Wednesday, January 05, 2005

Zappa Quote of the Day

Weedley-Weedley-Wee

Specifically, the small fret guitar-playing technique that musicians have a tendency to display while in pursuit of a cross between a waitress and a hoover vacuum... This is from his book.

Tuesday, January 04, 2005

Tuesday Update

Back to work today. Bahhh!!!

At least the weather is a bit better today. Unfortunately, I have a flat tire and Doug will have to get up to take me to work. No school delays for our area today. Ashley will be so glad to get back to school. Well, not much else to say. I had better get ready for work.

Word of the Day

emote • \ih-MOHT\ Audio icon • verb
: to give expression to emotion especially in acting

Example sentence:
The actor in the movie's lead role seemed to be trying too hard to emote, and as a result his character was not very believable.

Zappa Quote of the Day

Anyone who is disturbed by the idea of newts in a nightclub is potentially dangerous.

During one of his trials, one of the prosecuting lawyers quoted some of his lyrics which pertained to newts in a nightclub and said he found this image disturbing. Frank responded with the above.

Monday, January 03, 2005

Zappa Quote of the Day

The only difference between a cult and a religion is the amount of real estate they own.

Word of the Day

coterie • \KOH-tuh-ree\ Audio icon • noun
: an intimate and often exclusive group of persons with a unifying common interest or purpose

Example sentence:
Dorothy Parker belonged to a literary coterie known as the Algonquin Round Table, whose members were legendary for their terse, acerbic writing.

Sunday, January 02, 2005

Word of the Day

soigné • \swahn-YAY\ Audio icon • adjective
*1 : dressed with great care and elegance : well-groomed, sleek
2 : elegantly maintained or designed

Example sentence:
Wearing a fetching evening gown, Alyssa looked soigné and sophisticated and ready for a night on the town.

Zappa Quote

Look, just because you have got that fuckin' thing between your legs it doesn't make any diference. If a girl does something stupid I am going to call her just as I would a guy.

Sunday Update

Yeah!!! Chloe finally returned from her trip to Vail. She had lots of fun skiing and hanging out with step-cousins. She loved all of her presents received from us.

Todays Soup Sunday should be really good. We are having yummy Hors D'Oeuvres. Doug is making some Mini Quiches and Bar-B-Que'd Meatballs. Deb is bringing Roast Beef Roll-Ups and Baked Brie. I made a Cheeseball, Carmel Apple Cheeseball and dips for vegetables and crackers. Ashley will put together the relish trays. Tommy is making Bar-B-Que'd Lil' Smokies. And Chloe is making People Chow and Cookies.

Saturday, January 01, 2005

Word of the Day

pinguid (PING-gwid) adjective

Fat; greasy; unctuous.

Some clays are more pinguid." Mortimer.

Zappa Quote of the Day

The sad think about the Sixties was the weak-mindedness of the so-called radicals and the way that they managed to get co-opted. I think one of the things that helped that happen was LSD. It's the only chemical known to mankind that will covert a hippy to a yuppie.

Friday, December 31, 2004

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Word of the Day

re·flec·tion
Pronunciation: ri-'flek-sh&n
Function: noun

1 : an instance of reflecting; especially : the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2 : the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3 a : the action of bending or folding back b : a reflected part : FOLD
4 : something produced by reflecting : as a : an image given back by a reflecting surface b : an effect produced by an influence
5 : an often obscure or indirect criticism : REPROACH
6 : a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation
7 : consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose
8 obsolete : turning back : RETURN
9 a : a transformation of a figure in which each point is replaced by a point symmetric with respect to a line or plane b : a transformation that involves reflection in more than one axis of a rectangular coordinate system
- re·flec·tion·al /-shn&l, -sh&-n&l/ adjective

Zappa Qoute of the Day

I knew Jimi (Hendrix) and I think that the best thing you could say about Jimi was: there was a person who shouldn't use drugs.

From the second of two FZ interviews which were transcribed from an imported CD called "The Frank Zappa Interview Picture Disk". Conducted sometime in early to mid 1984.

Thursday, December 30, 2004

Word of the Day

squib • \SKWIB\ Audio icon • noun
1 a : a short humorous or satiric writing or speech *b : a short news item; especially : filler
2 a : a small firecracker b : a broken firecracker in which the powder burns with a fizz
3 : a small electric or pyrotechnic device used to ignite a charge

Example sentence:
There was only a squib in the local newspaper about the student demonstration.

