OLDER BY THE DAY

Never have I felt as old as I do today.  Tomorrow I suspect I shall feel even older.  One day older to be exact.  My joints will be stiffer, my muscles limper.  My gums gummier, my boobs lower, my blood pressure higher.  My hair is getting lighter while my age spots darken.  And my nose... 'my cute little Okinawan nose' as Dickidoo used to affectionately call it.. is getting bigger.  I miss hearing that silly little endearment but I imagine Dickidoo has already considered the consequences should he ever say 'my cute big fat Okinawan nose' and therefore has chosen wisely not to say anything at all.

I was just recently reminded why it is so important to use the toilet before making a pot of coffee.  Actually it was just a few minutes ago.  I had to use the bathroom but decided to make a fresh pot of coffee before hand so that it would be waiting for me when I had finished my duties.  Let me tell you it was pure torture filling the carafe (that's what they call it... carafe) with fresh tap water and then taking it over to the Bunn-Omatic Brew-Omatic and pouring all the water into the reservoir.  By that point I was doing an all out disco potty dance.  Thank goodness for panty liners.  Oh, you laugh all you want but Carefree is a lady's best friend once she hits my age!  I also discovered that given the right... motivation... I can still run, and quite fast at that!  Woo hoo!  Go me!

Despite my discomfort and almost bad timing, my plan worked out in the end and the perfect pot of hot fresh aromatic coffee awaited me following the race to theThrone Room.  Let me tell you about this coffee.  I splurged at Christmas and bought a few of those little fancy packs of booze flavored coffees... I think they cost a buck a piece.  I got one of each... Jack Daniels, Southern Comfort, Carolans Irish Creme and Frangelico.   I sniffed the Frangelico flavored grounds before I put them in the drip basket and was disappointed by the normal coffee scent it gave off.  Once the coffee began brewing though the air was filled with the heavenly aroma of hazelnut.  Ahhhhhhhhhh!  I love mornings like this.  Not even the stupid snow that just started falling is going to bum me out now, because I have my Frangelico coffee and I leave for Hawaii in 3 weeks!

CHEW YOUR CORN

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senior Citizen Class of 2020.

Chew your corn.

If I could offer you one bit of advice for the future it would be to chew your corn.  Your teeth are not what they used to be.  Neither is your digestive system.  Take your time and chew your food.

Enjoy the excuse of age.  Don't be embarrassed of your age.  Embrace it.  Forgetfulness and eccentricity are not symptoms of old age, they are perks.  Take advantage of them.

Don't worry about the future.  Don't worry about the past.  Don't worry at all.  Live for the moment.  Do something that scares those around you.  It will be easier to see who really cares.

Laugh. 

Laugh loud and hard.  But don't laugh too hard unless you are wearing a panty liner.

Walk.

Take your time to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells around you.  Slow down.  If you must run, make sure you are wearing a panty liner.

Act your age.  You are in the cusp of your existence.  Anything is acceptable.  Anything is possible.  Do what you can while you still can.

Get to know your children.  Tolerate their moods.  Remember the magic you felt when they were young and helpless.  Remember all the diapers you changed for them.  Find comfort in the knowledge that one day they will be changing your diapers.

Respect the youngsters.  One day they will rule the world.  Be their mentor so that they can take care of the earth for your grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Wear a bra.  Playtex 18 Hour Cross Your Heart bras might not be as sexy as Victoria's Secret, but flimsy lacy bras can't support senior boobs and there's nothing sexy about 38DD when they're down around your waist.

Don't tuck your shirts into your pants as it accentuates your 38DD around your waist, or your Party Keg beer belly.  If you must bend over, wear a belt.

Don't be afraid of balding.  Natural baldness can be sexy if you hold your head up proudly.

Comb overs are never sexy.

Walk in the rain, splash in puddles.  Play in the leaves. 

Eat something because it tastes good, even if its not good for you.

Pull out your old photo albums.  Call your parents and siblings.  Forgive grudges and focus on happier times.

Get excited over little things, but don't get upset over little things.

And trust me on chewing corn.

