Happy New Year to all.
May you enjoy a healthy, happy and prosperous 2011.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Aerie Report, December 31, 2010
Not much to write about the last few days.
Terry successfully returned to the Aerie from snowbound northern New Jersey.
I believe Rick and Sandy were able to get out of New York this morning, however we haven't heard from them yet. We've a got a call in but we've got no return call yet.
******
Weather has been unseasonably warm the last two days. The Aerie got up to 48 degrees yesterday and again today. The only difference was in the winds. Yesterday we had no wind but after nightfall that all changed. Today they blew steadily from the southwest at 20+ mph. Those winds will bring us some rain tomorrow and that should remove the little snow that is still on the ground. After that we will have winter again. Temperatures will return to normal levels or lower--around 30 degrees for the high--but there will be little precipitation for a week or more until around the 11th. Then, according to Accu-Hunch, we get snow.
Terry successfully returned to the Aerie from snowbound northern New Jersey.
I believe Rick and Sandy were able to get out of New York this morning, however we haven't heard from them yet. We've a got a call in but we've got no return call yet.
******
Weather has been unseasonably warm the last two days. The Aerie got up to 48 degrees yesterday and again today. The only difference was in the winds. Yesterday we had no wind but after nightfall that all changed. Today they blew steadily from the southwest at 20+ mph. Those winds will bring us some rain tomorrow and that should remove the little snow that is still on the ground. After that we will have winter again. Temperatures will return to normal levels or lower--around 30 degrees for the high--but there will be little precipitation for a week or more until around the 11th. Then, according to Accu-Hunch, we get snow.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Mmmm! Gingerbread!
Want!
see more My Food Looks Funny
Although, you must remember that it is bigger on the inside!
These not so much...
see more My Food Looks Funny
Although, I have a strange urge to "Exterminate!"
see more My Food Looks Funny
Although, you must remember that it is bigger on the inside!
These not so much...
see more My Food Looks Funny
Although, I have a strange urge to "Exterminate!"
Make God Laugh. Tell Him Your Plans.
Well, Rick and Sandy are still stuck in New Jersey. Their rescheduled flight (from Monday to Tuesday) was re-rescheduled. They can't get out until Friday now. They checked all the nearby airports (La Guardia, JFK, Newark, Philly) and nothing was available to carry them to Portland, OR. The earliest was in Pittsburgh and even that was going to be on Thursday.
Terry offered to drive them out there, but Sandy figured she'd lose more work time in the car than it was worth. As a young associate in perhaps Portland's most prestigious divorce law firm, she's got to get those billable hours! Luckily, she can do some work online. Unluckily that doesn't include meeting with clients. She's in a high pressure situation and this storm has really put her against the wall.
Rick? He's an arborist with Asplundh. They do a lot of clearing of trees in power line right of ways...weather permitting. It's raining a lot in Portland area. I don't know how this affects the company's demand on his services, but it ain't divorce law.
******
The Mall at Short Hills was going to have a delayed opening on Monday but swiftly changed their mind and remained closed. Something about a "State of Emergency" they didn't understand? As a result, Jess had the day off and, with her regular day off today, she's getting a longer than expected visit with her brother, sister-in-law, and mother.
******
Terry will be returning to the Aerie tonight. She says the streets in and around the New York metro area are passable...not great but passable. I think she'll be pleasantly surprised when she crosses the Delaware River this afternoon.
******
Here at the Aerie, the winds have slackened and the sun is shining brightly. Although the radio keeps saying it's supposed to be "mostly cloudy with a chance of snow flurries" there's nary a cloud in the sky. The temperatures slowly rose all day Monday from 9 degrees at 7 AM to 19 at 11 PM when I went to bed. It was still 19 this morning but has since climbed into the upper 20s despite the winds still coming out of the north-northwest. The forecast calls for increasing sunshine and rising temperatures through Thursday. It will even get into the mid-30s, or so they say.
Roads around here are snow free. The dirt roads are better than ever now that the snow plows have smoothed them out and the grit trucks have laid down a layer of the black stuff. The paved roads are dry for the most part and just a little wet where wind blown snow has drifted on to the sun warmed surfaces. We only had a couple of inches down in the valley and most of that can be attributed to the lake effect rather than the monster that hit the Mid Atlantic and New England coast.
Terry offered to drive them out there, but Sandy figured she'd lose more work time in the car than it was worth. As a young associate in perhaps Portland's most prestigious divorce law firm, she's got to get those billable hours! Luckily, she can do some work online. Unluckily that doesn't include meeting with clients. She's in a high pressure situation and this storm has really put her against the wall.
Rick? He's an arborist with Asplundh. They do a lot of clearing of trees in power line right of ways...weather permitting. It's raining a lot in Portland area. I don't know how this affects the company's demand on his services, but it ain't divorce law.
******
The Mall at Short Hills was going to have a delayed opening on Monday but swiftly changed their mind and remained closed. Something about a "State of Emergency" they didn't understand? As a result, Jess had the day off and, with her regular day off today, she's getting a longer than expected visit with her brother, sister-in-law, and mother.
******
Terry will be returning to the Aerie tonight. She says the streets in and around the New York metro area are passable...not great but passable. I think she'll be pleasantly surprised when she crosses the Delaware River this afternoon.
******
Here at the Aerie, the winds have slackened and the sun is shining brightly. Although the radio keeps saying it's supposed to be "mostly cloudy with a chance of snow flurries" there's nary a cloud in the sky. The temperatures slowly rose all day Monday from 9 degrees at 7 AM to 19 at 11 PM when I went to bed. It was still 19 this morning but has since climbed into the upper 20s despite the winds still coming out of the north-northwest. The forecast calls for increasing sunshine and rising temperatures through Thursday. It will even get into the mid-30s, or so they say.
Roads around here are snow free. The dirt roads are better than ever now that the snow plows have smoothed them out and the grit trucks have laid down a layer of the black stuff. The paved roads are dry for the most part and just a little wet where wind blown snow has drifted on to the sun warmed surfaces. We only had a couple of inches down in the valley and most of that can be attributed to the lake effect rather than the monster that hit the Mid Atlantic and New England coast.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Why a Blizzard?
Commenter Ray B over at Watts Up With That (December 27, 2010 at 7:09 am at this post) has an explanation for the recent blizzard that swept up the eastern seaboard.
He says:
"The squirrel did it."
As sound a meteorlogical theory as I've heard in a long time! (AND it explains the winds, too!)
He says:
"The squirrel did it."
As sound a meteorlogical theory as I've heard in a long time! (AND it explains the winds, too!)
Monday Morning
Terry called this morning to tell me that they had close to two (2) feet of snow on the ground and, while it has stopped falling, it's blowing sideways in the strong winds (gusts to 40-50 mph). ;UPDATE: It has been officially reported that Elizabeth, NJ had 31.8 inches of snow on the ground. That's the town next door to Linden.] New Jersey's acting Governor (Christie was going to Florida on a planned Disney World vacation--he's probably still sitting in an airport somewhere) declared a state of emergency which should mean that Jess doesn't have to go to work at The Mall. (She couldn't see the street when she got up this morning so called to say she wasn't going to make it. Can't see Bob--the name of her little Yaris--making the trip anywho.)
Here at the Aerie, the winds are also howling and the temperature dropped to 9.6 degrees this morning at 7 AM. I've got around 4 inches of snow on the ground but it has drifted in spots to nearly nothing or over 6 inches. There's not enough to use the blower--and I'd get it blown back in my face if I tried--so it will be shovel work for an hour or two. I've already done the deck so I could get to the bird feeder and there was no problem at all. Very cold, light, powdery snow on a very cold plastic surface of the shovel and very cold freshly stained/oiled deck makes for easy pushing. The stones in the drive might make it a different story since this is the first shoveling of the year and those stones that are protruding above the ground will create snags. At least the shovel won't toss the loose stones about the way the snow thrower would.
I can't imagine the problems being created by the blowing about of two (2) FEET of light, powdery snow. I imagine sections of roadway will have to be plowed again and again and again...even if the snow is no longer falling.
******
What a horrible year for the Minnesota Vikings!
First Brett Favre forgets how to play football. Then the story comes out that Favre may/may not have a bit of a perv in him. next the roof on your home stadium collapses under the weight of snow forcing a swift relocation of your "home" game to Detroit of all places. And Favre's consecutive start streak comes to an end. Then you get to play in the U of Minnesota's outdoor stadium a couple of days after a huge blizzard--at night--in single digit temperatures. And Favre suffers a concussion in the first quarter. Next, your Sunday night game in Philadelphia gets postponed because of another blizzard that dumps two feet of snow on the City of Brotherly Love.
Good news though, after they play Tuesday night, their Sunday game is in Detroit where it can't get snowed out...unless they get stuck in Minneapolis or there's another blizzard in Detroit that shuts down the city or the dome on that stadium fails or.... Well it'll be their final game of the season and, allegedly, Favre's final game in uniform.
******
Despite losing to Chicago yesterday, the Jets are in the playoffs thanks to a Jacksonville loss. The Giant's lost in a big way to Chicago and now have to hope for a miracle to get into the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the NFC West teams might have trouble if they played the PAC-10. (Forget about the SEC, that would be an over match!) The Rams will play Seattle next Sunday night to determine the winner of the conference and which will be playoff bound. The Rams are currently 7-8 while the Seahawks are 6-9. Should Seattle win, both teams will be 7-9 but the Seahawks would hold the tiebreaker based on conference record. But you're supposed to love parity. Right?
Here at the Aerie, the winds are also howling and the temperature dropped to 9.6 degrees this morning at 7 AM. I've got around 4 inches of snow on the ground but it has drifted in spots to nearly nothing or over 6 inches. There's not enough to use the blower--and I'd get it blown back in my face if I tried--so it will be shovel work for an hour or two. I've already done the deck so I could get to the bird feeder and there was no problem at all. Very cold, light, powdery snow on a very cold plastic surface of the shovel and very cold freshly stained/oiled deck makes for easy pushing. The stones in the drive might make it a different story since this is the first shoveling of the year and those stones that are protruding above the ground will create snags. At least the shovel won't toss the loose stones about the way the snow thrower would.
I can't imagine the problems being created by the blowing about of two (2) FEET of light, powdery snow. I imagine sections of roadway will have to be plowed again and again and again...even if the snow is no longer falling.
******
What a horrible year for the Minnesota Vikings!
First Brett Favre forgets how to play football. Then the story comes out that Favre may/may not have a bit of a perv in him. next the roof on your home stadium collapses under the weight of snow forcing a swift relocation of your "home" game to Detroit of all places. And Favre's consecutive start streak comes to an end. Then you get to play in the U of Minnesota's outdoor stadium a couple of days after a huge blizzard--at night--in single digit temperatures. And Favre suffers a concussion in the first quarter. Next, your Sunday night game in Philadelphia gets postponed because of another blizzard that dumps two feet of snow on the City of Brotherly Love.
Good news though, after they play Tuesday night, their Sunday game is in Detroit where it can't get snowed out...unless they get stuck in Minneapolis or there's another blizzard in Detroit that shuts down the city or the dome on that stadium fails or.... Well it'll be their final game of the season and, allegedly, Favre's final game in uniform.
******
Despite losing to Chicago yesterday, the Jets are in the playoffs thanks to a Jacksonville loss. The Giant's lost in a big way to Chicago and now have to hope for a miracle to get into the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the NFC West teams might have trouble if they played the PAC-10. (Forget about the SEC, that would be an over match!) The Rams will play Seattle next Sunday night to determine the winner of the conference and which will be playoff bound. The Rams are currently 7-8 while the Seahawks are 6-9. Should Seattle win, both teams will be 7-9 but the Seahawks would hold the tiebreaker based on conference record. But you're supposed to love parity. Right?
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Evening Update: December 26, 2010
I got out of Linden, NJ at 12:30 this afternoon. It had been snowing lightly since 10 AM and the roads immediately around Mom's house were already dusted. The roads more heavily traveled were melted but with temperatures only in the mid to lower 20s there were pockets of black ice on the Parkway, I-78, Rt 24, I-287 and I-80. I slid a few times when breaking and fish-tailed a couple of times when accelerating before I flipped the switch to put the Tundra into 4 Wheel High. (Just to keep the front ...well, in front, mind you. I had no idea to increase my speed even with the 4-wheel option.) I totally lost track of the number of vehicles off to one side of the road or the other, the number of flashing lights from police cars responding to fender benders and ambulances responding to worse. There were even two places where fire trucks had been called out; presumably to handle fuel spills. And that was all in New Jersey. Once in PA the number was just one and that was just across the border. The amount of snow on the ground (or falling) decreased quickly. As I climbed up onto the Pocono Plateau there was virtually nothing happening. And, as I moved west of the I-81 intersection, the snow stopped completely...until I got within 30 miles of home.
I made the turn west on I-80 then north on Rt 15 with no more snow on the ground or in the air until I reached Fry's Turkey Farm. Then both the snow and wind started to increase. There were three inches of snow on the driveway with several inches more forecast for tonight and tomorrow.
Calling Terry--who is staying in Linden until Tuesday, I learned 1) there were already 3-4 inches on the ground in Linden and the worst of the storm was just arriving (10-15 forecast) and 2) Rick and Sandy's flight for Monday was canceled but they managed to get seats for Tuesday morning...out of La Guardia instead of JFK. I just hope for their sake that it gets off on time.
I made the turn west on I-80 then north on Rt 15 with no more snow on the ground or in the air until I reached Fry's Turkey Farm. Then both the snow and wind started to increase. There were three inches of snow on the driveway with several inches more forecast for tonight and tomorrow.
Calling Terry--who is staying in Linden until Tuesday, I learned 1) there were already 3-4 inches on the ground in Linden and the worst of the storm was just arriving (10-15 forecast) and 2) Rick and Sandy's flight for Monday was canceled but they managed to get seats for Tuesday morning...out of La Guardia instead of JFK. I just hope for their sake that it gets off on time.
Oh crud!
The storm that had three possible paths up the coast--far out to sea (fairly likely and producing little accumulation), a little closer (more likely with a couple of inches of snow possible) and smack dab up the sand (least likely but most threatening)--has chosen the latter.
Instead of a small to moderate snow event, we're looking at a blizzard warning in NYC that may bring 10 to 15 inches of snow and strong winds. Since Mom's home is east of the NJ Parkway and close to the city, it will be a real bitch. Snow may also spread west through the Poconos and beyond. There's some thought there may be 4 plus inches at the Aerie.
Terry and I will be bugging out of Linden soon. Jessica left for work at The Mall but expects that there may be an early closing as weather deteriorates. Rick and Sandy have an early Monday morning flight out of JFK airport back to Portland.
Instead of a small to moderate snow event, we're looking at a blizzard warning in NYC that may bring 10 to 15 inches of snow and strong winds. Since Mom's home is east of the NJ Parkway and close to the city, it will be a real bitch. Snow may also spread west through the Poconos and beyond. There's some thought there may be 4 plus inches at the Aerie.
Terry and I will be bugging out of Linden soon. Jessica left for work at The Mall but expects that there may be an early closing as weather deteriorates. Rick and Sandy have an early Monday morning flight out of JFK airport back to Portland.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas Day
Merry Christmas
Enjoy
Oh Holy Night by The Celtic Women
Santa Claus Boogie by The Tractors
Santa's Got a Brand New Bag by SheDaisy
Rudolph The Rednosed Reindeer by Gene Autry
Rusty Chevrolet by Da Yoopers
Enjoy
Oh Holy Night by The Celtic Women
Santa Claus Boogie by The Tractors
Santa's Got a Brand New Bag by SheDaisy
Rudolph The Rednosed Reindeer by Gene Autry
Rusty Chevrolet by Da Yoopers
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas!!!
