Out of the Broom Closet

Happy Birthday Andrea

2012-01-25T02:31:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Andrea!

I'm still around, even though you don't hear much from me and I haven't posted in almost a year.

I love you, Princess - Hugs and kisses !

March 21st 2011

2011-03-22T01:05:00.000-05:00

I've been released from the hospital, however I can't return to work until the Dr gives me a release. I'm supposed to get that on Thursday the 24th. That's when I return to the Dr's office, he checks certain chemical levels in my blood, and determines whether I go back to the hospital or not. Anyway, the events of the past few days have made me come to a couple of decisions - one of which is how I want my Will structured.
Here goes: Andrea and Aiden, you get trusts for college, Jess, you get the physical stuff. I'm going to set up a maintenance trust for whichever animals I happen to have living with me at the time, making sure the funeral is paid for, making sure I am cremated, and making sure there's a well funded wake. In essence, Toast me then Roast me.
That's the basics, I'm probably going to add bequests to a couple of other people. I'm also setting up my living Will, with Grandpa Don as the decision maker.
I've told him that if it comes to the point of living as a vegetable or peaceful passage, go with peace. Then see above.
I'm setting up the appointment with the lawyer for Wednesday.
Amazing how a heart episode makes you take stock of your life and getting affairs in order.

March 17, 2011

2011-03-17T13:26:00.001-05:00

Well kids, it's true...hit 50 and the warranty expires and the body goes to shit.
At this moment I am doing the induction processes for what I am hoping is only an overnight stay in the hospital for an excessively rapid heartrate.
More later.
Next day - major changes, as it seems that what was to be a single overnight has been extended to at least 3 nights.
Additionally, treatment has been changed from shocking my heartrate into a normal rhythm into achieving the same result with drugs.

Legends in concert

2011-02-24T02:17:00.000-05:00

I know I'm a stereotype when it comes to certain recording artists. I'll freely admit it.
On that list of artists I'll just about jump through fire to see is Ms. Diana Ross.
Her career began back in the 1960's with a group called the Supremes, later changed to Diana Ross and the Supremes, and then she had an extensive solo career through the '70's and into the 80's, however by the late '80's her star was descending.
I've never been fortunate enough to see her in concert, although I did come close one time in the late '80's while on a trip to Las Vegas with Faye and Sam.
Seems that Ms. Ross had been booked into Ceasar's Palace for a week - it wasn't hyped, and the only way I'd found out about it was on the cab ride from the airport to the hotel, reading the local visitors guide I picked up at the airport.
It was a relatively small ad for what I felt was an artiste of her stature, and given that during her height she sold out stadiums, this would have been something rather "intimate" - ie at most a 500 - 750 seat venue.
So I was literally beside myself at the thought of seeing her in such a setting.
There was only one catch, however...at the same time, the Las Vegas Musicians Union was threatening a strike to protest the use of "canned" (recorded) music instead of using live musicians for shows.
Well, they ended up going on strike.
No biggie I thought, Ms. Ross was a Diva of the first order (ie she was a legendary Bitch) so I figured that she'd have no problem crossing a picket line.
Until the actual day of the show's start, there was still no word about whether she was going to perform or not - rumor went both ways - that she was going to do the show and at the other end of the spectrum, that she wouldn't do the show because she wouldn't cross the picket line.
Noone knew anything. Tickets however, didn't go on sale because she hadn't decided yet.
Personally, I was hoping that her Divaness would hold true and she'd cross the picket line and do the show - unfortunately, she decided to honor the Musicians Union picket and wouldn't cross the picket line.
So I didn't get to see her.
Well, fast forward to this year, 2011 ... Diana Ross hasn't toured in decades - and suddenly, the announcement came that she was going to do a "small" tour - about 9 cities.
Of course, not one stop in Atlanta.
The nearest city to Atlanta she would be appearing in ?
Durham, NC.
Honestly, not that far away, and doable by car.
So I got my hopes up, only to have them dashed by the ticket prices and the fact that the Durham venue was sold out.
My other choices were Texas and New York / New Jersey.
That won't happen - I'd have to fly up, get a car and a hotel, pushing the entire trip into the $1000+ range just for me.
What were the ticket prices?
On average, about $125 if I had managed to get them via TicketMaster - of course, now that the shows are sold out, the only recourse now is a ticket broker, meaning that the cheapest I can get away with would be about $250, but more likely $350 and above for anything not a nosebleed seat.
So, I lose again, at least for the time being.
Maybe one day - but honestly, if I'm shelling out $1000 or more, it's not going to be for one night in a hotel and a concert.
I'm doing Disney for that kind of money, and you, Aiden, your Mom and Dad will be along.

Half century mark - I'm 50 years old today

2011-02-15T01:49:00.000-05:00

I'm 50 years old today.
Grandpa Don remarked that my age must be some sort of record.
He's actually right. Of all my friends and associates, I have lived the longest, and I'm the oldest.
Wow.
That's all I got right now.
Wow.

Early morning shocker part 3

2011-02-11T16:49:00.003-05:00

I haven't posted prior to today because I needed to get my thoughts in order.
It's been a few days since Delene's "memorial".
You'll note I now put it in quotes - because it wasn't a memorial, it was an Intercessory Mass.
Talk about blindsiding - first I find out after 10 years of knowing someone that they were Catholic. Then, I arrive at what is ostensibly a memorial service to find out that it's a full blown Mass.
For someone who in all reality, wasn't Catholic, was certainly not religious, and conducted only because of familial guilt.
I arrived late because I had issues finding the church where the service was being held, and signed the guest book. I took a program and a prayer card without looking at them and entered the chapel, taking a seat in the rear pew.
At that point, I began to take stock of my surroundings - and realized I was in the middle of a Mass, not a memorial service.
I looked at the program, and then at the prayer card, and promptly folded them up and put them in my pocket, thought another second about the hypocrisy involved, and left.
I am a lot of things, however I avoid hypocrisy whenever possible.
Hypocrisy? Oh yeah. That service wasn't about Delene - it was her estranged family working through the guilt of her suicide by conducting an Intercessory Mass.
And don't hand me that tripe about "funerals are for the living".
Further hypocrisy - Delene wasn't a practicing anything. She probably considered herself Christian, but certainly not Catholic.
Catholicism teaches that suicide is a Mortal Sin - it ranks up there with murder as one of the Big Sins - for which you are condemned to Hell, no redemption.
What an Intercessory Mass is supposed to do is enlist the aid of a Saint in getting you out of Hell.
In Delene's case, because of her love of animals, they chose St. Francis of Assisi.

Delene, I hope that where ever you are you know the peace that eluded you in life.
I personally believe you've found that you've already been reincarnated because of your actions, however those beliefs are mine and mine alone.
Regardless, I wish you only peace.

Early morning shocker part 2

2011-02-05T12:56:00.000-05:00

Delene's memorial is today. This is decidedly not how I would choose to spend a Saturday, believe me. I'm not sure what to expect other than I'll be seeing a number of people I haven't seen in years however who have been integral in my life.
The big controversy remains in how the blame game is going to be played.
When I say the blame game, I'm talking about who's guilt is going to make them lash out at whoever they perceive as the 'reason' Delene took her own life.
Honestly, the blame, if there is any, is Delene's and Delene's alone. She was on major meds for depression and possibly sleep disorder, and those meds had recently been changed.
She was familiar with the reactions of alcohol with her previous meds, however apparently the new meds didn't quite mix the same way.
I'm sounding like I'm blaming Delene, and I guess in a way I am.
Don't get me wrong, I loved her.
However, no one forced her to drink - she made that choice and unfortunately paid the price.
The most horrible thing about all this is the mess that's left for the survivors to deal with.

Early morning shocker

2011-01-27T13:36:00.000-05:00

I don't know precisely how this has happened, however it seems for the most part that death announcements have taken over this blog.
For that, kids, I apologize. Because this is another one - I was woken up at 10:30 this morning by my downstairs neighbor, informing me that an old friend had committed suicide last night.

Right now I'm still trying to process the information. I'm kind of hoping that writing will help me get my head around this; I have no details about a memorial service right now, however I expect information shortly.
What bothers me is the soap opera that was her life. That sounds so wrong when I see it but the fact remains that Delene loved drama. Hell, she existed for drama.
But she was always a true friend, no matter what.

Happy Birthday Andrea

2011-01-24T21:12:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Andrea!
Three years ago today you arrived - and ever since then you've been a special spot of light in all our lives. Especially mine - even though we don't share a biology, I still think of you and Aiden as mine.
Your mom is probably upset with me right now because I haven't called, however I look at it this way - I've met you all of once, and brought you Theodore and some other friends.
I call myself your "Grandpa Merlin", but you really don't know me - after all, I'm someone who's just sort of popping in at times in your life, occasionally throwing stuffed animals your way.
But I'm not really an active part of your life. After all, you're only three, and Aiden isn't even six months old yet. AND you live in Kansas City and I'm in Atlanta.
In a few years, when you and Aiden are reading this, I'm sure you're going to understand, or at least appreciate it.
We'll probably interact a bit more when you're older and I've managed to get a couple of visits under my belt, or your mother has come to her senses and moved you here to Georgia.
And BTW, it was your mother who put the kibosh on more big bears, not me. I was told Theodore was causing problems because of his size and another one was completely out of the question (OK, at least at this point in 2011 - Sorry Aiden. (although that might change))
Anyway, back to you and your 3rd birthday.
Andrea, know that I love you even though you really don't know me. I know you're a special little girl who's family loves her beyond measure, and that's something you can always count on.
I hope you got lots and lots of presents, and I promise you this...when you see me, it's going to be like your birthday all over again, but one Grandpa Don and I get to celebrate with you - so I'll spoil you when I see you, just like I do your Mom.
What else is your pseudo faery Godparent good for?

I love you, little one.
Happiest of birthdays -
Many many more.

Grandpa Merlin

The Way Back Machine

2011-01-24T16:05:00.000-05:00

At this moment I present to you every single part I could get my hands on from YouTube.com of what is inarguably the single best HBO National Lampoon special from 1978 - currently (and probably permanently) unavailable on video or DVD....

Ladies and gentlemen... I present for your viewing pleasure after the jump...

DISCO BEAVER FROM OUTER SPACE

DISCLAIMER: You are going to be offended by this movie if you actually watch every single clip. There is something in there to piss anyone and everyone off.

After all, this was 1978, a time before political correctness, when sacred cows made the best hamburger and were served 24/7. Cable was a brand new entity and not the behemoth it is today; there were a total of 3 premium channels and all were starved for content.

I've put up these clips because they were everything I finally found for this show - they're not in the order of the show and some stuff might be duplicated; but you have no idea how long I've been looking for a copy, tape or DVD of it.
And now I can share it with you.

Note: The punchline comes at the end of the "Dragula" skit.

The Way Back Machine - aka Hulu.com

2011-01-13T01:51:00.000-05:00

I'm a big fan of this site called Hulu.com - a combination of old and new shows available online.
Well, I recently discovered that they have a show called "Fame" - this show was based on a film of the same name which garnered a load of awards.
"Fame" the TV show ran for a couple of seasons, and it was a favorite of mine first run, back in the 1980's.
Yes, last century. That's why I'm calling this the Way Back Machine... it's giving me an opportunity to remember and relive that era, and use the technology of the 21st century to utterly bore you with my recollections.
Anyway... what's prompted this is seeing certain celebs early in their careers, essentially doing "featured extra" roles ... ie 3 lines of dialog and 2 scenes. I just caught a very young Fran Drescher (she of Nanny fame - another utter fave show of mine, only because I can relate to the relatives - see previous entries)
And it makes me remember Disco. Once upon a time, back in the last century, Grandpa Merlin used to love to dance. But that's a memory for another occasion.
Back to Fame the TV series.
I'm now on episode 2 - I'll probably do one more then switch to a game, then bed.
So, g'nite for now.

First snowfall of 2011 part 3

2011-01-11T02:44:00.000-05:00

This is a view from my apartment window Monday night.
What can't be seen is the parking spot that the red truck came out of earlier this afternoon.
That's out of frame in the upper right.
Anyway, they spent about an hour tonight trying to get parked back in their spot.
You might be able to guess, they didn't make it.
Anyway, the car in the lower left is mine. I won't be going anywhere for the immediate future, if for no other reason than the red truck is blocking my exit.
Well, not only mine, but the 3 other cars of my neighbors.
So Tuesday has now become a snow day. I love it when decisions are taken out of my hands.

First snowfall of 2011 part 2

2011-01-09T23:31:00.000-05:00

Well, it's happened.
Started a little later than had been predicted, however its apparently made up for those lost few minutes by virtue of volume. It's now 11pm, the snow began falling at about 8pm, and we're currently up to about 3 inches, and it's still accumulating.
I know, as volume goes that isn't much. But you have to remember that this is Atlanta, not Kansas City.
Comparatively speaking, this would be the equivalent of KC getting about a foot of snow.
As soon as I fortify myself with a cup of something warm, I'm going to go take a couple of quick pictures. It's beautiful right now, and the only thing you can hear is the sound of the snow falling. If I wait until tomorrow to try and get pictures, then it'll be too late because everyone will be out playing in it.
So, cup of something warm and I'm out to go get pictures while it's still relatively pristine.

