Poet Whale Studio

Monday Tid Bits: Rain, Water, Clean Sinks

2012-06-04T08:41:00.003-04:00

Happy first Monday of June 2012
Did you have a nice week-end?

Another mid tone light rainy day, one of many forecast for this week isn't all that bad when you think the Earth needs the water because of the lack of winter snow melt.

Speaking of water...sinks...the old kind with two handles and a spout.

They do get cruddy in small places. I regularly take the plastic thing off, and unscrew the handle to clean it all out. Dark cruddy stuff, old soap build up, and mildew needs to go. Those germ playgrounds don't belong where you wash your face, brush your teeth, clean your wounds.
Take a look at the photo on the left. The top is the bottom view of the handle. Soap and who knows what else builds up inside and on the edges. An old fairly stiff toothbrush and cotton swabs can clean all the gunk off.

Don't forget under the spout area.
The space there is so tight, you need a toothbrush or swab to clean it out.

I'm not a germ obsessed person. I like a clean bathroom, especially one clear of mold/mildew that my allergies despise. I believe second only to the toilet, the sink is the worse germs zone.

It's all ready cruddy weather outside, might as well clean out some crud indoors.

I bet the visitor count will sour for this entry.
Excuse me...time to go laugh...lol

Have a fantastic Monday!

Saturday Top Off

2012-06-02T11:52:00.000-04:00

Rain. The looks like it should be cool air, isn't. The air is muggy. Slug happy weather for them. A two small bags of M&Ms for me.
The walking is nice unless your rain gear is more insulated than it is water repellent.
This is a day to show off a spiffy new umbrella, and, for trying a new coffee flavor.

I like to think this peony bud is waiting for the sun to shine as much as I am.

This has been a week of small interestings.
Glitches that amuse. Bumps and ouches that don't. Every time I stood in the bedroom doorway thinking where to start first, I turned around to find something else to do.

Today I planned to spray paint outdoors with a box. The fixed up furniture goes in the hall for the thrift shop. I can call or carry (light chairs) one at a time up there. It's not far.

The furniture redo project is bumped to next week. Meanwhile, I'll make a small batch of soup with Brussels sprouts, and enjoy seeing the birds fly back and forth.

This week I posted a poem on Poet Whale Poetry at Wordpress.com after weeks of writing poems that didn't take my words where I want them to be. It's much easier sitting down to just write a bit of poetry than it is to sit down and write a poem. I hope you like my poetry.

The kind of weather causes me to ache more than usual. Add the exercising I've done this week, and I feel like I've been hiking for a week. At a young age stiff muscles means momentum. At my age is means moanentum.

Enjoy your week-end
Make some soup
List your summer fancies
Draw a house
Write a funny story
Make a tall strawberry shortcake

Happy June

2012-06-01T09:30:00.001-04:00

In three weeks it will be summer in this northern Earth hemisphere.

Midsummer's Night is on the summer solstice.

Celebrate Life

Read Shakespeare's "Midsummer's Night Dream"

Read about John the Baptist

Wear rhinestones, satin and tulle

Have strawberry shortcake a foot tall

Be Good to Yourself and Others
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pigeons in Flight

2012-05-30T04:27:00.003-04:00

For a few years I've been trying to take pictures of the local pigeons in flight as a group.

I'm lucky if I catch one or two at a time. I estimate the failure rate is close to 90%.

This may not be the greatest photo, but it is very giggle worthy to me.

Pigeons in Flight

Monday Tid Bits: Let's Make Today a Sorting Friday

2012-05-29T13:25:00.002-04:00

After moving leftovers are sorted out and dropped off, the task of organizing them into your space can be daunting. If today was Friday, then I might feel an end of the week surge in energy, small age appropriate surge.
I made a list of areas to sort with with sub-categories. I see on TV shows where there 3 main piles. Its that Keep pile causing all the trouble, and lack of storage bins.