I'll be heading east to New Jersey in a short while for Christmas at the MIL house as well as a stop at my sister's.
These small gatherings are a far cry from the old days when all of my Mom's side of the family would gather for Christmas Eve. As the Aunts grew older and began to pass away, and the family grew larger and larger--and more scattered, we called a halt to it all. Only one of the five sisters and one brother is still alive and family is now scattered from Connecticut to Carolina to Florida. (I don't think anyone's gone west of the Appalachians...yet.) I do miss those huge reunions though.
The weather seems to be cooperating this year and there are no ice storms or major snowfalls predicted. In past years, I ended up staying at the Aerie due to those winter afflictions. Terry made it into NJ last year and again this because she goes early to meet with her stitching friends. Of course, last year she ended up having to shovel 18 inches of snow off her Mom's driveway and sidewalk while I had a mere 2-3 inches here. This time, the snow that's forecast will be primarily off the Jersey coast on Christmas Day and again on Monday. That gives me time to sneak in today and out Sunday night.
******
Here's wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.
These small gatherings are a far cry from the old days when all of my Mom's side of the family would gather for Christmas Eve. As the Aunts grew older and began to pass away, and the family grew larger and larger--and more scattered, we called a halt to it all. Only one of the five sisters and one brother is still alive and family is now scattered from Connecticut to Carolina to Florida. (I don't think anyone's gone west of the Appalachians...yet.) I do miss those huge reunions though.
The weather seems to be cooperating this year and there are no ice storms or major snowfalls predicted. In past years, I ended up staying at the Aerie due to those winter afflictions. Terry made it into NJ last year and again this because she goes early to meet with her stitching friends. Of course, last year she ended up having to shovel 18 inches of snow off her Mom's driveway and sidewalk while I had a mere 2-3 inches here. This time, the snow that's forecast will be primarily off the Jersey coast on Christmas Day and again on Monday. That gives me time to sneak in today and out Sunday night.
******
Here's wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Time for a Smile (or two)
This has been around for a few months and could clearly use an update with a new verse covering the November 2nd results and things since. Still, as a fan of The Pirates of Penzance, I get a giggle out of this video:
******
And here's the original from G&S
******
And here's the original from G&S
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Speaking of Lunatics...
So. I hear there was a total eclipse of the moon last night. Unfortunately, it was completely overcast here at the Aerie and not one bit of it was visible. Terry got up at 3 AM to confirm that the clouds we had at 11 PM were still obscuring the view.
Lots of pictures online today from folks who were luckier than we were. Here's a bunch of nice ones: The total lunar eclipse in pictures
Then Shadow cat started her infernal yowling at 4:00 AM and forced me to get out of bed to feed her and her partners in crime. (Clouds still obscured the view of the moon.) Then, when I put the tuna and egg down for the three of them to eat, Shadow turned her nose up at it and stalked away. She's not a fan of Wegmans' brand of cat food. Ah well, more for Chester who just loves tuna in any form. Julie was lucky enough to finish hers before Chester had finished both his and Shadow's helpings.
Not satisfied with having dragged me out of bed, Shadow did her usual thing of going back to the closed bedroom door and yowling until Terry also came down stairs. At 5:15 AM.
The most annoying thing of all is that Shadow is the most antisocial of the three cats. Once she's gotten you out of bed and has been fed, she goes off to sleep in her bed--or any conveniently empty chair or box--and ignores you the rest of the day. In contrast Chester and Julie are all over Terry like white on rice all day long.
Anybody want a mostly black, pussy cat. Slightly used.
Naturally, around noon the skies cleared and the temperature rose to a whopping 30 degrees F in the afternoon. Currently (around 8 PM) the temperatures have dropped back to the low 20s and the skies remain clear. Should get to the low teens tonight. As for the remainder of the week there will be similar temperatures through Sunday. With a slight chance of some snow flurry activity on Thursday and Sunday.
Terry's heading into New Jersey for Christmas tomorrow. She'll has a couple of dates with her lady friends from SAGA and EGA lined up. I'll head in on Friday to meet her at my sister's house for Christmas Eve. Then we'll both go to Mom's house to await the arrival of my son Rick and his wife Sandy, who are flying in from Portland, Oregon, very, very early Christmas Day. They can't stay long as Sandy must be back to work on Monday morning.
I'll head back to the Aerie early Sunday morning while Terry stays with her Mom and Jessica through Monday. Terry's cousin Joe and his wife Pat will be dropping over on Monday. Terry will be coming back to the Aerie either late Monday or early Tuesday. Depends upon the weather and when Joe and Pat show up.
Lots of pictures online today from folks who were luckier than we were. Here's a bunch of nice ones: The total lunar eclipse in pictures
Then Shadow cat started her infernal yowling at 4:00 AM and forced me to get out of bed to feed her and her partners in crime. (Clouds still obscured the view of the moon.) Then, when I put the tuna and egg down for the three of them to eat, Shadow turned her nose up at it and stalked away. She's not a fan of Wegmans' brand of cat food. Ah well, more for Chester who just loves tuna in any form. Julie was lucky enough to finish hers before Chester had finished both his and Shadow's helpings.
Not satisfied with having dragged me out of bed, Shadow did her usual thing of going back to the closed bedroom door and yowling until Terry also came down stairs. At 5:15 AM.
The most annoying thing of all is that Shadow is the most antisocial of the three cats. Once she's gotten you out of bed and has been fed, she goes off to sleep in her bed--or any conveniently empty chair or box--and ignores you the rest of the day. In contrast Chester and Julie are all over Terry like white on rice all day long.
Anybody want a mostly black, pussy cat. Slightly used.
Naturally, around noon the skies cleared and the temperature rose to a whopping 30 degrees F in the afternoon. Currently (around 8 PM) the temperatures have dropped back to the low 20s and the skies remain clear. Should get to the low teens tonight. As for the remainder of the week there will be similar temperatures through Sunday. With a slight chance of some snow flurry activity on Thursday and Sunday.
Terry's heading into New Jersey for Christmas tomorrow. She'll has a couple of dates with her lady friends from SAGA and EGA lined up. I'll head in on Friday to meet her at my sister's house for Christmas Eve. Then we'll both go to Mom's house to await the arrival of my son Rick and his wife Sandy, who are flying in from Portland, Oregon, very, very early Christmas Day. They can't stay long as Sandy must be back to work on Monday morning.
I'll head back to the Aerie early Sunday morning while Terry stays with her Mom and Jessica through Monday. Terry's cousin Joe and his wife Pat will be dropping over on Monday. Terry will be coming back to the Aerie either late Monday or early Tuesday. Depends upon the weather and when Joe and Pat show up.
Monday, December 20, 2010
How Cool Is That!
The Rutgers Fight Song (The Bells Must Ring) in sync with flashing Xmas lights. Somewhere in Spring Lake, NJ.
The music can only be heard if you tune your radio to 103.9 so as to keep the annoyance level to a minimum for the neighbors' sake.
Terry and I are both RU grads (CAES or College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, now Cook College) class of '71. Terry also got her MS there in '73.
(Got it from Jimbo over at Parkway Rest Stop who is also an RU grad.)
The music can only be heard if you tune your radio to 103.9 so as to keep the annoyance level to a minimum for the neighbors' sake.
Terry and I are both RU grads (CAES or College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, now Cook College) class of '71. Terry also got her MS there in '73.
(Got it from Jimbo over at Parkway Rest Stop who is also an RU grad.)
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Christmas Bird Count
Well, we went out his morning to do our share int he Christmas Bird Count and all I can say is it was boring--very boring. Terry and I were asked to cover a couple of stretches of the Hike and Bike (or is it "Bike & Hike"?) Trail that starts behind the CVS on old Route 15 in Mansfield and runs on up through the Lambs Creek Recreation Area.
The weather was great--beautifully clear and almost no wind, temperatures were in the 20s. Still, the birds didn't cooperate. We saw only nine species at on each of the two stretches of trail we covered. Seven of the nine were common to both, so we only saw a TOTAL of 11 species--in about three hours and four miles of walking.
Here's Terry's and my lists:
Location: Mansfield Bike Path (8-9:30 AM; 2 miles walked)
Observation date: 12/18/10
Notes: Just 23 degrees F but little or no wind. Clear blue skies.
Number of species: 10
Rock Pigeon 1
Mourning Dove 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 9
Black-capped Chickadee 14
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-throated Sparrow 13
Dark-eyed Junco 10
Northern Cardinal 2
American Goldfinch 10
Location: Lambs Crk Rec Area (9:45-11:15 AM; about 2 miles walked)
We started at the gate on the boat launch road. Then walked the edge of the first hayfield (part of a cross-country track?) before returning to our car.
Observation date: 12/18/10
Notes: Clear skies. Very little breeze. Temp 25-30 degrees.
Number of species: 9
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 8
American Crow 7
Black-capped Chickadee 4
American Tree Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 8
Dark-eyed Junco 4
Northern Cardinal 2
American Goldfinch 6
After completing our walks, we gathered with others from the Tiadaghton Audubon Society to compare our mornings and to enjoy a nice, warm lunch.
The weather was great--beautifully clear and almost no wind, temperatures were in the 20s. Still, the birds didn't cooperate. We saw only nine species at on each of the two stretches of trail we covered. Seven of the nine were common to both, so we only saw a TOTAL of 11 species--in about three hours and four miles of walking.
Here's Terry's and my lists:
Location: Mansfield Bike Path (8-9:30 AM; 2 miles walked)
Observation date: 12/18/10
Notes: Just 23 degrees F but little or no wind. Clear blue skies.
Number of species: 10
Rock Pigeon 1
Mourning Dove 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 9
Black-capped Chickadee 14
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-throated Sparrow 13
Dark-eyed Junco 10
Northern Cardinal 2
American Goldfinch 10
Location: Lambs Crk Rec Area (9:45-11:15 AM; about 2 miles walked)
We started at the gate on the boat launch road. Then walked the edge of the first hayfield (part of a cross-country track?) before returning to our car.
Observation date: 12/18/10
Notes: Clear skies. Very little breeze. Temp 25-30 degrees.
Number of species: 9
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 8
American Crow 7
Black-capped Chickadee 4
American Tree Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 8
Dark-eyed Junco 4
Northern Cardinal 2
American Goldfinch 6
After completing our walks, we gathered with others from the Tiadaghton Audubon Society to compare our mornings and to enjoy a nice, warm lunch.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Teddy Bear Toss
Here's a story about a wonderful tradition practiced in the realm of minor league hockey: The Teddy Bear Toss.
There's more in the article about this act of glorious mayhem. There are a couple of videos, too. Go on and look. It will make you smile.
The Calgary Hitmen are not the only team to practice this rite. The collected stuffed critters typically benefit the children; going to hospitals, care facilities, child services, etc.
While tossing hats onto the ice when a player scores three goals might be hockey's most famous tossing tradition, it simply doesn't compare to the Technicolor grandeur of 23,096 teddy bears and other stuffed animals blanketing the rink as they did at the Calgary Hitmen game on Sunday
There's more in the article about this act of glorious mayhem. There are a couple of videos, too. Go on and look. It will make you smile.
The Calgary Hitmen are not the only team to practice this rite. The collected stuffed critters typically benefit the children; going to hospitals, care facilities, child services, etc.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
eMail of the Day, December 15, 2010
This just came in from my sister. It's been circulating around a bit but it's still good for a smile:
There. Now don't you feel better?
Subject: : Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays everyone!
As we are about to move on from the year 2010, I want to thank all of you for your educational e-mails over the past year. I am totally screwed up now and have little chance of recovery.
I no longer open a bathroom door without using a paper towel, or have the waitress put lemon slices in my ice water without worrying about the bacteria on the lemon peel.
I can't use the remote in a hotel room because I don't know what the last person was doing while flipping through the adult movie channels.
I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking one's nose.
I can't touch any woman's purse for fear she has placed it on the floor of a public bathroom.
I MUST SEND MY SPECIAL THANKS to whoever sent me the one about rat excrement in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with every envelope that needs sealing. ALSO, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.
I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl named Penny Brown who is about to die for the 1,387,258th time.
I no longer have any money, but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program.
I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St. Theresa's Novena has granted my every wish.
I can't have a drink in a bar because I'll wake up in a bathtub full of ice with my kidneys gone.
I can't eat at KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes, feet or feathers.
I can't use cancer-causing deodorants anymore, even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.
BECAUSE OF YOUR CONCERN, I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.
I no longer buy gas without taking someone along to watch the car so a serial killer doesn't crawl in my back seat when I'm filling up.
I no longer use Cling Wrap in the microwave because it causes seven different types of cancer.
AND THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face, disfiguring me for life.
I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.
And I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica, Uganda, Singapore, and Uzbekistan.
AND THANKS TO YOUR GREAT ADVICE I can't even pick up a coin dropped in the parking lot because it probably was placed there by a sex molester waiting to grab me as I bend over.
I no longer drive my car because buying gas from some companies supports Al Qaeda, and buying gas from all the others supports South American dictators.
I can't do any gardening because I'm afraid I'll get bitten by the Violin Spider and my hand will fall off.
If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, and the fleas from 120 camels will invest your back, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's best friend's beautician....
Oh, by the way.....
A German scientist from Argentina, after a lengthy study, has discovered that people with insufficient brain activity read their e-mail with their hand on the mouse.
M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S, E V E R Y B O D Y ! ! ! ! !
There. Now don't you feel better?
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Aerie Report, December 14, 2010
Not much to report this evening. The morning started at 5.5 degrees at 7:30 AM and rose all the way to 15.8 degrees at around 2 PM when the sun very briefly broke through the cloud cover that had been producing off-and-on snow showers much of the morning.
******
I sat home nursing something of a stomach bug and feeding the fireplace while Terry went down to a funeral mass this afternoon for a friend of hers from Curves and the church. A 73-year-old woman in apparent good health, she woke up with back pains last Thursday night and went to sit in her recliner. When her husband got up and went to see how she was doing, she suffered a massive heart attack and died holding his hand. Poor woman never knew what hit her.
This evening, the Ladies Guild from the Holy Child had their annual Christmas dinner in Mansfield at the Wren's Nest.
The Photography Club had its meeting tonight, but I stayed home in front of the fireplace (and near the bathroom) unsure of how my stomach was going to behave. So far, so good.
******
I was disappointed that I couldn't watch the Giants-Vikings game last night. If it had been played on Sunday when it was scheduled, it would have been on Fox here in north-central PA. Apparently only around 4 or 5 percent of the nation was able to tune it in. Guess that's what happens when dealing with last minute switches. They probably didn't figure there were Giants fans out here in the sticks.
Sorry to see Brett Farvre's streak come to an end at 297 consecutive starts, but let's be realistic. As great as his season was last year, this year he really was stinking up the field and showing his age. He may have been a Man of Iron, but there was an awful lot of rust on that throwing arm this year. His retirement should start immediately. And be irreversible.
******
I sat home nursing something of a stomach bug and feeding the fireplace while Terry went down to a funeral mass this afternoon for a friend of hers from Curves and the church. A 73-year-old woman in apparent good health, she woke up with back pains last Thursday night and went to sit in her recliner. When her husband got up and went to see how she was doing, she suffered a massive heart attack and died holding his hand. Poor woman never knew what hit her.
