Go Pro Bro

 

Ed is on a guy's trip with his buddies.  They're in Long Beach, California and on this day took a big ride from their hotel to the Queen Mary.  Here's a shot of Ed wearing his GoPro camera on his helmet.  

Duuuuude.

 

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2024: Westbound In The Sunflower State
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Improving Lives With Every Mile
2018: Warehouse For Rent
2017: C'mon In And Click The Links
2016: I Fell Into A Vat Of Caramel-Colored Carbonated Water
2015: Three Squares And A Midnight Snack
2014: They Were Five
2013: Wake Of Imagination
2012: Woman With Cat
2011: From Blue Grass To Wine Country
2010: Plump With Fat Quarters
2009: Eddie Out With The Old, In With The New Friday
2008: You Can Get Them At Home Depot??
2007: There Are Never Enough Hours In The Day To Do Anything When You Have A Baby
2006: Tequila Sunrise
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005! 

Too Close For Comfort

Today I was on our back porch getting a few storage bins to finally put away the Christmas stuff.  As I pulled one of the bigger bins from the porch, I heard a noise and saw a little piece of plastic skedaddle across the tile.  I looked at it and out of the corner of my eye saw something move.  It was a rattlesnake!  This rattlesnake!

I didn't think he was a big one when compared to others I've seen, but still, I was alone on my porch with a rattlesnake!  One that only a few moments before was close to my unprotected ankle.  

I picked up a long walking stick and shoved him to the outside porch tiles thinking I would scoop him up and take him into the desert.  I didn't hear him rattling until I played back the video.  It was a slight rattle but definitely present.

Ed was out of town at the time so I called him asking him what I should do with it.  He was on a guy's trip and his two buddies were in the car when I called.  Ed had me on speakerphone.  They all agree that I should kill it, so I did.  I used a shovel and chopped his head off.  Here, he's screaming.  Look at those beady red eyes!  Ugh.

He's still on the porch, neck under the shovel (do snakes have necks??).  I'm leaving him there until Ed gets home to dispose of him.  

And I've decided that I'm not putting anything in the sheds.  One encounter with a snake is enough for me.  This is why I stay inside most of the time.  This confirms that I'm definitely the indoorsy type.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: Tons Of Bales
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: You Talking To Me?
2018: Garnish
2017: The Hostile Living Conditions Of The Desert
2016: Drop Zone
2015: King (And Queen) Of The World
2014: Winding It Up Before Leaving Town
2013: Who Is A Bahamian?
2012: Pay No Attention To The Cat Behind The Curtain
2011: Papa Can You Hear Me?
2010: The Err Erudes Them
2009: Sorry, no post for this date.
2008: Addicted
2007: When You Just Can’t Decide Between Dinner And Breakfast
2006: Purple Industrial Skies
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

The Spitfire Of The Animal Kingdom

We have a lot of animals on our property - snakes, javelinas, coyotes, quail, hawks, etc.  And, this beautiful bobcat.

We don't see him very often but I caught him on camera this time and I love how he just slowly saunters past the front window, on his way to who knows where.  

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: On The Tarmac At JFK
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Free Poured Art
2018: Tastier Than A Tide Pod
2017: Moving Reward
2016: Her Talent Is Black And White

2015: Veteran Cruiser
2014: Drill, Baby, Drill

2013: Ruling Color
2012: After This, It’s Time To Close The Left Door For A While

2011: I Think I’ve Seen This Person On Facebook

2010: Eating Crud Is So Much Tastier Than Eating Crow

2009: Chihuly In The Trees

2008: Is It Really SO Hard??