Spaces:
Living and dining
Art
Writing
Sewing

Storage by size:
Living and dining
Sewing
Art
Writing

Problem, the main light source is in the living/dinning area. Table by the couch takes care of dinning (or standing at tiny counter in the tiny kitchen). Storage Containers and closet takes care of sewing. Big metal cabinet takes care of art.
Ah, writing. Does it really help to have a designated place to write? I prefer longhand first drafts,and not always written sitting at a desk.

Anything that doesn't fit in those spaces, needs to go into storage or out the door to donate.
Books are the most difficult to part with.
Should be easy.
If only today was Friday....

New Internet search pet peeve:

Keyword stretching.....................websites on the top of the search results for a page that doesn't have the information...but instead asks if you are looking for the information, suggesting something else or has one word from the search.

Caution:Insect Repellent Spray on Vinyl and Painted Floors

2012-05-28T09:13:00.002-04:00

Caution...I suggest based on my experiences...

Don't apply insect repellent spray when you are on vinyl or painted floors.

The insect repellent can make the floor very slippery, greasy oil on the floor like ice slippery. I know now where the slippery spot on the painted floor came from after spraying insect repellent on me this morning while standing on a vinyl floor, textured vinyl.

I had an unpleasant slip/fall when my front leg slipped under me. I went down on my knee as my foot was folding under. I was wearing sandals with rubberized tread soles. I was surprised I didn't hear my foot crack. And very happy it didn't. I'll be taking it easy today with ice.

The Deep Woods Off! Sportsman insect repellent/bug spray does caution to do not apply on or near acetate, rayon, (more).
Not mentioned are vinyl, painted floors, and slippery floors are a hazard when the spray falls on it. I searched online to learn I'm not the only one dealing with the insect spray slippery floor problem.And that Off! is not the only insect repellent product on the market that can create slippery floors.

Have you seen this lamp before?

2012-05-26T11:23:00.000-04:00

Bought years ago on eBay, this lamp is not what I had expected, a bedroom lamp about 15" to 18" high. My bad that I didn't catch the dimension in the description before I bid.

I was very impressed the seller packed so well. The box was about the size of a lawn mower. When the lamp emerged from the packing material, I was stunned by the huge 36 inches to finial not the small bedroom lamp I had in my mind!

I thought I caught a glimpse of a similar lamp in the background of Pawn Stars on the History Channel.
From the time I first saw it, I've wondered if it's a vintage hotel lamp with the gold and rhinestone details. I'm not sure if the vase section lights up. I haven't taken it apart to rewire yet. I believe it's made by Gim, stamped G I M inside the base. It's a heavy lamp. I think the metal is pot metal or brass because a magnet doesn't stick.

If you've seen this lamp before, then please leave a comment.

Thank you

Bloomings Out and About

2012-05-25T01:00:00.000-04:00

Bearded Iris

Irises and phlox are in bloom.

Soon the peonies will flower.

Get out and about

Enjoy the outdoors

Bearded Iris

Wild Phlox

Computer Games for the Brain

2012-05-24T11:24:00.000-04:00

At the computer, you notice the draperies change color. They take on a bluish hue. You look out to see daylight is upon the hemisphere where you live. The clock verifies the hour is right about the time Earth's rotation brings the sun into view again.

Tada! You've discovered computer games over ten hours before daybreak.

Time does feel to go by faster on the computer. Play games to exercise your brain. Don't always play to win. Whether installed on your system or online play, the brain wants to do what it is meant to do, help you learn, discover, and computer games does that.

What about your feelings?

This morning I was thinking about how some games feel like they allow the computer to win more often then real life. The program has patterns where you can squeak a bit higher in score while at other times you know for sure it will be a struggle if you get above a specific level. When the odds begin to feel they are not in your favor, then find another game. Don't set yourself up to feel awful. Chose games that are as relaxing as they are ego boosting.

Games I play online:

~ Sheep Dash - BBC. Reaction game. Frustrating, but fun.
~ Alchemy - AOL Games. Allows me to feel almost like I have some control.
~ Bookworm - AOL Games, strategy and vocabulary.
~ Mahjong - Freegames.com. Feels quite fair, and has good graphics.
~ Click Only Red - AOL Games. Skill fun.