First snowfall of 2011

2011-01-09T04:38:00.000-05:00

At this moment, they (Natl Weather Service, local weather jocks) are predicting that Atlanta and the surrounding area is going to be hit with a major snowstorm on Sunday night. And by major, I mean some estimates have potential accumulation of up to 6 or 7 inches.
For a city that panics at an inch, that's a blizzard.
However, if this is the case, then a miracle has occurred.
Because I'm not going to be at work when the snow starts. For once, the luck of the draw has me off work when Nature hits. I'm always the "go to" guy for shift coverage, mainly because I've worked in the department long enough that I can handle pretty much any shift.
And I admit it, I'm greedy. I love the overtime.
But this time, for once, I'm going to be able to be at home when it snows, and here's the most novel thing about it... potentially enjoy the experience.
What's projected at this time is for the snow to start at approximately sundown, 5pm and continue through the night, changing to freezing rain and ice at approximately 11am Monday morning, then back to snow around sundown. Which means an unholy mess on the streets.
Since temperatures won't be above freezing until Wednesday, it means a lingering unholy mess.
Thankfully, I have stocked up on food and other essentials, so there is no need for me to go anywhere. And given my utter distaste for driving in snow, there are no worries on that account.

Somehow though, this is going to end up biting me in the ass.

More later

Christmas in Atlanta 2010

2010-12-26T02:26:00.000-05:00

Well, for some reason beyond my comprehension, someone wished really hard and managed to get a white Christmas in Atlanta.
Normally, I'd be as excited about this as the next person. Provided I was at home enjoying the scenery from the comfort of my home.
However, as it turns out, I am currently shaking the overtime tree rather vigorously. Because of departmental "shortcomings", each shift has only two people. And when one's shiftmate has roughly two weeks of vacation to use and is quicker than ones self in requesting said vacation time, it leads to massive amounts of overtime, albeit forced.
My current rotation has me off on Fridays and Saturdays.
Well, Christmas Day was a Saturday this year, so the company paid holiday was Friday.
I've been working since the Sunday prior, so with shiftmate off on vacation for the week, I get to work my days off. And come back on Sunday and Monday because that's shiftmate's normal off days.
Well, as you might remember, I'm not particularly fond of snow.
Especially when work's involved, ie when it snows while I'm at work and effectively traps me there because my relief can't get in.
So there I am, working on Christmas Day, when it starts to snow. And stick.
But it's only making the streets wet, so driving isn't a hazard yet. It's continuing to come down, and I'm sweating bullets about whether or not relief will be in.
Thankfully, relief arrived and I flew my happy ass home.
Well, so to speak anyway.
I drove with conditions in mind.
Temperatures, which were right above freezing, are now dropping, making those wet roads a major hazard.
Thankfully, I don't have to be at work again until 3pm tomorrow, meaning that with projected daytime temperatures in the mid 40's, it'll all be melted by the time I have to go back in.
Remember that, kids. Grandpa Merlin doesn't do snow and ice well.
I know I'm going to be missing birthdays because your mother didn't have the common sense to have ya'll in warm weather, but these things cannot be helped. I love ya'll regardless.
Perhaps one day all my nagging of your mother will bear fruit and ya'll will move down here where it's warm (okay, most of the time - it's still better than KC, especially regarding volume of snow. Here you get a pretty picture and it's gone, there it stays for months and keeps coming - see blizzard)
Or, I'll win the lottery and it'll be a complete non issue.
I'm voting for the lottery win myself.
And that's got me thinking of just what I'd do if I were to win.
So come along if you will, for a Christmas fantasy story, about what I'd do.
First thing, get the money. Seriously, I want it accessible. And lets say, since it's my fantasy, that the jackpot is about 200 million for Mega Millions. (Which it is, I just checked).
Okay, so I've won. Now I have to decide whether to take the lump sum or the annuity.
If I take the lump sum, I'll get approximately 50 - 75 million before taxes. Taxes would then take approximately 50% (ballpark figure), leaving me with 25 - 37.5 million. No further taxes on that money, apart from sales taxes.
Or, I can take the annuity - this is a guaranteed payment yearly of 1/20th of the jackpot, spaced out over 20 years. However, taxes come out of this each year. So, ballparking it as 200 million that makes a yearly payment of approximately 10 million, of which 50% is taken for taxes, leaving 5 million. Over a 20 year span, I would eventually end up with 100 million.
Now, I believe that in the case of an annuity, it's part of my Estate.
So that's also a factor. Decisions, decisions.
I elect to go for the annuity.
Now, I have by this time engaged an accountant, a lawyer and probably a business manager. So, it's time to spend money. First, no matter what time of year it is, I'm going to grab Grandpa Don and drag him to the airport, where we will be hopping on the first flight to see you. While en route to the airport, I'll be arranging Uncle Ian's transportation to KC.
Thats the best thing about fantasies. No matter what, everyone does exactly what you want them to. So we fast forward, and your mom's prepared because she was in the top 5 of the people I called when this happened.
We arrive at the door, and everyone's ready to go. Despite Grandpa Don's bitching (and even in a fantasy, that's gonna happen) we're going to Disney World. I want to show you both the Magic Kingdom, the way it really should be seen. No holds barred, Ultra VIP treatment.
So after spending a million or two creating that fantasy within a fantasy, reality beckons.
Of course, I'm buying you a house somewhere warm. That, there's going to be absolutely no argument about. I'm not saying Texas warm, I'm saying where ever it is, there will not be measurable snowfall for an extended period.
And trust funds would be established for ya'll. College too.
You'd be able to meet Polgara and HRH Cleopatra too. That would be nice.
So I'm thinking compound, myself. That's where you have a large area of land that's yours, and you essentially subdivide it by building separate houses with a common area in the center.
You'd be in one house, I'd be in another, Grandpa Don and Uncle Ian in theirs, Grandma Lisa & Grandpa Joe in theirs... and it'd be on a lake. With mountains in the distance.
(Hey, it's my fantasy, I get to do this)
And that's how I'd spend the first year's money.
Fast forward to year two... travel. I'd buy an apartment on The World - specifically, since this is fantasy, the six bedroom penthouse, seen here. The World is a luxury liner that offers a unique opportunity to explore the world. You buy an apartment, like a condominium, and you travel to different world ports, where you can depart, and rejoin the ship at a later date in another port. I'm not explaining it clearly, it's late and I'm tired.
Regardless, that's how I want to travel. And with the size of that apartment, company isn't an issue, so when you're out of school, you'll be travelling. Just so you know.
Auntie Mame, that's me. Give me the money and I'll show you how to live.
Anyway... it's late, I'm tired, and that's enough of this fantasy for now.

Merry Christmas, Andrea & Aiden, and Jessica and Chris, and to all, a good night.

B'sidhe has died

2010-12-18T17:09:00.000-05:00

B'sidhe has died.
The past couple of days have worked out that I encountered an opportunity for overtime.
My hope was that I'd be able to pull together enough to pay for B'sidhe to go to the vet and that I'd be able to cover whatever procedure would be necessary.
Unfortunately, the timing wasn't right.
B'sidhe died. I was doing some cleaning and I found her in the bathroom cabinet.
She was with me for 17 years...

B'sidhe

2010-12-09T20:25:00.000-05:00

B'sidhe is dying. I know that deep in my heart I expected this one day...I just didn't expect it today.
She's the cat that came into my life the day I lost Pyewacket to some speeding douchebag.
It's so hard to believe that happened over 17 years ago....just a couple of days ago, she was her usual self, climbing where she knew she wasn't supposed to, giving everyone (Polgara and Cleopatra) absolute hell, and doing her "I'm lonely, where's everyone" yodel.
Now, in just a couple of days, she's lost a serious amount of weight, she's lethargic, refusing treats, and the biggest shocker of all, she was going to allow Cleopatra to steal treats literally right from under her nose. One thing you never ever do is try to steal food from B'sidhe. She didn't hiss, she didn't swat at her, she was just going to allow it to happen. That's what's freaked me out the most.

I'm going to take her to the vet tomorrow, to determine what's wrong aside from old age.
Then I'll have to make a quality of life decision. I don't know what to do.
If the Dr says she's in pain, do I spare her pain and have her put down then?
Of course, best case scenario is that the vet will say that she's just old and a vitamin shot will do the trick.
Unfortunately, finances are also a major part of this.
I simply cannot afford to pay out thousands of dollars for treatment that may or may not work.
Hell, I can't even afford that for myself.
And the even bigger bitch is that her vet, Dr Gordon, retired years ago. He was affordable and would have given me a straight answer to this issue, and would have worked with me financially.
Now, I'm looking at trying to make a vet understand that I appreciate honesty above all else, and that they'll be *very* sorry if they try to talk down to me.
Crap. I'm digressing. I'm going to try and get her to eat something now.
I'll post more after I know more.

Welcome, Aiden Kelly

2010-12-02T23:59:00.000-05:00

You'll have to forgive me for not getting this done sooner, Aiden.
I'm personally putting it down to "second child syndrome"... the fact of the matter is that I had Andrea's pictures within minutes of her birth.
Your pictures? I finally got some today. Two weeks after your arrival.
Regardless, here you are!

Aiden, Chris and Jessica

Mr. Aiden Christopher

Andrea, Jessica and Aiden

Aiden & Daddy

Aiden Christopher

Daddy, Andrea, Mommy & Aiden

Aiden Christopher

Aiden & Chris (aka Daddy)

Mommy & Daddy

Aiden

Gramma Lisa

Picture update on Aiden

2010-11-18T18:40:00.001-05:00

Wow. That's all I can say. Wow.
You've been here almost 24 hours, and I have a total of TWO pictures of you.
Actually, let me rephrase that. I personally have ONE picture of you, Grandpa Don has two.
He sent me the one of you and your mom and sister, and he's got your closeup picture, which I'm supposed to be receiving shortly.
Regardless, only TWO pictures?
C'mon, Jessica, Chris, Lisa, and Joe! TWO pictures?
Jess, you're excused because you just produced Aiden.
But the rest of you? Get serious!
Just because I couldn't make it up there for the birth doesn't mean I should get shut out of the picture sharing!
So SHARE already!!
It's not like you're using actual film, ferchrissakes... it's DIGITAL!
I WANT MY PICTURES!!!

Welcome to the world, Aiden Christopher Kelly, born today

2010-11-17T23:00:00.000-05:00

Well, your mom's relieved, you finally decided to make your appearance.
Don't know many details at the moment, my phone's kinda screwed up and has no sound.
So when your Grandpa Don texted me that you were on the way, of course I didn't get the message until 6 hours later.
However, he did tell me you were 9 lbs - you'll discover this over the course of time, however best you also learn it from the beginning. Grandpa Don doesn't do details well. If I'd gotten Grandma Lisa on the phone, I coulda found out your birth weight, your size, and your birth time.
So your birth chart will have to wait until I talk to her.

Regardless, welcome to the world, kid. And Jess, if you're reading this, WHERE ARE MY PICTURES?????

I'm the crazy Unca Merlin your big sister Andrea's gonna warn you about.
Proof I'm crazy? Your baby pictures are going up just as soon as I get them.
Ask Andrea. I did it to her too.

Welcome, Aiden Kelly

2010-10-20T23:24:00.000-05:00

Yeah, Andrea, I know... this is supposed to be all about you. Well, things change, and part of the things that change would be the arrival of your new baby brother, Aiden.
Today's October 20th, and he should be arriving soon.
(At least according to your mother, who, lets face it, would know better than just about anyone except Aiden, and as of right this moment, he's not saying anything, just positioning himself for his arrival)
Your mom says that she's lost the mucous plug and has been having contractions, but this is just pre-labor. The fun won't be starting for another couple of days at least (I'm betting on October 21st or 22nd myself) since the moon's not yet full.
I'm betting he's going to make his appearance during the October full moon.
I was right about your birth, and I do have an impressive track record regarding predicting arrivals - and before you start in on me about what the moon has to do with it, let me remind you that the moon does exert a gravitational pull on the Earth - and it does affect labor.
So anyway... Aiden, I'm your Grandpa Merlin. I'm not going to be able to get there for your arrival, but trust me, soon enough you'll meet me and your Grandpa Don.
I'm the one who sent up all the bears you'll see around your and Andrea's bedrooms (that is, when you develop cognizance that is) - and why I'm probably constantly getting dirty looks from your mom when I'm there.
Oh well, since you're my grandchild by "adoption", just as your sister Andrea is, I get to spoil the two of you like there's no tomorrow and I don't have to answer to your real grandparents or parents about it.
And incidentally, if I'm wrong about your birthdate, I apologize. But we'll have to see.
Love you, little man.

Lady Sintana has died.

2010-09-27T20:08:00.000-05:00

Wow. Honestly didn't think hearing it a couple of days ago that it would continue to affect me the way it has. She passed in hospice, surrounded by her immediate family.
The obituary was of course, complete and utter bullshit served for history and publicity. David (Lord Merlin) was listed as her husband, and while they did legally marry under Georgia law some years back, it was solely to put her under his insurance.
Under Wiccan law, she married and divorced at least 4 other times that I can immediately remember. Those men were her husbands.
But that doesn't look good when writing about an icon.
And I'm not denying her Icon status - she truly was a pioneer who deserves to be remembered.