Zappa Quote of the Day

If you wind up with a boring, miserable life because you listened to your mom, your dad, your teacher, your priest or some guy on TV telling you how to do your shit, then YOU DESERVE IT.

From the Real Frank Zappa book.

Wednesday, December 29, 2004

Word of the Day

gauntlet • \GAWNT-lut\ Audio icon • noun
1 : a glove worn with medieval armor to protect the hand
2 : any of various protective gloves used especially in industry
*3 : an open challenge (as to combat) -- used in phrases like throw down the gauntlet
4 : a dress glove extending above the wrist

Example sentence:
Herb threw down the gauntlet, asking his guests, "Which one of you wants to get beaten in a game of chess?"

Zappa Quote of the Day

To me, cigarettes are food

Response to an assertion that his nicotine habit conflicted with his anti-drug stance

Tuesday, December 28, 2004

Word of the Day

eventuate • \ih-VEN-chuh-wayt\ Audio icon • verb
: to come out finally : result, come about

Example sentence:
"Most of the [woodworking] projects would eventuate in a pretty good gift for a relative you really like." (Jon Kartman, Booklist, November 15, 1992)

Zappa Quote of the Day

There is no such thing as a dirty word. Nor is there a word so powerful, that it's going to send the listener to the lake of fire upon hearing it.
-- Frank Zappa

Monday, December 27, 2004

Word of the Day

fresco • \FRESS-koh\ Audio icon • noun
*1 : the art of painting on freshly spread moist lime plaster with water-based pigments
2 : a painting executed in fresco

Example sentence:
The fresco that adorned the wall of the old Roman cathedral took the artist five years to complete.

Zappa Quote of the Day

"Never stop until your good becomes better, and your better becomes the best."

Sunday, December 26, 2004

Sunday Update

I think everyone had a really wonderful Christmas this year. I got about everything that I had on my Christmas list. Plus some extras!

We had a wonderful Christmas dinner. Diedre and Mark were our guests. We feasted on turkey, ham, duck (Thanks Thomas), hash browns, gravy, dressing, scalloped corn, green bean casserole, cheese ball with assorted crackers, olives, jellied cranberries, rolls, ambrosia, cranberry/gingerale cocktails, milk and pumpkin pie.

After Christmas dinner we played Diedre's new game Scene It. It was a lot of fun.

Chloe is having a great time skiing in Vail. She got a mini pink Ipod. What a lucky girl.

Mao liked his gift of Pounce treats just a little too much. Christmas night he finally got the lid off and downed about 40 treats. They made him sick and he vegged out under the Christmas tree for about 4 hours.

Word of the Day

maladroit • \mal-uh-DROYT\ Audio icon • adjective
: lacking skill, cleverness, or resourcefulness in handling situations : inept

Example sentence:
Liz's friends marvel that anyone as skillful as she is at managing an accounting office can be so maladroit when it comes to keeping track of her personal finances.

Zappa Quote of the Day

There are more love songs than anything else.
If songs could make you do something we'd all love one another.

Friday, December 24, 2004


Not a creature was stirring...Not even a Mom Posted by Hello

Or a Mao... Posted by Hello

Christmas Eve Update

If you have not gone to Zach Braff's Garden State Blog lately, you really should. He has some really great New Years resolutions.

Christmas Eve is finally here and there is a lot to do. We will be going over the menu for Christmas dinner to make sure we haven't forgotten anything. I will be making pie crust for Ashley's pumpkin pies. I also plan to make a cheese ball (One of Thomas' favorites.) The turkey and the duck will need to be prepped as well.

Tonight we plan to watch our Christmas favorites like "It's a Wonderful Life." Wow it is cold! The Soup Sunday Blog shows it is -3 below and feels like -15 below, it is 9:00 AM. Mao decided to sleep in this morning. When I didn't get up early, he felt it was all good and he could sleep late.

It's so wonderful, all those presents under the tree. Another very fine Christmas!!

Word of the Day

lord of misrule • \lord-uv-mis-ROOL\ Audio icon • noun
: a master of Christmas revels in England especially in the 15th and 16th centuries

Example sentence:
Elliot was chosen to play the lord of misrule in the college's medieval Christmas pageant, and he gleefully presided over his mock court.