Lily of the Valley

Blog Goodies

2012-05-22T13:44:00.001-04:00

There are times when blog reading is slow, like on the week-ends.
Then there are times like today when there are a lot of interesting posts to read

David Pilgrim Posts 3 entries on his blog that are all must see

Glorious Treats Baby shower with a surprise!

Urban Sketchers of London Book launch

Rock Rose Cozy breakfast outdoor area

It's Not Work, It's Gardening Blooming prickly pear cactus

Alice's Bucket List Lots of updates to read about

* Morning T * A cat photograph to make you smile

Monday Tid Bits: Summer Drinks

2012-05-21T10:48:00.002-04:00

Like a ritual, every summer I chose a special drink to relax with. Cranberry juice and seltzer water is the Summer of 2012 special drink.

I also try to remember to have a beer each summer, and at least one nice cool white wine with fruit in a fancy glass.

Summer isn't about waiting for nice weather. Summer to me is about making those wonderful warm months into a celebration collection of life.

At my sixty plus decades of life, taking control over creating a positive atmosphere feels like more fun than it did in my youth when I didn't worry about how I look in a bathing suit. After all, what's wrong with being the cruise director of your own life? It's your journey.

Make a list of things you want to do this summer
Keep a little spiral notebook with notes about summer. No whining. No droning on about sad things. Write happy, thoughtful, interesting.
Have a digital camera ready with extra memory cards and batteries

Relax when you are able
Water is the Wine of the Earth...have a sip or two
Add fruit for your special summer relaxer libation
Buy a fancy glass
Make Summer 2012 special in every day small ways

Good Weather Sailing Along the Internet

2012-05-20T11:19:00.002-04:00

Stats this week have been lower than a usual low count.
I've noticed that:
Nice weather = lower visitor count
School is out = lower visitor count

The question is: How do you attract more readers during the summer?
Try blogging about outdoor activities, like art shows in your area

I'm reading Joseph Conrad's novel, The Rescue, published in 1920 four years before his death, and according to Wikipedia, his last published novel. This, my third attempt, is looking brighter because I'm nearly finished with the first chapter. And, I've read the last few pages of the ending. If there isn't a decent ending, then I'd probably not continue reading.

There is a word he uses that is offensive to me, and since the not a first edition falling apart book is mine, I've chosen to cross out the word. Censorship? Sure is. Leave it for others? The book is going in the keep for maybe decoupage use. I've all ready shed many tears over not all printed books can be saved.
Another word Conrad uses is taffrail. Taffrail? What's a taffrail? A taffrail is the decorative part of a ship's stern. Browsing, I see the term taffrail log, a device used to drop off the stern that calculates the ship's speed.

Later, I'm reading online the Poetry Foundation website award section to see who won the Emily Dickinson First Book Award. The poet, Hailey Leithauser is the winner. I look up her poems to read, and add her to my poets to read list.
But look! There's another nautical term in her poem, Fever.The word is luff. Luff? Whathaisa luff? Luff is the edge of the sail that runs along the main mast.

Ironic, Poet Whale Poetry , as I recall, doesn't have nautical poems or terms. Maybe I feel whale sympathy because the ship - whale relationship hasn't been smooth sailing. To this day there are countries that hunt and kill whales. Check out the WDCS website, (Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society) for more information.

Sailing on the Internet has been reward this morning. I have more links in this post than any of my blog entries ever. They may not link you to fashions, nice lipstick or gorgeous sandals (will post those at a later date), but they are what interests me. And, I hope they interest you as well.

Week-end Thinking

2012-05-19T05:55:00.003-04:00

On this third, and next to last week-end of the month of May 2012

there is heat forecast in this wonderful part of Northeast America.

In the 1950s, for kids Saturday mornings meant watching shows like "Sky King," "Ruff and Ready," "Fury," "Rocky and Bullwinkle. I forget the full line-up. I remember the laughs.

Today, there's laundry, dusting, vacuuming, window cleaning, and putting in the air conditioner.