However I believe people should remember the woman as well as the witch.

Her past is something that is about to undergo some serious editing, in preparation for history.
I was there, at the beginning. I heard the stories first hand.
How she handled her abusive 1st husband by pouring boiling water on his privates -
The particulars of her long term relationship with Sandy, and her bisexuality.
How she was introduced to Wicca by her dresser, who was one of the Brittani tradition.

The stories of Ravenwood - warts and all, will be cleaned up for publication.

I don't want that to happen. With the sanitizing, comes the forgetting of Jolene. And she deserves more than that.

Boy howdy I know I'm on your list, kid but here's why

2010-05-01T16:13:00.000-05:00

It's been forever since I blogged, or since you've seen me or Grandpa Don, and there's been so much to happen.
First off, you're getting a little brother or sister. Remember to share Theodore with them.
He's really yours, but I know you'll want to share him with the new one.
And if you feel like it, you can share Pinky with him too... Pinky would love that.

Anyway, on to what's driving me back to the blog aside from guilt at not writing for you -
I've had an ephiphany of sorts. I have this enormous block of knowledge that I've spent a lifetime acquiring - and the time has come to use it.

Simply put, I've decided to develop a class called "Magick for Dummies". By no means meant to be a comprehensive exploration or education on the subject, but instead disseminating information about it and demonstrating that it does indeed exist.
There's honestly no religious component to it either, unless it's self assigned.

Regardless, I have a feeling that there's going to be controversy about my decision to teach this particular subject too ... however I have a right to teach from my experience and knowledge base. And I'm not doing advanced studies, taking on apprentices or anything like that.

I really feel that something like this needs to be taught.

Happy Birthday Jessica!

2009-11-22T12:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Jessica! I'm posting this a day early, and even though you *swear* you read the blog, I know you really don't. It doesn't matter, although I'm going to harangue you about it especially after this post, because you're going to be dissapointed that I haven't sent a card or acknowledged your birthday aside from a call.
Suprise, this is your gift from me. It's not much, but it'll last longer than a card or any other gift I could send, and it's from the heart.
I want you to know just how much you mean to me - something I've probably hinted at, and you might have an idea of, but never fully realized.
As you know, I don't have any human children and won't. That's why you're so special to me. When your father and I met and I found out that he had a daughter, you weren't as much a part of my life as you've become over the years since - it's been over 16 years since we first met, and I've honestly never been happier to have you in my life. (Even though at that first meeting, you were far more interested in your gaming system than you were in dealing with me)
I know I've only been a peripheral fixture to the events of your life, however I know you've come to realize that my love for you is as real as your father's - you've accepted me as a psuedo Uncle, and allowed me the privileged indulgence of "adopting" your daughter as my grandchild.
That in and of itself means more to me than you will ever know, however that's not what this is about. This is about what you mean to me.
I've always thought of you as more than just a niece, you've always been something of a daughter to me too, although I haven't had to shoulder the responsibilities of parenthood that Don, Lisa and Joe have. I guess missing out on those responsibilities was for the best, as my tendency has always been to simply spoil you (and now Andrea) and the only thing my interference in any crisis would have done would have further screwed up whatever was happening, and probably not for the better.
Case in point, trying to get you down here to Atlanta. I'll be honest, that's still my selfish goal. I'd love to have you and Andrea and Chris down here so I could have more time with all of you.
But that's something that will remain my selfish wish, not something that I honestly forsee happening - however I can always hope, and will continue to wish for it, despite what in reality is best for you. (But let me hit the lottery and you're not going to have a choice in the matter!)
Anyway, I just want you to know that I love you and I miss you and Andrea, and Chris, and you forever have a place in my heart.
So, before I get even *more* maudlin, let me close by saying that I hope you have the best birthday ever, and that each subsequent one improves on the previous by light years.
I love you.
Uncle Aldy
(to Andrea - I'm still Grandpa Merlin to you)

Observation

2009-10-26T01:02:00.002-05:00

As you know, Andrea, I have 3 cats right now. B'sidhe, Polgara, and Cleopatra.
Well, in preparing for the roadtrip to see you, I had to figure out how to keep the cats fed and watered for about 4 days.
This shouldn't have been a problem, except that I needed to get what's known as a gravity feeder. Located one, and it held approximately 10 cups of food.
Which, properly rationed, is 10 days worth of food.
Please note, properly rationed.
I filled the thing before I left the house on Tuesday. I got home early Sunday morning, and found crumbs.
4 days. And honestly, I do believe I know who the culprit is. It's Cleopatra.
Her favorite position is a face plant on the food bowl.
Well, just wanted to rant.

Road trip pictures Mission, Kansas 2009

2009-10-25T19:21:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm currently trying to upload the road trip pictures - and not having much success unfortunately.
I do have an album set up on Facebook, here's a link: Kansas Road Trip.
It'll have to do until Blogger gets its shit together.

KC Road Trip Day 2 The day I cooked

2009-10-23T04:14:00.005-05:00

'kay, Grandpa Don's bitching because he's trying to sleep and I want to get this down. So I'm going to make it quick.

Your biological father is a dickhead.

There. I said it. And I stand behind that statement. Despite the spin you're going to have applied to the situation by your mom, your dad, your biological father... don't care who.

Just check the police records for domestics during this time, October 2009.

Love you, darlin... but you need the unvarnished truth.

And this is it. Your biological father is unfortunately, one world class dickhead. While I have a lot to say about this situation, for once, I'm going to be relatively good and not say shit aside from what I already have.

Addendum: I'm back in Atlanta now and have reread what I posted. I still stand behind it.
Your biological father is a world class dickhead.

Kansas road trip October 2009

2009-10-22T13:56:00.003-05:00

Well, we're here. Your reaction when I introduced you to Theodore was everything and more I wanted.
And yes, of course I took pictures - however, like an idiot the one accessory I didn't bring was the camera to the laptop connection. So, as of right now, I have over a hundred pictures of you and can't upload a single one of them.
I also took pictures during the road trip which are in the same situation.
Can't upload the damn things. So this will have to serve as an interim solution to this conundrum.
You're napping right now, so I'm taking this quiet moment to post this.
As soon as I get a connection to the laptop, the pictures are getting uploaded and then I'll post them, I promise.
I'm probably also going to be sending them to Facebook, so they'll be in more than one place.
Anyway, Grandpa Don is currently sitting in front of your Mom's desktop trying to get it cleaned down so it'll run better. I'm going to sign off and watch. It should be entertaining.

Road Trip!

2009-10-20T13:32:00.003-05:00

Yay! I'm sitting here waiting on Enterprise to call and say they're on their way to pick me up so I can get the car for the road trip.
Which means that in just a matter of hours, your Grandpa Don and I will be there - tired, stinky from the trip, but there to see you and your mom.
The plan is to leave early Wednesday morning from Grandpa Don's house and drive straight through til we get there.
I'm bringing my laptop, so I might blog from the road, or at least from your house.
I can't wait to see your face when I introduce you to Theodore... (that's the big bear) - he's about as big as you are!
I'm also bringing you a dragon ... since every Princess should have a dragon around. But don't worry, he's friendly.
I'm so excited! I hope you remember this in a couple of years - if not, this will serve as your memory jog. (Grin)
Okay, got to run - last minute details to deal with here.
I'll be seeing you soon, darling!

Road trip pre-diary October 2009

2009-10-12T23:40:00.002-05:00

Well, it's taken a few tries, but I've managed to secure the car for the trip. I started by using the various travel websites, and actually found what I thought was going to be a deal and reserved it. The only issue I had was that the pickup location was in Downtown Atlanta - and when I went to change it, I found that the car would be even cheaper out at the airport.
So, I cancelled the original and set it up for an airport pickup, which would have been easier because I could and would have taken the train to the airport instead of driving.
Well, because I don't use credit cards, I only use what's known (or was known) as a "debit card", I had to call the car company to find out what rules were in place for using it instead of a credit card. There wasn't an issue there, however the person at the car company and I got to talking, and I mentioned that I had set my reservation to pick the car up at the airport - when she asked me what time my flight got in, I said I wasn't flying in, I was picking the car up to do a road trip - at which point she said that to rent out of the airport and get the rate I was seeing, I was going to have to show my round trip ticket at the counter.
So that killed that reservation. We got to talking further, and she did some further checking, and found a relatively comparable rate at a location around a mile to a mile and a half away from here - which in and of itself is a win win.
Then it turns out that the location is closed on Sundays (our expected return date) and I'll have to drop the car off on Monday instead. For no additional cost.
Anyway, the car is now secured. I talked your Grandpa Don into going with a full size car rather than an economy for a couple of reasons - first and foremost, I don't want to drive or ride with my knees in my chest - and that, unfortunately tends to be the case with 99.9% of "economy" cars.
Second, I wanted room in the car to bring you some friends.
Before you were born, I made a promise to your mother that I wouldn't send up any big bears until you were walking, and at that point, all bets were off regarding you and stuffed animals.
Well, you're walking now.
Just you wait until you see what Grandpa Merlin is bringing for you.
Your mother is gonna wanna kill me.
But I don't care - you're my sunshine and I have every intention of spoiling you rotten and having the time of my life doing it.

Road Trip October 2009 The Diary

2009-10-06T22:12:00.004-05:00

Andrea - this is going to be the first trans dimensional occurrence for us... in that I'm going to be referencing something that will occur involving the two of us, and it'll also be a shared memory - because it happened to you and you'll remember it when you read this.
For example, this is the first time that we will meet.
(You'll also be meeting your Grandpa Don at the same time, but this is my blog so the focus is on you and me.)
I cannot wait. Your Grandpa Don is going to be a stick in the mud when he finds out how many bears I want to bring you, though. So I might be stuck bringing up just one big one (or two if I sacrifice a suitcase)
What I'm getting at is that Grandpa Don and I are planning on renting a car in Atlanta and driving up to see you and your mom. At last!
You've met your Great Gramma Susan, and your Uncle Tommy, now you get to meet Grandpas Don and Merlin.
I have a number of special bears that are waiting to come live with you, Andrea. If they can't come all at once then they'll just have to wait their turn. I hope you're still friends with Pinky - he's the most special of them all. Your mother's going to hate me, I know it - oh well, what are grandparents for except to spoil the grandkids?

Reunions again

2009-10-03T04:41:00.002-05:00

God love Facebook - unbelievably, (at least for me) I've recently been able to reconnect with family from my past. Gaelen and Joyce Gilbert. We haven't been in touch for over 15 years.
Andrea, you're my grand-niece, however Gaelen is my nephew - exactly what that's going to make him to you only time will tell. He's a great kid, although I'm basing that on what I know of his mother, and how she raised him. And of course, my experiences with him from the time he was a gleam in his father's eye.
His father was Gene Gilbert, also known to me as Lord Adrian, a 2nd degree High Priest at Ravenwood. And his wife was the Lady Helena. Both were dear friends of mine, and for a long time indeed they were the family structure I depended on.
I grew to know her mother, Hattie, and Gene's mother, Sarah - and when Hattie was dying, I moved in with them so that Joyce could spend as much time at the hospital as she needed.
I got the kids off to school in the morning and I got Gene home from work at night, with money in his pocket to boot. (He was working as a waiter at Limerick Junction, an "Irish" pub in Virginia Highlands)
That's another story - I'll have to cover it later.
And then, a month after Jo's mother died, Sam died.
Anyway, Joyce has always been like a sister to me - we fell apart shortly after the last time she and Gene broke up... and she moved from Lake Lanier back down to Griffin.
Shortly after this, Grandpa Don and I broke up ... and things kinda went to hell and I lost touch with her, and didn't persue contact.
But thanks to Facebook, I found them again.

Not to mention finding Camille - (Muffy) - I've known her since the days before Internet - back when you had to dial into a common server to chat or interact with a limited number of people...as a matter of fact, from the same BBS that I met your Grandpa Don on.

Ain't it grand?

"Bewitched" the series started out in black and white

2009-08-24T22:50:00.004-05:00

Andrea, this is one of my pet gripes about entertainment.
Colorization.
This is the process whereby they take a video (meaning visual) presentation that was recorded in black and white and proceed to use a computer to redo the video, this time in "full" computer generated color. (Damn you Ted Turner)
Anyway, I spent some time recently acquiring season 1 of "Bewitched"; when I sat down to watch it, I discovered to my horror that it had been colorized.
I told your mother about it, and her reaction was to call me an old fart. Told your Grandpa Don about it and he couldn't understand what the fuss was about, but he hates old movies anyway so I really wasn't looking for much vindication there, just an ear to listen to me vent about the whole mess.
My point is that before color came into every day use, all television and movies were done in black and white . As a result of that, the cameramen and lighting techs and the actors all had to really put forth more and do more to get things across.
And it shows in some of the later TV shows, where you had studio cameramen who had worked in the movies during their Noir period who were now working as TV cameramen. The techniques they learned doing the movies were applied to TV.
That's why some TV shows are classic, and others are drivel.
Best example of this is the 3 camera technique. Who developed it? Desi Arnaz.
Mr. Lucille Ball.
He developed it for use on "I Love Lucy", and he also pioneered the use of preserving a show on film rather than doing it live.
That's why "I Love Lucy" was the first in syndication.
Enough of a rant for now.

