Here's do it yourself fireworks display over New York City for this fourth of July. Just click here.
From: Cheryl Espedal
Date: 7/3/2008 7:57:58 AM
To: Deej
Hi-
There are several articles in the "Star" today, I noticed.
Also, Catherine's item in "Hauser Thoughts" jogged my mind with her reference to noxious weeds. I don't know if you were aware that the State of Idaho is offering a free booklet helping people identify noxious weeds. It is surprisingly excellent. It gives not only colored pictures of the grown weeds, but shows what they look like as they are growing and also, what part of Idaho is infested by them. It can be obtained by asking for "Idaho's Official Noxious Weeds" at either www.idahoweedawareness.net or calling 1-866-ID-WEEDS (1-866-439-3337).
Cheryl
Another resignation
7-2-08
There was an article in the Coeur d'Alene Press today announcing the resignation of Bob Runkle, the City of Hauser's treasurer. If you read my article about the Mayor's resignation, I'm sure you know that I don't blame Runkle one bit for quitting. He was treated rudely in council meetings by the councilmember who is now our acting mayor. I have great respect for Bob for never losing his cool. Maybe he can give me lessons.
Date: 7/2/2008 8:48:21 PM
To: hereinidaho@roadrunner.com
Subject: Lake*A*Syst
Too bad the storm dumped everything not nailed down into the lake last night. With or without the program ... nothing could have stopped the deluge of run-off that swept away much of the Hauser Lake watershed area ... including part of my culvert. We had whitewater flash flooding of Biblical proportions moving down our street. I still hope to attend the Lake-a-syst program to be a better steward of my property under 'normal' conditions. Sorry to read that with last night's storm, you've been reduced to 100% trailer trash ! Keeping a sense of humor will save your sanity, eh?
I'm becoming proficient at spotting noxious weeds ... there are three that I'm currently trying to eradicate by mowing and pulling before they go to seed. From what I read, a single spotted nappweed (sp?) containes 35,000 seeds ... said seeds will germinate up to eight years after their 'mother plant' has gone to seed ... I'll be busy for some time. With last nights rain the weeds are easier to pull ... but will also give a new crop reason to sprout. Never ending cycle seems to me ... but I'm going to give it my best shot.
Now I'm off to dig out of the recycle pile my CDA Press from yesterday to read about "Janet Reno" ... are you sure she's the same one from Slick Willie's term??? Any chance she'd want to be the mayor of a dysfunctional tiny hamlet in a very RED state? Currently ... and since I've moved to Hauser ... I am a gal without a town ... not feeling connected with Hauser ... nor Post Falls. For now, I'll settle for just being from my 'hood' .
Catherine
At the urging of the attorney, the City did not select a mayor tonight. For now, Olita Johnston is acting mayor since she was the president of the council.
Guess I'll try to make the best of it
7-2-08
Today I was trying to remember why I’m here in North Idaho where occasional terrible weather is the norm. If you want to get rid of me, just hold a huge benefit for me so I can afford to move back to the quake and bake state from where I came. Shake and Bake . . . hmmm . . . maybe I might as well stay here and bug people at Hauser.
So last night I went to bed at 11:30p.m., leaving my cave with a bucket to collect the rain that was threatening to fill up my solitude room. The dogs and I were lying in the comfort of the bed for a whole two minutes when a faucet from the ceiling above, opened and started drenching my face. You can bet that I didn’t handle it well at all. Back to the cave I went. Thank goodness my cave has a bed and another big thanks because the ceiling above it wasn’t leaking.
When I got up this morning, I was brave and looked outside. There was a mess everywhere including the beach. Campers were coming so I headed for the beach to start raking the millions of leaves that had been beaten off the cottonwoods from the hail. Five minutes into the job, the first Stutheit camper arrived. The Stutheits are wonderful people and have camped here for years. They grabbed the rake they brought and three of mine and started raking. I wanted to feel sorry for myself. These are supposed to be my golden years and I’m ready to do nothing! But how could I feel sorry for myself when the 95 year old great grandpa was working as hard as me. I asked his granddaughter Cindy if he was supposed to work so hard and for so long. She told me his doctor told her that he can do all the work he wants since he’s lived long enough to do as he pleases. Once, the doctor did ask Great Grandpa Hiram to please not get on the roof until he returned from his vacation.
