Happy Halloween

Dr. and Bride of Frankenstein

My niece Tiffany and her husband Patrick

This has been my all time favorite Halloween costume / couple dressed up.

Yes, that is her real hair teased up with just a little white added.

Aging Gracefully

If I sat next to her at Starbucks, I'd never have recognized her.

If I close my eyes and hear her sing, I know that voice on the first note.

When I was in my teens, I was in awe of her being such a "rockstar".

A female lead in a psychedelic time.

Born today, October 30th, 1939

Happy 69th Birthday Grace.

Indeed, aging Grace-fully

Speaking Chinese

I really don't get my feathers ruffled that often. If I do, I try to keep it inside.

I also know shit happens and somethings just can't be helped.

Just don't lie to me about it. The lying gets under my skin more than the actual situation that is being lied about.

So I had an "experience" at my local dry cleaners. I left the following review on their site.

I dropped a black blazer off for cleaning. It smelled of perfume and had a small make-up stain by the collar on it.

When I came to pick it up, they said they didn't clean it because there was a hole in the sleeve up by the shoulder. They showed me a hole, that was NOT there before. It looked like it was snagged on something. The hole was the size of a pencil eraser. They insisted there was no way they could put a hole in it because they never touched it.

But ... this blazer HAD been cleaned and pressed! I pointed that out to them, no smell, no make-up stain, totally cleaned and pressed with the exception of a hole in it.

They still insisted they never cleaned it and that the hole was there when I dropped it off.

They cleaned it. They pressed it. And they put a hole in it. What can I do?

Nothing ... except warn you that they lied to me. I probably would have been less mad if they would have just said sorry, we had an accident with your blazer. I had 2 other items cleaned that I was picking up. I paid for them (they never even offered a discount to try to smooth things over) left, and I will never use them again.

So yeah, there is nothing that can be done. She was a mean person, that was not going to back down. You know when you know someone is lying and they have you at an advantage? Well, that was her. She gave me the stink eye and stood firm.

I'm not proud of the fact that as I picked up my items off the counter, I looked her right in the [stink] eye and said "fuck you". But it did make me feel better.

I even justified it later by thinking it may translate into something less offensive in Chinese. No?


If you live in my area... do not go to this dry cleaner:

Hampton Cleaners
2968 S. Rochester Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
(248)852-7488

TrueNorth , No Longer Romantic

"Message in a Bottle" ~ starring Kevin Costner and Robin Wright Penn

It was a sappy love story that I found myself sniffing snot and wiping my eyes over.

In one line, Garrett (Kevin) had referred to his (deceased) wife as his "One True North". The only one that kept him on an even course. I though that was so romantic. [insert swoon here]


It's not romantic at all ... it's a bad relationship and fattening!

Huh?

When I first decided I needed an online "screen name", I decided on TrueNorth.

For the romantic factor.
Romantic? Not so much for me.

I used that name to chat online and met someone that brought three years of an on again off again trying and tiring relationship. So much for romance.

Now, recently I saw an ad on TV for a new snack "TrueNorth".

"To bring inspiration to natural snacking"

Okay, maybe this is my one true love.

Looks healthy. 100% Natural. Different mixtures. Mmmmmm

So I bought a bag.

It was sooo good.

I bought another bag today.

1 serving of the Almond Clusters :

170 Calories
12g Fat
1 g Saturated fat
70mg Sodium

and
no preservatives, artificial flavors, or added colors. 100% natural
except

It is NOT natural to eat the whole damn bag in one after noon while sitting on my ass at my desk.

There are about 6 servings per bag, which means I ate:

1,020 Calories
72 g Fat
6g Saturated Fat
420mg Sodium

There is NOTHING romantic about those facts.

TrueNorth, you have not kept me on course in romance or in eating.

I think I shall delete you online and on my grocery list.

"Captain Don"

I was recently talking to my friend "Captain Don" and he asked where his post was.

I told him it was there ... right after ... errr ... ummm, in draft! Oops!







This past July, when the weather was beautiful, not like the cooler, wetter, gloomier days ahead of us, Don took pleasure in getting me sprayed with the waves as we cruised around Lake St. Clair.