This evening, the Ladies Guild from the Holy Child had their annual Christmas dinner in Mansfield at the Wren's Nest.
The Photography Club had its meeting tonight, but I stayed home in front of the fireplace (and near the bathroom) unsure of how my stomach was going to behave. So far, so good.
******
I was disappointed that I couldn't watch the Giants-Vikings game last night. If it had been played on Sunday when it was scheduled, it would have been on Fox here in north-central PA. Apparently only around 4 or 5 percent of the nation was able to tune it in. Guess that's what happens when dealing with last minute switches. They probably didn't figure there were Giants fans out here in the sticks.
Sorry to see Brett Farvre's streak come to an end at 297 consecutive starts, but let's be realistic. As great as his season was last year, this year he really was stinking up the field and showing his age. He may have been a Man of Iron, but there was an awful lot of rust on that throwing arm this year. His retirement should start immediately. And be irreversible.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Look out! Here it comes!
It was 35.8 degrees just after midnight here on the Aerie's porch. Now it's 15.6 degrees and falling at 4 PM. The sky remains overcast and there have been snow flurries throughout the day. So much for our December thaw!
Accuhunch shows a large loop in the jet stream has made its way down the Mississippi to the southern tip of Florida. That promises to carry the frigid air far, far into Dixie so it may be time for you snowbirds to get your coats and sweaters out of mothballs--assuming you brought them south with you.
Accuhunch shows a large loop in the jet stream has made its way down the Mississippi to the southern tip of Florida. That promises to carry the frigid air far, far into Dixie so it may be time for you snowbirds to get your coats and sweaters out of mothballs--assuming you brought them south with you.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Aerie Report, December 12, 2010
A lazy couple of days here at the Aerie.
The sun made an appearance on Saturday and the winds died to next to nothing and things warmed up nicely. Then late in the afternoon the winds picked up and started blowing out of the south. Early Sunday the rains came and the temperatures rose to a spring-like 49 degrees. All the snow on the ground has melted with the exception of a few spots where it drifted just a wee bit more than elsewhere.
Terry was out doing a couple of Christmas parties on Saturday but couldn't make it down the hill today. Black ice formed from the packed snow coated the road at the end of the driveway and she skidded as soon as she got on it this morning. She was afraid she'd never make the curve a few hundred yards down the way so she tried to turn around and come back to the Aerie. That proved to be a no-go proposition. She ended up parking her little yellow Aveo at the hunting camp adjacent to our property. Two guys were just getting ready to go back to Lancaster and she spoke with them about her predicament. (She also learned that the entire club--10 or so guys--had managed just one buck on opening day, so I don't feel too bad about not getting one.) By one o'clock in the afternoon, with the rain and warm temperatures, we walked down and I drove it back up the hill with little difficulty.
As soon as the front moves through, the winds are supposed to swing around and come from the north again. Cold air will funnel down from Canada and we will have a high in the mid-teens on Tuesday. Accu-hunch also says there's a 50-60% chance of snow showers through Thursday.
The sun made an appearance on Saturday and the winds died to next to nothing and things warmed up nicely. Then late in the afternoon the winds picked up and started blowing out of the south. Early Sunday the rains came and the temperatures rose to a spring-like 49 degrees. All the snow on the ground has melted with the exception of a few spots where it drifted just a wee bit more than elsewhere.
Terry was out doing a couple of Christmas parties on Saturday but couldn't make it down the hill today. Black ice formed from the packed snow coated the road at the end of the driveway and she skidded as soon as she got on it this morning. She was afraid she'd never make the curve a few hundred yards down the way so she tried to turn around and come back to the Aerie. That proved to be a no-go proposition. She ended up parking her little yellow Aveo at the hunting camp adjacent to our property. Two guys were just getting ready to go back to Lancaster and she spoke with them about her predicament. (She also learned that the entire club--10 or so guys--had managed just one buck on opening day, so I don't feel too bad about not getting one.) By one o'clock in the afternoon, with the rain and warm temperatures, we walked down and I drove it back up the hill with little difficulty.
As soon as the front moves through, the winds are supposed to swing around and come from the north again. Cold air will funnel down from Canada and we will have a high in the mid-teens on Tuesday. Accu-hunch also says there's a 50-60% chance of snow showers through Thursday.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Offal Eating
We've been eating just offal the last few days.
Yesterday it was beef liver pan fried with onions and peppers, and served alongside a heap of mashed potatoes, creamed corn, and apple sauce.
Today we had Lengua. And it was good!
Actually, we only used half of the tongue.
The other half will become either this or this.
We were given the tongue (along with a bag of oxtail bones) when we purchased a quarter of a steer from a guy north of Fonda, NY. Guess the folks who purchased the rest of the critter either didn't know what to do with those parts or just didn't want 'em. Their loss.
Yesterday it was beef liver pan fried with onions and peppers, and served alongside a heap of mashed potatoes, creamed corn, and apple sauce.
Today we had Lengua. And it was good!
Actually, we only used half of the tongue.
The other half will become either this or this.
We were given the tongue (along with a bag of oxtail bones) when we purchased a quarter of a steer from a guy north of Fonda, NY. Guess the folks who purchased the rest of the critter either didn't know what to do with those parts or just didn't want 'em. Their loss.
Presidential?
WTF?
Obama can't stay for the duration of his own press conference because Michelle is waiting. Instead he leaves the podium to President Clinton--who proceeds to make a better case for the administration than Obama has.
Odd that this story from the AP doesn't bother to mention Obama's departure.
With Obama, Clinton urges Dems to back tax deal
Very weird. Is Obama over his head, or is he over his head?
Then again, he did promise to be a uniter. Now everyone is appalled by his behavior.
Obama can't stay for the duration of his own press conference because Michelle is waiting. Instead he leaves the podium to President Clinton--who proceeds to make a better case for the administration than Obama has.
Obama Ditches Tax Cut Presser After Bill Clinton Takes Control
Help Me Bubba-Wan, You’re My Only Hope
Odd that this story from the AP doesn't bother to mention Obama's departure.
With Obama, Clinton urges Dems to back tax deal
Very weird. Is Obama over his head, or is he over his head?
Then again, he did promise to be a uniter. Now everyone is appalled by his behavior.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Polish Divorce
A little humor that comes via email from my cousin in Florida.
A Polish man moved to the USA and married an American girl.
Although his English was far from perfect, they got along very well.
One day he rushed into a lawyer's office and asked him if he could arrange a divorce for him.
The lawyer said that getting a divorce would depend on the circumstances, and asked him the following questions:
Have you any grounds?
Yes, an acre and half and nice little home.
No, I mean what is the foundation of this case?
It made of concrete.
I don't think you understand. Does either of you have a real grudge?
No, we have carport, and not need one.
I mean what are your relations like?
All my relations still in Poland.
Is there any infidelity in your marriage?
We have hi-fidelity stereo and good DVD player.
Does your wife beat you up?
No, I always up before her.
Is your wife a nagger?
No, she white.
Why do you want this divorce?
She going to kill me.
What makes you think that?
I got proof.
What kind of proof?
She going to poison me. She buy a bottle at drugstore and put on shelf in bathroom.
I can read, and it say:*
*
*
*
*~~~Polish Remover~~~
Danger! Will Robinson. Danger!
Wherein I present a bit of PSA relating to electronic pickpocketing.
After viewing this I'm sure you'll be checking all your credit cards for that symbol that tells you if it is vulnerable. I did.
After viewing this I'm sure you'll be checking all your credit cards for that symbol that tells you if it is vulnerable. I did.
Winter is definitely here.
First the good news: The wind stopped slowed. It no longer howls through the trees around the Aerie. Nor does it make the whole house creak and groan as the logs put up a valiant fight against the forces of the north.
Now the bad:
When we went to bed last night the temperature was already down to 20 degrees. It had never gotten above 25 all day, however, so that was no real surprise. This morning's low at 7:30 AM was just 10.4 degrees.
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
When we went to sleep last night there was a forecast for flurries but nothing was showing on the radar over at weather.com. This morning we had another 2 inches of snow on the deck. That's close to six inches since Monday.
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Worse news:
There's a coastal storm on its way Sunday that could bring snow, sleet, or freezing rain to our neck of the woods. The forecasted track will put us in warmer temperatures but right on the edge of the rain/snow line. Could be worse. Syracuse has four (4) FEET of snow on the ground since Monday.
Even worser news:
Once the storm passes, we'll be thrust back into the deep freeze with temperatures dropping down into the single digits and winds in the 20-30 mph range.
Now the bad:
When we went to bed last night the temperature was already down to 20 degrees. It had never gotten above 25 all day, however, so that was no real surprise. This morning's low at 7:30 AM was just 10.4 degrees.
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
When we went to sleep last night there was a forecast for flurries but nothing was showing on the radar over at weather.com. This morning we had another 2 inches of snow on the deck. That's close to six inches since Monday.
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Worse news:
There's a coastal storm on its way Sunday that could bring snow, sleet, or freezing rain to our neck of the woods. The forecasted track will put us in warmer temperatures but right on the edge of the rain/snow line. Could be worse. Syracuse has four (4) FEET of snow on the ground since Monday.
Even worser news:
Once the storm passes, we'll be thrust back into the deep freeze with temperatures dropping down into the single digits and winds in the 20-30 mph range.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
The Hawk Howls
The Hawk (aka the Wind) has been howling around the Aerie the last few days. Officially it's been around 15-20 mph with gusts reaching the 35-40 mph range. Add the low temperatures (Monday's HIGH was just 30 degrees while Tuesday's was a mere 26) and it's been pretty damn cold outside.
All that wind coming out of the north-northwest off lakes Erie and Ontario have been producing considerable lake effect snow. Some areas near Buffalo, NY and Erie,PA have had over a foot of the white stuff. We here at the Aerie have had some snow squalls and flurries but not to the extend that others residing within the path of the bands have had. [UPDATE: It is reported that Randolph, NY has set a new record for snow: FOUR (4) FEET.]
Terry had to go east-northeast to Sayre, PA today for a doctors appointment and spoke with some folks from east of there who reported plows out on I-86 (the old Route 17) east of Tioga Downs to Binghamton, NY near the I-81 corridor. Several inches in an hour coupled with the wind were producing whiteout conditions.
The wind is supposed to die down in a day or so and things should get calmer. Still, the cold temperatures will remain. It should be 10 to 15 degrees below average through the weekend.
Not sure if a White Christmas is a dream or a nightmare at this point.
All that wind coming out of the north-northwest off lakes Erie and Ontario have been producing considerable lake effect snow. Some areas near Buffalo, NY and Erie,PA have had over a foot of the white stuff. We here at the Aerie have had some snow squalls and flurries but not to the extend that others residing within the path of the bands have had. [UPDATE: It is reported that Randolph, NY has set a new record for snow: FOUR (4) FEET.]
Terry had to go east-northeast to Sayre, PA today for a doctors appointment and spoke with some folks from east of there who reported plows out on I-86 (the old Route 17) east of Tioga Downs to Binghamton, NY near the I-81 corridor. Several inches in an hour coupled with the wind were producing whiteout conditions.
The wind is supposed to die down in a day or so and things should get calmer. Still, the cold temperatures will remain. It should be 10 to 15 degrees below average through the weekend.
Not sure if a White Christmas is a dream or a nightmare at this point.
HELP YOU MAKE IT TO YOUR FLIGHT
Got an email from one of our caraventure friends today. Don't think she's much interested in flying either.
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Another Wine Tasting
We hit the sauce again today.
Terry and I joined Gary and Anya at another wine tasting. This one was to a single winery on the shores of Keuka Lake just outside of Penn Yan. It included both an educational session delving into the way wine is made and the way its flavor changes as it matures from vat to barrel to bottle and an excellent selection of hors d’oeuvres and desserts. It was the Keuka Spring Vineyards' "Holiday Barrel Tasting".
Excellent wines and a fun time. We came home with a case of Chardonnay's, Merlots and whites at a sizable discount.
Terry and I joined Gary and Anya at another wine tasting. This one was to a single winery on the shores of Keuka Lake just outside of Penn Yan. It included both an educational session delving into the way wine is made and the way its flavor changes as it matures from vat to barrel to bottle and an excellent selection of hors d’oeuvres and desserts. It was the Keuka Spring Vineyards' "Holiday Barrel Tasting".
Excellent wines and a fun time. We came home with a case of Chardonnay's, Merlots and whites at a sizable discount.
College Football: Week 14 Results
There was a limited schedule this week with many of the Top 25 teams having already completed their seasons. Of those who played, there were some excellent games but few shockers. (That is, few shockers unless you count some of the routs.)
Both Oregon (12-0) and Auburn (13-0) maintained their undefeated status and will most likely be 1-2 in the BCS standings. Expect them to be facing one another in Arizona for the National Championship.
Next week promises to be an even shorter schedule. In fact, only one game is on the schedule: THE GAME between Army (6-5) and Navy (8-3). With Air Force being 8-4, all three military academies qualify for post-season bowl action for the first time in a long time.
[The three numbers for the rankings are from the AP Top 25, The Harris Coaches’ Poll, and CBSSports.com. An “NR” means that that particular poll did Not Rank the team.]
1/1/1 Oregon (12-0) The Ducks proved too much for Oregon State (5-7) as they ran wild on their way to a 37-20 victory.
2/2/2 Auburn (13-0) The Tigers continue to roll as they routed #18 South Carolina (9-4) 56-17 for the SEC Championship.
3/3/3 TCU (12-0) The Horned Frogs’ regular season is over.
4/4/4 Wisconsin (11-1) The Badgers’ regular season is finished.
5/5/5 Stanford (11-1) The Cardinal’s regular season is over.
6/6/6 Ohio State (11-1) The Buckeyes’ regular season is over.
7/7/7 Michigan State (11-1) The Spartans’ regular season is finished.
8/8/8 Arkansas (10-2) The Razorbacks’ regular season is over.
9/10/10 Boise State (11-1) The Broncos bounced back against Utah State (4-8) with a 50-14 laugher.
10/9/14 Oklahoma (11-2) The Sooners came from behind to defeat #13 Nebraska (10-3) 23-20 for the Big 12 Championship.
11/12/9 LSU (10-2) The Tigers’ regular season is finished.
12/11/11 Virginia Tech (11-2) The Hokies beat #20 Florida State (9-4) 44-33 to earn the ACC Championship.
13/13/12 Nebraska (10-3) The Cornhuskers couldn’t hold on as #10 Oklahoma (11-2) came from behind to win the Big 12 Championship Game 23-20.
14/17/15 Nevada (12-1) The Wolfpack’s earned a portion of the WAC title with a 35-17 win over Louisiana Tech (5-7). [I erroneously reported the Wolfpack’s season was over after last week.]
15/14/13 Missouri (10-2) The Tigers’ regular season is over.
16/15/16 Oklahoma State (10-2) The Cowboys’ regular season is over.
17/19/18 Alabama (9-3) The Crimson Tide’s regular season is over.
18/16/19 South Carolina (9-4) The Gamecocks were trounced by #2 Auburn (13-0) 56-17 in the SEC Championship Game.
19/18/17 Texas A&M (9-3) The Aggies regular season is over.
20/20/20 Florida State (9-4) The Seminoles were defeated 44-33 by #12 Virginia Tech (11-2) in the ACC Championship Game.
21/21/21 Utah (10-2) The Utes’ regular season is finished.
22/22/23 Mississippi State (8-4) The Bulldogs’ regular season is over.
23/24/24 West Virginia (9-3) The Mountaineers drubbed the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers (4-8) 35-14. Even so, UConn’s 19-16 win at South Florida propelled the Huskies to the BCS automatic bid.