Tags: Senior Citizen Class of 2020

BLOG CRAWL 1: Back to Nature

I have always had an appreciation for nature and so it wasn't surprising that I eventually married an outdoors man.  I spend as much time in the woods as I can, either hunting, hiking or camping.  Unfortunately deep in the woods, high on the mountain or miles into the desert one can never count on the convenience of a clean restroom when nature calls.  On more than one occasion the fear of being surprised by a snake or bear while assuming the position was enough to convince me that I really didn't need to go that urgently after all.  Sometimes though, when you gotta go, you GOTTA go!

Before I started accompanying my husband on hunting trips I used to resent the amount of time he spent outdoors, leaving me homebound with all 5 Oompas.  To get revenge I would steal the emergency roll of Charmin out of his gear.  A few summers back Dickidoo was ceremoniously named 'Short Shirt' by our Blackpowder Gun Club for all the times he got caught in the woods without his tissue and would have to tear strips of cloth off of his tee shirts to 'clean up'.  Gabe was more daring and creative than his father, resorting to more natural means of hygiene.  He used rocks.  I don't think he has ever been that desperate since.

As a child I dreamed of living in a cabin in the woods.  As a child it never dawned on me that there might not be a flushing toilet in that cabin in the woods.  I would still like the cabin, only there would very definitely HAVE to be a porcelain Kohler and lots of outlets for my computer, microwave and Bunn-Omatic Brew-Omatic!

Visit participating bloggers by clicking on the titles.

*Back to Nature with dpoem at 'The Wisdom of a Distracted Mind':  Eerie yet mystical pictures of trees through the fog interwoven with reflections of the past year.

*Back to Nature with pharmolo at 'Northern Trip':  Take a trip to Bonny Scotland.

*Back to Nature with fogspinner at 'Hoppers':  A nostalgic look back at a past lifestyle, and perhaps the renewal of lost pleasures.

*Back to Nature with bgilmore725 at 'Wanderer':  A photo journey with a couple  of close encounters.

*Back to Nature with promiseluv372 at 'Promise Me':  A peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily routine.

Tags: Blog Crawl, Back to Nature

ENJOYING THE QUIET, while it lasts...

Oh... whoa!  Its so quiet I can actually hear myself think!  Quiet is a rare commodity in the House of Oompa now days.  Remember the drumset Rocky got for Christmas, against my wishes?  Remember me making up that rule about them being set up in the laundry room but only after it got cleaned up... in the hopes that either a) the laundry room would get cleaned up or b) the drums just wouldn't get set up at all.

Well that plan went out the ground floor window when Dickidoo, in his infinite wisdom and consideration, decided that the kids could set the drums up in the den.  Grrrrrrrrrr!  So now I have to listen to the constant rat-tat-tat ba-boom ting-a-ling and my laundry room is still a mess.

In an effort to be a supportive mother despite the ear splitting racket I must endure, I merely restricted the kids to drum practice between the hours of 10am and 7pm for an hour at a time as long as nobody was studying, talking on the phone or watching TV.  Dickidoo... being the Dickidoo that he is, revised the time to 'not after he gets home from work'. 

I was speechless when I heard him make that provision, truly speechless.  The nerve of the man!  I didn't want the drums to begin with, they were HIS idea.  I wanted them in the laundry room behind a closed door and muffled by the perpetual piles of laundry.  I had the perfect plan to keep the drums from ever being set up, but he removed the obstacle.  And now he tells the kids they can't play the drums while he's home. 

Gimme that bass mallet.  I'll show you the PERFECT place to stick it! Grrrrrrrrrr!

Fortunately the transformation from noise to rhythm has been mercifully swift and I can hear a faint improvement each day through the ringing of my ears.  I'm almost tempted to suggest adding the guitars, xylophone, keyboard, violin and tuba to the mix, these kids are so talented that they just might actually create some really cool music.  Lets just hope my ears survive to appreciate it.

I imagine its only a matter of time before Dickidoo picks up the drum sticks and plops his butt on the swivel seat behind the metallic blue drums.  I see the child in him begging to come out and play, he has always wanted to play the drums.  I just hope all those years of practicing with French fries on the steering wheel pay off, I honestly don't know how much more my ears and nerves can take.  As for me, I have no desire to play the drums. 

Unless of course Art gets that set of tie dyed bongos he's been drooling over in the music catalog that came in the mail.  Those things are groooooovy man!