Have a great week-end

Clay, Heat and Cattle

2012-05-18T12:19:00.000-04:00

Do you move away from your computer and forget to return until you notice the screen saver waving around? I did this morning while weeding, edging, sowing seeds, and raking up the clumps of clay. The sun is hot. The heat feels like summer, and the air conditioner calling.

The seeds a planted a couple of weeks ago are morning glories, not the balsam I thought I was sowing. Methinks I grabbed the wrong seed saving envelope. Not a loss because I share my plants. I expect there will be a lot of morning glories in the area this summer.

The cattle in the photograph I took several years ago. It has been in my watercolors to paint folder since then.

In 1976 I saw a limited edition print of cattle by the Texas artist, Dalhart Windberg. The image is wide and rectangular. I've felt the sorrow all these years I didn't purchase one.

On the spot then, I knew someday I will paint cattle. I've done a few small watercolors. Now I'm ready to sketch for a few days, and then go for a larger watercolor.
It is interesting In Vermont, the black and white Holstein cows are like the state logo, but there's no Vermont state cow. The state animal is the Morgan Horse. I'll research why the Holstein cow isn't designated a Vermont state emblem as well.

Rills and Thunder Storms

2012-05-17T05:26:00.001-04:00

Yesterday afternoon a severe thunderstorm passed over with tiny pea size hail, (not much though). The torrential rains widened the small drainage rill in the back yard from about a foot wide to a yard speeding by at quite a clip. During heavy rains it does tend to fill up, but this time there's a new drainage source carrying debris into the mix as well.

The clouds are the beginning of the severe thunderstorm system that blew through the area yesterday, 16 May 2012 about 3:30 PM Eastern time.

After a rain, the water in the rill will run for a few days as the soil on the slope above drains.

Wood chip mulch carried off by rain draining

The second, and one of the two larger drainage routes travels down from the street above, through the system to Otter Creek that drains into Lake Champlain. The other rain drain is from yards with lawns, shrubs and trees.
Ironically, the new source cuts through a bulge of soil slippage (I think that's what it's called) from the cemetery on the hill above. Most of the little vegetation that helps keep the slope in place was recently removed. Looks better, but not better for keeping the soil in place. The soil bulge is on the right of center photo about where the right sun ray points. The soil is heavy clay.

Original rill dug out with banks
goes to the about 8 foot section of drain pipe
that is under the path

Original rill drain pipe
New source upper photo

Taken at the height of the storm, the rain pays little attention to the gutters. The waterfall is from a place where two roofs meet. The rain collects at the base of the 18 inch cement foundation before it drains away or goes into the ground.

It's not just us...

2012-05-15T10:52:00.004-04:00

All the days in a row forecast for rain, the lack of sun, pollen, mold growth, the dripping water from the eaves can all contribute to the blahs. I've been reading blogs where other's post they aren't feeling so well. I read globally, not just in the United States. Is it the Moon? Sun flares? Cosmic bulldukey? Quarky goings on? Tectonic stressing out the electromagnetic field?

I'm sure that humans as well as birds and other animals feel changes in the Earth's electromagnetic field. Just because there isn't enough solid scientific data, doesn't mean it doesn't happen. The more there's cell phone use, air wave crowding, then there's bound to be an impact on how people feel on various levels depending on the individual, in my opinion. Where' s the next large earthquake going to be? I don't know.
The Great Rift Valley in Africa has always been fascinating to me since it first crossed my path in a geology course. There are several rift areas in the world, but that one being so close to where humans many have originated is my favorite. Plate tectonics is an interesting subject.

In a bit of a rift myself, I'm in the middle of changing blog names, graphics, focus on my artwork, Spring allergy season, and being more of a vegetarian. Believe me, if too many frozen blueberries fall out of the bag into your bowl, then put the excess back in the bag.

I have no clue what's going on. It could be a coincidence. But whatever it is, it isn't just us.
I watch and read the news. There's just too much disappointment. Take a break from the news? That does help short term. But how do we even ourselves out long term? We don't. Slumps, blahs, drifting and riftings are all a part of life. Contrasts give definition. Bad times make good times even better. Focus. Be blah when you feel that way. Cuddle yourself while you think about how fascinating the world around you is, and that you are a fascinating part of it all.