Info on memorial service for Glen Black
7-2-08
Here's an email from Patty Black:
Hi D.j.,
Thanks for posting information about Glen on your site, I really appreciate it. I am as a loss, in fact I have no clue as to what I am doing or how it is all going to get done. I wanted to let you know that the plans have been fairly finalized for the services. We are planning a memorial on July 12th at 10:00 A.M. in Coeur d' Alene using St. Pius church as the meeting place, We are also planning a Cruise/Reception on the Mish-a-nock for family and friends after the services. I believe this will be starting at noon.
The Hauser Smoke Shop will be closing for the day, July 12, 2008 so that all the employees will be able to participate in their own way in a remembrance of the Boss-Glen Black.
There has been such an outpouring of concern and care, we all at the Hauser Smoke Shop want to say Thank-You for all the support. We are missing him very much.
Patty Black
Now wasn't that just a whole bunch of fun?
7-1-08
There was another first this evening for me. I experienced the worst rain and hail storm of my life. My flowers are beaten to pieces and the flower bed is surely in the lake. I’m sure our road is. It was like a swiftly flowing river traveling down our road to the lake. The flooded beach is back. And my mobile now has tarp on top of it because the rain was coming inside via the roof and windows frames. I am sure now that I am 100% trailer trash. Woe is me!
Janet Reno settles here
7-1-08
Janet Reno is alive and well at Hauser Lake, Idaho. It’s hard to believe that Reno, Attorney General under Bill Clinton, would move to a Red State, but that’s what the Coeur d’Alene Press said in the newspaper today.
My response to question about Hauser being dysfunctional
... We are a very disfunctional community when it comes to politics. I have the feeling it might be because we are so much like a very big family out here. We know each other like family. But I must also say that if someone needs some help, we all rally around and get things done the very best we can. It's just politics that we have a problem with/Frum Helen Back.
This song is from 1958. I don't remember it from then but just love it. At the end it lists the band members and one is Buddy Holly. Ivan, the singer, wrote this song too. I hope you enjoy it.
You can read the Spokesman-Review article about Mayor Werst resigning here.
Finally, here is some good news
6-30-08
I needed some good news today after getting the upsetting news about Don Werst giving up his unappreciated job as Mayor of Hauser. Well I certainly did get the best news this evening. We stopped by to see Shirley Hansen in the North Idaho Advanced Care Hospital. Listen to this! Shirley walked about a city block today with her husband Mike. And best of all: SHIRLEY SPEAKS. She told Mike that she loves him and with some urging she said, “I’m happy.” When we saw her she had the dreaded tube in her trach hole so she couldn’t say a word, but boy was she trying. Someone said something to her that made her laugh (without sound). Boy is she going to be glad when the oxygen tube is gone for good since none of us are worth a darn when it comes to lip reading. Here is one more wonderful change. She is moving her right side like nothing is wrong. Let me again say THANKS for the prayers that many of you have been saying for Shirley.
Mayor Werst's letter of resignation
6-29-08
Mayor Don Werst has provided his letter of resignation for you to read. In the letter he makes clear his reason for resigning. You can read it here.
Who can run our little city?
6-29-08
I can only think of one person who will be able to take over as mayor for the City of Hauser. Who has put up with all of us for years and tolerated our many and varied ideosyncrasies? I called former Mayor Ed Peone today and ask him if he would be willing to take back the job if asked. He said he would be willing to serve out the term. So I'm hoping the Council will give the appointment of Ed as our mayor some very careful consideration.
Mayor Werst calls it quits
6-28-08
I didn't see it coming, but I don't know how Mayor Werst has put up with all of the "crap" he has been dealt for so long. Besides the recall petition that was circulating to remove him from office, there was the complaint filed against the City of Hauser regarding the sexual harrassment of the City Clerk by a Councilwoman. But what I observed as the worst conduct was a Councilmember lecturing, at length, Mayor Werst in a Council Meeting and in another meeting lecturing, at length, the City's Treasurer. Of course I got insulted by a Councilmember at a Council Meeting too. Supervising employees and insulting members of the audience and city employees is not the job of the Council. And no one should be lectured at a public meeting. To me that is common courtesy. Unfortunately the mayor of a city cannot fire a councilmember.
To Don Werst I say, "I'm sorry you have been treated so poorly and lied about by members of our community."
Here's a link to an article about Glen Black's fatal accident. Click here.