24/23/22 Northern Illinois (10-3) The Huskies fell to Miami of Ohio (9-4) 26-21 in the MAC Championship Game on Friday night.
25/NR/NR Hawaii (10-3) The Warriors ended the season with a bang as they routed UNLV (2-11) 59-21.
NR/25/NR UCF (10-3) The Knights defeated SMU (7-6) 17-7 for the Conference USA Championship.
NR/NR/25 North Carolina State (8-4) The Wolfpack’s regular season is over.
Both Oregon (12-0) and Auburn (13-0) maintained their undefeated status and will most likely be 1-2 in the BCS standings. Expect them to be facing one another in Arizona for the National Championship.
Next week promises to be an even shorter schedule. In fact, only one game is on the schedule: THE GAME between Army (6-5) and Navy (8-3). With Air Force being 8-4, all three military academies qualify for post-season bowl action for the first time in a long time.
[The three numbers for the rankings are from the AP Top 25, The Harris Coaches’ Poll, and CBSSports.com. An “NR” means that that particular poll did Not Rank the team.]
1/1/1 Oregon (12-0) The Ducks proved too much for Oregon State (5-7) as they ran wild on their way to a 37-20 victory.
2/2/2 Auburn (13-0) The Tigers continue to roll as they routed #18 South Carolina (9-4) 56-17 for the SEC Championship.
3/3/3 TCU (12-0) The Horned Frogs’ regular season is over.
4/4/4 Wisconsin (11-1) The Badgers’ regular season is finished.
5/5/5 Stanford (11-1) The Cardinal’s regular season is over.
6/6/6 Ohio State (11-1) The Buckeyes’ regular season is over.
7/7/7 Michigan State (11-1) The Spartans’ regular season is finished.
8/8/8 Arkansas (10-2) The Razorbacks’ regular season is over.
9/10/10 Boise State (11-1) The Broncos bounced back against Utah State (4-8) with a 50-14 laugher.
10/9/14 Oklahoma (11-2) The Sooners came from behind to defeat #13 Nebraska (10-3) 23-20 for the Big 12 Championship.
11/12/9 LSU (10-2) The Tigers’ regular season is finished.
12/11/11 Virginia Tech (11-2) The Hokies beat #20 Florida State (9-4) 44-33 to earn the ACC Championship.
13/13/12 Nebraska (10-3) The Cornhuskers couldn’t hold on as #10 Oklahoma (11-2) came from behind to win the Big 12 Championship Game 23-20.
14/17/15 Nevada (12-1) The Wolfpack’s earned a portion of the WAC title with a 35-17 win over Louisiana Tech (5-7). [I erroneously reported the Wolfpack’s season was over after last week.]
15/14/13 Missouri (10-2) The Tigers’ regular season is over.
16/15/16 Oklahoma State (10-2) The Cowboys’ regular season is over.
17/19/18 Alabama (9-3) The Crimson Tide’s regular season is over.
18/16/19 South Carolina (9-4) The Gamecocks were trounced by #2 Auburn (13-0) 56-17 in the SEC Championship Game.
19/18/17 Texas A&M (9-3) The Aggies regular season is over.
20/20/20 Florida State (9-4) The Seminoles were defeated 44-33 by #12 Virginia Tech (11-2) in the ACC Championship Game.
21/21/21 Utah (10-2) The Utes’ regular season is finished.
22/22/23 Mississippi State (8-4) The Bulldogs’ regular season is over.
23/24/24 West Virginia (9-3) The Mountaineers drubbed the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers (4-8) 35-14. Even so, UConn’s 19-16 win at South Florida propelled the Huskies to the BCS automatic bid.
24/23/22 Northern Illinois (10-3) The Huskies fell to Miami of Ohio (9-4) 26-21 in the MAC Championship Game on Friday night.
25/NR/NR Hawaii (10-3) The Warriors ended the season with a bang as they routed UNLV (2-11) 59-21.
NR/25/NR UCF (10-3) The Knights defeated SMU (7-6) 17-7 for the Conference USA Championship.
NR/NR/25 North Carolina State (8-4) The Wolfpack’s regular season is over.
Road Trip 2010 Compilation
Below is a list of all the posts that had to do with the road trip Terry and I took to Alaska and points west this year. They may seem to be out of order at times, but that's only because there were times when the lack of internet connection meant that pictures and posts didn't happen until later. Each link is in order of the posts original appearance and will open in a new window.
Some of you followed along while we were on the road. Others may be coming to this for the first time. Welcome (back) to our experience.
Trailer Report, June 4, 2010
Aerie/Trailer Report, June 5, 2010
Another Leaky Faucet...and More!
Road Trip 2010: Day 1, June 9: We’re Off!
Road Trip 2010: Day 2, June 10: Across Ohio and 1/2 Indiana
Thanks for the warning! (Late though it may be.)
The City of Cleveland
Road Trip 2010: Day 3-5, June 11-13: Chicago and Through Wisconsin
Road Trip 2010: Day 6, June 14: Clearwater-St. Cloud, MN to Minot, ND
Road Trip 2010: Day 7: Minot, ND to Regina, SK
Road Trip 2010: Day 7: part 2: Critters from Minot, ND to Regina, SK
Road Trip 2010: Days 8 & 9: Regina to Edmonton, AB
Road Trip 2010: Day 10: Edmonton, AB
The Ukrainian Cultural Historical Village...in Pictures (part 1)
The Ukrainian Cultural Historical Village...in Pictures (part 2)
Fort Edmonton Park in Photos (part 1)
Fort Edmonton Park in Photos (part 2)
Fort Edmonton Park in Photos (part 3)
Fort Edmonton Parkin Photos (part 4)
Road Trip 2010: Day 11: Edmonton, AB to Dawson Creek, BC
Road Trip 2010: Days 12 & 13: Dawson Creek, BC
Road Trip 2010: Day 13: Dawson Creek, BC
*Sigh*
Road Trip 2010: Days 14 & 15: Dawson Creek, BC
More of Dawson Creek, BC
Road Trip 2010: Days 17 & 18: Ft. Nelson to Liard Hot Springs to Watson Lake
Road Trip 2010: Days 16 Dawson Creek to Ft. Nelson
Road Trip 2010: Days 17: Ft. Nelson to Liard Hot Springs
Catching up is hard to do.
Road Trip 2010: Days 17: Ft. Nelson to Liard Hot Springs to Watson Lake
Road Trip 2010: Days 18: Watson Lake to Teslin
Road Trip 2010: Days 19: Teslin to Skagway, AK
Patience, Grasshopper. All will be revealed.
Road Trip 2010: Day 19: Skagway Monday night
Road Trip 2010: Day 20: Skagway: On the White Pass & Yukon Railroad
Road Trip 2010: Day 21: Skagway: To Juneau by Sea
Road Trip 2010: Day 22: Skagway "Free Day"
Doggone It!
Road Trip 2010: Day 24 Skagway to Whitehorse
A Night at the Follies
Road Trip 2010: Day 25 Whitehorse to Destruction Bay
Road Trip 2010: Day 26 Destruction Bay to Tok, AK
Road Trip 2010: Day 27 Tok to Valdez: UPDATE
Photo changes
POST UPDATE: Train Ride Photos Posted
POST UPDATE: Ferry Ride Photos Posted
Road Trip 2010: Day 28: "Free" Day in Valdez
Road Trip 2010: Day 29: Glacier Cruise out of Valdez
Road Trip 2010: Day 30: Valdez to Mendeltna
Road Trip 2010: Day 31: Mendeltna to Anchorage
Road Trip 2010: Day 32: Anchorage
Post UPDATEs from Anchorage.
Road Trip 2010: Day 33: "Free" Day in Anchorage
Road Trip 2010: Day 33: "Free" Day in Anchorage (pt 2)
Road Trip 2010: Day 34: Anchorage to Homer
Road Trip 2010: Day 35: Halibut Fishing in Homer
Road Trip 2010: Day 36 Homer to Seward
Road Trip 2010: Day 37 (Part 1): Seward, AK
Road Trip 2010: Day 37 (Part 2): Evening Cruise
Road Trip 2010: Day 38: Seward to Houston, AK
Road Trip 2010: Day 39: Houston to Denali
Travelogue UPDATES
Road Trip 2010: Day 41: Denali to Fairbanks & North Pole
Road Trip 2010: Day 40 (Part 1): Denali National Park
Road Trip 2010: Day 40 (Part 2) Denali Park
Road Trip 2010: Day 41: Denali to Fairbanks (redoux) (Part 1)
Road Trip 2010: Day 41: Denali to Fairbanks (redoux) (Part 2)
Road Trip 2010: Day 42 Fairbanks (Part 1)
Road Trip 2010: Day 42 Fairbanks (Part 2)
Road Trip 2010: Day 43 (Still) Fairbanks
Road Trip 2010: Day 44 STILL Fairbanks (sorta)
Road Trip 2010: Day 45: Final Day in Fairbanks
Road Trip 2010: Day 46: Fairbanks to Tok
Road Trip 2010: Day 47 Tok to Destruction Bay
Road Trip 2010: Day 48: Destruction Bay to Whitehorse
Road Trip 2010: Day 49: Whitehorse
Road Trip 2010: Day 50: Whitehorse
Road Trip 2010: Days 51-54
Road Trip 2010: Day 54 (con't)
Road Trip 2010: Day 55: Dawson Creek to Prince George.
Road Trip 2010: Day 56: Prince George
Road Trip 2010: Day 56 (pt. 2): The Fraser Fort George Regional Museum
Road Trip 2010: Day 56 (pt. 3): The Museum of Railroads and Forestry
Road Trip 2010: Day 57: Prince George to Cache Creek
Road Trip 2010: Day 58: Cache Creek to Seattle (almost), WA
Road Trip 2010: Day 59: Bothel, WA to Fairview, OR
Road Trip 2010: Day 59: Portland, OR: The Evening Edition
Road Trip 2010: Day 60: Portland, OR
Road Trip 2010: Day 61: Portland, OR
Highway 37 (The Cassiar Highway) update
Road Trip 2010: Day 61: Portland, OR: The Pictures (part 1)
Road Trip 2010: Day 61: Portland, OR: The Pictures (part 2)
Road Trip 2010: Day 61: Portland, OR: The Pictures (part 3)
Road Trip 2010: Day 62: Portland, OR to Fruitland, Idaho
Road Trip 2010: Day 63: Fruitland, ID to Brigham City, UT
Road Trip 2010: Day 64: Brigham City, UT
Road Trip 2010: Day 65: Brigham City to Rawlins, WY
GOOD NEWS!!!
Road Trip 2010: Day 65: Brigham City to Rawlins, WY: The Photos
Road Trip 2010: Day 66: From Rawlins, WY to Colorado Springs, CO
Road Trip 2010: Day 67: Saturday in Colorado Springs (Part 1)
Road Trip 2010: Day 67: Saturday in Colorado Springs (Part 2)
Road Trip 2010: Day 67: Saturday in Colorado Springs (Part 3)
Road Trip 2010: Day 68: Hot Air Ballooning
Road Trip 2010: Day 69: A Day of Rest!
Road Trip 2010: Day 70: Colorado Springs to Russell, Kansas
Road Trip 2010: Day 71: Russell, KS to Columbia, MO
Road Trip 2010: Day 73: Columbia, MO to Terre Haute, IN
Road Trip 2010: Days 74-76: HOME!
Some of you followed along while we were on the road. Others may be coming to this for the first time. Welcome (back) to our experience.
Trailer Report, June 4, 2010
Aerie/Trailer Report, June 5, 2010
Another Leaky Faucet...and More!
Road Trip 2010: Day 1, June 9: We’re Off!
Road Trip 2010: Day 2, June 10: Across Ohio and 1/2 Indiana
Thanks for the warning! (Late though it may be.)
The City of Cleveland
Road Trip 2010: Day 3-5, June 11-13: Chicago and Through Wisconsin
Road Trip 2010: Day 6, June 14: Clearwater-St. Cloud, MN to Minot, ND
Road Trip 2010: Day 7: Minot, ND to Regina, SK
Road Trip 2010: Day 7: part 2: Critters from Minot, ND to Regina, SK
Road Trip 2010: Days 8 & 9: Regina to Edmonton, AB
Road Trip 2010: Day 10: Edmonton, AB
The Ukrainian Cultural Historical Village...in Pictures (part 1)
The Ukrainian Cultural Historical Village...in Pictures (part 2)
Fort Edmonton Park in Photos (part 1)
Fort Edmonton Park in Photos (part 2)
Fort Edmonton Park in Photos (part 3)
Fort Edmonton Parkin Photos (part 4)
Road Trip 2010: Day 11: Edmonton, AB to Dawson Creek, BC
Road Trip 2010: Days 12 & 13: Dawson Creek, BC
Road Trip 2010: Day 13: Dawson Creek, BC
*Sigh*
Road Trip 2010: Days 14 & 15: Dawson Creek, BC
More of Dawson Creek, BC
Road Trip 2010: Days 17 & 18: Ft. Nelson to Liard Hot Springs to Watson Lake
Road Trip 2010: Days 16 Dawson Creek to Ft. Nelson
Road Trip 2010: Days 17: Ft. Nelson to Liard Hot Springs
Catching up is hard to do.
Road Trip 2010: Days 17: Ft. Nelson to Liard Hot Springs to Watson Lake
Road Trip 2010: Days 18: Watson Lake to Teslin
Road Trip 2010: Days 19: Teslin to Skagway, AK
Patience, Grasshopper. All will be revealed.
Road Trip 2010: Day 19: Skagway Monday night
Road Trip 2010: Day 20: Skagway: On the White Pass & Yukon Railroad
Road Trip 2010: Day 21: Skagway: To Juneau by Sea
Road Trip 2010: Day 22: Skagway "Free Day"
Doggone It!
Road Trip 2010: Day 24 Skagway to Whitehorse
A Night at the Follies
Road Trip 2010: Day 25 Whitehorse to Destruction Bay
Road Trip 2010: Day 26 Destruction Bay to Tok, AK
Road Trip 2010: Day 27 Tok to Valdez: UPDATE
Photo changes
POST UPDATE: Train Ride Photos Posted
POST UPDATE: Ferry Ride Photos Posted
Road Trip 2010: Day 28: "Free" Day in Valdez
Road Trip 2010: Day 29: Glacier Cruise out of Valdez
Road Trip 2010: Day 30: Valdez to Mendeltna
Road Trip 2010: Day 31: Mendeltna to Anchorage
Road Trip 2010: Day 32: Anchorage
Post UPDATEs from Anchorage.
Road Trip 2010: Day 33: "Free" Day in Anchorage
Road Trip 2010: Day 33: "Free" Day in Anchorage (pt 2)
Road Trip 2010: Day 34: Anchorage to Homer
Road Trip 2010: Day 35: Halibut Fishing in Homer
Road Trip 2010: Day 36 Homer to Seward
Road Trip 2010: Day 37 (Part 1): Seward, AK
Road Trip 2010: Day 37 (Part 2): Evening Cruise
Road Trip 2010: Day 38: Seward to Houston, AK
Road Trip 2010: Day 39: Houston to Denali
Travelogue UPDATES
Road Trip 2010: Day 41: Denali to Fairbanks & North Pole
Road Trip 2010: Day 40 (Part 1): Denali National Park
Road Trip 2010: Day 40 (Part 2) Denali Park
Road Trip 2010: Day 41: Denali to Fairbanks (redoux) (Part 1)
Road Trip 2010: Day 41: Denali to Fairbanks (redoux) (Part 2)
Road Trip 2010: Day 42 Fairbanks (Part 1)
Road Trip 2010: Day 42 Fairbanks (Part 2)
Road Trip 2010: Day 43 (Still) Fairbanks
Road Trip 2010: Day 44 STILL Fairbanks (sorta)
Road Trip 2010: Day 45: Final Day in Fairbanks
Road Trip 2010: Day 46: Fairbanks to Tok
Road Trip 2010: Day 47 Tok to Destruction Bay
Road Trip 2010: Day 48: Destruction Bay to Whitehorse
Road Trip 2010: Day 49: Whitehorse
Road Trip 2010: Day 50: Whitehorse
Road Trip 2010: Days 51-54
Road Trip 2010: Day 54 (con't)
Road Trip 2010: Day 55: Dawson Creek to Prince George.
