"Speaking of travel and buses, I noticed it was 30 years ago (1982, October) that you moved to The Rio Grande Valley, traveling through Austin by bus."
Oh, yes! I remember that well. Nearly 2,000 miles of pure agony. As I told Donnie, I barely survived it then. I would not survive it now.
AUGUST 2014
Saturday, January 14, 2012
WINTER WONDER (WHAT I'M DOING HERE) LAND
It didn't take long to go from brown grass last weekend to snow piles this weekend.
COLDER DOWN SOUTH
I was checking Wisconsin temperatures, around 6 AM, and about the coldest was SOUTH of us with 2 below and light snow in Prairie Du Chien.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
A SECOND HERE, A SECOND THERE. IT ALL ADDS UP
We'll get 9 hours and 15 minutes of daylight, today, and tomorrow will be 1 minute and 42 seconds longer.
We'll get 9 hours and 15 minutes of daylight, today, and tomorrow will be 1 minute and 42 seconds longer.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: HOLLAND TAYLOR
In case the name doesn't ring a bell, she plays the part of Evelyn Harper, the mother, on "Two and a Half Men".
She's celebrating her 69th birthday today and she's doing quite well. Her salary on the TV show is $75,000.00 per episode and her net worth is somewhere around 15 million.
She's celebrating her 69th birthday today and she's doing quite well. Her salary on the TV show is $75,000.00 per episode and her net worth is somewhere around 15 million.
DID YOU SURVIVE FRIDAY THE 13th?
I came across a story in USA Today that we still have two more Friday the 13th's this year and they're all exactly 13 weeks apart. The next one will be in April. That's the first time we've seen that happen since 1984.
WARMER TODAY
Yesterdays high was 16 and today will come close to 25. 50/50 chance for light snow, this afternoon, but no more than 1/2 inch.
Friday, January 13, 2012
THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL
The latest snow totals from our first winter storm of the season include 6.2" at the La Crosse Airport, 5.8" in Holmen, 4.2 inches in Sparta, 4.1" in Viroqua and 3.8" in West Salem.ARE MOVIES AND TV IN 3D THAT BIG A DEAL?
According to this article in BRITISH AIRWAYS BUSINESS LIFE , at the last big electronics show 3D was everywhere.
They do admit, however, that while the technology has greatly improved, most of the TV and MOVIES being done in 3D are junk. And, I was surprised that they also mentioned those of us with only one eye. We see the world in 2D all the time so we won't rush out to buy a new 3D set anytime soon!
They do admit, however, that while the technology has greatly improved, most of the TV and MOVIES being done in 3D are junk. And, I was surprised that they also mentioned those of us with only one eye. We see the world in 2D all the time so we won't rush out to buy a new 3D set anytime soon!
ERIC, BERT AND NICK ARE IN DULUTH
Bert said, "We're visiting Ali McCabe. She is doing as good as can be expected for someone who's time stamp says she'll be gone by February first. She still has her sense of humor that is truly hers.
We could use all the prayers we can get to help her on her way. She doesn't seem to be in too much pain, that's the good news. Being in the health field, she knows what's going on better than we do.
We will be here until Sunday. Keep praying."
We could use all the prayers we can get to help her on her way. She doesn't seem to be in too much pain, that's the good news. Being in the health field, she knows what's going on better than we do.
We will be here until Sunday. Keep praying."
WILLARD WRITES FROM HOUSTON
"Cold? You're not alone. 33 this morning. Tonight 35 degrees. Heater on. Electricity bill rising."
THIS MAKES ME FEEL SO YOUNG!
I always thought of Billy Gray, who played the son on "Father Knows Best", as a kid. Turns out, he's no kid! He's older than I am! He's celebrating his 74th birthday today.
I just had a thought. "Celebrate", probably, isn't the right word to use when you're 74. Maybe it would be more honest to say, "He's THANKFUL for HAVING a 74th birthday today.
I just had a thought. "Celebrate", probably, isn't the right word to use when you're 74. Maybe it would be more honest to say, "He's THANKFUL for HAVING a 74th birthday today.
GO FIGURE!
There's a story, in the paper this morning, about a young lady who graduated with a bachelors degree in education two years ago. She finally found a job....as a nanny!!
Back in my day, they said, "you can't get a job without a college degree." Nowadays, you can't get a job even if you have the degree. At least, not a job in the field you spent all that money training for.
This is called "the American dream"??
Back in my day, they said, "you can't get a job without a college degree." Nowadays, you can't get a job even if you have the degree. At least, not a job in the field you spent all that money training for.
This is called "the American dream"??
AN IRISH QUOTE I'VE NEVER HEARD BEFORE
"MAY YOUR HOME ALWAYS BE TOO SMALL TO HOLD ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS."
WHAT'S IN A WORD?
Do you know what they call a group of babboons?
This is the truth. You can't make this up.