2007: Snowball In Hell

2006: The Southern Family Tree

2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

He Rules The House

My mother's cat Dexter with a banana.  You know, a snack for later, when he's watching TV.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: History All The Way Back To The Boot
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Smooth Operator
2018: The Road To A New Beginning
2017: We The People
2016: Two Old Ladies And A Truck
2015: Leaving San Diego In A Lavender Glow
2014: Thin And Crispy. Just How I Like 'Em
2013: Amber Jack
2012: Adding A Poodle To The Mix
2011: If…
2010: How The West Was Fun
2009: Pecking Order
2008: The Sympathy Train Stopped Dead In Its Tracks
2007: Shalom
2006: A.D.I.D.A.S.
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Tell Me You're In Texas Without Telling Me You're In Texas

 

Yes, the hotel had Texas-shaped waffles.  Man, they take this Texas pride thing to a new level!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: Young Love
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: That Famous Smile
2018: Southern Italian Bottega
2017: Smile Because It Happened
2016: A Sea Of Blue
2015: We Are On The Biggest Boat In The Marina
2014: The Only Thing I Haven't Done
2013: United Tails
2012: I Grew Up In The O.C. Too
2011: Snowy Arrival
2010: Not A Pretty Sight
2009: Marking This Day In History With A Vibrant Spot Of Color
2008: Lighting To Do Laundry By
2007: The Benefits Of Dating A White Boy
2006: Shhhhhh, You’ll Wake The Driver
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

A Place To Begin

This is the chapel at The Brooks at Weatherford, where Ed’s niece’s wedding took place. 

The chapel was charming, the ceremony was beautiful, and the reception was fun and palpably love-filled!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: Keepin' It Clean
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: You Won't Believe Your Ears
2018: It's All About The Hat
2017: Stanley Steemer Gets Your Home Cleaner
2016: Cat Nemesis
2015: Bon Voyage!
2014: All This Entertainment For Less Than The Cost Of A Restaurant Entree
2013: Ten Things I Hate About Flying
2012: Teeth Or Another European Vacation? Ooooh, It’s A Real Toss Up.
2011: Not So Wacky After All
2010: Spreading The Word
2009: He Had A Dream. Tomorrow We See It Come True.
2008: Who Do You Know?
2007: South Beach Blue
2006: Jawl Spake Anglesh??
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!  

Runway 12

We’re off to Dallas!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: I've Got A Thing For Grain
2023: Sorry, no post on this day
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: University's Main Drag
2018: Meat Sticks Don't Make The List
2017: Blue By You
2016: Fierce
2015: The Nuts And Bolts Of It
2014: Gorgeous, Rich, And Rugged. And That's Just The Bag.
2013: Back To Basics
2012: I Can Think Of Better Ways To Spend Hump Day
2011: Can I Appoint Myself The Baroness Of Cattle?
2010: This Time Losing The Wallet Really Means Losing The Wallet
2009: Marley & Me
2008: Eddie Gets Handy Friday
2007: The Perfect Neapolitan Slice
2006: The King Of The Flying Salmon
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Sharp Dressed Man

We're heading to a wedding this weekend and Ed went shopping at Dillard's for a new sport coat and two new ties. He was on his own and with the help of the salesman, made some beautiful choices.  The ties are Italian silk!

I, on the other hand, will be wearing my standby Kiyonna black crepe jumpsuit that I've worn to two past weddings and a work event.  And since it'll be cold in Dallas I'll be able to wear my cape with the faux fur collar!  

Ed looks great in everything he puts on but he's especially handsome in a suit.  I'm looking forward to walking into this event on his arm and celebrating the new life his cousin and her fiancé are embarking on.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: A Gateway To Chinese Canadians
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Public Works
2018: Sometimes It's Not Just A Cough
2017: The De Facto Logo Of Brooklyn
2016: There Is Poetry In Change
2015: Ski Or Sun? Sun Won.
2014: All The Better To Cook With, My Dear
2013: I Fancy The Castle Life
2012: There Are No Prison Blues If You Have Naan
2011: Now I’m No Longer Alone
2010: Rings Of Spring
2009: Map Schmap
2008: A Willow Weeps In Arizona
2007: Double Team
2006: Turning One Million
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Short-Necked And Secretive

A Sunbittern bird at The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
2024:  Winds Of Time
2023:  A Walk Through History
2022:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2021:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2020:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2019:  Reflecting Miltenburg
2018:  Ed And The Ladies
2017:  Descansos
2016:  Please Come Back!
2015:  Still Life
2014:  Sunset Cycling
2013:  Pit Stop At Home
2012:  Adding A Few More Wheels To The Big Rig
2011:  Again And Again And Again
2010:  Hood Ornament
2009:  Eddie Out Of Control
2008:  My Boyfriend Simon Is Back In Town
2007:  A Little Taste Of Miami Beach
2006:  Ooooohhhhhh, Jabra!
2005:  Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn't start until May 2005!