Happy news
6-27-08
A lot of you have been praying hard for Shirley Hansen. How do I know? Well to me it's such miraculous news. They got Shirley out of bed today and she walked with the help of a therapist for a minute or two. And she still has the breathing tube in the tracheotomy hole but is no longer on the respirator and is breathing on her own. Keep up the prayers for her though. She still has a long way to go.
Sad news
6-27-08
Terrible news. Glenn Black, owner of the Hauser Market, was killed this morning in a motorcycle accident in Montana.
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Paralee Tipton, left, died yesterday from cancer. This picture was taken at the benefit held for her when she and Carmen Miller both shaved their heads at the beginning of Paralee's treatment.
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A pleasant Sunday evening
6-27-08 Jabet Wheeler
Hi all,
I know many of you are "patrons of the arts" and I'll be some of you just like music, so I wanted to bring a performance to your attention--
This Sunday, over at the old church in Post Falls, which is the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center, there is a 7 pm performance of "The Great American Songbook" which is a collection of Cole Porter and Gershrwin songs. Doors actually open at 6 pm with wine & cheese reception and a chance to visit the Art Gallery; there is an Art Show of Wes Hanson Acrylics and other sculptures.
All this for $17 per person! Phone 457-8950 for reserving tickets and if you cannot get a person at that number, come at 6 pm on Sunday night, anyway. Pay at the door cash or check.
Hope to see you there, Jabet
Stuff
6-26-08
First it was the sprinklers and now it’s the timers. We’re just missing some of the timers, not all of them, which is even more bazaar to me. But I’m remaining patient with the old man that I dearly love. If McCain becomes President, I sure hope his memory is in better shape or that he has someone younger to help him remember things. What if he loses the red phone?
Shirley Hansen isn’t doing very well. She’s been moved to the North Idaho Advanced Care Hospital in Post Falls. I remember reading that it was a physical therapy hospital so maybe they can help her. I sure hope so. She is such an upbeat person and so very sweet and kind.
Today was boob smashing day and for the first time ever, I saw someone that I know at the imaging place. Unfortunately, Jane Stoll was there for a biopsy. That’s scary stuff. I hope all goes well. I want the rest of you to stay healthy too. It makes me really sad when someone gets sick.
First picture from NASA of water on Mars, outstanding!! Click here.
6-25-08 An unusual rainbow cloud. photo by Dave Nall
Bits and Pieces
6-25-08
My day didn’t start out so good, but it got better after the initial wakeup, shock call from the doctor’s nurse telling me my cholesterol is high. Dave went outside and started mowing the lawns around here and I had the feeling he left because he was worried I would whine and he didn’t want to listen to me. Can’t say that I blame him. Guess Mc Donald’s and I will be parting company. I also said goodbye to Baskin Robbins tonight. We’ve been going twice a week with the young Nalls after watching Hilary play in a basketball game. We’re going to start going to Jamba Juice instead. I like Jamba Juice and discovered that the rest of family does too.
Yesterday we bought the neatest phones we’ve ever had. I discovered them at Costco. Dave and I have a terrible time with phones because they all are different and we have them in almost every room. When someone calls, it’s not unusual for us to hang up on the person accidentally. Then there is the problem of not turning off the phone properly and so it stays on all day. Now we have five phones that are all identical and we can even page each other. I gave each phone a name like living room, bathroom, etc. We can page one phone or all of the phones. It’s just so fun. No more yelling at each other which is a totally waste because neither of us can hear that good anyway, but we act like maybe the other person has had a miracle performed and can hear just fine.
The new sprinklers have been removed from the car and sure enough, Dave found the old sprinklers. I think we’re going to like the new ones better because they’re on a taller stand and will water a bigger area. I think of these things so that I don’t feel like we’ve wasted money just so we could find the old sprinklers. Life can be challenging at times.
Tidbits
6-24-08
Today was such an enjoyable day. I just love to bake and so that’s what I did most of morning and early afternoon. Dave isn’t supposed to have a lot of yums so I don’t bake very often. It just seemed that if we were having a get together at city hall to complain about the comprehensive code, it would sweeten us up to have goodies to eat and drink.
It turned out that our good attitudes had nothing to do with the treats, but everything to do with a Code Administrator and P & Z Commissioners who don’t act like they’re “mightier than thou.”