A GROUP OF BABOONS IS CALLED A CONGRESS!
We all complain about the low-life scum of the human race, THE CONGRESS, but let's not forget who put them there!
DID YOU KNOW??
A "jiffy" is an actual unit of time. It's 1/100 of a second...as in..."I can fall on a patch of ice the size of a postage stamp in a jiffy."
WE'RE HAVING A COLD ONE!
The snow is gone but the COLD remains. WIND CHILLS OF 12 BELOW CAN BE EXPECTED.By the way, we ended up with 5.5 inches of snow yesterday and with the cold temperatures, it's here to stay for a while.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
SWEET TOOTH
Around mid-morning, I went out, into the snow and cold, and got 6 Glazer dougnuts at Kwik Trip. By mid-afternoon they were all gone.
3:15: JUST WOKE UP FROM A NAP
I couldn't think of anything better to do than take a nap. You know what they say about Consciousness. It's that annoying time between naps.SNOW ENDS TONIGHT
As it moves off to the east, the highest snow totals are expected to be east of Tomah. Here, in La Crosse, we've had 4 INCHES AT THE AIRPORT. They got only an inch in Rochester.
GREETINGS FROM GLADYS
"Br-r-r-r- it is cold here. I guess we shouldn't complain it has been so nice. Haven't had to pay for snow removal or any of that so far.
I had a good Christmas with both my families. Put up too many decorations. Won't do that again. My cleaning lady is here today and she helped me get some of it out of the house."
I had a good Christmas with both my families. Put up too many decorations. Won't do that again. My cleaning lady is here today and she helped me get some of it out of the house."
WIND CHILL AT NOON WAS 1 ABOVE
I wore the LONGJOHNS today for the first time this season. I knew it was just a matter of time before I'd need them.
THE SEASONS FIRST SNOW STORM
There aren't many cars on the streets. I think the only folks out are the ones who have to be out. Like me. In the middle of a snowstorm, I decided I couldn't live another minute without some Kwik Trip doughnuts to go with my mid-morning coffee.
WHAT'S NEW? ABSOLUTELY NOTHIN'
AN OBSERVATION FROM DONNIE
"Yesterday we toured a new mall, Linda delaying considerably in Urban Outfitters (a clothing and gadget store for young people, though they tolerate the occasional elderly shoppers).
I noticed extensive displays featuring the cheap film cameras that are now the rage, and vinyl records and turntable phonographs. The young clerk noticed my interest and approached to tell me she had just bought a film camera, and how neat it is.
So, we now have at least one generation so entirely raised on digital everything that film cameras and 33 rpm records are super cool.
Round and round we go, in a spin....
"Yesterday we toured a new mall, Linda delaying considerably in Urban Outfitters (a clothing and gadget store for young people, though they tolerate the occasional elderly shoppers).
I noticed extensive displays featuring the cheap film cameras that are now the rage, and vinyl records and turntable phonographs. The young clerk noticed my interest and approached to tell me she had just bought a film camera, and how neat it is.
So, we now have at least one generation so entirely raised on digital everything that film cameras and 33 rpm records are super cool.
Round and round we go, in a spin....
YOU'LL PROBABLY WANT TO PASS THIS ON
GRANDPARENTS ANSWERING MACHINE
Good morning . . .. At present we are not at home but, please leave your message after you hear the beep.
..............Beeeeeeeeeeeppp ....
If you are one of our children, dial 1 and then select the option from 1 to 5 in order of "arrival" so we know who it is.
If you need us to stay with the children, press 2
If you want to borrow the car, press 3
If you want us to wash your clothes and ironing, press 4
If you want the grandchildren to sleep here tonight, press 5
If you want us to pick up the kids at school, press 6
If you want us to prepare a meal for Sunday or to have it delivered to your home, Press 7
If you want to come to eat here, press 8
If you need money, press 9
If you are going to invite us to dinner, or,taking us to the theater , start talking we are listening!!!!!!!!!!!
WHAT IS A GRANDPARENT? (Taken from papers written by a class of 8 year-olds)
• Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of their own. They like other people's.
• A grandfather is a man, & a grandmother is a lady!
• Grandparents don't have to do anything except be there when we come to see them . They are so old they shouldn't play hard or run. It is good if they drive us to the shops and give us money.
• When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars.
• They show us and talk to us about the colors of the flowers and also why we shouldn't step on 'cracks.'
• They don't say, 'Hurry up.'
• Usually grandmothers are fat but not too fat to tie your shoes.
• They wear glasses and funny underwear.
• They can take their teeth and gums out.
• Grandparents don't have to be smart.
• They have to answer questions like 'Why isn't God married?' and 'How come dogs chase cats?'
• When they read to us, they don't skip. They don't mind if we ask for the same story over again.
• Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don't have television because they are the only grownups who like to spend time with us.
• They know we should have a snack time before bed time, and they say prayers with us and kiss us even when we've acted badly.