Did you know?
Late in the medieval days of England, the royal court, the houses of noblemen, and many colleges at the universities of Cambridge and Oxford appointed a manager for their Christmas festivities and dubbed him the "lord of misrule" or the "abbot of misrule." The lord of misrule was responsible for arranging all Christmas entertainment, including plays, processions, and feasts. The lord himself usually presided over these affairs with a mock court and received comic homage from the revelers. Scholars believe that the name "lord of misrule" was taken from the name of the official who presided over an older New Year's celebration called the "Feast of Fools."

Zappa Quote of the Day

A true Zen saying, nothing is what I want.

From Roxy & Elsewhere, Dec 1973

Thursday, December 23, 2004

Word of the Day

precatory • \PREK-uh-tor-ee\ Audio icon • adjective
: expressing a wish

Example sentence:
We here convey our wishes
In this precatory phrase:
May peace and joy be with you
In all the coming days!

Zappa Quote of the Day

Great googly-moogly - you're gonna do it too!

Wednesday, December 22, 2004

Wednesday Update

Not much to update. I worked late yesterday, until 5:15. When I got home the house smelled wonderful because Doug was making stuffed meatloaf. The meatloaf was the best ever.

Thomas got to work and back safely and Ashley worked until 9. After work Ashley still had homework. I hope she was not up too late.

I still have this nasty cold with a cough. I hope I get over it by Christmas. I must go to bed early tonight. Well I have to go, I am going in early again today.

Word of the Day

sub rosa • \sub-ROH-zuh\ Audio icon • adverb
: in confidence : secretly

Example sentence:
Several military leaders were meeting sub rosa, plotting to overthrow the king.

Zappa Quote of the Day

Art is making something out of nothing and selling it.

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Word of the Day

zibeline • \ZIB-uh-leen\ Audio icon • noun
: a soft lustrous wool fabric with mohair, alpaca, or camel's hair

Example sentence:
"She tops white zibeline pants with a brown and white check hunting jacket and brandy silk scarf." (House Beautiful, October 1, 2000)

Zappa Quote of the Day

Reporter:
This is a personal thing, I think that if you wanted to make top ten hits and sell millions of records, you could.

Frank Zappa:
Yeah, but who wants to go through life with a tiny nose and one glove on?

Sunday, December 19, 2004

Sunday Update

I went to bed around 1 and still couldn't sleep much past 5. I woke up because of this cold and sore throat thing I am fighting off. I took some cold and allergy medicine and put Vicks under my nose and now I feel pretty good.

Today will be another busy day. I need to do a little more shopping. I have all the gifts wrapped except for Doug's and the gifts I will be getting today. At 10 I have to pick up Ashley from Keeley's house and then take Chloe to her Mom's. She has to go to Georgia's holiday program. I will also be doing some holiday baking and the usual Sunday chores.

Yesterday, Chloe ended up babysitting from noon until around 9. She made an extra $60 though. Way to go Bobo. Ashley was busy selling corsages all day and then went to Keeley's birthday party. Thomas went to work and drove home just a bit too fast for my liking. Doug made the Christmas gifts for our friends, I helped a little. I spent most of the night wrapping Christmas presents.

Thats all for now. I am going to look for some recipes and mix up some cookies to bake later.

Word of the Day

tractable • \TRAK-tuh-bul\ Audio icon • adjective
*1 : capable of being easily led, taught, or controlled : docile
2 : easily handled, managed, or wrought : malleable

Example sentence:
I am afraid that Ashley is a tractable teenage girl.

Zappa Quote of the Day

They're serving burgers in the back!

Saturday, December 18, 2004

Saturday Update

Today should be busy for everyone.

Ashley will be working from 10-4. At 6 she will be going to Keeley's 17th birthday party and will probably spend the night.

Chloe has some Christmas shopping she wants to finish. She will be leaving for Colorado next Friday morning.

I also have a few more things to shop for, especially stocking stuffers. Sorry Thomas, I still cannot find your stocking. I also have grocery shopping to do. Of course, I need to make time for wrapping Christmas gifts, I haven't even started.

Thomas has to work in Waterloo from 3-9:30, so he will probably be leaving around 1:30 and won't return until 10:30 or 11.

Doug and I will be making our Christmas gifts for our friends and preparing the ham for tomorrows soups.

This looks like one busy weekend. Happy Holidays!!

P.S. - A funny thing happened this morning while I was checking my e-mail. Mao was sleeping on top of the big easy chair, in his usual spot. When all of a sudden, I heard a thud. I turned around and saw Mao kind of dazed because he had slid of off the chair. Well, it was funny at the time. I gave the poor old guy a big hug.