Don sells yachts ... are you in the market for one? I'll hook you up. [wink]

One of my favorite observations ever, by Don, when I told him how I hate Walmart: "Going into Walmart is like walking into a scene from Deliverance."

He's an awesome chef, a great friend and oh yeah ... a part time TV game show host [smirk]

"Howie"
Waiting for the bankers call.

Seasonal Giving (should be 365)

I can be such a tool at times.

WHY do I (and probably a wholotta others) get all into giving and charity only during the holidays and slack off in our daily thinking about it during the rest of the year?

There is ONE PERSON, that hasn't missed a beat in her from-the-heart campaign to make sure our troops are taken care of daily. 365 days a year. Nonstop, even though she has her plate full with other matters in her life.

All hail Dorothy LORI, the one who truly reminds us that there is no place like home.

The never ending giving of her time, effort, organizational skills and love is felt by our soldiers serving our country, our home, their home.

Please, visit her and do what you can to help. Even if it is spreading the word and the links so those who can may give time, money, or donations for the boxes she is putting together.

$10.95 will send one box to a soldier and you can donate via PayPal
Or any cash/charge card donation can be sent via PayPal (or snail mail!)

If you are in her area and can help with this tremendous project, or have further questions you can contact her at:

ljstewart (at) gmail (dot) com

If you want to donate items, here is a list of suggestions.

Toys For Troops

Toys For Troops on Flickr

Toys For Troops Blog

So, this "tool" is going to get out of the box and make a donation to Lori's on going effort to see that as many troops as possible receive a box filled with food, CD's, clothing, personal items, etc. for Thanksgiving AND Christmas.

Who's in? Who's going to join us?

YOU? Yeah ... YOU right there!

JUST DO IT ... it will give you a "feel good" peace in your heart.

"Raindrops on Roses and Wiskers on Kittens..."

Okay, I know, those have been said sung before.

Ginger tagged me for a favorite things post. So here goes.

1. Clothing Store:
Noir Leather, Royal Oak, Michigan


2. Furniture Store:
Uncrate *warning adult furniture/chair*


3. City:
Las Vegas, Nevada

4. Sweet:
My Favorite Threesome
Ben Me Jerry


5. Drink:
Dirty Martini

6. Music:
Lords of Acid


7. TV Series:
Sex and the City


8. Film:
9 1/2 Weeks


9. Workout:
Huh?

10. Pastries:
No to Pastries .. but Pasties?
(Oh behave)


11. Coffee:
In Bed

So yeah, I went for the gaping mouth, head shaking, smirky, finger wagging, reaction.

Or did I?

Some are truthful answers. [wink]

I won't tag anyone.

If you decide to do the meme, just leave a comment so I can read yours.



::: Sandi? If I start talking about Ocar, just shoot me :::

My Secret Boyfriend

If you read Mrs. G at Derfwad Manor, you know this happily married to Mr. G woman, has a shit load of secret boyfriends. Pilfer through her archives to see who is on her wish list.

I never really had a secret boyfriend.

I lie.

I have one, and until now, I never spoke of him.

Because ::: sigh :::

He's served as a Republican.

For years I have admired him and though he'd make a great president.

Retired Four-Star General

National Security Advisor

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Former Secretary of State


And now, supporter of Barack Obama

Among the many things this respected man has voiced his opinion on, the two that ring true for me are ...

Colin Powell tried to convince George Bush not to invade Iraq.

And, recently his thoughts on McCain's choice as running mate are "... she fails to meet the primary qualification for a vice president: the ability to assume the presidency at any time."

Do you do this too?

I dislike grocery shopping.

Actually I hate it.

HATE.

So yesterday, I went to get my stock of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Since I was there I picked a few unnecessary items.

I wasted an hour in the store and came home hungry.


Almost $70.00 in beautiful fresh fruit and vegetables, and a 'tude from having to deal with grocery stores, other shoppers (that probably didn't want to be there either) and a new, still being trained, cashier.

So what did I do when I got home?