• GRANDPA IS THE SMARTEST MAN ON EARTH! HE TEACHES ME GOOD THINGS, BUT I DON'T GET TO SEE HIM ENOUGH TO GET AS SMART AS HIM!
• It's funny when they bend over; you hear gas leaks, and they blame their dog.
Send this to other grandparents, almost grandparents, or heck, send it to everyone. It will make their day..
Good morning . . .. At present we are not at home but, please leave your message after you hear the beep.
..............Beeeeeeeeeeeppp ....
If you are one of our children, dial 1 and then select the option from 1 to 5 in order of "arrival" so we know who it is.
If you need us to stay with the children, press 2
If you want to borrow the car, press 3
If you want us to wash your clothes and ironing, press 4
If you want the grandchildren to sleep here tonight, press 5
If you want us to pick up the kids at school, press 6
If you want us to prepare a meal for Sunday or to have it delivered to your home, Press 7
If you want to come to eat here, press 8
If you need money, press 9
If you are going to invite us to dinner, or,taking us to the theater , start talking we are listening!!!!!!!!!!!
WHAT IS A GRANDPARENT? (Taken from papers written by a class of 8 year-olds)
• Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of their own. They like other people's.
• A grandfather is a man, & a grandmother is a lady!
• Grandparents don't have to do anything except be there when we come to see them . They are so old they shouldn't play hard or run. It is good if they drive us to the shops and give us money.
• When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars.
• They show us and talk to us about the colors of the flowers and also why we shouldn't step on 'cracks.'
• They don't say, 'Hurry up.'
• Usually grandmothers are fat but not too fat to tie your shoes.
• They wear glasses and funny underwear.
• They can take their teeth and gums out.
• Grandparents don't have to be smart.
• They have to answer questions like 'Why isn't God married?' and 'How come dogs chase cats?'
• When they read to us, they don't skip. They don't mind if we ask for the same story over again.
• Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don't have television because they are the only grownups who like to spend time with us.
• They know we should have a snack time before bed time, and they say prayers with us and kiss us even when we've acted badly.
• GRANDPA IS THE SMARTEST MAN ON EARTH! HE TEACHES ME GOOD THINGS, BUT I DON'T GET TO SEE HIM ENOUGH TO GET AS SMART AS HIM!
• It's funny when they bend over; you hear gas leaks, and they blame their dog.
Send this to other grandparents, almost grandparents, or heck, send it to everyone. It will make their day..
WHERE'S A GOOD PLACE TO MAKE SOME MONEY?
The Heritage Foundation finds the freest economy in HONG KONG followed by Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland. The USA IS #10.
COUNTRY BIRTHDAYS
Country legend, RAY PRICE is hangin' in there at 86 TODAY and WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN OF THE OAK RIDGE BOYS celebrates with 73 CANDLES ON THE CAKE.
WAR
In Afghanistan they have a saying, "Kill one enemy, make 10." That, pretty much, describes the insanity of war.
THERE'S NO END TO THE BAD NEWS
HOSTESS, the maker of TWINKIES has filed for CHAPTER 11. Can you imagine a world without Twinkies?
I'M DREAMING OF A WHITE THURSDAY
It was white, outside, when I got up but just barely. As of 12:30, this morning, we had .08" on the ground. According to the radar, we'll continue to get the light snow, for a while, but it will be nothing like the 7 inches they were talking about yesterday.
Sounds to me like THE MOST MISERABLE PART OF THE DAY WILL BE THE WIND.
The forecast calls for snow, blowing snow with gusty winds and WIND CHILL'S AS LOW AS ZERO.
Sounds to me like THE MOST MISERABLE PART OF THE DAY WILL BE THE WIND.
The forecast calls for snow, blowing snow with gusty winds and WIND CHILL'S AS LOW AS ZERO.
RITA'S RETIREMENT PARTY
If she recovers, we'll, probably, hear more about it today.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
WILL THE RETIREMENT PARTIES NEVER END?
RITA just called from Features in Holmen. She and Roger have just arrived for her retirement party being given by her co-worker, Kay, who she worked with for the 40+ years she was at the clinic.
Roger has the camera and they're promising pictures in the morning so check in to see them.
Roger has the camera and they're promising pictures in the morning so check in to see them.
THE PRESIDENT IS IN CHICAGO
He landed about 25 minutes ago and they are starting to close Lake Shore Drive for the motorcade just in time for the rush hour. Aren't you glad you're not in that mess??
I SAW IT ON TWITTER
JOAN RIVERS and CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER were on the same plane to Los Angeles this afternoon. That would have been a fun flight to have been on.
CONGRATULATIONS MISS WISCONSIN!
LAURA KAEPPELER has won the first round of the MISS AMERICA talent competition.
I'M NOT SHOVELING ANYTHING BUT, JUST IN CASE.....
Here's a doctor to tell you how to shovel snow without hurting your back.
