A New Look...

I think that C-Bus, Ohio should look like this today.

Ah, if only dreams could come true.

Today my landlord lived up to his rep of hating all animals. He is annoyed that I had to report a bird, some furry friend seems to be living in my attic. Not my fault, I did not roll out a red carpet for it. I guess I will have to wait to see who the friend is; he did not have time tonight to investigate.
I will keep you posted.

Annual Sale...

My Dad held his annual pig sale on May 1st.  This involves the prep of the pigs giving them a hair cut a couple of weeks before than moving 60 pigs to the parking lots of the car lot across the street from my parents store, setting up temporary pens and then holding the sale.

There were several people and yep that's me in the pen with the pigs, my shoes still smell even after a washing. argh!

Look at the butts, haahahahhah... those tails.

This is the pig I felt would bring the most money..it didn't but Bob Ross will be very happy with this pig I think.

This is my cousin's kid--he was happy in the shot, but a very unhappy camper when he found out he could not take one home.  His grandpa in the photo was unwilling to give him money to buy a pig...how rude.

Have a great weekend!!!!

May 6…The Promised Return…



So I took a bit of time off, a bit of time to think about what to do with this blog, what direction to go in.

I could go in the direction of PSA’s… K2 is said to mimic marijuana in appearance and effect, yet is legal in Ohio, undetectable in drug tests and being sold in head shops and online as incense. This chemical combination is a mix of dried herbs and spices sprayed with a synthetic compound similar to THC (the mind-altering ingredient in marijuana). And it’s causing emergency room visits across the country with side effects ranging from elevated heart rates to hallucinations.
I could go the Community Service route…Operation Feed efforts enter 3rd week, don’t forget to make a donation. No one should go hungry.

I could go the Political Blogger direction…No fishing in the Gulf, when will these fisherman be able to bring home the bacon (or shrimp) to take care of their families.

It was suggested I pick a direction and go in one direction. I thought about it. It was a valid, good idea. Sadly my mind does not work that way. I tend to have many thoughts going on at once. I think if I tried to have one focus for this blog, I would in fact need therapy. Ok, so likely I need therapy now, don’t judge me, or do it's ok.

So, this blog will continue at least for the time being to be random thoughts, ideas, photos, opinions solely based on what I want to include. If I have readers great, if not, well I will because the world does revolve around me. Right?!?!

So tune in tomorrow for a lovely entry where the topic will be…well whatever is going on in my head when I start typing….scary, but true. Until tomorrow…enjoy today.

Blogger is on hiatus, but will return May 6.

A Few Pics…While you are thinking about your comments…

A Castle, in Ohio…

http://www.ravenwoodcastle.com/


Llama anyone?

Look at the cool cucumber to the right

 

Chess --I must learn to play

 

 

 

 

A Little Direction...

I think my readership has fallen off the ledge.  It's ok, I know my life is not that interesting. However, I need to know if it's a good idea to keep this blog going. It's been in place a long time, some weeks there are more posts than others. 

If I shoud keep it going, I need a few projects to focus on.  Give me a few projects, topics, suggestions, etc.  Are you there? Are you reading?  Do you want to keep reading?  You don't have to put your name in the comments if you don't want, your choice.

Thanks.

I’m Back…


I’m back to my regular scheduling or my actually ever changing schedule, but back in the C-Bus.

I returned to work yesterday morning to a non-working computer and the lights out in my office. It was truly a Monday. Sadly this Monday happened to also be the first day of the quarter. So, as you can imagine it was a bit of a long day, but of course I pushed through, because well, that’s what I do.

Today I’ve been working like a busy little one trying to work online during the few moments with the internet really does work and making more and more stacks of stuff that will have to be done later when it is working. My job depends a large portion on my internet working, when it does not, it’s interesting (aka frustrating).

I don’t know if this will hit the blog today or not, I guess it will depend on the internet.



Oh wait that was typed on Tuesday.

On to today, a few photos from Vinton County.

I want this bed!

Or this one..aren't they fun! Both are at the Castle!

Look who crawled out for a late night trail walk...silly, there are bears, mountain lions, bobcats, and wild boar running around out there.

Ground Vinason...