Road Trip 2010: Day 56: Prince George
Road Trip 2010: Day 56 (pt. 2): The Fraser Fort George Regional Museum
Road Trip 2010: Day 56 (pt. 3): The Museum of Railroads and Forestry
Road Trip 2010: Day 57: Prince George to Cache Creek
Road Trip 2010: Day 58: Cache Creek to Seattle (almost), WA
Road Trip 2010: Day 59: Bothel, WA to Fairview, OR
Road Trip 2010: Day 59: Portland, OR: The Evening Edition
Road Trip 2010: Day 60: Portland, OR
Road Trip 2010: Day 61: Portland, OR
Highway 37 (The Cassiar Highway) update
Road Trip 2010: Day 61: Portland, OR: The Pictures (part 1)
Road Trip 2010: Day 61: Portland, OR: The Pictures (part 2)
Road Trip 2010: Day 61: Portland, OR: The Pictures (part 3)
Road Trip 2010: Day 62: Portland, OR to Fruitland, Idaho
Road Trip 2010: Day 63: Fruitland, ID to Brigham City, UT
Road Trip 2010: Day 64: Brigham City, UT
Road Trip 2010: Day 65: Brigham City to Rawlins, WY
GOOD NEWS!!!
Road Trip 2010: Day 65: Brigham City to Rawlins, WY: The Photos
Road Trip 2010: Day 66: From Rawlins, WY to Colorado Springs, CO
Road Trip 2010: Day 67: Saturday in Colorado Springs (Part 1)
Road Trip 2010: Day 67: Saturday in Colorado Springs (Part 2)
Road Trip 2010: Day 67: Saturday in Colorado Springs (Part 3)
Road Trip 2010: Day 68: Hot Air Ballooning
Road Trip 2010: Day 69: A Day of Rest!
Road Trip 2010: Day 70: Colorado Springs to Russell, Kansas
Road Trip 2010: Day 71: Russell, KS to Columbia, MO
Road Trip 2010: Day 73: Columbia, MO to Terre Haute, IN
Road Trip 2010: Days 74-76: HOME!
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Aerie Report, December 04, 2010
Nada. Zip. Zilch.
That's how many deer I saw this morning while sitting out in the woods. I did see where those deer that visited the yard yesterday walked within a few feet of where I've got my seat. They seemed downright curious about that little board...or maybe they were looking for the remnants of the apple core from Thursday's snack/lunch.
What I did see was a flock of turkeys. Eight or so of the huge birds flew off the lawn of hunting cabin atop the hill and wheeled over my head before heading into the trees on the other side of the glen. Two others walked down the hill and then back up, talking to one another the entire time. The turkeys and a group of three ravens doing aerial maneuvers overhead were the excitement for the morning.
At least until the snow squall hit. At 1030, when I couldn't see more than forty to fifty yards and there was no sign of the snow ever stopping, I decided to make my way back to the Aerie for a hot cup of coffee.
There were a few shots fired within my hearing, but they were mostly more than a half mile away and all were just about sunrise. The hunting camp at the top of the hill (Jersey guys) is empty and so is the one just below the Aerie (Lancaster guys).
What the heck. Just think of all the money I'm saving on ammunition.
******
The temperature was just 25 degrees when I left the house at 0615. It rose all the way up to 30 degrees by 1300. Big whoop!
The winds blowing south-southeast over Lake Ontario produced streams of snow all along the southern shores and extending as far south as us. We were in one of those streams from around 1000 through around 1300.
When Terry went down to Mass at 1600, she found that there was virtually no snow down the bottom of the mountain. Looks like we're back to our usual winter weather. We'll get a couple of inches of snow up here, but a few hundred feet down the hill there will be nothing.
That's how many deer I saw this morning while sitting out in the woods. I did see where those deer that visited the yard yesterday walked within a few feet of where I've got my seat. They seemed downright curious about that little board...or maybe they were looking for the remnants of the apple core from Thursday's snack/lunch.
What I did see was a flock of turkeys. Eight or so of the huge birds flew off the lawn of hunting cabin atop the hill and wheeled over my head before heading into the trees on the other side of the glen. Two others walked down the hill and then back up, talking to one another the entire time. The turkeys and a group of three ravens doing aerial maneuvers overhead were the excitement for the morning.
At least until the snow squall hit. At 1030, when I couldn't see more than forty to fifty yards and there was no sign of the snow ever stopping, I decided to make my way back to the Aerie for a hot cup of coffee.
There were a few shots fired within my hearing, but they were mostly more than a half mile away and all were just about sunrise. The hunting camp at the top of the hill (Jersey guys) is empty and so is the one just below the Aerie (Lancaster guys).
What the heck. Just think of all the money I'm saving on ammunition.
******
The temperature was just 25 degrees when I left the house at 0615. It rose all the way up to 30 degrees by 1300. Big whoop!
The winds blowing south-southeast over Lake Ontario produced streams of snow all along the southern shores and extending as far south as us. We were in one of those streams from around 1000 through around 1300.
When Terry went down to Mass at 1600, she found that there was virtually no snow down the bottom of the mountain. Looks like we're back to our usual winter weather. We'll get a couple of inches of snow up here, but a few hundred feet down the hill there will be nothing.
Friday, December 03, 2010
Aerie Report, December 03, 2010
Okay, yesterday, Thursday, I got up early to go out into the woods. As I prepared a cup of coffee, I peeked out the kitchen window to see if the bird feeders were still in place. They were. I sat, ate breakfast with Terry, whom the cats had gone and awakened, and made my way out the other side of the house and on up the trail.
As I got to the upper driveway (I've got two because it's two separate, subdivided parcels) I spotted a bear track in the inch of snow we had received Wednesday afternoon. I didn't think anything of it since black bears are 1) loud creatures and I heard nothing; 2) shy creatures who would sooner run than fight; 3) I had my Remington .270 in my hands.
I got to my seat just as official shooting hours began (around 6:45 AM), brushed off as much snow as I could and sat down on my plastic covered heat-in-a-seat cushion and started to wait. It was just 23 degrees and there was a slight breeze blowing in my face from the west, but I was dressed warmly and was comfortable. My butt was warmed by the magical action of the plastic seat and all was well with the world.
I listened to the trickle of water from the heavy rains on Tuesday and Tuesday night as it ran down the hillside in little rills. I listened to the chickadees and crows and blue jays. I listened to the rustle of the beech leaves on the trees. And all the time I scanned the hillside for some brown movement that wasn't leaves.
I started to slide on the snow/ice covered particle board seat. I started to feel sleepy and actually would have dozed off a couple of times but for the threat of sliding right off my seat. Around 10 AM, having seen nothing of Odocoileus virginianus and having already snacked on apples and Snickers bites, I decided to walk around a little. A half hour later I returned to my seat having covered several likely paths and spotting no deer tracks. I ate my sandwich. And then, when the clouds plotted to obscure the sun, I decided to call it a day and returned to the Aerie.
Back at the cabin, I discovered that the bird feeders were down, the tray feeder on its side and the shepherds crooks bent down nearly 45 degrees from vertical. I found the two plastic and metal stick feeders--and all their parts--and set the tray feeder back upright. Those bear tracks I had seen were from the bruin that had wrecked the feeders. It must have done so while Terry and I were eating breakfast at the table just a few yards away. Brazen bruin!
******
This morning I opted to sleep in. I was tired, I hadn't seen a deer track. It wasn't bear season any longer. It was 19 degrees overnight and we had some light snow flurries throughout the morning. I can make up more excuses if you'd like.
I lit a fire in the fireplace to warm the house up and conserve some of the propane we had delivered Tuesday morning. (At $2.20 a gallon and having just over 250 gallons delivered.... Well that's why I was cutting wood last spring.) I set up the humidifier to take care of the 36% relative humidity inside the house. Not good for the wood or the nasal passages.
I composed the annual Christmas Letter to be included with our cards Terry was addressing in the other room. I surfed the web. I watched the clouds clear and the sun warm the porch side of the cabin to all of 31 degrees.
Just before dark this evening, I got up to look out the side door to where the bird feeders used to hang. And there were two deer. A doe and a yearling--also a female-- were licking up the sunflower seeds the bear had spilled the other day. Terry and I stood watching them and talking in our normal tones as they deer occasionally would look in the window and cock their ears in our direction. They KNEW I didn't have a doe tag. They KNEW! Five minutes went by and finally, I opened the sliding door to step onto the porch. The WALKED away and stopped on the other side of the power line right of way. They stood and looked at me--just 30 yards away. Then they started to walk into the woods and lop around. That's when I saw the third deer. Thankfully it too was a doe or I would have truly freaked--my loaded rifle was on the other side of the house.
So, yesterday a bear while eating breakfast. Today three does at dinner time. What's in store for tomorrow? Lions? This is Pennsylvania and although the mountain lion is no longer present in our woods (wink, wink) that's still a possibility. Or maybe something a little tamer. Say a pack of coyotes. Haven't heard any of those for a while.
******
I'll be going back out tomorrow morning at 0630 in the hopes that the weekend will bring a few more hunters out. It's been lonely the last two days. The camp down the hill is empty of the eight or so guys who were up from Lancaster area. And there have been very few shots fired within hearing range. Certainly nothing close enough that I would stop and stand looking in that direction for any deer that might have been missed/spooked as I would do in New Jersey.
As I got to the upper driveway (I've got two because it's two separate, subdivided parcels) I spotted a bear track in the inch of snow we had received Wednesday afternoon. I didn't think anything of it since black bears are 1) loud creatures and I heard nothing; 2) shy creatures who would sooner run than fight; 3) I had my Remington .270 in my hands.
I got to my seat just as official shooting hours began (around 6:45 AM), brushed off as much snow as I could and sat down on my plastic covered heat-in-a-seat cushion and started to wait. It was just 23 degrees and there was a slight breeze blowing in my face from the west, but I was dressed warmly and was comfortable. My butt was warmed by the magical action of the plastic seat and all was well with the world.
I listened to the trickle of water from the heavy rains on Tuesday and Tuesday night as it ran down the hillside in little rills. I listened to the chickadees and crows and blue jays. I listened to the rustle of the beech leaves on the trees. And all the time I scanned the hillside for some brown movement that wasn't leaves.
I started to slide on the snow/ice covered particle board seat. I started to feel sleepy and actually would have dozed off a couple of times but for the threat of sliding right off my seat. Around 10 AM, having seen nothing of Odocoileus virginianus and having already snacked on apples and Snickers bites, I decided to walk around a little. A half hour later I returned to my seat having covered several likely paths and spotting no deer tracks. I ate my sandwich. And then, when the clouds plotted to obscure the sun, I decided to call it a day and returned to the Aerie.
Back at the cabin, I discovered that the bird feeders were down, the tray feeder on its side and the shepherds crooks bent down nearly 45 degrees from vertical. I found the two plastic and metal stick feeders--and all their parts--and set the tray feeder back upright. Those bear tracks I had seen were from the bruin that had wrecked the feeders. It must have done so while Terry and I were eating breakfast at the table just a few yards away. Brazen bruin!
******
This morning I opted to sleep in. I was tired, I hadn't seen a deer track. It wasn't bear season any longer. It was 19 degrees overnight and we had some light snow flurries throughout the morning. I can make up more excuses if you'd like.
I lit a fire in the fireplace to warm the house up and conserve some of the propane we had delivered Tuesday morning. (At $2.20 a gallon and having just over 250 gallons delivered.... Well that's why I was cutting wood last spring.) I set up the humidifier to take care of the 36% relative humidity inside the house. Not good for the wood or the nasal passages.
I composed the annual Christmas Letter to be included with our cards Terry was addressing in the other room. I surfed the web. I watched the clouds clear and the sun warm the porch side of the cabin to all of 31 degrees.
Just before dark this evening, I got up to look out the side door to where the bird feeders used to hang. And there were two deer. A doe and a yearling--also a female-- were licking up the sunflower seeds the bear had spilled the other day. Terry and I stood watching them and talking in our normal tones as they deer occasionally would look in the window and cock their ears in our direction. They KNEW I didn't have a doe tag. They KNEW! Five minutes went by and finally, I opened the sliding door to step onto the porch. The WALKED away and stopped on the other side of the power line right of way. They stood and looked at me--just 30 yards away. Then they started to walk into the woods and lop around. That's when I saw the third deer. Thankfully it too was a doe or I would have truly freaked--my loaded rifle was on the other side of the house.
So, yesterday a bear while eating breakfast. Today three does at dinner time. What's in store for tomorrow? Lions? This is Pennsylvania and although the mountain lion is no longer present in our woods (wink, wink) that's still a possibility. Or maybe something a little tamer. Say a pack of coyotes. Haven't heard any of those for a while.
******
I'll be going back out tomorrow morning at 0630 in the hopes that the weekend will bring a few more hunters out. It's been lonely the last two days. The camp down the hill is empty of the eight or so guys who were up from Lancaster area. And there have been very few shots fired within hearing range. Certainly nothing close enough that I would stop and stand looking in that direction for any deer that might have been missed/spooked as I would do in New Jersey.
Sleigh Bells Ring....
From this report at Watts Up With That? it would seem that Great Britain is in for a Dickens of a Christmas season.
Happened last year, too.
Oh. And a hearty, "Bah! Humbug!" to the AGW crowd.
Happened last year, too.
Oh. And a hearty, "Bah! Humbug!" to the AGW crowd.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Turnabout...
Jeeze!
Not long after I posted about the warm, rainy weather, the wind shifted (at least I think it did--the clouds preclude my seeing the windmills across the way) and the temperature started to fall. By 10:30 it was under 40 degrees and the rain was mixing with first sleet then snow. By noon it was 36 and all snow. The Elmira station weather dude is saying we may get a couple of inches before it ends late this afternoon/early this evening. The front deck is already covered.
December is making one heck of an entrance!
At least I'm not in Spokane, Washington where they got 5 inches of snow over night---on top of the 25 inches that were already on the ground. Too much, too soon.
Not long after I posted about the warm, rainy weather, the wind shifted (at least I think it did--the clouds preclude my seeing the windmills across the way) and the temperature started to fall. By 10:30 it was under 40 degrees and the rain was mixing with first sleet then snow. By noon it was 36 and all snow. The Elmira station weather dude is saying we may get a couple of inches before it ends late this afternoon/early this evening. The front deck is already covered.
December is making one heck of an entrance!
At least I'm not in Spokane, Washington where they got 5 inches of snow over night---on top of the 25 inches that were already on the ground. Too much, too soon.
Even a Broken Clock....
The weather guessers got it right!