Word of the Day

conventicle • \kun-VEN-tih-kul\ Audio icon • noun
1 : assembly, meeting
2 : an assembly of an irregular or unlawful character
*3 : an assembly for religious worship; especially : a secret meeting for worship not sanctioned by law
4 : meetinghouse

Example sentence:
Religious dissidents in 17th-century England could be arrested for attending conventicles.

Zappa Quote of the Day

The language and concepts contained herein are guaranteed not to cause eternal torment in the place where the guy with the horns and pointed stick conducts his business.

Friday, December 17, 2004

Friday Update

Here it is Friday and I am so glad. Thomas will be home later today. It sounds like the finals went pretty well.

This weekend I have to finish my shopping and start wrapping presents. Thomas will be here to help me find my wrapping paper in the garage. I'm not going to write much else this morning, because I took a rather long survey that was in my email and I am running out of time. I got 500 Hi-points for the survy though. I receive rewards for the points and this put me well on my way to better rewards.

Word of the Day

bamboozle • \bam-BOO-zul\ Audio icon • verb
*1 : to deceive by underhanded methods : dupe, hoodwink
2 : to confuse, frustrate, or throw off thoroughly or completely

Example sentence:
Tommy bamboozled his parents into believing he was too sick to go to school.

Note: This was from Merriam-Webster Online, I did not put Tommy's name in the sentence.

Zappa Quote of the Day

My best advice to anyone who wants to raise a happy, mentally healthy child is: Keep him or her as far away from a church as you can.

Thursday, December 16, 2004

The Night Before Finals

'Twas the night before finals, and all through the college
The students were praying for last minute knowledge.
Most were quite sleepy, but none touched their beds,
While visions of essays danced in their heads.
Out in the taverns, a few were still drinking,
And hoping that liquor would loosen their thinking.
In my own apartment, I had been pacing,
And dreading exams I soon would be facing.
My roommate was speechless, his nose in his books,
And my comments to him drew unfriendly looks.
I drained all the coffee, and brewed a new pot,
No longer caring that my nerves were shot.
I stared at my notes, but my thoughts were muddy,
My eyes were a blur, I just couldn't study.
"Some pizza might help, "I said with a shiver,
But each place I called refused to deliver.
I'd nearly concluded that life was too cruel,
With futures depending on grades had in school.
When all of a sudden, our door opened wide,
And Patron Saint Put It off Ambled inside.
His spirit was careless, his manner was mellow,
He looked down at me, and started to bellow:
"What kind of student would make such a fuss,
To toss back at teachers what they tossed at us?"
"On Cliff Notes! On Crib Notes! On Last Year's Exams!
On Wingit and Slingit, and last minute crams!"
His message delivered, he vanished from sight,
But we heard him laughing outside in the night.
"Your teachers have pegged you, so just do your best,
Happy Finals to All, And to All, a Good Test!"

--Author Unknown

Word of the Day

ombudsman • \AHM-boodz-mun ("oo" as in "wood")\ Audio icon • noun
1 : a government official (as in Sweden or New Zealand) who investigates complaints made against public officials
*2 : one that investigates reported complaints (as from students or consumers), reports findings, and helps to achieve equitable settlements

Zappa Quote of the Day

Rock journalism is people who can't write interviewing people who can't talk for people who can't read.

Wednesday, December 15, 2004

Wednesday Update

I am very glad that it is the middle of the week. Once we get to Wednesday the work week isn't so bad. Plus today is payday!

Last night Ashley got a compliment at work. One of the full time employees said she gives Ashley extra things to do that she does not give to the other part timers. This is because Ashley always does what she is told and completes the tasks given. I guess they have a problem with some of the other girls. Now if we could only get her to do this at home.

Last night was fend for yourself supper. We watched Rebel Millionaire and The Great Race. The old couple came in last and they were eliminated. That was sad.

Thomas is finishing up his finals. Today he has a day of no classes. There will be studying, packing to come home (yeah) and I'm sure some goofing off. Tomorrow will be his last finals. Good luck!

I am running very late this morning, so that is all.

Word of the Day

verbose • \ver-BOHSS\ Audio icon • adjective
*1 : containing more words than necessary : wordy; also : impaired by wordiness
2 : given to wordiness

Example sentence:
The writing style in government publications is often both dry and verbose—a deadly combination.