We bought the new sprinklers yesterday. I suppose we should take them out of the car before we use them. I was complaining the other day that I sure do waste a lot of time. Dave said that we’ve lived long enough that we should waste all the time we want and not feel badly about it. I’m so glad I married him.
Dave sent me a test that is for 2nd graders in China. I'm obviously not doing well brain wise since I not only couldn't figure it out, he had to show me how to solve the puzzle three times before I could remember how do it. It's called Frog Leap Test.
Ball girl video
This was at a Fresno Grizzlies' game.
Tom Inman has sent us another fun game to play. This one is called Prairie Dog-Shut up and Dance Game. Check it out here.
News from the Hauser Lions Club
6-23-08 Duane Justus
Our LionsClub is offering to City of Hauser or Area of City Impact high school students a $500 Scholarship. This is our first year to offer this to our area students...Please call Duane Justus/Scholarship Chairman @ 777.7100 FFI.
We also had our Hauser Lions "Ride for Sight" motorcycle run this week end. It started @ " Roadhouse Cycles" in Post Falls. The first stop was the "Falls Inn" on the Priest Lake Hwy. Then on to the "Captn's Table" @ Garfield Bay on Lake Pend Oreille. Finishing up @ "Cruisers" @ Stateline for dinner. We were able to raise $1600 total from an Anonymous Donor ($500)- Rathdrum Power ($250) and $850 from particapating riders..all of this cash raised stays with our Club and we keep it in our area.
If anyone is interested in the Hauser Lions, you can call Duane Justus @ 777.7100.
Some bad things are easy to forget
6-22-08
It was sure nice hearing the downpour last night since we still don’t have the missing sprinklers. We will just have to go buy new ones so we can find the old ones. It works every time.
It’s been such a beautiful summer so far. Today I was sitting here in my cave enjoying the fresh air coming in from outside. It was so nice that I could hardly think because I was so relaxed. Then my nose suddenly became aware that something foul was in the air. I had forgotten that along with summer comes skunks!
Some dogs should be warned about euthanasia
6-21-08
There I was, doing some book work on the business computer when I heard a familiar sound. Dave had the program “The Dog Whisperer” on his TV and the guy was trying to calm a vicious dog. While the Chihuahua dog was trying to kill everything in sight, the trainer was calming him down. After suffering multiple bites, the horrible little dog did decide to behave. I have no idea for how long the good behavior continued. The psychotic dog made my hateful Yorkie seem like an angel. I made a note to myself to never accept a Chihuahua, no matter how cute it is. Then I looked on YouTube for evil dog and up came a bunch of Chihuahua videos. The one below is called the “Evil Rat Dog.”
This is a super site for taking a virtual tour of the White House.
Senior moments gaining speed
6-20-08
Yesterday was the start of lawn watering around here. The only sprinklers I could find were small ones. They would do if I wanted to go out and move the sprinkler every 15 minutes from early morning to very late at night. All of the big sprinklers had been put away and the big guy couldn’t remember where he put them. I hate to admit that I was getting upset with him because I couldn’t believe that after 30 years of getting out the sprinklers each summer, he couldn’t remember where he put them. He did find a pulsating one that was working pretty decently. So that left only about 8 missing ones. I started looking but couldn’t find them. I decided to give up for the day and use the one he found to at least start the watering. Lo and behold, I couldn’t remember what I did with it. Fortunately Dave knew where I put it. I looked at him and said, “We really need each other.” I also apologized for not being understanding about his senior moment. It was an example of the pot calling the kettle black.
Just call me Hulk. In his new movie he said something that I thought really fits me. He told some people who were getting on his nerves, "Don't make me angry. No one likes me when I get angry."
Tidbits
6-19-08
The doctor visit went really good today. All of that worrying was for nothing. When will I learn not to get all work up about such things? Never I’m sure.
I was trying to explain to Dave about Urban Renewal Districts since what I learned about them is nothing like what happened in our home town. Back then, they torn down a bunch of old houses and started over again. People were forced to sell the homes they had lived in for many years. But what I learned about the other night is that a developer may want to do something and is willing to put in a waste water plant, a water reservoir or maybe a fire truck for those entities who go along with the plan. Then the developer gets his money back from the taxes that come in from the increased value. About then we drove by the Post Fall’s Police Department. I announced that I thought I heard that the city got the money for the building from an Urban Renewal District. All of a sudden I realized that if I was right, then it sounds a lot like bribery. Since I recorded the meeting, I think I had better go back a listen to the tape several times. I think I must have not remembered something very important.