TIME TO GET PREPARED
So, here's the deal. The National Weather Service says to plan on 1 to 3 inches of snow tonight and another 2 to 4 inches tomorrow.
Gusty winds will cause Drifting and blowing snow. The roads could get icy, overnight, making the morning commute miserable, to say the least.
You gotta believe that RITA is grinning, ear to ear, knowing she doesn't have to worry about getting to work in the morning.
Gusty winds will cause Drifting and blowing snow. The roads could get icy, overnight, making the morning commute miserable, to say the least.
You gotta believe that RITA is grinning, ear to ear, knowing she doesn't have to worry about getting to work in the morning.
GOOD CHANCE WE'LL HAVE A NEW PARK
I was thrilled to hear that the La Crosse Committee of the Whole voted, unanimously, last night to endorse the plan to turn the 160 acre Hixon Forest bluffland into a park rather than hand it over to "developers" to bulldoze the trees for their ticky-tacky housing developments.
More than 100 citizens filled the council chambers supporting the plans for a new park.
More than 100 citizens filled the council chambers supporting the plans for a new park.
BILLY THE KID
Did you miss Billy the Kid on PBS last night? If you did, you can watch it anytime on their website which you'll find right here.
SPEAKING OF SNOW
There's some snow on the way for you snow lovers but if you like a lot of white stuff you should be spending the winter in Cordova, Alaska They've called in the National Guard to help them dig out of 10 feet of snow they've had in the last few weeks.
HOW MANY CATS HAVE THEIR OWN ROCKING CHAIR?
Since Carl and Kathy gave me a new rocker for my birthday, my old rocker hasn't had much use. In fact, I was thinking of throwing it away.
After all these months, this morning, Thunder decided, if I wasn't going to use it, he might as well claim it for his own.
Here's a cat that started out with nothing but the cold hard ground or a bale of hay to sleep on. Like they say, you've come a long way baby!
HAPPY MILK DAY!
It was on January 11, 1878 that the New York Dairy started delivering milk door to door. Of course, you have to be 90 years old to even remember door to door milk delivery. I say that because I'm 71 and I don't remember us ever getting milk deliveries.
By the way, in merry old England, they had to wait until 1880 for the Express Dairy Company to start delivering milk and they delivered it four times a day! I can't imagine anyone needing four bottles a milk a day, but, there you have it!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
WE BROKE THE RECORD TODAY
FROM THE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
THE HIGH TEMPERATURE REACHED 53 DEGREES AT THE LA CROSSE AIRPORT TODAY. THIS ESTABLISHED A NEW MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE RECORD FOR JANUARY 10TH. THE PREVIOUS HIGH TEMPERATURE RECORD OF 50 DEGREES WAS SET ON THIS DATE IN 1928.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
THE HIGH TEMPERATURE REACHED 53 DEGREES AT THE LA CROSSE AIRPORT TODAY. THIS ESTABLISHED A NEW MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE RECORD FOR JANUARY 10TH. THE PREVIOUS HIGH TEMPERATURE RECORD OF 50 DEGREES WAS SET ON THIS DATE IN 1928.
HERE'S ANOTHER THING ABOUT DOGS
(Thunder is ready to kill me for wasting all this space on dogs)
ACCORDING TO SCIENCE NOW
If a dog is watching TV and a person looks to the right or left the dog will follow the persons gaze. Even the chimps won't do that and, after me, they're supposed to be the smartest animals on earth.
ACCORDING TO SCIENCE NOW
If a dog is watching TV and a person looks to the right or left the dog will follow the persons gaze. Even the chimps won't do that and, after me, they're supposed to be the smartest animals on earth.
FOR A BETTER PLACE THE WORLD NEEDS MORE DOGS AND LESS PEOPLE
It is two a.m. and the Nursing Home halls are quiet and dim. I walk
through the first floor, looking in each room to make sure my charges are
resting easy. I pass the nursing station, nod and smile in silent greeting.
I head down the South wing.
Ina is reading, she doesn't sleep much. She likes war novels. Can you believe that? Here is this 91 year old woman, hair primly "up" for the night, commanding fleets and armies courtesy of Tom Clancy and W.E.B Griffin. I get the latest about how we SHOULD have resolved the thing with China about them holding our Navy plane crew. I agree. Ina's a trip.
I come to Tommy's room, he's awake in bed. He's not really aware of where he is any more. It hurts me to see that. I go in and sit beside him. He likes me to do that, it seems to bring him comfort. Soon he is asleep again, resting at peace. That makes me feel good, let's me know that I do matter around here.
Back to the nursing station I push the button to summon the elevator. My colleagues are down the hall helping Norma into bed after the hourly trip to the bathroom. I wave with my head to them as the elevator door whispers open, get on, and press the button for the second floor.