Zappa Quote of the Day

Modern music is a sick puppy.

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Tuesday Update

It is 5:30 and poor Doug is awake and not feeling well. I hope he is able to sleep later and get over whatever he has.

Last night we had tuna sandwiches and chips for supper. We watched Antiques Road Show and some shows on the Speed Channel. We saw some really nice cars. Ashley did her homework after supper and wrapped most of her Christmas presents. She covered the entire bottom of the tree. She is having fun giving this year.

Not must else to update about and I have to get ready for work right now. Another early work day.

Word of the Day

syllepsis • \suh-LEP-sis\ • noun
1 : the use of a word to modify or govern syntactically two or more words with only one of which it formally agrees in gender, number, or case
*2 : the use of a word in the same grammatical relation to two adjacent words in the context with one literal and the other metaphorical

Zappa Quote of the Day

Whoever we are, whereever we're from, we should have noticed by now our behaviour is dumb, and if our chances are expected to improve, it's gonna take a lot more than trying to remove, the other race, or the other whatever, from the face of the planet altogether

Dumb All Over, You Are What You Is

Monday, December 13, 2004

Monday Update

No time for much of an update. I just got done reading Diedre and Thomas' blogs and their updates were so long, now I don't have time for mine. I have to work early this morning and it is trash day.

Word of the Day

nefarious • \nih-FAIR-ee-us\ • adjective
: flagrantly wicked or impious : evil

Example sentence:
The sheriff vowed to avenge the nefarious deeds of the bandits who robbed the bank and kidnapped his daughter.

Zappa Quote of the Day

Never stop and keep going

Giving advice to young musicians. early 80's interview with pennsylvania state police officer whom is also a zappa fan. originally to be shown to local high school students of the area but frank ended up on the subject of politics and you can just imagine why the kids never seen this video.

Sunday, December 12, 2004

Sunday Update

As you can see on Doug's blog, we are taking today off. No soup Sunday.

Yesterday, Chloe and I went Christmas shopping. I was able to finish up Doug and Tommy. I got a few things for Ashley and I am still looking for one more thing for Chloe. I also need to find stocking stuffers. The stocking stuffers are my favorite. Chloe got a good start on her shopping and just needs to find something for Ashley. Ashley is such a pain to buy for. Oh, I also got Diedre's gift. We also need to get little gifts for our friends. Twelve days until Christmas.

I hope to get a start on writing Christmas cards today. I will try to get Chloe to sign them all before she leaves today. Chloe is leaving around noon to see "The Nutcracker" at Hancher. I also would like to get some Christmas lights up outside.

Last night I made some really yummy peanut butter cookies. I put chocolate chunks in them. I hope there will be some left for Thomas when he gets home on Thursday. Otherwise I will have to bake some more.

The girls went to Dairy Queen before going to the Xavier Christmas dance last night. Chloe drove and their only mistake was forgetting to call when they got to Dairy Queen. Well, Ashley made a second mistake, which was being snotty when she was confronted with not calling.

Word of the Day

rationale • \rash-uh-NAL\ • noun
1 : an explanation of controlling principles of opinion, belief, practice, or phenomena
*2 : an underlying reason : basis

Example sentence:
One rationale for year-round school is that it reduces the need to review old material forgotten over summer vacation.

Zappa Quote of the Day

Scientology, how about that? You hold on to the tin cans and then this guy asks you a bunch of questions, and if you pay enough money you get to join the master race. How's that for a religion?

Concert at the Rockpile, Toronto, May 1969

Saturday, December 11, 2004

Saturday Update

The weekend at last. Ashley has to work from 10-4 today. This evening Ashley and Chloe are going to a dance at Xavier. I hope Ashley stays out of trouble.

I received a call from Thomas this morning. He is having trouble with wisdom teeth and it sounds like we need to get him into a dentist while he is home on winter break. He has a top tooth in. The tooth came in sideways and it has caused a sore inside his cheek. Very painful.

Today Chloe and I will be doing some Christmas shopping. I received one of Doug's Christmas gifts in the mail this week. Just two weeks until Christmas!

I guess the night Brian got his new car, he drove all over Cedar Rapids. He didn't stop anywhere or show it to anyone. He just drove. I think he likes it.

Well, I have to get ready to take Ashley to work now.