We'll Be Seeing You Soon

 

We've been home since June but will be going back on the road in February.  It's been a long time and although I love being home, I will be happy to cross the country again.

I hope I remember how to drive a semi.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: Peacocks In The Park
2023: In The Heart Of The Baroque City
2022: Campo Wind
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Rock Solid Saint
2018: Rainforest Adventures
2017: Low Ceiling In The Desert
2016: An Original Recycler
2015: There's A Black Hole In The Desert (With Truck Parking)
2014: Strength In Numbers
2013: Woman Cannot Live On Bread Alone
2012: Why Milk Is ALWAYS At The Top Of My Shopping List
2011: Fun For Sale
2010: Dublin Is Incredibly Corny
2009: Welcome To Snowhio
2008: When Big Hair And Denim Were King
2007: Open 24 Hours
2006: Lucky One Eye
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Cousins Are Forever

 

My cousin Deana was a little beauty.  She looked like a doll.  Porcelain skin, giant brown eyes, glossy cascading hair.  She is 11 months younger than me and one month younger than my brother.

At this point, we were the only girl cousins in the family.  The next girl cousin is 21 years younger than me and came along 15 years after this photo was taken.  She just got married last November.

I was the family's first grandchild and granddaughter, so I reigned for almost a whole year before the next two grandchildren came along within a month of each other. 

Today, I'm happy to say that I have a relationship with both of them and I treasure it.  I have a lot of memories that I hold on to and keeping in contact with them, even if it's sporadic, is important to me. 

Life is definitely better with cousins.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: Surf's Up!
2023: Getting The Lay Of The Land
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Iron Wildcat
2018: The Early Bird And All That
2017: The Early Bird Gets The Education
2016: Love On 4th
2015: Distorted Delicious Beauties
2014: The Cockroach Cowboy
2013: Slap 'Em Right Up Here, Ma'am
2012: A Documentary In My Head
2011: Weeding Out The Assholes
2010: Does It Fall Under Some Kind Of Secret Guy Code?
2009: Over 140 Million Years In The Making
2008: If “G” Means Good, Then “I” Must Mean Incompetent
2007: Ft. Lauderdale Storm
2006: You Don’t Need Makeup Or Starbucks
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Stirred, Not Shaken

 

One of my favorite meals to make is a stir-fry.  This one has asparagus, onions, mushrooms, carrots, and red and yellow bell peppers.  I typically put this over brown rice or noodles and have made a variety of different sauces for it.

It's always quick and delicious.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
2024:  Nature's Edge
2023:  A Third Of The Golden Triangle
2022:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2021:  I Roll
2020:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2019:  Gilded Tourist Attraction
2018:  Dining Up North
2017:  Promoting International Cooperation
2016:  Truly A Man Of Leisure
2015:  Beer Run
2014:  Field Two
2013:  We Are A Very Rich, Blessed, Lucky, Fortunate Lot Aren't We?
2012:  Passion Creates Pure Art
2011:  Reflecting On The Day
2010:  Crunching The Numbers
2009:  Looking Grand At The Grand Canyon
2008:  Overshadowing Government
2007:  Miami International
2006:  Did You Check The Solenoid?
2005:  Sorry, no post on this day.  The blog didn't start until May 2005!

Did He Ride His Horse To The Post Office?