There is a new Country Oompa, Little Gerald was born yesterday afternoon.  Welcome to the world my sweet nephew!    Come on over and play!

BONDING, Hawaii 5-0 and the new Dirty Dish Fairy

The girls have finally bonded.  They kept me up the other night with their laughing and giggling, oohing and ahhhhing over girl stuff.  I only got 4 hours of sleep thanks to their noise, but I didn't mind.  They were actually playing nicely together for a change.  And the reason?  Rocky had discovered the art of make-up.  It was a 'coming of age' celebration of sorts.  Almost overnight Rocky, my little tomboy who always felt like an ugly duckling next to her big sister, had blossomed into a beautiful young woman. 

Unfortunately the bonding only lasted as long as the make-up session and they were back to fighting the following day over who has the biggest mouth and the stinkiest feet.  Grrrrr!

I have sooooo many requests to take folks along with me when I go to my parents 50th Anniversary (the big 5-0!) in Hawaii next month.  Between my blog friends, my home friends and co-workers I believe the waiting list is about 50 names long.  Unfortunately I cannot fit everyone into my suitcase (which is actually a back-pack being as I do not even own a suitcase) and still have room for my clothes... I don't want to run the risk of being kicked out of the state for indecent exposure so I regretfully announce that I shall not be taking anyone with me.  Send me an email with your address and I'll make sure you get a postcard of me sipping Coronas on the beach ... maybe with a hot surfer dude in the background... hehehehe!

Today is 'Ditch Your New Year's Resolution' day.  Dickidoo said that since it can't be verified that it isn't a real holiday and therefore I can't ditch my resolution to make more home-cooked meals.  That's lame at best, but that's okay.  I've actually been enjoying my creative time in the kitchen.  And  with Zack filling in as the 'dirty dish fairy' I've got it made!  I cook, and he washes up my mess.  Yay Zack!

SAME-O, SAME-O, (is it spring yet?)

I've been watching the news.  The Storm of the Century spared us here but other parts of the country were not as lucky.  Ironically nobody at work teases me about my failed weather prediction any more.  The storm came, just not here, and for that we are all grateful.  For those in the affected areas, be safe and warm.  Come on over, we'll have the fireplace and hot cocoa waiting for you.  Its cold here, just not near as cold as other places.

Yesterday was 'Dress Up Your Pet' day.  Did anyone observe the holiday?  I contemplated it, but couldn't find any outfits that would fit Henry the Homicidal Goldfish.  Henry is really cool.  He's like the dog I never had.  We keep him in a 5 gallon tank on the foyer.  When I come home from work he swims up to the side and wags his tail at me.  When I stick my finger in the water he gives me 'fishes kisses'.  So sweet!  I'd like to take him for walks, but am not sure how yet.  Leashes aren't exactly goldfish friendly.  And of course his lack of legs is an issue so for the time being, as much as I'd love to get him out for some fresh air and exercise, he remains tank bound.

Today is 'National Hat' day.  But more importantly it is Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, so I chose to observe that instead.  Unfortunately my celebration was limited to a few brief reports on TV and reading some articles online after work.  I was disappointed by the deminishing importance the day seems to have in the mainstream media.  The latest Miss USA contestant de-crowning fiasco got more coverage.  Sad indeed.

Anyhow, we were spared the 'Storm of the Century', but rumor now has it that yet another winter storm is heading our way.  I won't bother to label this one in terms of severity, just suffice to say that winter is still very much in season.  Thats okay though for in just about 5 weeks I will be standing in the warm sand at the beach in Hawaii

I can't wait to see my entire family again.  And eat my mama's cooking, and drink Coronas with my dad.  And listen to my brother play the guitar, and talk story with my sisters...

And NO Oompas!  And NO Dickidoo!  This will be the first time I've been away without ANY of them.  What ever will I do?

I know, I'll have FUN!  And I might even thaw out a little.  (Is it spring yet?)

Tags: Colorado Storm of the Century, Martin Luther King Jr.

LITTLE CHICKEN LITTLE

I feel bad.

I ran around like a Chicken Little without a head crying 'The Storm of the Century is coming!  The Storm of the Century is coming!'  Most people laughed at me.  Most people still are, especially since the storm, which was originally scheduled to move in overnight, shifted directions and is now taking a more northeasterly slant leaving us with just the milder outter edge of the system.