Word of the Day

perpend • \per-PEND\ Audio icon • verb
1 : to reflect on carefully : ponder
*2 : to be attentive : reflect

Example sentence:
Perpend: if you let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip away, you will regret it.

Zappa Quote of the Day

It's not ordinary and it's not mundane,but it does not involve golden showers and appliances.

He was talking about his sex life with Gail in 1980. This information comes from a book entitled Frank Zappa: in his own words

Friday, December 10, 2004

Friday Update

Yeah, it's Friday!!!

Everyone had a good day yesterday. Brian got his new car, a 1999 Nissan Maxima. Beautiful car! Ashley received a Christmas gift from work for 10% off any grocery order during the week of Dec. 17-24. Thomas bought himself a $10 power drill. And I received my Christmas gift from work, a thermal mug with a packet of hot chocolate, apple cider and tea.

We received a couple of Christmas cards yesterday. One was from Dan and Gail, it includeed thier annual newsletter with some nice pictures of all the grandkids. I finally wrote my card list. Now I will have to set down this weekend to get them sent out.

I have to work early again this morning, so I have to go. Oh no, I'm running late.

Word of the Day

whirligig • \WER-lih-ghig\ Audio icon • noun
*1 : a child's toy having a whirling motion
2 : merry-go-round
3 a : one that continuously whirls, moves, or changes b : a whirling or circling course (as of events)

Example sentence:
The more he earned the more he spent, and Sam felt like he was trapped in a never-ending whirligig of debt.

Zappa Quote of the Day

I can gross out anybody in this room.

Said during a concert at Mount Holyoke College in the early 1970s.

What is a Ho?

This is a funny Jeopardy Question.

Thursday, December 09, 2004

Thursday Update

It looks like Doug may have found the perfect care for Brian. It is at H&H Motors where we bought Puk. I can't remember right now what kind of car it is. Doug showed me the interior online this morning before he left to take Brian to work. Very nice!!

Last night we had hamburgers with oven fries. We watched a new episode of Lost. Next week they are replaying the first two episodes. I guess this will be good, because I missed the first episode. I can't even remember what else we watched on TV last night.

Thats all for now, I have to get ready for work.

Word of the Day

suc·cinct
Pronunciation: (")s&k-'si[ng](k)t, s&-'si[ng](k)t
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin succinctus, past participle of succingere to gird from below, tuck up, from sub- + cingere to gird -- more at CINCTURE
1 archaic a : being girded b : close-fitting
2 : marked by compact precise expression without wasted words

Zappa Quote of the Day

Well Mike, I'm abnormal.

When FZ appeared on the Mike Douglas show (solo, playing guitar with recorded backup), Mike said "Your latest album is called Zoot Allures. How do you come up with such names for your records?" (or something equally banal!) Frank's succinct reply is printed above.

Find Out How Smart You Really Are

Take the free classic IQ test.

Wednesday, December 08, 2004

Wednesday Update

I didn't update yesterday because the blogger wasn't cooperating again.

Not much happened anyway. Work was still really busy. We are still dealing with the scammers. The company is finally getting around to canceling the incorrect orders.

We had scrambled eggs, bacon and toast for supper last night. Breakfast is always good. There was not much on TV last night. Doug and I did a little Christmas shopping online. I got a very good start on my Christmas shopping on Monday. I still have a shopping to do for everyone on my list.

Doug is gone taking Brian to work. At least Brian is talking about looking for a new car and had Doug looking in the paper for him yesterday. Well, I have to get ready for work. Everybody have a good day.

Zoom Quilt

Check this out. Just click your mouse to zoom in or out.

Word of the Day

ludic • \LOO-dik\ Audio icon • adjective
: of, relating to, or characterized by play : playful

Example sentence:
Three-year-old Rachel was delighted with her present, a ludic and lively pop-up book about the celebration of Hanukkah.

Zappa Quote of the Day

My, you sure are slow here in Texas aren't you?

During a 1968 Dallas, Tex. tour, Frank was conducting the Mothers by flipping the bird to the musician he wanted to perform. He turned to the audience and using both hands, he swept his fickle fingers wildly into the air. The crowd of several thousand at the convention center sat silent. "My you sure are slow here in Texas, aren't you?" he yelled and the punks went crazy!

Monday, December 06, 2004

Word of the Day

circumvent • \ser-kum-VENT\ • verb
1 : to hem in
2 : to make a circuit around
*3 : to manage to get around especially by ingenuity or stratagem

Example sentence:
The corporation was always trying to circumvent tax laws by exploiting the loopholes.