I mean, look at what I found. Walking down the sidewalk the other day, I discover flower petals that match my toenail polish. Now how fascinating is that!

2012-05-10T23:45:00.000-04:00

Poet Whale Studio is under renovation
Old post of interest will reappear along the way

When is the last time...?

2012-04-21T07:07:00.001-04:00

You checked all those old email addresses
Counted your socks
Had dry cereal and nuts for a snack (without salt and seasoning)
Thought about what forgiveness really means
Accessed your personal power
Read up on something interesting just for the fun of it
Sang aloud outside the shower
Wrote a poem
Read a book
Watched raindrops fall down a window pane

Lottery Madness

2012-03-30T10:49:00.000-04:00

Some thoughts on the lottery...

State governments wholesaling hope for the masses while rewarding very few?
Understanding how the lottery makes money for an educational fund, but property taxes go up to help fund education is puzzling for me.

Hope is healthy. But, what about the disappointment afterward?
That wholesale depression the lottery generates?
Begin hoping that whoever wins likes you because that dollar and a dream feels bad/hopeless when you don't win?

Buying a lottery ticket makes sense to me especially when the jackpot is high.
When you don't win, grieve as you would any loss, but let it go faster because it wasn't meant to be.

~ Never depend on the lottery to solve your problems ~

In My Humble Opinion
At the counter:
Pay attention...make sure you have all the tickets you pay for as well as those you've asked to be checked for winners

~Check your tickets to verify they all match the lottery slip(s) you played. (I once arrived home with my tickets to find one that I had did not match the slip that was played. And, I was the only person at the counter).

~Don't let a clerk intimidate you into moving faster or go so far to confuse you. You are the customer. If need be because you have a lot of numbers, stand aside to let others check out, and stay in the area to verify your tickets.

~When having your lottery tickets checked at the counter, and when you replay your ticket(s), Always ask for your slip and old tickets back in your hand along with any new tickets you buy.

~ Put your tickets in a safe place.
I also prefer to sign my tickets just in case I have medical emergency.

Good luck

No Actors listed in the credits?

2012-03-20T19:55:00.001-04:00

Over an hour plus I've been searching the Internet because an ad agency that created the Farmers Insurance TV ads doesn't have the actors listed in the credits. I don't know if that is the usual way credits are done with TV ads. I thought actors are always included in the credits where they appear. I sent an email to the agency asking where I can find the list of actors in the TV ad.

If you know who the actors are, besides the J.K. Simmons playing the professor, and the blonde, Canadian actress Jennifer Baxter, then please let me know.

Thank you

Day 2...still looking...

Update!

So far...regulars on the University of Farmers TV ads
J.K. Simmons, the Professor
Thomas Fowler, driver in distracted driver ad, various speaking parts
Jennifer Baxter, the blonde, speaking parts

Still looking...
Guy in tie, light hair, target guy
Brunette with accent
Short wavy hair guy

Love these ads, they are my favorites of this type of advertising

Easy Butternut Squash Soup

2012-03-02T07:37:00.001-05:00

Butternut Squash Soup
Serving for two

1 can chicken or vegetable broth
1 can water
1 half butternut squash cut up in chunks
1 Tablespoon dry onion flakes or 1 medium diced onion
½ teaspoon celery seed or ½ cup diced celery
1 Tablespoon dry parsley or 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 to 1/2 Teaspoon garlic powder

Cook:
Bring ingredients to a boil,
reduce heat to simmer until the squash is soft.Mash to desired consistency

Options:
For added body and flavor…Mash squash and add 1/4 cup couscous; simmer until done
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley on top with a shake of black pepper
Served with garlic bread and/or a sprinkle of Feta cheese
　　
I don't mind my soup cold. You can also spice it up with a dash of cinnamon and/or nutmeg. Try different variations to create your own special squash soup.

How diverse is the blogging world?