For me that is awesome.  For me that is wonderful news.

For Rocky, one of the few people who heeded my warning, it is devastating.  She had so much faith in my prediction that she went to school and warned all of her friends about 'The Storm of the Century'.  All of the Jr. High kids eagerly awaited yet another snow day to be announced this morning, which would come at the beginning of a holiday weekend - that would mean a 4 day weekend.

Perhaps... maybe for the students in Texas, Oklahoma, or Missouri, but not for the students in Colorado Springs.

Poor Rocky is too embarrassed to realize that we have been spared what could be a really devastating snow storm.  Southern parts of the state were hit yesterday.  Just the blowing snow alone caused numerous accidents.  The snow that is falling ever so lightly here even as I type has placed a thin layer of ice over all the roads making them trecherous.  With the wind chill factor it is -5° outside.  It is bone chilling cold, and icy but there was no snow day today.  Not even a 2 hour delay.  Poor Rocky feels she has let her classmates down.

And I feel like I have let poor Rocky down.  I can take the teasing.  I'm used to it, but my little girl isn't, she has not yet grown a thick hide. 

But it is early yet.  The worst of the weather isn't even due here until later in the afternoon, with heavy snow falling (maybe) overnight, then lightening up by morning.  The kids won't get their snow day today but we aren't out of the woods yet.  There is still the potential for some pretty dangerous weather conditions and I for one don't want to be out on the roads if I don't really have to be. 

Even though I still believe the prediction made by the friend of an acquaintance, I have decided to leave the weather reporting and predictions to the meteorologists who get paid to make fools of themselves.   In the future if a tip comes my way again, I shall still consider the source and make necessary preparations.  I just won't be as vocal about sharing the information... for Rocky's sake... until her hide thickens.

Tags: Colorado Storm of the Century

THE SKY IS FALLING!

I have a new name.  It is 'Chicken Little'.  I don't mind, I think its kind of cute.  No, the sky isn't really falling, but there is a big winter storm heading this way.

Or so the friend of an acquaintance says. 

I don't normally spread rumors based on something the friend of an acquaintance said, but this friend of an acquaintance happens to work for the Space Command, or Space Center, or Space Something... so when he says that they have been tracking a storm that has the potential of being the kind of storm that only comes around once in a century, then I take heed and plan to be prepared.

Dickidoo and his friends are laughing at me.  People at work wiggle their fingers and say 'Wooooooooo... here comes the Storm of the Century!'.  I just laugh.  I can take a little teasing.  But I shall be the one laughing later as I sip hot cocoa in front of a roaring fire in my den while the storm rages outside and the non-believers shiver in unpreparedness.  

My acquaintance is embarrassed and says he will be so angry if his friend's prediction doesn't come to pass.  The way I see it... if the storm of the century passes us by and we are spared, then that's a good thing.  But, if the storm does develop as predicted, then I shall be prepared.  I even switched my day off so I can be there to help when the pre-storm rush hits the store, and then I will be off on Friday when the storm hits... sipping hot cocoa in front of a roaring fire.

I've already had enough snow for the year, and this is only 9 days in.  Hibernation still sounds good to me.

* Weather Update:  50% chance of snow on Friday... (Chicken Little my butt!)

Tags: Colorado Storm of the Century

A REAL BAR CRAWL

Before the 'Blog Crawl', there was the 'Bar Crawl'.  This was the the Tejon Street Bar Crawlers Christmas Crawl.  There were 10 stops on the schedule, but I had the work the following morning so Dickidoo and I had to drop out after the 5th stop.  It was still a blast, as you can tell, the Crawlers are a real fun bunch to party with.  I'm not sure when the next one is, but hopefully I won't have to the the Designated Driver again .  Bar Crawling is definitely NOT a spectator sport!