Zappa Quote of the Day

Another day, another sausage...

Monday Update

OK, I just got done reading Thomas' blog and for those of you who are not taking biology in college or you are not Doug. Here is an example of stratified squamous epithelium and stratified Columnar epithelium.

Doug is gone taking Brian to work again this morning. I hope he did not have any problem with slippery streets. The temp was around 40, so he should be OK.

The soup was good yesterday and the dressing to put on top of the soup was very good. Deb brought a lemon cake. She makes the best lemon cake. Deb also brought a very good red wine. Nick was the good child this week. I guess Ana must be going through her terrible threes stage.

I am going to do some Christmas shopping with Ashley today. I hope to get most of it done. When Thomas gets home on break I am going to have him help me find my wrapping paper from last year. I think it accidently got put up in the loft in the garage. Not much else to talk about this early in the morning, maybe I will update more later.

Sunday, December 05, 2004

Sunday Update

Yesterday, Ashley and I went shopping at Bed,Bath & Beyond for Amanda Anderson's wedding shower gift. We got her a Rival Little Dipper stoneware server that was on her gift registry list. We also put money on her money tree. The theme of the shower was "Friends", as in the TV show. When we got to the shower they had the room set up like a cafe. A sign was up that said "Central Perk". When Ashley walked past a boom box she heard, "How ya doin" in Joey's voice. That kept playing over and over every few minutes through out the shower.

They also gave out door prizes, Ashley and I each got cards from Bruegger's for a free cup of coffee, a free lunch sandwich and a free dozen bagels. I might go get my dozen this morning. My coffee will go to Doug of course. We also played Friends trivia. The questions were hard and I only got 6 out of 17 right. Ashley got 11 right. Then we played a game where everyone was to put a paper sack with a picture of a Friends character taped to the sack over our heads. After we had the sack on our heads, we were told to turn all the way around and then turn to our right and take off something that we did not need. Most everyone got the joke and took off the paper sack. However, there were five people that just did not get it and they each took something else off; watch, bracelet, etc. This went on for about four or five more times. Finally three of the five figured out what was happening and took off their sacks. It was down to Ashley and another woman. The next turn the other woman also figured it out. By this time, I was just about dying try not to laugh out load, because I was right next to Ashley. I had tears running down my face. Ashley had both shoes off her feet and had taken off one sock. She finally said, "I'm so confused, I give up!" She then took off the sack and saw everyone was cracking up over her. It was classic Ashley.

After the laughter stopped we ate the snacks. They had little smokies, cat puke with tortilla chips, little sandwich pinwheels, tiny cheese cakes, after dinner mints and punch. Off course, they had also been serving coffee all along, because of Central Perk. One of Amanda's co-works was playing the part of Fat Monica, her sister Randi was Phoebe and a friend was Rachel. Randi played the guitar and sang a silly song about being wet in the shower and lather rinse repeat, as needed. Of course she also sang Smelly Cat. Then Amanda opened her gifts and we went home.

When we got home Doug was getting ready to cook the turkey we will be using for today's Cream of Holiday soup. While the turkey was baking Doug and I watched part of The Last Samurai, we missed the first hour. It is a very good movie. Lots of blood, heads being chopped off or chopped down the middle.

I hope to get started with my Christmas shopping on Monday, I have the day off. This is getting to be one long update, so I am going to publish it and get on with my day.

Word of the Day

hermitage • \HER-mih-tij\ • noun
1 : the habitation of a hermit
*2 : a secluded residence or private retreat; also : monastery
3 : the life or condition of a hermit

Example sentence:
Tired of city life, Dan decided to quit his job and retire to a country hermitage.

Zappa Quote of the Day

Gail has said in interviews that one of the things that makes our relationship work is the fact that we hardly ever get to talk to each other.

Mao waiting for his Thanksgiving turkey. Posted by Hello

Saturday, December 04, 2004


Wow, Christmas is almost here and I still have not started my shopping!! Posted by Hello

A little late, but here is our Thanksgiving feast. Posted by Hello

Ahh!! What a beautiful angel. Posted by Hello

Here is my newest violet. It can be seen on the plant in the day kitchen. Posted by Hello

Saturday Update

I am so used to getting up early in the mornings that I could not sleep in. This is a long weekend for me, I took a vacation day on Monday. Ashley also has no school on Monday. I have been searching all morning for good freebies. Not much out there that I haven't already signed up for. Maybe I should go to slickdeal.net (see below).

