Zappa Quote of the Day

The whole Universe is a large joke. Everything in the Universe are just subdivisions of
this joke. So why take anything too serious.

P.S. Mother's Day gift suggestion.

Friday Update

I think I might be starting to get over this sinus cold. I actually slept very good last night. I am still a little stuffed up and have a bit of a cough, but feel pretty good this morning.

Yesterday I left work one hour early to go to the dentist. He filled one tooth. The right side of my face was so numb, it felt like it was sliding off of my face. When I came home Doug cupped his hands and said "Here let me help you hold it up. " I tried to eat pizza, but I was only supposed to chew on one side and it wasn't working very well. I ended up having cottage cheese and apple sauce for supper. Doug said it reminded him of his Grandmother after her stroke, with corn falling out of her mouth.

I hope the weather stays nice this weekend. The garden needs some TLC. I lost several tomato plants to the cold we have been having.

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

anchus- bend, bay

Zappa Song Quote of the Day

Catholic girls with tiny little mustaches. - Frank Zappa, Catholic Girls

Zappa Song Quote of the Day

I am the slime oozing out from your TV set. You will obey me while I lead you, and eat the garbage while I feed you. - Frank Zappa, I'm The Slime

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

Anagallis- delightful

I bet you can't do this on a bike.

Can you read this?

i cdnuolt blveiee taht i cluod aulaclty
uesdnatnrd waht i was rdanieg the phaonmneal
pweor of the hmuan mind. aoccdrnig to a
rscheearch taem at cmabrigde uinervtisy, it
deosnt mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a
wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the
frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae.
the rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll
raed it wouthit a porbelm. tihs is bcuseae the
hamun mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef,
but the wrod as a wlohe. such a cdonition is
arppoiately cllaed typoglycemia :-) amazanig huh?
yaeh and yuo awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt.

And now for something completely different....

Exploding Toads

Wednesday Update

Well, I am still sick but not as tired. I slept fairly well last night, waking only once. Only one ear hurts and I think I can make it through work today.

The girls are getting excited about prom and Ashley now has a proper date with Joe. He already has a tux and wants to pay for things, even though Ashley offered. Chloe called last night and we will most likely be going to her grand march at 8 on Saturday. Ashley and her friends do not want to go to the grand march at Marion.

We had some awesome morel mushrooms that Mark gave us. So meaty and filling.

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

anatol- east

Zappa Quote of the Day

"The biggest threat to America is not communism it is moving America towards a fascist theocracy and everything the Reagan administration has been doing is steering us right down that path. When you have a government that prefers a certain moral code derived from a certain religion and that moral code turns into legislation to suit one certain religious point of view."

• Source: 1986 appearance on Crossfire debating censorship

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

anatol- east

Zappa Song Quote of the Day

This here song might offend some, if it does it's because your dumb. - Frank Zappa, Wind Up Working In The Gas Station

Tuesday Update

I don't like being sick. I stayed home from work today. I just can't sleep well when every joint hurts and my ears are terribly sore. I am taking some cold medicine for the sinus infection, so hopefully I will feel better tomorrow.

I don't have much else to say today. I'm just not up to blogging.

Zappa Song Quote of the Day

Gave my money all to you, took my watch and pawned it, too. - Frank Zappa, No No No

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

ana - up, back, again

Sunday Update

I started to get a sore throat at about 8:00 last night. When I woke this morning my throat was even worse. I have gargled and drank some lemon tea and the pain has subsided a bit.

It is Sunday morning at 9:30 and I haven't done a thing except check my email and read some blogs. Of course I slept until 8 AM which is very unusual for me. I made my potato salad yesterday, so I pretty much just need to clean the house, water the garden, take tomato plants out to the garden and help Doug.

Thomas went back to Cedar Falls yesterday to work and Monday he will start May term. It will be nice for his last three weeks to just have one class to concentrate on. I can't believe he is turning 20 later this month and finishing his first year of college. Wasn't he just starting preschool a few years ago?

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

an - without

Zappa Song Quote of the Day

I have been monitoring your earthly broadcasts for many years. - Frank Zappa, Time is Money

Friday Update

It is kind of hard to go back to work on Friday when you have Thursday off. Yesterday was a good day. Everyone was in a good mood. However, the computer has been keeping Doug very busy with viruses and all.

