Monday, January 16, 2012
Forest and I traveled north on Thursday afternoon, in Flagstaff Evan awaited us for an adventure.
Once again I saw no elk.
Forest realized his dreams of becoming a cheerleader.
We climbed in the Focus and headed east on I-40.
That night we went to Little Anita's in Albuquerque. The food was grody. Forest developed unfortunate symptoms. While I attended a conference on Saturday, he and Evan had a harrowing adventure involving the car, ice, and a truck from Georgia.
That night we went to a diner.
Forest was still feeling a bit off.
My talk was the last one of the conference and I did a great job. We left Albuquerque at 4:00 PM.
On the way.
We had some pizza and beer and went on a late-night hike.
Evan and Forest.
Late night exposure.
The next morning we crammed into Evan's truck and went to see some sites.
We are pouty.
At one point we climbed way up and I took a photo.
When I climbed down I had a perilous moment.
Mascot for the Tumbleweeds.
We climbed in the Focus and headed east on I-40.
The scenery was pretty.
That night we went to a diner.
I had a grilled cheese, onion rings, and a shake.
He also had a milkshake.
The next morning I returned to the conference. Evan and Forest went hiking in the Sandias.
Mountain climber Evan.
The scenery was pretty.
Sandias.
Driving west on I-40.
I arrived home at 2:00 AM and was out at the work site at 8:30. I am a tad groggy as I type this.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Forrest is here for a week visiting. I made him hash browns and cheesy scrambled eggs for breakfast. He says I make them just like him (that's because I learned how to from him).
And cats.
Tomorrow we going to FLagstaff and he and Evan are going to play instruments and then we are off to Albuquerque, where I have a conference to attend and they get to go hiking.
Tomorrow we going to FLagstaff and he and Evan are going to play instruments and then we are off to Albuquerque, where I have a conference to attend and they get to go hiking.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Little Tiny had a genital operation and won't be able to many tinier Tinies, a first for my neighbors, who have never fixed any of their dogs.
She always runs up to fence when she sees me.
I finished my PowerPoint presentation for the conference and wrote some feature descriptions. I then went to Swade Barbershop and got my hairz trimmed.
After.
The Arizona State Legislature is now in session and I can hardly wait to see how the Republicans will punish Tucson. In their last session they took a sewage plant away from the county and gave it to a small community. A sewage plant that all of the residents of Pima County paid for (millions of dollars) and is given free to a Republican stronghold.
And they tried to force the City of Tucson to change how we do city elections, unhappy that Republicans only hold one or two city positions. That didn't succeed.
The most egregious was to ban Ethnic Studies in Tucson's school district. Our current Attorney General and the his replacement as Superintendent of Public Education are racist scum (that gets you elected in this state). So they convinced the State Legislature to ban a successful program that has helped many Mexican-American high schoolers get an education, writing a law that specifically targeted Tucson. The Tucson Unified School District is now being told that it will loose 10 to 15 million dollars a month unless it gets rid of the program. Of course the fucking Republican politicians in this state hate education with a passion, since most of them are fundamentalist Christians or Mormons, who would prefer that tax payer dollars be spent on religious schools, where children can be taught that the earth is 6,000-years-old and electricity is magic.
Personally, I hope I never meet Tom Horne- I'd kick that piece of shit right in his racist ass.
She always runs up to fence when she sees me.
I finished my PowerPoint presentation for the conference and wrote some feature descriptions. I then went to Swade Barbershop and got my hairz trimmed.
The Arizona State Legislature is now in session and I can hardly wait to see how the Republicans will punish Tucson. In their last session they took a sewage plant away from the county and gave it to a small community. A sewage plant that all of the residents of Pima County paid for (millions of dollars) and is given free to a Republican stronghold.
And they tried to force the City of Tucson to change how we do city elections, unhappy that Republicans only hold one or two city positions. That didn't succeed.
The most egregious was to ban Ethnic Studies in Tucson's school district. Our current Attorney General and the his replacement as Superintendent of Public Education are racist scum (that gets you elected in this state). So they convinced the State Legislature to ban a successful program that has helped many Mexican-American high schoolers get an education, writing a law that specifically targeted Tucson. The Tucson Unified School District is now being told that it will loose 10 to 15 million dollars a month unless it gets rid of the program. Of course the fucking Republican politicians in this state hate education with a passion, since most of them are fundamentalist Christians or Mormons, who would prefer that tax payer dollars be spent on religious schools, where children can be taught that the earth is 6,000-years-old and electricity is magic.
Personally, I hope I never meet Tom Horne- I'd kick that piece of shit right in his racist ass.
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Patrick and I played Scrabble last night.
I know all of the two letter words.
As we played we talked about things.
I had camera envy.
His nice next door neighbors were having a Wayne's World 2 viewing party. I saw the end of the film and understand why it did not win any Oscars.
I know all of the two letter words.
As we played we talked about things.
His nice next door neighbors were having a Wayne's World 2 viewing party. I saw the end of the film and understand why it did not win any Oscars.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
This morning I trimmed my beard and I look 3 years and 2 months younger.
I need a haircut.
Suddenly I will be out at the old Fort site next week, I wonder whether we will find anything.