Thursday August 20th

2009-08-20T12:43:00.002-05:00

Not much to report yet, sitting here getting ready for work.
I've just discovered I have over 2 weeks of vacation time to use before the end of the year - I can't afford to take it all at once, however use it I must, or I'll lose it.
I'm wondering if I can talk your Grandpa Don into a road trip to see you, hopefully before the snow comes. Don't know if that will work out because his schedule is so flaky.
I love you dearly little darling, but we've had this discussion before.
Grandpa Merlin doesn't do snow. Period.
I deal with it only when it happens in Atlanta, and by deal with it I mean I stay in my house if at all possible, and I'm certainly not going somewhere to experience it willingly.

Still more rambling

2009-08-16T13:36:00.002-05:00

It's Sunday the 16th - I have today off, so Grandpa Don and I are going to do some shopping and then play computer games and do dinner.
That's something that I hope I'll see - the technology today is so radically different from when I was growing up - once upon a time, we used to hit a square ball across a TV screen in a simulation of ping pong and thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Currently, they're up to the PS3, the XBox 360 and the Game Cube...(all are licensed trademarks of their respective companies, Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo) - all of which play (for the moment) amazing games.
And the PC games are even better. But I hope I'm around to see what you get to play with.
Anyway, I'm off to shower, I'll write later.

Late night ramblings

2009-08-14T01:14:00.002-05:00

Don't know what I'm going to say, I'm just going to go with a free form kind of post for a little while.
Jessica, if you're reading this, then I harangued your father and he worked on your laptop tonight. What that means in the grand scheme of things I have no earthly idea. But he did reformat the thing.
This will tell me whether or not you really do read the blog by the way.
I don't think I'll mention it to you other than this post.
Yeah, I'm evil. But you know that. Andrea, please remember to ask your mother how long it took to get her laptop. She'll regale you for hours about your Grandpa Don.
Anyway, the knee still hurts. I have problems for a few minutes after sitting down then standing, the knee doesn't want to go with the program.
Dr's appt is Monday the 17th, (this is Friday the 14th) so I think I'll wait to see him rather than making an earlier appointment.
As of now, surgery is off the table.
I went through hell with my feet, I'm not about to repeat something like that with my knee.
Anyway, enough rambling, I'll catch you up on more later.

Today's events

2009-08-03T18:06:00.003-05:00

Because of the slip and fall I need physical therapy, however can't afford the co-pay necessary to get it... so I'm doing what I call "dog therapy" - I have a neighbor who needs her dog walked at around noon daily, and that's how I've been exercising the knee.
Why is that important? Because that's the lead in to today's issues.
I left the house by the back door to go get Armand, and heard what sounded like an open faucet running. Given that I don't have a working faucet out back, I made sure I found what was causing the sound.
I found it.
It was like someone had turned on a spigot and let it run - my back yard and a lot of the common area is a swampy mess right now. So I reported it to the HOA, who got a plumber out here, and initially, he said it was my water heater, and that I was going to be responsible for the repair.
I'm on the verge of panic, trying to figure out how I'm going to pay for a new water heater, install and everything else, when he suggests trying turning off the hot water at the source.
I was all for it, and when he did, the water outside kept going - which told him that it wasn't my unit causing the problem, it's the vacant unit next door.
I'm sorry to wish this on someone else, however for once there's a water issue at this place and it's not mine.

Reunions

2009-07-10T20:44:00.003-05:00

Unusual title, I know... however let me explain - the other day, when I was headed to Grandpa Don's house I got pulled over and got a ticket.

In the process of getting the ticket, the officer informed me that there was an outstanding warrant for my arrest out of Miami/Dade in Florida.
Given that the last time I was there was about 5 years ago for the Tut exhibit with Grandpa Don, and before that my last visit was some 20 years prior, this completely floored me.

Unfortunately, the only information the officer would give me was that it was a warrant out of Miami/Dade and suggested that I call down there to get details.

Since I was seeing Blake in a couple of days, I waited to talk to him prior to calling the Miami/Dade police department - however Blake's only suggestion was that I contact our cousin Darryl, since he was also a lawyer and licenced to practice in Florida.

I called down to the Miami/Dade PD, and was informed that short of coming in person to verify my identity, I could go to a local police department, prove my identity and have them tell me what the deal was - of course, this wasn't an option, since with an outstanding warrant, I'd end up being arrested and possibly held for extradition down to Florida. This wasn't going to happen.

I did manage to find out that a lawyer could get this information for me, and so that's what I'm trying to do - get Darryl to find out what the hell this is all about, and I'll deal with it if it's valid.
So, in the space of a couple of days, I'm attempting to reestablish contact with relatives I haven't spoken to in decades.

I'm back

2009-07-08T16:44:00.002-05:00

Andrea, please forgive your Uncle Merlin for being lazy, depressed, too busy to write and all the other excuses I'll spout for not blogging.
To fill you in, it's been a crazy crazy couple of months, details of which I'll write later - right now, I'm going to relay the incident that's driven me back to the blog.

Recently, I had a slip and fall accident that neccessitated the hiring of a lawyer. So, I went to Blake (to reference, see the family tree posted earlier...he's a cousin, the son of Pattye and Harry) - and after we got our business taken care of, we got to gossipping about family like two old Jewish men tend to do.

Come to find out that our Uncle Gerry had died some months back - Blake and I had the same reaction to his relaying that news, ie "did you make sure they put a stake in the heart, cut off the head and filled the mouth with garlic, and put chains on the coffin?" - As you might be able to tell, Gerry wasn't exactly a favored relative.

Normally, this wouldn't be material for a post - however Blake's next statement proved how wrong I was.

Seems that he and Rodney (that's Babe's middle son) were talking to Gerry's secretary/receptionist, and she dropped a bombshell. Turns out that Gerry was ... how to put this delicately...was getting some action on the side and had been for years.

You might be inclined to think he was shtupping the secretary - that wasn't the case.
There was someone who'd been hanging out at his office for years, and that who Gerry was shtupping - Harvey.
Harvey was introduced to us years earlier as Uncle Gerry's "friend" ... (the quotes are mine, btw) - a travelling salesman who never was on the road, instead spending time at Gerry's office, which is where we almost always ran into him.
The "we" I refer to would be myself, Faye, Sam and Jolene, on our infrequent expeditions downtown.
This really does make a bunch of stuff go "CLICK" for me - for example, why Gerry hated me so especially after I came out. I was living the life he couldn't for all his money.

Not so happy day (or, addendum to Oh Happy Day!)

2008-08-30T11:23:00.004-05:00

Well, did the interview, did the physical, and they ended up offering me top dollar.
Unfortunately, their top dollar would have meant a pay cut for me, so I didn't take it.
Additionally, it's non union at this time, meaning that should it become a union position when the current contract expires in August of 2009, there would probably have been issues related to that.
The job search half heartedly continues.

My new favorite addiction

2008-08-24T20:56:00.004-05:00

I have recently discovered an internet music service called PANDORA.
The premise is that if you give them an hour, it's like they're in your head when it comes to music that gets played.
One of my great loves musically is old school country, artists like Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, George Jones, June Carter Cash, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and of course, Patsy Cline.
I went into this with something of a skeptical mindset, I admit. I started the service with a request for Patsy Cline, so that's how the "station" got named... (yeah, I could rename it but I like calling it Patsy Cline Radio).
So far, I've only had one instance of a song I didn't "like" ... wasn't the artist (Ricky Van Shelton) but I just wasn't in the mood for the song (Life Turned Her That Way) - one click and it moved on to the next selection. AND this station/service plays the Dixie Chicks. (That's a subject for another rant.)
Anyway, one song out of the entire experience? I'm impressed.
Try it, you'll love it.

I stand corrected

2008-08-23T14:19:00.004-05:00

Today, Barack Obama announced his choice of Vice President.
Where I believed he would end up choosing Hillary Clinton (she'll probably end up on the Supreme Court), he's chosen Senator Joe Biden of Maryland.

The Democratic National Convention (or DNC) just wrapped up on Thursday with a rousing speech by Mr. Obama. Your Grandpa Don and I were fortunate enough to watch it live, and frankly, the man's oratory gifts are astounding. (Obama's, not Grandpa Don's... there's a difference between stirring the masses and stirring up the shit)
Then, of course, the Republicans made history with their announcement of a female VP candidate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.
I hesitate to get too political in this space, however I'm probably just biding my time. Who knows, you might be able to reference me in about 15 years when you write a term paper about this period of American history.
We'll see.

Oh happy day !!

2008-08-21T19:05:00.004-05:00

The greatest (okay, to clarify, your arrival is a completely separate category, Andrea) thing happened today while I was at work.
I answered the phone and got the shock of my life when it turned out to be AT&T calling about an application I'd submitted about 4+ months ago. They're *very* interested in hiring me, and I have my interview this coming Monday at 10am.
This would honestly be my dream job. Even though I'm in the South and was born here, for me union is *not* a dirty word.
The position is for an outside tech (ie installer) in the Norcross area - provided the money is right (and I'm fervently praying it will be, as I won't leave my current job for a pay cut or a lateral move) then they're talking about having me start classes (formal training - there's a novel idea for you) September 5th.
Given that it's currently August 21st, and the interview is set for August 25th, that'd give me a little less than a two week notice for the current job.
And I can guarantee that should I leave, it won't go over well at all.
Especially when my supervisor has to give up her cushy little self created 11-7 shift to come and work 3 - 11 side by side with my co-worker. And I sincerely doubt they will be able to maintain the current rotation of 10 days on, 4 days off, 5 days on 2 days off. I can easily foresee that changing to a straight 5 day workweek.
And believe me, working with the Box O'Rocks isn't easy at all.
Currently none of the other people who work in this department (aside from said supervisor and management) have any idea how I put up with him. The supervisor and the manager both say that the issues I have are all my creation, however that theory will be put to the test should I leave.
But I can honestly say, I don't care.
Wow. Day shift and more money.
That's the reason I've worked 2nd and 3rd shift all these years - because of the differential - and now to not need it. Wow.
Oh happy day!!

Leak update

2008-07-30T16:33:00.003-05:00

Well, I gave it my best shot but I couldn't pull it off.
I spent a good part of Sunday and most of Monday trying to get the leak fixed - I thought I had it on Sunday, when I listened to the guy at the Home Depot when he told me that all I needed was silicone tape.
I dug up the yard, isolated the leak turned off the water to the cul de sac and put the tape on the leak. Covered the hole back up and turned the water back on - all was good until I woke up Monday morning to find that the front yard was a swamp.
So, back to the drawing board I went. Or in this case, back to the Home Depot as soon as everyone had left for the day. I dug up the yard again, and turned off the water. Went back to the Home Depot to return the water key I didn't need, and to pick up the part I thought I did.
Turned out to be too big, so back to Home Depot.
That turned out to be too big also, so back again to Home Depot.
Back again, and this time he assures me that this is it... the correct part.
I've also managed to cut a piece of the pipe in question off, to make sure I'm dealing with the right size for the pipe.
Guess what - no matter what I do, I can't get the piece to work. I'm sure it's something I'm doing wrong, so I go back again and this time get talked into buying a pricier part, but one that he assures me, will work without a hitch.
You guessed it, wrong again.
So now, I'm back at the Home Depot ready to spit nails. It's getting later and later in the day and I'm dying in the heat; not to mention that I'm working on a deadline of getting through before anyone gets home because in order to do this fix, I've had to cut the water for 12 units.
So, that'll be around 22 people coming for my head on a pole if I can't get this fixed before they get home and want dinner, showers, laundry, dishes, etc.
Little late to make this long story short, but crux of the matter is that I ended up surrendering to the inevitable (especially when the last time, I was sure I had the issue resolved except for a minor leak, tried to adjust it and the connection exploded in my face) ...I gave up. I called the Association's plumber of choice, and he came out and repaired the disaster in less than an hour.
Cost? $193.93
And came to find out that I was on the right track and could have handled the issue myself had Home Depot supplied me with the correct part in the first place.
I did learn a lesson though...there really are some things that you have to pay for instead of doing them yourself.

Vindication (of a sort)

2008-07-23T16:36:00.003-05:00

This isn't really a vindication, as that would imply doubt as to the veracity of my statements.
However, since most people won't or don't believe me when I talk about Lady Sintana's burlesque past, I offer this: Ladies of Burlesque.
That was Sintana back in the day.