The Duke lives in 228 and joins me as I complete my rounds. His real name is Harold but nobody EVER calls him anything but "The Duke." The Duke's another of our "characters." He pretends to be an old curmudgeon, but he's really an old sweetie. The Duke sees us and he goes into his routine about: "How can a guy get a little rest in this joint with every body parading by every ten minutes?"
The Duke was in the Navy and has coins from all over the world. Each coin has a story and if you don't mind the frequent themes of bars, fights, and the many ladies that have graced The Duke's life, the stories are fascinating. I love The Duke.
Well, time for me to take a break. The kitchen crew will be in soon, I'll be supervising breakfast as always. This is a really full time job. I've no complaints though. I wouldn't want it any other way. little over a year ago I was really down and out. My family had broken up and it looked like I wasn't going to have much of a future. When you think about it, I'm lucky to be alive at all. I have no complaints now. I'm needed here and valued for what I bring to the job.
My name is "Angel." I'm a 5 year old female White Boxer. A former "owner surrender." Today I'm a full time, Resident Therapy Boxer in a Nursing Home in New Jersey.
Thanks for letting me share my story with you.
~ The Author is Jim Papworth ~
Note: I wrote Jim for permission to share this story and he added the following: "Angel really exists. I wrote this story while I sat with my Mom in the Nursing Home and after watching Angel work. The residents portrayed are real and are examples of some of the wide range of people who now call this home. Angel does make her rounds each and every night. She does it solo, has the run of the residence and uses the elevator. She can open doors on her own. She is always supervised but not closely. She has earned the very special trust she now enjoys. Besides her night rounds, Angel works with the physical therapists as an Animal Assisted Therapy Dog during the day. Her main job though is to bring comfort and joy to people who all too often have none in their lives. She's very, very good at her job."
Ina is reading, she doesn't sleep much. She likes war novels. Can you believe that? Here is this 91 year old woman, hair primly "up" for the night, commanding fleets and armies courtesy of Tom Clancy and W.E.B Griffin. I get the latest about how we SHOULD have resolved the thing with China about them holding our Navy plane crew. I agree. Ina's a trip.
I come to Tommy's room, he's awake in bed. He's not really aware of where he is any more. It hurts me to see that. I go in and sit beside him. He likes me to do that, it seems to bring him comfort. Soon he is asleep again, resting at peace. That makes me feel good, let's me know that I do matter around here.
Back to the nursing station I push the button to summon the elevator. My colleagues are down the hall helping Norma into bed after the hourly trip to the bathroom. I wave with my head to them as the elevator door whispers open, get on, and press the button for the second floor.
The Duke lives in 228 and joins me as I complete my rounds. His real name is Harold but nobody EVER calls him anything but "The Duke." The Duke's another of our "characters." He pretends to be an old curmudgeon, but he's really an old sweetie. The Duke sees us and he goes into his routine about: "How can a guy get a little rest in this joint with every body parading by every ten minutes?"
The Duke was in the Navy and has coins from all over the world. Each coin has a story and if you don't mind the frequent themes of bars, fights, and the many ladies that have graced The Duke's life, the stories are fascinating. I love The Duke.
Well, time for me to take a break. The kitchen crew will be in soon, I'll be supervising breakfast as always. This is a really full time job. I've no complaints though. I wouldn't want it any other way. little over a year ago I was really down and out. My family had broken up and it looked like I wasn't going to have much of a future. When you think about it, I'm lucky to be alive at all. I have no complaints now. I'm needed here and valued for what I bring to the job.
My name is "Angel." I'm a 5 year old female White Boxer. A former "owner surrender." Today I'm a full time, Resident Therapy Boxer in a Nursing Home in New Jersey.
Thanks for letting me share my story with you.
~ The Author is Jim Papworth ~
Note: I wrote Jim for permission to share this story and he added the following: "Angel really exists. I wrote this story while I sat with my Mom in the Nursing Home and after watching Angel work. The residents portrayed are real and are examples of some of the wide range of people who now call this home. Angel does make her rounds each and every night. She does it solo, has the run of the residence and uses the elevator. She can open doors on her own. She is always supervised but not closely. She has earned the very special trust she now enjoys. Besides her night rounds, Angel works with the physical therapists as an Animal Assisted Therapy Dog during the day. Her main job though is to bring comfort and joy to people who all too often have none in their lives. She's very, very good at her job."
IF IT AIN'T ONE THING IT'S ANOTHER
DONNIES LATEST PROBLEM
"Even when we finally do get rain, it is not entirely a blessing.
Willard reported the flooding in Houston. Here in Dripping Springs there's another nuisance. Because it rains so rarely, country people living "on acreage" accumulate great piles of brush, which we are prohibited from burning because of dry forest conditions. When it rains the burn-bans are lifted, and the many bonfires fill the air with smoke and ash.
A large ranch west of us looked like the portals of hell yesterday morning, with numerous great mounds of red and yellow flames blazing 50 feet into the wet, gray skies. It was literally "snowing" ash when I left the house, coating cars and houses and yards and porches. Linda suggested we throw some lye out on the lawn and make soap!