Forrest is coming to town next Tuesday. On Thursday we will drive up to Flagstaff, where he and Evan will play music. On Friday the three of us will go to Albuquerque for the weekend. I wonder what kind of trouble we will get into?
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
I left Mummy at home to watch over the cats and drove north to Flagstaff.
Evening approaches.
We made a lemon cake for New Year's Eve.
It was delicious.
We went for a walk in the woods, looking at the remnants of pit structures. Some were excavated in the 1930s or 1940s and never back-filled.
Evan stands in a pit structure.
There were many sherds that we looked back and returned to the ground.
Black on white ceramics.
It was a lovely weekend, spent with my man. I even managed to get up right before midnight on New Year's Eve.
Besties.
We made a lemon cake for New Year's Eve.
We went for a walk in the woods, looking at the remnants of pit structures. Some were excavated in the 1930s or 1940s and never back-filled.
There were many sherds that we looked back and returned to the ground.
It was a lovely weekend, spent with my man. I even managed to get up right before midnight on New Year's Eve.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
We went for a walk on Holiday Day. Out in the Sonoran Desert.
Tucson Mountains to the east.
I lost count of how many varieties of cactus there were.
Mean cholla.
Evan thought we might find an archaeology site, but I told him that this area had few.
Disappointed.
Later that day he drove north to see his family and I sat in front of my computer re-assembling the fragments of the Ransom family, looking at old census and marriage records. I typed so much that my shoulder aches. I discovered that Vesta lived to be 105.
Tucson Mountains to the east.
I lost count of how many varieties of cactus there were.
Mean cholla.
Evan thought we might find an archaeology site, but I told him that this area had few.
Later that day he drove north to see his family and I sat in front of my computer re-assembling the fragments of the Ransom family, looking at old census and marriage records. I typed so much that my shoulder aches. I discovered that Vesta lived to be 105.
Back to work for a few days before I head north to Flagstaff to spend the weekend.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
The birds at Sweetwater Wetlands looked cold, the ducks huddling close together.
At home most of my potted plants are inside.
We had Holiday Supper (mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce, baked beans) and Mama had butterscotch pudding. I suggested she open a present and she wanted to open them all. Mummy was very pleased with her gifts.
Mummy got four knitting books.
Afterward, we dressed up in our tophats and went to Richard's and Roger's Holiday Party. The butterscotch pudding was a success, Richard's mother Elvy went back for seconds.
Evan and bow tie.
I did not win the dollar game, which was a major set back financially. I would have enjoyed spending that $36 on things.
This morning I fried up the leftover mashed potatoes, made some caramel bananas, and some gluten-free pancakes. My mother was having very low blood sugar (staggering around drunk-like), so that was a good thing for her to eat.
It was a lovely Holiday.
American coot.
Evan was surprised that Santa remembered to bring him beer.
Of course I didn't put tags on everything, so there were a few mixed up presents.
Afterward, we dressed up in our tophats and went to Richard's and Roger's Holiday Party. The butterscotch pudding was a success, Richard's mother Elvy went back for seconds.
I did not win the dollar game, which was a major set back financially. I would have enjoyed spending that $36 on things.
This morning I fried up the leftover mashed potatoes, made some caramel bananas, and some gluten-free pancakes. My mother was having very low blood sugar (staggering around drunk-like), so that was a good thing for her to eat.
It was a lovely Holiday.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Evan and I motored over to Patrick's casa.
Nothing says Xmas like Lust in the Dust.
We admired his festive Holiday Tree and Patrick received a suitable ornament.
Farmer Santa.
We drank some beers in front of the fireplace and then decided to play a game.
We played Risk (the old fashioned version).
My sweater still smells like Patrick's cigar.
Evan had only played Risk once before. This did not prevent him from ultimately winning.
Horace was even friendly for a while, before retiring to his bed in front of the fireplace. He is slightly spoiled.
We admired his festive Holiday Tree and Patrick received a suitable ornament.
We drank some beers in front of the fireplace and then decided to play a game.
My sweater still smells like Patrick's cigar.
Our host.
Kim Jong-Evan.
Horace.
Of course, I am an expert at spoiling pets (as I type this Joey is sitting on my lap getting warm).
Thursday, December 22, 2011
19th Century Traverse City hotties. I purchase old photographs from my hometown on Ebay. Many do not have names on the back, but in two cases I was able to identify who the people were.
So today's poll, who is the best looking fellow? Vote in the Comments!
Man A.
Man B.
Man C.
Man D.
So today's poll, who is the best looking fellow? Vote in the Comments!
Man A.
Man B.
Man C.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
The week before Holiday is quiet at work. I am the only person in my room at work. Something walks past my window and I grab my camera for a quick picture.
Coyote.
I finished Holiday shopping and tonight I made cards for the people who have sent them to me and a few relatives.
Holiday cards 2011, will you get one?
Mummy is watching Downtown Abbey, Season 1 (she really likes it). In contrast, I am watching the first season of Mission Impossible. For the most part, it is pretty awesome. Interesting to see what the role of women was supposed to be in the mid-1960s.
Coyote.