I spent most of yesterday morning checking my e-mail, because I wasn't able to check it on Wednesday. Then Thomas and I went to Thomas Park and took a very nice walk. After the walk we went to Bruegger's Bagel Bakery and had Hot Chicken Sandwiches for lunch. We also rented the movie Bridget Jones - Edge of Reason. This was Doug's choice and Thomas found that very funny. We watched the new WB show Mobile Home Disaster with Bill Engvall. This was disturbing and very funny at the same time.

Zappa Song Quote of the Day

Tosses her head and flips her hair, she got a whole bunch of nothing in there. - Frank Zappa, Valley Girl

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

amyl - starch

Greek or Latin Root of thr Day

amygdala - almond shaped organ

Zappa Song Quote of the Day

Michael is Janet and Janet is Michael. - Frank Zappa, Why Don't You Like Me?

Tuesday Update

Monday was fairly busy at work for once. Several people were gone which made the work load just about right for the rest of us.

Thomas is officially hooked on Dead Like Me. He had a viewing marathon yesterday. He kept saying, "This is the best show ever!" I sat down and watched some with him and each episode is just as good as the first time I saw it.

I had to make more Delicious Peanut Butter Cookies. They were almost gone when I got home yesterday.

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

ampulla - flask

Zappa Song Quote of the Day

Information is not knowledge. Knowledge is not wisdom. Wisdom is not truth. Truth is not beauty. Beauty is not love. Love is not music. Music is the best. - Frank Zappa, Packard Goose

Zappa Song Quote of the Day

We was on our way to fame, got matching suits and Beatle boots. - Frank Zappa, Joe's Garage

What your pets are really doing when they're home alone...

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

amplex - clasping

Sunday Update

Well, I hope the tomato plants survived the cold night. I am waiting for the temperature to go up just a few more degrees and then I am going to go out to check on them. Ashley and I went out at about 5:30 yesterday and covered the ones planted directly in the ground with garbage bags. The ones in planters we carried into the Day Kitchen. The kitchen looks like a garden right now.

I did not get around to making cookies yesterday, but I intend to make some this morning. Delicious Peanut Butter Cookies! That is all.

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

amphi - both

ZAPPA SONG QUOTE OF THE DAY

You're a double dork butt rash. - Frank Zappa, Luigi And The Wise Guys

Saturday Update

I wish it wasn't going to be cold all weekend. I had hoped to be able to do more gardening and yard work. Yes, there are still leaves to be picked up. The leaves are mostly around bushes and out front in the rock area.

I think that since it is so cold today, I will bake some cookies. Maybe peanut butter or oatmeal raisin. I also need to take Ashley to pick up her dress from the tailor. She is having it taken in and hemmed.

Zappa Quote of the Day

A lot of things wrong with society today are directly attributable to the fact that the people who make the laws are sexually maladjusted.

CrazyFads.com lists crazy fads from the 1920's to 2000's.

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

amoeb - change

Now for some random pictures. House moving into the neighborhood.

Good movie. This reminds me that Zach Braff met with Kevin Smith and jokingly said he was going to have Garden State action figures made. See his blog.

Cutie! 

Wow, look at all those pork chops. 

The sweetest cat, but only when sleeping. 

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

amnio - fetal envelope

Zappa Quote of the Day

"It's not important to even be remembered. I mean, the people who worry about being remembered are guys like Reagan, Bush. . . . I don't care."

Friday Update

I hope the plants I have put in the garden will be OK this weekend. It is supposed to get close to freezing tonight. I guess I thought we were past all of that. I'm glad I didn't plant everything. I would hate to have to start all over.

I hope Doug hears something from Wanda today about Sunday, so that he can update the blog. If it is going to be too cold we will probably just do something inside anyway.

This weekend I don't have too much planned. Just looking out for the garden. If it looks like the weather is getting too cold tonight, I plan to put the tomatoes I have planted in pots into the garage where it will be warmer overnight.

School is winding down for Thomas. He starting a short break and then will have his May term which is one class everyday for three weeks. After that his first year of college will be over. Wow, it doesn't seem possible!