I have also been looking at everyone's blogs. Jacob finally updated his. The Garden State - Jeff Braff blog is pretty cool.

Last night Ashley's friends Jeff and Keeley came over for supper and to watch Garden State. Keeley also spent the night and will be going home around 10 this morning. They liked the weenie wraps and chips we had for supper. Doug also made a big batch of popcorn. I ate way too much popcorn while watching "The Cat and the Canary." This was an old move remake from the 70's. The original move came out in the 30's.

Jacob and Sarah gave us a frozen turkey that we are going to use for this weeks soup. We put it in a brine to soak last night. I need to remind Doug to post on his blog today.

Today Ashley and I will be going to Amanda's wedding shower at 2. Chloe has to babysit or she would be come along as well. We will probably just put money on the money tree, as I have no idea what to get her.

So there is a web site called slickdeals.net that has posted offer promotion codes for Broderbund programs and people have been trying to scam the company for free software. It is funny to read all of the comments people have posted about the deal they think they are getting away with. A few orders did go through before we started to notice. We spent most of Thursday and Friday trying to track down the orders that were placed so they could be canceled. The only problem is we cannot trace them unless we know the customers email address. We did delay all orders being placed online and put the Print Shop that most people were ordering on backorder, so that customers would call to check for their order confirmations. Luckily they are greedy and cannot wait and a few called to check the order status. They were even telling us this is a valid offer because it is posted on slickdeals.net. We than tell them this offer is not authorized by our company and there was a system error that allowed multiple promotion codes on one order and those orders are being canceled.

Word of the Day

uncouth • \un-KOOTH\ • adjective
1 : strange or clumsy in shape or appearance : outlandish
2 : lacking in polish and grace : rugged
*3 : awkward and uncultivated in appearance, manner, or behavior : rude

Example sentence:
Jill liked Chad because he was rebellious and unconventional, but in her parents' minds he was rude and uncouth.

Zappa Quote of the Day

If classical music is the state of the art, then the arts are in a sad state.

Friday, December 03, 2004

Friday Update

Yesterday I couldn't update because our Internet was down. Today the blogger wasn't cooperating and I thought I wasn't going to do it today either. Doug is gone taking Brian to work. His car is down again. Doug has taken him to work three days in a row. Yesterday morning they saw lots of deer on East Post.

Last night we had really yummy fried rice for supper. Doug made it of course. We watched Joey. It just isn't friends. We also watched the Jackson - Barrett auction. Lots of nice old Chevys, including a 56 Bel Aire and a Nomad.

I am glad to hear about Thomas' grades and Diedre's test scores. Great job both of you! I've got to go and make my lunch. Tonight Ashley is having two friends over to watch movies and Keely will be spending the night. Well it is after 6AM and I have to work OT this morning.

Word of the Day

donnybrook • \DAH-nee-brook\ • noun
*1 : free-for-all, brawl
2 : a usually public quarrel or dispute

Example sentence:
Out on the ice a donnybrook had broken out, and it took quite some time for the referees to separate the brawling hockey players and restore order.

Zappa Quote of the Day

Government is the Entertainment Division of the military-industrial complex.
from the Real Frank Zappa Book

Wednesday, December 01, 2004

Wednesday Update

Well this is hump day, I guess I can make it through the week. It has been so busy at work this week. This will be another day of over time. Yesterday morning a deer almost ran in front of me on East Post just before getting to Mt Vernon Road. After work I saw three more deer along the side of the road.

Last night we had turkey salad sandwiches. The Thanksgiving leftovers are almost gone. There wasn't much on TV last night. Doug started to watch The Real Gilligan's Island, a new reality show, but it was just too stupid. Ashley and I went to the store to pick up a few things. When we got back, I finished watching the Amazing Race with Doug. They were even at Ikea in this episode. We also watched two episodes of Dog, the bounty hunter.

I had better post this and get ready for work. I hope everyone has a good day.

Zappa Quote of the Day

The language and concepts contained herein are guaranteed not to cause eternal torment in the place where the guy with the horns and pointed stick conducts his business.

Word of the Day

fidelity
\fih-DEL-ih-tee\ noun
1 : the quality or state of being faithful
2 : accuracy in details : exactness

Another wierd site.

This is a good waste of time.