Strange how the Universe works

2008-07-21T11:29:00.002-05:00

Spoke last night to your Uncle Ian - it turns out that one of his new friends in the Dahlonega area belongs to a coven called Ravenwood. After a bit of discussion, it turns out that indeed, this is the current incarnation of the group I belonged to.
Further discussion revealed that Sintana has moved back to North Carolina from the Pacific Northwest, and is living with her daughter.
There is some medical issue involved, however quite honestly I believe it's a result of the breast enhancements she had done for her career as an exotic dancer. I've seen the Xrays, and those weren't your standard bags. There were wires and shit holding those things in place. Add to that, the material of choice for filler would have been silicon instead of saline, as this was prior to the discovery that silicon in breast enlargements was a bad thing.
From what I understand, she's having medical issues - I've been told Alzheimers and I've been told Lou Gerhig's. I don't know, but whatever the case, I want to see her again.
That's an interesting situation, in and of itself. Her daughter, who was raised in the craft, has renounced it in favor of Baptist Christianity.
Talk about Karmic situations. Mother, who was one of the driving forces behind the acceptance of Wicca as a legitimate religion, now living with a born again daughter.
I'm going to try and reestabish contact with Sintana. No matter what, I will always love and respect her, and honestly, I want to see her again.
Besides,maybe now she'll teach me how to make the incense.

July 16 (A new rant)

2008-07-16T16:18:00.004-05:00

I admit it, I'm getting incredibly sloppy about posting.
I really will try to do better about this - however it seems that the only time I'm posting now is when I've got something to complain about instead of something wonderful like your arrival, Andrea.
Anyway, in that vein, another rant.
Last year, I had an issue arise with the condo (big shock there) where I had an unidentified leak in the front yard. I let it go for a while, then took the advice of one of the board members, and informed the management company.
I was originally told by them that if it was an outbound or sewer line, then it would be my responsibility to pay for repairs, but if it was the incoming water line, it wasn't my responsibility but instead the HOA's.
So, I let the management company contact their plumber and the leak was found to be the inbound line. Suddenly, their story changed and it became my responsibility to pay for the repairs. I didn't have a leg to stand on, as it was apparently misinformation in the first place, and I ended up having to cough up around $300 to get the line repaired.
Why am I bringing this up now? Because the damn leak is back and in the same location.
However, this time I'm taking a completely different tack. I watched closely the last time they did the repair and I'm certain that I can handle this one myself instead of forking out another $300.
Of course, I'm going to do my research first before tackling this, and if the leak isn't where I believe it to be, (ie easily accessible) but instead beneath the concrete sidewalk, then I'll turn it over to professionals and let them hash out who's going to be paying for it, as it certainly won't be me.

Another correction

2008-06-22T10:41:00.002-05:00

It appears that I blamed the wrong rodents for the loss of my sunflower seedlings. They apparently weren't nabbed by chipmunks but by squirrels. This time I actually chased 2 off when I came across them in the side garden.
I hate squirrels.

Minor correction

2008-06-20T17:48:00.006-05:00

I'd stated previously that out of the 100 gladiola I'd planted (minus the approximately 5 those damn tree rats got) I had the potential for a bloom off of only one.
Well, in doing my usual daily check of the gardens, I made the happy discovery of another glad that might be blooming. I say "might" only because when you plant 100 of something and only get 2 to bloom, it's better to err on the side of caution. (Additional note, the first one I found that should bloom shortly is going to be a rich purple color...I'll post a picture of it when it blooms)
That being said, the picture I have of the two sunflower seedlings is all that remains of them.
It seems that sunflower sprouts are apparently a delicacy with chipmunks. That being the case, one of those little ground rats nabbed both the sprouts.
So I'm back to the drawing board with them, although I do have one growing in a pot about 3 feet off the ground, and a couple more hopefully safely hidden in the side yard garden.
I had signed on with the Sunflower Project to monitor bee activity in my area, and they sent a number of sunflower seeds also. Now I understand why I didn't get a single sprout off those.
Apparently I've been running something of a buffet for rodents and they've been having a field day.
Only time will tell about the side yard though - I've been carefully monitoring, and as of today they're still there. I won't make any guarantee about tomorrow though.
I won't be transplanting the one in the pot into the yard until it's beyond anything a chipmunk or squirrel or any other rodent can nip off.
Blessed Litha, little darling!

Front yard garden pics

2008-06-15T15:28:00.005-05:00

Trumpet lilies, from the front gardens. Last year,
when I planted them, there was only one flower stalk on each plant. Now, each has at least two, and in some cases three.

Dwarf cannas, from the front garden. The gladiola in the back is the only one out of a hundred bulbs planted that is giving any indication of producing flowers this year.

In between the dwarf cannas, (there are 6 total) I have a couple of variety of hosta and some gladiolas. The glads are a big dissapointment, to be honest with you. As I said, I've only got the potential for a bloom off one plant so far out of a hundred bulbs. I'll be experimenting with other plants next spring, I assure you.

The full size canna I planted in the front are still establishing, so there's nothing to show off there. I did want to show off the beginnings of the blooms from the dwarf canna though.

Side yard garden June 2008

2008-06-15T15:11:00.009-05:00

These are calla lilies - I planted 4 stands of them last year, however only this one came back this year. I believe this variety is called "Picasso" but I'm not sure. The only thing I know for sure is that it's a calla lily. The plant in back of it is my hibiscus, however it hasn't started blooming yet.
I planted 4 of those last year too, one on each side of the side yard garden, and two in the back, but only the one in back of the calla came back this year.

The orange day lily is the common or wild variety.

The lovely pink specimen with the yellow throat is from my side yard garden.

This is a picture of the side yard from the front, June 2008.

This is the side yard garden, in a long shot.

Garden June 2008 pics back yard

2008-06-15T14:31:00.017-05:00

Here are some pictures from the back yard garden, June 2008. I hope you enjoy them.

This is Tuscan rosemary, with a hosta in front, and an iris in back. I really worried about it last year when I planted it, as it acted as though it wasn't happy, and looked like it was barely hanging on.
What a difference a year makes. It's obviously decided it's happy, and is really taking off.

This is my stand of mint and in front of them is my patch of thyme. Both are doing very well - I'll be harvesting some of that mint in a week or so and enjoying fresh mint tea. They're next to the lily bed.

These are the moonflower I got from your Aunt Sheba - as you can see, they're already starting to climb the trellis. I have 2 out of the pot that have reached the trellis as of this point, and I expect the other 3 to reach the trellis in a couple of days. Once they realize it's there, they'll really start taking off. I can't wait to get some pictures of them when they hit their stride and start producing flowers.

These are my "trumpet" lilies and the Oriental lily.

The Oriental hasn't started blooming yet, however it should in about a week or so. Behind it are the pink lilies (I can't remember their real name, so pink lily will have to do), just as I can't remember the real name for the "trumpet" lily either - oh well, blame it on my age. All I know is they're happy and growing and blooming and that's all I can ask for.

These are sunflower seedlings - the variety is called "Mammoth" because they're supposed to reach a height of 12 feet. I can't wait. I had more but those damn chipmunks got to them.

This is a side by side of the "standard" elephant ear and the Gigantus variety. Audrey, as I've said before, is a Gigantus. To refresh your memory, the reason I call her Audrey is a reference to "Little Shop of Horrors", the Broadway musical and film and the original black and white movie from the 1960's. Technically then, she'd be Audrey 3, since the plant in "Little Shop" was Audrey 2.

This is Audrey 3 - June 2008

Garden notes

2008-06-06T00:26:00.004-05:00

By the way, it appears that the black elephant ear has decided it likes where it is and has sent up 3 more shoots. That stand of elephant ear is going to look spectacular when it all comes in.
Audrey is looking great, she now has 4 leaves up. None yet bigger than average, however I think she'll produce at least by next year when she's fully established in her pot.
The moonflowers continue to sprout, and I've got a couple of shoots from the sunflowers to come up. The day lilies in the side garden have begun to bloom, I'll post a picture later.
The mint is very happy, and I hope to be able to harvest some soon - I'm looking forward to a glass of cold mint tea on a hot day.
The trumpet lilies in the front have both started sending up their flower stalks, so I expect to have blooms within a week or three.
Stargazers in the back, probably a day or two and they'll start blooming.
Oriental lily, probably another 3 weeks before I see any blooms, but the calla in the side will have a bloom up in a matter of days.
It's late and I'm rambling. I'll put up pictures of everything as it blooms.
G'nite sweetheart.

Litha 2008 - Field notes

2008-06-06T00:08:00.003-05:00

Well Andrea, you've known for a while now that I'm a Witch. (Technically, Universalist Wiccan, but I digress. I don't know whether I'll still be doing ritual or back to my old lazy self, however this is one that I want down for the record.
Here's what I 'm thinking.
Since Litha is traditionally the time that the veil between mortal and Faery is the thinnest, do a ritual that invokes Oberon and Titania, the rulers of Faery, as God and Goddess.
That's all I have at the moment, but then again this is just the initial planning.
More as it develops.

Election 2008 - History has been made -

2008-06-04T10:41:00.005-05:00

It occurs to me Andrea, that you might want to know about more than just my recollections, and instead want to know what's going on in the rest of the world during your infancy.
I've refrained from posting my political views because I honestly believe that politics should remain personal, with my only soapbox being that you have to vote. Voting isn't optional, it's a requirement for us as a society to implement change and let our voices be heard. (You'll hear that a lot from me, darling, so get used to it.)
Anyway, yesterday on June 3 2008, history was made.
For the first time in our nation's history, an African American, Senator Barak Obama presumptively gained the Democratic party nomination for the Presidential race. I say presumptive only because it's not official until the Democratic Convention, just as Senator John McCain is only the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party for the same reason.
Mind you, they both have their Parties nominations. Each has the required delegates to cinch their nominations, and the Conventions are only a formality.
This was a hard fought battle between Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Obama, with Hillary running a very close second to Barak, however the people have spoken and Senator Obama will be the Democratic nominee.
Now for a little prognostication on my part. Back in the beginning of this race I said (and Grandpa Don can verify this for you) that it was going to be an Obama/Clinton ticket, and I still hold to that.
I say that Obama will nominate Hillary Clinton to be his Vice President.
Whether or not I'm right will have to wait for the convention, however it's what's being called a "Dream Ticket"... the two biggest front runners in the Democratic race united to bring down the Republican nightmare that has been the Bush administration. (Sorry, I'll stop now)
Historically, there has been one other administration in recent history that did the same thing - the Kennedy Johnson ticket of 1960.
I'm also going to go out on a limb and say that McCain's choice for VP will probably be Mitt Romney.
We'll see if I'm right.
Enough for now, I'm on the verge of going off on a political rant.

Garden June 2008

2008-06-02T15:01:00.014-05:00

Here you have a picture of the potting I did today. I put down about 30 moonflower sprouts, and about 15 sunflower seeds. I'll be transplanting the sunflower to the sideyard as soon as they're big enough to survive out of their pots. The moonflowers will be both planted and gifted to neighbors as soon as they're big enough. I'm getting some climbing roses from one neighbor in exchange for some of the moonflowers, and I'll be giving another neighbor some since she gave me the canna lilies that are now on the side yard.

Moon flower seeds I got from your Aunt Sheba. I sprouted them using a ziploc bag and a damp paper towel after nipping the ends off the seeds and soaking them for 24 hours.

This is what the plants look like when they start growing - believe it or not, this is just 3 days after I put the seeds into dirt.

This is the mint bed and the thyme bed. It's kind of blurry, but the mint is on the left and the thyme on the right.

I'm so happy to see this little guy coming up - it's the first sign that the black elephant ear I planted last year will be coming back. Below you can more easily see the size difference between the normal elephant ear and the black elephant ear.

This is what the bed looked like back in March of this year. I really had my doubts at that point that anything was going to come back.

This picture is my lily bed. I have 3 varieties of lilies growing here; Stargazer, Oriental, and the one I call "trumpet" lilies since I can't remember the exact name of their species.

And of course, my newest installation, the trellises. I'll be putting the moonflowers down along the fence so they can grow onto the trellises, and as I said, trading a few moonflowers for some climbing roses, who will also be using the trellises.

As you might guess, Andrea, I do love my plants. It's a vice but it's one of my healthier ones.

Delayed update (sorry)

2008-05-27T15:00:00.003-05:00

Yeah, it's been about 2 weeks since my procedure, and I haven't posted since the night before.
My bad, you can yell at me about this when you're capable of understanding, Andrea.
Anyway, it went without a hitch, however the only wrinkle is that I've used up all of my FSA (Flex Spending Account) for the year on the previous round of Physical Therapy (8 weeks of hell) so I can't afford to do the PT (Physical Therapy) that I'm supposed to be doing - why can't I afford it, you ask?
Because of this little thing called a co-pay. Cigna considers anyone not my Primary Care Physician (PCP) to be a "specialist" and instead of a $20 co-pay, I have a $40 co-pay.
At 3 visits a week, that's $120 I don't have and can't spend.
So, I have to do exercises at home and pray that my shoulder doesn't freeze again.