"Even when we finally do get rain, it is not entirely a blessing.
Willard reported the flooding in Houston. Here in Dripping Springs there's another nuisance. Because it rains so rarely, country people living "on acreage" accumulate great piles of brush, which we are prohibited from burning because of dry forest conditions. When it rains the burn-bans are lifted, and the many bonfires fill the air with smoke and ash.
A large ranch west of us looked like the portals of hell yesterday morning, with numerous great mounds of red and yellow flames blazing 50 feet into the wet, gray skies. It was literally "snowing" ash when I left the house, coating cars and houses and yards and porches. Linda suggested we throw some lye out on the lawn and make soap!
I SAY STAY AWAY FROM MAIL ORDER COMPANIES AND BUY LOCAL!
DONNIE WRITES:
Medco is a company based in Washington state that administers mail-order prescriptions for my insurance plan. I regularly get mail from them urging me to sign up for mail order drugs. But I have only one prescription, and I fill that a local pharmacy once a month. A few weeks ago I received a call from Medco, asking to confirm my mailing address in order to send a three-month supply of Lipitor that my doctor had ordered for me. I was unaware that the cardiologist had placed such an order; from the beginning of my treatment, he has simply renewed my local pharmacy prescription every six months. So I called the doctor, and spoke to his nurse. She confirmed the doctor had placed such an order, because, according to the nurse, Medco had informed him that the patient requested it. I had not.
This appeared to be an unethical ploy by Medco to get me on mail-order prescriptions: they told me "the doctor did it," and told the doctor "the patient did it.". I imagine they have a financial reason for wanting to get me on mail-order, though the cost to me at the pharmacy is virtually no different from the mail order cost. So I informed the doctor I would continue to fill locally, and I told Medco to cancel the mail order. Today, several weeks later, I receive a Medco e-mail "confirming my order," a second order that no one has requested. I fired off a rather sharper e-mail telling Medco this story. I will tell you their reply, if/when it comes."
DOUG SAYS:
If you go to Wikipedia and look up Medco, you will find that this company was sued for millions of dollars, and agreed to pay the government, back in 2004, for pulling this same scam.
Medco is a company based in Washington state that administers mail-order prescriptions for my insurance plan. I regularly get mail from them urging me to sign up for mail order drugs. But I have only one prescription, and I fill that a local pharmacy once a month. A few weeks ago I received a call from Medco, asking to confirm my mailing address in order to send a three-month supply of Lipitor that my doctor had ordered for me. I was unaware that the cardiologist had placed such an order; from the beginning of my treatment, he has simply renewed my local pharmacy prescription every six months. So I called the doctor, and spoke to his nurse. She confirmed the doctor had placed such an order, because, according to the nurse, Medco had informed him that the patient requested it. I had not.
This appeared to be an unethical ploy by Medco to get me on mail-order prescriptions: they told me "the doctor did it," and told the doctor "the patient did it.". I imagine they have a financial reason for wanting to get me on mail-order, though the cost to me at the pharmacy is virtually no different from the mail order cost. So I informed the doctor I would continue to fill locally, and I told Medco to cancel the mail order. Today, several weeks later, I receive a Medco e-mail "confirming my order," a second order that no one has requested. I fired off a rather sharper e-mail telling Medco this story. I will tell you their reply, if/when it comes."
DOUG SAYS:
If you go to Wikipedia and look up Medco, you will find that this company was sued for millions of dollars, and agreed to pay the government, back in 2004, for pulling this same scam.
THE FOREAST FOR OUR AREA STRETCHES TO THE GULF COAST
Willard said the Houston forecast calls for Temperatures in the 50's today and a freeze Thursday night.
Donnie and Linda will have to cover the plants too. Dripping Springs lows are expected to fall to around 33 Thursday night.
Donnie and Linda will have to cover the plants too. Dripping Springs lows are expected to fall to around 33 Thursday night.
GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
Record Highs Likely Today...More Winter-Like By Thursday
Near-record temperatures were seen across the Upper Midwest Monday, and at the Rochester, MN airport, the 46 degree high tied the previous record from 2002. Even warmer temperatures are expected today, with highs forecast to top out from the upper 40s to mid 50s. This is all in response to increasing southwesterly winds, a lack of snow cover, and abundant sunshine. The forecasted highs are 20 to 25 degrees above normal for this time in January. Plan on a cold front to cross the region Wednesday, ending our recent warm spell, as well as bringing some minor snow accumulations for Wednesday night and Thursday in its wake. On Thursday, look for highs to only top out between 15 and 20.