Can't spell, but there might have to be some ground up deer meat soon.  I'm having one hell of a time playing chicken with all these Vinton County deer.  They are living up to their repuation of 3 deer to 1 person here.  ARGH!  So far no meat, but seriously I'm not backing down deer...get off my road.

More elementary schools today. I believe there is a lunchbox museum in the future this afternoon.  Last night there...then back in my very own bed tomorrow night.  YEAH!!!!!!!

Ok...back to work.

Kids...

3rd and 5th grade building roller costers today.  Electric is back. Went fishing. Caught a fish.  LIMITED access to internet, making the effort for you readers.

Off to dodge deer on the road.

Seriously???!#$!#$!$!..............




ARGH! Ok, so I did sleep last night with the help of some Tylenol PM. Yeah! However, this morning I woke up to no electricity. In the middle of the woods, it’s pitch black at 630am. ARGH! I did have hot water and did take a shower in the dark. I mean dark, I could not see my hand right in front of my face. No curling iron, hair dryer, lights…and I have to be the responsible one to make sure all of the students get up and get on the road on time. Did I really sign up for this? Oh, I guess I really am camping now.

I am connecting to the net which is great, but it's the school net, so no personal mail. I'm surprised that I can blog, but yeah.

SLEEP!!.....

Argh, first night in cabin was a mess. No sleep, well a tiny bit.  Sleep for 10 mins or so the up and hearing all noises around me.  This would not have been this bad except for some stupid person knocking on the cabin door at 1am and scared the crap out of them, then scared me that the students in the other cabin we going to actually open door to the knocking idiot. I have no idea who they were but they kept me up all night, it's only 330pm, but boy I need some sleep now. 

Ok off to tour a castle, who knew there was a castle in Vinton County.

I’m Off Again…


No, I’m not off my rocker. I’m off on another adventure. This one it not taking me as far as Florida, but could be interesting.

Let’s see if you can guess where I’m headed with a few clues.

-The county seat is McArthur.

-In the 2000 Census the population was 12,806—the least populated in the state.

-Lake Hope State Park is where I will be staying



Ready? I'm about to give up the answer...


....

....

Ready?...


Ok, give up?



I’m headed to the exciting Vinton, County OH—IO!

Why you ask, well I ask myself that a lot these days as I’m doing the planning for this week long trip. The University offers alternative spring break trips. It gives the students at the University the opportunity to do some community service during their break instead of just throwing back tequila shots. Now I do like my Patron, but it’s good to give back every now and then. I’m taking a group of 5 students to Vinton County to do some Access Programming in the High School and Elementary Schools. They will be talking about their college experience and the many ways individuals can increase their knowledge base after high school. Why go to Vinton County, why go to a county where there are literally no hotels to stay in, why go to a county where you have to stay in a cabin in a state park? Well…I’m not a camper as you likely know, I don’t believe in sleeping in a tent when there is likely a perfectly good bed not too far away. I don’t believe in not showering for days just to become one with nature. The good thing is, this is a cabin and there is running water, hot running water hopefully, and a bed --a real one. Opps off topic…we are going to Vinton County because they have a very low percentage of students who go on for a technical education, two year degrees, or four year degrees. We are going to show them there are options open to them depending on their interests.

The challenge will be to overcome a couple of mind sets. One, many of these students believe that they are going to be professional athletes. It doesn’t matter that only one student (that I know of) actually was awarded an athletic scholarship to a college in the most recent years. They, like many high school students, need a small reality check. We hope to gently break the news this is a great dream, never stop dreaming, but have a backup plan. We also need to break through the idea that it’s ok, if they want to, leave Vinton County and explore other parts of the state, country, world.

Ok, I’m off my higher ed soapbox.

I’m still working, just out of the office. I’m researched and the local library has wireless, so I’ll be able to answer work emails and such and I’m told that Verizon mobile service is the best for the area, so I should be able to have a phone at least in the town, not quite sure yet at the park, but co-workers can contact me if they REALLY need to. The good news is, if time allows I should be able to report via the blog our adventure.

Now, enjoy your weekend kids and keep a look out for on the road reporting.

Irish Day!!!!!