6-19-08 Leslie Huskey has three of these Great Horn Owls hanging around her backyard in Hauser Heights. She thinks it may be mating season.
I'm dreading this visit
6-19-08
Today I go for my yearly visit to the doctor. I'm worried the beautiful, young, skinny thing is going to wonder why I’ve gained so much weight. Maybe she won’t say anything. Maybe all my tests will still be fine. Yikes, I’m feeling like a sneaky little kid about to get caught. You see she didn’t know I smoked so I really don’t want to tell her that I’ve gained weight because I quit. I didn’t exactly lie when I filled out the health form during my first visit when I checked the box that I didn't smoke. I always quit smoking the morning I go to the doctor. Maybe if she says anything I’ll just tell her that I’m pregnant. Life can be so difficult at times.
Shirley needs help
6-18-08
Our Hauser friend and neighbor Shirley Hansen, had a small stroke last night after yesterday’s lung surgery, so she needs lots of prayers. If you don’t believe in prayer, give it a try. It’s not gonna hurt you to try it out. Besides, you might like it.
They have lots to learn
6-17-08
Attorney Freeman Duncan gave a presentation tonight to the City Council and the Planning & Zoning Commissioners about Urban Renewal. According to the agenda for the meeting, he is an expert in the field of urban renewal and has provided assistance for many small communities and districts. It’s very complicated but at least now I have some understanding about how it works. Occasionally on Dave Oliveria’s blog, someone will go off on a hate filled tangent about Urban Renewal Districts. Maybe I’ll remember what I learned tonight long enough to figure out why they are upset. The Council and P & Z Commissioners have a lot of homework to do before they decide if they want to give it a try.
Today you may have received a letter about next week’s P & Z meeting. I hope you come and express your concerns so that I won’t be the only one complaining. Yeah, I’m still stuck on wanting our property to be zoned back to commercial. The best reason to come is for my homemade cookies and punch. Maybe we can get a karaoke machine and have a party after the meeting.
Last night I watched my first 3 on 3 basketball game. I think it’s my favorite to watch. It was always full of action. Times have definitely changed in sports. The teams were coed. I suppose that since they now have coed dormitories they think nothing of having coed teams too. The players think nothing of it. To me that’s pretty cool.
Best news of all: Shirley Hansen had surgery today for lung cancer. Her lymph nodes were clear of cancer so that’s a big plus. Her husband Mike said she came through the surgery just fine.
Guess there are chauvinists everywhere
6-17-08
I thought Italian men are supposed to be experts when it comes to knowing how to treat a woman. Maybe this is true of some, but not all. An Italian man in Rome kidnapped his ex-girlfriend to do his ironing and wash dishes. First of all Mr. Chauvinist Pig, we don’t iron anymore. Well, at least I don’t think any of us willingly do such an archaic duty. And dirty dishes are a problem? Where is the dishwasher? His ex-girlfriend was wise to ditch this guy.
Our last recital
6-16-08
Friday night we went to our last dance recital. We were warned ahead of time that Abby was not taking dancing lessons anymore. This was going to be her second and final performance. The first one, put on by the Post Falls Park and Recreation, was fun to watch and then came our Princess with her group. Everyone danced but the Princess who just stood smiling, looking like a princess. This year wasn’t any different except that she waved to us while everyone else in the group was dancing. I figured out that was the reason Abby would NOT be taking dance lessons anymore.
We learned that just because Abby doesn’t do recitals doesn’t mean that she can’t dance. After the non performance we headed for Baskin Robbins. It was still warm enough that Abby and her Papa Dave chose to eat their ice cream on the patio. Those of us on the inside couldn’t believe our eyes. The princess, still in her costume and ballet slippers, was dancing for everyone on the patio. It was so obvious that Abby was just saving her performance so she could be the star. Her mom said she’s still not taking anymore dancing lessons.
It was such a fun Father's Day
6-15-08
This Father’s Day, Dave wanted to go to Riverfront Park so away we headed for that really beautiful place in Spokane. The park is in full swing now and the weather was perfect. Before we even parked, I spotted the Spokane man who makes my favorite tie dye t-shirts. He has never raised his prices. What a guy.