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

ammo - sand

Zappa Quote of the Day

When asked, "Is there any type of music you hate?"

There are certain things I'm not fond of, but hate takes a lot of energy. I'm not really fond of commercial cowboy music or contemporary country - the "Slick Willy" type of shit. And lounge music I don't enjoy.

Is there a web site that you would like to see destroyed? Netdisaster can help.

Wednesday Update

I have today off to go to the dentist. I am looking forward to getting my front tooth fixed. Last night I started to put tomoato plants in the garden. I have planted six and still have thirteen to go. Tomatoes anyone? I hope there will be lots for salsa this year. I also have 12 pepper plants. Don't ask why, I just see the veggie plants and get carried away. I still need to plant green beans, cucumbers, squash, egg plant and maybe pumpkins.

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

ambul - walk

Zappa Quote of the Day

Gail is also my best friend. If you can't deal with your husband or wife as a friend, you'll problably won't enjoy living together. Friendship (and I don't want to get sentimental here) is a very important dimension. I think a marriage without friendship is pretty boaring.

Top 20 List of Oxymorons

20. Government Organization
19. Alone Together
18. Personal Computer
17. Silent Scream
16. Living Dead
15. Same Difference
14. Taped Live
13. Plastic Glasses
12. Tight Slacks
11. Peace Force
10. Pretty Ugly
9. Head Butt
8. Working Vacation
7. Tax Return
6. Virtual Reality
5. Dodge Ram
4. Work Party
3. Jumbo Shrimp
2. Healthy Tan
1. Microsoft Works

Tuesday Update

We went to Culver's Garden Center last night and bought some tomato plants. Doug picked out a very nice patio tomato plant. I'm excited to see how it does. Tomorrow I have the day off for my dental appointment. I think I will go out early in the day and get a start on planting the tomatoes in the garden.

It sounds like Thomas will probably not have to retake his biology class, which is a good thing. It will be nice to have him home for a few days next week.

This says it all.

Signs of Spring.

Ahh beautiful!

Little purple flowers.

The daffodils are almost gone now.

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

ambly - blunt

Zappa Quote of the Day

I think people are entitled to decide for their own future; people control themselves. I also think that in a democracy a government functions because (and only as long as), individual citizens grant that government a "temporary license to exist" - in exchange for a promise to behave. In a democracy you control the government, not the other way round.

Free HallMark Greeting Card Coupon. This is so you poor college students can be sure to get your Mother's Day cards.

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

alve - pit, socket

Zappa Quote of the Day

I hate love songs. I think one of the reasons for the bad mental health condition of the US is that people grow up listening to love songs. It's a training that in your subconscience creates a desire for a fantasy situation, that will never become real for you. People that buy this myth will feel cheated the rest of their lives... As they start dragging about love as a romantic concept - especially in the lyrics by the sensitive singer/songwriter type - we're even a step closer to a total mental breakdown.

This is some pretty elaborate penny stacking.

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

altissim - tall

Zappa Quote of the Day

If someone wants religion that's fine with me - I support your right to enjoy it. However I would appreciate it if you could show some more respect for people who don't want to participate in your faith, fulfilment or destination.

Saturday Update

Today will be a shopping day. I also plan to work in the yard to get the rest of the leaves and sticks cleaned up. I also need to look for tomato plants, pepper plants and eggplant. Bobo is with us this weekend, yeah! I think she is getting into watching "Dead Like Me". Thomas will have to watch the first season while he is home.

The grill is being a real bugger to get the regulator thingy changed. I'm sure Doug will get it under control by tomorrow.

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

alopec - fox

Zappa Quote of the Day

While all other guys spent all their money on cars, I bought records (I didn't have a car). I went to second hand stores to buy jukebox records with rhythm and blues songs.

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

allium - garlic

Zappa Quote of the Day

Am I a sexist? If you look at the number of lyrics I've written about "women in humiliating positions" compared to "men in humiliating positions", then you'll find out that most of my texts are about stupid men. The songs that I write about women aren't meant as unreasonable attacks upon them, but are about things that happen.

Thursday Update

Wow it is Thursday already. This week is going fast.

The tulips are starting to bloom. I will have to send my official blog photographer, the Basher, out to take pictures. I also finally got some of my flower seeds put in the flower bed and sunflower seeds planted near the house. Now if I can keep the bunnies away from the seedlings.