A Wish for my Readers!

Wishing you a rainbow

For sunlight after showers...

Miles and miles of Irish smiles

For golden happy hours... Shamrocks at your doorway

For luck and laughter too,

And a host of friends that never ends

Each day your whole life through!

Lou received a card in the mail yesterday, he was stunned that he would be thought so much of to receive his very own St. Paddy's Day card. He was so excited he did a little dance. I've got to get a video camera.

Look at all the sparklies I got for St. Paddy's Day. I'm wearing them all today. They rock!  I know the best people!
 

Enjoy your St. Paddy's Day!

A Great Big Thanks…


Thanks to those of you that came out Saturday night for an early St. Paddy’s Day celebration.

Thank you to those that mailed such lovely packages to my home in honor of the holiday. They were complete surprises, but the good kind not the scary kind.

More Disney Photos, sure no worries.

Lou was full of all kinds of excitement headed into the Kingdom.
 

Chip says hello, or wait is that Dale...hmmmm.
 

Lou developed a bit of a crush while there, he just wouldn't stop talking about Minnie. 

Mickey knew it too, he looks all smiles, but see how he's pointing right at Lou.  He knows.

Look at that lovely group!

Oh Lou, you can't stow away in her mailbox.
 
I believe that the Monday following, "Spring Forward", should be a federal holiday!

Ok, so what photos do you want to see?...

Mr. Potato Head!!! Love the Stash! 

Mr. Potato Head, squishing my sister... I knew I liked him!

Buzz and I to the rescue!

Look at those kids!  Having the Disney time of their lives!

This will be what I look like today, if I have to say, "Do you damn Job!".  Oh, that's another story.

Look me...with Palm Trees!

More Palms Trees...but it looks like...

Yep, Lou hiding in the trees.  He thinks that me might be moving to the warm weather soon.  I'm planning to stow away in one of his bags if he goes.

Look, the castle..and some random kid with Mickey ears.

My sister and aunt color coordinated so we would not loose them...smart kids.

Oh crap...gotta work...more photos soon.

Like Candy Stolen From a Child...



I purchased a coupon for a massage the other day on the groupon website. I was super excited, I was going to get a one hour massage for the price of $25, this truly is a bargain. It would be my first massage too, oh how I hear stories of how relaxing, how great a massage is. I just did this last week I think, I haven't had a chance to schedule the appointment.



Today I received an email that my coupon has been cancelled. The company did not anticipate how popular the coupon would be and they cannot accommodate all the people. WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want my $25, 1 hour massage darn it!



ARGH! People!



Sorry, no photos! ARGH! ME!

#$^% &^#$^#$^!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...

Sorry, I'm just a bit annoyed that I have gotten a head cold. I understand this happens to many in the world and I just need to get over myself. I think it's the timing. I'm beginning to believe the gods are plotting against me. 2 years ago, St. Paddy's Day party...emergency root canal. 1 year ago, St. Paddy's Day party...extraction of tooth. This year, head cold. ARGH! Now, I stayed home yesterday in hopes that rest would make this thing go away faster, I deserve a fun evening out Saturday, darn it.


I forgot the flash drive at home with photos on it, so sorry, those will be delayed.

In the mean time, enjoy a couple of random photos of Lou as we approach his favorite holiday.

Orlando, Night 1...

The trip began with an evening in Disney Town.

It is the all about Disney.

We saw Nessy made out of legos.

A dino too.

We had dinner at an Irish Pub--

Have a listen to "On Raglan Road".

We listened to a bit of music and watched the Irish dancer.

I also found myself a man. He's a little old and doesn't say much, but a true Irishman.

Orlando 2010...

My little getway to Flordia was to Orlando.  Today I'll just give you a couple of photos then really give you the full tour next week.

The trip started off with a terrible display of snobbery, as my sister (although liked the new handbag I purchased) was keen to point out it was NOT Coach!

All in good fun... I think.

I was so gitty to get away from the snow, I couldn't seem to take a real picture of the palm trees the first night there.

And, no, no I was not drunk (at this point).

Who is that?  Who made the trip also?  Oh, that's my aunt in the yellow shirt.

Oh and Lou too.