It started raining here around 8:30 AM Tuesday. It's been falling ever since and promises to continue much of today. I had pulled the rain gauge when the temperatures fell below freezing a few weeks ago so I've no idea how much rain has fallen at the Aerie but suffice to say it's been a lot!
While the rain has been falling, the temperatures have been rising. We watched the thermometer go up slowly but steadily during the entire day despite the howling winds (20-plus mph with gusts much higher) we experienced. The highest readings (54 degrees) occurred as we went to bed at 10 PM. It continued to rise over night and was 58 degrees this morning at 7 AM. The temperature won't stay that high for long, however. The forecast is for 26 degree lows tonight with some of this rain turning to snow. It's already snowing int he western portions of the state with the dividing line somewhere around State College and west of the Allegheny National Forest.
I feel a little sorry for those guys who took the week off to spend it at their hunting camps. It's not been fit weather for man or beast out there. However, it didn't stop Mister (or perhaps Mrs.) Bruin from making a visit and tearing down the three bird feeders I had hanging from the shepherds crooks. The two sunflower seed holders just needed to be put back together but the thistle feeder needs a new hanger. The cheap plastic hook was snapped in two.
It started raining here around 8:30 AM Tuesday. It's been falling ever since and promises to continue much of today. I had pulled the rain gauge when the temperatures fell below freezing a few weeks ago so I've no idea how much rain has fallen at the Aerie but suffice to say it's been a lot!
While the rain has been falling, the temperatures have been rising. We watched the thermometer go up slowly but steadily during the entire day despite the howling winds (20-plus mph with gusts much higher) we experienced. The highest readings (54 degrees) occurred as we went to bed at 10 PM. It continued to rise over night and was 58 degrees this morning at 7 AM. The temperature won't stay that high for long, however. The forecast is for 26 degree lows tonight with some of this rain turning to snow. It's already snowing int he western portions of the state with the dividing line somewhere around State College and west of the Allegheny National Forest.
I feel a little sorry for those guys who took the week off to spend it at their hunting camps. It's not been fit weather for man or beast out there. However, it didn't stop Mister (or perhaps Mrs.) Bruin from making a visit and tearing down the three bird feeders I had hanging from the shepherds crooks. The two sunflower seed holders just needed to be put back together but the thistle feeder needs a new hanger. The cheap plastic hook was snapped in two.
Monday, November 29, 2010
College Football: Week 14 Polls and Opponents
Most teams have wrapped up their regular season with just a few regular season games yet to be played, but there are several conference championships on tap this weekend. In the SEC, #2 Auburn faces #18 South Carolina. The Big 12 sees #10 Oklahoma pitted against #13 Nebraska. And the ACC will have #12 Virginia Tech against #20 Florida State. #24 Northern Illinois faces Miami of Ohio for the MAC title and UCF will go against SMU for the Conference USA crown.
[The three numbers for the rankings are from the AP Top 25, The Harris Coaches’ Poll, and CBSSports.com. An “NR” means that that particular poll did Not Rank the team.]
1/1/1 Oregon (11-0) The Ducks play at Oregon State (5-6) in their regular season finale.
2/2/2 Auburn (12-0) The Tigers will face #18 South Carolina (9-3) for the SEC Championship.
3/3/3 TCU (12-0) The Horned Frogs’ regular season is over.
4/4/4 Wisconsin (11-1) The Badgers’ regular season is finished.
5/5/5 Stanford (11-1) The Cardinal’s regular season is over.
6/6/6 Ohio State (11-1) The Buckeyes’ regular season is over.
7/7/7 Michigan State (11-1) The Spartans’ regular season is finished.
8/8/8 Arkansas (10-2) The Razorbacks’ regular season is over.
9/10/10 Boise State (10-1) The Broncos host Utah State (4-7) in their regular season finale.
10/9/14 Oklahoma (10-2) The Sooners will face #13 Nebraska (10-2) for the Big 12 Championship.
11/12/9 LSU (10-2) The Tigers’ regular season is finished.
12/11/11 Virginia Tech (10-2) The Hokies will square off against #20 Florida State (9-3) in the ACC Championship Game
13/13/12 Nebraska (10-2) The Cornhuskers will play #10 Oklahoma (10-2) in the Big 12 Championship Game.
14/17/15 Nevada (11-1) The Wolfpack’s regular season is finished.
15/14/13 Missouri (10-2) The Tigers’ regular season is over.
16/15/16 Oklahoma State (10-2) The Cowboys’ regular season is over.
17/19/18 Alabama (9-3) The Crimson Tide’s regular season is over.
18/16/19 South Carolina (9-3) The Gamecocks will face #2 Auburn (12-0) in the SEC Championship Game.
19/18/17 Texas A&M (9-3) The Aggies regular season is over.
20/20/20 Florida State (9-3) The Seminoles will face #12 Virginia Tech (10-2) in the ACC Championship Game.
21/21/21 Utah (10-2) The Utes’ regular season is finished.
22/22/23 Mississippi State (8-4) The Bulldogs’ regular season is over.
23/24/24 West Virginia (8-3) The Mountaineers will host the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers (4-7) in their season finale.
24/23/22 Northern Illinois (10-2) The Huskies face Miami of Ohio (8-4) for the MAC Championship on Friday night.
25/NR/NR Hawaii (9-3) The Warriors will play UNLV (2-10) at home in their regular season finale.
NR/25/NR UCF (9-3) The Knights will face SMU (7-5) for the Conference USA Championship.
NR/NR/25 North Carolina State (8-4) The Wolfpack’s regular season is over.
[The three numbers for the rankings are from the AP Top 25, The Harris Coaches’ Poll, and CBSSports.com. An “NR” means that that particular poll did Not Rank the team.]
1/1/1 Oregon (11-0) The Ducks play at Oregon State (5-6) in their regular season finale.
2/2/2 Auburn (12-0) The Tigers will face #18 South Carolina (9-3) for the SEC Championship.
3/3/3 TCU (12-0) The Horned Frogs’ regular season is over.
4/4/4 Wisconsin (11-1) The Badgers’ regular season is finished.
5/5/5 Stanford (11-1) The Cardinal’s regular season is over.
6/6/6 Ohio State (11-1) The Buckeyes’ regular season is over.
7/7/7 Michigan State (11-1) The Spartans’ regular season is finished.
8/8/8 Arkansas (10-2) The Razorbacks’ regular season is over.
9/10/10 Boise State (10-1) The Broncos host Utah State (4-7) in their regular season finale.
10/9/14 Oklahoma (10-2) The Sooners will face #13 Nebraska (10-2) for the Big 12 Championship.
11/12/9 LSU (10-2) The Tigers’ regular season is finished.
12/11/11 Virginia Tech (10-2) The Hokies will square off against #20 Florida State (9-3) in the ACC Championship Game
13/13/12 Nebraska (10-2) The Cornhuskers will play #10 Oklahoma (10-2) in the Big 12 Championship Game.
14/17/15 Nevada (11-1) The Wolfpack’s regular season is finished.
15/14/13 Missouri (10-2) The Tigers’ regular season is over.
16/15/16 Oklahoma State (10-2) The Cowboys’ regular season is over.
17/19/18 Alabama (9-3) The Crimson Tide’s regular season is over.
18/16/19 South Carolina (9-3) The Gamecocks will face #2 Auburn (12-0) in the SEC Championship Game.
19/18/17 Texas A&M (9-3) The Aggies regular season is over.
20/20/20 Florida State (9-3) The Seminoles will face #12 Virginia Tech (10-2) in the ACC Championship Game.
21/21/21 Utah (10-2) The Utes’ regular season is finished.
22/22/23 Mississippi State (8-4) The Bulldogs’ regular season is over.
23/24/24 West Virginia (8-3) The Mountaineers will host the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers (4-7) in their season finale.
24/23/22 Northern Illinois (10-2) The Huskies face Miami of Ohio (8-4) for the MAC Championship on Friday night.
25/NR/NR Hawaii (9-3) The Warriors will play UNLV (2-10) at home in their regular season finale.
NR/25/NR UCF (9-3) The Knights will face SMU (7-5) for the Conference USA Championship.
NR/NR/25 North Carolina State (8-4) The Wolfpack’s regular season is over.
PA "Holiday"
Monday was Pennsylvania's Unofficial State Holiday.
Yeah, that's right. It was opening day of the deer season. And here, in the clingers' section of Pennsylvania, they even close the schools.
I woke at 5:30 AM to have some breakfast and gear up before heading out to sit in the woods. Just 27 degrees and quite windy when I set out, clear skies and lots of sunshine meant it was to reach 42 degrees by mid-afternoon. Unfortunately, the wind never let up and the hillside and trees kept me in the shade until nearly noon. Luckily, I had dressed in several layers and my insulated boots kept me warm while I waited...and waited...and waited some more.
The waiting was a practice in futility. I never saw a deer of either sex let alone one of shootin' size. (The area I'm in requires at least three legal points--that's one inch long--on one side.) In fact, I didn't hear much shootin' taking place anywhere near me. The closest shots seemed to be at least 1/4 to 1/2 mile away. (The wind made it difficult to judge distances of sounds. Yeah, sound can be blown away or toward you almost like it was a solid material.)
Oh well, there's always tomorrow. Or not.
I noticed that the sky became filled with cirrus clouds (Mare's Tails) as the afternoon wore on. Those clouds are supposed to mean rain within 24 hours. And that's what the forecasters are saying. Showers will begin sometime in the morning--most likely around 9 AM. By the afternoon it will (they say) be raining hard. And that will continue through Tuesday night and on into Wednesday. There are even flood warnings out for the Northern and Southern Tiers. Good thing the PA deer season runs two weeks.
Yeah, that's right. It was opening day of the deer season. And here, in the clingers' section of Pennsylvania, they even close the schools.
I woke at 5:30 AM to have some breakfast and gear up before heading out to sit in the woods. Just 27 degrees and quite windy when I set out, clear skies and lots of sunshine meant it was to reach 42 degrees by mid-afternoon. Unfortunately, the wind never let up and the hillside and trees kept me in the shade until nearly noon. Luckily, I had dressed in several layers and my insulated boots kept me warm while I waited...and waited...and waited some more.
The waiting was a practice in futility. I never saw a deer of either sex let alone one of shootin' size. (The area I'm in requires at least three legal points--that's one inch long--on one side.) In fact, I didn't hear much shootin' taking place anywhere near me. The closest shots seemed to be at least 1/4 to 1/2 mile away. (The wind made it difficult to judge distances of sounds. Yeah, sound can be blown away or toward you almost like it was a solid material.)
Oh well, there's always tomorrow. Or not.
I noticed that the sky became filled with cirrus clouds (Mare's Tails) as the afternoon wore on. Those clouds are supposed to mean rain within 24 hours. And that's what the forecasters are saying. Showers will begin sometime in the morning--most likely around 9 AM. By the afternoon it will (they say) be raining hard. And that will continue through Tuesday night and on into Wednesday. There are even flood warnings out for the Northern and Southern Tiers. Good thing the PA deer season runs two weeks.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
College Football: Week 13 Results
What a weekend! Lots happened in the college football world between last Wednesday and Sunday. #1 Oregon outscored #20 Arizona, #2 Auburn edged #9 Alabama by a single point, #3 Boise State lost in OT to #19 Nevada, #6 LSU lost to #12 Arkansas, and #10 Oklahoma State fell to #14 Oklahoma among others. Could be a whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on in the rankings this afternoon.
[The three numbers for the rankings are from the AP Top 25, The Harris Coaches’ Poll, and CBSSports.com. An “NR” means that that particular poll did Not Rank the team.]
1/1/1 Oregon (11-0) The Ducks outscored the #20 Arizona Wildcats (7-4) on Friday 48-29 to remain undefeated.
2/2/2 Auburn (12-0) The Tigers fell behind 24-0 midway through the second quarter Friday and it looked like they were going down. But there was lots of time and a Cameron Newton on their side. Auburn managed to climb out of the hole they had dug to edge #9 Alabama (9-3) 28-27.
3/3/3 Boise State (10-1) The Broncos touted run defense got pawned by #19 Nevada (11-1) as the Wolf Pack ran wild in the second half gaining 239 yards on the ground (as opposed to a mere 8 for the Broncos). Still, it took a missed field goal at the end of regulation and another in overtime play for the 14-point underdog Nevada team to emerge victorious 34-31.
4/4/4 TCU (12-0) The Horned Frogs did what they had to do in an impressive 66-17 win over New Mexico (1-11).
5/5/5 Wisconsin (11-1) The big news is that the Badgers didn’t score in the fourth quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats (7-5), but that’s okay. They had already racked up 70 points to win 70-23. The third time this year Wisconsin had 70 or more points.
6/6/7 LSU (10-2) The Tigers fell to the #12 Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2) 31-23.
7/8/6 Stanford (11-1) The Cardinal shut out the Beavers of Oregon State (5-6) by a score of 38-0 .
8/7/8 Ohio State (11-1) The Buckeyes laid it to the Michigan Wolverines (7-5) 37-7.
9/11/10 Alabama (9-3) The Tide lost to #2 Auburn (12-0) Friday 28-27 despite jumping out to a 24-0 lead in the first half.
10/9/9 Oklahoma State (10-2) The Cowboys fell to their intrastate rival, #15 Oklahoma (10-2)…again. This time it was 47-41.
11/10/11 Michigan State (11-1) The Spartans held back a surging Penn State (7-5) to earn a 28-22 victory and a share of the Big 10 title.
12/12/12 Arkansas (10-2) The Razorbacks downed the #6 LSU Tigers (10-2) 31-23.
13/14/13 Virginia Tech (10-2) The Hokies routed Virginia (4-8) 37-7.
14/13/15 Oklahoma (10-2) The Sooners upset the #10 Oklahoma State Cowboys (10-2) 47-41 to create a tie for the Big 12 South title.
15/16/14 Missouri (10-2) The Tigers mauled the Kansas Jayhawks (3-9) 35-7.
16/15/17 Nebraska (10-2) The Cornhuskers skinned the Colorado Buffaloes (5-7) on Friday 45-17.
17/18/16 Texas A&M (9-3) The Aggies beat Texas (5-7) on Thanksgiving Day, 24-17.
18/17/18 South Carolina (9-3) The Gamecocks spotted the Clemson Tigers (6-7) a touchdown but yielded nothing else for the rest of the game as USC (east) came up with a 29-7 victory.
19/19/19 Nevada (11-1) The Wolf Pack edged the #3 Boise State Broncos (10-1). When the immovable object (Boise run defense) meets the ultimate movable object (Nevada’s rushing offense) what happens? An overtime game, that’s what. Nevada gained little in the first half but in the second…WHOA MOMMA! 239 yards on the ground. Then two missed FGs my Boise (one in regulation and another in overtime) sealed the deal, 34-31 Nevada.
20/20/NR Arizona (7-4) The Wildcats fell to the #1 Oregon Ducks (11-0) 48-29.
21/23/21 North Carolina State (8-4) The Wolfpack lost to the Maryland Terrapins (8-4) 38-31.
22/21/22 Florida State (9-3) The Seminoles routed Florida (7-5) 31-7.
23/22/20 Utah (10-2) The Utes scored all their points in the fourth quarter in a come from behind effort to edge Brigham Young (6-6) 17-16. A blocked field goal in the final seconds sealed the deal.
24/24/NR Iowa (7-5) The Hawkeyes lost again. This time the Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-9) took them down 27-24.
25/25/24 Mississippi State (8-4) The Bulldogs defeated Mississippi (4-8) 31-23.
NR/NR/23 Northern Illinois (10-2) The Huskies demolished Eastern Michigan (2-10) on Friday 71-3.