I finished Holiday shopping and tonight I made cards for the people who have sent them to me and a few relatives.
Holiday cards 2011, will you get one?
Mummy is watching Downtown Abbey, Season 1 (she really likes it). In contrast, I am watching the first season of Mission Impossible. For the most part, it is pretty awesome. Interesting to see what the role of women was supposed to be in the mid-1960s.
Monday, December 19, 2011
I dropped off extra tiles at the Habitat for Humanity store and saw a rocking chair. I took Mummy to see it and asked her if she thought it was nice to sit in. She has troubles getting off of the couch, and a chair with arms is better. So I went back and bought it.
Mummy knits in the rocking chair.
The Holiday Tree doesn't smell very piney, I suppose that happens when they cut them down a month or so ago.
The ornaments look pretty.
Yesterday we went on a walk at Sweetwater Wetlands.
I am scruffy.
There are a bazillion ducks there right now.
Northern Shoveler.
I even got a picture of Mummy without her looking like a deer-in-headlight.
Mummy.
In other news, a distant relative asked what information I have on the Ransom family. So I spent some time reviewing the text and adding new information that is now available online. One of my distant relatives was a palm-reader in Los Angeles in 1900. Another was killed by his stepfather, who hit him on the head with a hammer. A third was struck and killed by lightning, while a fourth was electrocuted while wiring a house. Most lived fairly unexciting lives.
Mummy knits in the rocking chair.
The Holiday Tree doesn't smell very piney, I suppose that happens when they cut them down a month or so ago.
The ornaments look pretty.
Yesterday we went on a walk at Sweetwater Wetlands.
I am scruffy.
There are a bazillion ducks there right now.
I even got a picture of Mummy without her looking like a deer-in-headlight.
In other news, a distant relative asked what information I have on the Ransom family. So I spent some time reviewing the text and adding new information that is now available online. One of my distant relatives was a palm-reader in Los Angeles in 1900. Another was killed by his stepfather, who hit him on the head with a hammer. A third was struck and killed by lightning, while a fourth was electrocuted while wiring a house. Most lived fairly unexciting lives.
Friday, December 16, 2011
I made vegetarian Shepard's Pie, salad, and banana cream pie for supper. Dan, Cathy, Donna, and Mummy attended supper.
Supper table.
Afterward, we decorated the Holiday Tree. It was a lot of fun.
The Holiday Tree.
Mummy had a really nice time, we talked about cats (a lot).
I had a really nice time too, it was a lovely night.
Supper table.
Afterward, we decorated the Holiday Tree. It was a lot of fun.
The Holiday Tree.
Mummy had a really nice time, we talked about cats (a lot).
Mummy, Donna, Cathy, and Dan.
I had a really nice time too, it was a lovely night.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
In the Spring of 2013 I may be helping teach an archaeology field school at a Spanish Mission site south of Tucson. So yesterday we went down to walk around the site.
The mountains were coated with snow, so pretty.
Mountains.
While we were standing at the edge of the terrace, the Santa Cruz River decided to start flowing. We wondered whether we would be able to drive across it again (we were able to).
Santa Cruz River.
We saw three pieces of Chinese porcelain on the ground surface. The porcelain was shipped by galleons from Canton, China to Manila, Philippines, then to Acapulco, Mexico, and then by freight wagon or mule pack trains to the northern settlements. It was a high status luxury good, helping to brighten the lives of the priests at the far away mission.
Blue on white porcelain.
The Mexican food we had for lunch did not brighten my life. Instead I came home and threw up. I had recovered sufficiently to practice making macaroons, which I will take to the company cookie exchange tomorrow.
While we were standing at the edge of the terrace, the Santa Cruz River decided to start flowing. We wondered whether we would be able to drive across it again (we were able to).
Santa Cruz River.
We saw three pieces of Chinese porcelain on the ground surface. The porcelain was shipped by galleons from Canton, China to Manila, Philippines, then to Acapulco, Mexico, and then by freight wagon or mule pack trains to the northern settlements. It was a high status luxury good, helping to brighten the lives of the priests at the far away mission.
The Mexican food we had for lunch did not brighten my life. Instead I came home and threw up. I had recovered sufficiently to practice making macaroons, which I will take to the company cookie exchange tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Crazy rainy days. For the last 24 hours it has been almost continuously raining.
Pretty rainbow.
I had to work outside yesterday morning and got soaked. There was even more water today, and the drive to work was at times stressful, since the water was over the tops of the curbs.
Splashing to work.
A lovely vermillion flycatcher has been hanging out on the fence outside my window. I enjoyed watching him (the boys are prettier, of course) flitting about looking for delicious flying insects to eat.
Vermillion flycatcher.
Another view.
I hope he sticks around for a while.
Pretty rainbow.
I had to work outside yesterday morning and got soaked. There was even more water today, and the drive to work was at times stressful, since the water was over the tops of the curbs.
Splashing to work.
A lovely vermillion flycatcher has been hanging out on the fence outside my window. I enjoyed watching him (the boys are prettier, of course) flitting about looking for delicious flying insects to eat.
Vermillion flycatcher.
Another view.
I hope he sticks around for a while.