On the way to get Tropical Ice snow cones, we stopped to watch kids and adults playing in the giant water fountain. It really looked like so much fun. I resisted the temptation since the kids didn’t act like the water was heated.
After walking on the bridges and watching the rushing water in the river, we stopped at the Sugar Shack for some sugar. The Elephant Ear was close to tasting like the pie crust strips our mothers used to make for us as kids. It was loaded with sugar and cinnamon and nice and hot. While we were eating I spotted a very unusual looking little dog. There was a bit of long, wild hair on top of her head and some strands of wild hair in places on her body. She wouldn’t win a beauty contest but might win a contest for being the most different looking. The owner said she was a mutt and was definitely his girl. He was sharing his ice cream with her. Then he had her do some tricks for the ice cream. First she smiled, then she growled, then she did a high five. What a champion dog in my book. She really added the extra touch to our Father’s Day celebration.
E-mail about JogPlay
6-15-08
Hello D.J.
Thanks for writing about us. We’re excited that you found our program enjoyable. Did you know you can save the videos in video playlists? Once you are registered and signed in. Just click on the “NEW” button and then drag videos onto your newly created playlists. Every time you sign back in, all your favorite videos will be right there. I hope you come back to check us out again soon.
Have a great weekend!
Sidney
A repeat on JogPlay
6-15-08
A few weeks ago I told you a little about JogPlay. Now I’m going to tell you more because I really enjoy this site. Go to jogplay.com and click on “Try Now.” Then click where it says Video. Type in the name of the singer you want to hear and see. Last night I spent over an hour watching Ricky Nelson and Elvis Presley sing. What this program does for free is organize the singers’ videos on You Tube that you want to watch. It does other things for free too, but I haven’t investigated anything else yet. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
6-14-08 Deb Hubik says this precious baby has been hanging around for a couple of days and they haven't seen the mother.
Thought for the day
Recently I was asked to run a marathon.
At first I said, 'Naaahhh!'
Then they said to me 'Come on, it's for handicapped and blind kids.'
Then I thought........
...I could win this.......!
More from Jim
6-13-08
Jim Hagengruber is back from his trip to exciting places, including Iraq. Jim and Brian Plonka followed Hauser twins Robert and Matthew Shipp from High School graduation through being shipped off to war. Now Jim is sharing an article he wrote for the Idaho Press Club Newsletter on his blog. It's a different perspective on his adventure. You can read it on his blog The Other Side.
My very Republican cousin Gigi sent me a card that has a picture of Hillary Clinton on the front with the words President Hillary. On the inside it reads: SEE . . . THERE ARE SOME THINGS SCARIER THAN RAISING KIDS.
This is our outside bird. He's much easier to take care of than the inside birds. Photo by Dave Nall
Notes from the hood
6-12-08
Things are not so good in my neighborhood. Dave spewed all over the bedroom carpet in the middle of the night and I am moving slowly because I have vertigo again. Then the hateful Yorkie jumped on my pillow this morning and the smell sent me flying out of bed with her in my hands. This is the second time this week that she has rolled in doggy droppings. (I cleaned up the language for you.) Dogs can be so extremely disgusting.
I went to the council meeting last night. Actually, I was stuck there since it was raining too hard to leave. The meeting lasted over two hours and wasn’t all that interesting since it involved a lot of budget discussion and other things that seemed only important to the person doing the talking. Olita wants to hire new janitors and I’m not sure why. She suggested I could put an ad on my web site. And me being me, I couldn’t keep my mouth shut and just had to ask if she wanted me to put something on my CRAPPY website. I know. . . . it wasn’t necessary and if I had any class I would have kept my mouth shut. I’m not going to worry about being classy at this stage of my life. Maybe now I can let go of the bad feeling I got when she made that nasty little remark to me in a public meeting last month.
E-mail regarding article
6-11-08
Here is an email I received tonight:
How terrible the article was in the Star. I have known Carmen Miller since her husband and her family moved into Hauser Lake. Right or wrong nothing has been proven to write such an article and have it published. Sorry Carmen, I have always thought you and your family were great.
Mickey
Blatant Robberies
How to close a bag of chips without a clip
I was able to manage the task but it is much easier to use a clip, even a paper clip with do.
She was so right
6-10-08
Yesterday we had a lot of errands to do in town. One of the most important jobs was to buy a Ped Egg at Wal-Mart. After Sandy Graf gave the gadget a two toes up, I was anxious to give it a try.