On other fronts, my gardens are doing very well. I had a neighbor give me a number of canna lilies , in addition to an iris (exact variety unknown at this point) which I put in the side garden. They're in back of the elephant ear and hostas, and when they establish will provide an excellent backdrop for the plants in front.
Your Aunt Sheba gave me a number of moonflower seeds, of which at this writing I've only been able to get 2 to sprout - (I have high hopes for the next round of sprouting, as I'm trying a different technique - besides, if I get more to sprout, I will be able to trade with a neighbor for a climbing rose (unfortunately, Wikipedia doesn't have a page for them, so no link - but as soon as I get them, I'll put up a picture so you'll know what I'm talking about) )
The mints and thyme plants your Grandpa Don gave me are doing well, I'm really hoping they overwinter this year, as the last patch of mint didn't survive.
I have also started a pot of grape tomatoes, so hopes are that they'll take off and I'll get another huge bush of them this year.
Well, at work so must go for now. I'll write more later, probably during lunch tonight.

Surgery in just over 4 hours

2008-05-14T01:48:00.003-05:00

Today is May 14th, and I'm due to be at Emory Spinal & Orthopedic Clinic at 6am to do paperwork and get my anesthesia started, for the procedure at 7am to fix the frozen shoulder.
Why am I writing this at this hour of the morning instead of sleeping?
Because I can't sleep. I've been in bed since 9pm last night, and actually managed to drop off for a few hours, but keep waking up, and now it's to the point that I can't get back to sleep.
It's sort of like when I was doing major amounts of coffee past the time I knew I shouldn't, but in this case, I think it's more nerves. (Especially since I had a total of two and a half cups of coffee yesterday, and one of those was 75% decaf).
The arm is giving me minor difficulties, by twinging and being annoying however this is definitely more related to the procedure than to anything else.
Am I doing the right thing? I think so. I've been dealing with this for over about a year now and it's time to get it fixed once and for all.
I'll write more after the surgery.
I just wanted to get this down for the record.

Further frozen shoulder update

2008-05-11T14:24:00.004-05:00

Okay, here's what transpired on Thursday when I spoke with the surgeon.
Essentially, he and his resident both agreed that I have a frozen shoulder. (Big duh there...)
So, Wednesday May 14th, I'm going to undergo a procedure known as Manipulation Under Anesthesia,(MUA) rather than Arthroscopic Adhesive Capsulotomy (AAC).
Essentially, for the MUA, I will be given a nerve block in addition to being put under general anesthesia, most likely using a gas such as halothane.
When I'm under, the surgeon will then manipulate my arm, serving to break up the adhesive capsulitis , and then wake me up.
The reason behind MUA instead of AAC is primarily because of my diabetes, because diabetics have a higher rate of infection. And since this is technically a non invasive (read as no cutting involved) procedure, there is zero chance of infection.
Then, I'm to go back to physical therapy for another 8 weeks to make sure that as the shoulder heals itself, it doesn't heal back frozen.
Should this not work out, then I'll be a candidate for the AAC.
And no, this isn't why I'm a crabby SOB.

Squirrel update

2008-05-07T21:15:00.003-05:00

Andrea, I'm hoping that when you're reading this, you'll understand that your Uncle Merlin cusses like a sailor when he's upset. It's not a lack of language skills on my part, it's just that somethings just require cussing.
Like this one little rat bastard squirrel.
I went outside today to check on the gardens, and as I got to the back I heard a rapid series of chuck-chuck sounds.
I looked around, finally looked up, and there was this big fat squirrel on the roof, cussing me like there was no tommorrow.
How do I know he was cussing me? Body language for starters...if you do a little research, you'll find that squirrels use their tails to communicate, in addition to making gutteral chuck-chuck sounds, and the tail motions indicate their level of upset, among other things.
It seems that I had interrupted him while he was feasting on my gladiola bulbs.
How did I come to this conclusion? There were even more leaves by the pots, and evidence of digging.
I suspect my coming around the corner interrupted his meal, and he was expressing his displeasure at that.
If I'd had a gun, I'd have shot the little bastard. Gleefully.
This is rapidly moving into war. And they're going to lose.

Rear garden pictures

2008-05-05T12:06:00.010-05:00

These are pictures of the garden in the back.

The elephant ear in the pot is Audrey, my giant strain from Thailand.

The one in the dirt is one that I had planted last year, and is now coming back with 4 separate stalks. I've also included my lily bed, consisting of Oriental, stargazer, and what I call trumpet lilies.

Frozen shoulder update

2008-05-05T11:57:00.003-05:00

Well, I've been at physical therapy for the last 8 weeks ever since the "official" diagnosis of frozen shoulder back in March.
I had my followup visit with the specialist today, and while there's been some improvement, there hasn't been enough.
So, on Thursday I meet with a surgeon to discuss the next step. There are two options available, however I think he'll decide to go with the surgical release rather than manipulation under anesthesia. I could be wrong, however I'm basing my opinion on Dr. Mautner's observations today.
And to top it off, I'm still more likely to have it happen in the right shoulder now that I've had it happen in the left.
I'm going to try and get it scheduled for next week, when I won't have to take as much time off work.
Theoretically, it'll be outpatient and I won't miss that much work. But miss work I will, since this is surgery.
More on Thursday.

I HATE squirrels

2008-04-27T12:08:00.003-05:00

I know, I'm supposed to have a heart. I do.
However, given what I just found in the yard, it's turned to ice where those tree rats are concerned.
This year, I finally allowed myself to indulge and planted gladiola in the gardens. I put them in the front, a few on the side, and the majority in pots in the back. Things were going well, everyone was coming up, and in a few weeks, I would have had a major color explosion.
I looked outside a few minutes ago however, and couldn't believe what I saw. A squirrel had dug up one of my sprouted glads, and after chewing on it for a few minutes, left it on the concrete surrounding the storm drain. While normally, this wouldn't upset me, it indicates to me that they now realize that I have glad bulbs planted. And they'll be back for more.
This means war.

Audrey - Colocasia gigantea Thailand Giant Strain

2008-03-25T12:50:00.005-05:00

In case you're wondering, I recently acquired a new plant.

It's a Giant Elephant Ear.

The picture is representative of what this particular strain looks like in the wild, although they don't promise such results, saying 8 foot in height and leaves 8 foot by 4 foot are more what you'll get as the home gardener.

Regardless, I got one.

That's her picture up top... I've named her "Audrey" after the plant in "Little Shop of Horrors".

March 15th 2008

2008-03-15T15:36:00.007-05:00

Okay, I've really been slack about posting.
My apologies, hon, but I've had a lot going on, and still do.
Medically, I have had 2 warts removed from my leg, my blood sugar I believe has been stabilized, (more on that in a minute), gone off Chantix and on to Wellbutrin for the smoking.
I'm in physical therapy/rehab for my frozen shoulder, 3 times a week for at least 8 weeks, to get my shoulder unstuck.
Dolly Parton has rescheduled her concert due to medical concerns.
(I.e., due to the size of her breasts and her age, her back's giving out and she's been forced to reschedule...) regardless, she's still appearing at the Fox April 29th, just 6 weeks later than originally expected. Grandpa Don and I are planning on going... we have excellent seats, too.

I'm currently up to 40 units of insulin daily, in addition to taking the oral med, Metformin twice a day.
This has brought my morning blood sugar down to "normal" levels - this view is confirmed by what Dr. Springer has said about my AiC levels being excellent.

I'm very seriously considering changing jobs - I don't know where that's going to go though. I've been with this company for 13 years now. More on that in a bit.

This morning, a tornado blew through downtown Atlanta - I saw firsthand the missing windows at the Westin Peachtree Plaza, although thankfully I was at home, in bed when it rolled through the city.
I saw the missing windows downtown because I went to check on Uncle Bobby & Aunt Sheba's house, and they currently live on the side of town that was affected.
They're currently in Tennessee on vacation.

That's about all I got now, I'm going to go eat lunch now.

Love you!!

Monday, February 25th

2008-02-25T12:13:00.004-05:00

Okay, I got slack again.
Sorry about this, Andrea - I had a number of things going on, and blogging wasn't high on the list of "must do today" 's.
On the bright side, I did manage to send up a number of outfits for you - not that at your current age (you're a month old today - Happy Birthday!!) you're going to know or care about fashion - which believe me, is my saving grace - when you get older, if I think about sending up clothing, it's going to be in the way of a gift card - I won't embarrass you with my fashion choices.
Toys are also going to end up being your choice via gift card - no offense, but you're going to know what you want more than I will, and rather than incur your wrath I think it's easier to just send you a gift card. Unless of course, I'm sending you another bear.
Those, you're going to have to deal with.
Anyway, in the time since the last post, I've turned 47, gotten my hair highlighted, gotten talked into playing Bingo at the American Legion with Grandpa Don (and won $100), ordered a MONSTER elephant ear plant (that's going to drive the HOA up a wall), gotten involved in the Paranormal States message boards, and lost more weight.
Elaborations are forthcoming, right now I just thought I'd throw up a quick fill in.
Anyway, I have to get ready for work now...
More later.

Paranormal State on A&E

2008-02-06T12:55:00.000-05:00

There's a program on A&E called "Paranormal State" - the premise is simple, it involves a team of college students investigating paranormal phenomenon and reporting on their findings, including trying to resolve issues with the phenomenon. They actually go so far as to include a hereditary Pagan (they don't go so far as to call her Wiccan) on their team, so that does win some cudos from me.
Now, I realize that with my background and experience, I have a better perspective than most on things like this; however I really take issue with what seems to be a recurring theme - that almost all the phenomenon they are dealing with is demonic in nature. Based strictly on what this show presents, you'd expect a demon under every rock. While I appreciate the fact that sensationalism sells, crap like this does nothing but bring ridicule and misinformation to something that should be studied and dealt with on an individual basis rather than putting it in one box marked DEMONIC.

It appears that the primary reason for this is due to their use of Lorraine Warren as an "expert", (to see why I put expert in quotes, check her and her late husband's work on the "Amityville Horror" case, a phenomenon itself at the time, later proven to be a fraud, to cite just one example.)

Quite frankly, I find it hard to believe that Lorraine Warren hasn't taken issue with the Pagan in the group, calling her a "Devil worshipper" or other similar stereotype.

Andrea, with any luck, this show won't be on by the time you're old enough to understand what I'm writing, and your own opinions on phenomenon like this will continue to be educated (believe me, I'm going to work damn hard on that one. According to your chart, you have great potential and I for one won't see it wasted or warped.) I've already warned your mother about this, so when the weirdness starts happening, we can always cite it as an "I told you so" event. I do have the feeling that your father's going to be a different story, however. Just don't scare him too badly.

February 4th

2008-02-04T22:11:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I got a little slack about the posting - but I'll fill you in on last week - it started with a diabetes class on Monday and Tuesday, during which they started with what to expect in the way of complications in case you don't manage the disease on day one and then moved to how to manage blood sugar by label reading and portion control on day two.
All of that made sense to me, however I wasn't happy about learning that I now would essentially be required to eat 3 meals and a snack daily; in addition, the schedule they were proposing was designed with someone who works day shift in mind, not some schlub like me who works 2nd shift.
With a little tweaking, I did manage to get it worked out, however I'm still having problems with the whole "eating at least 3 times a day" thing. I've gotten by for over 30 years on coffee in the morning with my single main meal late in the day. Only rarely did I actually eat breakfast, and that was closer to brunch than breakfast.
Honestly, I am finding it the hardest thing in the world to eat after I get up. My concession to this has been to do yogurt and toast or a biscuit in the morning, since it's light and still fits into the meal plan I was given.
On the other hand, I did get some things done around the house, putting two shelves up in the kitchen to increase my storage space (wonder of wonders, I now have 2 free shelves in the pantry, in addition to increased storage under the kitchen sink for larger pots and pans)
Friday, I went to see the Dr about the results of the MRI of my shoulder - let me tell you, that was an interesting discussion, because when he opened with "I'm not sure how to tell you this..." I was honestly expecting to hear the worst - but then he followed with "nothing showed up...minor degeneration in the shoulder joint, but that wasn't near enough to cause my issues, no bone spur, nothing else out of place...so I'm at a loss to explain why it's happened"
Thankfully, he decided that the best course of action will be to start with a physical therapist, so that's next on that agenda. My insurance is just going to love me.
Then, we got to discussing my diabetes, and based on the average of my blood sugar readings according to the glucometer, he decided to increase my insulin from 10 units to 15, with the goal of getting it to 20 units to see if that will bring my readings into more of a "normal" range. (That being around 100, I'm currently averaging around 150)
I'm sure my insurance is just loving me right now...I've had a sleep study ($2500) that discovered that I sleep on my side and therefore have no problems with sleep apnea, an MRI, (another couple thousand) that discovered nothing wrong, diabetes classes ($2000), and now a physical therapist.
I hate getting old.

Relationships

2008-01-28T01:55:00.000-05:00

While I'm on my soapbox, let me address something that you'll realize over time, but lets just get it out of the way now.
I'm not really your Great Uncle, except by love. You see, your Grandpa Don is my very best friend in the world, and I love him like my brother. Since Grandpa Don is my "brother", I get to be your Great Uncle.
And I've known and loved your mother for years, although we got closer after you were born.
Since I'm never going to have a grandchild of my own, I'm pretending with you - but that doesn't make me love you any less because you don't have my DNA.
So, I'm gonna be your Unca Merlin, your personal faery grandparent.
Wishes granted whenever possible. As long as you're housebroken.