NR/NR/25 West Virginia (6-3) The Mountaineers downed the Pittsburgh Panthers (6-5) on Friday 35-10.
And, last but not least—well, okay, maybe least, the Akron Zips (1-11) got their first win of the year in their final game of the year as they beat the Buffalo Bulls (2-10) 22-14.
[The three numbers for the rankings are from the AP Top 25, The Harris Coaches’ Poll, and CBSSports.com. An “NR” means that that particular poll did Not Rank the team.]
1/1/1 Oregon (11-0) The Ducks outscored the #20 Arizona Wildcats (7-4) on Friday 48-29 to remain undefeated.
2/2/2 Auburn (12-0) The Tigers fell behind 24-0 midway through the second quarter Friday and it looked like they were going down. But there was lots of time and a Cameron Newton on their side. Auburn managed to climb out of the hole they had dug to edge #9 Alabama (9-3) 28-27.
3/3/3 Boise State (10-1) The Broncos touted run defense got pawned by #19 Nevada (11-1) as the Wolf Pack ran wild in the second half gaining 239 yards on the ground (as opposed to a mere 8 for the Broncos). Still, it took a missed field goal at the end of regulation and another in overtime play for the 14-point underdog Nevada team to emerge victorious 34-31.
4/4/4 TCU (12-0) The Horned Frogs did what they had to do in an impressive 66-17 win over New Mexico (1-11).
5/5/5 Wisconsin (11-1) The big news is that the Badgers didn’t score in the fourth quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats (7-5), but that’s okay. They had already racked up 70 points to win 70-23. The third time this year Wisconsin had 70 or more points.
6/6/7 LSU (10-2) The Tigers fell to the #12 Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2) 31-23.
7/8/6 Stanford (11-1) The Cardinal shut out the Beavers of Oregon State (5-6) by a score of 38-0 .
8/7/8 Ohio State (11-1) The Buckeyes laid it to the Michigan Wolverines (7-5) 37-7.
9/11/10 Alabama (9-3) The Tide lost to #2 Auburn (12-0) Friday 28-27 despite jumping out to a 24-0 lead in the first half.
10/9/9 Oklahoma State (10-2) The Cowboys fell to their intrastate rival, #15 Oklahoma (10-2)…again. This time it was 47-41.
11/10/11 Michigan State (11-1) The Spartans held back a surging Penn State (7-5) to earn a 28-22 victory and a share of the Big 10 title.
12/12/12 Arkansas (10-2) The Razorbacks downed the #6 LSU Tigers (10-2) 31-23.
13/14/13 Virginia Tech (10-2) The Hokies routed Virginia (4-8) 37-7.
14/13/15 Oklahoma (10-2) The Sooners upset the #10 Oklahoma State Cowboys (10-2) 47-41 to create a tie for the Big 12 South title.
15/16/14 Missouri (10-2) The Tigers mauled the Kansas Jayhawks (3-9) 35-7.
16/15/17 Nebraska (10-2) The Cornhuskers skinned the Colorado Buffaloes (5-7) on Friday 45-17.
17/18/16 Texas A&M (9-3) The Aggies beat Texas (5-7) on Thanksgiving Day, 24-17.
18/17/18 South Carolina (9-3) The Gamecocks spotted the Clemson Tigers (6-7) a touchdown but yielded nothing else for the rest of the game as USC (east) came up with a 29-7 victory.
19/19/19 Nevada (11-1) The Wolf Pack edged the #3 Boise State Broncos (10-1). When the immovable object (Boise run defense) meets the ultimate movable object (Nevada’s rushing offense) what happens? An overtime game, that’s what. Nevada gained little in the first half but in the second…WHOA MOMMA! 239 yards on the ground. Then two missed FGs my Boise (one in regulation and another in overtime) sealed the deal, 34-31 Nevada.
20/20/NR Arizona (7-4) The Wildcats fell to the #1 Oregon Ducks (11-0) 48-29.
21/23/21 North Carolina State (8-4) The Wolfpack lost to the Maryland Terrapins (8-4) 38-31.
22/21/22 Florida State (9-3) The Seminoles routed Florida (7-5) 31-7.
23/22/20 Utah (10-2) The Utes scored all their points in the fourth quarter in a come from behind effort to edge Brigham Young (6-6) 17-16. A blocked field goal in the final seconds sealed the deal.
24/24/NR Iowa (7-5) The Hawkeyes lost again. This time the Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-9) took them down 27-24.
25/25/24 Mississippi State (8-4) The Bulldogs defeated Mississippi (4-8) 31-23.
NR/NR/23 Northern Illinois (10-2) The Huskies demolished Eastern Michigan (2-10) on Friday 71-3.
NR/NR/25 West Virginia (6-3) The Mountaineers downed the Pittsburgh Panthers (6-5) on Friday 35-10.
And, last but not least—well, okay, maybe least, the Akron Zips (1-11) got their first win of the year in their final game of the year as they beat the Buffalo Bulls (2-10) 22-14.
Friday, November 26, 2010
I Didn't Know That
Under the heading of "I didn't know that" is this from a post by guest poster Ron at the Grouchy Old Cripple's site.
He goes into more detail so be sure to go read the whole thing.
It's time for change.
HERE ARE ALL THE DEVELOPED NATIONS OF THE WORLD THAT OFFER BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP TO THE BABIES OF TOURISTS AND ILLEGAL ALIENS:
1. United States
That's right, every other modern developed nation in the world has gotten rid of birthright citizenship policies. Yet, most of U.S. news media and politicians the last two weeks have ridiculed the comments by some other politicians that it is time for the U.S. to put an end to birthright citizenship for tourists and illegal aliens.
Folks, sadly, the U.S. stands alone.
He goes into more detail so be sure to go read the whole thing.
It's time for change.
Post Thanksgiving Report, November 26, 2010
Got up (very) early on Thursday morning to feed the cats and head for New Jersey for Thanksgiving. I was traveling extra early because the weather forecast for the Rout 15 corridor was for snow, sleet and freezing rain starting around 8 AM. I was on the road by 4:45 AM and in Linden, NJ just in time to catch the 9 AM start of the Macy's Parade show.
In attendance at Grandma's house were my daughter, Jessica, who lives there; Terry, who had gone in on Tuesday to assist with preparations; and nephew Brian and his fiancee Vicky, who had flown in from Milwaukee.
We gathered in the TV room and watched the parade. It may have started as a commercial promotion for Macy's but it's become even worse since way back when. The number of Broadway shows, and NBC television that were pushed and the number of B-list entertainers highlighted was obnoxiously high. The TV coverage didn't pay enough attention to the balloons for which the parade is famous.
After Santa Claus made his appearance at the conclusion of the parade, we settled around the table for a feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, asparagus, kernel corn, stuffing, and gravy. We followed with apple, pumpkin, and pecan pie. Our meal began with a toast while we sipped some asti. When the asti was gone, we opened a bottle of Riesling. And all was good with the world.
When the meal was finished, the turkey was not the only thing that was stuffed. A condition which makes this After Thanksgiving Meal Poem.... found at Theo Sparks' place very appropriate.
Then it was time to sit back and watch some football (rooting against the Cowboys and the Patriots but for the Jets) while we fielded phone calls from the west coast. First Rick (my son) called from Portland to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Then Laura (my niece and god daughter, Brian's sister) called. And finally Terry's sister (Brian's Mom and Grandma's younger daughter) called. All three calls came in on cell phones and were passed from person to person around the room. All had to end when the batteries started to reach near zero capacity.
We all sat around watching the games and looking at some of the photos I took on our Alaskan Adventure this summer.
Except for the Patriots winning and the rain that fell from noon on, it was a beautiful day.
******
Today, we all went our ways. Jessica was first out as she had to report to work at the Apple Store at The Mall at Short Hills for Black Friday. Then I started out for the Aerie (with a stop in Parsippany for gasoline and a couple of dozen bagels from the Baldwin bagel Shop), Terry followed as soon as she had picked up some left over turkey (the carcass for soup) and cheese cake. That left Grandma, Brian and Vicky and they were heading to Atlantic City to hit the casinos. (Their own Black Friday tradition.)
The sky cleared as I drove westward on I-80 and it was a gorgeous day by the time I got home at noon. Terry was just a half hour behind. The three cats, who had been fed at 4:30 AM Thursday, were extremely happy to see me. At least until they had been fed, then it was cold shoulders all around. As usual.
******
There are indications that we had some snow at the Aerie after I left yesterday. However, since the temperature rose into the 40s later, virtually all of it has melted and disappeared. Despite the bright sunshine, we've seen our high temperature for the day (42 early this morning). The radio forecast is calling for a low of around 20 degrees tonight and increasing winds. Tomorrow we may have some snow flurries with highs only reaching the mid 30s. Sunday will be sunny and around 40 as will Pennsylvania's Unofficial State Holiday (Opening Day of gun deer season) on Monday. It's finally starting to feel like fall and even incipient winter.
In attendance at Grandma's house were my daughter, Jessica, who lives there; Terry, who had gone in on Tuesday to assist with preparations; and nephew Brian and his fiancee Vicky, who had flown in from Milwaukee.
We gathered in the TV room and watched the parade. It may have started as a commercial promotion for Macy's but it's become even worse since way back when. The number of Broadway shows, and NBC television that were pushed and the number of B-list entertainers highlighted was obnoxiously high. The TV coverage didn't pay enough attention to the balloons for which the parade is famous.
After Santa Claus made his appearance at the conclusion of the parade, we settled around the table for a feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, asparagus, kernel corn, stuffing, and gravy. We followed with apple, pumpkin, and pecan pie. Our meal began with a toast while we sipped some asti. When the asti was gone, we opened a bottle of Riesling. And all was good with the world.
When the meal was finished, the turkey was not the only thing that was stuffed. A condition which makes this After Thanksgiving Meal Poem.... found at Theo Sparks' place very appropriate.
Then it was time to sit back and watch some football (rooting against the Cowboys and the Patriots but for the Jets) while we fielded phone calls from the west coast. First Rick (my son) called from Portland to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Then Laura (my niece and god daughter, Brian's sister) called. And finally Terry's sister (Brian's Mom and Grandma's younger daughter) called. All three calls came in on cell phones and were passed from person to person around the room. All had to end when the batteries started to reach near zero capacity.
We all sat around watching the games and looking at some of the photos I took on our Alaskan Adventure this summer.
Except for the Patriots winning and the rain that fell from noon on, it was a beautiful day.
******
Today, we all went our ways. Jessica was first out as she had to report to work at the Apple Store at The Mall at Short Hills for Black Friday. Then I started out for the Aerie (with a stop in Parsippany for gasoline and a couple of dozen bagels from the Baldwin bagel Shop), Terry followed as soon as she had picked up some left over turkey (the carcass for soup) and cheese cake. That left Grandma, Brian and Vicky and they were heading to Atlantic City to hit the casinos. (Their own Black Friday tradition.)
The sky cleared as I drove westward on I-80 and it was a gorgeous day by the time I got home at noon. Terry was just a half hour behind. The three cats, who had been fed at 4:30 AM Thursday, were extremely happy to see me. At least until they had been fed, then it was cold shoulders all around. As usual.
******
There are indications that we had some snow at the Aerie after I left yesterday. However, since the temperature rose into the 40s later, virtually all of it has melted and disappeared. Despite the bright sunshine, we've seen our high temperature for the day (42 early this morning). The radio forecast is calling for a low of around 20 degrees tonight and increasing winds. Tomorrow we may have some snow flurries with highs only reaching the mid 30s. Sunday will be sunny and around 40 as will Pennsylvania's Unofficial State Holiday (Opening Day of gun deer season) on Monday. It's finally starting to feel like fall and even incipient winter.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
College Football: Week 13 Polls and Opponents
Last week's results created only a few small ripples in the polls but that could change during Week 13. It’s a Big Weekend for college football with many, many traditional rivalries on tap. Perhaps the two most meaningful games will be played on Friday as #2 Auburn plays against #9 Alabama and #3 Boise State squares off against #19 Nevada. Each pits an undefeated team against a worthy challenger. The latter could propel Boise State into the National Championship game…or not. Then there’s #1 Oregon vs #20 Arizona, #6 LSU vs #12 Arkansas, and #10 Oklahoma State against #15 Oklahoma among others. Could be a whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on.
[The three numbers for the rankings are from the AP Top 25, The Harris Coaches’ Poll, and CBSSports.com. An “NR” means that that particular poll did Not Rank the team.]
1/1/1 Oregon (10-0) The Ducks are back in action this week. They’ll host the #20 Arizona Wildcats (7-3) on Friday.
2/2/2 Auburn (11-0) The Tigers, too, are returning to the field on Friday. They play at #9 Alabama (9-2).
3/3/3 Boise State (10-0) The Broncos play Friday as well. They’re at #19 Nevada (10-1).
4/4/4 TCU (11-0) The Horned Frogs will play at New Mexico (1-10).
5/5/5 Wisconsin (10-1) The Badgers host the Northwestern Wildcats (7-4).
6/6/7 LSU (10-1) The Tigers play at #12 Arkansas (9-2).
7/8/6 Stanford (10-1) The Cardinal host the Beavers of Oregon State.
8/7/8 Ohio State (10-1) The Buckeyes will host the Michigan Wolverines (7-4).
9/11/10 Alabama (9-2) The Tide plays host to #2 Auburn (11-0) Friday.
10/9/9 Oklahoma State (10-1) The Cowboys are at home for their intrastate rival #15 Oklahoma (9-2).
11/10/11 Michigan State (10-1) The Spartans visit Happy Valley to play Penn State (7-4).
12/12/12 Arkansas (9-2) The Razorbacks are host to the #6 LSU Tigers (10-1).
13/14/13 Virginia Tech (9-2) The Hokies play host to Virginia (4-7).
14/13/15 Oklahoma (9-2) The Sooners play at #10 Oklahoma State (10-1).
15/16/14 Missouri (9-2) The Tigers play at Kansas (3-8).
16/15/17 Nebraska (9-2) The Cornhuskers will host Colorado (5-6) on Friday.
17/18/16 Texas A&M (8-3) The Aggies host Texas (5-6) on Thanksgiving Day.
18/17/18 South Carolina (8-3) The Gamecocks will play at Clemson (6-5).
19/19/19 Nevada (10-1) The Wolf Pack will host #3 Boise State (10-0).
20/20/NR Arizona (7-3) The Wildcats will play at #1 Oregon (10-0).
21/23/21 North Carolina State (8-3) The Wolfpack play at Maryland (7-4).
22/21/22 Florida State (8-3) The Seminoles will host Florida (7-4).
23/22/20 Utah (9-2) The Utes play at Brigham Young (6-5).
24/24/NR Iowa (7-4) The Hawkeyes play at Minnesota (2-9).
25/25/24 Mississippi State (7-4) The Bulldogs will play at Mississippi (4-7).
NR/NR/23 Northern Illinois (9-2) The Huskies will be at Eastern Michigan (2-9) on Friday.
NR/NR/25 West Virginia (7-3) The Mountaineers will play at Pittsburgh (6-4) on Friday.
[The three numbers for the rankings are from the AP Top 25, The Harris Coaches’ Poll, and CBSSports.com. An “NR” means that that particular poll did Not Rank the team.]
1/1/1 Oregon (10-0) The Ducks are back in action this week. They’ll host the #20 Arizona Wildcats (7-3) on Friday.
2/2/2 Auburn (11-0) The Tigers, too, are returning to the field on Friday. They play at #9 Alabama (9-2).