I don't think Nadia should have been voted off of Idol last night. But I guess I can't complain if I don't vote.

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

allant - sausage

The Official Wartburg Coloring Book

Zappa Quote of the Day

Most reviews of my albums bypass the musical content, because writers that have sufficient knowledge of music hardly ever write about rock 'n roll. Whatever image I have in the pop music business, it's mostly based upon opinions by people who aren't qualified to give such opinions at all.

Here is a nice arrangement Ashley made for last Sunday. 

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

alb - white

Zappa Quote of the Day

I know you've problably all heard it, folks, but I'll say it once again: the American constitution states that church and state are separated.

Secret Worlds: The Universe Within

View the Milky Way at 10 million light years from the Earth. Then move through space towards the Earth in successive orders of magnitude until you reach a tall oak tree just outside the buildings of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, Florida. After that, begin to move from the actual size of a leaf into a microscopic world that reveals leaf cell walls, the cell nucleus, chromatin, DNA and finally, into the subatomic universe of electrons and protons.

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

al(i) - wing

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.

Monday Update

The first barbecue of the season was a hit. The burgers were good, I didn't have a hotdog. Deb brought some really delicious potato salad. Mary brought deviled eggs and a tasty fruit pizza with strawberries and peaches. Sara brought yummy cheese cake dessert that her Mother had made. Doug's baked beans were the best. No, really, Johnny said "This is the best batch Doug has ever made." Sara also brought little smokies in barbecue sauce. Of course, we forgot to put out one menu item, potato chips. No one even noticed they were missing until almost everyone had finished eating and by that time no one even wanted any. Needless to says, everyone was stuffed and very satisfied!

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

agro(st) - field

Zappa Quote of the Day

With the power of soul you can do anything you wanna do.

Sunday Update

Today is going to be very busy. I plan to plant some sunflower, marigold and black-eyed Susan seeds today. We also still need a prize for the Name Deb's Dessert contest. And we did not find a regulator for the Weber grill. If Ace hardware doesn't have it, we will be grilling the old fashioned way over charcoal. We also still have cleaning and the usual Sunday preparation work to do.

Ashley is excited, Keeley found her a date to the prom. His name is T.C. and he goes to Linn Mar. Oh, those Linn Mar boys.

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

agrest- rural, wild

Zappa Quote of the Day

Never stop and keep going
Advice to young musicians.

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

affer- carrying to

Zappa Quote of the Day

Americans like to talk about (or be told about) Democracy but, when put to the test, usually find it to be an 'inconvenience.' We have opted instead for an authoritarian system disguised as a Democracy. We pay through the nose for an enormous joke-of-a-government, let it push us around, and then wonder how all those assholes got in there.

Friday Update

Well it is finally Friday. It has actually been a good week. I did not work on Monday, finally went to the dentist. Nikko got voted off of 'Idol'. 'Lost' had a very good new episode. And we have been really enjoying watching 'Dead Like Me'. It is a Showtime series that is about Grim Reapers and their work. It is very, very funny.

Congrats to Thomas on your nomination for SSTA treasure/publicist.

Greek or Latin Root Word of the Day

aestiv- summer

Zappa Quote of the Day

Bad facts make bad laws

Greek or Latin Root of the Day

aegopod- goat-foot

Zappa Quote of the Day

Nuclear explosions under the Nevada desert?
What the fuck are we testing for?
We already know the shit blows up.

The Excuse-O-Mat

For those of you who need some new excuses.

Latin or Greek Root of the Day

adventit- coming to

Zappa Quote of the Day

This is Frank Zappa saying, Don't do speed. Speed turns you into your parents.

...but grass and acid are o.k.

Tuesday Update

Well, it's back to work for me today. Yesterday was a wonderful day to have off. I think it actually got into the 80's. I finally went to the dentist. The worst part was the x-rays. I really don't like those cardboard things they put into your mouth. It looks like I will be keeping the dentist busy for awhile. I went outside and started to clean up the garden area and the patio. It got too hot outside though, so I did not get finished. That is all for now, I have to get ready for work.

Latin or Greek Root of the Day

adipo- fat