Put everything away and ordered a pizza.


Do you come home from shopping and have no desire to cook or clean any of the produce?

[side note]

I G00gled for the photo.

Here's the first photo I G00gled, AND posted AND then changed:


I didn't notice the extra melons until I had hit preview.

Mein Kors

I saw these black suede $200.00 Michael Kors boots and sighed; I'd never own them.

Then I saw them at Marshalls for $49.00 and got in line to buy them.

Then I realized I have poor eyesight when they rang up at $149.00

I put them back and proceeded to call Sandi to whine about them.

A few days later, Sandi saw them at Marshalls and had to have them too.

But not for $149.00

So, she called me to whine about them.

Thursday, I just so happened to find myself looking at boots at Marshalls.

The Gods-of-the-boots that be, put them on sale.

I found one pair in my size and one in hers. Imagine that!

Even thought I knew the answer, I called to ask if I should pick her pair up.

That night she called to ask if I was dancing around my house wearing my boots.

Sure thing, I got out my green eye shadow and green nail polish and danced the dance.



Liza Minnelli - Mein Herr
Uploaded by djoik. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

Well, it Could Happen!

Nothing surprises me in this election year anymore.

This year's candidates have been on SNL, Leno, Letterman, Oprah, Ellen, GMA, etc.

October in Michigan

I woke up freezing this morning and had to turn the furnace on.

I opened my kitchen windows and saw this frost on my neighbors roof.

I used my remote to preheat and start my car.

My eyes are itchy and my throat is scratchy.

And now, I think someone is planning a visit :

I will seek and find you .
I shall take you to bed and have my way with you.
I will make you ache, shake & sweat until you moan & groan.
I will make you beg for mercy, beg for me to stop.
I will exhaust you to the point that you will be relieved when I'm finished with you.
And, when I am finished, you will be weak for days.

All my love,

The Flu

Do you get a flu shot? I got one about 10 years ago and it was the worse winter, health wise, for me I've ever had. I'm debating on getting one this year.

Hey Joe!

We had Joe Six Pack a couple weeks ago.

Now we are presented with Joe the Plumber.*


In less than 3 weeks, I hope we vote into office Joe Cool.

With all the political crap, I think we're being played by Jack Shit.

Update:
*Poor Joe, with his 15 minutes of fame came research and
it's been found he doesn't even have a plumbers license.

Dancing in San Francisco

Look up at that building.

No, not at Tiffany's or Saks

Over and higher.

Yes, right there. The row of dark windows.

It's the 21st floor of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel.

It's The Starlight Room.

It has the best night view of downtown San Francisco.
It has a fun dance band, Motown and 80's music.
It has Kenny behind the bar that can make a great martini.

Girls in dressy dresses to designer jeans, men in tuxes to sport coats, and lots of sweaty dancers. Definitely a fun place, even if just to people watch.

Also Seen on the Streets of San Francisco

Booger, Kitty, and Mousey, owned by Gregory.

[sorry phone camera caught some sun glare]

The dog, cat, and rat apparently have high tolerance.

Oh, not for each other.

For all us crazy people ohhing and ahhing and snapping photos of them.

I also found this info video of the trio:

Super Men

I got in from San Francisco at 5:10 this morning and haven't been to sleep yet. I'm blurry eyed, fry brained, totally exhausted, and ready to sleep for ten hours straight. (I'd settle for six.)

I had so much fun, but like Dorothy says, "There's no place like home."

On second thought, I think Dorothy must have had too many poppies when she said that.

Yesterday, downtown San Francisco, all around Fisherman's Wharf, everyone's heads were craning up into the sky.

A bird? A plane? Superman? Heck no, better than that. It was the Blue Angels.


I have seen them several times at air shows in Michigan and Ohio. Seeing them over the bay area was awesome. Their show was the longest I've seen yet.

A few hours after they were done, I saw a commotion ahead of me as I was walking around. Whoa! Is that who I think it is?

Psst, "Hey you ... good looking"

"Well, yeah, YOU"

"C'mere so I can see who's eyes are bluer."