3/3/3 Boise State (10-0) The Broncos play Friday as well. They’re at #19 Nevada (10-1).
4/4/4 TCU (11-0) The Horned Frogs will play at New Mexico (1-10).
5/5/5 Wisconsin (10-1) The Badgers host the Northwestern Wildcats (7-4).
6/6/7 LSU (10-1) The Tigers play at #12 Arkansas (9-2).
7/8/6 Stanford (10-1) The Cardinal host the Beavers of Oregon State.
8/7/8 Ohio State (10-1) The Buckeyes will host the Michigan Wolverines (7-4).
9/11/10 Alabama (9-2) The Tide plays host to #2 Auburn (11-0) Friday.
10/9/9 Oklahoma State (10-1) The Cowboys are at home for their intrastate rival #15 Oklahoma (9-2).
11/10/11 Michigan State (10-1) The Spartans visit Happy Valley to play Penn State (7-4).
12/12/12 Arkansas (9-2) The Razorbacks are host to the #6 LSU Tigers (10-1).
13/14/13 Virginia Tech (9-2) The Hokies play host to Virginia (4-7).
14/13/15 Oklahoma (9-2) The Sooners play at #10 Oklahoma State (10-1).
15/16/14 Missouri (9-2) The Tigers play at Kansas (3-8).
16/15/17 Nebraska (9-2) The Cornhuskers will host Colorado (5-6) on Friday.
17/18/16 Texas A&M (8-3) The Aggies host Texas (5-6) on Thanksgiving Day.
18/17/18 South Carolina (8-3) The Gamecocks will play at Clemson (6-5).
19/19/19 Nevada (10-1) The Wolf Pack will host #3 Boise State (10-0).
20/20/NR Arizona (7-3) The Wildcats will play at #1 Oregon (10-0).
21/23/21 North Carolina State (8-3) The Wolfpack play at Maryland (7-4).
22/21/22 Florida State (8-3) The Seminoles will host Florida (7-4).
23/22/20 Utah (9-2) The Utes play at Brigham Young (6-5).
24/24/NR Iowa (7-4) The Hawkeyes play at Minnesota (2-9).
25/25/24 Mississippi State (7-4) The Bulldogs will play at Mississippi (4-7).
NR/NR/23 Northern Illinois (9-2) The Huskies will be at Eastern Michigan (2-9) on Friday.
NR/NR/25 West Virginia (7-3) The Mountaineers will play at Pittsburgh (6-4) on Friday.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Photos (Delayed)
With Thanksgiving just a few days away, I was going through the photos I took during our 78 day road trip to Alaska this summer. The idea was to put some of them on a digital picture frame so as to share them with relatives gathering at Grandma's for the holiday.
BUT the frame requires the use of a 250 MB memory card. Each of the pictures I shot in RAW format is some 15 KB in size. TO put many of them on the card for transfer would require first saving them in JPEG format (reduces each to less than 1 KB in size) then moving them to the frame. Loading up a bunch more pictures and loading them up to the frame. It could be done but would be time consuming to say the least. Much easier to simply carry the laptop with me and show the pictures from the computer.
Sorry Brian. Sorry Vicky. I know the frame was a well thought out present for my birthday. But I've just not gotten a round to it.
******
After looking over the pictures I did take--hundreds and hundreds of them--I came to one positive conclusion: I wanna go back! I get the same feeling any time I see an ad for Sarah Palin's Alaska, or that insurance company's ad with the humpback whale. I just wanna hit the road and head northwest. Now.
It's going to get worse too. As soon as the news from the Iditarod starts pouring in I'll get the fever. Bad.
I could probably never live up there for long. The long, dark winters would drive me nuts. The beauty of the place and the ever changing land and skyscapes, would make the attempt worthwhile, however.
BUT the frame requires the use of a 250 MB memory card. Each of the pictures I shot in RAW format is some 15 KB in size. TO put many of them on the card for transfer would require first saving them in JPEG format (reduces each to less than 1 KB in size) then moving them to the frame. Loading up a bunch more pictures and loading them up to the frame. It could be done but would be time consuming to say the least. Much easier to simply carry the laptop with me and show the pictures from the computer.
Sorry Brian. Sorry Vicky. I know the frame was a well thought out present for my birthday. But I've just not gotten a round to it.
******
After looking over the pictures I did take--hundreds and hundreds of them--I came to one positive conclusion: I wanna go back! I get the same feeling any time I see an ad for Sarah Palin's Alaska, or that insurance company's ad with the humpback whale. I just wanna hit the road and head northwest. Now.
It's going to get worse too. As soon as the news from the Iditarod starts pouring in I'll get the fever. Bad.
I could probably never live up there for long. The long, dark winters would drive me nuts. The beauty of the place and the ever changing land and skyscapes, would make the attempt worthwhile, however.
The Weather
Ahh. The weather. Guess I might as well talk about it since I obviously can't do anything about it.
The past week we've been having some exceptionally warm weather. Ten or so degrees above average warm. That means we've seen the middle of the 50s for the most part--sometimes higher. When there's precipitation, it's in the form of rain, not snow. And there hasn't been all that much precip either. The weather.com guys say we've only had 1.6 inches instead of the 3+ that is the average for November. Yeah, there's still a week plus to go but, unless something really ramps up soon, it will be a dry month. (Supposed to rain tomorrow and maybe Friday, though.)
All that's fine by me. Some snow would be nice but I can wait on the shoveling for a month or more. The warm temps have been something of a blessing. We've yet to need a delivery of propane so that's one expenditure that we haven't had to make. Still, I can't help but wonder what the price of propane will be when we finally do get a delivery. If its price has gone up as much as the price of gasoline.... Ouch!
The past week we've been having some exceptionally warm weather. Ten or so degrees above average warm. That means we've seen the middle of the 50s for the most part--sometimes higher. When there's precipitation, it's in the form of rain, not snow. And there hasn't been all that much precip either. The weather.com guys say we've only had 1.6 inches instead of the 3+ that is the average for November. Yeah, there's still a week plus to go but, unless something really ramps up soon, it will be a dry month. (Supposed to rain tomorrow and maybe Friday, though.)
All that's fine by me. Some snow would be nice but I can wait on the shoveling for a month or more. The warm temps have been something of a blessing. We've yet to need a delivery of propane so that's one expenditure that we haven't had to make. Still, I can't help but wonder what the price of propane will be when we finally do get a delivery. If its price has gone up as much as the price of gasoline.... Ouch!
Oh! Momma!
I believe I mentioned that there was a bear season playing out here in PA. Three days. Started Saturday continued today and tomorrow is the finale.
While I have a tag, I didn't spend any time in the woods searching for a bruin...yet. It's more of a team game around here anyway. Groups of hunters go out with half standing post and the other half pushing through the woods driving the bear towards the standers. You're permitted up to 25 hunters total. No dogs. No bait. As a single hunter, I would have to have incredible luck to see a bear. Or a lot of hunters on surrounding property.
Anyway. I've had the bird feeders out for a little over a week now. Since they haven't been bothered, I haven't taken them in at night.
That changed tonight. About 6:30 PM, well after dark, Terry said she thought she heard something outside. I flicked off the interior lights and picked up my high beam flashlight. Sure enough, there was a bear out at the bird feeders. In fact there were FOUR bears out by the feeders: a very large sow and three yearling cubs. Mom had busted one of the new bird feeders like it was a pinata and spilled sunflower seeds all over the ground all were licking up their new found goodies.
I opened the porch door and they ran off up the hill while I went out and collected the bird feeders and what pieces I could find. If I've got them all, I should be able to use some Super Glue to put the one back together again. *sigh*
To top it all off, even if I had come across this group in the woods with a rifle in my hand, I would have let them walk--or scared them into running. Couldn't/wouldn't shoot a sow with cubs. Especially cubs as young as these. From their size I'd say they aren't even a year old. Probably born last winter. If mom had been by herself however.... She had to be over 300 pounds.
While I have a tag, I didn't spend any time in the woods searching for a bruin...yet. It's more of a team game around here anyway. Groups of hunters go out with half standing post and the other half pushing through the woods driving the bear towards the standers. You're permitted up to 25 hunters total. No dogs. No bait. As a single hunter, I would have to have incredible luck to see a bear. Or a lot of hunters on surrounding property.
Anyway. I've had the bird feeders out for a little over a week now. Since they haven't been bothered, I haven't taken them in at night.
That changed tonight. About 6:30 PM, well after dark, Terry said she thought she heard something outside. I flicked off the interior lights and picked up my high beam flashlight. Sure enough, there was a bear out at the bird feeders. In fact there were FOUR bears out by the feeders: a very large sow and three yearling cubs. Mom had busted one of the new bird feeders like it was a pinata and spilled sunflower seeds all over the ground all were licking up their new found goodies.
I opened the porch door and they ran off up the hill while I went out and collected the bird feeders and what pieces I could find. If I've got them all, I should be able to use some Super Glue to put the one back together again. *sigh*
To top it all off, even if I had come across this group in the woods with a rifle in my hand, I would have let them walk--or scared them into running. Couldn't/wouldn't shoot a sow with cubs. Especially cubs as young as these. From their size I'd say they aren't even a year old. Probably born last winter. If mom had been by herself however.... She had to be over 300 pounds.
Jury Duty Update
So much for my jury duty.
I just called the hot line and was told that jurors will not me required to report either Tuesday or Wednesday as there are no jury trials scheduled for either day in Tioga County Courthouse.
I guess that even with all the roughnecks here about for the gas drilling, things remain rather peaceable in this little corner of Pennsylvania.
That or all the lawyers are bear hunters with large families due for Thanksgiving.
I just called the hot line and was told that jurors will not me required to report either Tuesday or Wednesday as there are no jury trials scheduled for either day in Tioga County Courthouse.
I guess that even with all the roughnecks here about for the gas drilling, things remain rather peaceable in this little corner of Pennsylvania.
That or all the lawyers are bear hunters with large families due for Thanksgiving.
Random Thoughts
I haven't been feeling up to writing many posts lately. Seems I got into a rut of describing weather, rotten hunting luck, and weather. Not a good time. *sigh*
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As I look around the blogsphere and see reports of TSA molestations I am reminded why I would rather drive than fly. Forking over hundreds of dollars to board a cramped sardine can with total strangers who may or may not be carriers of some horribly contagious disease has never been high on my priority list. Add the levels of "security" and it became obtrusive as hell. Now the TSA performs frisks that would have the ACLU battering down doors to the nearest court if it were a standard procedure in prison and I don't think I'll ever get on a plane again. I'd sooner drive 3000 miles--non-stop if required--than get in a line so some dipshit could fondle me. Hell, if they keep this up, I'd might even attempt to drive to Ireland, Hawaii or some such otherwise inaccessible locale.
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I saw last week that poor Charlie Rangel got himself censured by the House and he's feeling all sorry for himself. Let's get something straight, Charlie. You belong in jail at the very least. Three rent controlled apartments in NYC? That's about two more than the law allows, ain't it? Property in the Caribbean that you didn't pay taxes on or declare on your disclosure forms? And, since you're no heir to a multimillionaire, just how have you managed to become so wealthy, dear boy?
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Along with the above, I saw that Maxine Waters was all psyched because the Ethics Committee decided to postpone her hearing in light of new evidence. She thought it meant she had a strong case when, in fact--from all reports, the opposite is true. Careful what you wish for there, Maxine. (Bombshell evidence may make Waters an ethics nightmare for Dems) The new evidence indicates she may have even bigger problems that could drag others into the [cess]pool. She's going to wish they hadn't postponed those hearings if this goes past the end of the 111th congress. Can you say expulsion, Maxine?
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In the "Even a Broken Clock..." category, we have Al Gore of all people telling the truth! [Gore: On second thought, I was just pandering to the farm vote on ethanol] He now recognizes the harm that using food to produce fuel has/can do.
[PS You don't suppose Al lost any money on that now defunct Carbon Exchange, do you? Nah, didn't think so myself. After all, it's not what you know but who you know that matters.]
******
Filed under: Illegal Aliens Doing Jobs Americans Won't Do. We have a verdict in the Chandra Levy murder case. Guilty. GUILTY. GUILTY!
Still, there is a push for more amnesty instead of deportation, walls, and strict enforcement of the existing laws. It's called the DREAM Act but it could as well be called a nightmare. GOP readies for DREAM Act fight DREAM Act is a Nightmare…
One definition of insanity that's been around for a while is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. This DREAM Act fits the definition to a T.
Ladies and gentlemen, if your first act upon entering this country is to break the law (via illegal entry) why should you be trusted to become a worthwhile member of our United States? The argument is made that this act would only benefit those who came as children under the age of 16, but it also allows their parents--who smuggled the little tyke over the border in the first place--to get green cards and work their way up to citizenship. Ahead of those who have legally waited their
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As I look around the blogsphere and see reports of TSA molestations I am reminded why I would rather drive than fly. Forking over hundreds of dollars to board a cramped sardine can with total strangers who may or may not be carriers of some horribly contagious disease has never been high on my priority list. Add the levels of "security" and it became obtrusive as hell. Now the TSA performs frisks that would have the ACLU battering down doors to the nearest court if it were a standard procedure in prison and I don't think I'll ever get on a plane again. I'd sooner drive 3000 miles--non-stop if required--than get in a line so some dipshit could fondle me. Hell, if they keep this up, I'd might even attempt to drive to Ireland, Hawaii or some such otherwise inaccessible locale.
******
I saw last week that poor Charlie Rangel got himself censured by the House and he's feeling all sorry for himself. Let's get something straight, Charlie. You belong in jail at the very least. Three rent controlled apartments in NYC? That's about two more than the law allows, ain't it? Property in the Caribbean that you didn't pay taxes on or declare on your disclosure forms? And, since you're no heir to a multimillionaire, just how have you managed to become so wealthy, dear boy?
******
Along with the above, I saw that Maxine Waters was all psyched because the Ethics Committee decided to postpone her hearing in light of new evidence. She thought it meant she had a strong case when, in fact--from all reports, the opposite is true. Careful what you wish for there, Maxine. (Bombshell evidence may make Waters an ethics nightmare for Dems) The new evidence indicates she may have even bigger problems that could drag others into the [cess]pool. She's going to wish they hadn't postponed those hearings if this goes past the end of the 111th congress. Can you say expulsion, Maxine?
******
In the "Even a Broken Clock..." category, we have Al Gore of all people telling the truth! [Gore: On second thought, I was just pandering to the farm vote on ethanol] He now recognizes the harm that using food to produce fuel has/can do.
[PS You don't suppose Al lost any money on that now defunct Carbon Exchange, do you? Nah, didn't think so myself. After all, it's not what you know but who you know that matters.]
******
Filed under: Illegal Aliens Doing Jobs Americans Won't Do. We have a verdict in the Chandra Levy murder case. Guilty. GUILTY. GUILTY!
Still, there is a push for more amnesty instead of deportation, walls, and strict enforcement of the existing laws. It's called the DREAM Act but it could as well be called a nightmare. GOP readies for DREAM Act fight DREAM Act is a Nightmare…
One definition of insanity that's been around for a while is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. This DREAM Act fits the definition to a T.
Ladies and gentlemen, if your first act upon entering this country is to break the law (via illegal entry) why should you be trusted to become a worthwhile member of our United States? The argument is made that this act would only benefit those who came as children under the age of 16, but it also allows their parents--who smuggled the little tyke over the border in the first place--to get green cards and work their way up to citizenship. Ahead of those who have legally waited their
******
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