 

This dapper fellow was standing in line in front of me at the post office.  What an outfit!  The first thing that came to mind was the Australian Outback.  Kinda everything about him was cool.  I should have asked him to post for a portrait.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: You Have Goat To Stop Here
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Safety Check
2018: Cactus And The Catalinas
2017: Teaching People How To Unite
2016: Shining A Light
2015: Tooling Around The Old Pueblo
2014: Next Blog, Please
2013: My Mother Never Fried Chicken Like This
2012: Shocking
2011: Awesome All-Star
2010: Have Pots And Pans, Will Travel
2009: This One Contains A Young Rider
2008: When She’s Not Sleeping, She Tries To Look Purty
2007: Eddie McSteamy Friday
2006: Pepparkakor Cat
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Who Doesn't Love When This Happens?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: Taxi!
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Teepee Pee Stop
2018: Bread And Wine
2017: Loaded
2016: Sprouting The Good Stuff
2015: Economic Stimulation
2014: The Ninety-Two Year Old Horseman
2013: Where They Store The Crop Goodies
2012: Inside The Trucker’s Studio
2011: The Next Project
2010: Why Would You Want To Be A Zero When Looking Like This Is Clearly A Plus?
2009: The Giant Dirty Bird Goes Sailing In The Four Corners
2008: Soft Core Porn
2007: Almost Fully Integrated
2006: Downtown Scenery And Deals
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

The Dying Population Of The Dying City

An elderly lady sitting outside of her house in Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy, the dying city.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
2024: Floating Into Victoria
2023: Bienvenido A España!
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Moto Cop
2018: ¡Salud!
2017: Eddie On Ice
2016: My God, This Reminds Me Of Why I Love Adele
2015: Making Friends And Dinner Plans
2014: It's So EXHAUSTing Being Right All The Time
2013: A Marriage Of Two Loves
2012: I Love A Man Wearing A Damn Good-Looking Workboot
2011: MMXI At Full Throttle
2010: Maybe There’s A Reason Ed Never Lets Me Out Of The Truck
2009: Napolitos
2008: Pull Up A Chair
2007: The Story Of The Uppity Barista: Otherwise Known As A Texan Gittin’ Above His Raisin’
2006: Rock, Paper, Eddie
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

This Is How You Make It To 80

After finding the debris left by the pack rats, I was reminded of all the work my stepfather did on our property to get rid of the majority of the prickly pear cactus, which is one of their main food sources and also where like like to hide and build their nests.

At 80 years old he was out in the yard almost daily, using a giant machete to cut down the prickly pear cactus and then hauling the pieces to the garbage can. He cleared almost a half-acre of cactus.

This photo was taken on one of his "work" days.  80 years old and pushing a wheelchair around an acre of property.  I don't even like to walk to the mailbox!  I might have to put this photo on my refrigerator to inspire me to do what it takes to get to 80!  

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: A Spectacular Spiral To The Sky
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: See You On The Flip Side
2018: Let Your Love Light The Sky
2017: Step One, Neutralize
2016: Penetrating Gaze
2015: Worst Trucking Day Ever
2014: Books Are So Much More Interesting Than Guns
2013: Contemplating Broccoli Cheddar
2012: I’m Totally Contemplating Thievery
2011: Some People Are Just Fucking Nuts
2010: 7am In Beantown
2009: Eddie Taking A Moment To Enjoy Nature Friday
2008: Pull Up A Chair
2007: Brad Blows
2006: Expressly American
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005! 

A Date Etched In Memory And History

This photo was taken on January 8, 2011.  My brother and Ed were installing new concrete pads for the sheds behind our house.  This is my youngest nephew who was there to "help".  Here, he just looks like he's having fun.

This was also the day that  United States Representative Gabby Giffords was shot.  The Safeway where she was shot is just two miles from my house.  I shop there often.  We heard the emergency vehicle sirens and saw a helicopter overhead.  We had no idea what was happening until my sister-in-law called and told us.

One of the people who died, Christina Taylor-Green, was a classmate of one of my nephews. My brother knew her parents. 

A terrible tragedy for all.  

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: Bringing Awareness To A National Crisis
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this post.
2019: A Ruined Medieval Castle Overlooks An Abbey
2018: Grand Architecture And Strict Discipline
2017: Setting Moon
2016: Happy Fucking New Year
2015: Smart And Talented
2014: Who?
2013: Doing A Complete 180
2012: Apple Is My Life. I’m Living It To The Core.
2011: Men (And One Little Man) At Work
2010: Miss Me Like It’s Forever
2009: Speak Already!
2008: On The Hunt
2007: Cash For Life
2006: Nice Melons
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!