It was easier that using a pumice stone to try to remove dry, callused skin. My right, big toe gets a callus on it that I remove every year with liquid remover. It takes a long time and looks horrible. That callus was removed last night with just a few strokes of my new Ped Egg. This gizmo really works.
The way it was
6-9-08
This was sent in by Bob La Rue. The author is unknown.
Long ago and far away, in a land that time forgot,
Before the days of Dylan, or the dawn of Camelot.
There lived a race of innocents, and they were you and me,
For Ike was in the White House in that land where we were born,
Where navels were for oranges, and Peyton Place was porn.
We learned to gut a muffler, we washed our hair at dawn,
We spread our crinolines to dry in circles on the lawn.
We longed for love and romance, and waited for our Prince,
And Eddie Fisher married Liz, and no one's seen him since.
We danced to 'Little Darlin,' and sang to 'Stagger Lee'
And cried for Buddy Holly in the Land That Made Me Me.
Only girls wore earrings then, and 3 was one too many,
And only boys wore flat-top cuts, except for Jean McKinney.
And only in our wildest dreams did we expect to see
A boy named George with Lipstick, in the Land That Made Me Me.
We fell for Frankie Avalon, Annette was oh, so nice,
And when they made a movie, they never made it twice.
We didn't have a Star Trek Five, or Psycho Two and Three,
Or Rocky-Rambo Twenty in the Land That Made Me Me.
Miss Kitty had a heart of gold, and Chester had a limp,
And Reagan was a Democrat whose co-star was a chimp.
We had a Mr. Wizard, but not a Mr. T,
And Oprah couldn't talk, yet, in the Land That Made Me Me.
We had our share of heroes, we never thought they'd go,
At least not Bobby Darin, or Marilyn Monroe.
For youth was still eternal, and life was yet to be,
And Elvis was forever in the Land That Made Me Me.
We'd never seen the rock band that was Grateful to be Dead,
And Airplanes weren't named Jefferson, and Zeppelins were not Led.
And Beatles lived in gardens then, and Monkees lived in trees,
Madonna was a virgin in the Land That Made Me Me.
We'd never heard of microwaves, or telephones in cars,
And babies might be bottle-fed, but they weren't grown in jars.
And pumping iron got wrinkles out, and 'gay' meant fancy-free,
And dorms were never coed in the Land That Made Me Me.
We hadn't seen enough of jets to talk about the lag,
And microchips were what was left at the bottom of the bag.
And hardware was a box of nails, and bytes came from a flea,
And rocket ships were fiction in the Land That Made Me Me.
Buicks came with portholes, and side shows came with freaks,
And bathing suits came big enough to cover both your cheeks.
And Coke came just in bottles, and skirts below the knee,
And Castro came to power near the Land That Made Me Me.
We had no Crest with Fluoride, we had no Hill Street Blues,
We had no patterned pantyhose or Lipton herbal tea
Or prime-time ads for condoms in the Land That Made Me Me.
There were no golden arches, no Perrier to chill,
And fish were not called Wanda, and cats were not called Bill.
And middle-aged was 35 and old was forty-three,
And ancient were our parents in the Land That Made Me Me.
But all things have a season, or so we've heard them say,
And now instead of Maybelline we swear by Retin-A.
They send us invitations to join AARP,
We've come a long way, baby, from the Land That Made Me Me.
So now we face a brave new world in slightly larger jeans,
And wonder why they're using smaller print in magazines.
And we tell our children's children of the way it used to be,
Long ago and far away in the Land That Made Me Me.
I'm gonna get one of these
6-9-08
Here's an email I received today:
Hi DJ!
Let me tell you, the Ped Egg is GREAT! I purchased one a few months ago, use it once a week and my feet are soooooooooo smooth!!!
I give it 2 toes up!!!
Sandy Graf
I'm still learning
6-8-08
Now I know why parents don’t want to give their kids too much candy. We had our three youngest longer than usual after they spent the night Friday. Around 2 p.m. yesterday they started acting a bit wired. It quickly turned into something rather difficult to tolerate so Dave and I headed for the Post Falls Dam to wear them out. We didn’t care that it was raining. We found three umbrellas to keep them dry. Upon arriving and handing out the umbrellas, we quickly learned that children high on sugar use open umbrellas as weapons. Dave and I ended up with the weapons and enjoyed keeping dry while the wild ones seemed to love getting soaked. The were all over the place and loved climbing off the trails. We told them it was ok for them to jump off the cliff into the rushing river for a swim, but we only got dirty looks for that suggestion. Before heading for home, we ate at Taco Bell so they at least had something besides sugar before arriving home. As we walked into their home, I told my daughter-in-law that she is a saint for letting them live after I bring them home all sugared up. I really had NO idea it could be so bad.
