want to dig anymore; hence not finished yet. Today it rained really hard and one of the holes filled up with 4 inches of water and still filled as of this writing. Was going to put in bulbs, but think they will rot. Hmmmmm..... spent at least an hour digging last hole. It is getting hard to plant when a lot of the plants still need to die off to give me fresh, usable spaces to plant. Will go to the forest in September for more ferns for spaces other than rock garden. I vaccummed up the seed from the flower beds of Nasturium (a five gal bucket full + dirt) and will plant in spring.

-Larry

Truck Noise

Our Tacoma has started making loud noises as tho it has a hole in the muffler; had it put up at Les Schwab's, but no hole found so today I crawled underneath and examined the entire exhaust system with a flashlight and by hands as far as I could see and reach, but no hole. The noise usually happens or is noticed when I brake at a stoplight or stop sign. Finally, Jan has noticed it, but not in all it's loudness; kind of sounds like a large truck is idling right next to my truck(or ear). Any suggestions as to cause?

-Larry

Thursday, August 19, 2004

How to blog (a refresher)

It seems that many of you may have forgotten how to blog by the number of comments I am not seeing. I know there are things going on in your lives, so lets hear about them. Granfar, who is relatively new to technology, is posting more often then most of the rest of you.

If you haven't figured it out, you can click on the orange and white "B" in the top left hand corner of your screen, and it will take you to your dashboard where you can post new topics. So feel free to write all you want.

Specifically, I haven't heard from Tim since day one. He can't be THAT busy. Or maybe he thinks that he isn't a "Sharp". Well you are, so start writing.

-The Raging Melephant-

(If you don't know what this name means, then you haven't been keeping up with the blog, so start reading)

Tuesday, August 17, 2004

emails por favor

Hey guys,
Send me your emails when you get a chance. you can post them here, or send them to my email address.
My email address is: my first name and last initial(all one word)@direcway.com

I'd like to send you guys updates or whatever. i won't spam you though, unless you specifically request that.

Hungry and Sore

This is day two in the newly started exercise/diet regime for myself, Greyson and Jan. All have sworn an oath to becoming all they can be. For myself, I am trying to gain some muscle. Greyson has fat loss on his agenda. I believe my mother is in the weight/fat loss category.

I have successfully lifted weights and performed 20 minutes of cardio every day this week (I know it is only Tuesday). I normally let Ada pull me up the first big hill during our morning run, but today I made her heel and ran to the top on my own accord.

Greyson has blamed his limited exercising and weight lifting on lack of sleep. I think he is just lazy because I manage to roll out of bed thirty after he leaves for work and excercise just fine. (I have finally trained him to close all doors and turn off all lights so I can sleep after he leaves for work.) Our frenzied Halo arena transformation has also kept us up too late.

If anyone wants to join with us in some sort of program or just needs some moral support/accountability then let us know. Please let us know any goals (body fat % etc.) that you are trying to reach.

Friday, August 13, 2004

Greyson gives notice

Today is the day that Greyson is giving notice at his job. His last day of work will be Sept. 3rd. He will be taking requests for any jobs that you need done around your houses as he has 3 weeks off after his last day of work and before his school year starts. He just can't think of anything good to do with that time so I am sure he would love to put in a week at each of your houses doing odd jobs. He is especially good at moving heavy things, cooking large meals and baby sitting.

Dean blog participation

Someone needs to get the Dean's to check out the blog. I told them of it's existence and sent the email invite, but they have failed to respond. I am sure Jenn will be more involved when she is working at school again, but hopefully we can hear from her before then.


Thursday, August 12, 2004

zuchinni bread & reunion recap

Now that I have Grandma's recipe is there any chance Jen has her delicious bread recipe?

Monday, August 09, 2004

Grandma Far Away's jello salad recipe

There was a request for Grandma's recipe. She can't find a spot to start a new topic, so I'm creating this and she is going to post the recipe as a comment.

Happy cooking & eating!

Mom (aka GJ)

Thursday, August 05, 2004

bloggers MIA

So where is everybody else? Larry? Jenn? Brian?

Camping 2003

Test Photo: Greyson working hard during last years camping trip.

Attempted Murder

We had a close call this week....
It all started when Larry, Greyson and I were taking Oreo and Quark for a walk down into the trees. We had walked down the trail and out into the trees when I noticed a doe grazing at the end of the trail. And then I saw her fawn that still had some white spots on it. Both deer heard us coming and the fawn bounded up the hill a little ways while the mother stayed put and then continued grazing. Meanwhile, Cleo had been out in the trees and had heard us coming down the trail. Wanting to come join the group she started meowing and slowly wandering through the woods towards the trail to find us. Since the deer apperently didn't mind us standing there I started calling Cleo so she could find us. Cleo then procedded to wind her way out of the trees, meowing the entire time, and headed directly for the doe, apperantly unaware of the deers presence at the end of the trail. Expecting the doe to bolt as the cat approached, I was shocked at the events that unfolded. The doe rose up in an attampt to stomp Cleo into the ground. Cleo, while being shocked by the deers prescence, managed to dodge the first attempted attack. Cleo then weeved back and forth as the deer matched her every move. I stood in shock for a few moments and then started yelling at the deer to leave my cat alone (mostly because I didn't want the vet bill if Cleo got injured). Finaly the deer quit her persuit and the mom and baby went up the hill to another part of the trees. Cleo survived thanks to her quick sprinting abilities and my yelling at the vicous deer. Greyson got his knife out so that we would be armed for the trip back to the house. Needless to say, I don't venture out into the woods anymore.

Camping Arrangements

So what are everyones housing accomidations this weekend??

I was assuming that Greyson and I were tenting it with Traci, I mean Soggy Bottom, I mean Soggy Pete, and family. Greyson will be there with me for sure on Friday but probably not Saturday night and then will be there bright and early Sunday morning. OK, maybe not bright and early.

Did the Dean family get a camper site? What are there plans? It looks like there might be a couple first come first serve, non-reservable sites that they can get if they go early.

The Sharp/Rudds will be bringing the lemonade and the volleyball net/ball for the reunion. I will have to get together with the Porters to talk about our other meals for the weekend. I will be bringing the pooch to add chaos to the mix. But don't worry, I will chain her up during the reunion if need be. I try to be a responsible large dog owner.