Dorn~

Tags: Bar Crawl, Tejon Street Bar Crawlers

JANUARY CALENDAR

I need to start posting these calendars on the 1st of the month because check it out, I've already missed The Festival of Sleep Day on the 3rd, bummers!  Today, the 7th, is Old Rock Day.  Yep, you guessed it, the radio is set to the 'Oldies, Not Moldies' classic rock station.  And no comments from the Oompa gallery, your noise makers wouldn't be around if it weren't for my Old Rockers.  Dates to remember:  January 8th is Bubble Bath Day AND Male Watcher Day... (so you ladies can go and watch the guys all day and end the evening with a nice relaxing bubble bath); then on the 12th you can participate in the Feast Of Fabulous Wild Men Day;  the 13th is Blame Someone Else Day (yeah, that'll be a nice change!); Beer Can Appreciation Day on the 24th; and my personal favorite... Chocolate Cake Day on the 27th!

1 New Year's Day

2 Run up the Flagpole and See if Anyone Salutes Day

3 Festival of Sleep Day

3 Fruitcake Toss Day

3 Humiliation Day

4 Trivia Day

5 National Bird Day

6 Bean Day

6 Cuddle Up Day

7 Old Rock Day

8 Bubble Bath Day

8 Male Watcher's Day

9 Play God Day

10 Peculiar People Day

11 Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friend's Day

12 Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day

12 National Pharmacist Day

13 Blame Someone Else Day

13 Make Your Dream Come True Day

14 Dress Up Your Pet Day

15 Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday  , celebrated on the third Monday

15 National Hat Day

16 National Nothing Day

17 Ditch New Years Resolutions Day

18 Thesaurus Day

18 Winnie the Pooh Day -The Birthday of Winnie's author A.A. Milne

19 National Popcorn Day

20 National Buttercrunch Day

20 Penguin Awareness Day

21 National Hugging Day

21 Squirrel Appreciation Day

22 National Blonde Brownie Day

23 National Pie Day

23 National Handwriting Day

23 Measure Your Feet Day- we only ask...."Why!?!"

24 Beer Can Appreciation Day

24 Compliment Day

25 Opposite Day

26 Spouse's Day

27 Chocolate Cake Day

27 Punch the Clock Day

28 Fun at Work Day

28 National Kazoo Day

29 National Puzzle Day

29 National Cornchip Day

30 National Inane Answering Message Day

31 Backward Day

31 Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

Holiday Insights : Holiday fun, about holidays and much more!

Dorn~

Tags: Crazy Holidays

 

OOMPA LAWS, and fate.

Rocky:  I don't like that song.

Becca:  So

Rocky:  It's my cd.  (Oompa law of 'you can only listen to the songs I like on MY cd)

Becca turns off cd player and switches on radio.  (Oompa law of 'if I can't listen to what I want, neither can you!')

At 3:45 am when I left for work the skies were clear and the roads were drivable.  At 1:30 pm when I set off back home again there was 4 inches of snow on the ground and the roads were snow packed and icy.  I had heard from the truck drivers that there were accidents all over town.  I knew to be cautious.  When I got to my neighborhood where I knew the roads would be bad, I took an alternate route to reduce the risk of an accident.

Note to self:  Do not attempt to trick fate.  It is not possible.  If you are going to have an accident, you are going to have it when ever and where ever you are.

When I took the turn into our subdivision, I turned the steering wheel and the tires turned... but Big Red did not.  Big Red wanted to get up close and personal with the younger, shinier pickup waiting on the side for the light to change.  They kissed... on the first date.  I was not happy.  Neither was the driver of the other pickup. 

Nor was Dickidoo.  Naturally he felt obligated to give me the 'lecture'.  Naturally I was offended and hurt that he should think it was my fault, even if it was.  Honestly though, if I had been going any slower I would have been going backwards.  But he wasn't there, I hit another vehicle, I was liable and therefore it was my fault. 

Although I scraped the paint off of the bumper on the other truck, and did a little damage to the headlight and dented the tire rim, the driver was unhurt and really nice about it all.  If I didn't have the dang brush guard on Big Red there would probably have been almost no damage at all.  Funny, once I was assured that the driver was okay, my biggest concern was Dickidoo, not the insurance company, or the effects the accident might have on my drivers record.  I felt like a kid having to face my father with some really bad news.  And when he gave me that 'lecture', I felt like a child whose parent didn't believe her.  Grrrrrrrrrrr!  I hate that!

And I hate ironic consequences even more!  Some days I swear I just can't win for losing.  If only I had stuck to my usual route home.  Zack and Becca had met me on the driveway when I pulled in following the collision.  Later I asked what had prompted the welcoming committee.  They had just wanted to see my face when I drove up on the freshly shoveled driveway.  I hugged them both in appreciation, but wished out loud that they had shoveled the road at the intersection as well.