I'll be sure and not buy this
6-7-08
MSNBC gives us a review of the Hula Chair. It's a chair that exercises your body while you sit and relax. Before you invest the $129.95 at gadgetuniverse.com you need to read the article or at least watch the video of the chair in action. At one point she compared it to riding the mechanical bull. I did that ONCE. You can check the chair out here. By the way, they gave the $10 PEDEGG a good review, claiming it really works swell.
Here's a little test to see how observant you are. There are five sets of pictures and there are five differences in each set. You find them. I'm warning you not to have you session timed. This isn't all that easy. Check it out here.
Party time
6-6-08
Tonight I’m being a grandma. When the little ones come over to spend the night, it gives me a good excuse to pigout on the junk food. Last night was birthday dinner time for their big sister Hilary. She became a teenager yesterday. Hopefully she’ll be able to handle this time of her life in a way that won’t cause her parents too much grief. Anyway, since her siblings are over here, she’s having a slumber party for girlfriends. Then tomorrow night is a family birthday party. I’ve got to admit the girl knows how to drag out a celebration.
The kids have been set free
6-6-08
At last, school is out for the kids at Hauser Lake. Keep in mind the speed limits around the lake because they are slow enough you won’t injure or kill one of our kids. I love the idea that our young people can still walk or ride their bikes to Sandy Beach for swimming or to the point for a day of fishing. My children and grandchildren will tell you what a fun place this is to grow up. It’s also a fun place to grow old. Hopefully it will stay that way for a long time to come.
News of Sexual Harassment Complaint against the City
6-5-08
The Spokesman-Review has an article in today's paper regarding allegations against a councilmember for sexual harassment. You can read the article by first going to Dave Oliveria'sblog and then going to the story titled "Janet Crapo Complaint Vs. Hauser Text." At the end of the posting you can click the link to read the entire article by Meghann Cuniff. Dave Oliveria has also posted the text of the complaint here.
In Passing
6-4-08
Julie Drapeau of Hauser Lake passed away early this morning after a long illness. Julie's husband is Lance Drapeau. Julie was the kind of person who would do anything for anyone and loved her family deeply. And what a sense of humor she had. Julie will be missed.
I'm a labrador retriever. I took a test I found on Dave Oliveria's Blog. You can take the test here.
A bummer day
6-02-08
I’m feeling bummed out today. Two dear ladies on the lake that I know aren’t well. One is expected to die this week and the other is going to be having a serious operation. That really makes me sad.
I’ve also decided that I have received way too much information on the three remaining Presidential candidates. Before all of these news networks on cable TV, we didn’t know every bad thing the candidates had ever done in their lives, or who their friends and preachers were. We certainly didn’t know about their spouse’s bad doings. Maybe they were really saints but I doubt it. Anyway, I find myself not even caring who will be our next President because my vote will be for the lesser of two evils again.
I really love the marvels of today, but I also miss the ignorance of our past.
Little thoughts
6-1-08
Today we celebrated my mother’s 89th birthday. Mom wasn’t here physically with us, but I’m sure she was in spirit. We celebrated with KFC, cupcakes, and brownies. (The brownies are so good.) And I made sure that her great grandkids knew it is her birthday. Too bad only two of my grandkids got to know her. One time my son told me that I’m a good grandmother. I told him that’s because I had a good teacher. She was a super mom and super grand and great grand mom too.
I love this time of year. It’s not too hot, everything is green, the mosquitoes haven’t hatched, and the Carpenter ants finally moved out of my house. I sure don’t miss those critters as house guests. The flooding is receding pretty fast now. Thanks again to all of you who cleaned the outlet. Man, you are super neighbors.
I'm facinated with the pictures of one of the world's last uncontacted tribes. You can see the slide show HERE.
Paralee Tipton, left, died yesterday from cancer. This picture was taken at the benefit held for her when she and Carmen Miller both shaved their heads at the beginning of Paralee's treatment.