Near-record temperatures were seen across the Upper Midwest Monday, and at the Rochester, MN airport, the 46 degree high tied the previous record from 2002. Even warmer temperatures are expected today, with highs forecast to top out from the upper 40s to mid 50s. This is all in response to increasing southwesterly winds, a lack of snow cover, and abundant sunshine. The forecasted highs are 20 to 25 degrees above normal for this time in January. Plan on a cold front to cross the region Wednesday, ending our recent warm spell, as well as bringing some minor snow accumulations for Wednesday night and Thursday in its wake. On Thursday, look for highs to only top out between 15 and 20.
ANOTHER GREAT NAME ON THIRD
I've always gotten a kick out of some of the great names, they've come up with, for bars on Third Street. "Who's on Third" was one of my favorites and, of course, there's "The Library".
As I've mentioned before, Aunt Edna was so proud of Rita because she went to "the library" so much. Little did she know it was the library with the booze, not the one with the books.
Now, there's a new bar on Third with a great name. It's Earl's Grocery & Saloon at 401 S. Third. Why the name? Interesting story. Read it on their web page. CLICK HERE TO FIND IT
As I've mentioned before, Aunt Edna was so proud of Rita because she went to "the library" so much. Little did she know it was the library with the booze, not the one with the books.
Now, there's a new bar on Third with a great name. It's Earl's Grocery & Saloon at 401 S. Third. Why the name? Interesting story. Read it on their web page. CLICK HERE TO FIND IT
Monday, January 09, 2012
I LIKE IT AND THAT'S REALLY ALL THAT MATTERS
So, I've read some columns that say the new winter travel tv spot for Wisconsin ain't so hot. This is the one that was directed by David Zucker who was one of the masterminds behind "Airplane" and "The Naked Gun".
Well, I'll tell you what, kids. I like it and I'm a lot like Mikey. I don't like much of anything. If you haven't seen it, check it out for yourself.
Well, I'll tell you what, kids. I like it and I'm a lot like Mikey. I don't like much of anything. If you haven't seen it, check it out for yourself.
WILLARD WEATHERS THE STORM
It was, however, a pretty severe storm. Torrential downpours. A friend of his was on his way over to visit and got stalled on a flooded street with water up to the doors of the car. No cell phone calls were getting through which made matters worse. There were flash flood warnings posted all over the city.
Wilard said, "It's a mess!"
Wilard said, "It's a mess!"
THIS WILL BE ON THE TEST
There are only four words in the English language which end in "dous": tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous.
There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: "abstemious" and "facetious."
There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: "abstemious" and "facetious."
HOUSTON STORMS SOUND NASTY
WILLARD SAID:
"Storms have arrived. Tornado warning issued. I think I hear hail on the windows. Buddy is not a happy doggie. He's right under my feet."
"Storms have arrived. Tornado warning issued. I think I hear hail on the windows. Buddy is not a happy doggie. He's right under my feet."
UNIVAC 1956
This is so much fun to watch. It's a live TV commercial from 1956. I was just 16 years old. We were in the Garland house. And, just think, there's more computing power in my laptop than there was in this huge monster.
Gary, from Rapid City, sent this and he said, "Even with all the advancements in computing we've made since 1956, we still can't predict the weather".
How true!!
Gary, from Rapid City, sent this and he said, "Even with all the advancements in computing we've made since 1956, we still can't predict the weather".
How true!!
DRY TEXAS IS GETTING SOME MORNING RAIN
From Houston, Willard said, "Lightening and rain around this morning. A WET Monday." Donnie reported, "Dripping Springs got a bit of rain last night, even lightening and thunder. Rare for January."
SPEAKING OF MORNING TV SHOWS
Oprah just tweeted that she's up early and watching, her friend, Gayle on her first day with CBS This Morning.
I JUST SENT A NOTE TO NBC TODAY
I can't remember getting up, this morning, but I do remember, very clearly, watching the VERY FIRST TODAY SHOW 60 years ago today.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
THIS IS
TODAY ON NBC
WANT A GOOD VIEW OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?
They say, about the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights is Alta, Norway.
This time of year, about the only light in the sky, they see, is the Northern Lights because there's very little sun. Just enough, however, for a live webcam (Click here to see it)
I'm sure it's all very nice but it's much too far from a palm tree to suit me.
This time of year, about the only light in the sky, they see, is the Northern Lights because there's very little sun. Just enough, however, for a live webcam (Click here to see it)
I'm sure it's all very nice but it's much too far from a palm tree to suit me.
REMEMBER SNOW?
On January 9, 1929, we got 8.1 inches of snow in La Crosse. We won't have to worry about that repeating itself today with highs in the upper 40's and a sunny sky.
CELEBRATING STATIC ELECTRICITY
Image by FlamingText.com
What causes that, you ask? Everything that is, is made of atoms (including you and me). Little, and I mean really little, electrons orbit the nucleus of the atom and they can have a positive or negative charge. If, at the moment, you have more positive than negative electrons and the doorknob has less negative electrons than positive electrons, the electrons will jump between you and the doorknob so that we both end up with equal negative and positive electrons. That jump causes a burst of energy that you call SHOCKING!