Adoption information summary

2008-01-27T23:59:00.000-05:00

Well, it arrived - the summary of the non-identifying information about my adoption.
And, as it turns out, the majority of my theories about the circumstances surrounding my adoption were correct, however as it turns out, my biological father isn't listed in the case record, and there is little to no further information about my birth mother's family either.

However, to quote: "According to the case record, the attorney who handled your adoption had handled several legal matters for your adoptive mother's family for years. <side note, this I already knew from Blake, who referred to him as "a crook" - coming from another lawyer, hard to tell if that's praise or judgement> He was aware of your adoptive parents' desire for a child and their inability to conceive children of their own. A few weeks prior to your birth, the attorney notified your adoptive parents of your birth mother's plan of adoption for you. Your birth mother 'was not able to provide a suitable home' for you. Shortly after your birth, the attorney took you to meet your adoptive parents and you were lovingly welcomed into their home. < I love how they editorialize and use "lovingly welcomed"... > Your adoptive parents paid the hospital bills and possibly for some of your birth mother's expenses. "
I was right. I was paid for.
Seems the Department of Public Welfare attempted to interview her, however she wasn't at the address listed in the case record. She signed me over to Sam & Faye on February 18, 1961, with the adoption finalized on August 3rd 1962.
There has been no contact with Georgia Adoption Registry from any member of my birth family since then.

Well, where do I go now? I'm wondering about paying the $300 to try and find her.
I wonder what I'll get with the $300?
What if they find her and she says "no" ? That's always a possibility.
Wow. This even overshadows your birth, Andrea. Sorry about that, I'm still thrilled beyond mortal comprehension that you're here and safe and healthy, but right now I've got this thrown on my plate, all about my birth and my adoption, and the potential for finding my birth mother.
And it's going to be an interesting next couple of months, lemme tell you.
Enough for now, I posted what I needed to, i.e. the verification of my theories surrounding my adoption.
I was right. Hell yeah, that does feel good.

And even more baby pics - this time with family

2008-01-27T15:47:00.000-05:00

Your Uncle John

Grandma Lisa

This is Grandpa Joe -

This is your mom, shortly after you arrived

This is your Dad, Andrea - don't know him yet, so have nothing to add. Ask Grandma Lisa.

Still more baby pics

2008-01-27T14:07:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the world, Andrea Jordan Hutchens.

I've been waiting for someone like you for quite a while - I'm your Great Uncle Merlin - and I'm also your Faery Grandparent - but you can call me Unca Merlin... or Grandpa Merlin.

I have great things in store for you, little one. Think of me as your "Auntie Mame", but male.

And just wait until you're a little older - your Great Uncle Merlin is gonna show you the Happiest Place on Earth - it's called Disney World. (Yes, Jess, you're coming too...although your father probably won't...he's such a wet blanket when it comes to theme parks.)

Time for me to head into work, more in a bit.

Just received - More baby pics

2008-01-27T04:24:00.000-05:00

Presenting Ms. Andrea Jordan, Diva-In-Training

2008-01-27T02:50:00.000-05:00

Presenting Ms. Andrea Jordan Hutchens.

Born January 24th, 2008, weighing 8 lbs, 3 oz and measuring 20 inches in length.

Ain't she something else? See that little finger? It's already got me wrapped around it.

January 26th

2008-01-26T22:07:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday, and I'm at work.
On the bright side, it's a typical Saturday, meaning no fires to put out - I'm just sitting here updating the Windows software on my workstation, updating various spyware programs and in general just sitting here waiting for my relief to get in.
It's also only 20 days until my birthday - I'll be 47 this year. I know that sounds like an eternity to you, but believe me, it really does go a lot faster than you think. Especially when you get older.

I'm on the phone now with Grandpa Don, and he's just told me that your first pictures have arrived.
According to Grandma Lisa, they took tons and tons and they're just waiting to get to a computer to upload them from the camera.
Grandpa Don said that he sent copies to me, but they haven't shown up in my inbox yet. I can wait, I've waited 7 months for you to arrive, I'm going to have to wait for a few more months before I can actually meet you and hold you, so a few more hours or days for pictures won't matter much... (who am I kidding, I want those pictures **NOW**)

You can probably tell by now that patience is not one of my stronger attributes.

January 25 - one day old

2008-01-25T22:52:00.000-05:00

You're now one day old - and probably being subjected to being kicked out of the hospital because insurance will only cover one day. Don't worry, it gets better.
I went through merry hell trying to find pink candy cigars so I could play the doting Great Uncle, but found that they don't actually make those things any more.
I settled for cupcakes with pink icing. Not exactly what I'd call primo substitution, but given my alternatives were cigars in glass tubes at $6.50 each (not that I don't think you're worth it, but since noone here at work smokes, that would have been an incredible waste of money), cupcakes it was.
I realize I'm babbling, but I'm trying to keep my promise about writing down something daily so you'll have an idea of what's going on.
I still haven't heard anything about where you were born - I'll yank some chains about that tomorrow, I know your mom's going to want your chart done ASAP.

January 24th 20:00 Update - WELCOME ANDREA!

2008-01-24T20:14:00.000-05:00

You did it! You're here! You arrived at 5:53 pm today, you weighed 8 lbs 3oz, and you measured 20 inches long.
Grandpa Don called me with the news shortly after 7:30 pm today.
Now I just have to find out where you were born so I can run your Natal Chart. I already know you're an Aquarian (believe me, Grandpa Don's going to have a field day with that one...or more accurately, you'll have a field day with that at Grandpa Don's expense...I'll help you make sure of that, believe me)
So you're now here...this means I need to get off my ass and start figuring out what to send up for you - Diapers are high on the list I know, but I'm also going to be sending up more bears and clothes - I just hope you don't grow out of them too quickly.
I think that means I have to buy bigger and hope you grow into 'em long enough to at least enjoy them before you grow out of 'em. I'm going to check with a couple of people who've had babies and see what the best option is. Always best to reference these things with people who have experience.

January 24th 16:00 Update

2008-01-24T16:01:00.001-05:00

I got a call on the way into work from your Grandma Lisa, who said that you were on your way - your mom has dilated to 5cm, and they've given her the epidural and something to strengthen the contractions, so you'll be here any time now.
YAY!! Welcome to the world, Andrea!
I'm stuck at work and number 3 or 4 on the phone lists, but I don't care ... you couldn't wipe this smile off my face with steel wool. You're finally on your way! HOORAY!!
More in a bit.

January 24 - no word 13:00

2008-01-24T12:47:00.000-05:00

It's Thursday January 24th, and I haven't heard anything yet.
I'll call Grandpa Don for an update shortly, but I'm not expecting to hear anything new - of course, I could be wrong and you've arrived, but we'll have to see about that.
More in a little while

January 23rd part 2

2008-01-23T22:45:00.001-05:00

At last report (via Grandpa Don) your mom was still in active labor but still at home, not at the hospital delivering you. You are one stubborn little girl!
Currently, that's all the information I have, aside from a re-estimation of when the Dr is willing to induce, that originally coming from your mother as Monday/Tuesday but when Grandpa Don told me, it had been reduced to Friday.
Personally, I think you'll arrive just fine by yourself.
You're just being a Diva, and building up the anticipation factor before you make your appearance.

January 23rd - Active labor

2008-01-23T13:14:00.000-05:00

Well, your mom's in active labor now and has been since 3 pm yesterday. Two hospital visits, and sent home both times because she's not dilated enough, although contractions are 5 minutes apart.
You really are a stubborn one, aren't you?
At least I was partially right, labor started on the 22nd.
Whether you make an appearance now or in a day or two remains to be seen, however.
More later.

January 22nd - still no word

2008-01-22T22:43:00.001-05:00

Still nothing. Young lady, you make a Missouri mule look like a straw in the wind.
I know it's cold outside, but you can't hold out forever - and it's a little late to make your mother move to a warmer climate so you're not inconvenienced. If you don't decide to do this on your own, they're gonna come get you...and you won't be pleased.
I think you've still got a couple of days before that happens, but just take the easy way out... you just have to wait until the most inconvenient moment possible (the middle of the night is the usual choice) and then decide to make your appearance.
That's it. Easy as all get out (at least from your perspective) - your mom's going to have a completely different perspective on the process however - but the result is you finally making your appearance and making a bunch of people very very happy.

SO HURRY UP!!

Jan 22nd - Waiting on you

2008-01-22T11:42:00.001-05:00

Okay kid, enough's enough and you need to make your appearance.
Your mom's waiting on you, I'm waiting on you, your Grandpa Don's waiting on you, your Grandma Lisa, and Great Grandma Susan are all waiting on you.
So come on already.
Besides, you don't want to make a liar out of me, do you? I'm the one who said today originally - your mom insisted on the 18th, Grandpa Don said the 13th.
C'mon... there's a lotta fun waiting for you, but you gotta show up for it. So c'mon and get born!

January 21st - MLK Day

2008-01-21T19:38:00.000-05:00

Well, it's a little past 7:30 pm, and I'm at work.
It's also a Federal Holiday, Martin Luther King Day, celebrating the birthday of Dr. King.
This means I get paid at the holiday rate for working today (yaaaaaaaaay), and because it's at the beginning of my 10 day stretch, I'll get OT for Saturday too. (double yaaaaaaaaaay).
I have the diabetes class pre-screen tomorrow at 9:30 am at Dekalb Med, and the Diabetes class next week on Monday and Tuesday.
I'm really hoping you're here by then, or else your mom's gonna be bald. She's really over anxious about getting you to decide to be born, young lady. Personally, I think it's a genetic thing. You're all stubborn - your mom, your Grandpa Don, your Grandma Lisa... so I honestly don't know why she expected anything different with you.
I keep telling her I'm seeing your arrival on the 22nd. Don't make a liar out of me, okay?
Hurry up and arrive healthy... I'm waiting to see you!

Jan 20 continued

2008-01-20T10:39:00.000-05:00

False alarm, wasn't "the call".
Still watching "F word". I can't wait to hear you're here.
Last word from your mom via her MySpace page was that you were being stubborn, and she was ready for you to be born. I'm thinking you're going to be born on the full moon or the 22nd, whichever comes first.
I lean towards the 22nd myself.
Still doing Chantix, I project my quit date as tomorrow. We'll have to see.
Aside from laundry, I have nothing going on today, so til next time, bye.

Sunday Jan 20

2008-01-20T10:27:00.000-05:00

So, I'm sitting here on pins and needles, waiting to hear you've finally decided to make an appearance, Andrea.
I'm going to try and write something every day now, so you learn what's happened every day of your life from my perspective.
Probably nothing you'll ever use, but an entry nonetheless.
I'm watching one of my favorite shows, Gordon Ramsey's "The F Word" ...
I think the phone rang, I'm going to check it.

Snowed In - Atlanta style so to speak

2008-01-19T23:42:00.000-05:00

Today, the Atlanta area got hit with what passes here for a blizzard. 3-5 inches of snow.
Thankfully, the temperature hovered around 34 so it didn't stick on the roads.
However, the overnight temperature is expected to be in the lower 20's, meaning that it's gonna freeze over - should be beautiful in the morning, all frozen and crystalline. Because it's gonna freeze, I see no need to be out in it, so I'm "snowed in" Atlanta style.

Additionally, I'm fully expecting to hear any time now that you're here, Andrea.
I'm just worndering how much labor you put your mom through, and whether or not you come C-Section due to your mother's heart condition. Either way, you're an Aquarius, so that's all that really matters.
As soon as i get the birth time and location from either your mom, dad, or Grandma Lisa, I'm going to run what's known as a natal chart on you. I'm looking forward to seeing what your chart says.

I'll add more later...

Flooring and a cushy new eco-toilet pea soup

2008-01-19T21:08:00.000-05:00

Well, the other day I made plans to pick up the 25 cases of laminate I'd bought at Floor and Decor - and those plans were for Saturday. Little did I know that Mother Nature had scheduled a snowstorm for the day... and not your typical Atlanta flurry and go, this one was supposed to accumulate (it did, see pics below) - anyway, I ended up driving through it to Southlake Mall, to get it loaded on Frank's truck. Frank then followed me back to the townhouse by way of the Home Depot where I got a new toilet for the upstairs.

Its called eco-friendly because it only uses 1.28 gallons per flush rather than the 2.6 standard.

Anyway, in installing it, Frank broke the seat - so we went back to Home Depot, where I elected to get a cushy seat as an upgrade rather than simply replacing the screw.

Pictures of my cushy new eco toilet in the next entry.

Above, you can see pictures of the laminate that we hauled back from Morrow - a nightmare of a haul in and of itself, you cannot imagine how it was during all that snow.

Thankfully, it remained above freezing, so the snow didn't stick to the roads during the daytime.

By then, I was safely in the house, enjoying a couple of bowls of split pea soup.

Pics to follow.

More Snow Pics January 19 2008

2008-01-19T21:03:00.001-05:00

Split Pea

2008-01-19T21:00:00.000-05:00

January 19th 2008

2008-01-19T18:41:00.000-05:00

January 19th - Saturday - The snow that fell on Atlanta - also the day that I went down and got the laminate for the upstairs. And the day that I got a new toilet for the upstairs bathroom. Eco-friendly, 1.28 gallons per flush rather than the standard 2.6 or more. I'll put that picture up in a minute...