Afterwards, standing on the porch, still sniffling in self pity, I looked down at the snow that had been the major factor in my accident today and I took a handful of the icy flakes.  As the crystals melted one by one against the warmth of my palm I couldn't help but marvel at its beauty.  I love snow.

Its just a booger to drive on!  Is it spring yet?

ABOUT THAT BLIZZARD...

Antlers In The Snow (actually, they're on my woodpile in the back yard)

 

Up here, in the "Mile-Hi City", we just recovered from a Historic event --- may I even say a "Weather Event" of "Biblical Proportions" --- with a historic blizzard of up to 44" inches of snow and winds to 90 MPH that broke trees in half, knocked down utility poles, tranded hundreds of motorists in lethal snow banks, closed ALL roads, solated scores of communities and cut power to 10's of thousands.

FYI:
George Bush did not come.
FEMA did nothing.
No one howled for the government.
No one blamed the government.
No one even uttered an expletive on TV.
Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton did not visit.
Our Mayor did not blame Bush or anyone else.
Our Governor did not blame Bush or anyone else, either.
CNN, ABC, CBS, FOX or NBC did not visit - or report on this category 5 snowstorm.
Nobody demanded $2,000 debit cards.
No one asked for a FEMA Trailer House.
No one looted.
Nobody - I mean Nobody demanded the government do something.
Nobody expected the government to do anything, either.
No Larry King, No Bill O'Rielly, No Oprah,
No Chris Mathews and No Geraldo Rivera.
No Sean Penn, No Barbara Striesand,
No Hollywood types to be found.
Nope, we just melted the snow for water.
Sent out caravans of SUV's to pluck people out of snow engulfed cars.
The truck drivers pulled people out of snow banks and didn't ask for a penny.
Local restaurants made food and the police and fire departments delivered it to the snowbound families.
Families took in the stranded people - total strangers.
We fired up wood stoves, broke out coal oil lanterns or Coleman lanterns.
We put on extra layers of clothes because up here it is "Work or Die". We did not wait for some affirmative action government to get us out of a mess created by being immobilized by a welfare program that trades votes for 'sittin at home' checks.
Even though a Category "5" blizzard of this scale has never fallen this early, we know it can happen and how to deal with it ourselves.
"In my many travels, I have noticed that once one gets north of about 48 degrees North Latitude, 90% of the world's social problems evaporate."
It does seem that way, at least to me.
I hope this gets passed on.
Maybe SOME people will get the message.
The world does Not owe you a living.

 

The email above was sent to me by a friend of mine who lives in Pueblo and while it is not entirely accurate (the major news stations DID cover the storm, and still are), I found it very interesting.  I do not agree with some of the Katrina reference because the level of devastation and human loss cannot be compared.  Even as I type this though, people in parts of New Mexico and Colorado are still buried under several feet of snow drifts after the back to back blizzards, and thousands of cattle and other livestock have either already perished or are threatened by freezing temperatures, dehydration and starvation.  Even as these people in rural America struggle to dig out of the last snowstorm of the 2006 and salvage what is left of their lives, there is buzz of the first storm of 2007 already heading towards New Mexico.  And what will the people out here do if and when it gets here?  They'll deal with it, that's all you can do.  Just deal with it.  And hopefully life will go on.

A TRIP TO THE MALL, and Parental Aggravation 101

I took Becca and a couple of her friends to the mall today.  Note to self:  when planning a trip in a vehicle with 3 teenaged girls, be sure to coordinate with those who will be wearing any kind of fragrance to wear the same kind so as not to make the air in the truck totally unbreathable.  Big Red smelled like a bordello!  

There are 5 full days left of the Winter Break.  Dickidoo went back to work today.  I go back on Friday, but the Oompas have until the 9th before they are due back at school.  Because the snow storm caused the cancelling of school during the finals just before the break was to begin, the kids will jump right into finals when they go back.  Are they taking advantage of the extra time to study?  Only if 'Parental Aggravation 101' is a class in school, in which case they shall surely pass with honors.

BLOG CRAWL: Back To Nature

Anyone up for a Blog Crawl? 