How many atoms, you ask, does it take to make your body. Well, of course, that depends how much of you there is but I can tell you that the skinniest person who has ever lived had more atoms making up his/her body than all the stars in the universe. In other words, billions and billions and billions.
You're surprised I know all that, aren't you. You thought I was just a pretty face.
Sunday, January 08, 2012
HERE'S A TIP
If you click on "snapshot", above, you'll find a photo album of all of the pictures that have been on this blog.
FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
TWO MORE WARM DAYS
After 2 consecutive days of record and near-record warm temperatures last week, another round of unseasonable warmth for the Upper Midwest is expected Monday and Tuesday. The combination of a lack of snow cover, increasing southwesterly winds, and abundant sunshine will drive temperatures to between 45 and 50 degrees on Monday, and to the mid 40s to low 50s on Tuesday. These forecasted highs are 20 to 25 degrees above normal for early to mid January. A cold front is expected to cross the region Wednesday, ending our recent warm spell and bringing temperatures to more seasonable levels on Thursday.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN, YOU CAN'T FIND A PARKING SPOT?
DONNIE WRITES
"Sending you a long article from the NEW YORK TIMES. It's about parking lots and how they should be made more user-friendly. The article goes on to say there may be 7 parking spaces for every car in the USA. That's enough flat, empty, paved space to entirely cover two states or more."
Which, again, tells me how awful it would be to tear down the Hollywood Theater and make it a parking lot (as some want to do) when there are virtually no high traffic businesses left within, at least, a two block area of the old theater.
"Sending you a long article from the NEW YORK TIMES. It's about parking lots and how they should be made more user-friendly. The article goes on to say there may be 7 parking spaces for every car in the USA. That's enough flat, empty, paved space to entirely cover two states or more."
Which, again, tells me how awful it would be to tear down the Hollywood Theater and make it a parking lot (as some want to do) when there are virtually no high traffic businesses left within, at least, a two block area of the old theater.
VIEWS FROM FLORIDA
Carl and Kathy are in Florida and they took pictures of some of the other typical tourists down there.
STUFFED PETS? I DON'T THINK SO!
I AGREE WITH WILLARD ON THIS ONE
"I am a viewer of Animal Planet and they are running a promo for a new show, "STUFFED", which shows people having their PETS stuffed!
IF that is the centerpiece of the show a campaign on Facebook, Twitter, etc. should be launched to stop it. If it's what it sounds like, it is sick, repulsive and disgusting. I will, however, reserve final judgement until after the first show.....stay tuned!"
"I am a viewer of Animal Planet and they are running a promo for a new show, "STUFFED", which shows people having their PETS stuffed!
IF that is the centerpiece of the show a campaign on Facebook, Twitter, etc. should be launched to stop it. If it's what it sounds like, it is sick, repulsive and disgusting. I will, however, reserve final judgement until after the first show.....stay tuned!"
YOU CAN THANK HEDY LAMARR FOR YOUR CELL PHONE
No kidding! Hedy had a HEAD on her shoulders. Besides being a beautiful movie star she invented a torpedo guidance system, during the war, which lead to many of our fun gadgets today.It's all explained in the new book by Richard Rhodes; "Hedy's Folley". This is one I want to read.
There's a review and more about the book in USA TODAY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHIRLEY BASSEY
She hits 75 today. Have you ever seen her perform? She puts everything she has into it! Watch.....
WISCONSIN IS ABOUT TO GET FUNNIER
Remember the hilarious movie, "Airplane"? One of the directors on that film was a native of Wisconsin. He's produced a TV commerical for Wisconsin tourism, extolling the wacky side of the state. Read more about it here in The La Crosse Tribune
I KEEP HOLDING MY BREATH
I'm afraid, if I take a breath, this weather will end. Everybody talks about the weather but, these days, that's about all they talk about.
Today will be sunny, again, with a high near 40. Monday it warms up to 46 for the high with partly sunny skies and Tuesday, with more sunshine, we could hit 50.
I know it has to end but I sure am enjoying it while we have it. Thunder is loving it too. Yesterday I was able to open the window, for a bit, so he could sit on the window ledge and smell all those exotic outside aromas.
He and I both agree; the best thing about summer is the open windows.
Today will be sunny, again, with a high near 40. Monday it warms up to 46 for the high with partly sunny skies and Tuesday, with more sunshine, we could hit 50.
I know it has to end but I sure am enjoying it while we have it. Thunder is loving it too. Yesterday I was able to open the window, for a bit, so he could sit on the window ledge and smell all those exotic outside aromas.
He and I both agree; the best thing about summer is the open windows.
HONK HONK HONK HONK HONK HONK
Great way to start the morning. 1:10 AM: Car alarm went off, in the parking lot, right below my window.
Image by FlamingText.com
Image by FlamingText.com
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