This is a picture of the snow from the storm that Atlanta got, thankfully it was a Saturday and a holiday weekend to boot.

Winter Storm 2008 part 2

2008-01-16T23:45:00.000-05:00

Okay, it's a crappy picture, however what's to be expected from a cellphone camera?

Anyway, when I posted the previous entry, the only snow coming down was a flurry - and from all accounts, it was turning to rain and sleet with no chance of accumulation. So, I thought no biggie, rainy ride home and it'll be okay.

Then, I went outside during my dinner break to have a smoke and saw this. My heart sank. I honestly don't mind snow when I'm at home and don't have to go anywhere or do anything, however being at work when something like this happens is well and truly a nightmare in the making.

What a difference a few hours makes - by 10:30 pm, it had indeed all changed to rain, and the majority of the danger had passed, although with the temperature hovering just above freezing, bridges and overpasses still posed the potential for issues. My relief did show up, so I managed to make it home relatively on time. This doesn't change my position on snow though. I still hate the stuff.

Winter Storm Jan 16 2008

2008-01-16T17:45:00.000-05:00

It's January 16th, I'm at work, and we're under a Winter Storm Warning.
What, precisely, does this mean? Here's a direct quote from the National Weather Service:
A BAND OF MODERATE SNOW AND SLEET IS FORECAST TO MOVE NORTH OVER THE INTERSTATE 85 CORRIDOR FROM NORTHEAST GEORGIA ACROSS THE UPSTATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA BY MIDNIGHT. THIS BAND OF SNOW AND SLEET IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE A QUICK 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW. A RAPID TRANSITION TO SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN WILL THEN FOLLOW DURING THE EARLY MORNING HOURS THURSDAY. ICE MAY ACCUMULATE TO AROUND A TENTH OF AN INCH UNTIL TEMPERATURES RISE ABOVE FREEZING AROUND NOON. A COLD RAIN AND PERIODS OF SLEET WILL PERSIST INTO EARLY AFTERNOON.
THE TIMING OF THE WINTRY PRECIPITATION WILL LIKELY LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT TRAVEL PROBLEMS ACROSS THE WARNED AREA THURSDAY MORNING. WET SNOW AND ICE ACCUMULATIONS AROUND A TENTH OF AN INCH MAY RESULT IN SOME TREES AND POWER LINES TO FALL...BLOCKING ROADS AND LEADING TO SCATTERED POWER OUTAGES.
A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW... SLEET... AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

What does this mean to me? One, that everyone in the building who can possibly get the hell out of Dodge has left and will be leaving ASAP. Two, that if there's any sort of accumulation or driving hazard, I can expect to be here all night because the Graveyard shift will call in, and because my department is 24x7, I'll have to stay. Three, this serves to emphasize my point that I absolutely, positively, beyond any shadow of a doubt, **HATE** snow.
The only potential bright side to this is that work compensates for what are called Snow Days by paying time and a half to those unfortunate enough to get stuck here. Yay.
The downside to this situation is the insanity that infects Atlanta drivers at the mere mention of the "S" word as I call it, by any news media. Doesn't matter whether or not there's accumulation, if the news media uses the word in a sentence, such as "there is a threat of snow to the Atlanta metropolitan area", you can guarantee 2 things. A traffic nightmare that makes the normal rush hour look like a holiday, and a run at the grocery store on bread and milk.
Yeah, we're idiots. However in our defense, we so rarely get snow that things like traffic nightmares and grocery runs on bread and milk are to be expected.
I'll write more as this develops.
It's currently 17:45 -

By the way, I've also checked the Doppler Radar for the Midwest, and it's really coming down out there too - which of course means that you're going to probably be born today or tonight in the middle of it, Andrea. Never fails, babies always pick the most inconvenient moment to make their appearance. I love you, little darling!

Stopping smoking the Chantix way and other medical news

2008-01-16T00:30:00.000-05:00

I have decided that 34 years of smoking is enough, and I have started on Chantix. This is the latest in my attempts to quit smoking, having tried the patch (a couple of times), nicotine gum (nasty nasty stuff), cold turkey, and Wellbutrin.

This round of treatment is also the single most costly attempt I've made - the "starter" pack cost over $100, and the first month's supply of pills cost around $140. Quite the out of pocket investment, so I'm obviously determined to make this work. My plan is to do this regimen for at least 2 months and then go back on Wellbutrin for a couple of months, until I've managed to break the psychological addiction of smoking.
That's usually ended up being my downfall...I can deal with ending the physical addiction, however inevitably, something happens that triggers me to start smoking again.

Anyway, as of this post, I've been on Chantix for 2 days now. I'll write more about this after I've put down the smokes for the last time, and continue detailing the effort.
(Side note to Andrea: if I **EVER** catch you smoking young lady, you won't be able to sit down for at least a month. I don't care what your mother says, I'll kick your ass.)

The regimen starts with a half dose for the first 3 days (ie 1 pill instead of 2) , then a pill in the morning and a pill in the evening. Apparently, I'm also the guinea pig for the family, since Sheba, Bobby and Grandpa Don are all waiting to see how this works out before they commit to trying it.

On another front, I'm scheduled for an MRI of my shoulder on Thursday the 17th. After undergoing a few months of Chiropractic treatment abetted by massage therapy and still having limited mobility of my left arm (the condition is known as "frozen shoulder"), I went to the Doctor and got a couple of shots in the shoulder - they didn't do much good, so he's now sending me to have the MRI so we can get a better picture of what we're dealing with. I'm honestly not looking forward to a surgical solution to this issue, however I believe that will end up as a last resort.
I'm still on 10 units of subcutaneous insulin daily, however I've lost 11 more pounds - based on what Doctor Springer said when I started the insulin, I've only got about 40 more to go and I should be able to come off the insulin and manage the diabetes through diet alone.

That's all I have for now... you're being stubborn and haven't made your appearance yet, (Grandpa Don was wrong about that, quelle suprise) but I'm still holding out for the 21st/22nd. We'll see.

Renovation nightmare resolution

2008-01-12T14:43:00.000-05:00

At last, I have resolution on the flooring nightmare.

I dragged Sheba on a road trip down to the Southlake area - (it's OTP, (Outside the Perimeter) South of Atlanta) to check on whether or not the Floor & Decor there actually had the last remaining stock of the laminate I used on the downstairs.

I got lucky, and they had 40 cases remaining.

On the other hand, since I wasn't sure they would actually have the flooring, I didn't take my measurements. Because of this, I only bought 20 cases, however in figuring out the square footage required, I'm probably going to buy an additional 5 cases to make sure I have enough to do the bedroom, the office, and the upstairs hallway.

The stairs are an issue I'm still working out - doing the stairs in the laminate would be the ideal, but the stuff is SLICK - and given Cleo's habit of shadowing me, it presents a strong potential for injury.

Sheba has suggested doing the stairs in a Berber carpet, while I'm thinking of doing the laminate and putting down a runner to reduce the slickness factor.
Thankfully, I still have a little while to decide what I'm going to do because I won't be installing the flooring upstairs for a few weeks yet due to a couple of factors, primarily finances, however there are issues with a section of the subfloor near the water heater closet.
Apparently, prior to my buying this unit, the water heater exploded and required replacement.
While the previous owner replaced the water heater, they did nothing about the water damage to the subfloor, and now that I'm going to be replacing the carpet with laminate, this issue has to be addressed.
According to Bobby, the biggest issue I'll have to deal with is getting the new subfloor home from the Home Depot - since I'm going to be dealing with roughly a 5'x6' piece of wood, it won't fit in the car. The installation itself will only be a couple of minutes and a handful of nails.
I'll write more about the install itself when I get it started.

January 7th thoughts

2008-01-07T02:35:00.000-05:00

Officially, (i.e. the Dr's due date) Andrea, you're due on the 18th.
I don't think you're going to make an appearance until around the 21st or 22nd, however we'll see. Grandpa Don says the 13th, and your mom wants you anytime now (I'm theorizing on that point, however I'm basing it on experience with women in the late stage of their pregnancy - so I'm pretty sure I'm right)
You're coming into a really strange family structure, kid.
Lets get that established right off the bat.
However, if you think of me as your faery grandparent, it begins to make sense.

Since I'll never have a grandchild of my own, you're the nearest thing.
I'm gonna spoil you so rotten they'll call DFACS on me.
And you provide me an excuse to be able to do Disney World, and Epcot, and all the amusement parks I never get to go to because noone ever wants to go.
You'll be going, trust me on this.

Second childhood, here I come.

B'sidhe

2008-01-05T00:14:00.000-05:00

Hands down, my all time favorite picture of B'sidhe.
That look just says "of course you know, now you have to die."

"Mr DeMille, I'm not ready for my closeup yet..."

Her Royal Highness, Cleopatra, Queen of Denial

2008-01-05T00:03:00.001-05:00

Cleopatra actually named herself - when she first came to live with me, there was the usual territorial dispute with the older cats, ie lots of hissing and spitting (I call it "leaky tire syndrome")

Anyway, one day Cleo was walking down the hallway past Polgara, who was doing her best "leaky tire" impression, and Cleo sauntered by her, completely ignoring the display.

As I watched in amazement, my only reaction was to say "you are such the Queen of Denial! Oh my God, you've named yourself! Cleopatra, Queen of Denial!"

And so, Her Royal Highness, Cleopatra, Queen of Denial she became.

Polgara

2008-01-04T23:57:00.001-05:00

Polgara at about 6 weeks old

Polgara

Down to the wire

2008-01-04T16:23:00.000-05:00

Well Andrea, it's nigh on 2 weeks until you're expected to arrive (your Mom still says January 18th, but I still think you'll be a little later than that, probably around the 21st to the 23rd - after all, why be a Capricorn when you can be an Aquarius? )

Am I thrilled?

Sweetie, you have no idea how thrilled I am. You're all I talk about to anyone.

My only regret is that your parents are currently living in a frozen wasteland called Missouri, so I can't be there for your arrival. Uncle Merlin doesn't do snow.

Now that the nightmare that is Christmas shipping is over, I'll be sending you some bears - two new ones, and my old childhood friend, Pinky, for starters.

Mind you, this is only the beginning. Because, young lady, I have every intention of spoiling you absolutely rotten (and have the time of my life doing it too.)

I just have to remember that I promised your Mom not to send anything bigger than you until you're walking.

Believe me, that's going to be one promise I'm going to find hard to keep. I'm already trying to figure out how to get some big (and when I say big, I mean BIG) stuffed animals on a plane without having to resort to paying for a seat for 'em - not to worry, given my promise, I still have at least a year and a couple of months to go before really worrying out those logistics.

Regardless of how it works itself out, you'll have some gi-normous bears around when you start walking.
You're going to be one lucky little lady - I think there's going to be some serious competition as to who can spoil you the most - but don't worry, I'm planning on winning that battle.

Out of the Broom Closet

Happy Birthday Andrea

March 21st 2011

March 17, 2011

Legends in concert

Half century mark - I'm 50 years old today

Early morning shocker part 3

Early morning shocker part 2

Early morning shocker

Happy Birthday Andrea

The Way Back Machine

The Way Back Machine - aka Hulu.com

First snowfall of 2011 part 3

First snowfall of 2011 part 2

First snowfall of 2011

Christmas in Atlanta 2010

B'sidhe has died

B'sidhe

Welcome, Aiden Kelly

Picture update on Aiden

Welcome to the world, Aiden Christopher Kelly, born today

Welcome, Aiden Kelly

Lady Sintana has died.

Boy howdy I know I'm on your list, kid but here's why

Happy Birthday Jessica!

Observation

Road trip pictures Mission, Kansas 2009

KC Road Trip Day 2 The day I cooked

Kansas road trip October 2009

Road Trip!

Road trip pre-diary October 2009

Road Trip October 2009 The Diary

Reunions again

"Bewitched" the series started out in black and white

Thursday August 20th

Still more rambling

Late night ramblings

Today's events

Reunions

I'm back

Not so happy day (or, addendum to Oh Happy Day!)

My new favorite addiction

I stand corrected

Oh happy day !!

Leak update

Vindication (of a sort)

Strange how the Universe works

July 16 (A new rant)

Another correction

Minor correction

Front yard garden pics

Side yard garden June 2008

Garden June 2008 pics back yard

Garden notes

Litha 2008 - Field notes

Election 2008 - History has been made -

Garden June 2008

Delayed update (sorry)

Surgery in just over 4 hours

Further frozen shoulder update

Squirrel update

Rear garden pictures

Frozen shoulder update

I *HATE* squirrels

Audrey - Colocasia gigantea Thailand Giant Strain

March 15th 2008

Monday, February 25th

Paranormal State on A&E

February 4th

Relationships

Adoption information summary

And even more baby pics - this time with family

Still more baby pics

Just received - More baby pics

Presenting Ms. Andrea Jordan, Diva-In-Training

January 26th

January 25 - one day old

January 24th 20:00 Update - WELCOME ANDREA!

January 24th 16:00 Update

January 24 - no word 13:00

I HATE squirrels