Wait.  Stop.  Back up a moment.

What exactly is a 'blog crawl'?

Well, it can be a way of searching for and through blogs. I think that is the technical definition but I'm not into technicalities.  I want simplicity, so in this case lets just say that a 'blog crawl' is when a group of bloggers all visit a predetermined group of blogs.  And lets liven it up by having the participating bloggers do a specific entry for the 'crawl' with a common theme.  Its kind of like a blog carnival, a journal jar, and round robin all smashed into one.  One established blog crawl specifies that the bloggers attain a certain level of intoxication for added effect before blogging but I will leave that optional.  I would like to keep the entries light though, for a 'bar crawl', from which the idea is derived, is a group of friends traveling from one bar to another and having a good time along the way.

How it works:  Participating bloggers write an entry based on the theme, which is entirely open to individual interpretation, and add the link to the comment section for the specific crawl entry here.  You can even use an older entry if you happen to have already blogged about the theme in the past, just make sure you use the entry specific address so we can link up to the correct entry.  Entries can be but are not limited to: fact or fiction essays, photos, video or graphic designs.  On the day of the Blog Crawl I will post all of the participating blogs with their entry addresses, and readers can visit them at their leisure, leaving comments if they so desire. 

Rules:  hey, I said I wanted simplicity!  For the bloggers, keep it clean, that's about it as far as rules go.  Stick to the TOS.  Not an AOL blog?  That's cool too, link 'em up.  Just keep in mind that you might not get as many comments if your blog host requires commenters to have an account.  I personally won't sign up for another blog account, I can't even keep track of the ones I already have!  For the Crawlers, same rules... be nice.  If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all (my mom used that on me a million times so now I can't help but repeat it myself... a million times!)

Interested?

January's theme:  BACK TO NATURE.

Please post your links here (in this entry's comment section) beginning now but no later than Thursday, Jan. 25th to be included in the Blog Roll which will be announced on or about Friday, Jan. 26th.  And spread the word if you think you know of other bloggers who might be interested in participating.  I'm not against free advertisement, snag the Crawl graphic and post it on you blog.  The more the merrier.  There are so many gifted bloggers out there, lets spread the joy!

Depending on response and participation this may or may not become a regular thing here at the Dust Bunny Club.  Being as I've never done this kind of thing, any suggestions are welcomed.  Hope to see you all on the Crawl.

Dorn~

Tags: Blog Crawl, Back to Nature

GERALD R. FORD

"I know I am getting better at golf because I am hitting fewer spectators."  Gerald R. Ford

"We could all use a lesson on the sacrifice of forgiveness from Gerald R. Ford, both as a country and as individuals.  I did not know the man, but I benefited from his steady and compassionate leadership.  For that I am eternally grateful." Dornbrau

Tags: Gerald R. Ford, Golf

HAPPY NEW YEAY!

"Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. "   Bill Vaughn  (I was soooo ready to go to bed by 10pm last night!)

"An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves."  Bill Vaughan  (who the heck is Bill Vaughan?  I love his way of thinking!)

2007 arrived without much fan fare in the House of Oompa.  Icy roads kept the celebration confined to the house but at the stroke of midnight we gathered outside to watch the fireworks from Pikes Peak set off by the Pikes Peak Adaman Club. We usually announce our resolutions over sparkling cider.  This year Dickidoo kept his secret.  I have come up with a few suggestions for him, but so far he has been scowling all year long so I think it best to keep those suggestions to myself.

Sad news from Bronco Country.  No, I'm not talking about the team losing their chance for the play offs.  There will be other games and other years for them.  No, sadder still is the news of the death of Broncos Cornerback Darrent Williams, who was shot and killed in Denver just hours into the New Year.  Such senseless violence, such a violent end to yet another precious life.  And for what?

My girls can't spell.  Nor can they collaborate, cooperate and even pose together in a picture without snarling at each other.  I wanted them to make a sign in the sand and pose for me.  They insisted on making their own and would not pose together.  Grrrrrrr....  I may yet put them on Ebay with the notation:  Does not play well with others!  Who would know just by looking at their adorable faces.

Welcome 2007 (we fixed this one), and Happy New Yeay everyone! (I have a picture of this after Becca correctedthe spelling, but I like this shot better).  Blog well and prosper!