2012-02-19T15:10:00.001-05:00

I read many blogs along the art, design and fashion categories. The world is a diverse place, but blogging in those categories doesn't appear to be diverse. The colors are pale, people and page wise, on the majority of Blogspot blogs I read. I don't plan it that way. I click on and read as I go from blogs as well as the Next feature. What I read is what's out there for me to read. I don't single out any ethnic or other group. I read by category.

I decide to do some research to find out why I see such a lack of diversity in the blogs I read.

Conclusion, If I want diversity, then I have to go find it to create a diverse blog list because in American, there is a division going on in blogging that doesn't quite feel right to me.

Bok Choi Soup

2012-02-03T12:12:00.000-05:00

Bok Choi soup is a favorite, and easy to make.

Links:
bok choi on Wikipedia
Select, prepare and store PCC Natural Markets dot com

My bok choi soup recipe using the shake this and that style in a 2 quart sauce pan

Saute diced or chopped red onion in 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
1 or 2 chopped carrots
1 can chicken broth
1 can of water plus as needed
1 chopped bok choi in strips
1/2 Teaspoon garlic powder
Dash of marjoram
Couple shakes of Rosemary leaves
A couple dashes of celery salt
A few good shakes of black pepper
Sea salt optional
1/3 cup par boiled rice or white rice rinsed until water is clear

Simmer covered until the carrots are tender or the rice is cooked

Options:
Mushrooms
Water chestnuts
Celery tops chopped instead of celery salt
This is a versatile soup that can be tailored to your personal tastes.

Thoughts on Cleaning Fans

2011-05-06T10:28:00.022-04:00

My...I'm not an electrician...Fan safety rules
When cleaning a fan:
UNPLUG or turn off the breaker.
I don't trust the switch on ceiling fans.
Never get liquids near the motor (on or off)
Completely DRY fan removable blades & grate cover before putting the fan back together
No fans on when not at home
No kids near the fans

Fans accumulate dust and grime. Grime especially in a small area where the kitchen is open concept. Its best to follow manufacturers cleaning instructions.

Problem: Cleaning a fan isn't easy. If there is a fan that's easy to clean, then I don't know what the brand is. A small table box fan I have doesn't allow the blades to be removed to clean. When it is unplugged, I use a small brush through the grate to move the bristles into the sections to get the dust and grime out.

For fans with grates and blades that can be removed, I take the grate and blades off for a wash in the sink or tub with a small vegetable brush or old tooth brush. I towel dry, and then air dry them before putting the fan back together. Water drops will get caught in tiny spaces. The larger area may be dry but the tiny bits may not be dry. The extra air dry is very important for safety reasons.

People with allergies can tell when there's a dirty fan about. If you begin to have breathing problems, then check any fans you might be using to see if the blades and grate are dirty.

Tower fans are nice, quiet and the breeze is gentle. Cleaning the one I bought is an absolute nightmare. For that reason, unless there are easy cleaning instructions that come with the tower fan, I won't buy one again.

A Stress Test: Part 1

2011-03-08T09:19:00.005-05:00

There is an age when testing feels like going into the cave of doom. A stress test isn't as scary as a colonoscopy, (see blog entry 12 August 2010), but the nerves don't know that yet. Before the test instructions are easy, no caffeine for 24 hours or nicotine, and no food 3-4 hours before the test.

The best part, the very best part aside from it being over with good results...
Wear comfy footwear, and clothing that is loose and comfortable!
I am psyched!
On purpose I can go out wearing sweat pants and a tee shirt that isn't for exercise. I have a brand new pair of beach shoes that are cloud soft comfy I'll bring along.
I know about the treadmill part. My brain hasn't caught up with that detail yet because I'm concentrating on the joy of being required to wear the soft clothing of around the house kind. I say whatever focus helps calm the nerves is the right choice to make.
The part that's depressing is taking all the routine medications you take with you. The older you become, the heavier that bag gets. I am thankful thus far mine are mostly over the counter will fit in my pocket, no bag needed.
Meanwhile, today is a regular day with no special prep other than to avoid caffeine in all things.
Tomorrow...I'll blog about my adventure. I'll be taking notes to keep my mind occupied and away from creating all sorts of scenarios that will only make me a nervous wreck.